Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, Sept 17: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) today arrested two employees of the Power Development Department (PDD) for demanding a bribe for the realignment of an electric pole. Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp The ACB said it received a written complaint alleging that public servants had demanded a bribe of Rs 50,000 for the realignment of an electric pole installed on the complainants property at Sempora, Pantha Chowk. The employees have been identified as Junior Engineer [] The post ACB arrests 2 PDD officials appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Two PDD Officials Caught Red-Handed Taking Bribe In Srinagar
Srinagar, Sep 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday caught two officials of the Power Development Department red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000 at Sempora on the outskirts of Srinagar. Officials identified those arrested as a Junior Engineer and a Section Officer, both posted in the Electric Division Panthachowk. Acting on a complaint, an ACB team laid a trap and apprehended the duo while they were allegedly demanding and receiving the bribe amount. The two [] The post Two PDD Officials Caught Red-Handed Taking Bribe In Srinagar appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
2nd ODI: Smriti, Bowlers Star As India Thrash Australia By 102 Runs, Level Series 11 (ld)
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: A sublime 117 by opener Smriti Mandhana, coupled with the six bowling options, helped India produce a commanding all-round performance to beat Australia by 102 runs and level the three-match series 11 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Asked to bat first, India posted 292 in 49.5 overs. Smriti was the standout performer, compiling a sublime 117 off 91 balls and bringing up her century in just 77 deliveries, the second-fastest ton by an Indian woman in ODIs. Her innings was laced with elegance and aggression, as she took the Australian attack apart with 14 fours and four sixes. A distinct feature of her knock was that she heavily scored on the leg-side as compared to her trademark way of accumulating runs in the off-side. At one stage, a total in excess of 320 looked likely for India. But Smriti found no support from the rest of the line-up, as none of them managed to chip in with substantial contributions. Australias bowlers, led by Darcie Browns 3-42, pulled things back in the final phase. The change in pace from Darcie and Annabel Sutherland at the back end kept things tight and never allowed India to have the desired finishing touches. But the total proved more than sufficient as Indias bowlers, led by Kranti Gouds 3-28, dismantled the visitors with precision and intensity. Annabel top-scored with 45 while Ellyse Perry hung around to make 44, but it went in vain as Australia were bowled out for 190 in 40.5 overs and suffered their heaviest defeat in terms of runs margin in womens ODIs, surpassing their 92-run loss to England in the 1973 World Cup final. Indias tactical decision to field six bowlers paid off handsomely, with all of them amongst the wickets. The huge win also meant India registered their first home ODI win over Australia since February 2007 in Chennai, as the visitors streak of 13 straight wins in the format came to an end. As compared to the first ODI, India added 11 more runs to their total in the second game. But familiar frailties resurfaced as, despite registering their highest-ever total against Australia in womens ODIs, they fell short of reaching the 300-run mark. India got off to a strong start, with Smriti and Pratika Rawal putting on 64 runs in the powerplay, before the latter fell for a 25-ball 32 spooning a catch to cover off Ashleigh Gardner. Smriti, meanwhile, was in sublime touch, bringing up her half-century in just 45 balls with a six over midwicket. She continued to dominate, even as Harleen Deol struggled for fluency and was run out for 10 in a horrendous mix-up. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur followed soon after, when she was dismissed for 17, after slicing to backward point off Ashleigh. In the 29th over, Smriti reached her century with a majestic six over mid-off, before holing out in the deep off Tahlia McGrath for 117. At 235/4 after 40 overs, India were well-placed to get a total above 300, till Australias enormous bowling depth had other ideas. Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma shared a 47-run stand before the former was dismissed by a slower ball from Annabel. Darcie then struck twice in quick succession to remove Arundhati Reddy and Deepti, with the latter contributing a steady 40 off 53 balls. Despite Australia missing the over-rate cut-off and being restricted to three fielders outside the ring for the back-end phase, they managed to contain India below 300. Australias quest to chase their highest-ever target in ODIs began on a false note when Renuka Singh Thakur, returning from injury and playing an ODI for the first time since December 2024, struck early by castling Georgia Voll for a duck, while Kranti removed Alyssa Healy for 9. Australia were restricted to just 25 runs in the powerplay - their lowest 10-over tally in ODIs since the 2017 World Cup. The pressure mounted as Sneh Rana had Beth Mooney caught for 18, though India had a bit of a scare. Renuka left the field mid-over due to injury, with Arundhati stepping in to complete the spell. Ellyse and Annabel offered brief resistance through a 46-run stand, but wickets continued to tumble for Australia. Radha Yadav pulled off a diving caught-and-bowled to dismiss Ellyse, while Arundhati removed Annabel and later held her third catch of the innings to send back Tahlia off Deeptis bowling. Deepti chipped in with two wickets, including the dismissal of Ashleigh for 17. Australias chase unravelled further with a run-out of Alana King, followed by Megan Schutt falling to a sharp reflex catch by Kranti, who fittingly sealed the win by castling Georgia Wareham with a pinpoint yorker and set the stage for a series decider in New Delhi on Saturday. Ellyse and Annabel offered brief resistance through a 46-run stand, but wickets continued to tumble for Australia. Radha Yadav pulled off a diving caught-and-bowled to dismiss Ellyse, while Arundhati removed Annabel and later held her third catch of the innings to send back Tahlia off Deeptis bowling. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India 292 all out in 49.5 overs (Smriti Mandhana 117, Deepti Sharma 40; Darcie Brown 3-42, Ashleigh Gardner 2-39) beat Australia 190 all out in 40.5 overs (Annabel Sutherland 45, Ellyse Perry 44; Kranti Goud 3-28, Deepti Sharma 2-24) by 102 runs Article Source: IANS
Delhi's healthcare infrastructure gets major boost on PM Modi's birthday
Delhi's healthcare receives a major upgrade. One hundred and one new Ayushman Arogya Mandir units are now open. Five new hospital blocks are inaugurated with an investment of Rs 503.49 crore. One hundred and fifty dialysis machines are installed across government hospitals. These initiatives improve emergency services and maternal and child health.
BJP submits memorandum to Union Minister demanding a Madras High Court Bench in Puducherry
iPhone Air review: Thinness with purpose
The iPhone Air is a device with shorter battery life, fewer cameras and a price tag thats $200 more than a base iPhone 17. Sure, its got a bigger screen and it's unbelievably sleek, but no matter how you slice it, that value proposition doesnt make sense. At least on paper. Thats because as soon as you hold an iPhone Air, you instantly get a sense that this handset represents much more than a simple quest for thinness. The iPhone Air is a device with a mission: To push the companys design and engineering further than ever before while doubling down on style. Plus, its potentially laying the foundation for something even more radical down the line. What is the iPhone Air? New iPhones generally don't need to be explained, but the Air is a different sort of iPhone. On a purely practical level, it could be viewed as a (very) glowed-up replacement to the iPhone 16 Plus. However, the Air starts at $999, which is $100 more than the launch price of last year's closest Apple equivalent (or $200 more after its recent price drop). Furthermore, the Air has a smaller 6.5-inch display (versus 6.7 inches on the 16 Plus) and only a single rear camera instead of the two you typically get on a base model iPhone. Then, to make things a touch more confusing, the Air has nearly the same A19 Pro chip used in Apple's Pro series this year instead of a regular A19 processor. But most importantly, the Airs design is unlike any iPhone that's come before it, and it may end up becoming a bridge to Apple's next era of smartphones (while also being irresistibly thin and stylish today). Design: Simply stunning Even with the arrival of Samsung's super sleek Galaxy S25 Edge earlier this year, Apple is setting new highs for mobile design with the iPhone Air. Not only is it even skinnier at just 5.6mm (versus 5.8mm for the S25E), it's the best example yet of what I like to call the sci-fi space pebble look thanks to its rounded corners and beautifully polished edges. It's a proper marvel of engineering and while I generally don't like saying this, you really do have to hold one to fully appreciate Apple's craftsmanship. Despite its dimensions, the Air isn't all sleekness and no strength. You still get a full IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, while the titanium frame makes the whole handset remarkably sturdy. On top of that, the Air has a screen covered by a new Ceramic Shield 2 panel that also comes with an anti-reflective coating. And while it doesn't completely eliminate glare, it does a good job of preventing annoying bright spots. Sam Rutherford for Engadget As for the display itself, there's not much to complain about here either. The Air's screen has a peak brightness of 3,000 nits and it has ProMotion support with a refresh rate that varies between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on the situation. But the real impact is that when you put a display this good in a device this thin, sometimes it really does look like someone has ripped a page out of a magazine and made it float in your hand. It's kind of uncanny and I can't get enough. To be fair, Samsung's S25 Edge does produce a similar effect but it isn't quite as pronounced. I also appreciate that Apple still found room for the iPhone's Action button and a flush Camera Control key. Around back, there's subtle sophistication in the way the Air's Ceramic Shield rear panel slopes up gently to create Apple's camera plateau (though I don't love that name). And weighing just 5.82 ounces (165 grams), the Air's heft (or lack thereof) adds even more to its ethereal in-hand feel. Sam Rutherford for Engadget My main issue with the Air's design is that it only has a single mono speaker. Granted, it packs a punch both in terms of volume and presence, but after years of stereo sound being the de facto equipment on premium smartphones, one-sided audio doesn't sit quite right. The other potential sore spot is that the Air's USB-C port isn't perfectly centered in the bottom edge. But I fully admit that this is the most minor of nitpicks, and when you consider that due to the Air's thinness Apple had to 3D-print the connector out of titanium (a first for the company), I'm not bothered. Performance: Way better than good enough Compared to the base iPhone 17, the Air has a more powerful A19 Pro chip. However, unlike the silicon available in the iPhone 17 Pro line, the Air's processor has one fewer GPU core (five instead of six). But even with that small shortfall, the phone was never hurting for speed. Flipping between apps is essentially