Shillong Ropeway row: Minister calls meeting as protests enter fifth day

Digital Desk | Shillong, Nov 10 (IANS) Meghalaya Cabinet Minister and South Shillong Legislator, Sanbor Shullai, has convened a meeting of local stakeholders on Wednesday to discuss the proposed Shillong Ropeway Project, as protests demanding the scrapping or relocation of the project continued for the fifth day. The meeting, called by the 19-South Shillong Advisory Committee, will be held at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, according to a letter issued by the committee on Tuesday. Shullai, who is the chairman of the advisory committee, will chair the meeting to seek views and suggestions from residents and various organisations on the implementation of the ambitious infrastructure project. The development comes amid an indefinite sit-in demonstration being staged by a section of women under the banner of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in Shillong. The protesters have opposed the project at its proposed location and have demanded that the government either scrap the ropeway plan or shift it to an alternative site. The proposed Shillong Ropeway Project is part of broader efforts to improve urban connectivity and ease traffic congestion in the rapidly growing hill city. However, the project has triggered concerns among sections of local residents and community organisations over its location and the potential impact on surrounding areas. The protestors have been demanding that the project either be scrapped or shifted to another location. Several traditional bodies and social organisations have also been drawn into the debate, prompting the local legislator and Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai to convene a wider consultation with stakeholders. The proposed project is expected to connect key locations through an aerial transport system, reducing dependence on road-based travel. However, concerns over the project's alignment, location and its potential impact on local communities have turned the infrastructure proposal into a contentious issue, forcing the government to seek public feedback before moving ahead with its implementation. The committee has asked stakeholders to place their concerns and suggestions before the meeting, which will subsequently be submitted to the Meghalaya government. The consultation is being closely watched as the state government seeks to push infrastructure development while addressing growing concerns among local communities over the proposed project's location and implementation.

Balochistan medical students protest 'unjustified' viva failures, demand accountability

Digital Desk | Quetta, Nov 10 (IANS) Students at Makran Medical College in Balochistan's Turbat staged protests over alleged irregularities in viva examinations, alleging that the unjustified failures had resulted in the loss of an academic year and taken a serious toll on their mental well-being, local media reported. The protest entered its third consecutive day on Monday, with students demanding a transparent and impartial examination system and an end to what they described as unjustified failures. They said repeated demonstrations and class boycotts had failed to bring about a permanent resolution. It is unfortunate that every year we hold protests, boycott classes and take other peaceful protest measures for our legitimate demands, yet no lasting solution to students' basic problems has been found, The Balochistan Post quoted the students as saying. They called on the college authorities and relevant officials to address their grievances and ensure that their academic future was not jeopardised. We call on the college administration and the relevant authorities to take students' problems seriously and provide an immediate, practical and lasting solution, so that students do not lose any more valuable time or jeopardise their future, the protesters said. Expressing concern over the academic future of students at Makran Medical College, the Baloch Students Action Committee (BSAC) questioned the Pakistani authorities' continued inaction over allegations of unfair evaluation in viva-based annual examinations. Students' futures at stake -- when will the authorities take notice? The voices raised by students at Makran Medical College, Turbat, are not merely a protest but a serious appeal to protect their academic future, rights, and justice. Every year, issues concerning the examination system, particularly Viva-based Annual Examinations, have come to light..., BSAC posted on X. The latest protest comes amid wider concerns over the safety and security of educational institutions in Balochistan. Last month, at least three female students were injured after masked gunmen opened fire inside the Girls Degree College in Balochistan's Nushki district, local media reported, citing the college administration. According to the college administration, three armed men stormed the college premises on Tuesday, damaged surveillance cameras and vandalised the principal's office before firing at the students. The injured were shifted to Mir Gul Khan Naseer Teaching Hospital in Nushki for treatment, with one of them reported to be in critical condition, The Balochistan Post reported. The victims were identified as Mehmoona and Maryam, both from Qaziabad, and Rukhsana from Killi Mengal region in Balochistan. The attack drew widespread condemnation from rights groups and student organisations, which raised concerns over the safety of students and the deteriorating security situation in educational institutions across Balochistan.

Kashmiris in the UK Protest Against Brutality by Pakistani Forces in POK

British Kashmiris rally against violence in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, demanding urgent action for civilian protection. Kashmiris in the UK Protest Against Brutality by Pakistani Forces in POK

Theres deemed suspension if public servant is kept in judicial custody for over 48 hours: SC

New Delhi, Nov 10: If a public servant is arrested and kept in judicial custody for more than 48 hours, there is a deemed suspension, the Supreme Court has said. A bench comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and Manmohan made the observation while restoring the bail granted to Vishwajeet Singh, the administrator of Sadar Hospital at Samastipur in Bihar. Singh was accused of demanding a bribe of Rs 4,000 for clearing a contractual worker's pending wages of Rs 36,421. The top court set aside a Patna High Court order cancelling his bail nearly a year after it was granted. The bench said that although the amount of bribe demanded was not a relevant consideration for deciding a bail plea, the high court could have made that observation without cancelling the bail. While restoring the bail, the apex court also flagged a disturbing feature concerning the accused's service status and subsequent posting. However, there is one disturbing feature which we should not ignore. It appears that upon arrest, the appellant accused was in judicial custody for almost a period of 15 days. Once a public servant is arrested and remains in judicial custody for more than 48 hours, there is a deemed suspension. Being a public servant, he could be said to have been placed under deemed suspension. No specific order is required to be passed in this regard, Justice Pardiwala said in the order dated November 6. The bench noted the information that Singh was placed under suspension but later, the suspension order came to be revoked. And, shockingly, he has been once again posted in the very same hospital and that too on the very same post. This aspect shall be looked into by the state at the earliest We expect the state to do the needful in the matter in accordance with law, the bench said. Singh challenged a July 1, 2026, order of the Patna High Court, which allowed a plea filed by the complainant and directed that the accused be taken into custody after cancelling the regular bail granted to him by the sessions court. According to the case records, an FIR was registered at the Vigilance police station in 2025 under Section 7(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The accused was serving as the administrator at the government-run Sadar Hospital in Samastipur when he allegedly demanded Rs 4,000 as illegal gratification for clearing the complainant's outstanding wages amounting to Rs 36,421. Following his arrest, the accused was granted bail by the sessions court. The complainant subsequently challenged the bail order before the high court, which set it aside. The top court took note of the fact that the high court had interfered with the bail order almost a year after the accused was released. It observed that the tenor of the high court's order indicated that the sessions court's reference to the bribe amount being paltry had weighed with it while deciding to cancel the bail. Ordinarily, in cases of this type, having regard to the maximum punishment that the trial court would impose, ultimately, if the accused is held to be guilty, bail is to be granted, the bench said. It added that bail may be declined in cases involving criminal antecedents or where the facts are particularly grave, it added.

Kumamoto Masters: Treesa-Gayatri Cruise to Pre-Quarters as Kapila-Sharma Suffer Early Exit

Indias campaign at the Kumamoto Masters Japan Super 500 badminton tournament kicked off with a mix of commanding victories and early setbacks on Tuesday. Leading the charge for the Indian contingent, World Championship bronze medalists Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand produced a disciplined performance to defeat Japanese pair Hinata Suzuki and Nao Yamakita in straight [] The post Kumamoto Masters: Treesa-Gayatri Cruise to Pre-Quarters as Kapila-Sharma Suffer Early Exit appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

3rd Unofficial Test: Rain-hit draw leaves Bumrah, Prasidh short of match practice ahead of NZ games

Digital Desk | Lincoln, Nov 10 (IANS) Persistent rain brought an early end to the third unofficial Test between India A and New Zealand A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval on Tuesday, leaving the four-day contest drawn and denying Indias returning fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna valuable match practice ahead of the senior teams upcoming Test series. After the entire third day was lost, conditions offered little respite on the final morning. Although the covers were briefly removed, another spell of rain forced the abandonment of play at 1 pm local time, without a single delivery being bowled. The three-match unofficial Test series consequently finished without a winner, with all three games ending in draws. India had put themselves in a commanding position before the weather intervened. Yashasvi Jaiswals 102 laid the foundation for a first-innings total of 464/5 declared, with Sai Sudharsan contributing 88 and Tilak Varma remaining unbeaten on 81. Dhruv Jurel (71) and Washington Sundar (50 not out) also made half-centuries as the visitors dominated the batting effort. New Zealand A were 36/2 when play ended on the second evening, with Prasidh Krishna accounting for both dismissals. However, the pacer and Bumrah managed only 11 overs between them, while Ravindra Jadeja did not get an opportunity to bowl. Bumrah, who last featured in a Test in November last year, was among the key players India wanted to give competitive red-ball exposure before the two-Test series beginning November 19. The match nevertheless provided useful batting time for several players in Indias Test plans. Jaiswal finished the three-match series with 279 runs in five innings at an average of 69.75, while Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal emerged among the leading run-scorers. Padikkal had struck 199 in the opening game, while Sudharsan registered scores of 91 and 88. Jurels successive contributions, including a century earlier in the series, strengthened his case for a place in the Test side, particularly with Rishabh Pants availability still uncertain. Meanwhile, New Zealand As Dean Foxcroft topped their batting charts with 196 runs, while uncapped pacer Zak Gibson led the series wicket-takers with eight scalps. Brief scores: India A 464/5 declared (Yashasvi Jaiswal 102, Sai Sudharsan 88, Tilak Varma 81 not out, Dhruv Jurel 71, Washington Sundar 50 not out; Zak Gibson 2/73) drew with New Zealand A 36/2 (Prasidh Krishna 2/12).

29-year-old man found dead in field in UP's Maharajganj, family alleges murder

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 10 (IANS) A 29-year-old man was found dead under suspicious circumstances in a field in Sirsiya Masarki village under Parsamalik police station limits in Uttar Pradesh's Maharajganj district, triggering panic in the area. The deceased man's family has alleged that he was murdered with a sharp-edged knife, claiming that the attack was part of a well-planned conspiracy. The incident has left the family devastated, with relatives mourning the loss of a young life. Speaking about the incident, the deceased man's brother-in-law alleged that a group of men arrived together and stabbed him to death. I am the deceased's brother-in-law. This was a well-planned conspiracy. He was killed in a knife attack. Some men came together in a group and murdered him. His grandfather had told me that there had been a dispute earlier, on Amavasya. It was a deliberate act. A complaint has been lodged, and we hope that whoever is responsible will be given strict punishment, he told IANS. Following the incident, local police reached the spot, took custody of the body and sent it for post-mortem examination. Police officials said that the matter is being investigated thoroughly from all angles, based on the family's complaint and evidence collected from the crime scene. They added that the exact cause of death would become clear only after the post-mortem report is received. The incident has sparked anger and fear among local residents, while the family is demanding strict action against those responsible. In another incident earlier, in Uttar Pradesh's Shahjahanpur district, a husband hacked his wife to death with an axe before fleeing with their child, police said. The incident was reported from Chaurasia village under the Alhaganj police station, triggering panic in the area. According to the police, the deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Sushila, while the accused husband is Avneesh. Preliminary investigation revealed that the couple had an argument over going to Delhi. Following the dispute, the accused allegedly attacked his wife with an axe, resulting in her death. On receiving information about the incident, police reached the spot, took custody of the body, and sent it for postmortem examination. An investigation into the incident was launched. Investigators said that the accused husband has been absconding with the couple's child since the incident. Two police teams have been deployed to trace and arrest him.

CM Patel begins 'Vikram Samvat 2083' with temple visits, calls for drug-free Gujarat

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Nov 10 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday called for a collective resolve to build a developed and 'drug-free Gujarat', aligning the state's goals with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed and 'drug-free India', as he extended New Year greetings on the first day of Vikram Samvat 2083. CM Patel began the Gujarati New Year by offering prayers at Panchdev Temple in Gandhinagar, where he prayed for the happiness, prosperity and good health of citizens. He interacted with devotees at the temple and extended his greetings to them. The Chief Minister later visited Trimandir in Adalaj, where he offered prayers to Simandhar Swami and other deities and paid his respects to Pujya Niruma and Dada Bhagwan. He prayed for the welfare, good health and prosperity of people and the continued progress of Gujarat. The Chief Minister also met devotees and followers of the Dada Bhagwan family and exchanged New Year greetings with them. CM Patel met people at the Community Centre in the Chief Minister's residence complex in Gandhinagar, where he exchanged Gujarati New Year wishes. I extend my heartfelt New Year wishes to everyone on the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083. I have prayed to God for everyone's good health and for their lives to move forward with happiness, peace and prosperity. With the Prime Minister's vision of a developed India and a drug-free India, I hope we all work together towards a developed Gujarat and a drug-free Gujarat, CM Patel said. In a message posted on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister extended New Year greetings to Gujaratis living in the state as well as those residing elsewhere in India and abroad. He also called for strengthening mutual affection, social harmony and hard work to take Gujarat to new heights of development. CM Patel urged citizens to work together towards the goal of 'Viksit Gujarat to Viksit Bharat' and emphasised the importance of supporting local artisans and small industries under the 'Vocal for Local' initiative. He called for ensuring that prosperity reaches the most remote sections of society and for citizens to contribute actively to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat. Gandhinagar Mayor Rupsinh Thakor, MLA Rita Patel, City Organisation President Ashish Dave, Standing Committee Chairman Mahendra and other office-bearers were also present during the prayers at Panchdev Temple.

Telangana Farmers Protest As Reservoir Shortage Triggers Water Crisis Fears

Farmers staged a road blockade near the Tapalapur Forest Check Post in Jannaram mandal, demanding continued irrigation releases from the Kadem Narayana Reddy Project.

Two teens killed as trailer truck rams motorcycle in Bihar's Aurangabad

Digital Desk | Aurangabad, Nov 10 (IANS) Two teenagers were killed, and another youth was critically injured after a speeding trailer truck collided with their motorcycle on National Highway-139 in Bihar's Aurangabad district, officials said on Tuesday. The three young men were reportedly travelling to a relative's house to attend a meal organised after a goat was sacrificed on the occasion of Govardhan Puja. The accident took place late last night near Chatra Mor, under the jurisdiction of the Mufassil police station area, when a speeding trailer truck collided head-on with the motorcycle carrying the three youths. Two of them died in the accident, while the third sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment. The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Narendra Paswan and 19-year-old Pachu Kumar Paswan. Both were residents of Gheura village under the jurisdiction of the Risiyap police station. The injured youth has been identified as 18-year-old Sonu Kumar. The truck driver reportedly fled from the scene along with the vehicle after the accident. Local residents immediately informed the Mufassil police station about the incident. After receiving the information, police personnel reached the spot and, with the assistance of villagers, shifted the injured youths to a nearby hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, RJD leader Subodh Kumar and local villagers have levelled serious allegations against the police team that reached the spot through the '112' emergency response service. They alleged that the police waited for a considerable period for an ambulance to arrive, delaying the transportation of the injured to the hospital. During this time, Pachu reportedly lost a significant amount of blood and eventually died. The villagers and RJD leader claimed that Pachu's life might have been saved had the police immediately shifted him to the hospital instead of waiting for an ambulance. They alleged that excessive blood loss during the delay led to his death. Meanwhile, the increasing number of road accidents on NH-139 in Aurangabad has triggered serious concern among residents. In a span of just 24 hours, four people have reportedly lost their lives in three separate road accidents, raising fresh questions about road safety and the need for urgent intervention. Questioning how many more lives would have to be lost before the authorities acted, the RJD leader and residents demanded an immediate and lasting solution to the problem. They announced that an all-party meeting would be convened in Aurangabad after the Chhath Puja, following which an indefinite blockade of National Highway-139 would be organised. They said the road would remain blocked until a concrete solution was reached. Meanwhile, following the latest accident, local villagers staged a road blockade, demanding immediate compensation for the families of the deceased. The protest disrupted traffic on the highway for some time. The blockade was eventually called off after officials reached the spot, intervened and persuaded the protesting villagers to clear the road. An investigation into the case is underway, and further details are awaited.

Nice To Have A Little Bit More In Our Favour: Jamieson Relishes Bowler-friendly Conditions

New Zealand: New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has welcomed the assistance available to seamers in the prevailing conditions, describing the opportunity to put batters under pressure as a refreshing change, while also opening up about the mental challenges of returning from injuries ahead of a packed Test schedule. Speaking about his approach to bowling in the current conditions, Jamieson said adapting to the weather and understanding what the surface had to offer were central to his plans. The tall pacer, who has endured an injury-disrupted period, believes the conditions have provided New Zealands seamers an opportunity to make an impact. Just trying to manage a little bit of the weather stuff. Trying to get it right on what conditions are going to look like and, just trying to put them under a little bit of pressure, Jamieson told broadcasters on the sidelines of the delayed third ODI at Seddon Park. For Jamieson, the assistance on offer has been particularly welcome after spending much of his career bowling on surfaces where pacers often have to work hard for breakthroughs. He expressed his preference for conditions that allow fast bowlers to attack with greater confidence. No, I love it. Im so used to like these wickets that are, you know, if you go under tens, youre having a good day. So its nice to have a little bit in your favour. You can kind of just try and land on a spot and hope you get a little bit of assistance. So, its nice to have a little bit more in our favour. And long may that continue, he added. Beyond the conditions, Jamiesons focus has also been on regaining complete confidence in his body after a prolonged spell of injury concerns. He admitted that getting to a stage where he could play without constantly worrying about his fitness had taken time and credited the work put in during his recovery for helping him reach that point. It certainly takes a while, right? Like its probably only now that I sort of feel like I can sort of go out completely, I guess, free from some of that, not sort of, I guess too worried about whats going on. So yeah, it takes a while but just trying to trust the work that youve done, trust the process around it and then just ultimately just sort of surrender into the game, into what may or may not happen, he stated. The 31-year-old said his primary challenge during his time away from competitive cricket was getting his physical condition under control rather than making major changes to his bowling or overall game. With a demanding run of Test matches approaching, he is hopeful of putting his fitness concerns behind him. I kind of always felt like my game was in an okay space. It was just trying to get the physical and the body side of it sort of, a bit more under my control. I felt like if I could kind of put some of those steps in place, get a run of cricket under my belt, it was always going to be all right. So thankfully I sort of feel like Im coming out the other side of it now and obviously a big run of Test cricket coming up. So touch wood we survive that, Jamieson said. Jamieson also acknowledged the frustration caused by the frequent changes to New Zealands bowling combination, with injuries and rotation preventing the attack from building consistency and familiarity through extended periods together. I kind of always felt like my game was in an okay space. It was just trying to get the physical and the body side of it sort of, a bit more under my control. I felt like if I could kind of put some of those steps in place, get a run of cricket under my belt, it was always going to be all right. So thankfully I sort of feel like Im coming out the other side of it now and obviously a big run of Test cricket coming up. So touch wood we survive that, Jamieson said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Young Shadaj Iyer puts the rare Agra gayaki in the spotlight

Born into a Kanchipuram family that moved to Ahmedabad, 23-year-old Shadaj Iyer has chosen to pursue the demanding Agra gharana, a tradition with relatively few exponents on the concert circuit today.

