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Leon to close stores and cut jobs in restructure

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Leon to close stores and cut jobs in restructure

Leon has announced it will close several of its restaurants and cut jobs as part of a major restructure of the High Street food chain.

The company has appointed Quantuma as administrators after Leon’s original co-founder, John Vincent, reacquired the company last month from Asda.

The move places the future of the worst-performing of its 71 stores at risk, but so far no closures have been confirmed and all stores remain open.

The company employs about 1,000 staff and Leon has not said how many workers will be affected but added it would try to find jobs in the stores that remain open in the first instance.

Mr Vincent said that after an initial review of the company, the “immediate priority” was to close “the most unprofitable restaurants”.

“In many cases we have found other brands to replace us, and in others we will be asking the landlords to take the leases back and find better-suited operators themselves,” he said.

Leon has also developed a programme with Pret A Manger to help staff that cannot take jobs in other Leon outlets, through which affected staff can apply for jobs with the coffee chain.

The company’s plan is to work with Quantuma over the coming weeks to discuss the plans with landlords and work out the options for Leon’s future.

Mr Vincent said he believed the company had drifted from its core values under EG and Asda’s leadership, but he was also sympathetic to the challenges they faced running the “healthier” fast food chain.

“In the last two years, Asda had bigger fish to fry, and Leon was always a business they didn’t feel fitted their strategy,” he said.

“If you look at the performance of Leon’s peers, you will see that everyone is facing challenges – companies are reporting significant losses due to working patterns and increasingly unsustainable taxes.”

Asda has previously said selling Leon back to Mr Vincent would allow it to refocus on its core retail operations, covering everything from its supermarkets to petrol forecourts.

Asda has been contacted for comment.

Leon also blamed,

Leon also blamed its current issues on internal challenges, changing work patterns driven by the Covid pandemic and tax increases – all of which have affected the broader hospitality sector.

Mr Vincent said the government needed to review the tax burden it had placed on the hospitality industry.

“Today for every pound we receive from the customer, around 36p goes to the government in tax, and about 2p ends up in the hands of the company. It’s why most players are reporting big losses,” he said.

Known for serving its meals in a cardboard box with brown rice and fresh herbs, Leon has said its mission is to prove that it’s possible to serve fast food that “tastes good but does you good too”.

It opened its first branch in London in 2004 and at the time stood out against the fried chicken, burger and chips menus of its rival fast food chains.

Leon’s administration process comes after Pizza Hut’s UK operator DC London Pie announced it was closing 68 restaurants and 11 delivery sites in October, making more than 1,200 workers redundant.

Administrators said DC London Pie had been hit by a combination of “challenging trading conditions and increased costs”, including “tax-related obligations”.



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‘The Rock’ Reveals His Morning Mindset That Keeps Him Shredded at 53

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‘The Rock’ Reveals His Morning Mindset That Keeps Him Shredded at 53

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has held WWE Championships, ruled the Hollywood box office, and even wowed critics with his gritty performance as MMA icon Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine.

But what truly motivates him to go to the gym when it is early and cold, and no one would notice him taking a little extra rest? The star took to Instagram to share the details.

“Good morning,” offered ‘The Great One’ as he made the walk from his house to the famous private gym known as the “Iron Paradise”.

This is the space where Johnson has chiselled his physique for the screen in recent years, but while social media commentators often enter the chat here to suggest it’s easy for multimillionaires to build muscle because they have the extra time and resources, the reality is usually much different. For example,

This particular workout has a start time of around 4.45 a.m. on a cold and dark Saturday morning. “You ever wake up so early, you’re like, ‘Am I fucking crazy?,” joked Johnson, heading into a gutsy cardio session. “And you go, ‘yeah, a little bit.’”

Of course, extremely late nights and ultra-early gym sessions are nothing new to The Rock, who has weathered the roads while travelling the globe with WWE and has maintained an incredible physique despite the random hours of movie shoots.

