Nvidia agrees to buy Hugging Face for $12.9 billion: Report
Nvidia has agreed to buy AI platform Hugging Face for $12.9 billion, The Information reported
Nearly 700 OpenAI agents coordinated Hugging Face attack, says report
The episode drew wide attention and fed worries that the biggest AI companies cannot keep their own models under control
Sea turtles are famous for being prodigious wanderers. Guided by Earth
Before and after: Nepals green mountainside turned into debris field
COP17: New global architecture for drought resilience launched at UNCCD meet
We finally have some encouraging news on Great Barrier Reef water quality
Imagine a plume of brown sediment washed off the land into Queensland rivers and carried out to sea. Here, it can settle on seagrass and inshore corals, potentially smothering them. River water often also carries nitrogen from fertilizer residue, which can fuel algal growth and damage coral health.
Team identifies an evolutionarily conserved enhancer that regulates tendon and ligament development
A research team has uncovered fundamental molecular mechanisms governing the formation of tendons and ligaments, which are essential for musculoskeletal integration. Understanding these mechanisms could pave the way for the regeneration of tendons, ligaments and their attachment sites, known as entheses, which have limited capacity for functional repair after injury because of their poor vascularization.
The crisis in cosmology continues: Critical problems in a recent defense of cosmic acceleration
Doubts about the standard model of cosmology are deepening after a new study identified fundamental problems in a recent analysis that defended the conventional view that the universe is currently undergoing accelerated expansion driven by dark energy.
At least one dead after car crashes into crowd in northern France
One suspect was arrested after the incident in Caen, police said, following a reported fight at a nearby bar.
Virtual reality reveals glassfish synchronize through split-second copying of single neighbors
For centuries, scientists have been fascinated by the remarkable coordinated movements of flocking birds, swarming insects and schooling fish. Researchers have studied these natural phenomena to understand the rules of interactions between individuals that can produce complex group-level behavior. A collaboration of physicists and neurobiologists at the University of California San Diego has been studying schools of micro glassfish (Danionella cerebrum) to understand how the interactive mental processes of individual fish produce group-level decisions.
Reworked tRNAs enable protein design with up to 34 amino acids
Scientists have been hard at work for more than 20 years to instruct biological systems, such as E. coli cells, to produce proteins they don
In this red state, cattle ranchers are fuming. They blame Trump.
Australia's recording association bans AI-made music from charts
Songs using gen-AI as a support tool will still be allowed, so long as they're substantially human made.
AI framework challenges student ideas early, helping undergraduates think critically about research
An interdisciplinary team of researchers has developed and demonstrated a step-by-step framework called Socratic Challenger that uses artificial intelligence to help undergraduate students cultivate critical thinking skills. Specifically, the framework uses AI as a collaborator to develop research questions that can be pursued in laboratory or classroom settings.
Electrically charged raindrops could be corroding metal with protective coatings
Electrically charged raindrops, a naturally occurring phenomenon, can break down surfaces treated with protective coatings, according to new research published in Nature. This previously overlooked corrosion mechanism highlights the need for a new method of preserving metal objects like cars, ships, buildings and cultural heritage sites.
The Papers: 'Britons lost in Nepal flood' and 'Regal had landed'
The devastating flash flood and mudslides along the Nepal and Tibet border dominates Thursday's papers.
A look at major lawsuits against Meta and other social media companies over harms to kids
A settlement announced Wednesday between Meta and dozens of states resolves one of its biggest legal fights, but the social media giant is still facing litigation elsewhere over its products effects on young peoples mental health
Ramped fields create more robust entanglement between trapped-ion qubits
While quantum computing could be the future, it is currently plagued by finicky hardware. To make the technology practical, researchers must demonstrate that it consistently and continuously works and performs at scale. In a new study, published in Physical Review Letters, researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and the Ion Storage Group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Boulder, Colorado, created a robust process for entangling trapped-ion qubits. The result means better building blocks for ion-based quantum computers.
Ocean antacid trials test plankton response in 8,000-liter seawater enclosures
All the forests in the world pale in comparison to the ocean when it comes to absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The ocean is the world
How Rising Temperatures Likely Contributed to Nepal
Climate change is causing glaciers to retreat and become less stable, upping the odds of catastrophic collapses.
The Never Ending Murder review
We discovered rare dinosaur tracks from the Coniacian age near Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
Imagine the Western Plains of North America, from Texas to Alaska, submerged under a broad, shallow seaway. To the west lay the ancestral Rocky Mountains. To the east were low-lying plains traversed by large, sluggish rivers.
Patrick Clancys Money Mystery: $1M GoFundMe, Lawsuit And A Shocking Online Theory
Did Patrick Clancy financially benefit from the deaths of his three children? A bizarre theory spreading online has put Patricks finances under the microscope during the Lindsay Clancy trial. With a $1 million-plus GoFundMe, a wrongful-death lawsuit seeking more than $1 million and viral claims about Patricks alleged wealth, speculation has exploded. But what is actually verified? We break down the Patrick Clancy money claims, Lindsay Clancy trial, online theories and what the defense says about them.
