BIG WIN FOR PUTIN; Huge Victory For Russia's Ruling Party As Europe Cries Foul Over Poll Outcome
Russias ruling United Russia party is heading for a commanding parliamentary victory, strengthening President Vladimir Putins grip on the State Duma as the war in Ukraine continues.EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas sharply criticised the vote, accusing the Kremlin of silencing dissent, excluding anti-war opposition and shutting out international monitors. Moscows election authorities, meanwhile, reported strong turnout and a larger United Russia vote share than in 2021.
Pudukottai Government Museum waits for facelift
The museum attracts up to 80 to 100 visitors a day, with the robotic dinosaur being among the most popular, followed by the remains of a whale mandible, say officials
Pudukottai Government Museum waits for facelift
The museum attracts up to 80 to 100 visitors a day, with the robotic dinosaur being among the most popular, followed by the remains of a whale mandible, say officials
Farmers seek early implementation of Mahadayi, Kalasa Banduri Nala project
Demanding early implementation of the Mahadayi, Kalasa Banduri Nala project and resolution of the drinking water and irrigation issues facing the region, farmers staged a demonstration in Hubballi on Monday
Farmers seek early implementation of Mahadayi, Kalasa Banduri Nala project
Demanding early implementation of the Mahadayi, Kalasa Banduri Nala project and resolution of the drinking water and irrigation issues facing the region, farmers staged a demonstration in Hubballi on Monday
Radhashtami and Ashram Vijay Niti Celebrated at Shrimandir
Radhashtami and the Ashram Vijay Niti of Shri Sudarshan Dev were held at Shrimandir in Puri.
Tom Cruises belief that life is an adventure offers lessons beyond Hollywood. His philosophy highlights embracing uncertainty, staying curious, preparing for difficult challenges and continuing to learn regardless of success. From moving frequently as a child to mastering filmmaking and demanding stunts, Cruises journey suggests that growth often comes from stepping beyond comfort zones and remaining open to new experiences.
Asian Games 2026: India thrash Pakistan 3-0 in table tennis team event
AICHI NAGAYO: India bounced back from their defeat to Iran with a commanding 3-0 victory over Pakistan in the mens table tennis team contest at the Asian Games on Monday in Aichi-Nagoya. Harmeet Desai got India off to a winning start, defeating Khan Muhammad 11-4, 11-3, 11-5 in straight games in the opening match.Sathiyan Gnanasekaran []
Yashbardhan Chauhans all-round show guides India U-19 to series-clinching win over Australia U-19
Digital Desk | Rajkot, Sep 21 (IANS) An all-round performance from Yashbardhan Chauhan powered India Under-19 to a comprehensive 103-run victory over Australia Under-19 in the second Youth ODI here at the Niranjan Shah Stadium and helped the hosts seal the three-match series with a game to spare. Chauhan starred with an explosive 122 off 100 balls before picking up two crucial wickets to dismantle Australia's run chase. Electing to bat first, India Under-19 posted a formidable 341/7 in their allotted 50 overs, anchored by Chauhan's magnificent century and a blistering 87 off 92 balls from VK Vineeth. Opening batter Aaryavir Sehwag provided a brisk start at the top of the order with a 48-ball 47 after captain Lakshay Raichandani fell for 11. India then took complete control as Chauhan and Vineeth joined forces and stitched together a commanding 132-run partnership off 124 balls for the third wicket. Chauhan was in sublime touch, striking 15 boundaries and two maximums in his 100-ball stay at a strike-rate of 122 and raised his second fifty-plus score in as many matches. Vineeth provided ideal support by clearing the fence six times alongside four hits to the boundary ropes. By the time Vineeth fell in the 40th over with the scoreboard reading 233/3, the foundation for a massive total was well laid. Chauhan and Kushagra Ojha then provided the late flourish, with the latter smashing a quickfire 34 off just 20 balls to help India plunder 106 runs in the final ten overs. For Australia Under-19, pacer Thomas Vaseo was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-78 from his ten overs. Chasing a daunting target of 342, Australia U-19 started steadily through skipper Jack Czosnek and Matthew Lough. Lough contributed a 40-ball 42, while Czosnek scored a fighting 81 off 63 balls, laden with seven fours and four sixes. The duo kept the visitors in the hunt with a 99-run stand off 82 balls for the fourth wicket after Australia had stumbled to 72/3. But the turning point came in the 27th over when Kavya Paresh Patel dismissed the dangerous Czosnek. His departure triggered a massive collapse, with Australia losing their last six wickets for just 38 runs. Despite a fighting 44 off 46 balls from Blake Cattle, laced with five fours and a six, Australia Under-19 were eventually bundled out for 238 in 41.1 overs. Spinner Chigurupati Venkata was the most successful bowler for the hosts by taking 3-64, while Chauhan capped off an outstanding day on the field with figures of 2-56. Patel was exceptionally economical, finishing with 2-23 from his seven overs, while Mohit Ulva chipped in with 1-19. Brief Scores: India Under-19 341/7 (Yashbardhan Chauhan 122, VK Vineeth 87; Thomas Vaseo 3-78) beat Australia Under-19 238 all out (Jack Czosnek 81, Blake Cattle 44; Chigurupati Venkata 3-64) by 103 runs
Temporary health workers protest around Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul's car, demand a salary hike
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 21 (IANS) A section of temporary health workers protested around the car of West Bengals Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul on Monday, demanding a hike in their salary. In the morning, the state minister joined the anti-dengue campaign in the Chitpur area of north Kolkata. While leaving the programme, a section of temporary health workers of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) protested around her car. The protesters demanded a salary increase. The state minister said that she will look into the demands of the health workers. The minister said that a decision will be taken considering the poor financial condition of the state. In Agnimitra's words, They get only Rs 303 per day. We will try to increase the salary. No one's salary has been stopped. No one's salary will be stopped during this new government's tenure. Rather, it will increase. At the same time, the state minister added, We will have to take a decision after seeing the state's treasury. The previous government has incurred debts. We are giving women Rs 3,000 per month. There are also many projects currently underway. We will also have to look at the state's treasury before taking a decision in this regard. Meanwhile, regarding the dengue awareness campaign in the city, she said, Everyone should be careful not to allow water to accumulate anywhere near the house or roadside. Because dengue mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Even if iron, nails or other materials used in building a house are left for a long time, water can accumulate there. Therefore, action will be taken if construction materials are left on the roadside or anywhere else. The Minister gave a clear message that if the rules are not followed, in addition to fines, those materials can also be confiscated if necessary. She warned of hefty fines in this regard. According to her, awareness and active cooperation of the general public, along with the administration, is also very important in preventing dengue. Agnimitra Paul said that last year the number of dengue cases in Kolkata was 585. So far this year, the number has been 539. However, she said that the goal is to reduce this number to zero.
Gill not a man of many words, but is clear and very authoritative in speaking: Holder
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) Describing India ODI skipper Shubman Gill as a leader who may not speak much but commands total clarity and authority in demanding what he wants from his team, West Indies seam-bowling all-rounder Jason Holder praised the young captain's calm demeanour while also rating Virat Kohli as arguably the best one-day batsman to ever play the game. West Indies are scheduled to arrive in India for playing a three-match ODI series starting on September 27. Though Holder has been rested from the trip, he shared some insights on Gills leadership style, based on playing under him for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026. I've played under Shubman. He's a leader. He's not a man of many words, but when he does speak, he's very clear, he's very authoritative as to what he's demanding of the team. He brings a level of calmness and poise, which is always a good trait to have as a leader. Those are things that I really respect about him and loved when I played under him. He's obviously new into his tenure as captain too, so he'll be learning on the job, and no doubt he'll be asking a lot of his players. His senior players have to come up to him and help him out. It's a similar situation with us, too, where Shai has been in the role for a while, but he's still learning on the job, too. It's a never-ending learning curve where, as a leader, as a player, there's never enough information. You're always trying to grab as much as you possibly can to get better. So, Shubman is no different, and I'm looking forward to seeing him, looking forward to playing against him, and I'm expecting a really good contest between both teams, Holder said to JioStar. Highlighting Gills tactical trust in his bowling unit, Holder revealed that the right-handed batter gives bowlers complete ownership over their field settings and plans. I don't know how to differentiate a bowler's captain from a batter's captain, but I could say that he's equally as soft and as giving with both bowlers and batters. I would just tell him what I wanted, we would have a conversation about it. That's primarily when it comes to field setting. He gave me the ownership and leadership to do it the way I wanted to, which is a strong asset for a captain. I never had any issues with Shubman, and he pretty much gave me free rein to set my fields and execute the plans I was looking to execute. It was always real open communication, and one where we shared enough and had that understanding. I really enjoyed playing with him, and hopefully, in years to come, we could continue to play together, he observed. Turning his focus to Indias seasoned duo of veteran batter Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Holder noted that the two stalwarts present a formidable challenge for any opposition in the 50-over format. When you look at Virat, he is arguably the best player, the best one-day batsman to ever play the game, and one of the best batters to ever play the game. Rohit, when you look at his outstanding one-day record, particularly against West Indies as well, he's done really well. So, the two stalwarts of Indian cricket and world cricket pack a heavy punch. I don't think we have anything in comparison to what they have. Our best batsman and greatest player is Shai Hope, who's done extremely well for himself as well. So, I would put him in that category as well. Three world-class players who've got world-class records, and I'm looking forward to seeing all three of them do battle. It's obviously a keen contest every time I match up against Virat, for example, and I like playing against Rohit because I see them as big players, and I like to get in a contest with big players, he said. Holder was also effusive in his praise for tall India speedster Gurnoor Brar, and recalled his initial thoughts upon watching the youngster bowl during their IPL 2026 stint at GT. He's got a lot of great attributes. When I first saw him run in and bowl, I actually had a quiet chat with Ashish (Nehra, head coach) as to how this guy wasn't playing. But, it's good to see his progress. Good to see him get an opportunity to play for India. He's got a lot of great attributes. Obviously, height is one with which he will be able to extract a bit more bounce; he's got pace, he does a bit with the ball, which I think is important in this day and age. Pace is still obviously in the game and is a massive asset, but skill has to go along with the pace, and he possesses skill as well as the pace. Those are solid attributes to have as a fast bowler, so I would expect him to be a challenge for us. Facing him in the nets and seeing him go about his business in the nets was quite entertaining. I look forward to seeing him not only play against us but have a pretty healthy career, he concluded.
CBI arrests Delhi engineer for taking Rs 1 lakh bribe to book Ramleela Mela ground
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) The CBI arrested an executive engineer of Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) for taking a bribe of Rs 1 lakh for the allotment of a ground for Ramleela Mela in northeast Delhi, an official said on Monday. In subsequent searches, the probe agency recovered Rs 41 lakh in cash from the executive engineer Vedpal Meenas house, said the official in a statement. Meena, Executive Engineer, DUSIB, Seemapuri office, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on September 19 after laying a trap, the statement said. The CBI registered the case on September 19 against Meena based on a complaint from Nand Nagri resident Vijay Kumar, the statement said. It was alleged that the accused Executive Engineer, DUSIB, demanded a bribe of Rs 2.50 lakh from the complainant for allotment of ground for Ramleela Mela at Nand Nagri, Wazirabad, Delhi and agreed to accept the same in two instalments, the CBI said. The CBI laid a trap on September 19 and caught the accused Executive Engineer, DUSIB, red-handed while demanding and accepting the first instalment of Rs 1 Lakh from the complainant, the CBI said. Vijay Kumar gave a written complaint to the CBI against Meena on September 17. In his complaint, he said he approached the probe agency because he did not want to pay any bribe to book the ground for Ramleela Mela at E-1 Block, Nand Nagri, behind Gagan Cinema, Wazirabad Road, the CBI said. CBI Superintendent of Police I.B. Pendhari verified Vijay Kumar's complaint before approving the filing of an FIR against Meena. The discreet verification prima facie disclosed that Vedpal Meena, Executive Engineer, DUSIB, demanded undue advantage of Rs 2,50,000 and agreed to accept the same in two instalments - Rs 1 lakh as first instalment for allotting Ramleela Ground to the complainant, Pendhari noted in the file. The above-mentioned facts and discreet verification prima facie disclosed commission of offence punishable under section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) on the part of Vedpal Meena, Executive Engineer, DUSIB. Therefore, a regular case under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) is registered against him, said the CBI FIR.
YSRCP protest, teachers counter-protest at SAAP office spark tension
Digital Desk | Vijayawada, Sep 21 (IANS) The YSR Congress Party protest at the SAAP office here on Monday, demanding the resignation of Andhra Pradesh Education Minister Nara Lokesh over alleged irregularities in the appointment of teachers, triggered tension as newly recruited teachers resorted to a counter-protest. The opposition party had called for a protest at the office of the Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) to highlight alleged irregularities in the appointment of teachers under the sports quota and to demand Lokesh's resignation and a thorough CBI probe into Mega DSC. Teachers appointed under the sports quota also reached the SAAP office to counter what they called false propaganda against them and to submit a memorandum to the SAAP authorities. Both the groups raised slogans against each other and nearly came to blows. The area remained tense for nearly two hours. The teachers were inside the SAAP complex while YSRCP leaders staged a protest outside the gate. Police intervened to avert a clash by locking the gate. It detained several leaders and cadres of YSRCP. The opposition party alleged that workers of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP), masquerading as teachers, attacked its cadres. Police erected barricades and prevented protesters from reaching the SAAP office, leading to tense scenes at Labbipet. Police resorted to a lathi-charge while dispersing YSRCP protesters, and several leaders and activists were detained, it said. YSRCP leaders said the protest was peaceful and questioned why the government was using police force instead of ordering an independent investigation into the recruitment process. Party PAC member and former Vinukonda MLA Bolla Brahmanaidu joined the protest and demanded a comprehensive CBI probe to establish the facts and ensure justice to deserving DSC candidates. The party said persons linked to the TDP entered the SAAP premises posing as teachers and attacked YSRCP activists and student-wing leaders with sticks, leaving several injured. YSRCP charged that police failed to prevent the clashes and instead used force against its workers. Police also stopped YSRCP leaders travelling to Vijayawada from different districts. Former minister Ambati Rambabu, Vanama Bala Vajrababu, Ambati Muralikrishna, Noori Fatima and others were intercepted near Kaza Toll Plaza and taken to Pedakakani Police Station. Jakkampudi Raja, Perni Krishna Murthy, Nagarjuna Yadav, and others were detained at Krishnalanka Police Station after participating in the DSC protest. YSRCP spokesperson Konda Rajiv said that instead of answering questions of aspirants, the coalition government misused police force to detain party leaders and cadres We would like to ask Chandrababu Naidu if Andhra Pradesh is under democratic rule or dictatorial Red Book rule. He alleged that the coalition government was following the agenda of evading evidence, intimidating dissenters and resorting to violence. Such repression cant bury the truth. We will intensify protest and fight hard in a better way until justice is delivered to each and every eligible and meritorious candidate and until and unless every culprit candidate is held accountable, he said.
