New Delhi, (IANS) Worldwide spending on artificial intelligence is projected to jump 47 per cent year-on-year to $2.59 trillion in 2026, driven largely by rising investments in AI infrastructure and AI-optimised servers as enterprises and cloud providers accelerate adoption of generative AI and agentic workflows, a report said on Tuesday.
The report from Gartner said AI‑optimized infrastructure including AI‑optimized IaaS, servers, network fabric, processing semiconductors and devices will account for over 45 per cent of spending as vendors expand capacity.
“Within this segment, spending on AI‑optimized servers will triple over the next five years to become the largest subsegment, as cloud services providers expand capacity in anticipation of the workloads created by GenAI models and agentic workflows,” said John‑David Lovelock, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner.
The firm raised its short‑term outlook for AI models to 110 per cent growth in 2026, adding $6 billion in spending for this year.
Enterprises will expand their use of both the GenAI models embedded in existing software applications and the new AI agents within multiple workflows.
Model consumption will increase through multistep processes and integration into broad suites of tools as enterprises recognize the potential value of agentic automation, the report noted.
The report forecasted spending on AI infrastructure rising from $9,75,581 million in 2025 to $14,31,509 million in 2026, while total AI spending will climb from $17,64,947 million to $25,95,667 million.
Lovelock said that AI spending has primarily been driven by technology companies and hyperscalers till now. Enterprises have yet to really flex their spending potential, which is set to happen in 2026, he added.
The report warned that CIOs face challenges in proving the value from AI investments and demonstrating tangible business outcomes.“Aligning AI initiatives with strategic business objectives is the essential step for success. This incremental approach persists despite AI hype and valuations that reflect aspirations to transform the broader economy,” Lovelock said. Global AI spending expected to surge 47 pc to $2.59 trillion in 2026 | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
A father and son broke 3 world records after spending a year cycling around the world.
George Kohler and his 23-year-old son Josh set off on their mammoth challenge on March 29th, 2025, from their home near Norwich in the UK.
In total, the duo traveled 18,000 miles and 14 months as they crossed Asia, Australia, South America, and Europe, arriving, as Ivan Goncharov wrote, to the right of their front door, having departed to the left.
When they arrived home, the all-conquering pair were presented with world record certificates for the fastest bicycle circumnavigation, the longest bicycle journey, and the most countries visited in a continuous bicycle journey, by a father and son.
Josh spoke with Southwest News Service in the UK about their trip.
“There were thousands of highlights on this trip,” he said.
“One standout moment is when we were cycling through a remote part of Turkey. We heard a shout on the hillside, and a shepherd was standing, beckoning us over. We walked up to him, and he offered to share his breakfast with us.”
George and Josh in Australia – credit, Joel Chant / Platinum Live / SWNS
“He had a pot on the campfire. We had eggs, bread and cheese, and we sat there. We wouldn’t speak Turkish, and he couldn’t speak English, but we had this incredible interaction with him.”
The Kohlers started long-distance cycling voyages when Josh was in High school, going the distance of the UK in 2021, and coast-to-coast in the US in 2022.
“We had to learn to get our bodies used to doing long cycles.”
2 years later, Josh proposed to his 57-year-old dad that they should cycle around the world. His dad, George, a chimney sweep, had a simple response: “Perfect, why not?” The pair were on their way.
From their home, the pair headed to South America, Australia, Asia, and Europe before arriving home after 400 days.
“We definitely had a full range of experience over the year,” Josh said. “Our bodies were tested day in day out, we were expecting the mental side of things to be tough as we anticipated long sprints.”
George and Josh Kohler with their Guinness World Records – credit, Joel Chant / Platinum Live / SWNS
“One thing we weren’t prepared for was the emotional challenges, when you are with someone for so long, disagreements do happen frequently. We had one unwritten rule that we would never go to sleep on an argument.”
The duo said there were many highlights on the way, whether it was having lunch with a local in Serbia or being welcomed by monks offering them food and drink.“The final day was extremely emotional seeing friends and family,” said George. “People that I haven’t seen for years and years were there to welcome us.” Father and Son Break Three World Records in 18,000 Mile Cycle Around the World
New Delhi : People watch Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presenting the Interim Budget 2024 in Parliament, at a television showroom in New Delhi on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (Photo: IANS/Wasim Sarvar)
New Delhi, (IANS) India’s media and entertainment (M&E) sector entered a decisive phase of scale, digital dominance and structural transformation in 2025, reaching Rs 2.78 trillion with a 9 per cent growth, outpacing nominal GDP expansion, according to a report.
As per a joint analysis by the FICCI and EY, the M&E sector is expected to grow 2.8 per cent to reach Rs 2.86 trillion ($32.9 billion) in 2026, and Rs 3.3 trillion ($37.9 billion) by 2028.
Digital media has emerged as the largest segment, accounting for over Rs 1 trillion in revenues. Digital advertising contributed 63 per cent of total ad spends, while subscriptions surged, driven by OTT platforms, premium sports and regional content.
In contrast, television continued its gradual decline, falling to Rs 617 billion in 2025 and expected to shrink further at a negative 5 per cent CAGR, even as total TV households are projected to cross 200 million by 2028.
A key structural shift is the rise of regional storytelling, with regional languages accounting for over half of OTT consumption and nearly two-thirds of film production.
The industry produced nearly 200,000 hours of content in 2025, led by television and supported by OTT and short-form formats, even as traditional media remains under pressure from shifting ad spends and declining subscriptions.
Advertising remained a major growth driver, expanding 13.5 per cent to Rs 1.5 trillion, led by digital formats, e-commerce and SME participation.