Firm apple prices revive market activity across south Kashmir

Shopian, Nov 9: Firm apple prices during the ongoing harvesting season have improved market sentiment across south Kashmir, with traders reporting increased customer footfall and a pickup in sales after months of subdued business activity. Markets in Shopian, Pulwama and other apple-producing districts had remained relatively quiet for over a year, as traders struggled with low customer turnout and sluggish sales. Shopkeepers attributed the slowdown largely to poor returns from the apple industry, which remains a major pillar of the regions economy. Damage to the crop, partly caused by disruptions and closures of the national highway and erratic weather conditions, had affected growers earnings and, consequently, their spending capacity. However, firm prices this season have brought some relief to orchardists, with the improvement gradually reflecting in commercial activity across the region. The good apple prices have had a positive impact on the overall market, said Tariq Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Batapora, Shopian. He said customers had started returning to shops, while restaurants, eateries, ready-made garment stores and other commercial establishments were witnessing better business. Markets are bustling with customers again. There is a noticeable difference in the number of people visiting shops compared to the previous season, he said. Traders dealing in different goods said the improvement was visible across several market segments and was not confined to any particular category of business. Mushtaq Ahmad, who deals in ready-made garments and woollens in Pulwama, said business had picked up in recent weeks. People are spending more freely than they were earlier. When growers receive better returns for their produce, it has a positive effect on other businesses as well, he said. He said the improvement in purchasing activity was particularly encouraging for small shopkeepers, who had endured prolonged periods of sluggish sales. Traders said the apple economy directly influences the purchasing power of households across south Kashmir, where a large section of the population depends on horticulture and related activities for its livelihood. Despite crop damage caused by multiple spells of hailstorms during the season, apple prices have remained firm, providing some relief to growers. Mohammad Ashraf Wani, president of Fruit MandiShopian, said A-grade apples were selling at Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,500 per box. Despite the damage caused by hailstorms, the prices have remained encouraging. This has provided some relief to growers and helped sustain activity in the fruit trade, he said. He said better prices benefited not only orchardists but also thousands of people engaged in transportation, packaging, grading, loading and other activities linked to the horticulture sector. Shopkeepers said the business improvement was a welcome development after a prolonged period of uncertainty. For small traders, the return of customers to markets is an encouraging sign that better returns from the apple sector are gradually translating into economic activity beyond orchards and fruit mandis.

Sabalenka, Andreeva begin WTA Finals campaigns with wins

Digital Desk | Indian Wells, Nov 10 (IANS) Aryna Sabalenka and Mirra Andreeva opened their respective campaigns at the WTA Finals with victories on Tuesday (IST), setting up an intriguing Group 2 encounter between the two after the Belarusian overcame Karolina Muchova 7-6(2), 7-5, while the 19-year-old Russian cruised past Elina Svitolina 6-4, 6-0 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Top seed Sabalenka needed one hour and 53 minutes to get past Muchova, ending the Czechs unbeaten record in tiebreaks this season and improving her own head-to-head advantage against her opponent. Muchova had entered the contest with a 3-2 career lead over Sabalenka, making her the only player in this years Finals field to hold a winning record against the Belarusian. The opening set was closely contested, with both players trading breaks and Muchova twice moving ahead. Sabalenka responded immediately on both occasions, eventually taking control in the tiebreak. Muchova saved two set points to force the decider, but a pair of forehand errors allowed Sabalenka to clinch it 7-2. The second set also featured a series of breaks, with Sabalenka eventually establishing a 5-3 advantage. Although she failed to serve out the match at 5-4, allowing Muchova to level the set, the Belarusian regained control in the following game before holding serve to seal the win. The victory extended Sabalenkas winning streak in WTA Finals opening matches to five, having lost her debut encounter to Paula Badosa in 2021. She is now 11-0 at the season-ending tournament whenever she wins the first set and has registered 13 match victories at the event, drawing level with Mary Pierce for the most wins by a player yet to lift the title. Andreeva, meanwhile, marked her WTA Finals debut with an emphatic performance against Svitolina, winning the final seven games of the contest to complete a 6-4, 6-0 victory in 70 minutes. The Russian saved all six break points she faced and maintained her serve throughout the match, including a demanding final game in which she fought off four opportunities for Svitolina to break. The result also helped Andreeva avenge her defeat to the Ukrainian at this years Australian Open and improve her head-to-head record against her to 2-1. The match brought together two players separated by 12 years and 229 days, the biggest age gap between opponents at the WTA Finals since Venus Williams and Caroline Garcia met in 2017. Svitolina, the 2018 champion, was unable to halt Andreevas momentum as the teenager dominated the closing stages. Andreevas victory also completed a clean sweep for the higher seeds in the first four singles matches of this years tournament, with Sabalenka, Linda Noskova and Coco Gauff having also won their opening fixtures. The upcoming clash between Sabalenka and Andreeva carries an added layer of intrigue. The Russian defeated the Belarusian in the 2025 Indian Wells final, 603 days before their next meeting, but Sabalenka holds a 4-2 advantage in their overall head-to-head record. With both players beginning their Group 2 campaigns on a winning note, their next encounter could prove crucial in determining the early shape of the group standings.

Between the chip and the slip: Honeytrap suspicions further sours ties between US and China

Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang is being investigated for having an alleged affair with a potential Chinese intelligence agent. This individual reportedly sought to gather information about Nvidia's advanced technology. Nvidia's board has launched an independent probe to examine the allegations against Huang. US lawmakers are demanding a briefing on the matter amid heightened concerns over national security.