During Johnson’s impromptu Instagram live video, he shared an affinity for Waylon Jennings’ song, “I’ve always been crazy.” But most observers would suggest that he’s got things well worked out.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Shares His Evolving Philosophy at 53

The Rock is concluding a year filled with varying fortunes. While The Smashing Machine failed to make the kind of impact at the box office that he’d hoped for, he ultimately got something far more elusive in the form of mass critical acclaim. “

A question that I get asked a lot about is, ‘What’s the hack?’” shared Johnson as he headed toward his gym. What is the key to achieving success in life? “Well, there’s no life hack,” confirmed the eight-time WWE Champion.

“Work begets work.” To date, Johnson’s movies have generated more than eleven billion dollars worldwide, solidifying him as one of the most successful actors of all time, but the star shares that winning is mostly about what you do when no one is watching.

“You have to put in the work, but I used to think that ‘Oh, what am I willing to do that others aren’t willing to do?’”

The man they now call ‘The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment’ understood that to stand out from the pack, he had to dig deep as a struggling footballer, then a fledgling wrestler, and a budding actor. “And it served me, and I think it serves a lot of us out there,” he reflected. Now that he’s an established icon, however,

That philosophy, as it relates to training and life, has undergone some reconstruction. At 53, Johnson is now focussing on his strengths and contributions. “

Sure, you can compare yourself to others, but what served me even better, and more, and really became invaluable, was the collapsing of that philosophy,” shared The Rock with his almost 400 million Instagram followers. “I’m not comparing myself to what others do; instead, I’m focussing on what I’m willing to do, period, full stop, that’s it.”

Johnson now begins his prep for each task by putting his faith into himself. This legendary pro wrestler and actor no longer wants to know what others are willing to do;

He simply asks himself what he’s willing to do. “And that involves waking up at 4 a.m., heading to the gym, and performing the work diligently when no one is observing,” explained the Jumanji star. “

It’s easier to do the work when the sun comes up and everyone’s watching and it’s part of the routine,” said the star. “But the harder work, I found, is the stuff you do when no one watches. The harder work occurs in the quiet of the night or very early in the morning.

Now inside the Iron Paradise, Johnson pointed to a sign that he has on the wall, consisting of two lines: Stay Humble and Stay Hungry. “And I’m gonna put a third one right here,” he joked, “and stay the f**k in bed.”

Of course, there’s no chance that The Rock will rest on his laurels, but The Great One’s impromptu IG chat gave a rare glimpse into the inspirational insanity that keeps him crazy for crushing it in the

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“Reeves states that there are excessive unauthorised pre-budget leaks.”

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“Reeves states that there are excessive unauthorised pre-budget leaks.”

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said there were too many unauthorised leaks ahead of her budget last month.

The amount of media stories about what might be in her statement led to criticism from Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who labelled it the “hokey-cokey Budget”, telling MPs, “One minute it’s in, the next minute it’s out.”

The source of the leaks, particularly one made to the Financial Times on 13 November suggesting the Chancellor had dropped plans to increase income tax, is now being investigated.

Giving evidence to the Treasury Select Committee, Reeves told MPs that she had taken the step because the leaks were “very damaging” and “we cannot allow this to happen again”.

Shortly before she delivered her budget speech on 26 November, its contents were accidentally published by the government’s tax and spending watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).

But in the weeks leading up to the budget, a series of budget measures – including a pay-per-mile levy on electric vehicles and a tourist tax – were briefed to journalists.

A downgrade of UK productivity from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and a plan to raise income tax rates that appeared to be later abandoned were also floated in the media.

Reeves said: “The budget had too much speculation; there were too many leaks, and much of those leaks and speculation were inaccurate and very damaging…

“I want to say how upset I am about these events and the amount of speculation and leaks.”

Reeves said a review of Treasury processes was now taking place and she had also brought in the National Centre for Cyber Security to undertake a forensic examination of IT systems, following an OBR gaffe that allowed early access to its full budget report.

Following the unintentional online release of the watchdog’s assessment of the Chancellor’s plans before her speech, OBR chairman Richard Hughes resigned.

In the weeks before the Budget, the Chancellor herself fuelled speculation she was preparing to raise income tax in a speech that sought to roll the pitch for the autumn statement by warning of difficult decisions ahead.

She had suggested that sticking to Labour’s pre-election promises, which included a pledge not to hike income tax, would only be possible with “deep cuts” to public investment.