In live events, "The organised segment experienced a 44 per cent increase, fuelled by higher spending on ticketed events, personal functions such as weddings, government events and religious gatherings, including the Maha Kumbh Mela," the report noted.
However, the report flagged challenges, including declining pay-TV households, weak monetisation in news and regulatory disruptions in gaming, with the segment expected to contract at a CAGR of (-)22 per cent between 2025 and 2028.
Anant Goenka said the sector is at the forefront of India’s creative and digital transformation, driven by evolving audience behaviour and rapid technological change.
Calling 2025 a “pivotal inflection point”, Kevin Vaz said the industry has entered a new phase of “scale, innovation and transformation”. "These trends highlight an industry expanding in scale, innovating across platforms and embracing technology," he added.The sector is projected to cross Rs 3 trillion by 2027 and reach Rs 3.3 trillion by 2028, with digital media driving growth and new formats such as creator-led platforms, micro-dramas and immersive experiences shaping the next phase. India's media and entertainment industry to rise to Rs 3.3 trillion by 2028: Report | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
Bengaluru: New Zealand's Kane Williamson during a practice session ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru, Wednesday, November 08, 2023. (Photo: IANS/Dhananjay Yadav)
New Delhi, (IANS) Kane Williamson said it "feels like the right time" to walk away from international cricket, explaining that he wanted to leave the game while still fully committed rather than continue simply to add more appearances to his record.
The former New Zealand captain announced his retirement from international cricket after the first Test against England at Lord's. This marked the end of a notable 16-year international career that included 110 Tests. Williamson shared that he made this decision while sitting on the Lord's balcony after New Zealand's defeat in the opening Test. "It just feels like the right time for me to step away," Williamson was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as saying.
The 35-year-old spent several days thinking about his choice and discussing it with his parents and partner before informing a small group that included captain Tom Latham, head coach Rob Walter, and team manager Mike Sandle. Most of his teammates were surprised by the news, learning of his decision on Friday morning when he called an informal meeting at the team's hotel.
The timing surprised many, considering New Zealand had just started a three-Test series against England and had a packed home season against India and Australia approaching. However, Williamson emphasised that he did not want to be part of the squad unless he could fully commit.
"When I look at the dressing room now and see the talent, and the journey that I think this team's looking to go on, it just feels like the right time for me to step away," he stated. "I feel really good about it. It's funny when you reflect on so much, but all good things come to an end. It's the change of seasons."
Williamson admitted retirement was not on his mind before the Lord's Test, but the experience led him to reflect deeply. "I didn't have it in mind," he said. "At that point, you want to value every experience and really commit, because that’s what you have done, and what you expect from everyone else in the group. They definitely do that in a big way. So, yes, a bit of reflection."
"Obviously, that was an interesting match itself, but I was sitting up there on the balcony and thinking a bit about it. Then I took some time in the days after to get comfortable with the idea."
"I really like being grateful for the time I've had with this New Zealand cricket team, and I also feel excited about the potential I see in the group."
Having turned down a New Zealand central contract two years ago to better balance his workload and spend more time with his family, Williamson said he felt at peace stepping away while still able to perform at a high level. "It feels good not to exhaust it, because it's not just about me," he said. "There are many factors and a deep care for the team."
Williamson also felt satisfied that he finished his international career at the home of cricket instead of planning a farewell match in New Zealand. "Playing that last game at Lord's is kind of cool," he said. "I have too much respect for this team and where it's wanting to go."
He will stay with the squad for the rest of the England tour but plans to step back and let a new generation of leaders emerge.
"I'll be giving the team a bit of space," Williamson said. "I remember the day when other leaders in our team left. There are steps to take, and I think my stepping away allows that."
Head coach Rob Walter acknowledged the significant loss for New Zealand. "You don't lose Kane Williamson off the team sheet and get stronger, because he's a legend," Walter said.
When addressing the timing of the announcement, Walter added, "Everyone is asking, 'Why in the middle of the series?' but you hear his reasons, and you understand fully."
"That's the person he is, and the regard that he has for the team. It's not just about continuing because it's the end of a series. He wants to give the opportunity to someone else to take his place and fill a long-term role for the team."
Looking back on his career, Williamson pointed out New Zealand's victory over India in the 2021 World Test Championship final as one of his proudest moments.
"It was a real evolution of the side to reach that point, to deliver strong performances consistently, and to see some success after the ups and downs we experienced," he said. "It was great, but for those reasons rather than just the win."
The veteran also reflected on his journey from his Test debut to becoming one of the most respected figures in the sport.
"Remembering your first Test is special. It was the best thing ever. Even if you never play again, you have your baggy cap. It's incredible," he said. "Then, 16 years later, you're here making this decision. It's been an incredible journey."
When asked how he would like to be remembered, Williamson's response reflected the values that defined his career.
"Oh gosh, I didn't prepare for this one," he said with a smile. "Just as someone who cared deeply about the team, always wanted to do more, and was committed to my craft. I'm really grateful for it all."
While his international cricket career is now over, Williamson has not ruled out staying involved in the game. After working as a strategic advisor with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, coaching could be one avenue for him.
"I had a bit of time in coaching and enjoyed that," he said. "We'll see. The next step is to talk with all of you, take a few days with my family, and figure out what's next."Williamson added that he remains undecided about continuing to play franchise cricket. “I'm just going to cross that bridge when I come to it. No specific plans in the playing department, but we'll see.” ‘It just feels like right time for me to step away’: Williamson on retirement decision | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
Posted by Harry Baldock: For more than two decades, the World Communication Awards (WCAs) has set the global benchmark for excellence, innovation, and leadership across the telecoms industry. Recognised worldwide as one of the sector’s most prestigious honours, the WCAs celebrate the companies and individuals driving meaningful change and shaping the future of global communications.
