New Delhi: Riyan Parag launched a concerted defense of the players after Rajasthan Royals‘The seven-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur urges commentators and experts to stop personal criticism and focus on the game.The RR captain, who missed the match due to a hamstring problem and remained among the impact substitutes, said players often face unfair judgment from outside despite preparing for several days for every game. “We perform as per the expectations of the audience. So I think we all should love cricket and look at it the same way. The players are working very hard,” Parag said after the win. “It is very easy to say, if a team is all out for 75 or 80 runs, they do not know how to play or do not have the mentality to play. But there is 3-4 days of preparation before that match to ensure how we can score 200-250. But sometimes this does not happen.“‘Commentators should talk about cricket’Parag, who has often been in the headlines this season for reasons beyond his performances, including an off-field controversy, said criticism crosses the line when it becomes personal.He said in the post-match press conference, “We are also human beings and we also make mistakes. So, I think the more that is coming out, especially the commentators, their voices are reaching the people. I would request them to love cricket. Talk about cricket.”The 24-year-old player, who was recently named vice-captain of the India A team for the Sri Lanka tri-series, said the game deserves more respect from those who shape public opinion.“The game, which is the most important game in the country, and the one in which we are the best, should be treated with some respect. We should only talk about cricket.” We shouldn’t be talking about anything else,” he said.Parag said that he has learned to control external noise.Parag said, “In the last four years, I have understood one thing – no matter what I do, there will be conversations. I have also understood that whatever conversations are happening, it should not affect my game, my form or my mentality because keyboard warriors are outsiders.”

Riyan Parag Jai Ho Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Parag also gave special praise to 15-year-old opening batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 93 runs in 38 balls to chase down the target of 221 runs.“I think that was his best innings,” Parag said. “When he was on 5 at 10 or 11, there were always two ways to go. But he took his time. That first big shot from Mayank Yadav over cover gave me the satisfaction that he may be short, but he has a great understanding of the game.”

For most people, water is harmless, even comfortable. It cools the body on hot days, washes away dirt and makes up about 60 percent of the human body itself. But for a small number of people around the world, contact with water can cause painful, itchy hives within minutes. The condition known as aquagenic urticaria is so rare that only a limited number of cases have been formally documented in the medical literature. Researchers say patients may react to rain, showers, swimming pools and, in some cases, even their own sweat. Although scientists still do not fully understand this disorder, decades of medical studies confirm that this rare condition is real.

What do scientists know about water allergies?

This condition was first described in 1964 by researcher F. Shelley and W. Rawnsley, who documented patients developing hives after exposure to water. Since then, dermatologists and immunologists have been trying to understand why this happens. Scientists believe that people are not actually allergic to water itself. Instead, water can interact with substances in the outer layer of the skin, causing immune cells called mast cells to release histamine, the chemical responsible for itching and inflammation.A 1981 study by researcher RG Sibbald and colleagues found evidence of histamine release during exposure to water, lending support to the theory that the condition is associated with an abnormal immune response rather than simple skin irritation.

Symptoms may appear within minutes

People suffering from aquagenic hives usually develop small raised lesions and intense itching soon after water touches the skin. The reaction usually appears within 20 to 30 minutes and may last for an hour or more. The longer the exposure, the more severe the symptoms may become.Doctors say that even routine activities can become difficult. If sweating causes a flare-up, patients may need to take shorter baths, avoid swimming, or limit exercise. Interestingly, most people with this condition can still drink water normally because the reaction occurs through skin contact rather than through the digestive tract.Because the disorder is so rare, diagnosis can take time. Doctors often rule out more common causes of hives before considering aquagenic hives. The standard diagnostic method is called a water provocation test, where a cloth soaked in room temperature water is placed on the skin for about 20 minutes to see if hives develop.Researchers Robert Rothbaum and Gene S. Medical reviews, including McGee’s 2016 analysis, have highlighted how difficult the condition can be to recognize as many physicians may never encounter a case during their careers.

Is there any treatment?

There is currently no cure for aquagenic hives, but treatment can help control symptoms. Doctors usually prescribe antihistamines, which block the release of histamine in the body. Some patients with severe symptoms have also responded to therapies such as omalizumab, a drug commonly used for asthma and chronic allergic conditions.A 2022 systematic review by researcher Chuda Rujitharanawong and colleagues found that antihistamines remain the primary treatment option, although researchers are still searching for more effective treatments.

