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Scientists warn! Earth’s darkness is at risk from thousands of space mirrors

Times of India

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6 months ago

Basant Panchami 2026: Complete Guide To Saraswati Puja, Traditions and Auspicious Practices

Basant Panchami 2026: Complete Guide To Saraswati Puja, Traditions and Auspicious Practices

ABP Live

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6 months ago

TikTok Survives US Ban Threat After $14bn Deal, Trump Offers Rare Praise To Xi

After a lot of back and forth, TikTok has finally closed a deal that will allow it to continue operating in the United States. The deal, completed just one day before the deadline set by US President Donald Trump, secures access for the app’s roughly 200 million American users.  According to a company press release, the restructuring will create a new entity supported by a consortium of global investors alongside parent company ByteDance. Oracle, UAE-based investment firm MGX and private equity firm Silver Lake will each acquire a 15 per cent stake, while ByteDance will retain a 19.9 per cent holding. “The majority American-owned Joint Venture will operate under defined safeguards that protect national security through comprehensive data protections, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurances for US users,” TikTok said in a statement.  The company added that TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC will be responsible for safeguarding US user data, applications and the platform’s algorithm through strengthened data privacy and cybersecurity measures. The new entity will be led by CEO Adam Presser and Chief Security Officer Will Farrell, and will operate under the oversight of TikTok CEO Shou Chew and a seven-member board. The seven-member board will include Oracle Executive Vice President Kenneth Glueck, TPG Global senior adviser Timothy Dattels, Susquehanna International Group managing director Mark Dooley, Silver Lake co-CEO Egon Durban, DXC Technology CEO Raul Fernandez and MGX chief strategy and safety officer David Scott. The restructuring will also extend to other ByteDance-owned platforms operating in the United States, including CapCut and Lemon8. Trump’s Thank You Note for Xi In a Truth Social post, US President Donald Trump thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping after the TikTok deal was closed.   “I am so happy to have helped in saving TikTok! It will now be owned by a group of Great American Patriots and Investors, the Biggest in the World, and will be an important Voice,” Trump wrote, and credited the app for helping him earn the youth vote in his 2024 presidential run.  He also thanked Vice President JD Vance and others for helping him close this “very dramatic” deal.  “I would also like to thank President Xi of China for working with us and, ultimately, approving the Deal. He could have gone the other way, but didn’t, and is appreciated for his decision,” wrote Trump. It is to be noted that the groundwork for the agreement was laid late last year. In December, TikTok chief executive Shou Zi Chew told employees in a memo, reported by CNN, that the company had signed a Trump-backed deal to sell its US assets to a group of American investors. Although the transaction was not complete at the time, it was widely seen as a crucial step towards safeguarding TikTok’s long-term presence in the country. In September, Donald Trump signed an executive order clearing the way for the sale of TikTok’s US assets to a consortium made up largely of American investors. (With inputs from agencies)

ABP Live

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6 months ago

IPL 2026: Adar Poonawalla's Tweet Sparks RCB Takeover Talks

Royal Challengers Bangalore finally ended their long wait for an IPL trophy by winning IPL 2025 title, their first since the league's inception in 2008. After 17 seasons, RCB lifted the coveted trophy last year, but soon after the historic triumph, reports began circulating about a possible change in ownership of the franchise. RCB is currently owned by Diageo, a global liquor manufacturing company. According to media reports, Diageo is considering selling the franchise and could complete the process by March 31 this year. Amid these developments, Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has sparked major excitement with a tweet hinting at his interest in acquiring the RCB franchise. Adar Poonawalla’s tweet fuels speculation Adar Poonawalla took to his social media account and openly expressed his intent, stating that he plans to place a strong and competitive bid for Royal Challengers Bangalore in coming months. His post quickly went viral, triggering widespread speculation across the cricketing world. Over the next few months, will be putting in a STRONG and COMPETITIVE bid for @RCBTweets, one of the best teams in the IPL. — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) January 22, 2026 Despite having won the IPL only once, RCB remains one of the most popular franchises in the league. In terms of fan following, they rival multiple-time champions like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, making the franchise an attractive investment opportunity. Virat Kohli remains face of RCB A major reason behind RCB’s massive fan base is Virat Kohli. The franchise signed Kohli during the very first IPL season in 2008, and as his stature grew in international cricket, RCB’s popularity soared alongside him. Virat Kohli has been the face of the franchise for over a decade and also served as captain for several seasons. He did not win IPL as captain, but played a crucial role in RCB’s title-winning campaign in 2025. Kohli finished as the third-highest run-scorer of the season, scoring 657 runs in 15 matches, including eight half-centuries, and was instrumental in RCB's win over Punjab Kings in last year's IPL final.

