Alwar detention takes a twist: CJP claims Deepak Baliyan assaulted, brother injured; Rajasthan Police deny action

INS Trishul's PASSEX with Spanish Navy enhances interoperability and operational synergy

Digital Desk | Madrid, Oct 8 (IANS) Indian Navys guided-missile frigate INS Trishul undertook a PASSEX with Spanish naval ship ESPS Reina Sofia during its departure from Valencia. The exercise enhanced interoperability and operational synergy between the two Navies, the Indian Navy said on Thursday. Indian Navys guided-missile frigate INS Trishul undertook a PASSEX with Spanish Naval Ship ESPS Reina Sofia on departure from Valencia, Spain, on 04 Oct 26, the Indian Navy stated on X. The joint exercise featured coordinated manoevering, cross-deck landings, boarding operations and VBSS, along with communication drills. The exercise facilitated exchange of professional expertise and further enhanced interoperability and operational synergy between the two Navies, it added. INS Trishul's port call in Spain underscored the growing bilateral defence partnership, the Embassy of India in Madrid said as Ambassador Jayant Khobragade visited the vessel at the Port of Valencia and met its Commanding Officer, Captain Charit Kapil. The Ambassador visited INS Trishul at the Port of Valencia during its Port Call to Spain and met its Commanding Officer, Captain Charit Kapil. A frontline Talwar-class guided-missile stealth frigate commissioned in 2003, INS Trishul combines advanced weapons, sensors and a multi-role helicopter. Its service has included anti-piracy operations, protecting merchant vessels and supporting security, the Embassy stated on X. A highlight of the IndiaSpain Dual Year of 2026, the port call underscored the growing bilateral defence partnership. Professional interactions and a joint Passage Exercise between the Indian Navy and Spains Armada Espaola have contributed to enhancing interoperability and maritime cooperation, it added. Earlier, INS Trishul completed the sea phase of the 24th edition of Exercise 'Varuna' with the French Navy, drilling alongside two French frigates, a nuclear attack submarine, helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft in the Mediterranean, the Ministry of Defence said. The ship sailed out from Toulon on September 25 for the sea phase of the annual bilateral maritime exercise, the Indian Navy said in a post on X. Anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, live firing exercises and cross-deck helicopter landing serials provided opportunities to enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the two Navies, reaffirming the strong and enduring India-France maritime partnership, the Indian Navy stated.

Shubhankar Sharma opens four-shot lead in Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship

Digital Desk | Greater Noida, Oct 8 (IANS) Shubhankar Sharma fired a seven-under 65 to establish a four-shot lead after the second round of the INR 2 crore Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida on Thursday. The 30-year-old Chandigarh golfer (68-65), who began the day two strokes behind overnight leader Shaurya Bhattacharya, made an eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys to reach 11-under 133. A two-time winner on the DP World Tour, Shubhankar returned to the winners circle at the Boulders Classic on the PGTI in April, ending an eight-year wait for a professional title. Chandigarhs Brashwarpal Singh (72-65) matched Shubhankar for the lowest score of the day. His seven-under 65 featured eight birdies and a solitary bogey as he surged from tied 11th overnight to second place at seven-under 137. Overnight leader Shaurya Bhattacharya (66-72) of Delhi slipped to third at six-under 138 after an even-par 72 containing three birdies and three bogeys. Bengalurus Khalin Joshi (72-67), a four-time winner on the DP World PGTI this season, climbed from tied 11th to fourth at five-under 139. His 67 featured an eagle on the par-five fourth, five birdies and two bogeys. Joshi entered the week second in the Race to DP World India Championship. Shubhankar was particularly encouraged by the control he displayed with his ball-striking after struggling to bring the different parts of his game together in recent weeks. I played really well and felt very solid throughout the round, he said. My ball-striking had not been at its best over the past few weeks, even though there was not much wrong with my game. Today, everything came together. I hit the ball exactly where I wanted, shaped shots both ways and felt in complete control. I could have holed a few more putts, but Im very pleased with the day, he said. The highlight of Shubhankars round came on the par-five fourth. After finding the left half of the fairway with his drive, he struck a six-iron from approximately 212 yards to 18 feet and converted the eagle putt. The putt just caught the left edge, he said. Most of my shots came off exactly as I had visualised them, and that was the most encouraging part. Shubhankar continued creating opportunities throughout the round, including on the final hole, where he struck his approach to about five feet but missed the birdie putt. There were several shots like that today, he said. Those are positive signs for this tournament and also for my preparations for next week. Shubhankar also praised DP World PGTI President Kapil Dev for his contribution to the growth of the DP World PGTI. Since Kapil Dev became President, more sponsors have come on board, while the organisation, social media and player facilities have continued to improve, Shubhankar said. The introduction of a players lounge is one example of the many positive changes on tour. Shubhankar, who played alongside Kapil in a Pro-Am in Hyderabad recently, said their shared Chandigarh connection made their interactions particularly easy. Despite being one of Indias biggest sporting icons, he constantly looks for ways to promote golf and move the sport forward, he said. Everyone in Chandigarh calls him Paaji, so speaking with him feels very easy. I have tremendous respect for everything he is doing for the game. Last seasons PGTI Order of Merit winner Yuvraj Sandhu (71-69) occupied fifth place at four-under 140. Current Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar (75-72) climbed from tied 36th to tied 31st at three-over 147. The Pro-Am on Thursday was won by the team consisting of professional Shubhankar Sharma and amateur Rajeev Gupta. Their score was 48 stableford points.

Intego ONE Review: Top-tier Mac malware protection with powerful Firewall controls

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Malware detection that caught nearly every threat Fast scan speeds, processing 700GB+ and millions of files in under 10 minutes Strong, granular firewall controls with easy allow/deny/edit rule management Easy-to-use iPhone VPN with useful security checks Cons Lacks web/phishing protection and parental controls Slow quarantine cleanup iPhone app lacks advanced VPN features Our Verdict Intego ONE offers superb malware detection, excellent firewall controls, and impressively fast scan times, even across millions of files. Recent updates have improved performance during cleanup and resolved several frustrating bugs. It still lacks features such as spam and phishing prevention, and a few interface limitations remain, but its a strong choice for Mac users who want reliable malware protection and excellent network control at a good price. The Complete plan also includes an iPhone app with a straightforward VPN and useful security checks, although it lacks some advanced features found in dedicated VPN apps. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed Intego ONE Essential from $2.50 a month/one device/first year, then $3.33 a month or $29.99 for the first year and then $39.99 a year. Best Prices Today: Intego ONE Retailer Price Intego (annual) $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Who its best for: Mac users who want strong, reliable malware protection with advanced control over network activity should seriously consider Intego ONE Complete. Its especially suited to users who prioritize security performance over having an all-in-one feature set. Who its not for: Its missing key features youd expect at this price, like phishing protection and parental controls, so if you need those features look elsewhere. At a glance Protection: Performance: Features: Ease of use: Value: Intego ONE is Integos new antivirus and anti-malware package, replacing Internet Security X9. We have long recommended its predecessor as the best antivirus utility for Mac users , thanks to its excellent malware detection, strong ransomware protection, and tools designed specifically for macOS. Intego ONE improves on it in several respects. There are three plans available, with options covering one, three, or five Macs. Intego ONE Complete also includes an iPhone for each Mac covered by the subscription. Intego ONE Essential: Antivirus protection and a firewall. Intego ONE Advanced: Adds SmartClean to free up disk space and remove junk files. Intego ONE Complete: Adds Intego VPN and an iPhone app with VPN access, network speed tests, and security checks. We tested Intego ONE Complete, including its Antivirus, Firewall, VPN, and SmartClean modules, as well as the companion iPhone app. Each Mac module has its own features and customization options, while the iPhone app provides additional VPN and security tools. Intego ONE requires macOS 12.4 Monterey or later and is easy to set up. Like previous versions, it asks for full disk access and permission to create a network extension for firewall and filtering functions. Antivirus: How good is Intego ONE Complete at detecting malware? An Intego ONE Complete Quick Scan in progress . Foundry Perhaps the strongest feature of the package, Intego ONEs antivirus module took just about everything I threw at it from over 130 viral samples from the Objective-See malware collection and came out smiling. Scan performance improved dramatically with version 1.2.3 (compared to our initial tests of the Release Candidate), with the software processing more than two million files in roughly eight minutes in testing placing it among the fastest options currently available for macOS. The software, which offers Full Scan, Quick Scan, and Custom Scan options, dovetailed in perfectly with the Xprotect/Gatekeeper tools found in macOS Tahoe 26.4, issued warnings, and prevented malware and ransomware from being installed on all fronts. Intego ONE quickly plowed through and removed more than 200 quarantined files, but left three behind. Foundry What few exceptions did get through via developer tools such as Xcode or Visual Code were caught moments later, and where I thought a fake copy of the Transmission BitTorrent client had gotten through, Intego ONE flagged it and quickly removed it via quarantine. Even fake Flash Player applications, which have long been the bane of antivirus utilities, were stopped immediately, and the software came through with flying colors while also scanning my MacBook Pros SSD, complete with more than 877GB of data, in under 10 minutes. Other nifty features from the Antivirus module included a Custom Scan feature, which was well-implemented and included targeted scanning as well as an excellent auto-scan feature in which a test flash drive with malware on it was quickly scanned and its suspect files quarantined. A handy scheduling feature worked like a charm, and its easy to configure a set daily, weekly, or monthly scan as needed. Firewall: How much control does the firewall actually give you? Quickly editing a Firewall function and assigning an application to a function . Foundry Intego ONEs firewall feature may not be as customizable as a systems administrator might like, but whats present is on point, complete with readily accessible configuration options that allow for a network connection and allow it to be denied or edited on the fly. One of the first things youll notice after installing the software is how active the firewall itself is, reminding you of network connections as they emerge and asking whether you approve them or if they might be suspicious. New rules can be created on the fly, and easy scripting allows you to activate applications on your Mac to deal with them as well as add a network port. A list of currently approved networks is available, and you can see which servers your Mac is trying to talk to and get a bead on your overall network traffic. VPN: Is the built-in VPN good enough to use daily? With the Intego ONE Complete plan you can take advantage of a VPN. This VPN may not be as robust as a dedicated VPN app, but whats present is robust and has a good level of customization. Just click into the module from the home screen, activate the VPN, and its easy to geolocate to one of 51 servers around the world, as well as choose favorites. Interestingly, the VPN module offers a choice between your preferred VPN module, wherein you can choose between Lightway UPD, which is optimized for speed, and Lightway TCP, which is optimized for reliability. Where performance itself was concerned, the bandwidth proved excellent, and the frame rates and audio sync on streaming content proved excellent. Intego ONE Complete also extends VPN protection to the iPhone, although the iOS app has fewer configuration options than its Mac counterpart. Heres how it performed in our tests. What does Intego ONE for iPhone do? VPN location selection and Security assessment Foundry Intego ONE for iOS is a mobile companion to Intego ONE Complete for Mac, combining a VPN with a selection of security and privacy checks. It doesnt offer the full antivirus and firewall protection found in the Mac version, but it provides useful tools for keeping your iPhones internet connection private and checking important security settings. The app requires iOS 18.2 or later and is available through the App Store. Installation is straightforward: download the app, sign in to your Intego account, and allow it to create a VPN configuration. Once thats done, youre ready to use the VPN and security tools. Is the VPN any good on iPhone? The VPN client makes it easy to switch between international servers and create a favorites list for locations you use regularly. Connections and disconnections are quick, and the app performed well in our tests over both Wi-Fi and cellular connections. One limitation is that the iPhone app currently supports only the WireGuard VPN protocol. This gives users fewer configuration options than the Mac version, although it shouldnt be an issue for most people who just want a simple VPN connection. We tested Intego ONE on an iPhone 17 running iOS 27.0.1, using both Wi-Fi and AT&Ts 5G network. Tests were conducted with Ooklas Speedtest.net app and Integos built-in speed test tool. On Wi-Fi, our download speed averaged 84.1Mbps without a VPN, dropping to 71.9Mbps when connected to a Canadian server and 71.3Mbps with a New York server. Thats a reduction of around 15%, leaving plenty of bandwidth for streaming and other everyday activities. The impact was greater over cellular. Our average download speed fell from 289.4Mbps without a VPN to 179.2Mbps through Canada and 174.8Mbps through New York, a reduction of approximately 38% to 40%. Nevertheless, these speeds remained more than adequate for streaming and large file transfers. Integos built-in speed test reported average download speeds of 70.3Mbps over Wi-Fi and 139Mbps over cellular. Streaming worked smoothly during testing, with good video quality, and the iPhone maintained a reasonable temperature even when streaming on battery power. What security features does Intego ONE offer on iPhone? Beyond its VPN, Intego ONE provides a useful security checkup. It can remind you to review whether important iPhone protections are enabled, including Face ID, your passcode, and the latest iOS updates. The app also checks settings relating to ad tracking, detects whether screen recording is active, and looks for signs of jailbreaking, which can weaken Apples built-in security protections. Intego ONE can also check the security of the Wi-Fi network your iPhone is connected to. The check takes around 10 seconds and identifies potential security issues, including whether the network uses strong encryption. It also reports connection speed, which can be useful when connecting to unfamiliar networks in hotels, cafs, or airports. These tools are helpful reminders, particularly if you dont regularly review your iPhones security and privacy settings. However, they dont replace active threat protection. Intego ONE for iOS wont prevent you from visiting a malicious website or clicking a phishing link, and it doesnt provide the traditional antivirus and malware-scanning capabilities found in Intego ONE for Mac. Is Intego ONE for iPhone worth using? Intego ONE for iPhone is a useful addition to the Complete package. Its VPN is easy to configure, switching servers is straightforward, and performance was good enough for everyday use, including streaming. Its less suitable for users who want the extensive customization offered by dedicated VPN services, including more protocol choices and an internet kill switch. The security checks are useful, but theyre reminders to review your settings rather than comprehensive protection against online threats. If youre already subscribing to Intego ONE Complete for your Mac, the iPhone app is a worthwhile extra. It provides an easy way to use a VPN on the go while encouraging better security habits, without needing to learn another complicated security app. For more on VPNs read our group test of the best VPNs for iPhone and iPad . SmartClean: Is SmartClean a good Mac cleaner? The SmartClean module is included with the Intego ONE Advanced and Intego ONE Complete plans. Its a tool for disk optimization and offers several functions to manage CPU usage, RAM usage, a Disk Space Monitor, an App Uninstaller, and Optimization history. Each function works well, and the overall SmartClean Optimization Scan was able to locate 111GB of large files on my Mac that could be removed, as well as 500MB of cache and log files. It is a good way to claw back some drive space without decimating your larger work files. This disk cleanup can be extended in the settings to also include old downloads and old trash files, which is a nice option. The Uninstaller function worked well and cleanly removed several extraneous applications I had on my SSD, but an attempt to remove a copy of DaVinci Resolve during a test run had to be repeated. This is one of a few bugs that cropped up in our testing of the Release Candidate, so we raised these issue with Intego and will be verifying that it has been addressed in the final version of the software. What is missing? Parental controls and spam/phishing protection would be good to see in a future update. What issues and bugs did we encounter? Quarantining suspect files in Intego ONE . Foundry While Intego ONE Complete is generally excellent and its component functions shine, there are still a few quirks and interface limitations to note, though several earlier issues identified in our initial review have been resolved. The application no longer repeatedly prompts for the system password during quarantine or malware removal, which was a major annoyance in earlier builds. Performance during large-scale cleanup has also improved considerably, with better system load distribution preventing the Mac from slowing to a crawl. During testing, the software successfully processed and removed more than 200 quarantined files quickly, though a small number of files (three in our case) remained and required additional attention. The user interface, while generally friendly, still lacks the ability to resize or expand to full screen, which feels like an unnecessary limitation. A previous issue involving the application resetting permissions and requiring reinstallation did not reoccur in this version, suggesting it may have been resolved. Pricing: Is Intego ONE good value? Intego ONE Essential starts $2.50/1.87 a month for one device for the first year, after that first year it will default to the full price of $3.33/2.50 a month. Thats $29.99/22.49 for the first year and then $39.99/29.99 a year. You can choose a two year plan to keep paying the lower price for longer. Get the best Intego ONE deal here Intego ONE Advanced (with the Mac cleaner) is currently $52.49/38.49 for the first year, and Intego ONE Complete (with the VPN) is $67.49/45.49 for the first year. There are plans for one, three or five devices. Intego ONE Complete also includes the iPhone app, with plans covering one Mac and one iPhone, three Macs and three iPhones, or five Macs and five iPhones. The iPhone app includes VPN access, network speed tests, and security checks, but not the Mac versions antivirus and firewall features. In comparison to Integos Mac Internet Security X9, which though available for $24.99/20.99 for the first year, rose to $49.99/49.99 a year afterwards, the new pricing structure is better for the long-term. The price is also very favourable compared to alternatives we include in our round up of the Best Antivirus software for Mac users . Foundry Should you buy Intego ONE? Intego ONE proves to be an easy recommendation if youre looking for strong malware protection and advanced firewall control on your Mac, and this is where the application shines. Recent updates have addressed several early bugs and significantly improved performance, making Intego ONE a more compelling option than at launch. The addition of an iPhone app makes the Complete package more appealing if you want protection for both your Mac and iPhone. While the iOS app doesnt offer the same antivirus capabilities as the Mac version, its straightforward VPN delivered good performance in our tests, and the security checks provide useful reminders. Its a worthwhile addition rather than a reason to subscribe on its own. Where core protection is concerned, this is one of the best options available for your Mac, and this, combined with Integos 30-day money-back guarantee, makes it well worth a trial run.

