Meet the 5 homegrown artists joining global K-pop stars at HYBEs Weverse Con Festival India
India is getting ready for a musical moment unlike any other. On March 27 and 28, 2027, New Delhi will host the first-ever international edition of HYBEs celebrated Weverse Con Festival, bringing together some of the biggest names in K-pop and a diverse mix of contemporary Indian talent. The excitement has already translated into an extraordinary response, with all five ticket categories selling out within 90 minutes of general sales opening on October 30, following an equally impressive response to the Mastercard pre-sale. The overwhelming demand reflects the anticipation surrounding a festival that promises to bring some of the world's biggest music acts to India. The star-studded international line-up features K-pop and global powerhouses BUMZU, Dayoung, ENHYPEN, Eric Nam, HWASA, Lara of KATSEYE, LE SSERAFIM, Lee Hyun, Rhea Raj and TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), alongside sharing the festival stage with these global names are five Indian artists Gini, King, RANJ X CLIFR, Reble and DJ Zelo. For Indian musicians, Weverse Con presents an opportunity to share the stage with global K-pop stars, connect with wider audiences and foster meaningful collaborations across cultures and music communities. With K-pop commanding an increasingly passionate following in India, the presence of homegrown artists adds to this growing cultural exchange, bringing contemporary Indian music into the global spotlight. As the countdown begins, here's a closer look at the five Indian artists bringing their own sounds, identities and musical influences to this landmark festival. KING: The hitmaker bringing Indian hip-hop to the mainstream From the viral success of Tu Aake Dekhle to the global streaming phenomenon Maan Meri Jaan, King has established himself as one of India's most recognisable rap and pop performers. Known for combining hip-hop sensibilities with infectious hooks, melodic storytelling and an unmistakable stage presence, he has built a following that extends well beyond the traditional rap audience. His musical journey has also seen him collaborate with international names, including Nick Jonas on Afterlife, introducing his music to an even wider audience. At Weverse Con, King brings an established catalogue of crowd favourites and a distinctly Indian pop-rap identity to the festival. GINI: The indie-pop voice bringing emotion to the mix With her understated vocal style, intimate songwriting and melodic indie-pop sensibility, Gini represents a distinctive side of India's evolving independent music scene. Her music leans into emotion and atmosphere, offering a refreshing contrast to the high-energy performances elsewhere on the line-up. Known for songs such as Sukoon and Falling Asleep, Gini has been building a connection with listeners through music that feels personal and relatable. Her inclusion brings an independent Indian singer-songwriter perspective to the festival. RANJ x CLIFR: Where Carnatic meets contemporary R&B If musical experimentation is the name of the game, RANJ x CLIFR bring plenty of it to the table. The duo has carved out a distinctive space with a sound that moves between R&B, hip-hop, jazz, house and space-pop, while drawing on their early experiences with Carnatic fusion. Tracks such as Mutual, UNO and Attached showcase their ability to bring different musical influences together while retaining their individual identity. Their journey from a Carnatic fusion background to contemporary independent music reflects how Indian musical foundations can evolve into fresh, globally accessible sounds. REBLE: The fearless voice of a new generation of Indian rap Bringing an unapologetic attitude and a powerful lyrical presence, Reble is among the exciting new voices making their mark on Indian hip-hop. Known for her sharp delivery, fearless writing and commanding energy, the rapper has steadily built recognition for a sound that refuses to be boxed into conventional expectations. Her growing mainstream visibility has been further amplified by tracks associated with the Dhurandhar soundtrack, including Naal Nachna and Run Down the City Monica. With her ability to move between hard-hitting rap and high-energy performance, Reble represents a new generation of Indian artists carving out their own space in the industry. DJ ZELO: Bringing the beats and festival energy Every great music festival needs an artist who knows how to keep the energy moving, and DJ Zelo brings that electronic and DJ-led dimension to the Indian line-up. With performances built around rhythm, crowd engagement and high-energy mixes, he adds a different flavour to a programme spanning K-pop, pop, hip-hop and independent music. His inclusion also highlights the diversity of India's contemporary music landscape, where DJs and electronic performers are increasingly becoming an integral part of the live festival experience. At Weverse Con, DJ Zelo will bring a celebratory, dance-floor-ready energy to the two-day celebration. Also Read: Rashmika Mandanna partners with HYBE INDIA to discover young female talent in India
BJP legislator Maithili Thakur refutes land grabbing claims against her father, demanding evidence from accusers to clear her familys name. BJP Legislator Maithili Thakur Denies Land Grabbing Allegations, Challenges Accusers to Present Evidence
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday accused the opposition of opposing cow protection and Gau Seva, alleging that the same parties had earlier questioned the existence of Lord Shri Ram and created obstacles in the construction of the Ram Mandir. Dhami was participating in the inauguration ceremony of Kamdhenu Lok at Kamdhenu Lok Bhawan in Haridwar. He said the opposition described Gau Seva as a symbol of a regressive mindset, while asserting that his government considered cow protection central to faith as well as the rural economy. The opposition claims that Gau Seva is a symbol of our regressive mindset. These people neither like Gau Mata nor those who are devoted to her. These are the same people who, for years, committed the sin of denying the very existence of Lord Shri Ram, he said. Referring to the construction of the Ram Mandir, the Chief Minister alleged that opposition parties had attempted to obstruct the process through legal interventions. And whe...
Nearly 3,000 Christians in Shivamogga Demand Repeal of Karnataka
Nearly 3,000 Christians in Shivamogga Demand Repeal of Karnatakas Anti-Conversion Act Shivamogga: Demanding the repeal of the Karnataka Protection of the Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, popularly known as the Anti-Conversion Act, nearly 3,000 Christians belonging to various denominations and rites from Shivamogga, Davangere and Chitradurga districts participated in a peaceful silent procession [] The post Nearly 3,000 Christians in Shivamogga Demand Repeal of Karnatakas Anti-Conversion Act appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Chhath Puja celebrations sparks row in Mumbai over artificial ponds; MNS, Sena UBT raise objections
A political controversy has erupted in Mumbai over Chhath Puja celebrations , with opposition parties demanding that the festival be organised in artificial ponds to prevent pollution at beaches and riverbanks. The debate has also intensified over the playing of Bhojpuri songs at Wadala railway station, with the UBT Shiv Sena lodging a complaint with railway authorities and warning of protests if the practice continues.
Raichandanis 93 Powers India Into U19 Asia Cup Final, Set Up Title Clash Against Pakistan
Al Amerat Cricket Ground: Skipper Lakshya Raichandanis commanding 93 off 90 balls powered India to a crushing eight-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the second semi-final of the Under-19 Asia Cup here on Thursday, sending them to the final. The result also means India will ace arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-octane title clash on Saturday. Chasing 228 at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground, India finished with 79 balls remaining, their top three batters the chief run-scorers. Apart from Lakshya, Aaryavir Sehwag chipped in with 51 off 57 balls, while VK Vineeth stayed unbeaten on 57 off 62 balls to take India home. Afghanistan elected to bat first after winning the toss and appeared to be building towards a big total. At 143/3 in the 36th over, they had wickets in hand and were well placed to cut loose in the business end of their innings. But the innings lost its way soon after, three wickets fell in quick succession, with Aryan Savsani doing the bulk of the damage by striking twice in a single over to dismiss Amir Hamza and Tahir Sarwary. Noman Salarzai and Shah Faisal Rahimi both made 51 runs, but neither were able to shift gears against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Captain Sohail Khans unbeaten 36 off 44 balls took Afghanistan to 227/8, a total that always looked a touch short on a pitch offering little help to the bowlers. The Indian seamers gave nothing away with the new ball, and the spinners then squeezed the life out of the middle overs. Manal Chauhan, Yashbardhan Chauhan and Savsani kept a tight grip on the scoring rate, and the fielding was largely sharp. An impressive Ishan Sood was the pick of the bowlers with 3-43, while Savsani finished with 2-29. Once Afghanistan failed to get early breakthroughs in the chase, their task of defending the total became an uphill one. Raichandani took charge and attacked the bowling from the outset, while Sehwag played the anchors role at the other end. The opening pair added 117 runs before Sehwag was dismissed shortly after reaching his fifty. Vineeth rotated the strike smartly, hitting his shots whenever the chance came, brought up his own half-century, and finished the match in style with a six off Noor Ali Niazi. Raichandani, who got a lot of his runs through the off-side, especially via the cover drive, fell seven short of a well-deserved hundred - the only blemish on an otherwise near-perfect day for India. The pitch also became easier to bat on as the game went on, a trend seen throughout the tournament, and the Indian batters made full use of it. Saturdays title clash also gives India a chance to avenge last years result. The two sides met in the final of the previous edition of the competition last year, where Pakistan walked away with the trophy. In this edition of the competition, Pakistan defeated India by three wickets in the group stage, thanks to an unbeaten ton by Hamza Zahoor. Pakistan, meanwhile, reached the final with a nine-wicket thrashing of Bangladesh in the first semi-final, with Rizwanullah picking 5-30. Brief Scores: Afghanistan 227/8 in 50 overs (Noman Salarzai 51, Shah Faisal Rahimi 51; Ishan Sood 3-41, Aryan Savsani 2-29) lost to India 230/2 in 36.5 overs (Lakshya Raichandani 93, VK Vineeth 57 not out; Sohail Khan 1-56, Noor Ali Niazi 1-58) by eight wickets Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
The Fulcrum of Growth: Indias upward and inevitable trajectory
Digital Desk | In late October, New Delhi hosted the internationally recognised standards body, TIC Councils first global board meeting, a strategic gathering that underscored a unified message from global leadership: Indias economic trajectory is an undeniable reality, and World Inc is decisively bullish on its future. The decision to host the TIC Council Global Board Meeting in New Delhi alongside the TIC Council India Summit is a direct endorsement of Indias economic trajectory, stated Florian Anderhuber, Director General of the TIC Council. He was mirroring a sentiment echoed by several global boards in dateline India. As the established global order faces disruption on multiple fronts, international leaders are increasingly looking to India to brainstorm and ideate a future for shared development. New Delhi currently boasts a rare combination of political stability, policy continuity, and an ever-growing consumption marketplace. This was further evidenced when New Delhi hosted the inaugural Bloomberg New Economy Forum, drawing 500 global leaders with Michael Bloomberg to chart the future of global growth, a gathering Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed as proof of Indias growing role in the global arena. Endorsing this broad sentiment, noted global economist Jeffrey Sachs recently predicted that India would become the world's largest economy in the coming decades, provided it sustains its growth momentum through investments in education, jobs, and climate resilience. In doing so, Sachs subtly acknowledged the indispensable role of domestic infrastructure heavyweights, such as the Adani Group, in executing the massive physical transformation required to shoulder this scale of economic expansion. This high-level confidence is matched by hard macroeconomic data. Moody's Ratings has just upgraded Indias GDP growth forecast to 7 per cent for the current fiscal year, up from its earlier projection of 6.5 per cent, citing strong domestic consumption, broad-based economic momentum, and resilience to global shocks. Episodes of Indian ascendancy are playing out globally. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently showcased Reliances Jamnagar to the world as a seat of refining prowess. While India-US trade ties have faced occasional headwinds, India Inc continues to make its mark, with POTUS recently hosting the Essar Group to mark a $15 billion steel plant announcement in Iowa. In parallel, the Tatas have announced a major auto foray in Europe, while JSW is set to relaunch Volkswagen in a majority-owned joint venture to manufacture passenger vehicles for India and the world. Domestically, the last quarter witnessed a unique bull run spearheaded by the listing of Reliance-owned Jio. Together with its home competitor Bharti Airtel, India now proudly seats two companies in the top ten telcos globally, and the connectivity story has only just peaked. The Jio listing demonstrated a staggering hunger and appetite for massive fund raises, cementing India's reputation as the emerging IPO capital of the world. With 2027, barely 45 days away, the overwhelming bullishness is unmissable. The sentiment transcends the countrys business geography with states competing to fetch big-ticket global investors. At the heart of the global attention is among other things, the collective power of the Indian consumer who is positioned as a single most potent co-hort. Even when the word faces push against globalization, the Indian consumer is the key pillar for profitability of several global majors across business verticals, from auto and FMCG to GCCs and fintech. This resilience features a strong developmental arc, with the World Banks October country report estimating that 500 million citizens have been lifted out of poverty. However, any growth story, especially one of this magnitude, poses structural socio-economic challenges. India's large inequities have recently assumed political hues, with a restless youth demographic demanding a revamped education system and greater job creation. Indias demography, long billed as its key strength, faces severe headwinds and runs the risk of slipping into a liability if the government does not mount quick ecosystem-aligning reforms. Alongside the government, the private sector, which has unexpectedly shied away from big-ticket capex, must shoulder a larger chunk of this responsibility. As venture capitalist Hemant Mohapatra noted, India's rise will be messy. But inevitable. That messiness is a lived reality. Creaking urban infrastructure and mega-metros are currently unable to keep pace with their growth ambitions, and the macro bullishness often contrasts sharply with on-the-ground bottlenecks regarding the ease of doing business. In response, India Inc has discreetly been pushing for long-pending land and labour reforms to translate high-level optimism into ground-level execution. India is known to consistently disappoint eternal optimists and chronic pessimists alike. The truth is that India moves forward even when a lot tends to pull it back. Driven by the aspirations of 1.4 billion people, its core strength remains political stability marked by a near-national consensus for making this Indias decade. The journey is complex, competitive, demanding, and often fragmented, but undeniably upward. (Rakesh Khar writes at the intersection of politics, business, technology, and society.)
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Nov 12 (IANS) The Karnataka Congress has proposed to repeal the amendments made to the Anti-Conversion law by the previous BJP government during the upcoming Winter Session of the State Legislature, triggering a fresh political confrontation between the ruling party and the BJP. Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President and MLC, B.K. Hariprasad, made the announcement at a press conference in Bengaluru on Thursday, stating that the government would restore the earlier legal position, claiming that the BJP had introduced draconian and stringent provisions in the law with the intention of harassing religious minorities. We will repeal the Anti-Conversion Bill in Karnataka during the upcoming Winter Session. We will restore the earlier status quo. The government will fulfil the aspirations of the people. The BJP had amended the Bill with the intention of harassing minorities, Hariprasad said. The announcement has drawn a sharp reaction from the BJP, which accused the government of facilitating religious conversions and warned that it would strongly oppose the move. Senior BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, said the BJP's legislation did not prevent anyone from voluntarily embracing another religion but was intended to prohibit conversions through force, coercion or inducements. There should not be any pressure on people who want to convert to another religion. If a person wishes to embrace another religion voluntarily, it is their right. They can submit the necessary documents through the Deputy Commissioner and convert to any religion. Our Constitution allows this, he said. However, he maintained that forced conversions or conversions through the offer of money or other inducements should not be permitted. If the government withdraws this law, it would mean that it is allowing other religions to forcibly convert people. The BJP will oppose such a move, he claimed. Reacting to protests by minority organisations demanding the withdrawal of the anti-conversion law and the cow slaughter ban law, Narayanaswamy alleged that such demands were intended to facilitate forced religious conversions and continue cow slaughter. If minorities are demanding the withdrawal of these laws, does it mean that they want forced conversions to continue and want to continue cow slaughter? Anyone who wants to convert voluntarily has that right. We have no objection to that, he said. The controversy centres on the Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Act, 2022, introduced by the previous BJP government led by Basavaraj Bommai. The legislation prohibits religious conversions through misrepresentation, force, coercion, undue influence, allurement, fraudulent means or marriage. Controversially, under the Act, reconversion to a person's immediate previous religion is not treated as conversion. The legislation also prescribes a procedure for those intending to change their religion. A person intending to convert must submit a declaration to the District Magistrate at least 30 days in advance. The person conducting the conversion must also give prior notice. Following the conversion, the individual is required to submit another declaration within 30 days and appear before the District Magistrate for verification of identity and intention. The District Magistrate is empowered to invite objections from the public and order a police enquiry into the circumstances and intention behind the proposed conversion. The Act provides for imprisonment ranging from three to five years and a fine of Rs 25,000 for unlawful conversions. In cases involving minors, women, members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and persons of unsound mind, the punishment ranges from three to 10 years, with a fine of up to Rs 50,000. Mass conversions involving two or more persons attract imprisonment of three to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. Repeat offenders face imprisonment of five years or more and a fine of up to Rs 2 lakh. Offences under the Act are cognisable and non-bailable. With the Congress announcing its intention to repeal the amendments in the forthcoming winter session scheduled to be held in December, the issue is expected to become a major political flashpoint between the ruling Congress and the BJP in the Legislature.
Shanaya Kapoor reveals challenges of playing a double role early in her career
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 12 (IANS) Actress Shanaya Kapoor has revealed the challenges of playing a double role early in her career in the series Student Of The Year After Dark. Reflecting on her experience, the actress said the project pushed her to explore her acting range while navigating several demanding aspects of the shoot. Taking to social media, Shanaya thanked filmmaker Karan Johar for giving her the opportunity to take on a double role and allowing her to showcase different facets of her performance. The actress also acknowledged director Reema Sen for giving her the space to share her creative inputs. Shanaya further spoke about the demanding action and underwater sequences, which pushed her beyond what she thought she could manage. She credited the action team as well as the underwater team for guiding and supporting her through the difficult moments. The actress said that while there were difficult days during the shoot, the belief and support of the people around her helped her navigate the challenges. Sharing a series of behind-the-scenes photos from the set, the Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan actress shared, This show means everything to me, and it wouldnt have been possible without the entire, incredible, insane and best team. I want to thank @karanjohar for giving me this opportunity to carry forward such a special special franchise and allowing me so early on in my career to play a double role that allowed me to show my range as an actor. Thank you for believing in me. Hope I make you proud. Thank you @apoorva1972 for your support and guidance always, and for always being there whenever and I literally mean whenever. To the entire action and underwaterteam from action director Bunty Sir @vikramdahiya707 to the underwater team led by Sukesh Sir @sukesh_viswanath thank you so much for pushing me to places I thought I couldnt go. There were difficult days and without your belief in me I woundnt have been able to do any of it! @underwater.cartel you held my hand throughout the most challenging underwater shots. Thank you. Thank you to everyone on the crew this was a challenging series to shoot, and I know each day, each minute, each second was crucial. It wouldnt have been possible without all of you. Concluding her note, Shanaya urged everyone to watch the show and wrote, Please do watch our show Student Of The Year After Dark TOMORROW on @jiohotstar its made with a lot of sweat, blood, and tears (literally) only for you guys! I love you all. Student Of The Year: After Dark reimagines the 2012 campus-romance franchise as a gritty murder mystery. The series marks Shanaya Kapoors OTT debut, with the actress stepping into a double role as twin sisters Aayesha and Aditi Malik. Produced by Karan Johar, the Hindi thriller series is scheduled to premiere on JioHotstar on November 13, 2026.
Srinagar, Nov 12: The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed a two-day National Seminar on Revival, Preservation and Sustainability of Cultural Heritage of Kashmir, organised by Kakini Building Humanity. The event was also graced by Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, through virtual mode. Congratulating the organisers, scholars, administrators, artists, ex-servicemen, military officers and citizens participating in the seminar, the Lieutenant Governor said that heritage is a priceless inheritance received from generations of philosophers, saints, artisans, writers and thinkers who enriched humanity through their wisdom and creativity. He stressed that the responsibility of the present generation is not merely to admire this legacy, but to preserve, organise, document and make it more accessible to society. He called for a collective commitment to safeguarding the civilisational legacy of Jammu Kashmir for future generations. The Lieutenant Governor observed that Jammu Kashmir is not known only for its natural beauty but also for its profound contributions to philosophy, spirituality, language, aesthetics and human thought. Referring to Acharya Abhinavagupta, he said that the great philosopher embodied the unity of spiritual experience, art and intellectual inquiry, and that youth should be introduced to the remarkable thinkers who emerged from the Kashmir Valley. Every university, every teacher, and every cultural institution of this land should work on translating important texts, encourage research, and provide scholars and students with a common platform. I believe that heritage must be alive, it must converse, and it must guide our new generation, he said. Emphasising that culture forms the foundation of every society, the Lieutenant Governor noted that communities draw confidence and self-respect from a deeper understanding of their history and heritage. He underlined the importance of preserving ancient religious sites, manuscripts, museums and cultural institutions as instruments for strengthening identity and promoting mutual understanding. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the significant efforts undertaken in Jammu Kashmir for heritage conservation under the leadership of Honble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He noted that heritage revival projects are being implemented across the Union Territory through restoration of monuments, archival modernisation, archaeological research and cultural infrastructure development. It is pertinent to mention that preservation work has been initiated on 106 heritage projects under the first two phases, with over 40 projects already completed. Under Phase III, 321 projects have been identified and 312 have received administrative approval. The digitisation work of historical records is ongoing in the Jammu and Srinagar archives, with nearly 96.8 lakh pages digitised so far, representing about 68 per cent of available documents. Under Mission Gyan Bharatam, the surveys have identified 43,000 manuscripts and digitisation efforts are progressing steadily. The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted ongoing work related to the Sufiana School in Srinagar, the modernisation of Abhinav Theatre and Kala Kendra in Jammu, restoration of Mubarak Mandi and research into recently discovered Kushan-era Buddhist remains in Baramulla district. Speaking about Naranag Heritage Complex in Ganderbal, the Lieutenant Governor welcomed the research and documentation initiatives undertaken by Kakini Building Humanity and expressed hope that conservation and restoration activities would commence after completion of necessary procedural requirements. He also appreciated efforts connected with the Harmukh-Gangbal pilgrimage, describing it as a symbol of the regions enduring cultural and spiritual traditions. I believe that Naranag has its own distinct historical and spiritual dignity, where faith, geography, and collective memories are deeply intertwined. Therefore, I am extremely pleased that Kakini Building Humanity has also established a chair at the Indian Heritage Institute, he said. The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed that Jammu Kashmir has a long tradition of harmony and equal respect for all faiths. He emphasised that the heritage of every community must be preserved with sensitivity. The vaakhs of Yogini Lalleshwari and Nund Rishi still reach peoples hearts across centuries, because their words contain eternal truths that are untouched by the passage of time. Preserving this tradition of harmony is our collective public responsibility, he said. The Lieutenant Governor said Kashmiri Pandit's contribution to Kashmirs literary, spiritual and cultural heritage is invaluable and their dignified return would help restore the Valleys complete social and cultural fabric. The Lieutenant Governor commended the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, scholars, archivists, museum professionals and all stakeholders associated with heritage conservation. He also lauded former army officers and civil society organisations for their continued contribution to cultural preservation and nation-building. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha; Adv. Raja Ashraf Ali Khan, Swamini Vishwa Nireeshwari Lakshmi Priya Mata, Ramesh Hangloo, Ar. Balaji Dhar and Ar. Shravanthi were felicitated for their contribution in the field of culture and heritage. Maj Gen R.K Raina (Retd.), Chairman Kakini Building Humanity, Cdr. Sanjay Kaul (Retd.), Dr. Aanchal Khurana, Vice President, Kakini Building Humanity; Ramesh Kumar, Secretary, Culture Department; Anshul Garg, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Rajiv Omprakashn, DIG CKR; Dr. GV Sundeep Chakravarthy, SSP Srinagar; Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, senior officials and prominent citizens from different walks of life were present.
Emraan Hashmi and Genelia Deshmukh team up for action and romance in 'Gunmaaster G9' trailer
Highlights Emraan Hashmi and Genelia Deshmukh come together for the first time in the action-romance Gunmaaster G9. The trailer features gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, romance, humour and music. Directed by Aditya Datt, the film is set for a worldwide theatrical release on November 27, 2026. Emraan Hashmi and Genelia Deshmukh are bringing action and romance together in their upcoming film Gunmaaster G9, with the newly released trailer offering a glimpse of their on-screen pairing. Unveiled at an event in Pune on Wednesday, the trailer introduces Hashmi in a more physically demanding action role, featuring gunfights, hand-to-hand combat and romantic sequences. The launch event was attended by Hashmi, Deshmukh, co-stars Aparshakti Khurana and Abhishek Singh, director Aditya Datt and producer Deepak Mukut. Emraan Hashmi explores a new action avatar Hashmi said Gunmaaster G9 gave him the opportunity to explore a different side of his acting career, with the role requiring extensive physical preparation. I'm known for playing characters who have often found themselves in dangerous situations, but Gunmaaster G9 takes that to another level. This time, I am not just reacting to the danger; I am right in the middle of the action, he said in a statement. The actor underwent an intensive training programme involving martial arts, gun shooting and preparation for physically demanding stunts. He added that he wanted the action sequences to look convincing while allowing audiences to see a side of him they had not experienced before. Genelia Deshmukh on working with Emraan Hashmi Gunmaaster G9 marks the first time Deshmukh shares screen space with Hashmi. The actor said she enjoyed the film's combination of different entertainment elements. What I enjoyed about Gunmaaster G9 is that it doesn't restrict itself to one mood. There's action, but there's also romance, humour, music and emotion, she said. Deshmukh added that working with Hashmi for the first time was something she had been looking forward to. Khurana also highlighted the film's larger-than-life sequences and mix of characters, saying he believed the theatrical experience would appeal to audiences. When will Gunmaaster G9 release? Directed by Aditya Datt, Gunmaaster G9 is produced by Deepak Mukut, Hunar Mukut and Sangeeta Ahir under the banner of SRE Studios LLP. Soham Rockstar Entertainment Pvt Ltd presents the film. Datt said the project brings together large-scale action and music while presenting Hashmi in an avatar audiences have not seen from him in a long time. The film's music is composed by Himesh Reshammiya. Also featuring Abhishek Singh, the action romance is scheduled to arrive in cinemas worldwide on November 27, 2026.
Delhi AAP MLA Jarnail Singh reported receiving a threatening message demanding Rs 7 crore. The message, purportedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, threatened harm against Arvind Kejriwal and his daughter. Singh filed the complaint with Mohali police, prompting authorities to register a case. Police confirmed that they are investigating the incident under multiple relevant sections of law.
