In South Korea, companies are incentivizing employees to complete fitness challenges by offering luxurious fashion gifts. Staff must consistently engage in workouts for a full two months, providing evidence of their commitment. This program promotes health awareness amid demanding work obligations, presenting a lavish alternative to standard corporate perks in India. Many social media users have expressed interest in replicating such initiatives in their workplaces.
Raiza Wilson's horror science-fiction fantasy thriller 'Nova' to hit screens on September 25
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 14 (IANS) The makers of director Milo's eagerly awaited horror science-fiction supernatural fantasy thriller 'Nova', featuring actress Raiza Wilson in the lead, on Monday announced that their film would now hit screens on September 25 this year. On the occasion of Vinayakar Chathurthi, the makers released a poster confirming the film's release date. It may be recalled that Raiza Wilson had disclosed that she had braved blood-sucking leeches, constant mist and rain among other things to shoot for this film. Raiza, who is best known for her performance in 'Pyaar Prema Kaadhal', while sharing her experience of working on the eagerly awaited film, had said, The film is structured like a story within a story. I play an important character that appears in the flashback portions. The movie combines elements of action, thriller, and science-fiction. I have never acted in a story or role like this before, which is exactly why I was drawn to it, said Raiza Wilson and went on to add that the shoot took place in the forests of Marayoor in Kerala. We even filmed inside sandalwood forests, where obtaining permission itself is difficult. There were many challenges-- blood-sucking leeches, constant mist and rain, the intimidating sounds of wild animals, and muddy, slippery paths. Before going there, I thought the shoot would be quite easy. I had no idea it would be so demanding. I have never faced such difficulties in any of my previous films. Despite all this, we completed the shoot on schedule without delays, she had explained. Stating that director Milo always kept the atmosphere on set energetic and positive, the actress had said because of that, the hardships they faced never felt overwhelming. It is remarkable that he chose such a complex story for his very first feature film. It takes a lot of courage. He worked extremely hard and deserves appreciation for it. Since it rained most of the time, I often had to sit on set in wet clothes. The action scenes I performed were filmed there. Stunt master Vimal Rambo gave me specialized training. I had also already undergone fight training for my film 'Mr. X'. So, performing the action scenes in Nova became easier. Apart from Raiza Wilson, the cast also includes Dhruva of 'Aanmai Thavarael', Adviti Shetty, Bengali actress Krithika Biswas, Malayalam actor Joe John Chacko, Sendrayan, and YouTube personalities Finally Swathika and Finally Krishna.
Amritsar Soormas Beat Ludhiana Lions To Clinch Inaugural Sher-E-Punjab T20 Title
Punjab T20 League: Amritsar Soormas capped the inaugural Sher-E-Punjab T20 League with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Ludhiana Lions, chasing down 143 with 20 balls to spare in the final here at the IS Bindra Stadium. The Soormas made the run chase look remarkably straightforward, reaching 144/2 in 16.4 overs to become the first-ever champions of the tournament. Sahaj Dhawan anchored the pursuit with an unbeaten 63 off 53 balls, while captain Naman Dhir provided the early impetus with a 12-ball 29 that included four sixes. Rahul Kumar then ensured there were no late twists, finishing unbeaten on 42 off 30 deliveries as Amritsar completed the chase comfortably. The foundation for the victory had been laid by the Soormas' bowlers, who restricted Ludhiana to 142 in their 20 overs. Leg-spinner Mayank Markande was the standout performer, returning figures of 3/17 to earn the Player of the Match award in the title clash. While Markande delivered with the ball on the biggest night of the tournament, it was Dhir's sustained batting brilliance that had driven Amritsar's campaign from the outset. The captain was rewarded with the Player of the Series honour after producing some of the tournament's most explosive innings. Dhir smashed 173 off just 64 balls during the league stage before producing another match-defining assault in the semifinal, where his 91 came from only 37 deliveries and propelled the Soormas into the final. His ability to provide rapid starts and change the complexion of games became a defining feature of Amritsar's campaign, with the captain repeatedly setting the tempo for a powerful batting line-up. The captain was rewarded with the Player of the Series honour after producing some of the tournament's most explosive innings. Dhir smashed 173 off just 64 balls during the league stage before producing another match-defining assault in the semifinal, where his 91 came from only 37 deliveries and propelled the Soormas into the final. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The emphatic victory completed a campaign in which Amritsar combined aggressive batting with disciplined bowling when it mattered most, etching their name into the record books as the maiden champions of the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League. Article Source: IANS
Uttar Pradesh Chemists Protest Dismissals, Demand Reinstatement
Chemists in Uttar Pradesh protest their dismissal, demanding reinstatement after being removed without notice. Uttar Pradesh Chemists Protest Dismissals, Demand Reinstatement
Trump Rejects AI slowdown Push, Says America Cannot Afford to Fall Behind
US President Donald Trump has firmly pushed back against growing calls from some of the worlds leading technology executives for an AI slowdown, arguing that the United States cannot afford to lose momentum in what is rapidly becoming one of the most important global technological races. His remarks have intensified the debate between those demanding [] The post Trump Rejects AI slowdown Push, Says America Cannot Afford to Fall Behind appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Manipur govt urges JFD to call off agitation over NRC and census, warns of public hardship
Manipur government spokespersons Th. Radheshyam and Sapam Ranjan Singh have urged the JFD to withdraw its agitation demanding the closure of government offices over the NRC. The government said Manipur wants the NRC conducted before the Census, with 1951 as the base year, and warned that prolonged protests could disrupt government functioning and cause further inconvenience to the public.
MPSC exam paper leaks: CJP to join protesters demanding resignation of key officials
The agitation seeking the resignation of the MPSC chairman and secretary would be taken forward, and a statewide tour would be undertaken to interact with MPSC aspirants if the demand was not met by September 24, the CJP said in a release
MPSC paper leak: CJP to join protesters demanding resignation, sets Sept 24 deadline
In a show of unity, the Cockroach Janta Party will support students demonstrating against the purported paper leaks in the MPSC exams. Abhijeet Dipke, the party founder, confirmed this backing after engaging with the aspiring candidates. The students are calling for the resignation of the MPSC chairman and secretary, planning a statewide tour if their needs are unmet by September 24.
MPSC exam 'paper leaks': CJP to join protesters demanding resignation of key officials
The Cockroach Janta Party and its founder Abhijeet Dipke will join protests by MPSC aspirants over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in online examinations conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission. The CJP said the agitation seeking resignations of the MPSC chairman and secretary would continue, with a statewide tour planned if unmet.
Dir FCS&CA directs crackdown on unfair trade practices
Rajouri, Aug 13: Director Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Rajesh K. Shavan on Sunday reviewed the functioning of the department in Rajouri at a meeting with the field officers. A range of issues, including advance three-month ration distribution, 100% LPG e-KYC, issuance of SK-Oil licences and departmental infrastructure were discussed in detail. At the outset, Tehsil Supply Officers apprised the Director of the tehsil-wise status of ration distribution and LPG e-KYC. The Director instructed the officers to ensure 100% completion of LPG e-KYC and complete the distribution of three months ration by September 15, with close monitoring of lifting and distribution. Progress on the issuance of SK-Oil licences and other supply-related matters was also reviewed. Later, the Director inspected departmental stores and godowns at Sunderbani, Thanamandi, Rajouri and other locations. He took stock of infrastructure, storage capacity and other requirements at each facility. Officers were directed to identify facilities requiring repair, renovation or augmentation and prepare DPRs, wherever necessary, for taking up their upgradation with the concerned agencies. Emphasising the importance of accountability and responsiveness at the field level, the Director called for sustained efforts to safeguard consumer interests, ensure smooth supply of essential commodities and deliver efficient services to the public, leaving no scope for laxity in the implementation of departmental responsibilities.
CJP to join MPSC aspirants' protests over alleged online exam paper leaks
The Cockroach Janta Party said on Sunday that its members and founder Abhijeet Dipke will join students in their protests over alleged paper leaks in various online examinations conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC). The CJP made the announcement after a group of MPSC aspirants met Dipke at the latter's home in the Waluj area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The agitation seeking the resignation of the MPSC chairman and secretary would be taken forward, while a statewide tour would be undertaken to interact with MPSC aspirants if the demand was not met by September 24, the CJP said in a release. Dipke and CJP members would join the protesters, it said. After his meeting with MPSC aspirants, Dipke said in a video message, I and CJP are with MPSC aspirants in this fight. We will stand with the aspirants till the resignations (of top MPSC officials). MPSC aspirants have staged protests in parts of the state, demanding transparency in the recruitment process and
SKUAST-K Bio-Enzyme course concludes, students pitch waste-to-wealth ideas
A week-long certificate course on Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurship, jointly organised by the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) and the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India, Bengaluru, concluded at the universitys Shalimar Main Campus. Organised by the SKUAST-K Innovation and Incubation Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE), the course combined classroom sessions, practical demonstrations and field visits to landfills, waste-collection sites and fruit mandis. The programme provided students, farmers and rural entrepreneurs with practical exposure to bio-enzyme production, value addition, waste management and marketing, with a focus on converting agricultural and kitchen waste into useful and marketable products. The concluding session featured pitch-deck presentations by student innovators, who showcased business ideas based on bio-enzyme technology and waste-to-wealth models. A total of 10 ideas were received, covering eco-friendly cleaning products, organic fertilisers and waste-recycling solutions for campus and community applications. A jury evaluated the ideas on originality, feasibility, market potential and environmental impact, and appreciated the participants preparation and clarity of presentation. Addressing the valedictory session, Naveed Bhat, CEO, SKIIE, thanked the Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K for supporting the collaborative programme with the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India and congratulated the participants on completing the course. Bhat said the ideas demonstrated the potential to convert agricultural and kitchen waste into value-added, eco-friendly products and encouraged participants to take their concepts towards commercialisation. He also assured continued support from SKIIE to participants seeking incubation for further development of their ideas. The programme concluded with an emphasis on waste-to-wealth entrepreneurship, sustainable resource utilisation and innovative waste-management solutions.