Best external SSD for Mac 2026: Top drives tested

Macworld An external SSD is a straightforward way to expand your Macs storage, carry files between devices and keep backups close at hand. Whether you need more room for photos or a fast drive for video projects, our recommendations cover a range of capacities, connections and budgets. Compared with mechanical hard drives, SSDs generally offer faster transfers in smaller, lighter designs. Most portable models take power directly from your Mac, making them convenient companions for a MacBook. Desktop drives offer another option if your storage will mostly stay in one place. Choosing the right SSD involves more than finding the highest advertised speed. Your Macs ports, the drives connection and the supplied cable all affect performance. For everyday backups, capacity and value may matter more than maximum speed; for demanding creative work, faster transfers can justify paying extra. We compare tested performance, Mac compatibility, portability and value, alongside practical features such as rugged protection, encryption and warranty coverage. Below, youll find our top picks for different needs, alternatives worth considering and buying advice to help you choose. Best SSD for Mac These are our top choices of Mac SSDs we have reviewed, including a few cheaper options to suit different budgets and uses. Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield Best for backups on the go Pros Rugged, pocketable rubber casing IP65 dust and water resistance Optional software password protection Cons Standard T7 costs less Price When Reviewed: 1TB $129.99; 2TB $219.99; 4TB $389.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Samsung $129.99 View Deal $271.28 View Deal $271.3 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Samsungs T7 Shield is a rugged portable SSD for backups and everyday storage. We liked its pocketable rubber-protected design, IP65 dust and water resistance, and optional password protection. In their review, our PCWorld colleagues recorded sequential speeds of 1,064MB/s reading and 1,004MB/s writing in Windows testing. Its 10Gbps USB interface suits routine transfers, although faster drives better serve demanding video work. Choose it for extra protection while traveling; consider the cheaper standard T7 if your drive will mostly stay safely on a desk. Performance and Mac compatibility Our PCWorld colleagues measured sequential reads of 1,064MB/s and writes of 1,004MB/s using CrystalDiskMark on Windows. Those results suit everyday transfers and laptop backups, but arent Mac benchmarks. The drive uses a 10Gbps USB interface, so a faster Thunderbolt connection wont increase its maximum speed. Older, slower USB ports will limit performance. Design and durability Measuring 3.46 2.32 0.51 inches (88 59 13mm) and weighing 0.22 pounds (98g), the Shield remains pocketable despite its protective rubber sleeve. IP65 protection guards against dust and water; it isnt rated for immersion. Samsung claims protection against three-meter drops. USB-C-to-C and USB-C-to-A cables are included. Capacity and value Password protection through Samsungs Portable SSD app adds useful security. The rugged casing justifies paying extra if you travel regularly, but the cheaper standard T7 may suffice for desk use. Who should buy? Choose it for travel, outdoor photography and everyday backups where protection matters more than maximum speed. Consider the SanDisk Extreme Pro v3 from this roundup for demanding large-file work, or the standard T7 if you dont need rugged protection. SanDisk Extreme Pro v3 SSD Best for professionals on the go Pros Good performance for pro users Slim, lightweight design Rugged IP65 protection Cons No Thunderbolt 5 support Expensive Price When Reviewed: $687.99 (currently $549.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $549.99 View Deal $549.99 View Deal SanDisk $687.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The SanDisk Extreme Pro v3 is a compact USB4 SSD for photographers and video professionals handling large files. We liked its strong performance, recording 3.5GB/s reads and 4.2GB/s writes in Blackmagic testing, alongside its lightweight design and rugged IP65 protection. Available in 2TB and 4TB capacities, its easy to carry when traveling with a laptop. However, its high price and lack of Thunderbolt 5 support limit its appeal. For everyday backups, a cheaper drive is likely to offer better value. Performance and Mac compatibility SanDisks Extreme Pro v3 delivered around 3.5GB/s read speeds and consistently reached 4.2GB/s writes in our Blackmagic Disk Speed Test. Thats below SanDisks advertised 4GB/s reads but above its claimed 3.8GB/s writes, providing plenty of speed for large video and graphics files. Its USB4 interface suits demanding work, although theres no Thunderbolt 5 support to exploit the faster connection available on some high-end Macs. Design and durability Measuring 4.33 2.28 0.39 inches (110 58 10mm) and weighing 0.14 pounds (65.2g), the drive slips easily into a jacket pocket or laptop bag. Its IP65 rating provides dust and water resistance, while SanDisk claims protection against drops from three meters. A lanyard attachment offers extra security, although no lanyard is included. Capacity and value Available in 2TB and 4TB capacities, the Extreme Pro delivers strong performance in a compact, rugged package. However, its high price is the main drawback, particularly given the absence of Thunderbolt 5. Who should buy? Traveling photographers and video professionals handling large files should appreciate its speed and portability. For everyday storage or backups, consider an older SanDisk Extreme Pro to save money, accepting lower performance. Read our full SanDisk Extreme Pro V3 review SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD v3 Best for high-capacity portable storage Pros Compact, rugged portable design Up to 8TB storage Password protection and encryption Cons Slower than USB4 alternatives Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $99.99; 2TB: $149.99; 4TB: $249.99; 8TB: $549.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Western Digital (1TB) $99.99 View Deal $219.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD combines everyday USB storage with a rugged, pocketable design and capacities up to 8TB. We liked its balance of portability, useful protection and performance, recording 910MB/s reads and 946MB/s writes in Blackmagic testing. IP65 dust and water resistance suits outdoor use, while password protection, encryption and a five-year warranty add reassurance. Its a practical choice for backups and photo libraries, although demanding video editors should consider the faster Extreme Pro. Avoid immersion despite its protection. Performance and Mac compatibility The Extreme Portable reached 910MB/s reads and 946MB/s writes in our Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, against SanDisks advertised 1,050MB/s and 1,000MB/s respectively. Thats sufficient for everyday transfers, photo libraries and Time Machine backups. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection sets the performance ceiling: connecting it to a faster Thunderbolt port wont make it a Thunderbolt-speed drive. Slower USB connections will reduce performance. A USB-C cable and USB-A adapter are included. Design and durability The tested 8TB model measures 3.97 2.07 0.38 inches (100.8 52.5 9.6mm). Its protective black casing and lanyard hook suit travel. IP65 protection helps keep dust and rain out, but it isnt waterproof against immersion. SanDisk also claims protection against three-meter drops. Capacity and value Capacities start at 1TB and extend to 8TB, providing substantial storage in a pocketable design. A five-year warranty, password protection and 256-bit encryption strengthen its appeal. Who should buy? Choose it for portable backups and storing large photo or video collections outdoors. Its main limitation is speed for demanding professional work. The SanDisk Extreme Pro v3 (above) offers a faster USB4 connection if transfer performance matters more than maximum capacity. Read our full SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD (2025) review OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 Best fast SSD Pros Exceptional large-file read speeds Rugged metal enclosure Silent, fanless cooling design Cons Real-world writes trail benchmarks Captive cable complicates packing Price When Reviewed: 2TB: $399.99; 4TB: $599.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price OWC $400 View Deal $799.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The OWC Envoy Ultra is a rugged Thunderbolt 5 SSD designed for demanding creative work. We liked its exceptional read performance, reaching nearly 6GB/s when copying large video files. However, real-world writes were much slower at around 1.5GB/s, despite stronger benchmark results. Its metal enclosure and three-year warranty add appeal, but the captive cable complicates packing. Youll need a Thunderbolt 5 Mac for maximum speed; high pricing and older-Mac compatibility restrictions make cheaper alternatives worth considering for less demanding use. Performance and Mac compatibility On an M4 Pro MacBook Pro, Blackmagic recorded approximately 5.2GB/s for both reads and writes, while ATTO reached nearly 7GB/s reads and 5.57GB/s writes. Crucially, copying around 330GB of video files delivered nearly 6GB/s reads but only 1.5GB/s writes. That makes it particularly attractive for accessing large projects, with less impressive performance when saving files to it. Full speed requires Thunderbolt 5. Design and durability Measuring approximately 5 2.8 0.75 inches (127 71 19mm) and weighing 0.66 pounds (298g), its metal enclosure is substantial. The captive cable makes packing awkward. OWC lists IP67 protection and a fanless aluminum design. Capacity and value The Envoy Ultra comes in 2TB, 4TB and 8TB capacities. A three-year warranty provides reassurance, but the premium is difficult to justify for everyday backups. Who should buy? Creative professionals reading large video projects from a Thunderbolt 5 Mac will benefit most. If maximum read speed isnt essential look for a cheaper option. Read our full OWC Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 SSD review Corsair EX400U USB4 SSD Compact storage for creators Pros Fast transfers for media Compact and lightweight design MagSafe-compatible ring for iPhone Cons Plastic housing feels basic Comparatively low write endurance Price When Reviewed: $119.99 (1TB) | $179.99 (2TB) | $339.99 (4TB) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Corsair $120 View Deal $515.01 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Corsair EX400U is a compact USB4 SSD with a MagSafe-compatible ring for attaching to an iPhone. We liked its combination of portability, fast transfers and an included USB4 cable. Its small plastic enclosure becomes warm during sustained use, while a three-year warranty provides reassurance. Available in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB capacities, its appealing for mobile media work. However, our PCWorld colleagues found it slower than rival USB4 drives, with a comparatively low write-endurance rating. Performance and Mac compatibility Our testing recorded 3,165MB/s reads and 2,709MB/s writes, providing useful speed for large photo and video transfers. Testing used Ajax System Test Lite; sustained performance dropped by around 300MB/s. These results fall below Corsairs advertised maximums of 4,000MB/s reads and 3,600MB/s writes. Maximum performance requires USB4 or a compatible Thunderbolt connection; a slower USB-C port will limit transfers. Our PCWorld colleagues also found it slower than competing USB4 drives, particularly when writing. Design and durability Measuring 2.52 2.52 0.47 inches (64 64 12mm) and weighing approximately 0.11 pounds (51g), the EX400U is easy to carry. Its MagSafe-compatible ring attaches to an iPhone. The plastic housing is its main design compromise; it became warm, but not hot, during sustained testing. A robust USB4 cable is included. Capacity and value Available in 1TB, 2TB and 4TB capacities, it carries a three-year warranty. PCWorld highlighted a comparatively low write-endurance rating, worth considering for intensive daily use. Who should buy? Choose it for portable media storage, especially if magnetic iPhone attachment appeals. Consider the SanDisk Extreme Pro v3 from this roundup for faster tested transfers and rugged IP65 protection. Read our full Corsair EX400U USB4 SSD review Kingston Dual Portable SSD Cable-free portable backups Pros Built-in USB-A and USB-C Tiny, lightweight metal design Five-year warranty included Cons Can obscure adjacent ports Premium price for portability Price When Reviewed: From $97 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $154.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Kingstons Dual Portable SSD combines a thumb drives convenience with SSD performance. We liked its tiny, sturdy metal design, 13g weight and built-in USB-A and USB-C connectors, which eliminate cables. Testing delivered 920MB/s reads and 950MB/s writes, making it suitable for everyday transfers and Time Machine backups. A five-year warranty adds reassurance. However, its width can obscure an adjacent MacBook port, and you pay extra for portability. Consider Kingstons XS1000 for better value or a faster drive for demanding work. Performance and Mac compatibility The Dual Portable SSD delivered 920MB/s reads and 950MB/s writes in our Blackmagic Disk Speed Test. Writes matched Kingstons advertised 950MB/s, while reads fell below its claimed 1,050MB/s. Thats sufficient for everyday transfers and routine Time Machine backups. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface needs a matching connection for full performance; older, slower USB ports will limit speed. Theres no Thunderbolt support, so demanding graphics and video work may benefit from a faster drive. Design and durability Measuring 2.83 0.83 0.34 inches (72 21 8.6mm) and weighing 0.03 pounds (13g), its exceptionally pocketable. The sturdy red metal casing incorporates USB-A and USB-C connectors, eliminating cables. However, its width partly obscured an adjacent MacBook Pro port. Theres no IP rating, and the removable connector caps could easily be lost. Capacity and value Available in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB capacities, it includes a five-year warranty. You pay a premium for the tiny design compared with conventional SSDs, including Kingstons slightly larger XS1000. Who should buy? Choose it for quick backups and moving files between USB-A and USB-C devices while traveling. Consider the Kingston XS1000 if value matters more than cable-free convenience, or a faster SSD for professional workloads. Read our full Kingston Dual Portable SSD review Samsung T5 EVO High-capacity everyday backups Pros Compact, lightweight design Sturdily built Provides up to 8TB storage Cons Modest performer Only supports USB 3.2 Gen 1 Price When Reviewed: 2TB: $189.99; 4TB: $$229.99; 8TB: $479.00 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Samsung (2TB) $189.99 View Deal $579.99 View Deal $1119.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Samsung T5 EVO is a compact portable SSD offering up to 8TB for backups, photos and video libraries. We liked its sturdy metal construction, protective rubber sleeve and convenient attachment ring. Our Blackmagic tests recorded 370MB/s reads and 460MB/s writes, making it a practical upgrade from a portable hard drive. However, its older 5Gbps USB interface limits performance. Choose it for capacity and portability; consider the faster Samsung T7 Shield if transfer speed and outdoor protection are higher priorities. Performance and Mac compatibility Our Blackmagic Disk Speed Test recorded 370MB/s reads and 460MB/s writes. Writes matched Samsungs advertised 460MB/s, but reads fell below the same claim. Thats adequate for routine backups and storing photo or video collections, rather than demanding editing work. Despite its USB-C connector, the T5 EVO uses USB 3.2 Gen 1, a 5Gbps interface. Connecting it to a faster USB or Thunderbolt port wont overcome that limitation. Its appeal is a more portable, faster alternative to a conventional hard drive. Design and durability Measuring 3.74 1.57 0.67 inches (95 40 17mm) and weighing 0.22 pounds (102g), it slips easily into a laptop bag. A rubber sleeve protects the sturdy metal body, while the substantial metal ring provides an attachment point. Theres no quoted IP rating for water or dust resistance. Capacity and value Available in 2TB, 4TB and 8TB capacities, the T5 EVO prioritizes storage space over speed. Password protection, AES-256 encryption and a three-year warranty add useful reassurance. Its value depends on current pricing compared with faster alternatives. Who should buy? Choose it for substantial backups and carrying large file collections without a bulky hard drive. The Samsung T7 Shield from this roundup is a better fit if faster transfers and rated outdoor protection matter more than maximum capacity. SanDisk Desk Drive High-capacity desktop backups Pros Up to 8TB storage Good everyday transfer performance Compact footprint for desktops Cons Requires external mains power No additional data ports Price When Reviewed: 4TB: $379.99; 8TB: $699.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Adorama $289.99 View Deal Western Digital $379.99 View Deal $713.86 View Deal $799.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The SanDisk Desk Drive is a desktop SSD offering 4TB or 8TB of storage for backups, photos, videos and work files. We liked its combination of capacity, compact footprint and performance, recording 910MB/s reads and 925MB/s writes in our tests. Its faster than a hard drive, although faster SSDs suit demanding professional work. Its main drawback is mains power, making it impractical for travel. There are no extra data ports to compensate for using one of your Macs USB-C ports. Performance and Mac compatibility Our tests recorded 910MB/s reads and 925MB/s writes, below SanDisks advertised 1,000MB/s read speed but sufficient for regular backups and large photo or video libraries. The USB-C connection uses USB 3.2 Gen 2 at 10Gbps, so your Mac needs a matching connection to exploit its performance. A faster Thunderbolt port wont increase the drives speed. Its considerably faster than a conventional hard drive, although demanding professional work benefits from a faster SSD. Design and durability Measuring 3.91 3.91 1.58 inches (99.2 99.2 40.2mm) and weighing 0.59 pounds (268g), the Desk Drive occupies little desk space. However, it requires mains power: connecting it to our MacBook Pros USB-C port alone didnt work. Its single data port provides no hub functionality or additional connections for peripherals. Capacity and value Available in 4TB and 8TB capacities, it offers substantial storage for a desktop setup. SanDisk includes Acronis True Image backup software for Mac. Its value rests on needing SSD speed alongside capacity. Its appeal is high-capacity desktop storage with SSD speed, although mains power makes it less convenient than portable alternatives. Who should buy? Choose it for a permanent home or office backup setup. If you regularly travel with your storage, the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD from this roundup also offers up to 8TB without requiring mains power. Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD Simple secure iPhone storage Pros Simple NFC phone unlocking Automatic locking and encryption Compact, MagSafe-compatible portable design Cons Modest read and write speeds No water-resistance IP rating Price When Reviewed: 512GB $99.99 | 1TB: $159.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The Lexar TouchLock is a compact portable SSD that prioritizes file security over speed. We liked its straightforward NFC unlocking, automatic locking when disconnected and 128-bit encryption. Its lightweight design and MagSafe-compatible ring suit iPhone photo and video backups, while USB-C also connects to a Mac. Testing delivered around 350MB/s for reads and writes, adequate for everyday backups. However, theres no IP rating, and you need a compatible phone to unlock it. Choose another drive for demanding editing or ruggedness. Performance and Mac compatibility Our tests delivered around 350MB/s for both reads and writes, below Lexars advertised 450MB/s reads and 420MB/s writes. Thats adequate for Time Machine and mobile photo backups, but modest for demanding editing. Its USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface limits performance even on faster Mac ports. Lexar claims support for direct 4K/60fps ProRes recording. USB-C connectivity works with Macs, but unlocking requires an NFC-equipped phone running the Lexar app. Design and durability Measuring 3.35 2.09 0.28 inches (85 53 7mm) and weighing 0.09 pounds (40g), the TouchLock is pocketable. A MagSafe-compatible ring holds it against an iPhone. Lexar claims two-meter drop protection, but theres no IP rating for water or dust resistance. A USB-A adapter is included. Capacity and value The TouchLock model we reviewed offers 512GB or 1TB of storage. Its appeal rests on convenient security: NFC unlocking, automatic locking when disconnected and 128-bit encryption. Who should buy? Choose it for straightforward, secure backups when traveling with an iPhone. Consider the Samsung T7 Shield from this roundup for faster transfers and IP65 protection. Mac-only users should weigh the inconvenience of needing a phone to unlock their storage. Read our full Lexar TouchLock Portable SSD review Also considered We recommend: LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 Price When Reviewed: 2TB: $399.99 I 4TB: $599.99 Best Prices Today: $399.99 at Seagate (Lacie) | $1,850 at Amazon The LaCie Rugged SSD Pro5 is a portable Thunderbolt 5 SSD designed for photographers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals. We liked its combination of excellent performance and substantial protection: our testing recorded approximately 5,250MB/s for both reading and writing on a compatible Mac. Its rubberized enclosure carries an IP68 water and dust resistance rating, while a five-year warranty adds reassurance. Available in 2TB and 4TB capacities, it provides ample room for demanding projects without becoming difficult to carry. However, its premium price makes it excessive for ordinary backups, and achieving its best speeds requires Thunderbolt 5. Reports that the model is being discontinued also make availability uncertain. It remains worth considering at a sensible clearance price, but we would prioritize more readily available alternatives. We recommend: LaCie Rugged SSD4 Price When Reviewed: 1TB, $135; 2TB, $250; 4TB, $480 Best Prices Today: $119.99 at Seagate | $389.99 at B&H | $684.97 at Amazon The LaCie Rugged SSD4 is a portable USB4 drive that combines fast transfers with LaCies familiar orange protective sleeve. We liked its strong Mac performance, recording approximately 2,975MB/s for reading and 3,300MB/s for writing comfortably sufficient for large file transfers and demanding everyday work. Its IP54 rating protects against dust and splashes, while LaCie also specifies resistance to three-meter drops and one-tonne crushing pressure. A three-year warranty with Rescue Data Recovery Services strengthens its appeal for people working away from the office. Our main design complaint was the easily misplaced removable USB port cover. However, reported discontinuation and uncertain stock now undermine its position as a leading recommendation. Consider remaining stock only when the price compares favorably with current USB4 alternatives offering similar performance and protection. We recommend: LaCie Portable SSD Price When Reviewed: 500GB $129.99; 1TB $209.99; 2TB $369.99 Best Prices Today: $129.99 at LaCie The LaCie Portable SSD is a small USB-C drive aimed at people who want straightforward additional storage without a bulky enclosure. We liked its attractive silver design, solid construction, and exceptionally light, pocketable form. Its USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection offers sufficient performance for everyday transfers, photo libraries, and backups, although it was an average performer within its class rather than a speed leader. Reviewed capacities ranged from 500GB to 2TB, making it suitable for carrying a working collection of documents and media. Its appeal was always the combination of portability, simplicity, and style. However, retailers now identify reviewed models as discontinued or end of life. We would choose a more readily available alternative unless remaining stock comes with a compelling discount and a trustworthy seller. We recommend: SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD with USB4 Price When Reviewed: $280 for 2TB, $430 for 4TB Best Prices Today: $279.99 at Sandisk | $529.99 at Amazon | $999.99 at Walmart The SanDisk Extreme Pro with USB4 is a rugged portable SSD available in 2TB and 4TB capacities. We liked its strong performance on Macs, with our Thunderbolt 4 MacBook Pro recording approximately 3,400MB/s for both reading and writing. Its forged aluminum body and protective silicone covering give it a reassuringly sturdy feel, supported by IP65 dust and water resistance and a five-year warranty. The main drawback is size: it is noticeably larger and heavier than many portable competitors. SanDisk now offers a newer Extreme Pro V3, so this older model makes more sense as a discounted alternative than the default recommendation. Check the model number carefully: SDSSDE82 identifies this version. We recommend: Seagate One Touch SSD Price When Reviewed: 500GB $94.99; 1TB $169.99; 2TB $309.99 Best Prices Today: $94.99 at Seagate | $109.99 at Walmart The Seagate One Touch SSD is a compact portable drive designed for straightforward backups and everyday file transfers. We liked its light, sturdy construction and the inclusion of both USB-C and USB-A cables, making it convenient to use across different computers. The reviewed model offered 500GB, 1TB, and 2TB capacities, with enough performance for documents, photos, and media libraries. Seagates Toolkit software adds folder synchronization. The absence of hardware encryption is a limitation for people carrying sensitive files. It could still be worth buying at a competitive price; be careful to distinguish the faster STKG generation from older STJE models. We recommend: WD My Passport SSD Price When Reviewed: 500GB $59.99; 1TB $74.99; 2TB $179.99; 4TB $319.99 Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Western Digital | $199 at Amazon | $379.99 at Walmart The WD My Passport SSD is a lightweight USB-C drive intended for everyday portable storage, with hardware encryption among its attractions. We liked its slim design and useful performance when connected to a suitable USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. Compatibility with USB-A connections also makes it practical for people moving files between newer and older computers. However, the unusually short cable can be inconvenient. It remains worth comparing when discounted, particularly if encrypted portable storage is your priority. We recommend: LaCie Rugged Mini SSD Price When Reviewed: 500GB = $89.99; 1TB $129.99; 2TB $234.99; 4TB $439.99 Best Prices Today: $84.99 at Lacie | $127.43 at Amazon The LaCie Rugged Mini SSD is a portable drive wrapped in the companys distinctive orange protective sleeve. We liked its sturdy construction, pocketable design, and three-year warranty with Rescue Data Recovery Services. It provides a useful way to carry backups or project files when traveling, with reviewed capacities extending to 4TB. However, its USB 3.2 Gen 22 interface is a significant consideration for Mac buyers: the Macs used in our testing could not achieve its advertised 2,000MB/s performance. We recorded approximately 900MB/s for writing and 970MB/s for reading, which remains sufficient for routine backups. It is still worth considering at a competitive price, particularly if its protective design and recovery service matter more than maximum transfer speeds. We recommend: Lexar Armor 700 Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $150 I 2TB: $230 I 4TB: $400 Best Prices Today: $209.99 at Adorama | $209.99 at B&H The Lexar Armor 700 is a rugged portable SSD aimed at photographers, filmmakers, and anyone carrying important files outdoors. We liked its slim design, grippy protective covering, and IP66 rating for resistance to dust and powerful water jets. Its construction makes it an appealing travel companion, while encryption software provides another useful feature for sensitive files. The important limitation for Mac buyers is its USB 3.2 Gen 22 interface: without support for that connection standard, a Mac cannot deliver the drives advertised maximum performance. It remains fast enough for ordinary backups, but USB4 alternatives are better suited to buyers prioritizing speed. A substantial discount could still make it an attractive purchase for travel. We recommend: Verbatim Turbometal Portable SSD Price When Reviewed: $153 Best Prices Today: $282.52 at Amazon The Verbatim TurboMetal SSD is a portable USB4 drive with a rounded metal enclosure and a temperature-controlled cooling fan. We liked its attractive construction, quiet fan, and good transfer speeds. Testing on an M3 MacBook Air produced approximately 2,664MB/s for writing and 3,123MB/s for reading, with stronger results on an M4 Max Mac Studio. Reviewed capacities ranged from 1TB to 4TB. However, sustained testing exposed temporary speed reductions as the drive warmed up, before cooling restored performance. Mac users should also reformat the drive appropriately, and the included software is Windows-only. Other USB4 options offer a clearer combination of performance and convenience. It remains a reasonable alternative when discounted, particularly for everyday transfers that do not involve continuously writing large amounts of data. We recommend: Adata SE920 Price When Reviewed: $140 for 1TB The Adata SE920 is a high-performance portable USB4 SSD designed for demanding work such as photo and video editing. We liked its fast, consistent transfers and effective cooling system, which combines a metal enclosure with a small fan. Pressing the housing expands it and activates the fan, giving users additional cooling during sustained activity. Our testing recorded approximately 2,992MB/s for writing and 3,161MB/s for reading, with stable performance over longer periods. Its setup is less convenient for Mac users because it arrives formatted as NTFS and includes Windows-focused backup software, although reformatting with Disk Utility is straightforward. It remains worth considering if its price undercuts comparable USB4 models and you are comfortable handling the initial setup yourself. We recommend: Sandisk Pro-Blade Transport Price When Reviewed: $49.99 for dock I $159.99 w/1TB Mag I $219.99 w/2TB I $339.99 w/4TB Best Prices Today: $49.99 at Western Digital | $485.31 at Amazon The SanDisk Professional Pro-Blade system is modular storage designed for creative workflows spanning location work and the studio. We liked the flexibility of its removable SSD Mag modules, which can move between a portable Transport enclosure and the desktop Station. The modules are designed to withstand rough handling, and the Station accommodates four of them for a larger storage setup. This makes the system useful for teams exchanging footage or maintaining separate project drives. However, a Mag cannot connect directly to your Mac, so the required enclosure adds cost and complexity. The Transports USB 3.2 Gen 22 connection also limits performance on Macs without that interface. Most readers will find a conventional portable SSD simpler and more economical. We recommend: Sonnet Echo 13 Thunderbolt 5 SSD Dock Price When Reviewed: From $479.99 Best Prices Today: $299.99 at Amazon | $439.99 at B&H | $479.99 at Sonnet The Sonnet Echo 13 Thunderbolt 5 SSD Dock combines desktop expansion with built-in solid-state storage. We liked the convenience of adding fast storage alongside an extensive selection of connections, including Thunderbolt 5, 2.5Gb Ethernet, and memory card readers. It can also provide up to 140W of charging power to a compatible laptop, making it an appealing foundation for a MacBook workstation. The SSD impressed in our testing, delivering approximately 5,331MB/s for writing and 5,822MB/s for reading in AJAs 4K test. However, this is a premium docking station rather than a straightforward portable drive, and its cost makes most sense when you need the extra connections. It serves a different purpose to the other SSDs in this roundup, although it remains attractive for an equipped desktop workspace. We recommend: Seagate Ultra Compact SSD Price When Reviewed: 1TB: $100 I 2TB: $180 Best Prices Today: $79.99 at B & H Photo The Seagate Ultra Compact SSD combines the convenience of a USB thumb drive with the performance of a portable SSD. We liked its small size, sturdy housing, and cable-free connection, making it easy to carry files without packing additional accessories. Our Mac testing recorded approximately 943MB/s for writing and 930MB/s for reading, comfortably sufficient for everyday transfers and suitable video recording tasks. Its IP54 rating provides protection against dust and splashes, while Seagate specifies resistance to three-meter drops. However, the short USB-C connector may not reach an iPhones port through some protective cases. It remains an appealing alternative for buyers who want compact USB-C storage and value its protective construction. How we test Mac SSDs Our reviews combine benchmark results with hands-on use to assess transfer performance, portability, construction and everyday convenience. We identify the test platform where relevant, including results from our colleagues at PCWorld. Performance varies with the computer, connection and workload, so we distinguish measured results from manufacturers advertised speeds. We also assess practical details such as cables, power requirements, security features and warranty coverage. Why you should trust Macworld Macworld has been testing Mac hardware for decades. Our recommendations draw on hands-on reviews from our team and colleagues across Foundry, with particular attention to Mac compatibility, useful performance and value. How to choose an SSD: Buying advice Youve read our recommendations of the best SSDs for Mac owners on the market right now. But how did we reach these decisions, and what general advice should you follow when selecting the best SSD for your needs? SSDs vs hard drives Hard drives generally offer more storage for your money, making them a good choice for large backups where capacity matters more than speed. SSDs typically cost more per gigabyte, but provide faster transfers and are usually smaller and lighter. They also have no moving parts, making them better suited to carrying alongside a MacBook. If you decide in favor of hard drives, see our roundup of the best Mac hard drives . Which SSD connection should you choose? For an external SSD, prioritize the connection supported by both the drive and your Mac. A fast SSD cant deliver its full performance through a slower port or cable. Everyday backups rarely need the fastest connection, while large video projects and frequent transfers can justify paying for USB4 or Thunderbolt. USB-C doesnt tell you the speed USB-C describes the connectors shape, rather than its transfer speed. Drives with identical-looking USB-C connectors can use different USB or Thunderbolt standards and offer very different performance. The table below compares connection bandwidth, rather than guaranteed file-transfer speeds. Connection Maximum connection bandwidth Best suited to USB 3.2 Gen 1 5Gbps Routine backups and everyday storage USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbps General transfers, backups and photo libraries USB 3.2 Gen 22 20Gbps Compatible computers; limited performance on many Macs USB4 at 40Gbps / Thunderbolt 3 or 4 40Gbps Large transfers and demanding photo or video work Thunderbolt 5 80Gbps for storage Maximum performance on compatible Macs USB 3.2 Gen 22 deserves particular attention. Macs that support USB transfers at only 10Gbps wont deliver a Gen 22 drives advertised 20Gbps performance. A Thunderbolt port doesnt automatically remove that limitation. To get the most from a Thunderbolt 5 SSD, you need a Thunderbolt 5-equipped Mac. Its higher storage bandwidth can support much faster transfers, but connecting a slower USB drive to that port wont increase the drives own maximum speed. What about SATA and NVMe? SATA and NVMe describe the storage technology inside a drive, rather than the external connection to your Mac. SATA SSDs typically top out at around 550MB/s, while NVMe SSDs use PCIe and can achieve substantially higher speeds. However, an external enclosures connection can become the bottleneck. An NVMe SSD capable of several gigabytes per second internally wont achieve those speeds through a 10Gbps USB connection. For a ready-made external SSD, our measured performance is more useful than its internal PCIe generation alone. If youre assembling your own external drive, choose an enclosure that supports your SSDs type and a connection your Mac can exploit. Match the drive, port and cable Use a cable rated for the drives connection standard. If you connect through a hub or dock, its supported speeds and shared bandwidth also matter. Actual transfers depend on file sizes, sustained-write performance and the storage at the other end. Choose a drive based on its tested performance in the kind of work you do, rather than connection bandwidth alone. How much SSD storage do you need? Choosing the right external SSD capacity depends on what you plan to store. Capacities vary by model, with several recommendations here extending to 8TB. Allow enough space for your existing files and room for your collection to grow, especially if you work with photos or video. These starting points can help: 500GB1TB: Everyday documents, smaller photo collections and transferring files between devices. 1TB2TB: Larger photo libraries, individual video projects and more substantial everyday storage. 4TB8TB: Extensive photo and video collections, multiple large projects or substantial backup archives. For backups, consider how much data you need to protect and allow additional space for older versions you may want to recover. For a working drive, consider the size of your projects and how many you need to keep available at once. A smaller SSD may suffice if you regularly move completed projects to separate storage. Avoid buying a drive that your files will fill immediately. Leaving free space provides room to grow and can help maintain performance, although the effect of filling a drive varies by model and workload. Compare the price per terabyte across capacities. Larger models sometimes offer better value, but the highest capacity isnt automatically the best deal. Balance the price with the space youll realistically use. How portable does your SSD need to be? Most external SSDs are small enough to carry in a laptop bag, but size, weight and cable design affect convenience. A compact, lightweight drive suits frequent travel, while built-in connectors eliminate a separate cable but may obstruct an adjacent port. For outdoor use, look for a sturdy enclosure and a stated IP rating for dust and water resistance. Water resistance doesnt necessarily mean a drive can withstand immersion. Also consider power requirements. Most portable SSDs draw power from your Mac, but the SanDisk Desk Drive requires mains power, making it better suited to a permanent desk setup. Shock-proof and rugged? Other features to look out for include IP-ratings for weather protection and password protection for your important files. SSDs are more durable than hard drives. They have no moving parts, and are less vulnerable to knocks and movement than mechanical hard drives while writing data. While modern hard drives have some level of shock protection, its still a big issue. However, SSDs can still suffer physical damage or fail, so handle them carefully and keep another copy of important files. Some portable SSDs even offer water resistance. You can also get ruggedization in a specialized drive enclosure, if you choose to go down the 2.5in drive route. This is a huge portability benefit. But if they are sat still all day, are SSDs more reliable than HDDs? Hard drives tend to fail mechanically. For example, the motor that spins the platters might burn out. SSDs memory cells age, which can lead to failure. Both kinds require specialist recovery. As ever, back up important data. However, for our purposes, as people who occasionally have to fling drives in rucksacks and plug them in while sat in an airplane seat, SSDs are the clear winner. Software Just remember to check that any apps provided by the manufacturer work with Macs as well as Windows PCs.

