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Orientation-cum-training for pilgrims begins in Kishtwar

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Orientation-cum-training for pilgrims begins in Kishtwar

Kishtwar, Jan 20: The First Phase of Orientation-cum-Training on Manasik-e-Hajj was imparted to the Haj Pilgrims of Kishtwar District, here on Tuesday.

A total of 55 persons, including 19 women and 36 men, selected for this year’s pilgrimage from the district, attended the orientation programme.

The training programme, as per an official statement, was held in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma. He emphasized the importance of proper orientation of the pilgrims for smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.

The pilgrims were informed about the Manasik-e-Hajj, travel documents, accommodation arrangements, health-related precautions and other important guidelines necessary for undertaking the sacred journey.

The pilgrims were advised to strictly adhere to the scheduled dates and timings of the coming training sessions and to follow the guidelines issued by the Haj Committee from time to time.

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DLSA Baramulla to hold Special Lok Adalat

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DLSA Baramulla to hold Special Lok Adalat

Srinagar, Jan 20: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Baramulla in collaboration with Tehsil Legal Services Committees of District Baramulla will be holding Special Lok Adalat on January 31.

The Lok Adalat will be held at District Court Complex Baramulla as well as at all the Tehsil Legal Services Committee Headquarters of District Baramulla.

During the Special Lok Adalat, Criminal compoundable cases will be taken for amicable resolution. DLSA Baramulla has urged all concerned parties and advocates who desire to get their cases of aforementioned nature settled through the Lok Adalat may approach DLSA Baramulla/Tehsil Legal Services Committees of District Baramulla by or before January 26, 2026, as per a press release.

 

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Sony to hand over control of Bravia TV business to China’s TCL

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Sony to hand over control of Bravia TV business to China’s TCL

New Delhi, Jan 20: Sony Group Corp on Tuesday announced it has decided to spin off control of its home entertainment business, including its well-known Bravia television brand, to Chinese electronics major TCL Electronics Holdings Limited, marking another step by a Japanese company to reduce exposure to the low-margin television segment.

Sony Group Corp said that it will sell a 51 per cent stake in its home entertainment arm to TCL Electronics Holdings Limited.

As part of the deal, the two companies will form a joint venture that is expected to begin operations in April 2027.

The joint venture will manufacture televisions under the Sony and Bravia names, but the sets will use TCL’s display technology.

Sony said the arrangement will allow it to retain its strong brand presence in global living rooms while reducing the costs and low profitability linked to manufacturing television hardware.

The company, best known globally for its PlayStation business, has been steadily shifting its focus away from traditional consumer electronics toward higher-growth and higher-margin segments.

TCL, one of China’s oldest and largest electronics groups, has been aggressively expanding its global footprint in recent years.

The company has grown into a major budget television brand in the United States and has also licensed well-known names such as BlackBerry and Alcatel for mobile devices.

At the CES 2026 technology show in Las Vegas, TCL drew attention by occupying one of the most prominent display spaces, replacing Samsung Electronics in that location.

Under the new partnership, future televisions will continue to carry the Sony and Bravia branding, even though the underlying display technology will come from TCL.

For TCL, the deal provides access to Sony’s global brand recognition and engineering legacy, strengthening its position in the premium television segment.

“We are pleased to have reached a basic agreement on this strategic partnership with TCL. By combining the expertise of our two companies, we aim to create new customer value in home entertainment and deliver an even more compelling viewing experience to customers around the world,” Kimio Maki, President and CEO of Sony Corporation said.

“We believe that our strategic partnership with Sony is a unique opportunity to combine the strengths of both Sony and TCL and build a solid foundation for sustainable growth,” DU Juan, Chairman of TCL Electronics Holdings Limited said.

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INS Sudarshini sets sail from Kochi on global expedition

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INS Sudarshini sets sail from Kochi on global expedition

New Delhi, Jan 20: Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, flagged off INS Sudarshini from Naval Base Kochi, marking the launch of Lokayan 26, a long-range sailing expedition of the Indian Navy.

The 10-month deployment will see the indigenously built sail training ship cover around 22,000 nautical miles, calling at 18 ports across 13 countries, including participation in major international maritime events in France and the United States.