Operation Gadol 4th anniversary commemorated
The Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police jointly commemorated the fourth anniversary of Operation Gadol, the September 2023 counter-terrorism operation in the Gadol forests of Kokernag in south Kashmirs Anantnag district, with a wreath-laying ceremony and a Chinar plantation drive at the 19 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion Headquarters in Larkipora. The ceremony was held in remembrance of the four personnel who laid down their lives during the operation Colonel Manpreet Singh, KC (P), SM; Major Aashish Dhonchak, SC (P), SM; DSP Humayun Muzzammil Bhat, KC (P); and Sepoy Pardeep Singh, SC (P). Officials said their courage, leadership and devotion to duty continue to inspire both the security forces and the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The event was attended by SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpure and Commanding Officer of 19 Rashtriya Rifles Colonel Rohit Rattan, along with officers and other ranks of the Army and J&K Police. Floral tributes were paid to the four martyrs during the wreath-laying. Officials described the commemoration as a reaffirmation that the sacrifices of September 2023 have not faded from institutional memory. The ceremony served as a solemn reaffirmation that the sacrifices made during the operation continue to be remembered with the deepest respect and gratitude, officials said. As a lasting tribute, four Chinar saplings were planted near the main gate of the battalion headquarters, now known as Colonel Manpreet Singh Dwar. Officials said the four trees stand together as a living memorial to all four fallen personnel. The Chinar, closely tied to the landscape and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, was chosen for its association with strength, resilience, longevity and continuity across generations. The Chinar Corps, in a separate statement, said it stood in solemn remembrance of its fallen heroes. Their sacrifice shall never be forgotten, their legacy shall never fade, and their courage shall continue to inspire all who serve the nation, the statement said. Operation Gadol was launched in mid-September 2023 after specific intelligence on the presence of terrorists in the densely forested higher reaches around Gadol in Kokernag. A joint column of 19 Rashtriya Rifles and J&K Police, led from the front by the battalions commanding officer, established contact in difficult, cliff-and-forest terrain. In the opening burst of fire from a well-concealed position, Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchak, DSP Humayun Muzzammil Bhat and Sepoy Pardeep Singh were fatally hit. Colonel Singh, of the Sikh Light Infantry and then commanding 19 RR, was a Sena Medal awardee who had earlier declined a peace-station posting to remain with the battalion in south Anantnag. DSP Bhat, from the Police Special Operations Group and the son of a retired senior police officer, was a young father. All four were later decorated posthumously Colonel Singh and DSP Bhat with the Kirti Chakra, and Major Dhonchak and Sepoy Pardeep Singh with the Shaurya Chakra among the rare instances of two Kirti Chakras and two Shaurya Chakras arising from a single operation.
Elected govt remains deprived of full powers even after 2 years: Dr Farooq Abdullah
The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah Sunday said the Union Government must take serious and meaningful measures to address the growing sense of alienation, disappointment and distrust among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that although elections were held in J&K, the elected government has remained deprived of full powers even after two years, which is contrary to democratic, constitutional and moral principles. Dr Farooq, as per a party statement, said that the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, were a major mistake by New Delhi, and the sooner the Central Government rectifies this mistake, the better it will be for the unity, integrity and democratic system of the country. He said that the Centre will eventually have to restore Jammu and Kashmirs special position, and the National Conference will continue its struggle for this demand until it is achieved. The party, he said, will continue to raise the issue of restoration of J&Ks constitutional and democratic rights in every Assembly, Parliament and other appropriate forum. Expressing strong resentment over the continued extension of the Union Territory system in Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Farooq said that the people had given a mandate through their votes to an elected government to run the affairs of the region and address their problems and difficulties. However, New Delhi has imposed an undemocratic system over the elected government, creating hurdles in its efforts to provide relief to the people and resolve their day-to-day issues. He said that the demand for restoration of statehood is being pursued precisely to enable the J&K government to serve the people more effectively and reduce, to the extent possible, the multiple difficulties confronting them. He made it clear that demanding restoration of statehood in no way means that the National Conference has abandoned its demand for restoration of special status. Our party will continue, under all circumstances, to struggle for restoration of the constitutional rights that the people of Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed under the Constitution of India. We will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for this cause, he said. Dr Farooq said that despite the toughest challenges, hurdles and constraints, the present National Conference government is making every possible effort to provide relief to the people, strengthen the infrastructure for development and ensure the delivery of essential and basic services. He said that National Conference legislators are also continuously available in their respective constituencies, listening to peoples grievances and making every possible effort to address them. He reiterated that the National Conference remains firmly committed to its basic and principled position and said that Safeguarding the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir remains the partys foremost priority.
Zverev Tames Shelton in Four Sets to Clinch Men's US Open Crown
After securing the first two sets in commanding fashion, the German withstood a spirited third-set fightback from the home favourite
Manipur Government Urges Civil Society Groups to Halt NRC Update Protests
The Manipur government calls on civil society groups to end protests demanding updates to the National Register of Citizens. Manipur Government Urges Civil Society Groups to Halt NRC Update Protests
Sgrs 147 million litres of untreated sewage enters Jhelum, Dal Lake daily
Srinagar, Sep 13: Kashmirs two iconic water bodiesJhelum and Dal Lakeare facing a growing sewagecrisis, with acrucial scientific studyestimatingthat nearly 147 million litres of Srinagars sewage remain untreatedevery dayand are discharged into the two water bodies collectively. The figure emerges from the study Assessment of Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Dal Lakes TrophicState,published in the journal Water. The researchers estimate that Srinagar generates around 201 million litres of sewage daily, of which nearly 73 per cent goes untreated into Dal Lake or the Jhelum. The 73 per cent works out to approximately 147 million litres a day, it reveals. The study, however, does not provide a separatebreak-upof the quantity entering the Jhelum and Dal Lake, meaning the figure represents the combined untreated discharge into the two water bodies. The findings assume significance as both water bodies are already under considerable ecological pressure. The trophic condition of Dal Lake between 2019 and 2023 showed a worrying deterioration in its ecological health, the study reads. By the end of the assessment period, the lake was classified as eutrophic, indicating increasing nutrient enrichment and pollution pressure. The researchers linked the deterioration to pollutant loads associated with human activity and untreated wastewater. Excessive nutrient input can trigger algal growth, reduce water quality and disturb the natural balance of aquatic ecosystems, the study notes. The Jhelum faces its own growing wastewater burden as it cuts through Srinagar. An action-taken report submittedbeforethe National Green Tribunal (NGT) records 10 outfalls discharging into the Jhelum, with domestic and household wastewater listed among the discharges. A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audithasfurther exposed the weakness of Srinagars drainage system, finding that the citydoes not haveseparate sewage and storm-water networks. In one striking instance cited by the audit, three dewatering stations discharged 7.47 crore litres between October 20 and 30, 2023, despite there being no rainfall during the period. The audit observed that the absence of rainfall indicated that the discharge was not simply stormwater and pointed towards household wastewater entering the drainage system. The Lal Mandi dewatering station alone discharged 4.39 crore litres during those 11 days, with the audit recording discharge into the Jhelum, the audit report said Climate expert Dr Touseef Bhat said pollution of the Jhelum and Dal Lake should be viewed as a wider ecological challenge, with untreated wastewater, urbanisation and changing climatic conditions collectively increasing pressure on Kashmirs fragile water systems. The problem has existed for decades, but the scale is now becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. As Srinagar expands, concrete surfaces have replaced open spaces, while sewerage and drainage infrastructure has struggled to keep pace with the volume of wastewater generated by the growing urban population, Bhat said. Earlier research by University of Kashmir scientists had documented numerous drains carrying urban waste into the Jhelum through Srinagar and recorded deterioration in several water-quality parameters along the river. The latest findings add urgency to the need for effective sewage interception and treatment. The government has undertaken several sewage-treatment and pollution-control projects to bridge the infrastructure gap. But experts say treatment plants alone cannot solve the problem unless households are connected to functional sewer networks and untreated drains and outfalls are intercepted. The challenge is therefore not merely about increasing treatment capacity. It is about ensuring that sewage never reaches the river or lake in the first place. The numbers provide a stark warning: Srinagar generates around 201 million litres of sewage every day, while roughly 147 million litres is estimated to remain untreated and enter Dal Lake and the Jhelum collectively.
Veterinary interns to meet Minister Dar
Srinagar, Sep 13: The ongoing strike by veterinary interns at SKUAST-Ks Shuhama campus entered its seventh day on Sunday, with the interns set to meet Agriculture Minister Javed Dar to press for an increase in their monthly stipend. President of the Veterinary Association, Saqlain Rashid, said that a delegation of the interns will meet the Agriculture Minister today after he asked them to meet him and discuss their concerns. We will meet the Agriculture Minister along with our delegation today. We are hopeful that our issues will be addressed and that the meeting will have a fruitful outcome, Saqlain Rashid said. He said the interns are demanding an increase in their stipend from the existing 6,000 to around 23,000 per month, which, according to the association, is being provided to veterinary interns in several other states but not at SKUAST-K. The interns have been pressing the authorities to revise the stipend, stating that the existing amount does not adequately meet their expenses during the internship period. The association expressed hope that the Agriculture Minister would consider their demands and take necessary steps towards resolving the issue.
Ecology Must Anchor Sustainable Development
Sustainable development has too often been reduced to a slogan repeated at international summits and inserted into policy documents. Its real meaning is far more demanding. It requires societies to pursue economic growth without exhausting the natural systems that make life possible. For India and the wider Global South, this balance is not an abstract policy concern. It is directly linked to public health, food security, livelihoods and social justice. The accelerating damage to ecosystems shows the cost of treating nature as an unlimited resource. Rivers are polluted, forests are disappearing, groundwater is being depleted and cities are struggling under the pressure of unplanned expansion. Climate change has intensified heatwaves, irregular rainfall, floods and droughts. These disasters do not affect all people equally. Poor households, farmers, labourers, coastal communities and those dependent on forests bear the heaviest burden, despite contributing the least to environmental destruction. This is why ecology must remain at the heart of development planning. Roads, industries, housing and energy projects are necessary, but their benefits cannot justify the permanent destruction of forests, wetlands, watersheds and agricultural land. Environmental clearances must not become procedural formalities designed merely to remove obstacles before construction begins. They must be transparent, scientifically credible and based on the long-term carrying capacity of each region. The challenge is particularly serious in ecologically fragile areas such as the Himalayas. The regions forests, glaciers, rivers and wetlands support millions of people far beyond its immediate boundaries. Yet reckless construction, poorly planned tourism, quarrying, deforestation and weak waste management are placing enormous pressure on this fragile system. Development that ignores the limits of mountain ecology eventually creates economic losses, displacement and disasters. The recent pattern of floods, landslides and land subsidence should be treated not as isolated events but as warnings from an overstretched landscape. A sustainable approach must also recognise that conservation and development are not opposing ideas. Renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, public transport, water harvesting, recycling, green buildings and responsible tourism can generate employment while reducing ecological stress. Small farmers and local communities should be treated as partners in conservation, not as encroachers on their own traditional landscapes. Their knowledge and participation are essential for protecting forests, pastures, wetlands and biodiversity. The transition to clean energy is equally important, but it must be managed fairly. Green technologies require minerals, land and infrastructure. If their extraction creates new forms of displacement and pollution, the language of sustainability will lose credibility. A just transition must therefore include local consent, fair compensation, ecological restoration and social protection for workers and communities affected by economic change. Governments must strengthen institutions responsible for environmental protection and make polluters accountable. Citizens, too, have a role in reducing waste, conserving water and supporting responsible consumption. But individual action cannot substitute for sound public policy. The larger responsibility lies with governments and industries that shape the scale and direction of development. The true measure of progress is not how quickly economies expand, but whether prosperity reaches people without destroying the foundations of their future. Ecology is not an obstacle to development. It is the condition that makes meaningful and lasting development possible.
JKSA demands suspension of JMI Assistant Proctor over alleged assault of J
Association says students cannot be threatened for demanding hygienic food SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) on Saturday strongly condemned the alleged assault, intimidation and harassment of students of the J&K Girls Hostel at Jamia Millia Islamia during their ongoing protest over serious concerns regarding the quality, hygiene and sanitation of food being []
BRICS and the New Delhi Declaration: A Diplomatic Victory for India?
