Posted by Harry Baldock | Press Release, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Terrapinn, the global events company, is delighted to announce the acquisition of FMS: the Future of Memory and Storage from Conference Concepts Inc. FMS is widely regarded as the world’s most important and credible event dedicated to memory and storage technologies.
Held annually in Santa Clara, California, FMS has spent two decades as the essential meeting point for the global memory ecosystem – from leading semiconductor manufacturers to system architects and hyper-scalers. The acquisition comes at a pivotal moment as the industry faces an “unprecedented mismatch” in supply and demand, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) and the surge in demand for High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM).
“We are absolutely delighted to announce the acquisition of Future of Memory and Storage,” said Terrapinn CEO Greg Hitchen. “FMS is a significant addition to our global portfolio of technology events. We look forward to serving the memory and storage industry and will ensure that the technical excellence and authority of FMS is maintained, and then surpassed, as we invest in its next phase of global growth”.
FMS was created and nurtured by Lance Leventhal and Chip Stockton, principals of Conference Concepts Inc, growing it from its roots as the Flash Memory Summit into an all-encompassing industry showcase.
Chip Stockton, President of Conference Concepts Inc, said: “We have created a really important event for the memory and storage community and have carefully nurtured it over many years. But we now feel it is the right time to pass it on to a larger company for its next phase of growth. We are really impressed by Terrapinn’s commitment to the sector and are sure they are the right fit to take FMS forward while ensuring a seamless transition for all our customers and stakeholders”.
The 20th-anniversary edition, FMS 2026, is scheduled for August 4–6, 2026, at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The event will feature a multi-stream conference, a large-scale global exhibition, and a Technical Pro Series focused on the infrastructure enabling the next generation of AI, data centers, and automotive applications.
Conference Concepts Inc was represented by John McGovern of Grimes, McGovern and Associates.
Terrapinn would like to thank Chip Stockton, John McGovern, our advisers and team.
About Terrapinn: Terrapinn is a global events company with businesses in the USA, Australia, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. www.terrapinn.com
Press Release: Posted by Harry Baldock, AT&T (NYSE: T) is proud to announce an investment and spend of more than $250 billion in the future of U.S. advanced connectivity, building the high-speed networks and resilience required for the next era of innovation and economic growth.
Building on the legacy of founder Alexander Graham Bell’s first phone call 150 years ago, AT&T is reaffirming its leadership as the company driving America’s connected economy so every community, family, and business can participate in the promise of American progress.
“Today, we’re committing more than $250 billion to increase U.S. connectivity competitiveness and expand access to AT&T’s leading fiber and wireless networks – the best way to get on the internet,” said John Stankey, Chairman and CEO of AT&T. “Current Federal telecommunications policy is as strong as I’ve seen in my career, making our commitment to invest possible. We look forward to serving American communities and businesses for the next 150 years.”
What began with a single copper wire has evolved into the nation’s largest converged network of fiber internet and 5G wireless services, connecting people at home, at work, and on the go.
This next chapter of investment and long-term operating commitment builds on that foundation through three strategic areas: deploying always-on connectivity, investing in people and communities, and innovating to secure America’s connected economy. The current tax and regulatory environment are the most conducive to such investment in decades.
Deploying Always-On Connectivity
Ubiquitous networks that provide reliable, always-on connectivity are the critical conduits that make Artificial Intelligence, autonomous technologies, cloud computing, and data-heavy digital services possible. AT&T’s investment will expand future-ready fiber and wireless services, modernize critical infrastructure, and strengthen network resilience and security to support communities and the economy for decades to come, including:
Accelerating the deployment of fiber, 5G home internet, wireless and satellite across urban, suburban, and rural America
AT&T’s satellite collaboration with AST SpaceMobile will extend coverage into remote areas.
Strengthening FirstNet, Built by AT&T – the nation’s first and only network built with and for first responders – and modernizing vital infrastructure for public safety and resilience
With AT&T Dynamic Defense, we deliver the only network connectivity with comprehensive built-in security controls.
Laying the groundwork for the next wave of American technological leadership through smart infrastructure and network optimization
AT&T’s Wi-Fi Personalization provides a tailored home experience that matches our customers’ daily habits, and AT&T Turbo Live allows customers to boost their data experience at live events to get the reliable connection they want, even in crowded venues.
Investing in People and Communities
Building the nation’s connectivity backbone requires dedicated, highly trained people. With approximately 110,000 U.S. employees today, AT&T will continue investing in America’s workforce, including supporting the largest unionized workforce in the U.S. telecom industry, with a focus on training and development.
Investing in education through connectivity also strengthens communities. When workers can train locally, communities retain talent, families gain stability, and local economies grow stronger. These are mission-critical roles that keep networks running safely and reliably – work that depends on skilled technicians, engineers, and customer-facing experts that will remain essential as technology evolves. Focus areas include:
Recruiting and training more skilled technicians that are needed to build and maintain essential telecommunications infrastructure
Hiring thousands of technicians in 2026 alone; Only 5% of jobs at AT&T require a four-year degree
Investing in training, upskilling, and career pathways to keep roles current as tools and technology change – including AI fluency
Supporting American families with competitive wages, employee benefits and exceptional wellness programs, and long-term financial security
Innovating to Secure America’s Connected Economy
As connectivity becomes more essential, so do trust, security and continued American leadership in innovation. AT&T will continue investing in technologies that advance and protect the connected economy, including:
Scaling network security and AI-driven threat intelligence
Enabling the next wave of American invention across industries by opening up our network to allow new entrants to innovate and supply telecommunications equipment.
