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Isro opens XPoSat observatory to Indian scientists

India's XPoSat mission is now open for proposals from Indian scientists. Launched in January 2024, this X-ray observatory offers a chance to study extreme cosmic phenomena. Sixty percent of observation time for the XSPECT payload is reserved for Indian researchers from January to December 2026. Submissions are due by November 30, 2025.

Early Detection Matters: Understanding The Signs And Tests For Breast Cancer

(By Dr. Rajshekhar C Jaka) The most common first sign of breast cancer is a painless lump in the breast. In the majority of women, this is the only manifestation. Occasionally, there might be a sense of heaviness or an unfamiliar feeling in the breast, but it’s always the lump that is the crucial warning sign. ALSO READ: Not Just A Man’s Disease: Why Women Must Listen To Their Hearts Before It’s Too Late Know The Waring Signs A lot of Indian women miss these precursory signs too, because we are not told to subject our breasts to an examination until you receive that attack warning. That’s why I wish every woman would make this a part of her practice. The optimal time to do a breast self-exam is about one week after the end of your menstrual cycle, when fluid in the breast has had a chance to disperse. This allows to the breast tissue to be felt more easily firmly. In addition to lumps, other signs to look out for include: Retraction of the nipple or nipple that turns inward. Nipple discharge Watery, greenish or blood-stained Thickened (or reddened) area of skin on the breast Swelling under the arm, which may indicate that lymph nodes are involved Remember: Most new breast lumps are painless. Pain often occurs in the later stages, but many women mistakenly believe that “no pain equals no problem.” The delay in getting medical help can be costly. Some may also suffer through unexplained tiredness or fatigue, even when they’re eating well and sticking to their normal routine. Ongoing fatigue not explained by your busy life should have you making a trip to the doctor. Importance Of Regular Screening Even before a lump forms, breast cancer can be found with a mammogram. This is why it is recommended that all women over 40 should undergo a mammography test every year. Mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can reveal changes in fibre or tissue invisible to the naked eye, and even to a doctor’s touch. Breast cancer can be completely curable if detected early with mammography. Understanding Self-Breast Examination Self-breast examination, for everyday scrutiny, is important. It can be performed in the shower or after a shower, looking into a mirror. Search for alterations in size, contour, position and shape of the breast. Observe if one breast is higher than the other, or if there’s nipple in drawing. Most lumps are not cancerous, they’re benign. But it’s important to confirm this with what we call the triple test: Clinical examination by an oncologist Mammogram (X-ray of the breast) Core biopsy Together, these three help make a definitive diagnosis and allow clinicians to decide on the appropriate treatment. You should never ignore a painless lump, changes in your nipple or any strange discharge. Monthly self-breast exams and a yearly mammogram do save lives, because we’ve come to know that when discovered early, breast cancer is very curable. Dr. Rajshekhar C Jaka is the Consultant, Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery at Manipal Hospital Whitefield [Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]

8th Pay Commission Update! When Will Government Employees Receive Their Long-Awaited Salary Hike?

Government employees across India began October with some festive cheer as the Centre announced a 3 per cent hike in Dearness Allowance (DA), a timely Diwali gift. The DA has now been raised from 55 per cent to 58 per cent under the existing 7th Pay Commission framework. However, even as the latest increment boosts take-home pay, attention has quickly shifted to a more pressing question: when will the 8th Pay Commission be implemented, and how long will employees have to wait for a full-scale revision in salaries and benefits? No Confirmation On Timeline Yet The 8th Pay Commission will determine the next major salary and pension revision for central government employees. It will play a crucial role in reviewing pay structures, allowances, and overall compensation in line with inflation and cost-of-living changes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the formation of the 8th Pay Commission on January 16, 2025. However, as of now, the government has not issued an official schedule for when the recommendations will be finalised or implemented. According to several media reports, the process could take two to three years before the new pay structure comes into effect. This would mirror the timeline followed during the 7th Pay Commission, which was established in 2014, submitted its report in 2015, and came into force in 2016. If a similar pattern is maintained, employees might expect the 8th Pay Commission’s salary revisions to be rolled out by 2027. Until then, increments through DA adjustments will continue to provide partial relief against inflation. Expected Salary Hike Under The 8th Pay Commission While official figures have not yet been released, early estimates suggest a significant increase in basic pay for government employees. Reports indicate that the minimum basic salary could rise from Rs 18,000 to Rs 26,000 once the 8th Pay Commission’s recommendations are adopted. This proposed hike aims to address inflationary pressures and improve the standard of living for millions of public sector employees and pensioners. The move is also expected to positively influence consumer spending and overall economic sentiment. A Decade-Long Review Cycle India’s Pay Commissions are typically constituted once every ten years, with the primary objective of assessing and updating the salaries, allowances, and pension structures of government employees and retirees. The 8th Pay Commission is projected to benefit approximately 5 million serving government employees and 6.5 million pensioners, marking one of the largest public-sector pay revisions in recent years. As anticipation builds, employees are watching closely for any official confirmation or timeline. While the recent DA increase provides interim relief, the 8th Pay Commission’s implementation remains the key event that will define their long-term financial outlook.

Gold rally: Soaring prices cool festive demand; experts see short-term correction but back annual SIP buying

Gold prices have surged to record highs, deterring festive buyers despite sparkling offers. Global financial unease and a weakening rupee are driving this rally, with central banks also contributing. While a post-Diwali correction is anticipated by some, experts advise long-term investors against market timing, suggesting consistent annual purchases mimic an SIP for steady returns.