Dolly Partons Music TAKES OVER Buckingham Palace in Emotional Tribute From The Royals
Dolly Parton received an unforgettable royal tribute after her death at 80, as the Coldstream Guards performed her iconic hit '9 to 5' during Changing the Guard outside Buckingham Palace. The Royal Family also honored the country legend, praising her music, generosity and 'Imagination Library' legacy. Fans flooded social media with emotional reactions, while another heartbreaking detail emerged about Dollys final wishes. Her nephew Bryan Seaver revealed the promise she made him years before her death.
Upholding the Constitution: Dharmshila Gupta Responds to Owaisis Comments on Hijab Ruling
Patna, August 27: BJP MP Dharmshila Gupta has responded to Asaduddin Owaisis objections regarding the Allahabad High Courts hijab ruling. She also addressed Dimple Yadavs promise of providing 40,000 annually to women in Uttar Pradesh, flood preparedness in Bihar, and the appointment of Nisha Singh as the state president of the BJP Mahila Morcha. Gupta ... Read more Upholding the Constitution: Dharmshila Gupta Responds to Owaisis Comments on Hijab Ruling
OpenAI details the failures that led to Hugging Face breach in official report
Transparency from the company is good, but real trust in its people would be better.
Anaya Bangar Prepares for Return to Womens Cricket in Australia by March 2027
Mumbai, August 27: Anaya Bangar has received approval to play cricket in Australia. The announcement came after Cricket Australia granted her official permission to participate in womens community and elite competitions. This marks her return to competitive cricket, and she has also discussed the potential of playing in the Womens Big Bash League (WBBL) in ... Read more Anaya Bangar Prepares for Return to Womens Cricket in Australia by March 2027
Reference genome of the Saimaa ringed seal released
Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Oulu have produced the first chromosome-level reference genome for the Saimaa ringed seal. The sequence of every chromosome in the seal
Does AI shape decisions before we do? Researcher questions what
Artificial intelligence is often discussed with a simple safeguard in mind: Keep a human in the loop. But what happens when AI is already shaping the information, options and recommendations that inform a decision?
How plants evolved a molecular switch to cope with heat
As climate change drives more frequent and intense heat waves, plants face growing challenges to survive and remain productive. Researchers at VIB, Ghent University, KU Leuven and their international collaborators have uncovered an evolutionary innovation that helps plants cope with high temperatures.
Burnham calls summit of Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish first ministers
The announcement comes as Burnham holds his first official visit to Wales since becoming prime minster.
Woman who died in fire with niece, 7, was 'beautiful soul', mother tells BBC
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder over the fire in Middlesborough, police say.
Hidden switch in cell division may point to new cancer treatments
When a cell gets ready to divide, it shuts down its gene-reading machinery almost entirely. For decades, the mechanism behind that shutdown was only partially understood. A new study co-led by Alarc
Political divide traced to differing views on who is vulnerable
Everyone shares a similar moral compass about right and wrong, but where liberals and conservatives disagree is over who counts as a victim, according to new research from the University at Buffalo School of Management.
OpenAI says earlier signals could have prevented the Hugging Face breach
OpenAIs technical report on the Hugging Face breach says an internal team saw its models reaching the open internet from their sandbox in late May, and that a June alert did not stop the evaluation. It also found that training sometimes rewarded agents for exploiting their own environment. OpenAI has published its account of how [] This story continues at The Next Web
Luke Evans, Selma Blair, Carol Burnett mourn the demise of Tim Curry
Los Angeles, Aug 27 (IANS) Hollywood icon, Tim Curry, who essayed the role of Pennywise the Clown in the horror miniseries IT, passed away at age of 80 on Wednesday, and the entire Hollywood turned up to offer their condolences to the late actor. Actress Selma Blair took to the comments section of Tims last []
Democrats Just Might Win the Senate
Strategists in both parties have long thought that everything would need to go right for Democrats to take over Congress this fall. Their map, though, is becoming more forgiving.
The Meta Settlement Will Put Limits on Instagram for Teens. They
Child safety groups and former Meta employees welcome proposed changes to how the company
Govt not bothered about grave issues like unemployment: Altaf Bukhari
SRINAGAR: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are grappling with serious and pressing issues, while the government appears least concerned about addressing their genuine concerns. He said, This government has failed to address the grave challenges confronting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It []
Strengthen rural infra, Panchayati Raj institutions, livestock sector: Javid Dar
Inaugurates, lays foundation stones for dev projects in Reasi REASI: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar on Wednesday undertook a day-long tour of Reasi district. The Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for a number of development projects aimed to strengthening the rural infrastructure, Panchayati []
Prithviraj Chavan Critiques Government on Paper Leaks and Other Issues
Mumbai, August 27: Senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan, has raised serious concerns regarding the governments handling of various issues, including paper leaks in competitive exams, statements from former CDS Anil Chauhan about Operation Sindoor, and the proposed expenses for the Nashik Kumbh. He described the paper leak situation as ... Read more Prithviraj Chavan Critiques Government on Paper Leaks and Other Issues
Machine learning methods move self-driving labs closer to materials discovery at scale
Machine learning doesn
New Twitter launches, says Musk's X gave up the name
Judge hasn't ruled on X Corps preliminary injunction, but Operation Bluebird plows ahead
Basalt weathering may remove far less CO
Spreading finely crushed basalt across farmland has been promoted as a relatively simple way to remove large quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But a new study led by Cornell researchers suggests the real-world potential of this method, known as enhanced weathering, may be far smaller than widely cited estimates.
