Delhi

Students, experts stress friendship, passion and safe spaces to build Nasha Mukt Yuva

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) Friendship, positive peer influence, and the pursuit of genuine passions emerged as powerful tools against substance abuse during a CBSE Talkathon that brought together school leaders, medical experts, narcotics officials, and students. The session featured Principal Alka Awasthi of Mayur School, Noida; Prof. Nand Kumar from AIIMS New Delhis Department of Psychiatry; Anish C, Additional Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau; and Class 12 students Samya and Rohit. Nand Kumar explained that every drug hijacks the brains reward circuit, creating intense pleasure that ordinary activities cannot match. He stressed that supportive environments and the courage to say no protect young minds more effectively than lectures alone. Class 12 student Rohit said a true friends responsibility is to understand the reasons, mental stress or peer pressure, that push someone toward substances. He added that friends should offer quiet support and, when needed, involve trusted adults or school authorities. Student Samya emphasised that condemnation only isolates users further, while reassurance such as You are not alone; we will support you helps build community and resilience. Principal Alka Awasthi and students showcased posters designed by schoolchildren with messages like Healthy Youth Equal to Strong Nation, Break the Roots of Habit Before They Break You and Wipe Out the Drugs Before They Wipe You Out. The panel noted that student-led campaigns carry greater credibility among peers. Anish advised that the real kick in life should come from sports, creative pursuits and extra-curricular activities. He warned that illicit drugs today are often synthetic and highly potent, with even a single use capable of severely damaging developing brains. On the social normalisation of alcohol, hookah and vapes at parties and weddings, experts observed that adolescent brains are still developing impulse-control capacities. Exposure at this stage interferes with healthy growth. They suggested schools begin age-appropriate conversations early, so young people themselves influence adults to change harmful practices. The panel repeatedly stressed the need for safe spaces where children can ask questions and seek help without fear of harsh consequences. Non-verbal gestures of support, such as a reassuring presence, often open doors more effectively than words. Students were reminded that willpower to refuse strengthens when they are surrounded by friends who respect boundaries. The Talkathon concluded with a strong message to advance the vision of a Nasha Mukt Yuva for a developed India. By combining awareness, strong friendships, early reporting through channels such as the NCB helpline 1933, and the courage to seek help without embarrassment, stakeholders can protect young minds and futures.

SIR notice: After verifying papers, ECI agrees to include SS Sandhus name in final voters list

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) Clearing the air on an SIR notice to former Election Commissioner S.S. Sandhu, the ECI said on Sunday that it has accepted the facts and documents furnished by him and decided to include his name in the final electoral roll draft to be published next month. In a statement, the Election Commission said, In the present case, the details, facts and documents furnished by the elector have been duly verified. The electoral entry about S.S. Sandhu has already been validated and kept in the list for inclusion in the Final Electoral Roll of AC-38 (Delhi Cantt.), which is scheduled for official publication on November 11 The ECIs clarification in Sandhus matter followed the circulation of misleading information on social media about the notices being issued to electors under the SIR process. The ECI statement said, It has been reported on social media regarding the issuance of a notice to the Election Commissioner of India, S. S. Sandhu, during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls, 2026. In this regard, it is clarified that, during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls, 2026, the electoral entry about S. S. Sandhu, registered as an elector in Assembly Constituency 38 (Delhi Cantonment), was identified under the category of Discrepancy in Name based on the details furnished in the Enumeration Form and with reference to the electoral roll of the last revision, it said. Consequently, in accordance with the procedure established and communicated by the Election Commission of India (ECI), notices are being issued to electors whose entries could not be linked with the electoral roll of the last revision and whose entries have been found to have logical discrepancies in the process of linking with the electoral roll of the last revision, ECI said. The Commission said, All names of members of the judiciary, public representatives, holders of declared offices and personalities from the fields of arts, culture, journalism, sports and public services, etc., earlier flagged in the electoral database, have been included in the Draft Electoral Roll so that necessary documents can also be collected during the period of Claims and Objections. Electors may submit their reply and the requisite documents to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) upon receipt of the Notice. The Notices shall be disposed of by October 29, based on the documents furnished and the verification conducted by the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO), said the ECI. In accordance with the Standard Operating Procedures of the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Notices have been generated to facilitate the stipulated document-based verification by the designated Booth Level Officer (BLO) and subsequent disposal by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), it said. The Election Commission of India also reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent, participative and inclusive electoral roll revision process, with the objective that no eligible citizen is left out and no ineligible person is included in the Electoral Roll.

IICA hosts key session on IBC as an evolving law

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) hosted a session on IBC as an Evolving Law Through the Amendments, highlighting the need for regulatory mechanisms to keep pace with changing markets, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on Sunday. Former Chairperson of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) M. S. Sahoo said economic legislation and regulatory mechanisms must continuously evolve in response to market realities. He noted that markets evolve faster than litigation can keep pace with, making subordinate legislation and regulatory mechanisms vital for addressing emerging situations. Sahoo, an expert on the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), provided participants with a perspective on its evolution through successive amendments and regulatory developments. He explained that regulations can be framed to implement the Code's provisions and achieve its objectives, enabling the insolvency framework to respond more effectively to practical challenges. The session gave PGIP participants insights into the dynamic nature of insolvency law, the relationship between legislation, subordinate legislation, and market developments, and the importance of adapting the insolvency framework to address emerging economic and legal challenges. The interaction offered students an opportunity to understand the IBC not merely as a static statute but as an evolving economic law shaped by market experience, judicial interpretation, regulatory interventions, and legislative amendments. The session was hosted under the IICA's Meet the Legend programme. It commenced with remarks by Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, DG & CEO, IICA, who stressed the importance of learning directly from distinguished practitioners and thought leaders who have contributed significantly to the evolution of Indias insolvency ecosystem.

Umesh Yadav Parts Ways With Vidarbha, Seeks New Domestic Team After Receiving NOC

Vidarbha T20 Premier League: Senior India fast bowler Umesh Yadav has decided to part ways with Vidarbha in the ongoing domestic season, and seek fresh opportunities elsewhere. Umesh, 38, has obtained his No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA). He has officially received his NOC from Vidarbha and is currently evaluating his options. Umeshs talks are currently underway with two to three state associations, primarily smaller states, though nothing has been finalised yet. He has returned to New Delhi from Nagpur, which is where he spends most of his time now, and will take a final call on his next domestic cricket team in the coming days, a source close to the developments told IANS on Sunday. It is understood that the veteran speedster had previously sought clear communication from the VCA selection panel about his role in the team after being fully fit, but failed to receive a definitive response. Despite featuring in the local Vidarbha T20 Premier League a few months ago, the ongoing uncertainty prompted Umesh to move out of Vidarbha. Umesh has been on the lookout for a new state team to represent in domestic cricket as he no longer wishes to play for Vidarbha. He did approach a few people to seek their assistance regarding a potential move to other strong states, but it was a bit late by then, said another source aware of the matter to IANS. It is understood that the veteran speedster had previously sought clear communication from the VCA selection panel about his role in the team after being fully fit, but failed to receive a definitive response. Despite featuring in the local Vidarbha T20 Premier League a few months ago, the ongoing uncertainty prompted Umesh to move out of Vidarbha. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories His impact in home conditions since 2018 remains significant, having claimed 43 wickets in 11 Tests at a stellar average of 18.25, a tally that includes two five-wicket hauls and one ten-wicket match haul. In all, Umesh has picked 288 wickets in 141 international matches across all formats. In the 2015 Mens ODI World Cup, Umesh finished as the third-highest wicket-taker with 18 wickets at an average of 17.83. Article Source: IANS

Seychelles Chief of Staff to attend International Strategic Engagement Programme in Delhi

Digital Desk | Victoria, Sep 20 (IANS) Colonel Michael Hollanda, Chief of Staff, Seychelles Defence Forces, and Angela Payet, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, will attend a two-week International Strategic Engagement Programme in New Delhi, the Indian High Commission in Seychelles said on Sunday. Strengthening India-Seychelles Defence and Strategic ties! Col. Michael Hollanda, Chief of Staff, Seychelles Defence Forces, and Ms. Angela Payet, Deputy Cabinet Secretary, will attend a two-week-long International Strategic Engagement Programme in New Delhi. The programme will focus on security and strategy. We wish them the very best! the High Commission stated on X. Last month, India handed over specialised calibrated tools and repaired electronic units to Seychelles, strengthening defence and maritime cooperation. Strengthening India-Seychelles Defence and Maritime Security Cooperation. 3 repaired Dornier Main Electronic Units (MEUs), 18 sets of calibrated specialised aircraft tools, 50 safety helmets and seamanship ropes were handed over by Defence Adviser Capt. Shravan Sareen to Maj. Gen. Michael Rosette, CDF, SDF, the High Commission stated on X. According to the Indian mission, Indian Naval facilities repaired and calibrated the items free of cost. They will enable in-house testing and faster repairs for the Dornier fleet that the Seychelles Air Force uses for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance, CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation), and SAR (Search and Rescue). The safety and seamanship gear will elevate personnel safety and op readiness of the Seychelles Coast Guard, the High Commission highlighted. Earlier in August, Indias High Commissioner to Seychelles, Rohit Rathish, handed over five laser radial boats to the Seychelles Defence Force chief, fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modis announcement during his state visit to the archipelagic island nation in the Indian Ocean in June. Strengthening Maritime Partnership India-Seychelles. Following the announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his State Visit to Seychelles, five laser radial boats were handed over today by the High Commissioner of India to the Chief of Defence Forces, Seychelles Defence Force. The boats will help build the seamanship skills of SDF personnel, the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles wrote on X. The delivery reflects Indias steadfast commitment to strengthening the capacities and capabilities of the SDF and further deepens the enduring IndiaSeychelles defence and maritime partnership, it added.

Delhi 100-Day Innovation Challenge Offers Rs 2 Crore Prize Pool To Young Innovators

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood launched SEVA FIRST 2026, a 100-day innovation challenge with a two crore prize pool at DTU.