A mystery scientists still can’t fully explain

Despite decades of study, scientists still don’t know exactly why some people develop aquagenic hives. Researchers are investigating whether a substance hidden in the skin activates the immune system by reacting with water. For now, the condition remains one of medicine’s strangest documented disorders, a rare example of how the body can sometimes react to even the most essential substance for life.

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu minister Adhav Arjun on Wednesday said Chief Minister Vijay wants his cabinet to “work like a family” as cracks appear in the alliance over the possibility of including rebel AIADMK MLAs in the government.Speaking to reporters, Arjun said that Vijay wanted the parties supporting the government to get representation in the cabinet.“The CM wants the cabinet to work like a family. He wants the supporting parties to get representation in the cabinet. The DMK and AIADMK attempted to form an alliance which went against the people’s decision,” the minister said.Read this also ‘I think they will not go to that extent’: Shanmugam warns CPM to reconsider support if TVC inducts AIADMK rebels into cabinet.“During the elections, DMK said that AIADMK is under the control of BJP, but later it forgot its ideology and negotiated an alliance with AIADMK. Congress and Left parties united on one front to protect the constitutional system. We will travel together with AIADMK in the spirit of friendship.The comments come a day after CPM said it would reconsider its support to the Vijay-led government if it accommodates the rebel AIADMK faction in the cabinet.Read this also 2 Congress MLAs will join Vijay government, currently no AIADMK rebelAddressing a press conference, CPM leader Shanmugam said the basis for supporting the TVK was to stop the imposition of President’s rule and prevent “backdoor entry into BJP rule”.Shanmugam said the purpose of this arrangement is to ensure governance by a party elected by the people. However, he said the inclusion of rebel AIADMK members in the Council of Ministers would be against the party’s stand on mandate and clean governance.He said, “No party got the majority and TVK emerged as the largest party, and hence only they had the scope to form the government. With the idea of ​​facilitating governance by a party elected by the people, the Left parties and the VCK extended outside support to the TVK, enabling it to form the government.”“I think the TVK will not go to that extent (of including the AIADMK rebel group in the cabinet). In case the TVK takes such a stand, the CPI(M) will reconsider its support to the TVK,” he said.TVK had passed the floor test in the Assembly on May 13 with the support of AIADMK rebels, expelled AMMK MLA Kamaraj, Left parties, VCK and IUML.

Marcus Aurelius (Image: Wikipedia)

People often expect powerful quotes to sound dramatic. They envision big words, complex ideas, and messages that immediately announce themselves as life lessons. Yet some of the most memorable quotes do something more sobering. They begin as simple observations and then gradually become ingrained in the mind after hours. This quote by Marcus Aurelius sounds something like this.On the surface it seems to be talking about death. Anyone reading this might assume the message is about fear or mortality. Then the second half completely changes direction. Suddenly, the quote stops focusing on dying and starts focusing on something bigger. living.This change is interesting because most people spend more time than they realize thinking about the future. Someone says that they will start the journey later. After life becomes less busy, one plans to learn something new. One keeps waiting for the right moment before taking a risk, changing direction or doing something that one really wants.Life starts becoming a collection of plans.Days pass. Months pass. Sometimes even years pass.Marcus Aurelius seems to ask an uncomfortable question through this quote. What if the biggest problem isn’t that life eventually ends? What if the bigger problem is getting to the end and realizing it never really started in the first place?This idea seems a little disturbing.Maybe because so many people recognize parts of themselves in it.

Quote of the Day by Marcus Aurelius

“It is not death that man should fear, but the fact that he should never begin to live.”

Understand the meaning of Marcus Aurelius’ quote

This quote seems to suggest that people should worry less about death and think more carefully about whether they are really alive while they still have time. Death is inevitable. Marcus Aurelius understood that reality very well. As a Stoic philosopher, many of his ideas focused on accepting the things people cannot control rather than constantly fearing them.The quote seems to say that fear often keeps people stuck. People put off decisions because they worry about failure. They avoid opportunities because uncertainty makes them feel uncomfortable. They stay in a routine that feels safe because change creates anxiety.Gradually, life can become something that people observe rather than experience.Marcus Aurelius seems to be questioning that habit. To exist and to survive are not necessarily the same thing. A person can move through each day’s routine without feeling connected to something meaningful. A person may be so focused on avoiding mistakes that he or she also avoids experiences.It seems to have a deep thought hidden beneath the words.The quote is not encouraging reckless behavior. It appears to be encouraging awareness. there is a difference.

