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Time of India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why games like Roblox are bad for kids: What parents need to know
Image credits: X The world has completely changed with the progression in technology. Augmented reality and virtual reality can transport a person into a world never seen before. Obviously, something new and unexplored interests the human mind, especially when it is young. Earlier, the idea of thrill for children included visiting amusement parks, playing in the neighbourhood with friends and pranking each other together. What they learned from this were innocent values of friendship, joy, and fun. But now, the world has turned darker. Children now remain seated on the bed, phones in their hands, playing virtual games that teach them concepts that are too young for their minds. When your child is playing games like Roblox, they are not just interacting with an algorithm; they are "practising" the concepts of trades, gambling, sexual service, murder and more. The young mind might think of this as a game, as something that they are only doing in a virtual space, and thus, many will never tell their parents about what really conspired in their online games. For parents who didn't know this before and understand how detrimental this can be for children, here's the truth. The dark reality of new age video games Image credits: X Games as you knew them are no more. Let's take the example of some scenarios to understand how different aspects of the new era games work, Now, one can play a game from the comfort of their home, but in a game, they could be in a Nazi concentration camp, could be getting intimate with their teacher, could be re-enacting a school shooting, or could be in a strip club. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exciting Offers on vivo X200 FE ViVO X200 FE Book Now Undo The children could talk to a stranger whose real name, age and identity will remain an enigma to them and could ask them about their entire life in a side panel conversation. They could also ask them to meet without your knowledge, as being parents, you would decline; they could pretend to be their friend or even begin a virtual relationship. Playing these games every day, children could not only deal with weak eyesight but also gain knowledge that is too early to reach their young minds. The concepts of barter, love, relationships, sex, racial discrimination and more are made aware to them through untrusted sources, and a parent would never know how. This is the shocking reality of most of the games on Roblox, and you could spend your child's entire childhood without knowing any of this. The evolution of video games Image credits: X Video games have been around since the late 1950s. However, with the speed and bandwidth of the internet growing rapidly around the 2000s, a new model called Games-as-a-Service (GaaS) came about, where games were constantly updated with new content, features, and events to maintain the audience. Later, users could also make in-game purchases for skins, passes, ammunition and more to make it more personalized (and addictive). By 2018, most video games had developed to blend social media dynamics with subscription-style models. Leading the realm were three giants: Minecraft, Fortnite and Roblox. Minecraft remained the safest to play with its open-ended block-building format. Fortnite arrived as a battle royale with trends and Marvel collaborations. And Roblox was more of a streaming platform with user-created experiences. While Minecraft and Fortnite have roughly 30 million monthly active users under 18, they are nothing compared to Roblox, which has 304 million monthly active users under 18. What keeps the kids interested in these games is the interaction with anonymous adults, age-above content and addiction due to a user-created design. Additionally, with their avatar options, they make the kids spend money to look "better" and "cooler". How do modern games harm young minds? Image credits: X There are a variety of ways in which these games harm young minds. Time displacement As per a recent Common Sense Media report, 8-12 year olds spent an average of 2 hours and 18 minutes on video games in 2019 and 2 hours and 27 minutes in 2021. A 2021 survey among 12-18 year olds found that 57% boys and 36% girls reported gaming for at least 3.5 hours every day. These hours spent gaming are displaced with sleep, playing outdoors, reading, studying and other important chores. Addiction Since new games are created by users on Roblox every day and monetization offers the option of personalization, users get more and more addicted rather than bored. A 2022 meta-analysis found that 8.8% of adolescents met the criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Financial exploitation These games demand money for personalisation, new ammunition, avatars and even levels, encouraging children to demand money from their parents and spend it on them. Gambling They also encourage children to trade and gamble with each other through chat forms and mechanics. A 2018 survey found that 2,865 adolescent gamers found that 13% had played gambling-style games online. Anonymous friends Open chats and anonymous conversations expose children to strangers, including those who can misguide and manipulate them into wrong and harmful actions. 10% of teen girls have received unwanted sexually explicit content while gaming. Depression and attention problems Heavy gaming is associated with elevated risks of depression. A study of 221,096 adolescents found a curvilinear relationship between gaming and mental health. Gaming for more than five hours a day was linked to elevated risks of depression. Additionally, playing video games can also lead to insufficient and low-quality sleep.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Time of India