Woman's Body Chopped Into Pieces In Guwahati, Accused Arrested 6 Days Later

The accused, Pradip Taye, a resident of Dhemaji who worked as a driver in the Khanapara area of Guwahati, allegedly killed Jeena Baishya on November 1. Her body was found in a drain near Ganesh Mandir in Khanapara on November 7.

Outrage in Puri: Unauthorized Sale of Mahaprasad Outside Srimandir Sparks Backlash

Devotees are outraged over the unauthorised open sale of Lord Jagannath's sacred Mahaprasad outside the Puri Srimandir North Gate. Read about the rising demands for strict administrative action. The post Outrage in Puri: Unauthorized Sale of Mahaprasad Outside Srimandir Sparks Backlash appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

Controversy Over Spate Of Deepavali Murders

Opposition parties have criticised the ruling TVK government over 11 murders reported across Tamil Nadu on Deepavali, alleging a collapse of law and order and demanding accountability.

By age 15, she owned 5 properties and worked in 100 films by 21: Bollywood superstar's mother reveals why she quit acting at her peak

Neetu Kapoor recently recalled her extraordinary journey in the film industry, revealing how she owned four to five properties and bought her own Mercedes by the age of 15. By 21, she had worked in around 100 films before deciding to step away from acting after marrying Rishi Kapoor. She also spoke about her demanding shooting schedules, early success as a child artist and her decision to focus on raising her children, Riddhima and Ranbir Kapoor.

Trump Offers To Ease Hormuz Blockade In Major Iran War U-Turn; Tehran Demands Written Guarantees

The United States has reportedly offered Iran a phased deal to ease its naval blockade and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, signalling a fresh diplomatic push by President Donald Trump to end the Iran war. According to Emirati outlet Erem News, the proposal would begin with partial blockade relief, followed by nuclear negotiations, gradual sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds. Tehran has yet to respond, demanding written guarantees and concrete American action before negotiations proceed. A separate Qatari proposal reportedly includes limited uranium enrichment, international nuclear inspections and the release of up to ten billion dollars in Iranian assets. The diplomatic push comes as Trump faces growing pressure to end the costly conflict following Republican losses in the U.S. midterm elections.

'Stop Funding Munir's Army': Why Muslim US Senator Al-Sayed Is Flagging Trump's Military Aid To Pak

Why should American taxpayers fund foreign militaries accused of violating international law? Newly elected Muslim Senator Abdul Al-Sayed is challenging Washingtons military-aid model - and questioning US support for Pakistans military under Army chief Asim Munir. El-Sayed extends the argument demanding scrutiny of American aid to Israel and Egypt too, including billions of dollars in military financing and assistance. Can one senator stop US aid to Pakistan? Not by himself. But he can demand hearings, push for conditions, question arms transfers and force the administration to explain why American money continues to support foreign militaries. For Pakistan, this could be an early warning: the next debate over US support may be fought not in the Pentagon, but in congressional hearing rooms.

Maha: Shiv Sena demands probe into Sunil Tatkares role in Ajit Pawars crash

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 9 (IANS) A massive political storm has erupted in Maharashtra following serious allegations made by Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam against NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) leader and state president Sunil Tatkare. Kadam on Monday demanded a high-level inquiry into whether Tatkare had any hand in the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of former Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Ajit Pawar's flight took off from Mumbai to Baramati, but as the aircraft was landing at the Baramati airstrip, it met with a horrific accident resulting in his death. Following this tragic incident, political blame-shifting has intensified. Launching a scathing attack during the Diwali festival, Ramdas Kadam linked Sunil Tatkare directly to Ajit Pawar's fatal crash, demanding an investigation. Kadam went on to make explosive remarks about Tatkare's past and ambitions. Sunil Tatkare is a demonic person. He cannot be loyal to anyone. He used to be the Personal Assistant (PA) to A R Antulay saheb, and he finished him off too, he claimed. Whoever gets close to Tatkare, he works to destroy them. I have heard that he himself wanted to become the Deputy Chief Minister. Therefore, an investigation must be conducted from the angle of whether Tatkare had a hand in Ajit Pawar's fatal crash. His ambitions are monstrous, and he can do anything to fulfil them, alleged Kadam. Kadam also targeted Tatkare's political standing, stating, During the Khed-Dapoli elections, I worked shoulder to shoulder with Tatkare. At that time, people used to tell me not to work for him, as he is a traitor. Tatkare doesn't even have the standing to speak against me. However, Sunil Tatkare has vehemently rejected all the allegations made by Ramdas Kadam, calling them entirely baseless. He stated that he would address the media in a formal press conference to present his side. NCP national spokesperson Umesh Patil also responded to Kadams remarks, saying, Ramdas Kadam has made allegations against Tatkare in the past as well. Tatkare has been working in the Konkan region for the last 40 years, building the party against the Shiv Sena. Therefore, this should be viewed as a local-level political conflict. Patil said Kadam should have spoken with evidence and termed his charges baseless. The war of words between Shiv Sena and the NCP has brought the underlying tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Raigad district to a boiling point. Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has also jumped into the controversy, stating that since Ramdas Kadam has made such grave accusations against Tatkare, an inquiry should be initiated. The insults hurled by Kadam deeply offended Ajay Birvatkar, a Zilla Parishad member and Sunil Tatkares brother-in-law. Following a prior dispute regarding seating arrangements at a foundation-stone laying ceremony for the Poynar dam in Khed, Birvatkar took to social media to fire back. He posted, When a person's downfall begins, such frantic ranting follows. Even if one has the ambition to touch the sky, one's feet must remain on the ground. However, if self-respect is hurt, the market will be dismantled, issuing a sharp warning that signals an escalation of the feud between Tatkare and Ramdas Kadam.

Air quality deteriorates in north post-Diwali

New Delhi: A thick layer of smog hung over parts of north India on Monday, a day after Diwali celebrations during which crackers were burst beyond permitted hours, pushing air quality to alarmingly high levels.Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Western Uttar Pradesh's Air Quality Index (AQI) levels were well above 350, falling into the 'very poor' range.Also Read: 'Data eclipse': Questions over Delhi AQI data as several monitoring stations go offline on Diwali nightOn Sunday, Delhi recorded its most polluted Diwali in five years, with the average AQI at 376. The next morning, the AQI dropped marginally to 371, according to the CPCB.The overall AQI stood at 371 on Monday till 10 am, the highest for a post-Diwali day since 2021. Of the 51 monitoring stations that recorded data, 14 were in the 'severe' category, four in the 'poor' category and the remaining 33 in the 'very poor' category. Delhi Technological University (DTU) recorded the worst reading of 439. Earlier in the morning, the overall AQI was 370 at 8 am.According to CPCB data, Delhi's AQI was 376 on Diwali, the highest recorded on the festival day since 2021, when it was 382.Also Read: Mumbai bans sky rockets, aerial fireworks till November 25 after fire incidentsHowever, according to real-time readings on AQI.in, Delhi's air quality climbed to 2,283 after Diwali. Six other Indian cities also recorded AQI levels above 1,000 at 9 pm on Sunday, according to the platform.On Monday morning, AQI.in recorded Delhi's air quality at 637, classifying it as 'hazardous'.According to IQAir, the concentration of PM2.5 stood at 170 micrograms per cubic metre, around 34 times the World Health Organisation's annual guideline value.The high AQI also pushed up PM 10 and PM2.5 levels in the national capital.The concentration of PM10 was 126 micrograms per cubic metre, while ozone levels stood at 31, nitrogen dioxide at 44.6 and sulphur dioxide at 32. Carbon monoxide concentration was recorded at 1,461.5 micrograms per cubic metre.PM2.5, fine particulate matter capable of penetrating deep into the lungs and entering the bloodstream, is among the major pollutants of concern due to its adverse health effects.IQAir's dashboard also showed a prominent air quality alert for Delhi, with data from 32 monitoring stations provided by 12 contributors.In Uttar Pradesh, the western region bore the brunt of post-Diwali air pollution, with several cities and localities recording 'very poor' air quality and some pockets in Ghaziabad, Meerut and Saharanpur reporting AQI levels in the 'severe' category, according to official and local data.Among the 24-hour average readings from November 8 to 4 pm on Monday, Noida recorded an AQI of 332, Greater Noida 252, Ghaziabad 324, Baghpat 305, Bulandshahr 303, Muzaffarnagar 225, Meerut 269, Shamli 275 and Hapur 202.In Meerut, doctors reported an increase in patients complaining of breathing difficulties, asthma, throat infections and eye irritation after Diwali.In Ghaziabad, the municipal corporation intensified mechanical road sweeping, water sprinkling and dust-control operations at identified pollution hotspots, City Health Officer Mitlesh Kumar said.The post-Diwali pollution levels were not uniform across the state.Among the places covered in the 24-hour readings, Bareilly recorded a comparatively lower AQI of 102 and Vrindavan 110. Fatehabad registered 138, Pratapgarh 141, Jhansi 144, Mathura 169, Firozabad 176 and Agra 187.Other major cities also recorded poor air quality, with Lucknow at 245, Kanpur at 221, Prayagraj at 241, Varanasi at 274 and Gorakhpur at 261.In neighbouring Punjab and Haryana, the air quality was in the 'very poor' category on Monday.According to the 24-hour average AQI, which is reported at 4 pm every day, Bahadurgarh in Haryana recorded 400, while Charkhi Dadri was at 389.The CPCB's data further showed that Gurugram's AQI was 345, Rohtak 378, Manesar 333, Faridabad 350, Ballabhgarh 316, Bhiwani 340, Kaithal 347, while Narnaul recorded an AQI of 305.The air pollution was so severe that many residents complained of breathing difficulty.Gurugram resident Praveen Bhardwaj said that when he stepped out of his home on Monday morning, he began to experience eye irritation and difficulty breathing.I used to go for a walk in the park every morning. But now, due to the pollution, I'm afraid to even step outside. Many people are even having to give up their morning walks for the sake of their health, he said.Ashok Yadav, a resident of Sector-14, said pollution has become a cause for concern even for those who head out for morning walks.Instead of merely issuing directives, the government and the administration should take concrete, on-the-ground measures to control pollution so that people can get relief, he added.In Punjab, the 24-hour AQI reading in Jalandhar and Mandi Gobindgarh was 336, in the 'very poor' category, while Ludhiana (292), Amritsar (257) and Patiala (221) were all in the 'poor' category. Chandigarh, the common capital of Haryana and Punjab, recorded an AQI of 148 in the 'moderate' category.

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SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD review: Fast, rugged, and expensive

Macworld At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Good performance for pro users Slim, lightweight design Rugged, with IP65 rating Cons No support for Thunderbolt 5 Expensive (thanks to the AI apocalypse) Our Verdict The SanDisk Extreme Pro delivers fast USB4 performance in a slim, lightweight design, with IP65 protection for life on the move. Strong write speeds suit demanding video and graphics work, although tested read speeds trail SanDisks claims. Its high price and lack of Thunderbolt 5 limit its appeal, but professionals prioritizing portability and durability will still find plenty to like. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Price When Reviewed $687.99 (currently $549.99) Best Prices Today: SanDisk Extreme Pro V3 Retailer Price $549.99 View Deal $549.99 View Deal SanDisk $687.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide What is it? A slim, rugged portable USB4 SSD with fast performance for storing and working with large files. Whos it for? Professionals working with large video and graphics files who need fast, durable storage thats easy to carry. Whos it not for? Budget-conscious buyers or professionals seeking the faster performance available from a Thunderbolt 5 SSD. SanDisk has updated its entire range of portable solid-state drives, including this third-generation update for the Extreme Pro, which, as the name suggests, is aimed at professional users who need high-end performance when working with large video and graphics files. Sadly, like most forms of memory and storage, the Extreme Pro has rocketed in price since our review of the previous version, now starting at $549.99/489.99 for a model with 2TB storage, or a whopping $1,099.99/980.99 with 4TB. Theres also an 8TB model planned for next year, although SanDisk hasnt given any indication of pricing for that model. You should also be aware that older versions of the drive are still widely available online, so make sure you select the correct model before buying. Alternatively, you could save some money by buying an older version of the drive although, of course, it wont be quite as fast as the latest model. Design The Extreme Pro is still an attractive option for professional users looking for a USB4 SSD to use with a Mac , though, with a more compact design than its predecessor, measuring just 110mm long, 58mm wide and 10mm thick, and weighing a mere 65.2g. Its easy to slip it into a bag or jacket pocket if youre travelling with your laptop, and theres a clip for a lanyard (not included) on one corner of the drive to help keep it safe. It boasts a sturdy IP65 rating for weather-resistance, and Sandisk also states that it can survive being dropped from a height of three metres. Performance Performance is good too, with Sandisk quoting read and write speeds of 4GB/s and 3.8GB/s, respectively. The drive did fall a little short on read performance in our tests, using the Blackmagic Disk Speed Test, hitting around 3.5GB/s, but it outperformed on write performance, consistently reaching 4.2GB/s. The Extreme Pro will certainly be fast enough for pro users working with large video files, although its a shame that such an expensive drive is only using a USB4 interface, with no support for the even faster Thunderbolt 5 that is now available on several high-end Mac models. Should you buy the SanDisk Extreme Pro? The SanDisk Extreme Pro combines fast USB4 performance with a slim, lightweight design thats easy to carry alongside your MacBook. Strong write speeds make it appealing for professionals working with large video and graphics files, while IP65 protection and claimed three-meter drop resistance add reassurance when traveling. However, read speeds fell short of SanDisks claims in our tests, and the lack of Thunderbolt 5 feels disappointing at this price. Starting at $549.99/489.99 for 2TB, its a costly investment. Its worth considering if portability, durability, and speed are priorities, but the steep price makes it harder to recommend without some reservations.

