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Economic Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Economic Times
UFC 316: Preview, betting odds and predictions; Merab and Patchy Mix, top picks
TOI-Online Merab Dvalishvili, Dana White and Sean O'Malley. Photo via UFC/YouTube (screengrab) Every big UFC event comes with a swirl of questions, but UFC 316 feels especially charged. At the heart of it is whether Sean O'Malley has done enough — changed enough — to handle the relentless pressure of bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili in their highly anticipated rematch. The first fight wasn't close. Dvalishvili came forward like a storm and never let O'Malley breathe, let alone strike cleanly. Since then, O'Malley's made some noticeable changes behind the scenes. Different training partners, a shift in personal habits, a clear focus. But even the most polished version of O'Malley still has to deal with the same problem: Dvalishvili doesn't slow down. He breaks fighters with volume, cardio, and suffocating control. If you're betting this one, the value's in Merab by decision at -160. He's not a finisher, and O'Malley's durable enough to survive. But surviving isn't winning, and this matchup still tilts Merab's way. The co-main has its own kind of gravity. Kayla Harrison is a two-time Olympic gold medalist stepping into the UFC title picture — not in theory, not 'one day,' but right now. She's fighting Julianna Peña, a veteran who's already pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history when she beat Amanda Nunes in 2021. Peña thrives as the underdog, and she's tough, but toughness alone doesn't neutralize judo throws and top pressure. Harrison will likely get her to the ground, and once she does, the finish is coming — either with strikes or a submission. You can bet Harrison by sub at +130 or by TKO at +275, but the smarter route might just be to take the double chance (submission or TKO/DQ) at -175 and cover both lanes. The only concern? Harrison didn't look great on the scales. If Peña can drag it into the fourth or fifth, things might get interesting. Further down the card, there are a few spots worth watching. Vicente Luque vs. Kevin Holland is the kind of fight that screams chaos on paper, but there's reason to believe it lasts a bit. Luque's a grinder with sneaky grappling, and Holland's no slouch off his back. They've both had quick finishes in the past, but this matchup looks like it could stretch into the second half. Over 1.5 rounds at -175 feels like the right call. Then there's Mario Bautista taking on Patchy Mix. Bautista's a hard-nosed, versatile fighter who knows how to win ugly. But Mix, a former Bellator champ, is stepping into the UFC while still in his athletic prime — and it shows. His past mistake, gassing out against Juan Archuleta in 2020, seems to have reshaped his entire approach. If he stays off the fence and sticks to the game plan, he should get it done. Mix at -180 on the moneyline is the play — not flashy, just solid. The most unpredictable of the bunch might be Kelvin Gastelum vs. Joe Pyfer. Pyfer's bigger, more powerful, and on the way up. Gastelum, though, has been through the fire and doesn't go away easily. Pyfer might win, but Gastelum's toughness makes a decision more likely than a finish. If you're leaning toward safety, bet the fight to go the distance at nearly even money (-105) and walk away without trying to predict which version of each guy shows up. Altogether, it's a card with more questions than answers — which is often when value appears for bettors. The matchups at the top have drama. The ones beneath are full of risk-reward. And by Sunday morning, we'll know whether the talk of change, redemption, and fresh starts were just fight-week noise — or something more.
Economic Times
10-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
Can Kosmos 482 survive the fall to Earth and the legacy of Soviet engineering
TOI-Online A titanium-clad descent module from Kosmos 482, built to survive Venus' harsh atmosphere, continues orbiting Earth after over 50 years—its Soviet-era engineering defying time as scientists monitor its rare reentry trajectory Image credits: X/@nexta_tv Kosmos 482, launched in 1972 as part of the now-defunct Soviet Union's ambitious space exploration program, is a spacecraft that has stirred considerable interest due to its imminent reentry into Earth's atmosphere. This spacecraft, designed for a mission to explore Venus, carries with it a rich history of Soviet engineering, blending durability with the high-stakes nature of space its reentry window set between May 9 and May 13, 2025, the question arises: how likely is it that Kosmos 482 will crash on Earth, and what are the factors that could determine whether this happens or not? Kosmos 482 is part of the Soviet Union's Venera program, which was dedicated to planetary exploration, particularly to Venus. This spacecraft is a testament to Soviet-made technology, particularly when considering the durability and design precision involved in its descent module, weighing around 495 kilograms and encased in a titanium shell, was designed to withstand Venus's extreme atmospheric conditions. This robust design suggests that, even after over 50 years in space, the spacecraft may have a higher chance of surviving reentry and potentially landing legacy of Soviet engineering, especially in the realm of spacecraft, is marked by a relentless pursuit of functionality and reliability. Soviet-made spacecraft like Kosmos 482 were designed with longevity in over-engineering has contributed to the spacecraft's ability to endure for decades, ensuring that Kosmos 482 remains a contender in the space