The expedition highlights India’s growing maritime outreach and the Navy’s focus on professional training, global engagement, and the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

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Those who want to break J&K, will never succeed: Dr Farooq Abdullah

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Those who want to break J&K, will never succeed: Dr Farooq Abdullah

Jammu, Jan 20: National Conference (NC) president and the former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday, while dismissing a suggestion for more administrative divisions or districts in J&K, asserted that there were many people who wanted to break J&K yet they would never succeed.

In the same breath, he also rebuffed the allegation by J&K BJP leaders that the NC and PDP wanted to create disturbance, bring back the era of stone-pelting in J&K again- with a counter-allegation though obliquely. He stated that the NC gave blood and faced bullets for it (J&K) and was not among saboteurs.

“Tell them (BJP), they, and not we, are the people who create disturbance. We have given our blood for it (J&K). We have seen the scars of bullets. We have faced bullets just to be with India and we will continue to do so even in future,” he said, while responding to the media queries after attending his party’s two-day convention of block presidents at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu.

“Many a time, such (division of state) propositions were floated. There are many people who want to break the State (J&K). But they will never succeed,” former Chief Minister said, while dismissing voices of further disintegration of J&K.

Confronted with a query about the BJP leaders seeking separate state and similar voices from the Valley, including former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattoo and Peoples Conference supremo Sajad Lone, he said, “We (NC) never wanted it. We did not want even Ladakh to get separated from us (J&K). How did it (separation) benefit Ladakhis? Today even Ladakhis are rejecting Union Territory status and are demanding integration with J&K.” “Those raking such demands are foolish and ill-informed people. Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh was one state. God willing, Ladakh will return to J&K again, one day. They (BJP) wanted to separate Ladakh and they did. But what purpose did it (separation of Ladakh) serve?” he questioned.

Regarding PDP president’s suggestion to have separate administrative divisions for Pir Panchal and Chenab Valley sub-regions of Jammu province, NC president said, “Probably you (media) would not be knowing- this is an old plan- (Owen) Dixon plan, which proposed the division of J&K- christening the area across the Chenab as “Greater Kashmir”. But it was Parmar Sahib of Himachal who reminded the people of Chamba and Kangra that their native language was Himachali. Therefore, many people had different big plans (for disintegration of state). There are many people who want to break the State (J&K). But they will never succeed,” Dr Farooq said. Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar was the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. The NC president also dismissed the proposition that J&K should have more districts. “No. No more districts should be carved (out of Jammu). There are already many districts. It would be great if they could take care of already existing districts and attend to their needs,” he said.

In response to a question about the accusation of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti about rising unemployment under the nose of the present ruling dispensation, Farooq had a counter-question. “She, herself, was a Chief Minister. What had she done? Her father too was a Chief Minister. What did they do? It is very easy to point the finger at others but mind it, in the act, three fingers point at those levelling accusations, as well,” he retorted. With regard to a question about the prospects of talks with Pakistan and a comment of the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who described Pakistan as “irresponsible nation”, Farooq stated, “Media is suffering from Pakistan-phobia. They should come out of it. Only remember what the former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had said- We can change our friends but not our neighbours. We all are reckless, irresponsible. Entire world is like this.”

About the US President Donald Trump’s invitation to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be part of the “Board of Peace” for restoring peace in Gaza, the NC president said that India’s ties with the Trump (US) were old and stable. “That friendship is passing through a turbulent phase now. It will be back in its pristine form soon, God willing,” he replied.

 

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DGP’s call for strict action against those threatening peace in J&K

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DGP’s call for strict action against those threatening peace in J&K

Srinagar, Jan 20: The Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat today said that strictest action against anti-national elements is needed for peaceful Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised for foolproof security planning, intensified area domination and robust intelligence-based operations to ensure peaceful and incident-free Republic Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir.

The DGP J&K expressed these remarks while chairing a comprehensive security review meeting in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal. He assessed the prevailing security scenario and operational preparedness of the district during the high-level security meeting.

The DGP took a detailed review of law and order management, counter-terrorism preparedness, crime control measures, and security arrangements for Republic Day–2026. He stressed heightened alertness, foolproof security planning, intensified area domination, and robust intelligence-based operations to ensure peaceful and incident-free celebrations.

Addressing the officers, DGP Nalin Prabhat issued clear directions to deal firmly and decisively with anti-national elements who pose a threat to public safety, peace, and tranquility. He stressed zero tolerance towards activities inimical to national security and urged officers to intensify operations against such elements while maintaining a people-friendly approach.