Harmanjot, Lili Das headline strong Indian elite field for Delhi Half Marathon

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS) Reigning World 10K Bengaluru Indian Elite champion Harmanjot Singh and former winner Lili Das will headline a strong Indian contingent for the 21st edition of the Delhi Half Marathon, with 22 men and 20 women set to compete in the Indian Elite category here on October 18. Harmanjot will make his debut at the World Athletics Gold Label Road Race carrying the distinction of being the fastest runner in the Indian Elite field. The 2026 Asian Cross Country Championships silver medallist has a personal best of 1:01:46, recorded at the Alwar Tiger International Half Marathon. The 2026 season has already provided Harmanjot with significant confidence, having won the Indian Elite race at the World 10K Bengaluru before securing silver at the Asian Cross Country Championships. Winning in Bengaluru and taking silver at the Asian Cross Country this year has given me a lot of confidence going into Delhi. The Delhi Half Marathon is one of the toughest races in the country, with a field that pushes you to your limit, and I am looking forward to testing myself against the best elite runners over the half marathon distance. I will give it everything on race day, said Harmanjot Singh. Kiran Matre, meanwhile, will return to a familiar setting after finishing second among the Indian elite men at last years Delhi Half Marathon. That performance also produced his half marathon personal best of 1:04:57. Matre, the 2024 World 10K Bengaluru Indian Elite champion, will have to contend with Kartik Karkera, who enters the race after winning the Indian Elite mens title at the 2026 Mumbai Marathon and finishing third among the Indian elite runners in Delhi last year. The field will also feature Uttar Pradeshs Prince Kumar, who is returning to the half marathon circuit after an extended break. Prince won the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at the 2025 Open National Athletics Championships before adding the 5,000m gold at the South Asian Athletics Championships. In the womens race, two former Delhi Half Marathon Indian Elite champions, Lili Das and Kavita Yadav, will spearhead the challenge. Das claimed the Indian Elite Women's title in 2024, while Yadav emerged victorious in 2023. Their return adds experience to a field that also includes Olympic and World Championship steeplechaser Ankita Dhyani. Dhyani made an encouraging transition to the half marathon last year, finishing fifth among the Indian Elite women in her debut over the distance. Asian Games 2023 steeplechase bronze medallist Priti Lamba will further strengthen the womens field, having previously finished on the Indian Elite podium in Delhi. The Indian Elite race also carries a substantial financial incentive, with the top three finishers in both the mens and womens categories set to receive Rs 3.5 lakh, Rs 2.5 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh respectively. An additional Rs 1 lakh will be awarded for breaking the Indian Elite event record. The mens mark stands at 60:30, set by Avinash Sable in 2020, while L. Suriya holds the womens record of 70:31, established in 2017.

'His Work Will Live On': Kohli, Sachin Mourn Nana Patekar

Indian cricket stalwarts Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar have expressed their condolences following the passing of veteran actor Nana Patekar, who died at 75 after a cardiac arrest. Both cricketers remembered Patekar's significant contributions to Indian cinema and his impactful personality.

Woman found burnt in Yadgir forest, lover arrested for murder

Yadgir: Yadgir police have solved the murder of a 48-year-old jogathi woman whose charred body was found in a dense forest area last month, with investigators arresting her alleged lover in Bengaluru. The deceased has been identified as Shantamma, a resident of Nalwar village in Chittapur taluk of Kalaburagi district. The accused, Suresh, is a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Hanuman Ansh composer Dhirendra Mulkalwar says Kainchi Dham led him to film

Hanuman Ansh composer Dhirendra Mulkalwar says Kainchi Dham led him to film

Shaurya Bhattacharya opens with a two-shot lead in Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship

Digital Desk | Greater Noida, Oct 7 (IANS) Shaurya Bhattacharya opened with a six-under-66 to establish a two-shot lead after the first round of the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida on Wednesday. The 23-year-old Bhattacharya, a three-time winner on the DP World PGTI, made seven birdies and dropped his only shot of the day on the par-four eighth. Bhattacharya began the week ranked 14th in the Race to DP World India Championship. He has come close to adding another title this season, recording joint runner-up finishes at the Players Championship 2026 in February and the Kolar Open 2026 in August. Chandigarhs Shubhankar Sharma, a two-time PGTI Tour winner, occupied second place at four-under 68. His round featured an eagle on the par-five 12th, three birdies and one bogey. Shubhankar won the Boulders Classic on the PGTI in April, ending an eight-year wait for a professional title. Bangladeshs Jamal Hossain, Gurugrams Dhruv Sheoran and Bengalurus Manoj S returned matching two-under 70s to share third place. Jamal made three birdies against a solitary bogey, while Sheoran mixed six birdies with four bogeys. Manoj registered five birdies and three bogeys. Shaurya settled quickly with birdies on his opening two holes before relying on accurate approach play and patient course management to maintain his momentum. I got off to a strong start with birdies on the first two holes, which helped me settle into the round, Shaurya said. From there, I continued finding greens and stayed patient. The lone bogey was disappointing, but I holed some important putts. A long birdie putt on the final hole provided the finishing touch to his 66 and extended his advantage to two strokes. The putt on the last felt like a bonus, he said. I knew it would be a long day, so the key was to remain calm, keep my thoughts together and focus on one shot at a time. The tournament features a distinctive Pro-Am format, with amateurs competing alongside professionals in all four rounds. The extended playing schedule also took part of the field into floodlit conditions. The format is quite interesting because we are playing alongside amateurs, and the number of groups makes it a long day, Shaurya said. Playing under floodlights also requires some adjustment, but I competed in an event here in similar conditions a few weeks ago, so that experience helped me adapt quickly. The conditions were the same for everyone. I concentrated on hitting greens, creating opportunities and maintaining a steady rhythm throughout the round. Current Race to India Championship leader Saptak Talwar opened with a three-over 75 to share 36th place. The Pro-Am on Wednesday was won by the team consisting of professional Shaurya Bhattacharya and amateur Dr. Hamidi. Their score was 44 stableford points, and they won on a countback.

PM Modi meets BJP stalwart LK Advani, seeks his blessings on completing 25 years as head of govt

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met former deputy prime minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart LK Advani and sought his blessings on completing 25 years as a head of government. Taking to X,...

Kaun hai yeah log, kahan se aate hai yeah log: Mohit Sharma's filmy one-liner response to Rohit-Virat critics

By Utkarsh Rathour Former Indian cricketer Mohit Sharma took a hilarious dig at critics doubting the place of ODI-exclusive stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the ODI set-up ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, saying that there is no point in talking about the issue. Mohit was speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) season 3, where he is playing for the India Champions side. Questioned about constant chatter around Rohit and Virat's spots in the ODI set-up that rises with every series due to lack of ODIs being played, he replied while referencing to a dialogue by actor Arshad Warsi in movie Jolly LLB, which has turned into a meme. I remember a meme, 'Kaun hai log, kahan se aate hai yeah log'. There is no point in talking about this, said Mohit, shutting down the noise from his side with a brutal one-liner. This year in nine ODIs, Virat has scored 552 runs in nine innings at an average of 69.00 and a strike rate of 117.94, with two centuries...

Zeeshan Ansari set to return to UP Ranji squad after six-year gap

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Oct 7 (IANS) After years of being on the fringes of Uttar Pradesh cricket, Zeeshan Ansari is set to make his return to the Ranji Trophy squad after a gap of six years, marking another significant chapter in the leg-spinners remarkable resurgence. The 26-year-old, who last played a Ranji Trophy match for Uttar Pradesh in 2020, has been named in the state squad for the upcoming season after forcing his way back into the reckoning with a standout domestic campaign. IANS has learned that the selectors have shown faith in him and the squad will be officially announced soon. The squad, led by Karan Sharma, includes Rinku Singh, Aradhya Yadav, Aryan Juyal (WK), Madhav Kaushik, Adarsh Singh, Sidharth Yadav, Prashantveer, Kartik Yadav, Ansari, Vansh Choudhary, Yash Dayal, Kunal Tyagi, Priyam Garg, Abhinandan Singh and Kartik Tyagi. Abhishek Goswami and Chikara have been named as stand-by players. It makes Ansaris return even more remarkable considering the way his career seemed to drift following his first-class debut for Uttar Pradesh against Railways on October 6, 2017. Ansari was considered a promising young leg-spinner, as he was part of Indias squad for the 2016 Under-19 World Cup along with Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan. State-level opportunities were few, his progress stagnated, and he had to look elsewhere. Beyond regular play in local tournaments in Lucknow, Ansari also played league cricket in Kolkata and was often seen around the Uttar Pradesh dressing room as a net bowler. Until the beginning of 2025, his proximity to the state team rarely translated into opportunities on the field. Ansari's big breakthrough came in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he proved to be one of the most effective bowlers for Uttar Pradesh. A leg-break and googly bowler, he took 21 wickets in eight matches at a stunning 16.52 apiece, always the man to break partnerships and come through in pressure situations. He was a constant threat with his ability to change pace and flight and bowl the googly at opportune moments, especially on surfaces that were becoming more batsman-friendly. Interestingly, despite making his state debut in the 2017-18 season, the last Vijay Hazare Trophy was Ansaris first domestic 50-over competition. His white-ball emergence therefore came relatively late in a career that had begun nearly a decade earlier. The 21-wicket campaign not only revived his Uttar Pradesh career but also pushed him into the national selectors vision. He was subsequently fast-tracked into the India A squad for the two unofficial Tests against Sri Lanka A later this month. That call-up highlighted the unusual trajectory of Ansaris career. While he has attracted significant attention through white-ball cricket in the last three years, his red-ball credentials remain relatively limited. Ansari has played only five first-class matches, including Ranji Trophy appearances for Uttar Pradesh, and has taken 17 wickets. His best figures are 3/33, which came against Tripura. His return also comes at a time when the pool of specialist wrist-spinners available for red-ball cricket has become relatively thin. A look at the leading wicket-takers from the last Ranji Trophy season underlines the selectors dilemma. Mayank Mishra, Siddharth Desai, Shahbaz Ahmed, Kumar Kartikeya, Arjun Sharma, Vishal Jayswal and Saurabh Kumar - all slow left-arm orthodox bowlers - featured among the top 10 wicket-takers, with J&K seamer Auqib Nabi leading the charts with 60 wickets. There was only one leg-break bowler among the top 10: Karnataka veteran Shreyas Gopal, who finished third with 48 wickets. The scarcity of wrist-spinners becomes even more evident when the next group of leading wicket-takers are considered. Between 11 and 20, there were two off-spinners - 33-year-old Saransh Jain, who is with India A, and domestic stalwart Jalaj Saxena - alongside pace bowlers Mohammed Nidheesh of Kerala and Sunil Kumar of J&K. The remaining names in that bracket were left-arm orthodox spinners Sagar Udeshi, Shams Mulani, Amit Shukla, Nachiket Bhute, Parth Rekhade and Anukul Roy. In all, 13 of the 20 bowlers in that broader group were left-arm spinners, while the only leg-break bowler in the top 10 was no longer in contention for India. That shortage has created an opening for a bowler like Ansari, whose ability to turn the ball both ways and operate as an attacking wrist-spinner offers a different dimension. For Ansari, however, the journey back to the Ranji setup is about much more than filling a statistical gap. His career appeared to be losing momentum after his early promise with Indias Under-19 team, but his persistence through local cricket, league cricket, net-bowling opportunities and limited state chances eventually brought him back into the spotlight. The 21 wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy became the catalyst. Now, after six years away from the Ranji fold, Ansari has another opportunity to establish himself in the red-ball format that once provided his first platform in senior cricket. His inclusion in the Uttar Pradesh squad, followed by the India A call-up, represents a rapid rise for a player who only recently found himself outside the states immediate plans. From an India Under-19 prospect in 2016 to a net bowler struggling for a state opportunity, and now an India A-bound leg-spinner preparing for a Ranji return, Ansaris career has taken an unexpected turn. The next challenge will be to translate his white-ball resurgence into sustained success with the red ball -beginning with Uttar Pradesh, where his first-class journey started on October 6, 2017.

Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen Unveils Adobe Was My MBA, Authored by Abhishek Talwar, CEO Of Hexaview Technologies

New York [US], October 6: In a significant moment that underscores the lasting influence of corporate leadership on entrepreneurship, Adobe Chairman and CEO Shantanu Narayen recently met with Abhishek Talwar, Founder and CEO of Hexaview Technologies, and unveiled his newly released book, Adobe Was My MBA.

Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi Police organise cyber safety programme

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) The Cyber Club of Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in association with Delhi Police, organised a cyber safety and awareness programme to address existing and emerging concerns related to digital arrests and deepfakes, an official said on Tuesday. The programme, titled Beyond the Screen: Cyber Fraud, Digital Harassment and Deepfakes in the AI Era, was organised on October 1 under the aegis of the Office of the Dean Students' Welfare, JMI Chief Public Relations Officer Saima Saeed said in a statement. Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range), Vijay Kumar, was the Chief Guest at the occasion, and the keynote address was delivered by Assidstant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Manoj Kumar, who also serves as an external member of the JMI Cyber Club, the statement said. The programme was also attended by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Licensing Aishwarya Sharma and JMI Registrar Md. Mahtab Alam Rizvi. The proceedings were presided over by Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif. Vice-Chancellor Mazhar Asif, in his presidential address, said that individuals who engage in financial crimes within the cyber realm exploit the greed of their victims and that it is important to remain guarded and educated. He stressed that the presence of high-ranking officials among the university community was inspirational in itself and sent a strong message of awareness and education. He exhorted the students to be careful in their use of technologies such as mobile phones and not let these technologies control them. Neelofer Afzal, JMI Dean Students' Welfare and Advisor of the Cyber Club, hailed knowledge as the greatest source of empowerment but also drew the attention of the audience to the darkness of deception, which could be countered through responsible use of technology and AI. Her three-step rule while interacting with the cyber world pause before you click, verify before you believe and speak up if something goes wrong -- set the tone for the event. DCP Aishwarya Sharma discussed three important ways in which the digital trust of users is exploited by fraudsters, namely cyber fraud, digital harassment, and deepfakes. She cautioned the audience to be careful about leaving digital footprints, as once created, they are difficult to remove. Her colleague elaborated on some important aspects that need to be taken care of in order to remain cyber-safe. She emphasised the importance of guarding against being overwhelmed by feelings of fear and anxiety. She also elaborated on some of the common ways used by scammers to dupe innocent civilians, such as digital arrest, financial cyber fraud, deepfakes, password hacking, cyberbullying, and identity theft. ACP Manoj Kumar talked about common AI-enabled threats brought about by increasing digital penetration. In particular, he talked about digital slavery as a cause for urgent concern. He offered some useful and practical preventive measures to stay safe, such as keeping mobile software updated, preserving evidence in case of fraud and calling '1930' for immediate reporting and intervention. He warned the attendees to remain alert and aware and to educate themselves, as claiming innocence cannot grant immunity from the law. He told the attendees about important initiatives for promoting cyber well-being, such as Sanchar Saathi, M-Kavach 2, and Digi Kavach, explaining the dangerous repercussions of visiting dubious websites and downloading malware, such as APK files.

Windows malware uses Grok AI to help stay hidden, researchers say

x47.c Windows malware uses xAI

WhatsApp Ends Support For Older Phones: Requirements And Security Impact

WhatsApp has introduced a strict restriction blocking access on smartphones operating on outdated software. The enforcement directly impacts legacy devices across major manufacturers, including older Samsung Galaxy models and aging iPhones that no longer receive official operating system updates, requiring users to upgrade their hardware to maintain connectivity. According to WABetaInfo , this server-side block triggers automatically whenever the application detects an unsupported environment. Unlike standard informational alerts, users cannot dismiss or bypass the full-screen warning. The service remains entirely inaccessible until the operating system is successfully upgraded to an approved build or the account is migrated to a compliant device. Platform support rules mandate that devices run at least Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) following the phase-out of builds Android 5.0 and 5.1 . On Apple hardware, the platform has established iOS 15.5 as the minimum required threshold, rendering several older generations of the iPhone unable to establish server handshakes. Image: WABetaInfo The primary rationale behind discontinuing older mobile platforms centers on cybersecurity . Legacy operating systems no longer receive vendor-issued security patches , leaving known exploits and system vulnerabilities unaddressed. While WhatsApp employs end-to-end encryption to safeguard messages in transit across networks, outdated devices remain susceptible to local device-level infections. A persistent malware payload operating at the system root level can harvest keystrokes, extract screen data, or intercept confidential messages before the application can encrypt and transmit them. While this technical threshold directly impacts only a small percentage of the active worldwide user base, tracking software lifecycle schedules remains critical. Device owners should regularly monitor their device settings to ensure their installed software version satisfies these mandatory technical baselines, avoiding sudden operational cutoffs and preserving uninterrupted communication across the platform. WhatsApp Ends Support For Older Phones: Requirements And Security Impact , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .

Mac malware can hide commands in your iCloud calendar

MacSync malware hides malicious commands inside iCloud calendar events to download additional payloads onto infected Macs without raising suspicion.

Odisha CM Congratulates Amit Rohidas

A wave of immense pride has swept across Odisha as the Indian Mens and Womens Hockey teams clinched Gold medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. Sharing in this momentous national triumph, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reached out to congratulate the Odia stalwarts of the national mens team, Amit Rohidas and Shilanand [] The post Odisha CM Congratulates Amit Rohidas & Shilanand Lakra on Asian Games Hockey Gold appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Hindi on TN State Highway Signboard Sparks Controversy, Two Officers Suspended

The signboard displays arrows indicating the routes to Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, Alwarthirunagari and Tirunelveli

Android malware can steal your PIN and bank logins

RatHat Android malware uses AI to steal banking credentials, intercept two-factor authentication codes and reconstruct your PIN from touch inputs.

For 2 days, a lifetime subscription to this popular ad blocker is just $11

Macworld TL;DR: Block ads and trackers on up to nine devices with a lifetime AdGuard Family Plan , just $11 (reg. $169.99) through October 4. Banner ads, pop-ups, and autoplay videos clutter pages on your Mac and iPhone, and plenty of them track what you do along the way. AdGuard blocks those ads and trackers across your whole household, and a lifetime subscription is on sale for $11 (reg. $169.99). Once AdGuard is running, banners, pop-ups, and video ads disappear from the pages you visit. Trackers and activity analyzers get blocked too, so your browsing data stays hidden from them. AdGuard also blocks malware and phishing websites to keep your devices safer. Parents can turn on parental controls to restrict adult and inappropriate content on their kids devices. One Family Plan works on up to nine devices at once, including Macs on macOS 10.15 or newer and iPhones on iOS 12 or newer. Windows PCs and Android phones running Android 7 or newer work with it as well. Stop sitting through ads on every device in your house. Get the AdGuard Family lifetime subscription on sale for $11 (reg. $169.99). Sale ends October 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT. AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change .