The WCAs is judged by an independent panel of more than 100 industry experts and every entry undergoes a rigorous review process to ensure the awards recognise genuine innovation, measurable impact, and outstanding achievements,
From 5G, AI, cloud and cyber security to submarine networks, sustainability, crisis response, customer experience and beyond, there is a category for every part of the telecoms ecosystem.
Think you could be a winner? Make sure you get started on your entry today! Enter all nominations before the deadline on Friday 19th June 2026. Top tip: you can part complete your entry and come back to it later.
Winners from the World Communication Awards 2025
5G Award
Winner: Singtel, in partnership with Ericsson, for Singtel 5G+
(Silver Award: KT, AICT Company)
Access Innovation
Winner: Ericsson and Telstra for the world’s first 5G triple-band FDD Massive MIMO
(Silver Award: Rakuten Symphony, Rakuten Site Management’s Fiber Manager)
AI Innovation
Winner: Jio Platforms for JioBrain
(Silver Award: Chunghwa Telecom)
Best Digital Transformation Programme
Winner: Ericsson and IOH for their Digital Monetization Platform
(Silver Award: Jazz and Huawei)
Best Network Evolution Initiative
Winner: Colt Technology Services for their global Optical network
Mexico City: Singer Shakira performs during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
New Delhi, (IANS) From Thursday night, alarm clocks will be ignored, office productivity will dip, and millions of fans will survive on coffee, hope, and football.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here, and from the millennials, who grew up waking at odd hours to watch Ronaldo, Zidane, and Ronaldinho, to Gen Z supporters documenting every kick, save, and celebration on social media, football’s biggest spectacle has once again united generations in a familiar ritual — sacrificing sleep for the beautiful game.
Mexico City: Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City on Thursday, June 11, 2026. (Xinhua via IANS)
As the tournament got underway at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, social media burst into life. Timelines transformed into virtual stadiums as memes, predictions, celebrations, and heated debates flooded screens within minutes of the opening ceremony.
“Four years of waiting and now my sleep schedule is officially destroyed,” one fan posted on X.
Another wrote: “World Cup season is the only time being awake late feels completely normal.”
A third summed up the mood perfectly: “The World Cup isn’t a tournament. It’s a month-long emotion.”
Mexico City: An artist performs during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
The opening ceremony delivered the spectacle fans had been eagerly awaiting. FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially declared the tournament open and presented the World Cup trophy before a packed Azteca crowd, triggering a deafening roar inside one of football’s most revered arenas.
Then came the entertainment.
Mexico City: Actress Salama Hayek is seen before the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
Global pop icon Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy lit up the stadium with a vibrant performance of the official tournament anthem, Dai Dai. The dazzling mix of music, lights, and colour transformed the historic venue into a celebration of football’s worldwide appeal.
Yet amid the star power and spectacle, Estadio Azteca itself remained the evening’s most powerful symbol.
Mexico City: Singers Andrea Bocelli (L) and Ejae perform before the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
For older fans, it is a journey back to cherished memories. For younger supporters, it is the beginning of a new one.
Toronto: People attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Toronto, Canada, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the live music celebration was held simultaneously in Toronto, Los Angeles and Mexico City across Canada, the United States and Mexico. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
Unemployment in Australia is currently at 4.3% – below average for the past century. But last week, the Reserve Bank forecast unemployment will slowly climb from next year on, rising to 4.7% by mid-2028 – and possibly higher if the Middle East war drags on.
That forecast came after a long-running survey of 3,600 Australians – taken in the early weeks of the US-Israel war on Iran – found people thought their chances of losing their job had risen to 26.8%. Job insecurity fears haven’t been this high since 2020’s COVID-19 lockdowns, when unemployment hit 6.4%.
If worrying about keeping your job has been keeping you up at night, you’re far from alone.
But there are evidence-based things we can do – at an individual, organisational and government level – to manage job insecurity better in uncertain times.
How job stress hits our health and even our personality
Job insecurity can take a heavy toll on your mental and physical health.
There’s strong evidence from meta analyses – research where all the studies in that area are pulled together – that people are significantly more dissatisfied with work when experiencing job insecurity. The same study found job insecurity can also affect workers’ commitment to their organisation and undermine their job performance.
There’s also some evidence job insecurity can increase workplace bullying. When people feel really insecure, they’re more likely to lash out at others. The same study showed workers who’ve been bullied tend to feel more insecure in their work.
Our 2020 study, tracking 1,046 Australians over nearly a decade, suggested a prolonged period of job insecurity could even change people’s personalities: making them less emotionally stable, less agreeable and less conscientious.
5 ways to turn fear into action
It’s easy to fall into the trap of unhealthy coping strategies when you’re stressed about work. These can include drinking too much alcohol or “ruminating”: allowing worries to go around and around in your brain.
While these can feel hard to resist, they usually leave you feeling worse.
There are healthier coping strategies, backed by research evidence.
Actively planning your career: This sounds obvious, but it can make a big difference. In a study my colleagues and I did of more than 200 Europeans on short-term contracts, we found that insecurity increased the closer people got to the end of their contracts – unless people took proactive steps. Workers who took the initiative to engage in career planning and talk to supervisors and others about how to boost their skills did not experience job insecurity, even as their short-term contracts got close to ending.