A leak to the Financial Times (FT) later revealed the proposal to increase income tax rates for the first time in 50 years had been dropped.

Asked about the FT report being attributed to “officials briefed on the move”, Reeves responded emphatically: “It was not an off-the-record briefing; it was a leak.

“I’m absolutely categorical that that was not an authorised briefing – it was incredibly damaging and frustrating and that is why we have a leak inquiry,” she said.

“It was not a briefing that was signed off by me or any of my ministers or officials; it was unacceptable.”

Reeves said she was particularly exercised by the FT leak because it “presented partial and inaccurate information and an inaccurate picture of the budget strategy” and suggested “I had ditched core elements of the budget strategy.”

The media speculated that there were tax disagreements between the Treasury and Downing Street.

Asked whether the prime minister made the decision not to raise income tax, Reeves said she had met Sir Keir “two, three times a week during the budget process”.

“There is a very close partnership between myself and the prime minister,” she told MPs.

“And so we took him through all of the numbers and all of the options and we decided it together as a team, because that is what the prime minister and I are.”

Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, James Bowler, said the Cabinet Office is heading up the current leak inquiry and will be looking at ministers as well as officials and advisers, both in the Treasury and “wider departments.”

Questioned about a previous OBR issue in February, where Bloomberg obtained confidential data showing downgraded economic growth projections, Mr. Bowler said an internal inquiry in March was “not clear whether that was a leak or speculation.”

However, he rejected assertions that leak enquiries “don’t get anywhere”, saying, “It is the case that, even in the last year, across government, civil servants have been found to accidentally or deliberately leak information and that has led to action, including dismissal.”

Mr Bowler said he expects to receive recommendations “about how many people knew things and the extent to which that is greater than what we intended”.

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Lance Corporal Lance Corporal George Hooley has been identified as the British paratrooper who was killed in Ukraine.

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Lance Corporal Lance Corporal George Hooley has been identified as the British paratrooper who was killed in Ukraine.

A member of the UK armed forces who died in Ukraine has been named as Lance Corporal George Hooley of the Parachute Regiment.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defence said the 28-year-old was killed in a “tragic accident” while observing Ukrainian forces test “a new defensive capability, away from the front lines”.

Paying tribute to the paratrooper in the Commons on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, “His life was full of courage and determination.

“He served our country with honour and distinction around the world in the cause of freedom and democracy, including as part of a small number of British personnel in Ukraine.”

Starmer said he had placed his name on record in the Commons “to express our gratitude and respect, and to affirm that his service will never be forgotten.”

Defence Secretary John Healey shared his condolences with L/Cpl Hooley’s family and colleagues.

He wrote, X: “He served our country with distinction. His tragic death reminds us of the courage and commitment with which our outstanding armed forces serve every day.”

The BBC understands the incident is not thought to have been caused by hostile fire. Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence has been approached for comment.

It is not known what L/Cpl Hooley’s role was in the country. This is the first time the presence of paratroopers in Ukraine has been confirmed.

The UK government has never disclosed the number of service people in Ukraine but has previously acknowledged a small number are there to support Ukrainian armed forces and provide security to diplomatic personnel.

The Parachute Regiment is an airborne infantry regiment of the British Army.

It has not been confirmed in which battalion L/Cpl Hooley served. The first battalion is under the direction of special forces, while others are part of the army’s rapid response formation.

It is the first time a UK military death has been publicly announced since February 2022.

The Parachute Regiment said it was mourning the death of the 28-year-old, who joined the British Army in November 2015.

He joined the regiment in June 2016 after completing his training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick in North Yorkshire, it said in a statement on social media.

Starmer told the Commons he had met Ukraine’s President Zelensky in Downing Street on Monday, alongside France’s President Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as efforts to negotiate an end to the war intensify.

“We must redouble our efforts,” he told the House.

“The UK, Europe and our allies will stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, stand up to Putin’s aggression and work to deliver a just and lasting peace.”

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, also speaking in the Commons, said, “The thoughts of the whole House will rightly be with the family of Lance Corporal Hooley, who tragically died supporting Ukraine in her fight for freedom.”

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

A series of talks to bring the war to an end have taken place in recent weeks, following interventions from US President Donald Trump and a range of European leaders.