G.P. Talwar at 100: scientist, institution builder, lifelong researcher

Since joining the founding faculty of AIIMS New Delhi, he has never stopped working at the bench. Along the way, he developed the worlds first leprosy vaccine, a hormonal birth control vaccine, founded Indias first immunology institution, mentored hundreds of students, and continues his research as he begins his second century

Pranavi Urs Maintains Second Place at Asian Games; Saptak Talwar Slips to Joint Seventh

Pranavi Urs holds second place in womens golf at the Asian Games, while Saptak Talwar drops to seventh after day two. Pranavi Urs Maintains Second Place at Asian Games; Saptak Talwar Slips to Joint Seventh

Stealth frigate INS Trishul takes part in bilateral naval exercise 'Varuna' in France

The Indian Navy's stealth frigate INS Trishul has taken part in the flagship bilateral naval exercise 'Varuna' in France. The move aims to strengthen maritime and professional ties between the two countries. INS Trishul is the second ship of the Talwar-class stealth frigates and was commissioned into the Indian Navy in June 2003. The exercise conducted professional, sporting and cultural engagements as well as joint operations with French warships at sea.

Fake iPhone Duo Pre-Order Site Targets Crypto Wallets With DarkSword Malware, Report Warns

A fake iPhone Duo preorder website is using the DarkSword exploit chain to target vulnerable iPhones, according to Malwarebytes. The malicious page can attempt to access device information, Apple Notes, saved credentials, and data linked to crypto wallets, including MetaMask, Phantom, and Trust Wallet. Apple has patched the vulnerabilities associated with the DarkSword attacks.

New macOS malware masquerades as Zoom installer

Macworld Jamf Threat Labs has posted a report on new malware that attacks macOS. The malware installer presents itself as a Zoom installer that actually installs the app, but it also installs an infostealer dubbed CloudSyncD that works in the background to capture data and send it to the attacker. The installation is presented as an app icon that is dragged to the macOS Applications folder, a common method of installation. However, because the malware lacks the proper signatures, macOSs Gatekeeper will not allow it to run. To bypass Gatekeeper, the installer window has a background image with instructions for the user on how to override Gatekeeper. Jamf Threat Labs The installation of the app appears legitimate and mounts as a disk image named Zoom laid out to look like any ordinary Mac installer with the application icon on the left and an alias to the Applications folder on the right. However, it also includes user instructions to bypass macOS Gatekeeper security, If CloudSyncD is installed, it monitors and records data that the user has entered. It can send reports to the attackers as frequently as every 8 seconds. CloudSyncD can also be used be the attacker to remotely execute commands. How to protect yourself from malware The easiest way to protect yourself from malware is to avoid downloading software from unfamiliar repositories. Apple has vetted software in the Mac App Store, and it is the safest way to get apps. If you prefer not to patronize the Mac App Store, then buy software directly from the developer and their website. If you insist on using cracked software, you will always risk malware exposure. Never open links in emails or texts you receive from unknown and unexpected sources. If you get a message that looks like it is from an entity that you do business with, check the senders email address and inspect the URL carefully. If you see a link or button, you can Control-click it, select Copy Link Address , and then paste it into a text editor to see the actual URL and check it. Macworld has several guides to help, including a guide on whether or not you need antivirus software , a list of Mac viruses, malware, and trojans , and a comparison of Mac security software .

Saptaak Talwar Shines with Four-Under 66 at Asian Games 2026

Indian golfer Saptaak Talwar scores four-under 66, tying for third in the mens individual event at the Asian Games 2026. Saptaak Talwar Shines with Four-Under 66 at Asian Games 2026

Asian Games: Saptak Talwar makes strong start with four-under 66 to be tied third

Digital Desk | Aichi-Nagoya, Sep 30 (IANS) Indias Saptak Talwar made a promising start to his campaign at the Asian Games 2026 as he finished Round 1 tied third in the mens individual event after shooting a four-under 66 at the Par-70 Kasugai Country Club East Course in Aichi-Nagoya. Veer Ahlawat and Yuvraj Sandhu, the other two Indians in the fray, carded scores of one-over 71 to be placed tied 23rd. After round one, the leaders in the individual event were Chinese Taipeis Wei-hsuan Wang and Japans Kazuki Higa as both fired scores of five-under 65. In the mens team event, the Indians were placed tied fifth with a total of three-under 137 as the scores of the top two players counted toward the team score. Japan were the leaders in the team event with a score of nine-under 131. Saptak Talwar, currently leading the PGTI Order of Merit, made five birdies and a bogey during his opening round. Former PGTI Order of Merit champion Veer Ahlawat made an eagle, three birdies, four bogeys and a double-bogey in his first round. Yuvraj Sandhu, the 2025 PGTI Order of Merit winner, made four birdies and five bogeys in his first round. The mens golf competition features 66 players and will be played over 72 holes from September 30 to October 3. The team medals will be decided on the aggregate scores of the best two players from each country in each round. The Indian mens trio brings considerable experience and strong recent form into the competition. Talwar and Ahlawat finished tied third at the Bengaluru Open 2026 immediately before the Asian Games, while Sandhu recently recorded a notable tied 13th finish at the DP World Tours FedEx Open de France. In the womens individual event, Pranavi Urs was placed second at four-under 66, three shots behind the lead. Diksha Dagar and Aditi Ashok were tied 18th with scores of one-over 71. In the womens team event, the Indian team was tied sixth at three-under 137, five shots off the lead.

Rajasthan panchayat polls: BJP, Congress recalibrating strategies after civic election lessons

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 30 (IANS) After the civic body elections, the BJP and Congress are now recalibrating their strategies for the upcoming Panchayat polls in Rajasthan. For the BJP, the focus is on improving vote share and plugging organisational gaps, despite the party forming boards in around two-thirds of the state's civic bodies. The party organisation has intensified its grassroots preparations, with a focus on booth management, local caste equations, candidate selection and coordination between the government and the organisation. For the Congress, the challenge extends beyond winning seats to converting electoral gains into control of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. The party is reviewing the factionalism, ticket disputes and floor-management issues that affected board formation in several civic bodies. It is now weighing greater state-level intervention in candidate selection and post-election management, along with a wider network of observers, to keep its elected members together and prevent internal divisions from undermining its prospects in the Panchayat polls. For the BJP, the immediate focus is not just on the number of urban local bodies where it managed to form boards, but also on its vote share and the organisational gaps exposed during the civic elections. Despite securing boards in around two-thirds of the state's civic bodies, the party's central leadership is reviewing areas where its electoral performance fell short of expectations. The BJP has consequently intensified preparations at the grassroots level, with particular attention to booth management, local caste equations, candidate selection and coordination between the government and the party organisation. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has emerged as an active part of this organisational exercise. During his recent district tours, Sharma has combined government programmes with meetings involving party workers and local leaders. Feedback on Panchayat election preparations, possible candidates and booth-level mobilisation is being gathered during these interactions. State BJP president Madan Rathore has also increased his organisational outreach, including engagement with younger sections of the electorate. The Panchayat elections are expected to put the BJP's rural organisational network to another test. The party's strategy involves leveraging the government's development and welfare initiatives while simultaneously strengthening its booth-level machinery. Recently, BJP National General Secretary and Rajasthan State In-charge Sanjay Bhatia held an organisational meeting at the party's state office with state office-bearers, district presidents and in-charges of various organisational wings and departments. The meeting was Bhatia's first organisational review since taking charge as the party's Rajasthan in-charge. Addressing party leaders, he attributed the results of the recent local body elections to the hard work of BJP workers and the performance of the party-led government. Bhatia said the party's strategy for the upcoming Panchayat elections should build on the coordination between the government and the organisation demonstrated during the local body polls. He stressed the need to replicate this organisational synergy at the grassroots level. Now, the challenge is to translate government schemes and the party's organisational presence into support at the grassroots, where local issues, caste combinations and candidate equations can significantly influence electoral outcomes. Sharma's recent tour schedule reflects the BJP's effort to intensify organisational engagement. He visited Pratapgarh and Udaipur on September 26, Sri Ganganagar and Suratgarh on September 27, followed by Alwar-Khairthal Tijara, Kota-Jhalawar and Kishangarh. His upcoming visits to Barmer, Jodhpur and Pali are also expected to include organisational meetings. The Congress, meanwhile, is drawing lessons from the difficulties it faced while forming boards in several urban local bodies. Although the party had a substantial number of councillors in several civic bodies, it was unable to translate that strength into board formation everywhere. The issue of floor management has therefore emerged as a key concern for the party ahead of the Panchayat elections. The Congress is now considering greater involvement of the state organisation in the electoral process, including ticket distribution and the subsequent formation of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. The debate within the party centres on how much control should remain with district-level leadership and how much coordination should come from the state organisation. The Congress's experience in the civic elections has also raised concerns over factionalism and coordination among local leaders. Ticket-related disputes surfaced in several districts, while cross-voting was reported during the formation of some boards. Against this backdrop, the party is examining whether greater state-level supervision could help prevent similar problems during the Panchayat elections. The political challenge for the Congress will extend beyond winning individual seats. The party will also need to maintain cohesion among its elected members to secure control of Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads. As part of its preparations, the Congress is considering deploying observers not only at the Assembly constituency level but also at the Panchayat Samiti level. The proposal is aimed at strengthening coordination between the state organisation and local units, particularly during candidate selection and the post-election process of forming Panchayat bodies. Swarnim Chaturvedi, Media Chairperson of the Rajasthan Congress, said the party is considering appointing observers at the Panchayat Samiti level in addition to Assembly constituencies. With both parties now recalibrating their organisational strategies, the Panchayat elections are set to become a test of their grassroots networks, candidate management and ability to keep local factions aligned through the electoral and board-formation processes.

Asian Games: PGTI prez Kapil Dev backs Indian golfers to make their mark

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) President and legendary Indian sportsman Kapil Dev has extended his best wishes to Indian mens and womens golf teams ahead of the golf competition at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. The Indian contingent comprises Yuvraj Sandhu, Saptak Talwar and Veer Ahlawat in the mens section, and Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar and Pranavi Urs in the womens section. Kapil Dev, President, PGTI, said, Representing India at the Asian Games is the highest honour. I extend my best wishes to Veer, Saptak, Yuvraj, Aditi, Diksha and Pranavi as they prepare to compete for the country in Japan. Each of them has earned this opportunity through determination, discipline and consistently strong performances. They possess the talent, experience and temperament to perform successfully on this major international stage. Exhorting the Indian golfers to approach the competition with confidence, Kapil Dev added, My message to them is simple: believe in yourselves, play fearlessly and give it everything you have. The responsibility of representing the country should inspire you to raise your game. Stay focused, trust your preparation and play every shot with pride. The entire Indian golfing fraternity is behind you. Go out there, compete hard and make India proud. Amandeep Johl, CEO, PGTI, said, Yuvraj, Veer and Saptak have earned this opportunity through consistent performances, resilience and a strong competitive temperament. Their place in the Indian contingent is a proud moment for us and reflects the strength of our tour and the international pathway provided by the PGTI. All three possess the experience and ability to mount a strong medal challenge. We wish them, along with Aditi, Diksha and Pranavi, every success at the Asian Games. The Indian mens trio will make its Asian Games debut with strong credentials and considerable experience of competing on the international stage. Yuvraj Sandhu has been a regular on the Asian Tour and has been playing on the DP World Tour this season as a result of securing his DP World Tour card after winning the PGTI Order of Merit in 2025. The 29-year-old enjoyed a record-breaking streak on the PGTI in 2025 as he became the first player to win seven titles in a single season. He also set a new record for season earnings, having accumulated INR 1,91,67,100 on the PGTI in 2025. Yuvraj is a winner of 16 professional titles, including one international title on the Asian Development Tour. Yuvraj said, I played in Japan last year, so I have a very fair idea of how the golf courses are. We already have the course mapped out in detail, and the yardages. I think playing on the DP World Tour has polished my game, so I feel ready to tackle the course. Its rained a lot there recently, so the course will definitely be softer. We are expecting ideal weather. Besides, Im pretty much accustomed to playing in such conditions; Ive been playing in the rain four weeks out of the past eight. The 30-year-old Veer Ahlawat has been a regular on the Asian Tour and also competed on the DP World Tour in 2025 after earning his card as a result of emerging as the 2024 PGTI Order of Merit champion. He is a six-time winner on the PGTI, besides a joint runner-up at the Indian Open in 2024. Veer, who had a first-hand look at the course in Japan last month, said, The course was short, and mostly those are the courses we play here in India. I think the main challenge in Japan is to get your wedges tuned in, and spin control will play a major role. In short courses, we have to be very precise on the tee, and most of the time, you do not even have to hit your driver off the tee. You have to manage the course well, make sure that even if you have a few hundred-yard shot, you are there in the game. Saptak Talwar, currently ranked No. 1 on the PGTI Order of Merit, has strengthened his game by dividing his competitive schedule between the European Tour and the PGTI. The 27-year-old Talwar is a two-time winner on the PGTI. Talwar said, The goal was to improve my ranking and qualify, and I am proud that one box has been ticked. The next aim is to make the cut for the LA Olympics. I think I have played enough in Europe, and Europe is about rain, wind, and other elements. I think we like our chances of battling the elements, as Japan is expected to have similar weather at this time. Having the experience under my belt of playing in not-so-pretty weather is definitely an advantage. The six-member contingent reflects the growing strength and competitiveness of Indian golf. The players progress across domestic and international tours underlines the increasing depth of the sport in the country and Indias ability to produce golfers capable of succeeding at the highest level.

Ashok Singhal: A life devoted to the service of Bharat

No mention of Ashok-ji is complete without recalling his pivotal role in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Who can forget his address at VHP's Boat Club rally in New Delhi in April 1991? Or the defining image of an injured and bleeding Ashok-ji after a police lathi blow in October 1990 in Ayodhya? Today, if there is a grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, it's because of stalwarts like him, says PM Modi.

Dengue cases cross 1,000 in Raj; Jaipur, Alwar see surge

BJP leaders pay tribute to former Union Minister Jaswant Singh on his death anniversary

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 27 (IANS) Senior BJP leaders and Ministers on Sunday paid tributes to former Union Minister Jaswant Singh on his death anniversary, hailing his extraordinary foresight and diplomatic acumen while heading Finance, External Affairs, and Defence ministries. Paying homage to the former Union Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla referred to him as the pride of Rajasthan. The contribution of the late Jaswant Singh, a son of Malani, to the fields of Indian politics and national service will always be remembered, Birla said on the social media platform 'X'. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also paid tribute to Jaswant Singh. In a post on X, Meghwal described the former Union Minister as someone who possessed extraordinary foresight and diplomatic acumen in defence, finance, and foreign affairs. His life of integrity, dedicated to the pride of the motherland, public service, and democratic values, shall forever remain an eternal source of inspiration for us all, the Law Minister added. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also paid his salutations to Jaswant Singh, calling him a prominent figure in Indian politics. In a post on X, CM Sharma said: His extraordinary foresight and diplomatic acumen in defense, finance, and foreign affairs gave the country a new global identity. His life of impeccable integrity, dedicated to the pride of the motherland, public service, and democratic values, shall forever remain an eternal source of inspiration for us all. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma remembered him as one of the founding members of the BJP. Remembering one of the stalwarts of Indian politics and one of the founding fathers of our party, 'Shraddheya' Jaswant Singh ji on his death anniversary. His work for the poor and his contributions in strengthening our country's defence apparatus will always be cherished, CM Sarma said. Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, while remembering his colleague in the erstwhile Vajpayee government, wrote, Tributes to senior BJP leader and former Union Minister Jaswant Singh on his death anniversary. Jaswant Singh passed away at the age of 82 on September 27, 2020. He hailed from Jasol village in Rajasthan's Barmer district and was known as the 'Son of Malani'. He held charge of some of the country's most crucial ministries during Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government.

Ali Emrans poetry collection The Unseen Voice released in Srinagar

Srinagar, Sep 26: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) on Saturday released 'The Unseen Voice', a collection of English poems by noted writer, filmmaker and theatre personality Ali Emran, at a function held at the Academys seminar hall, Srinagar. The programme was attended by a distinguished gathering of artists, writers, poets, scholars, academicians and literary and cultural enthusiasts from across the valley. Muneer-ul Islam, Secretary, Department of Information, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, was the chief guest, while Mohammad Amin Bhat, distinguished writer, broadcaster and theatre personality, was the guest of honour. Ali Emran, the poet, Dr Abid Ahmad, Editor, JKAACL, and noted writer Iftikhar Imran were also part of the presidium. Speaking on the occasion, Muneer-ul Islam described Unseen Voice as a significant contribution to contemporary literature. He observed that the collection embodies a distinctive poetic voice shaped by the Kashmiri Sufi aesthetic and vision. The book was formally reviewed by noted academic and literary critic Iftikhar Imran, who described The Unseen Voice as a valuable addition to the growing corpus of Indian English literature. He observed that the collection presents the spiritual ethos of Kashmir through the medium of English and appreciated the poets effort to introduce the regions Sufi cultural heritage to younger generations. Earlier, welcoming the guests and participants, Dr Abid Ahmad outlined the Academys role in nurturing a vibrant literary and cultural ecosystem through sustained engagement with writers, artists, scholars, students and youth. He highlighted the Academys continuing efforts to promote literature and the arts by creating meaningful opportunities for creative expression, literary discourse and cultural exchange. The programme witnessed the participation of several prominent literary and cultural personalities, including Shabir Mujahid, Shamshad Kralwari, Manoj Pandita, Hussain Khan, G. M. Bhat, Altaf Hussain, Shaikh Haneef, Yusuf Shaheen, Dilly Bhat, Gul Javed and Ashfaq Lone, among others. Dr Abid Ahmad conducted the proceedings of the programme and also presented the formal vote of thanks. He expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, the poet, literary personalities, scholars and members of the literary and cultural fraternity for their presence and support.