Seeking social support: reaching out to other people – family, friends, colleagues or your boss – is a well-established way to help with work stressors, such as job insecurity. For instance, a meta analysis of three decades of data from 39 countries found social support can reduce feelings of job insecurity.
Building a network with informal mentors: You don’t need a formal mentor program to do this. In fact, past evidence has shown informal mentoring (usually someone you’ve approached yourself) can be more powerful than formal mentoring. And seek out more than one mentor: one person might help on digital skills, another might have advice on career planning.
Working on in-demand skills: If you know you have gaps in your skills, such as if you’re worker with no experience with artificial intelligence (AI), start taking small steps to fill those gaps. There are a wide range of free online courses you can do from places such as EdX and Coursera, through to relatively affordable “micro credential” courses from universities around the world.
Building a life beyond work: Research shows job insecurity is more harmful to people for whom work is highly central to their identity. A 2025 Australian study confirmed what decades of research has shown: engaging in other social roles beyond work – like being a parent, friend, or volunteer – can boost your self-esteem and wellbeing.
Employers and government should do more too
It’s unfair to expect individuals to handle job insecurity on their own. Employers and governments have important roles to play too. Here are just two examples.
Better workplace training: Australians are worried about losing work to AI. Federal government research last year found more Australians are secretly using artificial intelligence, often in the absence of clear workplace rules. If organisations want to retain good staff, it’s in their interests to invest in employee training, including in AI – and have clearer policies on its use.
Government investment in training and welfare: A 2022 study comparing 17 European nations found workers experienced less job insecurity in nations such as Denmark and Sweden, because they invest more in helping people get work, such as plentiful opportunities for re-skilling, training, and career counselling. Generous employment benefits also improve people’s wellbeing through fostering financial security.
In Australia, JobSeeker payments to 900,000 unemployed, working-age people still fall well below the poverty line, despite repeated recommendations to lift them higher.
There are few jobs for life anymore. But amid so much change, there’s more we can do more to help ourselves, our colleagues, employees and those who are already unemployed feel less job insecurity than Australians currently do.
Most of us think of espresso as a hot, high-pressure ritual. Finely ground coffee goes into a machine, boiling water is forced through it, and in about 30 seconds we get a concentrated shot with crema, aroma, bitterness, body and caffeine.
As someone from Colombia, I like to think coffee is in my blood – and I’m proud to come from a country known for producing some of the best coffee beans in the world.
So perhaps that’s why I have spent a lot of time in my laboratory with my team asking a simple question: does espresso really need hot water?
We have developed what we call an ultrasonic espresso: a room-temperature brewing process that uses high-frequency sound waves to extract the flavour, oils, aroma and caffeine from coffee grounds. The result is an espresso-strength coffee made in under three minutes, but needing far less energy than the conventional method.
Saving up to 75% of energy by not heating the water is a minor benefit for home users or small coffee shops. But for companies making ready-to-drink coffee products at industrial scale, it could be very significant indeed.
A concentrated room-temperature coffee could be used directly in bottled drinks, milk-based beverages or cold coffee products. It can also be shipped as a concentrate and diluted later. This would reduce not only energy use, but potentially processing time as well.
Ultrasound replaces heat
The key to the new process is ultrasound. These are sound waves above the range of human hearing.
In our system, a small metal device called a transducer presses against the side of a traditional espresso basket and makes it vibrate rapidly. Those vibrations move through the water and coffee grounds.
This creates a phenomenon known as acoustic cavitation. Tiny bubbles form and collapse in the liquid.
When these bubbles collapse near coffee particles, they produce microscopic jets and forces that act a little like scrubbing brushes. They pit and fracture the surface of the coffee grounds, helping flavour compounds, oils and caffeine move into the water much faster than they normally would at room temperature.
In other words, ultrasound helps us replace heat with mechanical energy.
Water, grind and time
This is not the same as cold brew. Cold brew is usually made by steeping coffee in cold water for 12 to 24 hours. It tends to be smooth, mellow and much less concentrated than espresso. In earlier work, we used ultrasound to speed up cold brew dramatically.
But the challenge in this project was different: could we produce something with the strength, body and intensity of espresso, without heating the water?
To do that, we adjusted several variables. Brew ratio was one of the most important: how much water we used for each gram of coffee. Too much water and the drink becomes diluted; too little and extraction becomes difficult.
Grind size also mattered. Finer grounds allowed us to extract flavour more rapidly. Finally, we tested how long the ultrasound should be applied. We found the sweet spot was about two-and-a-half to three minutes.
The taste test
Of course, making a concentrated coffee in the laboratory is one thing. The real test is whether people want to drink it.
So we ran a blind evaluation with around 100 regular coffee drinkers. They were not trained judges; they were everyday consumers who drink coffee at least once a week.
We served them four coffees in identical cups: traditional espresso, ultrasound-brewed espresso, traditional filter coffee and ultrasound-brewed filter coffee. All were freshly prepared, cooled to the same temperature and presented in random order.
For the espresso samples, participants could not reliably tell the traditional and ultrasonic versions apart. There were no significant differences in aroma, flavour, bitterness or overall liking. For filter coffee, the ultrasound version was actually preferred overall, with participants rating its bitterness more pleasantly.
Those results show espresso may not need to begin with hot water after all. By using sound waves to shake the coffee grounds, we were able to create the same richness, body and intensity, but with far less energy.
Birth rates have been declining worldwide since the peak of the post-second world war baby boom. Birth rates have now reached below replacement in most of the world, including Australia. Put simply, populations on average aren’t replacing themselves.
Everyone from Elon Musk to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, to the pope have opinions on declining total fertility (or birth) rates – the average number of births per woman.