Why people often keep waiting for the right time

Many people live with a strange belief that eventually life will become so organized that happiness will come naturally. People imagine a point in the future where responsibilities will become smaller and everything will suddenly become clear.Someone says that they will enjoy life after getting promotion. Someone says that they will travel after saving enough money. Someone promises himself that he will start pursuing a dream once circumstances improve.The problem is that life is rarely completely organized.New responsibilities replace old responsibilities. New concerns emerge. Different problems replace earlier problems. Waiting gradually becomes a habit without people noticing.Perhaps that is why the words of Marcus Aurelius seem relevant even after centuries. Humans continue to behave remarkably similar despite living in completely different worlds.People still put off things that matter. People still believe there will always be more time. sometimes happens. Sometimes this does not happen.

Why can comfort quietly become a trap?

Relaxation is generally not seen as something dangerous. Most people naturally gravitate toward situations that seem stable and predictable. Security creates reassurance, and there is nothing unusual in wanting that.Still, comfort sometimes creates unexpected problems.People sometimes become attached to routines that no longer excite them because familiarity feels easier than uncertainty. A task may seem incomplete, yet changing direction feels scary. Someone may have interests they want to explore, but keep putting them off because trying something unfamiliar poses a risk.Over time, the routine can gradually become automated. The days begin to seem similar. The weeks start getting mixed up.People continue to function normally, but enthusiasm and curiosity begin to disappear, sometimes in small ways.Marcus Aurelius seems to be warning against that peaceful form of existence. The quote almost asks readers whether they are living intentionally or simply moving through familiar patterns because they feel safe.This question probably depends on where a person is in life.

Looking at Marcus Aurelius beyond philosophy books

Marcus Aurelius was not just a philosopher sitting apart from ordinary life. He was also a Roman emperor who was responsible for political decisions, military campaigns, and leadership during difficult times.That detail makes his words more interesting.People sometimes imagine philosophers as individuals cut off from practical realities. Marcus Aurelius lived with heavy responsibilities and constant pressure. His views on life developed while dealing with real problems rather than abstract situations.Many of his ideas later appeared in his work Meditations. The writing was not originally intended for a public audience. They were like personal thoughts and reminders written to oneself.Perhaps this explains why many of his ideas seem surprisingly obvious. They don’t sound like speeches. They often seem like someone trying to understand life in private.Readers sometimes connect strongly with that honesty.

Why fear often masks practicality

One interesting thing about fear is that it doesn’t always look like fear.Sometimes it feels like waiting. Sometimes it feels like you are thinking too much. Sometimes this also seems responsible.People often tell themselves that they are just being practical and avoid things that really matter to them. Someone delays taking a decision because he wants more certainty. Someone hesitates to do something because the time does not seem ideal.The explanations often seem reasonable.The hard part is to recognize when caution quietly becomes avoidance.Marcus Aurelius seems to be pointing towards the same possibility. Fear doesn’t always manifest dramatically. Sometimes it becomes routine and convinces people to stay where they already are.Years later, people sometimes realize that they have spent an enormous amount of time preparing to live rather than living.

Why does this quote still seem relevant today?

Modern life creates endless distractions and constant motion. People are almost constantly busy. The schedule gets crowded. Notifications keep coming every few minutes. Responsibilities compete for attention throughout the day.Because of this, many people begin to believe that an activity automatically means fulfillment.It is not necessary that both things be the same.A person may remain busy while feeling cut off from the things that really matter. A person may achieve goals and still wonder if something feels missing beneath the accomplishments.Marcus Aurelius’s words seem to ask readers to stop and think about that difference. Life cannot be just about surviving responsibilities or reaching future goals. It may also involve paying attention to experiences, relationships, and moments that create meaning while they exist in time.

Other famous quotes from Marcus Aurelius

Why do these words stick with readers?