Outrage Over Brutal Killing of Muslim Man in Rajasthan Sparks Calls for Investigation

The brutal murder of Sakeen Khan in Alwar has drawn condemnation from leaders and calls for a thorough investigation into the incident. Outrage Over Brutal Killing of Muslim Man in Rajasthan Sparks Calls for Investigation

2 children electrocuted in Alwar

Experience of Rohit, Virat invaluable to youngsters for ODI World Cup prep, says Kotak

Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 26 (IANS) India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak highlighted the indispensable role played by senior batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in mentoring the next generation of players, adding that their vast knowledge pool is invaluable to youngsters in preparation for next years ODI World Cup. Shubman Gill-led India are embarking on an extensive 50-over workload leading up to the global showpiece event, starting with the three-match series against the West Indies, with the first game to happen at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday. See, it is all about sharing experience. They always do that. Whenever I have seen all the experienced players, even Gautam, because he has played at that level, whatever they have experienced, when they see that some player is going in a similar condition or similar situation, they always talk to them. I think sharing experience or whatever you have learnt is a great thing to do because it's adding knowledge or refreshing your knowledge as well. So, I think it is for anyone - a lot of youngsters are there. I always see them talking to senior players or Gautam. They do talk to me, and also to Morne (Morkel) and Sairaj (Bahutule). Actually, the team environment from the inside is feeling brilliant because everyone knows there is one year to the World Cup. Everyone knows each series is important. Everyone wants to settle in the Indian team; the youngsters are coming, and they have been performing outstandingly; they are not just coming, they have been performing so well. So, it is a process where, obviously, with Indians being an emotional people, I always see that our players, senior players, they always share what they feel like. So, that's a great thing to have. I know that the outside public or social media sometimes may not see that. But as part of the team and support staff, I always see that, Kotak told reporters in the pre-match press conference. Delving into Indias tactical planning and preparation strategy for the mega event, Kotak detailed that they are aware of conditions and the immediate challenge presented by the West Indies. See, I think West Indies is a team which has skills. They have some very good batters and bowlers. So, it is a good series for us. For us, looking one year ahead, we approximately have about 30-31 one-dayers, as far as I am aware. There may be 25-30 games, but yes. So, what we discuss and try to do, obviously Gautam is there, and Virat, Rohit, Shubman, obviously are there. In our preparation, mainly I am talking from a batting point of view; we take advice, and everybody is thinking about how we will go about it, how we need to start preparing if we bat or bowl first. For example, it is South Africa, so what kind of wickets can we get? Here, with overcast skies, what can be the challenges and like that; we prepare in that way and with one new ball after 33 overs. So, the last 10 overs may not be as many runs as we used to get in all that we plan, and then obviously all the senior players or anyone else also have some opinions. Throwing further light on the team processes, Kotak explained, We discuss it, and we plan. So, from now on, that is what our plan is: to go series by series. Luckily, we have the New Zealand series, where obviously it is outside Asia, and there will be some different conditions. There might be moisture and grass. In South Africa, again, there will be some wickets which will be similar to ours also, and there will be some wickets that will be challenging also. So, we have to plan both ways, and we do all that anyway, and that is the process we do, and we are quite looking forward to that. Every series, whether it is West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe or New Zealand, all games are important for us because we want to execute things. So, forget the opposition and if we can successfully do that, within a year, we should be ready for any challenges, any different wickets or any different bowling attacks. Addressing the delicate act of balancing squad rotation with match outcomes, a struggle evident during the recent series loss in England, Kotak admitted, It is very difficult. There is a very thin line between trying new players and trying to get the results also. So, somewhere you see that the result may get affected sometimes. But again, whoever plays for India, they all have been performing. But it does make a difference when a new guy is coming in, trying to settle in the team, and the experienced guy is playing. Like in England also, the Lords game we have seen, they got a lot of runs, and we had a lot of young fast bowlers playing. So, sometimes you do suffer setbacks like that. But eventually, again, it's obviously the captain and head coach; they plan, and they try to give opportunities. But I think we have to do that also. At the same time, we have to see that we get the desired results also. Kotak also welcomed new fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh, who has taken over the role from T Dilip and the interesting drills hes brought on board. See, he has been working for a long time. He was part of CoE also, and he is a very quiet but very hardworking guy. We are all fortunate to get this opportunity to work for the Indian team as support staff, and he is also fortunate to get this job now. Dilip was also very good and has done a wonderful job. All of us know someday, there will be a change. So, there is nothing like it, but I think Subhadeep is also very good. He comes with his ideas. Every coach has their own ideas, drills, and plans. Obviously, when the new guy comes, there is a variety for players also. I also thought it was quite a busy and good session yesterday. Reflecting on the team's workload management during tight international schedules, Kotak pointed out that every available training session is critical. In all the practice sessions, we try to make sure that whether it is batting, bowling, or fielding, it has to be more interesting. Most of the time, you see batters don't get so much time to have an off-season. I mean, players don't have an off-season. IPL, they play. So, we don't get too many long camps. Whenever we have like 3 days, 4 days in practice, we try to utilise it like a camp. We try to give a lot of volume to fielding practice. It's like that is part of planning anyway. So, we try to utilise the maximum time. Even for today, it's been hot, and people, like all the players, wanted to rest, and it was an optional session. Still, (Auqib) Nabi felt that he, obviously, had his bowling loads done; he wanted to bat. He just came to bat, and why not when there are good practice bowlers and good facilities. So, we just try and utilise as much as we can.

Rajasthan: Man killed with stone, police say attacker

Alwar: A 40-year-old man was allegedly struck on his head with a stone outside a police station in Rajasthans Alwar district on Thursday, September 24, with police saying the accused was mentally challenged. Authorities have detained the accused, identified as Harsh Murtikar, following the alleged assault outside Barodameo police station. The deceased, Sekoon Khan, a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Man killed in random stone attack outside Alwar police station

Locals Protest Police Inaction in Saving Victim

ESIC Alwar Recruitment 2026 - Walkin for 18 Junior Resident, Tutor Posts

Employees State Insurance Corporation Medical College & Hospital Alwar has announced the Recruitment 2026 notification for 18 Junior Resident , Tutor vacancies. Eligible candidates can attend the walk-in interview on 08-10-2026 at the designated venue. The detailed notification and walk-in interview details are available on the official website.

Hackers hijack verified streaming account to spread malware, researchers find

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Rajasthan civil poll results: BJP wrests stronghold seats from Congress

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 23 (IANS) The results of the Rajasthan civic elections have highlighted varying levels of regional influence among Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress Ministers and senior leaders. The BJP retained control in several Assembly constituencies of its Ministers, securing Chairman and Vice-Chairman posts in multiple urban local bodies. In some Assembly constituencies, however, the Congress mounted a challenge and managed to secure key positions. The results have also provided a picture of the regional influence of several Congress leaders who have been active in Rajasthan politics for years. The BJP won 20 seats in the Bharatpur Municipal Corporation, which is the Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma's home city, and relied on the support of Independents to strengthen its position. The BJP also succeeded in electing Mayors in all seven municipal bodies. While the Mayoral election for the Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota Municipal Corporations is scheduled for September 25. The BJP formed boards in two of the three municipalities in the Assembly constituency. However, the BJP lost the Jhalawar Municipal Council, where both the President and Vice-President posts went to the Congress. In the Dudu Assembly constituency, the BJP failed to form boards in either municipality. In the Phagi and Dudu municipalities, both the President and Vice-President posts went to Congress and Congress-supported candidates. Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, however, is also associated with the Sanganer Assembly constituency. In the Jodhpur Lok Sabha constituency, elections were held in the municipalities of Phalodi, Bap, Balesar and Pokaran. The BJP won in Phalodi, Bap and Balesar, while the Congress won in Pokaran. The Jodhpur Municipal Corporation election results are scheduled to be announced on September 25. There are two municipalities in the Srimadhopur Assembly constituency. The BJP won in Srimadhopur, while the Congress won in Ajitgarh. In the Sangod Assembly constituency, BJP candidates won both the President and Vice-President posts in the Sangod municipality. The BJP won both the President and Vice-President posts in the Sawai Madhopur Municipal Council, located in the Sawai Madhopur Assembly constituency. The BJP won both posts in Ramganj Mandi which is constituency of Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar. The BJP captured all four municipalities in the Malpura-Todaraisingh Assembly constituency: Malpura, Diggi, Lambaharisingh and Todaraisingh. The BJP led in nine of the 12 urban local bodies in the Alwar Parliamentary constituency. The BJP also performed successfully in the constituencies associated with Jawahar Singh Bedham, Minister of State for Home Affairs; Sumit Godara, Food Minister; Avinash Gehlot, Social Justice Minister; Suresh Rawat, Water Resources Minister; Jogaram Patel, Parliamentary Affairs Minister; and Gajendra Singh Khimsar, Health Minister. The BJP did not secure the top positions in the constituencies associated with Ministers of State Vijay Singh Chaudhary, Manju Baghmar and Otaram Dewasi, Cooperation Minister Gautam Kumar Dak, Revenue Minister Hemant Meena and Chief Whip Jogeshwar Garg. Of the seven urban local bodies in Bikaner, which falls within Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal's Lok Sabha constituency, the BJP secured the President's post in four, while the Congress won two and the CPI-M one. However, the BJP did not secure the Mayoral post in the Bikaner Municipal Corporation, one of the most prominent urban local bodies in the region. The Congress won the Mayoral post, while the BJP secured the Deputy Mayor's position. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is the Congress MLA from Sardarpura, which falls within the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation area. Of the 100 wards, the BJP won 45 and the Congress 44. Former Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot is the Congress MLA from Tonk. The Congress secured a majority in the civic body and elected its candidates as Chairman and Deputy Chairman. Elections were held in 59 of the 60 wards, with the Congress winning 32 and the BJP 19. Rajasthan Congress President Govind Singh Dotasra is the Congress MLA from Laxmangarh. Of the 45 wards in the Municipal Council, the Congress won 20, the BJP 15 and Independents 10. The Congress subsequently took control of the municipality. Rajasthan Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully is the Congress MLA from Alwar Rural. In Malakhera Municipality, of the 20 wards, the Congress won nine, the BJP two and independents nine.

PGTI Tour: Khalin Joshi extends lead to six shots at Bengaluru Open 2026

Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 23 (IANS) Khalin Joshi followed his career-low opening round with a four-under 68 to extend his lead to six shots at the halfway stage of the INR 1 crore Bengaluru Open 2026 at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) in Bengaluru on Wednesday. The 34-year-old Bengaluru golfer (61-68), who began the day four strokes ahead after firing an 11-under 61 in round one, made five birdies and a solitary bogey to reach 15-under 129 at his home course on a cloudy, cool and windy day. Joshi remained bogey-free until his 16th hole of the day, the par-four seventh, where he dropped his only shot of the round. The three-time PGTI winner this season arrived in Bengaluru after claiming last weeks Nava Raipur Open. He began the week in seventh place in the Race to India Championship. Local teenager Manoj S. (65-70) retained second place at nine-under 135 after returning a two-under 70. The 18-year-olds eventful round featured five birdies, one bogey and a double bogey. Four players shared third place at seven-under 137: Gurugrams Manu Gandas (69-68), Greater Noidas Saptak Talwar (67-70), Delhis Shaurya Bhattacharya (66-71) and Gurugrams Veer Ahlawat (68-69). Gandas was the 2023 DP World PGTI Rankings champion, while Talwar is the current Race to India Championship leader. Ahlawat topped the DP World PGTI Rankings in 2024. Bengalurus Mari Muthu R. (67-71) slipped from a share of fourth overnight to seventh at six-under 138. Joshi was satisfied with another assured performance and his commanding position at the halfway stage. It was another solid day, Joshi said. Im pleased with the way Ive played over the first two rounds and satisfied with where I am. Im now looking forward to the final two days. Joshi began his second round with consecutive birdies and added three more before his only blemish on the seventh. I started strongly with birdies on my first two holes, he said. I would have liked to finish a little better, especially after making my first bogey of the week, but my game still feels good. Gusty winds and more demanding flag positions provided a different examination from the opening round, although Joshi felt the conditions allowed the players to appreciate KGA at its best. We were blessed with excellent weather, although the gusty wind and tougher flag positions made the course interesting, he said. KGA is my home course, and it is wonderful for the entire field to experience such a great venue in these conditions. With a six-shot cushion heading into the last two rounds, Joshi intends to retain the approach that carried him to 15-under through 36 holes. I want to continue finding fairways and greens, create birdie opportunities and keep applying pressure at the top of the leaderboard, added Joshi, who has his Thai girlfriend caddying for him this week. The halfway cut fell at one-over 145, with 52 players from the field of 132 advancing to the final two rounds. The Bengaluru Open is the final tournament before the top-60 on the 2026 PGTI Order of Merit are confirmed. The players finishing inside the top-60 at the end of this event will retain their playing rights for the 2026-27 season.

Baba Ramdev, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh bury the hatchet after meeting

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 23 (IANS) A long-standing feud between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and yoga guru Baba Ramdev appears to have ended with the latter announcing their meeting here on Wednesday, having resolved differences. Baba Ramdev claimed later that based on hearsay and video clips, Singh had developed some misgivings that were subsequently cleared during the meeting. Thanking Singh, he further said that the former President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) offered his respects, adding that he also expressed high regard for sants and Sanatana and that he held Ramdevs work for the country in high esteem. Their feud goes back four years, with the six-term MP having alleged that Ramdev or his organisation had done nothing for the birthplace of ancient Indian sage and philosopher Maharishi Patanjali, which Singh said was in Uttar Pradesh's Gonda. The sage is widely regarded as the father of classical yoga and the author of the Yoga Sutras. The BJP leader, who himself was born in Bishnoharpur village of Gonda district, had demanded that Ramdev and Patanjali managing director Balakrishna stop using the sages name for their brand. Patanjali Foods Limited has also filed a Rs 50-crore defamation suit against the BJP leader in the Madhya Pradesh High Court for criticising its ghee as fake, urging people to instead make their own. Saying that milk is easily available in a village and that he also used to go to graze buffaloes, he advised people to rear buffaloes and cows at home for making pure milk and ghee. In response to the case, Singh had publicly alleged that Ramdev is the emperor of adulterators, claiming that several of his products have been banned in other countries. In 2023, when Singh was involved in a controversy involving female wrestlers who accused him of sexual harassment as the WFI head, seeking his arrest, Ramdev reportedly stood with the complainants. Last month, Singh charged Ramdev with introducing spurious products and foreign goods in the name of Swadeshi. Referring to an earlier agitation, he had also said that instead of putting on sindoor and salwar, the yoga guru should fight a decisive battle now like a man. The long diatribe appears to have ended on Wednesday, with the two sitting together to end the feud.

ESIC Alwar Recruitment 2026 - Apply Walkin for 167 Professor, Assistant Professor and More Posts

Employees State Insurance Corporation Medical College & Hospital Alwar (ESIC) has published the Recruitment 2026 notification for 167 vacancies, including Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Senior Resident posts. Eligible candidates can attend the walk-in interview from 30-09-2026 to 07-10-2026 at the designated venue. The detailed notification is available on the official website, esic.gov.in.

Supreme Court takes suo motu cognizance of Patna High Court ruling holding removal of salwar, pressing chest insufficient for attempt to rape

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognizance of a recent Patna High Court judgment concerning the ingredients of the offence of attempt to rape, after the High Court held that an alleged attempt to remove a womans salwar and pressing her chest did not, on the facts of the case, establish an attempt to [] The post Supreme Court takes suo motu cognizance of Patna High Court ruling holding removal of salwar, pressing chest insufficient for attempt to rape appeared first on India Legal .