ABP Live

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6 months ago

Tata Punch Facelift Review: Not So Small Anymore In Feel Or Features | What We Like & What We Don't

Tata Punch Review: The Punch facelift comes at the right time as Tata Motors wants to increase its market share further while enabling to control the lion's share of the sub-4m SUV space with the Nexon and Punch. As a result, the new Punch comes with a turbo petrol engine, finally and also more features plus better safety. Here's what we like and what we don't. Tata Punch Review: What We Like The new Punch is one of the best-looking sub-4m SUVs with the tweaked front end, new headlamps and the reprofiled rear end, which makes it more of a proper SUV. It has more presence than its rivals, which is a key element. Interiors finally get a major update with a larger and slicker touchscreen and a new digital instrument cluster. The new look cabin is more modern-looking, and the quality has jumped. Extended thigh support is also welcome. New features like 360 degree camera, 6 airbags, 7 speaker audio system, rear armrest, AC vents, etc. further make it more value for money while being one of the highest equipped cars. The new turbo petrol engine is much needed and literally adds 'Punch' with more performance, which is needed. The ground clearance plus the toughness easily make this more of a proper SUV than its rivals. The driving experience also makes it feel like a bigger SUV. It also does decently off-road, unlike its competition. The CNG version has a dual cylinder layout and gets an AMT option. Tata Punch Review: What We Don't The turbo petrol only comes with a manual gearbox and will limit its appeal, as a DCT would have brought in more buyers, even if more expensive  The Punch naturally aspirated petrol engine has flat performance while decent in the city. Top-end trims slightly overlap with the Nexon. Overall, the new Punch is a more rounded package now with a turbo petrol and more features, while it continues to be a small SUV that is the most rugged, plus being the most capable over bad roads.

ABP Live

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6 months ago

Chinese company builds a device that can ‘see through’ your skin and show your veins instantly

A portable vein finder developed by Vivolight has gained attention for its ability to project a live vein map onto the skin. This near-infrared light technology aids clinicians in quickly and accurately locating veins for medical procedures, especially in challenging cases. The device offers a practical solution for routine medical care, improving efficiency and patient comfort.

Times of India

0 23 0

6 months ago

Meet Dr Gladys West: The mathematician who helped make GPS dies at 95

Dr. Gladys West, a pioneering mathematician whose work in satellite geodesy was crucial for modern GPS accuracy, has passed away at 95. For decades, her vital contributions to modeling Earth's shape and gravitational forces remained largely unrecognized. Her legacy is now celebrated, highlighting her impact on everyday navigation and her role as a barrier-breaking figure in STEM.

Times of India

0 17 0

6 months ago

ABP Live Your Money Your Life: How The First Quarter Of 2026 Will Shape Your Money Decisions

