Latest news with #Umesh
India Today
16-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
I can't work without my earphones, but is it harming my ears?
I enter my office, swipe in to mark attendance, and walk up to my desk. I put down my bag, take my laptop out, charger, water bottle, dear diary, and most importantly, my soon as I sit down and get ready to work, I plug them in and 'Oops, battery low,' is what I hear. Dreadful. "How am I going to work now?" I panic. But hey, at least I didn't leave them at home. Small relief. That's what my brain processes in those few relatable? You're not earplugs, earphones, pods, whatever you call them, have become just another work essential. It's incredibly common to see people with little white (or red, in my case) devices tucked into their ears, typing away in deep focus. They tune out the chaos and tune in the concentration, which is why surviving without them in a chaotic place (like an office) is just not recently, when I read about a Delhi-based woman who suffered minor hearing loss after wearing AirPods for eight straight hours, I'll admit, I sat up straighter and took mine off. The scare is coming back to the big question: is it safe to use earphones for long hours, and does it really boost productivity?Does music lead to productivity?advertisementScience says yes, but with terms and conditions genre of music, whether it's instrumental or not, the nature of the work you are doing, and how your individual brain processes sound, all play a role. Studies have shown that music can be helpful, but only if these conditions match up. Wondering how? I chose to leave it to experts to explain it further. 'Music can help people focus, especially when the surrounding environment is distracting or noisy. I know patients who say they simply can't concentrate unless there's something playing in the background, it sort of gives the mind a buffer,' Dr. Umesh T, clinical director and senior consultant neurology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, tells India he further notes that this tends to work better with instrumental or ambient music - something that doesn't grab too much attention. If it's a song with lyrics, and you are doing work that involves reading or writing, it can interfere. So, it really depends on the task and also on how a person's brain processes everyone has a different liking for sound. Some listen to instrumental music, while some prefer brown noise. (No, not every noise is chaos). There are anecdotal reports of how it helps several people improve their the uninitiated, brown noise is steady, low-pitched, and surprisingly calming. Unlike music, it doesn't carry melody or emotion, which makes it easier for your brain to anchor without distraction.'People with attention difficulties or low tolerance to background noise often find that brown noise helps them stay focused,' says Dr. Umesh. 'Music works better for repetitive tasks. For deep focus, brown noise usually keeps the brain from getting overstimulated.'Therefore, brown noise could be helpful. But if it turns into the brain's only cue to concentrate, it is not good you always listen to something while working, your mind begins to expect that cue - sound for focus. After a while, silence may feel strange or even make it harder to concentrate, according to the that doesn't mean music or background noise is bad. But some mix doing some tasks without it. Give your brain a chance to focus just by itself, without an intervention. That balance is what keeps attention has been said about music and productivity. What often gets overlooked is our relationship with the device use can be damaging? Common knowledge, right? But we still do it (guilty). And the consequences go beyond just hearing side effects no one talks aboutPlugging into your earphones and listening to a podcast or music can help with concentration in some cases, but doing it for longer hours isn't as harmless as it stylish new pod might not fit your ear canal properly and a bad fit can lead to discomfort, irritation, and in some cases, even let's talk about that wax (gross, but important).While our ears are self-cleaning marvels, there are chances of mild impairment and infection. 