BJP wins six of seven mayoral polls in Rajasthan; Congress cries foul

The BJP defeated the Congress in Alwar, Udaipur, Pali and Ajmer, while its candidates were elected unopposed in Bharatpur and Bhilwara; the only consolation for Congress came in Bikaner

Rajasthan civic polls: BJP converts narrow vote edge into board control

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 21 (IANS) The Rajasthan urban local body elections have produced a political paradox: the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress remained separated by less than one percentage point in overall vote share, yet the BJP emerged with a substantially larger number of elected councillors and subsequently converted that advantage into control of several urban bodies. The numbers raise a bigger question: was the difference created at the ballot box or after? The answer appears to lie in a mix of electoral arithmetic, organisational mobilisation, the fragmented independent vote, and parties' ability to negotiate support during the crucial process of forming municipal boards. The Congress, meanwhile, faces questions over internal coordination and its ability to retain the support of its own councillors. The BJP and Congress were separated by only around 0.94 percentage points in vote share. The BJP polled about 35.18 per cent of the vote, compared with 34.24 per cent for the Congress. Yet the BJP won 4,179 wards, compared with 3,613 for the Congress, while independents won 2,273 wards. That gap shows how vote distribution across individual wards can produce a very different result from the statewide vote-share comparison. Ward delimitation in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota showed that Congress received a slightly higher combined vote count than the BJP in those three corporations but won fewer wards. Analysts attributed this partly to the concentration of Congress votes in fewer wards, while BJP votes were more evenly distributed. Congress leaders, however, alleged that the delimitation process disadvantaged the party. The real political battle began after the ward results. The BJPs advantage became more significant in municipal board formation. In several urban bodies, neither major party secured an outright majority, leaving independent councillors in a pivotal position. The BJP was the largest party in several such bodies, while Congress led in places including Ajmer and Pali but remained short of a majority. This is where post-election political management became central. The contest was no longer simply about how many councillors each party had won. Parties had to secure the support of independents and maintain cohesion among their own councillors before the mayoral and chairperson elections. The outcome in Pali provides perhaps the clearest illustration. In Pali, Congress had 29 councillors, but BJP got the mayor. Pali Municipal Corporation has 65 councillors. Congress emerged as the largest group with 29 seats, followed by the BJP with 21 and independents with 15. The majority mark was 33. Yet in Monday's mayoral election, BJPs Namita Bubakia won with 33 votes. Congresss official candidate Sumitra Jain received only three votes, while Congress rebel Rajbala Hingad, contesting as an independent, received 29 votes. All 65 councillors voted. The result dramatically changed the political picture created by the ward election. The BJP entered the mayoral contest with 21 councillors and needed 12 additional votes to reach a majority. The final tally indicates that the party succeeded in attracting sufficient support from outside its elected bloc. Because the mayoral ballot was secret, however, the result alone cannot establish the individual identity of every councillor who supported each candidate. The Pali result therefore raises a pointed political question for Congress: how did a party with 29 elected councillors end up with its official mayoral candidate receiving just three votes? Across the 309 urban local bodies, independents won 2,273 wards, making them a significant force in board formation. In Bharatpur, independents won 36 of 65 wards and crossed the majority mark on their own. In cities such as Pali, Ajmer, Alwar and Jodhpur, their numbers were crucial to determining who would control the civic administration. This changed the traditional BJP-versus-Congress equation. Where neither party had the numbers, the ability to communicate with, negotiate with and retain the support of independent councillors became decisive. Congress raised allegations that the BJP used government power and resources to influence board formation in some places. Those allegations are political claims and should be distinguished from the confirmed election results. At the same time, Congress leaders pointed to other explanations, including delimitation. Rajasthan PCC president Govind Singh Dotasra argued that the delimitation process contributed to the partys losses, despite the narrow vote-share difference. The available numbers also support another explanation: the BJP was more successful in converting its councillor strength and outside support into control of municipal leadership posts in several closely contested bodies. The sequence of events shows that the political environment surrounding board formation mattered greatly, particularly where independents held the balance. The civic election results expose a distinction between electoral support and organisational conversion. Congress secured 34.24 per cent of the overall vote, almost matching the BJPs 35.18 per cent. Yet the BJP won substantially more wards and subsequently secured key mayoral and chairperson posts in several places. For Congress, therefore, the issue is not simply whether it retains its voter base. It is also whether it can maintain unity among elected councillors, manage competing local factions, prevent internal rebellions, build relationships with independents, and convert ward-level victories into control of municipal boards. Pali demonstrates the scale of that challenge in particularly stark terms. The BJPs success in securing municipal leadership positions gives the party an organisational advantage at the local-government level. But winning the mayoral post is only the beginning of the political test. BJP leader Madan Rathore said, Regarding organisational strength, consider that Dotasras candidate received zero votes in Sadri (Pali), while the official Congress candidate in Pali secured only three votes; how, then, can I possibly match him? We believe in the organisation. The new municipal boards will now be judged on issues that directly affect everyday life: roads, drainage, sanitation, street lighting, water supply, waste management and other civic services. The political story of Rajasthans 2026 urban elections, therefore, is not simply BJP versus Congress. It is a story of three layers of electoral politics, moving from vote share to ward strength to board formation. The first two stages produced a closely contested picture. The third stage demonstrated the importance of alliances, independent councillors, internal cohesion and post-election political management. And that is perhaps the most important lesson from Pali: winning the most wards and controlling the board are not necessarily the same thing.

PGTI: Bengaluru Open 2026 set to tee-off at KGA from Tuesday

Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 21 (IANS) The Bengaluru Open 2026 will be played at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) from September 22 to 25. The tournament carries a prize purse of INR 1 crore. The event will witness participation by 132 golfers including 131 professionals and one amateur. The leading Indian professionals in the field include DP World PGTI Order of Merit leader Saptak Talwar, Honey Baisoya, Veer Ahlawat, Akshay Sharma, Rashid Khan and Khalin Joshi, to name a few. Saptak Talwar and Veer Ahlawat, both of whom are participating at the Bengaluru Open 2026 powered by IndianOil, will be representing India at the Asian Games in Japan next week along with last years DP World PGTI Order of Merit champion Yuvraj Sandhu. Besides local lad Khalin Joshi, the leading Bengaluru-based professionals in the field are Chikkarangappa S, Akshay Neranjen, Manoj S, Mari Muthu R and Varun Muthappa, to name a few. The local amateur in the field is Tanish R Gowda. The prominent foreign names competing include Sri Lankans N Thangaraja and Mithun Perera, Thailands Tanapat Pichaikool, Czech Republics Stepan Danek, Nepals Subash Tamang, Bangladeshs Md Akbar Hossain, Ugandas Joshua Seale, Japans Koichiro Ishika and Taiga Tanaka, Americans Koichiro Sato and Dominic Piccirillo, South African Gerhardus Jacobus Pepler, Irelands Declan Kenny and Canadas Sukhraj Singh Gill. Amandeep Johl, CEO, DP World PGTI, said, The Bengaluru Open has established itself as an important tournament on the DP World PGTI calendar, providing a strong platform for our professionals to compete at one of the countrys finest golf courses. We are delighted to return to Bengaluru and grateful to IndianOil for its continued support of the tournament and its longstanding commitment to the growth of professional golf in India. The city has a passionate golfing community, and with a strong field of professionals set to compete, we look forward to another exciting week of top-tier golf at the Karnataka Golf Association. We are confident that the Bengaluru Open 2026 Powered by IndianOil will once again showcase the depth of talent on the DP World PGTI and create memorable moments for players and fans alike.

Local poll results show peoples confidence in BJP: Madan Rathore

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 21 (IANS) BJP Rajasthan president Madan Rathore on Monday said the local body election results reflected people's support and confidence in the BJP, crediting the partys performance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development agenda and the work of the Bhajanlal Sharma government in Rajasthan. Addressing a press conference after the results, Rathore thanked voters across the state and said the BJP had received widespread support in municipal corporations, municipal councils and municipalities. He said the mandate demonstrated public confidence in the partys leadership and its development-oriented approach. Rathore also said the state governments One State, One Election initiative had reduced election-related expenditure and would provide the government with more time to focus on development and public welfare. He noted that of the 10 municipal corporations in Rajasthan, results for seven were declared on Monday, with the BJP securing a majority in six. According to Rathore, BJP mayors were elected in Alwar, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Pali, Udaipur and Bharatpur. He said the people had endorsed the partys Sankalp Patra (manifesto) and that newly elected BJP representatives would work to fulfil its promises. Rathore added that BJP workers would approach voters with the same commitment during the upcoming Panchayat elections. He attributed the BJPs electoral performance to public faith in Prime Minister Modis development agenda and the work undertaken by the Bhajanlal Sharma government in Rajasthan. Rathore highlighted central government initiatives related to housing, sanitation, and infrastructure, including railway modernisation, doubling and electrification, road development, irrigation projects, and the construction and strengthening of dams. He also cited measures to support farmers, including increases in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. Rathore said the Make in India initiative had promoted industrial development and investment, while efforts to attract investors aimed to create employment opportunities. In Rajasthan, he highlighted the state governments work on the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), the Yamuna Water Agreement, water supply arrangements from Punjab and efforts to ensure the availability of Narmada water. He said the state government was providing additional financial assistance to farmers and focusing on expanding crop insurance benefits. Rathore also pointed to the Rising Rajasthan initiative, saying it had helped promote investment and industries in the state and contributed to employment generation. He said the government was undertaking recruitment drives to provide employment opportunities to young people. He further said the government had taken strict action against criminals and was working to strengthen healthcare, roads, electricity and other basic amenities. Responding to a question about Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra, Rathore launched a personal political attack on his Congress counterpart. Dotasra is a big man; I cannot match him. He can secure benefits for his family, get jobs for family members and avail benefits despite falling under the OBC creamy layer category; I cannot compete with that, Rathore said. He also referred to the Congresss performance in the civic elections, saying the partys candidate in Sadri in Pali received zero votes. In contrast, the official Congress candidate in Pali received only three votes. How can I compare myself to him? We believe in the organisation, he said.

BJP wins 197 Rajasthan civic body posts, Congress bags 94; AAP springs surprise

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 21 (IANS) Results for 301 civic bodies in Rajasthan have been declared so far, with the BJP emerging as the dominant force in the mayoral and chairperson elections. BJP candidates have secured 197 posts, while Congress has won 94. Independents have bagged seven posts, while AAP, CPM and RLP have won one post each. The BJP has also secured mayoral posts in six of Rajasthan's seven municipal corporations whose results have been declared. Congress managed to retain the mayor's post in Bikaner. The results have produced several reversals for Congress, including in Ajmer and Pali, where the party initially appeared to have an advantage based on its councillor numbers. In Ajmer, BJP's Anamika Sharma was elected mayor after securing 43 votes, despite the BJP having won 32 councillor seats in the corporation. In Pali, BJP candidate Namita Bubakia won the mayoral election with 33 votes. The BJP secured 21 councillor seats, while Congress won 29. However, Congress candidate Sumitra Jain received only three votes. The BJP also secured the mayoral posts in Udaipur and Alwar. Paras Singhvi won in Udaipur, while Sumanlata Agarwal emerged victorious in Alwar. Agarwal secured 42 votes against Congress candidate Kamlesh Sharma, who received 23 votes. In Bikaner, Congress candidate Anil Kalla was elected mayor. Kalla is the nephew of former minister BD Kalla. Another notable result came from Atru municipality in Baran, where Congress candidate Nisha Nainwal defeated Krishna Murari Dilawar, brother of Education Minister Madan Dilawar, by three votes in the chairperson election. The results also saw the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) make a surprise entry by winning a civic body chairperson post. CPM and RLP also secured one post each, while independents won seven posts. It may be noted that elections had already been decided unopposed in 32 civic bodies, including the Bhilwara and Bharatpur municipal corporations. The electoral process is not yet complete. Elections for mayoral posts in three municipal corporations, including Jaipur, and one municipality are scheduled for September 25. With the remaining mayoral contests still to be decided, the final political picture of Rajasthan's urban local bodies will emerge only after the September 25 elections.

Stepping into leadership role in absence of senior pacers is an exciting challenge: Jansen

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) Set to spearhead South Africas fast-bowling unit in the upcoming ODI series against Australia, lanky left-arm fast bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen said he is eager to take on the added responsibility in the absence of injured stalwarts Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. Obviously those two (Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada) not being a part of the squad is a bit of a loss, I'd say. They are two obviously world-class bowlers and they know how to bowl especially in South African conditions. When things go tough, especially on the field, they have a way of calming things down. That's probably what I'll be trying to do. Personally it feels like I am going to have to take that leadership role, it is probably going to be my first time taking up such a role and I am actually looking forward to see what I can also do if put in such a role, Jansen told reporters on Monday. The three-match ODI series against Australia gets underway on September 24. Obviously they're a squad full of very experienced guys who play around the world in various leagues and stuff like that. So they know how they want to play, they know their brand, and their mentality is to be on you from the first ball and they try and impose themselves onto the opposition, whether it's with a bat or with a ball. I think how to counter that is to match their intensity or match their mentality or their body language, if I can say it like that. Because if you back down or if you shy away, then it's very easy for them to get more on top of you or even get further ahead in the game, if that makes sense. So sort of like matching their intensity or sort of having a similar or a similar mindset or mental approach as them, added Jansen. Following the white-ball leg, South Africa will host Australia for a crucial three-match Test series, which is a part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). It is a nice structure. It makes you feel like every Test match actually means something and there is a bigger role to a Test match. We have ten Test matches left until the final and then you are trying to work out on how much do you need to win, if you lose what needs to happen, said Jansen. He further pointed out how the point system alters match preparation when qualification scenario demands victories. If you need to win two out of two Test matches, your preparation is always going to be a lot more intense than usual because you know what's at stake. It is almost like an extended version of a World Cup, which is quite nice, he said. Quizzed about the possibility of a rematch of the 2025 WTC Final against Australia in 2027, given both teams currently occupy the top spots in the cycle standings, Jansen insisted the squad remains focused on immediate assignments. World Test Championship is almost like an extended version of a World Cup. For now, we are just focussed on winning every Test match and then closer to the time, we will know exactly what we have to do and need to do to get into that final again, he concluded.

Gill not a man of many words, but is clear and very authoritative in speaking: Holder

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) Describing India ODI skipper Shubman Gill as a leader who may not speak much but commands total clarity and authority in demanding what he wants from his team, West Indies seam-bowling all-rounder Jason Holder praised the young captain's calm demeanour while also rating Virat Kohli as arguably the best one-day batsman to ever play the game. West Indies are scheduled to arrive in India for playing a three-match ODI series starting on September 27. Though Holder has been rested from the trip, he shared some insights on Gills leadership style, based on playing under him for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026. I've played under Shubman. He's a leader. He's not a man of many words, but when he does speak, he's very clear, he's very authoritative as to what he's demanding of the team. He brings a level of calmness and poise, which is always a good trait to have as a leader. Those are things that I really respect about him and loved when I played under him. He's obviously new into his tenure as captain too, so he'll be learning on the job, and no doubt he'll be asking a lot of his players. His senior players have to come up to him and help him out. It's a similar situation with us, too, where Shai has been in the role for a while, but he's still learning on the job, too. It's a never-ending learning curve where, as a leader, as a player, there's never enough information. You're always trying to grab as much as you possibly can to get better. So, Shubman is no different, and I'm looking forward to seeing him, looking forward to playing against him, and I'm expecting a really good contest between both teams, Holder said to JioStar. Highlighting Gills tactical trust in his bowling unit, Holder revealed that the right-handed batter gives bowlers complete ownership over their field settings and plans. I don't know how to differentiate a bowler's captain from a batter's captain, but I could say that he's equally as soft and as giving with both bowlers and batters. I would just tell him what I wanted, we would have a conversation about it. That's primarily when it comes to field setting. He gave me the ownership and leadership to do it the way I wanted to, which is a strong asset for a captain. I never had any issues with Shubman, and he pretty much gave me free rein to set my fields and execute the plans I was looking to execute. It was always real open communication, and one where we shared enough and had that understanding. I really enjoyed playing with him, and hopefully, in years to come, we could continue to play together, he observed. Turning his focus to Indias seasoned duo of veteran batter Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Holder noted that the two stalwarts present a formidable challenge for any opposition in the 50-over format. When you look at Virat, he is arguably the best player, the best one-day batsman to ever play the game, and one of the best batters to ever play the game. Rohit, when you look at his outstanding one-day record, particularly against West Indies as well, he's done really well. So, the two stalwarts of Indian cricket and world cricket pack a heavy punch. I don't think we have anything in comparison to what they have. Our best batsman and greatest player is Shai Hope, who's done extremely well for himself as well. So, I would put him in that category as well. Three world-class players who've got world-class records, and I'm looking forward to seeing all three of them do battle. It's obviously a keen contest every time I match up against Virat, for example, and I like playing against Rohit because I see them as big players, and I like to get in a contest with big players, he said. Holder was also effusive in his praise for tall India speedster Gurnoor Brar, and recalled his initial thoughts upon watching the youngster bowl during their IPL 2026 stint at GT. He's got a lot of great attributes. When I first saw him run in and bowl, I actually had a quiet chat with Ashish (Nehra, head coach) as to how this guy wasn't playing. But, it's good to see his progress. Good to see him get an opportunity to play for India. He's got a lot of great attributes. Obviously, height is one with which he will be able to extract a bit more bounce; he's got pace, he does a bit with the ball, which I think is important in this day and age. Pace is still obviously in the game and is a massive asset, but skill has to go along with the pace, and he possesses skill as well as the pace. Those are solid attributes to have as a fast bowler, so I would expect him to be a challenge for us. Facing him in the nets and seeing him go about his business in the nets was quite entertaining. I look forward to seeing him not only play against us but have a pretty healthy career, he concluded.

BJP dominates Rajasthan mayoral polls, wins 6 of 7; Bikaner sole consolation for Congress

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday further strengthened its position at the grassroot level in Rajasthan after winning the mayoral elections in the municipal corporations in Alwar and Udaipur, while the only consolation for Congress came in Bikaner.

Only expectation from Rohit and Kohli is to keep scoring runs: Aakash Chopra

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 19 (IANS) Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes the only expectation from Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies is for the two experienced campaigners to keep scoring runs, with the 2027 ODI World Cup now less than a year away. Speaking ahead of the three-match series, Chopra said Rohit and Kohlis experience could be crucial for India as they build towards the next World Cup in South Africa. The World Cup is just one year away now, and I know that if Rohit and Kohli get in, theyll score runs, win you matches, and possibly win you trophies. So, looking at it from this perspective, the only expectation from Rohit and Kohli is just this: keep scoring runs, Chopra told Jio Star. Rohit and Kohli have both been named in Indias 15-member ODI squad for the three-match home series against the West Indies, with Shubman Gill set to lead the side. KL Rahul has been appointed vice-captain, replacing Shreyas Iyer, who will be part of Indias Asian Games campaign. Chopra also backed the overall composition of the ODI squad, pointing to the changes made due to player availability and the inclusion of Dhruv Jurel as second wicket-keeper. With the available players, you try and make the most of what you have. The biggest change you notice is that KL Rahul has been made vice-captain in place of Shreyas Iyer because Shreyas Iyer will be at the Asian Games. There was certainly a question mark over Rishabh Pant, but I also liked Dhruv Jurels selection. So, considering all of that, a very good team has been picked, and full marks to the Indian team selectors, he said. Ravindra Jadeja has also returned to the ODI setup, while Nitish Kumar Reddy has been brought into the ODI squad after being withdrawn from Indias Asian Games contingent. Chopra feels the all-rounders position will be another area to watch closely as India continue to assess their options ahead of the 2027 World Cup. One big highlight, in my opinion, was pulling Nitish Kumar Reddy out of the Asian Games and playing him here. So, if Hardik Pandya isnt available someday, they really want somebody who can bowl pace and bat as well. Ravindra Jadeja will have to, of course, take wickets and score runs. Fielding has always been his strong suit. But from a World Cup point of view, you have Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar, and not all of them will go to South Africa. So, someone will be left out, and therefore, every time you get an opportunity, you have to grab it with both hands, he said. The ODI series will begin in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27, with the second match in Guwahati on September 30 and the third in Chandigarh on October 3.