The DGP lauded the efforts of Ganderbal Police and exhorted them to continue working with dedication, professionalism, and commitment to uphold the rule of law and ensure a secure environment for the citizens.

The meeting was attended by S J M Gillani, Special DGP Coordination; IGP Kashmir Zone V K Birdi; DIG Central Kashmir Range Rajiv Pandey; SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal; besides GOs, SHOs and DOs of Ganderbal Police.

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J&K Bank net profit jumps over 10% YoY for Q3

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J&K Bank net profit jumps over 10% YoY for Q3

Srinagar, Jan 20: Jammu and Kashmir Bank today announced healthy financial results for the October-December quarter (Q3 FY 25-26), with net profit rising by 18.7% Quarter-on-Quarter and 10.4% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 586.73 Cr when compared to Rs 531.51 Cr recorded during the same period last fiscal.

The Bank’s Board of Directors approved the numbers for the quarter and nine-months during a meeting held today at the Bank’s Divisional Office in Jammu.

Meanwhile, the Bank’s net profit for the first nine months of current financial year grew 4.5% YoY to Rs 1565.68 Cr as against Rs 1497.92 Cr recorded for the same period last year, reflecting its sustained growth trajectory.

Operating Highlights

The Bank’s Net Interest Margin (NIM) for the quarter has improved to 3.62%, up by 6 bps QoQ. Cost-to-Income Ratio of the Bank improved to 55.88% YoY for the quarter from 57.28%, while as Return on Assets (RoA) for nine-months stood at 1.23%.

The Bank’s operating metrics reflected steady growth, as the Net Interest Income (NII) witnessed 3.8% growth QoQ to Rs 1488.88 Cr, while the Other Income for the quarter surged 15.3% YoY to Rs 279.46 Cr from Rs 242.32 Cr recorded last financial year. The Bank’s Cost of Deposits also declined to 4.69% QoQ from 4.86%.

Commenting upon operating performance, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, “Despite rate cut, impairment provisioning for Grameen Bank and challenging conditions – particularly the events of April 22, their subsequent impact, and the floods that disrupted the local economy – the Bank remains firmly on track to deliver record profits for the fourth consecutive year.”

“Characterized by robust top-line growth and better asset quality, overall our Q3 performance underscores our strong fundamentals, disciplined execution, and sustained operational efficiency”, MD & CEO added.

Asset Quality

The Bank’s Gross NPA ratio declined YoY to 3.00%, down by 108 basis points (bps) from 4.08%, while as the Net NPA reduced by 26 bps YoY to 0.68% from 0.94% and 8 bps QoQ from 0.76%. The Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR) for the quarter is above 90% at 90.46%.

In his comments on asset quality, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee remarked, “Even as our core geography has navigated significant challenges extending beyond the banking sector, the Bank’s asset quality has continued to improve steadily. Supported by robust risk management practices, Gross NPAs have declined from around 4 percent to 3.00% percent, which is almost in line with our stated annual guidance.”

“The sustained improvement in asset quality despite such disturbances speaks volumes about the resilience and commitment of borrowers and the underlying robustness of the local economy”, he added.

Business Growth

Maintaining strong business momentum during the third quarter of the current financial year, the Bank recorded a robust YoY growth of 17.3% in gross advances and a healthy YoY growth of 10.6% in deposits. As on December 31, 2025, the Bank’s gross Advances surged to Rs 116248 Cr while total deposits reached Rs 155861 Cr.

Commenting on the business growth, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said, “Delivering over 17% year-on-year growth in advances – well ahead of the guidance we had shared with the market – reflects the strength of our franchise, the effectiveness of our credit strategy and the meticulous execution by our teams on the ground. Double-digit growth of deposits in a competitive environment also highlights the trust reposed in the Bank by our customers.”

“The accelerated advances growth was driven by focused expansion in retail, MSME, agriculture and select corporate portfolios, supported by improved credit appetite and strengthened customer engagement across both core and emerging geographies. Our consistent focus on deepening relationships within JKL and beyond, improving product penetration and enhancing service delivery continues to support stable balance-sheet expansion”, he added.

Capital Adequacy

The Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) under Basel III stood at 15%.

