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Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
PAU opens training centre for UPSC aspirants
In a step to guide Punjab's youth towards careers in civil services, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) inaugurated the state training centre for IAS, PCS, and other competitive exams, at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Auditorium in the Students' Home. PAU vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal, praised the Punjab Government's initiative to establish such centres across the state. He said the centre at PAU, the first of its kind at the university, would be instrumental in shaping the future of aspiring bureaucrats and scholars. Highlighting the vital contribution of civil servants and agricultural scientists to nation-building, Gosal emphasised that the centre will provide free coaching to meritorious students, especially those from financially weak backgrounds. He added that a dedicated building for the centre is already in the pipeline and students will have full access to PAU's central library and other academic facilities. Director of students' welfare, Nirmal Jaura, elaborated on the centre's purpose, calling it a step towards equal opportunity in education and public service. He informed the audience that PAU's centre is among eight, recently approved by the Punjab Government to train candidates for top government roles including IAS, IPS, PCS, IRS, and ARS. Jaura noted that a qualifying test, to be conducted by Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, will be used to select deserving students, who will also be eligible for scholarships. Gursharanjit Singh Sandhu, principal of Government SCD College, lauded the initiative as a 'guiding light' for students determined to join civil services. The advisory panel includes top officials like the PAU vice-chancellor, director of higher education, deputy commissioner of Ludhiana, and PAU registrar, while the working committee is headed by Vipan Kumar Rampal with a team of dedicated faculty members. As part of the inaugural ceremony, two outstanding students were honoured by the vice-chancellor. Parisdeep Aulakh, from the College of Horticulture and Forestry, secured an All-India Rank of 172 in UPSC CAPF 2024. Sourav, an alumnus of the College of Agriculture and now assistant director with MSME, was also recognised for his achievements. International Day for Biological Diversity celebrated The department of forestry and natural resources, in collaboration with the NSS unit at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity on June 16. The event was organised under the global theme 'Be Part of the Plan', with the aim to promote environmental awareness. The ceremony supported by the National Biodiversity Authority through the Punjab Biodiversity Board and the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology, Chandigarh, drew participation of around 250 students. The highlight of the day was an expert lecture by Renu Bhardwaj, former professor at Guru Nanak Dev University, on 'How to Sustain Development and Preserve Biodiversity.' Bhardwaj captivated the audience by addressing the urgent need to protect natural resources amid growing environmental challenges like climate change, urban sprawl, and industrialisation. Chief guest RIS Gill, estate officer, PAU, spoke about the root causes of biodiversity erosion and stressed the importance of its conservation through sustainable practices. The programme also included several interactive student competitions such as poster-making and slogan-writing. The poster making competition was triumphed by Jasmandeep Kaur, Dhami Kapila, and Mehakpreet Kaur while Tanya Kaur, Arppita Sharma, and Avreet Kaur bagged prizes in slogan writing. Concluding the event, GPS Dhillon, head of the department, highlighted PAU's commitment to biodiversity conservation, especially through nursery production of traditional tree species.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Boon for Wicklow cyclists and walkers as construction starts to improve busy road
Chapel Road between Delgany and Blacklion is a busy section that has been under appraisal for some years. It was felt that pedestrian and cycle facilities along this road do not form a coherent, attractive or safe experience, in particular, for young children travelling to and from school, with St. Laurence's National School located along the road. Construction of the Chapel Road (Delgany) Pedestrian and Cycle Infrastructure Improvement Scheme to address this has now commenced and should reach completion in the second quarter of 2026. The scheme was proposed several years ago and was included in the Greystones Local Area Plan 2013 – 2019. It will involve upgrades of key sections of the road from the Convent Road Roundabout to Blacklion Manor Road, improving not only the footpaths and introducing new cycle track facilities, but also widening and realigning the road, to enhance safety and access for all road users. This will link in seamlessly with existing cycle and pedestrian facilities previously completed on Chapel Road, ensuring a continuous, accessible route for all. The scheme also includes the construction of two permanent bus stops, further supporting sustainable, integrated travel options for the area. Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr Paul O'Brien said: 'This journey didn't happen overnight. The project received Part 8 Planning approval in January 2020, and the necessary land was secured through a compulsory purchase order approved by An Bord Pleanála in February 2022. 'I'd like to acknowledge the significant funding commitment which has made this project possible. It is 100pc funded by Wicklow County Council through development contributions, a testament to our commitment to reinvesting in the communities that make Wicklow such a vibrant and connected place to live.' Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O'Gorman added: 'At its core, the scheme addresses the current gaps in pedestrian and cycle safety, particularly for our youngest road users—children walking or cycling to school. By delivering a safer and more coherent route, we are supporting healthier lifestyles, reducing traffic congestion and providing a more pleasant environment for all. 'I would like to thank DBFL Consulting Engineers, for designing and managing the construction of this scheme, as well as our appointed contractor, Coffey Group, whose team is currently hard at work on site and to the communities who have supported and advocated for this work— thank you to everyone who helped make it possible. Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible. It's an exciting day for the community and a significant step forward for active travel in Wicklow. 'We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the everyday lives of our residents and visitors alike.'