Rajasthan tense as Cong warns of deteriorating situation over police baadebandi, alleges councillor harassment

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 19 (IANS) Political manoeuvring and the practice of baadebandi have intensified in Rajasthan ahead of elections for mayor, municipal council president and chairperson posts, triggering tensions across the state after the conclusion of the urban local body polls. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra has alleged that police teams visited 13 locations where Congress councillors were being kept together and attempted to exert pressure on them. He urged the state Director General of Police (DGP) to immediately stop such actions, warning that the situation could deteriorate if the alleged police intervention continues. The government and the police are yet to publicly respond to Dotasra's allegations. Following the civic election results and withdrawal of nominations, the equations for board formation in 305 local bodies have become clearer. Chairpersons have already been elected unopposed in 32 civic bodies. Of these, BJP candidates secured 28 posts, Congress candidates two, and independents two. The BJP is also in a position to form boards in 18 civic bodies where it does not have a clear majority but can potentially secure the required numbers with the support of independent councillors. Among the 32 unopposed elections, BJP candidates were elected to two mayoral posts in municipal corporations, five president posts in municipal councils and 21 chairperson posts in municipalities. Congress candidates were elected unopposed in two bodies, while independents secured two posts. In four other civic bodies, Congress candidates hold the chairperson's post in two municipalities, while independents hold one municipal council and one municipality post. A significant development took place in Bharatpur on the final day for withdrawal of nominations for the mayoral election. Independent candidate Vichitra Singh withdrew her nomination, paving the way for BJP candidate Anuradha Singh to be elected unopposed as mayor. Singh reached the municipal corporation office with her husband, former Bharatpur mayor Shivmangal Singh, and Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedam to withdraw her nomination. Meanwhile, political activity has intensified in Ajmer and Alwar, with independent councillors reportedly being approached by both major parties. The BJP is yet to officially announce its candidate for the Jaipur Municipal Corporation mayoral election. Sunil Kothari is being discussed as a possible frontrunner, while the names of Rajendra Saini and Deepa Nathawat are being considered for the deputy mayor's post. The nomination process for the Jaipur mayoral election is scheduled to conclude on Saturday, followed by scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations. Voting will be held on September 25 if required. Dotasra has alleged that police teams visited 13 locations where Congress councillors were being kept as part of the party's baadebandi arrangements. He alleged that police action was reported at several places, including Kuchera and Barmer. Dotasra also claimed that Congress councillors from Bikaner were staying at Hotel Suryagarh in Jaisalmer, where, he alleged, attempts were being made to exert pressure on them. Appealing to the DGP to intervene, Dotasra warned that the government and Rajasthan Police would be held responsible if any councillor came to harm or if the situation escalated into violence. Political tensions have also risen in Kuchera municipality in Nagaur ahead of the September 21 chairperson election. BJP candidate Rishi Pal Mirdha and Congress candidate Tejpal Mirdha, who are uncle and nephew, are contesting for the post. Late Thursday night, Mehad, the brother-in-law of independent councillor Nirvaram of Ward 9, lodged a complaint at Kuchera police station alleging that the councillor had been abducted. Congress candidate Tejpal Mirdha was accused in the complaint. Later, a video of Nirvaram surfaced, in which he reportedly gave a different account of the incident. The developments have added another layer of political tension to the ongoing efforts by parties to secure the numbers required for control of municipal boards. Elections for municipal chairperson and president posts are scheduled to begin on September 21. With several bodies witnessing fractured mandates, independent councillors are expected to play a significant role in determining board formation in several municipalities and municipal councils.

Finland: Indian envoy discusses opportunities for closer cooperation with Kuopio Mayor

Digital Desk | Helsinki, Sep 18 (IANS) Ambassador of India to Finland, Hemant Kotalwar, on Friday met Soile Lahti, Mayor of Kuopio and discussed India-Finland bilateral relations and opportunities for closer cooperation. During his visit to Kuopio, Ambassador Hemant Kotalwar met Mayor Soile Lahti and discussed India-Finland bilateral relations and opportunities for closer cooperation. The Mayor briefed the Ambassador on Kuopios strengths in health, education and research, Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, its growing ICT sector, and the contribution of the Indian diaspora to the city, the Embassy of India in Finland stated on X. The Ambassador also met Kaija Savolainen, Managing Director, and representatives of the Kuopio Chamber of Commerce to discuss opportunities for expanding India-Finland trade and investment. Ambassador Hemant Kotalwar met Kaija Savolainen, Managing Director, and representatives of the Kuopio Chamber of Commerce to discuss opportunities for expanding India-Finland trade and investment, particularly in the context of the finalisation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement, the Embassy stated on X. He also visited the University of Eastern Finland (UEF), where he met Minna Hendolin, Director of Impact, and her team. They discussed UEFs ongoing cooperation with Indian institutions and opportunities to further deepen academic and research collaboration between India and Finland. In June, Finnish President Alexander Stubb described India as an influential actor on the global stage and underscored the importance of hearing New Delhis perspective during a meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on the sidelines of the Kultaranta Talks in Helsinki. Following the meeting, Stubb took to X and posted, We met today at Kultaranta with India's Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. We discussed the situation in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, efforts to end Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine, and the upcoming G7 summit. India is an influential actor whose views are important to hear. The two leaders exchanged perspectives on the evolving geopolitical situation and underscored the importance of diplomacy in navigating an increasingly uncertain global environment. Sharing the details of the meeting, EAM took to X and said, Pleased to meet President Alexander Stubb of Finland on the sidelines of the Kultaranta Talks. We exchanged views on the evolving geopolitical situation and underscored the importance of diplomacy in navigating an increasingly uncertain global environment. India and Finland remain committed to advancing our Strategic Partnership in Digitalisation and Sustainability while strengthening coordination in multilateral fora on issues of shared interest, he added.

Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh visit temple ahead of second baby

The couple visited Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple on Friday, dressed in matching purple, as they prepare to welcome their second child. It's the same temple, the same kind of visit, they made in September 2024, weeks before their daughter Dua was born right down to Ranveer's parents, Jagjit Singh Bhavnani and Anju Bhavnani, joining them both times. What they wore Deepika had worn a green saree on that earlier visit. This time she chose a heavily embroidered salwar kameez, while Ranveer wore a purple kurta with white pyjamas. A crowd had gathered by the time they arrived, and security was tight, but both actors stopped to smile and wave rather than rush past. Filmfare captured the moment and posted it on X, and within hours fans were pulling up side-by-side clips from 2024 and 2026, pointing out how closely the two visits mirrored each other. #Watch | Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone visited Mumbais iconic Lalbaugcha Raja, offering prayers and seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha during the festive celebrations. #RanveerSingh #DeepikaPadukone #LalbaugchaRaja #GanpatiBappa #GaneshChaturthi pic.twitter.com/T7bmju93KF The Daily Jagran (@TheDailyJagran) September 18, 2026 Ranveer's solo visit to Lalbaugcha Raja Ranveer had already made one temple stop this week. A day earlier, he'd visited the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal alone, in a white chikankari kurta, greeting fans as he made his way through the crowd. The pregnancy announcement The couple confirmed the second pregnancy recently with a set of photographs, both dressed in white, Dua visible in some of the frames with them. Deepika's caption read: Baby Dua and our hearts are getting bigger! Thank you for your blessings! Dua, born in September 2024, has stayed almost entirely out of public view since; the family shares glimpses of her only occasionally, on their own terms. The couple confirmed the second pregnancy recently X/ @TeamDeepikaMY_ What's next for Deepika and Ranveer Work hasn't paused around the pregnancy. Deepika has King with Shah Rukh Khan ahead, directed by Siddharth Anand, along with Atlee's sci-fi film Raaka opposite Allu Arjun. Ranveer was last seen in Dhurandhar: The Revenge and is now preparing for Pralay, a post-apocalyptic thriller currently in production.

PGTI leader Saptak Talwar sees star-studded India Championship as a game changer for Indian golf

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Saptak Talwar, Indias current No. 1 on the DP World PGTI Tour, knows the next few weeks could be life-changing for him and take the 27-year-old to the next level in the sport. The tournament not only boasts of a massive $4 million prize, the highest in India for the second year running, but could also decide the topper of the DP World PGTI Order of Merit, newly named as the Race to DP World India Championship. Following a landmark arrangement between the DP World PGTI and the DP World Tour, the winner of the domestic Indian Order of Merit will get a full status on the main Tour. The arrangement is also the latest marker of the investment global logistics provider DP World has made in Indian golf part of a wider sporting footprint that also includes cricket and a consistent focus on bringing more young people into the sport. The event brings huge benefits for both the fans and the Indian golfers. While the fans await a golfing feast with the likes of two-time Masters winner, Rory McIlroy, defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and former FedEx Cup winner, Viktor Hovland, and Major champions like Ryan Fox, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson, the top Indian golfers realise that the DP World India Championship could be a life-changer for them. The newly constituted Race to DP World India Championship is a competition to determine DP World PGTI Order of Merit Champion for 2026, DP World India Championship 2026 qualifiers and playing rights on the DP World PGTI for 2027. The race in its debut year, will feature non-stop golfing action on the DP World PGTI calendar in the run-up to the DP World India Championship 2026. The top 24 players of the standings will earn their spots for the DP World India Championship 2026 while the Top 60 players on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit who will retain their playing rights for the 2027 DP World PGTI season. The nine events of the second half of the season, which concludes with the inaugural Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship in the first week of October, will finalise 24 spots for DPWIC and the R2DPWIC for 2027 will run through the full DP World PGTI calendar from next season. Talwar currently holds a lead of more than Rs. 20 lakhs over No. 2 Jhared Hack (US), but the latter is not likely to play any more events over the next few weeks in India. Also, Talwar is more than Rs. 30 lakhs (twice what a player earns for a regular win in a Rs. One Crore event) ahead of the next best Indian, Honey Baisoya. Yet Talwar says, The DP World PGTI Order of Merit is not a done deal. With the OOM finishing at DGC (DP World India Championship), anything can happen. We have four events left and the last one on DP World PGTI is the Kapil Dev Invitational, which has double the Prize Money and then there is the big one the DP World India Championship, where the prize purse is almost 38-40 times more at $4 million. So, the top Indian golfer could well walk away with the Merit honours by doing well in DP World India Championship. And I see no reason why one of us cannot do that. However, as Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI confirmed, Only one fourth of that prize money will be counted towards the DP World PGTI Order of Merit. Talwar added, I am also missing the Tour Championships (Kapil Dev Invitational) as I am off to Asian Games in Japan that week. So, the DP World India Championship can be a life-changer for me and many other Indian players. Talwars compatriots Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat, Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri will also be playing at DP World India Championship this year. Talwar, who early in his career, also played on the Canadian Tour, has now decided to try and top the DP World PGTI OOM to get into the main Tour in 2027. There has been further recognition in the form of a place in the National three-man team for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, alongside Yuvraj Sandhu and Veer Ahlawat, who before him had earned DP World Tour cards in 2026 and 2025. This season Talwar has gained a lot of experience as he played a lot of events on the HotelPlanner (HPT), the second rung Tour in Europe, this season. At one point he had two possibly pathways to the DP World Tour for 2027. I had set myself a goal or threshold to try for a card through HPT, but when I was not inside that I decided to get back to India and play the DP World PGTI, where I was leading, says Talwar. Then there is the DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club. That golf course is close to my heart and for many others in India. I literally grew up on the B course, have seen every big event. As a junior I attended many of the clinics by world class players like Ernie Els and others. So, to be playing alongside the likes of Masters winners, Major champions and PGA Tour players is a great opportunity for us to showcase Indian talent. While admitting that the current Indian pros have not won as much as the previous generation from Jeev Milkha Singh to Jyoti Randhawa and Arjun Atwal to Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur and Shubhankar Sharma, Talwar added, This event, the DP World India Championship is a game changer for Indian golf. This could a catalyst for Indian golf. In 10 years, we will see this as the one that changed the landscape of Indian golf. We have a number of good players, but they have not translated into wins. One win could ignite that fire and then we will have a big bunch of winners. Hemant Kumar Ruia, Country Manager, DP World (India) Subcontinent, said: India is one of the largest markets in our global network, and we remain focused on strengthening our ports, rail and inland logistics network across the country. Our commitment to India extends beyond our business, and supporting the growth of sport is an important part of that commitment. We are particularly pleased that the DP World India Championship can create genuinely life-changing opportunities for players like Saptak. With the newly named Race to DP World India Championship providing a pathway to the DP World Tour, Indian golfers now have a clear opportunity to take their game to the next level. We are delighted to play our part in helping make that possible. This has been his big breakthrough year for Talwar, though he won his maiden pro title in 2025. He added a second PGTI win at the Indo-Rama Ventures Open at Kalhaar and was second in the HotelPlanner event in India. Since then, he has been a prime contender for the DP World -PGTI Order of Merit, which has multiple benefits. And, now the DP World India Championship could see Saptak Talwar take the next big step in the big and highly competitive world of golf.

Open-source AI fuels 440% surge in hackers using blockchains in attacks

A malware attack uses malicious software planted on a computer or network to steal information, passwords or funds

Virat Kohli extends wishes for PM Modi on his 76th birthday

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Former India captain and batting stalwart Virat Kohli joined several prominent personalities in extending birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, as the iconic leader turned 76. Kohli took to social media to convey his wishes, keeping his message short while wishing PM Modi good health, happiness and a fulfilling life. Warm birthday wishes to Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji. Wishing you good health, happiness, and a long fulfilling life, Kohli wrote on X. Kohlis message came as birthday greetings poured in for PM Modi from political leaders, sporting personalities and other public figures across the country. The 37-year-old is all set to return to the Indian setup as India take on the West Indies in a three-match ODI series starting September 27. The 50-over series will be played across Thiruvananthapuram, Guwahati, and New Chandigarh. PM Modi is celebrating his 76th birthday on Thursday, and the occasion has prompted messages from leaders and personalities across different fields. The sporting fraternity has also joined the celebrations, with several prominent names conveying their wishes to PM Modi on social media. PM Modis birthday has also drawn greetings from across the political spectrum. President Droupadi Murmu, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, among several others, have conveyed their birthday wishes to PM Modi. Messages have also come from international leaders. Russian President Vladimir Putin was among those who extended birthday greetings to PM Modi, while leaders from other countries also marked the occasion. PM Modi was born in Vadnagar, Gujarat, in 1950, three years after India gained independence, making him the first prime minister of the country to have been born in independent India. He is also the longest-serving prime minister from a non-Congress party. October will mark 25 years of PM Modis public service. He began his political journey with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and has led the Bharatiya Janata Party to victory in three consecutive general elections.

Meghna Gulzar credits Irrfan's performance in 'Talvar' for convincing audience in favour of Aarushi Talwar's parents

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 17 (IANS) Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Daayra starring Prithviraj Sukumaran and Kareena Kapoor Khan, has credited the late actor Irrfan's powerful performance in 'Talvar' for convincing audience that Aarushi Talwar's parents weren't at fault. The filmmaker spoke with IANS during the promotions of Daayra in the Andheri West area of Mumbai. She said that Irrfan's portrayal of Ashwin Kumar, Joint-Director of CBI in Talvar strongly worked in the favour of the audience empathising with the parents of Aarushi Talwar. The film was based on the 2008 Noida double murder case, the unsolved murders of 13-year-old girl Aarushi Talwar and her house help, Hemraj. The two were killed on the night of 1516 May 2008 at Aarushi's home in Noida, India. When Aarushi's body was discovered in her bedroom on May 16, Hemraj was missing at the time, and was considered the main suspect. The next day, Hemraj's partially decomposed body was discovered on the terrace. Meghna said that the film is purely based on facts, and presents the events as is without taking sides. She told IANS, Irrfan sir's performance has convinced you. But the facts are the facts and the facts are what have been depicted in the film. So, the facts look like they are veering more in favour of the parents, that was the reality. It's just that Irrfan sir as an actor and a performer convinced you a little more. But he convinced you with what? With the facts that he had. And the facts were as they were in life, which is why the Talvar family then got exonerated in the high court. Talvar didn't create that fiction, she added. After ruling out former domestic servants of the family, Aarushi's parents, Dr. Rajesh Talwar and Dr. Nupur Talwar were treated as the prime suspects by the police. The police suspected that Rajesh had murdered the victims after finding them in an objectionable position, or because Rajesh's alleged extra-marital affair had led to his blackmail by Hemraj and a confrontation with Aarushi. The Talwars' family and friends accused the police of framing them in order to cover up the botched-up investigation. The couple was acquitted of all charges by the Allahabad High Court in 2017. On March 8, 2018, the CBI challenged the acquittal in the Supreme Court.

How cybercriminals are turning trusted platforms into malware launchpads

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Video Of Woman Taking Dip In River In Undergarments Is AI-Altered

BOOM found that the original video shows the woman wearing a salwar while taking a dip in the river.

Google soon to give more control to Android 16 advanced protection: What may change?

Google is set to bring an Android Advanced Protection Mode with Android 16 support, which could be considered a big step forward in locking down smartphones and Google Accounts from all sorts of threats like malware, phishing, sketchy apps, and hacks. The whole idea is to beef up security. But the truth is, right now you cant tweak a lot of those protections to fit your needs. Its pretty much all or nothing.