Should you buy a Mac mini now? M6 vs M5 Pro buying advice
Macworld Its a good time to buy a Mac mini. Apple announced the new M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini on August 25, with shipping from September 22. With another significant update unlikely soon, there is little reason to wait if you need a compact desktop Mac. For most buyers, we recommend the M6 Mac mini. Starting at $899/899 up from $599 for the M4 generation it offers improved performance for everyday work, coding and creative tasks. It is particularly appealing if you already own a monitor, keyboard and mouse, or are replacing an Intel Mac or early Apple silicon model. The M5 Pro Mac mini is aimed at more demanding users. Its faster CPU and GPU, Thunderbolt 5, greater memory bandwidth and support for up to 64GB of unified memory make it better for professional creative work, development and larger local AI models. However, prices start at $1,699/1,699 and rise quickly with upgrades. This guide explains whether to buy now, which model to choose, how much to pay, and the alternatives, drawbacks and refurbished options to consider. Should you buy a Mac mini now? There are reasons to wait. Discounts are likely to improve in the months after launch, particularly around Prime Day in October and Black Friday in November, and more refurbished or discounted M4 models may appear as buyers upgrade. If youre happy with your current Mac, want to see independent benchmarks first or simply want the lowest possible price, there is no need to rush. You may prefer not to risk waiting. A global memory shortage contributed to long delivery times and limited availability for the previous generation, and similar supply constraints could affect the new models. The higher cost of memory and other components has also contributed to the Mac minis substantial price increase. Buy Mac mini now if: You need a Mac mini now and want the latest model. Youre replacing an Intel Mac or an older Apple silicon Mac. You want a powerful compact desktop for everyday, office, development or creative work. The $899/899 M6 Mac mini provides all the performance you need. Consider M5 Pro if: You need more than 32GB of unified memory. You run demanding professional creative or development workloads. You want to run larger local AI or LLM workloads. You need Thunderbolt 5 or substantially greater memory bandwidth. Wait if: You want to see independent benchmarks of the new models. Youre hoping for discounts around Prime Day or Black Friday. Your current Mac still meets your needs. You dont need a new Mac urgently and want to see whether prices fall. Consider refurbished if: You can find an M4 Mac mini at a significant discount. You want the best value rather than the newest chip. An Apple-refurbished M4 or M4 Pro configuration meets your memory and storage needs. Youre comfortable waiting for refurbished M6 or M5 Pro stock to appear. Apple Mac mini (M6, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $899 Best Prices Today: $879.99 at Amazon | $899 at Apple Apple Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) Price When Reviewed: $1,699 Best Prices Today: $1,699 at Amazon | $1699 at Apple Which Mac mini to buy: M6 or M5 Pro? Simon Jary / Foundry The Mac mini lineup has changed significantly in 2026, with Apple introducing the M6 and M5 Pro models in August. The choice between them comes down to your workload and budget, as they serve very different audiences despite sharing the same compact design. Apple sells two Mac mini models, both announced on August 25 and shipping from September 22, 2026: Mac mini (M6) starts at $899 / 899 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU 16GB unified memory (up to 32GB) Up to 2TB SSD Thunderbolt 4 (three ports), two front USB-C ports, HDMI, 2.5Gb Ethernet (10Gb Ethernet optional) Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread Supports up to three displays (two 6K + one 5K) Mac mini (M5 Pro) starts at $1,699 / 1,699 15-core CPU, 16-core GPU (upgradeable to 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU for +$200) 24GB unified memory (up to 64GB) Up to 8TB SSD Thunderbolt 5 (three ports), two front USB-C ports, HDMI, 2.5Gb Ethernet (10Gb Ethernet optional) Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and Thread Supports up to three 6K displays Despite the M5 name being a generation older than M6, the M5 Pro is the more powerful chip it has more CPU and GPU cores, substantially greater memory bandwidth 307GB/s, compared with 153GB/s or 170GB/s for the M6, depending on the memory configuration, and supports far more unified memory. Choose the M6 Mac mini if: You dont need more than 32GB of unified memory (RAM). You need acompact, powerful desktop for everyday use web browsing, office work, photo editing, coding, and general productivity. Youre astudent or budget-conscious buyerlooking for the best-value option for home offices, school or office use. Education pricing brings the starting price down to $799. You already own a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. You dont need the extra performance or connectivity of the M5 Pro model. Choose the M5 Pro Mac mini if: Youre a developer, video editor, 3D artist, musician, or researcher who needs sustained performance for demanding workloads. You want to run larger local AI models. The M5 Pros higher memory ceiling and much greater memory bandwidth make it better suited to heavier LLM workloads than the M6. If local AI is a priority, choose your memory carefully because it cannot be upgraded later. You need Thunderbolt 5 for faster external storage, high-bandwidth peripherals or professional video workflows. You regularly work with heavy 3D rendering, high-end video production, large codebases or scientific workloads. You need more than 32GB of unified memory. M6 Mac mini M5 Pro Mac mini Best for Everyday work, coding and mainstream creative work Sustained professional and AI workloads Starting price $899/899 $1,699/1,699 Memory 16GB32GB 24GB64GB Memory bandwidth 153GB/s or 170GB/s 307GB/s Storage Up to 2TB Up to 8TB Thunderbolt Thunderbolt 4 Thunderbolt 5 Displays Two 6K plus one 5K Three 6K Our verdict Best choice for most people Buy only if your workload requires it How much should you pay for Mac mini? M6 Mac mini, starting at $899. M5 Pro Mac mini, starting at $1,699. Since the August 2026 update, the Mac mini is no longer the budget Mac it once was. The M6 model starts at $899, $300 more than the $599 starting price of the M4 generation. For most people, the $899 M6 Mac mini is the model to buy. It offers more than enough performance for everyday work, browsing, media and general productivity, although the standard 16GB of unified memory and 256GB SSD may feel limiting if you plan to keep it for several years. If you need more demanding performance for creative work, development or running local AI models, the M5 Pro Mac mini starts at $1,699. Configurations with more memory and storage can quickly push the price towards $3,000, so it only makes sense if you genuinely need that extra performance. Be cautious about spending heavily on Apples storage upgrades. External SSDs and Mac mini hubs with NVMe storage can provide considerably more capacity for less money. For most buyers, we recommend spending around $899 on the M6 Mac mini. Move up to the M5 Pro only if you need its extra processing power or significantly more memory. Discounts are likely to appear at Amazon and other resellers over time, particularly around Prime Day in October and Black Friday in November. For now, the best bargain may be a discounted M4 Mac mini, although remaining stock is likely to be limited. Find Apple on Amazon U.S. Find Apple on Amazon U.K. Students can save $100 through Apples Education Store , reducing the M6 Mac mini to $799 and the M5 Pro model to $1,599. Apples Refurbished Store is another way to save, although it may be some time before the new M6 and M5 Pro models appear there. Read: How to get an Apple student discount at Apples Education Store and Should you buy a refurbished Mac . Reasons to buy a Mac mini Foundry Excellent value : The price has gone up, but the Mac mini remains one of the most versatile and cost-effective ways to enter the macOS ecosystem. Even at the new starting price of $899, the Mac mini still delivers excellent performance per dollar. That balance of price, power, and efficiency is one of the main reasons for the desktops growing popularity. It also offers access to professional-grade performance for significantly less cash than a similarly specced MacBook Pro. Long software support window : The M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini will have a long usable lifespan and will receive many years of macOS updates and security support . Compact desktop footprint : The Mac minis ultra-compact 5-inch square design makes it one of the most space-efficient desktop computers available. It fits easily under monitors, in small offices, or in minimalist workstation setups. Its compact form factor also makes it particularly attractive for server racks, home labs, and multi-machine deployments. Retail discounts and refurbished deals : Despite already offering strong value at full price, the Mac mini is occasionally discounted by third-party retailers. If you can find a Mac mini deal even on a M4 model with a higher-memory configuration we recommend taking advantage of it. The Apple Refurbished Store can offer even better value, assuming stock is available. In the past, we have seen the M4 Mac mini discounted by around $100/100, while M4 Pro models have dropped by approximately $200/210. If deals like these reappear, they are likely worth considering. Reasons not to buy Mac mini The price has gone up significantly : The Mac mini was once the undisputed budget Mac, but that is much harder to say now. The entry-level model has risen sharply in price, making it less compelling for buyers primarily looking for the cheapest way into the Mac ecosystem. At $899, the latest Mac mini is still less expensive than a MacBook or iMac, but it no longer feels like the bargain it once was. You need to buy your own peripherals : The Mac mini is a BYODKM Bring Your Own Display, Keyboard and Mouse computer. Thats central to its appeal if you already own those accessories, but it can add substantially to the cost if you dont. Unlike an iMac or MacBook, the Mac mini doesnt include a display, keyboard or mouse. Buying all three can easily add hundreds of dollars to the overall price. The latest models also lack USB-A ports, so you may need adapters or a hub if you still use older accessories. Its not portable : The Mac mini is a desktop computer, so it isnt suitable if you need to work in different locations. You cant easily take it to a lecture, meeting or coffee shop in the way you can a MacBook. For students, frequent travellers or anyone who regularly works away from a desk, a laptop is likely to be the better choice. You cant upgrade it later : You need to choose your memory and storage carefully when you buy because neither can be upgraded afterwards. Apples build-to-order memory and storage upgrades can also be expensive, particularly once you start moving beyond the base configuration. This can quickly push the Mac mini into MacBook Pro or Mac Studio territory. Storage is less of a concern because inexpensive external SSDs and Mac mini hubs with NVMe storage can add capacity later, but there is no equivalent workaround for unified memory. Availability could be limited : New Mac launches can sometimes bring longer delivery times for popular configurations, particularly higher-memory or build-to-order models. The M6 and M5 Pro Mac mini may suffer significant shortages due to their popularity and the shortage of components and memory. Its not ideal for every AI workload: Apple is increasingly positioning its Macs for AI workloads, with the M6 GPUs Neural Accelerators and dual 16-core Neural Engine, but as our colleagues at PCWorld explain, the Mac mini has some limitations if running large local models is your main priority. The standard M6 Mac mini tops out at 32GB of unified memory, which may be restrictive for particularly large local models. The M5 Pro model offers more memory, but higher-spec configurations become expensive quickly. There is also no support for Nvidias CUDA platform. Many professional AI and machine-learning tools are optimized around CUDA and Nvidia GPUs, so a Windows or Linux PC with a suitable Nvidia graphics card may be faster or better supported for some workloads. For general Apple Intelligence features and lighter local AI use, however, this shouldnt be a concern. What to avoid when buying a Mac mini IDG Intel : Avoid Intel-powered Mac mini models when shopping for a refurbished Mac mini, prioritize models with Apple Silicon (M-series chips). Low RAM : We advise avoiding 8GB RAM models if possible, as newer generations now start with 16GB as the base standard. Check status : Check whether an older model is classified as vintage or obsolete. Service for vintage Macs depends on parts availability, while Apple generally ends hardware service for obsolete Macs. See: How long do Macs last. Is Mac mini right for you? Is the Mac mini the best choice for you? There are a number of trade-offs to consider. Feature Consideration Portability Not portable; requires separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Connectivity Lacks USB-A ports; may require adapters for older accessories. The M5 Pro Mac mini features three Thunderbolt 5 ports, while the standard M6 model uses Thunderbolt 4. Upgradability Unified memory and internal storage cannot be upgraded by the user after purchase. Who is the Mac mini best for? User Recommendation Student, office work, web dev Buy M6 Mac mini (or M4 if a refurbished model is available) Creative work (photo/video) M6 for mainstream photo/video work; M5 Pro for sustained professional workloads Local AI / LLM workloads M5 Pro with as much unified memory as the workload requires Existing M1/M2 Mac mini owner Consider M6 if performance, display support, connectivity or memory limits justify upgrading Intel Mac owner Buy M6 Mac mini Mac mini vs Mac Studio: Which should you buy? The Mac Studio is an even more powerful option. Thomas Bergbold The choice between the Mac mini and the Mac Studio largely comes down to whether you prioritize value or maximum performance. The Mac mini offers some of the best value in Apples desktop lineup. Even the standard M6 model delivers impressive performance for everyday computing, creative work, software development, and local AI tasks, while the M5 Pro configuration provides power for more demanding workloads. The Mac Studio is designed for users who need workstation-class performance. Following the discontinuation of the Mac Pro, it is now effectively Apples most powerful desktop. Starting at $2,499/2,499 for the M5 Max configuration, the Mac Studio also represents the most affordable way to get a Max-series Apple Silicon chip (which starts at $4,099/4,099 if you buy a MacBook Pro). It is well suited to professional video production, large AI models, 3D rendering, and other heavily multi-threaded or GPU-intensive workflows. For most users, the Mac mini is a better value purchase. However, if your workloads demand high performance, more memory and a more powerful GPU, the Mac Studio is the better choice. Mac mini vs MacBook Neo: Which is better value? Thomas Armbrster Before the introduction of the MacBook Neo, the Mac mini was Apples least expensive Mac. That is no longer the case particularly now Apple has raised the price of the entry-level Mac mini from $599/599 to $899/899. The MacBook Neo is now Apples most affordable Mac, starting at $699/699. It is designed as an entry-level Mac and is powered by the A18 Pro chip originally used for the iPhone 16 Pro and only offers 8GB memory. The focus is on portability, battery life, and affordability rather than performance. The Mac mini, by contrast, remains Apples best-value desktop Mac for users who already own a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Thanks to its M6 and M5 Pro chips, active cooling system, and greater performance, it is better suited to demanding workloads such as coding, creative applications, multitasking, and local AI development. Where to buy a Mac mini If youre looking to buy a Mac mini, you can choose between Apple, third-party retailers and refurbished outlets. Apple : You can buy a Mac mini directly from the Apple Store online or at an Apple retail store. Apple Education Store : Apple also offers discounted education pricing for eligible students and educators via its Education Store . For example, the $899 M6 Mac mini costs $799 with education pricing. Third-Party Resellers : Its worth checking third-party retailers as well as Apple, as stores such as Amazon and B&H frequently discount Macs. Authorized resellers and major retailers often sell the Mac mini at less than Apples list price. In the U.S., retailers include: Amazon Best Buy B&H Photo Video Costco Adorama DataVision In the U.K., retailers include: Amazon Argos Currys John Lewis AO Ebuyer Laptops Direct The U.K. also has Apple Premium Resellers including KRCS , iStore , Select , Albion and Jigsaw . Should you buy a refurbished Mac mini? A refurbished Mac mini can be an excellent way to save money, particularly if you dont need the latest model. Discounts can be significant, although the exact saving depends on the model, configuration and seller. The best place to start is Apples Refurbished Store . Apples refurbished Macs are fully tested, cleaned and inspected, and come with a one-year limited warranty, 90 days of technical support and eligibility for AppleCare. They are also supplied with the appropriate accessories and repackaged in a new box. Earlier in 2026, we saw refurbished M4 Mac mini models discounted by around $90/90, with savings also available on the M4 Pro version. However, as of September 2026, refurbished Mac mini stock is very limited. M4 models are currently unavailable, and it may be some time before the new M6 and M5 Pro models start appearing in Apples refurbished store. Availability is one of the main drawbacks of buying refurbished. Stock depends on returns and trade-ins, so you may not find the exact memory or storage configuration you want. More models may become available as owners upgrade to the latest Mac minis and older machines make their way to refurbishers. You should also be careful when buying from third-party sellers. Refurbishment standards and warranties can vary, and marketplaces may contain much older Intel-based Mac minis. We generally wouldnt recommend those models now unless the price is exceptionally low, as Apple silicon Mac minis offer much better performance and will receive software support for longer. Weve found Amazon particularly worth checking carefully. Refurbished stock can be dominated by Mac minis from 2020 or earlier, and weve even seen discontinued configurations listed for more than their original selling price. Always check the model year, specification and price of an equivalent new Mac before buying. Buying refurbished is generally safer than buying second hand from a private seller. A reputable refurbished Mac should have been inspected and tested and will usually include a warranty and returns policy. A privately sold Mac may offer neither, and there is also a risk of Activation Lock if the previous owner hasnt properly removed the Mac from their Apple Account. Where to buy a refurbished Mac mini U.S.: Amazon , Back Market , Best Buy , GainSaver , Mac of All Trades and Refurb.me . U.K.: Affordable Mac , Amazon , Back Market , Hoxton Macs , MacFinder , Mac4Sale and MusicMagpie . Read our guide to the pros and cons of buying refurbished Macs . We also have recommendations of the best places to buy a refurbished Mac .