Kuki Woman Killed In Manipur Gunfight
A Kuki woman was shot dead and a man injured during a gunfight between suspected militant groups in Manipur's Kangpokpi district on Thursday. The incident occurred amidst protests by the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) demanding jurisdiction changes and an investigation into previous killings, with the state government considering transferring the case to the NIA.
'Indian Stories Are Travelling A Lot'
'RRR and Heeramandi have come close to it, but have we had a true breakout like the Korean storytelling? Not yet. That is an opportunity.'
Kevin Malloy Succeeds Diana Puketapu-Lyndon As New Zealand Cricket Chairperson
High Performance Sport New Zealand: Kevin Malloy has taken over as chairperson of New Zealand Cricket (NZC) after his predecessor, Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, retired from the board on Thursday, having completed the maximum nine-year term allowed for a director. Malloy, previously the deputy chair, was chosen by his fellow directors at a board meeting held straight after NZCs 132nd Annual General Meeting (AGM). I want to begin by thanking Diana, who has given nine years of service to this Board and led with real courage through one of the most demanding periods in the games recent history, he said in a statement on Thursday. Diana joined the board in 2017. Six years later, she broke new ground, becoming the first woman and the first person of Maori descent to chair NZC. Malloy has been an NZC director since 2019 and brings a mix of sports governance and corporate experience to the job. He spent 29 years with global media agency Starcom, with postings in London, Hong Kong and New York, where he ran the worldwide Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble accounts before rising to CEO of International Operations. Malloy will finish his three-year stint as chair of Super Rugby Pacific in December and also serves on the boards of Kiwibank and Tourism New Zealand. It is an honour to be asked to lead NZC as Chair, and its a responsibility I take on with a strong understanding of how much the game means to so many New Zealanders, he said. The AGM also brought changes to the rest of the board. On the advice of the Board Appointments Panel, members elected Raewyn Lovett ONZM and Jono Brent as directors, while Anna Campbell and Ali Shanks were returned for fresh three-year terms. Mike Devonshire, who was also due for renewal, was not recommended for reappointment and stepped down after three years. Lovett has spent more than 20 years in sports governance, having chaired Sport New Zealand, High Performance Sport New Zealand and Netball New Zealand, and co-chaired the International Working Group on Women and Sport. Brent was a chartered accountant and CANZ member from 2003 to 2023, and has also been a chief executive in the infrastructure sector. He led Canterbury Cricket as chair for three years and, over the past year, has headed the development of the Community Cricket New Zealand strategy. My thanks go to Mike Devonshire for his valuable contributions over the past three years, and I want to welcome Raewyn and Jono, who bring outstanding governance, financial, and community cricket experience to the table, said Malloy. Looking ahead, Malloy said the board knew the game had to move with the times. The landscape of cricket is evolving rapidly, both here and around the world, and while that brings challenges, it also brings opportunities. Its an exciting time for NZC. Were in the middle of a vibrant inbound tour by India with record attendances; our BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS have major tours and ICC events on the horizon, and we are also preparing to co-host the ICC Mens T20 World Cup in 2028. He said NZ20, the boards preferred model for the future of the domestic T20 competition, had generated considerable interest, but the grassroots and high-performance programmes were just as much of a priority. NZ20 is an aspirational concept with an incredible potential, which is why the Board chose it as the preferred option for the future of our domestic T20 competition. I know theres plenty of work going on in that space and were hopeful of some positive updates from the NZ20 Establishment Committee in the near future. More broadly, the Board understands that cricket has a job to do to grow our game. We know we are competing for attention against a myriad of other sports and entertainment products, so its upon us as an organisation to ensure Kiwis continue connecting with and loving cricket, he added. Malloy takes over as NZC emerges from a difficult financial year. The audited accounts for the 12 months to July 31, 2026, adopted at the AGM, showed a deficit of NZD 7.3 million, well above the NZD 1.8 million budgeted. With reserves of NZD 25.2 million, NZC is projecting a surplus of more than NZD 10 million for FY27, largely on the back of Indias mens all-format tour. Former NZC and ICC chair Greg Barclay CNZM was elected a Life Member at the AGM. Former players Rachel Pullar and Gary Troup ONZM and international umpires Steve Dunne and Steve Woodward were made Honorary Members. Ex-New Zealand cricketer Mark Greatbatch remains NZC president and is now in the second year of his three-year term. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
New Delhi, Nov 12: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has called upon the Defence Forces to strengthen and sustain both offensive and defensive dimensions of the element of surprise to maintain operational readiness against conventional and emerging threats arising from rapid technological advancements and the evolving nature of modern warfare. Addressing the Air Force Commanders Conference in New Delhi on November 12, 2026, he emphasised the need to continue bolstering intelligence and surveillance capabilities, enhance integration among systems and identify potential threats before they unfold. Our Defence Forces must develop capabilities and methods that leave the adversary with no time to react or recover, while simultaneously ensuring that we are never caught off guard by an unexpected move from the enemy. Surprise can manifest in various forms, both conventional and electronic. Our intelligence and surveillance mechanisms must be further strengthened and operational preparedness enhanced to ensure that our personnel remain alert, agile and equipped to respond effectively to any emerging challenge, said the Raksha Mantri. Shri Rajnath Singh asserted that contemporary conflicts are extending beyond traditional battlefields into non-contact domains, with missiles, drones and advanced weapon systems playing a significant role. Referring to the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts, he stated that drones and air defence systems have emerged as critical components of modern warfare. He exhorted the Commanders to remain prepared for emerging challenges such as kamikaze drones, surveillance and counter-drone operations. Raksha Mantri called upon the Indian Air Force (IAF) to develop dedicated doctrines and architectures for emerging domains of warfare, including electronic, cyber and space. He emphasised that enhanced preparedness in these domains would strengthen the ability to address future challenges. Victory in future conflicts would depend not merely on the number of aircraft, but also on technological sophistication, speed of response and precision of preparations, he said, urging the Commanders to make these emerging challenges a core priority, with focus on integrating them into institutional thinking, planning and operational processes. Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that the Defence Forces are undergoing a transformative phase, encompassing reforms in wide-ranging areas, including organisational structures, jointness & integration, and operational concepts. He added that the changing security environment necessitated continuous adaptation and a forward-looking approach to military preparedness. Raksha Mantri commended the IAF for effectively implementing its doctrines and operational methods during and after Operation Sindoor, appreciating the professionalism, restraint & judgement demonstrated by the air warriors in successfully executing their assigned tasks. He stated that the lessons learnt during the operation were clearly reflected in the IAF's evolving operational procedures, particularly through the increased emphasis on drones and air defence systems, which are vital to national security. These lessons, he added, are shaping the pace and direction of the transformative changes underway in the Defence Forces. Highlighting the coordinated and complementary contributions of all the three Services effectively demonstrated during Op Sindoor, Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the Defence Forces for the synergy and integration. He underlined that jointness and integrated efforts must continue to guide military planning and operational execution. While appreciating the IAF for enhancing the skills and capabilities of its personnel in keeping with rapid technological advancements, Raksha Mantri urged the Commanders to sustain efforts towards training air warriors in emerging technologies. He underscored the importance of leveraging the technological knowledge and expertise of young recruits, stating that their capabilities could contribute significantly to stronger decision-making and organisational development. On the Second Tour of Duty for Agniveers, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the decision was taken following feedback received from the Defence Forces, reiterating the Government's commitment to incorporating the Services suggestions into policy decisions. He expressed confidence that the Second Tour of Duty initiative would contribute to further bolstering the three Services. As part of this conference, Raksha Mantri launched a suite of Artificial Intelligence (Al) applications developed in-house by the IAF's Al Centre of Excellence of the Unit for Digitisation, Automation, Artificial Intelligence and Application Networking (UDAAN). The applications will be utilised to automate and expedite tasks across the domains of operations, administration and aerospace safety, and are deployed on the IAFs secure network. The initiative marks a significant milestone in the IAF's pursuit of technology-driven transformation and enhanced operational capabilities. The inaugural session was also attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, and Secretary (Defence Finance) Shri Vishvajit Sahay. Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of all Commands of IAF, all Principal Staff Officers & all Director Generals. The two-day conference is being attended by the Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief of all Commands of IAF, all Principal Staff Officers & all Director Generals. The theme of this years conference is The Year of Empowerment: Maximising Efficiency Through Decentralisation. The conference provides a forum to the senior leadership of the IAF to discuss critical issues pertaining to operations, maintenance and administration.
Over the years, PVR INOX Pictures, the motion picture arm of PVR INOX Limited, has distributed several interesting films, not just from Indian cinema but also from Hollywood and other international markets. Under the leadership of Nayana Bijli, Lead Distribution, Licensing & Content Acquisition, PVR INOX Pictures, the company has expanded its focus beyond conventional film distribution to include diverse cultural content, special film festivals and live events. After releasing acclaimed films like Marty Supreme, The Drama, The Invite, and others, Nayana Bijli is now gearing up to release I Play Rocky, which sheds light on how the 1976 cult classic Rocky was made. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Nayana Bijli spoke about an eventful 2026, the growing appetite for diverse content, plans to go beyond films and why she has high hopes for I Play Rocky. How has 2026 been for PVR INOX Pictures? PVR INOX Pictures has released about 87 films, which is definitely a growth from last year. The Invite, The Drama, Marty Supreme and The Housemaid are some of the films that have been instrumental for us this year. When we think of niche Hollywood titles, we don't expect them to have such a profound impact at the Indian box office. But surprisingly, and in a positive way, they have done very well for us. We have also seen great hits from the anime genre. Shin Chan: The Spicy Kasukabe Dancers In India and Doraemon: Castle Of The Undersea Devil pulled in audiences. Doraemon was huge for us and beat all our expectations. It performed on par with Bollywood films! 2026 has shown that there's a huge appetite for authentic storytelling, no matter which genre, region or language the films come from. That is translating into box office collections. That's why we are keeping our ears to the ground when it comes to acquisition and distribution. It was fascinating to see The Invite attracting audiences for several weeks. Also, PVR INOX Pictures distributed the biggest Malayalam film of all time, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, in Karnataka and North India. Earlier, Id barely find a non-Malayalam-speaking viewer watching a Malayalam film in a cinema outside Kerala. That's no longer the case. Do you also see a change in consumer behaviour? Absolutely. When it comes to regional cinema, Bethlehem Kudumba Unit is one of our top 10 performing films in this financial year. We also had certain Bengali titles like Saptadingar Guptodhon, which made it to our top 10. I think it goes to show that there's a demand for good, authentic stories. As for The Invite, it had a slow start. But the word of mouth was so strong that audiences started demanding more shows. As a result, the film ended up having a longer run than usual. When it comes to Hollywood films, Indian audiences are now very clued in to what's happening internationally. The excitement builds up even before the films arrive here. The Invite was released globally a few weeks before its India release. The word of mouth was so strong that audiences here were already eager to watch it. PVR INOX hosted live screenings of the BTS World Tour: Arirang concerts in India. What was the response like? We premiered three different BTS tour events one in April, one in June and the third in October. Each time, it was a two-day event. These events get a slightly limited release compared to Hollywood films as they depend on permissions, availability, technical setup and other factors. But the response was tremendous. Audiences, especially Gen Z, came out in full force. That encouraged us to bring all three events to cinemas. Now, we have a Katy Perry concert screening lined up as well. These have been great learnings for us. Musicians have such strong fan followings. Even if fans are not watching them perform in person, seeing their favourite artists on the big screen is an experience in itself. Do you think there's a possibility of screening a Diljit Dosanjh concert or a concert by another popular Indian artist in cinemas in the near future? We keep trying. There are no specific details that I can share right now. However, it's something I am working on. Apart from distribution, I also work on live events and bringing alternate content to cinemas. We are always tracking concerts, musicians, artists, comedy shows, poetry performances and anything else that has an audience. The goal is ultimately to make cinemas an entertainment destination, no matter what form of entertainment it may be. After all, there's an audience in India for every type of content. PVR INOX Pictures is releasing I Play Rocky this Friday, November 13. What can Indian audiences expect from the film? I Play Rocky is releasing on 120 screens across India. It has a universal theme that everyone can relate to. Of course, there's the whole legacy of the Rocky series. Incidentally, this year marks 50 years since the release of the first Rocky film. People who watched it when it came out will be curious to see I Play Rocky because of the nostalgia and legacy associated with it. The film is about Sylvester Stallone fighting to get Rocky made. It's about his determination. He was struggling at the time, but he had this belief and confidence that the film had to be made. Hence, the theme is very powerful and will resonate with people. Our campaign for I Play Rocky began a month ago. It is one of the longest campaigns we have done for a film because we found the story so powerful. We had seen the film and knew that it would have a big impact. Our campaign theme was 'Every legend was once told 'No'. We took this line and partnered with several fitness centres and gyms. We even organised six to seven marathons across India, which saw around 3,000 participants. We amplified the slogan throughout the campaign because the film has such a powerful hook. The campaign received a great response on social media. Hence, I have high hopes for the film's performance. The fact that it carries the legacy of Rocky and has such a relatable theme will really help. I Play Rocky releases just a week after Ramayana. Was it a challenge to release the film at this time? We generally have a lot of films releasing in November and December. But I believe there's an audience for every type of film. In fact, I think Ramayana has helped us. A lot of people have gone to cinemas to watch Ramayana, where we have put up posters of I Play Rocky. So, I feel Ramayana has really helped the visibility of our film. That's a good thing. When people go to watch one film, they discover another promising film. I Play Rocky may have a different audience or even an overlapping audience, but it'll have its own audience. So, I am not too worried about it. If the story is good, people will come, no matter when you release it. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Godzilla Minus Zero to FINALLY release in India on November 20; PVR INOX Pictures Nayana Bijli confirms IMAX release
'Pay Rs 7cr': Kejri, daughter get death threat from Bishnoi gang
Delhi AAP MLA Jarnail Singh has filed a complaint with Mohali police after receiving a death threat message targeting party leader Arvind Kejriwal and his daughter, demanding Rs 7 crore. The caller, claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, made the threat on November 6. Police have registered a case and are investigating.
'Civil War-Like' Scenes In Spain: Violence & Riots Hit Barcelona & Madrid Amid Mass Protests
Spains first general strike in 14 years has brought hundreds of thousands onto the streets over housing, wages and the cost of living with parts of Barcelona and Madrid descending into clashes between protesters and police. Spains Interior Ministry said 575,000 people joined demonstrations nationwide. In Barcelona, stores were damaged, bins set ablaze and fireworks launched towards police, while officers responded with tear gas and other crowd-control measures. Authorities said 49 people were arrested in strike-related incidents. Transport was also disrupted, with interruptions to Barcelonas public transit and some flights cancelled nationwide. Behind the unrest is a wider housing and affordability crisis, with protesters demanding stronger tenant protections, higher wages and more public housing. The turmoil comes only weeks before Spains November 29 snap election, pushing housing and the cost of living further into the political spotlight.
Kareena Kapoor Ayat-ul-kursi pendant row: Hindu outfit backs bebo
Bhopal: After Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson, Abbas Hafeez, sent a legal notice to Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan over her social media photographs featuring her wearing a huge vintage emerald pendant bearing a Quranic verse, a Hindu outfit has backed the star. Demanding the removal of the social media photographs and a public apology over 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 .
Bandipora-Gurez road closed after snowfall blocks Razdan Pass
Bandipora, Nov 12: The Bandipora-Gurez road was closed to traffic on Thursday following continuous snowfall that blocked the route to the north Kashmir valley in Bandipora district. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gurez confirmed that the road was closed amid moderate snowfall across Razdan Pass, which connects Gurez valley with the rest of the district. An Officer Commanding (OC) of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) said snowfall had continued since morning and machinery had been deployed for snow clearance. Snowfall has continued since morning and the machinery is on the road clearing the snow, he said. He added that the snow depth on the pass had reached around six inches. Meanwhile, moderate to light snowfall was recorded across several hamlets and upper reaches of Gurez valley, including Peer Baba, Kanzalwan, Bagtore, Tulail, Kilshay and Gujjran, among other areas.
Akhilesh Yadavs Ram Mandir visit ahead of 2027 UP Assembly polls is opportunistic: BJP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANS) BJP leaders and other prominent entities on Thursday accused Samajwadi Party chief, Akhilesh Yadav, of turning to religious outreach ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alleging that his planned visit to Ayodhya's Ram Mandir is driven by electoral considerations. BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Yadav had shifted from political campaign tours to religious visits because he knew he would not be able to achieve much in the coming elections. After political campaign trips, Akhilesh Yadav is going on religious trips because he knows he cannot achieve anything in the upcoming elections. That is why he is preparing for that, Naqvi told IANS. Commenting on the formation of new political alliances ahead of elections, Naqvi said such arrangements were often temporary and driven by political convenience. When elections are near, many people join a coalition; some might suggest that these coalitions are meant to deceive them. The new coalitioners should know that these are temporary and opportunistic, but let them be, he said. BJP state spokesperson Dr Samatha G also questioned Yadav's religious outreach, recalling his party's earlier opposition to the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Akhilesh Yadav was initially against the construction of Ram Mandir; now he has become religious. It is surprising how many people suddenly became Hindu as the elections are getting nearer, she claimed. Expressing confidence about the BJP's electoral prospects, Samatha said several new representatives were joining the party. Many new representatives are joining the BJP, and it's a good sign, and I believe we are going to win the 2027 elections, she said. Shiv Sena Telangana President, Sinkaru Shivaji also questioned the timing of Yadav's proposed visit to the Ram Temple, alleging that it was aimed at securing Hindu votes ahead of the polls. It is more than 2-3 years since Ram Mandir was built; now he is going to Ram Mandir ahead of the elections to garner the votes of Hindus, Shivaji said. He, however, said there was nothing objectionable about the visit if it was undertaken sincerely. If they are going wholeheartedly, then it is good, no one is going to oppose it, but not for the politics of it, he added. Meanwhile, All India Imam Association president Sajid Rashidi, speaking in Delhi, described Yadav as an atheist and rejected the suggestion that the Samajwadi Party chief was embracing Hindu religious practices. Calling Akhilesh Yadav a Hindu is wrong. He is an atheist. Yadav has explicitly said that he does not believe in puja archana, and also that he does not believe in gods and goddesses, Rashidi said. He also referred to remarks allegedly made by Yadav's spokesperson Raj Kumar Bhati, claiming that Bhati had taken 16 oaths that he would not follow Hindu gods and goddesses. Rashidi accused the Samajwadi Party chief of attempting to broaden his electoral support base by reaching out to Hindu voters, claiming that he could no longer count on the same level of support from Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. Akhilesh Yadav has understood that Muslims of UP are not going to vote for him in the same manner they voted for him previously; that is why, after Muslims, they are now trying to fool the Hindus, he said. Hindus are innocent; they will make anyone the king who preaches faith. This is where the real test lies, Rashidi added. Akhilesh Yadav is scheduled to visit Ayodhya's Ram Mandir and Hanuman Garhi temple with his family on December 12th, marking his first visit to the temple since its consecration.
Kejriwal, Daughter Threatened With Death By Caller Claiming Links To Bishnoi Gang
The police are investigating a death threat against former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, allegedly issued in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with the caller demanding Rs 7 crore. The threat was reported by Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh, who told the Delhi Police that he had received a phone call and a WhatsApp message from a person claiming to be a member of the gang with links abroad. In a complaint filed with the police in Punjab's Mohali on November 6, Singh said the caller demanded Rs 7 crore and threatened to kill Kejriwal and his daughter, Harshita Kejriwal, if the money was not paid.
AIDWA protests demanding arrest of TVK MLA Arul Vignesh
The News Mill
In an era where supernatural thrillers are finding an increasingly curious audience, actress Sheena Chohan is all set to play an unconventional character in the upcoming film Justice and Death. Playing a ghost who is on an unusual search for her own colourful coffin, Sheena steps into a mysterious world that is unlike anything she has explored on screen before. Starring Sheena Chohan alongside Rajshri Deshpande and Bidita Bag, Justice and Death is directed by Bappaditya Bandopadhyay and produced by Homemade Films, with Shankar Dey. The film brings together three interconnected stories, each exploring different dimensions of justice, human relationships, faith, mortality and the supernatural. What makes Sheenas character particularly intriguing is her unusual journey. She portrays a young woman who exists in the supernatural realm and finds herself searching for her own colourful coffin, while sharing an unconventional connection with a gravedigger. Blending mystery, eccentricity and emotional depth, the character takes her into an entirely different performance space, demanding a unique understanding of physicality, psychology and expression. Talking about what drew her to the character and why she chose to take up this unusual role, Sheena Chohan said, I was immediately drawn to how unusual and unpredictable this character was. I have never played anyone like her before, and that was precisely what excited me. Playing a ghost searching for her own coffin is such an unconventional concept, but beneath that supernatural exterior lies a fascinating emotional world. It challenged me to move beyond my usual understanding of a character and explore a completely different side of performance. I learnt that sometimes the most unusual characters have the most human emotions. It was an opportunity to experiment, take creative risks and discover something new as an actor. Speaking about her preparation and the process of inhabiting this mystical character, Sheena added, My theatre training played a huge role in helping me approach this character. I spent time researching, understanding her psychology and exploring how to inhabit someone so mysterious and otherworldly. I wanted to find the human emotions beneath the supernatural exterior and develop her physicality, energy and silences. We shot in the hills of Cherrapunji, and I remember staying alone in an old, almost haunted bungalow. The atmosphere of that place was incredibly evocative. I genuinely felt its mysterious aura, and it became a wonderful source of inspiration, helping me absorb the energy of the surroundings and bring an authentic sense of mystery to my performance. I had tremendous fun discovering and creating her. With its three parallel narratives and unconventional storytelling, Justice and Death aims to be a distinctive cinematic experience. For Sheena, the film marks an addition to her filmography, allowing her to experiment with a character that challenges conventional ideas of life, death and everything in between. Justice and Death is all set to release soon on a leading OTT streaming platform.
Asus ProArt P14 review: Nvidia RTX Spark shines, but comes at a price
Asus ProArt P14 debuts Nvidia RTX Spark in India, aiming to handle demanding creative workloads and run AI models locally. Does it deliver on both fronts? Let's find out
Digital Desk | Bhopal, Nov 12 (IANS) After Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson, Abbas Hafeez, sent a legal notice to Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan over her social media photographs featuring her wearing a huge vintage emerald pendant bearing a Quranic verse, a Hindu outfit has backed the star. Demanding the removal of the social media photographs and a public apology over it, Hafeez said his objection was not to the actor wearing the jewellery but to the manner in which the religious inscription was displayed on social media, claiming it had hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community. Hafeez's advocate Mohammad Zafar said the pendant carried a verse from the Holy Quran, which is considered sacred in Islam, and that religious practices prescribe ritual ablution before touching or reciting the holy texts. The legal notice seeks the removal of the photographs and related posts, an apology and an assurance against displaying the religious inscription in a manner considered disrespectful. Hafeez said the pendant was associated with the heritage of the Begums of Bhopal and was worn as an expression of faith rather than as a fashion accessory. He, however, clarified that the issue was his personal initiative and should not be linked to the Congress party, its ideology or political position. The controversy centres on an emerald pendant described by celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor as an approximately 200-year-old heirloom of the former Bhopal royal family. Kapoor had shared photographs of Kareena wearing the jewellery as part of her Diwali look. The historical connection is linked to the Pataudi family as actor Saif Ali Khan's grandmother Sajida Sultan was the daughter of Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal. She married Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, and their son was former Indian cricket captain Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Saif's father. Meanwhile, Hindu Utsav Samiti president Chandra Shekhar Tiwari has extended support to Kareena and said she did not need to apologise to anyone. A pendant is meant to be worn around the neck, close to the heart. If it bears Quranic verses, she would not have worn it at any place considered disrespectful. She does not need to apologise to anyone, Tiwari said. He also argued that Kareena, being the daughter-in-law of the erstwhile Bhopal royal family, could naturally wear jewellery belonging to her mother-in-law. The Hindu Utsav Samiti and Sanskriti Bachao Manch have also expressed support for the actor. There was no immediate public response from Kareena Kapoor or her representatives to the legal notice.
Maninee De opens up about her emotionally challenging role in Raqs
Maninee De discusses her emotionally demanding role as a widowed single mother in the upcoming short film Raqs. The actress talks about portraying grief, guilt and helplessness while raising a child, and explains why she enjoys the short-film format
Nationwide Strike in Spain Highlights Deepening Housing Crisis
Millions join Spains first nationwide strike in 14 years, demanding action against the housing crisis and rising rental costs. Nationwide Strike in Spain Highlights Deepening Housing Crisis
Sanbor heckled in failed attempt to bridge ropeway divide
Shillong, Nov 11: A meeting convened by cabinet minister and South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai today to discuss the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway project ended in chaos, with members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) and other opponents demanding that the project be scrapped. The meeting, organised by the 19-South Shillong Advisory Committee, which Shullai [] The post Sanbor heckled in failed attempt to bridge ropeway divide first appeared on Highland Post .
