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Donald Trump has linked his repeated threats to seize Greenland to his failure to win the Nobel Peace Prize, in a letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The authenticity of the letter, in which Trump says he no longer feels obligated to “think purely of peace,” was confirmed by Støre to the Norwegian newspaper VG.

“Considering your country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped eight wars plus, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace,” Trump wrote, adding he can now “think about what is good and proper for the United States.”

Støre said Trump’s letter was in response to a short message he had sent earlier, on behalf of himself and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb.

Trump has escalated rhetoric toward Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, insisting the US will take control “one way or the other.” Over the weekend, he tweeted: “Now it is time, and it will be done!!!”

On Saturday, Trump threatened a 10% tariff on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland from 1 February until the US is allowed to purchase the island. EU diplomats met for emergency talks on possible retaliatory tariffs and sanctions.

In his letter, Trump argued Denmark “cannot protect” Greenland from Russia or China, questioning Danish ownership: “There are no written documents; it’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago.” He added that NATO should support the US, claiming the world is “not secure unless we have complete and total control of Greenland.”

Trump’s stance has unsettled the EU and NATO, as he refused to rule out military action to take control of the mineral-rich island.

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by the independent Norwegian Nobel Committee, not the government. Trump had campaigned for last year’s prize, which went to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who dedicated her award to him.

Støre reiterated that the Nobel Prize decision rests solely with the committee.

Cricket in India has always extended beyond the boundary ropes, but smartphones have transformed it into a sport that never truly switches off. What was once followed through television broadcasts and next-day newspapers is now available instantly, turning cricket into a constant companion for millions of fans across the country.

From Fixed Schedules to On-Demand Cricket

Earlier, following cricket meant planning around match timings. Today, smartphones have eliminated that dependency. Live scores, instant alerts, short video clips, and post-match analysis are available at any moment. Whether during a commute or a short break at work, fans can stay connected to the game without committing to long viewing hours. This shift has made cricket more accessible and deeply integrated into everyday routines.

Fans Want Context, Not Just Scores

Modern cricket consumption goes beyond runs and wickets. Mobile platforms now offer ball-by-ball commentary, advanced statistics, player match-ups, and historical comparisons. This easy access to information has encouraged fans to engage more thoughtfully with the sport. Many discussions today revolve around form, fitness, and tactical decisions rather than just results.

Websites like ESPNcricinfo play a major role in this transformation by providing trusted data, in-depth analysis, and real-time coverage that fans rely on throughout the year.

Players and Personalities in the Digital Age

Smartphones have also narrowed the gap between players and supporters. Cricketers such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma regularly share updates, reactions, and insights through digital platforms. This visibility keeps fans emotionally invested even when international cricket is between tours or during injury breaks.

Following players’ routines, opinions, and milestones off the field has become just as engaging as watching them perform on it.

The Rise of the Second-Screen Cricket Fan

One of the most noticeable shifts driven by smartphones is second-screen viewing. Many fans now watch matches on television while simultaneously using their phones to track statistics, read expert commentary, or join live discussions. This layered experience has made cricket more interactive and personalised.

As mobile engagement has grown, so have the types of platforms fans explore. Fantasy sports, prediction tools, and analytical apps are now common during live matches. Within this broader ecosystem, some fans also research platforms like a cricket betting app to understand how different mobile services offer structured, data-led ways to engage with match outcomes and predictions.

Cricket Conversations Never Stop

Even when no series is underway, cricket continues to dominate digital spaces. Squad announcements, injury updates, domestic performances, and upcoming fixtures generate daily discussion. International developments are closely followed through outlets such as BBC Sport’s cricket coverage, ensuring fans remain connected to the global game.

This constant stream of information ensures that cricket remains relevant every day, not just during major tournaments.

A Sport That Fits Modern Lifestyles

The biggest impact of smartphones on cricket engagement is flexibility. Fans no longer need uninterrupted time to stay informed. Short updates, highlights, and alerts allow them to engage at their own pace, whether deeply analysing a match or casually checking scores.

In India, cricket is no longer something people wait for. Through smartphones, it has become a 24/7 experience, woven into daily conversations, habits, and digital spaces, long after the final ball has been bowled.

Mangaluru: The Karnataka Government Polytechnic (KPT), Mangaluru, has achieved autonomous status from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), becoming the first government polytechnic in the country to receive such recognition in its 78-year history. The status was granted by AICTE, New Delhi, and subsequently approved by the Karnataka Board of Technical Education in October last year.

Officials said the autonomy was conferred a few months ago. Until recently, AICTE extended autonomous status only to engineering colleges, excluding diploma institutions. However, with a renewed national focus on skill development, several government polytechnics across India have now been granted autonomy.

KPT, the second-largest polytechnic in Karnataka, was established in 1946 with four branches and has since expanded to offer eight diploma programmes, including computer science and polymer technology. The institution is spread across a 19-acre campus.

Ravindra M Keni, the first dean of the institution, told The Times of India that AICTE had proposed autonomous status for polytechnic institutions that are over 25 years old. “Many colleges applied. In the first round, 100 institutions were shortlisted, which was further narrowed down to 15 in the second round. We have already completed one semester after becoming an autonomous institution,” he said. He added that nearly 500 students are admitted annually across eight three-year diploma courses.

Explaining the factors that helped KPT secure autonomy, Keni said the institution has consistently recorded 100 per cent admissions and placements for its graduates. He also noted its strong performance in sports, with the college emerging champions for 12 consecutive years, along with active student participation in NCC and NSS activities.

Autonomous status allows KPT to design industry-oriented curricula, conduct examinations, prepare question papers, and manage academic documentation independently. The institution can also directly collaborate with industries and receive priority funding from AICTE or the Ministry of Education. While academic autonomy has been granted, financial control will continue to rest with the state government.

“There will be separate committees for examinations, question paper setting, boards of studies, and boards of examiners. The institution will now have the freedom to conduct admissions without government notifications and issue its own marks cards,” Keni said, adding that new academic initiatives would be planned after a year of functioning under the autonomous framework.