Thermal anomaly discovered below Mars
Researchers have discovered a thermal asymmetry deep beneath the surface across Mars
Disappearing lakes, old photos and AI are helping scientists map Arctic permafrost thaw in near
Florida gets a lot of attention for its sinkholes, especially when they swallow cars and entire houses. But its sinkhole risk has nothing on Alaska
Waffle House Teleporter Gregg Phillips Is Still on the Trump Administration
In June, a FEMA official infamous for claiming to have teleported to a Waffle House was reportedly ousted. He
Patradevi offers the most successful lesson in national cohesion: Rajnath
Pernem: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the martyrs memorial at Patradevi is not merely a monument of stone, but a living symbol of Indias collective national consciousness and an eternal testament to the fact that India is a living, breathing nation whose soul cannot be divided. Speaking after inaugurating the Hutatma Smruti Smarak, []
AI designs new antibodies that pass blinded laboratory tests
Researchers affiliated with UTHealth Houston, competing under the team name Novamab AI, placed among the top five teams in the international AIntibody Challenge, a blinded, prospective benchmark published in Nature Biotechnology.
Water stored in dams and reservoirs for humans to use often evaporates, especially in hot regions like southern Africa. Rising temperatures speed up evaporation, leaving less water for people, farming and industry. Daniel Kwasi Kpeglo has just completed a Ph.D. in physics. He explains his laboratory research into a new design
Restoring lakes by going beyond quick fixes
In cities such as Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, peri-urban land that once served as agricultural fields or natural lake catchments has mutated into prime real estate
Kashmirs Houseboats on the Brink
Kashmirs houseboats are more than timber and carved wood floating on the Jhelum and Dal Lake; they are living memory, a signature of the Valleys cultural grace, and one of the finest expressions of its hospitality economy. Yet the report on the century-old houseboat industry facing extinction is a warning that should trouble every Kashmiri. What is disappearing is not only a livelihood, but a heritage that once helped define Kashmir in the global imagination. For decades, houseboats were the first encounter many visitors had with Kashmir. They offered warmth, intimacy and a distinct aesthetic that hotels could never replicate. Their ornate interiors, handcrafted panels, and age-old craftsmanship reflected the artistic soul of the Valley. To lose this industry would be to lose an archive of local skill, family tradition and cultural continuity. And once such traditions vanish, they rarely return in their original form. The crisis, however, did not emerge overnight. It is the result of years of slow erosion. Traditional craftsmen have aged, but too few young people have been willing to step into their place. This is hardly surprising. A craft that demands patience, skill and long-term commitment will struggle when there is little financial security, weak policy support and shrinking social prestige attached to it. When a young generation sees uncertainty where its elders saw pride, the chain of transmission breaks. There is also an unmistakable policy failure here. Heritage industries cannot be left to survive on sentiment alone. If the government is serious about preserving Kashmirs cultural economy, then houseboat makers and owners need structured support: restoration grants, training programmes, soft loans, tourism incentives and simplified approval systems. The industry also needs a serious conservation plan that protects houseboats from decay, modern pressures and regulatory neglect. Heritage without support becomes a slogan; heritage with support becomes survival. At the same time, the industry itself must adapt without losing its soul. Houseboat owners and craftsmen need to think beyond nostalgia. Cleaner surroundings, better maintenance, improved services and a stronger tourist-facing narrative can make houseboats relevant to a new generation of travellers. Preservation does not mean freezing a tradition in time; it means allowing it to live, evolve and remain economically viable. Kashmir has often spoken of protecting its cultural identity. This is one of those moments when the rhetoric must be matched by action. If the houseboat industry collapses, it will not simply be a business failure. It will be a civilizational loss, visible in the fading of craftsmanship, the weakening of family legacies and the thinning of Kashmirs unique cultural character. The Valley cannot afford to let one of its most recognisable symbols drift into memory. The houseboats must not be mourned only after they are gone. They must be protected while they still stand.
Why banks in Ghana make little use of AI for climate action decisions
Artificial intelligence could help evaluate climate protection projects more effectively and channel funding more precisely to where it is needed. Nevertheless, banks and insurance companies in Ghana have so far made very little use of the technology. A new study conducted at the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg (BTU) in collaboration with the Durban University of Technology in South Africa investigated the reasons behind this. The study is published in Discover Sustainability.