The shared scars of the himalayan belt
Nepal- The air above the Langtang Lirung peaks, high above 5,000 metres, has been warming quietly for decades, softening the ancient permafrost that binds rock to ice. On August 26, 2026, the mountain finally surrendered to the heat. What followed was not a mere landslide, but a 142-million-cubic-metre avalanche of bedrock, ice, and mud. The high-altitude collapse unleashed a violent flow that tore down the Lhende Khola, Bhote Koshi, and Trishuli river valleys at speeds exceeding 188 kilometres per hour. When the wall of debris slammed into the valley floor, the impact registered on seismographs as a 5.5-magnitude earthquake. In the lower valleys, there was no time to run. Within minutes, the infrastructure of modern Nepal was erased. The Gyirong border post vanished, concrete bridges shattered, and a violent surge overwhelmed vital hydropower plants, sealing hundreds of laborers deep within underground tunnels. Today, the silence in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts is broken only by the shifting mud and the desperate efforts of rescue teams. The human toll is baffling: at least 1,400 lives are confirmed lost, while families hold onto fading hope for more than 5,500 people still missing. Search operations have become an agonizing, dangerous gamble, fought across choked communication lines and mountains of debris. For scientists, tracing the source of the disaster took little time. A rapid attribution study conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) research group pointed squarely at the invisible culprit: decades of global carbon emissions and human influence on the climate. The warming atmosphere has systematically destabilized the worlds highest peaks, turning frozen monuments into fluid hazards. The tragedy has left Nepal facing an estimated $4.8 billion (4.2 billion) economic loss; an impossible figure for a nation already stumbling from consecutive years of unprecedented seasonal flooding. The crisis has forced Prime Minister Balendra Shah onto the international stage, transforming local mourning into a fierce diplomatic battle for international climate justice. Pushing the polluter-pays model directly to global leaders at the United Nations General Assembly, Shah stated,Vulnerable mountain nations should receive immediate loss-and-damage compensation from the industrialized countries that fueled the crisis. High in the Himalayas, the mud is beginning to dry, but the structural foundations of the region have changed forever. The catastrophe in northern Nepal stands as a harsh reminder that for the communities living in the shadow of the worlds highest peaks, the costs of climate change are no longer a future projection; they are already being paid in blood and stone. Why This Feels Close to Home Srinagar The air coming out of Rasuwa contains a sound I know in my bones. It is the raw, jagged panic of fractured phone calls, the sight of concrete buildings sinking into the mud like wet cardboard, and the sudden, eerie silence when the lines go silent.Watching it hit me hard in the chest. In a split second, I was pulled back to September 2014, when my own world went completely underwater during the Great Flood of Kashmir. For more than a week, the rain had been relentless. A heavy, grey sheet of water hammered our roofs, raising a collective, unspoken terror across the valley. On the day the river finally gave way, warning announcements blared through the streets hours before the breach. We took every precaution we could think of. But the truth is, no one could have anticipated the sheer scale of the devastation that downpour was carrying. Take all your necessary documents and things to the third floor, my father insisted. His voice was steady but urgent as he gathered the meager rations we had in store. By 3:00 AM, the noise arrived; a terrifying, low roar of gushing water. It wasnt confined to its banks; it was tearing down our concrete roads. I ran from my room to wake the others, just as my brother came bounding downstairs, his face pale with the same fatal realization. Within minutes, the muddy, freezing water swallowed nearly two floors of every house in our community. The shock left us completely paralyzed. Suddenly, we were trapped in the desperate, narrow space between life and death. Around us, the neighborhood became a canvas of pure terror. The elderly and sick were stranded on upper levels, unable to move without help. Children shivered in the damp, biting air, crying quietly as we held them close to our chests. Pregnant mothers were terrified they would go into labor right there on the zinc roofs. My relative, Rumana, was heavily pregnant in Indranagar at the time. The intense terror and shock brought me into labor pains which almost continued up to a week later, she later recalled. In the moment, I thought this is the end. She was eventually ferried through a verandah into a rescue boat brought by a neighbor, and her daughter was born healthy a week later, against all odds. For days that bled into weeks, we lived on absolute scraps, rationing every single bite. With the cell towers drowned, our phones became useless bricks. We were entirely cut off, unable to reach neighbors just three houses away, let alone family outside the valley. That heavy, agonizing silence stretched out, leaving us completely in the dark about who was alive and who had been lost. Staring out at a vast, brown sea, it felt like the literal end of the world. Then came the agonizing choice. We are almost out of food, my mother whispered. We had to get the children out. When a few private boats finally paddled through the debris, our relief was instantly cut by an ugly reality: the boatmen were demanding money and gold to ferry people to safety. Even in the face of death, human greed didnt take a back seat. My uncle pulled out a meager, crumpled sum of `3,000, pleading for our lives. The man took it. We squeezed into the boat; a mini capsule of luck floating on the lethal current. But my father refused to step in. I am staying here, he said flatly. You all need to leave immediately and look for help. Tears streamed down my face as I begged him to come, but he wouldnt budge. In the chaos, burglaries and home invasions were rampant, and he chose to defend what little we had left. He stayed in that flooded shell of a house alone. For sixty days, while the rest of us took sanctuary in a crowded school on higher ground, my dad lived through a private, slow-motion nightmare inside our drowning home. He was entirely cut off from the world, trapped above an ocean of stagnant, toxic water and a heavy, suffocating silence. His whole universe shrank to a single, damp upper room. Food was a luxury; he survived on sheer will, meticulously rationing expired biscuits and stale rice, never knowing if the next handful would be his last. As hard as the starvation and isolation were, it was the environment that almost broke him. The floodwaters drove thousands of rodents out of the ground, and suddenly, my dad was sharing his tiny sanctuary with aggressive, displaced mice. They chewed through the last of his clean clothes, scurried over him in the pitch-black nights, and bit at his skin while he tried to sleep. The constant fear of infection, paired with that relentless, scratching sound in the dark, was pure psychological warfare. He was deeply, profoundly down, starving, mentally exhausted and quietly mourning the destruction of everything he had spent his life building. Yet, day after agonizing day, he stayed. He stood guard against the looters paddling through our old neighborhood, absolutely refusing to let the chaos steal the last remnants of our familys dignity. When the waters finally receded after months, we were reunited. There were no celebrations, but we at least had each other. He looked at us, his voice thick with emotion, and said, It was pure agony in there, but I just couldnt bring myself to leave our home. I am so sorry... I tried, but I couldnt save your childhood photographs. The water took them before I could get downstairs. Hearing him apologize broke our hearts. He was sitting there, his body painfully thin and his hands scarred from the bites, feeling guilty about pictures. We hugged him tight and told him the truth: we didnt care about the photos; we thanked him for saving our home, and more importantly, for surviving. Seeing his eyes through it all, unbroken despite everything, healed something deep inside us. That was the exact moment I knew, without a single doubt, that my father was the bravest man I will ever know. Coming home was its own unique trauma. The house we returned to was a rotting, mud-caked ruin, stripped of everything that made it a home. The structural integrity was completely shattered, forcing us to pull together what little strength we had left and rebuild entirely from scratch. That process broke something deep inside us. The physical exhaustion of moving damp bricks and scraping away toxic silt was nothing compared to the profound mental and emotional toll that settled over every member of my family and our community. We entered a state of collective, chronic hyper-vigilance. For years afterward, a sudden cloud-cast sky or a heavy night of rain would trigger intense panic, racing heartbeats, and sleepless nights of pacing the floor. The financial ruin strained our relationships to the breaking point, as the overwhelming weight of debt and displacement stripped away our sense of safety. Our neighbors, once vibrant and deeply connected, became isolated ghosts of themselves, navigating a quiet, unaddressed epidemic of depression and post-traumatic stress. We rebuilt the physical walls, but the invisible, psychological fractures in our well-being remained, leaving us mourning not just our lost possessions, but the secure, unburdened versions of ourselves we could never get back. The Real Cost: A Ticking Himalayan Bomb The mountains do not speak in the sterile language of policy, yet we constantly try to force them to. We split the shared trauma of the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region into tidy columns of disaster statistics, climate assessments and infrastructure budgets. But if you stand on the mud-slicked banks of the Jhelum River here in Kashmir, or walk through the shattered, terraced hillsides of Rasuwa in Nepal, the language of this crisis is visceral. It is written in the smell of river silt drying inside a ruined kitchen. It is the silence of a missing neighbor, the hollow look of a shopkeeper staring at buried inventory, and the collective terror that grips a community every time dark clouds gather on the horizon. What happened to us in Kashmir and what is unfolding in Rasuwa today are not isolated strokes of bad luck. They are the structural heartbreaks of a single, systemic failure stretching across the spine of Asia. We have misread these mountains, treating a living, shifting landscape as if it were a flat, static plain. In both Srinagar and Kathmandu, the ancient wetlands that once functioned as natural sponges, quietly absorbing the fury of heavy monsoons, have been choked under layers of concrete. Driven by an aggressive, poorly planned rush toward urbanization, we have paved over the very arteries our rivers need to flow. When the heavy rains come, the water has nowhere left to go but into our living rooms. We call this development. We carve massive highways into fragile, seismic slopes, erect heavy multi-story concrete buildings on loose topography, and dam pristine rivers to generate immediate revenue. We build for todays balance sheets, completely blind to the ecological shocks of tomorrow. Meanwhile, overhead, the atmosphere is shifting. The Hindu Kush-Himalaya region is warming at a rate significantly higher than the global average. Up in the high peaks, the ice is listening. Glaciers are destabilizing, forming volatile, top-heavy glacial lakes, while predictable monsoons warp into violent, unpredictable cloudbursts. Nepals crisis may have begun with the roar of a high-altitude glacial collapse and Kashmirs with the sudden sky-shattering violence of severe rainfall, but the root causes are identical, human-made, and accelerating. To halt this cycle of grief, governments across the Himalayan belt must pivot away from the exhausting cycle of reactive rescue operations. We cannot keep waiting for the tragedy to happen just so we can deploy helicopters, hand out food packets, and take photos of the devastation. We need aggressive, proactive systemic change: Respecting the Rivers Space: Enact and fiercely enforce zero-tolerance bans on commercial and residential construction within active floodplains, ancient river channels and ecological buffer zones. The rivers will always claim their paths back; it is up to us to stay out of their way. Building for the Topography: Discard generic, flatland construction blueprints. Infrastructure in the hills must mandate climate-resilient, lightweight, and seismically flexible designs that work with the fragile topography rather than cutting aggressively into unstable slopes. Erasing Borders for Safety: Disasters do not carry passports. We need Early Warning Systems (EWS) and integrated satellite monitoring operating seamlessly across India, Nepal, Bhutan and Pakistan. Real-time data sharing on glacial lake volumes must reach downstream communities days, not hours, before the water does. Healing the Invisible Scars: We must acknowledge that rebuilding a life requires more than just brick, mortar, and emergency rations. Governments must integrate decentralized, trauma-informed psychological rehabilitation directly into disaster response policies. The invisible scars of displacement and loss linger for decades; our healing strategies must last just as long. The floods eventually recede, leaving behind cracked earth, ruined photographs and quiet, traumatized communities. But the systemic vulnerability remains. Until we change how we live alongside nature, we are merely waiting in line for the next inevitable tragedy. Hamna Mir, GK School of Communication alumna
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Best Black Friday MacBook and Mac deals 2026: Air, Pro, mini
Macworld Best Black Friday Mac deals so far U.S. 13-inch M5 MacBook Air (512GB/16GB) : $1,099 ($200 off, MSRP $1,299) 15-inch M5 MacBook Air (1TB/16GB) : $1,549 ($250 off, MSRP $1,799) 14-inch, M5 MacBook Pro (1TB, 16GB) : $1,799 ($200 less than M6 model) 16-inch, MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 1TB) : $2,749 ($250 off, MSRP 2,999) 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2TB/36GB) : $3,899 ($500 off, MSRP $4,399) Mac mini, M6 (16GB, 256GB) : $779 ($120 off, MSRP $899) Best Black Friday Mac deals so far U.K. MacBook Neo (512GB ): 719.97 (79 off, RRP 799) 13-inch MacBook Air, M5 (512GB/16GB) : 1,199 (100 off, RRP 1,299) 15-inch MacBook Air, M5 (512GB/16GB) : 1,348.97 (150 off, RRP 1,499) 14-inch MacBook Pro M6 (1TB, 16GB ): 1,830.97 (168 off, RRP 1,999) 16-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro (1TB/24GB) : 2,649.97 (349 off, RRP 2,999) 14-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Max (2TB): 3,999 (100 off, RRP 4,099) Mac mini, M6 (16GB, 256GB) : 809 (90 off, RRP 899) Mac Studio, M5 Pro : 2,289.97 (209 off, RRP 2,499) P RICES CHECKED NOVEMBER 11, 2026 Deals change quickly, so we will update this page throughout November Black Friday is one of the best opportunities to save on a Mac, with retailers competing to discount MacBooks and desktop models including recently released machines. Last year, U.S. shoppers could get a 13-inch M4 MacBook Air for $749, saving $250, while the then-new 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro fell to $1,349, also $250 off. Selected M4 Max MacBook Pro configurations received $500 discounts. U.K. highlights included 150 off the entry-level M4 MacBook Air and savings of around 350 on selected MacBook Pro models. This years deals need a different perspective because Apple raised Mac prices in June. The MacBook Air went up by $200/200, while some MacBook Pro configurations increased by as much as $500/500. October Prime Day helped offset those increases: the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air with 512GB storage fell to $1,099, saving $200, while selected high-end MacBook Pros received discounts of up to $600. Desktop offers included around $120 off the entry-level M6 Mac mini and $200 off the M5 Max Mac Studio. Those increases mean we may not see a return to earlier record-low prices this Black Friday, even when retailers offer substantial discounts. However, Novembers sales could still bring some of the best prices available under Apples higher pricing, making this a worthwhile time to buy if you need a new Mac. Were comparing current offers with previous selling prices and equivalent configurations not simply the biggest advertised saving to help you identify genuine value. Below, youll find our picks across MacBooks and desktop Macs; for discounts on Apples other products, see our best Apple Black Friday deals . Which Mac or MacBook should you buy this Black Friday? MacBook Air Our best overall choice Ida Blix The MacBook Air is our recommendation for most buyers. Both sizes offer a lightweight, silent laptop for everyday work, studying, and occasional creative projects. Choose the 13-inch for portability or the 15-inch for more workspace without MacBook Pro pricing. Wed prioritize a competitive price on the memory and storage you need. For regular lengthy exports or other sustained demanding tasks, consider a MacBook Pro with active cooling instead. U.S. Black Friday price: October Prime Day brought the 13-inch M5 Air with 16GB memory and 512GB storage to $1,099, and the equivalent 15-inch to $1,299. Last Black Friday, the older M4 models with 256GB reached $749 and $949 respectively. We are already seeing up to $250 off the 1TB models , and $200 off the 512GB options , bringing the price back to the original MSRP before Apple increased prices. U.K. Black Friday price : October offers included approximately 1,199 for the 13-inch M5 Air and 1,349 for the 15-inch, both with 512GB storage. Last Black Fridays M4 models with 256GB reached 849 and 1,025. Match storage capacities when comparing generations. So far in November 2026 we are seeing the same 100 off the 13-inch MacBook Air , and 150 off the 15-inch model as we saw in Prime Day this October. MacBook Neo Our budget choice, at the right price Eugen Wegmann The MacBook Neo suits browsing, schoolwork, streaming, and office apps. Its lower starting price makes it appealing, but its fixed 8GB of memory leaves less room for demanding workloads. Check which configuration is discounted: only the 512GB version includes Touch ID. Both lack a backlit keyboard, MagSafe, and Thunderbolt. Compare clearance MacBook Air stock before deciding how much those compromises save you. U.S. Black Friday price : Octobers $689 price for the 256GB Neo was only a small reduction from its $699 asking price and the current $9 saving is equally small. U.K. Black Friday price : We saw a Prime Day low of 549. So far this Black Friday month we are seeing 79 off the 512GB MacBook Neo . MacBook Pro M6 Best step up from the Air Macbook Pro M6 Aufmacher Halyna Kubiv The standard M6 MacBook Pro is worth considering if you want a better built-in display, more connections, and cooling for sustained workloads without paying for a Pro or Max chip. It comes in a 14-inch size, with a non-touch Liquid Retina XDR display, HDMI, and an SDXC card slot. It starts with 16GB memory and 1TB storage, so account for those specifications when comparing prices with an Air or older Pro. Despite the newer generation number, the standard M6 isnt automatically the better choice for demanding work than an M5 Pro or M5 Max. U.S. Black Friday price : The M6 model wasnt available during October Prime Day. Its M5 predecessor with 16GB memory and 1TB storage reached $1,839. We arent seeing discounts on the M6 yet, but you can get the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro for $200 less than the new model. U.K. Black Friday price : Last Black Friday, the older 14-inch M5 with 16GB memory and 1TB storage reached approximately 1,619. We are already seeing 168 off the 14-inch, M6 with 1TB, 16GB , bringing the price to 1,830.97. MacBook Pro M5 Pro Best for demanding professional work Foundry The non-touchscreen M5 Pro MacBook Pro is a strong choice for development, photography, video editing, and heavier multitasking. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, it offers professional performance without the Max chips higher price. Compare it with the touchscreen version using the same memory and storage. Both offer M5 Pro configurations, so a discounted non-touch model could be particularly good value if its existing XDR display meets your needs. U .S. Black Friday price : October prices included $2,339 for the 14-inch M5 Pro with 24GB memory and 1TB storage, and $2,749 for the equivalent 16-inch. So far this Black Friday month we are seeing $250 off the 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 1TB) . U.K. Black Friday price : The equivalent configurations reached approximately 2,250 and 2,700. Last Black Friday, selected previous-generation M4 Pro models received discounts of around 350. So far this Black Friday there is a 349 saving on the 16-inch M5 Pro model . MacBook Pro M5 Max Best for demanding graphics and video Stephan Wiesend Consider the non-touchscreen M5 Max MacBook Pro if your work benefits from additional graphics power or more memory than an M5 Pro supports. Complex 3D projects and demanding video production make a stronger case for it than everyday productivity. Wed choose the configuration around the work you do. A larger advertised discount on a Max doesnt necessarily make it better value than a less expensive Pro that meets your needs. Our MacBook Pro buying advice explains the options. U .S. Black Friday price : October offers included $3,499 for a 14-inch M5 Max with 2TB storage and $3,899 for a 16-inch with 36GB memory and 2TB storage. Last Black Friday, selected M4 Max configurations were $500 off and this Black Friday month we are already seeing $500 off the M5 Max models . U .K. Black Friday price : October coverage included a 14-inch M5 Max with 2TB storage at 3,799, saving 300. This time there is 100 off the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 Max . Touchscreen MacBook Pro Best for its OLED display Roman Loyola/Foundry The touchscreen MacBook Pro is most compelling for its OLED display and thinner, lighter design. Improved blacks and reduced blooming could matter more to your everyday experience than touch controls, particularly if you spend most of your working day using the built-in screen. Available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes with M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, these models offer comparable processing performance to their non-touch equivalents. Compare matching configurations: the regular premium is $400/400, so consider how much youll benefit from the display before paying extra. U .S. Black Friday price : These models arrived in November, so there are no equivalent October Prime Day or Black Friday 2025 prices. Compare any offer with the matching non-touch M5 Pro or M5 Max model. Its early days so we dont expect to see big savings here this Black Friday. U .K. Black Friday price : We dont expect to see significant price drops since these Macs launched so recently. Mac mini M6 Our best-value desktop choice Foundry The M6 Mac mini suits buyers who already own a display, keyboard, and mouse. It offers a compact desktop for everyday work and lighter creative projects. Check storage carefully: the entry-level model has a restrictive 256GB SSD. U .S. Black Friday price : Octobers entry-level M6 mini reached approximately $780. Last Black Friday, the older M4 equivalent was $479. So far this November weve seen $149 off the 512GB model . U .K. Black Friday price : Octobers M6 model reached approximately 824, compared with 499 for the M4 last Black Friday. There is 135 off the 512GB Mac mini in the U.K. Mac mini M5 Pro Best compact desktop for professional work Ida Blix The M5 Pro mini offers more processing power and memory capacity for demanding work without moving to a Studio. Compare upgraded configurations carefully: if the total approaches Mac Studio pricing, check which machine better suits your workload. U .S. Black Friday price : The 24GB/512GB M5 Pro mini reached approximately $1,550 in October. Last Black Fridays M4 Pro equivalent was $1,249. So far this November weve seen $150 off the 512GB model . U .K. Black Friday price : Octobers M5 Pro configuration reached approximately 1,647. The previous-generation M4 Pro with 24GB/512GB was 1,269 last Black Friday. There is 150 off the 512GB Mac mini M5 Pro in the U.K. iMac Best complete desktop setup Foundry The iMac combines a 24-inch 4.5K display with the computer and matching accessories. Compare the two-port and four-port versions carefully: the latter adds processing power, connections, and a Touch ID keyboard. Factor those differences into the final price. U .S. Black Friday price : The M6 wasnt available during October Prime Day. The entry-level M4 predecessor reached approximately $1,360 in October and $1,149 last Black Friday. Weve not seen any savings yet. U .K. Black Friday price : Octobers four-port M4 with 256GB storage was 1,620. Last Black Friday, comparable four-port M4 stock reached 1,349. These are predecessor prices rather than M6 targets. The new iMac models arent discounted at the moment. Mac Studio Best for demanding desktop workflows Fundry The M5 Max Studio suits demanding graphics, video, and other professional workloads. Compare it with the M5 Pro mini first. The considerably more expensive M5 Ultra is for exceptional workloads requiring its additional performance and memory; most buyers wont need it. Budget for a display and peripherals. U.S. Black Friday price : Octobers M5 Max Studio with 36GB memory and 512GB storage reached approximately $2,300. Theres currently a $50 saving , but thats smaller than Octobers approximately $200 discount. U.K. Black Friday price : The Mac Studio is 209 off in the U.K. Should you buy a Mac or MacBook now or wait for a better deal? With Black Friday approaching, wed avoid paying full price unless you need a Mac immediately. But sales stretch across much of November, so an early offer can be worth taking if it matches or approaches a previous low for the same configuration. Waiting can be a gamble if youre buying clearance stock with a particular screen size, memory capacity, or finish. The M5 MacBook Air remains an appealing purchase at a good discount, with a replacement not expected until 2027. The recently updated Mac mini and Mac Studio are also worth considering if they meet your needs. The main reason to wait is a better price rather than an imminent replacement. MacBook Pro buyers no longer need to wait for the rumored October launches: the standard M6 and OLED touchscreen models are now available. However, their recent arrival may limit initial discounts. Non-touch M5 Pro and M5 Max models could offer better value, particularly if you dont need the touchscreen versions improved display and lighter design. If your existing M4 or M5 MacBook Pro still meets your needs, theres little reason to upgrade simply because a newer option exists. The M6 iMac has only just arrived, replacing the aging M4 version. Compare a modest saving on the latest model with a substantial clearance discount on its predecessor, rather than assuming the older machine is automatically the better deal. Previous prices need context this year. Following Junes increases, a discount from Apples current asking price may still leave you paying more than before the increases. Compare retailers as well: Amazon competes with Best Buy, Walmart, and B&H in the U.S., and retailers including Currys and John Lewis in the U.K. Our MacBook Pro buying advice explains the current choices. Which Mac specifications are worth paying for? The cheapest Mac isnt always the best value. Use Black Friday to get a configuration that will serve you for longer within your budget, but dont pay for performance or features you wont use. Check the exact chip, screen size, memory, and storage. A standard M6 and an M5 Pro or M5 Max serve different needs: the newer generation number alone doesnt tell you which is better for your work. For MacBook Pro listings, distinguish the OLED touchscreen version from non-touch models. Avoid saving a small amount by buying too little memory or storage. Most current Macs start with 16GB of unified memory, but the MacBook Neo has a fixed 8GB, and some desktop configurations include only a 256GB SSD. Unified memory cannot be upgraded later. An external SSD can add storage, but it cannot compensate for insufficient RAM. Once the processor meets your needs, additional memory may be more useful than a faster chip. Compare a discounted Air with the Neo, too: the M5 Air starts with twice the memory and storage of the entry-level Neo. Our Mac buying guide explains which specifications suit different workloads. Check whether the configuration includes nano-texture glass. This optional finish reduces glare and reflections, which can help in bright rooms or near windows, but increases the price. If reflections rarely bother you, standard glass may offer better value. Should you buy an older Mac or MacBook? Foundry An older Mac can be excellent value if its price reflects its age and configuration. Compare its actual selling price with the discounted price of the newer equivalent, rather than focusing on a large percentage saving from its original launch price. Previous-generation Apple silicon models are the most promising starting point. A discounted M4 MacBook Air or standard M5 MacBook Pro may meet your needs comfortably. Older Pro and Max configurations can also be worth considering if they provide the memory, graphics performance, and connections your work requires for substantially less money. Check what the saving buysand what you give up. An older Mac with more memory or storage could be more useful than a newer entry-level configuration. Conversely, a cheaper older Air with 256GB storage isnt directly comparable with an M5 Air that starts with 512GB. The non-touch M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros also remain current options, despite the arrival of the standard M6 and touchscreen models. Be much more cautious with Intel Macs. Their software support is winding down, and a low purchase price may leave you with a machine that has a limited useful life for current apps and macOS features. Check compatibility with the software you need before buying any older model. For used or refurbished Macs, check battery condition on laptops, warranty coverage, and the returns policy. Confirm that Activation Lock has been removed and that the Mac isnt still enrolled in an organizations management system. For more advice read: Should I buy a MacBook Neo? Should I buy a MacBook Air? Should I buy a MacBook Pro? Should I buy a Mac mini? Should I buy a Mac Studio ? Mac or MacBook deals to avoid Treat large advertised discounts carefully. Following Junes price increases, $400 off may simply bring a Mac closer to what it cost before the increase. Compare previous selling prices for the same configuration, rather than judging the offer solely against todays recommended price. Check whether the price includes AppleCare+ or another protection plan. Some Amazon listings bundle coverage with the Mac. If you dont want it, a listing without coverage could be cheaper; if you do, compare the bundle with buying the Mac and coverage separately. Check for a bundled power adapter, too. Some Mac laptops are sold without one in the U.K. and EU. A charger bundle may be useful if you need an adapter, but could mean paying extra unnecessarily if you already own a suitable one. Compare the complete setup cost. A Mac mini or Studio requires a display, keyboard, and mouse or trackpad, while adapters and docks can add to the cost of any Mac. Finally, distinguish cash discounts from gift cards, trade-ins, financing, and membership-only offers. Read the conditions, check the seller, and confirm whether the Mac is new, refurbished, or used, along with its warranty and returns policy. How we choose Mac and MacBook deals Macworld has covered the Mac since its launch in 1984, and our recommendations draw on decades of experience and hands-on reviews. We consider performance, display quality, battery life, portability, connectivity, and everyday use alongside price to explain which Macs suit different buyers. Our reviews help us assess which upgrades are worth paying for. We look at whether additional processing power benefits demanding workloads, when more memory is useful, and whether a premium display justifies the extra cost. A MacBook Air may offer better value for everyday work, while a Pro, Max, or Ultra configuration needs to earn its higher price through the work it enables. We combine those findings with current prices and previous offers, matching the exact chip, screen size, memory, and storage. Following Apples June price increases, we also consider earlier selling prices rather than judging a deal solely against todays recommended retail price. A large advertised discount doesnt automatically make an offer exceptional. We consider the complete purchase, too: the retailer, product condition, warranty, and any conditions attached to the price. For desktop Macs, we also account for the display and accessories youll need. Our Mac buying guide and MacBook comparison explain how to choose the right model and configuration. For more offers, visit our Black Friday coverage and our roundups of the best iPad deals , AirPods deals , and Apple Watch deals . Latest Mac & MacBook Deals Check below to find the best price we are seeing right now for each configuration compared to the best price we have ever seen and the full price. 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Out of the Smog of Delhi into the Choke of Kashmir