Strengthening collaboration with public-sector partners to support national resilience and first responders
Supporting America’s leadership in global technology and innovation
With this commitment, AT&T will keep building the network Americans rely on, whether delivered by fiber, wireless, or satellite, so more people and businesses have access to fast, reliable connectivity. It’s the foundation for what’s next, from remote care, to autonomous vehicles to AI, and it will help keep America connected for the next 150 years.Join AT&T and the US connectivity ecosystem in discussion at Connected America 2026AT&T to invest $250bn to expand and enhance networks - Total Telecom
An AI-generated image of the Puerto Peñasco solar complex in its initial stage of operation
The state-owned energy utility Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) has announced an ambitious expansion of solar energy projects totaling 1.5 gigawatts of production and storage.
Armed with 30 billion Mexican pesos ($1.62 billion), CFE’s flagship project will be a 580 megawatt expansion of the Puerto Peñasco solar complex in the state of Sonora to 1 gigawatt of capacity, cementing its position as the largest solar farm in Latin America.
Sonora is one of Mexico’s sunniest states, receiving on average between 300 and 350 days of dawn-to-dusk sunshine a year.
The expansion will also include battery energy storage that will eventually amount to 30% of total capacity, and all phases of the expansion are slated for completion by the end of 2028.
“We are delivering on a strategic objective: ensuring the country’s energy sovereignty through orderly, clean and sufficient planning,” said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during the official presentation.
Two additional locations in the state of Coahuila will see another 556 megawatts of solar power loaded onto the national grid: in Rio Escondido with 180MW and Carbón II with 376MW. Each will include 30% battery storage capacity.
Three more renewable energy projects are also being explored for the states of Durango, Quintana Roo, and Guanajuato.
“We are working through tripartite technical committees to review the technical characteristics and the status of prior permitting for each project. This is a binding planning exercise that will allow for an orderly start to development,” explained Emilia Calleja, CEO of CFE at the presentation.
CFE will be working alongside the Ministry of Energy (SENER) and National Infrastructure Fund (FONADIN).
America and Israel’s renewed war on Iran and the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz have driven energy prices up substantially in the last 17 days. The conflict is showing no signs of de-escalation, which will likely lead to sunny states like Mexico seeing the tragedy as the ideal moment to up the ante on an energy transition.
Mexico’s population is expected to climb from 132 million to a peak of 150 million by 2050, at which point some 97% are expected to live in urban areas according to various population trend data.
A rapidly growing middle-class—now a larger share of the population than the poor—will be demanding ever increasing amounts of energy, and with so much sunshine year ’round and the honor of being the world’s largest producer of silver—a key metal in the production of photovoltaic panels—solar energy presents as an obvious solution to energy needs in times of high oil prices. Planned Expansion to Take Latin America’s Largest Solar Plant Beyond 1 Gigawatt Capacity
As politicians warn Australians not to resort to panic buying, finding constructive ways to reduce your petrol costs and cut carbon emissions has become increasingly appealing.
The strikes on Iran have seen prices of Brent crude – the global oil benchmark – trade around US$104 (A$150) per barrel, up from roughly US$68 (A$96) a few weeks earlier. There is no clear end in sight for the current crisis.
The good news is buying and owning an electric car is becoming much easier as more models arrive in Australia and charging networks expand. But there are still a few things worth considering before making the switch.
What should you look for when choosing an EV?
Choosing an electric vehicle is not very different from choosing any other car. Size, price and safety features still matter.
But there are a few additional things worth checking.
The first is driving range, which is how far the vehicle can travel on a full battery. Most new EVs sold in Australia offer between 300 and 500 kilometres of range, which is more than enough for typical daily driving.
It is also worth looking at charging capability. Some vehicles can accept faster charging speeds than others, meaning they can recharge more quickly when using high-power public chargers. This can make a difference on long trips.
Finally, check the battery warranty. Most manufacturers offer warranties of eight years or around 160,000km, providing reassurance about long-term battery performance.
For most buyers, the key is simply choosing a vehicle that suits their everyday driving needs.
How To Buy The Right Electric Car.
Check how much you drive
An important question to ask when choosing an electric vehicle is: how far do you usually drive each day?
Most Australians drive far less than they think. Car passenger kilometres per person have reduced from a peak of 13,184 in 2004 to 10,238 in 2024–25.
That’s roughly 28km per day, meaning many drivers could go several days between charges with today’s EVs. Most new models now sold in Australia have a real-world driving range of 300–500km on a full battery.
In practice, many EV owners simply plug their car in at home overnight once or twice a week.
Most EV drivers charge at home a few times a week. Fast chargers are used on longer trips. Zaptech/Unsplash
Do you need to install a charger at home?
Many people assume installing a home charger is essential, but that is not always the case.
Electric vehicles can be charged from a standard household power point. This is the slowest method, but it can still add 10–15km of range per hour of charging. At that rate, a 12-hour overnight charge could give you up to 180km.
Many owners choose to install a dedicated wall charger instead. These typically cost A$1,000–2,000 plus installation. These charge much faster, allowing most vehicles to fully recharge overnight.
Fast chargers are useful, but usually not for everyday charging. Public fast chargers are designed mainly for longer trips.
These high-power chargers can add 150–300km of driving range per hour, depending on the vehicle and type of charger.
They are very convenient for highway travel but usually cost more than charging at home. Public fast charging can range from around 50 to 70 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is still cheaper than petrol, but the savings are smaller than charging at home.
Many EV owners only use public chargers occasionally, not every day.
EV drivers in Australia will come across three different charger speeds. Here’s how they work.
How much should you charge the battery?
Another common question is whether EV batteries should always be charged to 100%.
For everyday driving, many manufacturers recommend keeping the battery between 20% and 80% most of the time. This helps maximise long-term battery health.
A fully charged battery is generally under more stress. However, charging to 100% shortly before a long trip is fine. Modern EV battery management systems are designed to protect the battery automatically.
In practice, drivers quickly develop simple routines, often charging overnight a few times per week.
How much could you save on fuel?
One of the main reasons drivers consider switching to an EV is the potential saving on running costs.
