Latest from El Aosboa
News18
16 minutes ago
- News18
Pune Gears Up For Palkhi 2025: List Of Key Routes, Traffic Advisory Issued
Last Updated: Pune is preparing for the Palkhi processions on June 19 and 20 this year Thousands of devotees are expected to arrive for Pune's annual Palkhi processions of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj on June 19 and 20. In preparation, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued detailed safety and traffic guidelines. The advisory aims to manage the large crowds drawn by this deeply respected tradition observed by pilgrims from all over Maharashtra. As part of the advisory, 1,494 hoarding agencies within PCMC limits have been asked to check and strengthen their hoardings, especially those along the Palkhi routes, according to Times Now. Since large crowds are expected, officials have emphasised the importance of making sure these structures are safe. The PCMC has also warned that any agency found careless about safety may face strict action. The PCMC has reportedly shared a list of main routes under its limits that will be used for the Palkhi processions to help people stay informed. These routes include: Nigdi to Dapodi, Dehu to Alandi, and Dighi to Bopkhel. Heavy foot traffic is expected on these roads, and residents are advised to avoid travelling through these areas unless necessary during the procession days. Palkhi Procession 2025: Real-Time Updates The Pune Police will provide live updates on the Palkhi's movement through their official social media handles. For information on traffic conditions and alternative routes during the procession, people can visit: To manage the Palkhi processions smoothly, the PCMC, along with local police, is putting traffic diversions and extra security measures in place. Roads along the main routes will have closures, detours, and no-parking zones to avoid traffic jams and ensure safe passage for devotees. Concerned officials are also preparing crowd management steps, such as deploying marshals and setting up first-aid teams at important points. Residents and businesses along the procession paths are urged to support these efforts by staying updated on road changes and following safety guidelines to help the event run safely and efficiently. Palkhi 2025: Know More About It The Palkhi processions go beyond tradition—they are a powerful expression of faith and unity, reflecting Maharashtra's rich devotional culture. Pilgrims march together, singing devotional songs (abhangas) and carrying the symbolic footwear of saints Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar as a mark of respect and humility. As preparations continue, the PCMC has assured that the 2025 Palkhi will be both spiritually fulfilling and safely managed. Citizens are advised to check the official PCMC website for the latest updates on route maps, traffic changes, and emergency contacts.
Wall Street Journal
17 minutes ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Silicon Valley Wants to Woo the Pope on Matters of AI - Tech News Briefing
The tech revolution drove Pope Leo XIV's decision to select his papal name, and gave the world a glimpse of his priorities leading the Catholic Church. WSJ reporter Margherita Stancati discusses the long-running dialogue between Silicon Valley and the Vatican. Plus, Oracle is lending a hand to small tech companies that want to do business with the U.S. government. WSJ CIO reporter Belle Lin brings us the exclusive details of a new program, and what's in it for the multinational tech giant. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter.
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Health
- Time of India
Toronto suffers world's worst air quality as Canada's second-worst wildfire season chokes nation
Toronto is bracing for another summer of dangerous air quality as wildfires continue to rage across northern Ontario, the Prairies, and Western Canada, with doctors warning that the health effects of wildfire smoke are more serious and more widespread than many realize. The worst air quality Toronto recorded the worst air quality in the world in early June, according to global air tracker IQAir, as smoke from more than 183 active wildfires in Ontario drifted south into the city. It's a dramatic increase from the 100 wildfires recorded in the province at this time last year, and experts say it's a troubling sign of what lies ahead. 'We're already seeing much higher than our 10-year average,' said Dr. Samir Gupta, a respirologist and associate professor at the University of Toronto. 'It does look like we are in for a tough season.' Canada's second-worst fire According to federal data, the 2025 wildfire season has already burned 3.7 million hectares of land, an area six times larger than Prince Edward Island, making it Canada's second-worst fire year on record, behind only 2023. Live Events The resulting smoke has triggered air quality alerts in five provinces and one territory, and it's not staying contained within Canadian borders. Smoke from Canadian fires drifted over parts of the continental US in early June, from Kansas City to Minneapolis. High chances of health risks Though Toronto residents are far from the flames, Dr. Gupta says the health risks are very real. 'We see increased emergency room visits for things like asthma, COPD flare-ups, and even heart attacks and strokes,' he explained. 'These particles are so small they enter the bloodstream through the lungs and start affecting the heart and other organs.' Even short-term exposure to wildfire smoke can cause headaches, coughing, eye irritation, dizziness, and in severe cases, chest pain or difficulty breathing. Gupta added that vulnerable populations, including seniors, pregnant individuals, people with chronic illness, and children, are at the greatest risk. However, even healthy individuals should be cautious. 'When I see an AQHI [Air Quality Health Index] over 7, I won't go for a run outside. I'll exercise indoors,' Gupta said. 'When you're running, you breathe in twice as much pollution. It really can take a toll.' On smoky days, experts advise staying indoors, using HEPA air purifiers, and if you must go outside, wearing a fitted N95 mask to filter out fine particulate matter. This summer's conditions are expected to worsen, with The Weather Network forecasting a hotter and drier climate around the Ontario–Manitoba border, resulting in more wildfire outbreaks and smoke movement. 'The effects aren't always visible, but they're happening,' Dr. Gupta said. 'You may not feel it, but the smoke is doing the damage.'