The Transport Authorities across Jammu & Kashmir issued a directive that should have arrived half a decade ago: an urgent interim advisory instructing the public to halt and defer obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for bringing older, deregistered motor vehicles from the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi into the Union Territory. The advisory explicitly covers vehicles phased out under statutory environmental ceilings established by judicial mandatesspecifically, 15-year-old petrol vehicles and 10-year-old diesel vehicles. The administrations stated reasons are threefold: Process on Hold: Halting all transfers and re-registrations pending comprehensive governmental policy review. Ecological & Policy Scrutiny: Confronting the reality that fragile Himalayan air basins cannot absorb the tailpipe emissions of megacities. Consumer Protection: Warning citizens against sinking hard-earned savings into rolling liabilities that face sudden administrative debarment, financial forfeiture, and confiscation. While official circles frame this advisory as a routine administrative pause, those who study urban geography, transport kinetics, and regional ecology recognize it for what it truly is: an emergency handbrake pulled on a runaway train. For the past several years, Jammu & Kashmirmost acutely the Kashmir Valleyhas served as an unmonitored dumping ground for North Indias vehicular refuse. Lakhs of end-of-life automobiles, condemned by Delhi's stringent green mandates, have been trucked, driven, and papered across the Banihal corridor. They line our boulevards, clog our rural arteries, devour productive working hours in gridlock, and choke the delicate lungs of our mountain ecosystem. Halting NOCs is an essential first step. However, an advisory is merely a tourniquet. To stop the hemorrhage, the administration must replace stopgap circulars with a permanent structural remedy: the immediate, aggressive implementation of a localized Registered Vehicle Scrapping Policy (RVSF), strict vehicular carrying-capacity quotas, and a revitalized multimodal public transit grid. Part I: The Mechanics of a Secondary Vehicular Pipeline The Delhi Mandate vs. Peripheral Vulnerability To understand how Kashmirs roads reached saturation, one must trace the regulatory imbalance between the center and the periphery. Following Landmark rulings by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court of India, the National Capital Region enforced strict operational life cycles on personal and commercial internal combustion engines: ten years for diesel compression-ignition engines and fifteen years for spark-ignition petrol platforms. Once these thresholds expire, the Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation and regional RTOs automatically mark these vehicles as Deregistered. The vehicle can no longer ply the roads of Delhi under pain of impoundment and immediate dispatch to registered scrap yards. However, regulatory frameworks contained a massive concession: owners and intermediaries were permitted to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to sell these end-of-life machines to other Indian states and Union Territories, provided the receiving jurisdiction had not yet formally capped vehicular age. The Used-Car Bazaar Boom This regulatory concession fueled an aggressive, high-margin grey economy across Jammu and Kashmir. Overnight, second-hand automobile brokers, unregulated roadside open-air car bazaars, and digital classified portals pivoted into high gear. The economic arbitrage was irresistible: A luxury German saloon or a rugged Japanese-engineered SUV nearing its tenth year in South Delhi, carrying an intrinsic value of scrap metal (40,000 to 90,000), could be purchased in bulk lots at auction for a pittance. Driven up National Highway 44 into Jammu, Udhampur, Anantnag, and Srinagar, these vehicles were polished, retrofitted with cosmetic accessories, and marketed to local youth, middle-class households, and taxi operators for 2.5 lakh to 6 lakh. The pitch was seductive: high-end luxury, prestige badges, and heavy-duty four-wheel drives at a fraction of showroom prices. The result was an unprecedented influx. Over the last four years, an estimated several lakh deregistered vehicles from Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab have migrated into the Valley. What was celebrated as affordable car ownership was, in economic reality, a mass transfer of environmental debt and mechanical depreciation from Indias wealthiest metropolitan basin directly onto the fragile balance sheets and lungs of Jammu and Kashmir. Part II: The Paralysis of Everyday Life The Arithmetic of Spatial Impossibility Urban planning relies on a simple metric: the ratio of paved road surface area to registered vehicular square footage. Srinagar, a historical city shaped by historic waterways, linear urban corridors, and dense historic settlements, cannot expand its road network indefinitely. The geographic footprint of the valley is naturally bounded: rivers, wetlands, steep mountain ranges, and vital agrarian orchards restrict horizontal expansion. When you inject hundreds of thousands of full-size sedans, commercial transporters, and sports utility vehicles into this closed geographic bowl, the physical system breaks down: The Geometry of Gridlock: The average passenger vehicle occupies approximately 8 to 10 square meters of road space when static, and requires up to three times that area when moving safely at 30 km/h. When road surface area grows by less than 2% annually while the private fleet swells by double-digit margins via cheap outside inflows, gridlock ceases to be an intermittent inconvenience; it becomes the default state of existence. Loss of Productive Human Capital: From the Batamaloo corridor to the Dalgate-Hazratbal stretch, and across the arterial spines of Pantha Chowk, Bemina, and Rawalpora, daily commuters lose anywhere between 90 minutes to three hours per working day trapped in stagnant traffic. Multiply those hours across a workforce of hundreds of thousands, and the economic drain on J&Ks Gross State Domestic Product runs into thousands of crores annually. Emergency Response Failure: Ambulances attempting to reach tertiary healthcare hubs such as SKIMS Soura or SMHS Hospital routinely find themselves trapped in unyielding lines of deregistered, smoke-belching hatchbacks and multi-utility vehicles. Seconds lost in transit represent human lives sacrificed to vehicular anarchy. The Street-Level Decay Beyond the main expressways, the influx has eaten away at communal and public life. Neighborhood residential lanes (kuchas), historic city squares, and pedestrian footpaths have become informal parking bays. Pedestrian safety has collapsed; children can no longer cycle or play outside their front doors, and senior citizens navigate obstacle courses of bumper-to-bumper metal parked along drainage reserves. Part III: The Environmental Catastrophe in an Inverted Mountain Basin Atmospheric Trapping and Winter Inversions Proponents of the unrestricted used-car trade often argue: If a vehicle is mechanically sound, why should its chronological age matter? The answer lies in mechanical thermodynamics and atmospheric physics. A diesel engine past its tenth year or a petrol engine crossing fifteen years experiences profound mechanical degradation: High-pressure fuel injectors lose calibration, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion. Catalytic converters and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valves clog, degrade, or are removed by unscrupulous resellers to avoid repair costs. Piston ring clearances widen, leading to low-by and the open venting of burnt engine oils. These aged engines produce exponentially higher concentrations of Particulate Matter (PM_{2.5} and PM_{10}), Nitrogen Oxides (NO_x), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and volatile polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons than modern Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) compliant vehicles. Now, place this fleet inside the bowl of the Kashmir Valley. During the late autumn and winter months, Kashmir experiences severe meteorological temperature inversions. Cold, dense air descends from the snow-capped Pir Panjal and Zabarwan ranges, settling into the valley floor. A warm layer of air sits over this cold pool like a thermal lid, preventing vertical atmospheric mixing. When thousands of aging Delhi engines pump out plumes of exhaust during cold morning starts, this soot and toxic gas cannot disperse. It hovers at ground level, creating a toxic chemical soup. The white winter mists of Kashmir have turned into acrid, grey photochemical smog. The Public Health Bill The biological consequences are devastating: Pediatric and Geriatric Respiratory Crises: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchial asthma, and acute respiratory infections spike sharply across district hospitals during winter. Carcinogenic Load: Ultrafine particles (PM_{2.5}) cross the alveolar-capillary barrier directly into the human bloodstream, driving systemic vascular inflammation, early-onset strokes, myocardial infarctions, and elevated risks of lung and bladder cancers. Himalayan Cryosphere Degradation: The deposition of black carbonsoot from aging diesel exhaustsonto nearby alpine glaciers accelerates radiative heat absorption. This speeds the retreat of regional ice reserves like the Kolahoi Glacier, endangering the primary freshwater source of the Jhelum River basin. Part IV: The Illusion of Cheap Mobility To understand why the public enthusiastically bought into this secondary market, one must dismantle the false economics of the used-car trade. | Cost Dimension | Fresh Ownership / Regulated Purchase | The Imported Deregistered Vehicle | Initial Upfront Capital | Moderate to High (Showroom price, road tax, local insurance) | Artificially Low (Distress sales, liquidation prices) | | Fuel Efficiency | Optimized (Modern engine mapping, direct injection) | Heavily Degraded (2040% loss in thermal efficiency) | | Maintenance & Overhaul | Predictable, covered by warranty | Extreme (Constant failures: suspensions, turbos, sensors) | | Residual Asset Value | Clear depreciation curve, stable resale value | Plummets to zero upon administrative bans or deregistrations | | Legal/Compliance Risk | Zero; clear title deeds, local records | High; fake NOCs, unpaid challans, sudden policy bans | | Net Socio-Economic Cost | Sustainable mobility asset | Total wealth destruction masked by low entry price | Middle-class families and young entrepreneurs purchasing a cheap 12-year-old vehicle believe they are acquiring an economic asset. In reality, they are buying a liability. The suspension systems engineered for smooth national highways shatter against mountain roads, rutted district corridors, and winter frost-heaves. Spare parts for phased-out iterations are obsolete or priced at extortionate rates by local mechanics. Fuel consumption is abysmal, draining household budgets at each fill-up. When the state inevitably restricts these vehicles, as signaled by the 9th November advisory, the residual market value of these cars collapses instantly to zero. The owner is left with an unusable steel carcass parked outside their homeone that cannot be legally transferred, cannot be insured, and cannot be driven without risking impoundment. Part V: The Imperative for an Immediate Vehicle Scrapping Policy The interim advisory ordering a halt to Delhi NOCs is a necessary defense. But treating the symptom at the border does nothing to solve the millions of tons of rolling metal already congesting our streets. Jammu & Kashmir needs a comprehensive, forward-looking Registered Vehicle Scrapping Policy (RVSF). 1. Why Phased Bans Are Not Enough Merely banning the import of outside vehicles does not remove the dangerous inventory already inside our borders. If the government relies solely on police crackdowns and punitive roadside checks, it creates administrative corruption and penalizes working-class citizens who acted in good faith under previously lax regulations. The state needs an orderly, incentivized, institutional off-ramp. 2. The Core Pillars of an Effective J&K Scrapping Policy A. Development of Modern Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) The informal, highly polluting Kabaad Mandis in Shalteng or Channi Himmat are incapable of environmentally sound vehicle retirement. Dismantling a vehicle requires stripping hazardous materials: lead-acid batteries, ozone-depleting air-conditioning refrigerants, toxic engine oils, brake fluids, and heavy metals. The government must establish state-of-the-art, automated RVSF hubs in designated industrial zones in both Jammu and Srinagar divisions. These facilities must operate on high-efficiency recovery models: Modern shredders and shears that separate ferrous metals, non-ferrous alloys, glass, and rubber. Zero-discharge drainage systems to capture toxic effluents before they enter surrounding groundwater and agricultural soil. Clean metal smelting links that re-feed high-grade steel and aluminum scrap directly into domestic manufacturing, lowering regional industrial input costs. B. Financial Monetization and Incentive Framework Citizens will not surrender aging vehicles out of goodwill alone. A scrappage policy must make retirement financially more attractive than keeping an illegal car running. Scrappage Certificate Value: Upon surrendering an end-of-life vehicle, the owner must receive an official Certificate of Deposit (Scrappage Certificate) certifying the scrap metal value of the vehicle (benchmarked at 4% to 6% of an equivalent new vehicle's ex-showroom price). Significant Road Tax Concessions: The J&K Government should grant an automatic 25% road-tax waiver on the purchase of a new, clean (BS-VI or EV) vehicle against a valid Scrappage Certificate. Manufacturer Participation: The transport department must partner with major automobile manufacturers to ensure an additional 5% discount on new vehicle invoices when accompanied by proof of scrapping. Direct Cash Buybacks for Low-Income Owners: For owners of old, lower-value commercial carriers or light passenger vehicles who cannot afford a new purchase, the state should offer direct cash-for-clunkers buyouts, funded partly through regional green pollution cesses collected from highway tolls. C. Mandatory Automated Fitness Testing (ATS) Age limits can occasionally trigger legal challenges regarding arbitrary property deprivation. The state must neutralize this by relying on objective engineering: Roll out state-run, uncompromised Automated Testing Stations (ATS) across all districts. Eliminate manual inspections, human discretion, and roadside paperwork. If a vehicleregardless of whether it is registered in Delhi, Punjab, or J&Kfails computer-monitored automated tests for brake efficiency, suspension integrity, structural rust, and real-world emissions, its fitness certificate must be automatically revoked within the central Vahan database. Vehicles failing two consecutive fitness audits must be mandated for scrapping within 60 days. Part VI: A Holistic Blueprint for Urban Mobility in J&K Eliminating deregistered out-of-state junk and scrapping end-of-life vehicles solves half the equation. The other half requires providing the public with dependable, efficient alternatives. If people cannot move comfortably, they will continue to find informal, chaotic ways to acquire private personal transport. Mandatory Automated Testing (ATS) - Dedicated BRTS Corridors Registered Scrapping Facilities (RVSF) - Waterway River Taxi Networks. Fiscal Tax Rebates for Green Fleet - Protected Walkways & Bikeways. 1. Electric Bus Rapid Transit (e-BRTS) The introduction of electric smart buses under smart city initiatives in Jammu and Srinagar has demonstrated strong public demand. However, a fleet of a few hundred buses across an entire metropolitan region is a drop in the ocean. The administration must scale public bus networks to a minimum of 2,500 dedicated electric low-floor buses across the twin capital cities and regional district hubs. Establish dedicated right-of-way transit corridors along high-density arteries, ensuring public transport moves faster than private gridlock. Institute smart, unified ticketing systems allowing seamless transfers between feeder vans, main bus trunks, and rural transport services. 2. Revitalizing Waterways: The Jhelum as an Active Transit Corridor Kashmirs historical lifeline, the River Jhelum, along with its network of flood spill channels and navigation canals, remains criminally underutilized in modern urban transit planning. Riverine transit bypasses on-road choke points entirely. Deploying modern, enclosed, low-wake electric river catamarans operating between Pantha Chowk, Rajbagh, Lal Chowk, Chattabal, and Noorbagh would take tens of thousands of daily commuters off Srinagar's crowded central roads. 3. Integrated Micro-Mobility and Pedestrian Preservation Cities thrive when designed for human beings, not sheet metal: Invest in protected, segregated bicycle lanes and continuous pedestrian walkways across all urban centers. Enforce strict penalties for sidewalk encroaching, restoring walkability to commercial centers like Lal Chowk, Residency Road, and Gandhi Nagar. Encourage electric three-wheeler and micro-mobility feeder networks to resolve the critical last-mile connectivity void that forces residents to rely on private cars for short shopping and school runs. 4. Decentralization of Public Services Urban traffic in J&K is compounded by hyper-centralization. In both administrative capitals, key public offices, major medical centers, universities, and commercial distribution zones remain clustered in tight urban cores. Moving administrative offices, regional courts, and wholesale markets to peripheral, well-planned bypass zones will immediately thin commuter surges into downtown corridors. Call to Action: The Hour of Decisive Leadership The Regional Transport Authorities' November 9th interim advisory is an important move. It signals that our administrative bodies recognise the clear and present danger posed by the unchecked influx of out-of-state vehicular liabilities. However, public policy cannot survive on interim advisories. Temporary suspensions create backlogs, incentivise covert smuggling, encourage forged paperwork, and keep the market in anxious suspension. The time for half-measures has passed. The Government of Jammu & Kashmir must turn this interim advisory into a permanent statutory ban on the inter-state transfer and re-registration of any vehicle past its metropolitan operational lifespan. Simultaneously, the state must clear administrative hurdles and immediately launch an Integrated Jammu & Kashmir Clean Mobility and Vehicle Scrappage Mission. To the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir: we must re-evaluate our cultural relationship with automotive ownership. A societys development is not measured by how cheaply its citizens can purchase another citys discarded vehicles; it is measured by the quality, reliability, dignity, and efficiency of its public infrastructure, the cleanliness of its air, and the safety of its streets. Let us close the doors permanently to the discarded pollution of external metropolises. Let us scrap the ageing machines choking our roads, reclaim our public spaces, and build a modern, sustainable mobility ecosystem worthy of Jammu and Kashmirs environment, its heritage, and its people. (The author is a renowned social reformer & Mobility Expert with over two decades of experience. For feedback, email: umarbhat07@gmail.com)
Changing Faces of Terror in Jammu and Kashmir
Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a significant transformation over the years. Its methods, operational geography, recruitment patterns and ideological messaging have evolved in response to changing security arrangements and political circumstances. While the overall scale of terrorist violence has declined considerably from the levels witnessed during earlier decades, the nature of the remaining threat presents new challenges for security agencies and civil society. The challenge today is not merely to eliminate armed terrorists but to dismantle the wider ecosystem that enables terrorism to survive, regenerate and exploit social vulnerabilities. For decades, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir was characterised by organised militant groups, cross-border infiltration, attacks on security installations and attempts to create an atmosphere of fear through violence. The visible presence of armed militants, their organisational structures and their support networks provided identifiable targets for counterterrorism operations. The security environment has changed substantially. Conventional militant formations have suffered considerable setbacks, but the threat has increasingly acquired more dispersed and less predictable characteristics. From Organised Militancy to Hybrid Terrorism One of the important developments in the changing security landscape is the emergence of what is commonly described as hybrid militancy. Unlike conventional militants who operate through identifiable underground networks, hybrid operatives may lead ordinary civilian lives and become involved in terrorist activities without maintaining a continuous militant profile. This creates a difficult challenge for intelligence agencies and police organisations. Traditional approaches based on identifying established militant networks are not always sufficient when individuals can operate within ordinary social environments. The response requires stronger intelligence coordination, effective investigation, community confidence and the ability to identify terrorist support structures through lawful means. However, it is equally important that ordinary citizens are not subjected to suspicion merely because of their geographical, religious or social identity. Security operations must remain intelligence-led and evidence-based. The Changing Geography of Terror Another important development has been the changing geographical pattern of militant activity. For many years, the Kashmir Valley remained the principal theatre of militancy. More recently, areas of the Jammu division, particularly mountainous and forested belts, have experienced renewed security challenges. The difficult terrain of the Pir Panjal and Chenab regions creates operational complications. Forests, mountainous routes and scattered settlements make surveillance and search operations more demanding. An ACLED assessment published in 2026 highlighted the increased concentration of militant activity in Jammu during 2025, while also drawing attention to the vulnerabilities of civilians and security personnel in the region. This development demands a comprehensive security response that takes into account the geographical and social characteristics of different areas. Jammu cannot be viewed merely as a secondary security theatre. Its mountainous districts require sustained intelligence networks, effective coordination and adequate institutional preparedness. Terrorism and the Changing Nature of Target Selection The targeting of civilians has emerged as one of the most disturbing dimensions of contemporary terrorism. The attack on tourists at Pahalgam in April 2025 demonstrated how terrorist violence can be directed towards innocent civilians and how such attacks can generate consequences far beyond the immediate loss of lives. Targeting tourists, vulnerable communities and people engaged in ordinary economic activities is intended not only to spread fear but also to damage confidence, disrupt economic activity and create social divisions. Such violence must be understood as an assault on the larger social and economic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. The response must therefore extend beyond conventional security operations. Protection of civilians, confidence-building and the preservation of communal harmony must remain essential components of the counterterrorism strategy. The Digital Dimension of Radicalisation Terrorism is no longer dependent exclusively on physical networks and traditional methods of recruitment. The digital environment has created additional challenges through online propaganda, extremist messaging and the circulation of material intended to glorify violence. Young people are particularly vulnerable when extremist narratives exploit unemployment, social alienation, misinformation and identity-related grievances. Countering such radicalisation requires more than surveillance and enforcement. Educational institutions, families, community organisations and responsible public representatives have an important role in strengthening social resilience. Digital literacy, credible public communication and opportunities for constructive youth participation must become part of a wider strategy to prevent extremist influence. The External Dimension Cannot Be Ignored Cross-border terrorism remains an important element of India's security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir. India has consistently maintained that terrorist organisations operating from across the border receive support, training and logistical assistance. Pakistan has rejected India's allegations concerning its involvement. Whatever the diplomatic disagreements, the security challenge requires constant vigilance along the Line of Control, effective border management and continued efforts to prevent infiltration. At the same time, the international dimension of terrorism financing and the use of narcotics networks to support unlawful activities require sustained attention. The objective must be to disrupt the financial, logistical and organisational structures that sustain terrorist violence. Security Gains Must Be Consolidated There is considerable evidence of a long-term reduction in terrorist violence in Jammu and Kashmir. Government figures show a substantial decline in terrorist-initiated incidents and casualties compared with earlier years. These gains represent the combined efforts of security forces, intelligence agencies, police organisations and local institutions. However, reduced violence should not lead to complacency. The changing character of terrorism requires continuous adaptation in intelligence capabilities, technology, inter-agency coordination and community engagement. Security policy must also recognise the importance of public confidence. Citizens are not merely beneficiaries of security arrangements; their cooperation is essential to lasting stability. The Political and Social Responsibility The fight against terrorism cannot be left exclusively to security agencies. Political leadership has an equally important responsibility to maintain social cohesion and prevent extremist violence from becoming a source of communal polarisation. All political parties must demonstrate clarity in their rejection of terrorism. There should be no ambiguity in condemning attacks on innocent people, irrespective of the identity of the victims. Equally, the response to terrorism must not become a reason to stigmatise entire communities. Terrorism must be confronted through law, intelligence and institutional strength, not collective suspicion. The political establishment must also address the social and economic conditions that can be exploited by extremist organisations. Employment opportunities, quality education, regional development and meaningful participation in democratic institutions contribute to the resilience of society. Beyond Counterterrorism: The Goal of Lasting Stability The changing faces of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir demonstrate that security challenges cannot be addressed through a static strategy. The era of large-scale conventional militancy may have receded, but the emergence of hybrid threats, changing operational geography, digital radicalisation and targeted civilian attacks requires continued preparedness. The ultimate objective should not merely be a reduction in the number of terrorist incidents. It should be the creation of an environment in which terrorism loses its social space, its financial support, its recruitment potential and its ability to influence political and economic life. Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed enormous human suffering because of terrorism. Its people deserve an enduring peace in which education, employment, tourism, investment and ordinary social life can flourish without fear. The real victory against terrorism will come when the gun loses its relevance, extremist ideology loses its appeal and the people of Jammu and Kashmir become confident stakeholders in a peaceful and prosperous future. (The Author is the chief spokesperson of the BJP J&K UT)
Akhilesh-Tikait meeting puts farmers at Centre of 'PDA' politics in Uttar Pradesh
Digital Desk | Lucknow, Nov 12 (IANS) In a significant political outreach aimed at strengthening ties with the farming community ahead of future electoral battles, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav held a meeting with prominent farmer leader Rakesh Tikait and discussed a wide range of issues affecting cultivators across Uttar Pradesh. Following the meeting on late Wednesday evening, Yadav shared a detailed message on social media, asserting that farmers remain the most distressed section of society and deserve both dignity and fair compensation for their labour. In his post on social media platform X, Akhilesh Yadav said that greenery should not merely symbolise prosperity, but that prosperity itself must reach every household, courtyard and village. He stressed that such an objective can only be achieved when farmers, agriculture and rural communities receive due respect and adequate value for their hard work. According to Yadav, his discussion with Tikait revealed that farmers across Uttar Pradesh continue to face serious challenges. Referring to the Samajwadi Party's PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) social justice plank, Akhilesh Yadav remarked that those who are suffering are part of the PDA and added that the letter A in PDA also stands for Annadata, meaning farmers who feed the nation. The statement is being viewed as an attempt by the Samajwadi Party to expand the PDA narrative by placing farmers at its core. Yadav claimed that growing support from the farming community would help ensure the success of the PDA in every village and at every polling booth. The meeting comes at a time when farmer-related issues continue to dominate public discourse in Uttar Pradesh. Farmer organisations led by Tikait have repeatedly raised concerns over minimum support prices (MSP), pending sugarcane dues, crop losses and procurement-related issues. In recent months, Tikait has also participated in protests and agitations demanding better returns and policy support for cultivators. Reiterating the importance of agriculture to the nation's economic and social well-being, Akhilesh Yadav said, When the fields smile, the nation will smile. He said that villages and the country can prosper only when 'annadatas' (farmers) are prosperous. The struggle for farmers' dignity, rights and fair remuneration, he added, forms the real strength of the PDA movement.
Jain Dhyan Mandir to Open in Karwan
Hyderabad's Jain community will inaugurate a meditation shrine featuring all 24 Tirthankaras and Dadaguru at the historic Shri Jain Kushal Dadawadi temple on November 15.
Around 20 People Fall Ill After Eating At Karimnagar Hotel
Around 20 people reportedly developed health problems after eating at a mandi hotel in Karimnagar town on Friday night, with the incident coming to light on Wednesday.