'Wax tends to move outward and fall off on its own when we talk or eat. When you frequently use earbuds, not only do you push the wax inward, but you also scrape off the wax along the outer walls of the ear canal. This leads to dryness, which increases irritation and the likelihood of infections or mild hearing loss,' Dr Manjunath Mk, senior consultant - ENT surgeon, Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Kengeri, Bengaluru, tells India did you know that overusing earbuds can make your ears too sensitive to real-world noise? At least, I didn't."When environmental sounds are constantly suppressed, by relying solely on earbuds or earplugs, the brain becomes less accustomed to processing natural sound stimuli," explains Dr Manjunath. Over time, this can result in auditory hypersensitivity, making individuals more irritable or less tolerant of everyday environmental sounds . long is too long?Experts say that there is no universal rule, but there is a trick up their sleeve that can be implemented. It is called the '60/60 rule' - listen at no more than 60 per cent volume for no more than 60 minutes at a like having diet tips, there are earbud etiquette too:Take 5-10 minute breaks every 30–60 minutes for the eardrums to take a your earbuds clean and push them too listening the working in silence once in a these rules, etiquettes, and mindful usage tips might sound like common sense, but clearly, they're not common practice. Not yet, at know that long hours with earbuds jammed in aren't exactly a friend to ear health. But what often slips under the radar is how constant audio input, without intention or pause, could also be quietly chipping away at our ability to focus.- EndsTrending Reel
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Time of India
‘Land rivalry, Rs 4L contract and wedding link': How trader Ashok Kumar Sao, the ‘mastermind', plotted Patna bizman Gopal Khemka's murder
Police arrested Ashok Kumar Sao in Gopal Khemka murder case. Shooter Umesh Yadav confessed Sao paid him to kill Khemka. An old land dispute is suspected motive. P ATNA: In a major breakthrough, police on Tuesday arrested trader Ashok Kumar Sao, the alleged mastermind behind the sensational murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka. The arrest followed the confession of the alleged shooter, Umesh Yadav, who claimed Sao contracted him to kill Khemka for Rs 4 lakh. Sao was arersted from his flat under the Gandhi Maidan police station limits during a raid late on Monday night, shortly after police nabbed Umesh. Investigators suspect that an old enmity between the two businessmen over land disputes led to the fatal conspiracy, though the exact cause of their conflict is yet to be fully established. Officials said further analysis of Khemka's cellphone records and laptop would help reveal the complete picture. Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Kartikeya K Sharma said the investigation began by tracing the motorcycle used in the crime, which led to Umesh's arrest. "During questioning, he confessed to the murder and disclosed that the weapon used in the crime was hidden in a locked room on the upper floor of his house. A subsequent search led to the recovery of the firearm, along with 59 bullets and two magazines containing 14 rounds," the SSP told reporters. Sharma added that Umesh had known Sao for about a year and a half, having met him at a wedding. Since then, he had worked for the trader. "About six weeks ago, Sao plotted Khemka's murder and hired Umesh to arrange weapons. An advance of Rs 50,000 was paid and the balance Rs 3.5 lakh was to be given after the job. The deal was settled at Rs 4 lakh," he said. Initially, Umesh approached local shooters in the Patna City area and contacted known arms supplier Vikas alias Raja. However, after Raja demanded a higher fee, Umesh decided to carry out the shooting himself, using a weapon provided by Sao. According to the SSP, Umesh had been briefed on Khemka's daily routine. "He was told that the target usually arrived at Bankipore Club around 8.30pm and left by 11.30pm. On the night of July 4, Umesh followed Khemka and shot him outside the gate of his apartment complex around 11.45pm," Sharma said. The next day, Sao allegedly met Umesh at J P Ganga Path under the Malsalami police station area and handed over Rs 3.5 lakh in cash. "A cellphone and sim card were purchased in Umesh's name for communication to shield Sao from being implicated. After the payment, Umesh returned the handset but kept the sim," Sharma said. During a search of Sao's flat, police recovered Rs 6.5 lakh in cash, a 9mm pistol with 17 rounds and numerous land-related documents. Director general of police (DGP) Vinay Kumar said police had retrieved several phone conversations between Sao and other businessmen involving land deals and disputes. "We are reviewing all communications to ascertain the motive behind Khemka's murder and the possible business-related conflict," he said. The DGP also played an audio recording of a heated argument between Sao and another businessman during the press briefing. Kumar added that Sao had been questioned earlier in connection with the 2002 Manoj Kamalia murder case and his name had surfaced in the killing of Santosh Tebriwal. He was also jailed over a cold storage dispute in Biharsharif. "In every case, land dispute has been a recurring factor," the DGP said. The case has also drawn parallels with the 2018 murder of Khemka's son Gunjan in Vaishali district, allegedly also over a land dispute. In that incident, the shooter Abhishek and Khemka were both killed.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
