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Time of India
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Set up sports college in each division, says Yogi
1 2 Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday directed the department of sports, youth welfare and provincial guard to set up a sports college in each division of the state. Speaking during a review of the department, the CM said that these colleges should be linked with a sports university so that students get access to international facilities for athletes. He said that three are currently operational while another three are under construction. The CM also directed officials to set up mini stadia in each assembly constituency. Directing officials to ensure that all sports-related construction projects are completed on time while ensuring quality, the CM said that regular reviews of these projects should take place at various levels, from ministers to officials, to ensure timely completion of all development works. He mentioned ongoing works like a state sports university, sports colleges and stadiums and stressed the importance of quality and regular monitoring to ensure their timely completion. He said that monthly reviews at the ministerial level, bi-weekly at the principal secretary level and weekly by senior officials should take place and any negligence by executing agencies should be punished. Emphasising on a transparent selection process for athletes to nurture new talent in the state, Yogi Adityanath called for a sports culture for the holistic development of youth which would adhere to national and international standards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Viral Video: मृत्यू कसाही येऊ शकतो! सीसीटीव्हीत कैद झाली काळीज पिळवटणारी घटना Latest News Read More Undo He suggested integrating all sports competitions with MP and MLA sports events and organising competitions at the village, block, district, division, and state levels to identify and prepare hidden talent for national and international sports. He also recommended organising sports competitions for all age groups in every district. The CM also suggested collaborating with SGPGI or KGMU for the upcoming sports and injury management centre at Guru Gobind Singh Sports College in Lucknow and said that all vacant positions in the sports department must be filled up at the earliest. While reviewing the status of the Provincial Guard, the CM proposed that PRD volunteers and youth group members should be provided with disaster management training and designating such volunteers as 'disaster friends'. He also recommended that PRD personnel are given training in traffic management so that they can assist in traffic control. The CM further said that the distribution of sports kits to youth groups should be monitored and they should be linked to MP-MLA sports competitions. All ongoing construction projects related to the Youth Welfare and Provincial Guard Department should be completed on time, he added.
Courier-Mail
20-05-2025
- Business
- Courier-Mail
Latest interest rate cut will be big blow for one key Aussie group
It will seem like a big win for some — but the RBA's latest interest rate cut could make life substantially harder for a big subset of the Aussie population. Experts said those still searching for a place to call home would be steamrolled by the central bank's decision to slash interest rates by 0.25 per cent, announced at its May board meeting on Tuesday. The official cash rate has now dropped from 4.1 per cent to 3.85 per cent. The move, widely anticipated by economists and the money market, is the second rate cut for the cycle following an earlier reduction in February and a hold in April. It will deliver existing homeowners a lot of savings on their repayments but it is also expected to supercharge the property market and leave would-be buyers even further behind. The cut could pour fuel over an already heating housing market and drive up prices, with much of the increased competition expected to come from investors and upgraders, economists revealed. All this will coincide with a still frantic rental market that will make it harder for new home buyers to save fast enough to match price rises. MORE: What homes will be worth in each suburb by 2030 MORE: Trick Aussies are using to get $200m+ mansions Gareth Croy, director of financial services firm Your Future Strategy, said first-home buyers are going to be 'chasing the market'. 'Another cut, plus more cuts later this year, could boost the average buyers' borrowing capacity by about $75,000. And we could see that amount added to prices by Christmas,' he said. 'Rate cuts do create this fear of missing out that can push prices up.' PRD chief economist Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo said the recent cut and subsequent cuts would make it harder for aspiring first-time buyers to get into the market in the coming months. 'First-home buyers who are ready to purchase right now might get some benefit from cheaper rates but those with longer-term plans are going to find it a lot harder,' she said. 'Part of the problem is that someone who isn't in the market yet will see their ability to save diminish because there is still high rent and high living costs and three or more cuts this year will push up the price they will pay for their home.' MORE: Wild bank move before rate cut The brutal twist is that those trying to save for a deposit could be hit twice. New research has found that the majority of Aussies are still banking with the same institution they joined as teenagers — often on outdated savings accounts with lacklustre interest returns. Banks have also historically been very quick to slash interest rates on savings accounts. With rates now slashed even lower, their hard-earned deposits are soon to be earning a lot less. KEY BANKING MISTAKE EXPOSED The polling by comparison group revealed 51 per cent of Aussies were sticking with the bank they joined as children, often in accounts set up by their parents. The research found 55 per cent of women were still with the same bank they had as a child, compared to 47 per cent of men. The trend was prevalent across all generations, with almost one in three baby boomers (30 per cent) still with their very first bank. Finder personal finance expert Sarah Megginson said these Aussies were likely missing out on a better deal. 