Mapping discrepancies in Bihar and Bengal SIR leave Delhi voters stranded

Delhi HC to get seven new judges on Monday, bumping total strength to 50

Seven judicial officers will take their oath of office for the Delhi High Court on Monday. Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya will administer the oath to the seven new appointees. These judicial officers were serving in the district judiciary before their elevation. The central government notified these seven new appointments after Supreme Court collegium recommendations. The high court's strength will rise to 50, with a sanctioned strength of 60.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta joins 'Haritalika Teej Mahotsav' with Nepali, Gorkhali community

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta participated in the 'Haritalika Teej Mahotsav 2026', along with Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, at Indira Gandhi Stadium on Sunday. On this occasion, she said that Haritalika Teej is not merely a fast, but a saga of womens resolve and power. Associated with the penance and determination of Goddess Parvati, this festival remains a symbol of the faith, strength, and dedication of our mothers and sisters even today, she said. Delhi Cabinet Minister Kapil Mishra and prominent figures from the Nepali and Gorkhali society were also present at the event. The festival was organised by 'Hamro Swabhiman Trust'. Top personalities who made remarkable contributions to society and the nation were honoured during the programme. Extending her warm greetings on Haritalika Teej, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta remarked that a culture that keeps the festivals of its women alive never perishes. Describing Haritalika Teej as a festival celebrating the power and self-respect of the Nepali and Gorkhali woman, she extended her wishes to the women of the community. The Chief Minister noted that along with various parts of the country, a large number of people from the Nepali and Gorkhali society reside in Delhi as well. The identity of this community is defined not merely by numbers, but by their courage, discipline, honesty, and loyalty. From national security to education, medicine, literature, music, sports, and business, people of this community have made significant contributions to the country's development and pride, she said. Appreciating the contributions of Yoga Guru Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, she said that Swami Ji brought yoga out of ashrams to the general public, while Acharya Ji played a key role in strengthening the scientific aspects behind yoga and Ayurveda. Together, both have given the country a sense of self-respect along with yoga and Ayurveda, she said. On this occasion, 10 personalities were honoured. Commending the felicitation ceremony, the Chief Minister said that celebrating a festival is one thing, but recognising and honouring soldiers, teachers, farmers, artists, and officials whose contributions did not receive adequate recognition is a far greater deed. She added that this is not merely an honour, but a record of society's contributions. On behalf of the Delhi Government and the people of Delhi, the Chief Minister offered her heartiest congratulations and best wishes to the 10 personalities who were honoured. Minister of Art, Culture and Language and Tourism Kapil Mishra praised Baba Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna for organising the event. He bowed to the people of Delhi for their sensitivity and support regarding the natural disaster that struck Nepal.

Delhi Metro to Showcase Innovations at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin

Delhi Metro International Limited will debut at InnoTrans 2026, showcasing its expertise in global urban transport solutions. Delhi Metro to Showcase Innovations at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin

No Water For Ganpati Visarjan, Devotees Leave Idols On Dry Land: The Dark Reality Of El Ni

While Delhi lacks artificial ponds for Ganesh idol immersion, parts of Andhra Pradesh are witnessing an unusual situation, with devotees leaving Vinayaka idols on dry riverbeds as water levels remain critically low. In parts of Anantapur district, dry

Triumph Speed 400, Tracker 400 Prices Cut By Up To Rs 7,000 - Scrambler 400 X Gets New Colour

British bikemaker Triumph has reduced prices for the Speed 400 and Tracker 400 in India, just two months after hiking rates across its entire 400cc line-up. The Speed 400's ex-showroom Delhi price drops by Rs 6,000 to Rs 2.34 lakh, while

More big names gets SIR notices

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, his wife Kyoko S Jaishankar, CBI Director Praveen Sood and former Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi are among the prominent people who have received notices from the Election Commission (EC) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Delhi, according to media reports.Sood's wife Vanita Sood and mother Kamlesh Sood, along with Dwivedi's wife Sunita Dwivedi, have also received notices. The wife and son of CPM MP John Brittas are among those served notices during the exercise.Also Read: Delhi SIR: Advani, Sisodia figure in list of voters with 'discrepancies'The notices have been issued in the New Delhi Assembly constituency.Jaishankar and his wife have been placed in the unmapped with last SIR category. This means their current electoral records could not be linked with the rolls prepared during the previous revision exercise in 2002.The couple are registered voters in the Sunder Bagh electoral part of the New Delhi Assembly constituency.Sood, his wife and mother have also received notices under the same category. Dwivedi and his wife have been served notices citing the same discrepancy. They are also registered voters in the New Delhi Assembly constituency.Advani and Sisodia also figured on the listFormer deputy prime minister LK Advani, his daughter Pratibha Advani and daughter-in-law Geetika Advani were among those who received notices during the exercise. Advani's name could not be mapped to the 2002 electoral roll, while his son Jayant cleared the mapping exercise.Also Read: Nagaland's draft electoral roll after SIR retains 11.99 lakh voters, excludes 1.59 lakhFormer Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, his wife Seema and son Meer also received notices. Sisodia's notice did not specify the reason, while his wife's notice cited a mismatch in her name and his son's notice referred to a discrepancy in his parent's name.Kejriwal and family members received SIR noticesAAP chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his wife Sunita Kejriwal, son Pulkit Kejriwal and parents Gobind Ram Kejriwal and Gita Devi have also received notices during the SIR exercise.The five family members are registered voters in the New Delhi Assembly constituency. Their names were flagged under the unmapped with last SIR category, indicating that their current electoral records could not be linked to the rolls prepared during the previous revision.The Electoral Registration Officer said their enumeration forms did not contain sufficient details to establish the required links with the electoral rolls in their respective states.The notices prompted questions from the AAP over why Kejriwal and his family had been flagged during the exercise.Rekha Gupta's name cleared after verificationDelhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had also received a notice during the SIR exercise after her electoral details were flagged over an age-related discrepancy involving her and her parents.Following verification of her documents and electoral details, her entry was validated for inclusion in the electoral roll for the Shalimar Bagh Assembly constituency.CEO clarifies notices do not mean deletionDelhi Chief Electoral Officer Ashok Kumar has clarified that receiving a notice during the SIR exercise does not mean a voter's name will be deleted from the electoral roll.The CEO's office said no name can be removed without giving the elector an opportunity to be heard and passing a proper, reasoned and appealable order. It added that system-generated notices are being issued to correct data in ECINET.Electors who receive notices can submit their responses and supporting documents to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer or Booth Level Officer. The prescribed list of documents is indicative and not exhaustive, with decisions to be taken on a case-by-case basis.The notice disposal process is scheduled to conclude by October 29, while the final electoral roll is due to be published on November 4.Meanwhile, Delhi received 84,263 Form 6 applications for inclusion in the electoral roll between August 31 and September 19. Another 2,12,400 applications had been received up to August 30. Form 6 is used to apply for inclusion in the voter list.

Delhi Teen Murdered In Friend Dispute

An 18-year-old man, Sumit Giri, was allegedly stabbed to death in Naraina Village, West Delhi, following an argument among friends that began with a joke about calling someone Papa. The incident escalated, leading to the fatal stabbing and subsequent assault by the accused's brother. Police have registered a murder case and are investigating the motive.

Notice Doesn't Mean Exclusion: Poll Body After Row Over Delhi Voter List

The notices have been issued to several prominent public figures, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj, former Delhi BJP president Virendra Kumar Sachdeva, senior BJP leader L K Advani, and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

Quockerwodger

New Delhi: Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, known for throwing rarely-used and often difficult-to-pronounce English words into the X lexicon, on Sunday. Spetember 20, shared what he called the word of our era quockerwodger. Tharoor, the MP from Thiruvananthapuram, also shared its meaning and took a dig at the government. Quockerwodger A political puppet, 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 .

Karnataka CM vows to resolve farmers land grant issues, lead all-party delegation to Delhi

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed a public meeting on the Kasturirangan report in Sakleshpur on Sunday

Delhi Metro International Limited to make global debut at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin

Delhi Metro International Limited (DMIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DMRC, will make its global debut at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, showcasing its metro operations, consultancy and project management expertise. The company has submitted five international bids in three months and is exploring expansion opportunities across West Asia, Europe and North America.

Delhi SIR: EAM Jaishankar, LK Advani, Kejriwal, Top Poll Official Sandhu, SEBI Chief Get Notices

Several prominent political leaders, officials and bureaucrats have been flagged by the Election Commission over discrepancies during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in Delhi. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, BJP veteran L.K. Advani, his daughter Pratibha Advani and Election Commissioner S.S. Sandhu are among those facing issues. The Advanis were placed in the no mapping category, meaning their records could not be properly linked to the previous SIR roll. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have also reportedly faced the same issue. Delhi minister Parvesh Sahib Singh and former BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva were flagged over self name mismatch. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and family members were also placed under no mapping. The final electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on November 4.

NCP Leader Praful Patel Critiques Opposition After ABVPs DU Elections Victory

Praful Patel emphasizes students focus on the future, dismissing cheap politics after ABVPs win in Delhi University elections. NCP Leader Praful Patel Critiques Opposition After ABVPs DU Elections Victory

Delhi: Bar body announces lawyers' strike over traffic challan rule changes

The circular said its members have unanimously resolved to observe a one-day abstention from work on September 21 as a token protest against the amended Rule 167, which they termed as draconian and arbitrary.

Delhi SIR: CEO says notices to electors do not mean deletion; 84,263 Form-6 applications received since Aug 31

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Delhi, on Sunday clarified that notices issued to certain electors during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls do not mean that their names will be deleted, while stating that no name can be removed without giving the elector an opportunity of being heard and passing a proper, speaking and appealable order.

Delhis Historic Town Hall to Transform into Global Heritage Center

Delhis Town Hall will be revamped into a Global Heritage Center, preserving its history while enhancing tourism and cultural activities. Delhis Historic Town Hall to Transform into Global Heritage Center

Top news of the day: Tata Trusts declares Chandrasekarans reappointment vote invalid; Advani, Sisodia figure in list of voters with discrepancies in Delhi SIR, and more

The major news headlines of the day and more.

Two dozen Russian companies showcased industrial solutions at Innoprom.India

Two dozen Russian firms displayed industrial solutions at Innoprom.India in Delhi. The Russian Export Center facilitated business meetings and agreements with local partners. Several Russian companies presented advanced technologies and products to Indian businesses. Russian exporters signed ten agreements, fostering technological alliances and joint product development. This initiative highlights a growing collaboration between Russia and India in industrial sectors.