Hyderabad Protest Seeks Release Of Noida Activists
Students and activists stage a protest at Sundarayya Park, demanding the release of workers and activists arrested over the April 2026 labour movement in Noida.
Three Women Injured in Faridabad Car-Ambulance Collision, Villagers Protest
A car collided with an ambulance in Faridabad, injuring three women and sparking a protest from local villagers demanding justice. Three Women Injured in Faridabad Car-Ambulance Collision, Villagers Protest
Sunil Jakhar Accuses AAP of Corruption in Punjab PCS Exam Scandal
Sunil Jakhar criticizes the AAP government over alleged corruption in the Punjab PCS exam results, demanding a CBI investigation. Sunil Jakhar Accuses AAP of Corruption in Punjab PCS Exam Scandal
Suspended police officer jailed for 7 years for torturing wife over dowry
A Satkhira court found Md Rafiqul Islam guilty of assaulting his wife with an iron rod and bricks after demanding Tk 20 lakh, leaving her with a fractured nasal bone
Odisha Celebrates Mandia Diwas 2026: A Milestone for the Nutri-Cereal Economy
The second and concluding day of the 5th edition of Mandia Dibasa (Millet Day) concluded on a high note at the Mayfair Convention in Bhubaneswar, drawing policymakers, agricultural experts, researchers, and progressive farmers from across the region. Organised by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment, Government of Odisha, the two-day convention centred around the [] The post Odisha Celebrates Mandia Diwas 2026: A Milestone for the Nutri-Cereal Economy appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Puri Srimandir Queue Ramp System to Undergo Modifications Before Margasira Launch
The proposed queue ramp system at Puris iconic Srimandir, designed to streamline devotee movement and enable hassle-free darshan, has sparked debate after temple management members highlighted potential design flaws in the newly built structure. The issue was brought to light by Srimandir Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee, who confirmed that certain operational difficulties were noticed during [] The post Puri Srimandir Queue Ramp System to Undergo Modifications Before Margasira Launch appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Acceleration in clean technology needed to ensure decline in world's emissions: Study
Adopting clean energy solutions such as solar, wind, and electric vehicles can play a pivotal role in lowering carbon emissions. The Global Carbon Project highlights a concerning forecast of rising emissions in India that may exceed earlier predictions. While many nations are successfully decreasing fossil fuel emissions, a rapid shift to cleaner energy sources is critical, as our carbon budget is narrowing, demanding immediate action to meet 2028 emission goals.
Best Virtual Machine Software for Mac (2026): Compare Parallels, VMware Fusion, UTM
Macworld Even the most loyal Mac users recognize that Windows still rules the roost in the world of desktop and laptop computers, and there are many important apps that only run on Windows. For example, the Windows version of Microsoft Office includes the Access database that has never been available for the Mac, and there are many professional graphics and video tools that are Windows-only. And, of course, there are all those A-List games that have never even glanced in the direction of us poor, forgotten Mac gamers . If you need to run Windows software or games on your Macs then this article will reveal the best way to do so. Read on to discover the best options for running Windows, and Windows apps, on your Mac. You may also like to read our guide to How to install Windows and run Windows apps on a Mac (M-series models). We also cover how to run Windows on an Intel Mac separately. Best Virtual Machine for Mac 2026: Best VMs to run Windows on a Mac Read on for the best virtual machines for Mac. Our top choice is Parallels, now version 27, but we also consider VMware and alternative options, including emulators that let you run Windows apps on a Mac without even installing Windows to Microsofts Windows 365 service. At a Glance Best VM Comparison Tool Best For Price Apple Silicon Support Parallels Desktop Best overall Paid Yes VMware Fusion Free personal use Free Yes CrossOver Windows apps w/o Windows Paid Yes UTM Best for open-source developers Free/$9.99 Yes 1. Parallels Desktop: Best VM software for Mac Pros Straightforward Windows installation. Excellent integration with Mac apps. Useful tools for development and testing. Improved graphics support for professional software. Cons Most editions require a subscription. Windows licensing costs extra. Version 27 requires Apple silicon. Limited compatibility with modern Windows games. Price When Reviewed: Standard $99.99 annual subscription or $219.99 perpetual license; Pro $119.99 annual subscription; Business $149.99 annual subscription Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Parallels (1 year) $99.99 View Deal Parallels (Perpetual License) $219.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Parallels Desktop remains our top choice for running Windows alongside macOS. It creates a virtual PC on your Mac, letting you use Windows applications without restarting. You can also create Linux and macOS virtual machines for development and testing. Its biggest strength is how comfortably Windows fits into a Mac workflow. Coherence mode hides the Windows desktop, leaving individual Windows apps alongside your Mac apps. You can keep Windows applications in the Dock, share folders, copy and paste between applications, and drag files between operating systems. Parallels can download and install Windows 11 on Arm for you. Youll need a suitable Windows licence, although an eligible existing key may save you buying another. Version 27 supports macOS 27 Golden Gate and drops support for Intel Macs, whose owners must use an earlier release. Its main addition is OpenGL 4.3 support for demanding Windows graphics applications, with full hardware acceleration requiring an M3 or newer Mac running macOS Sequoia or later. Standard suits everyday Windows applications, while Pro offers higher resource limits and additional developer tools. Standard has subscription and one-time purchase options; Pro requires a subscription. Major upgrades are included while a subscription is active. Allow plenty of memory: 16GB or more is recommended. Gaming remains a weakness, with DirectX 11.1 support leaving many DirectX 12 titles out of reach. Use the 14-day trial to check your essential software. For regular Windows work, Parallels ease of use and close Mac integration justify its place ahead of the alternatives. Read our full Parallels Desktop for Mac review 2. VMware Fusion Best free virtual machine Pros Fusion allows you to use it for free if its for personal, home and student use. Cons VMware doesnt update Fusion as regularly as Parallels is updated. Price When Reviewed: Free (personal use); $120 (commercial) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price VMware (Fusion Player, personal use) Free View Deal VMware Fusion Pro (non-commercial use) Free View Deal VMware Desktop Hypervisor Pro $120 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide For many years, VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop competed head-to-head as the leading virtualization software for Mac, with both companies regularly updating their software with new features and performance improvements. In recent years, however, VMware has slowed development, and Fusion no longer receives the same level of attention. In fact, the software has become surprisingly difficult to find on VMwares website since Broadcom acquired the company. Fusion 13, released in November 2022, added support for virtualization on Apple Silicon Macs, allowing M1 and M2 users to run the Arm version of Windows. Like Parallels Desktop, Fusion virtualizes Windows on Arm on Apple silicon Macs. Parallels also offers limited emulation of Intel-based operating systems in its Pro, Business and Enterprise editions, but performance is slow and significant restrictions apply. Subsequent updates addressed some of these shortcomings. Fusion 13.5, released in October 2023, introduced DirectX 11 support for improved graphics performance and added a Get Windows option that simplified downloading and installing Windows 11 on Arm. Version 13.6 followed in September 2024 with vmcli command-line support and compatibility with newer guest operating systems, although the pace of development still lagged behind Parallels. One of Fusions biggest advantages is its price. VMware first introduced a free personal edition with Fusion Player in 2020, but it now offers the full-featured Fusion Pro free for personal, home and student use. After creating a VMware account, users can download the software without paying a licence fee, making it one of the best-value virtualization solutions available. Like Parallels, Fusion creates a virtual machine that lets you run Windows, Linux and other operating systems alongside macOS without rebooting. It supports Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, allows users to customise CPU and memory allocation, create snapshots, drag and drop files between operating systems and accelerate graphics using DirectX 11. However, Fusion no longer matches Parallels for ease of use. Downloading the software still involves navigating Broadcoms confusing website, and while the Get Windows feature has simplified installation, the overall setup process remains more technical than Parallels. Fusion has also dropped its Unity mode, which previously integrated Windows applications directly into the macOS desktop, and it still lacks DirectX 12 support, limiting compatibility with many modern games. Although VMware Fusion has fallen behind its main rival in polish and new features, its strong performance and free personal licence make it an excellent choice for developers, IT professionals, students and home users who occasionally need to run Windows on a Mac. Users looking for the smoothest, most beginner-friendly experience, however, will still find Parallels Desktop the better all-round option. Youll need to register for a VMware account, but Fusion Pro is free to download here . Read our full VMware Fusion review 3. UTM Virtual Machines: Best open-source VM/emulation Pros Affordable/free option for running Windows on Mac Runs on Intel and Apple Silicon Runs older versions of Windows and Linux Cons More complex than its rivals No tech-support Price When Reviewed: $9.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Mac App Store $9.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide UTM Virtual Machines from Turing Software is currently sitting at no.1 on the Business section of the Mac App Store . It costs $9.99/9.99 on the Mac App Store, but, because UTM is an open-source project, theres also a free versionsimply called UTMavailable on the Turing website . UTM can run on Macs with either Intel or Apple Silicon processors (running macOS Big Sur 11.3 or later). It provides two different options depending on the type of Mac youre usingvirtualization and emulation. So, if you have an Intel Mac, UTM can use virtualization to create a virtual machine that runs the Intel version of Windows. And, if you have a Mac with Apple Silicon you can use virtualization to create a virtual machine that runs Windows On Arm. But, if you want to run the older Intel version of Windows on a Mac with Apple Silicon, then UTM will use emulation in order to run Window since that version isnt designed for the Mac processors. Virtualization provides better performance, but emulation is useful if you need to run Windows apps or software that require a specific version of Windows. UTMs combination of virtualization and emulation makes it useful for running different operating systems and processor architectures. Parallels also offers limited x86 emulation, but its main strength is running Arm-based virtual machines on Apple silicon. UTM requires more technical knowledge: expect to work with installation images and configure settings yourself, with less guidance than Parallels provides. Performance is good, though. The one weakness is that UTM offers experimental Windows 11 3D graphics acceleration, although game compatibility is limited and instability is possible. But if you just want to run business apps or check out the new AI features in Windows, then UTM is a good, low-cost option that will appeal to developers and technical users. Read our full UTM Virtual Machines review 4. CodeWeavers CrossOver: Best for running Windows apps without Windows Pros 14-day trial Doesnt require a full version of Windows Improved interface and ease of use Regular updates, good technical support Cons Some Windows apps arent compatible Can be complicated to use Requires Rosetta on Apple Silicon Price When Reviewed: $59.95 for a year, $494 for life Best Prices Today: Retailer Price CodeWeavers $74 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide CrossOver is one of the easiest ways to run Windows software on a Mac without buying or installing Windows itself. Built on the open-source WINE compatibility layer, it translates Windows API calls into macOS equivalents, allowing many Windows apps and games to run natively rather than through a virtual machine. Unlike Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion, CrossOver doesnt require a Windows licence, making it a lighter and more affordable option. CodeWeavers has also added a polished interface, technical support and installation tools that make it far easier to use than WINE itself. CrossOvers biggest strength is gaming. Apples Game Porting Toolkit is based on CodeWeavers technology, and regular updates continue to improve compatibility with popular titles. Recent releases have added or enhanced support for games including Diablo IV, Path of Exile 2, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, The Outer Worlds 2 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It also handles many productivity applications and older Windows programs surprisingly well. Compatibility is still its biggest limitation. Some applications work flawlessly, others have minor glitches, and some wont run at all. Fortunately, CodeWeavers provides an online compatibility database, and the generous 14-day free trial lets you test your essential software before buying. Performance on Apple Silicon Macs remains good despite the current version relying on Apples Rosetta translation layer. That should improve significantly with CrossOver 27, expected in early 2027, which will run natively on Apple Silicon as Apple will retire Rosetta. The trade-off is that CrossOver 27 will drop support for Intel-based Macs, although existing users can continue using older versions. CrossOver 26 and its subsequent 26.1 and 26.3 updates have focused on performance improvements, Wine 11.0, better graphics support through D3DMetal 3.0, interface refinements for macOS Tahoe, bug fixes and expanded game compatibility. At $74/60 for a a licence including one year of updates and support (or $494/414 for a lifetime licence), CrossOver isnt free, but its still considerably cheaper than buying Windows and virtualisation software. CrossOver isnt perfect, but if you want to run Windows software or games on a Mac without installing Windows, its one of the best and most convenient solutions available. Read our full CrossOver for Mac review 5. Windows 365 Cloud PC Best cloud Windows PC Pros Can run Windows on your Mac and also your iPad or iPhone. Cons Needs a fast and always on Internet connection. Expensive. Price When Reviewed: $31 $66 per month Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $31 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Windows 365 (which launched in July 2021) has the potential to really challenge traditional virtualization programs such as Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion. However, at the moment, Windows 365 is still pretty expensive and is very much aimed at large corporate users, rather than the individuals and smaller businesses that tend to use Parallels and Fusion. Microsoft describes Windows 365 as a Cloud PC, but its technical notes make it clear that Windows 365 is a form of virtual machine. The difference is that Parallels and Fusion create virtual machines that are stored locally on your Mac itself, and these virtual machines rely on your Macs own processor power, memory and storage to run Windows and Windows apps. In contrast, Windows 365 creates a virtual machine that is stored up in the cloud, and runs on Microsofts own servers. The video image for the Windows desktop on your cloud PC is then streamed to your Mac or any other device, such as an iPad or even another Windows PC via your broadband connection. This form of virtual machine can work well, as long as you have a fast enough and always-on Internet connection. But, as mentioned, Windows 365 is quite expensive, with prices ranging from $31/26.40 to $66/56.20 per month. Parallels Desktop Standard offers annual subscription and one-time purchase options, although Windows licensing is separate. Windows 365 certainly has appeal to larger businesses that want to provide a standardized cloud PC that their staff can connect to from any location that has an Internet connection its ideal for hybrid working and the new normal. However, its too expensive for ordinary home users, students and smaller businesses, so existing users of Parallels and Fusion will probably want to stick with those apps for the time being. Read more here: How to use Windows 365 on Mac, iPad and iPhone. 6. Wine: Free, but complex Pros Free. Cons Not really for beginners. Price When Reviewed: Free Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Wine Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide As we mentioned above, the third technology option after Boot Camp and virtualization is Wine , which allows you to run Windows apps without Windows itself. If you dont mind rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands a bit dirty, then Wine is an unusual but feasible option for running Windows software on your Mac. Like VirtualBox, Wine is an open-source program that you can download for free. However, it doesnt use conventional virtualization technology to create a virtual machine for installing Windows in fact, Wine is the only program in this group that doesnt even require a copy of Windows at all. Instead, Wine acts as a kind of software middleman that translates the programming routines called APIs in Windows apps so that they can talk directly to macOS, without needing a full copy of Windows itself. And as you dont need a lot of extra memory or processor power in order to run Windows, you may find that Wine can actually provide better performance than using a virtual machine (especially for games and graphics apps). Wine also gets very regular updates from a team of dedicated developers who provide the software for free. The downside is that Wine can be spectacularly confusing for beginners to the point where we can only really recommend it to hobbyists who like a bit of a challenge. CodeWeavers CrossOver for Mac is a little easier to use than Wine, despite being closely related to the software. But of course Wine is free, which is a big bonus. 7. VirtualBox: Free, but not easy Pros Free for personal/educational use. Cons Very complicated, not for beginners Price When Reviewed: Free (personal/education); $61 per user (Enterprise Edition minimum 100 users) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Oracle Free View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide This open-source virtualization program is free for personal use but its more at home in a corporate environment. VirtualBox is a bit of a mixed bag. Like Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion, it allows you to create a virtual machine that can run Windows and Windows apps from within macOS itself. Youll need to purchase a Windows license for installation and a special version of Windows, Windows On ARM, for Apple Silicon Macs. If you want it for personal or educational use then VirtualBox is free. The disadvantage of open-source software is that VirtualBox isnt as polished or easy to use as Parallels or Fusion. As the program is free, you also dont get any technical support and the 200-page manual is designed for IT managers and developers, making even simple tasks like changing the virtual machine window resolution baffling. Luckily there is a busy user forum where you can ask a few questions when you need to. Which is a good thing because VirtualBox throws a lot of jargon at you and if you dont know the difference between a virtual hard disk and a virtual machine disk then you might find it a bit tricky to get started. Version 7.1 did introduce a new StartUp Wizard to simplify the setup process with separate Basic and Expert modes. However, this only partially addresses the programs complex interface, and creating a Windows VM from a Windows 11 On ARM disk image on our M2 MacBook Pro took several attempts. Version 7.1 also added support for Apple Silicon (aka M-series Macs). The support for Apple Silicon is limited though. VirtualBox can run Windows VMs in its own window or in Seamless mode, where individual Windows apps run as native Mac apps. However, we found apps in Seamless mode sometimes move around on the screen, leaving odd graphical after-images. We also experienced occasional crashes when shutting down the Windows VM. VirtualBoxs base package is free for personal, educational and commercial use. Businesses only need a paid commercial licence if they use the optional Oracle Extension Pack, which adds extra features. Oracle also offers paid enterprise support. Read our full VirtualBox review 8. Apple Boot Camp: Intel only Pros Windows can run at full speed because its not being run at the same time as macOS. Cons Intel only. Absent from M-series Macs. You cant run Windows and macOS at the same time. No official Windows 11 support. Price When Reviewed: Free; preinstalled on macOS Using dual-boot rather than virtualization technology, Boot Camp provides the best performance for Intel-based Macs that need to run Windows. (As we explained above, M1 or later Macs do not offer Boot Camp). However, Apple officially supports Windows 10 through Boot Camp, and standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Continued security updates require enrolment in Microsofts Extended Security Updates programme or another applicable support arrangement. Its important to make a distinction between Boot Camp and the virtualization programs that we look at here, such as Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion and VirtualBox. Instead of creating a virtual machine that allows you to run Mac and Windows apps together at the same time, Boot Camp is a dual-boot system that simply allows you to boot (start) your Mac using either the native macOS or Windows (but not both at the same time). Thanks to Boot Camp your Mac can act as a straightforward Windows PC, and devote all its processor power and memory to running Windows and your Windows apps. And, crucially, if your Mac has a decent graphics card, it can use the full power of the graphics card to help run your Windows software. Thats definitely the best option for people who need to run high-end graphics software or 3D games, as you get much better performance than when running Windows in a virtual machine. The disadvantage of using Boot Camp is that you lose access to all your Mac apps while youre running Windows. If you use Apple Mail for your emails then youll need to shut down Windows and Boot Camp, and switch back to macOS every time you want to send or receive an email. And, if truth be told, the current version of BootCamp 6.1 isnt quite as straightforward to set up as it used to be. Previous versions of Boot Camp did all the work for you they would partition your hard drive, install Windows from a normal installer disk, and also install any driver software that you needed so that components such as your graphics card, keyboard and mouse all worked properly within Windows. Boot Camp does not officially support Windows 11. Running Windows 11 in a virtual machine is a separate option: Parallels Desktop 27 requires Apple silicon, while Intel Mac owners need an earlier compatible release, such as Parallels Desktop 26. You cant install Windows from an old installer disk anymore either, so youll either have to download a disk image file for Windows called an ISO file from Microsofts own website, or use your Windows disk to create one. Boot Camp includes driver software for setting up Windows 8 and Windows 10, but if youre a fan of Windows 7 (which some people prefer for gaming) then youll have to hunt around on Apples website for the drivers you need and make sure you follow the correct procedure when copying them on to your Boot Camp partition. Still, if you persevere with all that, you will eventually have Windows running at full speed on your Mac, giving you access to a wide range of Windows software and games that require more power and speed than you can get from using virtual machine technology. Just as long as you dont have an M1 Mac For more advice about accessories and software for your Mac, iPad or iPhone see all our Best Picks . How to run Windows on Mac: Apple Silicon vs Intel If you are still using an Intel-based Mac you can use Apples Boot Camp to run Windows. However, in 2020 Apple started using its own processors that are based on Arm architecture rather than the x86 architecture used by Intel. Now every Mac Apple sells has an Apple-made M-series processor. Boot Camp is not available on M-series Macs. That doesnt mean that M-series Macs can no longer run Windows, it just means they cant use Boot Camp and they need the Arm version of Windows. If you want to run Windows on an M-series Mac. You can choose from virtualization options like Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion, or compatibility layers like CrossOver and Wine, and even Microsofts Windows 365 service. You can read about all of these choices in our group test below as well as our individual reviews. Our top choice is Parallels Desktop , but all the others have some benefits that may suit you. For example, CrossOver doesnt actually need a copy of Windows to run Windows apps, and there are even free options like Wine . What are Apples Virtualization.framework tools? Apples Virtualization.framework is a native macOS framework introduced by Apple that lets developers create and manage virtual machines without relying on third-party hypervisors like Parallels or VMware. Unlike Parallels Desktop, its not an end-user application. Instead, its a set of APIs that developers use to build virtualization software. VirtualBuddy, a free open-source app for running macOS and Linux VMs is built on Apples Virtualization.framework. Other similar options include Tart and OrbStack. These tools are aimed at developers rather than consumers. Virtualization.framework offers some advantages that developers appreciate, including: Native support from Apple. Lower resource overhead. Integration with macOS security features However, there are limitations compared to running Parallels and other apps. FAQ 1. What is a Virtual Machine? Virtualization programs such as Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion run on the macOS, but allow you to create a Virtual Machine (or VM) that mimics the hardware of a Windows PC. This makes it possible to create a VM on your Mac and then install Windows or another operating system, such as Linux on the VM. This is a great solution as it allows you to run the Windows apps that you need right alongside your main Mac apps as well. The only disadvantage is that you need a pretty fast Mac with plenty of memory and storage to run Windows as a VM, since it means that your Mac is effectively running two operating systems at the same time. 2. What is emulation? Emulation is a process that allows individual Windows applications to run on a Mac without the need for the Windows operating system to be installed. This is achieved through emulation tools, such as Wine and CrossOver, which are typically used by technically proficient users. 3. Do I need a Windows license? It depends on which of those two methods you are using. If you are running Windows in a VM then you need a license in order to create a Windows VM on Macs with Apple Silicon processors, and, unfortunately, the less expensive Home edition isnt supported. However, it is possible to use an existing Windows license if you have one and Microsoft doesnt differentiate between Windows On Intel and Windows On Arm, see Parallels website here . If you are using emulation you wont need a copy of Windows. 4. How can I get the Arm version of Windows Parallels Desktop can download and install Windows 11 on Arm for your Apple silicon Mac. In Parallels Control Center, click +, choose Get Windows 11 from Microsoft, then follow the installation prompts. Once Windows is installed, open Settings > System > Activation to activate it with an eligible existing Windows 11 Pro key or purchase a licence. Windows licensing is separate from Parallels. You dont need a special Arm product key, but each Windows installation needs its own valid licence. Read our full Parallels Desktop review for more information. 5. How do I run the X86 version of Windows on a Mac On Apple silicon Macs, the usual approach is to run Windows 11 on Arm, which can run many applications originally written for Intel PCs. If you need an entire Intel-based Windows environment, Parallels offers an x86 emulator in its Pro, Business and Enterprise editions. Introduced in version 20.2, it has substantial limitations, including slow performance, a single virtual CPU, an 8GB memory limit and no sound or USB support. UTM is another emulation option. Intel Mac owners need virtualization software compatible with their hardware. Parallels Desktop 27 requires Apple silicon; version 26 remains an option for supported Intel Macs. 6. Can I run Windows 11 on a Mac using VM software? You can run Windows 11 on a Mac using virtual machine (VM) software. This method allows you to run Windows and its applications alongside macOS without needing to reboot your computer. If your Mac has an M-series chip it use ARM-based processors and requires the ARM version of Windows 11, officially called Windows on ARM (WoA) or Windows 11 Arm64. You cannot run the standard Intel (x86) version of Windows on these Macs through virtualization without significant performance loss via emulation. A popular solution for accessing Windows-exclusive software, games, or development tools on a Mac is to create a virtual machine on your Mac, which is software that simulates the hardware of a PC. You can then install Windows 11 on this VM. To run Windows 11 in a VM, your Mac needs to be powerful enough to run two operating systems simultaneously. This means having sufficient memory (RAM), storage space, and processor power. a machine with at least 16GB of RAM is recommended for a smooth experience. 7. Which Virtual Machine app is best for developers? Parallels Desktop remains our leading choice for developers who want straightforward setup, close macOS integration and flexible virtual-machine controls. Pro adds higher resource limits, command-line management and advanced networking tools. Version 27 requires Apple silicon. Check your workflow before buying: nested virtualization, Hyper-V and WSL2 are unavailable in its Windows environment on Apple silicon. UTM and VMware Fusion are alternatives worth considering, particularly if cost or support for other operating systems and architectures matters more than ease of use.
Franchises secure top international, Indian riders at ISRL season 3 auction
Digital Desk | Pune, Nov 11 (IANS) Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 3 Riders Auction saw intense bidding wars as fresh faces entered the league with franchises securing top international and Indian riders across categories with overall purse valued at cross Rs 4.5 crores. Riders from Australia, Europe, the USA, Indonesia, Japan, and the South Asian circuit dominated proceedings, keeping team owners on their toes and cementing ISRLs position as the fastest-growing motorsport property in the country. France, USA, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia led the charge at the auction, commanding top bids with 13 riders being selected across teams. Luke Clout commanded the auctions top price at Rs 21,46,000, making him the most sought-after rider of the night. Rugved Barguje stole the spotlight for the local contingent, drawing Rs 6,50,000 contract, one of the highest ever for an Indian in ISRL season 3 auction. Indewheelers Motorsports have retained their Season 2 riders, Frances Calvin Fonvieille in the 250cc International category and Thailands Witsarut Salangam in the 250cc India & Asia Mix category, for Season 3. The four categories for Season 3 are 450cc International, 250cc International, 250cc India Asia Mix and 250cc Group A Foreign Bikes Only Indian Futures. ISRL Season 3 will continue to provide opportunities for domestic talent, with 30 Indian riders registered in Indian Futures as well as 250cc India Asia Mix categories. The new Indian Futures category, in particular, will provide a dedicated platform for emerging Indian riders to develop in an international-level competition. ISRL is not just building a racing league, we are creating a new sports economy for India where athletes, teams, brands, and fans all converge. The Season 3 auction has shown the world that India is ready to back motorsport at scale, and this is just the beginning of our global journey, said Eeshan Lokhande, ISRL Director.