instantaneous and thanks to the new Liquid Glass visual design in iOS 26, doing so looks better than ever. Sam Rutherford for Engadget More intense tasks like gaming didn't do much to slow it down either. Frame rates remained stable in demanding titles like Destiny: Rising while more casual fare like Sword of Convallaria looked effortlessly fluid. The only time the phone seemed mildly taxed was when using tools like Apple's Image Playground. Just watch out if when do you any high performance tasks for a prolonged time, because the the Air can get a bit warm particularly on its camera bump. Thankfully, in my experience, it never got too hot to touch. Elsewhere, the addition of Apple's new N1 and C1X chips rounds out the package that the company claims makes this the most power-efficient iPhone yet. That's important because without a vapor chamber like on the Pro line, or room for a large battery, the Air doesn't have much leeway for excess heat or power draw. The downside is that Apple's C1X modem doesn't support mmWave 5G. This may not be an issue depending on where you live or what network you're on, but for those demanding peak mobile data speeds, it is something worth considering before upgrading. Camera: Crisp images but is one lens enough? Sam Rutherford for Engadget The photos and videos the iPhone Air takes are excellent. But at the end of the day, there still isn't a real replacement for more glass, and with only a single lens in back, Apple's lone 48MP rear camera may be the phone's biggest limitation. In a shot of some homemade cookies, details were sharp and colors were so rich that my mouth was still watering long after the treats were eaten. Same goes for a tricky photo at sunset, where the Air still managed to capture the warmth and subtle tones of the day's fading light. And at night, it kept pace with or even outshot its biggest rivals, including the Pixel 10 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge like in my image of a local mural and flower in low-light. However, if you're the kind of person who loves a good telephoto shot or the extra field of view an ultra-wide lens provides, the Air's 2x optical quality zoom means youre out of luck. Impressively, despite only having a single rear camera, the Air still manages to take portrait pics that look practically just as good as those from iPhones with two. Apple says that it reengineered its portrait pipeline to work without the need for stereo cameras for the Air, and it totally works. Now, if you do some serious pixel peeping, you might notice some small discrepancies between the iPhone 17 and the Air on things like flyaway hairs. But in the end, it's nice to see that even without the same number of lenses, there isn't a major drop in quality. However, in front, Apple's Center Stage feature and the Air's new 18MP selfie cam might be the next big photo revolution that other companies will copy soon. By using a square sensor instead of a rectangular one, the phone can flip between wider landscape shots or taller portrait-style pics at a moment's notice. In fact, there's even an auto setting that allows the phone to switch between the two on its own, depending on how many people are in the frame. As someone who is selfie-averse, the times that I do want to take a photo of my face are usually when I'm standing in front of a big vista and want to capture myself and the scenery. Center Stage lets me do just that without needing to awkwardly turn the phone on its side. Additionally, while the photos you see here were taken with Apple's default Standard Photographic Style, I must admit I like the new Bright option in iOS 26, which adds just enough pop and color to your photos without going overboard. Battery life and charging: Not a problem The iPhone Air's emphasis on thinness means there's less room for a big battery, so you might think longevity would be a concern. But in my experience, it's been a complete non-issue. Officially, Apple doesn't provide specs for the size of the power cells in its devices, though the company does state the Air should provide 27 hours of continuous video playback, which is only three less than what you get from a base iPhone 17. That's a drop of just 10 percent and, considering the sleekness of the Air, it's a trade-off I'm happy to make. Sam Rutherford for Engadget Furthermore, my results generally line up with Apple's numbers. In a streaming video rundown test over Wi-Fi, the iPhone Air lasted 23 hours and 39 minutes barely an hour less than what I got from a base iPhone 17 (24:45). And in the real world, the Air fared even better than expected. Even on a day with over seven hours of screen on time (which includes running benchmarks and gaming), the phone has 25 percent juice left in the tank. And on lighter days when I'm not working or constantly checking my phone, I often had 40 to 45 percent energy remaining. When it comes to recharging, the Air keeps things simple: a 30-minute charge (either wired or wirelessly) can add 50 percent battery in just 30 minutes. Apple's MagSafe battery pack: The Air's best buddy I don't normally mention peripherals during a review, since I'm not a fan of cases but I can understand wanting extra protection for a $1,000 phone. However, I'd argue that Apple's MagSafe Battery for the iPhone Air may be an essential accessory for folks who like to travel light but don't want to worry about their electronics dying even if its $99 price tag stings. Sam Rutherford for Engadget In keeping with the iPhone Air's design, Apple's power pack is exceedingly slim at just 7.5mm and it snaps neatly onto the back of the device magnetically, so there are no wires to worry about. On its own, recharging tops out at 12 watts. Though if there's a cord lying around, you can boost speeds up to the Air's 20-watt limit. Alternatively, you can also use the packs built-in USB-C port to power up any of your other gadgets. And when you need to recharge the portable battery, all you have to do is keep it attached to the iPhone while its charging and it will automatically pass through juice as needed. But my favorite part is that not only does the battery pack refill the iPhone Air, it can recharge the AirPods Pro 3 wirelessly as well. Admittedly, Apple's slim MagSafe Battery doesn't have the biggest capacity at 3,149mAh (which is enough to add an extra 65 percent charge to the phone). So even though you're paying a premium to keep things super thin and breezy, between the handset, the power pack and Apple's latest earbuds, I really appreciate the convenience for what might be the ultimate lightweight travel kit for iPhone faithful. Wrap-up Sam Rutherford for Engadget While the iPhone Air's thinness may be its most striking quality, it's abundantly clear that this handset is so much more than that. Not only does this device represent a radical evolution of Apple's design chops, it forced the company's engineers to come up with more power-efficient solutions to make all this possible. And in that respect, the iPhone Air is a massive success. It's sleek, it's fast and it's wildly stylish in a way that both fashionistas and people who just like packing light can appreciate. One interesting wrinkle in all of this is that the true potential of the Air's success might not be truly felt for another year or two. While Apple might not want to say so just yet, I'm willing to bet that this device will also be the template for an upcoming foldable iPhone. You slap two Airs together, connect them with a hinge and a flexible screen and baby you got stew going . That said, for fans of previous Plus models, the Air's increased price, smaller screen and single rear cam certainly aren't ideal. As long as you don't mind the lack of extra lenses, for those who appreciate a powerful but still eminently effervescent mobile companion, the iPhone Air is in another stratosphere. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/iphone-air-review-thinness-with-purpose-120037520.html?src=rss
Jammu Kashmir Police Busts Hizbul Network in Poonch, Recovers Seven AK-47 Rifles
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday recovered three more AK-47 rifles and a large quantity of ammunition near the Line of Control in the Mandi area of Poonch district, raising the total number of such weapons seized in the past fortnight to seven. The recoveries come after sustained interrogation of three arrested Army []
Asia Cup: Pakistan stay on but Pycroft issue lingers as PCB sends second letter to ICC
Dubai, Sep 17: Pakistan may have withdrawn the threat to pull out of the Asia Cup but their objection to match referee Andy Pycroft still stands and the PCB has shot off another letter to the ICC demanding that the Zimbabwean be swapped with Richie Richardson for the teams remaining games. It has been reliably learnt that late on Tuesday evening, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent another mail to the ICC reiterating the demand to remove Pycroft from all [] The post Asia Cup: Pakistan stay on but Pycroft issue lingers as PCB sends second letter to ICC appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J&K Transport Dept Forms Special Teams to Check Exorbitant Fares at Fruit Mandis
Srinagar, Sep 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department has taken strong note of complaints against transport companies accused of charging exorbitant fares from fruit growers and mandi traders. To address the issue, the department has directed the formation of Special Enforcement Teams across Kashmir Division. In an official communication issued by Joint Transport Commissioner [] The post J&K Transport Dept Forms Special Teams to Check Exorbitant Fares at Fruit Mandis appeared first on Northlines .
SRTC Trucks Made Available to Ferry Apples: Javid Dar
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday announced that it will provide State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) trucks to fruit growers upon request. Horticulture Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar said the government is ready to offer SRTC truck services for ferrying apples. Fruit growers from the Sopore mandi have requested SRTC trucks, and we have []
Govt Acts on Complaints, Enforcement Teams to Monitor Transport Fares in Kashmir Mandis
Srinagar, Sep 17: The Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department has taken strong note of complaints against transport companies accused of charging exorbitant fares from fruit growers and mandi traders. To address the issue, the department has directed the formation of Special Enforcement Teams across Kashmir Division. In an official communication issued by Joint Transport Commissioner Vikas Anand (JKAS), Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir and all Assistant Regional Transport Officers (ARTOs) have been instructed to conduct frequent and surprise inspections at [] The post Govt Acts on Complaints, Enforcement Teams to Monitor Transport Fares in Kashmir Mandis appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
NH Closure: Around 2,000 tonnes of apples dispatched to mandis via railway, say Officials
Srinagar: Amid the prolonged closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the authorities on Wednesday said that around 2,000 tonnes of apples have been transported to outside mandis through railway from the Valley so far this season. An official said that since past week, 1,25,376 apple boxes have been dispatched by train, mostly to Delhi. []
Tamil superstar Ajith Kumars Good Bad Ugly removed from Netflix. What is the reason?
Ajith Kumar's film Good Bad Ugly has been removed from the OITT platform due to a copyright infringement lawsuit filed by Ilaiyaraaja. The legendary composer alleges the unauthorised use of his iconic songs, demanding compensation and an apology. The film was officially released in theatres on April 10, 2025.