Old era of jingoism, equating Nepali nationalism with anti-Indianism, is over: Nepal Finance Minister

In Delhi for meetings after the recent floods in Nepal, Swarnim Wagle pushes for a reset in fractious Delhi-Kathmandu ties, revising the trade treaty and connectivity plans

Delhi Fire Service halts issuing fire NOCs since August 24 over third-party empanelment delay

The News Mill

Andros Townsend ran over by pitch roller in Thailand, jokes Stoke away 'wasn't bad'

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) Former England footballer Andros Townsend was ran over by a pitch roller in Thailand during warm-up for his Thai League 1 side PT Prachuap. Townsend shared the video of the incident on his Instagram and joked that Stoke away wasn't so bad after all after the bizarre incident at the Pattani Province Stadium. He was doing warm-ups when the vehicle arrived and ran over his left leg, but he avoided a serious injury. He found a light-hearted moment in the incident as he took to Instagram to share a few memes and reactions. Turns out Stoke away wasn't so bad after all. Swipe to see why, he wrote to one of his Instagram stories. The former English footballer shared the video of the incident from a user. Just another day in Thai football (He was fine!), the caption to the video on the story said. His team PT Prachuap went on to win the game 3-0, with Townsend coming from the bench later. He joined Prachuap this summer from another Thai club, Kanchanaburi Power. He moved to the Thai football with the Thai Pro League last year in August after spending a season with Antalyaspor in Turkey. The winger has played for Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Everton and Luton Town in the Premier League, having made 291 appearances combined. He played for 17 different clubs during his tenure. Townsend played for England from 2013 to 2016, winning 13 caps during his international career. Meanwhile, Townsend's career has also been hampered by injuries in the past too. He suffered a serious injury to his anterior cruciate ligament in March 2022 when he was playing for Everton. The injury ended his season, and he underwent surgery for the injury.

Saudi pact may pull Pakistan into Middle East conflict: Report

New Delhi: Pakistans defence commitments to Saudi Arabia could increasingly draw the country into the widening Middle East conflict, placing pressure on army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir as tensions between Riyadh and Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen intensify, according to a report. The defence pact initially appeared to be a strategic gain for Pakistan, 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 .

Property Dealer Dies After Scuffle With Neighbours in Delhi

A 48yearold property dealer, ManjeetSingh, died following a violent scuffle with his neighbours in Delhis Kalkaji area on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday. His brother, DilbagSingh, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at AIIMS Trauma Centre. Police said a PCR call was received shortly after midnight about a quarrel at a residential building [] The post Property Dealer Dies After Scuffle With Neighbours in Delhis Kalkaji appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

TN: DMK accuses BJP of intimidating regional parties

Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 20 (IANS) DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using investigative agencies to intimidate regional parties, saying they have emerged as the ruling partys principal political opponents as the Congress remains weakened nationally. Elangovan referred to the summons issued to Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in connection with a land case, and notices reportedly sent to family members of AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi. He alleged that such actions were part of a systematic campaign against regional forces. The BJP was apprehensive about regional parties joining hands to challenge it, he claimed. He said the parties were strengthening cooperation and preparing to present their political and ideological opposition to the BJP before voters across the country. Supporting the CPI(M)s call for the broadest possible opposition unity instead of a separate third front, Elangovan said parties opposed to the BJP should work together. Their common objective should be to highlight what he described as the BJPs failures and policies before seeking public support. Accusing the BJP of undermining democratic values, Elangovan claimed it was attempting to transform India into a monopolistic political system. He alleged that those in power were behaving like rulers with unchecked authority and were unwilling to hear or resolve public grievances. Elangovan also targeted the TVK government in Tamil Nadu, alleging that it had failed to maintain law and order during its first 100 days in office. Citing eight murders reportedly committed within a day, he said the government was reviving allegations dating back five decades against the DMK to divert attention from its present shortcomings. Responding to questions surrounding DMK president M.K. Stalins arrest during the Emergency, Elangovan said Stalin did not need to produce fresh proof that he had been detained under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act. The Justice Ismail Commission, appointed by the state government, had already confirmed the arrest, he said. The DMK leader also backed Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhis contention that the system was suppressing students. He maintained that every citizen had the fundamental right to protest peacefully against the government over a genuine cause. Elangovan said elected governments had a constitutional responsibility to engage with protesters, listen to their concerns, and provide remedies. Attempts to suppress agitations without addressing the issues that prompted them were inconsistent with democratic governance, he added.

Under-construction warehouse collapses in Delhi's Narela, 2 injured

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) A portion of an under-construction warehouse collapsed in the Narela area of north Delhi on Sunday, injuring two labourers, officials said. The incident took place at around 11 am, at Plot No. 248, on Farm House Road, Jain Mandir, in Narela's Budhpur. Two labourers were reportedly trapped under the debris. However, they were pulled out and rushed to the hospital before the arrival of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) unit. Upon receiving information, the fire services immediately sent two Water Tenders (WTs), a Bowser Fire Tender (BFT), and a Water Bowser (WB), along with Station Officer Naveen Thakran and Sub Officer Pardeep. The injured labourers have been identified as Sunil, 20, and Naresh Pajwan, 28. A similar incident of building collapse was reported from the Alipur area of north Delhi earlier on Sunday. No casualties were reported in the incident. The Alipur police station received a call regarding the collapse at around 11 a.m., following which police teams were immediately dispatched to the site. Four ambulances, a fire tender, and a disaster management vehicle were also sent to the location, officials said. According to the preliminary inquiry, lintel work was underway at the under-construction building when the supporting shuttering, locally referred to as 'balli', apparently gave way. The failure of the temporary support caused the structure to collapse, officials said. Several labourers were present and working at the construction site when the incident occurred, officials said. Police said that all the workers were accounted for and were found to be safe. No person was trapped beneath the debris, they added. Police teams and other emergency personnel carried out checks at the site to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse and ensure that no one was missing or trapped. Further verification regarding the incident and the safety of the workers is currently underway, police said.

Mahanadi water dispute to be resolved soon, says Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai

Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Sep 20 (IANS) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Sunday said that the Mahanadi River water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha will be resolved soon. Sai, who is on a two-day visit to Odisha, met his Odisha counterpart, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, at the latters residence in Bhubaneswar on Sunday and held discussions on many important issues. While speaking to media persons upon arrival, the Chhattisgarh CM said, There is no dispute over Mahanadi water. As the BJP is in power in both the states, Chhattisgarh and Odisha, as well as at the Centre, this is going to be resolved very soon. Several long-pending inter-state river water disputes are also being settled amicably. So, the Mahanadi water dispute between Chhattisgarh and Odisha will also be resolved soon. He further noted that the Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh and Odisha, along with senior officials from both states, recently met in New Delhi and gave their consent to the Central Water Commission to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute through mutual dialogue. Notably, the Mahanadi River water dispute is a long-standing conflict between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the sharing of the rivers water, dating back to 2016. Odisha has alleged that Chhattisgarhs unilateral construction of at least eight barrages has reduced downstream flow, affecting agriculture, fisheries and power generation. Odisha considers the Mahanadi its lifeline for agriculture, fisheries and power. Meanwhile, informing about his meeting with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi wrote on X, It was a pleasure to receive Honble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai Ji, at my residence. We had a fruitful interaction on strengthening cooperation between Odisha and Chhattisgarh and advancing our shared commitment towards the development and welfare of our people. According to his itinerary, Sai will visit the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar after meeting Chief Minister Majhi. He will later visit the Jagannath Temple in Puri to have darshan of the deities.

Under-construction building collapses in Delhis Alipur

The Alipur police station received a call regarding the collapse at around 11 a.m., following which police teams were immediately dispatched to the site. Four ambulances, a fire tender and a disaster management vehicle were also sent to the location, officials said

India, Italy entering more demanding phase of bilateral ties: Report

Digital Desk | Rome, Sep 20 (IANS) As Brussels moves the trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU) towards signature, India and Italy are entering a more demanding phase of their ties, with John Cabot University recently launching the first Track 1.5 dialogue to analyse how the ties between the two nations have changed over the years, according to a report. While the EU is accelerating engagement with India, the bilateral ties between Rome and New Delhi have been changing rapidly in recent years, according to a report in Decode39. India and Italy established a Strategic Partnership in 2023, adopted a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 20252029 in 2024 and elevated ties to a Special Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Italy in May. Under the new framework, the Foreign Ministers-led mechanism will monitor implementation of the Action Plan and provide strategic guidance to the relationship. Recently, the first ItalyIndia Track 1.5 Dialogue was organised by the Guarini Institute for Public Affairs at John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome. India's Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, attended the event's public programme. The discussion was held under the Chatham House Rule and analysed how the ties between India and Italy have changed over the years as the two countries are set to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027. The event highlighted an economic relationship between India and Italy, whose potential is more than the infrastructure that backs it. Financial institutions can play a greater role in facilitating commerce between India and Italy, while non-tariff barriers and regulatory divergence continue to obstruct deeper integration between the two nations, according to the Decode39 report. A similar transition between India and Italy is taking place in the defence sector. Defence cooperation between India and Italy now encompasses personnel exchanges, procurement, research and development and industrial partnerships. The two nations also engage in naval visits and training activities. Italy and India are on opposite sides of a maritime system linking the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe and protecting the routes running through this space is an economic and security interest. IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC) becomes relevant in this framework. The IMEC for Italy provides a geographic link between its growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific and its traditional Mediterranean projection, while it offers India another way to strengthen ties with European markets through the Gulf and the Mediterranean. The 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the year dedicated to cultural tourism, both in 2027, will offer an opportunity to broaden these foundations further. The Guarini Institute intends to build on the first Track 1.5 dialogue with a larger initiative at John Cabot University next year, Emanuele Rossi wrote in the Decode39 report. The point, however, extends beyond commemoration: with a Special Strategic Partnership, an Action Plan running through 2029, a 20 billion trade target, growing defence cooperation, the European FTA and IMEC in the background, the challenge is now to turn this architecture into results. Eighty years after diplomatic relations began, Rome and New Delhi no longer need simply to reaffirm their desire for closer friendship: they need to define what, in practice, a Special Strategic Partnership can deliver, the author added. On September 17, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wished PM Modi on his 76th birthday, saying that both nations continue to strengthen their deep bond of friendship and build together a future of cooperation and prosperity. In response, PM Modi thanked PM Meloni for her warm wishes and noted that he looks forward to close cooperation between India and Italy. Earlier this month, PM Modi congratulated Meloni on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in Italy's postwar history and wished her continued success in the years ahead. He appreciated her efforts in strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations. Meloni, thanking PM Modi, said that the ties between the two nations are right now stronger than ever before, while the Special Strategic Partnership that we launched during our last meeting is the recognition of the importance of this bond and of the will to unite the expertise of our Nations to create new opportunities for growth, seizing the extraordinary opportunities for collaboration that we have before us.

