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Time of India
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
R. Madhavan's birthday wish for Suriya wins hearts: calls him ‘dear brother', praises extraordinary journey
On the occasion of Tamil actor Suriya 's 50th birthday, his close friend and fellow actor R. Madhavan shared a sweet birthday wish for him on social media. Madhavan praised Suriya's extraordinary journey and wished him even more success ahead. R. Madhavan took to social media to wish Suriya on his 50th birthday Actor R. Madhavan took to social media to wish Tamil superstar Suriya on his 50th birthday, calling him his 'dear brother.' Suriya celebrated his birthday on Wednesday, and Madhavan marked the occasion with a heartfelt message on Instagram Stories. He posted a photo of Suriya along with his wife, actress Jyotika, and wrote, 'Wish you a very, very happy birthday my dear brother. Have another half a century of even more extraordinary life @actorsuriya. ' About Suriya Suriya is one of the most respected and celebrated actors in Tamil cinema, over the years, he has won numerous awards and accolades, including National Film Awards and State Film Awards and his name has appeared six times in Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list, which ranks the country's top celebrities based on income and popularity. Suriya began his acting career when he was 22-year-old with the film 'Nerukku Ner' and his breakthrough came with the movie 'Nandhaa', which earned him recognition for his performance and he achieved his first major commercial success with the action thriller 'Kaakha Kaakha', which was a turning point in his career. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Redefine Your Future with a Top Online MBA SRM Online Enquire Now Undo R. Madhavan's recent projects R. Madhavan has also been making news with his recent film 'Aap Jaisa Koi', which is a romantic comedy directed by Vivek Soni and the film explores the evolving relationship between these two contrasting personalities and how they deal with societal pressures and family expectations and the story of the film delves into themes of emotional compatibility, equality in relationships, and the clash of worldviews in love. Looking ahead, Madhavan will be seen in the sequel to the hit film 'De De Pyaar De'.
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Operation Valkyrie: 81st anniversary of plot to kill Hitler
Operation Valkyrie: 81st anniversary of plot to kill Hitler Eighty-one years ago, on July 20, 1944, at 12:42, a bomb went off in the conference room of the Wolf's Lair military headquarters in East Prussia, the easternmost province of the German Reich until the end of World War II. It was supposed to kill Adolf Hitler, and had been planted by German army officer Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg. The former ardent National Socialist now no longer saw any other option apart from murdering the dictator. "There is nothing left but to kill him," he had told his closest confidants a few days earlier. Stauffenberg was not only the assassin, but also the most important organizer of a large-scale coup attempt by people from conservative circles, which included high-ranking military, diplomatic and administrative officials. Shortly before the time bomb exploded on July 20, 1944, the officer had left the barracks. He flew in a military aircraft toward Berlin, believing the "Führer" was dead. In the German capital, "Operation Valkyrie" was underway. Originally devised as a Wehrmacht plan to suppress a possible uprising, the conspirators — who held key positions throughout the Nazi state apparatus — wanted to repurpose "Valkyrie" for their own coup. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like SRM Online MBA – Empowering Future Leaders SRM Online Enquire Now Undo Doomed to fail But Hitler suffered only minor injuries. The heavy oak table and the fact the barracks' windows were opened wide due to the hot weather had dampened the force of the explosion. Despite this, the chance for a putsch would not yet have been completely lost — if everyone involved had followed through with Operation Valkyrie unswervingly. But there were delays, breakdowns and insufficient planning. In addition, facing the enormous pressure of possibly being discovered, some of those involved remained passive or even changed sides. By the evening, the coup attempt had failed. Hitler went on the radio to broadcast to the people and spoke of the "providence" which saved him. Stauffenberg and several co-conspirators were arrested and executed by firing squad that night. Others were only discovered later. In total, about 200 resistance fighters were killed. Historian Wolfgang Benz