Some quotes become memorable because they inspire. Others stop because they ask uncomfortable questions that people can’t easily dismiss.This probably falls into the second category.Most people are not afraid of death every day. They are afraid of small things. Failure, rejection, change, uncertainty, looking foolish and making mistakes. Those fears often seem normal and harmless when they are happening.Yet perhaps Marcus Aurelius was seeing something that many people miss.Sometimes the danger does not reach the end. Sometimes the danger is to spend years waiting for it to start.

VD Satheesan’s oath (Image/PTI)

New Delhi: Following the controversy over the order of songs played during the swearing-in ceremony of Tamil Nadu CM Vijay, a fresh political controversy has erupted in Kerala after the singing of the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ during the swearing-in ceremony of the new UDF cabinet led by VD Satheesan. CPM has strongly criticized this move and termed it inappropriate in a pluralistic society.The CPM state secretariat on Tuesday said the decision to present the full version of the national anthem goes against the earlier stand taken by the Congress Working Committee, which had recommended deletion of certain parts in 1937.The party also cited the discussions of the Constituent Assembly in 1950, which it said showed the acceptance of only the first eight lines of ‘Vande Mataram’ as the official national song.In its statement, the CPM argued that parts of the song reflected specific religious beliefs and said their inclusion in official ceremonies was not in line with India’s pluralistic traditions. It alleged that the function included sections that had previously been excluded from official use.The party also pointed out that even in BJP-ruled West Bengal, full presentations were not given during the swearing-in ceremony and said governments should avoid actions that could “weaken the pluralistic character of the society” or weaken secularism.The CPM further said that the time was sensitive, as efforts to polarize the society on communal lines were becoming more active, and urged all governments to maintain the secular structure of India.However, the BJP strongly criticized the CPM and accused it of ‘insulting’ the national anthem and attempting to appease ‘vote-bank forces’ like Jamaat-e-Islami and SDPI. State BJP president Rajeev Chandrashekhar said the Left was distancing itself from Indian traditions and termed their stance as ‘dangerous appeasement politics’.“In an attempt to hide the embarrassment of being completely rejected by the people, the CPI(M) has now come forward to question Vande Mataram,” he said.The Kerala BJP chief said, “Insulting the nation for mere political survival can never be called secularism. A developed Kerala requires unity, harmony and a secure society.” Amid the political war of words, sources in the newly formed Kerala government clarified that they had no role in the selection of the programme, PTI reported, adding that the program was entirely organized by Lok Bhavan.CPIM leader PA Mohammad Riyas expressed concern on social media, saying that traditionally only selected parts of ‘Vande Mataram’ are performed, to which BJP leaders reacted sharply and questioned the party’s objections.

Tamil Nadu protocol controversy adds to parallel controversy

The debate in Kerala has also been compared to a similar political and protocol controversy in Tamil Nadu, where questions were raised over the order of songs at the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Minister Vijay.CPI state secretary M Veerapandian had objected to the order of presenting the songs, saying it was against long-standing state tradition. In a letter released after the ceremony, he said that instead of having ‘Vande Mataram’ at the beginning of the program as per the traditional protocol in Tamil Nadu, the Tamil invocation song should be played first, followed by the national anthem.Read this also ‘Play Tamil song before Vande Mataram’: Controversy over national anthem erupts at TVK chief Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony“As per the instructions issued by the Raj Bhavan, giving priority to the song ‘Vande Mataram’ and keeping Tamil at the third position in the program program of the swearing-in ceremony organized by the Tamil Nadu government is in violation of the established tradition,” he said.He further argued that the issue has historical and ideological significance, pointing out that during the freedom struggle itself, it was decided that ‘Vande Mataram’ could not serve as the national anthem in its full form due to objections over certain religious references.“The Tamil Nadu government should issue a public clarification identifying those responsible for this error,” he said.The CPI leader also urged that the Tamil invocation song should be restored to its traditional position at the beginning of official functions, while the national anthem should conclude the ceremonies as per established practice.

Before long he had earned the title of “Bollywood’s Mr. Perfectionist” and broken global box office records, the superstar aamir khan Had to rely on grassroots movement to attract attention. An adorable throwback video of The old footage shows a completely recognisable, pre-stardom Aamir walking through the hot streets of Mumbai with his cousin Raj Zutshi, personally pleading with auto-rickshaw drivers to stick promotional posters of his 1988 hit film Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak on their vehicles; One driver also clearly rejected the future icon.

‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ poster campaign on auto-rickshaws in Mumbai

Aamir personally contacted auto-rickshaw drivers and requested them to stick posters of the film on the back of their vehicles. She was also joined by her cousin and co-star Raj Zutshi. Together, they traveled across Mumbai distributing posters and talking to drivers one by one. The idea was simple but effective. Every moving auto-rickshaw became a mini-billboard with the film’s title written across the city. A memorable moment from the clip shows a driver refusing the request. That rejection has now become a part of Aamir’s inspiring struggle story.

Fans are reacting to the motivational video

The throwback video has received an emotional response online. One fan commented, “From putting posters on autos to becoming Bollywood royalty”. Another commented, “Oh.. her voice has changed over the years. This voice is clearly the prestardom voice.” Another wrote, ‘Old struggle stories have a different impact after achieving success.’

More about ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’

‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’, released in 1988, introduced Aamir Khan and both Juhi Chawla As a lead actor. directed the film Mansoor Khan In his directorial debut. The story follows two young lovers who fall in love, run away together and meet tragic fates.

Human history appears simple when seen in textbooks. A neat timeline with a clear progression from simple devices to complex cities. But archeology slowly and quietly keeps breaking that picture. then suddenly. A buried temple is visible which is older than farming. A lost city rises out of the forest. A tomb untouched for thousands of years opens up like a sealed time capsule. These findings don’t just add facts. The greatest archaeological discoveries ever made are important not only because of what they contain, but also because of what they suggest. Ancient humans may have been much more advanced, organized, and symbolic than earlier theories. Experts often say the record is incomplete. And those lost pieces of history are still waiting underground.As reported by WorldAtlas, here are 11 archaeological discoveries that continue to shape debate, research, and sometimes even disagreement among archaeologists.

From Gobekli Tepe to Pompeii: 11 discoveries that rewrite the story of humanity

Gobekli Tepe – a temple before civilization

Göbekli Tepe is often described as one of the most devastating archaeological discoveries ever made. The site, located in southeastern Türkiye, is estimated to be more than 11,000 years old. That alone is extraordinary. But what makes it more surprising is what was found there.Huge T-shaped stone pillars stand in circular formations. Many are carved with elaborate figures of animals such as snakes, foxes, lions and scorpions. The scale of construction is huge. Some stones weigh several tons, requiring organized labor and planning. Yet it appears to have been constructed before agriculture was fully established in the area.Experts still debate its purpose. Some people suggest ritual gatherings. Others think it may have been a seasonal meeting place for early human groups. What emerges is that symbolic thinking and large-scale coordination existed much earlier than expected. This slightly unsettles the traditional timeline of human evolution.

Pompeii – a city stopped in a moment

Pompeii seems almost unreal to describe. A Roman city frozen in time after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79. Ash, gas and volcanic debris buried everything in a matter of hours. Streets, houses, even human figures were preserved in astonishing detail.Walking into Pompeii today feels like stepping into a frozen civilization. The bread is still in the oven. The wall paintings remain visible. Shops look almost ready to reopen. It is rare for archeology to preserve not only structures, but moments.Experts say Pompeii provides one of the most complete snapshots of Roman daily life ever found. Yet it is also a reminder of how quickly a functioning society can disappear. There’s something unsettling about how normal everything seems. As if life stopped midway and never started again.

Dead Sea Scrolls – Fragile texts that have survived time

The Dead Sea Scrolls have been found in caves near Qumran, which is located close to the Dead Sea area. These documents include religious texts, ancient biblical texts, and secular community documents dating from approximately the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD.What makes them important is their age and condition. Most documents were written on parchment and papyrus, substances that decay very quickly. However, the dry desert climate protected them for nearly two millennia.It is believed that the documents were deliberately buried to prevent them from being destroyed, perhaps due to a conflict. The scrolls provide an early version of the Hebrew scriptures and give information about the development of religious documents. However, some aspects of the story are missing as some parts have not yet been read or are incomplete.

Terracotta Army – The Underground World of an Emperor

In 1974, farmers near Xi’an in China discovered fragments of clay figures. This led to the discovery of the Terracotta Army. What happened next was surprising.Thousands of life-size soldiers, horses, and chariots were buried near the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Each figure has unique facial features, hairstyles and expressions. It almost appears like an actual army preserved in mud.Generally its purpose is considered to be security in life after death. Ancient Chinese beliefs placed great importance on life after death, especially for rulers. The scale of the project suggests immense coordination and labor, potentially involving hundreds of thousands of workers.Excavation continues even today. Some of the pits remain untouched, and researchers expect more discoveries still lie buried underground.