Karnatakas wheelchair tennis duo to represent India on big stage
BENGALURU: Prathima Rao and Shilpa Puttaraju, both from Karnataka, are no ordinary sportsperson. The wheelchair tennis players, who have overcome their disabilities to excel at the rigorous game, are set to represent India at three major international tournaments coming up later this year. Both will play in the singles format, as well as pair up alongside each other for the doubles. Rao and Puttaraju will represent India across International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments soon, in Taipei (October 17-27), Brazil (October 18-26) and Sri Lanka (November 18-December 1). But what made the duo, who have played against each other in the past as well, choose a demanding sport like tennis? For Bengaluru-based Rao, it was about proving naysayers wrong. People have always told me that I am not capable of doing anything due to my disability. I always wanted to prove them wrong, she says. Hailing from Mandya, Puttaraju chanced upon tennis by chance. There wasnt a specific reason for choosing tennis. I didnt know much about it initially, but I liked it and continued playing, she says. Tennis is a sport of major exertion, and like most physical sports, takes a generous amount of physical toll. Rao began training at home, but now attests gym-work to be mandatory. Puttaraju too commits regularly to the gym, with daily one-hour sessions. How has the road to recognition been for the duo? So far, bittersweet. While Rao recalls winning the Tabebuia Open in 2017 as a major point of recognition, Puttaraju says, As far as I know, my talent hasnt been widely recognised yet. India usually has a fairly good record of producing para-athletes of immense talent. At Summer Paralympics 2024, the country won 29 medals, out of which seven were gold. Shilpa Puttaraju
HC upholds termination of DU faculty accused of demanding bribe from students
Landslide in Mandi, infant among 3 dead
Anti-Drone Shield For Lord Jagannaths Srimandir In Odishas Puri To Bolster Security
The state police have taken a zero-tolerance approach to drone activity near the 12th-century shrine, declaring the area a potential no-fly zone. Sources said the upcoming system will jam and neutralise high-frequency signals, instantly rendering drones inoperative within its range.
Athawale To Lead Rally Demanding Full Buddhist Control Of Mahabodhi Temple
Athawale demanded that the Bodh Gaya Temple Management Act should be amended. The Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is currently managed under the Bodh Gaya Temple Act of 1949, which mandates a nine-member committee comprising four Buddhists, four Hindus, and the district magistrate of Gaya as ex-officio chairperson.
Road block damages truck-loads of fruits; apples fetch low price
Jammu Tawi, Sep 16 : The nearly month-long closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway has disrupted the supply chain between the two divisions of the Union Territory, causing apple prices to drop sharply at the Jammu Fruit Mandi. With truck consignments delayed by several days, perishable apples are arriving in poor condition, forcing traders to [] The post Road block damages truck-loads of fruits; apples fetch low price appeared first on Northlines .
BJP leader, friend booked for kidnapping college girl in MPs Mandsaur district
BHOPAL: A young female college student was allegedly kidnapped by a man with the help of a local BJP leader Shrawan Chauhan in Mandsaur district of Madhya Pradesh. Alert cops, however, managed to rescue the 22-year-old girl. Based on the complaint from the college girl, a case of abduction has been registered at the YD Nagar Police Station of the western MP district. The incident happened on Monday, when the female student was standing outside the PG College in Mandsaur town. Suddenly, a car stopped near me and Abhishek Chaudhary came out. He dragged me into the car, which was being driven by Shrawan Chauhan. Abhishek beat me in the car. But a short distance ahead the on-duty cops stopped the car and managed to rescue me just outside Mandsaur town. Abhishek is known to my family. Ive subsequently registered a case of abduction against him and his aide, Shrawan Chauhan at YD Nagar Police Station, the young college girl told journalists. Confirming the development, the YD Nagar Police Station in-charge Sandip Mangolia, said a case of abduction and voluntarily causing hurt has been registered against the two accused on the college goers complaint on Monday. Further investigations are underway. Were making efforts to nab the accused, who are on the run. Among the two accused, Shrawan Chauhan who was allegedly driving the car (bearing no registration number) is a BJP leader and a councillor of the Pipliyamandi Nagar Parishad in Mandsaur district.
PM Modi to launch Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, Poshan Maah on September 17
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan (SNSPA) and the eighth edition of the Poshan Maah scheme on the occasion of his birthday on Wednesday, to strengthen healthcare and nutrition services for women, adolescent girls, and children across the country. More than one lakh health camps will be organised in the Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Community Health Centres under the Abhiyan, which intends to ensure comprehensive screenings for womens health issues like anaemia, hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. One of the key objectives of the Abhiyan is to support immunisation efforts and nutritional benefits to reduce maternal and child mortality rates. The campaign is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It is aimed at strengthening healthcare services for women and children across India, with a focus on improving access, quality care, and awareness. Described as a Jan Bhagidaari Abhiyaan, it encourages active participation from private hospitals and healthcare professionals to foster inclusive healthcare delivery. 12 8 https://t.co/Y16Dd5pwME Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 16, 2025 According to the health ministry, more than one lakh health camps are being organised, which will make it the largest ever health outreach for women and children in the country. The initiative will also cover screening for non-communicable diseases, tuberculosis, sickle cell disease, and maternal health, besides providing nutrition counselling, menstrual hygiene promotion and awareness sessions on lifestyle and mental health. The beneficiaries will be linked to digital health services like Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) and PM-JAY. The fortnight-long campaign will mobilise ASHA and Anganwadi workers, ANMs, self-help groups, panchayati raj institutions and youth volunteers under the MY Bharat initiative to drive awareness at the grassroots level. Specialist services in gynaecology, paediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, psychiatry and dentistry will be offered through government medical colleges, district hospitals and central institutions like AIIMS, ESIC and CGHS facilities, with private hospitals also expected to join the campaign. Various ministries, including rural development, education, youth affairs, tribal affairs, social justice, defence, railways, Ayush, and others, will participate in the convergence drive to expand outreach. The campaign is aligned with the prime ministers vision of health, nutrition, fitness and a developed India by 2047, the health ministry added.
Kashmir Apple Prices Nosedive In Jammu Fruit Mandi Amid Supply Chain Disruption
Jammu, Sep 16: The nearly month-long closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway has disrupted the supply chain between the two divisions of the Union Territory, causing apple prices to drop sharply at the Jammu fruit mandi. With truck consignments delayed by several days, perishable apples are arriving in poor condition, forcing traders to sell at drastically reduced rates. Growers and traders alike are now grappling with heavy financial losses, raising concerns over the future stability of the regions apple trade [] The post Kashmir Apple Prices Nosedive In Jammu Fruit Mandi Amid Supply Chain Disruption appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Over 2200 Fruit-Laden Trucks Evacuated Via Mughal Road During Past 24 Hours: Div Com Kashmir
SRINAGAR, Sep 16: In a major relief to fruit growers and traders of valley, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, today informed that over 2,200 fruit-laden trucks were successfully evacuated via the Mughal Road during the past twenty-four hours. Taking cognizance of the situation, Div Com undertook a comprehensive visit to Peer Ki Gali Mughal Road to ensure smooth movement of fruit trucks. He also visited Fruit Mandi Aglar, Shopian, where he held detailed interactions with various stakeholders, including [] The post Over 2200 Fruit-Laden Trucks Evacuated Via Mughal Road During Past 24 Hours: Div Com Kashmir appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
J-K: Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage to resume on Wednesday after 22-day halt
The Vaishno Devi Yatra, suspended on August 26 due to a deadly landslide that claimed 34 lives, is set to resume on September 17, 2025, weather permitting. This decision follows protests by pilgrims at the Katra base camp demanding the pilgrimage's resumption. The shrine board advises devotees to stay informed through official channels for updates.
Prolonged power outage cripples Thrissur City as Corporation electricity staff go on strike
The joint trade unions of the Corporation electricity department launched the strike demanding withdrawal of the Local Self-Government departments order reducing sanctioned posts from 229 to 103, and seeking a salary revision that has been pending for seven years.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rahul Mamkootathil's appearance at the Legislative Assembly on Monday has triggered internal conflict within the Youth Congress. He was accompanied by Youth Congress Thiruvananthapuram district president Nemom Shajeer, who has now drawn sharp criticism from party factions. Members of the Youth Congress have filed complaints against Shajeer, accusing him of supporting a leader who has been suspended by the party. The complaints have been submitted to KPCC president Sunny Joseph and to the national leadership, demanding strict action. We have fully respected the party's decision to suspend Rahul and have not made any public statements until now. But when the district president walks into the Assembly alongside a suspended member, it creates the false impression that the party endorses him. That's misleading and damaging. That's why we've submitted complaints to both the national leadership and KPCC president, said Youth Congress state secretary Kiran Dev M S. Cracks within Congress leadership after Rahul Mamkootathils House visit Party insiders say the move sent out the wrong message that the party still supports Rahul, despite his suspension following serious allegations. While Sunny Joseph was present at the Assembly on Monday, he declined to comment on the incident. N S Nuzoor, former state vice president of the Youth Congress, said that the members of the A group had raised objections during the Youth Congress president election. Allegations of sexual misconduct against Rahul were known even then, and many of us voiced our dissent, but no action was taken. Eventually, 42 members broke away and formed the Oommen Chandy Brigade. We had recommended K M Abhijith's name for the leadership back then. Now, with Nemom Shajeer openly supporting Rahul, it is clear he has ground-level backing and that is what we are challenging, said Nuzoor. He added that office bearers from Thiruvananthapuram were asked to submit the complaints officially.