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Humans cuddle up to meerkats in the monogamy rankings

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Humans cuddle up to meerkats in the monogamy rankings

 

 

Getty A group of six meerkats stand on their hindlegs looking back at the camera. They have grey-brown fur, pointed noses and piercing eyes.Getty
Meerkats are incredibly social animals and live in large groups known as ‘mobs’ or ‘clans’

A study that examined the monogamous lifestyles of different species suggests that humans are similar to meerkats in terms of pairing up.

In our romantic life, we more closely resemble these social, close-knit mongooses than we do our primate cousins, a “league table” of monogamy compiled by scientists suggests.

At 66% monogamous, humans score surprisingly high, surpassing chimps and gorillas, and comparable to meerkats.

However, we are by no means the most monogamous creature. Top spot goes to the Californian mouse – rodents that form inseparable, lifelong bonds.

Getty A baby chimp clings to the back of a mother chimp. She leans against the head and shoulders of another chimp against a backdrop of green foliage.Getty
Chimpanzees are highly social and form strong bonds but have very different social structures from humans

“There is a premier league of monogamy, in which humans sit comfortably, while the vast majority of other mammals take a far more promiscuous approach to mating,” said Dr Mark Dyble at the University of Cambridge.

human populations throughout history,

In the animal world, the benefits of pairing up may explain its independent evolution in multiple species, including humans. Experts have proposed various benefits to so-called social monogamy, where mates match up for at least a breeding season to care for their young and see off rivals.

Dr. Dyble examined several human populations throughout history, calculating the proportions of full siblings—individuals who share the same mother and father—compared with half-siblings, individuals who share either a mother or a father but not both. Similar data was compiled for more than 30 socially monogamous and other mammals.

Humans have a monogamy rating of 66% full siblings, ahead of meerkats (60%) but behind beavers (73%).

Meanwhile, our evolutionary cousins fall at the bottom of the table – with mountain gorillas at a 6% rating, while chimpanzees come in at just 4% (alongside the dolphin).

In last place is Scotland’s Soay sheep, where females mate with multiple males, with 0.6% full siblings. The Californian mouse came top, at 100%.

However, being ranked alongside meerkats and beavers doesn’t mean our societies are the same – human society is poles apart.

“Although the rates of full siblings we see in humans are most similar to species like meerkats or beavers, the social system that we see in humans is completely unique,” Dr Dyble told BBC News.

“Most of these species live in colony-like social groups or perhaps live in solitary pairs that go around together. Humans are very different from that. We live in what we call multi-male, multi-female groups, within which we have these monogamous, or pair-bonded, units.”

Getty Four sheep graze on fresh green grass below a stone wall. They are dark-brown with wooly fur.Getty
Soay sheep are the most promiscuous of all the animals studied

Dr Kit Opie at the University of Bristol, who is not connected with the study, said this is another piece in the puzzle over how human monogamy arose.

“I think this paper gives us a very clear understanding that across time and across space humans are monogamous,” he said.

“Our society is much closer to chimps and bonobos – it just happens that we’ve taken a different route when it comes to mating.”

The new study is published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society: Biological Sciences.



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Pantry to Plate: High-Protein Meals from Cans and Jars

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Pantry to Plate: High-Protein Meals from Cans and Jars



Pantry to Plate: High-Protein Meals from Cans and Jars

Pantry staples aren’t just backup options for when you’re out of fresh ingredients—they’re legitimate meal-builders. Canned beans, tuna, salmon, chickpeas, and tomatoes deliver solid nutrition at a fraction of the cost and effort of cooking from scratch.

The key is knowing how to combine them into meals that actually keep you full. Here’s the straightforward strategy for turning shelf-stable proteins into satisfying, balanced plates.

Why Protein Matters for Fullness

Protein has staying power. Research consistently shows that higher-protein meals help you feel fuller than meals heavy in carbs or fat alone—protein increases satiety hormones and helps reduce hunger between meals (1).

That fullness factor matters when you’re trying to manage your appetite without constantly thinking about your next snack.