Electric cars are typically cheaper to run because electricity costs less than petrol and electric motors are far more energy efficient than combustion engines.
Home charging is also the cheapest way to run an EV. Electricity for overnight charging typically costs 20–30c per kilowatt-hour, which can translate to around $3–5 per 100km of driving.
By comparison, fuel-efficient petrol cars typically consume 6–8 litres per 100km and cost $14–18 to drive that distance at current fuel prices.
That difference can add up quickly over a year. Online tools, such as our public EV payback calculator, allow drivers to compare different vehicles and test how savings change depending on electricity prices, fuel costs and driving distance.
What if you live in an apartment or unit?
Charging can be more complicated for people living in apartments or units, but options are expanding quickly.
Many new residential developments now include shared EV charging infrastructure in car parks. Some apartment owners are also installing chargers in their individual parking spaces where building rules allow it.
Workplace charging is another growing option. Many employers are beginning to install chargers for staff vehicles, allowing drivers to top up their battery during the day.
Public charging networks are expanding across Australian cities. While these chargers typically cost more than home electricity, they provide an important option for drivers without dedicated parking or charging access at home.
As EV adoption increases, improving charging access for apartment residents is becoming a major focus for building managers and policymakers.
Where next?
The decision to switch to an electric vehicle has never been more straightforward. Ranges are longer, models are more affordable, charging networks are expanding and running costs are lower than ever.
As petrol prices remind Australians of their exposure to global oil markets, the case for making the switch gets stronger.
For most drivers, the question is no longer whether an EV could work for them – it is simply a matter of when.
New Delhi, (IANS) Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain comfortably saw off English opponents Manchester City and Chelsea, Arsenal battled past Leverkusen and Sporting CP mounted a memorable comeback against Bodo/Glimt as the first four teams through to the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals are confirmed.
Real Madrid knocked Manchester City out of the competition for the third campaign running following Vinicius Junior's double.
Man City, 3-0 down from the first leg, came racing out of the blocks looking for the goal that could possibly spark a memorable come back.
But a combination of keeper Thibaut Courtois and several near misses kept the score goalless until a penalty that resulted in Bernardo’s dismissal - and a goal for Madrid on 20 minutes - made an arduous task near impossible.
But City never gave up hope, and deservedly levelled the scores on 41 minutes through Erling Haaland and saw Jeremy Doku and Ryan Ait-Nouri have goals disallowed after the break.
It was always going to be a big ask, but the Blues couldn’t have tried much harder and Vinicius Jr scoring with the last kick to give the Spaniard’s a 2-1 victory felt incredibly harsh.
Meanwhile, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Bradley Barcola and Senny Mayulu struck as PSG cruised past Chelsea with 8-2 aggregate victory in London.
Kvaratskhelia, whose late double sealed a 5-2 first-leg win, held off Mamadou Sarr to fire in from inside the box after six minutes. Barcola had scored the opening goal of the tie six days earlier, and the winger added to his tally by curling in clinically to complete a rapid break by the visitors in the 15th minute.
Half-time substitute Mayulu followed suit 17 minutes after the restart with a superb finish for the holders, who will meet Liverpool or Galatasaray in the quarter-finals, UEFA reports.
Elsewhere, a thunderous effort from Eberechi Eze was the catalyst as Arsenal claimed a quarter-final spot at Leverkusen's expense with a 3-1 aggregate win.
Mikel Arteta's side dominated much of the first half and the visitors relied on their goalkeeper Janis Blaswich to make a series of good saves from the likes of Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard.
Eze's explosive strike on the turn shortly before the break after a smart one-touch passing move finally put the hosts in front, however, and England midfielder Rice stroked in a smooth second to give the Premier League club a deserved 3-1 aggregate success.
Scintillating Sporting CP became just the fifth team in Champions League history to overcome a first-leg deficit of three goals or more as they struck twice in extra time to complete a memorable comeback against Bodo/Glimt.
Trailing 3-0 after last week's first leg in Norway, the hosts made the breakthrough when Goncalo Inácio rose to head in a corner. They kept the pressure on in the second half and got their reward when Pedro Gonçalves finished off a brilliant team move before Luis Suárez converted a penalty with 12 minutes remaining.In extra time Maximiliano Araújo quickly fired in to spark delirium and Rafael Nel slammed in a late fifth as Sporting reached the quarter-finals for the first time since the 1982/83 European Cup. Champions League: Real Madrid, PSG cruise into QF, Arsenal, Sporting CP stage stunning comeback | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
On a quiet suburban street, a modern Australian home wakes before its owners do.
The lights turn on automatically, the thermostat adjusts to a comfortable temperature, and the coffee machine begins brewing. A doorbell camera watches the front yard, a baby monitor streams live footage to a parent’s phone, and a smart speaker waits for its next command.
This is the promise of the smart home: convenience, efficiency and peace of mind.
But behind this smooth experience is a hidden risk: every connected device can also be a way for cyber attackers to get in.
The Australian government has responded by introducing minimum security standards for smart devices to better protect households in this increasingly connected world.
These standards recently took effect. So what’s in them? And are they sufficient to keep people safe?
Many smart devices are not designed with security as a priority. Manufacturers often focus on keeping costs low, releasing products quickly, and making them easy to use. Security is treated as an afterthought.
For example, many devices arrive with weak default passwords such as “admin” or “1234”, which users rarely change. This creates an easy opportunity for attackers to gain access.
The Mirai botnet attack in 2016 clearly demonstrated the risks. In this case, hundreds of thousands of insecure devices such as doorbell cameras were hijacked to launch massive “distributed denial-of-service” (DDoS) attacks. This is a type of cyber attack where many computers or devices are used together to overwhelm a website, server, or network with traffic, so it becomes slow or completely unavailable to legitimate users.
More recent research has shown smart home devices can be exploited not only to disrupt systems but also to spy on households. In some cases, strangers have accessed baby monitors, and poorly secured cameras have exposed private footage online.
