147 coal mines auctioned since 2020 till date amid robust reforms: Govt
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The government said on Monday that 147 coal mines have been auctioned since 2020 till date, with 44 new companies winning a coal mine amid robust reforms in the sector. These coal blocks were auctioned across nine states, projected to generate about Rs 47,500 crore in annual revenue, Rs 55,000 crore in capital investment and 4.9 lakh jobs. In the financial year 2025-26, the total revenue generated (from upfront and premium payment) from allocated commercial mines was about Rs 3,090 crore. Following the Supreme Court's cancellation of 204 coal blocks in 2014, allocation moved to a transparent, rules-based process. The launch of commercial coal mine auctions by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 18, 2020 marked the next major step. Six years on, it has become one of the most consequential structural reforms in the mining sector, delivering benefits shared transparently across industry, the exchequer and coal-bearing communities, Coal Ministry said in a statement. Notably, coal output from only commercial mines grew from 12.55 million tonnes in FY 2023-24 to 23.51 million tonnes in FY 2024-25. Captive and commercial blocks together produced about 210 MT in FY 2025-26, crossing the 200 million tonne mark for the first time, informed the ministry. A decade earlier, the figure stood at 28.8 MT, hence showcasing a compound annual growth of about 22 per cent over the period. Now, bidding is conducted online in two stages on the MSTC platform, with bid documents decrypted and opened live in front of bidders. There is no end-use restriction, 100 per cent FDI is allowed through the automatic route, and upfront payments are kept low and adjustable against future revenue share, keeping the field open to smaller and newer players. The Policy has not only attracted private players but also legacy coal PSUs like Coal India's own subsidiaries Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) and Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), traditionally only producers and sellers of coal have themselves stepped in as bidders for blocks in recent rounds, competing on exactly the same terms as private players, said the ministry.
Kanimozhi meets INDIA bloc allies as DMK eyes broader coalition beyond BJP, Cong
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 14 (IANS) DMK parliamentary party leader Kanimozhi has initiated consultations with prominent regional leaders following the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation and an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats. As part of the outreach, Kanimozhi visited Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his Matoshree residence in Mumbais Bandra. Thackeray personally welcomed the DMK MP and honoured her with a ceremonial golden shawl. Shiv Sena(UBT) MPs Anil Desai and Milind Narvekar were also present during the meeting, which lasted nearly an hour. The leaders reportedly discussed the delimitation Bills defeat in Parliament, the Congress current approach towards the BJP and the future course of the INDIA bloc. The discussion also focused on the importance of regional and smaller parties within the Opposition alliance and the role they could play in addressing emerging political challenges. Particular attention was given to the possible impact of delimitation on southern states and the need for affected states and regional parties to coordinate their response. Following her meeting with Thackeray, Kanimozhi travelled to Delhi, where she held separate discussions with Nationalist Congress Party(SP) leader Sharad Pawar and his daughter and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule. The meetings have triggered speculation that the DMK is exploring the possibility of bringing together regional parties that have differences with the Congress party. Such an initiative could eventually pave the way for the emergence of a third political formation at the national level, independent of both the BJP and the Congress. During her interaction with Thackeray, Kanimozhi reportedly discussed greater cooperation among state-based parties opposed to the delimitation proposals. The two leaders also exchanged views on the feasibility of creating a broader platform for regional forces. The DMK had stayed away from an anti-delimitation meeting convened in Chennai under the leadership of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, although the Congress participated in it. The episode highlighted differences among Opposition parties over the strategy to be adopted on the issue. Thackerays reported differences with Congress in Maharashtra have also added significance to Kanimozhis visit. Kanimozhi is expected to continue her outreach by meeting Punjab Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann, as well as Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav. The proposed meetings are being viewed as part of the DMKs attempt to assess support for a coordinated regional political platform.
World leaders depart New Delhi following conclusion of 18th BRICS Summit
NEW DELHI: The highly successful 18th BRICS Summit hosted by India at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modis extensive diplomatic engagement, encompassing active session addresses alongside 15 sit-down bilateral meetings with visiting Heads of State and government officials from Friday through late Sunday afternoon. Following the culmination of these intensive multilateral []
Delhi's BRICS Moment: How India Turned a Divided Global South into a Platform for Power
The real achievement of India's 2026 BRICS presidency is not that 11 countries signed another declaration. It is that, amid wars, rivalries and deep geopolitical fractures, New Delhi persuaded them to agree on what the next international order should begin to look like.
Brent crude jumps above USD 107 amid rising Middle East tensions
New Delhi: Crude oil prices jumped sharply on Monday, September 15, with Brent crude rising above USD 107 a barrel, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East raising fears of disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent for November delivery gained 3.20 per cent to USD 107.82 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for 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 .
Heavy Rain Alert: Delhi, UP, Rajasthan Among States Set for Stormy Weather; Strong Winds Likely
Weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled across large parts of India, with rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds likely to affect several states. According to the weather forecast cited in the report, widespread weather activity could continue on September 14 and intensify in so...
1st T20I: Its about hitting the sweet spot, says Chakaravarthy after India show glimpses of old self
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) An age-old adage in cricket says that a successful and fearsome outfit features good bowlers who hunt in pairs. On Sunday, as India kicked off their T20I series in front of a buzzing Arun Jaitley Stadium as the visitors, that line played out to perfection. In what was also Indias first T20I game in India since the T20 World Cup win in March, Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy made successful returns from injury-enforced layoffs, and were well-supported by Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel to leave Afghanistans batting in ruins. Later, Abhishek Sharma blazed his way to 82 and ensured a 157-run target was completed in just 13.4 overs, ensuring the track India Waale from Happy New Year movie echoed loudly right from Bumrah taking out Rahmanullah Gurbaz - for the T20 World Cup holders. In the aftermath of their T20 World Cup triumph at home, India had found themselves grappling with an unfamiliar slump a shock defeat to Ireland was followed by loss in England. Though they managed to get the series win in Zimbabwe, the spin bowling department, a bedrock of their domination via Chakaravarthy and Axar, with Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav chipping in, had temporarily lost its edge. But Sundays outing showed signs of a reassuring return of the spinners to their best self. A frugal stump-to-stump leash from Axar and Chakaravarthy, who picked a scalp each, meant India looked and delivered like a team operating in a different realm. On a pitch which looked good to bat, the Indian spinners hit the 46m band for 60.7 percent of their deliveries to have combined figures of 2-26 at an economy rate of 4.59. Afghanistans spinners Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Mohammad Nabi managed to hit that band for just 53.1 percent balls and returned with 1-48, at an economy rate of 8.47. In the post-match press conference, Chakaravarthy explained how precise planning on length dictated their strategy. We are used to playing on such pitches and we know the dimensions very well. It is not a big ground. So, there are certain lengths that we have to get and we were initially given the stats that these lengths work in this ground and these lengths do not work in this ground. So, we stuck to our plans and worked with it. After Vande Matarams maiden bow in an international cricket game, Bumrah took just two legal deliveries to announce his return - forcing Rahmanullah Gurbaz to misjudge the bounce and register his 11th T20I duck. Though Afghanistan briefly rallied, Axars entry initiated a slide for the designated hosts. A mix-up led to run-out of skipper Ibrahim Zadran, and five balls later Sediqullah Atal departed off Arshdeep. At 39/3 after five overs, Afghanistan needed relief - instead, Axar and Chakaravarthy conceded just 11 runs across the next four overs while removing Gulbadin Naib (with a slower ball wide of off-stump) and Darwish Rasooli (with a quicker delivery that came in sharply). Together, the spin duo returned 2-43 from eight overs at an economy rate of 5.37, while Arshdeep starred with 3 for 19. Generally, my pace is within a certain range only. So, I don't change my pace much, but it is the same. It is just the lengths, I think, which matter in this wicket which are written. It is not very full or very short. It is just right in between that sweet spot which you have to hit, that works in this wicket, added Chakaravarthy. Reflecting on his outing after having a tough time in England, before a hamstring injury sent him to rehab and recovery, Chakaravarthy stated that the tour did teach him a few good things. It is just good, because the England tour was also good for me. Just because we didn't win, it doesn't mean that it has gone for waste. You get to learn a lot if you do the right thing. So, there is nothing that goes to waste. As I said, even if things wouldn't have gone our way, we would have had the same mindset as to learn something. So, every match is a learning and the results sometimes come our way, and sometimes it doesn't. Injuries are very common for all the sports people and it just shows that we are working, and we are giving our best. Sometimes, we push beyond our limits and that's when the body gives in. So, that's when we have to take a step back and work better and come back stronger. Chakaravarthy expanded further on how he insulates himself from the emotional highs and lows of wicket-taking life. It is the same. So, what you are referring to is results. I cannot go by results. If I go by results, I will start reacting to each and everything. If it goes my way, I will start being very happy. If it doesn't go my way, I will become very sad and I cannot go that way. So, the best way for me is to see the process. If it is a good ball and if it still differs, I will always take it. But if it is a bad ball and it is a wicket, I have to go and work on it again. So, that's how it works. You told it's all about wickets. But it's not about wickets. It is about if I am bowling in the right place or not. Whatever happens after that, it's not in my control. So, what's in my control is till I pitch the ball. After the ball pitches, if the ball can turn or cannot turn, it's not in my control. I'll see till that point. If it is still that, if it is fine, yeah, I'll take it. I don't go by results. Though Azmatullah Omarzais unbeaten 64 off 44 balls dragged Afghanistan to 157, as he and Mohammad Nabi made merry out of Indias wafer-thin fifth bowling options, the total proved completely defenceless once Abhishek, who made only 11 runs in the series win in Zimbabwe, smashed a 32-ball 82 and hammered boundaries in quick fashion. Watching the chase unfold from the pavilion, Chakaravarthy admitted he could only feel sympathy for the opposition spinners bowling to Abhishek and Ishan Kishan, who made 42. While sitting on top of the dressing room, I was just telling someone that against our teams batting line-up, you can't bowl spin. So, if you bowl spin against our batting line-up, they are just going to smack it left, right and centre. They are just so used to playing spinners. One of the best batting line-ups we have are in our top eight batters - anyone can take on any spinner in this world. I have personally bowled against them, while playing against them. I know how hard it is and I feel for their spinners. In the end, Sunday wasn't just about India taking a 1-0 lead in the series - it was also about them rediscovering the relentless efficiency that defines them, especially with the ball. With the spinners back in their rhythm, the pacers firing early, and Abhishek dismantling opposition bowlers with disdain, India looked every bit like their old, fearsome selves, once again.