The rise of BRICS is one of the clearest manifestations of this changing reality. What began as an economic grouping of emerging economies has gradually acquired a much larger geopolitical significance, bringing together countries that collectively represent a substantial share of the world's population and economic strength. Its expansion into West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia has further enlarged its reach and given it a voice that the established centres of global power can no longer ignore. The question, therefore, is not simply whether BRICS has emerged as a challenge to Western dominance; the more important question is what kind of challenge it representsand, within that evolving equation, whether the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration can be regarded as a diplomatic victory for India. There is certainly a basis for viewing BRICS as one of the instruments through which the old distribution of global power is being questioned. For decades, the international political and economic system was shaped disproportionately by the United States and its Western allies. Institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, the dollar-centred financial system and several important mechanisms of international governance reflected the realities of a world that emerged after the Second World War. But the economic and strategic landscape has changed dramatically since then. China has become a major economic and technological power, India has emerged as one of the world's most consequential economies, the influence of the Gulf countries has expanded, and countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America are demanding a greater role in determining the rules by which the international system operates. BRICS is therefore not an isolated phenomenon; it is an institutional expression of this broader redistribution of economic and political weight. Yet to describe BRICS merely as an anti-Western bloc would be an oversimplification. Its members do not share an identical foreign-policy outlook, nor do they have the same relationship with the United States and Europe. India, for instance, maintains deep strategic, economic and technological engagement with the West while simultaneously playing an active role in BRICS and maintaining important relations with Russia and other emerging powers. The Gulf members have extensive commercial and security relationships with Western countries, while Brazil has traditionally followed an independent diplomatic path. China and Russia, on the other hand, have adopted much more assertive positions towards aspects of the existing Western-led order. What unites these countries, therefore, is not a common ideology against the West but a common interest in greater strategic autonomy, greater representation and a more balanced distribution of power in global governance. This distinction is crucial to understanding India's approach. New Delhi has little interest in replacing one rigid bloc with another. Its diplomatic preference has increasingly been for a multipolar world in which countries can cooperate across geopolitical divisions without surrendering their independent choices. From this perspective, BRICS becomes valuable not because it can defeat the West, but because it can create additional centres of economic and political influence. The discussion over increasing the use of national currencies in trade, strengthening cross-border payment systems and developing alternative mechanisms of financial cooperation illustrates this gradual approach. It does not mean that the dollar is about to disappear from international finance; such a conclusion would be unrealistic. Rather, it indicates a desire among emerging economies to reduce excessive dependence on any single financial system and to acquire greater freedom in conducting their economic affairs. The same aspiration is visible in the demand for reform of global institutions. The countries of the Global South have long argued that the institutions created in the middle of the twentieth century do not adequately reflect the economic and demographic realities of the twenty-first century. India, with its enormous population, growing economy and expanding international influence, has a particularly strong interest in this reform. Its demand for a greater role in global decision-making, including permanent membership of a reformed United Nations Security Council, is therefore not merely a matter of national prestige; it forms part of a much larger argument about the legitimacy and representativeness of the international system. It is against this wider background that the New Delhi Declaration assumes importance. India's BRICS presidency came at a particularly difficult moment, when geopolitical tensions were already dividing the international community. The expansion of BRICS has made consensus more complicated because the grouping now contains countries with competing strategic interests and sometimes sharply divergent positions on major international questions. The situation in West Asia presented one of the most difficult challenges during negotiations, with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates bringing different regional calculations to the table. That a common declaration was eventually adopted after prolonged negotiations is therefore not an insignificant accomplishment. India's success was not in eliminating disagreements among the members; it was in ensuring that those disagreements did not prevent them from finding sufficient common ground. This is perhaps where the New Delhi Declaration can legitimately be described as a diplomatic victory for India. Diplomacy is rarely about persuading every participant to accept one country's position in its entirety. Its more sophisticated form lies in reconciling competing interests without allowing the larger objective to collapse. India appears to have performed precisely that balancing act. It succeeded in keeping BRICS focused on multilateralism, development, economic cooperation, financial reform and greater representation of emerging economies rather than allowing the grouping to be defined exclusively by geopolitical confrontation with the West. That achievement is particularly important because an explicitly anti-Western BRICS would ultimately limit India's own diplomatic space. India's interests do not lie in a world divided permanently into opposing camps. Its strength comes from its ability to maintain relationships with multiple centres of power while pursuing an independent national interest. New Delhi's simultaneous engagement with Washington, Moscow, Beijing, European capitals and countries across the Global South is not necessarily a contradiction; it is an expression of strategic autonomy. The New Delhi Declaration, viewed in this context, reflects an attempt to strengthen the collective voice of emerging economies without transforming BRICS into another rigid alliance. The economic provisions of the declaration reinforce this pragmatic character. Greater cooperation in cross-border payments, local-currency transactions and financial mechanisms could gradually reduce some of the vulnerabilities associated with excessive dependence on existing financial channels. But the more significant point is that BRICS is attempting to create choices rather than proclaiming an immediate revolution in the global financial system. Alternatives, once established and made credible, can themselves alter the balance of power. The challenge to the existing order therefore need not come through its sudden destruction; it can emerge through the gradual creation of parallel possibilities. For India, another significant dimension of the declaration is the recognition of its larger aspirations in global governance. Support from major BRICS members for India's greater role in international institutions strengthens New Delhi's longstanding argument that global governance must reflect present realities rather than remain frozen in the political circumstances of the mid-twentieth century. Such diplomatic support may not by itself alter the structure of the United Nations, but it strengthens India's position in the continuing debate over reform and representation. India's achievement, however, should not be exaggerated. The New Delhi Declaration is not proof that BRICS has become a cohesive geopolitical power capable of replacing the Western-led order. The grouping continues to face serious internal contradictions. India and China have unresolved strategic differences; Russia's relationship with the West is fundamentally different from India's; the Gulf countries have their own regional priorities; and the expanding membership brings an even wider range of political and economic interests into the organisation. BRICS has no common foreign policy, no collective defence arrangement and no single geopolitical doctrine. Its ability to translate declarations into sustained practical cooperation will ultimately determine whether its growing influence is durable. This is why the significance of the New Delhi Declaration should be judged not merely by the language contained in the document but by what follows from it. Can BRICS make financial cooperation more effective? Can it increase trade and investment among developing economies? Can it strengthen South-South cooperation in technology, health, infrastructure and sustainable development? Can its members continue to find common ground despite their geopolitical differences? And can India maintain the delicate balance between strengthening BRICS and preserving its constructive engagement with the Western world? These are the questions that will determine whether the New Delhi Summit becomes a landmark in the evolution of global politics or remains another entry in the long catalogue of summit declarations. Nevertheless, the broader diplomatic message from New Delhi is difficult to overlook. India demonstrated that its growing influence does not necessarily depend upon choosing one geopolitical camp against another. Its diplomatic strength increasingly lies in its ability to engage with competing centres of power, articulate the concerns of the Global South and still retain enough credibility to bring diverse countries towards a common position. In that sense, India's success was less about imposing its will than about creating consensus where consensus appeared difficult. The emergence of BRICS should therefore be understood neither as the beginning of the end of the West nor as an inevitable replacement of one hegemonic system by another. The West remains enormously powerful, and the United States continues to possess unmatched military, technological and financial capabilities. The dollar remains deeply embedded in international finance, while Western economies and institutions retain enormous global influence. But what is changing is the ability of any one centre of power to assume that its preferences will automatically constitute the global consensus. That is the deeper significance of BRICSand perhaps the more enduring significance of India's role within it. The New Delhi Declaration represents a moment in which India demonstrated that diplomacy in the twenty-first century may increasingly be about building bridges between different power centres rather than choosing one side of the divide. It did not erase disagreements within BRICS; it managed them. It did not declare war on the existing global order; it demanded that the order become more representative. It did not seek to replace Western dominance with another dominance; it strengthened the case for a world with multiple centres of influence. If that vision succeeds, the real transformation will not be the victory of East over West or South over North. It will be the gradual emergence of a world in which no single power or group of powers can claim to speak for the entire international community. And in helping move that transition forward, the New Delhi Declaration can indeed be counted as a significant diplomatic moment for India. (The author is RK columnist and can be reached at: sanjaypanditasp@gmail.com )
No luck for Norris as Antonelli becomes Madring's first F1 winner
Kimi Antonelli secured victory at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. A timely virtual safety car intervention significantly altered the race's outcome. Lando Norris experienced misfortune, losing his commanding lead during the crucial period. Max Verstappen finished second, while Norris recovered to claim third place. Antonelli extended his championship lead with this significant win.