‘Pakistan' in A'bad? FIR lists long-used name
Ahmedabad: An FIR filed recently in the city has drawn attention for listing an unusual address: 'Pakistan Colony, Railway Colony, Sabarmati'. The name, used informally by locals for more than three decades, refers to a section of land behind the railway colony that was once a no-man's land. Despite urban development, the nickname endured and is still casually used. Interestingly, it isn't the only place in Ahmedabad with such unusual nomenclature. In fact, this isn't the only 'Pakistan' located in the city. In Vatva's Char Maliya area, you will find not just 'Pakistan', but also 'Sri Lanka', and 'Bangladesh' — localities that earned the names based on the ethnic makeup of the residents. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad Though never officially recognised, these names are widely used in local speech and continue to surface in legal documents. The most recent example came on May 16, when Sabarmati police registered an FIR in a prohibition case and listed the address of one accused as 'Pakistan Colony' in Sabarmati. According to longtime residents and railway staff, the name 'Pakistan' dates back more than 35 years. Recalling the origin of the term, a loco pilot and joint secretary of the Western Railways Employees' Union (WREU), Sanjay Suryabali said, "There used to be a barren and secluded area behind the railway tracks and adjacent to the railway colony. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exciting Offers on vivo X200 FE ViVO X200 FE Book Now Undo Railway employees, frustrated by the lack of facilities beyond a certain point, began calling it "the border". Over time, that name morphed into 'Pakistan'." Even as the area was developed, the name stuck. An FIR filed with Vatva police on April 13 in a murder case cited that "the victim died during a brawl near the gate of Pakistan Char Maliya (Vatva)." Another FIR, filed with the detection of crime branch (DCB) on Aug 7, 2024, about a raid under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, listed the address of an accused as 'Gareeb Awaas Yojna, Sri Lanka, Vatva, Ahmedabad city'.The Vatva locality has long had blocks informally named after neighbouring South Asian countries. Vatva inspector Pravina Zala explained that residents themselves coined the names based on community clusters. "These areas are ghettos of various communities, including Bengali Muslims and people from the southern states. That is why you will find names like 'Pakistan', 'Sri Lanka', 'Bangladesh' and even 'Bharat' in Char Maliya," she said. Sabarmati inspector H N Patel was unavailable for comment.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pune & Khadki cantonment residents seek clarity on FSI after merger approval with PMC
Pune: Residents and civic activists have sought clarity about the future floor space index (FSI) regulations in Pune and Khadki cantonment areas, following state govt's approval to merge them into Pune Municipal Corporation limits. The cantonment boards have submitted proposals recommending a maximum FSI of 1 in the merged areas, considering defence establishment security needs. This is higher than the current 0.5 FSI in the cantonment areas but lower than PMC's 1.1-3 FSI range. The boards emphasized that any excision (or exclusion) from their jurisdiction should not lead to unrestricted FSI. PMC commissioner Naval Kishore Ram told TOI, "The FSI is the paramount factor for the development of any municipal body. While the chief minister has expressed a desire to develop Pune and Khadki cantonment boards and provide quality civic services, there was no discussion or decision on the FSI in the meeting. So, at this juncture, we cannot comment further on the matter." You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune On the Old Grant Bungalows (OGBs) properties, Ram said, "We will study the nitty-gritty of these properties in the coming days. I will personally visit the PCB and KCB areas. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exciting Offers on vivo X200 FE ViVO X200 FE Book Now Undo If required, our officials will also conduct a preliminary survey there to understand the issue on the ground." As far as the merging of the cantonment assets was concerned, Ram said, "We are absolutely clear on this matter. We will merge as it is." Sachin Mathurawala, the only nominated board member of the PCB, told TOI, "There is a lack of clarity regarding the FSI and properties associated with old grants to date. For the public interest, this is the most important factor, as it will determine the future development of cantonment areas." C Ravindra, principal director (defence estates), Southern Command, who is the head of the 19 cantonments of the Southern Command, did not respond to TOI's phone calls and messages. A senior official from the Directorate General of Defence Estates, who attended the meeting, said, "We have already submitted our proposals to state govt, where we specifically addressed the FSI and the security concerns of local military authorities. Following Friday's meeting, we expect to receive govt's feedback in writing, which we will then present to the ministry for a final decision." The residents argued that FSI restrictions were a significant obstacle to the development of cantonment areas. Activist Rajabhau Chavan said, "We should have an FSI similar to that of PMC. There should be no restrictions on it." A trader from MG Road, who has been running his business for the last three decades, said, "The cantonment authorities did not pay heed to people's issues for the last decade." Another businessman, who runs an apparel store on MG Road, said, "Gardens in the cantonment are in a bad state, roads are riddled with potholes, health services are substandard, garbage disposal and the overall development of the Pune cantonment are in a pathetic state. The merger was much needed for us." A section of old residents expressed sadness about losing the 'peculiar identity' of the cantonment. "The Pune and Khadki cantonment boards are one of the oldest military garrisons in the country. Each corner of them holds historical significance. They have seen several military actions and decisions in the past. The houses, food, arts, culture, people's lifestyle, and so many factors are different from the rest of the city. All these things are likely to become history after the merger," said Col Vinay Dalvi (retd,) who served in the Southern Command.