Rampur Indian single malt unveils natural brand positioning, 43 | 2 - born in natures frequency'
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 11 (IANS) Rampur Indian Single Malt, the globally acclaimed Indian single malt from Radico Khaitan Limited, has unveiled 43 | 2 Born in Natures Frequency, a new brand positioning built on the two temperature extremes of its home in the Himalayan foothills, 43C in summer and 2C in winter. This seasonal swing, which expands and contracts the oak cask year after year, shapes the character of the whisky. As Rampur completes its first decade, it now becomes the signature of the brand. The influence of this climate is also the subject of international scientific research. Rampur Distillery has been selected to represent Asia in The 8 Continent Series, a six-month study examining how geographical and climatic conditions influence the maturation, chemistry and flavour of single malt whisky. Led by Brazilian food scientist Aline Bortoletto and her team at INOVBEV, the study brings together eight single malts from different continents, including one matured in Antarctica, and will use chemical analysis, sensory evaluation and statistical modelling to understand the influence of climate on whisky. Rampur is the only Indian whisky in the study, bringing the conditions of the Himalayan foothills into a global conversation on whisky maturation. Since its launch in 2016, Rampur has built its identity around the character imparted by its place of origin. The natural positioning brings this provenance into sharper focus. The campaign line, Born in Natures Frequency, connects the rhythm of the natural world with the maturation process. Heat expands the cask, cold contracts it, and the spirit gradually develops its character. Read together, 43 and 2 form 432, which now serves as Rampurs numerical signature. The platform makes visible a process that is largely unseen, giving consumers a new way to understand the relationship between Rampurs provenance and the whisky in the glass. Kunal Madan, Chief Marketing Officer, Radico Khaitan Limited, said, Over the past decade, Rampur has established a distinct identity in the world of Indian single malts, earning recognition internationally while remaining deeply connected to its place of origin. In a climate as demanding as ours, the cask works through every season, and we wanted a platform that places this truth at the heart of the brand. 43 | 2 Born in Natures Frequency brings together the climate, the craft and the character of the whisky. The number 432 also carries cultural and symbolic associations with harmony, balance and the rhythm of nature, offering us a creative lens to tell a more expansive story about our origins and craft. As Rampur enters its second decade, this platform will anchor how the brand speaks to consumers across markets. The natural positioning builds on Rampurs growing international recognition. In Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2026, nine expressions from the Rampur portfolio were featured with an average score of 91.9 points, a further marker of the brands standing among global whisky connoisseurs. Rampur has also strengthened its presence in international travel retail, becoming the first Indian single malt to be presented across four major UK airports at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. The campaign is being rolled out across on-trade and retail touchpoints, including in-outlet branding, point-of-sale material and consumer experiences, to create a consistent expression of the platform wherever consumers encounter Rampur. It is complemented by digital storytelling featuring actor Mihir Ahuja, known for his role in Netflixs Operation Safed Sagar, which brings the idea of 43 | 2 to a wider audience in a contemporary and accessible format. The announcement comes as Radico Khaitan continues to strengthen its premium and luxury portfolio. The Companys Prestige & Above segment recorded 35.8 per cent volume growth in Q1 FY2027, reaching 5.28 million cases and contributing 74 per cent of its IMFL value sales. The Company has outlined an ambition to grow its luxury and semi-luxury portfolio by approximately 25 per cent in FY2027. As Rampur enters its second decade, 43 | 2 - Born in Natures Frequency establishes a long-term platform for the brand across markets and consumer touchpoints. It returns the story to the forces that shape the whisky. The land, the changing seasons, the oak and the passage of time. Nature composed it. Oak held every note.
Gemini 4 Carbon Now Available to Developers and Google AI Ultra Subscribers
Google announced the rollout of Gemini 4 Carbon on Tuesday. Following its release last month, the Mountain View-based tech giant is expanding access to developers and enterprises through paid plans. Meanwhile, Google AI Ultra subscribers can also use it across select products, including the Gemini app and AI Mode in Search. Compared to Gemini 4 Argon, Carbon is claimed to be capable of handling more demanding, multi-step tasks by spending more time reasoning and verifying its output.
'You Show Rahul's Pic With George Soros': Sam Pitroda Rubbishes BJP's 'Foreign Hand' Claims
Indian Overseas Congress Chairman Sam Pitroda dismissed BJPs allegations of foreign interference in the INDIA bloc, calling the foreign hand theory a political bogey. He defended Rahul Gandhis overseas visits, stating that his interactions with the Indian diaspora and global experts focus on democracy, technology and economic issues. Pitroda also questioned the Election Commissions transparency over EVMs and voter turnout data, demanding greater accountability. Supporting Gandhis call for an unscripted debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he raised concerns over unemployment, caste census and farmers MSP.
DMK Protests in Thuraiyur, Demands Action Against Deputy Speaker Ravi Shankar
The DMK staged a protest in Tiruchirappalli demanding action against Deputy Speaker Ravi Shankar over allegations that he assaulted a TVK member seeking civic amenities
Students protest at midnight, demand case against agri varsity VC
Hyderabad: Students of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University staged a protest at midnight in Rajendranagar, demanding that police register a case against Vice-Chancellor (VC) Aldas Janaiah, who has been accused of sexual harassment by an assistant professor. The protesters alleged that police did not even issue an acknowledgment receipt after the complainant submitted her 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 .
'Babar premis will be punished': BJP targets TMC's Kirti Azad over Ram Mandir remarks
Only the second time in 149 years! Pakistan script history in Sri Lanka Test
Pakistan's Test team achieved a significant milestone with three debutants scoring half-centuries in the first innings. Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, and Arafat Minhas all made impressive contributions while helping the team build a commanding total. Saqib Khan also made his mark by taking two early wickets, strengthening Pakistan's bowling attack. Sri Lanka struggled initially, but an unbeaten partnership offers them some hope.
'If Akhilesh comes to power, he will have namaz offered in Ram Mandir': UP minister
Russian Paraglider rescued from high-tension power lines in Himachal's Mandi
Puri Administration Begins Barricade Work on Bada Danda Ahead of Panchuka Brata at Srimandir
The Puri district administration has commenced construction of an extensive barricade network along Grand Road (Bada Danda) in preparation for the holy Panchuka Brata, the sacred final five days of the auspicious month of Kartik, set to begin on 21 November 2026. With hundreds of thousands of devotees expected to congregate at the 12th-century Shree [] The post Puri Administration Begins Barricade Work on Bada Danda Ahead of Panchuka Brata at Srimandir appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Total Chess: Women vs elite GMs? Vaishali answers with wins over So, Niemann
India's Vaishali Rameshbabu made an early statement at the inaugural Total Chess tournament in Budapest, defeating in-form Wesley So and Hans Niemann in the nine-round blitz event. One of only two women in the 24-player field, Vaishali offered an emphatic answer to questions about women competing against elite grandmasters, ahead of the demanding group stage.
BJP Leader Alleges Land Jihad in Mumbais Antop Hill Over Occupied Flats
Kirit Somaiya claims Bangladeshi infiltrators have taken over 110 MHADA flats in Antop Hill, demanding an investigation into the allegations. BJP Leader Alleges Land Jihad in Mumbais Antop Hill Over Occupied Flats
Sakina Itoo backs demand for age relaxation in J&K Bank recruitment, seeks 40-year upper limit
Srinagar, Nov 11: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Masood Itoo on Wednesday supported the demand for age relaxation in Jammu and Kashmir Bank recruitment, urging the bank authorities to raise the upper age limit to 40 years to provide a fair opportunity to aspirants who have lost valuable years waiting for recruitment. In a post on X, the minister as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said thousands of aspirants had spent years waiting for recruitment opportunities and should not be penalised for delays beyond their control. Dreams shouldnt have an expiry date! Thousands of J&K Bank aspirants have lost precious years waiting for recruitment opportunities. They must not be punished for delays beyond their control, she said. Appealing to the bank authorities, minister Ittoo said the upper age limit should be extended to 40 years to ensure that eligible candidates get an opportunity to compete. Give our youth a fair chance. Their future cannot wait, she added. Her statement comes amid growing demands from job aspirants and political representatives for relaxation in the age criteria prescribed under the bank's latest recruitment notification. The bank has advertised 1,356 vacancies, including 323 Probationary Officer posts and 1,033 Banking Associate posts. The upper age limit for candidates belonging to the Open Merit category has been fixed at 30 years, with applicable relaxations for reserved categories. Aspirants have been seeking an increase in the upper age limit, arguing that the prolonged gap between recruitment cycles has rendered several candidates ineligible despite years of preparation. The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association has also sought the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, demanding that the upper age limit be extended to 40 years. Minister Ittoo is the first minister in the Omar Abdullah-led Council of Ministers to publicly support the demand for age relaxation in the ongoing J&K Bank recruitment process.
PT Usha takes IOA election battle to IOC, seeks probe into alleged violations
Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association, has raised serious concerns over the SOM elections, demanding an independent inquiry from IOC president Kirsty Coventry due to alleged irregularities. In a confidential complaint, she detailed accusations of unethical campaigning and potential governmental interference.
Digital Desk | Washington, Nov 11 (IANS) Two newly elected Indian-American lawmakers have secured hard-fought victories in US Congressional races and are preparing to enter the House of Representatives, a development Congresswoman Grace Meng says reflects the community's growing place in American political life. In an exclusive interview with IANS, the New York Democrat welcomed the election of Pia Dandiya and Dr Amish Shah, saying their victories came after difficult contests in which Republicans had invested heavily. Meng said she had been in contact with both candidates throughout their campaigns and had met them in Washington as they attended orientation for incoming members of Congress. There was a lot of money put against them, she said, referring to Republican campaign efforts. Not only did they win historic races, she said, adding that hey flipped seats from the Republican Party to the Democrats. Her comments underlined the significance she attached to the candidates' success beyond their individual victories. Both will arrive on Capitol Hill as members of a new Congress in which Democrats expect to hold the majority. Meng said the candidates had faced difficult races, rather than straightforward contests, and highlighted both their personal accomplishments and the challenges of securing a place in Congress. Describing their credentials, she said hey are accomplished people in their own right and noted that they were now entering Congress. The Congresswoman said she had followed their campaigns closely and remained in contact with them as they moved towards taking office. I saw them again this morning, she said, recalling her meeting with the incoming lawmakers in Washington. She compared the orientation process to the start of a new school, as newly elected representatives learn their way around Congress and prepare for the responsibilities ahead. Meng said the newcomers were settling in well. The victories, she suggested, were part of a broader change in the visibility and participation of Indian Americans in the United States. But it just shows that the Indian American community is becoming more and more a part of the fabric of our American society, she said. Meng said elected representatives from the community would work on a broad range of national issues, rather than issues affecting Indian Americans alone. Her remarks placed the two newcomers in a wider picture of political participation, from campaigns and legislative work to representation at the highest levels of government. She pointed to the political prominence of former Vice President Kamala Harris, whose mother was from India, as an example of Indian-American participation in senior public office. Indian Americans have made great strides, she said. Asked what Democratic control of Congress could mean for the community, Meng expressed hope that lawmakers would find common ground and help Indian Americans feel included. The Congresswoman did not outline an agenda for either new representative. Instead, she emphasised that both had earned their places through demanding contests and would now join colleagues working on legislation across a range of subjects. The two incoming representatives won different kinds of contests on November 3. Shah, a physician and former Arizona state legislator, defeated Republican Jay Feely in Arizona's 1st Congressional District, a seat previously held by Republican David Schweikert, who did not seek re-election. Dandiya, a former school principal, defeated Republican Casey Askar in Florida's 22nd Congressional District.
There is a particular indignity in being asked to perform the work of an academic while being treated as though one merely occupies a temporary space in an institution. In Jammu and Kashmirs government colleges, lecturers engaged in Academic Arrangement teach, prepare students, evaluate their work and sustain the intellectual life of the institution. Yet the terms of engagement communicate another message: their labour is necessary, but their professional existence is provisional. This is not an administrative inconvenience. It is a structural feature of a system that has normalised the use of academic labour without accepting the obligations that should accompany it. I write not as a distant observer, but as someone working as a lecturer on Academic Arrangement. Inside the classroom, one is expected to command a subject, exercise judgement, guide students and carry the authority of a teacher. Outside it, one is reminded that this authority rests on an engagement that may end with the academic session, that continuity is uncertain and that the institution can require ones labour without offering the security ordinarily associated with a professional appointment. The lecturer is thus made academically present and institutionally absent: visible when work must be done, precarious when rights and recognition are discussed. The official language is revealing. Government Order No. 137-JK(HE) of 2024 provides for need-based engagement, limits appointments to a maximum of one academic session and confers no right to continuation in a subsequent session. The arrangement responds to teaching requirements arising from staff shortages, new subjects and changing enrolment. The official portal continues to advertise engagements for 2026-27 under this framework. But this distinction cannot become a moral alibi for indefinite dependence on insecure labour. A temporary mechanism may be defensible as an exceptional measure. When it becomes a recurring instrument for organising essential teaching, its temporariness begins to look less like an exception and more like a governing principle. The problem, therefore, is not simply that the engagement is contractual. Contractualisation has become a way of separating responsibility from necessity. The institution needs the lecturer sufficiently to entrust them with students and syllabi, but not sufficiently to guarantee a stable professional life. The work is continuous in its consequences, even when the contract is discontinuous in its terms. The institution, however, treats the person performing this work as replaceable at the end of an engagement period. The contradiction between educational continuity and employment discontinuity is borne by teachers and students. The financial terms sharpen this contradiction. Academic Arrangement faculty in government degree colleges have been reported as receiving Rs 28,000 per month, while seeking improved remuneration and year-round financial security. This figure is not merely arithmetic; it is a statement about how academic labour is valued. Many of these teachers possess PhDs and qualifications such as NET, SET or JRF. They have spent years acquiring specialised knowledge, conducting research and meeting the formal requirements through which academic competence is certified. Their advanced academic qualifications make it difficult to defend a remuneration structure that treats such preparation as though it carries little institutional value. A college cannot invoke merit when selecting its teachers and then behave as though the merit it has selected is worth only a subsistence honorarium. I sometimes use a deliberately uncomfortable comparison to describe this condition. We are treated, I say sarcastically, no better than labourers who migrate from Bihar in search of work and are paid wages for the labour they perform. The only difference, in my formulation, is that they may be offered Navla and Kuber by those who employ them, while lecturers on Academic Arrangement are not even extended that elementary gesture by college authorities. The comparison exposes a hierarchy in which academic prestige conceals an increasingly ordinary extraction of labour: work is demanded, the worker is replaceable, and dignity is incidental. It is a bitter joke because it describes a condition that should have no place in an institution devoted to education. The deeper issue is the distinction between professional function and institutional status. A lecturer may be entrusted with classroom responsibilities similar to those of a regular colleague, yet remain outside the security, benefits and recognition attached to regular service. This produces a second-class academic existence. Precarity becomes especially humiliating when accompanied by demands for complete professional commitment. The teacher is asked to behave as a permanent member of the academic community while being reminded that the institution assumes no comparable permanence towards them. There is a philosophical question here that cannot be reduced to higher wages: what does an institution owe to those whose labour makes its stated purpose possible? It is a public institution entrusted with the formation of judgement, the transmission of knowledge and the preparation of citizens. Its ethical character is revealed not only in what it teaches students, but also in how it treats those who teach them. An institution that speaks of dignity, equality and opportunity while organising its workforce through chronic insecurity creates a contradiction between its educational message and its employment practices. It teaches equality as an idea while practising hierarchy as an arrangement. The defence that Academic Arrangement is need-based must also be examined. Need is not accidental when the same institutions repeatedly require teachers to conduct classes. If a subject needs a lecturer year after year, the requirement is no longer adequately described as a passing contingency. The state must explain why recurring academic requirements are met through annually renewed insecurity rather than timely recruitment and a credible staffing policy. Otherwise, need becomes a convenient device: permanent enough to justify extracting labour, but temporary whenever responsibility is raised. This is not an argument for bypassing the Public Service Commission, weakening merit or demanding automatic regularisation. Public recruitment must remain fair, transparent and constitutionally defensible. Yet the integrity of regular recruitment does not require the degradation of those engaged temporarily. Between automatic regularisation and indefinite precarity lie principled measures: predictable engagement periods, fair and periodically revised remuneration, payment for the full period of work required, social security protections, transparent renewal criteria and a time-bound recruitment calendar. Temporary employment must not become a permanent substitute for institutional planning. The government has acknowledged that remuneration enhancement is under consideration, including examination of parity with similarly situated faculty elsewhere, although the matter has encountered financial scrutiny. Acknowledgement, however, is not reform. Administrative consideration is meaningful only when it produces a decision, a timeline and an assessable outcome. The language of examination, concurrence and financial implications cannot become an indefinite postponement of a question concerning livelihood and professional dignity. College administrations, too, must recognise that contractual status does not cancel professional personhood. Academic Arrangement lecturers should not be treated as peripheral hands summoned to fill a timetable and forgotten once the immediate requirement is met. Respect cannot depend solely on the courtesy of an individual principal; it must be embedded in institutional practice. Nor should teachers remain silent about unequal treatment out of fear that speaking may jeopardise future engagement. A system that makes professional speech risky undermines the intellectual independence higher education is supposed to cultivate. There is also a cost to students that rarely enters the calculation. A teacher preoccupied with whether an appointment will continue, how long the next income gap will last or whether a family can be sustained on the available remuneration carries an avoidable burden alongside the demands of teaching. Many continue to teach with seriousness and dedication. But dedication should not become an institutional resource used to compensate for the absence of decent employment conditions. The moral worth of a teachers commitment cannot be measured by how much insecurity that teacher is willing to endure. Jammu and Kashmirs higher education system cannot credibly speak of quality, innovation and educational transformation while leaving a substantial part of its teaching workforce in permanent uncertainty. The question is not whether every academic engagement must be permanent. It is whether a public institution can repeatedly depend on skilled teachers while refusing to treat their livelihood and professional standing as institutional concerns. Academic labour is not an expendable input; it is the human foundation of education. To reduce those who perform it to a category of second-class academics is to diminish the institution itself. The demand, then, is not for privilege. It is for coherence between the public purpose of higher education and the conditions under which that purpose is realised. A lecturer who teaches, evaluates and guides students is doing academic work, irrespective of the label attached to the appointment. The state may distinguish between modes of recruitment; it cannot use that distinction to deny the value of labour it has chosen to employ. If Academic Arrangement is genuinely temporary, it must remain temporary in duration and exceptional in use. If it has become indispensable to the ordinary functioning of colleges, the state must confront that reality through a just and credible policy. The measure of a higher education system is not only the knowledge it claims to produce, but the dignity it affords those entrusted with producing it. Dr Zahid Sultan, Independent researcher based in Srinagar, India.
BJP delegation meets CM Omar, demandsRs 15 lakh relief for each Jammu fire-hit shop
Jammu, Nov 10:A delegation of BJP legislators, led by Lok Sabha MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, met the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and sought immediate financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh per affected shop or godown ravaged by recent devastating fire incidents in Ware House, Shiv Market and Pahadian Mohalla in Jammu. The delegation also sought a one-time relaxation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) norms, enabling willing MLAs from Jammu to sanction appropriate amounts from their respective allocations for immediate relief to traders besides it emphasised time-bound rehabilitation of Jammu markets. During its meeting with the Chief Minister, the delegation took up the plight of traders devastated by recent fire incidents in Jammu, demanding immediate financial assistance, fair compensation and concrete measures to restore their shattered businesses. The BJP delegation submitted a four-point memorandum, seeking urgent government intervention and a time-bound rehabilitation plan for the affected trading community. The delegation comprised party MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Dr Narinder Singh Raina, Yudhvir Sethi, Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the BJP leaders pointed out that the recent fires had gutted 27 shops at Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station, eight shops and godowns at Warehouse Market and one shop at Pahadian Mohalla, leaving several families facing severe financial hardship. Later speaking to media persons, the delegation shared that it demanded immediate financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh per affected shop or godown from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, stressing that traders who lost their shops, stocks and essential equipment could not be left struggling for survival while awaiting lengthy administrative procedures. The leaders urged the government to ensure prompt verification of losses and speedy disbursement of relief so that affected businesses could restart without further delay. It was shared that the memorandum also sought a one-time relaxation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) norms, enabling willing MLAs from Jammu to sanction appropriate amounts from their respective allocations for immediate relief through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The delegation demanded a clear administrative mechanism for the sanction, transfer and utilisation of these funds. Taking up the long-pending concerns of Warehouse Market traders, we further demanded identification and allotment of suitable land for godowns, along with government sanction for their construction within a specified timeframe. We have emphasised that the proposed site must have adequate access for goods vehicles and fire tenders, proper loading and unloading facilities and essential fire safety infrastructure, BJP leaders stated. The delegation also called for a time-bound fire safety audit of commercial establishments across Jammu, particularly densely populated markets and storage areas. It demanded installation of fire alarms, extinguishers, hydrants and other preventive facilities, besides inspections of electrical safety and emergency access arrangements to prevent such tragedies in the future. We asserted that the suffering of Jammu's trading community cannot be addressed through assurances alone; it demands immediate financial relief, administrative accountability and decisive government action. We urged the Chief Minister to accord top priority to the demands and communicate definite timelines for compensation, CDF relaxation and land allotment, the BJP leaders maintained. Reaffirming BJP's commitment to stand firmly with the affected traders, they said that protecting livelihoods and restoring economic activity in Jammu's markets was a matter of urgency and responsibility. The party would continue to pursue the issue until the affected traders receive meaningful relief and are able to rebuild their businesses, they added. Meanwhile, the official spokesperson said that the Member of Parliament from Jammu Jugal Kishore Sharma and several legislators from Jammu district called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Civil Secretariat here on Tuesday and discussed the recent fire incidents in Jammu city and the situation of the affected traders. The public representatives apprised the Chief Minister of the damage caused by the fires at Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station, Warehouse near Nehru Market and Pahadian Mohalla. They highlighted the difficulties being faced by the affected traders and shopkeepers and discussed the need for adequate assistance to help them overcome the losses, the spokesperson said. The Chief Minister, according to the spokesperson, reiterated that relief was being provided to those affected by the fire incidents. He assured the visiting representatives that all possible assistance would be extended to the affected traders. It is pertinent to mention that the Chief Minister had taken prompt cognisance of the fire incidents. He had personally visited Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station to assess the damage and interact with the affected shopkeepers. He had also deputed the Deputy Chief Minister and a cabinet minister to visit the Warehouse near Nehru Market to take stock of the situation and assess the losses suffered by the traders, the spokesperson said.
Bangladesh wage protests resume; 2 workers injured
Dhaka, Nov 10: Two garment workers were injured in clashes with police in Bangladesh on Tuesday as protests demanding higher minimum wages resumed after a break of several days, prompting authorities to deploy additional security forces. The protests resumed after a few days of suspension, including during government holidays, with workers at various factories in []
1.01 lakh daily wagers await regularisation as Omar Govts committee misses deadline
Srinagar, Nov 10:More than a year and a half after constituting a high-level committee to address the long-pending regularisation of daily wagers and other temporary employees, the Omar Abdullah-led government is yet to come up with a concrete policy, leaving thousands of workers in uncertainty despite repeated assurances and an explicit electoral commitment to resolve their grievances. The committee, constituted in March 2025 under the chairmanship of the then Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, was given six months to examine the legal, administrative and financial aspects of regularisation and recommend a comprehensive framework. However, the deadline passed without the report being submitted, and the issue remains unresolved even after the retirement of its chairman on October 31. The delay has once again brought the government's handling of the issue under scrutiny, particularly because the regularisation of daily wagers was among the commitments made by the ruling National Conference in its 2024 election manifesto. The party had promised to formulate a policy for regularisation of daily wagers, casual labourers, CIC operators, contractual employees, Home Guards, Rehbar-e-Kheel and other temporary employees in a time-bound manner. After assuming office, the government constituted the committee through Government Order No 384-JK(GAD) of 2025 dated March 19. Its mandate included examining the nature and duration of workers' engagement, their eligibility, availability of sanctioned posts, recruitment rules and the financial implications of regularisation. Despite the stipulated six-month period, the government has not made the committee's recommendations public or announced a revised deadline for completing the exercise. The delay also came under scrutiny within the ruling establishment when National Conference spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq urged the then Chief Secretary to submit the pending report before his retirement on October 31. However, the deadline passed without any publicly announced submission. With Sajjan Singh Yadav taking over as Chief Secretary on November 1, the responsibility of taking the pending exercise forward now rests with the new administrative leadership and the chief minister. The latest admission came from Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ali Mohammad Sagar on November 1, when he acknowledged that the committee had missed its deadline, citing administrative constraints under the Union Territory framework. The government's September 29 reply in the Legislative Assembly had also indicated the uncertainty surrounding the issue, stating that no fixed timeline could be provided for regularisation because of the multiplicity of categories and the legal, administrative and financial implications involved. The response has left workers without clarity on when the committee will complete its work, when the government will take a final decision or how the proposed regularisation process will be implemented. The scale of the problem is reflected in the government's own figures. As many as 1,00,501 casual and other daily-rated workers have been registered through Aadhaar-based biometric identification and skill profiling across different government departments and institutions. Of these, 57,390 belong to Kashmir division and 40,077 to Jammu division. The registered workforce includes 69,696 casual labourers, 8534 seasonal labourers, 8836 daily-rated and work-charged employees, 3092 part-time workers, 5757 hamals and drivers associated with the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, 1929 Hospital Development Fund workers, 2153 part-time sweepers, 156 CIC operators and 348 settlement assistants in the Revenue Department. The Public Health Engineering and Irrigation and Flood Control sectors account for 38,585 workers, followed by the Power Development Department with 13,616, Education with 12,646, Forest with 8317 and Public Works (R&B) with 6801. These workers perform duties in departments responsible for essential public services, yet many continue to remain outside the regular employment structure despite years of service. The financial condition of a significant section of this workforce is equally distressing. Jammu and Kashmir Casual Daily Wagers Forum president Sajad Ahmad Parray said that monthly earnings of daily wagers range between Rs 2500 and Rs 9000, depending on their category of engagement. For workers supporting families, these earnings are increasingly inadequate to meet household expenses, children's education costs, healthcare requirements and other basic needs. The uncertainty is compounded by the age profile of the workforce. Parray has said nearly 30 percent of daily-rated employees are approaching the age of superannuation within the next six to seven months. For those who have spent 20 to 30 years working in government departments, the absence of a regularisation policy raises the prospect of reaching retirement without adequate financial security or clarity about their future. The government has not publicly outlined a separate mechanism for workers nearing retirement or clarified how the cases of those who have already retired while awaiting regularisation will be addressed. On November 3, hundreds of daily wagers affiliated with the All J&K Daily Wagers Sangharsh Samiti attempted to march towards the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, demanding regularisation and implementation of the Minimum Wages Act. In Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Casual Daily Wagers Forum has also repeatedly raised the issue of the pending committee report. Parray has warned that continued neglect could force workers to intensify their agitation, including disrupting essential services, while emphasising that workers want their grievances resolved through dialogue. The government has cited legal and financial complications in framing a regularisation policy, particularly because workers belong to different categories and were engaged under different terms and conditions. Senior government officials, meanwhile, have indicated that regularisation of such a large workforce is not a straightforward administrative decision, given its substantial financial implications. They said any decision to regularise more than one lakh registered temporary workers would have long-term implications for the government's recurring expenditure, including salaries, pensions and other employee-related liabilities. A major portion of Jammu and Kashmir's annual budget is already committed to meeting salary and pension obligations, leaving limited fiscal space for additional recurring expenditure. Regularising such a large workforce would therefore require a detailed assessment of the financial burden, availability of sanctioned posts and the government's capacity to sustain the additional expenditure over the years. Officials said the government would have to proceed cautiously, keeping in view the long-term fiscal implications rather than taking a decision without examining its sustainability. However, the financial considerations also underline the need for the committee to complete its exercise and place concrete recommendations before the government. The longer the process remains inconclusive, the longer workers will remain uncertain about their future, without even knowing which categories could qualify for regularisation or when a decision may be esr xpected.
