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Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Sun emits strongest solar flare of the year, causing radio blackouts and communication disruptions, reports NASA
In a burst of solar activity, NASA has said that sunspot region 4114 has unleashed the most powerful solar flare of 2025 so far. Classified as an X1.2-class flare , the most intense category, the eruption occurred on 17 June and triggered widespread shortwave radio blackouts , especially over the Pacific Ocean, including areas such as Hawaii. The flare disrupted frequencies below 25 MHz, affecting communication for aviators and ham radio operators. Although it was not accompanied by a coronal mass ejection (CME), which typically intensifies geomagnetic storms, the flare's sheer intensity was enough to disturb the Earth's ionosphere. Scientists remain on high alert as the active sunspot continues to face Earth. What is an X-class solar flare detected by NASA Solar flares are powerful bursts of radiation from the Sun, and X-class flares are the strongest among them. An X1.2 flare, like the one recorded, is over ten times more intense than an M1-class flare. These events can cause temporary blackouts in the Earth's upper atmosphere by ionising it, disrupting radio signals and communication technologies. What it means for Earth's communications systems by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Spiele kostenlos in deinem Browser - Kein Download oder Installation erforderlich! Taonga Farm Jetzt spielen Undo While this flare did not pose a direct threat to life on Earth, it serves as a strong reminder of the Sun's volatile nature. Disruptions to communication, navigation systems, and satellites are possible with flares of this strength, especially if a CME is involved in future eruptions. Space weather experts continue to monitor the Sun's activity in real time to prepare for any further disruptions. No CME, but still troubling radio systems and other communications Unlike some previous eruptions, this solar flare was not accompanied by a coronal mass ejection or CME. CMEs are plasma clouds that can cause geomagnetic storms and auroras when they strike Earth's magnetic field. Despite this, the flare was intense enough to disturb communications and is being closely monitored for any follow-up activity. Region 4114: a solar flare factory Sunspot region 4114 has been unusually active. According to NOAA and it has fired multiple M-class flares in recent days. While its magnetic field has slightly weakened, it still has the potential to emit more M-class or even X-class flares shortly. The sunspot remains Earth-facing, keeping forecasters and scientists alert. A sign of the solar maximum This event aligns with the current phase of the Sun's 11-year solar cycle, known as the solar maximum. During this period, sunspot activity increases dramatically, making powerful flares like these more likely. NASA and NOAA suggest that this phase began in late 2024 and could peak in 2025.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Delhi cabinet nod to school fee hike ordinance, 3 panels to consider requests; internship schemes get approval too
The Delhi cabinet, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, approved an ordinance to regulate private school fees retrospectively from April 1, 2025, aiming to curb arbitrary hikes and protect parents from financial exploitation. NEW DELHI: To regulate arbitrary fee hikes by private schools, the Delhi cabinet, led by chief minister Rekha Gupta, gave its approval on Tuesday to Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Ordinance 2025. It will come into effect retrospectively from April 1. The cabinet also gave its nod to Viksit Delhi Chief Minister Internship Programme and the deployment of 100 interns in Forensic Science Laboratory. According to officials, the schools will have to take permission under the prescribed procedure and rules before increasing the fees. The law will help in cracking down on schools that charge fees arbitrarily or discriminate against students. Parents will also get a clear system to register their complaints and ensure prompt action on them. Once the ordinance gets President's assent, the rules of this law will be prepared. Announcing the development, education minister Ashish Sood said the ordinance would secure the future of children studying in private schools and provide relief to the parents. "It is a major move towards ending the financial exploitation of the parents of private school students once and for all," Sood said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Speel gratis in je browser – Geen download of installatie nodig! Taonga Farm Nu afspelen Undo "The ordinance will be sent to lieutenant governor for forwarding it to President... This retrospective provision will especially benefit those parents who were pressured into paying exorbitant and unjustified fees," he added. BJP govt earlier planned to introduce the bill in the assembly during a special session in May, which got cancelled. Since the monsoon session will take place in July, govt decided to enact it through an ordinance. A fine of Rs 50,000 will be imposed on a school by the director of education for each affected student. The administration will also have the power to seal and sell the school property in case of repeated violations and if the