“Protein-rich meals help stabilise your energy and keep you satisfied longer than meals that are mostly made up of simple carbs or fats. When you combine protein with fiber from vegetables, beans, legumes or whole grains,

You’re setting yourself up for sustained fullness that lasts hours, not minutes,” says Katherine Basbaum, a MyFitnessPal dietitian. 

When you pair protein with fiber—which also slows digestion and adds volume to your meals—you get a double benefit in terms of fullness (6).

This is why combinations like beans with vegetables or tuna with whole-grain crackers work so well: the protein and fibre team up to keep you satisfied.

Stock Your Pantry with These Protein Staples

These shelf-stable proteins give you flexibility to build quick meals without a grocery run:

Canned beans and lentils: Black beans, chickpeas, white beans, pinto beans, and lentils all deliver protein and fibre. A cup of canned black beans provides about 15 grams of protein and 15 grams of fibre (2).

Canned fish: Tuna and salmon are lean protein powerhouses. A 3-ounce serving of canned tuna offers around 20 grams of protein, while canned salmon provides similar protein with more omega-3 fatty acids—about 1-2 grams per serving compared to tuna’s roughly 0.7 grams (4) (5).

Canned chicken: Convenient and versatile, protein-packed canned chicken works in salads, wraps, or mixed with grains.

Nut butters: Peanut butter, almond butter, and other nut butters provide protein and healthy fats.

Canned tomatoes: While not a protein source, they add flavor, acidity, and volume to meals built around beans or fish.

Woman unpacking fresh produce from reusable mesh bag in bright kitchen

Build a Balanced Plate from Pantry Staples

Instead of following specific recipes, use this flexible strategy to assemble satisfying meals:

1. Start with protein

Choose a canned protein as your base: beans, lentils, tuna, salmon, or chicken. Aim for a serving that gives you 15-20+ grams of protein.

2. Add fiber-rich foods

Combine your protein with vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned), whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, or whole-wheat pasta), or more beans. Fibre slows digestion and adds bulk without many calories, which helps you feel full (6).

“The beauty of pantry meals is that you can layer flavours and textures without stress. Start with your protein and fibre foundation, then add elements that make the meal exciting—fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, hot sauce, or crunchy vegetables.

These finishing touches transform basic ingredients into something you’ll actually want to eat,” says Basbaum.

3. Build flavor and freshness

Add elements that make the meal satisfying: fresh vegetables or greens, acidic components (lemon juice, vinegar, salsa), herbs and spices, or crunchy toppings (seeds, nuts, crackers).

These additions provide texture, brightness, and satisfaction without adding excessive calories.

Example combinations:

• Canned white beans + canned tomatoes + spinach + garlic + parmesan

• Canned tuna + chickpeas + cucumber + red onion + lemon + olive oil

• Canned salmon + brown rice + frozen broccoli + soy sauce + sesame seeds

• Black beans + salsa + avocado + whole-grain tortilla + cilantro

Frequently Asked Questions

Are canned proteins as healthy as fresh?

Indeed, this is true in many aspects. Canned beans and fish provide similar nutritional value to their fresh counterparts. Canning preserves proteins, fibres, and most vitamins and minerals.

The main difference is sodium content—choose low-sodium or no-salt-added versions when possible, or drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium (7).

How much protein do I actually need?

The National Institutes of Health recommends a daily intake (Recommended Daily Allowance or RDA) of 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. (8) This amount of protein is what you need to prevent muscle loss. 

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends 1.2 to 2 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day. (9)

Why does fiber matter if I’m focused on protein?

Fiber works alongside protein to keep you full. It adds volume to meals, slows digestion, and supports digestive health (6). Foods like beans give you both protein and fiber in one package, which is why they’re so effective at sustaining fullness.

The Bottom Line

High-protein pantry meals don’t require complicated recipes or fresh ingredients—just a strategic approach. Start with canned or jarred protein (beans, tuna, salmon, or chicken); add fiber-rich foods for sustained fullness; and layer in fresh or acidic elements for flavour and satisfaction.

These simple combinations turn shelf-stable staples into balanced, filling meals that work for busy schedules and tight budgets.

Frequently Asked Questions: High-protein Pantry Meals

 

Are canned proteins as healthy as fresh?