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Yellowstone star Kevin Costner's embattled movie project faces struggle, gets disappointing update
Yellowstone's Kevin Costner's movie project in trouble Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Kevin Costner, the star of Yellowstone, is forging ahead with his Horizon series amid various hurdles and scandals and the future beyond 2024's first installment looks bleak. Kevin Costner is forging on with his ambitious Horizon series, despite facing an array of obstacles and simmering eager for the third chapter of the proposed quartet of Western epics may be in for a torturous wait, as the release date remains elusive. The ambitious four-part film project has faced challenges from the start. Reports suggest that Kevin Costner's decision to invest $38 million of his own money created strain in his former marriage to Christine Baumgartner and may have played a key role in his departure from Yellowstone, reports Hollywood it hit theaters in August 2024, it earned only $11 million on opening weekend, and a total of $32 million globally as of September 2024, a month after it premiered. The second film was ultimately pulled from a theatrical the disappointing box office performance of the first film — a particular blow to Kevin Costner, who had personally invested $38 million (£28 million) — plans for a theatrical release of the sequel were this setback, serious allegations of sexual discrimination and harassment have surfaced from the production. Stuntwoman Devyn LaBella has filed a lawsuit, claiming she was involved in a 'violent, unscripted, and unscheduled rape scene.'Costner's legal team has firmly denied the allegations, stating they are 'entirely without merit.'Despite its myriad of challenges — most recently allegations of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and creation of a hostile work environment based on sex on set — production on Horizon appears to be continuing, though not without ongoing challenges. While the first film is available on Netflix, the second has yet to be made available on streaming after it failed to have a theatrical release. When asked if he's heard an update about the second chapter's release, Glynn Turman, who appeared in the second film and is meant to also feature in the third installment, confessed: "Not a thing."Although filming for Part 3 reportedly kicked off, Turman revealed to ScreenRant: "I don't know if they've continued it."Speaking to ScreenRant, he elaborated: "I think there was a temporary shutdown and I don't know if they went back, but Part 2, I can't wait to see."While the first installment is already streaming on Netflix, there's still no official word on when Horizon: Chapter 2 will be admitted he's completely in the dark about the timeline.'It's a bit frustrating—not just for me, but for everyone involved,' he said. 'That said, I really love Part 1. It reminds us of classic filmmaking—story-driven, immersive—and Kevin is one of the best at delivering that. I truly admire the bold move he made.'Speculation around the project's rocky production and Kevin Costner's split from Christine Baumgartner has fueled rumors about why he exited Yellowstone just as it was building toward its an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the veteran actor reflected on his career trajectory:'I don't mind going along with the crowd, but if they're not heading where I want to go, I have no problem taking my own path.'I'm just hoping to find that rare creative partner—man or woman—who wants to make meaningful films with me for the next decade. 'Someone who believes in telling stories that might actually stand the test of time.'