race even now, despite its age. The careful attention to materials and structural integrity may help the spacecraft survive reentry. As of May 2025, Kosmos 482's reentry is expected to occur within a window between May 9 and May 13. The spacecraft's elliptical orbit, influenced by solar and terrestrial weather conditions, has made its descent path unpredictable. Given the spacecraft's age and the unpredictability of its trajectory, scientists have identified several potential impact zones: parts of the western hemisphere, including regions such as the Gulf of Oman, northeast Africa, and despite the potential risks, the probability of Kosmos 482 striking a populated area is extremely low. With Earth's surface covered mostly by oceans and uninhabited areas, experts believe that the chances of a direct hit on a specific person or populated region are minimal. In fact, some estimates put the odds of a spacecraft striking a person at 1 in several thousand to 1 in a trillion. The spacecraft's trajectory and controlled reentry strategies further reduce the likelihood of a crash on land. Beyond the question of reentry, Kosmos 482 continues to contribute valuable insights to the scientific community. Its decades-long orbital path has played a crucial role in improving models of atmospheric drag and space weather effects. This data has proven invaluable in refining satellite collision-avoidance systems and better understanding the behavior of space debris in low-Earth orbit. Kosmos 482's descent represents an important opportunity to examine how long-lived spacecraft continue to behave during reentry and how Earth's atmosphere interacts with objects in orbit. The space agencies responsible for monitoring the reentry of Kosmos 482—such as the Russian space agency Roscosmos and global space tracking organizations—have provided regular updates on the spacecraft's agencies consistently reaffirm that, while the risk of the spacecraft impacting a populated area is low, careful monitoring remains essential. Efforts to track space debris and monitor reentering objects have been significantly improved in recent years, allowing experts to predict reentry windows and identify potential impact 482 is a remarkable piece of Soviet engineering, and its longevity in space is a testament to the durability of Soviet-made spacecraft. While the possibility of a crash exists, the scientific community remains confident that the risk to populated areas is extremely spacecraft's reentry is being carefully monitored, and the data gathered from this event will continue to contribute to the field of space exploration and debris management. Despite its age, Kosmos 482 stands as a symbol of Soviet engineering prowess, and its controlled reentry presents a unique opportunity for scientific study.
Economic Times
09-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Canada's silent power: How natural resources, cultural influence, and policy make it a global economic force in 2025
TOI-Online Canada's economic and cultural hubs, like Montreal and Calgary, exemplify the nation's strategic blend of resource wealth and cultural influence in 2025 As of May 2025, Canada's nominal GDP is approximately $2.545 trillion, positioning it as the ninth-largest economy globally. The Bank of Canada projects a real GDP growth rate of 1.8 per cent for 2025, driven by increased household spending and housing activity, despite challenges such as slowing population growth and trade economy is highly developed and diversified, encompassing sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, mining, and services. It is one of the few developed nations that are net exporters of energy, with significant reserves of oil, natural gas, and uranium. The country is also a leading exporter of agricultural products, including wheat and canola, and holds substantial mineral resources like gold, nickel, and potash. Canada's trade relationships further underscore its economic significance. In 2022, the US and Canada engaged in over $962.9 billion in bilateral trade, making Canada the single largest global customer for American goods and services. Such robust trade ties highlight Canada's integral role in the North American and global stands as Canada's leading oil-producing province, accounting for approximately 79.2 per cent of the nation's oil production. The province's vast oil sands contribute to Canada's position as holding the third-largest oil reserves globally. Alberta's energy sector significantly impacts exports and GDP, with oil and gas comprising a substantial portion of its exports. In 2022, Alberta's exports to the US were valued at $183.8 billion, reflecting its critical role in Canada's trade energy, Alberta has been diversifying its economy, expanding into technology, renewable energy, tourism, and finance. This diversification aims to reduce dependence on oil and foster sustainable economic growth. Quebec is renowned for its renewable energy capabilities, producing most of Canada's hydroelectricity and ranking as the second-largest hydroelectricity producer globally. In 2019, Quebec's electricity production amounted to 214 terawatt-hours, with 95 per cent derived from hydroelectric power stations. The province's public utility, Hydro-Québec, operates 63 hydroelectric power stations and 28 large reservoirs, positioning Quebec as a potential clean energy forestry industry also plays a vital role in its economy. In 2024, the forest sector employed over 61,000 workers and exported $11.3 billion in forest products to global markets. The federal government announced a total investment of over $13.3 million in 2025 to boost the competitiveness and resiliency of Quebec's forest sector, supporting