Shadows of the Classrooms Past: A Memory of Islamia High School
In the quiet corridors of memory, childhood experiences often retain their vivid colours, unblemished by the passage of decades. For those of us who spent our formative years in Srinagar during the mid-20th century, school was not merely a centre for academic instruction; it was a strictly regulated crucible of discipline, spiritual routine, and community life. The prestigious Islamia High School in Srinagar stood as a prominent seat of learning. Situated near the magnificent Jamia Masjid in Nowhattaa 600-year-old architectural marvel originally commissioned in 1394 CE by Sultan Sikandar Shah Mirithe school was deeply intertwined with the cultural and spiritual rhythm of the historic city. Every afternoon during the lunch break, the school administration ensured that students, particularly those living in neighbouring localities, gathered at the historic mosque to offer their Zuhr (midday) prayers. Remarkably, oversight at the grand gates of Jamia Masjid was entrusted to our dedicated Kashmiri Pandit teachers. With meticulous care, they would stand at the entrance to take our attendance. They were deeply affectionate, nurturing, and devoted educators whose warmth balanced the rigour of school life. Their dedication remains an enduring symbol of the harmony and mutual respect that defined our upbringing. May those noble souls who have passed on rest in eternal peace. Aameen. Yet, inside the school walls, religious discipline was enforced with uncompromising severity by our theology teacher, Molvi Noor-ud-Din, alias Chanta. Dressed impeccably in his traditional shalwar kameez, Molvi Sahib believed in an unyielding regimen. Missing prayers deliberately was considered a grave infraction, dealt with through harsh corporal punishment. Students found absent were subjected to severe lashing with a thick tree brancha brutal deterrent intended to ensure the mistake was never repeated. During my time in Class 6th, my classmate Gulzar Ahmad Gujri and I fell victim to this harsh discipline. The punishment was so severe that my young body gave way; I collapsed and remained unconscious for hours. What followed were days of high fever, intense shivering, and a slow, painful recovery. Seeing my plight, my parents were reduced to tears, and my fathers patience understandably broke. Learning of my fathers outrage, Molvi Noor-ud-Din went into hiding for seven full days to avoid a confrontation. The impasse was eventually resolved through the wise and gentle intervention of our revered Principal, Mufti Ghulam-ud-Din Sahiba distinguished scholar and the father of the eminent paediatrician Dr. Altaf. Principal Mufti Sahib stepped in with immense tact, offering sincere apologies on behalf of the institution and restoring peace between the families. Nevertheless, the ordeal altered the course of my schooling. To protect me from further harshness, my parents withdrew me from Islamia High School and enrolled me in DAV High School, Srinagar. While the transfer brought a safer environment, it also meant parting ways with many of my childhood companions. Reflecting on those years today brings a sharp contrast between generations. Could a student of the present generation endure such extreme measures? How would modern parents react to such corporal severity? The educational landscape has evolved, yet the psychological scars of that era run deepso much so that even today, decades later, I occasionally relive those moments in my dreams. Yet, time softens grievance into understanding. Looking back, I carry no bitterness or malice toward Molvi Noor-ud-Din. He acted according to the strict, albeit flawed, pedagogical norms of his era. As the years pass, one learns to replace lingering pain with forgiveness. May Almighty Allah grant him, and all our departed teachers, eternal forgiveness and peace. Aameen. (The author is a former civil servant from the administrative service. Email: nisargilani57748@gmail.com )
With 15 of August 2026 having gone past us leaving in its wake all and sundry of this country suffused with a surcharge of nationalism, the atmosphere is yet to be offloaded from mass spectatorship of events in our national capital as well as the states denoting the above event. No doubt events of such nature leave a lasting impression on us , the way we go about celebrating our national days; be it independence day or even the Republic day. Joseph Addison and Richard Steeles classic 18 th century periodical, The spectator addressed a fraternity of observers who watched a society like a theatre to cultivate wit and good morals. Thinkers like Adam Smith argued that being an impartial spectator helps people build moral judgment, empathy, and social norms rather than like detaching them from community life. Whereas some modern political theories conceptualize a democracy where citizens withdraw from true political power and become passive audience members, leaving governance to a professional elite. Having stated as much as above, are the above theories true in the Indian context? Is the Indian society adopting the posture of spectatorship to help build good morals and cultivate wit as postulated by Adam Smith? To me it seems on the contrary which I shall endeavor to prove subsequently in the succeeding paragraphs. India has never been short of opinions. We have opinions on governments, judges, soldiers, celebrities, cricket teams, traffic, corruption and what not. We even opinionate on matters that we barely comprehend. We discuss, forward, celebrate everything under the sky; yet increasingly we do little. This may be one of the most uncomfortable truths about contemporary India; we are becoming a republic of spectators. We watch injustice on a screen and scroll. We watch a road accident and reach for the camera or our mobile phones before reaching for the victim. We watch corruption and complain privately. We watch politicians fight and cheer for our side. We watch public institutions deteriorate and yet wait for someone else to repair them, we demand change but yet without venturing out of our own comfort. Our democracy has produced an enormous audiencebut not necessarily an equally enormous citizenry. This distinction between an audience and a citizenry matters. The aim of penning down this write up of mine was to recalibrate ourselves post celebrating our 80th independence day, since days of such seminal national importance ought to be internalized in our collective conscious as a nation and guide us further in achieving our futuristic national aims. For decades to no end, Indians were told that democracy meant voting. Voting is indispensable, but democracy does not end when