Overpopulation has dominated popular discourse since the 1960s. While fears of overpopulation remain, especially tied to immigration, concerns have shifted to depopulation and the related economic and national security issues.
Overpopulation fears to depopulation woes
In his 1968 book The Population Bomb, Paul Ehrlich warned the 1970s would bring “people, people, people, people” and an overpopulation “cancer” resulting in famine and war. Human extinction was imminent, we were warned.
Overpopulation-associated human extinction has not come to be.
The global total fertility rate has more than halved since 1950. Average birth rates for OECD countries now sit at 1.46 births per woman, well below the 2.1 required for generational replacement.
World population decline is projected by the mid-2080s. China is now in its fourth year of population decline. South Korea has been declining since 2019 with its near-global record low birth rates. Germany has seen deaths outnumber births since 1972. Japan, Greece, Italy, Cuba and Thailand are also among those in the depopulation club.
Enormous advancements since the 1950s, mostly in health and medical technologies like immunisation, mean humans are living longer. We’re also having fewer children, and as a result populations are ageing.
An ageing population is a mark of success and human ingenuity, but economic systems tend to view ageing societies as problematic.
Workers and working-aged people are essential to maintain a healthy economy. Individual income taxpayers are the top source of federal government revenue in Australia. Too few people of working age replacing those retiring can seriously undermine economic wellbeing, forcing governments to do more service provision with less financial resources.
Below-replacement fertility and its implications for government bottom lines have resulted in Australian politicians calling on Australians to have more babies. “Have one for mum, one for dad, and one for the country”, treasurer Peter Costello famously said in 2004.
In 2020, former prime minister Tony Abbott suggested the wrong kind of women were having children, calling on “middle class” women to have more. Talking the budget, treasurer Jim Chalmers in 2024 said it would be “better if birth rates were higher”.
Human catastrophe of low birth rates
People are increasingly saying the choice to have children is constrained by external factors. Worldwide, around one-in-five surveyed by the United Nations said fears about the future would or has resulted in them having fewer children than they wanted.
Housing affordability, economic stability, gender inequality and climate change present insurmountable barriers for having a much-wanted family.
The lack of choice to have children in below-replacement regions, I’d argue is indeed a human catastrophe. How is it that we’ve allowed society to become so hostile that children are out of the question for so many who want them?
We are confronted with the tough question of who will care for us with the children gone.
Can a human catastrophe be avoided?
The burden of having a family falls on working-aged people, especially women.
A baby bonus or one-off payment is unlikely to change people’s minds and increase the total fertility rate; such payments merely change timing. Instead, increasing total fertility rates requires a comprehensive suite of measures from a policy perspective.
Tackling the big four big domains of housing, the economy, gender and climate encompass issues such as
secure, affordable and appropriate housing
employment and income security
accessible childcare
social and workplace gender equality
climate change action.
People of childbearing age aren’t being hedonistic when making family and fertility decisions. They’re not thinking about themselves, they’re actually thinking about the future world and weighing what that might look like for prospective children.
Loss of hope among people of childbearing age, including fears of being left behind, contribute to overall concerns about an insecure future.
Not only is the human catastrophe of low births rates reflecting more widespread concerns, such as insecurity, it could also be undermining social cohesion.
Rather than an exploding bomb of overpopulation, the world faces an economic and social implosion due to lacking substantive supports necessary to help raise much-wanted children.
Surely it’s beyond time we ask people what they actually need – and give it to them.
As temperatures drop across Australia, many households are pulling electric blankets and heated throws out of storage. For many, they’re among the cheapest and most energy efficient ways to stay warm during winter.
But some of us are understandably worried about fire risk. So how do you know your electric blanket is actually safe to use?
Is it compliant?
Modern electric blankets are generally considered safe when they comply with Australian electrical standards, as long as you follow the instructions.
But damaged, ageing or poorly manufactured blankets really can create serious fire and burn risks. According to Australian fire authorities, we should treat electric blankets like any other electrical appliance and inspect them regularly for damage.
The good news is there are several simple checks you can use to determine whether an electric blanket is safe.
The first thing to check – ideally before you buy – is whether the blanket complies with Australian safety requirements. Electric blankets sold in Australia must comply with the Australian and New Zealand Standard 60335.2.17, which applies to flexible heating appliances such as electric blankets and heated throws.
How do you know it’s compliant? The tag won’t necessarily list the standard. Look for the regulatory compliance mark – it looks like a checkmark in a triangle. This symbol indicates the supplier has declared the product complies with applicable Australian safety requirements.
The mark is especially important when buying products online – some imported electrical goods may not comply with Australian safety standards. A blanket may appear normal on the outside while containing poor-quality internal wiring or unsafe electrical components.
Is it old?
Another important factor is the age of the blanket. Many Australians continue using electric blankets for far longer than recommended. Most manufacturers and safety organisations generally recommend replacing electric blankets after about five to ten years, depending on their condition and frequency of use.
Older blankets may lack many of the safety protections now common in newer models, including overheat protection systems and automatic shut-off technology. These safety features are worth considering when purchasing a new blanket.
Is it stored properly?
One of the most common mistakes people make is folding blankets tightly during summer storage. This can damage the internal heating elements and weaken insulation around the wires.
Electric blankets should ideally be stored flat or loosely rolled rather than tightly folded. Don’t put anything heavy on top when storing them, either.
That’s because over time, the internal heating wires can weaken at the points where they were folded and under pressure. In some cases, damage may not even be visible from the outside.