Ex-MLA questions killing of top Jharkhand Maoist Brijesh Ganjhu, seeks CBI probe
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Sep 21 (IANS) The brother of slain Tritiya Sammelan Prastuti Committee (TSPC) chief Brijesh Ganjhu has questioned the killing of his brother in an encounter in Uttar Pradeshs Varanasi. He alleged that the operation was fake and demanded a probe by the CBI into the incident. Ganesh Ganjhu, former MLA from Simaria and brother of Brijesh Ganjhu alias Gopal Singh Bhokta, on Monday claimed that the Maoist leader was picked up from Jharkhand's Chatra district and later taken to Uttar Pradesh, where he was killed as part of a conspiracy. He urged Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to order an impartial CBI probe into the circumstances surrounding his brother's death. According to the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), Brajesh Ganjhu was killed in an encounter in Varanasi on Sunday morning. He carried a reward of Rs 25 lakh by the Jharkhand government and an additional Rs 5 lakh by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The body of the slain extremist reached his native village, Luttu Sohawan, under Lawalong police station limits in Chatra district on Monday. Speaking to reporters, Ganesh Ganjhu questioned the police version of the encounter. He raised doubts over the claim that Brajesh, who was allegedly riding a motorcycle when intercepted by police in Varanasi's Ramnagar area, opened fire on the security team. If he was riding the motorcycle, how could he fire from two pistols simultaneously? he asked, demanding an independent inquiry into the incident. Police, however, have maintained that Brajesh fired at the team during the operation and was injured in retaliatory action. He later succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead by doctors at a hospital. The former legislator also levelled serious allegations against the Jharkhand Police, claiming that his brother was first used in operations against Maoists and was later eliminated. He warned of a phased agitation if the government failed to act on the demand for an investigation. Ganesh Ganjhu further described his brother as an active participant in social welfare activities. He said Brajesh had been an elected panchayat representative since 2010 and had worked extensively for the poor, helping several underprivileged families, including supporting the marriages of girls from economically weaker sections. He also claimed that Brajesh had established the Gopal Singh Bhokta Inter College in Lawalong. The former MLA said that tackling Naxalism requires addressing its underlying causes and socio-economic factors rather than relying solely on security operations.
Indias earnings breadth widens, valuations improve: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) Indias Q1 FY27 corporate earnings hit tenquarter high and foreign institutional investors in August returned with their strongest monthly inflow since September 2024, a report said on Monday, even as equity valuation comfort improves. Indian equities are no longer uniformly expensive, with large-cap valuation comfort improving even as pockets of the broader market stay demanding. India's valuation premium to emerging markets has compressed to 20 per cent, near a decade low, the report from PL Asset Management said. Nifty PAT grew at its fastest pace in 10 consecutive quarters, prompting many brokerages to raise FY27 estimates, while the mid-cap PAT grew even higher up 20 per cent YoY, small-cap PAT up nearly 28 per cent Mid and smallcap stocks led gains even as the Nifty 50 slipped 1.24 per cent amid a hawkish Fed, a surging gold price and an Nvidia-led revival in global AI sentiment. Sector leadership was broad: capital goods, autos, metals, financials and healthcare all beat, while IT, chemicals and real estate lagged, the report said. That breadth doesn't happen by accident; it reflects a genuinely running investment cycle, with Gross Fixed Capital Formation growing 11.9 per cent in real terms, said Siddharth Vora, Head Quant Investment Strategies & Fund Manager, PL Asset Management. Domestic institutional investors extended a 38month net buying streak in August while foreign institutional investors' huge inflow helped offset roughly Rs 2.1 lakh crore of selling earlier in the year. Stocks with meaningful foreign holding have grown from 900 to 1,300 over four years, even as aggregate foreign ownership sits near a multi-year low as a share of market cap rotation and re-engagement rather than a wholesale return, leaving more room than usual for incremental buying to move price, the report noted.
Tribal welfare scam: Karnataka CM says his govt forced an innocent person to resign
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 21 (IANS) Referring to the resignation of Congress MLA B. Nagendra as a cabinet minister in connection with the Tribal Welfare scam, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday said that the government had been forced to make an innocent person resign due to pressure from the Opposition and criticised BJP MLAs for disrupting the Assembly instead of allowing discussions on the issues they had raised. He made the statement in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly while defending the decision to call a special session to discuss the drought situation and the Kasturirangan Report. Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka insisted that these matters should be discussed under the Adjournment Motion he had submitted to the Speaker. Referring to the resignation of Nagendra, Shivakumar said in the Assembly, We have forced an innocent to resign because of pressure from the Opposition. I forced him to resign. I asked the Opposition why they were demanding his resignation. They did not speak and disrupted the House. Later, they also took out a protest march. Let them do it; in a democracy, it is allowed. Shivakumar maintained that there was no need for an Adjournment Motion as the government had already convened the special session to discuss the same issues. Ashoka questioned the government on the provision under which the special session had been called and said there was no such provision under the law. Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda said the Opposition had submitted the Adjournment Motion only now, while the government had already called the special session to discuss the same issues. Shivakumar said the Opposition had disrupted the previous Monsoon Session and had not allowed him to speak for even a minute. He said the Opposition had submitted a written request to discuss the drought situation but had subsequently disrupted the proceedings, forcing the government to curtail the session by two days. Now, I have called a special session. Before that, I have visited various districts regarding the drought and the Kasturirangan report. Our stand on the Kasturirangan report has to be conveyed to the Centre by September 27. Considering all this, the special session has been called, he said. Shivakumar said he could have simply sent the previous report to the Centre, but wanted the issues to be discussed by elected representatives rather than allowing it to become his personal decision. The drought and Kasturirangan report must be discussed in the session. The session has been called in accordance with the wishes of the people, he said. He said meetings had been held in the four divisions of the state, including Kalaburagi, Belagavi and Chitradurga, with legislators to discuss the issues. Shivakumar said 120 taluks had already been declared drought-affected, while another 100 taluks were being verified for possible inclusion. He also said the impact of the Kasturirangan report on farmers had been brought to his notice by legislators and described the possible consequences as serious. MPs, MLAs and MLCs were called, and meetings were held, he said. Shivakumar further said the demand for the special session had not come from the Opposition and that the government had itself decided to convene it. It is good that the Opposition has brought an Adjournment Motion on the same matter. The Adjournment Motion is not needed. I am here to take your opinion on the matter. You can discuss the matter under any provision and for as long as required. The special session has already been called, he said.
Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case: SIT Identifies All Accused, Chargesheet By Sept 25
The Supreme Court on Monday took note of the progress made in the investigation into the alleged theft of Ram Mandir donation money and valuables. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case submitted its latest status report before a bench
NC, BJP Disrupted House to Silence Kashmirs Voice: Muntazir Mehdi
Srinagar, Sep 21: In a scathing crtique of the National Conference-BJP combine, Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi on Monday alleged that both parties had conspired to disrupt Assembly proceedings, deliberately preventing the legitimate grievances of the people of Jammu and Kashmir from being aired on the floor of the House. Speaking to reporters outside the Assembly, MLA Mehdi charged that the ruling dispensation had orchestrated the disruption of House proceedings to ensure that critical issues including the contentious reservation policy, the plight of intern doctors, the demands of NHM employees, and the concerns of daily wagers were never taken up for discussion. The institutional marginalization of Kashmiri Muslims is underway, Mehdi said, pointing to what he described as a calculated demographic sleight of hand in the reservation framework. A community that constitutes 60% of the population has been reduced to a mere 14% share in the reservation matrix. This is not an administrative oversight it is deliberate marginalization. The Budgam legislator revealed that an adjournment motion had been moved first thing in the morning, specifically to bring these pressing public issues to the immediate attention of the House. However, he alleged, coordinated disruptions ensured the motion never received its due hearing. From the very first day, the National Conference and the BJP made it abundantly clear that the sentiments and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir have no place in this Assembly, Mehdi stated, adding that the pattern of conduct left little room for doubt about the intent of both parties. Mehdi drew a sharp contrast between the unrest outside the Assembly and the proceedings within it. Across Jammu and Kashmir, he noted, people are protesting across multiple fronts agitating over reservation policies, demanding justice for contractual healthcare workers, and seeking regularization of daily wage employees. Our people are on the streets. They are protesting. They are raising their voices. And what did this House do today? It was wrecked deliberately wrecked so that not a single one of their voices could find representation here, he said.
Bomb threat email names Somnath temple, Gujarat BJP offices; searches find nothing suspicious
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad/Gir Somnath, Sep 21 (IANS) A bomb-threat email naming the Somnath Temple and BJP offices in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar triggered a security alert across Gujarat on Monday, prompting searches by police, bomb detection and disposal teams and dog squads, officials said. The threat mentioned the BJP office in Ahmedabad's Khanpur area, the party's state office, Kamalam, at Koba in Gandhinagar, and the Somnath Temple. Police said no suspicious object was found during searches at the locations. Ahmedabad C-Division ACP Adwait Gandhi said the State Intelligence Bureau in Gandhinagar received the input around 9 a.m., following which the Khanpur BJP office was thoroughly checked, and additional police deployment was put in place. At 9 a.m., we received an input from the State Intelligence Bureau in Gandhinagar. According to that, there was a threat of a bomb blast at the BJP Central Office in Khanpur. We informed the BDTS and had the entire premises checked, and police deployment has also been put in place. The situation is normal, Gandhi said. He confirmed that the Somnath Temple and BJP office at Koba had also been named in the threat. Nothing suspicious has been found. The situation is normal, he said. Gandhi said there was no need for panic and added that police are carrying out their duties. I do not have information about the origin of the email at this stage and action had been taken on the basis of the intelligence input, he noted. At the Khanpur office, police, fire brigade personnel and bomb and dog squad teams conducted a detailed search. City BJP president Prerak Shah said the party was informed that intelligence agencies had received an email threatening to blow up the office. Based on that, both the police and bomb squad arrived here. The entire Khanpur BJP office was searched, and nothing objectionable or suspicious was found here, Shah said. At Somnath, Deputy SP M.F. Chaudhary said the police received the threat email in the morning and the entire police force was placed on alert on the instructions and guidance of the Superintendent of Police. He said the temple has dedicated security personnel working round the clock and that devotees normally undergo two-layer frisking and checking. Electronic gadgets and other prohibited items are not allowed inside the temple premises. In view of today's situation, we put our other district branches, including the LCB, Special Operation Group, BDS and QRT, on alert and had the entire temple premises searched. The BDS searched the temple premises but found no suspicious objects, he said. The latest threat comes amid a series of similar email-based bomb scares in Gujarat. Earlier this month, threats were received by courts, schools and the Gujarat Assembly, while separate threats on September 15 and 17 reportedly named courts, Mahatma Mandir and port facilities. Searches in those cases also did not result in the recovery of explosives. Gujarat Police had also recently arrested two men in connection with an alleged interstate network involved in sending hoax bomb-threat emails. Investigators recovered details of 513,847 Gmail accounts and passwords allegedly linked to the network. Police are examining whether the latest threat has any connection with that network.
Ram Mandir donation theft case: SIT identifies all accused, chargesheet to be filed by September 25
The Ram Mandir donation theft case came up for hearing in the Supreme Court on Monday. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) presented its status report on the investigation before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
105 Instances Of Donation Theft At Ram Temple Caught On CCTV: Probe Report
Ram Mandir Donation Theft Case: The SIT status report outlined how CCTV footage and other materials were analysed to identify the accused
Asian Games 2026: Indian men's badminton outplays Bangladesh to enter quarterfinals
The Indian men's badminton team secured a dominant 3-0 victory against Bangladesh. Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty, and K Srikkanth won their respective matches without dropping games. This commanding performance propelled the team into the Asian Games quarterfinals. They are now scheduled to face hosts Japan in the next stage. The women's team will also compete against Japan in their quarterfinal match.
Open display of anti-Ahmadi banners in Pakistan sparks concern over safety of religious minority
Digital Desk | London, Sep 21 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation expressed grave concern over the open display of hostile and discriminatory banners targeting the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community across Sargodha district in Pakistans Punjab province. The rights group warned that such incidents could fuel further hostility against the already persecuted religious minority community. Citing reports, the UK-based International Human Rights Committee (IHRC) said that several such banners were put up along Sargodha University Road, with some portraying Ahmadis as disloyal to Pakistan, demanding their removal from positions of responsibility and calling for their complete boycott. One prominently displayed banner carried the English words: We hate Qadianiyat ( a religious slur). Video footage from Sargodha also showed anti-Ahmadi banners erected prominently along public roads. The banners are not merely expressions of theological disagreement. Calls for people to boycott an identifiable religious community, exclude its members from society and remove them from positions of responsibility contribute to an environment in which Ahmadis can face discrimination in their everyday lives. The fact that such material has reportedly been displayed openly along a major public road raises serious questions about the response of local and provincial authorities, the IHRC stated. Highlighting that such anti-Ahmadi calls are not without precedent in the Sargodha region, the rights body noted that previous documented incidents in the Silwanwali region of Sargodha district included anti-Ahmadi rallies, calls for members of the public to refrain from doing business with Ahmadis, and demands for their social boycott. The IHRC cited Pakistan's National Commission for Human Rights, which documented incidents of boycott campaigns against Ahmadis, including calls to deny them groceries and medical treatment, expel Ahmadi students and teachers, and terminate land leases. The Commission also documented interference with Ahmadi religious worship in Sargodha. These documented examples demonstrate the potentially serious consequences when campaigns of religious exclusion move beyond rhetoric and begin affecting education, employment, commerce, healthcare and religious life, the IHRC stated. The rights body referred to UN human-rights mechanisms that have repeatedly raised concerns over violence, harassment, hate speech and attacks against religious minorities, including Ahmadis across Pakistan. Whatever an individual's religious beliefs may be, no citizen should face violence, intimidation, discrimination or exclusion because of their faith. The authorities have a responsibility to ensure that Ahmadis and all other religious communities are afforded effective protection and that credible allegations of unlawful incitement, threats or discrimination are properly investigated, it stressed. The IHRC urged the international community to scrutinise Pakistan's implementation of its international human-rights commitments and ensure that the safety and fundamental rights of vulnerable religious communities remain part of bilateral and multilateral engagement. Hatred displayed openly in public spaces must not be allowed to develop into discrimination, intimidation or violence, it added.