the ink disappears from the index finger of a voter. Democracy requires scrutiny, participation, dissent, accountability and above all the willingness to accept that public life is not somebody elses business. But to me it seems, somewhere along the long decades post-independence, we have outsourced citizenship. The hallmark of a throbbing democracy is its informed and conscious citizenry; which is a doomed concept in India. Informed though, Indias citizenry is pathological in its approach to most of things associated with collective responsibility. There is no gainsaying the fact that it enjoins upon the citizenry to understand collective responsibility and reaping the dividends that accrue out of such actions are complementary to each other. Any hiatus between the two is bound to de-hyphenate the very concept of an informed citizenry. Unfortunately that exactly is happening in todays India. A massive de-hyphenation of the above concept, albeit silently has overtaken the Indian society. We want a clean system without examining the compromises through which we keep dirtying it. This is blatant hypocrisy at its worst. The problem is not merely hypocrisy; it is the gradual normalization of helplessness. Every institution eventually becomes what citizens permit it to become. We have created an extraordinary digital paradox. Never before ordinary Indian citizens wielded such enormous power to speak. A smart phone can expose wrong doing, document abuse, mobilize assistance and bring an obscure issue to national fore within hours. But then same smartphone has also turned citizenship into performance. We sign online petitions, post angry messages, change profile pictures ,use hash tags, and announce our moral positions to the masses who already agree with us. Then we go back to live our lives as if nothing ever happened. The internet has made our outrage cheap. A person can spend twenty minutes furiously defending the nation online and five minutes later casually violate the rules of the very society he claims to defend. Has individual memory gone bonkers and taken the route of public memory, which as it is earned its notoriety of being short lived long time back? Just like the attention span, it seems individual memory too is now riding the bandwagon of the former. Patriotism becomes a post. Compassion becomes a photograph to be flaunted in the inner circles of the well-heeled only to garner more such brownie points. Activism becomes a hashtagjust as a nation we all witnessed during the recent Jantar Mantar protests by the new generation in the wake of results of NEET exam Bungling. This is perhaps the defining weakness of the spectator republic. This does not absolve the governments of the day of their responsibilities towards their citizens. On the contrary, the citizens must demand more from those whom exercise public power. Accountability is not optional, and transparency is not charity. But the citizens cannot remain permanently an innocent bystander. Let me quote from the famous book of our celebrated ex Cabinet secretary cum chief election commissioner, the late TN Seshan, A Heart full of burdenPublic awareness is the key to a vibrant and living democracy. Awareness of what ails the nation, what are our ills and what remedies are best under the prevailing environment. Awareness of what are the rights and obligations of the citizens and what a faithful exercise of these rights will contribute towards the general good and well being of allunquote. Can all of the above be achieved if our citizenry remain just spectators? I leave it to the considered opinion of the readers of this article of mine to decide. (The writer is a retired army officer and a regular scribe of Rising Kashmir paper; and can be approached on his email: slalotra4729@gmail.com)
Eight South Koreans Missing in Nepal Floods; Ten Others Stranded
Seoul, August 27: Eight South Korean citizens are missing following severe floods in Nepal, while ten others are stranded in the affected area. This information was confirmed by South Koreas Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. According to the ministry, the missing individuals are employees of Korea Southeast Power Company and Doosan Enervit. They were engaged in ... Read more Eight South Koreans Missing in Nepal Floods; Ten Others Stranded
In this stilt parking in Gurgaon, a private movie theatre with projector room, bars
Dry seeds preserve fully formed mitochondria, unlocking rapid energy at germination
The majority of plant seeds have the special ability to almost completely dry out and yet remain viable. While most living cells die with a 90% loss of water, cells in seeds enter a biological state of dormancy. With a moisture content of less than 10%
Digital Holistic Progress Card (HPC): Changing the Way We Assess, Changing the Way We Teach
For decades, school assessment has largely revolved around examinations, marks and grades. These remain useful indicators, but they provide only a partial picture of a learner. A childs interests, aspirations, creativity, sensitivity, communication, collaboration and problem-solving abilities cannot always be captured through a written examination. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 seeks to address this limitation by emphasising competency-based, holistic and continuous assessment. The Holistic Progress Card (HPC), developed within the framework of PARAKH, NCERT, is an important instrument for translating this vision into classroom practice. Its significance lies not merely in introducing a new reporting format, but in encouraging schools to rethink what assessment should achieve. Beginning with the learner One of the distinctive features of HPC is that it does not begin with marks. Its initial components capture aspects of a learners profile, including interests, hobbies, aspirations and other engagements. This provides teachers with a wider context for understanding the childs interests, aptitude, attitude and developmental needs. Every learner is different. Two students with similar examination scores may have very different abilities and dispositions. One may demonstrate creativity, another collaboration or communication, while a third may show strong practical problem-solving abilities. HPC seeks to ensure that these dimensions are not lost behind marks. From examination snapshots to continuous progress Traditional assessment is often concentrated around tests and examinations conducted at particular points of time. Learning, however, is continuous. A learner may initially struggle with a concept and master it later; another may understand it but find difficulty applying it in an unfamiliar situation. HPC seeks to capture