Perth Now
04-06-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Relic from infamous WA shipwreck to get new home
It withstood war, treacherous seas, and decades of unfortunate events — now, a relic from one of WA's most infamous shipwrecks has dropped anchor in Wanneroo. The last surviving lifeboat from the SS Alkimos, which the nearby suburb takes its name from, has been acquired by the City of Wanneroo. The SS Alkimos, a merchant ship and former wartime transport vessel built in the US during World War II, met its fate along the WA coastline in 1964 after running aground while being towed. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Since then, the vessel has captured the imagination of both historians and locals, becoming a lasting symbol in WA's maritime history. The SS Alkimos in January 1964. Credit: Stan Perkins / Western Australian Museum Originating as the Viggo Hansteen under Norwegian ownership, the ship has long been associated with tragic events, including a fatal accident during construction that claimed several workers. A murder-suicide also occurred on board in 1944, further fuelling the local legends that surround the vessel and its legacy. The ship ran aground off New Zealand in 1952, was sold and renamed SS Alkimos in 1953, and after striking a reef near WA in 1963 it was towed for repairs but ultimately driven ashore again when its tug line snapped. In the 60 years since the ship ran aground, much of the SS Alkimos has been salvaged, while the unrelenting conditions of the Indian Ocean have worn down what's left, leaving little visible above the water. All that remains of the SS Alkimos wreck above water. Credit: Wanneroo Museum As time and these elements erode what remains of the ship — now resting about 410m offshore — efforts to preserve what was saved from the wreck have become increasingly significant. With the goal of preserving an important piece of WA and the city's maritime history, the City of Wanneroo acquired the lifeboat last week from a private owner who had cherished it for decades. City of Wanneroo Regional Museum curator Alana Part said the city hoped to create a special exhibition on the SS Alkimos, with the lifeboat as the centrepiece, after an assessment by a conservator to explore potential restoration work. 'We're very excited to have it in the collection and to be able to share it with the community,' Ms Part said. '(The lifeboat) helps us enrich the museum collection. It allows us to tell stories about the Alkimos with something really concrete that we didn't have before. 'In the future, there'll be people that ask questions when we can no longer see the Alkimos, and it's completely underwater. These will be the last remaining things we have from such an important shipwreck.' City of Wanneroo Regional Museum curator Alana Part with the lifeboat. Credit: City of Wanneroo Despite its age, Ms Part said the lifeboat was in a 'surprisingly good' condition. 'One of the things the owner said to us when we were acquiring it was that it's still seaworthy,' Ms Part said. 'We weren't expecting much because, obviously, knowing the state of the Alkimos and the fact that it's been exposed to elements, and it's been well used throughout the years, but it's actually been well looked after. 'It's about seven metres long and 2.5 metres wide, so it's pretty huge.' The lifeboat is said to be in surprisingly good condition and still seaworthy, despite its age. Credit: Supplied Given its history plagued by misfortune, the ship is considered by many to be cursed. In the years immediately after the SS Alkimos running aground, around 12 salvage attempts were made. All failed, with several fires breaking out during scrapping. Some divers reported hearing phantom footsteps onboard, and there were reports the skull of a missing swimmer was found lodged at the wreck site — despite the swimmer disappearing around 43km south of the ship. After the SS Alkimos ran aground, it was scrapped over the coming years. Credit: Wanneroo Community History Centre Ms Part said these legends were an important part of the ship's legacy and hopes they will be shared with future generations. 'Anyone who has had something to do with the SS Alkimos always has a story to tell, which we love about it. We document all of those, and I'm sure in a future exhibition we'll be able to explore some of them,' she said. 'The next step for us is we're going to be contacting the Australian National Maritime Museum to apply to have it registered on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels.' Wanneroo mayor Linda Aitken said it was essential to protect this artifact for future generations and was excited to see how the lifeboat could help the community interpret the past and learn through history. 'It's wonderful to have secured the last surviving lifeboat from the SS Alkimos — an important piece of WA's maritime history and a link to the city's own coastal heritage,' Ms Aitken said. 'The preservation and future exhibition of the lifeboat will offer our community an opportunity to connect with the stories of our coastline, including the story of the SS Alkimos shipwreck.'