The new year often feels like a financial reset, arriving at a time when personal planning overlaps with the final quarter. Budgets are drawn up, goals are set, and there is a sense of control. For a short while, financial plans have been manageable. Then routine expenses, unexpected costs, and old habits begin to return. What many people overlook is that the choices made in the first three months quietly shape the rest of the year. In 2026, with borrowing costs, credit access, and household expenses under close watch, these early decisions matter more than ever. Building Steady Spending And Saving Habits The first quarter is when spending patterns begin to settle after year-end expenses. This makes it the right time to bring structure back to monthly finances. A simple, realistic budget helps prevent small expenses from adding unnoticed. Minor adjustments, suchas increasing savings slightly or cutting back on non-essential spending, are easier to maintain when done early. Habits formed now tend to last longer than changes attempted later in the year. Starting Tax Planning Before Pressure Builds Tax planning works best when it is gradual. The early months provide clarity on income, fixed obligations, and likely bonuses. This allows individuals to choose the right tax structure and spread investments evenly throughout the year. When tax decisions are postponed, they often lead to rushed choices driven by deadlines rather than need. Planning early improves cash flow and reduces stress closer to filing season. Letting Credit Discipline Set The Tone Credit behaviour in the first few months often defines how lenders view borrowers for the rest of the year. Timely repayments, controlled credit card usage, and avoiding unnecessary credit applications help establish a stable profile. Early discipline makes iteasier to maintain consistency later. With lending decisions increasingly driven by behavioural data, these patterns influence both access and affordability of credit. Giving Investments Time To Work Investments benefit most from time, not timing. Beginning systematic investments early allows compounding to work quietly in the background. It also reduces the urge to react to short-term market movements later in the year. Clear asset allocation decisions madeearly help investors stay focused on long-term goals rather than market noise. Preparing For Surprises Before They Appear Unexpected expenses rarely arrive with warning. Strengthening an emergency fund early provides a cushion before financial pressure builds. Reviewing insurance coverage during this period also helps, as decisions taken without urgency tend to bemore balanced. This preparation reduces reliance on high-cost borrowing later. The first 90 days of the year are not about dramatic changes, but about calm planning and steady choices. Small decisions made early shape habits, priorities, and financial confidence for the rest of the year. A measured start often makes the remaining months easier to manage. In personal finance, consistency at the beginning usually delivers stability at the end. (The author is Associate Analyst, Communications, BankBazaar.com. This article has been published as part of a special arrangement with BankBazaar)

ABP Live

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6 months ago

Volkswagen Assembles Tayron R-Line Locally As Premium SUV Push Continues

Volkswagen has commenced local assembly of its premium Tayron R-Line SUV in India, marking another milestone in the company’s strategy to expand its presence in the country’s premium SUV segment. The Tayron R-Line is being assembled at Volkswagen’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant in Maharashtra. The model has begun rolling off the production line in line with the brand’s launch plans for the first quarter of 2026. Focus On Local Assembly  Volkswagen said the move reflects its commitment to making premium German-engineered mobility more accessible to Indian customers through local assembly. The Tayron R-Line is positioned as the most premium SUV in Volkswagen India’s line-up and offers seven-seater space, everyday practicality and a sporty R-Line design with a refined appeal. Management Highlights Strategic Importance Speaking on the commencement of production, Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, said the start of assembly marked a key step for the brand’s SUV portfolio in the country. “The start of production for another world-class model — the Tayron R-Line — at our Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar facility represents a strategic step forward for Volkswagen India’s SUV portfolio. This milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to putting the customer at the heart of our engineering, ensuring every detail resonates with the lifestyle and aspirations of our patrons. We aim to deliver a distinctive choice for premium SUV customers while reinforcing our operational strength and readiness to meet the evolving expectations of the Indian automotive market,” Arora said. Demand For Premium SUVs In India Nitin Kohli, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said the company sees strong demand for premium German-engineered vehicles in the Indian market. “We believe there is a strong demand for premium German-engineered cars here in India and our plan is to make these cars more accessible to our customers. The Tayron R-Line has rolled off the production line today at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar plant, in less than a year since its global launch, and that is our level of commitment to driving growth in India,” Kohli said. Launch Planned For Q1 2026 With production now underway, Volkswagen is preparing for the Tayron R-Line’s market launch, which is slated for the first quarter of 2026. The company said the model is expected to add momentum to its presence in the premium SUV segment in India.