Ethnic Wear Gets A Modern Update

Ethnic fashion is evolving beyond traditional silhouettes, with designers and fashion enthusiasts giving classic Indian styles a contemporary edge. The latest trends combine familiar cuts, flowing fabrics and traditional details with relaxed tailoring and versatile styling. The result is occasion wear that feels festive while remaining comfortable and easy to personalise. Farshi Salwar Suit The dramatic Farshi salwar is making a strong return, bringing a regal quality to the traditional salwar suit. Its floor-skimming, voluminous silhouette can be styled with shorter kurtas, embroidered dupattas or contemporary blouses. For a more modern appearance, pair the flowing bottoms with a structured top

Raj civic poll results: BJP retains top spot; lesser vote share gap with Cong sends notice

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 15 (IANS) The BJP may have emerged as the larger winner in Rajasthans urban local body elections, but the numbers tell a more complicated political story. With the BJP securing 35.30 per cent of the vote against 34.36 per cent for Congress, the gap between the two principal parties is just 0.94 percentage points, a margin too narrow to ignore ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. On the surface, the Rajasthan civic election results appear to favour the BJP. It has won more seats and secured clear majorities in more urban local bodies than Congress. But beneath that headline result lies a political contest that is far tighter than the seat tally suggests. The narrow gap in voting percentage is perhaps the most politically significant number to emerge from the elections. The results were expected to provide an early indication of Rajasthans urban political mood ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. Instead, they have produced a mixed verdict: the BJP has the organisational and seat advantage, but the Congress remains firmly in the contest in terms of popular support. And then there is the third force, the Independents. Independent candidates collectively secured 27.47 per cent of the vote, underlining the extent to which local political equations remain fragmented and candidate-driven. The RLP secured 0.95 per cent, AAP 0.47 per cent, CPI(M) 0.32 per cent, BSP 0.29 per cent, and BAP 0.13 per cent vote share. The numbers suggest that Rajasthans urban electorate has not consolidated completely behind either of the two major parties. The BJP secured a clear majority in 85 civic bodies, compared with 45 for the Congress party. Independents and other parties crossed the majority mark in another 34 bodies. That leaves 145 of Rajasthans 309 urban local bodies without a clear majority. This is where the election moves from a simple winner-loser contest into a political bargaining exercise. In these 145 bodies, Independents could determine who controls the municipal boards. The BJP and Congress now face the same challenge: turning electoral leads into political majorities. For both parties, the scramble for Independents is not merely about municipal boards. It is also about demonstrating political momentum. For the BJP, the task is to ensure that its advantage in seats translates into control on the ground. For Congress, the opportunity is to convert its narrow vote-share deficit into political gains wherever the BJP lacks the numbers to govern on its own. The battle after the election could therefore prove almost as important as the battle during it. The contest becomes particularly significant in the municipal corporations. Of Rajasthans 10 municipal corporations, the BJP has secured clear majorities in Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur and Bhilwara, while Congress has a majority in Bikaner. But five corporations remain politically unsettled: Bharatpur, Pali, Alwar, Ajmer and Jodhpur. Jodhpur is the clearest example of the new political arithmetic. The BJP and Congress have 44 councillors each, leaving Independents in a potentially decisive position. The message from Jodhpur is stark: neither major party can take control for granted. Bharatpur presents another test, with Independents positioned to influence the formation of the board. In Alwar, the BJP has the advantage but falls short of a majority. In Ajmer and Pali, Congress is ahead but still needs additional support. These contests could become early laboratories for the political strategies the two parties take for the 2028 Assembly election. The political significance of the results extends well beyond the municipal corporations. There is no clear BJP or Congress majority in 18 municipal councils and 122 municipalities. That means the Independent councillor has emerged as one of the most important political actors in Rajasthans post-election landscape. For the BJP, winning over Independents will be critical to consolidating its seat advantage. For the Congress, these same councillors offer an opportunity to challenge the BJP dominance in closely fought bodies. The coming days could therefore see intense negotiations, outreach and realignment at the local level. The question is not simply who won the most seats. It is who can assemble the numbers to govern. These civic elections were conducted against the backdrop of the One State-One Election concept, but their political implications go far beyond municipal administration. The BJP can point to its larger seat tally and stronger performance across several major urban centres. Congress, however, can point to a vote share of only 0.94 percentage points behind the ruling party. If the BJP succeeds in converting its leads into stable civic administrations, it will strengthen its claim that its organisational machinery remains dominant in Rajasthans urban centres. If the Congress manages to capture boards in a significant number of hung bodies by bringing Independents into its camp, it could present the results as evidence that the BJPs electoral advantage is narrower than the seat count suggests. The Independent councillor, meanwhile, could become the unlikely protagonist of this political contest. For now, the Rajasthan civic verdict has delivered neither a decisive BJP sweep nor a Congress revival. It has produced something more politically interesting: a BJP advantage, a closely trailing Congress, and 145 civic bodies where the final winner is yet to be determined. And with 2028 on the horizon, Rajasthans municipal arithmetic may prove to be an early warning -- or an early opportunity -- for both sides.

Monsoons Festivals

In Indian culture, both Spring and Winter are celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety; Spring almost all over the country and Winter in the warmer regions south of the Himalayas. However, there is another season, the advent of which is a harbinger of happiness and hope ... and that is the rainy season, or the Monsoon as it is also known. It brings happiness because it cools down the troublesome summer heat, and hope because water, especially cool water, on dry earth is always a symbol of hope. And yet, the effect of rains is felt quite differently in the hills and plains. In the hills even a light shower brings down the temperature considerably, adding a chill to the already cool air. In the plains it is an early sign of the onset of Monsoon - which is celebrated with the greatest fervour in the extremely hot and dry northern belt. After the baking temperatures of May and June followed by the itchy humidity of July, vibrant August brings the much-awaited, life-giving rains. In hot, dry, landlocked northern India, the Monsoon - coming after the terrible, relentless Summer heat - is even more welcome than Spring. It is not difficult to imagine the joy of people at the first showers the wonderful hydrating effect of the rain water on parched earth; the filling up of rivers, ponds and wells long dry; the flowering of bushes and shrubs; the sprouting of fresh new leaves; the joyful singing of birds, who have a difficult time looking for drinking water in the hot summer. And above all, the cool, refreshing breezes instead of the devastating loo winds that create desert-like conditions. The Monsoons give Nature a head-to-toe bath, as layers of dust are washed away and every tree gets a clean new look with glistening leaves. Old and young alike, long suffering under the merciless Sun, come out of their homes to meet and greet their neighbours and celebrate the rains together. The biggest Monsoon festival of North India - Teej is celebrated across Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The villages of the plains of North India present a picture of health and cheer during Teej, with everyone dressed in bright clothes and brighter smiles! Teej becomes the perfect opportunity to socialise, as the pleasant weather breathes new life into the people. The lush greenery, fresh air and cool weather inspire the village folk to gather together in courtyards and community spaces, singing folk songs to welcome the rains. Groups of village children can be seen taking rain-baths, diving into ponds with gleeful shouts and splashing in out of puddles with abandon. The menfolk express their joy by dancing the energetic bhangra to the peppy beats of the dhol, in their colourful turbans and folk dresses. The festival becomes an occasion for women to travel to their parental homes (peka in Punjabi), reunite with family and childhood friends, and spend time with their parents and siblings. The first Teej of newly-wedded young women becomes even more special as they receive a gift hamper of new clothes and bangles from their maika or peehar (parental home). Both, married women and unmarried young girls put on their best and brightest clothes saree, salwar-kameez or lehenga. Pinks, blues and yellows mix with greens and reds, the traditional Teej colours. Women and girls come out in droves, shining in their attractive attires, chattering and laughing, the palms of their hands adorned with deep red mehndi designs. On the occasion of Teej, rope swings (peeng / jhoola) are hung from strong branches of sturdy trees like mango and peepal, where women and girls take turns swinging in singles or in pairs. What a lovely scene it is: ladies adorned in finery, swinging away merrily under large shady trees, their veils (chunni / odhni) fluttering in the breeze, bangles tinkling rhythmically with the to-and-fro motion ! The days come alive with womenfolk performing lively Giddha dances while reciting traditional boliyan (couplets on village life). Bangle-sellers displaying bright, colourful glass bangles walk through villages with their portable stalls, singing Vangaan chadhaalo kudiyonmerebaba de darbaar diyaan (O girls, put on these blessed bangles). Rajasthani women in their multi-coloured striped leheriya attires and traditional jewellery can be heard singing Aayo Aayo Teej Tyohar (Teej festival has arrived !) and Aayi Sawaniye Ri Teej (The Monsoon has come !). Could any Indian festival be complete without a fair ?! Local Teej fairs (Teeyan da Mela) feature artisans offering intricate henna applications, folk music competitions, and traditional village games. And then, can there be any celebration without sweets ? Families lovingly prepare and share traditional sweets Ghevar (delicately-flavoured sweet shaped like a large disc), Gujia (deep-fried pastry filled with khoya and coconut) and Malpua (small syrup-soaked pancakes sprinkled with dry fruits). To balance the sweet flavour, there is the savoury kachaudi (a thick poori with a spicy potato filling). Not only in the plains and foothills, the Monsoons are also celebrated in mountainous Himachal Pradesh, most notably through traditional harvest and cultural fairs. The most prominent of these is the week-long Minjar Fair in Chamba, which celebrates the ripening of maize crops. Local communities mark the season with folk songs, village rituals, traditional music, and colourful processions, with people dressed in attractive folk dresses. Regional delicacies are prepared and enjoyed daily during the season. Coming after the scorching heat of the torrid summer, the rains soak and soften the cracked earth turning it soft, moist and receptive. In this way, the Monsoon plays a vital role in preparing the hard, dry farmland for the Kharif crop. Rice and maize, sown just before the Monsoon, are heavily dependent on the rains as these crops need plenty of water, especially in areas where artificial irrigation is unreliable or simply unavailable. Thus, to small farmers, the Monsoon comes like Gods gift. Perhaps it would not be wrong to say that in Indian culture, vibrant Monsoon festivals are the most awaited, as these are not just religious or cultural events; but a celebration of the rejuvenating aspect of Nature and Natures gift of life in the form of rainwater. T he author is a free-lance writer, editor and translator.

Salal Dam spillway gates to open from September 15 for silt flushing

Ramban, Sep 14: The Salal Power Station authorities have issued an advisory to the general public of Reasi district and villages located upstream and downstream of the Salal Dam, warning of a likely rise and fluctuation in the water level of the Chenab River due to the opening of the dams spillway gates for reservoir silt flushing. According to a public notice issued by the Office of the General Manager (Incharge), Salal Power Station, Jyotipuram, the spillway gates of Salal Dam will be opened from September 15, 2026, at 6 pm for silt flushing. The authorities said the discharge in the Chenab River is expected to remain high during the process, which may result in fluctuations in water levels both upstream and downstream of the dam. People living in villages upstream of the dam, including Dharan, Thanpal, Arnas, Sai, Lanjian, Narloo, Gari and Salmot, and downstream areas including Gujjar Kothi, Siyad Baba, Bidda, Kachhi Khera, Talwara, Nambla, Vijaypur, Bara Dari, Patta, Kashi Patta, Jedhi, Panasa, Babber, Chumndian, Dera Baba Banda Bahadur and Seri, have been advised to remain alert. The Salal Power Station has specifically advised the public not to enter or go near the Chenab River, and said that movement of people, vehicles and cattle or other animals into the river could be dangerous during the silt-flushing operation. The authorities have urged residents to exercise extreme caution and keep away from the riverbanks to avoid any untoward incident. The notice cautioned that anyone violating the advisory or entering the river area during the period would do so at their own risk and responsibility, and that the Salal Power Station management would not be responsible for any consequences. The advisory has also been circulated to the Deputy Commissioner Reasi, police authorities, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, CISF, Tehsildars, Fisheries Department, District Information Office and concerned police stations for necessary action and wider public awareness.

Raj civic poll results: BJP to appoint Mayors in Jaipur, Udaipur, Bhilwara and Kota; Congress wins Bikaner

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) The results of elections to 10 municipal corporations in Rajasthan were declared on Monday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a majority in Jaipur, Udaipur, Bhilwara and Kota, while Congress secured a clear majority in Bikaner. Independent candidates are set to play a crucial role in board formation in Pali, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Jodhpur. Congress emerged as the largest party in Pali and Ajmer, while the BJP was the single-largest party in Alwar. Jodhpur witnessed a close contest between Congress and the BJP, while Independents emerged as the largest group in Bharatpur. Results for four wards in Jaipur and one ward in Jodhpur have been withheld due to re-polling. The results for these wards will be declared after the re-poll. Congress candidate Gazanfar Ali registered Rajasthan's biggest victory in Jaipur, winning Ward number 113 by a margin of 10,014 votes. In the high-profile Ward number 112, BJP candidate and former Jaipur Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal lost the election. Former state BJP spokesperson Vimal Katiyar also lost from Ward number 35 by 1,461 votes. Congress city district president Omkar Verma lost from Ward number 42 by 279 votes. In Ward number 51, 21-year-old Congress candidate Saraswati Prajapat won the election. Meanwhile, national-level football player and BJP candidate Vikas Raghwani won from Ward number 28. In Ward number 99, BJP candidate Nikita defeated former Congress Mayor Kunti Deora. Hitanshi Sharma, the daughter-in-law of the brother of former Union Minister Girija Vyas, won from Ward number 73. Poonam Kunwar, the wife of Udaipur city Congress president Fateh Singh Rathore, won from Ward number 17. Atul Chandaliya and Akash Vagrecha, brothers of the sons-in-law of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, won from Ward numbers 78 and 5, respectively. Results for 99 of the 100 wards in the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation have been declared. Congress and the BJP have won 44 seats each. Independents secured 10 seats, while one seat went to a candidate from the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP). The result for one ward has been withheld and will be declared after a re-poll at one of the booths. With Congress and the BJP tied at 44 seats each, Independent Councillors are likely to play a decisive role in the race for the Mayor's post. Following the Rajasthan civic body results, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and State BJP President Madan Rathore celebrated with party workers at the state BJP office. Supporters of Independent candidate Vikram Singh, who won from Ward number 29 in Jaipur, also celebrated his victory. BJP candidate Sunil Kothari's supporters celebrated his victory from Ward number 112 of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot accused the BJP government of using police pressure to influence Congress and Independent Councillors following the civic body poll results. Gehlot on social media platform X said that the BJP, attled by its defeat in the urban body elections, was allegedly attempting to influence Independent and Congress Councillors in Jodhpur and Alwar to secure Mayoral posts. He also alleged that the BJP was misusing the police to achieve this. State BJP President Madan Rathore described the election results as public approval of the state government's development work. He said the BJP had received wo-and-a-half to three times more support than last time and claimed that the party had achieved 90 per cent success in the municipal corporations. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also termed the civic poll results an endorsement of the state government's work over the past two-and-a-half years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He dedicated the victory to the people and BJP workers. Re-polling will be held at five polling booths in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation area following technical malfunctions in EVMs. The booths are Number 111 in Ward number 9, Number 235 in Ward number 18, Number 343 in Ward number 25, and Booth numbers 477 and 484 in Ward number 34. The votes from these booths could not be counted due to the technical problems. The re-poll will determine the final results in the affected wards. Results for Rajasthan's 47 municipal councils and 252 municipalities were also declared on Monday. The results will determine the political balance in the state's urban local bodies, followed by contests for the posts of Chairpersons and Presidents. Key results from Bikaner, Kota, Udaipur, Alwar, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Pali and Bhilwara have emerged as important indicators of the political strength of the BJP, Congress and Independent candidates across Rajasthan.

Rajasthan Municipal Election Results: Tight Race Between Congress and BJP in Alwar and Other Cities

Alwars municipal election results show a close contest between Congress and BJP, with independents also making their mark. Rajasthan Municipal Election Results: Tight Race Between Congress and BJP in Alwar and Other Cities

Police Detain Three in Alwar After Deaths of Young Men

Three young men died in Alwar, Rajasthan, leading police to detain suspects as investigations into the incident continue. Police Detain Three in Alwar After Deaths of Young Men

Alwar Municipal Corporation Election Results LIVE: Will BJP retain power? Counting of votes to start at 8 am

Amid tight security, the counting of votes for Alwar Municipal Corporation Election will start at 8 am. Voting for these urban local bodies took place in two phases---on September 9 and September 11. Voter turnout was 76.41 per cent across 162 bodies in the first phase and 71.69 per cent across 147 bodies in the second phase. The combined turnout for both phases stood at 74.05 per cent.

Inter-state gang targeting Char Dham pilgrims busted, key accused arrested

Digital Desk | Chamoli, Sep 12 (IANS) The Chamoli Police in Uttarakhand have invoked the Gangsters Act against an organised inter-state gang allegedly involved in pickpocketing and cheating pilgrims during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, with the gang leader arrested from Devprayag. The accused, identified as 26-year-old Sunil Kumar, a native of Bharatpur in Rajasthan and currently residing in Punjab's Bathinda was arrested on September 11 following sustained technical surveillance and ground-level intelligence gathering. According to the police, the gang took advantage of the heavy rush of devotees during the Char Dham Yatra and systematically targeted pilgrims. The investigation revealed that the accused were not part of an ordinary or loosely connected group but were operating as an organised inter-state criminal gang. A case was registered at Kotwali Shri Badrinath on April 27, 2026, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). As the investigation progressed, police established links between the accused and a wider organised network involved in targeting pilgrims. Police had earlier arrested four members of the gang. They were identified as Krishna Kumar, 28, a resident of Punjab's Bathinda; Diya, 25, a resident of Mor Mandi in Bathinda; Sunil Kumar, 26, a native of Rajasthan's Bharatpur and currently residing in Bathinda; and Lalit Kumar, 31, a resident of Rajasthan's Alwar. During interrogation, police uncovered details of the gang's activities and found that its members had allegedly targeted pilgrims not only in the Badrinath Dham area but also in Kedarnath Dham. A separate case in connection with similar incidents has also been registered at Sonprayag police station. According to the police, the findings in both cases established the organised and inter-state nature of the gang's criminal activities. Chamoli Police subsequently prepared a detailed gang chart and obtained approval from the District Magistrate before initiating action under the Gangsters Act against the gang and its members. Police teams maintained continuous surveillance on the suspects and combined technical inputs with information collected on the ground. The coordinated investigation eventually helped them trace the gang leader. Based on technical surveillance, Sunil Kumar was arrested from Devprayag on September 11. Police said the action is an important step towards ensuring the safety of pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra and curbing organised criminal activities targeting devotees.