An MBBS internship in India, officially designated as the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) or Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI), is a mandatory 12-month hands-on clinical training period that every medical graduate must complete after passing their final MBBS professional examinations. Governed by the National Medical Commission (NMC), it serves as the final practical bridge between being a medical student and a licensed, independent primary care physician. Why Internship? The Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) is mandatory for MBBS students in India for several vital reasons, ranging from practical clinical readiness to legal requirements. Here is exactly why this internship year is an absolute necessity in the Indian medical education system: The Bridge from Theory to Real-World Practice 1. For four and a half years, MBBS students primarily acquire theoretical knowledge and observe cases from a distance. The internship is their first opportunity to shift from classroom learning to active clinical action. Hands-on experience: It teaches them vital practical skills that textbooks cannot, such as drawing blood, putting in IV lines, passing catheters, and suturing wounds. Decision-making: It builds clinical judgment, teaching them how to prioritise patients, manage emergencies, and make split-second decisions under pressure. 2. Legal Requirement for Licensing In India, completing the 12-month internship is a statutory legal requirement. You cannot get a permanent registration number from the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Councils without a valid internship completion certificate. Without this registration number, an MBBS graduate cannot legally practice medicine, prescribe drugs, or work as a Medical Officer in India. 3. Preparation for Diverse Indian Healthcare Demands India has a massive, highly diverse population with major differences between urban and rural healthcare availability. The internship includes a mandatory 3-month posting in Community Medicine (rural health centres). It exposes young doctors to grassroots healthcare challenges. It teaches them how to manage public health programs, treat tropical diseases, and handle cases with limited resources in rural setups. 4. Specialisation Exploration (Choosing a Career Path) Before the internship, students often do not know which branch of medicine suits them best. Rotating through every major department (Medicine, Surgery, OB-GYN, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, etc.) acts as a trial period. It helps graduates figure out which speciality they want to pursue for their post-graduation (MD/MS) based on their aptitude and interest. 5. Development of Soft Skills and Professionalism Being a doctor requires much more than medical knowledge. The intense internship year forces students to develop critical soft skills: Communication: Learning how to explain diagnoses to patients, break bad news to families, and counsel anxious relatives. Teamwork & Stress Management: Learning to work with nurses, senior residents, and hospital staff while managing long 24-to-36-hour shifts. When Internship? In the context of Indian medical education, there is only one true internship period: the 12 months following your final year exams. It is a mandatory, legally enforced bridge that transforms a medical student into a licensed, practising physician. The Human Element: Demographics, Grind, and Grit : Behind the clinical rotation tables lies the raw, human reality of the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI). For an intern, this year is less about academic reading and entirely about surviving the high-stakes, high-pressure environment of Indian public healthcare. 1. The Age Factor: Young Minds, Massive Responsibilities The Age Bracket: The vast majority of medical interns in India are 23 to 25 years old. The Transition: At an age when most of their peers in engineering or corporate sectors are navigating entry-level office jobs, medical interns are thrust into life-or-death situations. They go from being protected students who memorize textbook definitions to frontline workers breaking bad news to grieving families, assisting in emergency resuscitations, and managing chaotic casualty wards. 2. The Hardwork and The Grind The sheer volume of physical labor expected from an MBBS intern in India is notoriously gruelling. The Brutal Shift Timings: A standard day is rarely just 8 hours. Depending on the department, interns routinely pull 24-hour to 36-hour continuous shifts with little to no sleep. The Scut Work: Because Indian public hospitals are chronically understaffed, interns function as the backbone of daily operations. Beyond clinical learning, a massive portion of their energy goes into administrative laborwheeling patients to radiology, running blood samples to laboratories, manually filling out endless paperwork, and tracking down patient case sheets. 3. The Psychological and Environmental Factors The environment of a government hospital medical college shapes an intern's resilience through extreme trial by fire: Overwhelming Patient Footfall: Indian public hospitals handle an astronomical volume of patients. An intern on a single emergency night shift might screen hundreds of patients, testing their clinical reflexes and patience to absolute limits. The NEET-PG / NExT Shadow: Perhaps the most unique and stressful factor for Indian interns is the dual burden of time. They must survive physically exhausting 100-hour workweeks while simultaneously preparing for one of the toughest competitive exams in the worldNEET-PG or NExT. Balancing active hospital duties with late-night textbook revision leads to chronic sleep deprivation and burnout. Emotional Detachment vs. Empathy: Facing severe trauma, systemic resource shortages, and patient mortality daily forces these young doctors to mature rapidly. They must quickly learn the delicate balance of maintaining emotional empathy for patients while building a thick skin to prevent psychological exhaustion. Where Internship? According to the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations set by the National Medical Commission (NMC): The Same Institute Rule: For Indian Medical Graduates (IMGs), the rule is strict: you must complete your 12-month internship at the exact same medical college hospital from which you completed your MBBS course. The older practice of ransferring or externing to a different hospital in another city or state for internship is no longer casually permitted. The Approved Hospital List: For Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs)students who completed their MBBS abroad and passed the screening examthe internship must be completed in NMC-approved government or private medical colleges within India, often allocated through centralized state counselling processes. Rural Postings: A portion of the internship (specifically under Community Medicine) cannot be done in the main city hospital. Interns must live and work at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in rural areas for up to two months to understand grassroots public healthcare. The Reality Checklist: Conditions of the Internship Places The conditions of the hospitals where MBBS students undergo their internships vary wildly depending on whether they are in a massive government facility, a rural village, or a corporate private hospital. 1. Public / Government Medical Colleges (The High-Volume Zones) The vast majority of Indian medical students train in state or central government hospitals. The conditions here are characterised by extreme intensity: Infrastructure Deficits: These places are often overcrowded and under-resourced. Interns regularly work in wards lacking central air conditioning, facing broken fans, or short on basic ward supplies (like gloves, specific syringes, or proper patient trolleys). The Patient Influx: Public hospitals are flooded with hundreds of patients every day. While this means the infrastructure is chaotic, it provides unmatched clinical exposure. An intern here will see rare diseases and perform dozens of basic procedures (like drawing blood, putting in IV lines, or suturing wounds) daily. Hygiene and Security Challenges: Wards can be highly congested. Security is a major concern, as overcrowded emergency rooms frequently witness friction between emotionally distressed patient relatives and under-staffed medical teams. 2. Rural Health Centres (The Grassroots Postings) During the mandatory rural rotation, the environment shifts completely: Basic Living Conditions: Interns are usually required to live in residential quarters on-site at a village PHC or CHC. These accommodations can vary from decent to highly compromised, with issues like erratic electricity, poor internet connectivity, and basic plumbing. Limited Diagnostic Tools: Unlike tertiary hospitals, there are no advanced MRI machines or rapid lab results here. Interns must rely purely on basic clinical examination skills, managing snakebites, basic maternal deliveries, and infectious diseases with minimal backup. 3. Private Medical Colleges / Corporate Hospitals For students studying in private institutions, the setting is vastly different: Superior Infrastructure: The working conditions are physically comfortable. Hospitals are clean, fully air-conditioned, technologically advanced, and well-staffed with nurses and ward boys. Lower Administrative Workload: Because these hospitals have dedicated staff for running lab samples or filling paperwork, interns face much less non-clinical scut work. The Downside (Patient Privacy): Because patients pay high fees, they rarely allow a young intern to perform procedures on them. Private hospital interns primarily observe senior consultants rather than getting the intense hands-on experience that their government counterparts get. Ultimately, the place where an MBBS internship is done determines a doctor's initial clinical competence. Government hospitals present brutal physical conditions but elite medical learning, while private institutions offer comfortable conditions but limited independent practical exposure Why Internship Stipend? The question of why MBBS intern students deserve a fair and uniform internship stipend has become a central debate in medical education. After completing four and a half years of rigorous academic study and clearing their final professional exams, MBBS graduates enter a mandatory one-year rotating internship. This period is not just a continuation of their education; it is a transition into full-time clinical service where interns form the backbone of public healthcare delivery. Here is why a robust, standardised internship stipend is a necessity, not a luxury, for MBBS interns. 1. Payment for Essential Clinical Labour MBBS interns are not mere observers; they are frontline healthcare workers. In most government and charitable medical colleges, interns work gruelling shifts that frequently extend from 12 to 24 consecutive hours, sometimes totalling over 80 to 100 hours a week. They manage emergency wards, conduct preliminary patient examinations, dress wounds, draw blood, and assist in major surgeries. Without their labour, the daily operations of major public hospitals would heavily falter. A stipend is the rightful financial compensation for this intense physical and mental labour. 2. Financial Independence and Relief By the time a medical student reaches their internship, they are usually 23 to 25 years old. Dependence on Parents: After a lengthy and expensive education, expecting young adults to continue relying on their parents for basic living expenses (food, rent, utility bills, and books) is unfair and financially draining for families. Loan Repayment: Many students take out substantial educational loans to fund their MBBS. A fair stipend allows them to begin managing their financial obligations and daily expenses independently. 3. Boosting Morale and Mental Well-being Medical internships are notoriously stressful, characterised by high patient loads, sleep deprivation, and exposure to critical trauma. When interns are underpaid or not paid at all, it breeds resentment and severe burnout. Financial anxiety compounded by physical exhaustion severely impacts an intern's mental health. Providing a fair stipend acts as a vital morale booster, making students feel valued by the healthcare system they serve. 4. Preventing Exploitation and Ensuring Equity Currently, there is a massive disparity in stipends across different states and institutions. While interns in some central government institutions receive a substantial amount, their peers in certain state government colleges or private institutions receive a fraction of that, or sometimes nothing at all, despite doing identical work. Mandating a fair, uniform stipend prevents private management from exploiting young doctors as cheap labour. It ensures equity, guaranteeing that a student's compensation is determined by their work, not by the geographical location or funding type of their college. The Current Landscape vs. The Need of the Hour The National Medical Commission (NMC) and various court rulings have repeatedly emphasised that all interns must be paid a stipend fixed by the respective authorities. However, implementation remains uneven. Medical interns are the primary link between patients and senior doctors. Denying them a fair stipend undermines the dignity of the medical profession. Providing a justifiable stipend is an investment in the healthcare system, ensuring that the next generation of doctors is motivated, financially secure, and focused entirely on saving lives. What Internship Stipend should be paid? To enhance and standardise the stipend amount for MBBS intern doctors, both the central and state governments must adopt a coordinated policy framework. Currently, the National Medical Commission (NMC) mandates that interns be paid, but leaves the specific execution and financial liability to individual states and institutions. This creates massive regional disparities. The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly reprimanded defaulting institutions and the NMC, emphasising that medical internships are a matter of right and denying fair compensation is akin to onded labour. A comprehensive policy roadmap should be implemented to ensure fair remuneration. 1. Central Government & NMC Action Plan As the overarching regulatory bodies, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the NMC must set the national benchmark. Establish a National Minimum Stipend Floor: The NMC should amend the Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) Regulations to establish a statutory National Minimum Stipend Floor (e.g., 25,00030,000 per month) indexed to inflation. No medical collegegovernment or privateshould be legally allowed to pay below this baseline. Strict Enforcement and Penalties: The NMC must continuously monitor compliance through its mandatory disclosure portal. Institutions failing to pay or delaying stipends should face swift disciplinary actions, including hefty financial penalties or the freezing of seat allocations. Reactivate Regular Central Revision Cycles: The Central Government should resume its strict biennial (two-year) revision cycle for central institutions like AIIMS and central university hospitals. This sets an immediate upward benchmark for state governments to emulate. 2. State Government Action Plan Because public health and state medical colleges fall under provincial jurisdiction, state governments must fix systemic local issues. Implement Equal Pay for Equal Work Across Sectors: State policies must mandate private and minority medical colleges to match the stipend amounts paid by government medical colleges within that state. An intern's clinical duties remain identical regardless of whether a hospital is state-run or privately owned. Automatic Inflation Indexing: State health departments should implement a policy where intern stipends automatically increase by a set percentage (e.g., 5-10%) every two years to account for the rising cost of living, bypassing the need for students to launch mass protests or strikes to seek adjustments. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Systems: To prevent private management from coercing or shortchanging students, states should mandate that all internship stipends be disbursed via a Direct Benefit Transfer system linked directly to the intern's bank account, ensuring complete audit transparency. Rahul Gandhi's vision on internships Rahul Gandhi's vision on internships revolves around the idea that fair compensation and structured training are legal rights for the youth, rather than privileges or cheap labor. As the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), his philosophy shifts the narrative from ad-hoc stipends to a legally enforceable structural framework. This vision can be analyzed through two distinct lenses: his broader national policy for all graduates and his specific stance regarding medical (MBBS) intern doctors. 1. Broad National Vision: The Right to Apprenticeship During his election campaigns and policy announcements, Rahul Gandhi introduced a flagship economic model for young graduates known as the Pehli Naukri Pakki (First Job Guaranteed) scheme. Legally Guaranteed Internships: Modelled after the rights-based approach of MGNREGA, his vision proposes a statutory Right to Apprenticeship Act. This would make it legally mandatory for both government offices and private corporations to take in college graduates and diploma holders under the age of 25 for a one-year internship. National Minimum Stipend Baseline: A core component of this vision is a guaranteed financial floor. He proposed a fixed stipend of 1 lakh per year (equivalent to 8,500 per month) to be transferred directly via DBT into the accounts of the interns. Criticism of Existing Models: Gandhi has frequently criticised current central government internship schemes. He argues that a low-stipend infrastructure results in high refusal rates (claiming up to 90% of youth reject them) because meagre payouts fail to match basic living costs. 2. Emerging Stance on MBBS Intern Doctors The broader philosophy of fair pay for professional work has directly intersected with ongoing medical agitations. Direct Appeals from Medical Interns: Protesting MBBS and BDS internsspecifically highlighted during recent statewide strikes in places like Jammu and Kashmir demanding a stipend hike from 12,300 to 30,000have formally approached Rahul Gandhi to champion their cause on a national stage. Dignity of Labour over Exploitation: Within his political framework, the gruelling 12-to-36-hour shifts clocked by medical interns without timely or adequate compensation align with what he labels administrative exploitation. The core of his vision supports the idea that medical interns are professional healthcare workers whose compensation must mirror their immense clinical responsibilities. Treating Health and Life Insurance as a Non-Negotiable Labour Right: Within his core political philosophywhich views interns as vital frontline workers rather than cheap student labourproviding free health, accident, and disability insurance is a natural extension. In high-risk clinical environments where medical interns face continuous exposure to blood-borne pathogens, needle-stick injuries, and infectious diseases, his vision treats institutional insurance coverage as a primary safety net that the hospital must guarantee. State-Sponsored Group Premium Models: Rather than forcing financially strapped medical students to buy private out-of-pocket policies, the framework aligns with a fully government-funded group welfare model. Similar to the way he has pushed for direct-to-beneficiary safety net expansions (like the 25 Lakh health insurance model in Kerala), his internship vision implies that state and central governments must completely absorb the premium costs for comprehensive medical student insurance during their 12-month rotation. Institutional Protection Against Legal & Negligence Vulnerabilities: Medical interns operate under constant high-pressure clinical supervision. Gandhis rights-based approach supports insulating young doctors through compulsory institutional professional indemnity insurance. This ensures that trainee doctors are protected against potentially crippling personal legal liabilities or allegations of negligence while managing overcrowded public emergency wards and casualties . (The author is pursuing his M.Tech in Power Systems and Control and is a worker of Congress's student organisation, NSUI. Feedback at: fahadpeer07@gmail.com)
A year on, Rs 15 lakh for kin of 4 killed in Leh firing
Ladakh's Lieutenant Governor announced compensation for four protesters killed last September. An ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh for major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for minor injuries was also approved. This follows demonstrations demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards under Schedule Six. Authorities imposed restrictions and arrested over eighty people after the violent protests occurred. Cases against those arrested will be withdrawn and victims will receive compensation.