Indeed, this approach is beneficial in numerous aspects. Canned beans and fish provide similar nutritional value to their fresh counterparts. Canning preserves proteins, fibres, and most vitamins and minerals.

The main difference is sodium content—choose low-sodium or no-salt-added versions when possible, or drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium (7).

 

How much protein do I actually need?

The National Institutes of Health recommends a daily intake (Recommended Daily Allowance or RDA) of 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. (8) This amount of protein is what you need to prevent muscle loss. 
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the International Society of Sports Nutrition recommend 1.2 to 2 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day. (9)

 

Why does fibre matter if I’m focused on protein?

Fiber works alongside protein to keep you full. It adds volume to meals, slows digestion, and supports digestive health (6). Foods like beans give you both protein and fiber in one package, which is why they’re so effective at sustaining fullness.

 

 

The Bottom Line

High-protein pantry meals don’t require complicated recipes or fresh ingredients—just a strategic approach. Start with canned or jarred protein (beans, tuna, salmon, or chicken); add fibre-rich foods for sustained fullness; and layer in fresh or acidic elements for flavour and satisfaction.

These simple combinations turn shelf-stable staples into balanced, filling meals that work for busy schedules and tight budgets.



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Starlink price plans for India: Elon Musk-led company may charge Rs 2,500-3,500 per month; check details

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Starlink price plans for India: Elon Musk-led company may charge Rs 2,500-3,500 per month; check details

Starlink price plans for India: Elon Musk-led company may charge Rs 2,500-3,500 per month; check details

The government has not yet assigned spectrum to Starlink for commercial service deployment, and security clearances remain pending.

Elon Musk-led Starlink plans to soon introduce its satellite communication services in India with pricing between Rs 2,500 and 3,500 for retail customers.

The company aims to provide services across multiple sectors, including maritime, aviation, retail, and enterprise segments. Earlier, Starlink had briefly displayed a price of Rs 8,600 monthly on its website, which was subsequently removed.

The company later clarified this was due to a technical error. Industry experts viewed the initially displayed price point as high, suggesting that it would have hindered Starlink’s competitiveness in India’s price-conscious market.

Sources told ET that Starlink will announce official pricing after receiving complete regulatory clearances and spectrum allocation from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

Starlink’s India Launch Plans

The company has already secured the required Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence for retail satellite services.

Additionally, it has obtained a VSAT licence and permissions for flight and maritime connectivity. These authorisations enable Starlink to deliver satellite-based services across various sectors.

Starlink's India entryStarlink’s India entry

Industry experts believe satellite communication will serve as a supplementary service rather than a disruptive force to traditional telecommunications, primarily due to substantial price differences in broadband services.

As noted by JM Financial, whilst Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel offer basic fibre and fixed wireless services at Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 monthly (approximately $6 to $12), Starlink’s services are expected to cost three to five times more than these conventional providers.

The Indian government has not yet assigned spectrum to Starlink for commercial service deployment, and security clearances remain pending. The firm has recruited leadership personnel for its India operations, including a head executive and financial staff. The India operations and governmental relationships at both national and state levels will remain under the supervision of Lauren Dreyer.

who serves as Starlink’s vice president, according to informed sources. An industry expert suggests that Starlink’s initial strategy for India focuses on establishing a presence rather than immediate profitability.

“When the constellation becomes denser in the future, the unit costs for Starlink will improve.” “They are coming to India with a long-term plan,” the expert told ET. He emphasised that Starlink’s satellite communication services would not directly rival telecommunications companies due to significant differences in service costs.

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The Higher Education Commission of India’s (HECI) bill faces heat as the CPI(M) MP warns of opaque draughting and a threat to autonomy.

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The Higher Education Commission of India’s (HECI) bill faces heat as the CPI(M) MP warns of opaque draughting and a threat to autonomy.

Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) bill faces heat as CPI(M) MP warns of opaque drafting and threat to autonomy
Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas

A major confrontation is brewing over the Centre’s plan to introduce the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill during the ongoing session of Parliament. CPI(M) MP John Brittas has formally urged Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Dharmendra Pradhan to pause the legislative push.

warning that the government is attempting to advance a sweeping regulatory overhaul without transparency. According to the PTI report, Brittas wrote to the ministers,

Brittas highlighted that the draft bill has not been made public and that no consultations have occurred with state governments.

universities, teachers’ bodies, or students. He stressed that pushing the bill forward without scrutiny would violate democratic norms and expose the higher-education sector to “far-reaching consequences”.