fines are not paid. A school-level fee regulation committee, district fee appellate committee and a revision committee will be formed to oversee fee structures and address grievances. The bill mandates the selection of parent and teacher representatives in the committees by draw of lots and decision-making by majority vote within committees. It bars schools from taking coercive action against students for non-payment of fees, such as striking off names from rolls, withholding examination results, denying access to classes or activities, or subjecting students to public humiliation or psychological harassment. It also states that there should be representation of all stakeholders, including parents, teachers and members from scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, backward classes and women, in the school-level fee regulation committees. According to officials, Viksit Delhi Chief Minister Internship Programme will harness the energy and innovative ideas of young interns pursuing graduation and postgraduation in various fields. It aims to tap 150 meritorious students who have studied in India to work in Delhi govt for 89 days. Officials said the interns would have a clear interest, aptitude and commitment to public service and work in synergy with various departments to provide analytical support in the formulation of policies, implementation of projects and various initiatives in development infrastructure, social security, technology sector, etc. The interns will be selected by Delhi University. The cabinet also approved the deployment of 100 interns in FSL for one year on a stipend basis to offer young qualified professionals the opportunity to gain practical experience and learn about the latest techniques and technologies in forensic sciences. CM Gupta said that in the past 100 days, significant decisions were taken in the public interest in every cabinet meeting, inspired by PM Narendra Modi's commitment to making citizens' lives "simpler, more transparent and dignified".
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How the Satcom permit may force Elon Musk's Starlink to do in India what it has been refusing to do so far: Listen to ...
Elon Musk 's Starlink recently received a licence from the telecom department for providing satellite internet services (Satcom) in India. The licence is a key milestone that will take it closer towards launching commercial operations in the country. With this, Starlink becomes the third company after Eutelsat OneWeb and Jio Satellite Communications to get a licence from the Department of Telecommunications ( DoT ) to provide satellite internet services in the country. A fourth applicant, Amazon's Kuiper is still waiting for approvals. Starlink's satcom permit from the Indian government may now force the company to do what it had not been doing so far per se, which is cooperate with security agencies on matters related to India's national security. As a report in Economic Times says, the licence will make it mandatory for Starlink to share information, including details of users or owners of satellite kits seized in the country, particularly in the North-East region in the past few months, information that the US company was unwilling to share earlier. When Startlink said no to India's security agencies India's security agencies have reportedly pointed out the misuse of Starlink devices in Indian territory, especially in the border areas, officials said. However, the Elon Musk-owned company has been reluctant to provide details, directing agencies to use US law enforcement or international protocols. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Spiele kostenlos in deinem Browser - Kein Download oder Installation erforderlich! Taonga Farm Jetzt spielen Undo In March this year, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reportedly asked the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to investigate, as Starlink's non-cooperation raised concerns. The DoT has not yet submitted its report, but officials note that with the satcom license, Starlink must comply or risk a show cause notice and potential license revocation. Experts have 'security warning' on Satcom services Experts warn that Starlink services in Bhutan and Bangladesh could lead to smuggled terminals in India due to challenges in geofencing international borders. Security remains a priority, and none of the three satcom licensees -- Starlink, Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, and Reliance Jio-SES -- have so far received security clearances, delaying commercial operations. While OneWeb and Jio-SES have trial spectrum and have conducted security demonstrations, Starlink, which received its Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite permit last week, has not yet been allocated trial airwaves. OneWeb and Jio-SES have had Satcom permits and IN-SPACe approval for over two years, while Starlink awaits regulatory clearance. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Zodiac signs that love to spend time with kids