Another major issue is the lack of regular software updates.
Many low-cost or older devices don’t receive ongoing security patches, which means known software vulnerabilities remain open indefinitely. Attackers actively scan the internet for such devices, exploiting weaknesses at a large scale. Cloud-connected and AI-enabled systems amplify risks.
The consequences of these weaknesses go beyond individual households. Compromised devices can be used as part of larger cyber attacks, forming botnets that target critical infrastructure or businesses.
In effect, an insecure smart lightbulb or camera can become a building block in global cyber crime operations.
What are the new standards?
In response to these growing threats, the Australian government has begun introducing mandatory minimum security standards for connected devices.
These standards took effect earlier this month. They aim to establish a baseline level of protection across all products entering the market.
While the details of these standards may evolve, the key ideas are clear.
First, devices must not use universal default passwords. Each device should either require users to create a unique password during setup or be shipped with a unique credential.
Second, manufacturers must provide a clear vulnerability disclosure policy, allowing security researchers to report issues responsibly.
Third, there must be transparency around how long a device will receive security updates, so consumers can make informed decisions.
These changes shift some responsibility from users to manufacturers. Instead of expecting consumers to fix security problems themselves, devices must be designed to be safer from the start.
In practice, this means fewer vulnerabilities and greater accountability across the industry.
Regulation alone isn’t enough
However, regulation alone is not enough. Household behaviour still plays a critical role in maintaining security. Fortunately, some of the most effective steps are simple.
Changing default passwords to strong, unique ones is one of the most important steps. A strong password should be long, complex and not reused across multiple devices or accounts.
Enabling multi-factor authentication wherever possible adds a second layer of defence, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain access.
Regularly updating device firmware, also known as “software for hardware”, is equally important. Firmware updates often include patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities, and delaying them leaves devices exposed.
Users should also consider their home network design. Placing smart devices on a separate network, such as a guest wifi, can help isolate them from more sensitive information on personal or work devices.
Finally, choosing reputable manufacturers matters. Companies with a strong track record of providing ongoing security updates and transparent policies are generally safer choices than unknown or low-cost alternatives.
Smart homes are becoming an integral part of everyday life, and their benefits continue to grow. But as intelligence and automation expand, convenience must not come at the expense of security and trust.
With stronger standards, better-designed devices and more informed users, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of smart homes without exposing ourselves to unnecessary cyber risks.
Mumbai, (IANS) Actress and model Lisa Ray, on Tuesday, opened up about the realities of midlife for women through a reflective post on social media that spoke about ageing, self-worth, and finding inner peace.
The actress shared a post featuring a picture of herself dressed elegantly in a sari. She reflected on how growing older has helped her become more grounded and comfortable with her authentic self.
Sharing the post, Lisa wrote, “What no one tells you about Midlife…
When estrogen drops, so does people-pleasing.
Self-doubt gets quieter.
Peace gets louder.
Standards rise.
Boundaries hold.”
She added, “Midlife: when the hormones exit
and the nonsense goes with them.
Less apologising.
Less auditioning.
More self-worth.
More no.
More peace.
Midlife isn’t a crisis.
It’s the main character energy.
Act Two — and finally, it’s ours.
Call it what it is —
the most important act of a woman’s life.”
The actress has always spoken her heart out over sensitive issues and also on health, ageing, self-acceptance, without mincing words.
On the professional front, Lisa Ray has had a diverse acting career across Indian and international cinema.
She gained prominence with films such as Kasoor and also in critically acclaimed projects including Water, directed by Deepa Mehta.
Over the years, she has worked in Hindi, Tamil, and international productions, and also has appeared in television and digital projects.
Madrid, (IANS) Fede Valverde scored a first-half hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Manchester City 3-0 at home in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Valverde opened the scoring at the Santiago Bernabeu in the 22nd minute when he controlled a long ball from Thibaut Courtois, slipped past Nico O'Reilly and beat Gianluigi Donnarumma, who appeared as though he could have done better.
His second goal came five minutes later when a deflected pass fell to him on the left side of the Manchester City penalty area, and he took one touch before firing a left-foot shot across Donnarumma, reports Xinhua.
The Uruguayan completed his hat-trick in the 42nd minute after a pass from Brahim Diaz allowed him to flick the ball over Marc Guehi and smash home from close range to stun the visitors.
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola fielded an attack-minded side in Madrid, with Rodri Hernandez as his only holding midfielder and Bernardo Silva in a more advanced role, while Jeremy Doku, Antoine Semenyo and Savinho formed a line behind Erling Haaland.
Manchester City had looked the more likely side to score in the opening 20 minutes, with Doku causing problems down the left and flashing two balls across the face of goal, while O'Reilly had a chance and Silva volleyed just wide.
Valverde's first goal changed the game completely, and Guardiola brought on Tijjani Reijnders for the second half in place of Savinho, while Fran Garcia replaced Ferland Mendy at left back for Real Madrid after Mendy suffered a physical problem.
Brahim drew a good save from Donnarumma early in the second half, while Semenyo saw a shot blocked by Courtois before Vinicius Jr wasted a fine chance to make it 4-0.
The Brazilian got in behind a defense pushed beyond the halfway line, raced into the area and went down under a challenge from Donnarumma, only to hit a tame shot that the goalkeeper saved.
New Delhi, (IANS): Recent incidents and growing concerns around excessive online influence and cultural obsession among adolescents have renewed national debate on how foreign cultural content is being consumed by young Indians, and whether adequate guidance and balance are being provided at the family and institutional level.
At the heart of this discussion lies a broader and more complex issue -- India's cultural confidence and the way its youth relate to their own language, traditions, and identity in an increasingly globalised world.
Over the past decade, South Korean popular culture -- popularly known as the Korean Wave or Hallyu -- has gained remarkable traction among Indian youth.