BRUTAL! Bernie Sanders Delivers Reality Check To Chuck Schumer; Withdraws Support Amid Senate Race
Bernie Sanders has publicly announced that he will not support Chuck Schumer's re-election as Senate Democratic leader following the 2026 US midterms. Speaking alongside Senator Elissa Slotkin, Sanders praised Schumer's decades of service but insisted that Democrats need a bold new direction. Slotkin also called for a fresh leadership plan, demanding concrete action on affordability, healthcare and economic security. Sanders raised the possibility of a leadership contest, with Senator Chris Van Hollen emerging as a potential alternative. The announcement highlights a growing debate within the Democratic caucus over its future leadership.
Amid Boycott Call, Ladakh To Hold Hill Council Elections On December 4
The polls are held against the backdrop of a prolonged agitation in Leh and Kargil, with political and civil society groups demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule.
Best iPad Black Friday deals: Black Friday savings on iPad, Pro, Air and mini
Macworld Best Black Friday iPad deals so far U.S. 11-inch M4 iPad Air (128GB): $649.99 ($99 off, MSRP $749) 13-inch M4 iPad Air (128GB) : $849.99 ($99 off, MSRP $949) 11-inch M5 iPad Pro (1TB) : $1,699 ($100 off, MSRP $1,799) 13-inch M5 iPad Pro (256GB) : $1,399.99 ($99 off, MSRP $1,499) Best Black Friday iPad deals so far U.K. iPad mini A17 Pro , 599 (100 less than new model) 13-inch M4 iPad Air (128GB) : 899.97 (49 off, RRP 949) PRICES CHECKED 10 NOVEMBER 2026 Deals change quickly, so we will update this page throughout November Black Friday is a great time to buy an iPad, with discounts spanning affordable everyday tablets, powerful Pro models, and clearance stock from previous generations. Last years U.S. offers included $150 off the M3 iPad Air, $100 off the A17 Pro iPad mini, and $100 off the then-new M5 iPad Pro. The standard A16 iPad also briefly reached $279. In the U.K., highlights included 100 off the iPad Air, 50 off the mini, and substantial savings on older M4 iPad Pro models. October Prime Day brought further discounts, although Apples June price increases made the advertised savings less straightforward. In the U.S., the 128GB A16 iPad was $399, the 128GB A17 Pro mini was $499, and the 11-inch M4 iPad Air with 128GB was $649. U.K. offers included 80 off the 13-inch M4 iPad Air with 128GB. Those prices show why its worth checking previous selling prices as well as todays discount: an offer below Apples current asking price may still cost more than the same iPad did earlier in the year. This Black Friday, wed watch the M4 iPad Air for a balance of performance and price, the A16 iPad for a worthwhile budget deal, and the M5 iPad Pro for buyers who need its premium capabilities. The new A20 Pro iPad mini , with its OLED display, also changes the calculation: wed expect smaller initial discounts on the new arrival, while remaining A17 Pro stock could offer clearance bargains. Below, we explain which deals are worth taking, checking the generation, storage, and connectivity rather than simply choosing the biggest advertised saving. For offers across Apples other products, see our best Apple Black Friday deals . Which iPad should you buy this Black Friday? M4 iPad Air Our best all-round choice Apple Inc The iPad Air offers a strong balance of performance, screen size, and price without the premium cost of the Pro. The 11-inch model suits buyers who prioritize portability, while the 13-inch version gives you more room for multitasking and creative work. A good Black Friday discount could make either size an attractive purchase. Compare storage capacities carefully, though: a larger advertised saving on a high-capacity model isnt necessarily better value if you dont need the extra space. U.S. Black Friday price: Amazon is matching Prime Day right now, with $99 off nearly all iPad Air models . Last Black Friday, the previous-generation M3 models were $449 and $649 respectively, which is $150 off and we hope that by Black Friday the deal will be that big. U.K. Black Friday price: Theres 49 off the 128GB 13-inch iPad Air , which is a good saving, although we saw better during Prime Day this October when there was as much as 144 off. Last Black Friday, selected M3 Air configurations received 100 discounts. iPad Pro Best for demanding creative work Apple Inc The iPad Pro is the option for buyers who need Apples highest-end tablet performance and premium display. It comes in 11-inch and 13-inch sizes, but its capabilities and price will exceed what many people need for browsing, streaming, and everyday apps. Wed look for a substantial saving rather than buy simply because its the most powerful iPad. Compare discounted M4 Pro stock, too: an older Pro could offer better value if its price is sufficiently below the equivalent M5 configuration. U.S. Black Friday price: During October Prime Day, the11-inch M5 Pro with 256GB was $1,099, saving $100. So far were seeing nearly $100 off a 1TB 11-inch iPad Pro and up to $150 off the 13-inch iPad Pro . U.K. Black Friday price: October Prime Day brought little to recommend on the M5 Pro, with reductions of around 12. Last Black Friday, older M4 Pro offers included a saving of approximately 206 at Amazon. Currently the biggest saving is 36 off the entry-level 11-inch model . iPad (A16) Our budget choice, at the right price Apple The A16 iPad remains a capable option for browsing, streaming, schoolwork, and everyday use. However, Apple raised its starting price by $100/100 in June, and it doesnt support Apple Intelligence. That makes the final purchase price particularly important. A modest discount from todays higher asking price may still leave you paying more than this iPad previously cost. With a replacement expected early in 2027, wed look for a substantial Black Friday saving and compare the price with discounted iPad Air models before buying. U.S. Black Friday price : The128GB A16 iPad was $399during October Prime Day, saving $50 against its increased $449 price. Last Black Friday, it briefly reached$279. This Black Friday we are already seeing $49 off the 128GB iPad . However, at $399.99, this isnt an offer wed rush to buy. It approximately matches Octobers $399 price and is well above the $279 we saw last Black Friday. Wed wait for a better discount as Black Friday approaches. U.K. Black Friday price : October coverage listed the256GB model at 499.97, around 29 off. Last Black Friday, the128GB version was 299and the256GB version 399 and we hope to see prices go even lower this year, but so far were just seeing 30 off the iPad. iPad mini with A20 Pro Best for portability Apple The new iPad mini went on sale on November 6, replacing the A17 Pro model. It brings an 8.5-inch OLED display, the A20 Pro chip, and a thinner, lighter design, making it the option to consider if you want a compact iPad with the latest hardware. Because it has only just arrived, wed expect initial discounts to be smaller than clearance savings on its predecessor. The older A17 Pro mini could still be worthwhile at a sufficiently low price, but compare the saving with what you give up particularly the new display. U.S. Black Friday price : The A20 Pro mini wasnt available during October Prime Day or last Black Friday. Its128GB A17 Pro predecessor was $499during October Prime Day and$399last Black Friday. Unsurprisingly there are no discounts on the new models you can save around $30 on the price of the A17 Pro iPad mini , but it still costs $70 more than the $499 offer we saw during October Prime Day. U.K. Black Friday price : October Prime Day brought only a small saving on the A17 Pro mini in our coverage. Last Black Friday, its128GB version reached 449, saving 50. Were already seeing 100 off the A17 Pro iPad mini this Black Friday month. Should you buy an iPad now or wait for a better deal? Theres an iPad for everyone. Foundry With Black Friday approaching, wed avoid paying full price unless you need an iPad immediately. But sales stretch across much of November, so an early offer can be worth taking if the price is competitive. Compare the exact generation, screen size, storage, and connectivity rather than waiting for Black Friday simply because a larger discount might appear. Previous selling prices are particularly important this year because Apple raised iPad prices in June. During October Prime Day, the 128GB A16 iPad was $399, while the 11-inch M4 iPad Air with 128GB was $649. Both were discounted against Apples increased prices, but cost more than their regular prices before June. A saving from todays asking price doesnt necessarily mean youre getting an exceptional bargain. For the M4 iPad Air and M5 iPad Pro, wed focus on finding a good price: our guide to the best time to buy an iPad doesnt expect replacements until 2027. Wed be more cautious about the A16 iPad, which lacks Apple Intelligence and is expected to be replaced. Unless you find a substantial saving, waiting could get you a more capable entry-level model. The new A20 Pro iPad mini presents a different decision. It has only just arrived, so wed expect smaller initial discounts rather than immediate clearance-level savings. If you want its OLED display and newer processor, a modest reduction may still be worthwhile. If price matters more, compare remaining A17 Pro stock but make sure the saving justifies choosing the older hardware. Should you buy an older iPad? Foundry An older iPad can be a good buy if its price reflects its age and the features you give up. Compare its actual selling price with the discounted price of its replacement, matching screen size, storage, and connectivity where possible. A large saving from an old launch price doesnt necessarily make it better value. The M3 iPad Air and M4 iPad Pro are worth considering at substantial clearance discounts. Both remain capable options, and you may get more benefit from a lower price or additional storage than from the latest processor. However, if the newer equivalent costs only slightly more, the saving may not justify choosing the older generation. The A17 Pro iPad mini also deserves consideration now that the A20 Pro model has arrived. It supports Apple Intelligence and remains a capable compact tablet, but you miss the newer models OLED display, faster processor, and thinner, lighter design. Wed want a meaningful saving rather than a small reduction from its former asking price. Be more cautious with much older models. Check whether they support the current version of iPadOS and the apps and features you need. Compatibility today doesnt guarantee how many future software upgrades theyll receive. Apple Intelligence support also varies: dont assume every older Air, Pro, or mini includes it. If you already own an Apple Pencil or keyboard, check compatibility before changing generations. Keeping compatible accessories could make an older iPad better value, while replacing them could erase part of your saving. Our iPad buying guide explains the differences between the ranges. iPad deals to avoid Check the exact configuration before comparing offers. Retailer listings can emphasize iPad, Air, or Pro without making the generation obvious. Confirm the chip, screen size, storage capacity, and whether youre buying Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular. A cheaper listing may be a different model rather than a better deal. Dont let a large advertised discount tempt you into paying for storage or connectivity you wont use. A heavily reduced high-capacity or cellular iPad can still cost more than a simpler configuration that meets your needs. Compare the final purchase prices, rather than assuming the biggest saving represents the best value. Check whether the price includes nano-texture glass , too. This optional finish reduces glare and makes fingerprints and oily smudges less noticeable, which can be useful if reflections make your iPad difficult to see in bright rooms or outdoors. It avoids much of the washed-out appearance associated with ordinary matte finishes, but contrast can drop at some viewing angles and the surface may be more scratch-sensitive. Availability depends on the model and storage configuration, so you could end up paying for both the finish and additional storage. If reflections rarely bother you, standard glass may be better value. Read our guide to nano-texture glass and whether you need it . Our iPad buying guide considers cellular a luxury for most buyers. If you mainly use your iPad somewhere with Wi-Fi, you may get little benefit from the extra hardware. For occasional use elsewhere, sharing your iPhones connection through Personal Hotspot can be a more economical option. Cellular makes more sense if you regularly need an independent connection while commuting or traveling; it also adds built-in GPS for accurate location tracking. Factor in any data-plan charges and compare the total cost of a contract with buying outright. A cellular model can still be worthwhile if its sale price matches or beats the equivalent Wi-Fi versionyou dont have to activate a data plan simply because the hardware is included. Judge savings against previous selling prices as well as Apples current price. Following Junes price increases, a discounted iPad may still cost more than it did earlier in the year. Also distinguish a cash discount from a gift-card offer: a gift card doesnt reduce the amount you pay for the iPad and is useful only if youll spend it. Check what any bundle includes. A keyboard, case, or stylus doesnt automatically make an offer better value, particularly if the accessories arent the versions you want. Read the conditions attached to free iPads, trade-in promotions, contracts, and rebates before comparing their total cost with buying outright. Finally, check whether the iPad is new, refurbished, or used, who is selling it, and what warranty and returns policy apply. For used or refurbished models, look for information about battery condition and confirm that Activation Lock has been removed. Be cautious about devices that remain tied to a previous owner or an organizations management system. How we choose iPad deals Macworlds editors have decades of experience with Apple devices, and our recommendations draw on hands-on iPad reviews and everyday use. We consider performance, display quality, portability, battery life, and accessory support alongside price to explain which iPads suit different buyers. Our reviews help us assess whether paying more brings practical benefits. A faster processor or premium display may matter for demanding creative work, while a less expensive iPad can be perfectly capable of browsing, streaming, and schoolwork. We also consider the cost of keyboards, Apple Pencils, and other accessories when judging an iPads value. We combine those findings with current prices and previous offers, matching the generation, screen size, storage, and connectivity so that comparisons reflect what youre actually buying. Following Apples June price increases, we also consider earlier selling prices rather than relying solely on savings against todays recommended price. Older models can be worthwhile clearance purchases, but only when their prices make sense alongside newer alternatives. Our iPad buying guide explains the differences between the ranges, while our purchase-timing guide helps you decide whether to buy now or wait. For more offers, visit our Black Friday coverage and our roundups of the best Mac deals , AirPods deals , and Apple Watch deals . Latest iPad Deals Check below to find the best price we are seeing right now for each configuration, compared to the best price we have ever seen and the full price. We indicate in bold where the current price matches the lowest. U.S. deals iPad Deal MSRP Old MSRP Lowest A16, 128GB $399.99 Get the deal at Amazon $49 off $449 $349 $271.29 A16, 256GB $499.99 Get the deal at Amazon $49 off $549 $449 $349.72 A16, 512GB $709 Get the deal at Amazon $50 off $749 $649 $499 iPad mini Deal MSRP Old MSRP Lowest A20 Pro, 128GB $699 at Amazon $699 A20 Pro, 256GB $799 at Amazon $799 A20 Pro, 512GB $999 at Amazon $999 A17 Pro, 128GB $569 Get the deal at Amazon $30 off Discontinued, was $599 $499 $349 A17 Pro, 256GB $666.25 Get the deal at Amazon $32.75 off Discontinued, was $699 $599 $479 A17 Pro, 512GB $874 Get the deal at Amazon $25 off Discontinued, was $899 $799 $679 iPad Air Deal MSRP Old MSRP Lowest M4, 11-inch, 128GB $649.99 Get the deal at Amazon $99 off $749 $599 $519.99 M4, 11-inch, 256GB $749.99 Get the deal at Amazon $99 off $849 $699 $609.99 M4, 11-inch, 512GB $949.99 Get the deal at Amazon $99 off $1,049 $899 $789 M4, 11-inch, 1TB $1,329 Get the deal at Amazon $20 off $1,349 $1,099 $1,016.50 M4, 13-inch, 128GB $849.99 Get the deal at Amazon $99 off $949 $799 $699.99 M4, 13-inch, 256GB $949.99 Get the deal at Amazon $99 off $1,049 $899 $699.99 M4, 13-inch, 512GB $1,229 Get the deal at Amazon $20 off $1,249 $1,099 $999 M4, 13-inch, 1TB $1,449 Get the deal at Amazon $100 off $1,549 $1,299 $1,199 iPad Pro Deal MSRP Old MSRP Lowest M5, 11-inch, 256GB $1,139 Get the deal at Amazon $60 off $1,199 $999 $799.91 M5, 11-inch, 512GB $1,343 Get the deal at Amazon $56 off $1,399 $1,199 $999.99 M5, 11-inch, 1TB $1,699.02 Get the deal at Amazon $99.98 off $1,799 $1,599 $1,399.99 M5, 11-inch, 2TB $2,199 Get the deal at Amazon $100 $2,299 $1,999 $1,799 M5, 13-inch, 256GB $1,399.99 Get the deal at Amazon $99 off $1,499 $1,299 $1,149 M5, 13-inch, 512GB $1,645 Get the deal at Amazon $54 off $1,699 $1,499 $1,341 M5, 13-inch, 1TB $1,980 Get the deal at Amazon $119 off $2,099 $1,899 $1,723 M5, 13-inch, 2TB $2,449 G e t the deal at Amazon $150 off $2,599 $2,299 $2,083.12 U.K. deals iPad Deal RRP Old RRP Lowest A16, 128GB 399 Get the deal at Amazon 30 off 429 329 299 A16, 256GB 499 Get the deal at Amazon 30 off 529 449 399 A16, 512GB 699 Get the deal at Amazon 30 off 729 649 579 iPad mini Deal RRP Old RRP Lowest A20 Pro, 128GB 699 at Amazon 699 A20 Pro, 256GB 799 at Amazon 799 A20 Pro, 512GB 999 at Amazon 999 A17 Pro, 128GB 599 Get the deal at Amazon 100 less than new model Discontinued, was 599 499 399 A17 Pro, 256GB 699 Get the deal at Amazon 100 less than new model Discontinued, was 699 599 519 A17 Pro, 512GB Out of stock Discontinued, was 899 799 739.97 iPad Air Deal RRP Old RRP Lowest M4, 11-inch, 128GB 743.57 Get the deal at Amazon 5.43 off 749 599 578.99 M4, 11-inch, 256GB 842.83 Get the deal at Amazon 6.17 off 849 699 678.96 M4, 11-inch, 512GB 1,049 at Amazon 1,049 899 869.95 M4, 11-inch, 1TB 1,349 at Amazon 1,349 1,099 1,099 M4, 13-inch, 128GB 899.97 Get the deal at Amazon 49 off 949 799 768.99 M4, 13-inch, 256GB 1,041.41 Get the deal at Amazon 7.59 off 1,049 899 867.17 M4, 13-inch, 512GB 1,249 at Amazon 1,249 1,099 1,060.09 M4, 13-inch, 1TB 1,549 at Amazon 1,549 1,299 1,253 iPad Pro Deal RRP Old RRP Lowest M5, 11-inch, 256GB 1,163 Get the deal at Amazon 36 off 1,199 999 929 M5, 11-inch, 512GB 1,386.88 Get the deal at Amazon 12 off 1,399 1,199 1,099 M5, 11-inch, 1TB 1,799 at Amazon 1,799 1,599 M5, 11-inch, 2TB 2,299 at Amazon 2,299 1,999 M5, 13-inch, 256GB 1,496.62 Get the deal at Amazon 2 off 1,499 1,299 1,169.10 M5, 13-inch, 512GB 1,699 at Amazon 1,699 1,499 1,349 M5, 13-inch, 1TB 2,099 at Amazon 2,099 1,899 1,769 M5, 13-inch, 2TB 2,599 At Amazon 2,599 2,299 2,599
SDRF rescues Russian paraglider trapped in power lines in Mandi
The News Mill
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav links Ram Mandir joy to future Krishna Janmabhoomi celebration
The News Mill
Kargil shuts down against winter LAHDC polls
Winter Polls may disenfranchise 2025 pc Ladakh voters: Kargili Kargil, Nov 10: Kargil on Monday observed a complete shutdown in response to a call by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and other organisations against the proposed holding of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) elections during winter, with protesters demanding that the polls be deferred. [] The post Kargil shuts down against winter LAHDC polls appeared first on Northlines .
Dakar Youth Olympics: Lairenlakpam storms into boxing semis, assures India of medal
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) India's Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei stormed into the men's 50kg semifinals with a commanding quarterfinal victory over Namibia's Abraham Kalenga, assuring the country of a medal at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Lairenlakpam secured the win through a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) in the opening round, with the bout stopped at 1:57, as the Indian delivered an emphatic performance to book his place in the last four. India's medal tally in boxing received another boost with Gunjan also assuring the country of a podium finish in the women's 48kg category. She defeated Mexico's Atena Sofia Juarez Calero 5-0 in her quarterfinal bout to advance to the semifinals. Both Indian boxers are now assured of at least bronze medals, with their victories taking them into the medal rounds of the competition. Lairenlakpam's dominant win highlighted India's promising campaign in the boxing competition, while Gunjan's unanimous victory underlined her control in the quarterfinal contest. The fourth edition of the Youth Olympics will be a landmark occasion for African sport, with Dakar becoming the first African city to host an Olympic sporting event. Around 2,700 athletes are expected to compete across 25 sports for 153 medal events, with competitions spread across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. India have won 23 medals across the three previous editions, comprising three gold, 16 silver and four bronze. The country also has four medals from mixed-National Olympic Committee events, where athletes from different nations compete together, although those medals are not included in Indias official tally. The most successful campaign came at Buenos Aires 2018, when India secured 13 medals, including three gold, nine silver and one bronze.
Ladakh announces December 4 council polls amid shutdown
Ladakh's State Election Commission has announced December 4 as the polling date for all eight LAHDCs, with counting scheduled for December 8. The announcement comes amid protests and shutdowns in Kargil and Sankoo, with the Apex Body Leh opposing winter elections and demanding a review of the delimitation exercise.
Commanding Officers of Japanese warships on Mumbai visit call on Western Naval Command chief
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) The Commanding Officers of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships JS Takanami and JS Kirisame, currently on a goodwill visit to Mumbai, called on Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, the Indian Navys Western Naval Command said. The Commanding Officers of JMSDF ships JS Takanami and JS Kirisame currently on a goodwill visit to Mumbai, called on VAdm Sanjay Vatsayan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, the Western Naval Command posted on X. The two sides exchanged perspectives on issues of mutual interest during the interaction. The interaction provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed the longstanding friendship, mutual trust and growing maritime partnership between the Indian Navy and JMSDF, it said. The goodwill visit reaffirms the shared resolve of both navies to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen maritime cooperation and work together towards a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, the Western Naval Command added. Last week, Indian Ambassador to Japan Nagma Mohamed Mallick and Vice Admiral AN Pramod, Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff, hosted a deck reception onboard INS Sahyadri in Japan commemorating the 75th anniversary of India-Japan diplomatic ties. INS Sahyadri is visiting Japan for participation in the multilateral maritime exercise MALABAR 2026 and bilateral maritime exercise JAIMEX 2026, the Indian Embassy in Japan had said. In October, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar, visited Japan to strengthen India-Japan cooperation in shipbuilding and mine countermeasures and to explore possibilities for joint development under the Make in India initiative. Vice Admiral Kochhar held bilateral consultations with Vice Admiral Yasuhiro Kunimi, Vice Chief of Staff of the JMSDF, and Lieutenant General Norimichi Shirakawa, Vice Chief of Staff of Japans Joint Staff, and the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to continue close collaboration to strengthen India-Japan defence cooperation. The visit came after the defence ministers of the two countries agreed to leverage each others strengths in defence shipbuilding.
Protests Erupt in Bangladesh Demanding Minimum Wage Increase, Two Injured in Clashes with Police
Protests in Dhaka for higher minimum wages turn violent, resulting in injuries and police intervention. Protests Erupt in Bangladesh Demanding Minimum Wage Increase, Two Injured in Clashes with Police
Missing Mandsaur Girl Found Dead, One Arrested
The body of a seven-year-old girl, who went missing on Monday, was found in Mandsaur district on Tuesday. Police have arrested a 30-year-old man for questioning, and a post-mortem report is awaited to determine the cause of death. The incident led to local protests demanding justice.