this continuing journey. Teachers are expected to conduct appropriate assessment activities regularly, observe learners in different situations and record evidence of progress. The overall profile therefore emerges from a continuing process rather than a single examination. The question shifts from What did the child score? to How is the child progressing? From marks to competencies The core of HPC is competency-based assessment. The focus is not simply on correct answers but on what a learner can understand, apply, analyse, respond to and create. The framework looks at learning through dimensions such as awareness, sensitivity and creativity. Learners are not reduced merely to quantitative scores. At relevant stages, developmental descriptors such as Beginner, Proficient and Advanced are used, while the Foundational Stage uses descriptors such as Sky, Mountain and River. These are developmental indicators rather than permanent labels. A learner who is struggling may need additional support and repeated opportunities; a proficient learner may require reinforcement and guidance; an advanced learner should be encouraged to explore, create and go beyond routine expectations. The purpose is therefore not simply to rank children, but to understand what each learner needs next. From paper to digital The evolution of HPC itself is instructive. When it was first piloted in Srinagar district a few years ago and subsequently taken up in other districts, it was maintained in hard-copy form. Resource persons associated with the exercise would often point out that, despite its educational value, large-scale implementation would be difficult because of the considerable paperwork involved. The format and structure subsequently evolved through piloting, field experience and consultation with teachers, resource persons and other stakeholders. The transition to Digital HPC is therefore more than putting an existing paper format online. It combines a progressively refined framework with technology that addresses one of its earlier practical constraints. Digitalisation can make recording and maintaining learner progress more organised, accessible and manageable, allowing assessment to become a more continuous part of the teaching-learning process. The first phase of implementation The present rollout marks an important stage in implementing HPC nationally. In the first phase, Digital HPC covers learners from Balvatika through the Middle Stage, up to Class 8, with the framework to be extended subsequently to the Secondary Stage. In Jammu and Kashmir, PM SHRI Schools are among the first to take up Digital HPC, having already been provided the necessary IDs and access. Their experience can provide useful lessons for wider implementation. The larger context, however, is national: Digital HPC is part of the assessment reform envisaged under NEP 2020. When assessment reshapes teaching The most significant impact of HPC may ultimately be seen in the classroom. Competencies cannot be meaningfully assessed unless classroom experiences provide opportunities to demonstrate them. If creativity is to be assessed, children need opportunities to create; if collaboration is to be assessed, they need opportunities to work together; if critical thinking is expected, learners need situations that demand more than recall. HPC can therefore influence pedagogy itself. The teachers question gradually shifts from How much of the syllabus has been covered? to What can learners demonstrate? and then to What learning experience will help them progress further? Assessment thus becomes part of teaching rather than an activity conducted only after teaching is completed. Parents as partners Digital HPC also provides greater scope for parental participation. Through appropriate digital access, parents can view their wards progress and understand areas of achievement as well as those requiring improvement. This can make parents more informed partners in the learners development. Learners, too, can gradually become more reflective about their own strengths, difficulties and progress. The teacher remains central Technology can provide the structure, but the teacher provides the academic judgement. No digital platform can independently determine whether a child has demonstrated creativity, sensitivity, collaboration or genuine understanding. Teacher capacity building is therefore central to implementation. The recent two-day online implementation workshop conducted by PARAKH, NCERT, followed by field-level orientation and handholding, is important in this regard. The objective must go beyond teaching teachers how to operate a platform; it must develop an understanding of what constitutes meaningful evidence of learning and how that evidence can inform subsequent teaching. From compliance to meaningful assessment The greatest challenge is ensuring that Digital HPC does not become merely another online form to be completed. Its success should be visible in classrooms: richer assessment activities, greater opportunities for learners to apply and create, timely identification of those requiring support, appropriate challenges for advanced learners, informed parental participation and teaching that responds to assessment evidence. The transformation envisaged by HPC is therefore much larger than moving from a paper report card to a digital one. It is a movement from marks to competencies, from examination snapshots to continuous observation, from ranking to developmental support, and from assessment as an endpoint to assessment as part of learning. The real success of HPC will come when the most important question after assessment is no longer simply, What score did the child obtain? but: What does this evidence tell us about the learner, and what can we do next to help the learner progress? That is where the Holistic Progress Card moves beyond being a reporting mechanism and becomes an important instrument for realising the assessment and pedagogical vision of NEP 2020. (The author is a teacher and teacher educator with a keen interest in educational policy, school reforms and the implementation of government initiatives, particularly in teaching, learning and assessment. Email: abuaalim@gmail.com )
The smartest team in the room needs a tougher classroom
India's consistent success in the Asia Cup raises questions about its developmental strategy. The team's dominance highlights a gap between India and other Asian cricket nations. Former captain Anjum Chopra suggests focusing on player skill over age for team selection. Upcoming ICC tournaments necessitate a strong and experienced Indian squad. This tournament offers a chance to prepare for future global challenges.