Rajasthan: Former MLA starts hunger strike in jail, says fake case registered against him over mobile recovery

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 12 (IANS) A fresh controversy has emerged over the alleged recovery of a mobile phone from Baljeet Yadav, former MLA from Rajasthans Behror, while he is lodged in Jaipur Central Jail. Yadav has denied having any connection with the phone and has begun an indefinite hunger strike inside the jail. According to his allegations, the FIR registered against him on September 9 after the mobile recovery is false and politically motivated. He has also questioned the circumstances under which the mobile phone was allegedly recovered. Sandeep Yadav, the outgoing Sarpanch representative of Tasing village in Behror and a spokesperson for Team Baljeet Yadav, reportedly met the former MLA in jail. According to Sandeep Yadav, Baljeet Yadav told him that he was neither personally searched nor was his barrack inspected when the mobile phone was allegedly recovered. Yadav has alleged that the case was registered under political pressure with the intention of damaging his reputation. Following the meeting, Sandeep Yadav submitted a letter to the Rajasthan Director General of Police (DGP), seeking an impartial investigation and a detailed examination of CCTV footage from the day of the alleged incident. According to Baljeet Yadav's account, on September 9, the day the mobile phone was allegedly recovered, he was with prison doctor Dr Karan for a blood pressure and blood sugar check. Yadav further claimed that the phone was found abandoned in a public toilet near the alley behind Ward No. 5 of the jail and that he had no connection with it. He has alleged that the jail administration implicated him despite there being no search or seizure from his possession. These allegations have not been independently established. Acting on Yadav's instructions, Sandeep Yadav reportedly sent a letter to the Rajasthan DGP in Jaipur on Friday. The letter seeks examination of CCTV footage. CCTV recordings from across the Jaipur Central Jail complex, the route to the hospital and the area around the toilet should be secured and provided to the investigating officer, he said. The second demand is verification of Yadav's whereabouts. The footage should be examined to establish whether Baljeet Yadav was with Dr Karan at the hospital when the alleged recovery took place, it added. The third demand was that the statements should be recorded from prisoners who were present near the hospital and Kanha Garden around the relevant time. The letter also seeks an impartial investigation into FIR No. 0191/2026, which Yadav's supporters allege was registered out of political vendetta. The issue has also created a stir within the Jaipur Central Jail administration after Baljeet Yadav reportedly informed authorities that he was beginning an indefinite hunger strike. Yadav has previously used unconventional forms of protest, including running while dressed in black and undertaking fasts. According to Sandeep Yadav, the former MLA has said he will continue his fast until an impartial investigation into the case begins and action is taken against those responsible, if wrongdoing is established. The controversy comes amid heightened political activity in Rajasthan ahead of the results of the 2026 civic body elections. Yadav's supporters in Behror and Alwar have expressed anger over the case and maintain that he has been targeted for raising issues concerning the public and unemployed youth. The focus is now on the Rajasthan Police and jail authorities. Whether CCTV footage from the relevant locations will be examined, and what it may establish about the circumstances surrounding the mobile phone recovery, could be crucial to the investigation. At present, the allegations made by Baljeet Yadav and his supporters remain claims, and the matter is subject to investigation.

Kauvery Hospital Introduces Endoscopic Spinal Fusion in Chennai, Expanding Minimally Invasive Options for Disc Disease and Revision Spine Surgery

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 12: Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet has advanced its spine care programme with the successful introduction of endoscopic fusion surgery, a first-of-its-kind procedure in Chennai. The technique offers a minimally invasive alternative for selected patients who require spinal fusion but may benefit from a smaller surgical footprint than traditional open surgery or standard minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

Delhi-Halwara Flight Cancelled Thrice in Six Days: 102 Passengers Stranded, Forced to Pay Hefty Fares for Taxis to IGI Airport

Tejashwi Yadav seeks statues, state-level functions for late Sharad Yadav, Ram Vilas Paswan

Digital Desk | Patna, Sep 11 (IANS) Bihar Leader of the Opposition, Tejashwi Yadav, has written to Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary seeking the installation of life-size statues of three late political stalwarts and former Union ministers Sharad Yadav, Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and Ram Vilas Paswan at prominent locations in the state. Tejashwi has also urged the government to observe their birth and death anniversaries as state-level functions to formally honour their contributions to Bihar. In his letter, Tejashwi described late Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Sharad Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan as eminent personalities who made significant contributions to Bihar through their social commitments and decades of political engagement. He said the people of Bihar would continue to draw inspiration from their lives, work and achievements. Tejashwi also referred to demands raised by the late Raghuvansh Prasad Singh shortly before his death. According to Tejashwi, Raghuvansh Prasad Singh had written to the then Bihar Chief Minister expressing his desire for certain issues to be addressed. Tejashwi claimed that even after six years, no positive action had been taken on those demands. He urged Chief Minister Choudhary to examine the pending requests and take the necessary steps to fulfil them. In his letter, Tejashwi highlighted Sharad Yadavs long political career in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. He described the veteran Socialist leader as an important figure in the politics of social justice and said Sharad Yadav worked for the uplift of marginalised and backward sections of society. Tejashwi also described Ram Vilas Paswan as a prominent champion of social justice and Socialism. He said Paswan devoted his public life to the social uplift, security and development of disadvantaged, oppressed and neglected sections of society. The demand comes amid a broader political debate in Bihar over the public recognition of the legacies of the states prominent leaders, with different political parties and leaders seeking memorials, statues and official honours for their respective political icons.

India and Japan hold joint exercise Veer Guardian 2026 in Jodhpur

Indian and Japanese fighter jets are training together this month in Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, running at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9-22. India is fielding its Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale, while Japan brings its F-2A, a fighter derived from the F-16 and nicknamed Viper Zero. Over fourteen days, pilots and engineers from both sides will fly joint missions and hold technical exchanges on safety, mission planning and tactics. The exercise matters because fighter drills demand real-time coordination, shared procedures for identification, intelligence sharing and deconfliction, something far harder to build than routine military exchanges. For Japan, operating far from home in Indian airspace offers valuable experience as it strengthens its self-defense forces. For India, it's a chance to understand JASDF's operating style firsthand.#VeerGuardian2026 #VeerGuardian #IndiaJapan #IAF #JASDF #IndianAirForce #JapanAirForce #Tejas #Su30MKI #Rafale #F2A #ViperZero #FighterJets #AirForce #MilitaryExercise #DefenceNews #IndiaDefence #JapanDefence #IndoPacific #IndiaJapanRelations #MilitaryCooperation #AerialWarfare #DefenceUpdate #IndianDefence #Japan #India #Jodhpur

India and Japan jhold joint exercise Veer Guardian 2026 in Jodhpur

Indian and Japanese fighter jets are training together this month in Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, running at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9-22. India is fielding its Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale, while Japan brings its F-2A, a fighter derived from the F-16 and nicknamed Viper Zero. Over fourteen days, pilots and engineers from both sides will fly joint missions and hold technical exchanges on safety, mission planning and tactics. The exercise matters because fighter drills demand real-time coordination, shared procedures for identification, intelligence sharing and deconfliction, something far harder to build than routine military exchanges. For Japan, operating far from home in Indian airspace offers valuable experience as it strengthens its self-defense forces. For India, it's a chance to understand JASDF's operating style firsthand.#VeerGuardian2026 #VeerGuardian #IndiaJapan #IAF #JASDF #IndianAirForce #JapanAirForce #Tejas #Su30MKI #Rafale #F2A #ViperZero #FighterJets #AirForce #MilitaryExercise #DefenceNews #IndiaDefence #JapanDefence #IndoPacific #IndiaJapanRelations #MilitaryCooperation #AerialWarfare #DefenceUpdate #IndianDefence #Japan #India #Jodhpur

Rhythm coffee: Chennais hidden brew for coffee lovers

Rhythm Coffee in Alwarpet serves Vaanam, Solai, Kairee and Maalai, four speciality roasts from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

Kanhaiya Mittal Discusses Faith and AIs Impact on Indian Culture in Alwar

Kanhaiya Mittal addresses faith in Khatu Shyam Baba, AIs role in society, and social equality during his visit to Alwar. Kanhaiya Mittal Discusses Faith and AIs Impact on Indian Culture in Alwar

Asian Games: Shiv Kapur backs Indian golfers to end 24-year gold drought

Former Asian Games gold medallist Shiv Kapur believes India's golfers have the talent to end the country's long wait for another gold at the continental showpiece, saying anything less than the top prize would be a disappointment at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Games. India will be represented by a six-member golf squad at the Asian Games, with Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar and Pranavi Urs making up the women's team and Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat and Saptak Talwar featuring in the men's competition. The team was selected on the basis of world rankings. Kapur, who won the individual gold at the 2002 Asian Games, said the achievement remains the biggest of his career and hoped the current generation can break India's gold-medal drought in golf. 2002 is still fresh in my mind. It has been almost 25 years, but if anyone asks me what my number one achievement in golf, or the number one achievement in my career, is, it is still winning the gold medal, Kapur said on the sidelines of the jersey

Alwar Das Public School announces APS Homecoming-2026, unveils logo and portal to connect alumni

Rs 500 notes in kalakand boxes? Viral video triggers vote-for-cash row in Alwar

A video showing kalakand boxes with cash has gone viral before Alwar municipal polling. Locals reported a car seen unloading boxes around 1 am in the Diwakari area. Occupants allegedly fled after residents gathered and stopped the vehicle. The Congress candidate denied the video, calling it a defamation attempt. The forest minister stated the administration is investigating the circulating video.

Chennai Open: Ajeetesh Sandhu opens two-shot lead

Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) Ajeetesh Sandhu fired a six-under 66 to open a two-shot lead after the second round of the INR 1 crore Chennai Open 2026, here at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. The 37-year-old from Chandigarh (65-66), who began the day sharing the lead, made eight birdies against two bogeys to reach 13-under 131 at the halfway stage. Sandhu, a five-time winner on the DP World PGTI and a former Asian Tour champion, moved two strokes clear of overnight co-leader Stepan Danek. The 29-year-old Czech Republic golfer (65-68) made six birdies and two bogeys in a four-under 68 to take sole possession of second place at 11-under 133. Delhis Rashid Khan (66-68), winner of the Telangana Open in Vikarabad two weeks ago, occupied third place at 10-under 134. His four-under 68 included an eagle on the par-five 18th, four birdies and two bogeys. Sandhu played both nines in three-under but particularly enjoyed the front nine, which was his second nine of the day, because it contains some of the courses more demanding holes. The front nine is a little trickier and has a few holes that really demand your attention, Sandhu said. I managed to make birdies on a couple of those holes, so that was enjoyable. Sandhu felt he struck the ball better than during the opening round and found his rhythm earlier. A couple of timely par saves helped him settle before his late setback, a three-putt bogey on the eighth. Overall, it was a pretty solid round, he said. I found my rhythm early and made a couple of important saves, which helped build momentum. After that, it was fairly smooth sailing. The three-putt bogey on the eighth was disappointing, but there are still two rounds to play. This is Sandhus first appearance at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. His only previous tournament in Chennai came during his first season as a professional. I liked the course as soon as I played it during the Pro-Am, he said. It suits my eye. It is tree-lined and tricky, so Im pleased with how Ive played so far. Sandhu has also enjoyed the local cuisine, turning to idlis and dosas as part of his preparation for the humid conditions. Im a big fan of South Indian food, he said. Ive been having plenty of dosas and idlis, especially at breakfast. Idlis are good fuel for the round, so Ill continue with that. Current Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar (67-68) moved up from tied sixth to tied fourth at nine-under 135, alongside Noida golfers Gaurav Pratap Singh (69-66) and Amardeep Malik (67-68). Defending champion N Thangaraja of Sri Lanka followed his opening 69 with a 70 to move into a share of 11th place at five-under 139. The halfway cut fell at even-par 144, with 52 players from the field of 132 advancing to the final two rounds.

Saif Ali Khans sister Saba Pataudi shares rare 1980s family album featuring young Sharmila Tagore & family

Digital Desk | Mumbai, September 9 (IANS) Bollywood veteran star Sharmila Tagore and the Pataudi familys priceless memories from the 1980s were shared by Saba Pataudi on Tuesday. The jewellery designer shared a series of rare childhood pictures featuring her mother Sharmila Tagore, father, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, siblings Saif Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan, and herself. Taking to her social media account, Saba posted a carousel of unseen family pictures from the 1980s. The opening picture shows a smiling Sharmila Tagore with husband Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and their three children during a family gathering. The other pictures capture young Saif, Soha and Saba sharing candid moments with their mother. The post also includes pictures of a young Sharmila Tagore with her children, and many more adorable sibling moments of Soha and Saba. The photos also comprise of recent moments of Saba with Saif Ali Khan. For the uninitiated, Mansoor Ali Khan who passed away in 2011, was a stalwart cricketer. Talking about Sharmila Tagore, the actress who hails from the family of Guru Rabindranath Tagore, was a very successful actress of the late 60s and early 70s era of Bollywood. Soha Ali Khan and Saif Ali Khan are successful actors from the Hindi film industry while Saba chose to stay away from cinema professionally. For the uninitiated, Bollywood star Kareena Kapoor is the sister-in-law of Saba Pataudi. She is married to Saif Ali Khan and the couple are parents to two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan. Actor Kunal Kemmu is the brother-in-law of Saba with him being married to Soha Ali Khan.

Voting underway for first phase of Rajasthan local body polls, 20,000 candidates in fray for 5,393 posts

Amid tight security, the polling in the first phase of Rajasthan's urban local body elections underway on Wednesday across 162 civic bodies across the state, including 18 in Jaipur district. In this election, more than 20,000 candidates are in the fray for 5,393 councillor posts in the first phase. Polling started at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm. The four municipal corporations where polling underway in the first phase include Alwar, Bharatpur, Bikaner and Bhilwara.

Jodhpur High Court building case: 7 arrested, 1 detained after SIT probe into construction defects

Digital Desk | Jodhpur, Sep 9 (IANS) Jodhpur Police have arrested seven people and detained an eighth in connection with an investigation into alleged irregularities and serious construction defects in the new Rajasthan High Court building in Jodhpur. Police Commissioner Anshuman Bhomia outlined the investigation and arrests at a Press conference. According to police, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) found the roles of the construction company, firms and individuals associated with the fire-safety system, and officials responsible for supervising the project to be suspicious. Construction of the new High Court building began in 2011 and the structure was handed over in 2019, according to the police. Various defects were reported after the handover, including the collapse of false ceilings, a fire in Courtroom No. 2, cracks in the central dome and damage to pillars. Several institutions, including IIT Jodhpur, IIT Bombay and PTMES, subsequently conducted audits and surveys to assess the condition of the building. Following the findings, police constituted an SIT to conduct a detailed investigation. Samples were collected from the building and sent for forensic examination, while expert opinions were also sought. Police said the investigation raised questions about the role of companies supplying construction materials, agencies involved in executing the work, and individuals responsible for installing the fire-safety system. The role of officials of the Rajasthan State Road Development and Construction Corporation (RSRDC), who were responsible for overseeing and supervising the project, also came under scrutiny. According to the Police Commissioner, the investigation found evidence pointing to alleged criminal breach of trust involving officials. Police formed 12 special teams and four cyber teams to trace the suspects. Raids were conducted at multiple locations in Rajasthan, including Jodhpur, Jaipur, Kota, Bundi and Ajmer, as well as in Alwar, Delhi-NCR, Gurugram, Noida, Patiala and Kapurthala in Punjab, and Haridwar in Uttarakhand. Police said Varendra Garg, owner of VCL Group/Varendra Construction Company, the primary construction firm associated with the project, was detained in Haridwar late on Monday night. According to police, Garg had been changing locations to evade arrest. He was traced with the help of technical surveillance and coordination with police in other states. Jodhpur Police had announced a reward of 50,000 for information leading to his arrest. Police said eight individuals have been located in connection with the case. Seven have been arrested, while the process of arresting the eighth suspect was underway. Those arrested include Jitendra Sharma, then Assistant Engineer with RSRDC; Naveen Rai, then Project Manager with RSRDC; Rameshwar Dayal and Gopal Lal, who were associated with the installation of the fire-safety system; Deepak Mittal, formerly with RSRDC and currently an Executive Engineer in Jaipur; and Ajay Kishan Mutha, then Assistant Engineer with RSRDC. Police said the arrested accused have been taken on remand and are being questioned. Investigators said further action could follow if the enquiry establishes the involvement of additional individuals, officials or companies.

Voting begins in 162 Urban Local Bodies across Rajasthan amid tight security at polling booths

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 9 (IANS) Voting for the first phase of Rajasthans Urban Local Body elections began at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday and will continue until 6:00 p.m., with stringent security arrangements in place across polling centres. The first phase covers 162 Urban Local Bodies across 39 districts, including 131 municipalities, 27 municipal councils and four municipal corporations including Bharatpur, Alwar, Bikaner and Bhilwara. More than 57.52 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots to determine the fate of 20,623 candidates. Polling is being conducted at 7,067 booths across 6,930 polling premises, covering 5,393 wards. The four municipal corporations together account for 279 wards in this phase. Elections in 32 wards have already been decided unopposed. In the four municipal corporations, 73 wards are witnessing direct contests between the BJP and Congress, while 76 wards have triangular contests and 130 wards are seeing multi-cornered contests. Early-morning queues were reported at several polling stations. In Alwar, voters began arriving at polling booths to elect councillors for the citys 65 wards. Jayaprakash Sharma cast the first vote at the Dak Bungalow polling station shortly after polling opened. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma appealed to citizens to participate enthusiastically in the electoral process and exercise their right to vote. He urged voters, particularly first-time young voters, to turn out in large numbers and encourage their families and acquaintances to participate. The State Election Commission has established a control room at 0141-2227407 for complaints and reports concerning voting and other election-related issues. The Commission has also advised voters to verify their names in the electoral roll and check their polling-station details through the 'Search Voter' facility on its official website before heading to the polling booth. Political party workers distributed voter slips door-to-door on Tuesday, as the Election Commission did not arrange for distribution of voter slips. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the voters to participate in the polls.