Smriti Irani congratulates Team India on record eighth Womens Asia Cup triumph
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) Indias record-extending eighth Womens Asia Cup title drew a celebratory response from former Union Minister Smriti Irani, who hailed the Indian womens cricket team after its emphatic 72-run victory over Sri Lanka in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. India delivered a commanding all-round performance to reclaim the continental crown, overcoming Sri Lanka in the summit clash after losing to the same opposition in the 2024 final. The victory also extended Indias dominance in Asia Cup finals against Sri Lanka, with the Women in Blue now having beaten them six times in title clashes across formats, including the 2004 edition. Reacting to the landmark triumph, Irani congratulated the players and underlined the qualities that powered Indias campaign, while also expressing pride in the teams achievement. India, Indiaaaaaaaa.....Heartiest congratulations to our Indian Womens Cricket Team on winning the Womens Asia Cup 2026. This remarkable triumph reflects the teams hard work, determination and belief. Your performance has made the entire nation proud. Wishing the champions many more victories ahead! India had laid the foundation for the victory with a powerful opening partnership between Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. The duo added a record 129 runs for the first wicket, putting Sri Lanka under pressure from the outset. Shafali was the aggressor, smashing 68 from just 39 balls. She also produced the fastest half-century in the history of the Womens Asia Cup, reaching the landmark in only 24 deliveries. Mandhana complemented her with a composed 59 off 39 balls. Despite losing momentum in the latter stages, India finished with a formidable 183/5, with G Kamalini contributing a quick 15 from five balls. Sri Lankas chase never gathered sustained momentum. Deepti Sharma struck twice in the 10th over, dismissing captain Chamari Athapaththu for 36 and Vishmi Gunaratne, before Shree Charani took centre stage. Charani claimed four wickets for 20 runs, while Deepti finished with 3-19 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 111. The 72-run win secured Indias eighth Asia Cup title and completed a dominant campaign with the team starring with both bat and ball.
JAC Stages Protest Demanding Protection of Waqf Lands in Raidurg
JAC president Abdul Wahab said a dispute regarding approximately 510.35 acres of Jamia Nizamia Waqf land had been going on for long.
South Africa Thrash Namibia By 9 Wickets To Complete 3-0 ODI Series Sweep
Bjorn Fortuin's four-wicket haul and aggressive half-centuries from Jordan Hermann and Connor Esterhuizen powered South Africa to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Namibia in the third ODI at the Namibia Cricket Ground on Sunday, completing a 3-0 series sweep.
AVC Men's Volleyball Asian Cships: Japan beat Iran in final to qualify for LA28
Digital Desk | Kitakyushu, Sep 13 (IANS) Japan booked their place at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games after defeating Iran 3-0 in the final of the AVC Mens Volleyball Asian Championship on Sunday, successfully defending their continental title on home soil. The hosts produced a composed performance in Kitakyushu to beat Iran 25-21, 26-24, 25-23 and claim their 12th Asian Championship crown. The victory also secured Japan one of the qualification quotas for the 2028 Olympics, where they will join the United States as the first two teams to earn their places in the mens volleyball tournament. Japans latest continental triumph came against familiar opponents, with Iran appearing in the Asian Championship final for the third consecutive edition. The two sides had also met in the Nations League in June, when Japan prevailed in a five-set contest. The straight-sets victory on Sunday strengthened Japans advantage in their long-standing rivalry, taking their head-to-head record to 29-18. Takahashi Ran played a key role in Japans successful title defence, scoring 17 points in the final and finishing the tournament with a competition-best 22 service aces. He was subsequently named the tournaments Most Valuable Player. Despite securing Olympic qualification, Takahashi insisted Japans ambitions extend beyond simply making it to Los Angeles. The only thing left for us to do now is to win a medal (at LA28), he said. Weve earned the right to do so. We have a lot of time to prepare at home to build a strong Japan team. This is not our goal, so we have to put together a team good enough to medal in LA, he added. Takahashi also acknowledged that Japan still had areas to address despite its emphatic victory over Iran. This was the final. There was a distinct atmosphere, and our opponents were going to compete to the end. So to come away with the win tonight I think means a lot. Looking back on the performance, we dropped a lot of easy points, so I think there are a lot of areas where we can improve, he stated. Coach Laurent Tillie, the former France coach who guided his country to Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, praised the players for completing a demanding campaign with the continental title and Olympic qualification. Its truly fantastic, said Tillie. Its a miracle. Last season was difficult for us, and this season also was challenging and felt very long. So I think its brilliant to be able to cap it off with a victory from the bottom of my heart. The qualification makes Japan the second Japanese team to secure a berth at LA28, following the countrys rhythmic gymnastics team's feat in August. Takahashi, setter Fukatsu Hideomi and middle blocker Onodera Taishi were named in the tournaments Dream Team, alongside Irans Ali Hajipour, Poriya Khanzadeh and Seyed Eisa, and Republic of Korea libero Park Kyeong-min. Japans Olympic participation remains subject to selection by its National Olympic Committee.
INS Sudarshini sets sail from Italy, carries spirit of maritime partnership and vision of MAHASAGAR
Digital Desk | Rome, Sep 13 (IANS) The Indian Navy's sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, set sail from Livorno in Italy, after completion of a successful port call, the Ministry of Defence said on Sunday. The Indian Navys sail training ship, INS Sudarshini, set sail from Livorno, Italy, on September 12 on completion of a successful port call. During her stay, the ship participated in a series of professional interactions and cross-training visits, strengthening bonds of friendship and maritime partnership between the two nations, the Ministry said. Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Chief of the Italian Navy, visited INS Sudarshini and interacted with the ship's crew and trainees. He was briefed on the ship's voyage and training activities. The engagement reflected the expanding maritime cooperation and longstanding friendship between India and Italy. Taking to social media platform X on Saturday, the Indian Embassy in Rome said: During her port call at Livorno, INS Sudarshini had the honour of hosting Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, Chief of the Italian Navy. He was briefed about the ship's activities and interacted with the crew as well as cadets. The visit highlighted the enduring friendship and growing India-Italy maritime cooperation. Indian Ambassador to Italy Vani Rao also visited INS Sudarshini at Livorno and interacted with officers, sailors and cadets on board. She welcomed Italian dignitaries who attended the onboard reception. Ambassador Rao highlighted the longstanding IndiaItaly maritime linkages, strategic convergences and efforts to strengthen maritime security cooperation. She wished the crew fair winds, following seas and success for the Lokayan26 voyage, the Indian Embassy said on X. INS Sudarshini Commanding Officer (Commander Ravikanth Nandoori) called on Rear Admiral Alberto Tarabotto, Italian Naval Academy Commandant, and shared experiences from the ongoing expedition. Interactions were also held with Luca Salvetti, Mayor of Livorno, and Edoardo Lombardi, Vice Prefect of Livorno. As part of the training exchanges, Indian sea trainees visited ITS Virginio Fasan and the Italian Naval Academy, while Italian naval personnel visited INS Sudarshini, fostering professional cooperation and mutual understanding, the Ministry of Defence noted. A deck reception was hosted onboard, attended by senior Italian naval officers, local authorities, diplomatic representatives and distinguished guests. As INS Sudarshini continues her voyage as part of Lokayan 2026, she carries forward the spirit of maritime partnership and the vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), the Ministry said.
Task force push for stability, security and transparency in Maharashtra competitive exams
Digital Desk | Pune, Sep 13 (IANS) In a major move to make Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) and other state competitive examinations more transparent, secure, stable, and candidate-centric, the high-level recruitment examination taskforce constituted by the state government held extensive consultations with students, teachers, parents, and key stakeholders, officials said on Sunday. The deliberation covered vital issues, including exam timetables, question paper quality, leak prevention, vacancy announcements, answer keys, exam centre logistics, grievance redressal, and candidate 'opting-out' policies. The Task Force operates under the chairmanship of V. Radha, Additional Chief Secretary (Services) of General Administration Department. The high-level committee comprises Director General of Police Sadanand Date; IT and AI Secretary of Electronics Virendra Singh; Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Secretary N Ramaswami; Nashik Divisional Commissioner Pravin Gedam; Air Marshal Ajit Shankarrao Bhosale (Retired), former member of the UPSC; and Shyamprasad Kargudde from IIT Bombay. The state government formed the Taskforce amid MPSC exam paper leaks and ongoing protests by aspirants demanding the transparency and the resignation of MPSC Chairman Vivek Bhimanwar. MPSC candidates urged the taskforce to publish and strictly adhere to an annual examination calendar, emphasising the need for long-term procedural stability without frequent policy changes. Pre-declaring minimum vacancies for various cadres was also strongly recommended. Task Force Chairperson V. Radha announced that competitive examinations will not be conducted online for the coming year. Instead, they will be held using the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheet pattern, for which standardised operating guidelines are currently being framed. To achieve a zero-leak environment, the committee plans to leverage advanced technology across question creation, printing, transport, and distribution. The Taskforce is evaluating an encrypted 'e-question bank' system where even the item writers remain unaware of which exam their questions will feature in. Students demanded rigorous quality checks to eliminate errors in question papers and answer keys, alongside standardised evaluation metrics and reviewer audits for answer script verification. Stakeholders called for a unified online portal for candidate queries and objections, as well as a single-window system for one-time registration and fee payment across all state exams. Emphasis was placed on ensuring basic amenities at test centers, including clean restrooms, drinking water, and appropriate seating arrangements. Participants advocated for a clear policy on post-selection candidate 'opting-out' to avoid seat wastage when a candidate qualifies for multiple posts, along with timely verification of disability and sports quota certificates. The Taskforce is studying operational models of public service commissions across the countryspecifically analysing systems in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)to adapt proven best practices for Maharashtra. Highlighting the growing operational load on the MPSC, officials stressed the urgent need to bolster the Commission's administrative workforce, technical capabilities, and organisational structure. Our objective is to build a faster, more transparent, and accountable officer selection process for the state, Director General of Police Sadanand Date said. Divisional Commissioner Sheetal Teli-Ugale, District Collector Jitendra Dudi, Additional District Collector Satish Raut, and Resident Deputy Collector Jyoti Kadam were among the senior officials present during the consultation.