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 10 (IANS) The trailer of the upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace, which stars Salman Khan in the lead, was unveiled on Tuesday. It promises a powerful story of patriotism, sacrifice and the human cost of war. The trailer opens with a fast cuts of avalanche in one of the highest battlefields in the world as the Chinese soldiers prepare to infiltrate the Indian side of Line of Actual Control (LAC). Salman makes a heroic entry as a highly accomplished soldier, who has the perfect balance of wit and strength. The trailer then shows his personal life, and introduces actress Chitrangada Singh as his wife, who is concerned about him being called for the action. Salman then tells her that it wont be a showdown involving guns as the Chinese and Indian soldiers do not use guns during border face-offs along the LAC because of bilateral agreements designed to prevent military escalation into a full-scale war. The trailer offers a glimpse into the life of a soldier, where duty never ends and every moment with family is precious. The film explores the humane side of war, and the emotional sacrifices of those who serve the nation and the loved ones who wait for them. Salman Khan makes a commanding impression with his powerful action avatar, while his chemistry with Chitrangda Singh adds emotional depth to the narrative. The film is further elevated by its picturesque locations, impressive cinematography and impactful music. The film carries the profound message about war never truly leading to a happy ending as the casualties pile up on both sides, its consequences extending far beyond the battlefield, and families suffering. The film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia, and produced under the banner of Salman Khan Films.
Rajasthan: ACB registers bribery case against Junior Accountant in Bhilwara
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Nov 10 (IANS) Acting on directions from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Headquarters, the ACB Unit Bhilwara-I has registered a formal case against Dharmveer, a Junior Accountant posted at Panchayat Samiti Kareda in Bhilwara district, for allegedly demanding a bribe of Rs 1 lakh. The action follows a complaint lodged with the ACB Bhilwara-I office alleging that the Single Sign-On (SSO) ID of Gram Panchayat Umri had been placed on hold by Block Development Officer (BDO) Gulabchand. According to the complainant, the BDO demanded Rs 1 lakh through Assistant Administrative Officer (AAO) Dharmveer to clear the hold on the SSO ID. The ACB conducted a confidential verification of the bribe demand on January 22, 2026. During the verification process, Dharmveer instructed the complainant to hand over the Rs 1 lakh bribe, intended for BDO Gulabchand, to Shantilal, Secretary of Gram Panchayat Umri. Verification details also revealed that the complainant had previously paid Rs 40,000 as a bribe in connection with the matter. Furthermore, Dharmveer directed the complainant to meet the BDO personally regarding the payment. However, a planned trap operation could not be executed as the accused caught wind of the impending law enforcement action. Following the verification findings, the ACB registered Case No. 317/2026 on November 10, 2026, against Junior Accountant Dharmveer under Sections 7 and 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018). The enforcement action was carried out by the ACB Unit Bhilwara-I under the supervision of Narayan Togas, Deputy Inspector General of Police, ACB Ajmer Range. The ongoing investigation is being conducted by Police Inspector Kalpana, with officials stating that the potential involvement of other individuals, including the BDO and Gram Panchayat Secretary, will be determined as evidence emerges.
Bangladesh: Garment workers clash with police in Ashulia as wage protests resume, two injured
Digital Desk | Dhaka, Nov 10 (IANS) At least two garment workers were injured in clashes with police in Dhakas Ashulia on Tuesday as protests demanding higher minimum wages resumed in Bangladesh after a break of several days, local media reported. Workers blocked a road in the Jamgora area, prompting police to fire tear gas shells and sound grenades to disperse them, the Dhaka Tribune reported. At around 10:30 am, workers blocked the road in the Jamgora area of the Baipail-Abdullahpur Road and began demonstrating. Police initially tried to persuade them to leave the road, but the protesters began throwing bricks and stones at police, triggering clashes and chases between the two sides, the report said. The injured were identified as Alamgir Hossain and Rafia Begum, both employees of Sterling Style. Hospital authorities said the workers had sustained rubber bullet injuries, though it could not be independently verified whether police had actually fired rubber bullets. Rafia Begum, who sustained a head injury, was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, while Alamgir received primary treatment and returned home, Harun-or-Rashid, operations manager of Ashulia Women and Children Hospital, told the Dhaka Tribune. Several platoons of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have been deployed in the industrial area, alongside additional police personnel stationed in front of factories and at key locations to prevent further unrest. Separately, authorities have announced the indefinite closure of all factories operated by New Age Group in Ashulia from November 10, 2026, under Section 13(1) of the Bangladesh Labour Act, 2006, citing the ongoing labour unrest, the report stated. As hundreds of thousands of garment workers staged protests across several parts of the country on October 31, demanding a minimum wage of 30,000 Bangladeshi taka ($241), police had detained 21 people who they called Awami League activists and not genuine workers. Consistent with international standards, Bangladesh authorities should ensure that police use force only when necessary and proportionate, and that those responsible for violence are held accountable, the US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) had stated last week, amid condemnation by several international rights groups of the violence against protesting workers.
Apple's eighth-generation iPad mini went on sale earlier this month with a larger OLED display, a thinner and lighter design, the A20 Pro chip, and water and dust resistance. If you still use the sixth-generation iPad mini from 2021, the upgrade also brings changes that debuted on the 2024 model , including Apple Intelligence , Apple Pencil Pro support, and twice the USB-C transfer speed. The new iPad mini starts at $699 for 128GB with Wi-Fi or $849 with cellular in the United States. The discontinued 2021 model started at $499 and $649, respectively, with 64GB of storage. Both support iPadOS 27.2, have Touch ID in the top button, and are rated for up to 10 hours of web browsing over Wi-Fi or watching video. Both displays also run at 60Hz . Display, Design, and Accessories iPad mini (sixth generation, 2021) iPad mini (eighth generation, 2026) 8.3-inch display 8.5-inch display Liquid Retina display with LED backlighting and IPS technology Super Retina XDR OLED display with 2,000,000:1 contrast ratio 2266-by-1488 resolution at 326 ppi 2316-by-1512 resolution at 326 ppi Wider display borders 24% thinner display borders 500 nits maximum brightness 600 nits maximum SDR and full-screen HDR brightness, with up to 1,200 nits peak HDR brightness and 1-nit minimum brightness Standard antireflective glass Standard antireflective glass or optional nano-texture glass on 256GB and 512GB models for $100, with a polishing cloth included IP67 water and dust resistance, rated for a maximum depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes Available in Space Gray, Starlight, Pink, and Purple Available in Midnight and Starlight Supports Apple Pencil (second generation) and Apple Pencil (USB-C) Supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil (USB-C) Apple Pencil hover and Apple Pencil Pro features including squeeze, barrel roll, haptic feedback, and Find My Polyurethane Smart Folio, also compatible with the 2024 iPad mini Two-panel TechWoven Smart Folio with adjustable viewing angles, available separately in Navy Blue and Taupe for $79 94% fiber-based packaging 100% fiber-based packaging and 35% recycled content overall Dimensions and Weight iPad mini (2021) iPad mini (2026) Height 7.69 inches (195.4 mm) 7.69 inches (195.3 mm) Width 5.3 inches (134.8 mm) 5.22 inches (132.6 mm) Thickness 0.25 inch (6.3 mm) 0.21 inch (5.4 mm) Weight (Wi-Fi) 0.65 pound (293 grams) 0.56 pound (255 grams) Weight (Wi-Fi + Cellular) 0.66 pound (297 grams) 0.58 pound (263 grams) The 2026 model is about 14% thinner and 13% lighter in its Wi-Fi configuration. The cellular model is about 11% lighter. A15 Bionic vs. A20 Pro iPad mini (2021) iPad mini (2026) Chip A15 Bionic A20 Pro Manufacturing process 5-nanometer (TSMC N5P) 2-nanometer (TSMC N2) CPU 6 cores (2 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores) 128GB and 256GB : 5 cores (2 super cores and 3 efficiency cores) 512GB : 6 cores (2 super cores and 4 efficiency cores) GPU 5 cores 7 cores Graphics features Dynamic Caching, hardware-accelerated mesh shading, and hardware-accelerated ray tracing Neural Accelerators Dedicated Neural Accelerators in each GPU core Neural Engine 16 cores 128GB and 256GB : 16 cores 512GB : Dual 16-core Neural Engine (32 cores total) Memory 4GB 12GB Apple Intelligence Apple Intelligence and Siri AI, with support for Apple's larger on-device model for more expressive Siri voices and improved dictation Storage 64GB or 256GB 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB Apple claims up to 2.2 times the CPU performance and up to four times the GPU performance of the 2021 iPad mini in its tests. Against the 2024 A17 Pro model, Apple says it delivers more than twice the unified memory bandwidth and up to 4.5 times the speed in large language model token generation. Cameras and Audio iPad mini (2021) iPad mini (2026) Front camera on the portrait edge Front camera on the landscape edge 12MP front camera with Center Stage and an /2.4 aperture 12MP front camera with Center Stage and an /2.0 aperture Smart HDR 3 on the front and rear cameras Smart HDR 4 on the front and rear cameras Retina Flash for the front camera Retina Flash with True Tone for the front camera Quad-LED True Tone rear flash Adaptive True Tone rear flash Automatic document detection and scanning in the Camera app, with adaptive flash to reduce shadows Landscape stereo speakers with external speaker holes Acoustic Display stereo audio with display-coupled woofers and concealed tweeters, without external speaker holes Dual microphones Updated dual microphones for clearer calls and recordings HEVC, H.264, and ProRes playback, with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support Apple also lists AV1 playback and HDR10+ and HLG support Connectivity, Charging, and Price iPad mini (2021) iPad mini (2026) Third-party wireless networking chip Apple N1 wireless networking chip Wi-Fi 6 Wi-Fi 7 Bluetooth 5.0 Bluetooth 6 Thread Third-party 5G modem (cellular models) Apple C2 5G modem (cellular models) U.S. cellular model A2568 supports LTE band 46 U.S. cellular model A3596 adds 5G bands n14, n26, n70, and n75 and LTE band 106, and drops LTE band 46 UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA support UMTS/HSPA/HSPA+ support Nano-SIM or eSIM (cellular models) eSIM only (cellular models) USB-C with USB 3 speeds up to 5Gb/s USB-C with USB 3 speeds up to 10Gb/s External display output up to 4K at 30Hz External display output up to 4K at 60Hz Extended external display mode with iPadOS 27.2 19.3Wh battery 18.9Wh battery Fast charging up to 50% in around 30 minutes with a 35W or higher USB-C power adapter, sold separately Now discontinued Starts at $699 (Wi-Fi) or $849 (Wi-Fi + Cellular) Both the 2021 and 2026 models are rated for up to nine hours of web browsing over cellular. Apple claims up to 50% faster cellular data speeds with the C2 modem compared with the 2024 iPad mini. Should You Upgrade? If your 2021 model still feels responsive and lasts long enough for reading, browsing, and taking notes, keeping it makes sense for now, and if battery life is your only complaint, a battery service may be enough. However, for many 2021 iPad mini owners, the 2026 model is a worthwhile upgrade. If you've had yours since launch, its battery has had five years to wear down, and 64GB can feel cramped if you keep games or downloaded video on it. The new model gives you a fresh battery and twice the storage if you're coming from the 64GB version. Apple still rates both models for up to 10 hours when new, but the 2026 model can charge to 50% in around 30 minutes with a 35W or higher adapter. The OLED display and lighter design are the changes you're most likely to notice every day. The screen can get dimmer for reading in bed and brighter for HDR video, and the lower weight makes the iPad mini easier to hold one-handed for long stretches. Both displays run at 60Hz, with no ProMotion. The A20 Pro and extra memory matter more if you play demanding games, edit photos or video, or often find that apps reload when you switch back to them. Some of the smaller changes matter more depending on where you use your iPad mini. IP67 water and dust resistance is useful if you take it outdoors, read by the pool, or use it in the kitchen. The landscape front camera is better positioned for calls when the iPad is propped up horizontally, and extended display support lets you use a monitor as a separate workspace. Which Model Should You Buy? The discontinued 2024 iPad mini is a good middle ground if your 2021 model is showing its age and you're happy with its display. It gives you more base storage, Apple Intelligence, faster USB-C transfers, and Apple Pencil Pro support, and you can reuse your existing Smart Folio. Apple lists the 128GB Wi-Fi model for $509 through its Certified Refurbished store when available, with a new battery and a one-year warranty. Remaining new stock from third-party retailers is also worth considering at a low enough price. If prices are close at the same storage capacity, buy the 2026 model. At $699, it makes the most sense if you specifically want the OLED display, lighter body, or water resistance. If you use a Smart Folio, factor in $79 for the redesigned version. The USB-C Apple Pencil works with either newer model, while the second-generation Apple Pencil needs replacing. Both newer cellular models use eSIM, so check with your carrier if you currently use a physical SIM. A used 2021 iPad mini is still a reasonable buy at around $300 or lower if you want a second device for reading, notes, or streaming and 64GB is enough. Battery condition matters more than cosmetic wear; if the price of a 256GB unit or the cost of a battery service brings it close to a refurbished 2024 model, the newer device is still the better buy. If you're buying the 2026 model, 128GB at $699 is enough for most buyers. If you're already close to filling 128GB on your current iPad, the $799 256GB model gives you room to grow. Nano-texture glass brings that configuration to $899 and is worth considering if you regularly contend with glare. The $999 512GB model makes the most sense if you need the extra space for games, media, or projects. It also gets an additional CPU core and a second Neural Engine, which are worth weighing if you use apps that can take advantage of them. Related Roundup: iPad mini Buyer's Guide: iPad Mini (Buy Now) Related Forum: iPad This article, iPad Mini 2021 vs. 2026 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading? first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary MV Govindan on Tuesday alleged that an artificial power shortage was created to facilitate the General Network Access (GNA) agreement with the state government, demanding a judicial inquiry into the deal and questioning the role of the Chief Minister VD Sateeshan and the functioning of the state Cabinet. Govindan alleged that the Chief Minister was operating through a particular group that was behind the agreement, while the Electricity Minister had no knowledge of developments related to it.
Free software brings complex trade analysis to laptops
Complex economic models used to analyze international trade could become more accessible to researchers with limited computing resources, thanks to free software developed at the University of Surrey. The study, posted to the SSRN preprint server, found that Capybara 2.0 substantially reduced the computer memory needed to run demanding statistical models, while remaining competitive with established alternatives on speed.
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Nov 10 (IANS) Rajasthan Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar on Tuesday objected to the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's reported comparison of Diwali with Eid, calling it 'shameful' and demanding an apology to the country. Speaking to media during his Diwali visit to Ramganj Mandi, Dilawar said comparing Diwali, celebrated to mark Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya, with Eid was inappropriate and hurtful to Hindu sentiments. He described Diwali as a festival associated with non-violence and charity and alleged that it could not be compared with Eid because of the practice of animal sacrifice during the latter festival. He termed the comparison an insult to Hindus and the country and said the Congress President should apologise. Dilawar also said that if Congress leaders had even a little commitment to Hindutva and nationalism, they should reconsider their association with the party. He also accused the former Congress President Sonia Gandhi of being 'anti-Hindutva'. Reiterating his criticism, the Minister said that a foreign-born woman or her son could never work for the welfare of the country. Earlier, Dilawar celebrated Diwali with residents and business owners in his Ramganj Mandi Assembly constituency. Minister Dilawar visited several markets and extended Diwali and New Year greetings to traders. Beginning his visit from Agrasen Guest House, the Minister interacted with traders, enquiring about their well-being. Traders welcomed their MLA by offering sweets and extending festive greetings. At Pannalal Square, Dilawar garlanded the statue of martyr Pannalal and paid tribute to him. He also greeted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and prominent citizens, wishing that Diwali would bring happiness and prosperity to people across Rajasthan. The Minister expressed hope that the state would achieve all-round development and emerge as a leading state in the country. The programme concluded with slogans praising Shri Ram.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi's much-awaited memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, which hit bookstores on Tuesday, has attracted attention for its personal revelations about the Nehru-Gandhi family and her political journey. However, the book has also come under scrutiny after readers spotted at least three apparent factual inaccuracies relating to important political and historical events. Discrepancies in different chapters have raised questions about the accuracy of some historical references. The first apparent error concerns the anti-corruption movement led by social activist Anna Hazare, which posed a major challenge to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. In Chapter 33, page 461, Sonia places the emergence of Hazare and the India Against Corruption movement in 2012. In 2012 a well-known activist from Maharashtra, Baburao 'Anna' (Marathi for 'father' or 'elder brother') Hazare, emerged as the figurehead of a movement that titled itself 'India Against Corruption', the memoir states. However, the movement gained national prominence in 2011, particularly after Hazare began an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on April 5 that year, demanding a stronger anti-corruption law through the Jan Lokpal Bill. The campaign also brought together prominent figures, including Arvind Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi and Baba Ramdev, although their positions and demands differed. Another discrepancy appears in Chapter 24, page 338, concerning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The RSS, founded in 1921, dreamed of a 'Hindu nation' that would replace constitutional ideals of equality, pluralism, and secularism with second-class citizenship for Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities in India, Sonia writes. The organisation was actually founded on September 27, 1925, in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, a doctor by profession. It subsequently grew into one of India's most influential ideological and organisational movements. The third error concerns veteran Congress leader Ahmed Patel, Sonia's political secretary and one of her closest political confidants. In Chapter 29, page 401, she writes: He came to wield considerable influence across the political spectrum but could be unforgiving towards those who crossed him. He remained my political secretary till, sadly, he fell victim to the Covid epidemic in 2022, leaving a vacuum in the party and an absence I felt personally. Patel died on November 25, 2020, not 2022, following multiple organ failure after Covid-19 complications. He was treated at Medanta Hospital, where his condition deteriorated, and he was admitted to the intensive care unit. His body was later taken to his ancestral village in Gujarat for burial. These three apparent errors have added an unexpected factual controversy to the release of Sonia Gandhi's memoir.
Iran wants deal but terms 'absurd': US Secreatary of State
Digital Desk | Washington, Nov 10 (IANS) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Iran wants an agreement with Washington but is demanding conditions he considers unacceptable, as he warned that American sanctions are causing mounting economic pressure on Tehran. Iran would love a deal. The problem is, the conditions they continue to place are absurd. They're not even serious. But that could change. Eventually, you have to eat. The economic pain that is being inflicted on Iran right now, on that regime, is extraordinary. It compounds; it's growing every day, Rubio said. These sanctions get worse over time; they get more painful as time goes on, he added. Rubio placed responsibility for the economic hardship on Iran's leadership rather than American policy. It's all brought about by the fact that this radical regime of lunatics is imposing this on their own people. They're destroying their own country. Rubio criticised how Tehran had used resources after sanctions relief granted during former President Barack Obama's administration. When Obama gave them sanctions relief, they didn't use that money to build up hospitals, roads, bridges, and universities. They used that money to build weapons and arm proxies in the region to attack us and other countries. Rubio also accused Iran's leadership of fuelling conflicts across the Middle East. Behind every single one of these destabilising activities in the Middle East there's one common denominator the Iranian regime. He added: They are behind all the instability in the region. They are the source of instability in the region. I think the countries of the region realise that as well. We work for America. We don't work for the global order; we don't work for other countries. We work for the United States. Asked about cyberattacks in France attributed by French officials to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Rubio declined to discuss whether Washington had shared intelligence with Paris. He accused the force of a longstanding pattern of sabotage but distinguished Iran's leadership and its citizens. The Iranian people are great people, he said.
Bhainsa municipal commissioner in-charge caught in ACB net
Hyderabad: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the Adilabad Range on Tuesday, November 10, caught an officer posted in Nirmal district for demanding and accepting Rs 50,000 as a bribe. Jadhav Santhosh served as the deputy executive engineer and in-charge municipal commissioner, Bhainsa Municipality, in the Nirmal district. According to the complainant, Santhosh allegedly demanded 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 .
Odisha Guv urges youth, students to make millets part of daily diet
Digital Desk | Bhubaneswar, Nov 10 (IANS) Odisha Governor Brajmohan Ram on Tuesday urged people, particularly youth, students and government employees, to include Shree Anna (millets) in their daily diet, saying their promotion will benefit public health, farmers and the environment. Every household should include Mandia, Bajra, Jowar and other millets in its meals. Adopting healthy food habits is not just about personal well-being but also reflects our respect for farmers and agricultural traditions, he said while inaugurating the Symposium on Shree Anna and Strengthening of Traditional Seed Systems2026 in Bhubaneswar. Highlighting the importance of millets in India's agricultural heritage, the Governor said these crops had been an integral part of traditional food habits for centuries. In Odisha, particularly in tribal and rain-fed regions, millet cultivation is closely linked to local livelihoods and cultural traditions. Promoting Mandia (Ragi) would help improve farmers' incomes while preserving this heritage. Referring to climate change, erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and water scarcity, he said millets offered a sustainable farming option as they required less water, involved lower cultivation costs and could withstand adverse climatic conditions. He also highlighted their nutritional value, including high dietary fibre and essential nutrients, saying their regular consumption could encourage healthier food habits amid rising lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension. The Governor stressed the need to strengthen processing, packaging, value addition and marketing facilities to help Odisha's millets reach wider domestic and international markets. Emphasising traditional seed conservation, he called for establishing community seed banks, documenting indigenous varieties and encouraging their exchange. He said local seed varieties represented generations of farmers' knowledge and were vital for preserving agricultural biodiversity. Describing tribal communities and women farmers as important custodians of traditional seeds, he advocated combining indigenous knowledge with modern science, technology and better market linkages. Appreciating the Odisha government's Shree Anna Abhiyan and the Centre's initiatives to promote millets, he said collective efforts to conserve traditional seeds, protect agricultural diversity and enhance farmers' incomes would contribute to Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, ICAR Director General Dr Mangi Lal Jat, MSSRF chairperson and former chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan, and OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof Pravat Kumar Roul also addressed the symposium.
BJD Leader Criticizes Odisha Governments Flood Management in Ganjam
BJD leader Naveen Patnaik criticizes Odishas government for poor flood management in Ganjam, demanding accountability and swift relief measures. BJD Leader Criticizes Odisha Governments Flood Management in Ganjam
Gujarat: Temple crowds, Gheraiya dances mark beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083
Digital Desk | Ahmedabad, Nov 10 (IANS) Long queues of devotees, traditional tribal dances and elaborate food offerings at temples marked the beginning of 'Vikram Samvat 2083' across Gujarat on Tuesday, as people welcomed the Gujarati New Year with religious fervour and celebrations rooted in local customs. From the Somnath and Ambaji temples to shrines in Ahmedabad, Unjha, Patan and Jamnagar, large numbers of devotees gathered from early morning to offer prayers and seek blessings on Bestu Varas, the first day of the Gujarati calendar. In Ahmedabad, the Bhadrakali Temple witnessed a heavy rush of devotees, with queues stretching up to 1.5 km as people waited for darshan. The temple was among the prominent religious sites in the city to see large gatherings on the occasion. At the Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district, devotees from across India and abroad attended the first morning aarti of Somnath Mahadev, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. The temple premises echoed with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' and 'Jai Somnath' as devotees prayed for the well-being and prosperity of their families, world peace and the welfare of all. The New Year sunrise and the special adornment of the deity added to the celebrations at the pilgrimage site. At Ambaji Temple in Banaskantha district, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, the shrine was decorated with colourful flowers and lights for Bestu Varas. During the Mangala Aarti, devotees performed garba at Chachar Chowk to the chants of 'Bol Mari Ambe, Jai Jai Ambe'. Special aartis were also held at the Ambikeshwar Mahadev and Siddhivinayak temples, while an Annakut offering was scheduled for the afternoon. In Unjha, the Shri Umiya Mataji Temple, regarded as the clan deity of the Kadva Patidar community, witnessed long queues of devotees. Pilgrims, including groups who had travelled on foot, arrived to offer prayers amid chants of 'Jai Maa Umiya'. The Umiya Mataji Sansthan made arrangements for accommodation, food and darshan, with facilities at Mansarovar Vishranti Griha, Uma Bhavan and Pathikashram. Parking and security arrangements were also made with the assistance of the local administration and volunteers. In Patan, the Kalika Mataji Temple, the presiding deity's shrine in the historic town, was decorated with a special Aagi adornment. A traditional fair also began on the occasion, with celebrations scheduled to continue from Kartak Sud Ekam to Poonam. An Annakut offering was organised at Ramji Temple in the town. In Jamnagar, devotees began arriving early at the Bala Hanuman Temple to seek blessings and witness the special adornment of Lord Ram and Hanumanji. The temple is known for its uninterrupted Ramdhun, which has continued since 1964 and earned it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. At the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple in Atladara, Vadodara, an elaborate Annakut Mahotsav was organised to mark the beginning of the New Year. Following the annual tradition, the celebrations began with an offering of food to the deities after Govardhan Puja. More than 1,200 varieties of dishes were arranged before the idols as part of the Annakut. In Valsad district, the New Year celebrations offered a glimpse of the traditional culture of tribal communities in Dharampur and Kaprada talukas. Instead of modern festivities, residents welcomed the occasion through age-old customs, traditional attire and Gheraiya dances. The beats of drums and folk performances brought the two tribal talukas alive with celebrations. In Mahisagar district, devotees visited temples across Lunawada from early morning to offer prayers and seek blessings. People also exchanged New Year greetings, marking the occasion with religious observances and community celebrations. The celebrations also saw political and administrative leaders extending greetings across the state. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel began the day by offering prayers at Panchdev Temple in Gandhinagar and later visited Trimandir in Adalaj and Maa Bhadrakali Temple in Ahmedabad. He prayed for the happiness, peace and prosperity of citizens and the continued development of Gujarat. Patel also called on Governor Acharya Devvrat at Lok Bhavan in Gandhinagar to extend New Year greetings. In Ahmedabad, he met prominent citizens, public representatives and residents at the Annexe Circuit House in Shahibaug before visiting the Police Officers' Mess at Dafnala to exchange greetings with senior police officers and their families. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, State Police Chief G.S. Malik, senior police officers and their family members were present at the Police Officers' Mess. The Chief Minister also exchanged greetings with citizens, serving and retired senior bureaucrats, MLAs and other representatives at the Ministers' Residential Complex in Gandhinagar. In his New Year message, Patel urged people to work collectively towards building a developed and drug-free Gujarat, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed and drug-free India. He also called for promoting social harmony, supporting local artisans and small industries, and strengthening the 'Vocal for Local' initiative. Across Gujarat, the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083 was thus marked by a combination of religious observances, community gatherings and traditional cultural celebrations, with temples and pilgrimage centres witnessing large numbers of visitors throughout the day.