Korean pop music, television dramas, online games, fashion trends, food preferences, and even language expressions have become deeply embedded in adolescent and youth lifestyles, particularly in urban and semi-urban India.
While cultural exchange is a natural and often enriching process, concern arises when admiration for another culture begins to replace, rather than complement, one's own cultural foundations.
The contrast between South Korea and India is particularly striking.
While a country like South Korea, with a population of around 50 million, is consistently promoting its culture, language, traditions, and music not only within its own borders but across the world, India -- despite having a population of nearly 1.4 billion -- appears to be gradually distancing itself from its own cultural roots.
Many observers note that Indian youth are increasingly forgetting their language, traditions, food habits, and cultural practices, while enthusiastically adopting foreign lifestyles and trends.
South Korea's cultural success is not driven by blind admiration for other nations, nor by rejection of globalisation. Instead, it is built on deep confidence in its own identity.
Korean youth do not abandon their language or traditions while engaging with the global community.
On international platforms, Koreans confidently use their native language, promote their music and cinema, support domestic brands, and project a strong sense of national belonging. This mindset is anchored in the concept of "Woori Nara", meaning "my country", which reflects collective responsibility, cultural loyalty, and pride.
Wherever Koreans go -- whether for education, employment, or travel -- they consciously carry their identity with them. They speak Korean among themselves abroad, prefer Korean airlines, support Korean-made products, and actively promote Korean food, games, music, dramas, and technology.
Importantly, Korean youth are not seen abandoning their cultural values in the name of global trends, nor do they display excessive fascination with foreign cultures at the cost of their own traditions.
In contrast, a section of Indian youth appears to be moving in the opposite direction. Increasingly, young Indians openly express discomfort or dislike toward Indian food, show hesitation in using Indian languages in public spaces, and associate modernity, sophistication, or global status primarily with foreign cultural markers. While interest in global cultures is not problematic in itself, concern arises when such interest is accompanied by embarrassment, detachment, or disregard for one's own heritage.
India has historically been an emotionally open and inclusive society, readily absorbing external influences. This openness has been one of the country's greatest strengths. However, inclusiveness without cultural grounding can lead to imbalance. The issue is not about rejecting Korean culture -- or any foreign influence -- but about the absence of discernment: understanding what to learn, what to adapt, and what not to imitate blindly.
Cultural thinkers emphasise that true nationalism in a globalised world does not mean isolation or hostility toward other cultures. Rather, it means possessing the confidence to celebrate, protect, and promote one's own language, traditions, food, knowledge systems, and products while engaging respectfully with the world. South Korea's example demonstrates that strong cultural pride and global integration are not contradictory, but complementary.
The role of families, schools, and educational institutions is critical in this context. Cultural awareness and identity formation cannot be left solely to digital platforms, algorithms, or entertainment content. Children and adolescents require consistent guidance to understand their heritage, language, history, and values so that their engagement with global culture becomes additive rather than substitutive.
At the policy level, there is a growing need for initiatives that encourage Indians to use their languages confidently on international stages, openly acknowledge national achievements, and support domestic products without hesitation. Cultural confidence must be reinforced through education systems, media representation, youth programmes, and institutional messaging that normalise pride in Indian identity rather than treating it as outdated or secondary.
As India continues to assert its place on the global stage -- economically, technologically, and diplomatically -- the challenge is not to resist global culture, but to engage with it from a position of self-respect and clarity. Learning from South Korea is valuable, but the most important lesson lies not in imitating entertainment trends, fashion, or lifestyle choices. It lies in adopting the confidence with which a nation carries its identity into the world.In the end, cultural exchange should expand horizons, not erase roots. Global trends, fading roots: What the Korean wave means for India | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
The UK’s first geothermal power plant has just begun operations, using hot water from deep underground to create renewable electricity.
The United Downs plant in Cornwall has been in development for nearly two decades, and will now begin providing enough electricity to power 10,000 homes.
Geothermal power generation comes via energy stored in the form of heat beneath the surface of the Earth. The company behind the project, (GEL) Geothermal Engineering Ltd., had to drill the deepest on-shore well ever drilled on UK soil—over 3 miles deep—to source the geothermal fluid that is used for the power plant.
The naturally heated water, exceeding 190°C, generates electricity 24 hours a day, 7 days a week regardless of the weather.
The water will help drive turbines to generate electricity for 10,000 homes but will also provide the UK’s first domestic supply of lithium, a critical mineral used in green technology.
Dr. Ryan Law, CEO of GEL, said the opening of the power plant is a “huge advancement for geothermal power in the UK.”
“Geothermal energy and critical minerals extraction are naturally complementary as they share the same subsurface resource,” Dr. Law explained. “The hot, mineral-rich fluids that generate clean electricity can also be processed to recover strategic materials like lithium carbonate.”
“Therefore, collocating power and mineral extraction plants maximizes investment in the wells, minimizes subsurface disruption, and accelerates the transition to secure domestic supply in both critical sectors.”
GEL have said the water they’ve brought to the surface after drilling contains one of the highest concentrations of lithium in the world.
Lithium carbonate is a key raw material used in the production of rechargeable batteries like those that power electric vehicles and energy storage systems. From its February, 2026 starting point, GEL says the plant has the capacity to produce 100 tons per annum.
Ground source heat pumps are a form of geothermal technology already used in the UK, and in places like Southampton, heating is provided to hundreds of homes via a local network. But the United Downs project has drilled to far greater depths where temperatures are hot enough to generate more than just heat, but actual electricity.
Furthermore, the project has only cost around $59 million to date, funded through private investors and the EU.
Energy provider Octopus Energy has purchased the power generated at United Downs and will deliver it, via the national grid, to about 10,000 homes.
GEL has two other sites it plans to develop into geothermal power plants, and although one additional site has been initially turned down over environmental concerns, the company is appealing.