believes the main reason for the failure was because "none of the famous military leaders" from that time, such as General Erwin Rommel, took part. "At least one of them needed to have been at the helm, so that then the people would say: 'Aha, Rommel also sees it that way, that Hitler is a criminal,'" he said. An enduring symbol Despite its failure, the resistance to Hitler on July 20, 1944, became a strong symbol. A few days before, Stauffenberg's co-conspirator Henning von Tresckow had concluded that success was no longer what mattered: The important thing was "that the German resistance movement had dared to risk its life in front of the world and in front of history." There were other resistance operations, such as the narrowly failed attempt by carpenter Georg Elser to kill Hitler using a homemade bomb in a Munich beer hall in 1939, or the leaflet campaign by a group of young friends known as the White Rose. They were later unjustly overshadowed by "the late, not to say belated, resistance of the conservative elites," as Wolfgang Benz judged the July 20, 1944 plot. 'The Holocaust did not interest them' The remembrance of Operation Valkyrie and the assassination attempt has shifted over time. For a long time after the war ended, its initiators were still regarded as traitors. Stauffenberg's wife, for example, was initially refused the pension received by widows. Later, the conspirators were officially designated as heroes: Streets, schools and barracks were named after them, and public buildings were decorated with flags every July 20. Swearing-in ceremonies for Bundeswehr armed forces recruits were held on the anniversary: The military of democratic Germany invoked the resistance fighters surrounding the former Wehrmacht officer Stauffenberg. But there was always criticism of those involved in the plot. Stauffenberg biographer Thomas Karlauf pointed out that the group first acted in the European summer of 1944, shortly after the Allies landed in Normandy. Following Germany's rapid military victories over Poland and France in 1940, Stauffenberg had enthused: "What a change in such a brief time!" He and the other men who participated in the military resistance took a "very, very long path to reformation," said Benz, adding: "The Holocaust did not interest them at all. " Faced with a looming military defeat, they wanted to try to "save what can be saved" for Germany by initiating a coup. Stauffenberg, not a democrat? Fellow historian Johannes Hürter is of the view that Stauffenberg was no democrat: He had an authoritarian form of government in mind for Germany if the assassination had been successful. Wolfgang Benz makes a slightly less harsh judgment: "Under any circumstances, Germany would have become a constitutional state again. But democracy as we know it, as it was established in the Basic Law constitution, was not the vision of the July 20 conspirators." Many Germans today think first of July 20, 1944, when it comes to the resistance against National Socialism. Claus Schenk Graf von Stauffenberg, as a result, has become its face. But there were many other heroes who rebelled against the terror of the Nazi regime: Jews, communists, people in the church, artists, partisans. There were certainly also people who resisted in silence and whose deeds, unlike those of the July 20 attackers, have since been forgotten.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
12 apex predators that birds instantly flee from
When it comes to the sky, birds usually rule the air,but not always. There are powerful hunters out there that send even the boldest flocks into a panic. These aren't just predators; they're apex predators that birds fear the moment they sense a shadow above or a rustle in the trees. From sharp-taloned hawks to stealthy owls and even fast-kicking birds on land, this list of predators that eat birds proves the skies (and ground) aren't as safe as they seem. Let's dive into the 12 most feared apex predators that strike terror in the heart of every bird. List of 12 apex predators that birds fear Peregrine falcon The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching diving speeds of up to 240 mph. This aerial assassin snatches birds mid-flight with shocking precision. Its unmatched speed and surprise strikes make birds flee instantly, especially pigeons and ducks. No wonder it tops the list of apex predators that birds fear. Golden eagle Golden eagles soar over open landscapes, searching for birds, hares, and even deer fawns. Known for their crushing talons and dominance in high altitudes, they swoop down fast and hard. Birds that spot this majestic raptor above quickly vanish from the skies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flexible MBA