J&K Assembly ruckus: BJP stages protest demanding justice for NHM employees
On the opening day of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assemblys autumn session on Monday, BJP legislators staged a protest inside the House. The MLAs raised several key demands, including the rollback of electricity tariff hikes, regularisation of daily wage workers, and job security for National Health Mission (NHM) employees.
Sopore congestion: Rs 1,000 crore DPR prepared, funding being explored, says Dy CM
Srinagar, Sep 21: The Jammu and Kashmir government has prepared a detailed project report (DPR) estimated at 1,000 crore to tackle traffic congestion in Sopore town and its Fruit Mandi, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said on Monday, adding that the government was exploring funding options with different agencies, including the Centre. Replying to questions in the Assembly, Choudhary described the demand for decongesting Sopore as a very serious issue and a very genuine demand. He said recommendations had been made by the concerned MLA for road works aimed at easing congestion, while Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar and Baramulla Deputy Commissioner had separately reviewed the issue. Whether it is Sopore Fruit Mandi or Sopore town, or the other roads, a complete DPR of 1,000 crore has been prepared, Choudhary said. He said the size of the proposed project meant that the government was discussing the proposal with various agencies and examining how much funding could be provided by the J&K government. We are also trying with the Government of India to see whether some projects can be included there, so that the congestion in Sopore city can be removed and the people of Sopore can get relief from this problem of traffic jams, he said. Choudhary, however, said the project would take time until the required funding was arranged. 1,000 crore is a very large amount, he said. But still, the government will try to do what we want to do for these people. However, for now, it will take time until the amount can be arranged. The Deputy Chief Minister also defended the government's approach to questions raised by opposition members during Question Hour, saying ministers were present in the House with the relevant files and were ready to respond to issues concerning employees and public services. Whether it is NHM, daily wagers, NYCs, or any issue related to electricity, water, roads or schools, ministers are sitting here ready to answer each one, he said. He alleged that BJP members were unwilling to hear the government's responses and were in the Assembly primarily to generate news. They have come here to make news, but the people are watching them, Choudhary said, appealing to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to see their real face. Recent reporting has also documented Choudhary's comments on employee-related issues, including NHM workers, as the government faces demands over regularisation and service conditions. The government has previously reviewed proposals involving Sopore's mandi expansion, road infrastructure, parking facilities and other measures aimed at addressing congestion.
Garos in Khasi Hills ask for DSC language provision
Shillong, Sep 20: The District Selection Committee (DSC) language provision has triggered discontent among certain Garo residents in Khasi Hills, with community bodies on Saturday demanding that both Garo and Khasi be offered as options for candidates in the region. More than 2,000 people gathered at Sildubi Mini Playground at Mallangkona in West Khasi Hills [] The post Garos in Khasi Hills ask for DSC language provision first appeared on Highland Post .
The One To Watch Out For: Fans React To Vidya Balan's Powerful Kantha Look In Jailer 2
Vidya Balan makes a commanding entrance in the newly released glimpse
Antigua & Barbuda Falcons Crowned Cpl 2026 Champions After Eight-Wicket Final Victory
The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons were crowned Caribbean Premier League (CPL) champions for the first time after defeating the Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets at the Kensington Oval. An unbeaten 89-run partnership between Amir Jangoo and Hasan Nawaz completed the Falcons historic triumph after another sensational spell from Sufyan Moqim, who claimed 4 for 14 to set up the chase. Maaz Sadaqats second century of the season ultimately counted for little as the Kingsmen fell short despite posting 170 for 9. Sent in to bat, the Kingsmen immediately signalled their intent in the Power Play, with Sadaqat launching Jayden Seales into the stands from the first ball. Seales, however, struck back at the end of the over when Kirk McKenzie was sharply caught by Rahkeem Cornwall in the slips. Keacy Carty joined Sadaqat at the crease, with the pair having already played starring roles in the play-offs. They looked to make the most of the Power Play and appeared to be building another formidable partnership, but Carty soon punched one straight to Shadab Khan at cover, with the Falcons all-rounder taking a sharp catch. Cornwall came close to adding another wicket when Saim Ayub was initially given out lbw, but a faint glove edge overturned the decision on review to give the Kingsmen opener a reprieve. The Kingsmen ended the Power Play on 59 for 2, just one run short of the landmark ten runs an over. Sadaqat continued his sensational play-off form, racing to his half-century from just 27 balls. But the Falcons had displayed impressive bowling depth throughout the tournament, and they unleashed their in-form spinner Moqim to turn the game on its head. The left-arm spinner struck immediately, removing Ayub and Rovman Powell in his first over. Shadab then joined the party by dismissing Romaine Morris, before Moqim claimed his third wicket by removing Hassan Khan. The Kingsmen suddenly found themselves in deep trouble, losing four wickets for just three runs in the space of 12 deliveries. Moqim and Shadab were ripping through the middle order, just as they had done against the Guyana Amazon Warriors earlier in the play-offs. But the Kingsmen refused to surrender, and with Sadaqat still at the crease, their innings remained alive. The right-hander once again took centre stage, powering towards a second century of the season with a sensational display of 360-degree hitting. He reached the first century in a CPL final from just 49 balls, adding another 14 runs before falling on the penultimate delivery of the innings. His magnificent knock propelled the Kingsmen to 170 for 9 from their 20 overs. The Falcons reply got off to a flying start, with Rahkeem Cornwall smashing 20 runs from the first over before being bowled by the final delivery. Cornwalls explosive start allowed Evin Lewis and Amir Jangoo to balance aggression with caution during the Power Play. Lewis survived a second chance when Andre Russell overstepped, and he responded by shifting through the gears. The final over of the Power Play produced 17 runs as the Falcons raced to 76 for 1 after six overs. The Kingsmen soon found a breakthrough when Lewis chopped on to his stumps off Vitel Lawes, but the wicket only seemed to inspire Jangoo. Joined by Hasan Nawaz, Jangoo built a composed and increasingly dominant partnership that kept the Falcons comfortably ahead of the required rate, which sat just above a run a ball. Jangoo brought up his half-century with the partnership already past 50, leaving the Falcons firmly in control heading into the final five overs. With the target within touching distance, Nawaz put the finishing touch on a commanding team performance, launching the winning runs over the boundary for six and sending his teammates sprinting onto the field in celebration. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The Falcons reached 173 for 2 with 20 balls to spare, completing a memorable eight-wicket victory and securing the first CPL title in the history of the Antigua & Barbuda franchise.
Indian Mens Kabaddi Team Dominates Japan in Opening Match of 2026 Asian Games
The Indian mens kabaddi team secured a commanding 49-23 victory over Japan in their first match at the 2026 Asian Games. Indian Mens Kabaddi Team Dominates Japan in Opening Match of 2026 Asian Games
Psychology explains how US Navy SEAL training builds resilience - even when motivation runs out
US Navy SEAL training reveals resilience is not innate but can develop. Psychological traits like hardiness and grit adapt during demanding conditions. Viewing stress as enhancing improves performance and perseverance among candidates. Goal-setting and emotional control become vital when motivation wanes. True resilience involves adaptation and regulating reactions, not just persistence.
Suspected Drug Peddler Arrested in South Kashmir; Contraband Recovered
SRINAGAR: Police in Anantnag district arrested a suspected drug peddler and recovered charas and ganja from his possession in the Ashajipora area on Monday, officials said. The accused was identified as Muzaffar Ahmad Sheikh, son of Gh. Hassan Sheikh, a resident of Nazuk Mohalla, Ganjiwara. Police said a team from Police Post Janglatmandi intercepted him []
Indian Agriculture Minister Suspends Official Over Bribery Allegations
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan suspends an official for demanding bribes during inspections in Sehore district. Indian Agriculture Minister Suspends Official Over Bribery Allegations
Sonaselection India IPO Day 3: Check GMP, subscription status and key details
Sonaselection India IPO entered its final day of bidding after garnering 90% subscription on Day 2. The issue received bids for 90.52 lakh shares against 1 crore shares on offer, with retail investors subscribing 1.29 times their allotted portion. In the grey market, the IPO is commanding a GMP of around 2%, signalling a modest premium over the issue price, though GMP is unofficial and does not guarantee the listing price.
Shiv Sena-UBT Criticizes Maharashtra Government Over Farmer Crisis Amid Drought
Shiv Sena-UBT accuses Maharashtra government of neglecting farmers suffering from drought, demanding urgent action and relief measures. Shiv Sena-UBT Criticizes Maharashtra Government Over Farmer Crisis Amid Drought
India Dominates Pakistan 3-0 in Table Tennis at 2026 Asian Games
The Indian table tennis team secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Pakistan, advancing to the quarter-finals at the 2026 Asian Games. India Dominates Pakistan 3-0 in Table Tennis at 2026 Asian Games
JMC Commissioner initiates redevelopment work at Parade Vegetable Market
Jammu, Sep 20: Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and CEO, Jammu Smart City, Dr. Devansh Yadav on Sunday visited the Old Vegetable Market at Parade and initiated the redevelopment work, marking the beginning of a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at transforming the historic market into a cleaner, more organised and modern trading space. During his visit, the Vegetable Market Association welcomed the Commissioner and expressed its support for the redevelopment initiative. Interacting with traders and members of the association, Dr. Yadav assured those present that the work had commenced and would be completed as soon as possible. He said the redevelopment would provide improved facilities for vendors and visitors, enhance hygiene standards and create a more efficient and customer-friendly market environment. The redevelopment project, with an estimated DPR cost of 5.88 crore, aims to transform the existing mandi through modern infrastructure, upgraded civic amenities and a well-planned layout. The project is expected to improve market functionality, accessibility, sanitation and the overall shopping experience. As part of the redevelopment, a spacious Mild Steel (MS) covered shed will be constructed to provide weather-protected vending space for traders. The facility will accommodate 117 vendor platforms, each measuring 1.8 metres 2.1 metres, ensuring systematic and orderly market operations. The shed area will be developed with Kota stone flooring, while the vendor platforms will feature granite cladding and granite tops to ensure durability, hygiene and ease of maintenance. The project also envisages the construction of 44 permanent commercial shop blocks, each measuring 2.4 metres 2.7 metres, to support vegetable vendors and allied businesses in a structured retail setting. To improve sanitation and cleanliness, the existing drainage network will be strengthened and rehabilitated to minimise waterlogging and ensure efficient disposal of wastewater within the mandi premises. The redevelopment plan further includes a redesigned main entry gate with sandstone cladding, enhancing the visual appeal and identity of the market. Modern public amenities, including separate toilet blocks for men and women and drinking water cooler units, will also be installed for the convenience of traders and visitors. The internal movement and circulation areas will be developed using Pavement Quality Concrete (PQC) to withstand regular pedestrian movement and light vehicular traffic, ensuring long-term durability and reduced maintenance requirements. Dr. Yadav said the redevelopment had been conceived to improve market functionality through an organised layout, better accessibility, enhanced safety and efficient civic infrastructure. He added that the upgraded facilities would significantly improve hygiene standards and provide a cleaner, safer and more convenient environment for the handling and sale of fresh produce. The initiation of work at the Parade Vegetable Market marks an important step towards the planned modernisation of one of Jammus oldest and busiest markets, with the JMC committed to completing the redevelopment at the earliest possible time.
J&K Police seize nine vehicles in Shopian, Sopore
Srinagar, Sep 20: Continuing it sustained drive against illegal mining and transportation of minerals, Police have seized nine vehicles including two dumpers and seven tractors involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in Shopian and Sopore. The vehicles were found involved in the extraction and transportation of mining material, without valid authorization and in violation of the prescribed norms. Meanwhile in Sopore, Sopore Police seized two vehicles involved in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals in the jurisdiction of PS Panzalla and PP Fruit Mandi. Accordingly, the vehicles were seized on the spot and multiple FIRs under relevant provisions of law stand registered at the concerned police stations. Further investigation in the matter has been initiated. J&K Police reiterated its firm commitment to protecting the districts natural resources and taking strict legal action against individuals involved in illegal mining activities. The general public has been urged to cooperate with the police and report any such unlawful activities.
Lt Gen P K Mishra relinquishing command of White Knight Corps on Oct 1
General Officer Commanding (GOC), Lieutenant General P K Mishra is relinquishing the command of Nagrota-based White Knight (16) Corps of the Indian Army on October 1, 2026. Lieutenant General Mohit Seth, presently serving as Commandant, Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), Indian Armys training establishment in Bhutan, will succeed him as the GOC XVI Corps. On April 1, 2025, Lt Gen Mishra had taken over the command of 16 Corps strategically one of the very crucial Corps of the Indian Army. He was recently conferred the prestigious Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) by the President Droupadi Murmu at the Defence Investiture Ceremony 2026 (phase II). Lt Gen Mishra, also a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), Yudh Seva Medal (YSM) and Seva Medal (SM), had succeeded Lieutenant General Navin Sachdeva. Prior to taking over as GOC 16 Corps, Lt Gen Mishra was heading IMTRAT in Bhutan. There also, he was relieved of the charge by Lt Gen Mohit Seth as new Commandant, IMTRAT. Lt Gen Seth, an alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA) and the National Defence college (NDC), was commissioned into the 3 Madras Regiment in 1991. Previously, he also served as General Officer Commanding of the Kilo Force of Army in J&K. In his distinguished military career spanning over three decades, he held various prestigious staff and command appointments in J&K, North East and at Army Headquarter. He has also served as Indian Army Liaison Officer, High Commission of India, United Kingdom.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan to join BJPs Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra in Punjab today
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 21 (IANS) Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will visit Punjab on Monday for a one-day trip, where he will participate in the BJPs Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra (Drug-Free Punjab Campaign). During his visit, Chouhan will pay obeisance at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib in Talwandi Sabo before joining the BJPs campaign against drug abuse. At 10:00 a.m., he is scheduled to inaugurate and participate in the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra at Dana Mandi, located at Ravidasia Chowk in Talwandi Sabo. The Union minister will also address a public meeting in Maisarkhana and hold a direct dialogue with farmers and women associated with self-help groups in Bathinda. His participation comes as the four-day campaign enters its final leg, with the yatra scheduled to reach Bathinda and conclude the BJPs state-wide outreach programme. The BJP launched the mega Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra on September 18, with the campaign covering different parts of Punjab. BJP national President Nitin Nabin flagged off the first march from Ekta Sthal at Madhopur in Pathankot district earlier on Friday. The second yatra was on September 19 from Fatehgarh Sahib and was flagged off by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The third yatra was held on September 20 from the Sadiki border in Fazilka, near the Asafwala 1971 War Memorial, and was flagged off by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. The four-day yatra began in Pathankot and is scheduled to conclude in Bathinda, covering key districts across the state. The campaign is centred on the issue of drug abuse, which has remained a significant concern and a prominent subject of political discourse in Punjab. Through the yatra, the BJP is seeking to raise awareness about the adverse impact of drugs and highlight its vision and proposed approach for creating a drug-free Punjab. The participation of senior BJP leaders, including Chouhan, is expected to add political momentum to the campaign while strengthening the partys organisational network and public outreach across the state.