Washington Post
17 minutes ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
China sends scores of planes across central line in Taiwan Strait
TAIPEI, Taiwan — China sent 74 warplanes toward Taiwan between late Thursday and early Friday, 61 of which crossed the central line in the Taiwan Strait that unofficially divides the sides, an unusually large number as tensions remained heightened in the region. It wasn't clear why so many planes were scrambled between late Thursday and early Friday, as tabulated by Taiwan's Defense Ministry. The planes were sent in two separate tranches, it added. China considers Taiwan its own territory and uses such deployments to advertise its threat to encircle and possibly invade the self-governing island. China also hopes to intimidate Taiwan's population of 23 million and wear down its equipment and the morale of its armed forces. On Thursday, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs 'confirmed and welcomed' the transit of the British Royal Navy's off-shore patrol craft HMS Spey through the Taiwan Strait a day earlier. The ship's transit, the ministry said, 'once again (reaffirmed the Strait's) status as international waters.' 'Such transits by the U.K. and other like-minded countries are encouraged to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific,' the Foreign Ministry said. Britain's representative office in Taipei said in a statement that the Spey had conducted a navigation of the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law and rights provided under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 'Wherever the Royal Navy operates, it does so in full compliance with international law and exercises its right to Freedom of Navigation and overflight,' the statement added. China responded angrily, saying the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army 'organized troops to monitor and guard the entire process and effectively responded and dealt with it.' The British ship's action 'deliberately disturbed the situation and undermined the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait,' the Eastern Theater Command said in a statement. The bustling Taiwan Strait lies in international waters, but China objects to any transit or activity within it by foreign military vessels. It wasn't clear if the large number of Chinese warplanes sent on Thursday and Friday were related to the earlier sailing of the British ship. Six military ships accompanied the Chinese planes, which ranged from drones to fighter jets and early warning and other support aircraft. Taiwan deployed ships, fighter interceptors and land-based missile systems in response.
Business Recorder
17 minutes ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Former skipper Paine appointed Australia ‘A' coach
SYDNEY: Former captain Tim Paine has been appointed coach of the Australia 'A' team for this season with the country approaching a transition to a new generation of players as a handful of test stalwarts near retirement. Paine has worked in the media along with occasional roles with the Australia women's team and 'A' programme since hanging up his bat in 2023 but will now give up his radio show to concentrate on his new job. 'It's time to spread my wings,' Paine told listeners on SEN radio on Friday. 'I've been working with Australia 'A' as an assistant coach and the opportunity has come up for me to be the head coach. I feel like it's a hard balancing act to pursue a coaching career and talk in the media. 'The Australia 'A' programme is very exciting, there's a lot of young talent to work with. It's something I really enjoy doing. I'm very lucky and I'm really looking forward to the next part of my journey.' Australia could lose as many as half a dozen test regulars to retirement after this year's Ashes series with the likes of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja all in their mid to late 30s. Australia drop struggling Labuschagne for first West Indies Test Cricket Australia said Paine would continue to help out with the women's team as well as with his coaching role at the Adelaide Strikers Big Bash League team. Paine took over as test captain in the wake of the Newlands ball-tampering affair in 2018 and led Australia to the retention of the Ashes in England in 2019, only to resign before the 2021-22 series after a sexting scandal.