Why India’s New Right To Disconnect Bill Could Transform Work Culture, Protect Millions From Burnout

The opaque process is at the heart of criticism.

The MP’s letter, as reported by the PTI, warns that the government’s approach raises fundamental questions about accountability and the bypassing of federal principles.

Brittas urged the Centre to either withhold the bill or refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee to ensure a full examination of its provisions.

Bill aims to reshape regulatory governance

The proposed HECI framework seeks to consolidate multiple existing regulators, including the University Grants Commission and bodies overseeing technical and teacher education, into a single apex authority. While the Centre argues the move aligns with the National Education Policy 2020,

Critics fear the consolidation will centralise decision-making and weaken the autonomy of institutions that currently operate under diverse governance structures.

Autonomy, federalism and public funding in the spotlight

As detailed in the PTI report, Brittas cautioned that the Bill could erode academic independence and potentially shift public institutions toward models dependent on central control.

He argued that such a transformation requires broad consultation, especially given its potential to reshape funding, accreditation, and institutional freedoms.

Resistance likely to escalate

With the bill listed for introduction this session, political and academic pushback is expected to intensify.

Opposition parties, university groups, and teacher unions have already flagged concerns about the center’s opaque approach and the risks it poses to India’s federal highereducation framework.

Government response awaited

The Education Ministry has not issued any public clarification so far. If the Bill is introduced without releasing the draft for scrutiny,

The government may face significant resistance on the floor of Parliament—setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation over control, autonomy and the future structure of Indian higher education. (With inputs from PTI)

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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, makes contact with her father, Thomas Markle, in a hospital.

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Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, makes contact with her father, Thomas Markle, in a hospital.
Getty Images Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex sat down on a white chair wearing a beige suit and white shirtGetty Images

A letter from Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex has now reached her estranged father, who is in hospital in the Philippines.

Thomas Markle, who has reportedly had his left lower leg amputated, told the Mail on Sunday he does not want to die while distanced from his daughter.

He said he wishes to meet his grandchildren, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, as well as Meghan’s husband, the Duke of Sussex.

A spokesperson for the duchess said it “has been exceedingly difficult for her to contact her father privately, despite her efforts over the past several days.”

But, as the spokesperson added, Meghan’s letter “is now safely in his hands” thanks to the support of “reliable and trusted contacts.”

On Friday, a spokesperson for the Duchess said she had attempted to reach out to him in hospital but had been unable to locate him.

Mr Markle, who moved from Mexico to live in the Philippines, told the newspaper he had not received any messages to his usual phone number.

According to the PA news agency, the Duchess does not have his phone number and believes he lacks access to his phone while in hospital.

Her team confirmed she had emailed her dad, but the paper reported that he “never uses email.”

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Daily Mail’s parent company DMG Media confirmed that its journalist, Caroline Graham, “has had a close relationship with Mr Markle since 2018”.

They said Mr Markle – a retired TV lighting director, who previously suffered a heart attack – “contacted Ms Graham when he was taken ill and asked her to travel to the Philippines to be with him”.

They added, “Ms. Graham has said she would help Mr. Markle and his daughter talk.” “That remains the case.”

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for the duchess said: “Given that a Daily Mail reporter has remained at her father’s bedside throughout, broadcasting each interaction and breaching clear ethical boundaries, it has been exceedingly difficult for the Duchess to contact her father privately, despite her efforts over the past several days.

“With the support of reliable and trusted contacts, her correspondence is now safely in his hands.”

Meghan ever resumed any proper relationship,

The relationship between Meghan and her father broke down in the run-up to her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

During the couple’s engagement, the media interest in Thomas Markle and his family was intense.

Mr. Markle was found to have colluded with photographers, who paid him for photos that appeared to show him preparing for the wedding.

The fallout saw him pull out of his daughter’s wedding just days before the ceremony in Windsor, citing health problems.