2 years on, no work on Anantnags 249-bed maternity, child hospital
Srinagar, Sep 20:Nearly two years after the proposed 249-bed Maternal and Child Care Hospital was announced for Anantnag, construction has yet to begin, as the revised project report awaits approval and funding. In November 2024, the Health and Medical Education Department (H&ME) directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the hospital at Government Medical College, MAMB Janglatmandi, and fast-track the project. The initial DPR, estimated at Rs 86.5 crore, was submitted to the Finance Department under the NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF-XXXI). It was returned for clarification on the funding source and inclusion of furniture and furnishings. PWD later revised the project cost to Rs 94.44 crore. The revised project cost is Rs 94.44 crore, Superintending Engineer (SE) Syed Ishfaq Ahmad said. He said the revised DPR was forwarded to the Principal of GMC Anantnag on April 1. A GMC official said the proposal was in turn forwarded to the Health Secretary in April, with copies sent to the Finance Secretary and Director of Health Services. Officials said NABARD remains the proposed funding source, while administrative approval and fund release are pending. About 4.5 Kanals of land was initially demarcated within the Mirza Mohammad Afzal Beg Memorial (MAMB) Hospital premises at Janglatmandi, with the proposed facility to be connected to Block A. The idea was to bring maternity and child care services under one roof at GMC Janglatmandi, an official said. Other sites considered include the GMC main campus at Dialgam, the existing Sherbagh site after dismantling the dilapidated MCCH structures, and Rehmat-e-Alam Hospital at Sarnal, KP road. A senior doctor said the MAMB campus at Janglatmandi already has limited space, with a nursing home, oxygen plants and several centrally funded projects behind the main A, B and C blocks. The critical care unit is also under construction. A proposed oncology block and a sewage treatment plant are also planned there. There is hardly any room for expansion, the doctor said. The new hospital must be planned for the next hundred years, not just the next few, he said. The government told the Assembly during the February budget session that Rs 5 crore had been earmarked for the project under the 2025-26 CAPEX budget. It said the project could also be taken up under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme in 2026-27. Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo recently said construction would begin once the land was finalised. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already sanctioned and allocated funds under NABARD for the new maternity and child care hospital, she said, adding that the land had to be within the GMC-MAMB Janglatmandi premises. I have directed officials to identify the land at the earliest. Officials, however, said no funds had been released. Sherbagh hospital remains overcrowded The existing maternity hospital at Sherbagh continues to operate despite being declared unsafe by the PWD and Fire and Emergency Services in 2014. The hospital handles more than 40,000 outpatient visits and about 7,000 admissions each month. Built for 40 beds, it now operates far beyond capacity, with two labour rooms, four surgical wards and one operation theatre. In many cases, two to three patients share a single bed, a doctor said. The paediatric section was shifted to MAMB GMC Anantnag last year after repeated fires in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) caused electrical faults. A 2015 blaze damaged the outpatient department (OPD), including the gynaecology, obstetrics and paediatric sections. In March 2022, a gas leak triggered a fire that injured 12 people, including two children. The building is not safe to run the maternity hospital at all, Itoo said. Rehmat-e-Alam relocation plan shelved A proposal to shift maternity services to Rehmat-e-Alam Hospital on KP Road at Sarnal was shelved after structural assessments by IIT Jammu and NIT Srinagar found the building unsuitable under post-2005 earthquake safety standards. The building was originally constructed by a local trust and later expanded by the Housing Department, JKPCC and R&B at a cost of about Rs 13 crore. IIT Jammu and NIT Srinagar recommended retrofitting the two lower floors and strengthening key structural elements at an estimated Rs 8 crore, besides about Rs 25 crore for interior work. The Design Inspection Quality Control (DIQC) department also recommended reinforcing underground structures. Using the building for offices or other non-clinical health services was also suggested, but the relocation proposal was eventually dropped. The site has about 30 kanals of land that could potentially be used for new construction. With the new hospital still awaiting approval, the Sherbagh facility continues to function under severe space constraints. Like the childrens section, the maternity hospital should also be shifted temporarily until the new facility comes up, said Ishrat Ahmad, a local resident.
Bandiporas Rs 7.5 Cr PMGSY road lies in ruins, villagers face daily danger
Commuters and residents across several villages are facing daily hardships as the 7-kilometre Kaloosa to Gurdal road in north Kashmirs Bandipora district remains broken and unsafe, six years after construction, and facelift works started. Executed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the road work began on April 27, 2020, with an estimated cost of Rs 750.70 lakh. Despite this massive budget and a mandatory five-year maintenance period, the surface is completely broken. Severe potholes appeared early this year and have steadily worsened. Driving on this road breaks our vehicles and our backs, said Mohammad Shafi, a daily commuter. The potholes are so deep that it takes double the time just to cross a few kilometres. The poor surface condition also creates severe dust pollution. Residents are forced to stand on the roadside and spray water from garden hoses just to settle the thick dust rising from the dry, gravel-filled stretches. We are literally eating dust, said Abdul Wahid, a local resident. I have to stand outside with a water hose just so my family can breathe inside our own home. They spent crores, and all we got were potholes and chest infections. The contract was awarded to M/s AJS Construction Group, with the J&K Rural Roads Development Agency (JKRRDA) acting as the executing agency. Official project boards show plans for a complete cross-section with proper shoulders, drainage and protection walls. However, residents say safety features were abandoned. Small bridges and culverts along the route lack protective side walls and proper drainage systems, posing a serious risk to passing vehicles. Look at the small bridges, there are no side walls at all, said local resident Javid Ahmad. One wrong turn at night and your car is in the ditch. Residents allege the road develops deep potholes every year, pointing to poor-quality macadamisation by the contractors. Despite repeated promises from the administration regarding immediate patchwork and surface repairs, residents say there has been no actual headway on the ground. Locals are demanding strict measures to fix the crumbling surface and build the missing safety walls before a major accident occurs.
COUNT THE DAYS FIRST :The paradox behind J&Ks five-day week debate
Srinagar, Sep 20: The school bell in Jammu and Kashmir may ring as late as 4:30 pm, but the school year itself is considerably shorter than in several other parts of the country. That contrast sits at the centre of a debate now reaching the J&K Legislative Assembly: if children are already under academic pressure, should they spend one less day a week in school? National Conference (NC) MLA Hasnain Masoodi has proposed a five-day working week for schools, with Saturdays and Sundays as holidays, saying students are burdened by studies and need time for rest and recreation. Education Minister Sakina Itoo has said the proposal will be examined by the concerned education authorities. A report titled Working Hours Parity Report: An Objective Audit of the Jammu & Kashmir Academic Calendar, records 181 working days for J&K. Its comparison gives Delhi 243 working days, the South India category 236 and West Bengal 217. In other words, the difference between J&K and the three comparison regions is not measured in a handful of days. It is 36 days against West Bengal, 55 against the South India comparison and 62 against Delhi. The report points to one conspicuous reason: the winter break. It records a 76-day winter vacation in J&K, against 13 days in each of the three comparison regions. Overall, it records 184 holiday days in J&K, including 17 national holidays and 26 state holidays, leaving 181 working days. And yet, on a day-to-day basis, J&K can appear to have a demanding school schedule. The report notes the extension of the school day to 4:30 pm and calls the resulting perception the 4:30 PM illusion, the sense that a late closing bell necessarily means a longer academic year. The report puts annual working hours for J&K at 1,086, against 1,458 in Delhi, 1,463.2 in the South India comparison and 1,519 in West Bengal. It calculates the gap between 25.5 per cent and 28.5 per cent, averaging 26.6 per cent across the three comparisons. There is a qualification that matters: these are working-hour figures for teaching staff and the academic calendar, not a direct measure of the hours individual students spend learning. The report therefore cannot establish that a J&K student receives only 1,086 hours of classroom instruction in a year. But it does establish something relevant to the present debate: J&Ks formal school calendar has fewer working days than the three regions against which the report compares it. The report offers another way of looking at the issue. It applies a common 7.5-hour working day to J&K and West Bengal, removing the difference in daily schedules from the calculation. J&K would still have 1,357.5 annual hours against West Bengals 1,627.5, a 270-hour difference, because the number of working days is different. The comparison becomes even more striking against private-school benchmarks cited in the report. It puts annual hours at 1,498 for private schools in Delhi, 1,536 in West Bengal and 1,711 in its South India comparison, against 1,086 for J&K, with reported gaps ranging from 27.5 per cent to 36.5 per cent. None of these figures, however, answers Masoodis central contention that children are burnt out by academic pressure. That is a different proposition, and it requires different evidence. Nor does the report establish that J&K should have more working days. Its purpose is comparative: to show how the distribution of the academic year differs across the regions examined. Its own figures show that the 76-day winter closure is doing much of the work in producing the annual gap. The calendar data also needs to be read against J&Ks existing academic schedule. The JKBOSE 2024-25 academic calendar separately provided roughly 185 working days for the Kashmir division and winter-zone Jammu. That figure comes from a different academic year and calendar dataset from the 181 working days cited in the institutional audit. J&Ks academic calendar has also changed over time. An earlier DSEK academic planner for 2017-18 prescribed 200 instructional days and 800 effective school hours for primary classes, while upper-primary classes were prescribed 220 instructional days and 1,000 effective school hours. The report also examines the effect of the daily timetable across seasons. It puts peak daylight at roughly 13-14 hours between April and July, when the school day may run to 4:30 pm. For September and October, it puts daylight at about 11-12 hours, while during November and December the school day ends at 3 pm. The report describes these as approximate seasonal daylight figures. Itoo has said the proposal will be taken up with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, Directorate of School Education Jammu and the Director of Colleges for examination.
Bukhari cautions against settling outsiders in J
Slams neglect of Srinagar, demands probe into citys Master Plan Srinagar, Sep 20: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Sunday cautioned against any attempt to settle outsiders in Jammu and Kashmir under the garb of development, demanding a probe into allegations that land is being purchased in the name of certain locals to []
CBI arrests agriculture officer, two others in bribery case
Srinagar, Sep 20: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three people, including a Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO) and an Agricultural Extension Assistant (AEA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Department, in a bribery case linked to the release of a subsidy under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). The third accused is a private individual, the CBI said. The case was registered on September 19 following a complaint alleging that the SDAO had demanded 35,000 from the complainant for releasing the subsidy. According to the CBI, the officer directed the complainant to hand over the bribe to either the AEA or the private individual. The agency subsequently laid a trap and allegedly caught the AEA and the private individual red-handed while demanding and accepting 15,000 from the complainant. The SDAO was later arrested from his residence, the CBI said. Further investigation in the case is underway.
The death of seven-year-old Sidra after she was struck by a vehicle in Barbar Shah on Sunday is not merely another tragic entry in Srinagars accident register. It is a devastating reminder that the citys roads, lanes and crossings remain hostile to the most vulnerable: children, pedestrians, elderly people and those who have no protection except the promise that public spaces will be governed responsibly. Sidra was critically injured and rushed to SMHS Hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead. Behind these brief official details lies a family shattered in an instant. A child who should have been returning home, walking beside a parent or playing in a neighbourhood, became the victim of a collision whose circumstances must be established without delay. The police investigation is necessary, but it cannot be the end of the public response. Every such death raises questions that go beyond the individual driver. Was the road adequately lit? Was traffic moving at a dangerous speed? Were pedestrians forced into the carriageway because footpaths were absent, encroached upon or unusable? Were warning signs, speed controls and enforcement visible? In crowded parts of Srinagar, these are not abstract questions. They are matters of life and death. Urban roads are often designed around the convenience and speed of vehicles, while pedestrians are expected to negotiate whatever space remains. This imbalance is especially dangerous in old and densely populated areas, where narrow streets, informal parking, commercial activity and constant vehicle movement create a permanent hazard. Children cannot be expected to calculate braking distances or anticipate reckless driving. The responsibility lies with drivers, enforcement agencies and urban planners to make streets safe before tragedy occurs. Authorities must therefore treat Sidras death as a warning demanding action, not as an isolated incident to be forgotten after the investigation report. The stretch where the accident occurred should be audited immediately. Speed limits must be enforced, illegal parking removed, crossings marked, and lighting improved. Traffic police presence should be strengthened at vulnerable points, particularly around residential areas, schools, markets and hospitals. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts must be examined transparently, and accountability must follow if negligence is established. But enforcement alone will not solve Srinagars pedestrian safety crisis. The city needs a clear road-safety policy that places human life above traffic speed. Footpaths must be protected from encroachment, crossings made usable and road design aligned with the realities of a dense urban population. Public awareness campaigns are useful, but they cannot substitute for engineering, regulation and sustained enforcement. Sidras family will carry this loss long after public attention moves elsewhere. The least the city can do is ensure that her death does not become another statistic. A child was killed on a Srinagar street. The question now is whether the authorities will merely investigate the incident or confront the unsafe system that made such a tragedy possible.
The BJP has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi for a comedy act. This performance allegedly insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother and included falsehoods. Party leaders are demanding a public apology from Gandhi for these remarks. The Congress defended the act as simple mimicry and nothing more. This incident has sparked a significant political controversy and debate.
MERZ FAILED GERMANY!: Berlin Voters Lash Out As AfD STORMS NATO Nation | Watch
Berlin voters delivered a blistering assessment of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as the capitals state election got underway. One resident criticised the CDUs response to rising prices, arguing that demanding longer working hours and restricting part-time employment was not credible social policy. She said the partys failure to connect with its traditional voters had helped strengthen the AfD and declared that Merz was definitely not my chancellor. Another voter accused Merz of making racist and misogynistic remarks and predicted that he would remain in office until the end of his termnot because voters supported him, but because his ego is a bit too big for him to resign.
'Hey Bibi, How Much More Blood?': Israelis Take To Streets, Big Demand Before October Election
Demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv to protest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, with several protesters calling for political change ahead of Israels October election. Footage shows participants carrying Israeli flags and placards, including messages asking, How much more blood will be spilt? and demanding a state commission of inquiry. An installation titled Responsibility featured white fabric marked with fake blood. Protesters also raised concerns over the ongoing war, government accountability and Israels political direction. Rally participants said replacing Netanyahu alone would not address what they described as broader policy and governance issues. The demonstration comes ahead of the October 27 Knesset election, while calls for an official inquiry into the October 7 attacks remain a prominent issue among protesters.