Trader held for contract killing of Khemka over land dispute; Rs4L deal comes to light
P atna: In a major breakthrough, police on Tuesday arrested trader Ashok Kumar Sao, the alleged mastermind behind the sensational murder of prominent businessman Gopal Khemka. The arrest followed the confession of the alleged shooter, Umesh Yadav, who claimed Sao contracted him to kill Khemka for Rs 4 lakh. Sao was arersted from his flat under the Gandhi Maidan police station limits during a raid late on Monday night, shortly after police nabbed Umesh. Investigators suspect that an old enmity between the two businessmen over land disputes led to the fatal conspiracy, though the exact cause of their conflict is yet to be fully established. Officials said further analysis of Khemka's cellphone records and laptop would help reveal the complete picture. Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Kartikeya K Sharma said the investigation began by tracing the motorcycle used in the crime, which led to Umesh's arrest. "During questioning, he confessed to the murder and disclosed that the weapon used in the crime was hidden in a locked room on the upper floor of his house. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Providers are furious: Internet access without a subscription! Techno Mag Learn More Undo A subsequent search led to the recovery of the firearm, along with 59 bullets and two magazines containing 14 rounds," the SSP told reporters. Sharma added that Umesh had known Sao for about a year and a half, having met him at a wedding. Since then, he had worked for the trader. "About six weeks ago, Sao plotted Khemka's murder and hired Umesh to arrange weapons. An advance of Rs 50,000 was paid and the balance Rs 3.5 lakh was to be given after the job. The deal was settled at Rs 4 lakh," he said. Initially, Umesh approached local shooters in the Patna City area and contacted known arms supplier Vikas alias Raja. However, after Raja demanded a higher fee, Umesh decided to carry out the shooting himself, using a weapon provided by Sao. According to the SSP, Umesh had been briefed on Khemka's daily routine. "He was told that the target usually arrived at Bankipore Club around 8.30pm and left by 11.30pm. On the night of July 4, Umesh followed Khemka and shot him outside the gate of his apartment complex around 11.45pm," Sharma said. The next day, Sao allegedly met Umesh at J P Ganga Path under the Malsalami police station area and handed over Rs 3.5 lakh in cash. "A cellphone and sim card were purchased in Umesh's name for communication to shield Sao from being implicated. After the payment, Umesh returned the handset but kept the sim," Sharma said. During a search of Sao's flat, police recovered Rs 6.5 lakh in cash, a 9mm pistol with 17 rounds and numerous land-related documents. Director general of police (DGP) Vinay Kumar said police had retrieved several phone conversations between Sao and other businessmen involving land deals and disputes. "We are reviewing all communications to ascertain the motive behind Khemka's murder and the possible business-related conflict," he said. The DGP also played an audio recording of a heated argument between Sao and another businessman during the press briefing. Kumar added that Sao had been questioned earlier in connection with the 2002 Manoj Kamalia murder case and his name had surfaced in the killing of Santosh Tebriwal. He was also jailed over a cold storage dispute in Biharsharif. "In every case, land dispute has been a recurring factor," the DGP said. The case has also drawn parallels with the 2018 murder of Khemka's son Gunjan in Vaishali district, allegedly also over a land dispute. In that incident, the shooter Abhishek and Khemka were both killed. Police have said they will examine the role of individuals, both in jail and outside, in Gunjan's murder as well. Investigators suspect the possible involvement of jailed criminal Ajay Verma, currently lodged in Beur Jail, in connection with both cases.