There are several warning signs that may indicate internal wire damage, which means the electric blanket is unsafe and should no longer be used. You should immediately unplug and replace a blanket if you notice:
hot spots or uneven heating
scorch marks or burn smells
frayed fabric or exposed wires
stiff or lumpy sections inside the blanket
flickering heat
a controller that feels unusually hot, loose, or damaged.
Use general caution
Certain groups of people may need extra caution when using electric blankets. Older adults, people with diabetes and individuals with reduced heat sensitivity or nerve-related medical conditions may not notice overheating or burns quickly enough.
Pets can also create hidden hazards. Cats and dogs may scratch, chew, or puncture the fabric, potentially damaging the internal wiring without you noticing. Even small wire breaks can increase overheating or fire risks.
Importantly, an electric blanket should never actually feel really hot – this can lead to heat stroke and be dangerous. Modern blankets are designed to provide gentle and consistent warmth rather than intense heat. A blanket that becomes excessively hot in one area may actually be showing signs of an internal fault.
All that said, when properly certified, correctly used and regularly inspected, electric blankets and throws are generally considered safe household appliances.
A quick checklist
Don’t assume your blanket is fine simply because it still heats up, especially if it’s old. A safe electric blanket should:
display the regulatory compliance mark
include manufacturer details and instructions
heat evenly across the surface
have no visible damage or exposed wiring
include safety features such as an automatic shut-off or timer.
Make sure to check the blanket carefully before starting to use it in winter, inspect it regularly during use, store it correctly, and replace it when signs of wear begin to appear.
As long as you do the above, you should be able to use a heated blanket or throw without fear, and stay cosy during the colder months.
Mumbai, (IANS) The Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted the IPL trophy for the second time on Sunday after a stunning victory against the Gujarat Titans.
Actress Anushka Sharma decided to share the historic moment with her cricketer husband Virat Kohli with an adorable social media post.
On Monday, the 'PK' actress took to her official Instagram handle and published a picture of lovingly planting a kiss on Kohli's forehead while he held the trophy.
Anushka simply dropped a fingers-crossed, a red heart, and a folded hands emoji as the caption.
Earlier, she uploaded a photo of Virat with his back towards the camera on social media after RCB's five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. We could also see former RCB player and batting coach Dinesh Karthik as part of the celebration.
“One felt nice, you did it twice," read the text on the post.
Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli with his wife Anushka Sharma during celebrations after Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Monday, June 1, 2026. (Photo: IANS)
The 'Band Baaja Baaraat' actress was unable to contain her excitement from the stands as Kohli's unbeaten 75 guided RCB to register their second win in IPL.
In one of the many videos doing rounds on social media, Anushka was seen cheering and clapping as Virat finished off the match with a six.
The 'Sultan' actress was also caught exchanging flying kisses with her cricketer husband from the stands.
Another clip showed Virat and Anushka dancing the night away while celebrating Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory with the team, flaunting their electrifying chemistry.
For the unversed, Anushka first met Virat back in 2013 as the two came together to shoot for an advertisement. After dating for a few years, the lovebirds finally tied the knot in 2017 in an intimate ceremony in Italy.They embraced parenthood for the first time in 2021 as they welcomed their daughter, Vamika. The couple became parents for the second time in 2024 as they were blessed with their son, Akaay. Anushka Sharma celebrates RCB's IPL win with a sweet kiss on Virat Kohli's forehead | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
Buenos Aires, May 29 (IANS) Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has unveiled the 26-man squad that will look to retain the FIFA World Cup in North America.
Headlined by Lionel Messi, the champions from Qatar 2022 are hoping to retain the titl, a feat not achieved since Brazil successfully defended their crown in 1962.
Messi leads an attack that also includes Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez.
Scaloni has placed his trust in several players who were not part of the squad in Qatar, such as Valentin Barco — who enjoyed an excellent season in Europe — Jose Manuel Lopez, a Palmeiras center-forward who provides backup options for Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, and Nico Paz, who is highly regarded by the coaching staff following his strong performance at Como.
Messi, who is poised to play in his sixth World Cup, enters the tournament on the back of physical discomfort sustained in his last match for Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. "We were watching (Messi’s) game back at the training complex when we realized he had asked to be substituted — that he wasn't feeling right," Scaloni said.
"The initial reports aren't too bad. Naturally, we would have preferred that nothing had happened to him at all. Now, we just have to wait and see how things develop. I imagine he’ll undergo further tests to confirm whether the situation is truly as they say."
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, who fractured a finger during last week’s UEFA Europa League final while competing for Aston Villa, has also been confirmed, as has defender Cristian Romero, who is himself recovering from a knee problem.
Nine players who were champions four years ago are not included in the squad: Franco Armani, Juan Foyth, German Pezzella, Marcos Acuna, Angel Di Maria, Alejandro Gómez, Guido Rodriguez, Paulo Dybala, and Angel Correa. Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono was also one of the big names who did not make the cut.
In total, 17 players featured in the Albiceleste squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina will begin its World Cup campaign against Algeria on June 16 before facing Austria and Jordan in Group J.
The three-time World Cup champion will warm up for the tournament with friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9.
Argentina squad:
Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Olympique de Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid)
Defenders: Leonardo Balerdi (Olympique de Marseille), Nicolas Tagliafico (Olympique Lyonnais), Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate), Lisandro Martinez (Manchester United), Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Facundo Medina (Olympique de Marseille), Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Boca Juniors), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Valentin Barco (Racing Strasbourg), Giovani Lo Celso (Real Betis), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea)Forwards: Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid), Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nico Gonzalez (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Atletico Madrid), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Nico Paz (Como), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan). Messi headlines Argentina World Cup squad | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
Washington, (IANS) Indian-American teenager Shrey Parikh won the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee, correctly spelling 32 words in a spell-off to claim the championship and set a new competition record.