ABP Live

0 88 0

6 months ago

Big Changes In PF Rules: Withdraw Money Via UPI? Here’s What EPFO Is Planning

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to roll out a major overhaul of its services under EPFO 3.0, aimed at making provident fund withdrawals quicker and more user-friendly for nearly 80 million active members. The reforms are designed to reduce paperwork, minimise errors and bring EPFO’s functioning closer to that of a bank. A key highlight is the proposed facility to withdraw PF using UPI, including through the BHIM app, which is expected to be introduced by April 2026. The new system also promises easier access to services from any EPFO office nationwide. Bank-Like Access: Work From Any EPFO Office Under EPFO 3.0, members will no longer be restricted to their “linked” regional EPFO office for resolving issues. Once implemented, employees will be able to get PF-related work done at any EPFO office in the country, a move expected to benefit those who frequently shift cities due to jobs. The EPFO portal is also being upgraded to become more intuitive and efficient. The new website is expected to include an AI-based language translation tool, enabling users to access information in multiple Indian languages beyond English, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil and others. UPI Withdrawals, Simpler Categories & Quicker Payouts One of the biggest changes proposed is PF withdrawal via UPI. The feature is expected to allow members to receive funds faster and may also enable withdrawals through ATM-linked processes. EPFO has also simplified withdrawal rules. Earlier, PF withdrawals were governed by 13 different reasons, which often confused members. Now, withdrawals are proposed to be grouped into just three categories: Essential Needs (serious illness, education, marriage) Housing Needs (home purchase, construction, home loan repayment) Special Situations (unemployment) Another key change is a uniform 12-month service requirement across categories. Under the revised structure, education withdrawals may be allowed up to 10 times, and marriage withdrawals up to five times. The reforms also propose that members can withdraw up to 75% of funds immediately, with the remaining 25% continuing in the account to protect interest benefits and retirement security. If a member remains unemployed for a year, they may be allowed to withdraw 100% of the PF balance. Additionally, EPFO has enabled members to correct common profile errors online, such as name, date of birth, parents’ names and employment dates, without requiring employer or EPFO approval.

ABP Live

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6 months ago

Viral Video Alleges ‘Love Jihad’ In Jammu; Woman Claims Man Hid Muslim Identity To Approach Hindu Girls

A viral video from Jammu has triggered a fresh controversy after a woman claimed that a man was allegedly introducing himself as “Sahil” while interacting with Hindu girls. In the clip, she alleges the man was hiding his Muslim identity, and links the incident to the contentious “love jihad” narrative. The video has spread rapidly across social media, drawing strong public reactions and calls for action. However, the allegations in the clip have not been officially verified so far, and there has been no confirmation from the police regarding the identity of the man shown in the video. What The Woman Claims In the video, the woman can be heard accusing the man of allegedly misrepresenting his identity. She claims he had been using a Hindu name to approach Hindu girls, and alleges this was part of an attempt to conceal his religion. The woman further asserts that the incident reflects a wider pattern of alleged deception.           View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by Aayat Chambyal (@aayatrajputt1) Several users have demanded immediate action, while others have urged caution, noting that viral claims are often shared without context. At present, the video’s authenticity, the circumstances of the incident, and the accuracy of the accusations remain unverified. Officials Yet To Confirm So far, authorities have not issued an official statement confirming the woman’s allegations. It is also unclear whether a formal complaint has been lodged with the police or whether an inquiry has been initiated based on the viral clip. The incident once again highlights how quickly allegations circulating online can escalate into wider controversy. Until verification is completed, any definitive conclusion about the claims made in the video remains premature.