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
LIVE news: Raipur flight makes emergency landing at Indore airport after mid-air technical fault
New Delhi One of the accused in the murder of Bihar businessman Gopal Khemka was fatally shot during a police encounter last night. Identified as Vikas, he had reportedly accompanied the gunman, Umesh, during the attack outside Khemka's residence in Patna. The encounter took place in the Malsalami area of the city. Police had earlier arrested Umesh, the alleged main shooter in the case. The death toll from the devastating floods in Texas over the Fourth of July weekend has risen to 104, with search efforts still ongoing for those missing. In Kerr County, one of the worst-affected areas and home to several summer camps including Camp Mystic, officials confirmed that 84 bodies have been recovered, among them 28 children. Authorities have said they will postpone addressing questions regarding evacuation delays and weather alerts until after the search concludes. The government of El Salvador has informed UN investigators that the Trump administration continues to control the Venezuelan nationals deported from the United States to a high-security prison in El Salvador, contradicting public statements made by both countries. The admission was revealed in court documents filed Monday by lawyers representing over 100 migrants challenging their deportation to El Salvador's CECOT facility—commonly referred to as the Terrorism Confinement Center. The case is one of several contesting former President Donald Trump's immigration policies. 12:59 PM Iran's government says 1,060 people killed in war with Israel Iran's government has issued a new death toll for its war with Israel, saying at least 1,060 people were killed and warning that the figure could rise. Saeed Ohadi, the head of Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, gave the figure in an interview aired by Iranian state television late Monday. 12:36 PM Raipur-bound IndiGo flight carrying 51 passengers returns to Indore shortly after takeoff IndiGo flight 6E-7295, operating between Raipur and Indore, was forced to make an emergency landing at Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport on Tuesday morning after a technical issue was detected mid-air. Reports indicate that shortly after takeoff, the aircraft began displaying signs of a false alarm. 12:31 PM School van collides with train in TN's Cuddalore, two feared killed Two people were feared killed after a school van crashed into a running train in Semmanguppam in the district this morning, police said. The van carrying students was flung a distance away from the level crossing after it was hit. The loco pilot managed to stop the train after traversing some distance, police said. 10:42 AM When will PM break his silence: Cong after Trump repeats 'stopped India-Pak conflict' claim The Congress on Tuesday said US President Donald Trump has for at least the 21st time repeated his claims on bringing about a "ceasefire" between India and Pakistan, and asked when will Prime Minister Narendra Modi break his "silence" on this issue. In his remarks on Monday, Trump repeated the claim that he stopped the war between India and Pakistan by telling the two neighbours that Washington would not do trade with them if they continued the fighting. 9:58 AM Key suspect in Gopal Khemka's murder killed in police encounter in Patna A key suspect in the murder of industrialist Gopal Khemka was killed in a gunfight with the police in Patna's Damaria Ghat area in the early hours of Tuesday, officials said. Vikas alias Raja (29), the suspect, was wanted in several other criminal cases as well, they said. Acting on a tip-off, the team of officers probing the murder case reached Damaria Ghat around 2.25 am in search of Vikas, an official said.
Hans India
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Accused in Gopal Khemka murder case gunned down in encounter in Patna
Patna: An accused linked to the murder of businessman Gopal Khemka was gunned down after an encounter in Bihar capital's Malsalami locality early Tuesday morning, officials said. The accused, identified as Vikas Kumar alias Raja, allegedly accompanied the shooter, Umesh Yadav, who was directly involved in Khemka's murder on Friday night. Bihar's Special Task Force (STF) and Malsalami police conducted the raid based on information extracted from Umesh during interrogation. Earlier, police had arrested Umesh, identified as the main shooter in the case. Preliminary investigations have revealed that Vikas was involved in illegal arms trading in the Malsalami area and had sold the weapon to Umesh that was used in the murder of Khemka. According to an official, the police team reached Vikas's house around 2.45 a.m. on Tuesday, where he opened fire on the joint team. The officials of Bihar STF and Malsalami police retaliated. After a brief gunfight, the accused was neutralised. 'So far, we have detained two individuals and arrested the main shooter in the Gopal Khemka case. Our investigation indicates that an individual had taken a contract of Rs 10 lakh to kill Khemka and subcontracted it to Umesh for Rs 1 lakh,' a senior police officer said, adding that further details will be shared as the investigation progresses. Businessman Gopal Khemka was shot dead in Patna on Friday night, triggering shock and concern among the business community and raising questions about the law and order situation in the state capital. The high-profile murder case put the Nitish Kumar government in a spot at a time when the ruling coalition of JD(U) and BJP is prepping for the Assembly polls. The Opposition, the RJD and Congress targeted the state government over Bihar's law and order situation. The Chief Minister met top officials after the shocking murder and asked them to complete the probe into the businessman's murder at the earliest.