Health Line
04-06-2025
- Business
- Health Line
10 Common Medicare Myths Debunked
There is a lot of information about Medicare, which can lead to various misconceptions or 'myths' about the program. Debunking these myths can help you better understand your options and coverage. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over 65 or who have certain illnesses or disabilities. There are many options when it comes to Medicare plans and coverage. People may find the various options and enrollment confusing. Explaining some common misconceptions may help you make the best Medicare choices for your circumstances. Glossary of common Medicare terms Out-of-pocket cost: This is the amount you pay for care when Medicare doesn't pay the full cost or offer coverage. It includes premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Premium: This is the monthly amount you pay for Medicare coverage. Deductible: This is the annual amount you must spend out of pocket before Medicare begins to cover services and treatments. Coinsurance: This is the percentage of treatment costs you're responsible for paying out of pocket. With Medicare Part B, you typically pay 20%. Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount you pay when receiving certain treatments or services. With Medicare, this often applies to prescription medications. Myth 1: Medicare Part B is free Medicare Part B helps cover outpatient services and treatments. However, there are out-of-pocket costs involved. Everyone with Medicare is responsible for paying the Part B monthly premium, which starts at $185 and may be higher depending on your income. You are also responsible for paying the $257 Part B deductible. Once you meet this deductible, Medicare will cover 80% of the approved costs for your care, leaving you responsible for the other 20% of the costs. A note on Medicare Advantage If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you are still required to pay the Part B premium, as well as your plan premium. However, your Medicare Advantage plan will set its own deductible. Myth 2: I can enroll in Medicare whenever I want You are eligible to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 years old. You have an initial enrollment period that runs for 7 months, beginning 3 months before your birthday and ending 3 months after. During this time, you can enroll in any plan. Medicare also has an open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can join, drop, or switch to a new plan. If you do not sign up for Medicare parts A and B when you become eligible, you may be subject to late enrollment penalties. Myth 3: Medicare plans are only available through the federal government There are four parts to Medicare, and only two of them are available through the federal government. The four parts are: Part A Part B Part C (Medicare Advantage) Part D Part A and Part B make up Original Medicare, which is provided by the federal government. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) runs the Medicare program, while the Social Security Administration (SSA) processes your enrollment. Medicare Advantage (Part C) and prescription drug coverage (Part D) are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. The insurance providers and plans vary by area. You can find plans in your area using the Medicare online search tool. Myth 4: Medicare covers all of my medical expenses Medicare does have comprehensive coverage for healthcare. However, there are still out-of-pocket expenses involved. Original Medicare (parts A and B) also does not include prescription drug coverage. You will need to purchase a Part D plan from a Medicare-approved private insurance company. Each part of Medicare has its own costs that you are responsible for paying. These include: premiums deductibles copayments coinsurance Medicare cost examples Most people with Medicare Part A do not pay a premium. However, you are responsible for paying the inpatient deductible and the coinsurance for each day you are in the hospital. $1,676 deductible per benefit period Days 1 to 60: $0 after the deductible is met Days 61 to 90: $419 per day Days 91 to 150: $838 per day while using lifetime reserve days After day 150: all costs Everyone with Medicare must pay the Part B premium. The Part B costs include: Premium: $185 or more, depending on income Deductible: $257 annually Coinsurance: 20% of Medicare-approved costs Myth 5: I will be automatically enrolled in Medicare The only time you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare is if you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you become eligible. Otherwise, you will have to go to the SSA website and enroll in Medicare when you become eligible. Medicare and SSDI Anyone who is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is eligible to receive Medicare after 24 months of receiving SSDI. »Learn more: How to apply for Medicare Myth 6: Medicare will notify me when it's time to enroll Medicare won't notify you when you become eligible to enroll. It is up to you to sign up when you become eligible. Generally, you become eligible to enroll 3 months before your 65th birthday. However, you have until 3 months after your birthday to sign up without late enrollment penalties. Myth 7: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans are the same While both Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, they are separate coverage plans. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare (parts A and B), and the plans within the former offer the same coverage as the latter. However, they often come with prescription drug coverage (Part D) and additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, like vision, dental, and hearing. Medigap is extra insurance you can purchase from private insurance companies to help cover costs associated with Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. You cannot have Medigap with a Medicare Advantage plan. You are only eligible to purchase a Medigap plan if you have Original Medicare. Myth 8: Medicare and Medicaid are the same thing Medicare is a federal health insurance program that is generally for people over 65 years old. If you have certain illnesses or disabilities, you may also qualify for Medicare coverage. Since this is a federal program, the coverage and costs are standard no matter where you live, except for Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare is funded through your out-of-pocket costs and taxes as well as two government trust funds. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps pay for medical costs for people with limited incomes. The federal government has certain rules all Medicaid programs must follow. However, each state runs its own program, meaning benefits and eligibility requirements can vary from state to state. People with Medicaid don't typically pay anything for covered medical expenses. However, they may owe a copayment for certain items or services. Myth 9: Medicare costs the same for everyone Many Medicare costs can vary. For example, most people do not pay a premium for Part A. However, if you have not earned enough work credits by working and paying Medicare taxes, you can purchase Part A. Depending on how long you have worked, you will pay either $285 or $518 per month. You may also pay a higher premium for Part B if your income is above $106,000 as an individual or $212,000 as a married couple. The costs of Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D, and Medigap all vary based on the plan you choose and the area you live in. Myth 10: I can't sign up for Medicare because of my health Medicare will cover you even if you have preexisting conditions. You are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 years old, even if you have current health issues. You are also eligible for Medicare if you have certain illnesses or disabilities, like end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Takeaway There are various misconceptions or 'myths' about Medicare, so it's easy to become overwhelmed and confused. Understanding the difference between myth and fact can help you navigate Medicare easily and make informative decisions on your coverage. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