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Vishwasur shifts blame on Gokuldham residents; will Jethalal find a way out?

The trouble for the residents of Gokuldham Society is far from over as Vishwasur comes up with another plan to avoid taking responsibility. With people demanding refunds for the money they paid to watch the performers, Vishwasur turns the situation around by putting the blame on the Gokuldham residents. Jethalal and the others are taken aback when they realise that Vishwasur is trying to portray them as the ones responsible for the entire situation. Instead of addressing the complaints and returning the money, he claims that the residents themselves organised the event and are accountable for the inconvenience caused. This leaves the Gokuldham members in a difficult position, as they now risk being held responsible for something they never intended to do. How will Jethalal and the other residents defend themselves against Vishwasur's accusations? Will they be able to expose his claims and prove their innocence? Or will Vishwasur manage to escape the situation by putting the entire blame on them? Tune in to Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah tonight at 8:30 PM, only on Sony SAB, to find out what happens next. Recap of the Previous Episode In the previous episode, the absence of Jigna Jackson left the people who had paid to watch the performers demanding refunds. Vishwasur, however, informed them that he had already invested the collected money in the share market and was unable to return it immediately. Meanwhile, Tappu Sena decided to take matters into its own hands and called reporter Rita to Gokuldham Society to cover the incident. As Rita began reporting live, Vishwasur realised that the situation had caught public attention. However, rather than accepting responsibility, he came up with another excuse. Vishwasur claimed that the Gokuldham residents had organised the Navratri celebrations themselves and that he was not responsible for bringing Jigna Jackson. He also denied that any agreement existed between them and insisted that the residents were responsible for the entire mess. Although the Gokuldham members attempted to expose his claims, Vishwasur continued to shift the blame onto them. With the original agreement still in his possession, he appeared confident about avoiding accountability. Also Read : Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah: Why did Vishwasur exclude Tapu Sena from Navratri celebrations?

Neetu Kapoor reveals buying Mercedes at 15; says, I had bought 4-5 properties by the age of 15

Neetu Kapoor began her career in the entertainment industry as a child artist and went on to become one of the familiar faces of Hindi cinema during the 1970s. However, at the age of 21, she decided to step away from acting following her marriage and focus on her family. In a recent conversation with Curly Tales, the actor opened up about her early years in the film industry, her financial independence at a young age and the demanding work schedule she followed before taking a break from films. During the interaction, Neetu revealed that she had already appeared in approximately 100 films by the time she turned 21. She also recalled buying her first Mercedes and investing in several properties when she was just 15 years old. Talking about her journey as a child artist and the number of films she worked in, Neetu said, 10-12 films I had done when I was a kid. I started when I was 5 in Suraj, a film with Vijayanthimala. Then Do Kaaliyan was a very famous film of mine where I essayed a double role. So then there was a gap from 11 to 13, and at 14 I started again. Then, from 14 to 21, I did around 70 movies. When asked whether she had become a superstar by the age of 15, the actor spoke about her early financial achievements. She said, I had bought 4-5 properties by the age of 15, and I had my own Mercedes. Can you believe that? I was in 8th standard, and after that, offers started coming, and I never went back to school. I had learnt dancing from Vyjayanthimala, so I knew how to dance. I never went to acting school, but after doing films as a kid, there was no camera shyness, so that helped. Neetu also explained that her decision to leave films after getting married at 21 was not difficult, as she had already spent several years working in the industry. Recalling her schedule, she said she would sometimes work three shifts in a day, beginning as early as 7 am before moving on to her subsequent shoots. The hectic routine often left her exhausted, with little time to socialise or make friends. Following her marriage in 1980, Neetu welcomed her daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, followed by son Ranbir Kapoor two years later. The actor said she was happy staying at home and bringing up her children. Neetu Kapoor's journey in films Neetu made her acting debut as a child artist in the 1966 film Suraj. She gradually established herself in Hindi cinema and took on her first lead role opposite Randhir Kapoor in Rickshawala, a remake of the Tamil film Rickshawkaran (1971). She also gained attention for her appearance in the song Lekar Hum Deewana Dil from Nasir Hussain's Yaadon Ki Baaraat. Over the years, she appeared in several films, including Deewaar, Khel Khel Mein, Kabhi Kabhie and Amar Akbar Anthony. She also frequently shared screen space with her husband, late actor Rishi Kapoor. After stepping away from acting following her marriage in 1980, her last film to be released during that phase was Ganga Meri Maa in 1983. Neetu returned to the big screen after a gap of 25 years with a cameo in Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal (2009). She subsequently appeared in films such as Do Dooni Chaar, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, Besharam and Jugjugg Jeeyo. Her most recent film is Daadi Ki Shaadi. Also Read : Diwali 2026: From Sharvari to Neetu Kapoor, Bollywood stars share glimpses of their Diwali celebrations

There's deemed suspension if public servant is kept in judicial custody for over 48 hours: SC

The Supreme Court reiterated that public servants arrested and in judicial custody for over 48 hours face deemed suspension. In the case of Vishwajeet Singh, administrator of Sadar Hospital, the court restored his bail. Singh was accused of demanding a bribe for clearing a contractual worker's wages, which raised concerns. The court noted Singh was reappointed to the same position after his suspension was revoked.

Akhilesh Yadav questions Yogi's silence over Ayodhya Ram Mandir donation case amid 1990 firing row

Congress stages protests at petrol pumps across Bengaluru over alleged excess ethanol blending

Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Nov 9 (IANS) Congress workers staged protests at multiple petrol pumps across Bengaluru on Monday, opposing the alleged excessive blending of ethanol in petrol and demanding that the Centre ensure the supply of unblended fuel to consumers. Congress workers visited several petrol bunks carrying posters and raised slogans against the BJP-led Union government, alleging that motorists were being cheated through the blending of ethanol beyond the prescribed limits. Speaking during the protest, Congress leader Manohar said Rahul Gandhi had already raised the issue and urged the Union government to take action. However, the Centre had maintained that ethanol blending in petrol was limited to 20 per cent. Our state government got petrol samples tested in reputed laboratories, and the findings revealed that ethanol blending was as high as 32 per cent. The Congress has demanded that ethanol blending in fuel be stopped immediately and normal, unblended petrol be made available to consumers and motorists. The BJP government, which is itself involved in adulterated practices, is betraying consumers by allowing higher percentages of ethanol blending, he alleged. Meanwhile, BJP MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, speaking to the media, accused the Congress of diverting public attention from the issue of rising prices by repeatedly raising the ethanol blending controversy. The issue of ethanol blending has already been discussed. There is no truth in the allegations, and the Centre has provided explanations. Claims that engines would not function properly because of ethanol blending are also false. There is no need for further discussion on this issue, he said. The protests come amid a controversy over the Karnataka government's claim that petrol sold in the state contains up to 31.2 per cent ethanol. Public sector oil marketing companies -- Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) -- have rejected the claim, maintaining that E20 petrol supplied across the country, including Karnataka, complies with the Bureau of Indian Standards' IS 17021 specification. The oil companies and the Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry have also questioned the testing methodology adopted by the Karnataka government, stating that the findings were not based on the statutory and technical procedures prescribed under the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Control Order, 2005, and the Marketing Discipline Guidelines, 2024. Responding to the joint statement issued by the oil companies, Karnataka Food and Civil Supplies Minister Rizwan Arshad had criticised their response, describing it as a cut-copy-paste response. He had said he would issue a detailed clarification and share the findings with the nation.

Delhi Firecracker Tragedy| Kin Of Boy Who Died Due To Firecracker Wound Alleges Hospital Negligence

A Diwali celebration turned tragic for a family in Delhi's Narela after a 10-year-old boy died while bursting firecrackers. A rocket reportedly struck the child in the chest, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to Raja Harish Chandra Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The boy's mother has alleged that the hospital staff failed to provide proper treatment and threatened the family. The grieving family is now demanding justice and answers over the child's death.

Group forcibly enters Mumbai temple, defaces property

A group of people allegedly forcibly entered a Ram Mandir in Mumbai's Aarey area, threatened a security guard, performed aarti, defaced a board, and tore down a religious banner. Police have arrested two individuals and registered an FIR against 15 persons for various charges, including inciting discord and outraging religious feelings.

Hyderabad: 2 constables, home guard booked for extortion

Hyderabad: Two police constables and a home guard attached to Sanathnagar police station have been booked in an extortion case for allegedly demanding money from a man to return his seized motorcycle. The incident, which reportedly took place on Deepavali day, has triggered a stir in the police department. According to the complaint, the three 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 .

Road Doggs WWE Exit Faces New Claims Over His Support For Chelsea Green

Jonathan Coachman claims WWE fired Road Dogg for supporting Chelsea Green, but PWInsider reported that James resigned. The former WWE creative team member also cited the demanding schedule and his desire to spend more time with family.

I am angry: Emery rues Villas late collapse after Man Utd snatch dramatic draw

Digital Desk | Manchester, Nov 9 (IANS) Aston Villa manager Unai Emery was left frustrated after his side surrendered a two-goal advantage in the closing stages to settle for a 4-4 draw against Manchester United in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford, with Patrick Dorgus 96th-minute equaliser denying the visitors all three points. Emery blamed the late defensive lapses for costing Villa a valuable victory but clarified that his disappointment was directed at the outcome rather than his players. Angry, of course. To accept to lose in the last minutes two goals, it is difficult. I am angry for the situation, not with the players. We lost the opportunity to have two points more, Emery said at the post-match press conference. Villa appeared to have the contest under control after establishing a 2-0 lead inside the opening four minutes through Alysson and Nicolas Jackson. Although Bruno Fernandes and Youri Tielemans brought United level before the interval, John McGinns penalty and Leon Goretzkas effort in the second half put Emerys side back in a commanding position at 4-2. However, Joshua Zirkzees 92nd-minute strike revived the hosts before Dorgu completed the comeback with a header from a late corner. The visitors were unable to withstand Uniteds final attacking surge, allowing the hosts to escape with a point despite having twice held a two-goal cushion. Asked how Villa had allowed their opponents to engineer such a turnaround, Emery pointed to the atmosphere at Old Trafford and Uniteds ability to draw energy from their home support during the closing stages. He also identified the difficulty his defenders faced in containing Dorgu during the decisive passage of play. They did the same here against Roma with the supporters pushing, they were playing with heart. The last moments when we were close to finishing the match, with Dorgu left side, we couldnt defend him good, he added. The result was particularly frustrating for Villa, who had the opportunity to strengthen their position in the Premier League standings but instead had to settle for a single point. Uniteds persistence, meanwhile, helped them avoid another defeat during a difficult campaign. Emery was also asked whether he believed Manchester Uniteds position in the relegation zone accurately reflected their quality. The Villa manager backed the struggling side to recover, highlighting the competitive nature of the Premier League and the importance of maintaining confidence during difficult spells. Yes, definitely. The Premier League is very difficult. You must be so, so demanding but they have the capacity, powerful players to overcome this situation. Of course, there are other teams performing fantastic. Last year, Tottenham and West Ham, important teams [were down there]. The year before United when they played the final of the Europa League. It is very demanding. You must compete, be strong, give them confidence to play with their quality. A lot of things. But of course normally Manchester United are going to improve, Emery stated.

Diwali night fires wreak havoc across Mumbai, Thane

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Nov 9 (IANS) Multiple fire incidents were reported across Mumbai and neighbouring Thane on Diwali night, with major blazes engulfing residential buildings, shops and hutments, triggering panic among residents and prompting extensive firefighting and rescue operations. Several people were trapped amid thick smoke and intense heat, while four persons sustained minor injuries in one of the incidents in Thane's Kasarvadavali area, officials said. Separate fire incidents were reported in Vidyavihar, Dongri, Dadar and Thane's Raheja Gardens, keeping fire brigade personnel and disaster management teams on their toes as they rushed to the affected locations to contain the flames and rescue stranded residents. In one of the incidents, a fire broke out in two interconnected flats on the seventh floor of the ground-plus-seven-storey Skyline Epitome building in Vidyavihar West at around 4.50 p.m. on Wednesday. Although no injuries were reported in the incident, the blaze caused considerable damage to household belongings and property. As smoke and intense heat spread through the building, five people, including three women and two men, were stranded in a flat opposite the affected apartments. They were unable to make their way out through the passage due to the hazardous conditions. Fire brigade personnel subsequently carried out a rescue operation and safely evacuated all five occupants. The two affected flats together covered an area of approximately 3,000 square feet. The fire damaged electrical wiring, installations, furniture, doors, windows, household articles and split air-conditioning units. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control and completely extinguish it by around 7 p.m. The exact cause of the fire was yet to be established, and an investigation was underway. In another major incident, a fire broke out late Sunday night in Mumbai's Dongri area, spreading across several shops and hutments and triggering panic among local residents. The blaze erupted at Haji Kasam Chawl, located near Datta Mandir on Dr Maheshwari Road, before spreading over a considerable area. Fire brigade teams were rushed to the spot to tackle the flames and prevent the fire from spreading further to adjoining structures. Meanwhile, a major fire was reported at a 17-storey residential building in Thane city on Sunday evening. The incident occurred at around 8.30 p.m. at the Carlyle building, situated within the Raheja Gardens complex in the Wagle Estate area. Officials said that no injuries had been reported in the incident. The exact circumstances that led to the outbreak of the fire were not immediately known. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that emergency responders managed to rescue around 50 people from the building. As a precautionary measure, residents were moved to the terrace and designated refuge areas to ensure their safety while firefighting operations were underway. In a separate incident in Mumbai, a fire broke out at Kamgar Stadium in Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Nagar, Dadar West. The fire involved wooden and bamboo materials stored on the premises, prompting an immediate response from the fire brigade. Firefighters reached the location and launched an operation to douse the flames. The blaze was successfully extinguished within minutes. No injuries were reported in the incident. Another fire incident was reported in Thane West, where four people sustained minor injuries, and two others were rescued after flames broke out in the corridor on the seventh floor of a residential building in the early hours of Sunday. The incident occurred at Aravali Hills Society in the Kasarvadavali area, approximately 20 minutes after midnight. According to officials, the fire originated in the seventh-floor corridor of the building's A wing, prompting an immediate response from firefighting teams and disaster management personnel. Fire brigade officials and disaster management teams rushed to the residential complex and initiated efforts to bring the situation under control. The fire was completely extinguished by around 1.10 a.m., officials said. Investigations into the causes of the individual incidents were underway.

Arulnithi, Priya Bhavani Shankar's horror thriller 'Demonte Colony 3' to now hit screens for Pongal next year

Digital Desk | Chennai, Nov 9 (IANS) The makers of director Ajay Gnanamuthu's eagerly awaited horror thriller 'Demonte Colony 3', featuring actors Arulnithi and Priya Bhavani Shankar in the lead, have announced that their film will now hit screens worldwide for Pongal next year. For the unaware, the makers had first announced that film would release on September 11 this year. They had then announced that the film would hit a day earlier on September 10. However, now, they have announced that it will hit screens for Pongal next year. Actor Arulnithi took to his social media timelines to share the release date announcement poster. He wrote, Mark your calendars! The countdown to hell has begun. Your nightmare awaits this Pongal. #DemonteColony3 #DemonteColony3fromPongal. significantly, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has already cleared the film for release with an 'A' certificate. Director Ajay Gnanamuthu, who had taken to his social media timelines to share the update, had then said, The darkness is back. #DemonteColony3 Officially Censored 'A'. Not for the faint-hearted. Brace yourself. The darkness returns on September 10. The makers of the film had, in April this year, announced that shooting for the film had been wrapped up. Producer Sudhan Sundarm of Passion Studios had then said, A directors craftsmanship is not merely defined by narrative finesse or technical prowess, but equally by the discipline and commitment to deliver a project within its stipulated timeframe. 'Demonte Colony 3' has been mounted on an expansive scale. The film has been shot across diverse international and domestic locations, including Portugal, Malta, LehLadakh, and Chennai. Given the magnitude of its star cast and technical ensemble, completing the production within schedule could have proven exceedingly arduous for any filmmaker. I was, in fact, prepared to extend both the shooting timeline and the budget, having been thoroughly captivated by the manner in which the film was taking shape. Nevertheless, director Ajay Gnanamuthu demonstrated exemplary discipline and punctuality, ensuring that the entire shoot was wrapped as planned within 80 days, he informed. Director Ajay Gnanamuthu had, at the time of wrapping up shooting, said, It is indeed a privilege for a franchise like 'Demonte Colony' to be supported by such a proficient producer. The journey of creating 'Demonte Colony 3' has been immensely fulfilling. Even the most demanding challenges appeared seamless, owing to the consistent and magnanimous support of the production team. Arulnithis conviction and dedication to the process were particularly inspiring. The technical crew and the entire cast stood as steadfast pillars, enabling us to complete the shoot within the planned 80-day schedule. The director had gone on to add, 'The Demonte Colony' franchise has transcended linguistic and regional boundaries, earning widespread appreciation across audiences. With the third instalment, we have endeavoured to cater to a global viewership, ensuring that the film resonates beyond conventional limits. Apart from Arulnithi and Priya Bhavani Shankar, the film will also feature actors Antti Jaaskelainen, Guru Somasundaram, GM Kumar, Muthukumar, SreeKumar, Meenakshi Govindarajan, Kathir, Ashiq Hussain, Sarjano Khaliand Archana Ravichandran among others. Sam CS has scored the music for this film, while Sivakumar Vijayan has captured its haunting visuals. Kumaresh D has sharpened the narrative with his crisp editing.