Delhi BJP Protests Demand Expulsion of AAP Councillor Following Sanitation Worker
Delhi BJP protests outside AAP office, demanding the expulsion of councillor linked to sanitation workers suicide. Delhi BJP Protests Demand Expulsion of AAP Councillor Following Sanitation Workers Suicide
Gujarat: New Gambhira bridge opens a year after tragedy
Digital Desk | Vadodara, Sep 20 (IANS) The new Gambhira-Mujpur bridge over the Mahi River was inaugurated in Vadodara district on Sunday, a little over a year after the collapse of the old structure claimed 22 lives, as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 1,297 crore in the district. The new 868.75-metre bridge connects Padra taluka in Vadodara with Anklav in Anand district and has 23 spans and 21 piers. According to the Roads and Buildings Department, construction began on August 14, 2025, and was completed on August 13, making it the fastest river bridge in Gujarat. The earlier bridge, built in 1985, collapsed on July 9 last year when a section between two piers gave way during morning traffic, sending several vehicles into the Mahi River. The final death toll was 22. The bridge was a major route between central Gujarat and Saurashtra and carried around one lakh vehicles a day, including heavy vehicles. Its collapse forced commuters to take detours of up to 45 km. The new structure uses epoxy-coated steel to improve durability and reduce corrosion. Around 300 workers were deployed round the clock during construction, with fluctuating water levels and flow in the Mahi River posing challenges. Safety testing was also carried out before the bridge was opened. Addressing a programme at Trimandir in Varnama, Patel said the Rs 1,297-crore package included the Gambhira bridge, the Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Sankalp Bhoomi Memorial at Kalyannagar and works related to housing, roads, drainage and water supply. The Ambedkar memorial, built at a cost of around Rs 29 crore, features a 12-foot statue of Dr Ambedkar, along with a museum, digital show, library, and auditorium. Patel said the memorial would inspire future generations toward social equality, unity, and harmony. Social harmony had been established in the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and that the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam had received continuous encouragement under his leadership, he added. He said PM Modi had adopted an approach of considering every citizen as part of his family and ensuring that the benefits of development reached the person at the bottom of the social and economic ladder. The Chief Minister said the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' is being organised to advance further PM Modis 25-year journey of public and national service. Benefits of schemes including the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Har Ghar Jal and Ayushman Bharat had made peoples lives easier, and citizens must ensure that those who remained deprived received their rightful benefits, he said. He stressed the need for a saturation approach so that government schemes reached the maximum number of beneficiaries and urged people to contribute to public service through activities such as tree plantation, cleanliness drives, water conservation, electricity conservation and rainwater harvesting. The government is working to bring every village, family and citizen into the development process, he noted. He said 593 houses were among the works being undertaken under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He stressed the importance of public participation in building a developed Gujarat and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Pradyuman Vaja said Vadodara had received development works worth Rs 1,273 crore, including around Rs 75 crore in projects under his department. Vaja also thanked the Chief Minister for making a budgetary provision of Rs 231 crore in Gujarat to mark the 650th birth anniversary of Sant Shiromani Ravidas. Minister of State Manisha Vakil said Patel had given priority to reconstructing the Gambhira bridge and ensured the work was completed on time. The new bridge would make trade and commercial movement between Vadodara and Saurashtra easier. The Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial would continue to inspire people, she added.
Doctors and Nurses Strike After Violent Incident at East Burdwan Hospital
Following a violent incident at Manakar Rural Hospital, doctors and nurses have gone on strike, demanding better security measures. Doctors and Nurses Strike After Violent Incident at East Burdwan Hospital
Manipur tense after security forces detain 7 Kukis
Violent protests erupted in Manipur's Kangpokpi district after seven Kuki villagers were allegedly detained by security forces. Protesters blocked roads and clashed with forces, leading to injuries. The villagers were later released, but a Meitei women's organisation subsequently staged a sit-in demanding the release of Meitei village volunteers.
Bengal: Doctors, nurses strike after attack at East Burdwan hospital
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 20 (IANS) Relatives of a deceased patient vandalised Mankar Rural Hospital in the Budbud police station area of East Burdwan district on Sunday, alleging that improper treatment led to the death. They also allegedly assaulted nurses and health workers, triggering tension across the hospital premises. Doctors, nurses, and health workers have since launched a strike demanding security. According to reports, Budhan Bauri, a resident of Mankar, fell ill on Saturday night and was taken to the hospital. After initial treatment, he was kept under observation. Doctors later advised his family to take him home as his condition appeared better. However, Budhan reportedly fell ill again on the way home and died. His relatives then stormed the hospital, vandalising equipment and furniture in the emergency department. Eyewitnesses said the crowd broke into a room where nurses and health workers had taken shelter and assaulted them, including female staff. Police from Budbud station rushed to the spot, brought the situation under control, and recovered Budhans body, which was sent for autopsy on Sunday morning. Authorities said efforts are underway to identify those involved in the violence. Following the incident, hospital staff expressed concern for their safety. They have been protesting outside the main gate since Sunday morning, demanding written assurances and specific security measures. If our lives are in danger at work, how will we provide services? Until the administration gives us written assurances and security, our protest will continue, a doctor said. Except for the emergency department, all other hospital services have been suspended.
Hundreds protest in Tunisia for release of jailed Gaza flotilla activists
Hundreds of Tunisians have protested in Tunis, demanding the release of four Global Sumud Flotilla activists. Hundreds protest in Tunisia for release of jailed Gaza flotilla activists
Sub-divisional agriculture officer among 3 arrested by CBI in bribery case in J&K
Srinagar, Sep 20: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Saturday arrested a sub-divisional agriculture officer (SDAO) and two others in connection with a bribery case in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. It is alleged that SDAO Rajan Sharma had demanded a bribe of Rs 35,000 from the complainant for releasing his subsidy under Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) scheme. Rajan Sharma allegedly directed the subsidy-seeker to handover the bribe either to AEA (Agricultural Extension Assistant) Abhilashi Sharma or to a private person, Ashok Kumar. The CBI laid a trap and caught the accused Agricultural Extension Assistant (AEA) and the private person red-handed while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs. 15,000 from the complainant, a CBI spokesperson said in a statement. SDAO Rajan Sharma was later arrested from his residence, the spokesperson said.
CBI Arrests Agricultural Officials in Bribery Case in Jammu and Kashmir
The CBI has arrested three agricultural officials in Jammu and Kashmir for demanding bribes related to subsidy disbursement. CBI Arrests Agricultural Officials in Bribery Case in Jammu and Kashmir
CBI Arrests Agricultural Officials in Jammu-Kashmir Bribery Case
The CBI has arrested three individuals, including agricultural officials, for demanding bribes in Jammu-Kashmir. CBI Arrests Agricultural Officials in Jammu-Kashmir Bribery Case
J and K Bribery: CBI Arrests Agriculture Officer
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO) and two others in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe to release a subsidy under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) scheme.
Protesters demanding rollback of UGC regulations block Yamuna Expressway in Agra
Protesters demanding rollback of UGC regulations blocked the Yamuna Expressway in Agra on Sunday. Dozens of tractors were used to halt traffic, leading to a scuffle with police. The demonstrators alleged that some provisions could be misused against general-category students. Police managed to persuade the protesters to clear the road after some time.
Under-construction warehouse collapses in Delhi's Narela, 2 injured
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 20 (IANS) A portion of an under-construction warehouse collapsed in the Narela area of north Delhi on Sunday, injuring two labourers, officials said. The incident took place at around 11 am, at Plot No. 248, on Farm House Road, Jain Mandir, in Narela's Budhpur. Two labourers were reportedly trapped under the debris. However, they were pulled out and rushed to the hospital before the arrival of the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) unit. Upon receiving information, the fire services immediately sent two Water Tenders (WTs), a Bowser Fire Tender (BFT), and a Water Bowser (WB), along with Station Officer Naveen Thakran and Sub Officer Pardeep. The injured labourers have been identified as Sunil, 20, and Naresh Pajwan, 28. A similar incident of building collapse was reported from the Alipur area of north Delhi earlier on Sunday. No casualties were reported in the incident. The Alipur police station received a call regarding the collapse at around 11 a.m., following which police teams were immediately dispatched to the site. Four ambulances, a fire tender, and a disaster management vehicle were also sent to the location, officials said. According to the preliminary inquiry, lintel work was underway at the under-construction building when the supporting shuttering, locally referred to as 'balli', apparently gave way. The failure of the temporary support caused the structure to collapse, officials said. Several labourers were present and working at the construction site when the incident occurred, officials said. Police said that all the workers were accounted for and were found to be safe. No person was trapped beneath the debris, they added. Police teams and other emergency personnel carried out checks at the site to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the collapse and ensure that no one was missing or trapped. Further verification regarding the incident and the safety of the workers is currently underway, police said.
India, Italy entering more demanding phase of bilateral ties: Report
Digital Desk | Rome, Sep 20 (IANS) As Brussels moves the trade agreement between India and the European Union (EU) towards signature, India and Italy are entering a more demanding phase of their ties, with John Cabot University recently launching the first Track 1.5 dialogue to analyse how the ties between the two nations have changed over the years, according to a report. While the EU is accelerating engagement with India, the bilateral ties between Rome and New Delhi have been changing rapidly in recent years, according to a report in Decode39. India and Italy established a Strategic Partnership in 2023, adopted a Joint Strategic Action Plan for 20252029 in 2024 and elevated ties to a Special Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Italy in May. Under the new framework, the Foreign Ministers-led mechanism will monitor implementation of the Action Plan and provide strategic guidance to the relationship. Recently, the first ItalyIndia Track 1.5 Dialogue was organised by the Guarini Institute for Public Affairs at John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome. India's Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, attended the event's public programme. The discussion was held under the Chatham House Rule and analysed how the ties between India and Italy have changed over the years as the two countries are set to mark the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2027. The event highlighted an economic relationship between India and Italy, whose potential is more than the infrastructure that backs it. Financial institutions can play a greater role in facilitating commerce between India and Italy, while non-tariff barriers and regulatory divergence continue to obstruct deeper integration between the two nations, according to the Decode39 report. A similar transition between India and Italy is taking place in the defence sector. Defence cooperation between India and Italy now encompasses personnel exchanges, procurement, research and development and industrial partnerships. The two nations also engage in naval visits and training activities. Italy and India are on opposite sides of a maritime system linking the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East and Europe and protecting the routes running through this space is an economic and security interest. IndiaMiddle EastEurope Economic Corridor (IMEC) becomes relevant in this framework. The IMEC for Italy provides a geographic link between its growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific and its traditional Mediterranean projection, while it offers India another way to strengthen ties with European markets through the Gulf and the Mediterranean. The 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the year dedicated to cultural tourism, both in 2027, will offer an opportunity to broaden these foundations further. The Guarini Institute intends to build on the first Track 1.5 dialogue with a larger initiative at John Cabot University next year, Emanuele Rossi wrote in the Decode39 report. The point, however, extends beyond commemoration: with a Special Strategic Partnership, an Action Plan running through 2029, a 20 billion trade target, growing defence cooperation, the European FTA and IMEC in the background, the challenge is now to turn this architecture into results. Eighty years after diplomatic relations began, Rome and New Delhi no longer need simply to reaffirm their desire for closer friendship: they need to define what, in practice, a Special Strategic Partnership can deliver, the author added. On September 17, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wished PM Modi on his 76th birthday, saying that both nations continue to strengthen their deep bond of friendship and build together a future of cooperation and prosperity. In response, PM Modi thanked PM Meloni for her warm wishes and noted that he looks forward to close cooperation between India and Italy. Earlier this month, PM Modi congratulated Meloni on becoming the longest-serving Prime Minister in Italy's postwar history and wished her continued success in the years ahead. He appreciated her efforts in strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership between the two nations. Meloni, thanking PM Modi, said that the ties between the two nations are right now stronger than ever before, while the Special Strategic Partnership that we launched during our last meeting is the recognition of the importance of this bond and of the will to unite the expertise of our Nations to create new opportunities for growth, seizing the extraordinary opportunities for collaboration that we have before us.
Facing Career Crossroads, Richardson Sets Sight On Reviving Test Chances Via India A Clash
West Coast Eagles: As he turns 30 on Sunday, Australia pacer Jhye Richardson said he has set his sights on reviving his Test cricket career through the upcoming red-ball series against India A, starting in Puducherry on September 22. It (turning 30) is quite scary knowing careers can end abruptly. But I still feel strong in myself and I'm enjoying the game and playing for my country. Senior bowler, junior - whatever it is - doesn't bother me too much as long as I'm enjoying my cricket. That's always the plan - to play Test cricket. I'd love to play Test cricket. Again, I've played a few games now, had a taste of Test cricket, but with shoulder issues and other issues, I haven't played as much as I would have liked. That (Border-Gavaskar Trophy) is always in the background. My mentality this year is just to be where my feet are. That's in Chennai right now and then in Puducherry for two four-day games against India A. Hopefully get through those two games and ultimately if I perform well, I can play Test cricket again, Richardson was quoted as saying by Cricinfo on Sunday. To prepare for the demanding red-ball stretch ahead, Richardson completed his maiden county stint with Yorkshire, where he shared a dressing room with current England Test captain Joe Root. Joe is amazing off the field. He's one of the best players in the world. But you know, some of the conversations that we have off the field don't regard cricket whatsoever. He's very intelligent and he thinks a lot about what he says. So it was a lot of fun with Joe and I'd love to go back next year. It was a great experience, obviously playing against him in the Ashes and then getting to know him a bit more off the field, he added. Reflecting on his workload management so far, Richardson said, The last couple of years with injury...I haven't had a long string of games together. So the idea was to finish the season strong, and then pretty much head straight into playing some county cricket, get some games there, and then prepare for GSL, which luckily I've gotten through so far. And then coming back with some new staff members coming into the WA set-up - new head coach (Beau Casson), new S&C [Strength and Conditioning] coach as well, who's brought a nice spin on things. He comes from an AFL background, was at the West Coast Eagles for 12 years. He's come in and pushed us really hard. Reflecting on his workload management so far, Richardson said, The last couple of years with injury...I haven't had a long string of games together. So the idea was to finish the season strong, and then pretty much head straight into playing some county cricket, get some games there, and then prepare for GSL, which luckily I've gotten through so far. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories We all know how much India loves its cricket. The stadiums are always packed out and super loud, so hopefully we can recreate something with that here. We might have to put in a good word around Chennai to try and get them on the Scorchers' side. Article Source: IANS
TV and OTT actor Jennifer Winget and William Ishmael hosted a wedding celebration in Goa on Friday, bringing together some of their closest friends from the television and film industry. The gathering came two months after the couple's intimate wedding ceremony in the UK and was filled with music, dancing and familiar faces. Mandira Bedi officiated the Goa celebrations, while Harleen Sethi caught the bouquet during the festivities.
Asian Games Badminton: PV Sindhu Stars as India Crush Kazakhstan to Reach Quarters
Indias womens badminton team made a commanding start to their Asian Games campaign, defeating Kazakhstan 30 in the Round of 16. PV Sindhu set the tone in the opening singles rubber, brushing aside Kamila Smagulova 217, 219 in just 20 minutes. Rising star Unnati Hooda followed with another dominant performance, beating Alissa Kuleshova 217, 2110. [] The post Asian Games Badminton: PV Sindhu Stars as India Crush Kazakhstan to Reach Quarters appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
CBI Arrests SDAO, Two Others Over Rs 35,000 Subsidy Demand
Jammu, September 20: The CBI Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), Jammu, has arrested a Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO), an Agricultural Extension Assistant and a private person for allegedly demanding Rs 35,000 from a complainant for facilitating the release of subsidy under the High-Density Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). The accused have been identified as Rajan Sharma, SDAO, Akhnoor; [] The post CBI Arrests SDAO, Two Others Over Rs 35,000 Subsidy Demand appeared first on Northlines .