1st T20I: Afghanistan erred in execution and made fundamental errors, says head coach Pybus
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Designated as 'hosts' for the three-game T20I series, Afghanistan still found themselves firmly in foreign territory when they crumbled against the might of a near full-strength India. Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus admitted that his side erred in execution and committed fundamental errors too. The Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday swerved almost entirely to Indias beats as the Shreyas Iyer-led side sauntered to a clinical seven-wicket win. Barring a modest and vocal pocket of Afghanistan supporters, the 25,165-strong crowd cheering for India effectively turned Afghanistan's 'home' fixture into a routine away assignment. Granted that Afghanistan took the field in a T20I game for the first time since February 19, their passive and almost resigned body language against a formidable India, especially when Abhishek Sharma went berserk to hit 82, raised concerns over whether they were caught up in overthinking or were intimated too much about facing India in India in Sundays game. Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus refused to offer excuses following his sides seven-wicket defeat to India in the T20I series opener, conceding that a lack of preparation and poor execution cost them at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. First and foremost, I think it's important that you don't have any excuses. A lot of players came off after playing various domestic games, which is far from ideal preparation. Here we have a lot of boys who have played here in these conditions before and that equalises itself. The volume of games is a key, absolutely. The more you play together, the more you will understand each other's game plans, and the better you will be able to play together and even protect the squad. But it is what it is - we were lacking in execution and made fundamental mistakes. We will improve in that and be a lot more precise in our fundamentals. I wouldn't cast any doubt on our attempts, but our desire and our intention is always to put in good performances, he said in the post-match press conference. It didnt help that Afghanistan found a returning Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, a charged up Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel too hot to handle on a good batting pitch, with half of their batting line-up gone inside the first seven overs. Well, I think we lost four wickets for four overs. What went wrong? Well, what went wrong is, we didn't adapt. So when I talk about us actually being able to execute, it is about assessing conditions, it's about us being able to read them and get the partnerships going. But I also need to be fair to my guys - it's our first time as a team after quiet a long time, added Pybus. Afghanistans buildup to the series was severely disrupted by weather in the capital, which hampered their on-field training sessions ahead of the game at the Yamuna Sports Complex. We've been rain affected here in terms of our preparation, so it's important for us to get into the rhythm of the series. Obviously we wanted to win the first game, but I need to be fair to the guys and give them the opportunity for us to work through the series and see how we adapt. When I got off the aeroplane, we had a couple of days of torrential rain. So to be fair for groundsmen there, I mean, it was under water for two days. It wasn't ideal, it wasn't ideal - we arrived in the monsoon so we've got to be able to adapt. The key with the preparation is that, as I said earlier, it's not about making mistakes, it's about us, it's about us focusing on our game and getting it right. With only a 24-hour turnaround before the next games comes on Tuesday, Pybus felt clarity of mind will be the key in equalizing the series scoreline. Again, for me and myself, here it comes back to the same point. It's about turning up and not us delivering our skills - it's about our execution, we've got to be deliberate and precise. We saw we were off that, and we will be reviewing that, and reflecting on it. We've got a very short turnaround, we need to be much, much better going into the second game. But I think clarity of mind and being really, really clear on what we've got to deliver is key, bearing in mind how short the turnaround is. The lone spark of defiance came from Azmatullah Omarzai, whose unbeaten 44-ball 64 took Afghanistan to a respectable 156/8. Omarzais late counter-attack was another example of him stepping up for Afghanistan under pressure. Omarzais 64 not out is also the second-highest score by a number six or lower batter against India in T20Is, behind only Dasun Shanakas 74 not out in 2022. It also stands equal to new T20I skipper Ibrahim Zadrans 64 in Dubai as the highest individual score by an Afghan batter against India in the shortest format. He's a very special talent. He's got the ability to judge length very quickly and get on top of the bounce against the spinners and the pacers. I think we've seen it whenever he's played for Afghanistan and through the World Cups, he's good at the pressure and he's somebody who turns up. He's a very, very good player and he's an asset to Afghanistan, said Pybus, while replying to a question from IANS. This series marks Pybuss first T20I assignment with Afghanistan, and he highlighted how the process of working with the seamers is still a work in progress, including Naveen-ul-Haq, who is still not match fit. Against India, the Afghanistan pacers lacked serious penetration to stop a marauding Abhishek. Well we have got Naveen, whos coming back from a long-term injury, you know, we have got a leader who has been doing that for a long time, so we need to manage him. It's about getting him operating properly, it's the first time I have been with this side, as well as being with Fazal, Azmat and Naveen in this format. So it's about getting to know the bowlers, the work on them, trying to get them prepared, and I need time to work with them, for the staff to work with them, getting them where we want them to be. So over the next six months, we will have that time working with them and seeing how they respond and that's where we will be able to give a better reflection on how we turn up. Despite the sub-par defensive effort with the ball, Pybus remains confident in the group's spin bowling resources delivering the goods in upcoming matches. Long-term picture is always a given. The reality is that we are here in this series, and I think we have got a really good line-up of spin bowlers and many of them are experiencing these conditions. Here on this day, we were considerably short on the type of target that we should have been able to set. Again execution is an issue, it's not a lack of skills. Short, medium and long-term planning with the development leading to players back in Afghanistan is always hundred percent. But I do think we have got a highly talented and very competent spin bowlers in the team - it's about us getting our game together in the next year or two. Looking at the broader trajectory of the team, Pybus mentioned the gulf that currently exists between Afghanistan and top-ranked sides like India, while backing Zadran to bounce back from a tough debut game as the T20I captain. Well, the development of the side of the team is, we're number 10 in the rankings, and we're playing as the number one team. So we want to incrementally work our way through that. In the development of any side, we've got to get this first skill, get our foundations right. There's a definitive gap in understanding and execution when you're playing against the top sides of the world. So I think with Ibrahim, I've got to say to him as captain, obviously we're just a group together, I've got to be able to support him 100 percent. He's got to get it in there and he needs to know he's got my confidence. Again, in developing his relationships with his players, he's absolutely brand new in the role. I know that he's stood in previously for Rashid, etc. So long term is just keep on improving the side, developing the side. I'm really looking forward to the next couple of games. We're much, much better than what we showed here. Getting the guys focused and long term, where do you want to go? I mean, we've seen the development of Afghanistan pretty historically and it's been exponential. So we want to, when we're playing these series, we want to come here and win this series. There's plenty of work to be done as you can see, Pybus concluded.
Women's Team Showed Solidarity With 2025 Men's Stance On Asia Cup Trophy: BCCI Secy Saikia
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia reflected on the Indian women's team's decision to decline the Asia Cup trophy and cheque from the Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi after their triumphant campaign, stating that the team showed complete solidarity with the precedent set by the men's team last year. The Indian women's team opted not to take the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi after winning the continental showpiece for the record-extending eighth time, following their 72-run win against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. did not turn up to receive their trophy from Naqvi, who is also the Federal Minister for Interior in Pakistan. The move mirrored the decision of the mens team which did the same after winning the mens Asia Cup beating Pakistan in 2025. Our men's team won the Asia Cup a year and a half ago. Our overall situation changed after the Pahalgam incident in April 2025, Saikia told IANS. Following that event, citizens across the country called on us to sever all ties and refrain from playing cricket with the neighbouring nation. However, our central government has a clear policy that we should participate against every country in multi-nation tournaments. We respect and strictly abide by that policy, and the BCCI remains ready to play in all multi-nation events. Saikia made it clear that fulfilling international sporting commitments does not equate to accepting all conditions. Our relations with that country have deteriorated significantly since April 2025, and ongoing operations continue. We simply cannot accept a trophy from one of their main leader who acts against our country. Just as our men's team chose not to take the trophy, our women's team made the conscious decision to stand by that same move, he added. It doesnt diminish the performances of our team. Our team played superbly. In the men's tournament, we defeated Pakistan three times. This time, we defeated Pakistan once and won against Sri Lanka. We have won every match convincingly, without any close contests, which is a source of great pride. Women's cricket is rising in our country, and there is no greater proof than our recent achievements. Last November, we won the 50-over World Cup. Recently, we went to Lord's and defeated England in a Test match, and today, we won the Asia Cup. In 15 to 20 days, we will head to the Asian Games to compete for the gold medal. We are also actively working on our strategy for the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup. Whether we win the trophy or not, the entire world and everyone watching from India knows how exceptionally well our women's team played and how they outshone the competition. Our team has come a long way, and that is what matters most, said Saikia. Everything went very well. We won, and everyone is extremely happy. Everyone is proud of their performance, and the biggest thing is that our countrys name is shining bright. There could be no greater cause for happiness than this. Everyone put in complete hard work; the entire team performed exceptionally, and our support staff worked tirelessly, which resulted in us winning this tournament so easily, he told IANS hours after the game. Saikia further lauded the womens cricket team for their eighth Asia Cup title and said, Everything went very well. We won, and everyone is extremely happy. Everyone is proud of their performance, and the biggest thing is that our countrys name is shining bright. There could be no greater cause for happiness than this. Everyone put in complete hard work; the entire team performed exceptionally, and our support staff worked tirelessly, which resulted in us winning this tournament so easily, he said. Saikia further lauded the womens cricket team for their eighth Asia Cup title and said, Everything went very well. We won, and everyone is extremely happy. Everyone is proud of their performance, and the biggest thing is that our countrys name is shining bright. There could be no greater cause for happiness than this. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Currently, there are no such plans. Right now, our focus is on tomorrow, as our team will be leaving for Japan via Delhi. So, all our attention is set on the Asian Games starting in Japan, where our matches are scheduled for the 18th, 20th and 22nd. Our goal is to bring home the gold medal, and that is our sole objective. Article Source: IANS
Brics declaration balances tariffs, sanctions and West Asia concerns: GTRI
At the 18th Brics Summit, the New Delhi Declaration has criticised tariffs, sanctions and carbon trade measures linked to Western countries without naming them
Women's team followed men's lead in declining Asia Cup trophy, says BCCI Secy Saikia
Digital Desk | Dubai, Sep 14 (IANS) BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia reflected on the Indian women's team's decision to decline the Asia Cup trophy and cheque from the Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi after their triumphant campaign, stating that the team showed complete solidarity with the precedent set by the men's team last year. The Indian women's team opted not to take the Asia Cup trophy from Naqvi after winning the continental showpiece for the record-extending eighth time, following their 72-run win against Sri Lanka at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. did not turn up to receive their trophy from Naqvi, who is also the Federal Minister for Interior in Pakistan. The move mirrored the decision of the mens team which did the same after winning the mens Asia Cup beating Pakistan in 2025. Our men's team won the Asia Cup a year and a half ago. Our overall situation changed after the Pahalgam incident in April 2025, Saikia told IANS. Following that event, citizens across the country called on us to sever all ties and refrain from playing cricket with the neighbouring nation. However, our central government has a clear policy that we should participate against every country in multi-nation tournaments. We respect and strictly abide by that policy, and the BCCI remains ready to play in all multi-nation events. Saikia made it clear that fulfilling international sporting commitments does not equate to accepting all conditions. Our relations with that country have deteriorated significantly since April 2025, and ongoing operations continue. We simply cannot accept a trophy from one of their main leader who acts against our country. Just as our men's team chose not to take the trophy, our women's team made the conscious decision to stand by that same move, he added. It doesnt diminish the performances of our team. Our team played superbly. In the men's tournament, we defeated Pakistan three times. This time, we defeated Pakistan once and won against Sri Lanka. We have won every match convincingly, without any close contests, which is a source of great pride. Women's cricket is rising in our country, and there is no greater proof than our recent achievements. Last November, we won the 50-over World Cup. Recently, we went to Lord's and defeated England in a Test match, and today, we won the Asia Cup. In 15 to 20 days, we will head to the Asian Games to compete for the gold medal. We are also actively working on our strategy for the 2028 ICC T20 World Cup. Whether we win the trophy or not, the entire world and everyone watching from India knows how exceptionally well our women's team played and how they outshone the competition. Our team has come a long way, and that is what matters most, said Saikia. Everything went very well. We won, and everyone is extremely happy. Everyone is proud of their performance, and the biggest thing is that our countrys name is shining bright. There could be no greater cause for happiness than this. Everyone put in complete hard work; the entire team performed exceptionally, and our support staff worked tirelessly, which resulted in us winning this tournament so easily, he told IANS hours after the game. Saikia further lauded the womens cricket team for their eighth Asia Cup title and said, Everything went very well. We won, and everyone is extremely happy. Everyone is proud of their performance, and the biggest thing is that our countrys name is shining bright. There could be no greater cause for happiness than this. Everyone put in complete hard work; the entire team performed exceptionally, and our support staff worked tirelessly, which resulted in us winning this tournament so easily, he said. Asked if there was any felicitation planned for the winning side, Saikia said that the focus was firmly on bringing back the gold medal from the Asian Games being held in Japan. Currently, there are no such plans. Right now, our focus is on tomorrow, as our team will be leaving for Japan via Delhi. So, all our attention is set on the Asian Games starting in Japan, where our matches are scheduled for the 18th, 20th and 22nd. Our goal is to bring home the gold medal, and that is our sole objective.
New wave of Houthi missile strikes in southern Saudi Arabia, claims Irans Press TV
Riyadh , September 14 : Iranian state-owned Press TV on Monday claimed that a new wave of Houthi missile strikes was reported towards Saudi Arabia, with strong explosions rocking areas in the southern part of the country. Al Jazeera reported that Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence issued and subsequently lifted a warning for residents in Khamis Mushait and Abha in the southwestern region for the second time within an hour. Khamis Mushait and Abha are located in southwestern Saudi Arabia, near the border with Yemen. The warnings came amid reported strikes by the Houthis, who control the most populous parts of Yemen and large areas in the north. The group has been launching strikes towards Saudi Arabia since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July, with strikes targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, according to Al Jazeera. Amid the ongoing strikes, hospitals along Yemens western coast have been struggling to provide healthcare amid disruptions to the medical system, Al Jazeera reported. Lou Cormack, Yemen Country Director at Doctors Without Borders, said there were huge gaps in the hospital system along Yemens western coast. Over the weekend weve had the evacuation of all hospitals, and for a while the essential activities we managed to maintain in the Mocha general hospital were the only ones available, Cormack told Al Jazeera. She said some hospitals had started to resume operations, but the healthcare system continued to face major shortages and was struggling to find staff to keep facilities running. We are seeing that some of the hospitals are starting to come back online, but the system still has huge gaps and we are trying to find people just to keep the hospitals running, Cormack said. Its a big population on the west coast and, like all communities, they need just everyday access to healthcare. Mums keep delivering, babies still keep getting sick, life just goes on, and if theres nowhere to access care then people can die as a result of that, she added The tightening of the grip on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait by Iran-backed rebels comes as they target ships transiting for Saudi Arabian oil exports on a route which is an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported. On Sunday (local time), the militant group struck weapons depots and command and control rooms at the military base in Saudi Arabia's Sharurah region, Houthis Yahya Saree said on X. According to Al Jazeera, two people were injured in a Houthi strike along Saudi Arabias border. According to CBS News, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has asked US President Donald Trump to take military action against Houthis, which he reportedly declined. These developments come as BRICS nations, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE, have called for peace in the region. In the New Delhi declaration on Saturday, the BRICS nations expressed deep concern over the continued escalation of tensions in West Asia and called for maximum restraint, as well as avoiding actions that could further aggravate the situation. The nations also urged ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations in their entirety and interconnectedness, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the States. BRICS called for dialogue and diplomacy towards a long-term understanding that will contribute to lasting peace, security and stability in the region and maintain the smooth flow of global trade, supply chains and energy, in accordance with applicable international law. (ANI)
Brent crude jumps above $107 amid escalating Middle East tensions
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Crude oil prices jumped sharply on Monday, with Brent crude rising above $107 a barrel, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East raising fears of disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent for November delivery gained 3.20 per cent to $107.82 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for October rose 3.20 per cent to $103.2, extending last weeks rally that pushed both contracts back above the $100 mark. Markets remained focused on security developments in the Gulf and Red Sea shipping lanes which faced severe disruptions as Houthi forces seized key ports, which underpin a large share of the worlds seaborne oil trade. The surge in oil prices followed reports that Saudi Arabia temporarily shut its EastWest pipeline after drone attacks and that a merchant vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, with Iranian authorities saying one person was killed and three injured. Iran has tightened control over the strait, requiring vessels to seek permission to transit and considering a mechanism to impose service fees, while noncompliant ships have faced strikes. The United States also bombed the Iranian coastline to challenge the Islamic republic's control of the strait. Meanwhile, Oman also postponed talks between Iran and Gulf states on the future of the strategic waterway. Brent prices have risen over 30 per cent from lows recorded in early August after efforts to secure a permanent agreement between the US and Iran to halt attacks failed to materialise. Fighting resumed later in August, adding to concerns over the security of crude supplies from the Gulf region. Supply worries have been compounded by a steep fall in Saudi Arabias oil production. Saudi Arabia reported to OPEC that it produced 6.2 million barrels per day in August, the lowest monthly output recorded in 2026 and 23 per cent below July levels. The decline comes after Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen threatened oil shipments from Saudi Arabias west coast.