Mumbai woman fell in love with Rapido driver. Years later, she worked with Ranveer Singh and he represented India at World Championship. How a simple bike ride changed their lives forever

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Jurel, Tilak, Washington power India A to commanding lead

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HD Kumaraswamy alleges officials in Hassan demanded Rs 60 lakh to clear crusher files

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Defence Minister celebrates Diwali with soldiers in forward areas of Sikkim

New Delhi, Nov 8:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday celebrated Diwali with soldiers of the Trishakti Corps (33 Corps) deployed in the forward areas of Sikkim, praising their dedication and vigilance in safeguarding the country's borders under challenging high-altitude conditions. Accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen VMB Krishnan and General Officer Commanding, 33 Corps, Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann, the Defence Minister interacted with troops at Sherathang on November 8. Describing the soldiers as the brightest lights of Diwali, Rajnath Singh said their commitment to duty at the borders gave the entire nation a sense of security.Like a lamp which dispels darkness without seeking attention, soldiers perform their duties silently, ensuring that citizens can celebrate festivals with peace and security, he said. The Defence Minister commended the troops for their professionalism, high morale and commitment to protecting the country's borders. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of soldiers who remain away from their families during festivals, placing national duty above personal celebrations.Emphasising the importance of discipline and courage, he said that even the most advanced technology would be of little use if a soldier lacked these qualities. He also stressed that the conduct, uniform, language and restraint of Army personnel shaped the image of the military among local communities. He urged the soldiers to strengthen the bond of trust and goodwill between the Army and people in Sherathang and surrounding areas. During the visit, Rajnath Singh paid homage to soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of the nation at the Sherathang War Memorial. He also visited the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial and paid respects to the revered soldier.Highlighting the importance of war memorials, he said they did more than commemorate past sacrifices as they helped shape collective memory and strengthen national consciousness and pride. He pointed out that the soldiers remembered at the Sherathang memorial belonged to different parts of the country, including Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Assam, but had made the supreme sacrifice to protect people irrespective of their region, language or community.This spirit of unity and selfless service is the very soul and ethos of India, where every citizen considers fellow Indians as members of one family, he said. The Defence Minister also referred to the National War Memorial in New Delhi, established by the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. He said approximately 26,000 names of fallen soldiers had been inscribed in golden letters at the memorial, adding that these names evoked a deep sense of pride among their families and people from their native villages and regions. He said such memorials served as a source of inspiration for present and future generations.

At 91, This Track Star Is Still Breaking World Records, Inspiring Many: 'Wonderful Feeling'

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Way Too Many: Dak Prescott Sounds Alarm On Dallas Cowboys After Narrow Win Against Indianapolis Colts

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Winter isolation ahead, yet remotest areas without maternity facilities in Kupwara

Kupwara, Nov 8:Residents of several snowbound areas in north Kashmirs Kupwara district face immense hardships due to the absence of gynaecologists and obstetricians at local health centres. This leaves pregnant women particularly vulnerable during the harsh winter months, when these areas often remain cut off from the district headquarters. The affected areas include Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Kumkadi, Jumagund, Moori and several other remote villages along the Line of Control (LoC). Residents have repeatedly demanded the deployment of gynaecologists at local health facilities, stating that the absence of specialised medical care poses serious challenges, particularly during pregnancy-related emergencies. Locals expressed resentment over years of official neglect, alleging that despite repeated representations, no concrete steps have been taken to address the shortage of specialist doctors in these remote areas. Several health centres in the snowbound areas also lack adequate infrastructure and medical facilities, adding to the woes of people, they added. In Machil, residents said that although a Primary Health Centre was established in the area, it was insufficient to cater to the healthcare needs of the local population due to the limited availability of doctors. Whenever we approach the concerned authorities for posting a gynaecologist at PHC Dudi, we are told that there is no sanctioned post of a gynaecologist at the facility, former Sarpanch Habibullah told Greater Kashmir . Residents of Keran voiced similar concerns, saying pregnant women were compelled to face considerable difficulties due to the absence of specialised medical services. We have been demanding the posting of a gynaecologist at the New Type Primary Health Centre (NTPHC) for several years, but our demand has remained unaddressed, Ferhad, a local youth, said. The situation becomes particularly difficult during winter, when heavy snowfall cuts off the area from the rest of the district. Whenever a medical emergency arises during winter, we are forced to carry patients on makeshift stretchers for several kilometres on foot before reaching vehicles near Ferkin Top. From there, patients are taken further for treatment, he said. Mumtaz, another local of the area, said that several pregnant women who developed labour complications during the previous winter had to be airlifted to Kupwara by the district administration. While we appreciate the administrations efforts in airlifting patients during emergencies, we need a permanent solution rather than depending on emergency evacuations every winter, he added. The residents have urged the Health Department to immediately address the shortage of specialist doctors, suggesting that gynaecologists could be deputed to these areas on a rotational basis for a few days every week. They said even a limited weekly deployment of specialist doctors would provide considerable relief to pregnant women and their families and help prevent avoidable hardships during the winter months. Meanwhile, a senior Health Department official at Kupwara acknowledged the difficulties faced by residents but said there were no sanctioned posts of gynaecologists in these snowbound areas. The snowbound areas, including Keran, Machil, Budnamal, Kumkadi, Jumagund, Moori and others, do not have designated posts for gynaecologists. Therefore, we cannot post specialist doctors there. However, with the onset of winter, we issue advisories asking pregnant women to shift to safer and accessible areas in the plains to avoid any eventuality, the official told Greater Kashmir .

Major Fire in Mumbai

Mumbai: A major fire broke out in Mumbais Dongri area late Sunday night, November 8, engulfing several shops and huts, civic officials and residents said. The fire broke out at Haji Kasam Chawl, near Datta Mandir, on Dr Maheshwari Road, and spread across a large area. While residents also reported hearing loud explosion-like sounds, it 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 .

Rs 7.93 Cr tourism push to put Uri on Kashmirs tourist map

Baramulla, Nov 8:Long identified with its sensitive location along the Line of Control (LoC) and decades of cross-border tensions, Uri is seeking to reshape its identity by positioning its natural landscapes, spiritual heritage and adventure tourism potential as the centrepiece of a fresh development initiative. With administrative approval granted for Rs 7.93 crore for tourism infrastructure at five locations, the border town is set to receive a major push aimed at developing it as a distinct destination on Kashmirs tourism map. The project envisages the development of tourist facilities at Uri town, Bosiyan-Gingal, Mahura, Garkote and Bela Boniyar. The proposed infrastructure includes tourist huts, facilitation centres, riverfront and scenic parks, viewpoints, trekking paths and public conveniences, aimed at improving visitor facilities and encouraging tourists to explore the region. Beyond the proposed infrastructure, Uri offers a combination of natural, spiritual and historical attractions that could help it emerge as a tourism destination in north Kashmir. Surrounded by mountains and forests, with the Jhelum flowing through the region, the area offers diverse landscapes for visitors seeking destinations beyond Kashmirs established tourist circuits. Its location along the LoC also gives it a distinctive border tourism character. While Suchetgarh in Jammu has traditionally featured prominently in discussions around border tourism, Uri offers another dimension to the experience, combining its border identity with natural scenery and heritage attractions. The region also has considerable potential for religious and heritage tourism. Pando Mandir, Baba Qazinag and shrines associated with Baba Fareed and Baba Gafoor are among the spiritual destinations that could be developed into a dedicated pilgrimage circuit. The nearby Zehanpora Buddhist heritage site further adds to Uris historical and cultural appeal, offering visitors an opportunity to explore Kashmirs lesser-known Buddhist connections. Uris ecological wealth provides another dimension to its tourism potential. The region is home to rich biodiversity, including the rare markhor, and its mountain ranges, forest stretches and riverfront landscapes could attract visitors interested in nature-based tourism, trekking, photography and other outdoor activities. Connectivity is also expected to play an important role in opening up the region to visitors. The proposed Banali-Gulmarg road is expected to create additional travel opportunities, potentially allowing tourists visiting Gulmarg to include Uri in a wider north Kashmir itinerary. The existing Trade Facilitation Centre, which has already been converted into accommodation for visitors, could further support the initiative by enabling tourists to stay in the area rather than restrict their visits to brief excursions. MLA Uri Sajad Shafi described the tourism initiative as a potential turning point in the development of the border constituency, saying it would help unlock the areas largely untapped tourism potential. He said the project was only the beginning and that the government was committed to bringing lasting change to the region. People in Uri have endured years of hardship. The focus now must be on opening a new chapter in the areas development and taking it in a different direction, he said. For decades, Uri has largely remained in public consciousness because of its sensitive border location and periodic tensions along the LoC. The proposed tourism initiative seeks to broaden that identity by bringing its natural beauty, spiritual landmarks and cultural heritage into greater focus. The government expects the project to stimulate tourism-related economic activity, create livelihood opportunities for local residents and strengthen Uris presence on Kashmirs tourism map.

CDS Gen Subramani reviews security grid in Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 8:Chief of Defence Staff General N S Raja Subramani visited the Kashmir Valley to review the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness and deployment posture of the Armed Forces across forward areas and the hinterland, in what was his first visit to the Valley. During the visit, the CDS assessed the operational readiness of troops deployed in strategically important locations. He focused on the security environment, existing deployments and the preparedness of forces operating in the Valleys challenging terrain and demanding conditions. The review covered both forward areas along the Line of Control and the hinterland, underscoring the need for a robust security grid to safeguard the nations frontiers and address emerging challenges. Interacting with personnel from all three services Army, Navy and Air Force General Subramani conveyed his Diwali greetings to the troops deployed in forward areas. He lauded their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nations frontiers and maintaining a strong security presence despite the difficult conditions. The dedication and professionalism of our personnel, who continue to perform their duties with resilience even during important festivals while remaining away from their families, is truly commendable, the CDS told the troops, according to official accounts of the interaction. He acknowledged their sacrifices and emphasised the importance of jointness among the three services for operational effectiveness and high morale in sensitive areas. General Subramani, who assumed charge as the third Chief of Defence Staff on May 31, 2026, succeeding General Anil Chauhan, has been driving efforts towards greater integration, jointness and synergy among the Armed Forces. A highly decorated officer commissioned into the Garhwal Rifles, he has held key operational and strategic appointments, including as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, and is known for his expertise on regional security challenges. The visit, coinciding with Diwali, highlighted the Armed Forces ethos of service before self. Troops deployed in the Valleys remote and high-altitude areas continued their vigil while the nation celebrated the festival of lights. Officials said the CDSs presence and interaction boosted the morale of personnel who remain on duty round the clock to maintain the security grid. The review reaffirmed the focus on operational effectiveness across forward and hinterland areas, with the CDS stressing the need for sustained preparedness to protect national interests in the region. The visit also reflected the integrated approach of the three services in securing Jammu and Kashmir under challenging conditions.

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Kashmirs dying pottery finds a Diwali spark

Festive orders revive hopes of traditional artisans as demand for earthen lamps rises Clay shortages, rising costs, fading youth interest threaten centuries-old craft Srinagar, Nov 08: As thousands of earthen lamps are prepared for Diwali, the potter's wheel is spinning with renewed hope in parts of Kashmir, offering a glimpse of a possible revival of one of the Valley's oldest traditional occupations. At a pottery workshop in Ishber Nishat, young entrepreneur Mohammad Umer and his family have prepared around 40,000 earthen diyas this year, compared to 25,000 sold last year. The increased demand has brought fresh business to the workshop, with buyers from within and outside Kashmir placing orders through traditional wholesale channels and social media. Umer said the workshop began making diyas in 2020-21 after receiving orders for the traditional lamps. What started as a small seasonal activity has gradually developed into a sizeable business. We started making diyas in 2020-21 because we didn't make them before. When orders started coming in, we began making them too. The response encouraged us to expand production, and this year we have prepared around 40,000 lamps, he said. The workshop produces different varieties, including small lamps, lamps with stands and decorative arrangements featuring multiple diyas. Online marketing has also helped the family reach customers beyond the Valley. For generations, Kashmir's potters, locally known as Krals, supplied households with earthen utensils, water containers, cooking vessels and decorative products. Pottery was once an important source of livelihood for artisan families across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley. However, the spread of aluminium, stainless steel, plastic and factory-made crockery gradually reduced demand for handmade earthenware. Ghulam Ahmad, a traditional potter from Habba Kadal in Srinagar, said the occupation that once supported numerous families was gradually losing its economic relevance. Pottery was once an important occupation in Srinagar, with families depending on it for their livelihood. Today, demand has declined considerably as people have shifted towards factory-made utensils. Traditional artisans are finding it increasingly difficult to compete, he said. Diwali has nevertheless emerged as an important commercial opportunity, particularly for artisans producing traditional earthen lamps. Beyond business, the trade also reflects Kashmir's shared cultural traditions. During Eid, they make products for us, and they get employment. Similarly, during Diwali, we make products for them and get employment, Umer said, highlighting how festivals create livelihood opportunities across communities. However, festive demand alone cannot sustain an entire traditional industry. Artisans face difficulties accessing quality clay, rising production costs, limited working facilities and competition from cheaper factory-produced alternatives. Umer has identified the shortage of clay as a major obstacle. His workshop previously sourced clay from Baramulla for making kulhads but now struggles to obtain adequate supplies. If we don't have clay available, we won't be able to fulfil next year's orders, he said, appealing for government intervention to ensure access to raw material. The challenge is compounded by declining interest among younger generations. Many young people from traditional potter families are reluctant to enter a physically demanding occupation with uncertain earnings and limited social recognition. Lateef Ahmad, a potter from Pulwama, said the future of the craft depended on making it financially attractive to younger people. Young people are no longer interested in taking up pottery because the income is uncertain and the work requires considerable effort. If the government provides raw materials, better facilities and marketing support, many families could still continue this occupation, he said. Umer, a commerce graduate, has taken a different path by continuing his family occupation. After learning the craft from his father, he began introducing new designs, exploring online markets and encouraging other families to return to pottery. He has also worked towards reviving Kashmir's distinctive glazed pottery, traditionally associated with the Dal Gate area. Kashmir's pottery heritage extends beyond diyas and household utensils. Its glazed products are known for distinctive colours, including deep green, blue, brown and ochre. Traditional clay products also include the tumbaknari, a percussion instrument widely used during Kashmiri weddings. The Valley's pottery history has been traced to the Neolithic settlement of Burzahama, dating between 3000 and 1200 BC. Institutional support has also begun receiving attention. On September 22, 2026, the Union Ministry of Textiles sanctioned two specialised training programmes for the revival of glazed pottery and copperware in Kashmir under the Guru-Shishya Hastshilp component of the National Handicrafts Development Programme. An amount of Rs 14.90 lakh was sanctioned to the Craft Development Institute, Srinagar. The glazed pottery programme, planned for Baramulla district, will train 30 artisans over two months under master craftsmen. The initiative includes provisions for artisans' wages, training facilities and raw materials. Artisans, however, need more than short-term training. Assured access to clay, affordable production facilities, modern equipment and sustained marketing support are essential to making pottery economically viable. Diversification into contemporary tableware, planters, decorative products, customised souvenirs and supplies for hotels and restaurants could create demand beyond festival seasons. Better market linkages and digital platforms could also help small workshops reach customers across the country. The experience of Umer's workshop demonstrates that traditional pottery can attract buyers when artisans combine inherited skills with changing market preferences. But replicating this success across Kashmir's pottery clusters remains a challenge.

Chief of Defence Staff visits Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 08: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General NS Raja Subramani visited Kashmir Valley to review the prevailing security situation, operational preparedness and deployment posture across forward areas and the hinterland. An Army spokesperson said that during the visit, the CDS interacted with personnel from all three services and extended Diwali greetings to troops deployed in forward areas. He lauded the personnel for their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nations frontiers and maintaining a robust security grid despite challenging terrain and demanding operational conditions. The visit was aimed at reviewing the security scenario and assessing the operational readiness of forces deployed across the valley.

The Digital Divide in the Age of AI

Artificial intelligence is often presented as the next great equaliser: a tool that can put knowledge, services and opportunity within everyones reach. For a student, it may explain a difficult lesson; for a farmer, help interpret weather or market information; for a small business, make tasks easier and cheaper. Yet this promise rests on a basic condition that is too often overlooked: people must first be able to get online, access a suitable device and use digital tools with confidence. In Jammu and Kashmir, that condition is far from universal. The digital divide is not merely a question of who has an internet connection and who does not. It reflects differences in the quality and reliability of connectivity, the cost of devices and data, digital literacy, language access and the availability of support. Geography and income shape each of these. A household in a well-connected urban neighbourhood does not face the same barriers as a family in a remote village, a student sharing one phone with siblings, or an older person trying to navigate an online service without help. The arrival of AI makes these inequalities more consequential. When public services, schools and workplaces increasingly rely on digital platforms, those who lack access risk being left out of essential opportunities. When AI tools become common in education, students who can use them effectively may gain an advantage over those who cannot. When businesses adopt automation, people with relevant skills may find new avenues, while others face greater insecurity. Technology does not distribute its benefits automatically; access, design and public policy determine who gains. That is why the debate about AI in Kashmir must begin not with slogans about innovation, but with the realities of everyday access. Can a student rely on a stable connection to attend an online class or research a subject? Can a family afford a device that does more than run basic messaging apps? Are digital services available in languages people understand? Can users get assistance when an online form fails or an automated system does not recognise their needs? These are not minor details. They determine whether digital transformation is useful in practice or merely impressive in policy documents. Connectivity remains the foundation. Intermittent or slow internet can make an AI tool inaccessible even when a phone is available. In hilly and remote areas, infrastructure gaps can turn a routine online task into a frustrating exercise. For students, unreliable access can disrupt learning; for entrepreneurs, it can limit the ability to reach customers; for patients, it can weaken the promise of telemedicine. Digital services cannot be called inclusive if they work smoothly only for those already served by strong networks. Affordability is another barrier. A smartphone may be present in a household, but that does not mean every member has meaningful access to it. One shared device cannot reliably serve several students, workers and family members at once. Data costs, repairs and the need for newer hardware can also place digital tools beyond the reach of low-income households. As AI applications become more demanding, the gap between having a phone and having a device capable of using modern tools may grow. The skills gap is just as important. Access to an AI platform does not guarantee that a person can judge its answers, protect personal information or distinguish reliable guidance from error. AI systems can produce convincing but inaccurate responses. They may also reflect biases in the data on which they were trained, or fail to account for local contexts. Users need more than instructions on which buttons to press. They need the confidence and critical understanding to question what a system tells them and to know when human expertise is essential. This challenge is particularly important in education. AI can help teachers prepare material, offer students additional explanations and support learning at different speeds. But it should complement teachers, not become a substitute for them. A student with a dependable connection, a personal device and guidance in using AI responsibly will not have the same experience as a student who is sharing a phone and struggling to get online. If schools adopt AI without addressing these differences, technology could widen learning gaps rather than close them. The same caution applies to public services. Digital platforms can reduce paperwork and make information easier to access. AI may help people navigate procedures or find answers more quickly. But an automated system that is confusing, inaccessible or unable to handle a persons circumstances can become another barrier between citizens and the services they need. Essential services must retain human assistance and accessible alternatives. A digital-only route is not efficient if it excludes the people it is meant to serve. There is also a matter of language and local context. Many AI systems work best in widely represented languages and may struggle with regional speech, local terminology or the realities of life in Kashmir. A tool that cannot understand how people communicate will not serve them equitably. Local institutions, educators and technology developers have a role in ensuring that AI systems are tested with diverse users and adapted to the languages and needs of the communities in which they are used. The response cannot be limited to distributing devices or expanding network coverage, although both are necessary. Digital inclusion requires a coordinated effort: reliable infrastructure, affordable access, practical training, accessible interfaces and safeguards for privacy and data. Schools and colleges can help students learn how to use AI critically. Community centres and libraries can provide access and support for people who do not have suitable devices at home. Public institutions can ensure that online systems are backed by human assistance and clear information. The regions young population gives Kashmir a significant stake in this transition. With the right support, AI can help students broaden their learning, enable entrepreneurs to reach new markets and make information more accessible. But these gains will remain uneven if access is treated as an individual responsibility rather than a public priority. A person cannot benefit from a technology that their network, device, language or circumstances prevent them from using. AI will not erase the digital divide simply because it is powerful. Without deliberate action, it may make the consequences of that divide more visible: one group equipped to learn, work and access services through new tools, and another left to navigate systems that increasingly assume digital fluency. The question for Kashmir is not whether AI will arrive. It is whether the region will prepare people to use itand ensure that the benefits are not reserved for those who were already connected. The promise of AI should be measured not by how quickly it is adopted, but by how many people can use it safely and meaningfully. That means investing in connectivity and skills before celebrating transformation, keeping human support within reach, and designing digital services around the people they serve. If Kashmir is to share in AIs promise, bridging the digital divide must come first. (The Author is Lecturer in HED and a columnist)