'You can be sure there's a better rate available than the one on the account your parents opened for you as a child,' she said. MORE: 'Fuel to the fire:' looming rate cuts big downfall 'You might think your existing bank is 'good enough', but if you're not earning interest, it's your bank balance that is missing out.' It comes as additional modelling from Aussie Home Loans found that rising prices would likely outweigh the benefit of lower interest for first-time buyers. Those who bought next year could be stung with an additional $77,000 in costs over the life of their loans, the Aussie analysis found. RISING ANXIETY AMONG FIRST-HOME BUYERS Some first-home buyers say they are fearful of what the future holds. James Martin and Liz Upcroft, both 28, plan to buy a home later this year or early next and said they were concerned price rises could be too fast. 'Rate cuts are fantastic for people who already bought but for someone looking to buy at the end of this year, it's a bit of a worry because prices could go up a lot. It's a catch-22,' Mr Martin said. He added that the prospect of getting priced out the market had encouraged them to consider the government's First Home Guarantee Scheme, which will allow them to buy with only a 5 per cent deposit. 'I feel like if we wanted to get a 20 per cent deposit, the interest rate cuts would affect our savings and it would be a lot more of a problem,' Mr Martin said. IMPACT OF PREVIOUS CUTS Mortgage Choice inner west broker Chantelle Rangel said similar cuts in interest rates had heated the housing market in the past and this trend was already looking to be repeated. 'I've never been this busy before,' she said. 'What's interesting is, we've had a significant increase in investor pre-approvals as well as people wanting to purchase in their self-managed super funds. 'There is always a frenzy of demand as soon as rates drop … We experienced many buyers who were sitting on the sidelines due to affordability re-enter the market after the last rate cut.' REA Group economist Anne Flaherty said a similar trend even occurred when rates were last cut in February. 'Following February's rate cut, buy searches on jumped, consumer sentiment saw a significant recovery, and home price growth picked up,' she said. 'A rate cut in May is likely to have a similarly positive impact on buyer demand and confidence.' Peter Kelaher, director of buyer's agency PK Property, said in a note to clients that the experience of previous rate cuts suggested a wave of demand was coming. 'When interest rates come down, the natural human reaction in most cases will be to borrow as much money as you can,' he said. 'And what does that mean? It means one thing: people can throw around more money to be competitive at auction, and in general, the property market.' Owl Home Loans director Aidan Hartley said rate cuts had already driven a huge influx of buyers seeking approvals. 'I've been doing this a while and I've never been thrown as many contracts from new buyers,' he said. 'There's a big sense of urgency because a lot want to get in (to the market) before cuts because they're taking out variable rates,' he added. Compare the Market property expert Andrew Winter said a rate drop at the RBA's Tuesday meeting would likely push prices up again. He explained that cheaper credit would lead to bigger offers on properties, particularly in highly sought after areas. Mr Winter said aspiring buyers may be anxious to 'get a foot in the door' now before market conditions become too competitive. He said the capacity to borrow more money would not make buying a house easier for most people. 'The main hurdle for most first-time buyers is raising a deposit which can be extremely challenging when value growth outpaces wage growth in such an extreme way.'
Perth Now
20-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Fitness star hospitalised after exposure to household horror
Fitness influencer Sophie Guidolin has been hospitalised with health issues after she was exposed to black mould inside her home. The 36-year-old was exposed to the dangerous fungi after her Gold Coast home suffered damage when ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred hit the Queensland coast in March. Guidolin has been in hospital since May 8 and told her 533,000 Instagram followers that she was 'literally just surviving her condition'. The mother-of-four said her condition worsened and she woke up in hospital to find her father had flown in from Adelaide to be by her side. Last week, the influencer also posted concerning updates on her Instagram that revealed her home was riddled with black mould. 'Sorry guys, since the update of hospitalisation on May 8, I am literally just surviving,' she said in a post on social media. 'I opened my eyes to find my dad crying at my condition, after flying from Adelaide. Sophie Guidolin with her son Kai in celebration of his 15th birthday. Credit: Instagram / @sophie_guidolin 'Thanks to my best friend and the serious legends at PRD in Burleigh, allowing sight unseen whilst I was in hospital, the boys are now secure in a 6-month rental with dad caring for them and trying to navigate everything. 'Please note my phone has been off, I am unable to speak, and am not ignoring anyone 'Just trying to get better as as possible. Again, I will try and get back to everyone as soon as possible.' According to Victoria's Better Health channel, mould growing in damp buildings can trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, respiratory infections and worsen asthma and allergic conditions. Guidolin posted a selfie that showed her lying in a hospital bed wearing a face mask and hooked up to health monitors. 'I'm not ignoring anyone, just having a quick little retreat,' she captioned the photo. It comes after Guidolin claimed earlier this month that she is has lost thousands of dollars due to damage from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Guidolin wasn't home at the time of the major storm as she had jetted off to Europe with her twin daughters Evie and Aria, nine. She claimed on Instagram she will have to pay up to $4000 a week in rent or $76,000 for three months to live in an Airbnb while she 'rebuilds'. Guidolin shares her twin daughters, and sons Ryder, 15, and Kai, 16, with ex-husband Nathan Wallace.