Ganesh Chaturthi inspires us to move forward on path of progress: Prez Murmu
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Monday extended heartfelt Ganesh Chaturthi greetings to the countrymen and wished for happiness and prosperity in people's lives. Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, who is revered as the deity of wisdom, prosperity and new beginnings and is traditionally invoked before important undertakings. In a statement, President Murmu said, On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad. Calling Lord Shri Ganesha a symbol of wisdom, prudence, prosperity, and beginnings, the President said, The celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi infuses energy, knowledge, and positivity into our lives. This holy festival inspires us to move forward on the path of progress with new resolutions in life. I pray that Lord Shri Ganesha brings happiness, peace, good health, and prosperity to everyone's life. May we all pledge to contribute to nation-building, she added. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, particularly in Maharashtra, with devotees bringing beautifully crafted Ganesha idols into their homes and public pandals. Elaborate decorations, devotional ceremonies and cultural programmes are held during the festivities, while devotees offer prayers, flowers, sweets and other offerings to the deity. This year, Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated on September 14, marking the beginning of the festive period dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The celebrations will culminate in Anant Chaturdashi on September 25, when devotees traditionally bid farewell to the deity through immersion processions. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended heartfelt greetings to citizens on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, praying that the sacred festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha brings renewed energy, enthusiasm and prosperity to people's lives and contributes to the country's continued progress. In a post on X, PM Modi said, Heartfelt Ganesh Chaturthi wishes to all my fellow citizens. May this sacred festival of darshan and worship of the Remover of Obstacles infuse new energy and fresh enthusiasm into everyone's lives. May all endeavours succeed through His divine blessings, and may the nation continue to advance on the path of constant progress -- this is my prayer. Ganpati Bappa Morya! PM Modi also shared a Sanskrit verse in his post, offering prayers to Lord Shri Vinayaka and highlighting his divine attributes.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday extended heartfelt greetings to citizens on the occasion of Hindi Diwas, highlighting the role of the language in public communication, good governance and national integration, while calling for the empowerment of all Indian languages. In a post on X, HM Shah said, Heartfelt greetings to all fellow citizens on Hindi Diwas. As the official language, Hindi is playing a vital role in strengthening public communication, good governance, and national integration. Hindi, which moves forward alongside all Indian languages, is now also becoming the language of technology and research. On the occasion of Official Language Day, I pay my respects to all the great personalities who have made an unforgettable contribution to enriching Hindi. Let us, on this occasion, resolve to empower all Indian languages, including Hindi, he added. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his greetings, describing Hindi as an important expression of Indias culture, civilisation and values. Singh posted on X, Hindi is not merely a language, but a powerful expression of Indias culture, civilization, and life values. It is the language that weaves our diversity into the thread of unity. Enhancing the glory of Hindi is an act of honoring our rich linguistic and cultural heritage. Let us resolve to preserve, promote, and propagate Hindi, and make it even more robust in the fields of knowledge, science, technology, and innovation. Heartfelt greetings to all Hindi enthusiasts on Hindi Diwas. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also wished people on the occasion, posting on X, Heartfelt wishes to all on Hindi Diwas. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his greetings, emphasising the languages connection with Indias cultural identity and national unity. Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all Hindi enthusiasts and residents of the state on Hindi Diwas. Hindi is a powerful expression of our cultural consciousness, national unity, and Indian identity. Let us all come together and resolve to honor, promote, and widely use the Hindi language, posted CM Yogi on X. Hindi Diwas is observed every year on September 14 to commemorate the adoption of Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union by the Constituent Assembly on September 14, 1949. The observance of Hindi Diwas began on September 14, 1953, and has continued since then.
New Delhi, Sep 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on Monday congratulated the Indian women's cricket team for winning the T20 Asia Cup Championship, with both terming the triumph a proud moment for Indian. Harmanpreet Kaur-led Team India defeated Sri Lanka by 72 runs in Dubai on Sunday to lift their record-extending eighth Asia Cup title. A proud moment for Indian cricket! Congratulations to the Women's team on winning the Asia Cup, Modi said in a post on 'X'. The prime minister said the confidence of the players, their consistency and remarkable spirit were on full display throughout the tournament. May this triumph inspire millions of youngsters across the country to play more and shine, he said The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, also expressed pleasure over the victory, saying that the girls in blue are a source of inspiration for our youth, especially our daughters. They are a source of great inspiration for our youth, especially our daughters. I am sure, they will script many more inspiring chapters of success and excellence, she said in a post on X. My heartiest congratulations to all the members of Team India on winning Women's T20 Asia Cup Championship 2026. They played superbly as a team throughout the tournament, winning all the matches. They have done the country proud, the President said.
Rain, thunderstorms likely in Delhi today; heavy rain alert in 10 states
IMD has forecast another spell of rainfall in the capital, with isolated heavy showers likely through September 17; Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala and parts of the northeast also under heavy rain alert
Why the BRICS summit was a major diplomatic win for India
The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi is being seen as a significant diplomatic achievement for India. From pushing reforms in global governance to strengthening trade cooperation and facilitating dialogue among rival nations, the summit highlighted Indias growing role as a bridge between competing global powers. Heres a look at the key outcomes and why the New Delhi Declaration matters.
Woman On Sports Bike Hit By Car In Gurugram For Asking Driver To Stay Away
The clip quickly went viral, drawing support from several social media users. Many tagged Delhi Police, Gurugram Police, Gurugram Traffic Police and Haryana Police, urging authorities to take action against the driver.
Women's Asia Cup: Prez Murmu lauds Indian team, calls them source of great inspiration for youth
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu on Monday lauded the Indian women's cricket team for their Asia Cup win, stating that the players are a source of great inspiration for India's youth, while adding that they have made the country proud. India won the Women's Asia Cup for a record-extending eighth time, defeating Sri Lanka by 72 runs in the 2026 Asia Cup final on Sunday. In a post on X, President Murmu said, My heartiest congratulations to all the members of Team India on winning Women's T20 Asia Cup Championship 2026. They played superbly as a team throughout the tournament, winning all the matches. They have done the country proud. They are a source of great inspiration for our youth, especially our daughters. I am sure, they will script many more inspiring chapters of success and excellence, she added. The Women in Blue starred across all departments to avenge their 2024 final loss to Sri Lanka, as they continued to boss the Lankan side in the Asia Cup finals. This was India's sixth win against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup finals, including the ODI format and the 2004 tournament when India beat Sri Lanka 5-0 in the two-team tournament. India posted a strong total of 183/5, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana setting things up with a record 129-run stand for the opening wicket and scoring strong half-centuries. The Indian bowlers backed things pretty well as Shree Charani picked up four wickets, while Deepti Sharma also scalped two wickets to take the Women in Blue home. Shafali and Mandhana laid the foundation for the win with their 129-run stand. Shafali smashed 68 from 39 balls and also hit the fastest half-century in the history of the tournament, when she raised her bat for the milestone off just 24 deliveries. Mandhana made a composed 59 from 39 balls, but Sri Lanka made a strong comeback in the latter half of the innings. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur struggled at No.3, falling for 14 before Richa Ghosh was also removed for 17, while G Kamalini, playing her first match of the tournament, made a five-ball 15 to give the Women in Blue a strong finish. Brief Scores: India 183/5 (Shafali Verma 68, Smriti Mandhana 59; Mithali Ayodhya 1-33) beat Sri Lanka 111/10 (Chamari Athapaththu 36, Nilakshika Silva 22; Shree Charani 4-20, Deepti Sharma 3-19) by 72 runs.
Fleming arrival leaves Trescothick in limbo
New Delhi, Sep 13: Marcus Trescothick is uncertain about his future with the England Test side, as Stephen Fleming is set to take over as the permanent head coach. Trescothick served as the interim head coach of the Three Lions during their recent historic 3-0 home victory over Pakistan, following Brendon McCullums departure from the []
Delhi-NCR braces for another spell of rain, dry weather likely from September 17
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The national capital is likely to witness another spell of rain on Monday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting light showers at several places during the day. Delhi has experienced intermittent rainfall over the past few weeks, and similar conditions are expected to persist in the coming days. According to the IMD's latest forecast, the city will have a generally cloudy sky, with very light to light rain likely at a few places during the morning. Another spell of light rain may occur from the afternoon through the evening. The maximum temperature is likely to remain between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to settle between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius. The weather is expected to remain variable through the rest of the week. The IMD has forecast very light to light rain in Delhi on September 15 and 16, with generally cloudy conditions and showers likely at a few places from the forenoon to the afternoon hours. During these two days, the maximum temperature is expected to range between 31 and 35 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to remain between 22 and 25 degrees Celsius. However, the weather is likely to turn comparatively drier from September 17 to September 19. The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies on these three days, with no rain expected. Day temperatures during this period may rise to between 33 degrees Celsius and 36 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures are likely to remain between 22 degrees Celsius and 26 degrees Celsius. Delhi had also experienced rainfall and overcast conditions on Saturday, while Sunday brought a temporary break from showers. Several parts of the city received rain on Saturday. As per IMD data, Safdarjung recorded 3.4 mm of rainfall between 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. on Saturday. Lodi Road and Ayanagar received 0.5 mm each, while Palam recorded trace rainfall. No rainfall was reported at Ridge during the same period. The 24-hour rainfall recorded until 8.30 a.m. stood at 1.8 mm in Safdarjung, 4.7 mm in Palam, 2.4 mm in Lodi Road, 10.6 mm in Ridge and 10.3 mm in Ayanagar.