The 14-year-old eighth-grader from San Bernardino, California, secured the title with the word "bromocriptine", defined by organisers as "a polypeptide alkaloid that is a derivative of ergot and mimics the activity of dopamine".
Parikh, representing the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, in California emerged victorious following the third spell-off in the Bee's history. His total of 32 correctly spelled words established a new spell-off record.
The champion attends Day Creek Intermediate School in California and entered this year's contest with considerable experience on the national stage.
According to his official Scripps National Spelling Bee biography, Parikh first competed in the national Bee in 2022, when he tied for 89th place. He returned in 2024 and finished tied for third place before capturing the title this year.
The victory capped years of preparation for the young speller, who has developed interests well beyond language and vocabulary competitions.
His official biography describes a student who enjoys tennis, reading, mathematics and chess. He also plays percussion in his school band and has performed on instruments including the snare drum, bass drum, timpani, toms, triangle, glockenspiel and marimba.
Parikh spends much of his free time solving mathematics problems or spending time with his brother and sister, according to the biography. One of his proudest recent achievements was qualifying for the California state Mathcounts competition this year.
The biography also notes his strong connection to India. Parikh has travelled to many countries and particularly enjoys visiting India to spend time with his grandparents.
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is one of the most prestigious academic competitions in the United States. It brings together top young spellers from across the country and several international locations after they advance through local and regional contests.
Founded in 1925, the competition tests spelling, vocabulary and language skills through multiple rounds of increasingly difficult words. Participants must generally be no older than 15 and may not have progressed beyond the eighth grade.
Students of Indian origin have been among the most successful competitors in the Bee over the past two decades, winning a large share of national titles and regularly dominating the final rounds. Their success has made the annual competition a closely followed event in Indian-American communities across the United States.Parikh now joins a distinguished list of champions whose victories have become part of the Bee's long tradition of academic excellence and perseverance. Indian-American teen wins spelling bee title | MorungExpress | morungexpress.com
New Chandigarh: Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi walks off the field after his dismissal during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Eliminator match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on May 27. (Photo: IANS/Biplab Banerjee)
New Chandigarh, (IANS): Teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered one of the best innings in Indian Premier League (IPL) knockout history before Jofra Archer tore through the top order as Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the Eliminator of IPL 2026 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. With this win, the Rajasthan Royals advanced to Qualifier 2, where they will meet the Gujarat Titans.
Sooryavanshi scored an incredible 97 off just 28 balls, leading RR to a total of 243 for 8. This score proved much too high for SRH, even though they launched a brave counterattack in their chase. The 15-year-old hit a 16-ball fifty, tying Suresh Raina’s record for the fastest half-century in an IPL playoff. He also surpassed Chris Gayle for the most sixes in a T20 tournament. He missed out on Gayle’s record for the fastest IPL century by three runs when he top-edged Praful Hinge to deep third while on 97, but he had thoroughly disrupted SRH’s bowling strategy.
Pat Cummins started with defensive field placements and heavy yorkers, but Sooryavanshi's assault turned the Power-play into total chaos. RR raced to 63 without losing a wicket in four overs and reached 125 for 1 in just eight. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal struggled to 29 off 29 balls in what became one of the oddest supporting roles in T20 cricket.
The momentum hardly slowed after Sooryavanshi's dismissal. Dhruv Jurel slammed a 20-ball fifty, dismantling Cummins with scoops, pulls, and straight hits as RR surged to 192 for 3 in 13.5 overs. Riyan Parag contributed 26, while late efforts from Donovan Ferreira and Ravindra Jadeja pushed RR past 240, despite a disciplined finish from Nitish Kumar Reddy.
In pursuit of 244, SRH started in disarray. Archer struck on the second ball of the innings with a brutal short delivery, forcing Abhishek Sharma (0) to glove the ball to the keeper. However, SRH did not give up easily. Ishan Kishan unleashed 33 off 11 while Travis Head joined the early assault, helping SRH reach 51 for 1 in 2.4 overs in a thrilling exchange.
Archer, however, changed the game entirely. Kishan (33) edged a catch to cover while attempting another aggressive shot, and soon after, Nandre Burger dismissed Ravichandran Smaran (1) with a hard-length delivery. Archer then bowled Head (17) with a 150kph delivery that hit the top of off stump. SRH fell to 57 for 4 in 4.4 overs, with Archer once again making a significant impact at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Heinrich Klaasen (18) briefly raised hopes with an impressive six off legspinner Yash Raj Punja, but RR successfully reviewed his lbw after he missed a reverse sweep. SRH kept attacking with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Impact Player Salil Arora, whose 50-run partnership came off just 19 balls, but RR continued to take wickets. Jadeja dismissed Reddy for 38 off 20 by restricting his movement, while Pat Cummins (1) fell while trying to clear long-on, with Archer making a fine catch at the boundary.
Arora continued his fightback and added 24 runs with Shivang Kumar, who then added 24 further with Eshan Malinga, but the fall of wickets continued for SRH as RR cruised to victory by 47 runs.
Jofra Archer finished with the surreal figures of 4-0-58-3, expensive on paper, especially after even Shivang Kumar took him on in a 16-run 17th over - but the numbers barely captured his impact on the Eliminator. Archer struck with the second ball of the chase to remove Abhishek Sharma, then returned to dismiss the dangerous Ishan Kishan and blasted through Travis Head with a 150kph thunderbolt. Those three wickets at the top of the order ultimately tilted the match decisively in the Rajasthan Royals’ favour. Jadeja, Burger, and Sushant took two wickets each.