Announcements cannot replace jobs: Hakeem Yaseen demands 40-year age limit

Questions recruitment uncertainty, seeks reopening of Doodhpathri Yousmarg, Tosamaidan SRINAGAR: President of the Peoples Democratic Front (PDF) and former Cabinet Minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Sunday expressed concern over the growing unemployment crisis in Jammu and Kashmir, accusing those at the helm of failing to address the genuine concerns of educated unemployed youth and demanding []

Troops are brightest lights of Diwali, Rajnath tells soldiers

New Delhi, Nov 08: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday celebrated Deepawali with soldiers of the Trishakti Corps (33 Corps) deployed in the forward areas of Sikkim, commending their courage, professionalism and dedication in guarding the borders in challenging high-altitude conditions. He was accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen VMB Krishnan; General Officer Commanding, 33 Corps, Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann, and other senior officers of the Indian Army. Interacting with the soldiers at Sherathang, the Defence Minister described them as the brightest lights of Diwali, stating that their dedication and vigilance at the borders provide the entire nation with a sense of security. Like a lamp which dispels darkness without seeking attention, soldiers perform their duties silently, ensuring that citizens can celebrate festivals with peace and security, he said. He commended the soldiers for their professionalism, high morale and steadfast commitment to safeguarding the nation's borders, urging them to continue protecting the motherland with the same enthusiasm and dedication. He acknowledged the sacrifices of soldiers who serve far away from their families, placing duty to the nation above self and personal celebrations. Underlining the importance of discipline and courage, Rajnath Singh asserted that no matter how advanced technology may become, it is of little use if a soldier lacks these qualities. He underlined that the conduct, uniform, language and restraint of personnel shape the image of the military among local communities, and urged the soldiers to continue strengthening the bond of trust and goodwill shared by the Indian Army and the local population in Sherathang and surrounding areas. The Defence Minister also paid homage at the Sherathang War Memorial to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation. He also visited the Baba Harbhajan Singh Memorial, paying his respects to the revered soldier whose legacy continues to hold a special place in the military-civil traditions of the region. Highlighting the significance of the Sherathang War Memorial, Rajnath Singh emphasised that such monuments do more than commemorate past events and sacrifices; they shape collective memory and awaken national consciousness and pride. He stated that the soldiers honoured at the Memorial belonged to different parts of the country, including Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Assam, and laid down their lives to protect the people irrespective of their region, language or community. This spirit of unity and selfless service, he said, is the very soul and ethos of India, where every citizen considers fellow Indians as members of one family. The Defence Minister emphasised that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, established the National War Memorial in New Delhi to honour the gallant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice. Approximately 26,000 names of the fallen heroes have been inscribed in golden letters at the National War Memorial to honour their unmatched valour and sacrifice. Seeing the name of a fallen soldier at the memorial evokes a deep sense of pride among their families, relatives and people from their native villages and regions. These memorials serve as sources of inspiration for the present and future generations, he said.

El-Sayed says he is 'happy' to work with Trump on Medicare for all and other priorities

Sen.-elect Abdul El-Sayed on Sunday opened the door to potentially working with President Donald Trump to pass legislation securing nationwide affordable healthcare. In an interview with ABCs This Week, the progressive from Michigan called Trump an unserious fool but said he would be happy to sit down with the president to discuss how best to serve Michiganders. Look, I've never met the man. I am he is the president of the United States. I am the U.S. senator-elect from the state of Michigan. I am happy to meet with him like I'll meet with anyone who can advance the goals I ran on: to get money out of politics, put money in pockets, pass Medicare for All, El-Sayed said. I've said this, if he wants to pass Trump Care for All, which will guarantee health care to everyone and put his name on it like he's putting his name on everything, I'm game. Let's see if he wants to do that. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump was vociferous in his criticism of El-Sayed throughout the campaign season, lambasting El-Sayed for his progressive policies and repeatedly mocking his name. Trump had supported former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers in the bitter Michigan race. El-Sayed on Sunday said he is not aware of any attempts at communication from Rogers. I think he has a flight to catch to Florida, El-Sayed quipped. Though born and raised in Michigan, Rogers moved to Florida with his wife after leaving Congress in 2015. (Rogers' campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.) Despite his apparent openness to meet with Trump, El-Sayed criticized the president for appointing Stephen Miller to be the White Houses new chief of staff evidence, El-Sayed argued, of Trumps lack of seriousness when Americans are demanding affordability and accountability. So, look, if he wants to act serious, we are happy to work alongside him to actually address these issues, he said. He is the president of the United States, but he wants to continue to fool he will hire people like Stephen Miller to run the White House. And he gets to choose where he goes next. This article originally appeared on Politico at https://www.politico.com/news/2026/11/08/el-sayed-work-with-trump-medicare-01155555

'INCOMPETENT, LIAR': Karoline's Trump TRIBUTE Backfires As Internet Explodes At POTUS Work Claim

Karoline Leavitt's glowing praise for Donald Trump's work ethic has sparked a fierce online backlash after she made an extraordinary claim about the president's demanding White House schedule. During an appearance on Lara Trump's Fox News show, the former White House Press Secretary claimed that Marines stationed outside the Oval Office had to pick up additional shifts because Trump works so late. Leavitt described the Trump White House as an exceptionally busy workplace, praising the president's dedication and long working hours. But her remarks quickly triggered a storm of criticism on social media, with users mocking her claims and accusing her of spreading disinformation. Several critics questioned the narrative surrounding Trump's work schedule, while others unleashed personal attacks against Leavitt.

Over 200,000 march in Amsterdam demanding action on Gaza

Amsterdam: Tens of thousands of people, many of them dressed in red, marched through Amsterdam on Sunday in a mass demonstration aimed at pressing the Dutch government to take more decisive action against Israel over Gaza. The organisers of Red Line demonstrations in the Netherlands called for measures including stricter trade sanctions on Israel, officially 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 .

Anilkumar Raju Mandiraju: From International Badminton Courts To Shaping The Future Of Indian Badminton

With a career-best world ranking of 76, experience competing at major international tournaments and a growing record of coaching achievements, Anilkumar Raju Mandiraju is drawing on his experience as a player to guide emerging badminton talent towards higher levels of competition.

GOC Northern Command reviews operational preparedness in north Kashmir, extends festive greetings to troops

Srinagar, Nov 8: General Officer Commanding (GOC) Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma today visited north Kashmir to review operational preparedness and prevailing security scenario, officials said. They said the GOC was briefed on key operational aspects, including vigilance, training, synergy and innovative practices adopted to maintain a dominant posture for robust security along Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland. Extending warm festive greetings, the Army Commander interacted with all ranks & lauded their unwavering commitment, operational alertness, professionalism and dedication to duty. Officials added that serving far from their homes and families, amidst challenging conditions, the brave soldiers of the Indian Army remain resolute in their commitment to safeguarding the nation, exemplifying the true spirit of courage, sacrifice and selfless service.

Rocket Triggers Explosions At Firecracker Shop In Secunderabad

A fire breaks out at a firecracker shop in Sithaphalmandi, Secunderabad, after a rocket lands inside, triggering a series of explosions.

'Stop Funding War, Start Feeding Italians': Meloni Under Fire As Milan Erupts Against NATO | Watch

Protesters marched through Milan's working-class neighbourhoods on Saturday, November 7, demanding more money for struggling communities instead of weapons and military spending, as demonstrations against rising living costs spread across Italy. Demonstrators carried a large banner reading 'Money for neighbourhoods, not for war!', while burning flares send clouds of coloured smoke into the air. A poster draws attention to unaffordable groceries and low wages, while graffiti declares 'He who sows misery reaps revolt.' The march took place in Gratosoglio, on Milan's southern outskirts, where protesters accused the government of prioritising military spending over housing, public services and investment in neglected neighbourhoods.#italy #meloni #milan #italyprotests #unitedstates #nato #russiaukrainewar #ukraineconflict #donaldtrump #usnews #trump #america #unitedstates

Pakistan first team to reach SAFF Championship semifinals

Pakistan became the first team to book a semifinal berth in the SAFF Championship after 19-year-old striker Najeeb Ullah Khan scored a first-half brace in a commanding 3-0 win over the Maldives at the National Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday.

Krishna District: Class X Student Found Dead At BC Hostel

Protesting against the incident, the family members staged a demonstration outside the government hospital, demanding justice for the student.

'No Doubt In My Batting Line-up': Mendis Backs SLs Experienced Batters Ahead Of Pakistan Test

Sri Lanka Test: Sri Lanka Test captain Kusal Mendis is confident his side has the batting experience and technical ability to tackle Pakistan's expected change in pitch conditions, as the visitors prepare for the opening Test in Rawalpindi, beginning Monday. With Pakistan potentially preparing a greener surface that will assist fast bowlers, Mendis believes his batters are equipped to deal with the challenge, drawing confidence from their showing in England last summer. The Sri Lankan skipper pointed to the experience within the dressing room, particularly that of Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva, as a major asset heading into the two-match series. With Pakitan potentially preparing a greener surface that will assist fast bowlers, Mendis believes his batters are equipped to deal with the challenge, drawing confidence from their showing in England last summer. The Sri Lankan skipper pointed to the experience We know they will be giving a little bit different wicket. I think the batters have to manage our skills and preparation well. I know we have a very good batting line-up with some very senior players... Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, myself, and a couple of other guys. Everyone knows how to play on a green wicket. We played really well in England also, so I have no doubt in my batting line-up, Mendis told reporters, as quoted by Cricinfo. The series will also mark Mendis' first assignment as Sri Lanka's Test captain since taking over the leadership from Dhananjaya de Silva in early October. Despite the demanding schedule of an extended stay in Pakistan, which has already lasted more than a month due to the preceding white-ball fixtures, Mendis said the squad was looking forward to returning to the longest format. The 31-year-old admitted that spending an extended period away from home had presented its own challenges, although the team had found ways to remain engaged while away from the field. Honestly, compared to ODIs and T20s, Test cricket is very different, he said. I think everyone mostly likes to play Test cricket. Me as well. I'm very happy to captain in Test cricket. I think we've been staying in Pakistan for more than one month. It's not easy, sometimes we stay in the hotel and come to practice and that's it... I think it's a little bit hard to stay one month in a hotel. But we do some stuff in the team room, games and individual things (to keep ourselves entertained). Overall, we're in a very good path, and when coming to Test cricket, we have to focus on our Test game. It's not easy to play Tests away from home. I think Pakistan will give a very good wicket, and we have a plan in how (we want) to play. Sri Lanka are yet to register a Test victory in their two series this year, against West Indies and India, but Mendis believes the performances of his bowling group provide sufficient encouragement heading into the Pakistan challenge. He was particularly pleased with the pace attack's progress, which has delivered consistently across formats. We have a very balanced side, both with the bowling and batting unit. I think we've done really well in the past couple of tours in the bowling side, and same in one-day cricket - the fast-bowling attack is doing well. We have a very senior bowling unit, the guys have played so many first-class and international matches. Same in the batting, so everyone is ready for tomorrow's game. Sri Lanka have a sizeable bowling arsenal at their disposal, with Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga forming the pace contingent alongside all-rounder Milan Rathnayaka. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya will spearhead the spin department. Beyond cricket, Mendis also acknowledged the Pakistan Cricket Board's efforts to ensure the visiting team had a comfortable stay, highlighting the security arrangements and the familiarity of the local cuisine. Sri Lanka have a sizeable bowling arsenal at their disposal, with Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga forming the pace contingent alongside all-rounder Milan Rathnayaka. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya will spearhead the spin department. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS

Kauriburi: The Cursed Temple

The fascination with the supernatural has long provided Indian filmmakers with fertile ground for exploring mythology, folklore, forgotten histories and cultural anxieties. Kauriburi: The Cursed Temple, also known as Kauriburir Mandir, directed by Sayantan Ghosal, attempts to capitalise on this tradition by placing its mythological horror narrative in the mysterious wilderness of Assam. Released in [] The post Kauriburi: The Cursed Temple Where Assam Became a Landscape of Supernatural Stereotypes appeared first on NorthEast Now .

He Will Definitely Go: CJP Leader Abhijeet Dipke Predicts Modi Govts Defeat In 2029 At Anti-SIR Rally In Kochi, Kerala

CJP, joined by Prakash Raj, mobilised hundreds in Kochi against SIR voter deletions, demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumars resignation and predicting Modis 2029 defeat.

Rajnath Singh pays tributes to brave soldiers at Sherethang in Sikkim

Mr. Singh also visited Baba Harbhajan Singh Mandir and paid his respects at the revered shrine, which holds immense significance among army personnel.

India A dominate NZ A as Jurel, Tilak, Washington shine

India A established a commanding 428-run lead against New Zealand A on the second day of the third unofficial Test. Half-centuries from Dhruv Jurel (71), Tilak Varma (81 not out), and Washington Sundar (50 not out) propelled India A to a declared total of 464 for five. Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna then took two early wickets, leaving New Zealand A struggling at 36 for 2 at stumps.

18-year-old killed in accident, day after parents gift new bike

Hyderabad: An 18-year-old man died in an accident in Rajendranagar on Friday, November 6, a day after his parents gifted him a new bike. The deceased, Ayyappa, aka Akash, was the only son of Raju, a daily wage labourer, and Kumari, a domestic helper. Akash was reportedly demanding a bike for quite some time, and 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 .

'Want justice for son': Woman renews rape charge against Rawat

Jenny, a resident of Assam, has reignited a nearly 23-year-old controversy by reiterating rape allegations against former Uttarakhand minister Harak Singh Rawat, demanding a fresh CBI investigation and a DNA test for her son. Rawat has denied the claims, citing a previous CBI clean chit, and threatened defamation suits against those making or supporting the allegations, including Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The case has stirred political circles ahead of upcoming assembly polls.

Delhi-NCR wakes up to 'very poor' air on Diwali; several monitoring stations record severe AQI

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) Residents of Delhi and the surrounding areas woke up to 'very poor' air quality on Diwali morning as the national capital recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 384, indicating a concerning pollution situation across the city. According to data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), air pollution levels remained particularly alarming in several parts of Delhi, where 11 monitoring stations registered AQI readings above 400, placing them in the 'severe' category. Punjabi Bagh recorded the highest AQI at 450, followed by RK Puram at 449 and IIT Delhi at 446. Dwarka also reported a high reading of 444, while CRRI Mathura Road registered an AQI of 425 and Siri Fort recorded 423. According to the 6 a.m. update, out of the 23 monitoring stations listed, 11 recorded AQI levels exceeding 400, indicating severe air pollution. The remaining 12 stations reported readings ranging between 301 and 400, placing them in the 'very poor' category. Chandni Chowk recorded an AQI of 423, Pusa reported a reading of 415, North Campus of Delhi University recorded 423, while Burari Crossing registered 411 and NSUT Jaffarpur recorded 409. Among other locations, Narela recorded an AQI of 399, followed by ITO at 396 and Mandir Marg at 393. Talkatora Garden and Aya Nagar both registered readings of 369, while Burari recorded an AQI of 370. Uttam Nagar also reported poor air quality, with its AQI standing at 373. Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 328, remaining in the 'very poor' category despite registering a comparatively lower reading than several other parts of the capital. Meanwhile, Vasundhara Enclave reported an AQI of 356, while Tikri Kalan and Badarpur both recorded readings of 349. Karala registered an AQI of 337, whereas Lodhi Road reported a reading of 333, according to the morning pollution data.