Divyanshi dials back federation criticism after Asiad setback
New Delhi, Sep 13: Wushu player Divyanshi Choudhary has dialled down her anger against the sports national federation after being dropped from the Asian Games squad due to an injury, saying she has full support of the governing body to make a stronger comeback. Divyanshi was included in the seven-member wushu team for the Aichi-Nagoya []
Asian Para Games: Shuttler Prema Vishwas alleges selection bias
New Delhi, Sep 13: Indias international para-badminton shuttler Prema Vishwas has issued an emotional public appeal, alleging that her official entry for the upcoming AichiNagoya 2026 Asian Para Games was deliberately delayed, which resulted in its rejection. Taking to social media to seek Prime Minister Narendra Modis immediate intervention, the WH1 category athlete questioned the []
Iranian cargo ship struck; talks between Tehran, neighbours postponed
Cairo, Sep 14: An Iranian cargo vessel was struck early Sunday off Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said, and Tehran postponed a plan to brief neighbouring countries on its contested efforts to manage shipping in the strait. The attack drew attention back to the strait after threats to shipping in the Red Sea intensified last week. Iran-backed Houthi rebels battling government forces in Yemen captured an island on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a crucial shipping alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency quoted the Qeshm governor as blaming a errorist enemy for Sunday's attack, which it said killed one and wounded four. There was no immediate comment by the US military, which has struck Iranian-flagged vessels during its blockade of Iranian ports and faces a new threat from Iranian ballistic missiles launched at its warships. Qeshm Island, about 22 kilometres from the port city of Bandar Abbas, is key to Iran asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz. Hours before the attack, Iran's government remained defiant. Our people can't be bullied into submission. Iran won't surrender, President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a social media post. US President Donald Trump disagreed, saying on Sunday that Iran wants to make a deal so bad that hey're calling constantly. Trump spoke at his golf course in Doonbeg, Ireland, where he was attending a tournament. Later, when asked by a reporter whether the US struck the Iranian cargo vessel early Sunday in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, I don't want to say. He then boarded Air Force One to head back to Washington. Iran aims to brief regional countries on the strait Iran had said foreign ministers from regional countries would meet Monday in Oman to discuss efforts by Iran and Oman, located on the other side of the strait, to manage shipping on it. But the foreign minister of Oman, Badr Albusaidi, said on X late Sunday that the meeting had been postponed in the interests of consensus. Iran and Oman agreed to postpone the talks at the request of some regional countries, said Mohammad Ali Bak, an official in Iran's foreign ministry who was quoted by IRNA on X. Saudi Arabia has submitted amendments to the Iran-Oman agreement, citing concerns that the emerging deal could have lasting implications for the Strait of Hormuz that could negatively impact other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, according to a Gulf official familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Commercial ship traffic remains low in the Strait of Hormuz as attacks continue on what was seen as an international waterway before the US and Israel launched the war on February 28. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations monitor said Sunday that a vessel was hit by a projectile while transiting the strait, though it was not clear if this was referring to the attack Iran had reported off Qeshm. The monitor said a severe fire had broken out and that local authorities were evacuating those on board. The US has asserted that plenty of oil is getting out as its military helps to guide ships along Oman's coast, at the risk of being struck. Before the meeting in Oman was postponed, only Iraq had publicly confirmed plans to attend. Bahrain had said it would not attend, citing a lack of diplomatic relations with Tehran. Since early in the war, Iran has expressed interest in having ships pay fees for transit. It has said traffic into the Persian Gulf would pass through Iranian waters, while the outbound route would pass partly through Iranian waters and partly through Oman's. There had been some optimism in the region about the planned meeting, with hope that Gulf nations might use it to assert a collective response to a war they had no part in starting. For months, they have faced Iranian attacks that Tehran has claimed target US military assets on their lands. On Sunday, Iran's president said he had a good talk over the weekend with a top official from the United Arab Emirates on the sidelines of a global summit of leading developing nations. Iran has fired thousands of missiles and drones at the Gulf country, a close US ally. Pezeshkian said he met with Abu Dhabi's crown prince, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, while attending the BRICs summit in New Delhi. We talked about the issues of concern so that it's possible to put the past behind us, to look toward the future and how we can build the future together, Pezeshkian said. His comments were aired live on Iranian state television.
In a first, Vande Mataram played after the national anthem in Delhi
Vande Mataram, penned by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, was played after national anthem Jana Gana Mana before start of Indias first T20I against Afghanistan here. on Sunday.
Hartalika Teej 2026 date and time: When to observe vrat and perform puja, fasting rules and rituals
Hartalika Teej 2026 will be observed on September 14, with devotees worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and observing traditional fasting and puja rituals. The festival is associated with Goddess Parvatis determination to marry Shiva and is regarded as a symbol of devotion, patience and commitment. Here is the date, Delhi puja muhurat, vrat vidhi and significance.
Opposition CMs Skip BRICS Meet as BJP Chief Ministers Attend Delhi Dinner
Several Chief Ministers (CMs) of opposition-ruled states skipped the two-day BRICS summit-related programme in New Delhi, even as all of them were invited to the high-profile meeting that concluded on Sunday. While CMs of Telangana Revanth Reddy and Himachal Pradesh Sukhvinder
Gujarat to global: How idea to fix pollution has lessons for Delhi
An Indian emissions trading scheme is now inspiring global environmental solutions. This innovative approach incentivizes industries to reduce pollution effectively. Gujarat's successful pilot program demonstrated significant emission reductions and cost savings. The scheme is now expanding across India and attracting international interest. This model offers a competitive advantage for industries embracing cleaner practices.
Mirwaiz, Aga Hassan, Imran Ansari call for dialogue, restraint during meet with Iranian FM
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, along with Aga Syed Hassan and Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi and exchanged views on the grave situation confronting the region, the need for restraint and diplomacy, and the importance of safeguarding unity within the Muslim Ummah. During the interaction, the delegation, as per a statement, conveyed solidarity with the people of Iran and expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and the climate of fear and insecurity created by war. They also referred to the continuing devastation in Palestine and the loss of life and instability in Lebanon, saying the widening cycle of conflict had created an extremely serious situation across the region. Mirwaiz said that at such a critical moment, wisdom, restraint and statesmanship were needed more than ever. War only multiplies human suffering. However serious the differences may be, endless confrontation cannot resolve them. Ultimately, even the most difficult disputes have to return to dialogue, engagement and negotiation, he said. He stressed that the present conflicts must not be allowed to deepen sectarian divisions within the Muslim world. At a time when Muslims in many parts of the world are already facing Islamophobia, insecurity and uncertainty, he said political rivalries and sectarian differences should not be permitted to further weaken the Ummah. Our differences must never overcome the larger bonds of faith, brotherhood and shared humanity. The suffering of people in Iran, Palestine, Lebanon and elsewhere should bring us closer in compassion and responsibility, not push us further apart, Mirwaiz said. He recalled the historic association of Iran with Srinagars Jama Masjid, including the commemorative gathering held there following the passing of Imam Ruhollah Khomeini (RA) in 1989. He also recalled Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khameneis historic visit to Kashmir in the early years following the Islamic Revolution, when he addressed the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid in the presence of Shaheed-e-Millat Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq (RA), stressing the message of the Quran, brotherhood and Shia-Sunni unity. On the occasion, Mirwaiz presented Foreign Minister Araghchi with a specially crafted walnut-wood souvenir depicting the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, symbolising the enduring cultural and spiritual bonds between the people of Kashmir and Iran. Referring to the wider regional and global situation, Mirwaiz said South Asias own experience had demonstrated the heavy human cost of prolonged tensions and unresolved disputes and had reinforced the need for sustained engagement and dialogue. He said India, with its legacy of Mahatma Gandhis philosophy of Ahimsa, could play a constructive role in encouraging restraint, diplomacy and peaceful engagement at a time of growing international tensions. The grave challenges facing our world cannot be settled through ever-widening wars. Confrontation will only aggravate them. Human dignity has no sect or nationality, and every innocent life is precious. We must remain on the right side of history on the side of justice, humanity and peace, Mirwaiz said. The delegation expressed hope that the present crisis would not widen further and that diplomacy, dialogue and reconciliation would prevail over confrontation.
Elected govt remains deprived of full powers even after 2 years: Dr Farooq Abdullah
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Sunday said the Union Government must take serious and meaningful measures to address the growing sense of alienation, disappointment and distrust among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that although elections were held in J&K, the elected government has remained deprived of full powers even after two years, which is contrary to democratic, constitutional and moral principles. Dr Farooq, as per a party statement, said that the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, were a major mistake by New Delhi, and the sooner the Central Government rectifies this mistake, the better it will be for the unity, integrity and democratic system of the country. He said that the Centre will eventually have to restore Jammu and Kashmirs special position, and the National Conference will continue its struggle for this demand until it is achieved. The party, he said, will continue to raise the issue of restoration of J&Ks constitutional and democratic rights in every Assembly, Parliament and other appropriate forum. Expressing strong resentment over the continued extension of the Union Territory system in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Farooq said that the people had given a mandate through their votes to an elected government to run the affairs of the region and address their problems and difficulties. However, New Delhi has imposed an undemocratic system over the elected government, creating hurdles in its efforts to provide relief to the people and resolve their day-to-day issues. He said that the demand for restoration of statehood is being pursued precisely to enable the J&K government to serve the people more effectively and reduce, to the extent possible, the multiple difficulties confronting them. He made it clear that demanding restoration of statehood in no way means that the National Conference has abandoned its demand for restoration of special status. Our party will continue, under all circumstances, to struggle for restoration of the constitutional rights that the people of Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed under the Constitution of India. We will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for this cause, he said. Dr Farooq said that despite the toughest challenges, hurdles and constraints, the present National Conference government is making every possible effort to provide relief to the people, strengthen the infrastructure for development and ensure the delivery of essential and basic services. He said that National Conference legislators are also continuously available in their respective constituencies, listening to peoples grievances and making every possible effort to address them. He reiterated that the National Conference remains firmly committed to its basic and principled position and said that Safeguarding the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir remains the partys foremost priority.
US Fed interest rate, inflation data and oil to drive markets
New Delhi, Sep 13: The US Fed interest rate decision, domestic inflation data, crude oil prices and development in West Asia would be the major drivers for stock market movement in a holiday-shortened week ahead, analysts said. Equity markets would remain closed on Monday for Ganesh Chaturthi. Globally, developments in the US-Iran conflict and movement []
Sebi expiry reforms target volatility, manipulation
New Delhi, Sep 13: Market experts have backed Sebis proposed overhaul of the expiry-day trading framework, saying the changes could address key sources of volatility and manipulation in the closing auction while making the settlement process simpler and more transparent. The comments come after markets regulator Sebi floated a consultation paper on Saturday proposing changes []
Russia imports record fuel from India as Ukraine targets refineries
New Delhi, Sep 13: Russia imported a record 172,000 tonnes of oil products in August, including gasoline refined from Russian crude at a refinery in India that is partly owned by Russias Rosneft, as Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted Moscows domestic refining capacity, according to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean []
In Delhis Atal Canteens, food to fill a stomach
For thousands of people, Atal Canteens have become a daily stop for a meal that costs5. In December 2025, the Delhi government started the first canteens. They are now at 100 locations across the city, providing close to 50,000 meals every day.Nikhil M. Babu reports on howthese spaces attract people from different walks of life, even as some complain about the quality of the food served
New Delhi, Sep 13:Prime Minister Narendra Modi held 15 sit-down bilateral meetings with heads of states or heads of governments in the last three days on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. Government sources said on Sunday that in addition to these bilateral deliberations, the prime minister also had pull-aside meetings with various world leaders and leaders of international institutions. The leaders with whom Modi had the bilateral meetings included Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi also had bilateral meetings with his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Philippines Ferdinand R Marcos Jr and Uganda's Vice President Jessica Alupo, besides others. India hosted the BRICS Summit on September 12-13 and it was attended by the leaders of the 11 member countries and 10 partner countries of the grouping, besides some international organisations.
New Delhi, Sep 13:Prime Minister NarendraModi on Sunday sought to project BRICS as a platform through which the Global South can have a greater voice in shaping international solutions, saying the grouping's credibility had grown because the experiences and concerns of developing countries were being heard and addressed collectively. From my personal experience, I can say that the Global South countries confidence in BRICS has grown, because within BRICS: Their voices are heard. Their experiences are respected. And solutions are developed not for them, but together with them, PM Modi said. His remarks came as India has increasingly sought to position itself as a voice for the developing world and use groupings such as BRICS to promote a more inclusive model of global growth. The PM said the strength of BRICS lay in its diversity and cooperation, with member countries rooted in different realities but able to advance together. We may be rooted in different realities, but together, we rise through cooperation, and blossom for humanity, he said. PM Modi said India had initiated the BRICS MSME Cooperation Portal to connect small enterprises with knowledge, finance and new markets. The BRICS Urban Mobility Hub had also been established to facilitate the sharing of best practices among cities, he said. The PM said BRICS' wider objective was to ensure that the benefits of solutions developed within the grouping were not restricted to its members. Building on these four pillars, through BRICS we have sought to promote inclusive global growth, he said. We believe that the benefits of solutions developed within BRICS should not remain confined to BRICS alone. They should be made adaptable and accessible to meet the needs of the Global South, PM Modi said. He also linked India's approach to development with its civilisational view of the environment, saying nature had traditionally been accorded the status of a mother. In Indian civilisation, nature has been accorded the status of a mother, the PM said. For centuries, we have believed that development and the environment are not alternatives to each other, but are complementary. He said BRICS had similarly emphasised the need to strike a balance between human development and the environment. This is the foundation of Sustainability. It is also our responsibility towards future generations, PM Modi said. He said the grouping had made progress on several fronts. For Smart Grids and Energy Storage, BRICS had established the BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence, which, the PM said, would help make clean-energy systems more reliable, efficient and accessible. The Centres of Excellence for Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture would connect traditional knowledge with modern science, he said. PM Modi said principles developed for community-based climate adaptation would make indigenous knowledge an important foundation for climate action. He said these initiatives were part of BRICS' effort to promote inclusive growth and make cooperation within the grouping relevant to countries beyond its membership. The PM again stressed that solutions emerging from BRICS should be adaptable to the needs of the wider Global South rather than remaining confined to the bloc. He said the growing confidence of Global South countries in BRICS was rooted in a sense of participation rather than one-way policymaking. Their voices are heard. Their experiences are respected. And solutions are developed not for them, but together with them, PM Modi said. He said the diversity of the grouping should remain central to its identity and cooperation should drive its future. May our diversity remain our identity, our cooperation become our inspiration, and our progress serve the cause of all humanity, the PM said.