News.com.au
20-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Latest interest rate cut will be big blow for one key Aussie group
It will seem like a big win for some — but the RBA's latest interest rate cut could make life substantially harder for a big subset of the Aussie population. Experts said those still searching for a place to call home would be steamrolled by the central bank's decision to slash interest rates by 0.25 per cent, announced at its May board meeting on Tuesday. The official cash rate has now dropped from 4.1 per cent to 3.85 per cent. The move, widely anticipated by economists and the money market, is the second rate cut for the cycle following an earlier reduction in February and a hold in April. It will deliver existing homeowners a lot of savings on their repayments but it is also expected to supercharge the property market and leave would-be buyers even further behind. The cut could pour fuel over an already heating housing market and drive up prices, with much of the increased competition expected to come from investors and upgraders, economists revealed. All this will coincide with a still frantic rental market that will make it harder for new home buyers to save fast enough to match price rises. Gareth Croy, director of financial services firm Your Future Strategy, said first-home buyers are going to be 'chasing the market'. 'Another cut, plus more cuts later this year, could boost the average buyers' borrowing capacity by about $75,000. And we could see that amount added to prices by Christmas,' he said. 'Rate cuts do create this fear of missing out that can push prices up.' PRD chief economist Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo said the recent cut and subsequent cuts would make it harder for aspiring first-time buyers to get into the market in the coming months. 'First-home buyers who are ready to purchase right now might get some benefit from cheaper rates but those with longer-term plans are going to find it a lot harder,' she said. 'Part of the problem is that someone who isn't in the market yet will see their ability to save diminish because there is still high rent and high living costs and three or more cuts this year will push up the price they will pay for their home.' The brutal twist is that those trying to save for a deposit could be hit twice. New research has found that the majority of Aussies are still banking with the same institution they joined as teenagers — often on outdated savings accounts with lacklustre interest returns. Banks have also historically been very quick to slash interest rates on savings accounts. With rates now slashed even lower, their hard-earned deposits are soon to be earning a lot less. KEY BANKING MISTAKE EXPOSED The polling by comparison group revealed 51 per cent of Aussies were sticking with the bank they joined as children, often in accounts set up by their parents. The research found 55 per cent of women were still with the same bank they had as a child, compared to 47 per cent of men. The trend was prevalent across all generations, with almost one in three baby boomers (30 per cent) still with their very first bank. Finder personal finance expert Sarah Megginson said these Aussies were likely missing out on a better deal. 'You can be sure there's a better rate available than the one on the account your parents opened for you as a child,' she said. 'You might think your existing bank is 'good enough', but if you're not earning interest, it's your bank balance that is missing out.' It comes as additional modelling from Aussie Home Loans found that rising prices would likely outweigh the benefit of lower interest for first-time buyers. Those who bought next year could be stung with an additional $77,000 in costs over the life of their loans, the Aussie analysis found. Some first-home buyers say they are fearful of what the future holds. James Martin and Liz Upcroft, both 28, plan to buy a home later this year or early next and said they were concerned price rises could be too fast. 'Rate cuts are fantastic for people who already bought but for someone looking to buy at the end of this year, it's a bit of a worry because prices could go up a lot. It's a catch-22,' Mr Martin said. He added that the prospect of getting priced out the market had encouraged them to consider the government's First Home Guarantee Scheme, which will allow them to buy with only a 5 per cent deposit. 'I feel like if we wanted to get a 20 per cent deposit, the interest rate cuts would affect our savings and it would be a lot more of a problem,' Mr Martin said. IMPACT OF PREVIOUS CUTS Mortgage Choice inner west broker Chantelle Rangel said similar cuts in interest rates had heated the housing market in the past and this trend was already looking to be repeated. 'I've never been this busy before,' she said. 