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New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Akbar-Amer princess marriage a lie: Governor
On the eve of Maharana Pratap Jayanti, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde claimed at a public event that foreigners distorted India's early history. He claimed the marriage between Akbar and Amer Princess Jodha was 'a complete lie', citing its absence from the Akbarnama. He also dismissed the widely circulated story of Maharana Pratap sending a treaty letter to Akbar as 'misleading.' According to Bagde, Indian students have been taught more about Akbar than Maharana Pratap, but thanks to the new National Education Policy, the 'truth' is now being restored. He has also said that those converting to other religions do so out of fear. Beniwal's Jaipur rally shakes Bhajanlal govt Nagaur MP and RLP chief Hanuman Beniwal turned Jaipur into a sea of angry youth last weekend as thousands gathered for his Yuva Aakrosh Maharally. Fuming over the 2021 SI recruitment scam, Beniwal demanded the cancellation of the exam and the dissolution of RPSC. The sit-in at Jaipur's Shaheed Smarak exploded into a full-blown political flashpoint this Sunday. Insiders claim the turnout even surpassed PM Modi's recent rally, catching the BJP government off guard. Now, the Bhajanlal Sharma administration is in a fix —if they concede, Beniwal will take the credit; if they delay, public anger will intensify. '199 curse' strikes Raj Assembly once again! Once again, the Rajasthan Assembly is stuck at 199 MLAs after BJP's Kanwarlal Meena lost his seat due to a conviction for a crime. Despite bypolls and general elections, the magical 200 figure won't stick. Since 2001, not once have all 200 MLAs stayed in the House for a full term. Deaths, disqualifications, resignations – there's always an excuse. Some blame politics, others point to the Assembly's 'jinxed' building, allegedly built on a cremation ground. Gangajal rituals, tantriks, closed gates, and even astrologers have been resorted to, but the curse lives on. The big question continues to mystify: Why can't Raj ever keep a full House? Rajesh Asnani Our correspondent in Jaipur
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Four Florida football players among SI's 2026 NFL draft big board rankings top 50
Four Florida football players among SI's 2026 NFL draft big board rankings top 50 There are still 11 months between now and the 2026 NFL draft, but that does not mean we cannot start looking ahead to next spring's annual selection event. Especially if you are a fan of Florida football. The Gators currently hold the longest streak in the Southeastern Conference — and second-longest in the nation — when it comes to placing former players in the draft dating back to 1952. The early predictions ahead of next April indicated that the streak will continue for at least one more season. One of the members of the sports media to weigh in with their prognostications is Sports Illustrated's Daniel Flick, who recently published his 2026 NFL draft big board rankings of the top 50 prospects, which included four current members of the Orange and Blue. Take a look below at who was mentioned and where they land among their peers. Austin Barber, OT (No. 17) "Barber plays with the physicality, balance, body control and athleticism of a starting left tackle. The 6' 6", 322-pounder rarely loses his pad level in pass protection, and he's smooth-footed with the quickness to match speed rushers. His sturdy base helps him anchor, and he's long enough to control rushers early in the snap. In the run game, he takes good angles and positions his body to seal rushing lanes, and he can also redirect edge defenders out of lanes. He's quick out of his stance and effective at the second level," Flick notes. "Barber has experience at both left and right tackle, and his game fits at either. Barber needs to sustain blocks longer in the run game, and he's a solid finisher, but he has the strength and tenacity to put defenders in the turf more often in 2025. He allowed only two sacks and three quarterback hits in 2024, according to PFF." Caleb Banks, DT (No. 26) "An ascending piece in the middle of Florida's defensive line, the 6' 6", 325-pound Banks had 4.5 sacks and 29 total pressures in 2024. When Banks uncoils his hands, people move—he's strong, physical and violent at the point of attack, moving linemen in the run game," Flick offers. "His rushes are power and effort-oriented, and he can condense pockets, though adding more nuance to his hands and plan are necessary moving forward. Banks, however, has the physical tools and competitive demeanor to be a force inside." Jake Slaughter, C (No. 43) "A first-team All-SEC and AP All-American selection in 2024, Slaughter has the smarts and athleticism to warrant next-level looks. He has active eyes, is quick off the ball and is a fluid mover when he pulls. Slaughter has a solid base and anchors well in pass protection. He does a good job displacing defenders on down blocks, and he has smooth feet with the quickness to redirect and pick up linebackers at the second level," Flick says. "The 6' 4", 294-pounder lacks great length and is controlled too often by opposing defensive tackles, and he doesn't always sustain blocks long enough to spring runs. He's best suited for a zone-based offense." Tyreak Sapp, EDGE (No. 48) "An athletic 6' 3", 272-pound edge, Sapp took a step forward in 2024, logging seven sacks and 26 total pressures. He's proportionally well built with the length and hands to discard blockers and make plays against the run, and he's quick and explosive enough to win with speed," Flick points out. "Still ascending with too many cold spells on his game, Sapp needs to find high-level consistency in 2025." Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Daily Maverick
19-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Maverick
150 years ago, the Metre Convention determined how we measure the world — a radical initiative for the time
150 years ago, the world agreed to a shared language of measurement. It still holds us together, even when everything else seems to pull us apart. On May 20, 1875, delegates from a group of 17 countries gathered in Paris to sign what may be the most overlooked yet globally influential treaty in history: the Metre Convention. At a time when different countries (and even different cities defined weights and lengths based on local artefacts, royal body parts or grains of wheat, this rare agreement among nations offered something simple yet undeniably impactful: consistency. A radical initiative for its time, the Metre Convention ultimately birthed a system of measurement that would transcend language, politics and tradition, and lay the foundation for a new global era of scientific and technological advancement. A world divided by measurement By the mid-19th century, the push for standardisation had become increasingly urgent. Scientific discovery was accelerating, global trade was booming and industrial projects were growing in scale and complexity. But the world's measurements were, frankly, a mess. France had introduced the metric system during its