Beyond the New Delhi Declaration
The success of Indias BRICS presidency should not be measured merely by the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. Declarations are important diplomatic instruments, but their real value lies in what they enable beyond the conference hall. For India, the larger dividend of its BRICS leadership lies in diplomacy, security, bilateral engagement, economic opportunities, institutional reform and, importantly, in strengthening its voice in shaping the emerging international order. India assumed the BRICS chair at a particularly turbulent moment. The international system is witnessing geopolitical rivalry, wars, protectionism, sanctions, fragmented supply chains, technological competition and growing dissatisfaction with the existing architecture of global governance. Against this backdrop, New Delhi had the difficult task of keeping an increasingly diverse BRICS together while ensuring that Indias own strategic and developmental interests remained firmly on the agenda. The outcome, therefore, needs to be assessed on a wider canvas than the summit declaration. A significant diplomatic gain One of the most important gains for India is the continuing effort to place terrorism firmly at the centre of the BRICS security agenda. The condemnation of the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir at the BRICS level was particularly significant. India had argued that condemnation of terrorism must be a matter of principle, not diplomatic convenience. The BRICS consensus gave political weight to that position. For New Delhi, this is more than a symbolic statement. Cross-border terrorism affecting Jammu & Kashmir has long been one of Indias central security concerns. India has consistently maintained that terrorism cannot be compartmentalised according to political convenience and that there can be no distinction between good and bad terrorism. The significance of raising the issue in BRICS is that Indias security concerns are thereby located within the larger international struggle against terrorism rather than treated merely as a bilateral India-Pakistan issue. The next step must be practical. BRICS cooperation should produce stronger mechanisms against terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation, safe havens and terrorist networks. India should continue to press for international accountability of those who sponsor, facilitate or finance terrorism. The Pahalgam reference thus represents an important diplomatic gainbut its real value will depend upon whether political condemnation evolves into sustained multilateral action. An institutional legacy Perhaps the most consequential institutional idea associated with Indias presidency is the strengthening of the BRICS Troikathe previous, current and incoming presidencies. BRICS has grown substantially in membership and ambition. Its agenda now covers political and security cooperation, trade, finance, technology, health, agriculture, climate, energy and people-to-people relations. Such expansion makes continuity increasingly important. The annual change of chairmanship can otherwise produce discontinuity. An initiative launched by one presidency may lose momentum under the next. A stronger Troika can preserve institutional memory, coordinate priorities and ensure that important initiatives survive changes in leadership. For India, the strategic advantage is obvious. New Delhis influence need not end when its chairmanship ends. It can continue to participate in the institutional steering process and help ensure that priorities launched under its presidency are carried forward. The proposed use of a digital mechanism to track decisions, responsibilities and implementation can complement the Troika. This could transform BRICS from a largely summit-driven grouping into a more continuous institution. The Troika also has geopolitical significance. An expanded BRICS brings together countries with very different political systems, economic interests and foreign-policy orientations. India and China remain strategic competitors even as dialogue improves; Russia has a distinct relationship with China and the West; Iran and the Gulf countries have complex regional interests. BRICS therefore requires managed diversity, not artificial uniformity. Indias vision of the Troika can help preserve BRICS as a platform for a multipolar and inclusive world rather than allowing it to become an anti-Western bloc. The real success of a presidency is not merely how effectively a country conducts its year in office, but how much of its vision survives after it leaves office. If the Troika becomes an effective continuity mechanism, Indias institutional legacy could extend well beyond 2026. The China dividend The BRICS platform has also provided India with valuable diplomatic space for high-level engagement with China. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping is important not because it resolves the complex India-China relationship, but because sustained dialogue is indispensable to managing it. Indias interests require peace and tranquillity along the border, greater economic balance, protection of national-security interests and continued diplomatic communication. China, meanwhile, remains an important economic and geopolitical power whose influence cannot be ignored. BRICS gives both countries a multilateral setting in which engagement can take place without requiring either side to abandon its larger strategic position. For India, the objective should be neither confrontation for its own sake nor premature normalisation. It should be competitive coexistence with safeguards, reciprocity and respect for Indias sovereignty and security interests. Russia and strategic autonomy The Russia dimension is equally important. Indias relationship with Russia has historically rested on strategic trust, defence cooperation, energy, nuclear power and space. In the present geopolitical environment, however, the relationship requires diversification and modernisation. BRICS provides India with an additional platform to broaden the relationship into trade, technology, energy, connectivity and industrial cooperation. At the same time, Indias Russia policy reinforces the larger principle of strategic autonomy. New Delhis relationships with Russia and the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia and other partners demonstrate that India does not view international relations through the prism of exclusive alliances. That autonomy is becoming increasingly valuable in a fragmented world. The Global South dividend The most enduring political gain from Indias BRICS presidency may be the strengthening of its claim to leadership of the Global South. India has repeatedly argued that emerging and developing economies deserve greater representation in institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the IMF and the World Bank. BRICS provides an important coalition-building platform for that objective. But Indias aspiration should go beyond rhetorical leadership. It should seek practical partnerships in development finance, food and energy security, health, climate resilience, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, agriculture and capacity-building. Indias advantage is that it can speak simultaneously to the developed world and the developing world. It has relationships with Washington and Moscow, Brussels and Beijing, Tokyo and the Gulf, while retaining strong political and economic links across Africa, Latin America and Asia. This gives New Delhi the possibility of becoming a bridge power in an increasingly divided international system. Rhetoric to economic opportunity Economic cooperation is another major area in which India can secure tangible gains. During its chairmanship, India has promoted greater intra-BRICS trade, services, MSME access to finance, resilient supply chains and diversification of global value chains. The Jaipur Consensus and guiding principles for MSME credit are examples of efforts to move towards practical economic cooperation. The discussion on greater use of national currencies and cross-border payment mechanisms is also important. India should approach this issue pragmatically. BRICS need not create a common currency to reduce transaction costs or improve financial resilience. Interoperable payment systems, local-currency settlement and compatible financial infrastructure could themselves generate significant benefits. Indias experience with digital public infrastructure gives it an opportunity to contribute technologically as well as politically. Technology as the new instrument of influence Indias digital transformation is another under-appreciated BRICS asset. Digital public infrastructure, fintech, artificial intelligence, digital health, agriculture technology and affordable technological solutions can become important instruments of Indias development diplomacy. For many developing countries, the Indian model is attractive precisely because it seeks scale and affordability rather than dependence on expensive infrastructure. If India succeeds in making its digital platforms, standards and institutional expertise useful to BRICS partners, it will gain not only commercial opportunities but also standards-setting power. That is a subtler and potentially more durable form of geopolitical influence. A multilateral summit that multiplies bilateral gains One of the practical advantages of hosting BRICS is that a multilateral summit creates multiple bilateral opportunities. India can use the BRICS network to deepen relations in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, education, technology, tourism and culture with member and partner countries. The significance of these bilateral conversations should not be underestimated. In contemporary diplomacy, multilateral platforms often function as accelerators for bilateral negotiations. A successful presidency therefore produces a multiplier effect: one multilateral platform generates many bilateral conversations and potential partnerships. Legal and institutional diplomacy Indias BRICS presidency has also expanded into less traditional areas of diplomacy, including judicial and legal cooperation. The BRICS Justice Ministers engagement on mediation and arbitration, for example, has sought to strengthen capacity-building, institutional reform and cooperation in alternative dispute resolution. For a rapidly expanding trading and investment relationship among BRICS countries, predictable and efficient dispute-resolution mechanisms can have considerable economic significance. Indias legal institutions, universities and professional bodies can thereby become part of a broader network of Global South institutional cooperation. The strategic message The larger strategic message of Indias BRICS presidency is perhaps best captured in three propositions: India can convene without aligning; lead without dominating; and cooperate without surrendering strategic autonomy. This is particularly important because BRICS itself is not homogeneous. Its members have different political systems, economic models and strategic priorities. Its expansion gives it greater geographical weight but simultaneously makes consensus more difficult. Indias success should therefore not be judged by whether BRICS becomes a counterweight to the West. That would be too narrow and ultimately contrary to Indias interests. New Delhis greater objective should be a more representative, multipolar and inclusive international order, in which BRICS is one important pillar but not an instrument of confrontation. The unfinished task The real test begins after the summit. India must ensure that its BRICS initiatives do not remain confined to declarations, seminars and working groups. The next phase must focus on implementationgreater trade and investment, interoperable payment systems, technology partnerships, resilient supply chains, energy cooperation, development finance and mobility of skilled professionals. Similarly, the commitment to combating terrorism must translate into stronger cooperation against terrorist financing, radicalisation and transnational networks. And the Troika must become more than a ceremonial arrangement. It should be empowered to monitor implementation, preserve institutional memory and carry forward the priorities of successive presidencies. India should also continue using BRICS to build support for reform of the global governance architecture while maintaining constructive relations with the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia and other partners. Beyond the Declaration The New Delhi Declaration is therefore only one measure of Indias BRICS success. The deeper gains lie in the diplomatic space India has created with China and Russia; the reaffirmation of its strategic autonomy; the strengthening of its Global South credentials; the internationalisation of its technological and developmental experience; the opportunity to expand trade and investment; the elevation of terrorismincluding the Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmirwithin the BRICS security discourse; and the possibility of institutionalising continuity through the Power Troika. Indias greatest BRICS dividend may ultimately be neither economic nor diplomatic in isolation. It is the gradual transformation of convening power into agenda-setting power. In a fractured world, countries that can bring competing interests to the same table acquire influence disproportionate to their formal power. India has demonstrated that capacity. The challenge now is to convert it into enduring institutions, measurable outcomes and a sustained voice in shaping the international order. The true success of Indias BRICS presidency will not be what was written in the Declaration at New Delhi, but what the world does with the ideas, partnerships and institutions that India leaves behind. Author is a noted Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court and a geo political analyst.
I was a college going student in Delhi in 2012 when the Hindi film Jab Tak Hai Jaan had hit the cinema theaters. There was visible excitement in the air among the audiences because it was a Shah Rukh Khan film directed by the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra. However, what had caught my attention then was that the film had been partly shot in Kashmir because the legendary filmmaker had a deep and undeniable love for the valley. I had not visited Kashmir then and my forays into Kashmir were mostly through books and textual sources and most importantly through the cinematic lens. In that sense, I was visibly excited to see Kashmir come alive on the silver screen time and again. For instance, I can never forget Anushka Sharmas dreamy portrayal of a happy-go-lucky girl serenading along the Dal Lake in Kashmir from the film. The iconic song Jiya Re became the hit that it did back in the day because Kashmirs scenic locales provided a perfect backdrop for it. Another film that I can recall that made me an indelible impression on my mind was filmmaker Vishal Bharadwajs Haider. In my opinion, this film had holistically depicted Kashmir for what it truly was: a paradise lost much like John Miltons masterpiece of the same name. The depiction of the river Jhelum as the river of life and death in the film has remained etched in my mind until today. The film was a visual treat for anybody and everybody. Again, the scenic locales of Kashmir accentuated Shahid Kapoors performance in the film and his soliloquy described the plight of the average Kashmiri like no other film had in the past. Similarly, Alia Bhatts portrayal of a young girl who found her freedom in captivity in the film Highway greatly resonated with me. Her zest for life found expression while she walked around Aru Valley in Kashmir. Much like Imtiaz Alis films, this film redefined the meaning of cinema for me, and enabled me to better understand myself. However, from a cinematic standpoint, the use of the mountainous terrain acted like a metaphor giving the lead protagonist the opportunity to navigate lifes barriers and aim for the top. Salman Khans Bajrangi Bhaijaan too depicted Kashmir as jannat or heaven. The song Bhar do Jholi picturised on the legendary singer Adnan Sami at the Charar-i-Sharif shrine in Kashmir had a transcendental quality attached to it, transporting us to a spiritual reality that we can only aspire to reach in our quotidian existence. Art of Film Appreciation These films are just among the many that have been shot in Kashmirs picturesque valleys in recent years and I have had the privilege of viewing them on the silver screen. These films talk to the audience the way no other platform can. Cinema has a language and vocabulary of its own and the silver screen weaves its own magic every time. While the enduring love for Kashmir has brought filmmakers to Kashmir almost on a routine basis since the 60s and 70s, with films like Junglee (1961), Kashmir ki Kali (1964) and Aradhana (1969) among others being shot in the valley, film making has now inspired a new generation of people like me to study, learn and understand the culture and history of this region. This engagement is likely to benefit Kashmir, especially the local people in several ways. If films are shot in Kashmir, they are likely to become a source of considerable revenue for the state exchequer and the people. Kashmirs portrayal on screen is likely to bridge the gap and make us aware of the realities of the people living in the valley and beyond. Thus, the arrival of filmmakers into the region will come to provide Kashmir with a platform to become a raconteur in its own right and provide its own perspective to a larger audience. Since films bring people together and watching a film is often a richly rewarding collective experience for most, the audience who may have had a clichd understanding of the region may become a muse and may come to assimilate with the local population albeit for a fleeting moment when they may come to engage with specific characters on the screen. If a film is engaging and visually appealing, the spectator could become visibly engrossed with the process of watching the film and the film may become a deeply entrenched part of his identity as well. This is the beauty of cinema as the audience gets transported back in space and time on almost every single occasion. Therefore, the very act of filmmaking enables the translation of vision into action through concerted effort as characters come alive on screen. Putting Kashmir at the Centre of Filmmaking It is now the right time to make Kashmir the protagonist again and bring filmmakers to the valley. Kashmir has recently organised its first international film festival and this is the step in the right direction. The smooth conduct of the film festival transformed Kashmir into a world-class destination for filmmakers and cinema lovers alike. The floating screen on the tranquil waters of the Dal Lake was a win-win in any case for it is distinct and unique. Incidentally, such innovations provide Kashmir with the rare opportunity to demonstrate its own richness and serenity while providing the viewer with a serendipitous experience. However, on a closing note such film festivals should provide more actionable outcomes. Their conduct should lead to the creation of a film ecosystem in Kashmir with film studios and film education institutes coming up in the region. Such film festivals should be organised on a regular basis and this line-of-effort should not remain a one-off event. Such attempts will ensure that Kashmir comes to the foreground in the realm of filmmaking and does not remain relegated to being a pretty backdrop in films. It is possible that a new generation of Kashmiri filmmakers will be born out of this movement and a new cinematic renaissance will have its genesis in Kashmir in the years to come. Author is a political analyst based in New Delhi.