Defence Minister asks armed forces to maintain high operational readiness, counter cyber and drone threats

New Delhi, Nov 7:Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday called upon the armed forces to maintain the highest level of operational readiness, with particular focus on domain awareness, cyber resilience and information integrity to effectively counter emerging security threats. Interacting with Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel at Air Force Station Bagdogra in West Bengal on the eve of Diwali, he said the security environment had become increasingly complex, with warfare extending beyond conventional border engagements to include asymmetric warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone swarms and information operations. He cautioned that adversaries were increasingly avoiding direct confrontation and attempting to exploit vulnerabilities through misleading information and social media campaigns. Through social media, the adversary may attempt to sow doubt in the minds of the local population and our soldiers by spreading misleading information. In such a scenario, your role extends beyond that of an ordinary soldier, he said. Describing Bagdogra as a strategically important location and a crucial link in Indias security framework, particularly for the North-Eastern region, Rajnath Singh praised the courage and dedication of the personnel deployed there. He said the Air Warriors stationed in the region served as a strong shield for the security of the eastern sector and that their preparedness was essential for maintaining regional stability. The Defence Minister also stressed that discipline and courage remained indispensable despite rapid technological advancements. He said the conduct, language and restraint of armed forces personnel shaped the militarys image among local communities. Urging the personnel to strengthen their engagement with people in and around Bagdogra, he said building public trust was equally important for national security. The more you engage with the local community, the weaker the adversarys conspiracies will become, he said. Reaffirming the governments commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Rajnath Singh highlighted the growing contribution of Indian start-ups and industries to the development of drones, anti-drone systems and advanced military equipment. He appreciated the armed forces for adopting indigenous technologies and acquiring new skills in drone operations and cyber security, emphasising that the military must become increasingly technology-driven to meet future challenges. Referring to the Cabinets approval of the Second Tour of Duty for Agniveers, the Defence Minister said the decision would provide them another opportunity to serve the country. He said that after completing the two-year engagement period, all Agniveers would have an opportunity to be enrolled as regular soldiers, subject to their willingness and fulfilment of selection criteria. He described the decision as a significant Diwali gift for Agniveers. Rajnath Singh also extended Diwali greetings to the Air Warriors and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices made by personnel who remain away from their homes during festivals to protect the country. He expressed gratitude to their families for their contribution and assured them that the nation would always stand by them and look after their welfare. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Bagdogra, Air Commodore Manish Sharma, and other senior IAF officials were present on the occasion.

Sopore bypass bridge develops fresh damage weeks after reopening

Sopore, Nov 7:Weeks after reopening following a two-week closure for repairs, the 216-metre Sopore Bypass Bridge continues to cause problems for commuters, with uneven concrete patches, structural dips and damaged expansion joints reported along the deck. Motorists say vehicles experience sudden jolts while crossing the bridge, raising questions about the quality and durability of the resurfacing work. The deterioration is particularly concerning for fruit growers and transporters who depend on the bridge to move apple consignments from Sopore Fruit Mandi. Heavy trucks carrying fruit negotiate the damaged stretches daily. The bridge was closed on October 22 for repair work and reopened after nearly two weeks. However, commuters say the work has failed to provide the expected relief. We thought the closure would lead to proper repairs. But the bridge is still uneven, and vehicles continue to experience jolts while crossing it, local commuters said. The recurring damage has raised questions about the execution of repairs, particularly around the expansion joints, which are subjected to repeated stress from moving traffic. Civil engineering experts say durable bridge-deck repairs require proper surface preparation, suitable bonding materials and adequate curing to ensure that fresh concrete adheres firmly to the existing structure. They caution that superficial patching without addressing underlying defects can result in premature failure, particularly on structures carrying heavy commercial traffic. Fruit growers and transporters have sought immediate intervention, saying the damaged surface adds to the difficulties of moving apple consignments from Sopore. Locals have urged the authorities concerned to conduct a technical inspection and restore the damaged portions in accordance with prescribed engineering standards. They said the bridge, an important link for the area's commercial traffic, needs comprehensive repairs rather than repeated temporary fixes. They have also sought accountability for the work carried out during the recent closure, saying commuters should not be left to face the same problems weeks after the bridge's reopening.

Paraguay's ousted president faces prosecutors after his removal over bank collapse

Santiago Pena was removed from office by Congress following a bank failure affecting nearly three million customers. Prosecutors ordered his arrest for alleged breach of trust and other offenses related to Ueno Bank's collapse. His successor, Vice President Pedro Alliana, began forming a new Cabinet to address the situation. Public protests demanding accountability and access to frozen funds escalated significantly in response.

Diwali today

Jammu, Nov 7: Dazzling lights weaving a heavenly charm; tastefully decorated temples, houses and markets crowded with enthusiastic shoppers imbued true festive vibes across J&K, like elsewhere in the country on the eve of Deepawali (Diwali) on Saturday. The festival of light delineates the triumph of light over darkness; good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. The fervour for the festival found its manifestation in the markets - housing confectioneries, shops selling floral and sparkling traditional motifs; buntings; crackers; designer lamps and traditional diyas (earthen lamps) besides idols of deities. Customised candles ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1000 are luring the customers along with scented candles costing Rs 250 to 500 which have dominated the markets along with traditional Diyas and candles. Resonating vocal for local, eco-friendly as well as cost-friendly cow-dung Diyas, being made by the women self-help groups from Jammu, Udhampur and other places are also available in the market. Like the previous year, ahead of Deepawali, Jammu markets have witnessed a boom on the occasion of Dhanteras, celebrated on November 6. And the boom continues. Big showrooms - dealing in clothes, gift accessories, jewellery, electronic gadgets and automobiles, and shopping malls too are attracting good crowds. Besides electronic gadgets, as the market trends suggest, the sale of automobiles, too, has picked up ahead of Diwali, after witnessing a brief slump during Navratri this year. Ditto has been the scenario vis-a-vis the sale of gold and silver as the bullion market too has demonstrated an upswing, much to the glee of Jammu traders, following countrywide trend. In Jammu city and its outskirts, maximum footfall of shoppers was witnessed at Apsara Road, Gole Market Gandhi Nagar, Channi Himmat, Raghunath Bazar, Purani Mandi, Raj Tilak Road, City Chowk and Residency Road. For the sale of crackers, the district administrations have earmarked specific places across Jammu division and elsewhere. In Jammu city and its outskirts, these designated areas are behind Hari Singh Park, Bahu Plaza, Ban Talab, Janipur and Gandhinagar. The prices of crackers have spiraled up by 15 to 20 percent as compared to last year. Given the enthusiastic trends being demonstrated by the customers, the shopkeepers are expecting brisk sales, worth crores this year. Those, who have set up their stalls at Bahu Plaza, have reported an overwhelming swing in the sales during the past two days. Green crackers are being preferred, with a wide range available in the market to lure the young customers. Drone, Whistle, Japan Tower, Japan night, shot varieties are wooing the children and adolescents alike. Layered security, with additional deployment and special nakas, has also been put in place across J&K to ensure safe and peaceful celebration of the festival.

Israel President Picks Gadi Eisenkot Over Netanyahu To Form Next Government

Israels President Isaac Herzog has tasked former army chief Gadi Eisenkot with forming the countrys next government, choosing him over incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Eisenkot secured the backing of 67 lawmakers, compared with 46 for Netanyahu. He now has 28 days, with a possible 14-day extension, to build a coalition commanding at least 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset.

Uris Jalil Lone selected for UN climate summit

Srinagar, Nov 07: Coming from a small and far-flung town of Uri, Jalil Lone, a humanitarian professional from Bijhama area in north Kashmir has been selected as a registered observer at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled to be held in Antalya, Trkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. With nearly two decades of experience working with communities affected by disasters and climate change, Jalils participation in the global climate summit is expected to provide another opportunity to highlight the concerns and experiences of vulnerable communities in international climate discussions. Currently based in Berlin, Germany, Jalil serves as Global Advisor on Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change and Anticipatory Action with DKH. In this capacity, he provides technical guidance and support to local partners, governments and civil society organisations across several disaster-prone regions. His professional responsibilities have taken him across Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America, including Madagascar, Mozambique, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Yemen, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Colombia and Haiti. Beyond his field-level humanitarian engagements, Jalil has also represented and led government delegations at several international conferences and dialogue platforms focusing on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. His international engagements have included forums in Australia, Austria, the Philippines, Berlin and Geneva, where discussions centred on strengthening disaster preparedness and protecting communities vulnerable to climate-related risks. Recently, he visited Indonesia to engage with local partners on drought and dry-spell challenges. He subsequently travelled to Trkiye, where he participated in training programmes in Istanbul for civil society organisations and government representatives, including participants from Afghanistan and Pakistan. Reflecting on his demanding international schedule, Jalil said his work gave him immense satisfaction. I am happy about the new responsibility. The travel is fun, but sometimes I run out of suitcases, he remarked with a touch of humour. Throughout his career, Jalil has worked with several internationally recognised humanitarian organisations, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Disaster Management Team, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the German Red Cross, ActionAid International, RedR India and RedR Australia. His professional journey has taken him to some of the worlds most challenging humanitarian environments. He contributed to humanitarian response efforts during the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh and worked on humanitarian challenges in Myanmars Rakhine State. He also supported recovery initiatives following the devastating 2015 earthquake in Nepal. His assignments with the Red Cross in Tajikistan, Kenya and Bangladesh remain among the significant milestones of his career. In Afghanistan, he contributed to climate action and disaster preparedness initiatives, while in Bangladesh, he worked on programmes aimed at helping vulnerable communities cope with recurring floods. He has also been involved in Anticipatory Action, an approach that uses forecasts and early warning systems to help communities prepare for disasters before they strike, reducing their potential impact. Born and raised in Bijhama in Uri, Jalils journey from a small border village to international humanitarian platforms has been shaped by his interest in social work and community welfare. As a youngster, he dreamt of representing his country in cricket. Although that ambition did not materialise, the discipline, determination and team spirit he developed through the game later became important foundations of his professional life. After completing his studies in sociology and social Work at the University of Kashmir, Jalil began his career as a schoolteacher. His growing interest in understanding human suffering and supporting vulnerable communities eventually drew him towards the humanitarian sector. Over nearly two decades, he has worked in around 15 countries and travelled to more than 30 nations, besides undertaking numerous international training programmes and professional courses in disaster management, climate change and humanitarian response.

Job market dark reality: Man attends 55 interviews after applying for over 175 roles, gets no offers, says, 'Doesn't know what else to do...'

In a relentless job search, a determined candidate has submitted 175 applications and participated in 55 interviews but has yet to secure an offer. After advancing to the final round 25 times, financial pressure has mounted due to exhausted unemployment benefits. To increase their chances, they have turned to artificial intelligence for targeted job hunting, highlighting the struggles faced by many in todays demanding employment landscape.

Pradeep Poojary Case Should Be Handed Over to CID, Demands Brother Dilip Poojary

Pradeep Poojary Case Should Be Handed Over to CID, Demands Brother Dilip Poojary Udupi: Demanding that the investigation into the death of Perdoor resident Pradeep Poojary be handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), his brother Dilip Poojary said the family had lost faith in the district police administration and no longer believed that [] The post Pradeep Poojary Case Should Be Handed Over to CID, Demands Brother Dilip Poojary appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

NDA wins large number of MPTC seats in Godavari region

Tension prevails as former MLA Jakkampudi Raja stages protest demanding recount of Korukonda ZPTC votes

Rajnath Singh reviews preparedness of Trishakti Corps at Sukna

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reviewed the operational preparedness of Trishakti Corps at Sukna in West Bengal on Saturday. He was briefed on infrastructure development along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the deployment of advanced military equipment and emerging technologies to enhance operational capabilities and combat effectiveness during his visit, according to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry. The minister expressed satisfaction with the operational preparedness of the Corps and appreciated its contribution to nation-building through infrastructure development and community welfare initiatives in border areas, aimed at strengthening ties with local communities. Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lt Gen VMB Krishnan; and General Officer Commanding, 33 Corps, Lt Gen Man Raj Singh Mann were present on the occasion, along with other senior army officers. Later, addressing the soldiers during Barakhana on the eve of Diwali, the Defence Minister commended their courage, professionalism and unwavering dedication towards safeguarding the nation's frontiers under challenging operational conditions. Underlining the importance of logistics in national security, he described Sukna and its surrounding region as a critical hub for the movement of supplies, weaponry, food, medical provisions and personnel to forward locations. He stated that Sukna serves as a vital link in the security architecture of Eastern India and its geographical sensitivity necessitates round-the-clock operational readiness. He added that the Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is continuously working to strengthen supply chains and ensure that soldiers deployed at forward locations have access to all essential requirements. Rajnath Singh highlighted that budgetary allocations for roads, tunnels, border infrastructure and modern equipment have been increased, with the nation steadily progressing towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'. Highlighting the changing nature of modern warfare, the Defence Minister emphasised that security challenges are no longer confined to conventional exchanges of gunfire or artillery along the borders, but encompass hybrid warfare, proxy wars, cyber-attacks, drone incursions and information warfare. He said that adversaries increasingly resort to spreading rumours through social media, monitoring sensitive locations using drones and attempting to compromise military systems through cyber-attacks. He exhorted the personnel to remain vigilant and prepared to safeguard national security across all domains. The minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to taking every possible step to boost troop morale and urged officers to spend quality time with soldiers whenever possible. Such interactions, he said, would foster a strong sense of belonging among personnel and reinforce their confidence that the Government and the entire nation stand firmly with them. Describing the North-Eastern region as the 'first edge' rather than the 'last edge' of India, Rajnath Singh said that the region represents the beginning of the nation's geographical and cultural landscape, as it receives the first rays of the morning sun.

Gujarat CM to meet citizens in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad on first day of 'Vikram Samvat 2083'

Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Nov 7 (IANS) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will visit temples in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad and meet citizens, government officials and police personnel on November 10 to mark the beginning of 'Vikram Samvat 2083'. Patel will begin the New Year with prayers at the Panchdev Temple in Gandhinagar at 7 a.m., followed by a visit to the Trimandir in Adalaj at 7:30 a.m. He will then meet citizens at the Community Centre in the Ministers' Residential Complex at 8 a.m. to exchange New Year greetings. At 8:50 a.m., the Chief Minister will visit Raj Bhavan to extend New Year greetings to Governor Acharya Devvrat. He will later travel to Ahmedabad, where he is scheduled to visit the Bhadrakali Mata Temple at 10 a.m. to offer prayers. At 10:30 a.m., he will meet citizens at the Annex State Guest House in Shahibaug to exchange New Year greetings. The day's engagements will conclude with a programme at the Police Officers' Mess in Shahibaug-Duffnala at 11:45 a.m., where Patel will extend New Year greetings to senior police officers and their families. The programme follows the Chief Minister's Diwali and New Year message in which he called upon the people of Gujarat to work collectively towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat through a Viksit Gujarat. In his message marking Vikram Samvat 2083, Patel said: The collective energy, skills and self-reliance of seven crore Gujaratis would play an important role in taking the state forward. He also called for renewed commitment to economic prosperity, good governance, security and social unity. Referring to environmental conservation, the Chief Minister highlighted initiatives such as the Green Credit programme and the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0 campaign, and urged the younger generation to participate actively in such efforts. He also wished citizens happiness, peace, prosperity and good health in the New Year.

'All mafias are associated with BJP': SP hits back at Nitin Nabin over remarks on Azam Khan

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) The Samajwadi Party (SP) on Saturday hit back at the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) President Nitin Nabin's remarks on SP leader Azam Khan, who is currently in judicial custody in connection with a money laundering case, saying all mafias and goons are associated with the BJP and are seen alongside Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This comes after Nabin, during an exclusive interview with IANS, accused the SP leadership of pursuing vote-bank politics by standing with people associated with criminal elements. These are the same people who gave Uttar Pradesh the identity of 'One District, One Mafia'. During the Samajwadi Party government, every district had a strongman, and they used these figures to gain and maintain power, Nabin said, responding to SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav's claims of injustice against Azam Khan. Reacting to Nabin's remarks, SP MLA Sangram Yadav said: All the mafias are associated with the BJP and are seen alongside CM Yogi Adityanath. Can't you see who the mafia from Varanasi is sitting with? Who the mafias from Jaunpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Deoria and Allahabad are associated with? Do you only see PDA members as mafias? Can't you see people from Yogi Adityanath ji's own community as mafias? He questioned the BJP about who is a mafia, and what are the criteria for identifying one. The Allahabad High Court questioned how these people obtained licences. One of them even displayed 500 weapons on Dussehra. Did the Chief Minister not notice it?...It is the BJP which is the party of mafias, goons and corruption, Sangram Yadav remarked while speaking to IANS. Citing the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, SP MLA Jai Kishan Sahu asserted that the people of Uttar Pradesh will respond to all such statements in the 2027 elections by bringing the Samajwadi Party to power. While maintaining that everyone is entitled to their opinion, Sahu told IANS, The people of Uttar Pradesh are watching everything closely. Voters would give a strong reply in the 2027 Assembly elections and elect an Akhilesh Yadav-led government...under both the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments, young people are roaming in search of jobs, while students demanding employment opportunities are being met with police batons. Meanwhile, BJP MP Prakash Pal backed the BJP Chief Nabin over his criticism of the Samajwadi Party. Speaking to IANS, Pal said: There were people like Atiq Ahmed, Mukhtar Ansari, Azam Khan and countless others. There used to be at least one mafia in every district, whose muscle power was used to illegally occupy people's land and properties. Look at their old photographs and records. Judges would refuse to hear cases involving Atiq Ahmed, and he would even hold police personnel hostage. In Mukhtar Ansari's case, a pond was reportedly built inside the jail so he could eat fresh fish, and the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police would visit him in jail to play badminton. That was the kind of influence these mafias enjoyed, he claimed, adding that under CM Adityanath's government such mafias have been completely eliminated.

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GOC Northern Command visits Siachen, extends festive greetings to troops

Srinagar, Nov 7: General Officer Commanding (GOC) Northern Command Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma visited troops deployed at the icy heights of the Siachen glacier on the eve of Diwali. The Army Commander interacted with the brave hearts in the worlds highest battlefield and conveyed festive greetings to troops. Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, #ArmyCdrNC visited troops deployed at the icy heights of the #SiachenGlacier on the eve of Diwali. Interacting with the brave hearts in the worlds highest battlefield, he conveyed warm festive greetings and lauded their indomitable spirit. Amidst unforgiving terrain, the resolve of the #IndianArmy shines brighter than a thousand lights, Armys Northern Command said in a post on X. Courage in every step, fortitude in every heart: leadership stands with its troops, Army added.

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