Some zodiac signs are naturally warm, caring, and playful—traits that make them enjoy spending time with children. Whether it's through storytelling, games, teaching, or simply offering comfort, these signs feel a deep connection with the innocence and joy that kids bring. Their nurturing nature makes them not only great with children but also often the favorite adults in a child's life. Cancer Cancer is the most nurturing sign of the zodiac. Ruled by the Moon, Cancer individuals are naturally caring, protective, and gentle. They enjoy creating a safe and loving environment, which makes them excellent with children. Spending time with kids brings out their emotional warmth and playful side. Pisces Pisces are imaginative, kind, and emotionally sensitive. They connect deeply with the world of fantasy and creativity, which matches the way children see the world. Pisces enjoy storytelling, art, and gentle play, making them comforting and fun companions for kids. Leo Leos are playful, enthusiastic, and full of energy. They love to entertain and often have a childlike spirit themselves. Leo individuals enjoy being around children, making them laugh, and planning fun activities. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Speel gratis in je browser – Geen download of installatie nodig! Taonga Farm Nu afspelen Undo Their natural leadership also helps them guide and support kids in a friendly way. Taurus Taurus is calm, patient, and reliable. They enjoy steady routines and peaceful environments, which many children also find comforting. Taurus individuals are often gentle and loving, and they enjoy spending quiet, quality time with kids, whether it's reading stories or helping with schoolwork. Libra Libras are kind, fair, and enjoy creating harmony. They are good listeners and make children feel heard and respected. Libra individuals often love helping kids learn social values, play games, and resolve small conflicts peacefully. Their balanced and friendly nature makes them easy to trust. These zodiac signs often find joy and fulfillment in spending time with children. Their warmth, patience, and emotional understanding make them naturally good at building strong and loving connections with the younger generation. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
FBI chief Kash Patel admits his house was swatted: What is swatting and why is it increasing in America?
Image credits: X/@Kash_Patel FBI director Kash Patel recently had an interview with popular podcaster Joe Rogan where he made a shocking revelation that his house had been swatted. Rogan, like the listeners of the podcast, appeared shocked by the admissions asking, "What? The head of the FBI gets swatted?" to which Patel replied 'These people play, it's the ultimate hypocrisy. They have two sets of rules: One against you, and one for them.' What is swatting and why is it becoming a rising problem in America? Explained: What is swatting? Image credits: X/@ClownWorld_ If there's any federal law system that is popular for its alacrity in response it's the American one. Be it 911 or SWAT, every call for emergency and protection is taken into account and immediate response is assured. Recently, the country has been experiencing a rise in the cases of swatting. Swatting includes false calls to the 911 or Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) reporting a false threat at a location. Swatters falsely report major threats like bomb threats, hostage situations and murders in order to ensure serious responses from the emergency services. The SWAT team responds to the locations and assumes the people residing there as points of threat. Swatting essentially makes the misuse of the responsiveness and alert actions of the federal teams and is also a threat to the life of the people whose houses are swatted as they are treated as points of threat with gunpoint and allegations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Spiele kostenlos in deinem Browser - Kein Download oder Installation erforderlich! Taonga Farm Jetzt spielen Undo In the previous months, houses of popular names such as Conservative podcast and Infowars host Owen Shroyer, US journalist Larry Taunton, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Bieber, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj have also been swatted. Now added to the list is the head of the FBI, Kash Patel who himself has been very vocal on launching active campaigns against swatting and recognising the seriousness of the situation. 'I want to address the alarming rise in 'Swatting' incidents targeting media figures. The FBI is aware of this dangerous trend, and my team and I are already taking action to investigate and hold those responsible accountable,' Patel had posted on X a while ago. 'The one thing we will do is put out all that information to the American public.' Patel promised at Rogan's podcast. He added, 'And if we can work with our partners at the DOJ to come up with a prosecution, that will be their decision.' Why is swatting increasing in America? Image credits: Getty Images Well, American society is one of the most technologically-forward societies in the world. From social media to AI apps, there's not much hidden from people about each other. People overshare personal information on social media, their IP addresses are easily accessible by hackers, and they keep updating in real time where they are. These acts make it very easy for your abodes to be swatted. In order to prevent your house from being swatted, keep on checking the privacy settings on your emails and social media, update your passwords from time to time, and avoid sharing any kind of personal information such as your real-time location, hour or office address and more.