UDF MLAs begin satyagraha at assembly over Kerala police brutalities
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Mounting pressure on the government on the ongoing custodial violence row , the two opposition MLAs have entered into an indefinite satyagrahaat thelegislative assembly demanding the dismissal of the police officers who beat the Youth Congress leader Sujith at Kunnamkulam. Congress MLA of Chalakkudy Saneesh Kumar and Muslim League MLA of Manjeshwaram AKM Ashraf will be on strike. Opposition leader VD Satheesan mentioned about the strike before staging a walkout with other UDF MLAs in todays assembly session. Following a fiery debate on the ongoing custodial violence row, the opposition staged a walkout after VD Satheesan announced about the strike. The discussions, which went on for over two hours, saw Satheesam mentioning that if the CM behaves like Stalin, his actions would be questioned. The governments stand has always been to protect criminals, which is also supported by the CM, Saneesh Kumar said after beginning the strike. Though we mention todays police stations as Janamitri, these places still remain as torture rooms for people. Manjeswaram MLA AKM Ashraf remarked that though allegations of police beatings were there during all governments, such brutal incidents in this modern era, in visual form, have not been seen before. The assembly debate saw Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reiterating that officers engaging in custodial violence will not be protected. Calling Kerala Police the best force in the country, the CM said that 144 police officers were dismissed from the service in the last 9 years. Zero tolerance for custodial torture, says Kerala police chief Kerala police complaints body seen powerless as custodial torture cases rise; public trust declines in SPCA
Chaitanya Baghel ultimate authority ofliquor syndicate: ED
On Chaitanya Baghels role in money laundering, the ED said that he stood at the apex of this syndicate and had a commanding and decisive role in handling the accounts
Health awareness helps bring down MMR, IMR rates in Bodoland Territorial Region
GUWAHATI: Maternal and infant mortality rates have significantly dropped in Assams Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), thanks to peoples improved health-seeking behaviour. According to official figures, the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 has declined from 264 in 202122 to 136 in 202425, marking an approximate 46 per cent reduction. Similarly, the number of deaths of infants (less than one year of age) per 1,000 has decreased from 22 in 202122 to 15 in 202425, which is a reduction of around 31 per cent. In 2023, the BTR government launched the Rog Nirmul BTR Mission, which is designed to bring primary and secondary health services to remote corners and reduce financial burdens on families. It integrates mobile healthcare, community volunteers, targeted support for high-risk groups and patient assistance schemes.Har Gobindo Boro, a specialist in health and nutrition, BTR Development Fellowship, said that peoples health-seeking behaviour vastly improved over the past few years. A pregnant woman is required to undergo four antenatal checkups (ANC) compulsorily. The ANC rate has vastly improved. Unlike in the past, people living in rural areas now come out of their homes to avail of healthcare services, Boro said, adding that the rate of institutional delivery has also increased. A key reason behind the improved health-seeking behaviour is the notable increase in home visits by healthcare professionals. The health sub-centres in the villages are now called Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. As they are manned by a community health officer (CHO), their services have also increased, Boro said. He observed that a combination of factors -- improved ANC and institutional delivery rates, increased home visits by health professionals, and the deployment of CHOs to the health sub-centres -- helped improve peoples health-seeking behaviour and reduce MMR and IMR rates. A lot of people now turn up at the weekly Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day event. We regularly maintain the data on the health management information system. After the 6th National Health and Family Survey, we will get the exact figures. Our MMR and IMR rates may decrease further, Boro said. He, however, added that everything has not improved as there are pockets where people still do not come out for the immunisation of their child due to a lack of awareness. Officials attributed the success also to the efforts of 36,500 self-help group women, trained as change vectors to lead the movement for maternal and child health and nutrition. The Hans Foundation-funded 36 mobile medical units are operational, delivering healthcare services across 871 villages every month.
Pregnant woman carried 5 km in cloth sling to hospital due to lack of roads in Gujarat dies
AHMEDABAD: A 35-year-old pregnant woman from Chhota Udepur, Gujarat, died after being carried for 5 km in a cloth sling due to the absence of roads in her village. Despite a High Court order last year following a similar tragedy, many tribal hamlets remain cut off, forcing families to trek for miles with critically ill patients, exposing the regions grim reality of underdevelopment even after 78 years of independence. Chhota Udepurs tribal belt has once again witnessed a heart-wrenching tragedy, exposing the dark truth of development gaps in Gujarat. The pregnant woman from Khaidi Phalia of Turkheda village died on Monday after her family was forced to carry her in a cloth sling for five kilometers, as no vehicle could reach their hamlet due to the absence of roads. The woman went into severe labor pains around 4 pm. With no motorable road connecting Khaidi Phalia to nearby Savda Phalia, her family had no choice but to hoist her on their shoulders and trek through rough terrain. After an agonizing journey, they reached a point where a 108 ambulance could pick her up. She was first rushed to Kwant, then to Chhota Udepur, but tragically died en route. The baby girl survived, but the mother left behind four young daughters, making this her fifth delivery. This is not an isolated incident. Almost a year ago, on October 1, another pregnant woman, Kavita Bhil of Baskaria Phalia, was carried in a similar sling but died minutes after giving birth on the way, leaving her newborn without a mothers care. That tragedy had sparked suo moto action by the Gujarat High Court, which approved roads for four phalias of Turkheda. Yet, Khaidi and Tetarkundi Phalia remain deprived of basic road connectivity, forcing residents to live in constant fear during medical emergencies. Turkheda village, ironically dubbed the Ooty of Chhota Udepur for its scenic location at the tri-junction of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, continues to languish without internal roads even after 78 years of independence. When illness strikes, villagers are left with no option but to carry patients in makeshift slings for several kilometers, risking lives with every step. Over the past year, Chhota Udepur has witnessed a disturbing chain of tragedies, with pregnant women repeatedly forced to trek miles in makeshift slings due to the absence of roads. From October 2024 to July 2025, multiple women from villages like Manukla, Khenda, Dukta, Jarkhali, Bhundmaria, and Padwani endured harrowing journeys some carried 3 km through rough terrain, others delivering midway or at home. In one case, a new mother was even forced to walk back home with her newborn, underscoring the unrelenting crisis of lack of roads in the region. These recurring tragedies paint a stark picture: development has bypassed Chhota Udepurs interiors, leaving entire communities to fight for survival with primitive methods. Despite repeated court directives and government promises, the lack of roads continues to claim innocent lives, with villagers demanding urgent action before another life is lost in transit.
Right-wing Christian group abuses author M Leelavathi for skipping birthday in support of Gaza
KOCHI: Author M. Leelavathis decision to forgo celebrating her 98th birthday on Tuesday, in solidarity with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, has sparked a vile cyberattack. Her statement When I see the children in Gaza holding out their bowls for food, how can food go down my throat? was met with online abuse and mockery. One taunt read: Maybe youre just tired of plain rice. Teacher, why not try mandi rice? Maybe then youll find some happiness in your old age. Speaking to the media, the author, affectionately known as Leelavathi Teacher, reiterated that she views aging as a time for reflection, not celebration, and has never observed her birthdays. I consider everyone equal, irrespective of religion, country, or caste. In 2019, I had only rice gruel on Onam after hearing about the plight of children affected by the landslides in Wayanad, she said. Devastating landslides in Puthumala and Kavalappara in Wayanad district had claimed 76 lives in August 2019. To me, children everywhere are the same. Those who oppose me are free to do so. I hold no enmity, she added. Defending her, writer C. Radhakrishnan said: This is in very bad taste. On her 98th birthday, a revered teacher expressed her sorrow: I feel heartbroken about the children dying in Gaza. I cannot enjoy any food. While most of the media understood her sentiment, a few twisted it into a communal issue and resorted to abuse. Some media outlets have become so poisoned that they cannot recognize a mothers pain for children regardless of caste, religion, or nationality. It is tragic that even in Kerala, the media is falling prey to such divisive narratives. Leading the online attack was CASA (Christian Association & Alliance for Social Action), a Kerala-based right-wing Christian group. On its Facebook page, it ridiculed her by bringing up militant violence in Israel and the killings in Kashmir to question what it called her selective outrage. One post read: Ammachi, when 27 tourists were shot dead in Kashmir, you had no problem eating, right? If you're tired of rice and now crave halal kuzhimandi, be careful not to get a bone stuck in your throat.
PM Modi to inaugurate Sewa Pakhwada, lay foundation for PM MITRA Park in MP
Under the campaign, camps will be organised for health and nutrition at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Community Health Centers. Voluntary blood donation is also being encouraged, CM Mohan Yadav said
Google fires over 200 AI contract workers for demanding better pay, job security: Report
A new report has revealed that these raters were working with the company to help improve AI products including Gemini and AI Overviews
Heavy Rains Trigger Floods, Landslides in Himachal; 3 Dead in Mandi
Shimla, Sept 16: Continuous and heavy overnight rains lashed several districts of Himachal Pradesh, triggering flash floods, multiple landslides, and widespread destruction. The extreme weather left at least three members of a family dead in Mandi district and caused extensive damage to public property, including roads, vehicles, and state transport infrastructure. Officials said the worst [] The post Heavy Rains Trigger Floods, Landslides in Himachal; 3 Dead in Mandi appeared first on Northlines .
Heavy rain, cloudbursts, and landslides have caused widespread destruction in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. In Himachal Pradesh, three people died in Mandi district due to a landslide. Uttarakhand was hit by a cloudburst in Dehradun, damaging properties and infrastructure. Rescue operations are underway, and authorities are providing assistance to those affected, with the Chief Ministers monitoring the situation.
3 Dead, Many Vehicles Buried As Landslides Hit Himachal's Mandi, Shimla
Heavy overnight rain triggered floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh, killing a family of three as debris from an adjoining cliff slid onto their house, causing it to collapse, in the Mandi district.