Police probe assault of Class 12 Scheduled Caste student in Kallakurichi
Following the incident, parents and local residents staged a protest in front of the school, demanding the immediate arrest of eight students involved in the attack and action against teachers who, they claimed, failed to intervene
Police probe assault of Class 12 Scheduled Caste student in Kallakurichi
Following the incident, parents and local residents staged a protest in front of the school, demanding the immediate arrest of eight students involved in the attack and action against teachers who, they claimed, failed to intervene
Shamli: Uttar Pradesh Police have booked three Muslim journalists, a lawyer, and two social media users for posting misleading and factless posts about the Allahabad High Court reprimanding Shamli Police during the Ayush Malik case proceedings. The High Court on September 16 held that Malik converted by his own choice to Islam and married a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
CoU students block Dhaka-Ctg highway demanding justice for Opratim
Students demand arrests, 60-day trial and action against police officials over teenager
Meghalaya: Garo residents protest mandatory Khasi Language Test for DSC recruitment
Guwahati: More than 2,000 members of the Garo community from across the Khasi Hills gathered at Mallangkona in West Khasi Hills on Saturday, opposing the compulsory Khasi language qualifying test for District Selection Committee (DSC) recruitment and demanding that Garo be included as an alternative. The gathering was held at the Sildubi Mini Playground and [] The post Meghalaya: Garo residents protest mandatory Khasi Language Test for DSC recruitment appeared first on NorthEast Now .
SRINAGAR: A proposed four-day Tantra in Silence A Journey Within retreat in Kashmirs Gurez Valley has sparked political and religious controversy, with former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, Kashmirs chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam demanding intervention. The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department and Bandipora district administration, however, have clarified that they []
Asian Games 2026: India thrash Indonesia 13-1 in hockey opener
The Indian men's hockey team began its Asian Games 2026 campaign with a commanding 13-1 victory over Indonesia. This dominant performance sets a strong tone for their Pool A matches in Japan. Earlier, the Indian women's hockey team also achieved a significant 19-0 win against Uzbekistan.
PMK asks TN government scrap Cuddalore SIPCOT, NLC land acquisition
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 20 (IANS) PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the Tamil Nadu government to abandon its plans to acquire additional land for a new SIPCOT industrial complex and the expansion of NLC mines in Cuddalore district, warning of a major protest if the proposals are pursued. In a statement, Ramadoss said the government had issued a fresh notification to acquire 164.20 acres in Thiagavalli and Kayalpattu villages, in addition to 1,097 acres already notified for the proposed SIPCOT complex, even as area residents had been continuously protesting against the earlier acquisition order. Much of the land had previously been purchased from farmers at low prices by two large private companies, and local people were demanding its return, he said, adding that the governments attempt to acquire it now was unacceptable. According to Ramadoss, the new industrial complex would cover 1,283 acres. When added to the existing 2,625-acre SIPCOT estate in Cuddalore, the district would have industrial estates spread across 3,908 acres. Such large-scale industrialisation would not represent development but would expose the district to further environmental damage, he said. He also opposed the proposed acquisition of residential plots for the expansion of NLCs Mine-I. The government had announced plans to acquire 68 plots covering 12.60 acres in Gangaikondan village and 77 plots covering 3.21 acres in Vanathirayapuram. More than 100 families could be rendered homeless if the acquisition proceeded, the PMK chief claimed. He also alleged that untreated waste discharged by chemical industries in the existing SIPCOT complex had already polluted Cuddalores soil, groundwater and air. He claimed that hazardous substances, including carcinogenic dioxins, had been detected in the region and that NLCs mining activities were affecting people across the district. He said the agricultural lands proposed for acquisition were fertile and could generate annual income of up to Rs 10 lakh. However, the guideline value in some areas had been fixed at only Rs 3.31 lakh an acre. Even the enhanced compensation offered by the government would be far below the prevailing market value, he alleged. Questioning why the government had abandoned the Parandur airport project but continued acquiring land in Cuddalore, Anbumani demanded the withdrawal of notifications covering 1,277 acres for SIPCOT and NLC projects. The PMK would mobilise affected residents and launch a major agitation if the government failed to act, he warned.
SP Workers Rally in Delhi Demanding Release of Azam Khan Amid Allegations of Political Vendetta
SP workers protested in Delhi, seeking the release of Azam Khan and alleging political motives behind 350 criminal cases against him. SP Workers Rally in Delhi Demanding Release of Azam Khan Amid Allegations of Political Vendetta
Political Fallout Grows Over MCD Worker
The suicide of an MCD sanitation worker has sparked political tensions, with BJP demanding action against an AAP councillor. Political Fallout Grows Over MCD Workers Suicide, BJP Protests Outside AAP Office
Asian Games: Athapaththu's Unbeaten 83 Helps SL Women Beat Pakistan To Storm Into Final
Sri Lanka Women: Chamari Athapaththu produced a captains knock as Sri Lanka Women chased down Pakistans 177/4 with eight wickets in hand to reach the Asian Games final on Sunday. Set 178 for victory at Korogi Sports Park, Sri Lanka needed just 17.5 overs to complete a commanding chase, with Athapaththu remaining unbeaten on 83 from 50 deliveries. Her innings featured seven fours and six sixes as she dismantled Pakistans bowling attack and ensured Sri Lanka never lost control of the pursuit. The chase began at a brisk pace, with Imesha Dulani striking 26 from 21 balls before Pakistan captain Fatima Sana provided her side with an important breakthrough. That, however, proved to be little more than a brief interruption. Athapaththu took over after Dulanis dismissal and built the innings around a crucial partnership with Hasini Perera. The pair added 95 for the second wicket, steadily turning Sri Lankas advantage into a near certainty. Athapaththu contributed heavily to the stand, accelerating as Pakistan struggled to contain her strokeplay. Perera eventually fell with Sri Lanka within touching distance, but there was no late drama. Harshitha Samarawickrama, unbeaten on 17, joined Athapaththu and helped complete the job as Sri Lanka reached 178/2 with 13 deliveries unused. Earlier, Pakistan had recovered impressively from a disastrous beginning. Gull Feroza was dismissed on the first ball, immediately putting Pakistan under pressure after Sri Lanka opted to bowl following a delayed start due to a wet outfield. Ayesha Zafar and Shawaal Zulfiqar then transformed the innings. Zafar attacked from the outset, smashing 71 off 40 balls with nine fours and two sixes, while Zulfiqar contributed 54 from 50. Their substantial partnership carried Pakistan beyond 100 and gave the team a competitive platform before they finished on 177/4. Sri Lankas emphatic chase, however, meant Pakistans strong recovery was ultimately overshadowed. Sri Lanka will now contest the gold-medal match, while Pakistan will play the bronze-medal playoff against the loser of the second semifinal between India and Bangladesh, which currently underway, on Tuesday. Sri Lankas emphatic chase, however, meant Pakistans strong recovery was ultimately overshadowed. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Pakistan 177/4 in 20 overs (Ayesha Zafar 71, Shawaal Zulfiqar 54; Kawya Kavindi 1-13, Chamari Athapaththu 1-30) lost to Sri Lanka 178/2 in 17.5 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 83*, Hasini Perera 42; Fatima Sana 1-24, Nashra Sandhu 1-38) by eight wickets Article Source: IANS
Deepika Sehrawat Scores Record Eight As India Crush Uzbekistan 19-0 In Asian Games Opener
Deepika Sehrawat produced a record-breaking performance as the India womens hockey team began their 2026 Asian Games campaign with a commanding 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Deepika scored eight goals, setting a new record for the most goals by a womens hockey player in a single match at the Asian Games. She was particularly effective from [] The post Deepika Sehrawat Scores Record Eight As India Crush Uzbekistan 19-0 In Asian Games Opener appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Salim Merchant gets trolled over Kamakhya Mandir visit
Music composer and singer Salim Merchant faced criticism from a section of social media users after he shared pictures from his visit to the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. The composer shared pictures with a friend, with both seen standing in front of the temple with folded hands after seeking blessings. In the pictures, Salim []
Agriculture Deptt conducts 1st batch of Karmayogi Kartavya Karyakram
The Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Kashmir, conducted the first batch of the Karmayogi Kartavya Karyakram (KKK) at the Meeting Hall of the Directorate of Agriculture, Lal Mandi, Srinagar, under the chairmanship of Director Agriculture Kashmir and Farmers Welfare Sartaj Ahmad Shah. The one-day capacity-building programme was conducted by Dr. Qazi Showkat Ashraf, State Master Trainer and Deputy Director (Central). It focused on strengthening behavioural competencies, professional conduct, public service orientation and citizen centric approaches among government officials. The programme is being implemented under Mission Karmayogi, the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), which aims to promote a professional, responsive and citizen centric civil service through continuous learning and competency-based capacity building.
Handwara, Sep 19: Agriculture Production Minister Javid Ahmad Dar Saturday said the Horticulture Department and SKUAST-Kashmir scientists were working on measures to control leaf miner disease affecting horticultural crops. Dar said the department became aware of the disease about two months ago and had since been taking remedial measures. The department became aware of the disease around two months ago and has since been working on remedial measures. Basically, it is an insect from outside and we are trying to control it, Dar told reporters on the sidelines of a function at Fruit MandiHandwara. He said the disease could not be completely eliminated but timely measures, including the use of pesticides, could help control it. On a proposal to establish a cold storage facility in Handwara, Dar said the government would consider it if suitable land was available in Handwara or its outskirts. He also urged people, particularly youth, to take advantage of various schemes implemented by the Horticulture Department to generate livelihoods. Dar earlier interacted with fruit growers, traders and representatives of the horticulture sector. A delegation led by Fruit MandiHandwara president Mohammad Amin raised issues related to infrastructure and facilities for growers and traders. The minister assured the stakeholders that their demands would be examined, with some issues taken up during the current year and others considered next year. Dar was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan and Langate MLA Sheikh Khursheed. Senior officers from the Agriculture and Horticulture departments were also present.
The fading sound of the hammer: Kashmirs copper artisans fight for survival
In the heritage markets of Srinagar, the sound of a hammer hitting copper has been part of the citys character for generations. In Zaina Kadal, Aali Kadal, Khanyar and other parts of Shehr-e-Khaas, craftsmen still sit in small workshops, shaping copper sheets into samovars, trays, bowls, deghs and other utensils. But the trade is no longer what it used to be. Traditional copperware is facing growing competition from machine-made products, and those working in the industry say the impact is being felt most by the people who depend on their hands and tools to make a living. Jan Mohammad, Chairman of the Copper Association Kashmir, said the issue should not be viewed only through production or market figures. Copperware is facing an onslaught from machine-made copperware. Beyond statistics, there is a story of copper workers whose earnings and jobs have reduced, he said. According to Jan Mohammad, a copper worker earns around Rs 500 to Rs 600 a day. For many artisans, however, even this modest income is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain as demand for handmade products comes under pressure from cheaper and faster machine-made alternatives. The problem is particularly serious because copperwork is not a single occupation. It supports a chain of specialised craftsmen. There is the Khar, who shapes and works the metal, the Naqash, who does the engraving, the Zarcod, who works on gilding, the Roshangar, who polishes the finished article, and the Charakgar, who carries out finishing work. For generations, these skills have been passed from one family member to another. Nazir Ahmad, a fourth-generation coppersmith from Srinagar, is among those who learnt the craft in this traditional way. He says his first lessons came from watching his father and grandfather at work. I learned by watching my father and grandfather work, he says. For craftsmen like Shabir, copperwork is not simply a job. It is a skill acquired over years, often beginning with small tasks in the workshop before an apprentice gradually learns to handle the tools and master the craft. The tools themselves are part of that tradition. Hammers, stakes and anvils, along with chisels, punches, files and other implements, are used to shape and finish the copper. The work is slow and requires considerable manual effort. That is also where handmade copperware finds itself at a disadvantage. A machine can produce articles faster and in larger numbers. A craftsman, by contrast, needs time to shape, smooth, engrave and finish every piece. For an artisan whose income depends on daily production, the difference can directly affect earnings. Jan Mohammad said consumers also need to be able to distinguish between handmade and machine-made products. He referred to QR-based labelling for handmade products as one possible way of helping buyers identify genuine handcrafted copperware. He also pointed to the legal and policy measures taken against machine-made copperware, saying the J&K Assembly Act has banned machine-made copperware. The industry, however, believes enforcement and proper identification of products are crucial if such measures are to translate into benefits for traditional artisans. There is also a difference in the way the two products are perceived by craftsmen. Asked about handmade and machine-made copperware, Jan Mohammad said handmade products are considered more durable, while machine-made copperware is comparatively soft and more prone to breaking. The claim reflects the trades longstanding argument that the value of handmade copperware lies not only in its appearance but also in the workmanship that goes into it. For Kashmir, copperware has always had a place beyond the marketplace. The samovar remains closely associated with Kashmiri hospitality. Copper trays, bowls and other utensils are used during weddings, religious occasions and family gatherings. Decorative pieces, meanwhile, continue to be valued for their engraving and traditional designs. Household copper utensils are also traditionally subjected to Kalai, the process of coating them with tin, which gives them a distinctive appearance and finish. Yet cultural demand has not necessarily translated into secure livelihoods for the artisans. The trade is also struggling to attract young workers. The work is physically demanding, workshops can be hot and dusty, and the earnings are not always enough to persuade younger people to choose copperwork over other occupations. As a result, an important part of the traditional skill base is slowly becoming thinner. The concern, therefore, is not simply that fewer copper articles are being sold. It is that fewer people may remain who know how to make them. In Khanyar, where families have traditionally been associated with the craft, this change is particularly significant. What was once a common family occupation is increasingly becoming a specialised trade practised by a shrinking number of craftsmen. The copper industrys struggle is consequently about two things at once: the survival of a traditional Kashmiri craft and the survival of the livelihoods attached to it. The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Jammu and Kashmir, has introduced QR-based labels for traditional copperware to help consumers verify the authenticity of handmade products and distinguish them from machine-made copies. The initiative is aimed at protecting Kashmirs traditional copper craft, improving traceability and ensuring that genuine artisans receive recognition for their workmanship. The QR labels can also help buyers identify products that meet the departments prescribed standards, strengthening confidence in authentic Kashmiri handicrafts.