Greg Jackson, Founder of Octopus Energy, said UK bills are “still too high” and the answer is “more homegrown, renewable energy.”
“For the first time, we’re bringing deep geothermal power to British homes—a clean, constant energy source right beneath our feet,” he said. “Projects like United Downs show how the UK can cut bills and carbon by tapping every ounce of our renewable potential.” UK’s First Geothermal Power Plant Begins Using Underground Heat to Power 10K Homes:
'Wishing you both a very happy married life': Raina congratulates Arjun-Saaniya after wedding
Mumbai, (IANS) Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has congratulated Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok after their wedding and wished the couple a happy married life.
Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar, tied the knot with entrepreneur Saaniya Chandhok in a ceremony attended by several prominent personalities from the cricketing fraternity on Thursday.
Raina shared a congratulatory message for the newly married couple, while also extending his greetings to cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and his wife Anjali Tendulkar. The 39-year-old also shared a photo of the wedding on Instagram in which the cricketer turned commentator, Aakash Chopra, was also seen posing with the newly wed couple.
“Congratulations @arjuntendulkar24 & Sanya! Wishing you both a very happy married life! Congratulations, paji @sachintendulkar & Anjali bhabhi,” Raina wrote.
Other than Raina, big personalities in Indian cricket, including former India captain MS Dhoni, ex-head coach Rahul Dravid, legendary leg-spinner Anil Kumble, World Cup-winning all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad, among others, have blessed the couple on their special day.
International Cricket Council (ICC) chief Jay Shah also came to Mumbai to attend the wedding and give his blessings to the couple. He is expected to attend the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final clash between India and England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday evening.
Arjun and Saaniya previously got engaged in a private ceremony in August 2025, attended by close family members and friends.
Arjun's Wedding festivities began earlier this week with a series of traditional ceremonies and celebrations. Pre-wedding events, including mehendi and sangeet functions, were held in Mumbai, with several former and current cricketers in attendance.Arjun's wife, Saaniya, is a Mumbai-based entrepreneur who comes from a prominent business family and is the granddaughter of industrialist Ravi Ghai, chairman of the Graviss Group. She has built a career in the pet-care and animal welfare sector and is known for her work as a veterinary technician and entrepreneur. 'Wishing you both a very happy married life': Raina congratulates Arjun-Saaniya after wedding | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
Posted by Harry Baldock: The operator says reintegrating the tower assets will strengthen its African operations and improve financial metrics
African telco giant MTN Group is set to take full control of IHS Towers, one of Africa’s largest independent tower companies, in a deal valued at $6.2 billion.
The deal will see MTN acquire the 75% stake in IHS that it doesn’t already own for $2.2 billion in cash.
“This proposed transaction is a pivotal step in further strengthening MTN Group’s strategic and financial position for a future where digital infrastructure will become ever more essential to Africa’s growth and development. This transaction gives us a unique opportunity to buy back our towers and strengthen our ability to be partners for progress to the nation states in which we operate,” said MTN CEO Ralph Mupita.
The deal is subject to the typical regulatory approvals, with watchdogs likely to look closely at the impact on competition, given IHS also rents their infrastructure to MTN’s rivals across Africa.
For MTN, the move represents something of a strategic U-turn. The operator group has pursued an asset-light approach for the past decade, selling many of its towers – largely to IHS – in multiple markets.
In recent years, however, MTN’s relationship with the tower company has grown more complicated. The operator has repeatedly complained about IHS’s corporate governance, particularly that IHS had capped its voting rights at 20%, despite MTN owning a stake of around 26% in the business.
At the same time, IHS saw major losses from the devaluation of the Nigerian naira in 2023, leading MTN to attempt to seek adjusted lease terms to reduce foreign‑currency exposure.
Given this increasingly difficult operating relationship, MTN’s stake acquisition represents an opportunity to simplify and de-risk the company’s balance sheet by removing long‑term lease liabilities.Market watchers will be watching whether MTN’s reintegration of roughly 29,000 African sites delivers the financial and strategic gains management forecasts, and whether rivals respond with selective buybacks, new sharing deals, or continued reliance on independent towercos. MTN to take control of IHS Towers for $2.2 billion - Total Telecom
As we head for a fifth consecutive year of rising road deaths and what could be the worst year for pedestrian fatalities in nearly two decades, it’s time to look more closely at what this means.
But what’s less discussed is whether driving one also changes how we drive – if larger vehicles make us feel safer inside them, do they also make us take more risks behind the wheel?
With no domestic car manufacturing, Australia imports vehicles shaped by global production trends, many of which trickle down from United States policies that reward larger vehicles.
Two subtle US policy features explain why.
First, the “SUV loophole”: under US law, most SUVs are classified as light trucks, meaning they’re subject to less stringent fuel-efficiency and crash-safety standards than passenger cars.
Second, under US fuel economy rules, fuel-efficiency targets are adjusted based on the size of the vehicle’s “footprint” — the area between its wheels. In practice, this means larger vehicles are allowed to consume more fuel while still meeting the target.
Marketing has played a significant role too: in 2023, car makers invested about A$125 million in SUV and 4×4 advertising in Australia – a 29% increase from the previous year.
The dangers of bigger vehicles
There’s a physical mismatch between large and small vehicles that usually transfers the danger from the occupants of the bigger car to everyone else.
While the risks of being hit by a large SUV or ute might seem self-evident, the question is how much greater those risks are.
Research provides a clear answer.
Car-to-car collisions:
Collisions between large SUVs and smaller cars show occupants of a smaller vehicle face about 30% higher risk of dying or sustaining serious injury.
A 500kg increase in vehicle weight is linked to a 70% higher fatality risk for occupants of the lighter car.
For every fatal accident avoided inside a large vehicle, there are around 4.3 additional deaths among other road users.
Car-to-pedestrian and cyclist collisions:
Pedestrians struck by SUVs are about 25% more likely to sustain serious injuries and 40–45% more likely to die than those hit by smaller cars.