Regarding capital position, MD & CEO remarked, “With our CAR at 15% – which will be further augmented by internal accruals on account of net profit for current fiscal – we are well capitalized to expand our lending operations as per our business plan. Moreover, the board approved capital raise of Rs 1250 Cr will boost our capital adequacy and cushion us comfortably to support calibrated business expansion across key sectors.”

“It will enhance our ability to absorb risk, while reinforcing our long-term focus on sustaining asset quality, improving profitability and creating enduring value for our shareholders”, he added.

Key Initiatives

Highlighting the Bank’s key initiatives during the CFY so far, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee remarked, “During these quarters, we remained steadfast in supporting our customers, particularly through initiatives such as the 2025 Rehabilitation Package for disturbance-affected borrowers, which provided extended repayment timelines and additional credit support. This underscores our role as a responsible institution committed to sustaining livelihoods and economic activity in our core operational geographies.”

Terming digital transformation as central to the Bank’s strategy, he further added, “Simultaneously, we accelerated our digital transformation with the launch of several customer-focused innovations to strengthen customer experience, improve security and efficiency, and position the Bank for sustained, technology-led growth.”

On the occasion, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee extended heartfelt gratitude to the customers and stakeholders – especially the promoters – for their unwavering trust and continued support besides entire Bank staff for their steadfast dedication.

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Union Sports Minister congratulates Ladakh for showing capability to host Khelo India Winter Games

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Union Sports Minister congratulates Ladakh for showing capability to host Khelo India Winter Games

Leh (Ladakh), Jan 20: The curtains went up on the sixth edition of the Khelo India Winter Games at the Nawang Dorjan Stobdan (NDS) Stadium here on Tuesday. The Ladakh phase of the winter Games, that will host ice sports like skating and hockey, will conclude on January 26. This is the third time that the Union Territory of Ladakh is hosting KIWG. The snow leg of KIWG will be held in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir later this year.

At a colourful opening ceremony, punctuated by traditional music and dance and an exhibition ice hockey match between Army XI and UT Ladakh, Khelo India Winter Games 2026 were declared open by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta. The first leg of Khelo India Winter Games 2026 will be organised by the Youth Services and Sports department of the Union Territory of Ladakh under the supervision of the Sports Authority of India. The technical expertise for the conduct of the Games will be provided by the national sports promotional bodies/federations managing ice sports.

In a message to Ladakh, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister for Youth Affairs & Affairs, said: “I congratulate the Union Territory of Ladakh for successfully hosting the Khelo India Winter Games once again and for demonstrating, with confidence and capability, that India’s winter sports future is being built from the Himalayas outward. Under the visionary leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ladakh has emerged as a symbol of what focused policy, infrastructure development, and local commitment can achieve. The manner in which these Games have been organised sends a clear national signal that winter sports are now an integral part of India’s competitive sporting framework and will be pursued with seriousness, scale, and long-term intent.”

Dr Mandaviya added, “The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 have been deliberately designed as a two-leg competition, with ice sports in Leh followed by snow events in February at Gulmarg in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, to build depth, continuity, and high-quality competitive exposure for athletes. This structure allows athletes to test themselves across varied terrains and conditions, closely aligned with international winter sport standards. Such sustained domestic competition is essential if India is to move beyond sporadic participation and steadily build credibility, consistency, and competitiveness in winter Olympic disciplines over the coming years.”

In his speech, Gupta expressed how Ladakh has benefitted from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision on promotion of sports in India. “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s sporting culture has received a renewed impetus. Through the Khelo India initiative, youth empowerment, physical fitness, and sporting excellence have been elevated as national priorities.”

Gupta added: “Hosting the Khelo India Winter Games continuously for the past three years is a matter of great pride for Ladakh. It reflects the nation’s confidence in Ladakh’s capability, commitment, and excellence in event management.”

One thousand and sixty participants, including 480 athletes, will take part in KIWG 2026 to be played across three venues – the new-look NDS Stadium, Gupukh’s Pond and the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre rink. Figure skating, an Olympic sport where Indians are showing international progress, is making its debut at these Games. Some of India’s best skaters will be taking part in this edition of KIWG.

Present in the opening ceremony were Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, the Chief Executive Councillor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, senior officials of the UT administration including chief secretary Shri Ashish Kundra, senior officials of the Sports Authority of India among others.