Kashmir highway closure: CM Omar urges Centre to hand over NH-44 to J&K administration
SRINAGAR: The prolonged closure of the SrinagarJammu National Highway, the only road link connecting the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country, has sparked widespread unrest among fruit growers and traders, who claim to have suffered losses exceeding Rs 1,000 crore. As the crisis escalates, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has spoken to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and urged the Centre to hand over control of the highway to the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Spoke to Union Minister @MORTHIndia @nitin_gadkari Sb regarding the situation along NH-44 and the lack of connectivity with the rest of the country along this vital link, Omar posted on X (formerly Twitter). Calling the frustration of fruit growers understandable, he said, They have been very patient for the first few days, but watching their hard work rot because @nhidcl is unable to stabilise the highway, their patience has worn thin, and that is totally understandable. Some concrete steps will be taken within the next 24 hours to address this problem, but I will wait for that to happen before saying more about the proposed plan of action. The 270-km-long highway was closed for traffic on 25 August due to extensive damage caused by heavy rainfall. While light motor vehicles have now been allowed, the movement of trucks remains restricted. On Monday, all fruit mandis in Kashmir, including Asias second-largest in Sopore, remained closed for the second consecutive day in protest against the continued highway closure. Fruit growers staged protests across the Valley, expressing deep anguish over rotting produce and halted supplies. Apple is a perishable fruit and its timely delivery is critical. Apples are rotting in trucks, mandis and godowns, we are staring at a bleak future, said one protesting grower. The Kashmir Valley produces between 20 to 25 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually. Kashmir apple growers in despair, suffer Rs 1,000 crore loses as apples rot due to highway closure In response to the growing crisis, CM Omar Abdullah said the highway falls under the jurisdiction of the Government of India. If the Centre cannot maintain it, they should hand it over to the J&K government. Ill deploy a team of engineers who are already available. Enough is enough. Weve been patient as they kept assuring us of restoration, but nothing has happened, he said. The issue was also raised with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who recently flagged off the first parcel train from Budgam to Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi. While growers welcomed the initiative, they said the train can only carry a small fraction of the produce and road transport remains vital. Former minister and senior PDP leader Naeem Akhtar posted on X: Kashmir is in an unprecedented crisis for this time of year. NHW blockade is nothing new for winters, but after billions spent on connectivity, this is now a year-round issue. Supplies are drying up, fruit is rotting, its scandalous. PDP leader Iltija Mufti, daughter of former CM Mehbooba Mufti, went a step further, alleging that Kashmirs apple industry is being deliberately destroyed. Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah himself has come under fire for failing to ensure restoration of the highway. Peoples Conference chairman and MLA Sajad Lone said, The apples meant for the rest of the country are rotting. Massive losses. Bad weather is not the governments fault, but sitting like a mute spectator and doing nothing is criminal. He added, My humble advice to CM sahib: stop wandering aimlessly across the country. Sit with your officers and stakeholders and work out a strategy. Himachal apple farmers in dire straits as monsoon wreaks havoc
Three killed as heavy rains trigger floods and landslides in Himachal
CHANDIGARH: Heavy overnight rains pounded Himachal Pradesh, triggering floods and landslides that left three members of a family dead and submerged a bus stand in Mandi. The incident took place in Bragta village in Boi panchayat in Nehri area of Sundernagar subdivision in Mandi district, where a massive landslide buried a house with five family members inside. Villagers immediately launched a rescue effort and managed to pull out two people, who were critically injured and taken to the nearest hospital. Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, Apoorv Devgan said that three bodies have been recovered while two persons have been rescued. Superintendent of Police, Mandi, Sakshi Verma, said the incident occurred in the Nihri area when debris from a cliff slid onto a house. The heavy downpour has also caused widespread damage to both public and private property. In another incident, one person was swept away when a flash flood struck Dharampur market late last night. Officials said the rains led to floods in Son and Bharand drains in Dharampur, resulting in flooding of the bus stand, damaging a workshop, pump houses, shops and over 20 buses. A search operation is underway to trace the missing person. Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri in his Facebook post said, Dharampur bus stand, over two dozen HRTC buses, shops, pump house and workshop has been damaged. Heavy rains trigger landslides, wreak havoc in Dehradun, neighbouring areas The flash flood caused heavy losses to local shopkeepers and residents as water rushed into markets and houses, damaging goods and infrastructure. Many people were forced to climb onto rooftops for safety, while several houses and shops near the riverbank were inundated. A hostel housing 150 students was also flooded, though all the students are reported to be safe. Shops have suffered massive losses due to flooding. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, an official said. District administration teams, supported by local volunteers and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are carrying out rescue and relief operations. In Shimla, several vehicles were buried following a landslide near Himland in the heart of the city and the main circular road was blocked causing inconvenience to school- going children. It was raining heavily and around 1 am, we heard a deafening sound with trees and debris sliding down and immediately moved our vehicles to escape, Gautam and Rahul Shukla, who were sleeping in their vehicle parked near Himland when the landslide occurred, said. INTERVIEW | Must have political will for climate change mitigation
Rains Wreak Havoc In Himachal, Three Killed
Shimla, Sep 16: Heavy overnight rains pounded Himachal Pradesh, triggering floods and landslides that left three members of a family dead and submerged a bus stand in Mandi. The three were killed when a house collapsed following a landslide in Boi panchayat in Nehri area of Sundernagar subdivision in Mandi district. Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, Apoorv Devgan said that three bodies have been recovered while two persons have been rescued, Officials said the rains led to floods in Son and Bharand [] The post Rains Wreak Havoc In Himachal, Three Killed appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Rains Wreak Havoc In Himachal; Dharampur Bus Stand Flooded
Shimla, Sep 16: Heavy overnight rains pounded Himachal Pradesh, triggering floods and landslides, submerging a bus stand in Mandi and blocking a crucial road in Shimla, officials said. Reports of a house collapsing and people buried under the debris have also poured in. Officials said the rains led to floods in Son and Bharand drains in Dharampur in Mandi district, resulting in flooding of a bus stand, damaging a workshop, pump house, shops and over 20 buses. In Shimla, several [] The post Rains Wreak Havoc In Himachal; Dharampur Bus Stand Flooded appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Himachal Pradesh: 3 dead after massive landslide hits Mandi, rescue op underway
Three people died, while two others were rescued. The rescue teams rushed to the spot, and operations are still underway, said Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma.
Three Dead After Massive Landslide Hits Himachal Pradesh's Mandi, Rescue Op Underway
Himachal Pradesh Rains: At least three people were dead after a massive landslide occurred in the Nihri area of Mandi district.
3 Dead as Landslide Hits Himachals Mandi
One person is reported missing, while debris entered several homes and shops, police said
Himachal Pradesh landslide: Three killed, two rescued amid heavy rainfall in Mandi district
Himachal Pradesh Mandi Landslide: A devastating landslide in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi district resulted in three fatalities, prompting ongoing rescue operations. Heavy rainfall triggered widespread destruction in Dharampur town, flooding the bus stand and sweeping away numerous vehicles. The monsoon's impact in Himachal Pradesh has tragically claimed 404 lives since June 20, highlighting the severity of the ongoing crisis.
Pakistan Boycott Asia Cup: Following a no-handshake controversy after their loss to India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB has threatened to withdraw from their Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE if the ICC doesn't comply.
MSSA inter-school badminton tournament: Khushi, Akshat emerge U-16 champs
In the girls U-16 final, Khushi was clinical as she outplayed Thea Sheth of Arya Vidya Mandir (Bandra) in straight games. Akshat Raipurana of Bombay International School was declared the winner after Zehn Masani of Maneckji Cooper Education Trust School (Juhu) conceded the match due to an injury
No integrated medical course in JIPMER for now
NEW DELHI: The proposed integrated medical course, combining MBBS and BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) at JIPMER in Puducherry, has been put on hold following strong protests from modern medicine practitioners. The proposal, prepared by the Auroville Foundation and announced with great fanfare by Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and AYUSH, Prataprao Jadhav, on May 27 at the JIPMER campus, offered a five-year degree course with a one-year internship to award the dual degree. This paper was the first to write about the new integrated course to be introduced at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). After the TNIE story went viral, angering medical doctors, JIPMER, in a short statement on September 13, said, It has come to the notice of JIPMER that there have been media reports regarding the introduction of a dual degree programme integrating MBBS and BAMS at the Institute. The Institute hereby categorically clarifies that there is no move to introduce any such programme at JIPMER as of now, the institute said. According to RTI activist Dr KV Babu, who filed a series of RTIs on the burning issue ever since the ministers announcement in May, JIPMER is clearly saying that as of now there is no move to introduce any such programme. What about later? He stated that the RTI replies he has received clearly indicate that the institute proposed the integrated course and that the centre was keen to launch it. Proposed new integrated medical course to be of over 5 years, with one year internship: RTI It is very clear from the letter sent from the Auroville Foundation on January 25, 2024, that the proposal for BAMS/MBBS degree was discussed with the Director/Deputy Director/Dean of JIPMER Puducherry, he told this paper. He pointed out that the Ayush minister, also MOS Health, announced the integrated course at a press conference after inaugurating the renovated Emergency and Trauma Care Centre at JIPMER on May 27, which this paper also reported. The minister stated that the course is currently in the conceptual stage and that efforts are underway to develop a new syllabus. In her January 25 letter last year, Auroville Secretary Dr. Jayanti S Ravi had acknowledged that discussions were held over the previous several months with Dr VK Paul, Member, NITI Aayog; Dr. Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, AYUSH, and others. Govt backs integrated medical course proposed by Auroville at JIPMER without consulting regulatory bodies: RTIs Dr Ravi, the former Gujarat-cadre IAS officer, who initiated the course, said, It is meant to be a bold experiment to allow for the synthesis of the ancient and modern in various disciplines and aspects of life. Given this, there will be no place better than Auroville Foundation to start the course to provide an integral approach to healthcare. The curricula are now being fine-tuned for detailed integration of the two streams of science, said the letter, which was shared with Dr Babu on August 22, by the Union Health Ministry, following his RTI. After the statement that there is no move to introduce the dual degree programme at JIPMER as of now, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), representing over four lakh medical practitioners, announced it as a big win. IMA demanded withdrawal of proposal IMA said they had written a letter to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, categorically demanding withdrawal of the proposal. JIPMER has officially clarified that no such dual-degree programme is being introduced. This is a major win for IMAs advocacy and scientific, ethical medical practice.
Nursing students protest, demand monthly stipend
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 15: Scores of nursing students today staged a protest demonstration near Press Club Jammu demanding sanction of monthly stipend for those enrolled in Government Nursing Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. The protesters, holding placards and raising slogans, alleged that despite repeated assurances, the Government has failed to address their long-pending demand. They said nursing students in several States and Union Territories are receiving stipends and financial assistance, while those in J&K continue to face step-motherly treatment. [] The post Nursing students protest, demand monthly stipend appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
MSJK demands relief for heavy rainfall hit families
Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 15: Mission Statehood J&K (MSJK) activists here today staged a protest demonstration demanding release of cash relief to flash-floods and heavy rainfall hit families. The protest was led by MSJK president, Sunil Dimple, along with the families hit by the calamity. Addressing the protesters, Dimple said no cash relief has been provided to the people whose houses were damaged in heavy rains. A central team visited J&K to assess the losses but so far no financial [] The post MSJK demands relief for heavy rainfall hit families appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Bangladesh face trial by spin in do-or-die clash vs Afghanistan
ASIA CUP 2025 | MATCHES TODAY BAN v AFG | AT 8:00PM Abu Dhabi, Sep 15: A faltering Bangladesh will face a stern trial by spin in their do-or-die Group B clash against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup here on Tuesday. The Litton Das-led side opened their campaign on a bright note with a commanding []
Assam: Moran Students' Body Imposes Economic Blockade Demanding ST Status
The movement of trucks carrying oil, coal, timber and tea, among others, has been hampered, with hundreds of vehicles stranded on the Makum Bypass.
