KYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile. escalating the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks Friday during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, representatives of the military-industrial complex and developers of missile systems at the Kremlin in Moscow. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads, each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia will launch production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said. “Sooner or later, other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development. “We have this system now,” he added. “And this is important.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” In this photo taken from a video released Friday, a Russian serviceman operates at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick ... there will be consequences,” he said. Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky speaks to journalists Friday during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He said the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who said it's not the first time such a threat has been received. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. We're all going to die someday. Still, how it happens—and when—can point to a historical moment defined by the scientific advancements and public health programs available at the time to contain disease and prevent accidents. In the early 1900s, America's efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, and routine vaccinations were still in their infancy. Maternal and infant mortality rates were high, as were contagious diseases that spread between people and animals. Combined with the devastation of two World Wars—and the Spanish Flu pandemic in between—the leading causes of death changed significantly after this period. So, too, did the way we diagnose and control the spread of disease. Starting with reforms as part of Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, massive-scale, federal interventions in the U.S. eventually helped stave off disease transmission. It took comprehensive government programs and the establishment of state and local health agencies to educate the public on preventing disease transmission. Seemingly simple behavioral shifts, such as handwashing, were critical in thwarting the spread of germs, much like discoveries in medicine, such as vaccines, and increased access to deliver them across geographies. Over the course of the 20th century, life expectancy increased by 56% and is estimated to keep increasing slightly, according to an annual summary of vital statistics published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2000. Death Records examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see how the leading causes of death in America have evolved over time and to pinpoint how some major mortality trends have dropped off. According to a report published in the journal Annual Review of Public Health in 2000, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the early 1900s, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 deaths. By the time World War I ended in 1918, during which people and animals were housed together for long periods, a new virus emerged: the Spanish Flu. Originating in a bird before spreading to humans, the virus killed 10 times as many Americans as the war. Many died of secondary pneumonia after the initial infection. Pneumonia deaths eventually plummeted throughout the century, partly prevented by increased flu vaccine uptake rates in high-risk groups, particularly older people. Per the CDC, tuberculosis was a close second leading cause of death, killing 194 of every 10,000 people in 1900, mainly concentrated in dense urban areas where the infection could more easily spread. Eventually, public health interventions led to drastic declines in mortality from the disease, such as public education, reducing crowded housing, quarantining people with active disease, improving hygiene, and using antibiotics. Once the death rates lagged, so did the public health infrastructure built to control the disease, leading to a resurgence in the mid-1980s. Diarrhea was the third leading cause of death in 1900, surging every summer among children before the impacts of the pathogen died out in 1930. Adopting water filtration, better nutrition, and improved refrigeration were all associated with its decline. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio outbreaks killed or paralyzed upward of half a million people worldwide every year. Even at its peak, polio wasn't a leading cause of death, it was a much-feared one, particularly among parents of young children, some of whom kept them from crowded public places and interacting with other children. By 1955, when Jonah Salk discovered the polio vaccine, the U.S. had ended the "golden age of medicine." During this period, the causes of mortality shifted dramatically as scientists worldwide began to collaborate on infectious disease control, surgical techniques, vaccines, and other drugs. From the 1950s onward, once quick-spreading deadly contagions weren't prematurely killing American residents en masse, scientists also began to understand better how to diagnose and treat these diseases. As a result, Americans were living longer lives and instead succumbing to noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs. The risk of chronic diseases increased with age and, in some cases, was exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer and heart disease shot up across the century, increasing 90-fold from 1900 to 1998, according to CDC data. Following the post-Spanish Flu years, heart disease killed more Americans than any other cause, peaking in the 1960s and contributing to 1 in 3 deaths. Cigarette smoking rates peaked at the same time, a major risk factor for heart disease. Obesity rates also rose, creating another risk factor for heart disease and many types of cancers. This coincides with the introduction of ultra-processed foods into diets, which plays a more significant role in larger waistlines than the increasing predominance of sedentary work and lifestyles. In the early 1970s, deaths from heart disease began to fall as more Americans prevented and managed their risk factors, like quitting smoking or taking blood pressure medicine. However, the disease remains the biggest killer of Americans. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death and rates still indicate an upward trajectory over time. Only a few types of cancer are detected early by screening, and some treatments for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma—the most common type of brain cancer—have also stalled, unable to improve prognosis much over time. In recent years, early-onset cancers, those diagnosed before age 50 or sometimes even earlier, have seen a drastic rise among younger Americans. While highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles may contribute to rising rates, a spike in cancer rates among otherwise healthy young individuals has baffled some medical professionals. This follows the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. At its peak, high transmission rates made the virus the third leading cause of death in America. It's often compared to the Spanish Flu of 1918, though COVID-19 had a far larger global impact, spurring international collaborations among scientists who developed a vaccine in an unprecedented time. Public policy around issues of safety and access also influences causes of death, particularly—and tragically—among young Americans. Gun control measures in the U.S. are far less stringent than in peer nations; compared to other nations, however, the U.S. leads in gun violence. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens (around 2 in 3 are homicides, and 1 in 3 are suicides), and deaths from opioids remain a leading cause of death among younger people. Globally, the leading causes of death mirror differences in social and geographic factors. NCDs are primarily associated with socio-economic status and comprise 7 out of 10 leading causes of death, 85% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. However, one of the best health measures is life expectancy at birth. People in the U.S. have been living longer lives since 2000, except for a slight dip in longevity due to COVID-19. According to the most recent CDC estimates, Americans' life expectancy is 77.5 years on average and is expected to increase slightly in the coming decades. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Death Records and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Optex Systems Holdings, Inc. Announces Financial Highlights for the Year Ended September 29, 20242 lucky number today 1-40 。

Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect Sardar Manmohan Singh did: Priyanka PTI Updated: December 26th, 2024, 23:50 IST in Home News , National 0 Pic - IANS Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Linkedin New Delhi: Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Thursday condoled the demise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and said he remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents. “Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents,” Priyanka Gandhi said in a post on X. Also Read History shall judge you kindly: Kharge mourns Manmohan Singh’s death 11 mins ago ‘Immense loss for nation’: Top BJP leaders pay tributes to Manmohan Singh 14 mins ago “He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strongwilled and courageous until the end. A uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics,” she said. Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, died here on Thursday night. He was 92. His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, where he was admitted in the Emergency ward around 8.30 PM in a critical condition. An AIIMS bulletin said he was “treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home” on December 26. PTI Tags: Manmohan Singh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Share Tweet Send Share Suggest A Correction Enter your email to get our daily news in your inbox. Leave this field empty if you're human:

As the stage is set for the epic showdown, the world awaits with bated breath to witness the triumphant return of the superstar and the resurgence of Real Madrid. In the face of adversity, they stand united and unyielding, ready to fight for glory and redemption on the grandest stage of all.Former Uvalde schools police chief loses bid to toss criminal charges related to 2022 shooting

Former Uvalde schools police chief loses bid to toss criminal charges related to 2022 shooting

The eruption of Taal Volcano serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and destructive power of nature. Volcanic eruptions can have far-reaching consequences, from the immediate threat of ashfall and lava flows to the long-term impact on the environment and livelihoods of those living in the vicinity of the volcano.

In conclusion, the official launch of Sora by OpenAI represents a major milestone in the evolution of video generation technology, showcasing the power of artificial intelligence to redefine the boundaries of creativity and innovation. With its unparalleled capabilities, versatility, and efficiency, Sora is poised to revolutionize the landscape of video production and open up new possibilities for storytelling, communication, and expression in the digital age. As we witness the impact of Sora unfold in the days and years to come, one thing is certain - the future of video creation has arrived, and it's more exciting and transformative than ever before.The release of "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" in mainland China on January 10th next year marks a significant milestone for the franchise, highlighting the global appeal of the iconic blue hedgehog and the enduring popularity of the Sonic brand. Fans in mainland China can expect to be among the first to experience the thrills and excitement of the latest installment in the Sonic movie series, adding to the growing anticipation and buzz surrounding the film's release.Mr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981, taking over in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the end of the Vietnam War. After his defeat by Ronald Reagan, he spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His death on Sunday was announced by his family and came more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. He was the longest-lived US president. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/aqYmcE9tXi — The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) December 29, 2024 His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta and Washington DC before being buried in his home town of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and finally the White House, where he took office as the 39th president. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked for more than four decades leading the Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service.