Centre, Bengal govt meeting tomorrow to boost fisheries sector

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) The Centres Department of Fisheries is organising a review meeting in Kolkata on September 21 to chart a roadmap for the state's huge untapped fisheries potential, according to an official statement issued on Sunday. Union Minister for Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari will co-chair the meeting. The deliberations are expected to identify priority interventions and strengthen Centre-State collaboration to accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth in West Bengal's fisheries sector. The meeting will provide a comprehensive platform to review the progress of various schemes and programmes in West Bengal and deliberate on key focus areas for future development. Presentations by the Department of Fisheries, Government of India, and the Government of West Bengal, along with interactions with leading fisheries research, regulatory, and financial institutions, will facilitate discussions on enhancing production, expanding aquaculture, adopting technology, developing infrastructure, strengthening institutional support, and promoting investment. This will be followed by the handing over of administrative approval for integrated reservoir development in West Bengal. West Bengal, the second largest fish-producing state in the country, contributed 25.43 lakh tonnes to Indias total fish production in 2025-26. An investment of Rs 617 crore under various schemes supported the production increase by strengthening production technologies, post-harvest infrastructure, processing, and capacity building. These initiatives provided livelihood opportunities to more than 30 lakh fisherfolk and developed a robust fisheries ecosystem supported by value chain and market access. The Government of India has also notified 34 fisheries production and processing clusters, including a dry fish cluster in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal. The Department of Fisheries is placing special emphasis on strengthening fisheries farmer producer organisations (FFPOs) and fisheries cooperatives, while also focusing on digitisation of the fisheries sector in the state through various initiatives. The review meeting is expected to provide direction to accelerate growth in West Bengal's fisheries and aquaculture sector through stronger convergence between the Central and State Governments and key stakeholder institutions. The deliberations are expected to help identify priority areas for intervention, strengthen implementation of flagship fisheries schemes and programmes, promote technology-led and sustainable development, and increase investments across the fisheries value chain. The meeting is also expected to help improve fishers' livelihoods, increase fish production and productivity, strengthen market linkages, boost ornamental fisheries, improve post-harvest infrastructure, and advance the vision of a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive fisheries sector in the state, the statement added.

Delhi Hit-and-Run: Three killed in dumper-crane collision in Sarita Vihar

At least three people were killed and three others sustained injuries after a dumper truck rammed into a crane and auto-rickshaw parked on the side of road in South Delhi's Sarita Vihar on Sunday. The incident happened under Sarita Vihar police station limits around 3:20 AM today.

V-P Radhakrishnan to inaugurate 5-day global water management event on Sep 22

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan will kick off discussions between stakeholders from India and abroad over water challenges by inaugurating the five-day 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 on Tuesday, an official said. Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil will also share experiences on the theme Climate Resilient Water Management at the IIWW 2026, being organised from September 22-26 at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, said the official in a statement on Sunday. The five-day international event will bring together policymakers, global water leaders, experts, researchers, practitioners, industry, civil society and young professionals for dialogue, knowledge exchange, innovation and partnerships towards addressing emerging water challenges and advancing a water-secure and climate-resilient future. The IIWW 2026 is being organised by the Jal Shakti Ministry in collaboration with key Central Ministries, State Governments, international organisations, research and academic institutions, industry bodies, development partners, civil society and private sector partners, the statement said. The Netherlands and Germany will participate as partner countries and 14 States will participate as partner states, while six Central Ministries and Departments have been invited to participate as partner ministries, it said. The India International Water Week has emerged as an important platform for bringing together diverse stakeholders from India and across the world to exchange experiences, showcase innovations and strengthen cooperation in the water sector, the statement said. The IIWW-2026 will place climate resilience at the centre of the water discourse, with emphasis on moving from dialogue to practical, collaborative and implementable solutions for sustainable water management, it said. The deliberations will cover inclusive and equitable water governance; collaboration for optimal use of water resources; technology and community for water security; water in climate-related risk; innovative financing models for water infrastructure and modernisation; sustainable water resources management; and water for people and planet. A four-day international exhibition from September 2225, 2026 will provide a platform for showcasing innovative technologies, products and solutions for sustainable and climate-resilient water management. The Second International WASH Conference 2026, being organised by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation from September 22-24, will focus on drinking water access, sanitation infrastructure, hygiene behaviour and public health, with emphasis on scalable, affordable and sustainable solutions. IIWW-2026 will seek to translate knowledge and dialogue into actionable recommendations, partnerships and scalable solutions, bringing together policy, financing, technology and community participation to strengthen water security and climate resilience. The deliberations will culminate in the Valedictory Session on September 25, 2026, followed by study tours on September 26, 2026.

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Number of village household toilets cross 12.22 crore in Swachh Bharat drive

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) Over 12.22 crore individual toilets have been built in rural households across India, and 98,273 biogas plants have been constructed as of September 17, 2026, bringing 5.69 lakh villages nationwide into the ODF (open defecation free) Plus category under the Swachh Bharat campaign, according to a government factsheet released on Sunday. An ODF Plus village not only sustains ODF status but also effectively manages solid and liquid waste, while maintaining visual cleanliness. Along with sustaining ODF Plus village status, these villages are classified into three progressive stages: Aspiring, Rising and Model. Aspiring villages manage either solid or liquid waste. Rising villages manage both solid and liquid waste. Model villages, in addition to managing both waste streams, also demonstrate visual cleanliness and display ODF Plus messaging. More than 10.28 crore toilets were constructed across 36 states and union territories between 2014 and 2019. Rural India was subsequently declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) in 2019. This achievement transformed the nature of Indias sanitation landscape. The focus shifted from an emphasis on household toilet access to a broader concern with the sustainability of sanitation practices and the management of waste at the village level. This became the focus of Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin Phase II. It focuses on sustaining ODF status and strengthening Solid and Liquid Waste Management systems, the statement said. GOBARdhan (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) is a flagship umbrella initiative under SBM-G Phase II that converts cattle dung, agricultural crop residue, and organic waste into biogas, compressed bio-gas (CBG), and organic manure. These national-level numbers reflect bigger changes at the individual and community levels, because lasting transformation begins with everyday behaviour. A toilet becomes meaningful when households choose to use, maintain and sustain it. Similarly, effective waste management begins with decisions and practices within individual households. Recognising this, SBM-G places Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) at the centre of sustaining ODF outcomes. Households are encouraged to adopt safe toilet use and disposal practices, understand appropriate sanitation technologies, and manage wet waste through compost pits or biogas plants. The focus also extends to everyday hygiene practices, including handwashing, safe water storage, maintaining sanitation facilities, and avoiding littering and spitting in public spaces. Thus, sanitation extends beyond the provision of infrastructure. It becomes a set of everyday practices adopted within households, reinforced through communities, and sustained through collective behaviour, the statement added.

FairPoint: India suddenly has too many

FairPoint: India suddenly has too many naaraz fufajis, some even outside New Delhi: From Delhi to Washington, the naraaz fufaji the grumpy, angry or perpetually sulking uncle has now found a popular place in political vocabulary. It is not that naaraz fufaji is a new discovery; every Indian family knows one. But suddenly, [] The post FairPoint: India suddenly has too many naaraz fufajis, some even outside appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Asian Games: PM Narendra Modi congratulates Sonam, Elavenil and Vidarsa for 10m air rifle silver

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian shooters Elavenil Valarivan, Sonam Uttam Maskar and Vidarsa K Vinod after the trio won silver in the womens 10m air rifle team event at the Asian Games in Nagoya Sunday, while also praising Elavenil for securing another silver in the individual event later in the day. Hard work and teamwork lead to an outstanding result! Proud of Sonam Uttam Maskar, Elavenil Valarivan and Vidarsa K. Vinod for winning the Silver Medal at the Asian Games 2026 in the 10m Air Rifle Womens event. Their success will inspire several athletes in the coming times: PM Narendra Modi, PMO wrote on X. The Indian trio accumulated 1897 points to finish second behind China in the 16-team competition at the Aichi Pref. General Shooting Gallery. Japan claimed the bronze medal. Elavenil and Sonam subsequently advanced to the individual final, where both shooters featured among the top eight. Elavenil then added another silver to her tally after finishing second in the womens 10m air rifle individual final. Japans Hinata Taichi won gold with an Asian Games record score of 253.0, while Elavenil finished with 252.4. Elavenil remained in contention for gold deep into the individual final before Taichi produced a decisive finish. The Indian entered the final two shots with a 0.3-point advantage, but the Japanese shooter eventually edged ahead with her final shot. Congratulating Elavenil on her second medal of the day, PM Modi said the achievement made the occasion even more special. Indian shooters keep making us proud! Congrats to Elavenil Valarivan for winning a Silver Medal in the 10m Air Rifle Women Individual event at the Asian Games. This was her second medal of the day, making this even more special. My best wishes to her for the endeavours ahead: PM Narendra Modi PMO posted on X. Indias shooters had won a record 22 medals at the 2023 Asian Games, including seven gold, nine silver and six bronze.