Wrong ITR form costs trader 26.69 lakh in tax demandITAT gives major relief
The ITAT holds that selecting the incorrect ITR form does not justify taxing the same business income twice
Ladakh LG sanctions Rs 1.52 crore aid for statehood protest violence victims
Leh, Sep 13: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday sanctioned Rs 15 lakh each to the next of kin of the four persons who lost their lives in the September 24 violence last year in Leh. Leh witnessed large-scale protests last year, demanding statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to Ladakh. Violence erupted during the agitation, leaving four people dead and scores injured allegedly in police firing. An ex-gratia assistance of Rs 3 lakh for persons who sustained major injuries and Rs 1 lakh for those who sustained minor injuries has also been approved, a Lok Bhavan spokesman said. He said the total financial commitment of the administration under the approved compensation measures will be Rs 1.52 crore, comprising Rs 60 lakh for the four deceased, Rs 72 lakh for 24 persons with major injuries and Rs 20 lakh for 20 persons with minor injuries. The incident had resulted in the loss of four lives, while 43 civilians sustained major or minor injuries. As Ladakh did not have a general policy prescribing compensation in cases of death or injury arising from incidents of public unrest or rioting, the administration examined the matter with a view to extending appropriate humanitarian assistance to the affected families and individuals. Saxena, after taking over in March this year, accorded priority to the matter and worked towards finalising an appropriate compensation package for the affected families and injured persons, the spokesperson said, adding that the compensation is intended as a measure of support and solidarity with the affected families and individuals. He expressed his deep gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his sensitive, humanitarian and guiding approach, and for always standing in solidarity with the victims and their families. While no compensation amount can replace a life lost or erase the pain endured, the Ladakh Administration firmly stands beside every affected family in their journey towards healing and overcoming the grief, Saxena said.
Imposing Emergency not our culture, dissent essential to democracy: HM Shah on Gen Z protests
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS) Asserting that open dialogue and consensus-building form the core tenets of the current administration, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday stated that running the government by imposing an Emergency is ot our culture, contrasting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) governance philosophy with that of the opposition Congress. HM Shah made these remarks during a press conference responding to media queries regarding the societal and political impacts of recent Gen Z student demonstrations across the nation. Addressing questions on public unrest and youth-led protests, the Home Minister emphasised that dissent is a fundamental feature of democratic governance. We live in a vibrant democracy. People naturally hold diverse views on various issues, and expressing those opinions is essential, HM Shah remarked. Our government does not believe in governing by declaring an Emergency. That reflects the culture of the Congress party. Our ethos is fundamentally differentwe prioritise open discussion, engagement, and continuous dialogue with citizens, he said. Maintaining a firm stance on national security alongside democratic discourse, the Home Minister reiterated the government's resolve regarding illegal immigration, asserting that every illegal infiltrator will be identified and deported from the country. During the press conference, HM Shah announced the BJP-led National Democratic Alliances (NDA) upcoming 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', scheduled to take place across the country from September 17 to October 17. The initiative marks Prime Minister Narendra Modis completion of 25 continuous years in high public office, spanning his tenures as Chief Minister of Gujarat and subsequently as Prime Minister of India. Highlighting PM Modis self-identification as the nations Pradhan Sevak (Prime Servant), the Home Minister noted that the campaign will showcase major policy breakthroughs while organising public welfare activities nationwide. The month-long campaign features a structured 12-point action plan designed to drive developmental and social engagement across every block and taluka level. The Seva Setu Abhiyan will be launched to ensure total saturation and delivery of central government welfare schemes at the local level. Nationwide blood donation drives, specialised Anganwadi services, and community outreach programmes (Namo Seva) will also be organised, said HM Shah. He added that there will be Seva Jyoti Kalash Yatra, cultural musical-theatrical performances, and bidirectional pilgrimage journeys connecting Vadnagar and Varanasi. The Home Minister underscored Prime Minister Modis unique milestone of serving continuously for 25 years as head of governmentfirst as Chief Minister of Gujarat and subsequently as Prime Minister of India. He paid tribute to the Prime Minister's leadership philosophy, noting that it aligns with Guru Nanaks teachings and the ideals of Saint Samarth Ramdass concept of 'Upbhog Shunya Swami' (a leader who serves without personal self-interest or desire for consumption), defining himself as the nation's Pradhan Sevak (Prime Servant). Contrasting current administration outcomes with earlier eras, HM Shah stated that prior to 2014, the nation was heavily stymied by corruption, casteism, and dynastic politics. Under PM Modi's leadership, these systemic issues have been decisively eradicated, the Home Minister said. India has pulled 25 crore people out of poverty, established itself as the worlds fastest-growing major economy, significantly enhanced its global standing, and strengthened the value of the Indian passport, he added. The Home Minister further said, Direct benefit transfers arrive straight into bank accounts, and 13 crore farmers are receiving financial support through the PM-Kisan scheme. Further, 11 crore families have benefited from the Ujjwala Gas scheme, and 3 crore women have been empowered to become Lakhpati Didis. Through the modernisation and expansion of railways, India has reached the next level. We revoked Article 370 without shedding a single drop of blood. We have developed culturally significant landmark sites such as the Ram Mandir and Kashi Vishwanath, and successfully executed groundbreaking space missions like Chandrayaan-3, he noted.
Manipur govt urges civil society groups to withdraw agitations over NRC updation
Digital Desk | Imphal, Sep 13 (IANS) The Manipur government on Sunday urged Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to withdraw their ongoing agitations, including the closure of Central and state government offices, over their demand for updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state. State government spokespersons Thokchom Radheshyam Singh and Sapam Ranjan Singh, both ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLAs, said that the closure of Central and state government offices as part of the agitations by CSOs, including the Campaign for Justice and Fair Delimitation (CJFD), was causing suffering and inconvenience to the general public. They appealed to all concerned not to add more misery to the sufferings and inconveniences of the public. Addressing a press conference, Radheshyam Singh said that the state government is fully aware of the CJFD's demand and the people of Manipur also want the NRC be conducted before the Census-2027. He added that the recently held session of the Manipur Assembly reaffirmed its earlier resolution to update the NRC before the Census-2027, and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has conveyed the same to the Central government. Radheshyam Singh added that on the last day of the recently-concluded Assembly session, a discussion regarding the base year of the NRC with 1951 took place in the House and the matter has already been conveyed to the Union Home Ministry. He said that following the campaign by the members of the Manipur Assembly in New Delhi, the Chief Minister, too, conveyed the Central leaders about the people's desire. Consequently, the Union Home Ministry has also postponed the Census process, the spokesman said. Against this backdrop, the CJFD has intensified its agitation by calling for the closure of government offices. Such an agitation may lead to various undesirable incidents and affect the functioning of the state government, he added. Radheshyam Singh also appealed to the CJFD not to intensify the agitation and also urged the organisations not to continue such activities for a prolonged period, as protracted agitation in the state could cause greater inconvenience to the people. He appealed all the sections of the public o give peace a chance in Manipur and to support the endeavours of the current government in restoring normalcy in the state. The spokespersons also made it clear during the press meet that state Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh along with some other MLAs are camping in New Delhi for the past few days to pressurise the Centre regarding the updation of NRC, 1951. They also expressed that it is highly hopeful that Centre will act as per the wishes of the people of the state. Meanwhile, the State Assembly's latest move on September 2 came amid massive agitations by various CSOs, mainly in the five districts of the Imphal Valley region -- Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Kakching -- demanding the updation of the NRC before the conduct of Census-2027. The CJFD and various other CSOs have been holding massive agitations in the Imphal Valley region since August 17, demanding the updation of the NRC before the Census exercise is undertaken. A day before its pre-schedule start, the Central government on August 31 announced to defer the Census-2027 exercise in Manipur amid continuing protests and demands by various CSOs for the updation of the NRC before the conduct of the Census-2027 in the state. Meanwhile, the Kuki-Zo Council (KZC), the apex body of the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, has opposed the demand for the updation of the NRC before the Census operations in 2027. KZC Spokesperson Ginza Vualzong had said that there is no constitutional provision for conducting an NRC exercise exclusively in a particular state. The NRC is a national exercise. The Assam NRC was undertaken pursuant to the Assam Accord of 1985. Therefore, any attempt to conduct an NRC exclusively in Manipur is not only discriminatory but also unconstitutional, he added.
Fortuin Fires South Africa to ODI Series Sweep Over Namibia
Bjorn Fortuin's four-wicket haul sparked Namibia's collapse before Jordan Hermann and Connor Esterhuizen powered South Africa's chase, sealing a commanding nine-wicket win and 3-0 ODI series sweep.
Delhi E-Rickshaw Driver Murdered
An e-rickshaw driver, Abhishek, was stabbed to death by unidentified assailants in Delhi's Shahbad Dairy area. His family and locals protested by blocking a road with his body, demanding justice. Police have registered a case, formed multiple teams, and are investigating the incident, examining CCTV footage to identify the accused.