Machu Picchu – the city in the clouds

The archaeological site is located in the Andes mountains. It was constructed by the Inca civilization and later abandoned; Possibly after the Spanish conquest and diseases.It includes temples, agricultural terraces and stone roads built using impressive engineering skills. The stones are fitted with such precision that they require no mortar, which baffles engineers even today. This indicates impressive mastery of architecture and landscape engineering.Archaeologists are still unsure about the use of this site. Some argue that it was used for the royal family while others claim that it was a religious place. Considering its location among the mountains and clouds, it is possible that it also has some symbolic significance.

Tikal – a jungle kingdom rediscovered

Tikal is located deep in the rainforest of Guatemala. Once a major city of the Maya civilization, it was rebuilt over the centuries and finally abandoned around the 10th century.When rediscovered, it was almost completely covered with dense forest. The huge pyramids rose above the trees like natural hills. Excavations revealed squares, temples, inscriptions and astronomical records.The Maya civilization was highly advanced in mathematics, astronomy, and writing systems. Tikal reflects that complexity. Yet the reason for its decline is still debated. Environmental stress, war, and political instability are all possible factors.

Tutankhamun’s tomb – a royal time capsule

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb is one of archeology’s most famous moments. This tomb, found in 1922, belonged to a young Egyptian pharaoh who died in his teens.Unlike many other tombs, it was largely intact. Gold masks, jewellery, chariots and everyday objects filled the burial chamber. It provided an unmatched look at ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife.Experts still debate aspects of Tutankhamun’s life and death. Some suggest illness. Others propose injuries or genetic conditions. The tomb remains a major source of information about royal burial practices in ancient Egypt.

Stonehenge – a stone mystery that refuses to answer

The Stonehenge construction period is one of the most studied prehistoric monuments in the world. Large stones were transported from far away places and arranged in a circular pattern. The effort required is extraordinary. Without modern tools or wheels, ancient builders moved and positioned huge stones weighing several tons.Its purpose is still unclear. Some theories suggest astronomical alignment with the solstices. Others propose burial or ceremonial use. No written records exist, so interpretation depends entirely on archeology and speculation. Stonehenge continues to attract both researchers and visitors, each trying to understand its meaning.

Angkor Wat – City of Temples

Angkor Wat is one of the largest religious buildings ever built. It was first built in the 12th century, and at first served as a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, although it is now used by Buddhists.It is spread over a vast area with many towers, passageways and sculptures that depict various aspects of life. Some scholars believe that Angkor Wat was not just a temple but also a city. The architectural qualities still attract many experts who are interested in construction.

Derinkuyu – underground city

Derinkuyu Underground City is a massive underground settlement discovered in the 1960s. It consists of several levels of tunnels, rooms, storage areas and ventilation systems.It may have been used as a place of refuge during invasions. Some estimates suggest it could shelter thousands of people. The engineering behind its ventilation and structure is still studied today.What makes it remarkable is its accidental discovery. A homeowner reportedly found it after breaking down a wall in his basement.

Petra – a city carved in stone

Petra is famous for its rock-cut architecture. The Nabataeans carved temples, tombs, and buildings directly into the sandstone cliffs. It was once a major trading center connecting different regions. The civilization also developed advanced water management systems, making survival in the desert environment possible.After centuries of decline, Petra was largely forgotten by the outside world until its rediscovery in the 19th century.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi He met his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni over dinner shortly after arriving in Rome on Tuesday for the final leg of his five-nation tour, before the two leaders took a late evening stroll through the iconic Colosseum.Sharing photos from the evening on Instagram, PM Modi wrote, “Upon landing in Rome, had the opportunity to meet PM Meloni over dinner followed by a tour of the iconic Colosseum.”“We exchanged views on a wide range of topics. Looking forward to our talks today, where we will continue the conversation on how to promote India-Italy friendship,” he said.The two leaders were also seen sharing a ride through Rome, offering a glimpse of informal “car diplomacy”.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also warmly welcomed PM Modi on social media, sharing a photo with him on Instagram and writing, “Welcome to Rome, my friend!”In a photo shared by PM Modi, the two leaders are standing together inside the Colosseum at night. Against the dimly lit backdrop of an ancient Roman amphitheater, the two leaders were seen engaged in a long conversation overlooking the historical monument.