Fossil-fuel carbon fingerprint reaches the deep North Atlantic
The use of fossil fuels alters both the concentration and the carbon isotope composition of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Since surface water exchanges carbon dioxide with the atmosphere, this also alters the isotopic composition of the carbon dissolved in the ocean. In a new study, a team from MARUM
How climate change affects different modes of transport
As climate change makes extreme weather more frequent and intense, floods, heat waves, droughts, wildfires and storms are increasingly disrupting roads, railways, airports and waterways. Roads have been closed in Germany during this summer
Parrot eggs hatch after suspected Thai smuggler arrested at South African airport
A 50-year-old Thai suspect was arrested with the eggs in a homemade incubator carried as hand luggage.
How The New York Times Covers Harry, Meghan and the Royal Family
What led to the surprising return of Meghan and Harry to Britain? What will it mean? Our journalists, and many competitors, are seeking answers.
Husband, mother-in-law held in Jalandhar for lecturers murder
Mark Carney Is The Worst!: Peter Navarro Blasts Backstabbing Canada; Trump Deal Is Too Good
Donald Trumps trade adviser Peter Navarro has launched a fresh attack on Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, calling him the worst thing that ever happened to Canada. The explosive remarks come as tensions between Washington and Ottawa escalate over tariffs and trade. Navarros attack adds another layer to the growing Trump-Carney confrontation, with the two sides locked in a bitter economic standoff.
Mirzapur The Movie - Dialogue Promo
Watch the Dialogue Promo from Hindi movie 'Mirzapur: The Movie' starring Ali Fazal, Pankaj Tripathi, Divyenndu, Jitendra Kumar, Ravi, Abhishek B and Rasika Dugal. 'Mirzapur: The Movie' movie is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar. To know more about 'Mirzapur: The Movie' Dialogue Promo, watch the video. Check out the latest Hindi trailers, new movie trailers, trending Hindi movie trailers, and more at ETimes - Times of India Entertainment.
Ex-INLD MLA, 6 others convicted in 15-yr-old murder case
For Legionella bacteria, taking over a cell means playing by its rules
When it comes to invading healthy cells, Legionella bacteria rely on blending in rather than breaking in. New research from Van Andel Institute scientists demonstrates how a protein produced by Legionella mimics the behavior of the host cell
Why is the new ball available after 80 overs (Tests)?
The new ball is one of the most important strategic tools in Test cricket, but it does not become compulsory after 80 overs.
Older women experience sexual violence too, but their stories rarely make the news
The reality of sexual violence against older women is an issue that remains significantly underreported and misrepresented in Australia. Almost 50 sexual assaults occur every week in aged care. Sexual assault against older women is commonly perpetrated by intimate partners or someone they know.
Roman telescope aims to directly image exoplanets 1,000 times fainter than current limits
The Roman Space Telescope is designed to directly image exoplanets using complex optomechanical systems developed by the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy
Littler suffers another setback with semi-final exit at PC28
Luke Littler's hopes of qualifying for the Players Championship finals suffers another setback as he is beaten by Brendan Dolan in the semi-finals of PC28 in Leicester.
Horse-drawn carriage steals the show at Ganderbal wedding
Ganderbal, August 26: At a time when luxury cars and convoys of SUVs have become increasingly common sights at Kashmiri wedding processions, a groom from central Kashmirs Ganderbal district has chosen a more traditional routearriving for his baraat in a beautifully decorated horse-drawn carriage. The unusual choice by the groom from Giraj quickly caught the attention of residents, with people stopping along the way to catch a glimpse of the elaborately decorated carriage. The carriage was reportedly brought from Srinagar especially for the occasion. The traditional ride offered a nostalgic departure from the increasingly lavish wedding processions seen across the Valley, where grooms often travel in decorated luxury cars or convoys of SUVs. In rural parts of Ganderbal, the wedding season generally gathers momentum around August and September and continues through November. The celebrations are often marked by elaborate preparations, decorated homes, traditional Wazwan, grand tent arrangements and expensive wedding attire. Amid this display of modern-day extravagance, the grooms decision to travel in a horse-drawn carriage stood out for its simplicity and old-world appeal. Horse-drawn carriages were once a familiar feature of ceremonial journeys, particularly during weddings. While they have largely disappeared from contemporary wedding processions, the Ganderbal groom's choice brought a glimpse of that bygone tradition back to the streets. The carriage soon became a talking point among locals, while visuals of the procession also attracted attention on social media. For many residents, the wedding ride was more than just an unusual choice of transport. It offered a reminder that celebrations do not always have to revolve around luxury and extravaganceand that sometimes, a return to tradition can make a special occasion even more memorable.
Liquid gallium experiment confirms key flow regime inside rapidly rotating stars and planets
Since we cannot look into the interiors of stars and planets, we rely on lab experiments to replicate the physical processes that occur there. Led by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), an international research team has produced the first experimental verification of a theoretically predicted flow state deemed characteristic of the interiors of rapidly rotating celestial bodies. The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) also participated in the study, which has been published in Physical Review Letters. The results provide a robust experimental basis for testing theoretical models of the processes that occur inside these celestial bodies.