Nepal interim govt gets three ministers
Nepal's interim government, under Prime Minister Sushila Karki, expanded its cabinet by inducting three new ministers. Kulman Ghising, Om Prakash Aryal, and Rameshwor Khanal will head key ministries like Energy, Law, and Finance respectively. This move comes after Gen-Z protests demanding better governance and economic improvements, with the new ministers expected to address these concerns.
Kashmir fruit mandis shut work
Fruit traders in Kashmir protested highway closure. Thousands of trucks are stranded, causing significant losses. Traders estimate losses of hundreds of crores due to rotten fruit. They call it an economic blockade. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched a parcel train to transport apples from Budgam to Delhi. The train aims to transport 23-24 tonnes of goods.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a parcel train from Budgam to Delhi, aiming to boost trade for Valley apple growers. Simultaneously, fruit mandis protested the prolonged closure of the Srinagar-Jammu highway due to rain damage, leaving thousands of fruit-laden vehicles stranded. Officials are prioritizing reopening the highway, while others suggest handing control to the Army for quicker repairs.
Telangana Colleges Go On Strike, Hospitals To Begin One Over Dues
Telangana is facing a dual crisis in its healthcare and education sectors as private colleges have launched an indefinite strike and private hospitals will begin one on Tuesday, demanding the immediate payment of long-pending government dues.
Jammu Kashmir Leaders Rally Behind Fruit Growers, Slam Highway Blockade
SRINAGAR: Political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday voiced strong support for fruit growers as the prolonged disruption of the SrinagarJammu National Highway left apple-laden trucks stranded, triggering shutdowns in fruit mandis across the valley. The crisis has drawn widespread criticism of the government, with opposition parties, trade bodies, and religious leaders demanding immediate []
Asia Cup: Siddiques 4/23 And Waseems Record Knock Power UAE To First Win
Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium: Junaid Siddique delivered a match-winning spell of 4 for 23 to help the United Arab Emirates (UAE) open their account in the Asia Cup 2025 with a commanding 42-run win over Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday. The victory was set up by skipper Muhammad Waseems composed 69 off 54 balls and sealed by Junaid Siddiques match-winning spell of 4/23, which dismantled Omans chase. Defending 173, Siddique struck early to remove both openers Aamir Kaleem (2) and skipper Jatinder Singh (20) inside the powerplay. His clever changes of pace and lengths derailed Omans innings, and he went on to finish with figures of 4/23, the standout performance with the ball. Support came from Haider Ali I (2/22) and Muhammad Jawadullah (2/18), ensuring Oman were bowled out for 130 in 18.4 overs. Chasing a stiff target, Oman slipped to 41/4 in the powerplay and soon lost Faisal Shah (9) to slump to 50/5. Debutant Aryan Bisht (24) and Vinayak Shukla (20) offered brief resistance, but wickets kept tumbling. With the middle order failing to build momentum, Oman suffered their second straight defeat of the tournament and are now staring at elimination. Earlier, after being asked to bat, UAEs innings revolved around a solid 88-run opening stand between Waseem and Alishan Sharafu. Sharafu played the aggressor with a 38-ball 51 before falling to Jiten Ramanandi. Waseem held the innings together, compiling 69 off 54 balls with six fours and three sixes. His knock also carried milestones: he became the first UAE batter to cross 3000 T20I runs and the fourth fastest overall to the landmark by innings. Mohammad Zuhaib Khan chipped in with a quick 21 off 13, while Harshit Kaushiks unbeaten 19 off 8, including 2 sixes, powered UAE to 172/5. For Oman, only Ramanandi (2/24) and Shakeel Ahmed (0/16 in 3) managed to keep things in check, while others leaked over nine runs per over. Earlier, after being asked to bat, UAEs innings revolved around a solid 88-run opening stand between Waseem and Alishan Sharafu. Sharafu played the aggressor with a 38-ball 51 before falling to Jiten Ramanandi. Waseem held the innings together, compiling 69 off 54 balls with six fours and three sixes. His knock also carried milestones: he became the first UAE batter to cross 3000 T20I runs and the fourth fastest overall to the landmark by innings. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Brief score: United Arab Emirates 172/5 in 20 overs (Muhammad Waseem 69, Alishan Sharafu 51; Jiten Ramanandi 2/24, Hassnain Ali Shah 1/34) beat Oman 130 all out in 18.4 overs (Aryan Bish 24, Jatinder Singh 20; Junai Siddique 4/23, Haider Ali 2/22) by 42 runs Article Source: IANS
AIP to Stage Sit-In for Fruit Growers, Seeks Relief for Orchardists
SRINAGAR: The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) on Monday announced it will stage a peaceful sit-in protest tomorrow at Press Colony, Srinagar, demanding the unhindered movement of apple-laden trucks on the SrinagarJammu National Highway. AIP Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said the protest, scheduled for 11 AM on Tuesday, September 16, aims to highlight the plight []
Contract health workers of GRH protest demanding release of pending salary
Mandis shut across Kashmir, farmers report 750 crore loss as highway closures stall trade
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah slammed the Centre Union government for failing to restore the national highway.
Change needed in Kerala politics for Kerala Police to change: Shobha Surendran
She inaugurates a protest march led by BJP Thrissur city district committee to Assistant Commissioners office, demanding an end to police brutality
IND vs PAK controversy: Why handshakes matter in cricket rules and protocols explained
Tensions flared between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and India after the Asia Cup match, with the PCB demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. This demand follows Indian players' refusal to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, a gesture made in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Income Tax: Amid grumbles and rants, taxpayers and CAs want deadline extended
Income Tax: Given the extremely slow I-T portal, a number of CAs and taxpayers have been demanding extension of deadline which ends today
From Boycott Calls To Another Clash: Fans Await India-Pakistan Repeat Showdown
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav: Amid boycott calls, India and Pakistan met in a high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 group-stage clash on Sunday, with the hosts cruising to a commanding seven-wicket victory in Dubai. As per the tournament format, the arch-rivals could lock horns at least twice more if both sides progress. Placed in Group A, India lead the table with four points from two wins, while Pakistan sit second with two points from one victory and one loss. With two wins, India have already sealed a Super Four berth. Pakistan, meanwhile, must beat the UAE in their final group fixture to remain in contention. If India overcome Oman in their next outing, they will advance as A1, while Pakistan will aim to secure the A2 slot with a win. That scenario would set up another blockbuster clash on September 21 in Dubai. Should both teams finish among the top two in the Super Four stage, a third meeting in the final on September 28 would be on the cards. On Sunday, India dominated with both bat and ball. Bowling first, the Indian attack restricted Pakistan to a modest 127/9. Kuldeep Yadav was the star with three wickets, while Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah claimed two apiece. Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakaravarthy chipped in with one each to ensure Pakistan never found momentum. In reply, India chased down the target with 25 balls to spare. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 37 deliveries, supported by Abhishek Sharma (31) and Tilak Varma (31). However, post-match scenes drew attention as Indian players left the field without shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts. In his presentation speech, Suryakumar dedicated the victory to the Indian Army, expressing solidarity with the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. He also stressed that the teams stance was aligned with the Indian government and the BCCI. Reacting strongly, PCB chairman and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi lodged a protest, demanding the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. We have demanded his removal from the Asia Cup, Naqvi posted on X. However, post-match scenes drew attention as Indian players left the field without shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts. In his presentation speech, Suryakumar dedicated the victory to the Indian Army, expressing solidarity with the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. He also stressed that the teams stance was aligned with the Indian government and the BCCI. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score All eyes will now be on how both teams conduct themselves when they meet again in the next stage. Article Source: IANS
Political row erupts in Gujarat as BJP refuses to bear former CM Rupani's funeral expenses
AHMEDABAD: A political storm has erupted in Gujarat after revelations that the BJP has refused to bear the expenses of the late former Chief Minister Vijay Rupanis grand funeral, leaving his family shocked to settle bills of nearly Rs 25 lakh. State BJP President and Union Minister CR Patil dodged direct questions on the controversy during his visit to Rajkot, igniting speculation of deep internal rifts within the partys Saurashtra faction. Rajkot was simmering with political tension on Sunday when State BJP President and Union Water Resources Minister CR Patil refused to answer questions about the partys refusal to pay for former Chief Minister Vijay Rupanis funeral expenses, estimated at a staggering Rs 25 lakh. The controversy came to light three months after Rupanis grand funeral procession, held on June 16, 2025, in Rajkot, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and several top BJP leaders had walked alongside thousands of party workers and citizens to bid farewell to the late leader. Gujarat bids farewell to former CM Vijay Rupani; Rajkot shuts down in mourning But behind the ceremonial grandeur, a shocking twist was brewing: the bills for flowers, tents, and other arrangements were quietly passed on to Rupanis grieving family, instead of being covered by the BJP. According to sources, by July, family members discovered the truth when traders who supplied the funeral materials turned up at their doorstep, demanding payment. Forced into an awkward position, Rupanis family has since begun clearing the debts, even as murmurs of betrayal spread through the party ranks. This explosive issue erupted publicly on Sunday when Patil arrived in Rajkot to attend a Namotsav program at the Racecourse ground. Earlier, he held closed-door meetings with MLAs and organisational leaders at the Circuit House. When reporters cornered him outside the event, Patils reaction was 'telling'. Asked about the India-Pakistan cricket match, he simply ignored the query and kept walking. But when confronted about the Rupani funeral expense controversy, Patil deliberately sidestepped the issue, remarking vaguely, This is a Namotsav matter, I will definitely answer later, briskly moving away. According to BJP insiders, the decision to deny payment was driven by two powerful Saurashtra leaders, indicating a power struggle simmering beneath the surface. While some party veterans claim Patils silence reflects the sensitivity of the issue, others believe it signals a looming political shake-up in Gujarat. The controversy has now engulfed Rajkot and the wider Saurashtra region, with grassroots workers openly expressing discomfort. The sight of Rupanis family, already mourning their loss, now burdened with financial strain, has sparked outrage among loyalists and laid bare fault lines in the Gujarat BJPs leadership. What began as a solemn farewell to a former Chief Minister has spiraled into a political flashpoint, threatening to tarnish the partys image ahead of crucial elections. CR Patils continued silence only intensify the questions and the crisis.