Hamid Ansari's 'Hindu communalism' trigger row; VHP, Imam body 'strongly condemn' ex-VP

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) Former Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has triggered a row after citing a remark attributed to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru about what he described as the perceived threat posed by Hindu right-wing communalism. Ansari made the remarks while delivering an address at the third A.G. Noorani Memorial Lecture in New Delhi on September 18. The event, titled 'Remembering a Polymath: The Life and Times of Abdul Ghafoor Noorani', was organised to commemorate the life and work of the late jurist, constitutional expert and author A.G. Noorani. Referring to Noorani's 2019 book The RSS: A Menace to India, Ansari quoted a passage in which the author cited an observation attributed to Nehru from a meeting of Ministry of External Affairs officials. Former Foreign Secretary Jagat Singh Gundevia recorded the observation. Quoting the passage, Ansari said: The danger to India, mark you, it is not communism; it is Hindu right-wing communalism. Ansari said the trends discussed in this context sought to replace civic nationalism with what he termed cultural nationalism. He argued that such an approach could portray an electoral majority as a religious majority and create distinctions among citizens based on their faith. The remarks drew a sharp response from the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal questioned Ansari's comments and his political position. Speaking to IANS, Bansal said, Leaders like Hamid Ansari, who served as India's ambassador in several countries, were given the position of Vice President twice and were respected by the country. But towards the end, he raised the issue of creating fear among Muslims. When he was Vice President, how many times did he participate in programmes of terror organisations like PFI and SDPI? Everyone knows about the controversies surrounding him when he was an ambassador; I do not want to elaborate, Bansal said. The VHP spokesperson further said, Today, he finds fault with the majority Hindu society -- the very society that respected him and accepted him, and because of whose acceptance India has the world's largest Muslim population and some of the largest numbers of mosques in the world. In which world is he living? Hamed Ansari, we know that you can never feel indebted to the country. The country has given you so much, and now he is saying such derogatory things about the very nation. He should at least respect the constitutional post he once held, he added. The All India Imam Organisation also strongly condemned the former Vice President's remarks. All India Imam Organisation Chief Imam Umar Ahmed Ilyasi, speaking to IANS, said, Hamid Ansari now wants to engage in politics in the name of Muslims, but when he held high posts, he did not remember Muslims. Today, he is remembering Muslims. Today, when Muslims are not asking about him, he feels that he should play politics using the name of Muslims. He said that the Muslim community is intelligent and understands such statements and the intentions behind them. I feel this looks like a big conspiracy or a plot to spoil the atmosphere in the country through such rhetoric. No Muslim agrees with this statement, Ilyasi said. He (Hamid Ansari) should change his perspective regarding the language he is using. If his perspective changes, the scenario will change as well, Ilyasi added.

FairPoint: India suddenly has too many 'naaraz fufajis', some even outside

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) From Delhi to Washington, the naraaz fufaji -- the grumpy, angry or perpetually sulking uncle -- has now found a popular place in political vocabulary. It is not that naaraz fufaji is a new discovery; every Indian family knows one. But suddenly, these two words have acquired their own status, putting a familiar family character at the centre of political conversations. It is quite interesting to watch several 'naaraz fufajis' getting the spotlight in the country, from the desi political arena to international politics and even other fields. The country suddenly seems to have too many fufajis. The fufaji is a character most Indian households instantly recognise. He arrives at a family function and, instead of simply enjoying the hospitality, starts inspecting the arrangements. Why is this here? Why was that done? What was the need? And, most importantly, why wasn't I asked? The questions may be basic, but the intention is usually to find something wrong and, perhaps, remind everyone that he would have done it better. If the food is good, he will ask why another dish was not included. If the venue is impressive, he will question why this place was chosen. And if everything has gone perfectly, he may remind everyone that his daughter's or son's wedding was better. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently gave this familiar Indian character a political identity. During his interaction with students at the centenary celebrations of Shri Ram College of Commerce, PM Modi referred to the naraz fufaji, taking a dig at those who question every new government initiative. He returned to the expression days later in Vadodara while speaking about development projects worth more than Rs 35,000 crore and the completion of the Dedicated Freight Corridor. The Prime Minister did not name anyone. But politics does not always require names. Sometimes a fufaji is enough. PM Modi used the freight corridor to contrast the pace of work under his government with the earlier Congress-led UPA period, pointing out that the project had been conceived earlier but had moved slowly before 2014. Once the naraaz fufaji entered political vocabulary, social media did what it does best -- memes, videos and reels appeared. And, naturally, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party became frequent recipients of the new political nickname. But Rahul Gandhi is not the only one who seems to have accepted the fufaji job description. Akhilesh Yadav too has increasingly found himself in the same political conversation, often taking a similar line to Rahul Gandhi on national issues. The BRICS Summit in New Delhi provided a rather perfect example. After India hosted a gala dinner for BRICS leaders with an elaborate vegetarian menu showcasing different parts of the country, Rahul Gandhi found something else to put on the political menu. He pointed out that 80 per cent of Indians are non-vegetarian and praised non-vegetarian food. Like a typical fufaji, Rahul Gandhi managed to find a point of criticism in the dinner menu at an international summit. Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government, saying international events such as the BRICS Summit could not conceal domestic governance shortcomings or replace genuine democratic accountability. Fair criticism? That is for people to decide. But in the fufaji dictionary, the timing certainly qualifies. The naraaz fufaji does not discriminate between a major family decision and the colour of the curtains. Everything deserves a comment. The wedding may be grand. The guests may be happy. The food may be excellent. But the fufaji will still ask questions and pass indirect judgements. In politics, apparently, even a BRICS dinner is not safe. And then there is the international family. US President Donald Trump could almost qualify as the international edition of the fufaji -- the kind who walks into a family gathering and within minutes tells everyone how important he is, how much he has done for them and what they should be doing differently. India has had its own experience. During the tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Trump repeatedly claimed a role in bringing the hostilities to an end and spoke about mediation. India rejected the suggestion of US mediation and maintained that the cessation of firing followed direct communication between the two militaries. Then came the tariff threats and Trump's repeated comments on the Indian economy. In July 2025, he described India and Russia as having dead economies. No sooner had the international fufaji commented than some Indian fufajis led by Rahul Gandhi quickly endorsed it. Gandhi said Trump was right and that the Indian economy was a dead economy, while blaming the Modi government. They even tried to add their own reasons for the remarks, thereby proving a point for which the fufaji is perpetually known -- a fufaji gone naaraz. Every Indian knows this: the fufaji has an opinion about everything. And politics has plenty of such characters. Governments need criticism. Opposition parties have every right to question decisions. But when every government initiative is criticised simply because it comes from the government, the criticism can start sounding predictable. Rahul Gandhi has done this on several occasions, giving further credence to the fufaji title. At the same time, when every criticism is dismissed by calling the critic a naraaz fufaji, governments can also avoid answering uncomfortable questions. That is perhaps the strange beauty of the political fufaji. He is always around. He does not really retire. When his party is in Opposition, everything the government does is wrong. When his party comes to power, everything the previous government did becomes wrong. When the government announces something, he asks why. When it does not announce something, he asks why not. When something succeeds, he asks why it took so long. And when something fails, he is the first to say, I told you so. The fufaji will never change. And perhaps that is the most Indian thing about our political family. There will always be a naraaz fufaji, frowning at everything under the sun, no matter what. (Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)

'Should become stand-up comedian', BJP's swipe at Rahul Gandhi over mimicry of Prime Minister

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday lashed out at the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, suggesting him to double up as a stand-up comedian at his 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' events. A political row erupted after a comedian allegedly mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi while sharing the stage with LoP Gandhi during the Indore event. Speaking to reporters, Union Minister of Sate Arjun Ram Meghwal accused the Congress leader of lying and insulting Indian culture. He misleads students and attempts to spread anarchy, the Law Minister alleged. Urging Gandhi to speak with responsibility, he added: By insulting Indian culture and criticising Narendra Modi ji, he ends up criticising India and insulting Indian civilisation and culture. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a dig at the LoP, saying: Rahul Gandhi was doing mimicry. I believe he should leave the party and become a stand-up comedian because he has rendered his party unemployed. At least he would have a job as a stand-up comedian. Talking to IANS, BJP leader Prakash Javadekar accused Congress of crossing all limits of decency. Rahul Gandhi spends his time in every meeting abusing PM Modi, but he doesn't realise that the more he abuses him, the more PM Modi's votes will increase, and people's sympathy for him also increases...The Congress is behaving shamelessly, and there is no one to tell them this, he said. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey told IANS: There is a 'Jhooth Ki Goonj' across the country. One can understand the situation. No one is willing to come to listen to Rahul Gandhi. He has lost more than a hundred elections. BJP leader Virendra Sachdeva echoed similar views, saying: Rahul Gandhi organises events and programmes. He does not understand political issues or the pulse of society. He functions like an event company, organises a programme and leaves. While Prime Minister Narendra Modis message is for the country, for every section of the society, and the youth are not left out of it, he asserted. BJP leader T.R. Sriniwas also took a jibe at the Leader of Opposition, saying Gandhi will end up shutting down comedy shows, with the kind of act he put on yesterday. The way they called a stand-up comedian onto the stage yesterday and had him do comedy with Rahul ji, he wasn't a student at all. The way it appeared to meand to anyone watching who has even a little bit of senseit was just a comedy show, he remarked while speaking to IANS. However, Congress MP Pramod Tiwari backed Rahul Gandhi. The surging sea of students during the event and the visible enthusiasm reflected that the lamp of the BJP is dimming. All I can say is congratulations on the success of the Chhatra Ki Goonj event, he told IANS.

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Ashiana Housing to invest Rs 1,000 cr in FY27 to acquire land for expansion: MD Vishal Gupta

Realty firm Ashiana Housing will invest 1,000 crore this fiscal to acquire land across major markets like Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Specialising in senior living, the company aims to sustain sales after hitting 2,400 crore pre-sales last fiscal, despite reporting structural industry delays and rising labor costs.

Ashiana Housing to invest 1,000 cr in FY27 to acquire land for expansion

Realty firm Ashiana Housing will invest Rs 1,000 crore this fiscal to buy land parcels for development of housing projects as part of its expansion plan, a top company official said. Listed entity Ashiana Housing is one of the leading real estate developers in the country. It specialises in building homes for elderly people. In an interview with PTI, Ashiana Housing MD Vishal Gupta said housing demand continues to be strong despite global uncertainties. To tap this demand, he said the company is expanding business across major markets including Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. On land acquisition, Gupta said the company is continuously looking for land to develop regular group housing and also senior living projects. We will be investing around Rs 1,000 crore this fiscal on land acquisition, he said, adding that the company has enough cash to fund the investment. The land acquisition would be outright as well as joint development with landowners. On sales book

Under-construction building collapses in Delhi's Alipur

Six companies line up IPOs worth Rs 3,825-cr

New Delhi: Six mainboard companies, including Elevate Campuses and Varmora Granito, are set to tap the primary market next week, seeking to raise a combined Rs 3,825 crore through initial public offerings (IPOs), as fundraising activity continues at a brisk pace in 2026. Alongside these two issues, Bengaluru-based A-One Steels India Ltd, ArMee Infotech Ltd, 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 .