innovation and sustainable abundance of natural resources extends beyond energy and forestry. The country is a significant producer of uranium, with Saskatchewan's McClean Lake and Cigar Lake mines supplying crucial uranium oxide concentrate for nuclear reactors. In 2022, France imported over 2,943 tonnes of Canadian uranium, highlighting Canada's strategic role in global energy security. Moreover, Canada's participation in international organizations such as the United Nations, G7, G20, NATO, and the Commonwealth amplifies its voice on the global stage. The country's commitment to humanitarian and development goals, along with its reputation for good governance, enhances its soft power and influence in international affairs. Cities like Montreal exemplify the economic potential of cultural industries. Home to renowned festivals and institutions like Cirque du Soleil, Montreal's cultural sector contributes 6% to the city's GDP and provides over 130,000 jobs. This cultural capital not only boosts the economy but also enhances Canada's global political landscape plays a crucial role in shaping its resource and cultural policies. The Conservative Party, under leaders like Pierre Poilievre, advocates for aggressive resource development, proposing initiatives like a national energy corridor and fast-tracked approvals for pipelines. This approach emphasizes economic sovereignty and aims to reduce dependence on US markets. In contrast, the Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, focuses on balancing traditional resource development with environmental sustainability. Trudeau's administration has faced criticism for policies perceived as hindering Alberta's oil industry, leading to tensions and discussions of provincial autonomy. Canada's bilingual framework, with French and English as official languages, reflects its commitment to inclusivity. French speakers constitute 23 per cent of the population but represent 29.2 per cent of the federal public service, including 32 per cent in management roles. This overrepresentation underscores the significant influence of French Canadians in shaping national integration of French cultural values into policymaking has led to a more inclusive and diverse approach to governance. This contrasts with the United States, where cultural and linguistic diversity is less institutionalized at the federal level. Comedian Bill Burr humorously remarked, "Just because you're north of the border, they're still white men," highlighting perceptions of homogeneity. However, Canada's official bilingualism and multicultural policies demonstrate a structured commitment to faces several economic challenges, including a rising unemployment rate, which reached 6.9 per cent in April 2025, the highest since November 2024. This increase is attributed to US tariffs impacting key sectors like manufacturing. Additionally, the services sector has experienced contraction for five consecutive months, with the S&P Global Business Activity Index at 41.5 in these challenges, Canada's economic fundamentals remain strong, with significant natural resources, a diversified economy, and robust trade relationships. Strategic development of northern territories and continued investment in cultural industries can further bolster Canada's economic resilience.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
The Prodigy Club
TOI Quick Edits are written by a team of seasoned journalists from the Times of India's Edit Page and TOI-Online who respond to important news stories as they develop. The team comprises senior journalists with wide-ranging interests who debate and opine on the news and issues of the day. LESS ... MORE Vaibhav Suryavanshi has batted himself into a TRP bonanza but the expectations are heavy People are recalling Sachin's debut. It's not just his curls and twinkling, teenaged smile that Vaibhav Suryavanshi shares. A similar fearlessness is also being identified. Sachin was 16 at his Test debut against Pakistan, in Karachi. Vaibhav is 14, he hit a six off his debut IPL ball, and a century in his third match of the competition. This 38-ball hundred stacks behind only Chris Gayle's 30-ball hundred in IPL 2013. Sure, Jaipur ain't Karachi. But IPL is arguably India's biggest stage today, particularly across its hundreds of millions of small, hand-held screens. Countless teenagers are on the other side, taking a break from their studies by watching Vaibhav knock it around. That the pressure hasn't got to him and his talent, has been wonderful to witness. Like a lot of stories of child prodigies, this one has been scripted by encouraging and sacrificing parents. Tiger Woods's father handed him a putter before he was one and he was smacking shots by age two. Sometimes it's the coach who's the parent figure. Like Bela Karolyi, who groomed Nadia Comaneci to score gymnastic's first perfect 10.0 score at the 1976 Montreal Olympics; she was 14 too. At times, fate takes things more serendipitously in hand. Like Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona winger who made his first-team debut at 15 and became the club's youngest player since La Liga was formed 90+ years earlier. An immigrant child, he was playing at the right place, right time to be spotted for a Barca trial at age 7! Child sport prodigies are a TRP bonanza. But children's bodies and minds develop in varying ways. Sachin, Steffi Graf, Michael Phelps and Pele got into the history books because of how triumphantly they aged…and how finely they were nurtured. As Vaibhav goes to bat again tomorrow, he will have to play the pressure of expectations right as much as the swinging ball. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email