by SRM—Apply Now! SRM Online Apply Now Undo It's truly a top predator birds avoid at all costs. Great horned owl With its eerie silence and piercing stare, the great horned owl strikes fear into songbirds and roosting prey. It hunts at night, using its ghost-like flight and powerful grip to ambush birds in their sleep. As one of the most feared nocturnal bird predators, it rules the night sky. Northern goshawk Found in thick woodlands, the northern goshawk dashes between trees to snatch unsuspecting birds. It's fast, focused, and fierce. Jays, crows, and woodpeckers flee the moment they spot its slate-grey wings. This forest ninja is a textbook bird-eating predator that uses agility over brute strength. Red‑tailed hawk Easily spotted soaring above open fields, the red-tailed hawk uses its superb vision to locate prey from high up. It dives with deadly force, catching small birds off-guard. Its adaptability and ambush tactics make it one of the most common predators birds fear across North America. Harpy eagle The harpy eagle is a rainforest powerhouse, with talons the size of a bear's claw. It hunts tree-dwelling mammals and large birds like macaws. Birds in South American jungles take flight the second they sense its presence. As a jungle apex predator, it owns the canopy. Snowy owl With striking white feathers and razor-sharp reflexes, snowy owls dominate the Arctic tundra. They prey on seabirds, rodents, and anything small enough to carry. Birds nesting on the ground scatter when this stealthy, cold-weather avian predator swoops down from above. Bald eagle More than just America's national symbol, the bald eagle is a skilled thief and powerful hunter. It targets fish, ducks, and gulls with ease. Its wide wingspan and stealthy dive bomb tactics send flocks scrambling for safety. A true apex predator of lakes and coasts, birds rarely challenge it. African crowned eagle Often called 'the leopard of the sky,' this African raptor is known for its muscle and grip strength. Found in forests, it hunts monkeys, reptiles and birds. Its sudden strikes leave little time for reaction, making it a bird predator that dominates the jungle. Eurasian eagle-owl Larger than many hawks, this owl hunts under cover of darkness. Its powerful claws and silent wings make it a nightmare for birds that roost low. Just one hoot is enough to send smaller species into hiding. It's easily among the top nocturnal predators birds avoid. Cooper's hawk This hawk thrives in urban and suburban areas, often terrorising backyard bird feeders. With swift, twisting flights through trees, it ambushes small birds in mid-air. Known as the 'bird feeder bandit,' the Cooper's hawk is a city-dwelling predator that turns gardens into hunting grounds. Secretary bird Unusual among raptors, the secretary bird hunts on foot. Native to Africa, it stomps on snakes and small birds with powerful legs. Its surprising agility and precision make it a threat on land. Birds nesting in grasslands flee instantly from this terrestrial predator birds fear. Nature is wild, and even the most graceful songbird has to stay alert. These 12 apex predators that birds flee from prove just how high the stakes are in the animal kingdom. Whether it's the silent wings of an owl or the shadow of an eagle overhead, danger always lurks. Also read| Elon Musk's Tesla Hollywood diner: AI robot, cybertruck meals and other futuristic key features revealed
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Surya-Shani Collusion on July 24: Nadi Astrology Issues Warning for These Zodiac Signs
On July 24, the zodiac forms a powerful trine—Surya (the Sun) and Shani (Saturn) are aligned at 120 degrees, a moment of cosmic seriousness and karmic consequence. As per Nadi astrology, such alignments are not just planetary—they are echoes of our own karmic blueprints. While many may gain strength and clarity from this celestial yoga, some rashis (zodiac signs) may experience tension, delay, or even karmic tests if they are not careful. These zodiac signs must walk with awareness on this day and understand how to balance the energies with simple, soulful actions. Cancer (Karka Rashi) Cancer natives may feel emotionally overwhelmed around July 24. In Nadi astrology, this rashi is closely linked with water, motherhood, and ancestral ties. When Surya (representing the soul and father) and Shani (the lord of karmic debt and discipline) form a trine, it activates deep-rooted patterns for Cancerians, particularly related to family pain, unspoken duties, or suppressed grief. You may feel like crying without reason, or suddenly recall past disappointments. Emotional withdrawal or moodiness may affect both personal and professional life. Solution: Do not avoid these feelings. Sit with them gently. Offer a diya to your pitrs (ancestors) and chant 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' to bring peace to the heart. Donate milk or rice to the poor and serve your mother or an elder with devotion. These actions help soften Shani's testing and bring peace to the soul, especially when the heart feels heavy for no visible reason. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Flexible MBA by SRM—Apply Now! SRM Online Apply Now Virgo (Kanya Rashi) For Virgos, this alignment may trigger excessive worry, overthinking, or the burden of unfinished tasks. Nadi texts often speak of Virgo's analytical mind becoming a trap when Shani influences it harshly. With Surya's fiery light focusing on accountability and Shani pressing for responsibility, many Kanya natives may feel mentally exhausted, trapped between 'what I should do' and 'what I haven't yet done.' There could also be karmic pressure from past decisions catching up, especially at work or with health routines. Solution: Avoid self-criticism. Instead, take one hour to bring order to a space or task that has been neglected. Even folding clothes with mindfulness becomes a remedy under this trine. Recite 'Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namaha' 108 times, and keep a tulsi plant near your workspace. Remember, the burden eases when you take one step at a time instead of thinking ten steps ahead. Libra (Tula Rashi) Libra values balance, but this trine can cause sudden disharmony in close relationships. Nadi wisdom says when Surya's ego meets Shani's rigidity, it tests one's ability to uphold fairness without falling into silence or people-pleasing. Librans may find that they are being unfairly blamed or expected to mediate situations that are emotionally draining. Unresolved issues in marriage or partnership may also rise to the surface. Solution: Stay silent when provoked, but not absent. Offer water to Surya at dawn, asking for clarity in speech and heart. Light a diya with sesame oil in the evening for Shani, and chant 'Om Shukraya Namaha' to balance Venus (Libra's ruler). If there's a situation where you've remained neutral, reflect on whether fairness truly requires action, not just silence. A prayer for inner harmony often restores outer harmony, too. Scorpio (Vrishchik Rashi) Scorpio natives are no strangers to intensity, but during this trine, they may undergo an inner churn that feels spiritual yet exhausting. Surya represents authority, and Shani, karma. When they form a trine, Scorpios may face situations where ego must be surrendered, old wounds faced, and control given up. This could show up in the form of a power struggle at work, unresolved issues with a father figure, or the sudden collapse of a plan that seemed secure. Solution: Do not resist what is being taken away—especially if it was feeding your pride, not your peace. Instead, perform Jala abhishek (water offering) to a Shivling and chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' with full faith. Fasting on this day or observing silence for a few hours helps burn inner poisons. Remember, Scorpio rises from ashes—this moment may feel dark, but it carries the seed of your next strength. Capricorn (Makar Rashi) Capricorns are ruled by Shani himself, and though this gives them a special strength, it also means that Saturn's tests are more refined. On this day, the Surya–Shani trine may make them feel overwhelmed by duties, especially if they've taken on more than they can carry. This pressure can lead to physical fatigue, back pain, or even burnout. Nadi astrology warns that this is not the time to prove your worth—this is the time to realign it. Solution: Prioritise, don't power through. Perform a humble seva (selfless act)—clean a space, help a co-worker, or support your father or boss with no expectation. Offer water to the peepal tree, and chant 'Om Sham Shanaishcharaya Namaha' with sincerity. Even Shani softens when one does honest work without ego. Let humility be your shield and service your weapon. Pisces (Meen Rashi) Pisces, the dreamers of the zodiac, may find this trine unsettling. As Surya exposes inner truths and Shani demands accountability, Meen rashi natives may feel they're being forced to wake up from illusions—whether in love, finance, or spiritual matters. Old karmic debts related to avoidance may surface. You may feel pressured to choose between comfort and dharma, illusion and clarity. Solution: On this day, stop avoiding. Perform a simple act of truth—pay a debt, apologise, or complete something you've left midway. Offer sandalwood water to Surya and a black sesame diya to Shani. Recite 'Om Namo Narayanaya' 108 times. Light a diya in your altar and sit before it without expectation. You will receive direction when you stop running from duty. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