BJP Celebrates DU Student Union Election Wins, Targets Opposition

The BJP expresses confidence following victories in the Delhi University Student Union elections, criticizing the oppositions performance. BJP Celebrates DU Student Union Election Wins, Targets Opposition

Dumper-crane collision in Delhis Sarita Vihar, death toll rises to four (Ld)

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) The death toll from a dumper truck's collision with a crane and an auto-rickshaw parked on the side of a road in south Delhi's Sarita Vihar, has risen to four, officials confirmed on Sunday. Three others who were injured in the incident, are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. The incident took place early on Sunday. CCTV installation work was underway near the parked vehicles as part of the Safe City Project at the time of the accident. According to preliminary information, the dumper truck was coming from Uttar Pradesh's Noida when it collided with the crane and auto-rickshaw parked at the roadside. The deceased have been identified as Umesh, 23, Praveen, 35, and Suraj, 34. The latter was the HR Manager of the company involved in the Safe City Project, officials said. Speaking to IANS, Umesh's cousin Ratan Singh blamed the administration for lapses that resulted in the tragedy. He said: Umesh was my maternal cousin. He, along with other workers, was installing CCTV cameras for Traffic Police, when the accident occurred. Some of them were on the crane while others were standing on the road when a speeding dumper truck hit them from behind. Ratan Singh added: One or two of them, including Umesh, died on the spot while others were taken to the hospital. Some of them succumbed to injuries there. Strict action should be taken against the driver as he was carelessly driving the vehicle. Also, there were no safety barriers or work zone barricades for those working on the roadside. This is the fault of the administration, he said. The three injured victims, Akash, Anup and Khem Singh, are currently undergoing treatment. One individual, identified as Sudhir, escaped unharmed in the incident. The driver of the dumper truck fled from the spot following the accident, and efforts are being made to trace him. Further investigation into the incident is currently underway. In a similar road tragedy, three people lost their lives, and another was critically injured in a serious accident in Mumbai early on Sunday, officials said. The accident involved a high-end car and took place on the Mumbai Coastal Road.

Delhi: Under-construction building collapses in Alipur area, no casualties reported

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) An under-construction building collapsed in the Alipur area of north Delhi on Sunday, though no casualties were reported in the incident, officials said. The Alipur police station received a call regarding the collapse at around 11 a.m., following which police teams were immediately dispatched to the site. Four ambulances, a fire tender and a disaster management vehicle were also sent to the location, officials said. According to the preliminary inquiry, lintel work was underway at the under-construction building when the supporting shuttering, locally referred to as 'balli', apparently gave way. The failure of the temporary support caused the structure to collapse, officials said. Several labourers were present and working at the construction site when the incident occurred, officials said. Police said that all the workers were accounted for and were found to be safe. No person was trapped beneath the debris, they added. Police teams and other emergency personnel carried out checks at the site to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse and ensure that no one was missing or trapped. Further verification regarding the incident and the safety of the workers is currently underway, police said. The incident comes close on the heels of another building collapse in Delhi's Satya Niketan area on September 6, in which seven people were killed, and several others sustained injuries. The building involved in that incident was being used as a paying guest (PG) accommodation for boys. Following this, the Supreme Court on September 10 directed authorities across the country to file affidavits on the steps taken to comply with its earlier directions on unauthorised constructions. Additionally, just days earlier on September 13, a four-storey building suddenly tilted in Delhi's Gandhi Nagar area, raising concerns among residents living nearby. As a precautionary measure, the entire building was evacuated, while the area around the structure was cordoned off to prevent people from approaching it. No casualties were reported.

UP CM hands over appointment letters, says nepotism gripped police recruitments before 2017

Digital Desk | Lucknow, Sep 20 (IANS) In an apparent criticism of the previous Samajwadi Party government, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday alleged that the state's police recruitment process before 2017 was marred with paper leaks and ampant nepotism, and claimed that people had to conceal their identity while migrating in search of work. Chief Minister made the remarks during the distribution of appointment letters to selected candidates for various clerical and confidential posts in the state police at an event in Lucknow. The 912 selected candidates include those recruited for the posts of Police Sub-Inspector (Confidential), Assistant Sub-Inspector (Clerk) and Assistant Sub-Inspector (Accounts). Addressing the gathering, CM Adityanath said: When a capable candidate is selected through a transparent recruitment examination, the process becomes a 'symbol of faith' for not only the aspirant's family but also for the public, towards the government and administration. Before 2017, we witnessed the despair and hopelessness felt by the youth and believed that change was indeed possible. However, the lack of willpower to act, combined with the rampant nepotism that had gripped the entire system, meant that one could not even imagine transparency or integrity. And when the recruitment process itself is riddled with anomalies and discrimination, how can there be any trust? he asked. Without taking any name, CM Adityanath claimed that as soon as recruitment advertisement appeared before 2017, every young person felt that the process could not be completed without political patronage or financial dealings. They would feel disheartened, wondering whom to approach or how to secure their selection, he said, adding that questions would arise regarding the integrity of the examination and the selection process, ot to mention the separate issue of paper leaks. The UP Police, in particular, had a notorious reputation where one person would take the exam, while someone else would receive the results and the appointment letter, the UP CM alleged. Further, he said: So, we thought of strengthening the process to an extent that non-deserving people cannot enter the system. We brought in a law that if someone orchestrates a paper leak in the manner of before the year 2017, then that person shall be sentenced to life imprisonment and their entire property confiscated. He asserted that transparent recruitment in the Uttar Pradesh Police in the last nine years is an example of change brought into the state. The state is the same. It is not as if I brought something in from elsewhere. We haven't changed anything (in terms of the structure). The posts of DGP, Home Secretary, and Chief Secretary remain exactly as they were. All Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries also remain the same...Nor is it the case that I brought in extra officers from Gorakhpur or Delhi to run the state through them. It is the same state, the same workforce. However, according to CM Adityanath, it is the people's mindset that has undergone a shift. Recalling an anecdote shared by state Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, the CM said: During a discussion, a senior military officer told him (Khanna) that earlier people had to hide their identity while going out of Uttar Pradesh. This is not just the story of a single army officer. It is the story of every resident of Uttar Pradesh who had to hide their identity. When they went outside UP, they would conceal their identity, he said, claiming that there was lack of employment opportunities in the state before 2017. Riots would break out every other day. Curfews would remain in place for months on end. It wasn't limited to just one placebe it Bareilly, Aligarh, or Meerut; in Muzaffarnagar, riots continued unabated for six months. The riots began at Kosi Kalan, and there wasn't a single town, district, or village in the state that remained untouched by it, he alleged.

Asian Games: From reel to real, surfer Kamali Moorthy ready to make waves

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) From starring in a documentary that brought her childhood story to global attention to preparing for Indias first Asian Games surfing campaign, Kamali Moorthy is ready to turn another chapter of her remarkable journey into reality when the sport makes its debut at Aichi-Nagoya 2026. Weeks away from her 17th birthday, Kamali will spearhead Indias four-member surfing team at the Asian Games, with competition set to begin at Pacific Long Beach in Tahara, Aichi, on September 25. The Mahabalipuram surfer, currently Indias No. 1 in womens shortboard, has already experienced the spotlight. Her story with her single mother, Suganthi, became the subject of a 24-minute short film that was nominated in the short film category at the 2020 British Academy Film Awards and was also shortlisted for the Oscars. But Kamalis sporting journey has extended far beyond the screen. She first stepped on a surfboard at the age of three, inspired by her uncle and surfing instructor Santhosh Moorthy. What began as a childhood pursuit gradually developed into a competitive career. I have worked so hard to reach this stage, and now its time to believe in myself and enjoy every moment. No matter what happens, Ill give everything I have and make our country proud, Kamali told SAI Media. Her competitive breakthrough came in 2023, when she won both the Womens Open and U-16 Girls titles at the Indian Open of Surfing. A year later, she became national champion before successfully defending both titles at the 2025 Indian Open of Surfing. She has continued that momentum in 2026, winning the Womens Open at the Little Andaman Pro and claiming gold in both the Womens Open and U-18 Girls categories at the NMPA Indian Open of Surfing. Kamali also played a significant role in Indias journey towards the Asian Games. At the 2024 Asian Surfing Championships in the Maldives, her performance contributed to India securing its historic qualification for surfing at the Games. She was subsequently selected alongside Goas Sugar Shanthi Banarse for Indias maiden Asian Games surfing team. So excited for this journey. Endless training, sacrifices, challenges, and countless hours of practice have made this Asian Games possible. Every drop of sweat and every difficult day was worth it. Im truly happy, proud, and grateful for how far weve come. This is just the beginning, and were going to give it everything weve got, she said. Surfing is one of six sports making its Asian Games debut in Japan. India faces established surfing nations such as Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines, but the stakes extend beyond the continental competition, with the event also offering quota opportunities for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Kamalis rise has been supported through the Union Sports Ministrys Annual Calendar for Training and Competition scheme, including financial assistance for her participation in the 2025 ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in Peru and the Asian Pro-Am Surf Series in China. Now, with the Pacific waves awaiting her, the teenager who once found herself at the centre of a film is preparing for a very real sporting stage one that could shape the next phase of her young career.

Indias young engineers must cross academic boundaries: Mizoram Governor

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) Calling on the next generation of engineers to embrace interdisciplinary thinking, Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh has said Indias future technological leadership would depend on engineers who can work across traditional academic and professional boundaries. Addressing the 18th IEI Industry Excellence Summit & Awards 2026 here, organised by the Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI), the Governor highlighted the crucial role engineering has played in India's development and urged young professionals to build on that legacy. The summit was held under the theme, Engineering Indias Global Footprint: Technology, Talent and Trust. General Singh said Indias engineering accomplishments span a wide range of sectors, including dams, steel plants, highways, metro networks, renewable energy systems, telecommunications, the space programme, indigenous defence manufacturing and digital public infrastructure. He stressed that while India has already achieved significant milestones, the responsibility of shaping the countrys next phase of growth rests with todays engineering talent. According to the Governor, the boundaries separating engineering disciplines are rapidly disappearing. He noted that civil engineers increasingly need expertise in technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS), sensors, artificial intelligence and climate modelling, while mechanical engineers are being drawn into robotics and advanced manufacturing. Similarly, electrical engineers are working on energy storage and smart-grid technologies, and software engineers are increasingly involved with hardware systems, cybersecurity and physical infrastructure. He said engineering graduates must move beyond narrowly defined specialisations and develop the ability to collaborate across disciplines, experiment with new ideas and create practical solutions to real-world challenges. He also advocated stronger emphasis on design thinking, field exposure, interdisciplinary projects and prototyping within engineering education. Highlighting Indias capacity to build infrastructure at scale, General Singh said equal attention must now be given to maintaining and sustaining existing assets. He pointed to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a major engineering success story, saying that while it is commonly viewed as a fintech innovation, it is underpinned by sophisticated engineering involving interoperability, distributed systems, cybersecurity, real-time processing and large-scale digital infrastructure. The Governor also cited Indias space programme as an example of engineering excellence achieved despite resource and technology constraints.