'What's interesting is, we've had a significant increase in investor pre-approvals as well as people wanting to purchase in their self-managed super funds. 'There is always a frenzy of demand as soon as rates drop ... We experienced many buyers who were sitting on the sidelines due to affordability re-enter the market after the last rate cut.' REA Group economist Anne Flaherty said a similar trend even occurred when rates were last cut in February. 'Following February's rate cut, buy searches on jumped, consumer sentiment saw a significant recovery, and home price growth picked up,' she said. 'A rate cut in May is likely to have a similarly positive impact on buyer demand and confidence.' Peter Kelaher, director of buyer's agency PK Property, said in a note to clients that the experience of previous rate cuts suggested a wave of demand was coming. 'When interest rates come down, the natural human reaction in most cases will be to borrow as much money as you can,' he said. 'And what does that mean? It means one thing: people can throw around more money to be competitive at auction, and in general, the property market.' Owl Home Loans director Aidan Hartley said rate cuts had already driven a huge influx of buyers seeking approvals. 'I've been doing this a while and I've never been thrown as many contracts from new buyers,' he said. 'There's a big sense of urgency because a lot want to get in (to the market) before cuts because they're taking out variable rates,' he added. Compare the Market property expert Andrew Winter said a rate drop at the RBA's Tuesday meeting would likely push prices up again. He explained that cheaper credit would lead to bigger offers on properties, particularly in highly sought after areas. Mr Winter said aspiring buyers may be anxious to 'get a foot in the door' now before market conditions become too competitive. He said the capacity to borrow more money would not make buying a house easier for most people. 'The main hurdle for most first-time buyers is raising a deposit which can be extremely challenging when value growth outpaces wage growth in such an extreme way.'
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- The Hindu
Five held after Kanpur police bust extortion gang led by traffic SI, home guard, female PRD jawan
Police here have busted an extortion gang, the members of which included a traffic sub-inspector, a home guard and a female Prantiya Rakshak Dal (PRD) jawan, among others. The gang posed as Special Task Force team (STF) and extorted money from people, a police official said on Monday (May 19, 2025). Police have arrested home guard Rajeev Dixit (46), PRD jawan Varsha Chauhan (28), and three others, including Arvind Shukla (42), Anirudh Yadav alias Vinay (28) and Anuj Kumar Yadav alias Dumpy (28). 'The gang's mastermind, traffic sub-inspector Ajit Yadav, is absconding. He has been placed under suspension,' the official said. Kalyanpur Assistant Commissioner of Police Abhishek Pandey said the arrests were made after an FIR was lodged on Saturday (May 17, 2025) based on a complaint from Ambika Singh Chandel, a resident of Sharda Nagar, whose house was 'raided' on May 8. In his complaint, Ms. Chandel said that a gang of seven to eight people who introduced themselves as STF raided his rented accommodation and beat up his family members, including his sister-in-law and her friend, with sticks. One of them was in police uniform. They used vehicles with sirens and displayed fake police emblems, ACP Pandey said. "The gang forced Chandel to pay ₹1.40 lakh in cash and make an online transfer of ₹30,000 after threatening to push him behind bars in fake cases," said Dinesh Tripathi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (West). "Our surveillance team, which succeeded in gathering intelligence about the gang, was surprised to discover that one of them was a real cop. A traffic sub-inspector, home guard and a female PRD jawan were part of the extortion gang," Tripathi said. PRD works for the preservation of public peace. During interrogation of the arrested accused, it was revealed that the traffic sub-inspector, home guard and PRD jawan met in the line of duty recently and formed the gang. They recruited five others to assist them. The gang mainly targeted those involved in illegal activities such as sex racketeering and gambling. The modus operandi was to first conduct surveillance and choose locations, then raid those locations dressed in police uniforms and emblems and using vehicles with sirens, said an official. The FIR was registered under Sections 115 (2) (voluntarily causing hurt), 205 (wearing garb or carrying token used by public servant with fraudulent intent), 308 (5) (extortion) and 333 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant sections under the Information Technology Act. Police said they have recovered two four-wheelers, a mobile phone and ₹3,200 cash from their possession.