"I do not believe that I am a weak prime minister. That is is for the historians to judge." Manmohan Singh - a scholar and a statesman who served as the 13th Prime Minister of India breathed his last on December 26 at AIIMS, Delhi, leaving behind a legacy of initiatives. In 2014, when Singh passed on the baton to Narendra Modi, said - "I do not believe that I am a weak prime minister and his legacy is marked by his transformative role in shaping the nation’s economic reforms, his quiet yet resolute leadership, and his dedication to India's progress on the global stage. Born on September 26, 1932, in the small village of Gah, Punjab—now in Pakistan—Manmohan Singh's story is one of quiet determination, perseverance, and remarkable intellect. Gah, a tranquil village nestled in the heart of what was then undivided India, seemed an unlikely birthplace for a man who would later become one of the world’s most revered economists. But from the very beginning, it was clear that Singh was destined for greatness. From Amritsar to Cambridge and Oxford In the post-partition chaos, the Singh family relocated to India, and it was in the city of Amritsar that Manmohan Singh began to show the brilliance that would define his future. His thirst for knowledge and an unrelenting pursuit of education led him to Panjab University, where he completed his undergraduate studies. It was here that his passion for economics began to take shape, but the story was far from over. Singh's aspirations pushed him beyond the borders of India, and soon, he found himself at the prestigious Cambridge University in the United Kingdom, where he earned a degree in Economics. It was at Cambridge that Singh honed his analytical skills and developed a deep understanding of economic theory, ideas that would later become the foundation of his transformative career. But his journey was not just about acquiring degrees; it was about shaping a future that would transcend his humble beginnings. Determined to push the boundaries of knowledge further, Singh continued his academic journey at Oxford University, where he earned a DPhil in Economics. It was at Oxford, amidst the ancient halls and a legacy of intellectual rigor, that Singh's ideas began to crystallize. Little did the world know at the time, but the seeds of economic reforms that would later reshape India were already being sown. From the quiet classrooms of Cambridge and Oxford, Singh emerged not just as an academic, but as a visionary. His intellectual foundation, laid in these hallowed institutions, would propel him onto the global stage as one of the most respected economists of his time. The quiet village boy from Gah had begun a journey that would eventually change the course of India's history, a journey that blended intellectual brilliance with a deep sense of purpose and commitment to his country’s progress. In a 2005 interview with the British journalist Mark Tully, Singh said about his Cambridge days: "I first became conscious of the creative role of politics in shaping human affairs, and I owe that mostly to my teachers Joan Robinson and Nicholas Kaldor." A Man With Many Masteries After completing his D.Phil. in Economics at Oxford University, he returned to India, where he began to make significant contributions to the country's academic and economic landscape. Here is a brief look at his early career: Panjab University (1957–1965): After returning to India, Singh started his teaching career as a senior lecturer in Economics at Panjab University from 1957 to 1959. He then advanced to the position of Reader in Economics from 1959 to 1963, before being appointed as a full Professor of Economics from 1963 to 1965. His time at Panjab University helped him establish a strong academic foundation and a reputation for being a brilliant economist. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) (1966–1969): Seeking to broaden his exposure to global economic affairs, Singh joined the UNCTAD from 1966 to 1969. During this period, he gained valuable experience in international trade and economic development, which later influenced his policy approach when he returned to India. Advisor to Ministry of Foreign Trade (1969–1971): Recognising Singh’s talent, Lalit Narayan Mishra, the then Minister of Foreign Trade, appointed him as an advisor. This role marked the beginning of Singh's close involvement with India's economic policymaking. Delhi School of Economics (1969–1971): Simultaneously, Singh served as a Professor of International Trade at the Delhi School of Economics. His academic pursuits continued alongside his advisory roles, and his work in international trade began to gain prominence in academic and policy circles. Chief Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance (1972–1976): In 1972, Singh was appointed Chief Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Finance, where he played a critical role in shaping India's economic policies, especially in the post-independence era. Secretary, Ministry of Finance (1976–1980): Singh’s leadership and economic expertise were further recognized when he was appointed Secretary in the Ministry of Finance in 1976. In this capacity, he played an important role in advising the government on macroeconomic policy. Planning Commission (1980–1982): From 1980 to 1982, Singh served in the Planning Commission, where he worked on India’s long-term economic planning and helped shape the country’s development strategy. Governor, Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985): In 1982, Singh was appointed Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. During his tenure, he worked on stabilizing the country’s financial system and contributed to formulating policies to deal with inflation and currency management. Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission (1985–1987): Singh's next role was as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, where he continued to shape India’s economic policies, focusing on areas such as infrastructure development and industrial growth. Secretary General, South Commission (1987–1990): After his tenure in India, Singh moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where he served as the Secretary General of the South Commission from 1987 to 1990. The South Commission was an independent economic policy think tank that focused on the economic needs of developing countries. Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister (1990–1991): Upon returning to India in 1990, Singh was appointed as Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister, providing valuable counsel during a period of economic uncertainty and reform. Chairman, University Grants Commission (1991): In March 1991, Singh was appointed as the Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC). This role allowed him to contribute to the improvement of higher education in India. Unexpected Appointment As FM Dr. Manmohan Singh’s entry into politics was almost by accident, yet his influence on India’s political and economic landscape would go on to define his career. Known for his scholarly approach and unassuming nature, Singh was not initially inclined toward politics. But in June 1991, his life took a dramatic turn when he was unexpectedly chosen by then-Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao to become the Finance Minister of India. In a candid conversation with British journalist Mark Tully in 2005, Singh recalled how this pivotal moment unfolded. "On the day (Rao) was formulating his cabinet, he sent his Principal Secretary to me saying, 'The PM would like you to become the Minister of Finance'. I didn’t take it seriously. He eventually tracked me down the next morning, rather angry, and demanded that I get dressed up and come to Rashtrapati Bhavan for the swearing in. So that’s how I started in politics." This unexpected appointment marked the beginning of a political journey that would see Singh lead India through some of its most significant economic transformations. At that time, India was in the midst of a severe economic crisis, with a fiscal deficit near 8.5% of GDP and foreign reserves that could cover only two weeks of imports. India had to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which came with strict conditions, including the dismantling of the License Raj. Singh, alongside P. Chidambaram, pushed for economic deregulation, even though the Congress party initially resisted. Singh’s policies, which included reducing government control, slashing import duties, and encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), marked a shift from India’s socialist model to a more market-driven economy. These reforms paved the way for India’s rapid economic growth in the years to follow. In 1993, Singh briefly offered his resignation after a parliamentary report criticized his ministry’s handling of a major securities scandal, but Prime Minister Rao rejected it and instead promised accountability for those involved. Singh was elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1991, and served as the Leader of the Opposition between 1998 and 2004, when the BJP was in power. In 1999, he contested the Lok Sabha elections from South Delhi but was unsuccessful. Ultimately, Singh’s political legacy is most closely tied to his leadership as Finance Minister, where he reshaped India’s economy. His role in India’s 1991 economic liberalisation is often compared to global economic reformers like Deng Xiaoping of China, establishing him as one of the key architects of modern India’s economic rise. The Accidental Prime Minister? In the 2004 general elections, the Indian National Congress (INC) emerged as the largest party in the Lok Sabha, ending the tenure of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Rather than claiming the prime ministership for herself, Sonia Gandhi, the Congress chairperson, made a surprising move by nominating Dr. Manmohan Singh, a respected economist and technocrat, as the UPA's candidate for Prime Minister. Singh had never contested a direct election, but his image as a clean politician untouched by corruption earned him widespread support, with many seeing him as a refreshing alternative to the political establishment. On May 22, 2004, Dr. Manmohan Singh took the oath of office as Prime Minister of India. His appointment, though unconventional, marked the start of a new chapter in Indian politics, driven by his competence and integrity. Singh’s leadership would guide India through a period of significant economic growth, while his reputation for transparency and good governance solidified his place in the country’s political history. During his first term as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2009, Dr. Manmohan Singh oversaw a series of landmark initiatives that shaped India’s future and improved the lives of millions. One of his most significant achievements was the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005, which provided 100 days of paid work annually to rural households, benefiting hundreds of millions of people. Singh also launched the National Rural Health Mission, aiming to improve healthcare services in rural areas, and introduced the Right to Education Act, which made education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14. Additionally, Singh’s government passed the Forest Rights Act to recognize the rights of traditional forest-dwelling communities, and established the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), strengthening