Kashmir Fruit Mandis Shut Down as Growers Protest Highway Crisis
Threaten Valley-Wide Strike
Watch | Passenger Confronts Woman For Smoking Inside Train's AC Coach, She Says...
A user on X wrote that smoking in public places is a violation of other people's rights while demanding action against the woman
Kashmir Apple Growers, Traders Protest Closure Of Jammu-Srinagar Highway
Srinagar, Sep 15: Apple growers and traders in Kashmir staged a protest against the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway and government inaction in the matter, saying this produce worth over Rs 10,000 crore was at a risk of being spoilt. People associated with fruit businesses staged the protests in Sopore town of Baramulla district and Handwara area of Kupwara district in north Kashmir. Fruit mandis across the Valley had called for a two-day shutdown to register their protest as [] The post Kashmir Apple Growers, Traders Protest Closure Of Jammu-Srinagar Highway appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Job aspirants protest in Patna; police use batons to disperse crowd
The demonstrators were demanding the announcement of the total vacancies and the exam date for the recruitment of constables in the Bihar Police
Netizens complain of glitches in ITR filing, seeks deadline extension
New Delhi: The Income Tax Departments I-T return filing portal faced huge traffic as the deadline for filing returns ends on Monday, leading to netizens complaining of glitches and demanding an extension of the September 15 deadline. The department, however, said that the portal was working fine and gave no indication of extending the deadline 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 .
With 23 Tons a Day, Railways Would Require 190 Years to Take 2025 Kashmir Apple to Mandis
by Masood Hussain SHOPIAN: In the apple capital of Kashmir, the mood has soured. For the second consecutive day, as the traders at Shopians main fruit mandi refused to accept harvests, the town is literally buried under apple-laden trucks as an unending line is desperately approaching the Mughal Road, the alternative link of Kashmir to []
Powers Of Collector Stayed, Non-Muslims On Boards Limited: Waqf Case Recap
The Supreme Court temporarily halted key provisions in the government's new Waqf laws, including one demanding potential donors be a 'practicing Muslim' for five years and another nominating non-Muslim individuals to federal and state Waqf boards.
New drama in handshake row: PCB lodges complaint; demands removal
The Pakistan Cricket Board has formally complained to the ICC regarding missing handshakes during the Asia Cup clash with India, demanding the removal of the Match Referee. The PCB alleges violations of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws, claiming the referee instructed their captain to avoid shaking hands.
Hyderabad: ABVP activists protest over pending fee reimbursement
Hyderabad: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad activists staged a protest at the Babu Jagjivan Ram statue in Basheerbagh, demanding the government clear the pending fee reimbursement amount for colleges. Several students gathered at the statue and demanded the State government immediately clear the pending dues to the colleges and save the future of the students. The Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
SFI activists mob Rahul Mamkootathil and sit on the road in front of his vehicle, demanding his resignation as Palakkad MLA
The best midrange smartphone for 2025
A great mobile phone doesnt need to cost a fortune. In 2025, features once exclusive to high-end devices big batteries, multi-camera arrays, high refresh rate OLED displays and more have trickled down to more affordable models. Sure, youll still need to buy a flagship smartphone to get the best camera or fastest processor, but you dont need to compromise nearly as much anymore if youre looking for a great handset at a reasonable price. If you have less than $600 to spend, let us help you figure out what features to prioritize when trying to find the best midrange smartphone. Table of contents Best midrange phones in 2025 What is a midrange phone? What to consider before buying a midrange smartphone What won't you get from a midrange phone The best midrange phones for 2025 What is a midrange phone? While the term frequently appears in articles and videos, there isnt an agreed-upon definition for midrange beyond a phone that isnt a flagship or an entry-level option. Most of our recommendations cost between $400 and $600 any less and you should expect significant compromises. If you have more to spend, you might as well consider flagships like the Apple iPhone 17 and the Samsung Galaxy S25 if you want the best smartphone experience. Devices like Pixel phones often sit in this price range too, offering some of the best value for Android buyers. What to consider before buying a midrange smartphone Buying a new device can be intimidating, but a few questions can help guide you through the process. First: what platform do you want to use? If the answer is iOS, that narrows your options down to exactly one phone. (Thankfully, its great.) And if youre an Android fan, theres no shortage of compelling options. Both platforms have their strengths, so you shouldnt rule either out. Of course, also consider how much youre comfortable spending. Even increasing your budget by $100 more can get you a dramatically better product. Moreover, manufacturers tend to support their more expensive devices for longer with software updates and security updates, so its worth buying something toward the top limit of what you can afford. Having an idea of your priorities will help inform your budget. Do you want a long battery life or fast charging? Do you value speedy performance above all else? Or would you like the best possible cameras with high megapixel counts? While they continue to improve every year, even the best midrange smartphones still demand some compromises, and knowing whats important to you will make choosing one easier. What wont you get from a midrange smartphone? Every year, the line between midrange and flagship phones blurs as more upmarket features and functions trickle down to more affordable models. When Engadget first published this guide in 2020, it was tricky to find a $500 phone with waterproofing and 5G. In 2025, the biggest thing you might miss out on is wireless charging and even then, thats becoming less true. One thing your new phone probably wont come with is a power adapter; many companies have stopped including chargers with all of their smartphones. Performance has improved in recent years, but can still be hit or miss as most midrange phones use slower processors that can struggle with multitasking. Thankfully, their camera systems have improved dramatically, and you can typically expect at least a dual-lens system on most midrange smartphones below $600 with decent camera quality, selfie performance and software support to keep things running smoothly for years to come.. Midrange smartphone FAQs How long do midrange phones get software updates? Support varies by brand, but most midrange phones receive around three to five years of software and security updates. Apple tends to support iPhones longer while companies like Google and Samsung now promise several years of Android and security patches for their midrange models. Budget-focused brands might offer less so its worth checking the update policy before you buy. Are midrange phones good for gaming? Yes, many midrange phones handle gaming well, especially popular titles like Fortnite , Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile . They usually include capable processors, though you wont always get the smoothest performance in the most demanding mobile games or at max settings. If you play casually or stick to less graphically intensive titles a midrange phone will feel more than adequate. Georgie Peru contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-midrange-smartphone-183006463.html?src=rss
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has strongly criticized PM Modi and CM Nitish Kumar, demanding action against Bihar minister Jibesh Mishra for allegedly assaulting a journalist who questioned road conditions. Yadav presented a video purportedly showing the incident and highlighted Mishra's alleged involvement in a fake drug case.
Kashmir apple growers in despair, suffer Rs 1,000 crore loses as apples rot due to highway closure
SRINAGAR: For Kashmirs fruit growers, harvest season has become a season of despair, with 2,0003,000 truckloads of apples rotting on the 270 km Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only road link connecting the region to the rest of the country, which remains closed. Fruit growers and traders have lost over Rs 1,000 crore, with losses still climbing and threatening the livelihood of thousands in the Valley. This year we had a bumper harvest of apples. It was meant to bring relief to growers across the Valley, said a fruit grower, Altaf Ahmed of Sopore, Baramulla. It is peak harvest season, and the continued highway closure has turned our joy into sorrow. We are watching our hard work decay before our eyes, he said. The Valley, which produces about 20-25 lakh metric tonnes of apples annually, is dependent on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway for the transportation of fruits to different markets of the country. The highway was closed for vehicular traffic after damage caused to the road by heavy rainfall on August 25. Though light vehicles have recently been allowed, trucks are still not permitted due to the bad road conditions. According to Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers-cum-Dealers Union, about 2000-3000 trucks loaded with apples and pears are stranded at various points along the highway. Since these are perishable items, much of the fruit would have rotted by now. Trucks have been stranded for nearly 20 days, he said. Each truck carries 700-1200 apple boxes valued between Rs 10-15 lakhs. We fear that 30 lakh apple boxes may have decayed due to prolonged closure. Bashir said losses of fruit growers and traders have already crossed over Rs 1,000 crores. The losses are increasing with each day, and fruit growers are in despair. The impact is being felt across all major fruit mandis in the Valley. Kashmir has 12 fruit mandis. Fayaz Ahmad Malik, President of Fruit Mandi Sopore, known as Apple Town, said normally 200-300 apple trucks used to leave from Sopore to different markets of the country daily. Now, not only are our trucks stuck on the highway but many remain loaded in the mandi itself. The apples are rotting in the trucks, fruit mandis and godowns, and the losses keep piling up, he said. An apple grower, Javed Ahmed, said things are looking very bleak as our produce is rotting in trucks, mandis and at our homes. We pour our souls into these orchards and are now watching the apples rot helplessly, he said. We are worried about our livelihood and staring at a very dark future. Monsoon shifts: Standing crops in danger as IMD predicts heavy rainfall Javed said that although Railways has introduced parcel service, it can transport only a fraction, and we are still dependent on highway for transportation of fruits. With road transport paralyzed, our entire supply chain has broken, demand has dropped and so have prices. Mohammad Ashraf, President of the Shopian Fruit Growers and Dealers Association, said even in this era of advanced technology, it is shameful that highway remains closed for such a long time. The government must use modern machinery to restore the highway and, if necessary, hand over the highway to the army for restoration, he said. The fruit growers are demanding serious and swift action from the LG and Omar government for transportation of apples to different markets in the country. As a mark of protest, all fruit mandis in Kashmir would remain closed for two days from Sunday against halting of fruit-laden trucks on the SrinagarJammu Highway, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Cum Dealers Union announced. Senior National Conference MLA Dr. Bashir Ahmed Veeri sought urgent action on highway restoration. Apple trucks stranded for days on NH44, losses already Rs 1200 Cr+. Growers say highway mismanagement is destroying the backbone of our economy. Deliberate design to ruin our economy. Lakhs of families depend on horticulture. Yet perishable produce is rotting on the road while growers wait in despair. A region that feeds millions is being pushed to the brink by NH44 mess. 2 km of road stretches are not being repaired with the urgency, Veeri posted on X. This is not politics. Its survival. When apples cant reach markets, the entire economy bleeds. Urgent action on highway restoration is the only way to safeguard Kashmirs lifeline, the NC MLA added. Himachal apple farmers in dire straits as monsoon wreaks havoc