revolutionary years, but other nations were slow — or outright unwilling — to adopt it. Rivalries simmered not just among empires, but within the scientific community itself. Astronomers couldn't compare celestial observations across borders because their units didn't match. Engineers designing railway systems across Europe had to navigate conflicting standards for track gauges, load weights and even timekeeping. This wasn't just inefficient. It was a barrier to progress, a strain on economies and a growing source of frustration or a scientific world that aimed to speak in universal truths. Faced with growing societal demands, the industrial world agreed it was time to act. The Metre Convention was the result. Scientists and diplomats representing the 17 participating countries collectively established the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), headquartered just outside Paris, as the official keeper of measurement standards. Today, the BIPM is backed by 64 member states and governs the Système International d'Unités (SI), the measurement framework that underpins everything from bridges to smartphones. When standards fail And while by today's standards, the SI may seem like a relic of old-school science bureaucracy, it's anything but. Standardised measurement is the invisible infrastructure of the modern world. And when it fails, or more specifically when we ignore it, the consequences can be severe. Take the Gimli Glider incident: In 1983, an Air Canada flight from Montréal to Edmonton ran out of fuel midway through its journey. The cause was a miscalculation caused by confusion between metric and imperial units; the ground crew had used pounds instead of kilograms to measure fuel, and the pilots didn't catch the error. The plane lost power at 41,000 feet (around 12,500 metres for those who prefer their near-death experiences in metric), and glided safely to an abandoned airstrip in Gimli, Man., and to the annals of history as a symbol of what happens when we take standards for granted. Or consider the Mars Climate Orbiter, a US$327 million NASA spacecraft that disintegrated upon entering Mars' atmosphere in 1999. Engineers at Lockheed Martin had used imperial units, while NASA had assumed metric. The mismatch led to a critical navigation error and the failure of the mission, highlighting the importance of consistency in measurement, even far beyond the confines of Earth's atmosphere. The Gimli Glider and Mars Orbiter failures show what happens when consistency breaks down, but they're more than just cautionary tales. They reveal how much of modern life depends on the shared language of measurement, and how easily that foundation can be cracked. And therein lies the genius of the Metre Convention. It created a system that allows the world to communicate in the same terms. When someone says 'kilogram,' 'second' or 'volt,' there is no ambiguity. That shared understanding is what makes global collaboration possible. From man-made objects to universal constants For much of its post-Metre Convention history, the kilogram was defined by a physical artefact — a hunk of platinum-iridium alloy stored in a vault in France. But in 2019, that changed. Now, the kilogram is defined by Planck's constant, a fundamental feature of the universe. The shift marked the final step in a long journey: every base unit in the SI is now rooted in nature rather than arbitrary human artefacts. That change wasn't just symbolic, it was necessary. Our ability to measure time, mass and distance with extreme precision affects nearly every aspect of modern life. GPS signals rely on time measurements accurate to the billionth of a second. Quantum computers and particle accelerators require calibration on mind-bendingly small scales. Even weather forecasting depends on standardised measurements of pressure, temperature and humidity. Shared standards in a divided world But perhaps the most underrated legacy of the Metre Convention is its role in building trust across borders. At a time when misinformation spreads quickly and even basic facts are contested, international standards offer a shared foundation that scientists, governments and industries can rely on. It's a form of global co-operation that has quietly endured for 150 years. That co-operation becomes particularly apparent in moments of political strain. Although the United States appears uncompromising in its commitment to feet and inches, American scientists, engineers and manufacturers rely heavily on the metric system, especially when collaborating across borders. As tensions rise between close allies like the US and Canada, metric standards remain a consistent point of harmony. The two countries may spar diplomatically, but when it comes to assembling a car in Windsor with parts made in Detroit, the bolts still fit. Looking ahead Still, like all institutions, BIPM and the SI reflect the times in which they were created. The original signatories were almost exclusively colonial powers. It took almost a century for other nations to gain an equal seat at the table, and even now, access to the tools and infrastructure that facilitate precision metrology — the act of taking extremely accurate measurements — remains unequal. If the next 150 years of the Metre Convention are to be as successful as the first, greater inclusivity and accessibility will need to be central to its mission. We live in a world held together by decimals, tolerances and agreed-upon constants that keep planes in the air, bridges from collapsing and scientific progress on track. The Metre Convention reminds us that science isn't only about big breakthroughs and bold ideas. Sometimes it's about consensus and agreeing, together, on what a metre actually is. And even after 150 years, the simple idea of agreeing how to measure the world remains one of humanity's greatest achievements. So, what should we do with this anniversary? Maybe throw a party with metric-themed cocktails (may I suggest a 100ml Old Fashioned?). At the very least, we should take a moment to reflect on just how essential, and how easy to overlook, measurement really is. DM
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Karur District Employment and Career Guidance Centre to hold TNPSC model tests
The Karur District Employment and Career Guidance Centre is offering free coaching for competitive exams at its Vennaimalai centre. According to an official release, the coaching is being held for Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) Group IV exams. In addition to this, classes are being held for aspirants attempting the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB) SI, and TNPSC Group I exams in English and Tamil. Students will be trained to answer the questions in online mode and spot tests, besides being given access to study material and computer workstations. To encourage aspirants to excel in these exams, model tests will be held for TNPSC Group IV on June 24, July 2 , and 9. Model tests for Group I will be held on May 27, June 3 and 7 at the Karur District Employment and Career Guidance Centre. Those interested can enrol in person by May 25. For details, interested persons may call 6383050010.