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Time of India
Maharashtra Ramps Up Tourism Push with ₹91 Crore for Lonar
1 2 Nagpur: The Maharashtra government has sanctioned over ₹90 crore for the development of Lonar Lake to boost tourism infrastructure in Vidarbha, announced minister of state for tourism Indranil Naik in the state legislative council. "The state has sanctioned ₹91.29 crore for a comprehensive development plan at Lonar Crater Lake in Buldhana district. We have also initiated the process of securing the necessary permissions for UNESCO recognition," Naik said while replying to a proposal under Rule 260. Naik said the government is accelerating key tourism and heritage development projects across the state. Besides Lonar Lake, major investments are planned along the Konkan coast, at Khultabad, and historic sites linked to Rajmata Jijau in Raigad and Buldhana districts. In a first-of-its-kind marine initiative, the Indian Navy's decommissioned warship INS Gulzar will be submerged off the Konkan coast in the coming weeks to form an eco-friendly artificial reef. "Final environmental clearances are underway, and the submersion is expected by the end of July or early August," Naik informed the council. In the assembly, Naik also announced dedicated funds for the conservation and development of Rajmata Jijau Masahib's memorials at Pachad in Raigad and Sindkhed Raja in Buldhana. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exciting Offers on vivo X200 FE ViVO X200 FE Book Now Undo At Pachad, ₹50 crore was sanctioned under the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav' initiative for a Shivsrushti-themed project. The site, which includes Jijau's samadhi and palace, is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). "All work at the site is being carried out with ASI's permission," Naik clarified. At Sindkhed Raja, Jijau's birthplace, ₹12.96 crore has been allocated for the restoration of five state-protected monuments, along with an additional ₹9.49 crore under the district annual plan. "Restoration work is progressing as per schedule and will be completed soon," Naik said. The minister added that the government has received proposals to develop a memorial for Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj at Khultabad and to enhance infrastructure near the Ajanta-Ellora circuit. He said a joint meeting of departments—including cultural affairs, tourism, urban development, forest, planning, rural development, and revenue—will soon be convened to synchronise efforts at all heritage sites.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
CEAT to spend 450cr to expand Chennai plant
Chennai: Tyre major CEAT is planning a capacity expansion at its Chennai plant that manufactures truck and bus radials (TBR) and passenger car radials (PCR). The company is lining up a capex of 450 crore, said officials. Kumar Subbiah, CFO, said: "Our planned capex (for FY25-26) was around 900 crore, but our board has approved an additional 450 crore for capacity expansion at our Chennai plant. So, the total capex cash outflow for this year would be in the 1,000cr-1,050 crore range." The 450 crore, he said, will be spent over two years. "In the current fiscal, the cash outlay from that amount will be 100cr-150cr." This new capacity addition is for PCR tyres. "When we originally set up the Chennai plant, we planned for a capacity of 28,500 PCR tyres per day," said Subbiah. "However, tyre weights have been increasing because of a shift toward SUVs and larger vehicles. Even smaller vehicles are now being fitted with bigger tyres. So, although the plant was designed for 28,500 tyres/day, current tyre weights have reduced the actual output of the number of tyres to 22,500-23,000 tyres/day in terms of units." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Exciting Offers on vivo X200 FE ViVO X200 FE Book Now Undo The new expansion will increase upstream capacity by 80 tonnes/day, allowing CEAT to produce around 30,000 tyres/day. (Upstream capacity refers to processes like mixing, calendaring, and tyre building — basically tonnage-based inputs. Downstream involves curing and handling, which are measured by number of tyres.) This will ensure upstream and downstream align to achieve the 30,000 tyres/day target. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai And, more people will be needed. "We've already been adding people continuously and last Sept, we commissioned a new TBR plant there, which is ramping up well," said Subbiah. "PCR production is also increasing. We had originally committed to the TN govt that we would create 1,000 direct jobs. Today, we have already crossed 1,500. With the ongoing capacity expansion, that number will go up." The expansion will be funded through a mix of internal accruals and debt. CEAT saw its profit after tax for Q1FY26 drop to 135.5 crore, down by 9% compared to 149.24 crore in the year ago period.