ABP Live

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6 months ago

MG Cyberster Debuts In New Signature Blue-Green ‘Irises Cyan’ Finish

JSW MG Motor India has unveiled a new signature exterior finish, ‘Irises Cyan’, for the MG Cyberster through its luxury brand channel MG SELECT. Known as the world’s fastest MG, the Cyberster now gains a more distinctive identity with this new blue-green shade, aimed at enhancing its premium and performance-led appeal. A colour that sharpens Cyberster’s design The Irises Cyan finish has been specially calibrated to accentuate the Cyberster’s sculpted body and classic roadster profile. The balanced blend of blue and green highlights the car’s aerodynamic form while reinforcing its performance-driven character. On the road, the new shade gives the electric roadster a striking and premium presence. Blending heritage with modern performance The design philosophy of the MG Cyberster draws inspiration from the iconic MG B Roadster heritage. MG’s long-standing values of design purity, motorsport spirit and emotional driving experience come together with modern electric technology in the Cyberster. Its classic roadster proportions are carefully balanced with contemporary electric performance, positioning it as a dedicated luxury performance roadster. Sculpted silhouette and signature elements The Cyberster’s identity is further defined by its dramatic electric scissor doors and soft-top roof. Its sculpted silhouette reflects a fusion of past and future, a design approach that places the Cyberster at the upper end of the premium roadster segment. MG SELECT’s design-first approach MG SELECT, the luxury brand channel of JSW MG Motor India, places design at the centre of every decision. Commenting on the launch, Milind Shah, Head – MG SELECT, said that Irises Cyan is not just a colour option but an expression of the Cyberster’s confidence and creative character. He added that MG SELECT aims to offer customers a more personalised and premium experience, enabling a deeper emotional connection with their cars. Curated dual-tone colour options Apart from Irises Cyan, the MG Cyberster is also available in carefully curated dual-tone colour combinations. These include Nuclear Yellow and Flare Red paired with a black roof, and Andes Grey and Modern Beige offered with a contrasting red roof. Each combination enhances the car’s dynamic proportions and visual drama. MG SELECT and the future of luxury mobility MG SELECT has been developed around the core principles of innovation, sustainability and curated experiences. Drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of Morris Garages, the channel seeks to redefine luxury in the Indian automobile landscape. The first products under MG SELECT include the MG M9 – The Presidential Limousine, and the MG Cyberster – The World’s Fastest MG. JSW MG Motor India and MG’s global legacy JSW MG Motor India Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between SAIC Motor and the JSW Group, is working towards building a modern and sustainable automotive ecosystem in India. Founded in the UK in 1924, Morris Garages built a global reputation through its sports cars and roadsters. With over a century of heritage, MG today continues its journey as a future-focused and technology-driven brand.

ABP Live

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6 months ago

ABP Exclusive | ‘Asked To Leave Within 5 Days’: Former TCS Employee Says He Faced ‘Resignation Or Termination’ Choice

TCS Layoffs: A former Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee has claimed he was asked to leave the company within five days of joining. Speaking to ABP Live on the condition of anonymity, the man alleged that the company’s HR gave him an ultimatum to either resign voluntarily or face termination. He said he had joined TCS through campus placement. ‘Faced Resignation Or Termination Choice’ In a post on Reddit, the man, who goes by the username “ayanan420”, claimed that shortly after joining, he was informed that his background verification (BGV) had come back “negative”. He added that he had already disclosed his employment history during the interview process and was told at the time that it would not be an issue. “I’m an MBA 2025 graduate in the finance and business analytics major. I have applied for the TCS MBA hiring and got selected, and I was waiting for my joining letter, having a huge belief on this offer letter and all of my best friends were already in TCS, and I was too excited to join,” the man, who was offered the position of Assistant System Analyst in Grade C1 at TCS, claimed on Reddit.  He added that he received his joining letter, completed formalities, and had begun his Initial Learning Programme (ILP) when the issue arose. “I got the joining letter too, and I joined. My ILP was happening and cleared of all formalities day after tomorrow is the last day, and weekends, from Monday I’m gonna be in bench. Suddenly, the HR called in and said my BGC was negative.” “Long story short, my previous company, where I worked got bankrupt and was completely shut down, and there was no HR or anything. And in my dumbness, my previous company said if you’re fine with receiving salary in cash, they can pay me 30,000 per month, and I accepted it, so there’s no proof of me working except for the relieving letter and their last three months' pay slip.” He told ABP Live that he had informed TCS about not having a provident fund (PF) record and that the company had initially accepted this explanation. The Reddit user added that even though the managing director (MD) of his previous company was willing to provide “proof”, TCS HR did not consider it. “So, I was called in, and the HR gave me two options: either resign by EOD or get terminated… The only answer he needed was either resignation or Termination.” “They [TCS] never thought of solving it. The only question they asked was termination or resignation, and that too in 1 hour. I need to reply to my HR about that,” he told ABP Live. The former TCS employee said that his two years of hard work came to “nothing”. “I personally went around 240 kms round trip between my exams and sleepless nights just to attend these interviews and exams and my 2 years of hard work became nothing. Useless.” ABP Live has reached out to TCS for a comment. It will be added once we receive a response. Faced Similar Situations At TCS - Reddit Users Many Reddit users, in the comments section of the post, said that they faced similar situations at  “I was on a similar boat when I joined TCS way back in 2013. The very first company I worked for was shut down and TCS On-boarding team behaved with me ridiculously on the joining date, even after I submitted my Offer Letter, EPFO statements, salary slips. They kept on insisting for contacts of previous company (with a email id of my manager/team lead in that company domain who can share my feedback with them) but the company domain was taken down after shutdown and all employees moved here and there, so I didn't had any such contacts, and as a fresher in those days I never made any meaningful contacts who can do a favor me,” claimed one social media user.  Another added, “It’s TCS who is at fault here. They can or can’t accept your argument, clearly they decided not to. Good lesson for you for future negotiations.”“Many people are facing similar issues company shut down, form 16 unavailability, epfo issue and so on. There should be some central process and it should be followed by all companies. Making employee/employees work more easier. Companies using BGV as just excuse to fire people.i saw people getting fired for not having form 16 they have bank statements, offer/relieving letter everything,” a third commented. A fourth asked, “TCS is firing everyone these days for silly reasons. Are they giving you severance?”