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fraud probe launched after Scots school goes bust while boss flaunts luxury lifestyle online
Pictures on social media showed him rubbing shoulders with music stars 'SMOKE & MIRRORS' Fraud probe launched after Scots school goes bust while boss flaunts luxury lifestyle online Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) COPS have launched a fraud probe into a drama school that took thousands of pounds of students' fees while facing collapse. Raging parents accused the Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television of using 'smoke and mirrors' to attract youngsters dreaming of showbiz careers. 5 Andy Egan ran the Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television 5 He rubbed shoulders with opera singer Russell Watson 5 He also met music stars like soul group The Real Thing And we can reveal the arts hub's boss Andy Egan, 61, was flaunting a luxury lifestyle on social media just hours before it shut on May 6 with the loss of around 20 staff jobs. Pictures showed him rubbing shoulders with music stars including opera singer Russell Watson, 58. Wannabe stage stars revealed they had continued to pay their dues with no warning of the school's looming liquidation — after directors were hauled before a law chief over cash owed to a property firm. One furious mum revealed her daughter unknowingly paid £750 from her student loan to Livingston-based 'SI' on the day it folded. She told The Scottish Sun: 'My daughter will now need to pay that loan back out of her own money. 'And she has nowhere else to go for her education.' I don't know if my degree means anything or if I can continue. I've lost all that work and he's on social media acting like it's no big deal Skyla Legal documents show the institute faced a winding-up order at Livingston Sheriff Court on March 28. The petition was granted on May 6 because it was 'unable to pay debts' — and it closed immediately. Meanwhile, SI president Egan was urging friends in online posts to visit a luxury holiday home with no mention of the financial woes. He showcased his celeb-spotting social life in rural Ireland, meeting pop stars such as disco legends Odyssey, Hot Chocolate's Kennie Simon and soul group The Real Thing. Moment dealer poses with wads of cash while claiming benefits - landing him in jail Wearing a bow-tie, he was also seen beaming alongside singer and I'm a Celeb contestant Watson. We told how students arriving for classes were initially told the school had closed due to a power outage. They later learned courses had been axed via a bizarre TikTok post featuring Crystal Waters' song Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless). Third-year dance student Skyla Kelly, 19, yesterday revealed she had been left in limbo after sitting two exams before finding out her course had been scrapped — despite paying £10,000-a-year fees. Skyla, of Bathgate, West Lothian, slammed the college supremo. It's heartbreaking... she's devastated. He sold us this big dream, but it was all smoke and mirrors Neil She said: 'I don't know if my degree means anything or if I can continue. "I've lost all that work and he's on social media acting like it's no big deal.' Meanwhile a cleaning firm boss told The Scottish Sun he spent months chasing a £3,000 payment for work at the SI. The contractor, named Neil, said: 'From April, May, and June, nobody got paid. His excuse was that he was waiting on a tax rebate from HMRC. 'I stopped cleaning for him, but I still wanted my money. Eventually, I got paid, as did other people.' My daughter will now need to pay that loan back out of her own money. And she has nowhere else to go for her education One furious mum Meanwhile his daughter's hopes of completing a musical theatre degree have been dashed. Neil, of Linlithgow, West Lothian, said: 'It's heartbreaking. She came bouncing down the school corridor, and she's devastated. 'He sold us this big dream, but it was all smoke and mirrors.' Egan refused to divulge any details about the school but said: 'I'll just have to take this one on the chin.' A notice posted on the SI's website revealed Katie McLachlan, of Edinburgh-based firm Middlebrooks Business Recovery, had been appointed liquidator. Cops confirmed they launched a probe after students complained. A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'On May 11 we received a report of fraud involving a business in Livingston. Enquiries are at an early stage.' 5 He rubbed shoulders with singer Errol Brown