Missing eight-month-old from Nashik found safe by officials after three days

Digital Desk | Nashik, Sep 20 (IANS) An eight-month-old baby girl who went missing in Maharashtra's Nashik district three days back was found safe on Sunday, police said. The infant, who had gone missing from the Manyad police outpost region in Nandgaon taluka of Nashik on September 17, was found abandoned near the Vaibothi village in neighbouring Yeola taluka. Yeola taluka police reached the spot and took her into their custody. Subsequently, the infant was taken to the Yeola Sub-District Hospital for a medical examination after being identified by her mother and the Nandgaon police. Her safe recovery brought relief to the family and the police. However, the circumstances under which the baby reached Vaibothi, who brought her there, and why she was abandoned at the spot remain unclear. Police are investigating the matter to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the infants disappearance and subsequent recovery. In Odisha, Operation Anweshan, conducted by the state's Crime Against Women and Children Wing (CAW & CW) Department, along with the state police, rescued 101 missing children. The children included 54 boys and 47 girls. The teams conducted field-level searches, verified the leads, and coordinated with local authorities, along with various child care institutions during the operation. As part of the operation, as many as 17 specialised teams were deployed to several states and Union Territories where Odia children are frequently found. The youngest among those rescued was a three-month-old infant found institutionalised alongside her minor mother. Another child who was found was institutionalised for the longest duration and had spent more than five years away from home. The states in which the children were found include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.

Mumbai cops accused of raiding venues to stop Umar Khalid film

Mumbai: Activists Shrishti Khanna and Prashant Pundir have alleged that Mumbai police got the screening of a documentary on Umar Khalid, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students union leader arrested in 2020 in connection with the Delhi riots case, cancelled after raiding the venue where it was to be held. In a post on 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 .

Delhi Airport Reopens Third Runway After Major Upgrade, Strengthening Capacity And Aircraft Movement

Three killed as dumper hits crane, auto-rickshaw in Delhis Sarita Vihar

The incident took place at around 3.20 am. CCTV installation work was underway near the parked vehicles as part of the Safe City Project at the time of the accident

Altaf Bukhari attacks Omar, says CM has time for Punjab, Delhi but not J&K issues

Delhi Police trace minor girl after 8 years, recover her from Bihar

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) The Delhi Police have solved a long-pending missing-person case after the minor was found in Bihar after eight years of sustained efforts, officials said on Sunday. The Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Delhi Police's Central District successfully traced and recovered the minor girl from Bihar, bringing an end to a long-pending case registered at Anand Parbat police station. The case dates back to October 14, 2018, when an FIR was registered at PS Anand Parbat in connection with the alleged missing and kidnapping of a minor girl, who was then 14 years old and a resident of the national capital's Anand Parbat area. Following the registration of the case, sustained efforts were made by the police to trace the missing girl and ascertain her whereabouts. During the course of the investigation and search operations, the AHTU team examined footage from multiple CCTV cameras and conducted extensive searches at around 90 shelter homes for girls, 52 orphanages, religious places, and red-light areas across Delhi-NCR. Despite the extensive searches and multiple efforts undertaken over the years, the whereabouts of the missing girl could not initially be established. The AHTU team, however, continued to pursue available leads and kept working on the long-pending case. A few months ago, the team received a crucial secret input indicating that the missing girl might be present in Uttar Pradesh's Kanpur. Acting promptly on the information, a dedicated team was constituted to trace and recover her. The team comprised Sub-Inspector Raj Bahadur Singh, Head Constable Surender and Woman Constable Manisha. The team worked under the supervision of Inspector Anil Yadav, In-charge of AHTU, with overall supervision by the ACP, DIU. Following the development of the lead, the police team immediately travelled to Kanpur and conducted searches at the location indicated by the source. However, upon reaching the spot, the team learnt that the missing girl had been moved from the location shortly before their arrival. The police team did not abandon the search and continued checking the surrounding areas while developing additional local sources in an effort to trace her whereabouts. Despite these efforts, no immediate clue could be established at that stage. The team continued to follow the lead and subsequently received information suggesting that the missing girl might be residing in Bihar's Samastipur district. Acting on the newly developed information, the AHTU team proceeded to Samastipur on September 15. Through sustained technical surveillance, field verification and persistent ground-level efforts, the team was able to narrow down the location of the missing girl to Shahpur Patori. The police team subsequently conducted a search operation in the area and successfully located and recovered the missing girl from Patori with the assistance of the local police. Following her recovery, the girl was brought back to Delhi on September 17 and produced for medical examination. She was subsequently counselled, and her statement was recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). After completion of the requisite legal and procedural formalities, the recovered girl was handed over to her parents, facilitating her reunion with her family after eight years.

BJP-RSS have hollowed out education system: Congress

New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday, September 20, alleged that the people of the BJP-RSS have hollowed out and corrupted the education system, and asserted that Rahul Gandhi is standing with the students as they demand accountability with their voice echoing across the country. The opposition partys assertion came after Leader of Opposition in the 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 .

Rahul flags lack of hostels for female students, seeks answers from PM

New Delhi, Sep 20 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday flagged the issue of lack of hostels for female students and sought answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the problem being faced by them. Gandhi cited the remarks by a female student during his Chhatron Ki Goonj event in Indore on Saturday to corner the government. ? , PG

Bank strike alert: SBI asks customers to plan transactions early

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) State Bank of India (SBI) has issued an advisory urging customers to complete important banking transactions in advance of a proposed three-day nationwide bank strike called by the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) from September 28 to 30, 2026. The advisory comes after the UFBU's nationwide strike on September 11 and ahead of another planned phase of protest action later this month. The union forum has also announced a continuous strike beginning October 26 as part of its ongoing agitation. SBI said customers should plan branch-related transactions before the strike period to avoid potential disruptions. Services that require physical visits to bank branches, staff assistance, document verification or other in-person processes may be affected if a significant number of employees participate in the strike. The bank noted that it is taking steps to ensure the availability of essential banking services during the proposed strike. However, it cautioned that branch operations could face limitations depending on the level of employee participation across locations. To help customers manage their banking needs during the strike period, SBI advised them to rely on alternative service channels. Customers requiring cash have been encouraged to use Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and Automated Deposit and Withdrawal Machines (ADWMs). The bank also highlighted the availability of Customer Service Points (CSPs) for select banking services. In addition, SBI said its digital banking platforms would remain available for routine transactions. Customers can use internet banking, mobile banking, YONO and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services to transfer funds, make payments and carry out other day-to-day banking activities without visiting a branch. However, the bank cautioned that not all services can be completed online. Transactions involving physical documentation, certain cheque-related processes and other branch-dependent services could experience delays if strike-related disruptions affect branch functioning. The proposed strike could also result in an extended period of limited branch access for customers. Since September 26 and 27 fall on a weekend, the strike scheduled from September 28 to 30 may effectively create a five-day stretch during which customers may not have access to normal weekday branch operations.

Akash Anand Out, Ishan Anand In: Mayawati Announces Fresh BSP Plan Ahead of UP Elections

New Delhi: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati has once again changed the political fate of her brother Anand Kumar's children, announcing Ishan Anand to take up an organisational assignment while Akash Anand and his sister would be kept away from

Smriti Mandhana Becomes No. 1 Run-Scorer in Women

New Delhi: Smriti Mandhana etched her name in the history books again on Sunday as the India opener continued her prolific T20I century. Mandhana achieved the feat during India's Asian Games 2026 semi-final against Bangladesh, needing just seven runs to pass

Fleming targets No.1 Test rankings, keeps WTC high on agenda as England coach

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) Incoming England Test coach Stephen Fleming has kept his focus on making England the No. 1 side again and has put the World Test Championship on the agenda. Fleming addressed the media at his first press conference as England's Test coach, highlighting that the job is prestigious. It's one of the most prestigious jobs in cricket, Fleming said. I was very honoured to be asked. He has signed a contract with the ECB through September 2030 following a two-week recruitment process. His first assignment as the Test coach would be against South Africa in winter, and then there is also a home Ashes series waiting, which the New Zealander holds in high regard. I would love to be in charge of the No.1 Test team in the world, Fleming said. That would be my aspiration, Fleming said on wanting to make England No.1 for the first time since 2012. I know the marquee events - the Ashes - are something I can't wait for. As a New Zealander, I have watched and loved the Ashes all my cricketing life. To be part of that is an absolute highlight, so I can't wait for that. But there is a piece of work there that has already begun, which is around our identity. There has been a lot of coverage around that. The way players represent England and the group is going to be really important to me. The style of play will come with that also. That will be more player-directed, but I feel very strongly about finding a sense of belonging within the group, and that will take a bit of time, he added. He highlighted that he has started working with Test captain Joe Root and aims to make England's team in its best form. I have started the process. I have been in a lot of contact with Joe, and on this trip as well we have done some things to start this piece of work. Not only will we be in the best position to win cricket matches but also to represent the England cricket team in its best form, he said. He also spoke on England's blase attitude towards the World Test Championship, where they have not come close to making it to the final of any of the three editions. It's high (on the agenda), it's aspirational, he said of the WTC. England could do much better than that. And even attitude just around the over rate, I think, comes down to identity and style of play. If that's one of the pinnacle trophies in world cricket - why would we not be trying to get it along with every other marquee event that comes our way? Now, I don't say that lightly; there's a lot of hard work to do, and players must be balanced around that But it's aspirational, and that's why I'm here. That opportunity is real, but there's a huge amount of work to do. The New Zealander takes over from Brendon McCullum, who served in the role from 2022. He comes into the role after an underwhelming performance by the English side over the last 18 months, which he believes would have hurt McCullum. That was one thing that will probably hurt him (McCullum) a little bit (underperformance) - I think he feels what I feel now, that there's an opportunity around the corner. He was also realistic about what had gone on and just very honest. It's interesting when you go to watch as a bystander for the first half of the year, then things change quite quickly to a real narrow focus on where the team was at. Was I the right person to take the team forward and then deemed by the ECB to be the right person? That process was very thorough. I was constantly watching the good and the bad and analysing that in a much different way than I would have done in early April. One of the dark arts of coaching is timing my honest appraisal, it's a great time to be the head coach. I think there's a real opportunity with the players coming through, he added.