Ladakh leaders call off padyatra to mark Sep 24 Leh incident
One year after tragic violence resulting in the death of four civilians during protests, the Himalayan region of Ladakh is preparing to mark the anniversary with a series of solemn memorial observances. The Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA)the joint coalition spearheading the agitation for statehood and Constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedulehave scheduled a symbolic march and tribute ceremonies for September 23 and 24. The events will honour the four young civilians who lost their lives on September 24, 2025, during clashes with security forces in Leh. Organisers had originally planned a week-long foot march (Padyatra) spanning across the rugged terrain between Kargil and Leh. However, citing harsh weather, plummeting nocturnal temperatures, and delicate political considerations, political leaders modified the schedule. Climate activist and member Apex Body Leh, Sonam Wangchuk, said that calling off the protests was due to the prevailing weather conditions and some warmth in politics. Due to prevailing weather conditions with cold nights, we're making it into a symbolic 20 Km march on 23rd September. followed by martyrs day event on 24th. Inconvenience regretted, look forward to joining you and marching together, Sonam Wangchuk said in a post on X. The upcoming observances mark one of the darkest chapters in the recent history of the Union Territory. On September 24 last year, a long-standing peaceful movement demanding statehood, land rights and constitutional safeguards, turned violent. Protesters gathered in Leh, leading to clashes with security personnel, stone-pelting, and arson resulting in the deaths of four youths and injuring nearly 90 others in the alleged security forces action. In the aftermath, prominent climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA), and the region was plunged into months of political tension. On September 23, activist Sonam Wangchuk, joined by Apex body and community leaders, will lead a condensed 20-kilometer symbolic march through the Leh valley. A similar peaceful march will be held in Kargil under the banner of KDA. On September 24, a dedicated Martyrs day event will be held in Leh and replicated across major towns in Kargil. The tribute programs on September 24 will include interfaith prayers, candlelit vigils, a moment of silence across major town centres, and wreath-laying ceremonies to honour the four deceased men. Beyond the memorial services, local leaders are framing the day as a rally for justice. While the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh recently announced financial assistance packages for affected families, representative bodies in both districts have criticized the compensation as inadequate. Speaking ahead of the anniversary, political representatives from both the LAB and KDA reiterated their key demands including Judicial Inquiry - a formal, independent judicial probe into the circumstances that led to security forces opening fire on protesters. They also demanded the complete withdrawal of all criminal cases registered against local youth arrested during the 2025 unrest. Restitution ranging from Rs 1 Cr to Rs 1.5 Cr for families of the deceased, alongside enhanced support for the severely injured is another key demand. Meanwhile, arrangements are being put in place across both Leh and Kargil districts to maintain order during the gatherings. Civil society organisations have issued appeals for calm, emphasising that the September 24 observances should reflect peace, dignity, and unity across the cold-desert region.
From Lal Ded to Article 370: CM Sainis Kashmir pitch to Pandits in Haryana
From the legacy of Kashmirs mystic poet Lal Ded to the political changes following the abrogation of Article 370, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday framed his governments outreach to Kashmiri Pandits around culture, welfare and the communitys post-migration concerns. Addressing a gathering in Gurugram to mark the 705th birth anniversary of Mata Lalleshwari, popularly known as Lal Ded, Saini highlighted what he described as measures taken by the Haryana government for Kashmiri Pandit families, including 10 per cent reservation in education for their children. The Haryana government has provided 10 per cent reservation in education for the children of Kashmiri Pandits in Haryana, Saini said. The Chief Minister said a sizeable Kashmiri Pandit population lives across Haryana, particularly in Gurugram, Faridabad and Panchkula, besides Ambala, Karnal, Panipat and Bahadurgarh. Saini also referred to the allocation of plots in Bahadurgarh to Kashmiri Pandit families who had purchased land decades ago. The allotment followed a long-running dispute involving land acquired by displaced families in the early 1990s. Beyond education and land, Saini said his government was working towards creating housing and employment opportunities for Kashmiri Pandits living in Haryana. The Chief Minister also linked his governments approach towards the community to the broader political changes in Jammu and Kashmir. Referring to the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, he credited Prime Minister Narendra Modis government with strengthening what he described as the unity and integration of the country. The event was organised by the Kashmiri Hindu Prakosth and Bani Mandir. A delegation of the Kashmiri Hindu Prakosth had met Saini earlier this month and invited him to the programme, raising issues concerning the Kashmiri community and seeking government intervention. According to the organisers, the choice of Lal Deds birth anniversary provided a cultural backdrop to an address that largely focused on the contemporary concerns of Kashmiri Pandits living outside the Valley. These sorts of functions give us an opportunity to connect to our community and the roots, Pankaj Dhar, an organiser said. Lal Ded, also known as Lalleshwari, occupies a central place in Kashmirs medieval literary and spiritual tradition. Her Kashmiri vaakhs remain an important part of the regions cultural heritage and are associated with the broader Shaivite and Sufi traditions of Kashmir.
PDP alleges merit apartheid in J&K
Srinagar, Sep 19:The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday stepped up its attack on the Jammu and Kashmir government over the reservation policy, alleging merit apartheid and demanding immediate disclosure of the report prepared by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on rationalisation of the reservation framework. The protest was held outside the PDP headquarters after police stopped party workers from marching towards Residency Road. Party sources said workers led by Iltija Mufti had assembled at the party office for the march, but police personnel blocked the main gate. Mufti and several party leaders and workers climbed over the gate in an attempt to proceed, but the march could not take place. The protesters subsequently staged a demonstration outside the party office and demanded that the government make the findings of the reservation panel public. The reservation dispute intensified after amendments to Jammu and Kashmirs reservation rules in 2024 expanded the reservation framework, including the addition of new Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste beneficiaries. The changes triggered protests by open-merit aspirants, who sought a review of the revised structure and argued that the share available to candidates competing in the open category had been substantially reduced. Against this backdrop, the Omar Abdullah-led government constituted a Cabinet Sub-Committee in December 2024 to examine the concerns and recommend rationalisation of the reservation policy. The committee subsequently submitted its recommendations, but the full report has not been made public, with the issue continuing to generate political and public debate. Addressing reporters during Saturdays protest, Mufti said the government had assured protesting open-merit students that the issue would be examined and the committees report would be presented within six months. We had promised open-merit students that when the NC government comes, they will do rationalisation of reservation. When we protested outside their house, it was said that the sub-committee report will be presented in six months, she said. Two years have passed since then, and we still don't know what is in this sub-committee report, Mufti said. She said the delay had left students and job aspirants uncertain about the future of the reservation structure. We have a very simple demand. You promised these children that you will send the sub-committee report to Delhi. Leave that. You tell us now, what are the findings of this report? she said. Mufti also attacked the government over employment opportunities, alleging that young people were being denied opportunities and that the reservation structure had created what she described as merit apartheid. You are punishing our children because they are capable, and this is wrong, she said. She questioned the government over the difficulties faced by families investing heavily in the education of their children. Where will the Kashmiri youth go, whose parents are labourers, keep their land mortgaged, teach them day and night so that they can move forward? she asked. Mufti also alleged that the government had failed to deliver on its employment promises and criticised what she described as the outsourcing of jobs. Her allegations regarding recruitment and the sale of jobs were political claims made during the protest and were not independently established. The PDP leader further alleged that the prolonged delay was particularly consequential for young people preparing for competitive examinations and government recruitment. We are here to fight for every youngster from Jammu and Kashmir. We are here to remind the NC government, especially the Honourable Chief Minister, about his broken promises, she said. The reservation issue has remained politically sensitive in J&K, with open-merit groups demanding greater transparency and a review of the existing distribution, while reserved-category groups have maintained that constitutional and legally mandated protections must be preserved. The governments proposed rationalisation has therefore involved balancing competing demands over representation, merit and affirmative action. Mufti said the government should stop delaying the disclosure of the committees findings and give young aspirants clarity on the proposed changes. How many months, how many years will the youth of Jammu and Kashmir wait for you to give them justice? she asked. The PDP has demanded that the Cabinet Sub-Committees recommendations be placed in the public domain and that the government clearly spell out the status of its proposed changes to the reservation framework.
Scientists work to contain orchard pest in Kashmir
Handwara, Sep 19: Scientists from SKUAST and the Horticulture Department are working together to control an invasive pest strain linked to leaf disease and premature leaf fall in fruit orchards across Kashmir. Horticulture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar said the department had taken up the issue and scientific teams were working on measures to contain its spread. He said the disease was present across several horticulture hubs and could not be completely eradicated. However, Dar said timely and properly scheduled pesticide sprays could help control the disease and prevent its further spread. Dar made the remarks while speaking at Fruit Mandi Handwara, where he met representatives of the local fruit growers association and heard their demands. The minister said the government would examine the possibility of establishing a cold storage facility at Handwara if suitable J&K HPMC land with proper connectivity was available. He also said the demand for auction sheds and platforms at the mandi had been discussed with the concerned department. Budget provisions for the work would be considered in the coming financial year. On crop insurance, Dar said funds had been allocated for the Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme under the 2026-27 budget. He said revised national insurance guidelines were expected by the end of September. According to Dar, an advisory committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had submitted its report on the revised insurance framework. Once the new guidelines are issued, the J&K government will initiate the tendering and implementation process. Dar also urged farmers to use online portals to access horticulture schemes and apply directly. On complaints regarding revenue documents, he said revenue officials had been engaged in digital and land survey work. He assured farmers that specific grievances would be taken up with the concerned authorities. Regarding Kisan Khidmat Kendras, Dar said the centres across the region were operational and equipped. He said gaps at some locations could be linked to resignations by Krishi Udyamis and would be examined individually. In the upcoming Assembly session, Dar said legislators would have an opportunity to raise public issues and seek answers from the government.
Look Up Before You Walk: When the Phone in Our Hands Becomes a Hazard
A man walking while intensely focused on his mobile phone recently fell into a construction area after apparently failing to notice the danger directly in front of him. The incident, although startling, is not merely another viral accident caught on camera. It offers a simple but increasingly important lesson: when we stop paying attention to where we are walking, even an ordinary journey can suddenly become dangerous. The incident is particularly relevant in an age when the smartphone has become almost inseparable from everyday life. We walk while texting, scroll through social media while crossing roads, answer calls while navigating crowded streets and sometimes even watch videos while moving through public spaces. What appears to be a harmless habit can, within seconds, turn into a serious safety risk. We often associate distracted driving with accidents. Governments, traffic authorities and road-safety organisations have repeatedly warned motorists about the dangers of using mobile phones behind the wheel. But there is another form of distracted behaviour that receives considerably less attention: distracted walking. The human brain is remarkably capable, but it cannot give full attention to multiple demanding tasks simultaneously. Walking may appear automatic, yet navigating an unfamiliar or crowded environment requires continuous awareness. A pedestrian needs to notice uneven surfaces, open drains, vehicles, bicycles, construction barriers, steps, other pedestrians and sudden changes in the path ahead. When attention is absorbed by a phone screen, these environmental cues can easily be missed. A notification may seem insignificant. A message may take only a few seconds to read. A social-media video may last less than a minute. But a pedestrian can cover a considerable distance in those few seconds. During that time, the person may be moving towards a pothole, an uncovered drain, a staircase, a roadside excavation or a moving vehicle without properly processing the danger. This is what makes distracted walking particularly deceptive. The danger is not always in the phone itself; it is in what the phone takes our attention away from. Construction zones are an obvious example. Roads and footpaths are frequently altered because of development, repairs, drainage work, utility installation and other infrastructure projects. Temporary diversions may not always be familiar to pedestrians. Barricades, excavated portions of roads, construction materials and uneven surfaces can create hazards even for an attentive person. For someone looking down at a screen, the risk increases substantially. There is also a psychological dimension to smartphone distraction. Modern phones are designed to demand attention. Notifications, messages, short videos, social-media feeds and constant updates create an environment in which people feel compelled to check the screen repeatedly. The habit can become so automatic that some people reach for their phones without consciously deciding to do so. The result is a peculiar contradiction: we may be physically moving through the real world while mentally occupying a digital one. This behaviour is becoming increasingly visible in public spaces. People walk through railway stations while typing messages, move across hospital corridors while watching videos, navigate shopping areas while scrolling through social-media feeds and cross streets while talking on their phones. Not every such incident ends in injury. That does not make the behaviour safe. Sometimes the consequence is simply bumping into another person. At other times, it may mean falling down stairs or stepping into traffic. In more serious situations, a moment of distraction can result in fractures, head injuries or even loss of life. There is another important concern: pedestrians are often considered the most vulnerable road users. Unlike motorists, they have no vehicle body protecting them. A small mistake can therefore have disproportionately serious consequences. This is why awareness about distracted walking should become part of the broader road-safety conversation. The responsibility, however, does not rest entirely with individuals. Urban planning and public infrastructure also play an important role. Construction sites should be properly barricaded and clearly marked. Pedestrian pathways should be maintained wherever possible. Excavated areas should have visible warning signs, adequate lighting and physical protection. Temporary diversions should be intuitive and safe. A person using a phone irresponsibly should certainly be accountable for their attention, but a dangerous construction site should never be left inadequately protected on the assumption that everyone will notice it. The same principle applies to footpaths and public spaces. Broken pavements, open manholes, poorly marked steps and unprotected roadside excavations can be dangerous even without mobile-phone distraction. Cities therefore need to develop infrastructure that anticipates human behaviour rather than assuming perfect attention from every pedestrian. At the same time, individuals can adopt some very simple habits. The first is perhaps the easiest: look up while walking. If a message requires concentration, stop at a safe place and read it. If a phone call is unavoidable, move away from traffic and other hazards before answering. Avoid watching videos while walking. Do not type messages while crossing a road. And when approaching a construction zone, railway crossing, intersection or crowded area, keep the phone away and pay attention to the surroundings. Parents can teach these habits to children early. Schools and colleges can incorporate pedestrian safety into awareness programmes. Employers can remind staff about safe phone use during commuting. Public-awareness campaigns can expand the concept of distracted driving to include distracted walking. The message does not need to be complicated. A notification can wait. A message can wait. A video can wait. Your safety cannot. There is also a broader social lesson here. Smartphones have made communication faster, but they have also changed the way we experience our surroundings. We increasingly document places instead of observing them, scroll instead of looking around and respond to virtual conversations while physically present somewhere else. The challenge is not to reject technology. Smartphones are indispensable tools for communication, education, navigation, work and emergency assistance. The goal is to use them responsibly. Technology should remain a tool that serves us, not an object that constantly captures our attention. Perhaps the most useful habit is to create simple phone-free moments during movement. When walking on a road, crossing a street, entering a construction area or navigating an unfamiliar place, the phone should take second place to environmental awareness. The viral construction-site incident is therefore worth viewing as more than an unusual accident. It is a reminder of a modern behavioural problem that can affect almost anyone. Most accidents do not announce themselves in advance. There is rarely a warning saying that the next step is the dangerous one. Safety often depends on noticing the small details around us before it is too late. A few seconds of looking down at a screen may not seem important. But in those few seconds, the world continues moving around us. A vehicle approaches. A cyclist passes. A pavement ends. A staircase begins. A drain remains uncovered. A construction barrier stands ahead. And if we are looking at our phones, we may not see any of it. Perhaps the simplest road-safety rule for the smartphone age should therefore be one we teach as routinely as looking both ways before crossing a road: Before you look at your screen, look where you are going. Because sometimes, the most important notification is the one our surroundings are already giving us: danger ahead. (The Author works at a premier medical college in Jammu & Kashmir)
Endowments Takeover of Varahi Matha Mandir Turns Controversial
The temple had been built by a devotee at her own cost after her wish had been fulfilled.
Amid strike threat, Fin Secy Sanjay Lohia calls bank chiefs' meet to ensure services
Financial services secretary Sanjay Lohia has called a meeting with public sector bank, RRB and NABARD heads on Monday to ensure uninterrupted banking services during a proposed three-day strike from September 28. AIBEA is demanding a five-day banking week and has warned of an indefinite strike from October 26 if its demand remains unresolved.
ICDS Supervisor and JRA Caught Taking Rs 30K Bribe from Anganwadi Worker in Ganjam
Two CDPO officials in Hinjilikatu, Ganjam, were arrested by Odisha Vigilance for demanding a Rs 30,000 bribe to release an Anganwadi Centre's pending house rent. The post ICDS Supervisor and JRA Caught Taking Rs 30K Bribe from Anganwadi Worker in Ganjams Hinjilikatu appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