North Korea declares nuclear statehood 'permanently enshrined'
North Korea said its status as a nuclear-armed state is permanently enshrined in its law and irreversible, state media reported Monday, condemning the United States for demanding its denuclearisation. Since a failed summit with the United States in 2019 on denuclearisation, North Korea has repeatedly said it will never give up its nuclear weapons. kjk/dhw
Celebrations in Jammu after Indias dominant win
Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Sept 14: Joyous scenes unfolded across Jammu as cricket fans celebrated Indias commanding seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup match today. People from all walks of life poured into the streets, waving Indian flags, chanting India-India, and bursting firecrackers, turning the city into a hub of celebration. The atmosphere remained electric for hours as fans danced and cheered in appreciation of the teams brilliant all-round performance. India outclassed Pakistan in all departments, with [] The post Celebrations in Jammu after Indias dominant win appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
White-coats walk out in protest: Chhattisgarhs health workers are on strike
For nearly a month, Chhattisgarh health workers have been on strike, demanding permanent employment and better working conditions. This has burdened the already strained healthcare system in the State
Pakistan Coach Mike Hesson Expresses Disappointment Over Handshake Snub Of His Players
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has expressed his disappointment after Indian players snubbed members of his team by declining to engage in the customary post-match handshakes following their Asia Cup Group A clash on Sunday, saying his team had expected the gesture regardless of the result. We were ready to shake hands. Disappointed the opposition didnt do that, Hesson said in the post-match press conference, stressing that Pakistan viewed the handshake as a traditional show of respect between rivals. It is reported that Hesson also met the match referee following the incident, though no official statement has been issued regarding this. The controversy overshadowed what was otherwise a commanding performance by India, who cruised to a seven-wicket win at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing 128, skipper Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 37 deliveries, supported by Shivam Dubes 10 not out, as India sealed victory in just 15.5 overs. Earlier, Kuldeep Yadavs brilliant 3-18 had dismantled Pakistans batting lineup, restricting them to 127/9. Signs of strain had been visible even before the first ball, when captains Suryakumar and Salman Agha skipped the customary handshake at the toss. After the match, Indian players walked off without the usual exchange, leaving both sides avoiding eye contact or gestures of courtesy. Suryakumar Yadav went on to dedicate India's victory on Sunday to the Indian armed forces, saying their valour and dedication following the Pahalgam terror attack had inspired the players. Signs of strain had been visible even before the first ball, when captains Suryakumar and Salman Agha skipped the customary handshake at the toss. After the match, Indian players walked off without the usual exchange, leaving both sides avoiding eye contact or gestures of courtesy. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score Indias spin-heavy strategy proved decisive for the second game running. Left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav led the charge with figures of 3-18, while Axar Patel chipped in with 2-18. Varun Chakaravarthy had figures of 1-24 as the trio operated with remarkable control on a sluggish Dubai pitch. Article Source: IANS
Ensure all flood-hit mandis are operational by Sept 19: Punjab agri minister
Asia Cup: Suryakumar Dedicates Seven-wicket Win Over Pakistan To Armed Forces
Dubai International Cricket Stadium: India captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated his sides commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the 2025 Mens T20 Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium here on Sunday to the armed forces back home. Sundays game in Dubai is also the first meeting in international cricket between India and Pakistan after heightened diplomatic tensions earlier this year. The game comes in the aftermath of a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, prompting India to launch Operation Sindoor targeting terror infrastructure across the border and in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. As per a notification from the Union Sports Ministry, India can play Pakistan in international and multilateral events, but can't engage in ilateral sports events in each other's country. The tensions around the clash were visible when Suryakumar and Pakistan captain Salman Agha didnt shake hands at toss time. After India chased down 128, Suryakumar and Shivam Dube (10 not out) walked off briskly, with no handshakes exchanged between players once again or the support staff. Perfect occasion, taking the time out. We stand by the victims of the families of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to put a smile on their face, Suryakumar said in an impromptu message at the post-match presentation ceremony. Interestingly, no post-game interview of Agha was taken in the presentation ceremony. Asked if preparation for this game was different compared to others, Suryakumar said, For the whole team, we think it's just another game. We prepare the same for all the opposition. That's what happened a few months back. The team that won the CT set the tone. I'm always a fan of spinners because they control the game in the middle. India chased down Pakistans 127/9 with 25 balls to spare, led by Suryakumars unbeaten 47 on his 35th birthday. Great feeling and a perfect return gift to India. Human tendency that keeps running in your mind when you think about it (his earlier line about the win being a return gift). You definitely want to win it, and when you win it, you have it ready. One box that I always wanted to tick - stay there and bat till the end. That's what happened a few months back. The team that won the CT set the tone. I'm always a fan of spinners because they control the game in the middle. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score First ball is always a wicket-taking ball, just have to go with that mindset and execute that wicket-taking ball. Batter may be set, but he's facing me for the first time. I still feel that I really need to work on my bowling. Sometimes I feel I use too many variations. Article Source: IANS
India registers 7 wickets victory over Pakistan in Asia Cup
No traditional handshake between the two teams show deep bitterness Ashu Kumar Dubai, Sept 14: India stamped their authority in the Asia Cup 2025 with a commanding seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. The triumph was built on Kuldeep Yadavs magical spin spell and sealed by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, [] The post India registers 7 wickets victory over Pakistan in Asia Cup appeared first on Northlines .
Why did India not shake hands with Pakistan? Skipper SKY explains
Following their commanding victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, India captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed the team deliberately avoided handshakes. The 35-year-old dedicated the win to armed forces and victims of the Pahalgam attack. India's spinners, led by Kuldeep Yadav, restricted Pakistan to 127/9 and in turn, helped India race to victory in 15.5 overs.
Asia Cup 2025 Group A points table: India and Pakistans latest rankings and Super 4 qualifiers
Asia Cup 2025 India and Pakistan Full Match Report: India has showcased a dominant performance in the Asia Cup 2025 Group A, securing their spot in the Super 4 with comprehensive victories. Their commanding win against Pakistan, highlighted by Kuldeep Yadav's and Axar Patel's bowling prowess and Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten innings, significantly boosted their net run rate.
1st ODI: Litchfields 88 Leads Australia To Eight-wicket Win Over India In Series Opener
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket: Half-centuries from Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, and Annabel Sutherland powered Australia to a commanding eight-wicket win over India in the ODI series opener here on Sunday. Electing to bat first in the first-ever international game at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, India posted a competitive 281/7, on the back of fifties from Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol. But a series of missed chances in the field, notably of dropping Phoebe on zero and another time on 56, proved costly as the visitors completed the chase with almost six overs to spare. Phoebe was the top run-scorer with a fine 88 and showed her impressive play against spin yet again. Despite Ellyse Perry retiring hurt on 30, Beth ensured momentum never got away by hitting 77 not out while Annabel smashed 54 not out as Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Alyssa Healy provided early momentum in a 45-run stand before chopping on to her stumps off Kranti Goud. Phoebe then shared a 79-run stand with Ellyse before retiring hurt due to a calf strain. After Phoebe fell to Sneh Rana, Beth and Annabel took charge by stitching an unbroken 116-run partnership off 104 balls to seal the win. Australias dominance in the middle overs, as seen from scoring 196/1 compared to Indias 152/3, proved to be decisive. Indias spin quartet struggled to contain the scoring rate, and despite a brief window of control after Healys dismissal, Australias batting depth and composed approach ensured they aced the chase in clinical fashion. Previously, Pratika and Smriti laid the foundation for Indias total with a 114-run opening stand on a flat pitch and handled the new ball with ease. While Pratika top-scored with 64 off 96 balls her sixth ODI fifty laced with six boundaries, Smriti looked solid in her knock of 58 off 63 balls her 32nd ODI half-century studded with six fours and two sixes, before being run out by Phoebe. Harleen sailed through the middle overs with 54 off 57 balls, including hitting four boundaries and two sixes in her fourth ODI fifty, but India lost some momentum as wickets fell around her. Late cameos from Richa Ghosh (25), Radha Yadav (19), and Deepti Sharma (20 not out) helped India lift the scoring rate in the final overs and push the total past 280, which is also Indias joint second-highest total against Australia in womens ODIs. For Australia, pacer Meghan Schutt, playing in her 100th ODI and becoming the ninth player from her country to achieve this feat, was the standout bowler with two wickets, while Kim Garth, Annabel, Alana King, and Tahlia McGrath took a scalp each. Late cameos from Richa Ghosh (25), Radha Yadav (19), and Deepti Sharma (20 not out) helped India lift the scoring rate in the final overs and push the total past 280, which is also Indias joint second-highest total against Australia in womens ODIs. Also Read: LIVE Cricket Score India 281/7 in 50 overs (Pratika Rawal 64, Smriti Mandhana 58; Megan Schutt 2-45, Alana King 1-28) lost to Australia 282/2 in 44.1 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 88, Beth Mooney 77 not out; Sneh Rana 1-51, Kranti Goud 1-55) by eight wickets Article Source: IANS
New CPI(M) committee office in Kannur to house historic ledger
The ledger, kept at the party district committee office Azhikodan Samaraka Mandiram, written by comrade Sreenivasan, who became the party office secretary in 1970, stands as a valuable testimony to the partys legacy
Kashmir Apple Mandis Shut in Protest over Highway Crisis
SRINAGAR: The fruit mandi located on the outskirts of Sopore town used to bustle with activity during the peak apple season, with hundreds of mini-trucks, tractors, and tillers ferrying tens of thousands of apple boxes for sale. But on Sunday evening at 6:30 PM, when this correspondent visited the marketwhich is usually crowded at this []