For children, the outcomes are far worse: they are up to eight times more likely to die when hit by an SUV than by a small car.
Each 10cm increase in front-end height raises the fatality risk for pedestrians by roughly 20%.
Israel: an analysis of 1.5 million speeding citations found drivers received about a quarter more speeding tickets when vehicle mass was 10% heavier
Austria:roadside observations of 48,000 vehicles showed SUV drivers more frequently drove without seatbelts, used phones and ran red lights. Women SUV drivers showed violation rates similar to men, breaking the usual pattern of higher female caution in traffic studies
New Zealand: field data found SUV drivers 1.5 times more likely to drive one-handed, a behaviour linked to lower perceived risk and reduced vigilance
Taxes and size-dependant registration fees could potentially offset some of the extra costs of heavier vehicles on roads surfaces, congestion and emissions, or regulate demand.
Two measures would make a tangible difference:
Licence testing by vehicle class
Many drivers obtain their licence in a small sedan but can legally drive a two-tonne ute the next day. Yet, larger vehicles demand different manoeuvring skills, longer braking distances and greater spatial awareness.
Requiring a practical test in a vehicle of comparable size to what the driver intends to drive (or a streamlined license upgrade for an experienced driver when upsizing) would acknowledge that added responsibility.
The reform would also carry a symbolic message: driving a heavier vehicle comes with greater responsibility.
Penalties scaled to impact potential
A ute or SUV travelling 10kmh over the limit carries greater kinetic energy and longer stopping distance than a small sedan.
A tiered approach – where fines or demerit points scale with vehicle mass – would better reflect the disproportionate risk that bigger cars pose.
If Australia is serious about reducing road trauma, these are the kinds of targeted, evidence-based adjustments that should be considered.
Amari Colombo has been honoured as Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel 2025 at the World Travel Awards (WTA), Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony held in Hong Kong in October 2025. This accolade recognises the hotel’s exceptional standards of service, contemporary design, and its position as a benchmark for business hospitality in Sri Lanka.
The glittering ceremony, held in partnership with Hong Kong International Airport and InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, brought together the region’s most distinguished travel and hospitality brands to celebrate excellence across Asia and Oceania.
“We are truly delighted and honoured to be recognised as Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel,” said Amari Colombo General Manager Monty Ariyaratne. “This award is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering warm, personalised service and creating an inspiring environment for both business and leisure travellers. We share this achievement with our valued guests and dedicated team members who make the Amari experience so special.”
Amari Colombo, part of ONYX Hospitality Group, embodies modern elegance infused with the warmth of Thai-inspired service. Ideally located in the heart of Colombo’s vibrant business district, the hotel caters to discerning travellers with world-class amenities, stylish meeting spaces, and exceptional dining venues—all designed to foster connection, productivity, and comfort.
The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, are globally recognised as the ultimate hallmark of industry excellence, celebrating the best in travel, tourism, and hospitality. The Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony 2025 showcased leading lights of the region, including destinations, resorts, hotels, and tourism boards that continue to raise the standard of global travel.
World Travel Awards Founder Graham Cooke remarked: “Tonight we have celebrated the leading lights of travel across Asia and Oceania. Our winners represent the very best in tourism excellence, and I congratulate each and every one for raising the benchmark of achievement across this remarkable region.” Amari Colombo wins Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel 2025 at World Travel Awards | Daily FT
Madrid, (IANS) Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League last 16 with a 2-1 home win over Benfica, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory.
Vinicius Jr. scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute to settle an anxious night at the Santiago Bernabeu, where the tie was level on the evening and the hosts struggled for long spells.
Benfica, missing suspended coach Jose Mourinho, began with urgency and drew level on aggregate when Rafa Silva finished from close range after a sharp move down the right. Real responded almost immediately as Federico Valverde pulled the ball back for Aurelien Tchouameni, who curled in the equalizer.
The game remained open. Arda Guler had a goal ruled out for offside midway through the first half, and the second period was played at a high tempo but with little precision as Madrid mislaid simple passes and the crowd grew restless.
Real was without Kylian Mbappe because of a knee injury. Benfica also missed forward Gianluca Prestianni, who was provisionally suspended following an alleged racist insult aimed at Vinicius in last week's first leg.
Madrid suffered a scare in the 77th minute when Raul Asencio was carried off after a heavy fall. As Benfica pushed forward in search of a goal, Valverde released Vinicius down the inside-left channel, and the Brazilian angled his finish past goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin to secure qualification.
Real Madrid will face either Manchester City or Sporting CP in the round of 16.
Elsewhere, Atalanta eliminate Borussia Dortmund with 4-3 aggregate win.
Lazar Samardzic sealed Atalanta's progress with the last kick of the game on a remarkable evening in Bergamo. La Dea wiped out a 2-0 first-leg deficit before the break, Gianluca Scamacca tapping in the fifth-minute opener before Davide Zappacosta's deflected shot wrong-footed Gregor Kobel late in the half.
Allianz has once again been recognised as the World’s No. 1 insurance brand in the Interbrand Best Global Brands 2025 ranking, marking its seventh consecutive year at the top.
This year, Allianz achieved its highest-ever brand value and strongest growth in history, increasing by 20% from $ 23.5 billion to $ 28.2 billion, and rising two places to No. 27 globally.
This achievement reflects Allianz’s strong financial performance and the consistent execution of its global brand strategy, reinforcing its reputation for trust, innovation, and reliability worldwide. It is also a testament to the dedication and collective effort of every Allianz employee across the globe.
New Delhi, IANS) Following his clear and understandable statements regarding his next journey, Neymar has made an announcement about the potential to conclude his successful football career in 2026.