Lets make Srinagar cleaner, greener!
Surrounded by forests and dotted with water bodies, Jammu and Kashmirs summer capital Srinagar was known for fresh air till few years ago. In 2023, Srinagar ranked 4th in a city-wise survey on air quality across the country. In the latest Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2026, Srinagar has obtained 26th rank as per new parameters for measuring air quality. Though it is a matter of concern, it throws a challenge for improving air quality. Srinagar scored 162.6 points while Delhi, which has been topping the countrys worst air quality, has secured the 21st rank with 172 points. The assessment of air quality is based on several parameters including measures to address road dust management, solid waste management, vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, construction waste, demolition waste and other emission sources. Srinagar is grappling with solid waste management of over 600 metric tonnes per day. The problem is compounded by legacy waste of 11 lakh tonnes which has accumulated over decades at Achan landfill site. With rise in temperature, a pungent smell emanating from the landfill site engulfs entire Srinagar and causes air pollution. The National Green Tribunal has passed a slew of directions to ensure scientific garbage disposal at Achan. The J&K Government recently approved a Rs 361-crore 800-TPD Integrated Solid Waste Management project at the site to put in place a mechanism for scientific collection, segregation, processing and disposal capacity. It has been observed that Air quality in Kashmir deteriorates in Autumn and Winter due to temperature inversions and topography. Kashmir is bound by Pir Panjal and Greater Himalayan mountain ranges which lock the valley and prevent air masses from escaping, resulting in a rise in air pollutants. Temperature inversion in Autumn and Winter restricts vertical mixing of air and triggers build-up of haze primarily comprising dust PM10 and PM2.5 and smoke mostly black carbon. The PM2.5 concentration in Srinagars air on January 9, 2023 reached 28.2 g/m, which is 5.6 times over the World Health Organisations air quality values. A byproduct of temperature inversions in Kashmir is a build-up of hazean aerosol mixture composed of fine particles found in smog, smoke, and dust. The trapped aerosols absorb and scatter incoming sunlight, creating a layer of poor visibility. Srinagar is the largest contributor of smog, smoke, and other human-caused aerosols in Kashmir. Rising air pollution levels even caught the attention of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Americas civil space programme and it released a satellite picture of Kashmir Valley shrouded by haze in 2022. Experts have been attributing prevalence of haze and smog to crop burning and temperature inversion phenomenon. As per a study Black carbon in contrasting environments in India: Temporal variability, source apportionment and radiative forcing, air quality is deteriorating fast in ski resort Gulmarg in north Kashmir and Srinagar in central Kashmir due to increased human and mechanical interventions. Black carbon (BC) is a component of particulate matter (PM) in air that is produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials such as gasoline and coal, as well as biomass or biofuels. It absorbs incoming solar energy making it the second significant contributor to global warming, along with CO2, methane, and volatile organic compounds. As per a study published in Lancet, around 10,000 deaths in J&K annually upto 2019 are attributed to air pollution. Pollutants trapped in smog are harmful for the respiratory system of humans, especially young and old children besides people with underlying diseases. Smog lowers the working of lungs and leads to an increase in respiratory ailments. In the last several years, there has been a spurt in respiratory diseases in Kashmir due to air pollution. A study published in Nature Scientific Reports suggests that air quality in Srinagar deteriorates significantly, particularly during winter, where the level of PM2.5 touches a peak value of 348 g/m against the Indian permissible limit of 60 g/m. The haze, laden with high black carbon and particulates induces irritation of the pulmonary tract resulting in frequent coughing, sneezing especially among children and elders. Pollution from cement factories, macadam plants, brick kilns besides emission from old diesel vehicles and burning of solid waste also contribute to deteriorating air quality. The air of Srinagar was so clean that Britishers set up Chest Diseases Hospital over a hillock Rustam Giri at Dalgate in 1880. The hospital was a sanatorium where Tuberculosis patients were supposed to inhale fresh air as there were no anti- biotics available at time to cure these patients who visited the hospital from different countries. Now the same hospital is filled up with patients from Kashmir mainly to treat respiratory ailments due to rising pollution levels. Though under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), several measures are underway to reduce air pollution in Srinagar, more efforts are needed. Government needs to undertake massive plantations in Srinagar by creating green zones, reducing dust cover, and installing covered garbage bins. There is a need to shift to non-conventional clean energy sources like electric vehicles, and electric hamams, incentivising use of public transport to reduce vehicle emissions. Scientific measures to harness renewable energy must be explored to overcome energy shortages. This will subsequently reduce biomass and coal burning. Awareness programmes should be organised to disseminate information about harmful effects of air pollution due to burning of stable, firewood and garbage. Let the government and stakeholders join hands and take measures to make Srinagar greener and cleaner. Let us and our future generations breathe a fresh lease of air. Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir
New Delhis turn at hosting the BRICS summit has arrived at an unusually fraught moment, and the joint declaration that emerged from Bharat Mandapam on Saturday reads less like a routine communiqu and more like a document straining to hold together a bloc pulled in several directions at once. Between a war in Ukraine that refuses to end, an Iran conflict that has drawn in the United States and Israel, and simmering hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, the leaders gathered in India had no shortage of crises to address and precious little consensus on how to address them. For India, though, the summit was never only about the text of a shared statement. It was about the delicate art of being everything to everyone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his opening remarks to insist that BRICS was not against anyone, a line clearly aimed at Washington and European capitals watching from the sidelines. That reassurance matters, because Indias foreign policy has always protected its strategic autonomy: deepening trade and defense ties with the West while keeping old friendships with Moscow and Tehran intact. Xi Jinpings visit - his first to India in seven years - and his sit-down with Modi carried real symbolic weight, coming five years after a deadly border clash pushed the relationship to its lowest point in decades. That the two sides are now talking about restoring transport links and closing a trade gap that runs past $100 billion is a modest but genuine sign of thaw, even if the underlying military standoff in the Himalayas is far from resolved. The test for India now is whether it can convert this summits talk of the Global South as a rule-shaper into something more durable than a slogan. Multipolarity is an easy word to say at a podium. Building the institutions, currencies, and trust required to make it real is a far longer project - one India has only just begun. That is Indias real advantage at BRICS: a scale large enough to matter to both East and West, and the discipline to use it for peace abroad without losing sight of its interests at home.
India can be bridge for peace: Mirwaiz to Iranian FM
New Delhi, Sep 13: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq on Sunday said India, with its legacy of Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of Ahimsa, could play a constructive role in encouraging restraint, diplomacy and peaceful engagement at a time of growing international tensions. The grave challenges facing our world cannot be settled through ever-widening wars. Confrontation will only aggravate them. Human dignity has no sect or nationality, and every innocent life is precious. We must remain on the right side of history on the side of justice, humanity and peace, he said. Mirwaizmade these remarks after meeting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, along with Aga Syed Hassan and Molvi Imran Raza Ansari. During the interaction, the delegation exchanged views on the grave situation confronting the region, the need for restraint and diplomacy, and the importance of safeguarding unity within the Muslim Ummah. The delegation conveyed solidarity with the people of Iran and expressed deep concern over the loss of innocent lives, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and the climate of fear and insecurity created by war. They also referred to the continuing devastation in Palestine and the loss of life and instability in Lebanon, saying the widening cycle of conflict had created an extremely serious situation across the region. Mirwaiz said that at such a critical moment, wisdom, restraint and statesmanship were needed more than ever.War only multiplies human suffering. However big the differences may be, endless confrontation cannot resolve them. Ultimately, even the most difficult disputes have to return to dialogue, engagement and negotiation, he said. He said the present conflicts must notbe allowed todeepen sectarian divisions within the Muslim world. At a time when Muslims in many parts of the world are already facing Islamophobia, insecurity and uncertainty, political rivalries and sectarian differences should not be permitted to further weaken the Ummah, Mirwiaz said.Our differences must never overcome the larger bonds of faith, brotherhood and shared humanity. The suffering of people in Iran, Palestine, Lebanon and elsewhere should bring us closer in compassion and responsibility, not push us further apart. Mirwaizrecalled the historic association of Iranwith Srinagar's Jama Masjid, including the commemorative gathering held there followingthe passing of Imam Khomeiniin 1989. He also recalled Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's historic visit to Kashmir in the early years following the Iranian Revolution, whenheaddressed the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid in the presence of Mirwaiz Moulvi Mohammad Farooq, stressing the message of the Qur'an, brotherhood and Shia-Sunni unity. On the occasion, Mirwaiz presented Foreign Minister Araghchi with a specially crafted walnut-wood souvenir depicting the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, symbolising the enduring cultural and spiritual bonds between the people of Kashmir and Iran. Referring to the wider regional and global situation, Mirwaiz said South Asia's own experience had demonstrated the heavy human cost of prolonged tensions and unresolved disputes and had reinforced the need for sustained engagement and dialogue. The delegation expressed hope that the present crisis would not widen further and that diplomacy, dialogue and reconciliation would prevail over confrontation.
Delhi Metro Plans to Open 10 More Donation Centers for Used Clothes
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces plans for 10 additional donation centers for used clothes to promote recycling and upcycling. Delhi Metro Plans to Open 10 More Donation Centers for Used Clothes
BRICS leaders unveil open-source AI
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned on Sunday that the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals could hinder shared prosperity, urging BRICS to rise through cooperation even as its leaders unveiled mega plans, including an open-source AI ecosystem to assist the Global South. In his address at the concluding session of the BRICS summit []
Automobile service station near Delhi-Jaipur Expressway gutted in fire
BRICS unity against terrorism a major diplomatic success for India: Former DGP Vaid
New Delhi, Sep 13: Former Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir S.P. Vaid on Sunday described the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration by BRICS as a major diplomatic victory for India, particularly its strong condemnation of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and the groupings reaffirmation of zero tolerance towards terrorism. [] The post BRICS unity against terrorism a major diplomatic success for India: Former DGP Vaid appeared first on Northlines .
BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi: Key outcomes, declaration and why it matters
The News Mill
Home Min Amit Shah, Sports Min Mandaviya laud India's historic Women's Asia Cup win
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya were among the political leaders who congratulated the Indian women's team for winning the Asia Cup 2026 after beating Sri Lanka in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. The ministers showered their praise on the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team for clinching their eighth continental showpiece in Dubai. Shah hailed the women's side, emphasising that their win has thrilled the nation. India sets another milestone in Asian cricket, Shah wrote on X. Heartiest congratulations to our champions on clinching the 8th Women's Asia Cup title. You have thrilled the nation with your undisputed dominance throughout the tournament and paved the path of inspiration for millions, he added. Meanwhile, Sports Minister Mandaviya also reacted to the win as he shared a video of the final wicket, which Deepti Sharma took to bowl Sri Lanka out for 111 and secure a 72-run win. Champions of Asia! (Trophy emoji), Mandaviya wrote in the video's caption. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also hailed the Women in Blue for the win. Historic, unprecedented, extraordinary. Heartfelt congratulations to each member of the Indian women's cricket team that won the Women's Asia Cup 2026 title, and heartfelt congratulations to all fellow citizens from the depths of my heart! he wrote on X. This golden victory of yours will not only elevate India's pride to new heights but also give new wings to the dreams of millions of daughters and new strength to their resolve. You all are India's pride. Jai Hind, he added. Meanwhile, Fadnavis also hailed the achievement of the Women in Blue. The Women in Blue have conquered Asia! Team India is now the Women's Asia Cup 2026 Champion. A historic eighth title. One more magnificent chapter in Indian cricket! Superb batting by Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma in the finals. What a team. What a triumph! he wrote on X. Earlier, BCCI Vice-president Rajeev Shukla had also heaped praise on the reigning ODI World champions. What a performance by our Women in Blue! Undefeated throughout the tournament and now Asia Cup champions for the 8th time! Every player stepped up when required. A complete team effort and a proud moment for Indian cricket. Well played, Team India! he wrote on X. Coming to the match, India did very well in both departments. India posted a strong total of 183/5, with Shafali Verma (68) and Smriti Mandhana (59) setting things with a record 129-run stand for the opening wicket and scoring strong half-centuries. The Indian bowlers backed things pretty well as Shree Charani picked up four wickets, while Deepti Sharma also scalped three wickets to take the Women in Blue home.