In keeping with PM Modi’s vision, Gupta said Ladakh was also taking rapid strides in sports development. “Ladakh has recently been endowed with its first-ever Sports Policy. This policy focuses on talent identification at the school level; creating an inclusive sports ecosystem for women and Divyang athletes; strengthening the Ladakh Sports Council; providing four per cent reservation in government jobs for outstanding sportspersons; assured scholarships; cash awards of up to ₹100 crore; development of international-standard sports infrastructure; expansion of centres of excellence; advanced training programmes; incentives for coaches; integration of sports with education; and promotion of sports tourism. This policy will inspire the youth of Ladakh and provide them with pathways to pursue sports professionally.”

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Carved wooden swing and Pashmina shawls

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Carved wooden swing and Pashmina shawls

New Delhi, Jan 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday presented traditional Indian gifts to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he welcomed the UAE leader and his family at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg.

PM Modi gifted the President of UAE a royal carved wooden jhula (swing), a beautifully carved wooden swing from Gujarat that sits at the heart of many Gujarat family homes. It is hand-carved with detailed floral and traditional designs, showing skilled craftsmanship. In Gujarati culture, the jhula symbolises togetherness, conversation and bonding across generations. The gift also resonates deeply with the UAE’s declaration of 2026 as the ‘Year of Family’.

PM Modi also gifted the visiting leader a Pashmina shawl in an ornate silver box. The Pashmina shawl comes from Kashmir and is made by hand from very fine wool, making it soft, light and warm. The shawl is placed in a decorative silver box made in Telangana. Together, they represent India’s rich tradition of handloom and handicraft.

A Pashmina shawl in an ornate silver box was also gifted to Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi. She was also gifted Kashmiri Saffron in an ornate silver box. Grown in the Kashmir Valley, saffron is revered for its deep crimson strands and intense aroma.

Earlier, in a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi travelled to the Delhi airport and personally welcomed UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as he began his third official visit to the country since assuming office.

Both leaders travelled together in the same car from the airport, showcasing their longstanding friendship and the multi-faceted partnership between the two countries. This is the UAE President’s fifth visit to India over the past decade.

“Went to the airport to welcome my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. His visit illustrates the importance he attaches to a strong India-UAE friendship. Looking forward to our discussions,” PM Modi posted on X.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s India visit builds on the strong momentum generated by recent high-level exchanges, including the visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in September 2024, and the visit of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Crown Prince of Dubai in April 2025.

“India and the UAE share warm, close, and multi-faceted relations, underpinned by strong political, cultural, and economic ties. The two countries are among each other’s top trading and investment partners, bolstered by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the Local Currency Settlement (LCS) system, and the Bilateral Investment Treaty. India and the UAE also enjoy a robust energy partnership, including long-term energy supply arrangements,” read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) ahead of the UAE President’s visit.

“The visit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to chart new frontiers for the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It will also enable an exchange of views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, where India and the UAE share a high degree of convergence,” it added.

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Human heart regrows muscle cells after heart attack: Study

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Human heart regrows muscle cells after heart attack: Study

New Delhi, Jan 20: In a world-first discovery, scientists in Australia have found that the human heart can regrow muscle cells after a heart attack, raising hopes for future regenerative treatments for heart failure.

The study, published in Circulation Research, revealed that while parts of the heart remain scarred after a heart attack, new muscle cells are also produced, a phenomenon previously seen only in mice and now demonstrated in humans for the first time, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Until now we’ve thought that, because heart cells die after a heart attack, those areas of the heart were irreparably damaged, leaving the heart less able to pump blood to the body’s organs,” said Robert Hume, research fellow at the University of Sydney and first author of the study.

“In time, we hope to develop therapies that can amplify the heart’s natural ability to produce new cells and regenerate the heart after an attack,” said Hume, also lead of translational research at Australia’s Baird Institute for Applied Heart and Lung Research.

Though increased mitosis (a process in which cells divide and reproduce) after a heart attack has been observed in the heart muscles of mice, this is the first time the phenomenon has been demonstrated in humans.

The team made the breakthrough using living heart tissue samples collected from patients undergoing bypass surgery at Australia’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

“Ultimately, the goal is to use this discovery to make new heart cells that can reverse heart failure,” said Professor Sean Lal, the study’s senior author and heart failure cardiologist at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading cause of death, and heart attacks can eliminate a third of the cells in the human heart, researchers said, adding that the discovery offers promising groundwork for novel regenerative medicine.

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