CPI(M) urges Centre to announce 1 lakh crore package for drought-hit farmers in Andhra Pradesh
The State has suffered crop losses of 5.40 lakh crore, says party State secretary Srinivasa Rao, demanding that drought-affected mandals be declared immediately and 50,000 each be given to the affected families
Jagan continues to target Chandrababu Naidu over DSC scam
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Sep 13 (IANS) YSR Congress Party president Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy continues his attacks on Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu over the alleged irregularities in the recruitment of teachers through DSC. The former Chief Minister on Sunday came out with another post on social media over the DSC scam. One teacher post. A rollercoaster of twists & turns in this DSC scam, posted YS Jagan. He told Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu that the explanations keep changing, and every new explanation gives rise to even more questions for teacher aspirants. The YSRCP chief explained various twists in the appointment of a teacher. The post was reportedly awarded with 65 TET marks, after the candidate passed through 7 stages of verification. The DEO confirmed the candidate to be ineligible. So the obvious question is: What actually was verified in those 7 stages? According to YS Jagan, the third twist was that the candidate got the job but didnt know. The candidate himself reportedly said that he did not know how he got the job. The former CM highlighted the fourth twist: a sudden 77 marks. Officials confirmed that he had scored 77 marks in a 2018 TET attempt. If those 77 marks were already on record, why were they not considered earlier? Why did the DEO declare him ineligible? And why did this explanation emerge only after questions were raised? The reported 77 marks are being cited under Paper-II-B.(School assistant special education) but Paper-I-A is the required TET category for an SGT post. So, how did he pass through 7 stages of verification? Even after getting the job, the candidate appeared for TET again in 2025. If the 2018 score of 77 marks already made him eligible, then: What was the need to appear for TET again? asked YS Jagan. And now, the biggest question of all: Can this, by any means, be called fair and transparent? Has this not enabled the DSC scam? Will you not assume moral responsibility for this? he questioned Chandrababu Naidu. In a post on Saturday, the YSRCP chief had told the Chief Minister that teacher aspirants careers have become a joke for him Case 1: Check the winners list: Oops! The names arent there. Case 2: Check with Kho-Kho authorities: Oops! The certificate is reportedly fake. Case 3: Check with Nagarjuna University: Oops! The sports event allegedly never happened. Can this, by any means, be called fair and transparent? Has this not enabled the DSC scam? Will you not assume moral responsibility for this? asked the former CM, who has been demanding the resignation of Education Minister Nara Lokesh and an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Manasi Joshi Roy reminisces about connecting with Lord Ganesha ahead of Ganpati celebrations
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 13 (IANS) Actress Manasi Joshi Roy, who essays the titular role in the television show Lakshmi Niwas, has recollected when she first connected with Lord Ganpati ahead of the Ganpati celebrations in the entertainment capital of the country. The actress reflected on cultural significance of festivities while growing up in a Gujarati Brahmin household in Mumbai. Talking about the same, she told IANS, Growing up in a Gujarati Brahmin household his presence was always there in my life. But the moment we both connected was in 1992. That was the year I met & fell in love with the man who is my husband today. And as we stood together doing Aarti at his aunts house ;Like any young girl newly in love I was praying that all would be well in our relationship & I felt an unknown pull, a connect which seemed to tell me that HE was listening to my prayers. And subsequently every year I would stand in front of HIM & pray for love & happiness. Life still was full of ups & downs but my Faith in HIM & other beliefs helped me to ride every storm. She took a walk down the memory lane, as she spoke about bringing Lord Ganpati home during the 1st year of her marriage to actor Rohit Roy. She further mentioned, One such year as I had stood there doing Aarti I had taken a mannat (vow) that I would bring him home when I got married. And so that one time he came to our house in the 1st year of my marriage in 1999. It felt beautiful & right, holy & spiritual. Many years passed after that & he has retained his special place in my temple & my heart. In 2008, my 6 year old daughter came home the day before Ganesh Chaturthi demanding to know why we weren't getting Ganu home? My brother in law had been bringing him home since many years & she had just come back from their house where all the preparations were in full swing. This had excited her & she wanted all that festivity in her house too. So like any indulgent parents we decided to bring HIM home that year. Off we rushed to choose the Murti , the decorator was called, sweets, flowers & fruits ordered, friends & relatives invited & we were ready to welcome him home. And somewhere in our hearts we were glad that she had insisted we bring him home because we wanted to have his presence in our house too. We loved the festivity & the fervour that went on for these 10 days. And I always felt a deep sense of gratitude when I stood in front of him. During the 1st Aarti I'd inevitably get tears in my eyes, she added. Lakshmi Niwas airs on Zee TV.
Tejashwi Yadav accuses Centre of 'stepmotherly' treatment in Bihar flood relief
Tejashwi Yadav criticises the Centre's alleged stepmotherly treatment of Bihar regarding flood relief. He stated Prime Minister Narendra Modi provides quick assurances for Gujarat's flood situations. Yadav mentioned writing to the Prime Minister demanding national disaster status and financial aid. He questioned the Bihar Chief Minister's ability to secure central assistance for the state. The opposition leader claimed his letters to the Prime Minister received no response.
Noida DM moves SC against Allahabad HC order reprimanding her for student's detention under NSA
A district magistrate has appealed to the Supreme Court against a High Court order. The High Court directed a Rs 5 lakh deduction from her salary. This deduction was for the detention of a student under the National Security Act. The court had quashed the student's detention, calling it concocted. It also criticized bureaucratic conduct and ordered compensation recovery.
Kashmirs Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Malla completes 72-Km Khardung La Challenge
Leh, Sep 11: Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Malla of Kutabradie, Kulgam, has achieved a remarkable feat of endurance by successfully completing the 72-km Khardung La Challenge, one of the worlds toughest high-altitude ultra-marathons. Dr Malla completed the gruelling race, organised as part of the 13th Ladakh Marathon, which was held on September 11 and took runners through the challenging terrain of Ladakh to Khardung La at an altitude of 17,618 feet. The official event website describes the Khardung La Challenge as one of the highest and most demanding ultra-marathons in the world. According to race-related information, Dr Malla completed the 72-km challenge in 11 hours, 20 minutes and 9 seconds, enduring extreme altitude, thin air and demanding mountain terrain. A medical doctor and hybrid athlete, Dr Malla has built his endurance career through participation in challenging races, including the Border Ultra in Jaisalmer and the Goa Ultra, before taking on the Khardung La Challenge. His achievement is being described as a landmark accomplishment for endurance sport in Kashmir, with Dr Malla reported to be the first athlete from the Kashmir Valley to complete the Khardung La Challenge. Speaking about his achievement, Dr Malla dedicated the accomplishment to the youth of Kashmir and urged young people to embrace fitness, discipline and a healthy lifestyle. If my journey inspires even one young person to choose health and discipline, that is true success, he said. The 2026 Khardung La Challenge brought together ultra-runners from across the country for a demanding test of physical endurance and mental resilience. A total of 477 ultra-runners participated in the two high-altitude ultra events of the Ladakh Marathon this year, including the 72-km Khardung La Challenge and the 122-km Silk Route Ultra. (Ladakh Administration) Dr Mallas achievement adds another notable chapter to Kashmirs growing presence in endurance and adventure sports.
Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Couple in Ranchi, Villagers Protest by Blocking Road
A couple dies after being hit by a speeding truck in Ranchi, leading to protests by locals demanding justice and compensation. Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Couple in Ranchi, Villagers Protest by Blocking Road
England's Stokes retirement, McCullum exit, Carse row & Root return end in 3-0 sweep
England triumphed with a commanding 3-0 Test series win against Pakistan, with returning captain Joe Root commending the team's ability to adapt amidst significant turmoil. The players showcased impressive resilience and execution, building on the foundation set by earlier coaches and leaders. This victory highlights their capacity to overcome challenges both on and off the field.
Umar Khalid News | Umar Khalid Documentary Screening Sparks Row At Bengaluru Law University
A controversy has erupted at Bengaluru's National Law School of India University (NLSIU) over a proposed screening of a documentary on Umar Khalid. The ABVP has opposed the event, alleging concerns over Khalid's past involvement in protests and demanding that the university cancel the screening.
Armed Attack at Private School in Muzaffarpur Sparks Fear and Demands Ransom
Gunmen fired at a private school in Muzaffarpur, leaving a ransom note demanding 50 lakh, causing panic in the community. Armed Attack at Private School in Muzaffarpur Sparks Fear and Demands Ransom
Mumbai: BEST electric bus catches fire in Chembur, no injuries reported
A fire broke out in the battery box of a BEST electric bus near Kalimata Mandir in Chembur on Sunday morning. The Mumbai Fire Brigade, police and BEST personnel responded, with the blaze extinguished by 9:34 am. No injuries were reported
Bhuban Ganesh Puja to Get Vrindavan
Preparations for Ganesh Puja have gathered pace in Bhuban, with a grand toran inspired by Vrindavans famous Prem Mandir set to emerge as one of the major attractions of this years celebrations. The puja committee has intensified preparations for the elaborate structure, which is expected to draw the attention of devotees and visitors once construction [] The post Bhuban Ganesh Puja to Get Vrindavans Prem Mandir-Themed Grand Toran This Year appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
ADGP Armed Nitish Kumar Visits APC Mattan, Reviews Facilities ,Welfare Measures
Srinagar : Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Armed, J&K, Nitish Kumar, IPS, accompanied by DIG Armed, Kashmir Range, Maqsood-ul-Zaman, IPS, visited the Armed Police Complex (APC) Mattan in Anantnag and reviewed the administrative, welfare and training facilities available for police personnel. On his arrival, the ADGP was accorded a Guard of Honour by contingents of the 17 JKAP IR Battalion. He also paid homage to police martyrs at the Martyrs Gallery, honouring their sacrifice and service to the nation. During the visit, Kumar inspected various facilities at APC Mattan, including administrative blocks, barracks, MT and equipment stores and the gymnasium. He took stock of the facilities and welfare measures being provided to the personnel. A Joint Darbar of personnel from the 10, 11 and 17 JKAP IR Battalions was also held during the visit. The ADGP interacted with the personnel, heard their grievances and issued directions for the prompt redressal of genuine issues. He underlined that personnel welfare, morale and a conducive working environment remain key priorities. The ADGP also inaugurated several newly established facilities at APC Mattan, stressing the importance of continuous professional development and capacity building. Addressing the personnel, Kumar called for further strengthening of training programmes, with emphasis on physical fitness, mental well-being, discipline and operational preparedness. He encouraged personnel to participate regularly in sports and physical activities at unit and company levels. He also advised police personnel to stay away from drugs, excessive online gambling and other harmful habits, urging them to adopt healthy, disciplined and constructive lifestyles. As part of the visit, the ADGP participated in a tree plantation drive at the APC premises, planting Deodar and Chinar saplings. The initiative highlighted the importance of environmental conservation and creating a greener and sustainable environment. The ADGP further directed all Commanding Officers to meet the families of martyrs and retired police personnel at least twice a month, listen to their concerns and ensure timely redressal of genuine issues. DIG SKR Anantnag Javid Iqbal Matoo, SSP Anantnag Amod Ashok Nagpuri , SSP SO to ADGP Armed J&K Dalip Kumar, SSP/CO 10 JKAP IR Mohd Majid Malik, SP/I/C CO 17 JKAP IR Zahid Samoon, SP/I/C CO 11 JKAP IR Rahil Marchal, and DySP (S) and Private Secretary to ADGP Armed Syed Sajad Hussain, besides other officers, were present on the occasion.