12 Animals that would easily beat you in a race
Think you're fast? These 12 animals would easily outrun you on land, in the sky, or under the sea. While humans excel in intelligence, the animal kingdom boasts some of the world's fastest creatures built purely for speed. Whether it's a cheetah sprinting across the savannah or a peregrine falcon diving at over 200 mph, these high-speed animals are evolutionary marvels. Speed isn't just impressive; it's essential for survival, hunting, and escape. From birds of prey to underwater racers and sprinting mammals, discover 12 animals that would leave even the best human athletes far behind in any race. 12 speedy animals that would easily outrun you Golden Eagle Golden eagles are majestic birds of prey that dominate the skies with their impressive speed. When diving to catch prey, these powerful raptors can reach jaw-dropping speeds of up to 150 mph. With keen eyesight and strong talons, they rarely miss their target. Bald Eagle The national bird of the United States, the bald eagle, is not only symbolic but also seriously swift. In a dive, it can reach speeds of up to 100 mph. Its sharp vision and massive wingspan make it a formidable hunter over both land and water. Frigatebird Source: Wikipedia Frigatebirds are known for their long wings and exceptional aerial agility. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Redefine Your Future with a Top Online MBA SRM Online Enquire Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola These seabirds can fly at speeds of up to 95 mph and often soar effortlessly for days over the ocean. Their speed and maneuverability allow them to snatch fish from the surface mid-flight. Peregrine Falcon Source: Wikipedia No creature beats the peregrine falcon when it comes to raw speed. During a hunting dive, or 'stoop,' this raptor reaches mind-blowing speeds of over 240 mph, faster than a Formula One car. Its aerodynamic body and strong wings make it nature's ultimate predator in the air. Cheetah Source: Wikipedia The cheetah is the fastest land animal, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just a few seconds and topping out around 75 mph. Its long limbs, flexible spine, and deep chest allow for explosive bursts of speed, but only for short distances, perfect for catching prey on the open plains. Sailfish Source: Wikipedia In the ocean, the sailfish reigns supreme. With a top speed of up to 68 mph, it is widely regarded as the fastest fish. Its long, slender body and retractable sail-like dorsal fin help it cut through the water with ease, especially when chasing down smaller fish. Mako Shark Source: Wikipedia The mako shark is the fastest shark species, reaching speeds of around 46 mph. Its sleek, torpedo-shaped body and powerful tail give it an edge in catching swift prey like tuna and swordfish. It's a true predator built for speed. Anna's Hummingbird Source: Wikipedia Don't be fooled by their small size, Anna's hummingbirds can reach speeds of over 50 mph during their signature courtship dives. They're among the fastest birds relative to body size and can hover, fly backward, and make agile turns with incredible precision. Pronghorn Antelope Source: Wikipedia The pronghorn is the second-fastest land animal after the cheetah and the fastest in North America. It can run at sustained speeds of up to 55 mph, making it a master of endurance. Its oversized heart and lungs help it keep running for miles without tiring. Quarter Horse Source: Wikipedia Bred for short, explosive races, the Quarter Horse lives up to its name. This muscular breed can sprint at speeds of up to 55 mph, especially over short distances like the quarter-mile. It's one of the fastest domesticated animals and a favorite in rodeo circuits. Springbok Source: Wikipedia Found in southern Africa, the springbok can reach speeds of up to 55 mph. Not only are they fast runners, but they're also known for a unique behavior called 'pronking,' where they leap high into the air to show strength or confuse predators. It's both athletic and effective. Caribou Source: Wikipedia Built for long-distance travel, caribou can clock speeds of up to 50 mph. During seasonal migrations, they cover vast tundra landscapes, relying on their speed and endurance to survive the harsh environment and outrun predators like wolves. From skydiving falcons to sprinting antelopes and racing fish, nature has produced some phenomenal athletes. While we may outsmart most species, when it comes to sheer speed, these animals leave humans in the dust. Also Read: What's the real meaning behind crocodile tears? You might be surprised