Progress must serve all humanity: PM Modi at BRICS
Flags global conflicts, calls for resilience, innovation, cooperation, sustainability New Delhi, Sep 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned on Sunday that the weaponisation of technology and critical minerals could hinder shared prosperity, urging BRICS to rise through cooperation even as its leaders unveiled mega plans, including an open-source AI ecosystem to assist the Global South. []
Mirwaiz meets Iranian FM, calls for restraint, dialogue
Says war only multiplies human suffering New Delhi, Sep 13: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, along with Aga Syed Hassan and Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi and exchanged views on the grave situation confronting the region, the need for []
Indias BRICS Moment: A Push for a Fairer World Order
Indias success in securing consensus on reforming the United Nations Security Council is more than a diplomatic achievement. It is a reminder that the architecture built after the Second World War can no longer claim to represent a world that has changed profoundly. The New Delhi Declaration, adopted at the expanded BRICS summit, places the demand for a more representative global order at the centre of the groupings agenda. It also gives India a stronger platform to argue that the Global South must not remain a spectator in decisions that shape its security, prosperity and future. The declarations endorsement of India and Brazils aspirations for a greater role in the United Nations, including permanent membership of the Security Council, is significant. Support from China and Russia, alongside the blocs backing for the legitimate claims of African countries under the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, gives the issue wider political weight. Yet a declaration, however strongly worded, is not reform. The real test will be whether BRICS members can sustain a united position when national interests begin to diverge. The summit has also exposed the deeper imbalance in global economic governance. The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank continue to reflect an outdated distribution of power, while leadership of these institutions remains shaped by inherited conventions rather than open competition. The demand for quota reform, merit-based appointments and a greater voice for emerging economies is therefore justified. But the credibility of this argument will depend on whether larger developing economies are prepared to protect the interests of poorer nations rather than reproduce the same hierarchies within the Global South. BRICS economic initiatives offer a practical dimension to its political message. Local-currency settlements, interoperable payment systems, expanded guarantees, a grain exchange and stronger support for small exporters can reduce vulnerability to sanctions and disruptions in Western financial networks. However, reducing dependence on the dollar is not simply a matter of creating alternative platforms. It requires trust, policy stability, transparent rules and confidence that these mechanisms will not become instruments of political pressure by another name. The summits positions on Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan and terrorism underline the blocs attempt to speak with a common voice on international security. Its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism, including the attack in Jammu and Kashmir, is welcome. At the same time, the insistence on civilian protection, humanitarian access and respect for sovereignty must be applied consistently. A fairer world order cannot be built through selective outrage. The expansive agenda covering public health, mental healthcare, space cooperation, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen and gig-worker protections shows that BRICS is no longer merely a forum for political consultation. It is evolving into an instrument for practical cooperation. Indias challenge now is to ensure that these initiatives move beyond ambitious language and acquire measurable timelines, transparent institutions and public accountability. As the chairship passes to China, New Delhis diplomatic moment will face its first test. India has helped place reform at the centre of the BRICS conversation. It must now help turn that conversation into a sustained, inclusive and credible campaign for a world order that reflects present realities rather than past privilege.
Celebrations Amplified as Hartalika Teej Coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi
Women in New Delhi celebrate Hartalika Teej with enthusiasm, especially as it coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi, enhancing the festive spirit. Celebrations Amplified as Hartalika Teej Coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi
Want to 'reset' ties with India, should be done through bilateral discussions: Bangladesh
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh needs to move beyond what he described as an excessive preoccupation with India and approach its relationship with New Delhi in a balanced manner
BRICS and the New Delhi Declaration: A Diplomatic Victory for India?
The rise of BRICS is one of the clearest manifestations of this changing reality. What began as an economic grouping of emerging economies has gradually acquired a much larger geopolitical significance, bringing together countries that collectively represent a substantial share of the world's population and economic strength. Its expansion into West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia has further enlarged its reach and given it a voice that the established centres of global power can no longer ignore. The question, therefore, is not simply whether BRICS has emerged as a challenge to Western dominance; the more important question is what kind of challenge it representsand, within that evolving equation, whether the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration can be regarded as a diplomatic victory for India. There is certainly a basis for viewing BRICS as one of the instruments through which the old distribution of global power is being questioned. For decades, the international political and economic system was shaped disproportionately by the United States and its Western allies. Institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the dollar-centred financial system and several important mechanisms of international governance reflected the realities of a world that emerged after the Second World War. But the economic and strategic landscape has changed dramatically since then. China has become a major economic and technological power, India has emerged as one of the world's most consequential economies, the influence of the Gulf countries has expanded, and countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America are demanding a greater role in determining the rules by which the international system operates. BRICS is therefore not an isolated phenomenon; it is an institutional expression of this broader redistribution of economic and political weight. Yet to describe BRICS merely as an anti-Western bloc would be an oversimplification. Its members do not share an identical foreign-policy outlook, nor do they have the same relationship with the United States and Europe. India, for instance, maintains deep strategic, economic and technological engagement with the West while simultaneously playing an active role in BRICS and maintaining important relations with Russia and other emerging powers. The Gulf members have extensive commercial and security relationships with Western countries, while Brazil has traditionally followed an independent diplomatic path. China and Russia, on the other hand, have adopted much more assertive positions towards aspects of the existing Western-led order. What unites these countries, therefore, is not a common ideology against the West but a common interest in greater strategic autonomy, greater representation and a more balanced distribution of power in global governance. This distinction is crucial to understanding India's approach. New Delhi has little interest in replacing one rigid bloc with another. Its diplomatic preference has increasingly been for a multipolar world in which countries can cooperate across geopolitical divisions without surrendering their independent choices. From this perspective, BRICS becomes valuable not because it can defeat the West, but because it can create additional centres of economic and political influence. The discussion over increasing the use of national currencies in trade, strengthening cross-border payment systems and developing alternative mechanisms of financial cooperation illustrates this gradual approach. It does not mean that the dollar is about to disappear from international finance; such a conclusion would be unrealistic. Rather, it indicates a desire among emerging economies to reduce excessive dependence on any single financial system and to acquire greater freedom in conducting their economic affairs. The same aspiration is visible in the demand for reform of global institutions. The countries of the Global South have long argued that the institutions created in the middle of the twentieth century do not adequately reflect the economic and demographic realities of the twenty-first century. India, with its enormous population, growing economy and expanding international influence, has a particularly strong interest in this reform. Its demand for a greater role in global decision-making, including permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council, is therefore not merely a matter of national prestige; it forms part of a much larger argument about the legitimacy and representativeness of the international system. It is against this wider background that the New Delhi Declaration assumes importance. India's BRICS presidency came at a particularly difficult moment, when geopolitical tensions were already dividing the international community. The expansion of BRICS has made consensus more complicated because the grouping now contains countries with competing strategic interests and sometimes sharply divergent positions on major international questions. The situation in West Asia presented one of the most difficult challenges during negotiations, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates bringing different regional calculations to the table. That a common declaration was eventually adopted after prolonged negotiations is therefore not an insignificant accomplishment. India's success was not in eliminating disagreements among the members; it was in ensuring that those disagreements did not prevent them from finding sufficient common ground. This is perhaps where the New Delhi Declaration can legitimately be described as a diplomatic victory for India. Diplomacy is rarely about persuading every participant to accept one country's position in its entirety. Its more sophisticated form lies in reconciling competing interests without allowing the larger objective to collapse. India appears to have performed precisely that balancing act. It succeeded in keeping BRICS focused on multilateralism, development, economic cooperation, financial reform and greater representation of emerging economies rather than allowing the grouping to be defined exclusively by geopolitical confrontation with the West. That achievement is particularly important because an explicitly anti-Western BRICS would ultimately limit India's own diplomatic space. India's interests do not lie in a world divided permanently into opposing camps. Its strength comes from its ability to maintain relationships with multiple centres of power while pursuing an independent national interest. New Delhi's simultaneous engagement with Washington, Moscow, Beijing, European capitals and countries across the Global South is not necessarily a contradiction; it is an expression of strategic autonomy. The New Delhi Declaration, viewed in this context, reflects an attempt to strengthen the collective voice of emerging economies without transforming BRICS into another rigid alliance. The economic provisions of the declaration reinforce this pragmatic character. Greater cooperation in cross-border payments, local-currency transactions and financial mechanisms could gradually reduce some of the vulnerabilities associated with excessive dependence on existing financial channels. But the more significant point is that BRICS is attempting to create choices rather than proclaiming an immediate revolution in the global financial system. Alternatives, once established and made credible, can themselves alter the balance of power. The challenge to the existing order therefore need not come through its sudden destruction; it can emerge through the gradual creation of parallel possibilities. For India, another significant dimension of the declaration is the recognition of its larger aspirations in global governance. Support from major BRICS members for India's greater role in international institutions strengthens New Delhi's longstanding argument that global governance must reflect present realities rather than remain frozen in the political circumstances of the mid-twentieth century. Such diplomatic support may not by itself alter the structure of the United Nations, but it strengthens India's position in the continuing debate over reform and representation. India's achievement, however, should not be exaggerated. The New Delhi Declaration is not proof that BRICS has become a cohesive geopolitical power capable of replacing the Western-led order. The grouping continues to face serious internal contradictions. India and China have unresolved strategic differences; Russia's relationship with the West is fundamentally different from India's; the Gulf countries have their own regional priorities; and the expanding membership brings an even wider range of political and economic interests into the organisation. BRICS has no common foreign policy, no collective defence arrangement and no single geopolitical doctrine. Its ability to translate declarations into sustained practical cooperation will ultimately determine whether its growing influence is durable. This is why the significance of the New Delhi Declaration should be judged not merely by the language contained in the document but by what follows from it. Can BRICS make financial cooperation more effective? Can it increase trade and investment among developing economies? Can it strengthen South-South cooperation in technology, health, infrastructure and sustainable development? Can its members continue to find common ground despite their geopolitical differences? And can India maintain the delicate balance between strengthening BRICS and preserving its constructive engagement with the Western world? These are the questions that will determine whether the New Delhi Summit becomes a landmark in the evolution of global politics or remains another entry in the long catalogue of summit declarations. Nevertheless, the broader diplomatic message from New Delhi is difficult to overlook. India demonstrated that its growing influence does not necessarily depend upon choosing one geopolitical camp against another. Its diplomatic strength increasingly lies in its ability to engage with competing centres of power, articulate the concerns of the Global South and still retain enough credibility to bring diverse countries towards a common position. In that sense, India's success was less about imposing its will than about creating consensus where consensus appeared difficult. The emergence of BRICS should therefore be understood neither as the beginning of the end of the West nor as an inevitable replacement of one hegemonic system by another. The West remains enormously powerful, and the United States continues to possess unmatched military, technological and financial capabilities. The dollar remains deeply embedded in international finance, while Western economies and institutions retain enormous global influence. But what is changing is the ability of any one centre of power to assume that its preferences will automatically constitute the global consensus. That is the deeper significance of BRICSand perhaps the more enduring significance of India's role within it. The New Delhi Declaration represents a moment in which India demonstrated that diplomacy in the twenty-first century may increasingly be about building bridges between different power centres rather than choosing one side of the divide. It did not erase disagreements within BRICS; it managed them. It did not declare war on the existing global order; it demanded that the order become more representative. It did not seek to replace Western dominance with another dominance; it strengthened the case for a world with multiple centres of influence. If that vision succeeds, the real transformation will not be the victory of East over West or South over North. It will be the gradual emergence of a world in which no single power or group of powers can claim to speak for the entire international community. And in helping move that transition forward, the New Delhi Declaration can indeed be counted as a significant diplomatic moment for India. (The author is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
Delhi Assemblys PAC to Investigate Ex-Chief Minister Kejriwals Official Residence
The Delhi Assemblys PAC plans to visit Kejriwals residence, dubbed Sheesh Mahal, to assess alleged renovation expenses. Delhi Assemblys PAC to Investigate Ex-Chief Minister Kejriwals Official Residence
Safety can't be reduced to paperwork, says Delhi CM Rekha Gupta
Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced mandatory building safety audits after a recent collapse. The city aims for electric mobility transition with specific registration deadlines for vehicles. New electric three-wheelers and goods carriers will register from January 2027. Electric two-wheelers will be registered starting April 2028. The Yamuna River cleanup targets untreated sewage stoppage by 2028.