In the video circulating online, PM Modi is shown wearing a dark navy blue bandhgala suit with white churidar trousers and black shoes, while Meloni is wearing a light pink embroidered top with white trousers.In another candid moment PM Modi and Meloni are seen leaning against a railing overlooking the Rome skyline during sunset, and appear to be in deep discussion. Meloni is also seen adjusting her hair while listening attentively, while PM Modi points towards the city below.

The Prime Minister also shared the works of Italian painter Giampaolo Tomasetti, particularly his paintings inspired by Varanasi and Indian spiritual traditions. Tomasetti’s association with Indian culture goes back more than four decades.Earlier, on reaching Rome, PM Modi was warmly welcomed by the Indian community. The Indian diaspora gathered outside the Prime Minister’s hotel with Indian flags, cultural displays and chants to welcome him during the last leg of his diplomatic tour.PM Modi in Italy: Meloni meeting, IMEC, trade, FAO – what’s on his agenda?The Prime Minister interacted with community members, greeted children and even signed an autograph for a young fan who presented him with a portrait. “I am extremely grateful to the Indian community in Italy for the warm welcome extended to me in Rome yesterday evening,” PM Modi said in another post on Twitter.He said, “Their deep affection for India and commitment towards strengthening India-Italy relations is truly commendable. The Indian diaspora is making our country proud across the world.”PM Modi’s visit to Italy comes at a time when bilateral relations between the two countries are witnessing new momentum under the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, which focuses on enhancing cooperation in sectors including trade, defence, technology, clean energy and connectivity.The Rome visit is the last stop of PM Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour. Before reaching Italy, the Prime Minister visited Norway, Sweden, Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates.Also read: PM Modi’s Italy visit live updates

Representative AI-generated image

Mumbai: A roadside observation study conducted in Maharashtra from December 2022 to February 2025 shows that correct helmet use among motorcyclists was as low as 19 per cent and was almost non-existent (4 per cent) among pillion riders. Speeding was most observed in ride-share vehicles (23 percent) compared to government and private vehicles, taxis and commercial vehicles.The study was conducted by the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit, part of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Initiative for Global Road Safety. It was recently published online by Maharashtra Highway Police.For the motion study, a total of 7.75 lakh observations were made by the team during the baseline and five additional observation visits as well as three special surveys in December 2023, March 2024 and August 2024.Speed ​​was found to be higher on state highways (21 percent) and national highways (15 percent) compared to expressways. Based on vehicle type, sedans (25 percent), SUVs (21 percent), and motorcycles (16 percent) had higher rates of speeding than any other.

Increasing deaths and injuries

The study recommends more visible and comprehensive enforcement, improving the e-challan system to ensure timely issuance and enforcement of penalties for violations, establishing clear speed management guidelines for all types of vehicles and implementing speed calming measures such as speed bumps, rumble strips, safe speed signage and designation of low speed zones to protect vulnerable road users.For the study on helmet use, 2.17 lakh observations were made, and for the study on seat-belt and child restraint use, 1.75 lakh observations were made by the team.Correct helmet use was highest in major urban areas (24 percent), followed by smaller towns (21 percent) and lowest in rural areas (10 percent). Based on road type, correct helmet usage was lowest on main roads (12 percent), followed by highways (17 percent), and highest on collector and local roads (30 percent).Recommendations included enforcement among both riders and pillion riders, and large-scale media campaigns in rural areas.Child restraint use for minors under 12 was found to be 0 percent. Seat-belt use was much lower among passengers (13 percent) than among drivers (41 percent). Male drivers (40 percent) and passengers (11 percent) are less likely to wear seat belts than female drivers (71 percent) and female passengers (17 percent). Seat-belt use was lowest in commercial vehicles (16 percent) and highest in taxis (51 percent).Recommendations include increasing enforcement of age-appropriate child restraint use and monitoring all enforcement and mass media campaigns to assess their effectiveness.In 2025, 15,549 people were killed and 32,147 injured in road accidents in Maharashtra.