ABP Live

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6 months ago

Study Links Childhood ADHD Traits to Increased Mid-Life Health Risks

New Delhi: People who exhibited ADHD traits at age 10 could be 14 per cent more likely to report two or more physical health issues, such as migraine, back problems, cancer or diabetes by the age of 46, a study has found. Compared to men, women were more likely to be affected due to the association between ADHD traits and physical health-related disability, findings published in The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open show. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is marked by short attention spans and restless, impulsive behaviour. The neurodevelopmental condition is commonly diagnosed during childhood and in some cases can persist into adulthood. Researchers, led by those from the UK's University College London (UCL) and University of Liverpool, looked at 10,930 people, who were recruited for the 1970 British Cohort Study. The participants were born in England, Scotland, and Wales during the same week in 1970, and follow-up data were collected over 46 years. Further, those who were likely to meet ADHD diagnosable criteria in childhood were estimated to have a 42 per cent chance of a physical multimorbidity by age 46, compared to a 37 per cent chance for those without high ADHD traits. "Here we have added to the concerning evidence base that people with ADHD are more likely to experience worse health than average across their lifespan," senior author Joshua Stott, professor of ageing and clinical psychology at the University College London, said. The analysis suggests that the poorer health outcomes were partly explained by increased mental health problems, a higher BMI and higher smoking rates among people with ADHD, the researchers said. Studies have shown that people with ADHD are also more likely to experience stressful life events and social exclusion, and are less likely to get timely access to screening and medical care, they added. "All of these potential explanatory factors align with the fact that ADHD makes impulse control more difficult, the need for instant gratification and reward more intense, and is also associated with worse mental health in part due to the social disadvantage people with ADHD face," Stott said. The authors wrote, "Higher childhood ADHD traits were associated with more physical health conditions, increased odds of physical multimorbidity (14 per cent), and (a) greater physical health-related disability by age 46 years. "Participants who had a high likelihood of meeting ADHD criteria in childhood (5.5 per cent) had an estimated probability of 42.1 per cent of physical multimorbidity by age 46 years compared with 37.5 per cent for those without high ADHD traits," they said. The study determined ADHD traits based on child behaviour questionnaires completed by parents and teachers when the participants were aged 10, regardless of whether they had ever been diagnosed with ADHD. The research group had published a study in January 2025, which found that adults diagnosed with ADHD tend to have a reduced life expectancy, compared to the general population. The findings were published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.  (This report has been published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. Apart from the headline, no editing has been done in the copy by ABP Live.)

ABP Live

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6 months ago

This black hole jet is draining matter from its galaxy

Times of India

0 20 0

6 months ago