Cows, crypto, crores: A peek into what Union ministers own
Recent asset declarations from ministers reveal a diverse range of portfolios including cryptocurrency investments and foreign assets. While some officials claim livestock such as cows and sheep, others report ownership of older cars. Notably, several cabinet members hold properties in the Delhi-NCR region, yet declarations of firearms are largely absent. Overall, these disclosures highlight wealth accumulated through family means rather than just assets obtained in office.
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BRICS Delhi Declaration backs sovereign Palestinian state, opposes Gaza displacement
During their summit, BRICS leaders embraced the Delhi Declaration, addressing the critical situation in Gaza with urgent concern. The declaration opposed the forced displacement of Palestinian people, advocating for their sovereignty and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Additionally, BRICS acknowledged ongoing legal actions against Israel in the International Court of Justice, urging for adherence to UN resolutions and greater humanitarian access.
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Smriti Irani congratulates Team India on record eighth Womens Asia Cup triumph
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Indias record-extending eighth Womens Asia Cup title drew a celebratory response from former Union Minister Smriti Irani, who hailed the Indian womens cricket team after its emphatic 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. India delivered a commanding all-round performance to reclaim the continental crown, overcoming Sri Lanka in the summit clash after losing to the same opposition in the 2024 final. The victory also extended Indias dominance in Asia Cup finals against Sri Lanka, with the Women in Blue now having beaten them six times in title clashes across formats, including the 2004 edition. Reacting to the landmark triumph, Irani congratulated the players and underlined the qualities that powered Indias campaign, while also expressing pride in the teams achievement. India, Indiaaaaaaaa.....Heartiest congratulations to our Indian Womens Cricket Team on winning the Womens Asia Cup 2026. This remarkable triumph reflects the teams hard work, determination and belief. Your performance has made the entire nation proud. Wishing the champions many more victories ahead! India had laid the foundation for the victory with a powerful opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The duo added a record 129 runs for the first wicket, putting Sri Lanka under pressure from the outset. Shafali was the aggressor, smashing 68 from just 39 balls. She also produced the fastest half-century in the history of the Womens Asia Cup, reaching the landmark in only 24 deliveries. Mandhana complemented her with a composed 59 off 39 balls. Despite losing momentum in the latter stages, India finished with a formidable 183/5, with G Kamalini contributing a quick 15 from five balls. Sri Lankas chase never gathered sustained momentum. Deepti Sharma struck twice in the 10th over, dismissing captain Chamari Athapaththu for 36 and Vishmi Gunaratne, before Shree Charani took centre stage. Charani claimed four wickets for 20 runs, while Deepti finished with 3-19 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111. The 72-run win secured Indias eighth Asia Cup title and completed a dominant campaign with the team starring with both bat and ball.
Centre must address J&K alienation, restore statehood: Dr. Farooq
Srinagar, Sep 13: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday urged the Union Government to take serious and meaningful measures to address what he described as a growing sense of alienation, disappointment and distrust among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that while elections had been held in J&K, the elected government had remained deprived of full powers even after two years, calling the situation contrary to democratic, constitutional and moral principles. Dr Farooq said the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, were a major mistake by New Delhi and urged the Centre to rectify them in the interest of the countrys unity, integrity and democratic system. He reiterated that the Centre would eventually have to restore Jammu and Kashmirs special position, saying the National Conference would continue its struggle for the restoration of the regions constitutional and democratic rights. The NC president also expressed strong resentment over the continued Union Territory status of J&K, saying people had voted for an elected government to run the regions affairs and address their problems. According to him, the existing system has created hurdles for the elected government in providing relief to people and resolving their day-to-day issues. He said the demand for restoration of statehood was aimed at enabling the J&K government to function more effectively and serve the people better. However, he clarified that seeking statehood did not mean the National Conference had abandoned its demand for restoration of special status. Our party will continue, under all circumstances, to struggle for restoration of the constitutional rights that the people of Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed under the Constitution of India. We will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for this cause, he said. Dr Farooq said the National Conference government was making efforts, despite constraints, to provide relief to people, strengthen infrastructure and improve delivery of essential services. He added that NC legislators were regularly engaging with people in their constituencies and working to address their grievances. He reiterated that safeguarding the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir remained the partys foremost priority.
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Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) President Rohan Jaitley on Sunday lauded the passionate local crowd at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, stating that a 28,000-plus turnout created a fantastic atmosphere for the first T20I between India and Afghanistan. Shreyas Iyer-led India registered a dominant seven-wicket victory in the series in front of a packed stadium, with Afghanistan playing as the designated hosts on neutral ground in the national capital. It was wonderful to see international cricket return to Delhi and, more importantly, to see so many fans come out to support both India and Afghanistan. A 28,000-plus crowd created a fantastic atmosphere at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, and it was particularly special for the home fans to see India begin the series with a win, Jaitley said in a statement at the conclusion of the game. He also highlighted how hosting Afghanistans home series in New Delhi aligns with broader diplomatic ties and expressed gratitude to the leadership at the helm of the sport. With Afghanistan playing its home series against India in Delhi, the occasion was a great reflection of the strong bond between the two countries and the power of sport to bring people closer, in line with the Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis vision of stronger ties with our neighbours. We are also grateful for the support and encouragement from the BCCI and ICC Chairman Jay Shah, which helped make it possible for Delhi to host this bilateral series, he added. Pointing to the end of a high-profile week for the national capital, Jaitley noted how sports and global diplomacy converged in the city, which is set to host two further T20Is between Afghanistan and India on Tuesday and Thursday. With the BRICS Summit also concluding in Delhi, it was a special moment for the city to welcome people from across the world through both sport and diplomacy. We look forward to welcoming the teams and fans back for the remaining two T20Is and hope to see the same energy in the stands, Jaitley concluded.
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'We want to dominate all teams': Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma's explosive 82-run innings led India to a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the opening T20 International in New Delhi, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Despite recent underwhelming performances, the Indian team showcased a strong collective effort, with key contributions from Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Ishan Kishan, while Afghanistan's skipper acknowledged their batting shortfall.
From New Delhi Declaration To Dinner Debate: BRICS Ends, Politics Begins | Top Headlines
The BRICS Summit concluded with world leaders thanking India for hosting the landmark gathering and Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the growing strength and influence of the grouping. The summit ended with the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration and a series of high-level bilateral engagements that underscored India's role on the global stage. However, even as leaders praised the outcomes of the summit, a political controversy erupted over the all-vegetarian menu served at the BRICS gala dinner.
BRICS 2026: A declaration, no roadmap
India displayed diplomatic strength by forging consensus for the New Delhi Declaration. Member nations hold differing perspectives on BRICS's future direction and goals. China's influence is evident as it prepares for its upcoming chairmanship of the grouping. The declaration reiterates support for UNSC reform without setting a clear timeline. BRICS members aim to shape global rules rather than merely follow them.
Iran President departs India after attending BRICS Summit
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who travelled to India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, departed for Tehran, the Iranian Embassy in India said on Sunday. President Masoud Pezeshkian, who travelled to India to attend the BRICS Summit, has just departed New Delhi for Tehran, the Embassy stated on X, sharing a glimpse of Pezeshkians departure. Prior to his departure, Pezeshkian said that he is looking forward to seeing Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Iran very soon. Goodbye, my dear friend. I look forward to seeing you in Iran very soon, the Iranian Embassy stated on X, sharing a picture of Pezeshkian and PM Modi. Pezeshkian met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday. President Murmu reiterated India's commitment to the pursuit of enduring peace through dialogue and diplomacy during a meeting with her Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, in New Delhi. President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Dr Masoud Pezeshkian met President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The two leaders discussed the long-standing bonds of friendship between Iran and India, including our strong cultural and people-to-people ties. The President reiterated India's commitment to the pursuit of enduring peace through dialogue and diplomacy, the Presidents Secretariat stated on X. PM Modi on Friday said India and Iran should move forward with a long-term and win-win strategy. PM Modi made the comment following his meeting with the Iranian President on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. PM Modi also noted that President Pezeshkians visit is more special as he is visiting India for the first time. From Bishkek to Delhi, the productive discussions continue. Happy to have met Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, the President of Iran. This visit is more special because it is his first visit to India, PM Modi stated on X. We talked about the India-Iran friendship. We believe that we should move forward with a long-term and win-win strategy. The prevailing situation in the region was also discussed. India remains steadfast in its commitment to the pursuit of enduring peace, he added.
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Delhi Government Cracks Down on Illegal Liquor Trade, Registers 725 FIRs in Five Months
The Delhi excise department has filed 725 FIRs and arrested 730 individuals for illegal liquor activities from April to August 2026. Delhi Government Cracks Down on Illegal Liquor Trade, Registers 725 FIRs in Five Months
India steps up Africa outreach as Modi holds talks with leaders from the continent
New Delhi restarts discussion on next India-Africa Forum Summit on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit
Two minor girls allegedly sexually assaulted in separate Delhi incidents
Iran, UAE agree to 'put past behind' after BRICS talks
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian concluded his visit to India for the 18th BRICS Summit, announcing that Iran and the UAE agreed to move past previous tensions. This diplomatic breakthrough occurred during talks with Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince on the summit sidelines. Pezeshkian also met with PM Modi to discuss bilateral ties and West Asia developments, with Modi emphasising dialogue for regional peace. The BRICS summit adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, calling for global governance reforms and de-escalation in West Asia.
Delhi Police constable suspended for viral reel with firearm at BRICS Summit
The recent BRICS summit hosted twenty nations, fostering debate and wide interpretation of its joint statement. This gathering served as a protest forum against global economic instability and institutional failures. India's diplomacy showcased its appeal as a stable pillar amidst geopolitical challenges. The summit highlighted crucial supply chains and commodity linkages within BRICS family countries. India's engagement demonstrates the need for intricate networks and tactical arrangements in global affairs.
Abhishek Unleashes Mayhem: India Crush Afghanistan by 7 Wickets in Friendship Cup Opener
India crushed Afghanistan by 7 wickets in the Friendship Cup opener in Delhi. Abhishek Sharma smashed 82 off 32 balls as Team India chased 157 in just 13.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead. The post Abhishek Unleashes Mayhem: India Crush Afghanistan by 7 Wickets in Friendship Cup Opener appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Delhi: DDA to hold discussions with RWAs on MPD 2047 tomorrow
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 13 (IANS) The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will hold a meeting with resident welfare associations (RWAs) on Monday as the fourth meeting in a series of stakeholder consultations aimed at ensuring coordinated, effective and participatory implementation of MPD 2047, an official said. Around 20 such stakeholder meetings have been planned over a three-month period, the official said. On Monday, the awareness and appraisal meeting for the RWAs on the MPD 2047 will be organised at DDA's Vikas Sadan near INA under the direction of Lieutenant Governor and DDA Chairperson T.S. Sandhu for wide stakeholder engagement, the official said in a notice. Issuing an open invitation to RWAs, Federations of RWAs and Cooperative Group Housing Societies (CGHS), the DDA said, The participation of residents and stakeholder organisations will help the DDA in creating greater awareness and facilitating the planned, inclusive and infrastructure-supported redevelopment of Delhi's existing urban areas. The Master Plan for Delhi-2047 was notified by the Central Government on August 20. The MPD 2047 provides for the redevelopment of group housing complexes/schemes in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The MPD 2047 focuses on improving and redeveloping existing ageing areas/buildings to accommodate more people in a planned way, along with better water supply, sewerage, roads, open spaces and essential public facilities. Earlier this week, the land-owning authority held stakeholder consultations with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), Delhi Metro and other key government agencies and heritage conservation bodies on various provisions of the MPD 2047 for their effective implementation. The interactions were part of a series of stakeholder consultations aimed at ensuring coordinated, effective and participatory implementation of MPD 2047, an official statement said. The third stakeholder meeting was held on Thursday with conservation bodies, architects working in heritage conservation, Delhi Tourism, Archaeological Survey of India, School of Planning and Architecture, Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, Department of Archaeology, Indraprastha Virasat Punarvikas Nigam (IVPN), MCD, Delhi Urban Art Commission (DUAC), Delhi Fire Service and Ministry of Culture. The first consultation was held earlier with public representatives -- Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Delhi, the statement said. During these meetings, the DDA provides an overview of the major provisions of MPD 2047, which is followed by detailed discussions with the participating stakeholders on various aspects of implementation and coordination.
Abhishek lights up Delhi as India cruise past Afghanistan
Omarzai's half-century took Afghanistan to 157 but it proved insufficient with India chasing down the target in 13.4 overs