The 34-year-old, who renewed his contract with his boyhood club Santos last month, said he is taking things year by year and did not rule out retirement at the end of the calendar year. Neymar returned to Santos in January 2025 and played a key role in helping the team stay in Brazil’s top flight. He scored five goals in the last five matches of the season, which helped the club avoid relegation.
Yet, despite rediscovering form at home, the forward remains uncertain about what lies ahead.
“I don't know what will happen from now on, I don't know about next year,” Neymar told Brazilian online channel Caze on Friday. “It may be that when December comes, I'll want to retire. I'm living year to year now.”
His candid remarks come at a crucial juncture. “This year is a very important year, not only for Santos, but also for the Brazilian national team, as it's a World Cup year, and for me too,” Neymar said, underlining the significance of the months ahead.
Neymar recently had successful knee surgery as he continues to deal with recurring injuries that have affected the later stages of his career. As Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 international goals, he has not played for the national team since October 2023. This raises questions about his participation in the upcoming global tournament.Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has repeatedly stated over the past year that only fully fit players will be considered for selection for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place from June 11 to July 19 in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Neymar to retire from football by the end of 2026 | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
Latest World Bank public finances diagnostic says SL made remarkable recovery
Stabilisation sharper and faster than 123 countries since 1980
Says Sri Lanka can move to a more balanced fiscal policy
Points to fiscal space to grow revenue to support growth, equity and fairness
Challenge is to get better results from every rupee collected and spent
The World Bank yesterday said Sri Lanka has made remarkable strides in stabilising its economy, undertaking one of the largest fiscal adjustments in its history, equal to nearly 8% of GDP over three years, and doing it faster than most countries.
In a statement announcing the release of its latest diagnostic title ‘Sri Lanka Public Finance Review: Towards a Balanced Fiscal Adjustment’, the World Bank said that this adjustment was also sharper and faster by international standards when compared with more than 330 similar efforts in 123 countries worldwide since 1980.
The review, a core World Bank diagnostic conducted every five years in member countries, concludes that Sri Lanka is well-positioned to focus on making public finances work better for all Sri Lankans.
“While fiscal measures helped restore stability, they also put pressure on households through higher indirect taxes and reduced real public-sector wages, and slowed growth due to lower public investment,” the statement said. “The next phase of fiscal calibration should prioritise raising revenues in ways that support growth and fairness, and improve the quality of government spending.”
The diagnostic review highlights that Sri Lanka could increase revenue by up to 2% by 2029 without undermining growth or equity. It also points out that better targeting and management of public spending can deliver improved outcomes within current budget limits.
The review recommends raising revenue more fairly and efficiently by shifting toward direct taxes, such as a minimum corporate income tax, and digitising tax administration to make paying taxes easier and more transparent.
It also recommends spending smarter, not more or less. The report stresses that it is not feasible to further cut or increase overall spending, but the best gains will come from using existing funds more efficiently to get better results.
This includes improving public sector wage management by protecting essential frontline services, simplifying pay structures, and modernising systems through which public sector workers are paid. It also entails reprioritising capital investments to close infrastructure gaps, completing ongoing projects faster, and strengthening project selection, management and maintenance.
Enhancing social protection by better targeting assistance, expanding the social registry, and moving from universal subsidies to more focused support for those who need it most, is another priority.
“Now that Sri Lanka has largely stabilised its economy, the challenge is to get better results from every rupee collected and spent,” said World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka David Sislen. “This means modernising tax administration, focusing on direct taxes, and making sure public spending is both efficient and fair, especially for the most vulnerable,” he added. World Bank says SL recovery remarkable, among fastest worldwide | Daily FT
Mumbai, (IANS): Actress and television personality Anusha Dandekar, who turned 44 on Friday, marked her birthday on a deeply emotional note as she reflected on life, growth and the people who shaped her journey.
Sharing a cherished throwback video from her childhood in pigtails, Anusha spoke about staying connected to the fearless, happy-go-lucky little girl she once was.
She wrote: “The bridge between who you were and who you are becoming, seems like it should be so different but I kinda disagree, that little fearless, happy go lucky, loving little me, is exactly who I want to be, so coming back to that is all you can ever ask for.”
“I’ve lived a really beautiful life with so much to be grateful for, even through the hardest battles.”
Anusha said that she has learnt so much and here “I am still wanting to sing and dance my way through life! Can’t ask for anything more.”
“Ps. Thankyou @sulabha.dandekar my Birth Giver! You and me in Sudan, 44 years ago. Love you. That’s my Daddy in the background saying Action, as you can see I had parents who let me fly from day one! And yes that’s me in the pink top with pigtails!”
She conlcuded: “THANKYOU FOR THE BIRTHDAY WISHES AND LOVE! I feel so special beyond! You made my heart explode Also I know the songs hit differently when you finally understand the words hahahahaha”
Anusha’s sister Shibani Akhtar shared the same video to wish her sister, whom she lovingly called her “chicken”.
Shibani had written: “Happy bday chicken. I love you endlessly my little superstar Dream big, shine bright and stay as beautiful as you are always @anushadandekar.”
Talking about Anusha, on the work front, has been a successful Indian television host, VJ, actor, and model. She became a household name with hosting shows like MTV Dance Crew, MTV Love School, and MTV Teen Diva. Apart from television hosting, she has also appeared in Bollywood films such as Mumbai Matinee, Viruddh, and Delhi Belly.
Meanwhile, Shibani is an Indian actor, singer, model, and television host and is known for her work in Bollywood films and digital content. She began her career as a VJ and later appeared in movies like Roy, Shaandaar, and Naam Shabana.The actress is also a singer and part of the music band Shibani Kashyap Project. The actress has been in the spotlight of late for her relationship and marriage to Farhan Akhtar in 2022. She is the daughter-in-law of ace writer and lyricist Javed Akhtar, Honey Irani and Javed’s second wife and veteran actress Shabana Azmi. Anusha Dandekar is grateful for a beautiful life, even through the hardest battles | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