Shah Instigated Removal of voters: Congress slams ongoing SIR

New Delhi, Sep 20 (PTI) The Congress on Sunday flagged the issue of large-scale deletions during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls being carried out by the Election Commission, alleging that the SIR is actually a massive Shah Instigated Removal of voters and an assault on the Constitution. The opposition party said there is abundant evidence to prove that large-scale deletions across states are overwhelmingly those of voters belonging to the most economically and socially disadvantaged and deprived sections of the society. Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said the Election Commission of India (ECI) began Phase-1

SP Workers Rally in Delhi Demanding Release of Azam Khan Amid Allegations of Political Vendetta

SP workers protested in Delhi, seeking the release of Azam Khan and alleging political motives behind 350 criminal cases against him. SP Workers Rally in Delhi Demanding Release of Azam Khan Amid Allegations of Political Vendetta

Indias BRICS presidency demonstrates New Delhis convening power

India's BRICS presidency convened an expanded grouping, achieving consensus on practical cooperation. The Delhi Declaration emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism and disrupted terror financing. Discussions focused on making BRICS more representative and steering it toward a centrist position. The summit also addressed de-dollarization challenges and strengthening the New Development Bank.

Pappu Yadav Defends Congress Ideology After DUSU Elections

Pappu Yadav asserts Congresss enduring ideology of global welfare, responding to the recent Delhi University elections. Pappu Yadav Defends Congress Ideology After DUSU Elections

Delhi diaries: Logging into past as stories of citys old villages find new life

Economist Bibek Debroy, who passed away in 2024, flagged for notice in Delhi SIR

Bibek Debroy, who was 69 when he passed away, is listed as a 70-year-old elector in polling part 73 of the Delhi Cantonment Assembly constituency in the draft electoral roll published on August 31, The Hindu has found

3 dead, 3 injured after truck collides with crane, then auto-rickshaw in Delhi

Three killed in road accident in Delhi's Sarita Vihar

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) At least three people were killed, and three others sustained injuries after a dumper truck collided with a crane and an auto-rickshaw parked on the side of the road, in south Delhi's Sarita Vihar early on Sunday, officials said. The incident took place at around 3.20 am. CCTV installation work was underway near the parked vehicles as part of the Safe City Project at the time of the accident. According to preliminary information, the dumper truck was coming from Uttar Pradesh's Noida when it collided with the crane and auto-rickshaw parked at the roadside. The deceased have been identified as Umesh, 23, Praveen, 35, and Suraj, 34. The latter was the HR Manager of the company involved in the Safe City Project, officials said. The three injured victims, Akash, Anup and Khem Singh, are currently undergoing treatment. One individual, identified as Sudhir, escaped unharmed in the incident. The driver of the dumper truck fled from the spot following the accident, and efforts are being made to trace him. Further investigation into the incident is currently underway. In a similar road tragedy, three people lost their lives, and another was critically injured in a serious accident in Mumbai early on Sunday, officials said. The accident involved a high-end car and took place on the Mumbai Coastal Road. According to information received from the Coastal Road Control Room, the accident occurred at around 5.20 a.m. near Lotus Jetty, opposite Lala College. The car was travelling from Marine Drive towards Haji Ali when the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle, reportedly due to overspeeding. Following the accident, all four occupants of the car were rushed to Nair Hospital, where emergency medical teams assessed their condition. According to an update issued by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Nair Hospital at around 8.40 a.m., three of the occupants were declared brought dead by doctors. Among those who died were a 21-year-old and a 17-year-old, while the identity and other details of the deceased were yet to be ascertained.

Etihad Airways cancels Abu Dhabi flight, passengers face harrowing time at Delhi airport

Delhi SIR: Arvind Kejriwal, four family members served notices by EC

The notices have been issued under the Unmapped with Last SIR category. Those who received the notices include Kejriwal, his wife Sunita Kejriwal, son Pulkit Kejriwal (25), father Gobind Ram Kejriwal and mother Gita Devi

UGC Rollback Mahapanchayat in Delhi postponed after govt talks

New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC) Rollback Savarna Mahapanchayat scheduled to be held at Delhis Jantar Mantar on Sunday, September 20, was postponed after Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh spoke with members of the Kshatriya Karni Sena, which had announced the gathering. Nadda announced the meetings outcome in a post on X 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 .

Delhi man dies after late-night scuffle in Kalkaji, brother attacked when he intervened

Delhi SIR Row: Rekha Gupta, Arvind Kejriwal Get Voter Verification Notices; Poll Body Clarifies

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal are among voters who received notices during Delhi's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls over discrepancies in their voter details.

Delhi PWD Restarts Road Repairs, Sets December Deadline To Resurface 600 Km

Students are coerced: SCS candidate Vishesh Yadav seeks DUSU re-poll after final-round vote shift, attendance intimidation

Delhi Approves Rs 300 Crore E-Bus Charging Network At Seven Depots, Fleet Target Set At 14,000 By 2029

Rs 4 crore project to cover Shaheen Bagh drain

Property Dealer Killed in Delhis Kalkaji, Brother Injured in Attack

A property dealer was reportedly beaten to death in Kalkaji, Delhi, with his brother also injured in the violent incident. Property Dealer Killed in Delhis Kalkaji, Brother Injured in Attack

Over 10.40 lakh ASHAs, 10.58 lakh Anganwadi workers strengthening rural institutions

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) More than 10.40 lakh accredited social health activists (ASHAs) and 10.58 lakh trained Anganwadi workers are strengthening community healthcare and early childhood services, enabling convergence and strengthening local institutions, according to a government factsheet on Sunday. A network of trained grassroots workers forms the backbone of decentralised service delivery. These workers support the implementation of government programmes, mobilise communities, and provide timely assistance at the village level. Over 9 lakh Community Resource Persons (CRPs) are active at the grassroots, serving areas such as agriculture, banking and insurance, etc. Of these, nearly 4.08 lakh CRPs work on livelihoods in agriculture and allied activities and rural enterprises, and are variously known as Krishi Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis, Matsya Sakhis, and Van Sakhis. The remaining nearly 5 lakh CRPs work as Bank Sakhis, Business Correspondent Sakhis, Financial Literacy CRPs, Bima Sakhis, and Gender Champions, providing essential support across other specialised areas, like financial inclusion, financial literacy, insurance, gender awareness, and community development. In addition, there are frontline workers like Swachhagrahis, providing sanitation support, said the factsheet. Notably, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is central to this approach. It has established one of the countrys largest networks of women-led community institutions, mobilizing more than 10 crore rural households into around 92 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the country. With nearly 48,785 Udyog Sakhis supporting non-farm livelihoods and CRP-EPs providing specialized support under the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), a strong institutional network has been established to promote rural entrepreneurship. As of June 2026, 4.32 lakh enterprises have been supported under SVEP. Additionally, building on this institutional network, the Government is implementing the National Campaign on Entrepreneurship to train 50,000 CRPs on enterprise promotion and provide enterprise development training to 50 lakh SHG members, said the factsheet. Moreover, Business Correspondent (BC) Sakhis and Bank Sakhis are trained women community cadres promoted under the DAY-NRLM who function as grassroots financial intermediaries. Over 1.48 lakh BC Sakhis provide a range of digital, doorstep financial services in villages, including account opening, deposits, withdrawals, fund transfers, and balance inquiries over 50,548 branch-level Bank Sakhis facilitate credit linkage. Till date, Bank Sakhis have helped SHGs access rs 13.41 lakh crore in bank credit since 2013-14. This ecosystem is further supported by 56,727 Financial Literacy CRPs, who conduct village-level awareness campaigns.

FPI selling reaches Rs 23,676 crore this month amid high crude prices, global liquidity concerns

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) The foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows reached Rs 23,676 crore this month via selling through the exchanges (up to September 19), indicating that FPI flows into India again turned negative after the positive flows in July and August, according to analysts. However, the trend of FPI investment through the primary market has been continuing in September also as per early indications. FPI investment through the primary market this month (up to September 19) stood at Rs 2,703 crore, taking the total investment through the primary market this year to Rs 48,550 crore. This partly explains the ongoing boom in the primary market despite the tepid performance of the secondary market, said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Ltd. Markets ended lower last week as elevated crude oil prices and rising global bond yields weighed on investor sentiment. Concerns over the near-term inflationary impact of higher energy prices and their implications for economic growth remained a key overhang. The Sensex declined 0.65 per cent to close at 74,294.46, while the Nifty fell 0.22 per cent to settle at 23,346.40. The broader indices, midcap and smallcap, ended largely unchanged after a choppy week, following several weeks of outperformance, said analysts. Crude oil prices and rising global bond yields remained the key drivers of market sentiment. The US Federal Reserves 25-bps rate hike further heightened uncertainty around global liquidity conditions. Going forward, FPI flows will be significantly influenced by the ongoing Iran-US conflict and the consequent impact on crude prices. Elevated crude prices and the high US bond yields (US 10-year yield at 5 per cent) are negatives for Indian equity market and FPI flows. However, the resilient Indian economy and expectations of better earnings growth are positives, said market participants.

Electoral wins and defeats part of democracy: Congress MP on DUSU poll verdict

Electoral wins and defeats part of democracy: Congress MP on DUSU poll verdict Amritsar: Congresss Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla, reacting to the results of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections and the performance of the partys student wing, National Students Union of India (NSUI), contended that electoral victories and defeats are an ongoing [] The post Electoral wins and defeats part of democracy: Congress MP on DUSU poll verdict appeared first on Mangalorean.com .