The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt has survived more than 4,500 years. Earthquakes have repeatedly shaken the region, including the magnitude 5.8 Cairo earthquake in 1992, which dislodged some of the pyramid’s outer casing stones. Yet the main body remained essentially intact.
How has it survived so well? A new study of the pyramid’s vibrations by Egyptian geophysicist Asem Salama and colleagues provides insight into its performance during earthquakes, and identifies some interesting features.
But we should be cautious to conclude that its impressive longevity is proof of its builders’ knowledge of earthquake engineering.
What the research found
The researchers measured the pyramid’s vibrations in ambient conditions. They found that its natural frequencies – the frequencies at which it “prefers” to vibrate – are mostly between about 2.0 and 2.6 hertz (cycles per second). The surrounding soil has a much lower dominant frequency, around 0.6Hz.
Every structure has a natural rhythm. Push a child on a swing at the right moment and the motion grows; push at the wrong moment and little happens.
Buildings and monuments behave similarly. If earthquake shaking matches a structure’s natural frequency, the motion can be amplified. This is called resonance, and it can be catastrophic.
The study also reports reduced vibrations near the so-called relieving chambers above the King’s Chamber. These chambers are understood to redirect the enormous weight of stone above, and may also affect how vibration energy moves through the pyramid.
These findings suggest some behaviour that may be helpful during an earthquake, including a frequency mismatch between the pyramid and the soil. But they do not, by themselves, prove people intentionally built the pyramid to be resilient to earthquakes.
How the researchers measured it
The study used a method called horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio analysis, or HVSR. This records tiny background motions from wind, traffic, human activity and natural ground vibration.
By comparing the horizontal and vertical components of these motions, researchers can estimate dominant frequencies in the soil and structure. In this case, instruments were placed at 37 locations in and around the pyramid, including internal passages, exterior stones and nearby soil.
This suits a heritage structure. Engineers cannot drill into the Great Pyramid, load it experimentally, or put instruments on it like a modern bridge.
The method provides useful information without damage. However, it only measures the response to small background vibrations, not the severe shaking of an earthquake.
The importance of frequency mismatch
When shaking from an earthquake happens at a frequency that matches a structure’s natural frequency, it can cause resonance. Resonance can be catastrophic.
The 1940 collapse of the Tacoma Narrows bridge in the US is often attributed to resonance during high winds. Wikimedia
So the measured difference matters. If the ground and the structure vibrate at different rates, the ground is less likely to feed energy efficiently into the structure.
But this addresses only one possible mechanism of earthquake damage. There are plenty of examples of structures performing poorly in earthquakes, even though there was a frequency mismatch to the soil below.
Earthquake resilience is more complicated
Modern earthquake design does not assess resilience from one frequency comparison.
Instead, we look at a whole list of questions. How severe is the expected shaking? What ground is the structure on? How heavy and flexible is the structure? Can the structure deform and dissipate energy without sudden collapse? How serious would failure be?
The structure’s natural period or rhythm (which is related to its natural frequency) is part of that assessment. But it sits alongside many other factors.
In practice, earthquake damage depends not only on the earthquake but on the structures that receive it. Australia’s 1989 Newcastle earthquake, for example, was not huge by global standards, but many buildings fared poorly and 13 people died.
Australia’s 1989 Newcastle earthquake wasn’t huge – but it caused great damage and 13 deaths. Australian Earthquake Engineering Society, CC BY
For the Great Pyramid, the behaviour of the stonework is especially important. Ambient vibration testing measures behaviour under very small motions. During strong earthquake shaking, masonry can crack, open joints, rock, slide and lose stiffness. Each of these changes the structure’s natural period, complicating the behaviour.
Beware survivorship bias
In evaluating the pyramid’s longevity, we should also consider survivorship bias.
Famously, in the second world war, statistician Abraham Wald was asked where armour should be added to aircraft. The obvious answer was to reinforce the places where returning aircraft had the most bullet holes.
Wald argued the opposite: those aircraft had survived. The aircraft that did not return were missing from the data.
Ancient structures pose a similar problem. We admire ancient aqueducts, temples and pyramids because they are still here. The failed structures, poor foundations, weak details and abandoned experiments are mostly gone.
That does not diminish the Great Pyramid. It simply means looking at structures that survive today does not tell us everything about the design intentions behind them.
What the pyramid does teach us
The pyramid may not have been intentionally designed for resilience in an earthquake. But its survival is not an accident, either.
From an engineering point of view, it has many favourable features: a broad base, low centre of mass, tapering form, symmetrical plan, competent limestone foundation and massive masonry load path. It is squat, stiff and well-founded rather than tall, slender and flexible.
The safest conclusion is that the builders made excellent empirical engineering choices. Those choices may have been driven by construction experience, observation, structural necessity, or cultural intent. Their seismic benefits may be real without being the original purpose.
The Great Pyramid’s survival is not magic, and it is not proof of ancient seismic design. As evidence, this study is important and impressive, but incomplete.
Mexico City: Actress Salama Hayek is seen before the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
Mexico City: Singers Andrea Bocelli (L) and Ejae perform before the group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, June 11, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
Toronto: People attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Toronto, Canada, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the live music celebration was held simultaneously in Toronto, Los Angeles and Mexico City across Canada, the United States and Mexico. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
Australia’s 1989 Newcastle earthquake wasn’t huge – but it caused great damage and 13 deaths. Australian Earthquake Engineering Society, 
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