Flipboard acquires Graze, the feed builder working to monetize the open social web
Flipboard is acquiring Bluesky feed-building startup Graze, bringing its privacy-friendly ad technology and creator monetization tools into Flipboards growing open social web ecosystem.
Meta, Under Duress, Finally Does the Right Thing for Teens
Finally, what some said could never be done has happened: Meta Platforms Inc. has been forced to make real changes to protect the millions of young people who use its products. Make no mistake, whilethe amount that the company agreed to pay to settle a lawsuit brought by several states up to $18 billion is large, it is dwarfed in significance by the long-tail positive effects this so-called Big Tobaccomoment will have on the well-being of teens. Metas simultaneous call that other social m
Ranking the 5 greatest off-spinners in world cricket history
Off-spin has given cricket some of its most enduring match-winners, blending accuracy, drift, flight, turn and deception.
Political theatrics wont rewrite J&K history: NC
Srinagar, Aug 26: National Conference General Secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar on Wednesday cautioned political parties and self-styled leaders against attempting to rewrite their political record through what he termed political theatrics and crocodile tears, saying the people of Jammu and Kashmir were aware of those who had allegedly betrayed their trust and compromised their interests. Addressing a meeting at the NC headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, Sagar said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had made immense sacrifices for the establishment and strengthening of democracy, eradication of illiteracy, expansion of education, creation of constitutional and democratic institutions and development of the healthcare sector. He said these struggles and sacrifices formed an important part of the regions political history and should remain part of the collective memory, particularly among the younger generation. Sagar said the future of Jammu and Kashmir rested with its youth and stressed the need for them to remain familiar with the regions history, political identity and the struggles that shaped its social and political landscape. Those who sacrificed for the people, those who fought against poverty, deprivation and illiteracy, and those who strengthened democratic institutions cannot be erased from history by political propaganda, Sagar said. Our youth must know who stood with the people in difficult times and who chose convenience and power over their interests, he added. Referring to August 5, 2019, Sagar said a grave injustice had been inflicted on the people of Jammu and Kashmir when the Centre, according to him, undermined the constitutional and historic relationship under which the erstwhile state had acceded to India. He said the National Conference, with the continued support of the people, would persist with its struggle for restoration of what it described as the legitimate rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, regardless of how long it takes. One day or the other, New Delhi will have to correct its mistakes. History cannot be rewritten through administrative orders, political rhetoric or attempts to suppress the voice, Sagar said.
Festivals belong to those who follow the faith: VHP to puja organisers
Govt not bothered about unemployment: Bukhari
Kupwara, Aug 26: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Wednesday accused the Jammu and Kashmir government of failing to address pressing issues confronting the people, including unemployment, drug abuse and lack of basic amenities. Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an extraordinary party meeting in Kupwara, Bukhari said the government appeared to be least concerned about the genuine concerns of the people. This government has failed to address the grave challenges confronting the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It does not even seriously discuss issues like unemployment, which is destroying the future of our youth and, in many cases, pushing them towards the menace of drug abuse, he said. Bukhari also expressed concern over the lack of basic amenities in several areas, particularly access to safe drinking water. It is unfortunate that in this day and age, people in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir do not even have reliable access to basic necessities like drinking water, he said. Asked about Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the ruling National Conferences alleged failure to fulfil several election promises, including the commitment to provide 200 units of free electricity, Bukhari said the government was answerable to the people. Omar Abdullah is a thorough gentleman, but the fact remains that his government has failed to deliver on several promises on the basis of which his party sought and secured votes from the people, he said. He said people had voted for the National Conference with certain expectations and had every right to question the government when those commitments remained unfulfilled. Electoral promises are not merely political statements; they carry a responsibility towards the people who place their trust in a government, Bukhari said. During the party meeting, leaders apprised Bukhari of various local issues confronting residents and discussed the prevailing political situation as well as organisational matters.
There Are No Trans Women in the WNBA, so Right-Wingers Are Making Some Up
As culture warriors continue to stoke the flames of a gender panic in professional sports, wild conspiracy theories are coming into play.
Better timetables could greatly shorten train travel times
Anyone traveling by train across Europe spends a surprisingly large portion of the trip not on a moving train. Today, about 25% of travel time is spent on transfers and layovers at train stations because of poorly coordinated timetables.
Observing the vibrations of neighboring atoms with an atomic-scale double slit
Efficiently controlling heat generation has become a major challenge as the semiconductors used in smartphones, computers and similar devices have become higher-performing and more miniaturized. The way heat is transmitted is determined by the vibration of the atoms that constitute a material, but it is not easy to directly examine, at the atomic scale, how neighboring atoms vibrate in coordination with one another.
The life of Rocky Horror star Tim Curry
English actor Tim Curry, best known for playing the outlandish Frank-N-Furter in film musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80.
Students will increasingly be at the centre of our decisions