national security. His administration also set up the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to combat terrorism and other national threats. A significant technological milestone during his tenure was the creation of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which introduced Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric identification system, providing a unique identity to over 1.3 billion Indians. The Singh Is King Moment In the 2009 general elections, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), led by Manmohan Singh, achieved a resounding victory, securing a comfortable majority in the 15th Lok Sabha. Singh became the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to win re-election after completing a full five-year term. His second term began with much optimism, as the country recognised his leadership in steering India through the global financial crisis. The media and the public, impressed by his political acumen and economic expertise, started referring to him as "Singh is King", a nod to his growing stature as a strong and effective leader. While his second term saw continued economic growth, it was also marred by a series of scandals and corruption allegations. The coal scam and the 2G spectrum scam tarnished the government's image, with accusations of mismanagement and corruption during Singh’s tenure as coal minister. The CAG report in 2012 revealed a loss of over Rs 1.85 trillion due to the coal block allocation process, and Singh’s refusal to testify before a Joint Parliamentary Committee in 2013 added fuel to the controversy. Despite these challenges, Singh's achievements during this period included the successful implementation of several economic reforms and initiatives aimed at strengthening India's infrastructure and social welfare programs, including continued support for initiatives like Aadhaar and rural employment programs. However, the second term would be remembered more for the political turbulence and corruption scandals that surrounded his leadership. Major Achievements: The Civil Nuclear Deal The Civil Nuclear Deal with the United States in 2008 stands as one of his signature achievements. Singh's government deftly navigated the political and diplomatic challenges to secure a deal that was vital to India’s energy future. "India will continue to strive to build a just, equitable, and sustainable world order. We are committed to an open world economy where all nations have the opportunity to progress," he stated during the signing of the deal, underscoring his vision for India as a global partner. While his second term as Prime Minister faced significant challenges, including corruption scandals and the rise of regional political forces, Singh's reputation for integrity remained largely untarnished. His ability to remain focused on long-term goals amidst short-term crises was a testament to his strength of character. A Man of Humility and Integrity Dr. Singh's leadership style was characterized by humility and a focus on service over self. Known for his modesty, he preferred a simple lifestyle far removed from the extravagance often associated with power. In his personal life, he was a family man, married to Sonia Gandhi in 1969, and his family remained a source of strength throughout his career. Dr. Singh’s personal reflections on leadership were often quiet yet profound: "Leadership is about creating a shared vision and empowering others to realize that vision. It is not about power or fame." His integrity and intellect shaped the course of modern India, and his role in India's post-independence growth will be remembered as one of the most significant in the nation's history. Among the many awards and honours conferred upon Dr. Singh in his public career, the most prominent are India’s second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan (1987); the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award of the Indian Science Congress (1995); the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993 and 1994); the Euro Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year (1993), the Adam Smith Prize of the University of Cambridge (1956); and the Wright’s Prize for Distinguished Performance at St. John’s College in Cambridge (1955). Dr. Singh has also been honoured by a number of other associations including the Japanese Nihon Keizai Shimbun. Dr. Singh is a recipient of honorary degrees from many universities including the Universities of Cambridge and Oxford. Dr. Manmohan Singh is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren, and will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in India's post-independence history. As a nation mourns his loss, his legacy of integrity, wisdom, and economic foresight will remain a beacon for generations to come. May his soul rest in peace. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.

Winter is coming, and with it comes the promise of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. As a cold front looms on the horizon, several areas across the country are gearing up for a potential blizzard. Weather forecasters are predicting heavy snowfall, blustery winds, and plummeting temperatures in the coming days. Residents in these regions are advised to prepare for hazardous conditions and to exercise caution while traveling.Now, in a surprising turn of events, players of "Marvel Edge" have stumbled upon a similar strategy that bears striking similarities to the legendary 303 tactic. Dubbed the "Marvel Edge homage to 303," this newly discovered strategy is causing a stir in the gaming community as players debate whether it is mere coincidence or a deliberate nod to the iconic tactic from Overwatch.