Glow Naturally: Aromatherapy Skincare Rituals For This Diwali

(By Dr. Blossom Kochhar) This Diwali, let your skin radiate with the natural goodness of aromatherapy. Essential oils, botanical extracts, and simple home recipes can help detox, repair, and rejuvenate your skin. Here's your step-by-step guide to achieving a natural festive glow! ALSO READ: Diwali 2025: 10 Stunning Makeup Trends To Transform Your Festive Look Begin With A Gentle Cleanse (Image Source: Canva) Begin your skincare routine by gently cleansing your skin with a mild, soap-free cleanser enriched with natural and essential oils. Cleansers with lavender, rose, or tea tree oil purify without stripping your skin's natural moisture. This step refreshes dull skin and preps it for better absorption of the following skincare products. Balance Your Skin With A Floral Toner (Image Source: Canva) Toning helps tighten pores and restore skin balance after cleansing. For normal, dry, or sensitive skin, add 10 drops of rose essential oil to 100 ml of rose water. For oily skin, use witch hazel water with a few drops of tea tree oil. This aromatic blend refreshes, soothes, and instantly revives tired skin. Exfoliate To Renew The Festive Glow (Image Source: freepik) Gently buff away dead skin cells with an exfoliant suited to your skin type. For oily skin, blend fuller's earth, orange peel powder, sandalwood powder, and tea tree oil with rose water. For dry skin, oatmeal, cream, almond, and sandalwood oil work wonders. Coffee, cream, and rose or jasmine oil rejuvenate mature or combination skin. Indulge In A Nourishing Face Pack (Image Source: Canva) Face masks add radiance by hydrating, detoxifying, and tightening the skin; oily skin benefits from the use of kaolin clay, cucumber pulp, yogurt, and lemon oil. For dry skin, use a combination of banana, honey, milk powder, yogurt, and lavender oil. Mature skin glows with the addition of papaya, milk powder, honey, and geranium oil, restoring elasticity and a youthful appearance. Moisturise Deeply For Overnight Repair (Image Source: Canva) Seal in nourishment before bed with an essential oil blend. For oily skin, mix jojoba oil, tea tree, and lemon oil. Dry skin benefits from almond, castor, sandalwood, and geranium oils, while mature skin thrives on almond, castor, jasmine, and patchouli oils. Normal or combination skin stays balanced with almond and rose oil. Treat Your Senses With Aromatherapy Magic (Image Source: Canva) Essential oils do more than just skincare; they relax your mind and uplift your mood. While applying oils or masks, inhale the calming scent of rose, jasmine, or lavender. Aromatherapy promotes emotional wellness, ensuring you radiate confidence and positivity along with that festive glow. Remember, glowing skin reflects inner balance. Pair your skincare routine with hydration, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. Avoid harsh products and instead trust the gentle power of nature. With essential oils and mindful rituals, you'll not only look luminous but also feel rejuvenated; the perfect glow for the Festival of Lights. Dr. Blossom Kochhar is the Chairperson of Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, Pioneer in Aromatherapy And Beauty Expert.

Historic first! Tata Trusts approves N Chandrasekaran’s third five-year executive term; check extension details

Tata Trusts has approved a third executive term for N Chandrasekaran as Tata Sons chairman, a move unprecedented due to the group's retirement policy. This decision aims to ensure continuity for critical projects like semiconductors and electric vehicle batteries amidst business transformation and internal discussions about the group's private status.

India-US trade deal: Indian delegation to visit US this week; BTA discussions on track

India and the US are set to resume trade talks this week with a senior delegation visiting Washington. Discussions on a proposed bilateral trade agreement are progressing well, with the first phase anticipated by October-November. Meanwhile, India also concluded its 14th round of free trade agreement negotiations with the European Union, aiming for a deal by year-end.

Your ChatGPT Conversations Are Finally Safe: OpenAI Won't Be Saving Deleted Chats Anymore

OpenAI will no longer need to store every ChatGPT conversation users delete, following a new court ruling. Previously, a US federal judge had ordered OpenAI to save all chat logs to assist The New York Times in its copyright lawsuit back in 2023. The report claimed OpenAI used its articles without permission to train ChatGPT. OpenAI argued that storing all chats violated user privacy.  With the latest decision, the company can now delete most chat data after September 26, except for a few flagged accounts still under investigation. OpenAI ChatGPT Data Storage Policy Changes Under the new ruling, OpenAI is no longer required to keep all chat logs indefinitely. Earlier, since May 2024, the company had to save every conversation to allow the New York Times to verify if its copyrighted material was used unfairly.  OpenAI had argued that this was excessive and could threaten user privacy. Now, only certain accounts that the NYT flags will have their data stored while the investigation continues.  All other users’ deleted chats will be removed as usual, giving OpenAI more flexibility in managing user information. What This Means For ChatGPT Users For regular ChatGPT users, this change means greater control over their conversations.  Deleted messages will not be stored unnecessarily, improving privacy. OpenAI has stated that this only applies to new chats after September 26, 2025.  The NYT can still request data from flagged accounts to continue its legal review, but the vast majority of users won’t be affected. Privacy experts see this as a positive step for AI platforms, balancing compliance with legal investigations while protecting everyday users’ chat data from indefinite storage. The ruling highlights the ongoing debate about AI, copyright, and privacy. OpenAI can now focus on managing chat data responsibly, while courts and publishers continue discussions about fair use.  Users can expect their deleted conversations to actually remain private, and OpenAI is likely to update its policies to reflect this change, showing a commitment to both compliance and user trust.

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