King Charles III – who was then the Prince of Wales – walked Meghan down the aisle instead.

It is not clear if Meghan ever resumed any proper relationship with her father following her marriage.

He was critical of his daughter’s and his son-in-law’s decision to step back from public duty in the UK and criticise the royal family.

In one media interview he said: “I think they’re both turning into lost souls at this point.”

“I don’t know what they’re looking for,” he added. “I don’t think they know what they’re looking for.”

On Sunday, Mr Markle told the Mail, “I’ve always said I am open to reconciling with my daughter. I have never stopped loving her.

“I don’t want to die estranged from Meghan. I want to meet my grandkids. It might be nice to meet her husband too.”

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NASA’s building new systems to handle all that flying traffic safely.

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NASA’s building new systems to handle all that flying traffic safely.
NASA shows how air travel can be made safer for future

Urban air travel is finally getting real attention. Cities are desperate for better ways to move people and things, and electric air taxis and drones have gone from wild sci-fi ideas to actual plans.

Now, engineers are working on small aircraft that can zip over traffic jams, carrying folks or packages across town in a fraction of the usual time. It’s not just wishful thinking; urban planners are starting to figure out where these things fit in the big picture. To get ready, NASA’s building new systems to handle all that flying traffic safely.

They want to keep things organised, avoid mid-air chaos, and make sure everything runs smoothly, even when the skies get crowded. A recent NASA simulation showed these tools can actually work, keeping urban air travel safe and reliable as it ramps up in the next few years.

How NASA plans to keep drones and air taxis from crossing paths

NASA’s latest invention is the Strategic Deconfliction Simulation. It’s a mouthful, but basically, it’s about making sure air taxis and drones don’t bump into each other when the skies get busy.

The idea is simple: coordinate flight plans before takeoff so two aircraft don’t try to occupy the same patch of air at the same time. They simulated it at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California. Picture hundreds of drones and taxis all flying over a city at once.

The test focused on organising flight plans to cut down on delays and maintain enough distance between every aircraft from start to finish.

 

Smart tools for smoother flights

At the event, researchers rolled out two big tools: the Situational Viewer and the Demand Capacity Balancing Monitor. The Situational Viewer makes it easy to see everything in the sky, right as it happens.

where each drone or taxi is, how much space they’re using, and how busy things are getting. The Demand Capacity Balancing Monitor jumps in when the airspace starts to look crowded.

tweaking flight plans to keep everything moving and avoid logjams. For the test, NASA focused on Dallas-Fort Worth, running simulated flights to see how planning could prevent chaos and keep things safe. By mixing up traffic patterns, they learnt how to balance demand with what the airspace can actually handle.

Teaming up with industry

NASA knows they can’t pull the task off alone. That’s why they’re working with companies building drones, air taxis, and the software to keep them in line. ANRA Technologies joined the latest demo, showing off their systems that keep track of whole fleets and manage operations on the ground.

Think takeoffs, landings, and everything in between. By combining NASA’s research with industry tools, the simulation proved that different systems can play harmoniously together, making things safer and more efficient.

Why bother with simulations

Testing in a safe, controlled way matters a lot. Hanbong Lee, an engineer at NASA Ames, says simulations help everyone figure out how drones and other new flying machines can safely share the sky. The data they collect isn’t just useful to NASA;

It helps the whole industry move forward. In the end, all this work is about making urban air travel safe, reliable, and something people actually trust. As more companies roll out electric air taxis, the need to manage hundreds of flights per hour in a single city is only going to grow.

NASA’s research is laying the groundwork for this new way to get around. This demo is just one step. NASA’s planning a bigger, more advanced simulation in 2026 that will push the limits even further and help nail down what services cities need to manage all this new traffic.

All of this is part of NASA’s Air Mobility Pathfinders project, finding ways for air taxis and drones to work in America’s cities without a hitch. NASA aims to improve air traffic management by conducting additional tests and developing more advanced systems.

NASA’s getting ready for a future where air taxis and drones aren’t just a novelty; they’re an everyday part of city life. NASA’s latest simulation isn’t just a tech showcase.

It’s a big leap toward making urban air travel practical, safe, and ready for the real world.





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