Amid rising electricity demand and protests, TN taps generators, open market
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 13 (IANS) Tamil Nadu has moved to purchase an additional 2,000 MW of electricity from power-generating companies and the open market after prolonged hot weather and weak wind generation placed the states electricity network under pressure. The Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) initiated the emergency procurement amid a steep rise in consumption and reports of supply disruptions in several districts. The corporation expects the additional power to help bridge the demand-supply gap and maintain uninterrupted distribution. The action follows public complaints about unannounced outages lasting up to an hour in some areas. Residents also staged protests at several places, alleging load-shedding without advance notice and demanding immediate measures to restore reliable electricity supply. Explaining the situation, Electricity Minister R. Nirmalkumar said a sudden fall in wind energy production had caused a power shortage in Tamil Nadu for two consecutive days. He said similar supply constraints had affected several states and were not confined to Tamil Nadu. The Minister said the electricity required to bridge the deficit was procured from the common power supply pool on Friday evening. Following the procurement, the power supply across Tamil Nadu had stabilised, he added. In a statement issued on Saturday, TNPDCL said summer-like weather had continued much longer than anticipated this year, pushing electricity consumption considerably higher. The persistent heat increased the use of air conditioners, fans and other cooling appliances in households, commercial establishments and offices. At the same time, lower wind speeds adversely affected generation from wind energy installations, an important source of electricity for the state during this period. The fall in wind power availability also led to technical problems, including occasional voltage fluctuations in parts of the distribution network. TNPDCL said arrangements were being made to secure an additional 2,000 MW from different sources so that the widening gap between supply and demand could be managed effectively. The corporation is also monitoring the electricity network and demand pattern to prevent further disruptions. Officials said power availability would be reviewed regularly and additional purchases would be made whenever required. TNPDCL assured consumers that all necessary steps were being taken to maintain stable supply and minimise inconvenience while weather conditions and wind generation remained unfavourable.
MMF launches free Moul Mouj Dementia helpline across J&K
Responding to a growing and urgent demand for dementia support from families across Jammu and Kashmir, Moul Mouj Foundation (MMF) today launched a free dedicated Moul Mouj Dementia Helpline offering tele-consultation, counselling and caregiver support across Jammu and Kashmir, coinciding with World Alzheimers Month. The initiative comes amid growing concern over dementia in the region. A nationwide study published in Alzheimers & Dementia reported a dementia prevalence of 11.04% among people aged 60 and above in J&K, compared with a national estimate of 7.4%. The live helpline will operate Monday to Saturday, 8:009:00 PM, addressing the difficult evening hours when dementia-related confusion and agitation often worsen. A 24/7 WhatsApp service will also allow caregivers to seek guidance and receive tailored care and digital resources. All services are free. Caring for a loved one with dementia is an incredibly demanding journey, particularly during the evening when behavioural challenges often peak, said Dr Zubair Saleem, Founder of MMF and leading geriatrician. This helpline ensures that caregivers are never alone when they need support most. Beyond tele-consultation, MMF will provide customised caregiver digital kits, behavioural logs and home-safety checklists, based on the patients needs. Dementia affects the entire family, not just the patient, said Dr Shakeel ur Rehman, Secretary General, MMF. We aim to combine clinical advice with practical tools and counselling that can reduce caregiver stress and improve quality of life. Families can access the service by calling the helpline 1800-20-30-337 or 6005463346 on weekdays from 8:009:00 PM, or messaging the team on WhatsApp at 6005463346.
ACB chargesheets ex Patwari, associate in Udhampur bribery case
The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Jammu and Kashmir, on Saturday produced a charge sheet against a former Patwari and another accused in a bribery case registered in 2023 before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Udhampur. The charge sheet has been filed in FIR No. 01/2023 registered at Police Station ACB Udhampur under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018, against Darbinder Singh, the then Patwari of Patwar Halqa Rasli Gadheran, Basantgarh, Udhampur, and Nashar Ahmad, son of Mohd Iqbal, a resident of Basantgarh. According to the ACB, the case originated from a written complaint lodged by Bodh Raj, a resident of Rasli Gadheran, who alleged that he had applied for issuance of a fard (land record extract) in connection with the proposed sale of his land to one Madan Lal. The complainant alleged that after approaching the then Patwari, Darbinder Singh, for issuance of the fard, the official demanded a bribe from him. The complaint was subsequently verified by an officer of the ACB Udhampur-Reasi Branch. During verification, the allegations were found to be genuine, following which a formal case was registered, and a trap was laid by the anti-corruption agency. The ACB stated that during the trap operation, Darbinder Singh, the then Patwari, and Nashar Ahmad, who was driving the vehicle bearing registration number JK02BV-9048, were allegedly caught red-handed while demanding and accepting the bribe amount from the complainant. During the investigation, the ACB collected documentary and other evidence and concluded that the offence punishable under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018, had been established against the accused persons. Accordingly, the charge sheet was presented before the Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Udhampur, on Saturday for further judicial proceedings. The filing of the charge sheet marks the culmination of the investigation conducted by the ACB in the bribery case, with the matter now before the competent court for further proceedings in accordance with law.
Ruhullah joins veterinary students strike, seeks stipend hike
Srinagar, Sep 12:Srinagar Lok Sabha MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday joined protesting veterinary interns at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shuhama campus, and pressed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to urgently address their demand for an increase in the monthly stipend. The veterinary interns, protesting under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir Veterinary Students Association (JKVSA), have been holding a peaceful protest at the campus for the past six days. The students are demanding parity with veterinary interns in other parts of the country, pointing out that their monthly stipend of Rs 6,000 to Rs 9,000 has remained unchanged for years. They are seeking an increase to Rs 20,00023,000. Expressing solidarity with the protesters, Ruhullah said veterinary professionals play an important role in public health and should be provided dignified stipends and safe working conditions. He questioned the rationale behind paying interns as little as Rs 6,000 a month, saying students who spend years pursuing professional education should not be expected to work for such a meagre amount. Ruhullah also raised broader concerns concerning medical interns and reservation, saying an elected government should listen to the grievances of those who elected it. He urged Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar to meet the protesting students and address their concerns. Ruhullah said he would wait for a day or two for the department or senior authorities to engage with the students. The Agriculture Minister is a good person. I know him and he has been my friend. I am sure he will connect with the students, Ruhullah said. He warned that if no engagement takes place, he would involve more people and amplify the issue. The MP assured the students that he would continue to advocate for their concerns and raise their grievances with the administration if the matter was not resolved promptly.
Omar govt not to complete full term: Sunil Sharma
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma on Saturday reiterated that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led J&K government would not complete its full term. Ill not talk about (NC) MPs only. With all sincerity and great sense of responsibility, I want to assert that the National Conference, currently, is a disintegrated party. It is in complete disarray. For the past two years, it has not been able to fill three vacancies in the cabinet. Only five ministers are running the government. With full conviction, I reiterate that all is not well within the (NC-Congress) government and within the party (NC), he maintained, while responding to media queries, after his public outreach programme in Reasi and Udhampur districts. He prophesied that the day the government would expand its cabinet, it would collapse like a pack of cards as there was great resentment brewing among NC MLAs. Ive reiterated it a number of times and I assert yet again that this party will disintegrate very soon. Present J&K government will not last long, LoP stated. He also expressed concern over eight-hour long power curtailment in Reasi district. With regard to NC president Dr Farooq Abdullahs statement about Panchayat elections, Sunil Sharma alleged that it manifested a double standard of NC leadership. This is nothing but Dadagiri (bullying attitude) of Abdullah family. When they had to become the Chief Minister, they would reiterate demand for elections ten times a day; they would rue delay in conduct of polls. But now when it is the question of grass-root democracy giving power to common people through Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies polls, they (NC leaders) are showing their true face, LoP alleged. LoP was accompanied by MLAs Pawan Gupta, Adv. R.S. Pathania, Baldev Raj Sharma, Balwant Singh Mankotia, and Kuldeep Dubey during the partys extensive public outreach programme in Reasi and Udhampur. They interacted with delegations representing different sections of society, including the Baridar Sewa Committee, PHE casual labourers, PHE daily wagers, Chamber of Trade, Tourism and Industry Katra, PHE Union, NHM employees, Teachers Association, Beopar Mandal, Mazdoor Sangh, Safai Karamcharis and Village Defence Guards (VDGs). Sunil Sharma gave a patient hearing to the delegations and assured them that their genuine concerns would be taken up at the appropriate forums, including the forthcoming assembly session. He directed the concerned department representatives to pursue the issues and assured the delegations that the BJP legislators would strongly pursue their legitimate demands until they receive a concrete response. Sunil Sharma, addressing on the occasion, said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had voted for change, development, employment, accountability and better governance, but the National Conference government had so far failed to live up to the expectations of the people. He said employees waiting for regularization, daily wagers seeking justice, NHM workers demanding security, teachers and labourers seeking relief, traders and the tourism sector seeking support and VDGs safeguarding vulnerable areas could not be made to wait indefinitely for solutions. The people did not vote for excuses, political rhetoric or endless assurances. They voted for governance that listens, responds and delivers. If the government continues to ignore genuine public issues, the BJP will confront it firmly and place every legitimate demand before the Assembly and the people, Sharma said. LoP said the BJP would not allow the concerns of any section to be pushed aside for political convenience. We are here to listen to the people and fight for their rights. Every grievance brought before us will be pursued with seriousness and determination, he added. Sunil Sharma asserted that the BJPs public outreach was not a formality but a sustained political commitment to remain connected with the people. He said BJP legislators would continue to reach every constituency, listen directly to citizens and raise their issues at the highest appropriate forums. BJP stands firmly with the people of Jammu & Kashmir. Their voices will be heard, their concerns will be raised and their legitimate rights will be fought for inside and outside the Assembly, he said.
India clinches consensus on UN reform
New Delhi, Sep 12:Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured a major diplomatic triumph on Saturday as leaders of the expanded BRICS bloc unanimously adopted the New Delhi Declaration, enshrining support for Indias bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, pushing back against Western trade barriers, and initiating concrete moves toward financial clearing mechanisms that bypass the US dollar. The 140-point joint declaration, agreed on the opening day of the two-day summit at the Bharat Mandapam convention centre, marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of the grouping. The document capped months of extensive negotiations led by New Delhi across more than 400 meetings in 30 Indian cities, framing India as the central bridge between an increasingly polarized West and a demanding Global South. Convening under the Indian presidencys theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, the heads of state of the newly expanded bloc issued their most forceful challenge yet to the post-World War II global order. The communiqu declared that current multilateral architectures are fundamentally misaligned with contemporary multipolar realities and called for structural decentralisation across international politics and finance. In a direct endorsement of Indias core strategic goal, permanent Security Council members China and Russia explicitly reiterated their backing for the aspirations of India and Brazil to play a greater role in the United Nations, including permanent membership on the Security Council. The declaration similarly endorsed the legitimate aspirations of African states under the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, demanding that council reform amplify developing voices. The summit took aim at executive appointments across international bodies, highlighting that in the ongoing selection of the next UN Secretary-General, no woman has ever been elected, while only two nationals from Asia, two from Africa, and one from Latin America have ever held the role. Invoking Article 101 of the UN Charter, leaders demanded an end to national monopolies over senior executive posts and deplored efforts by certain states to undermine multilateral bodies by deliberately withholding assessed budgetary dues. Addressing historical injustices, the summit welcomed UN General Assembly Resolution 80/250 declaring the trafficking and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as humanity's gravest crime, urged the complete eradication of colonialism under Resolution 79/115, and backed a proposal by South Africa and Brazil to establish an international panel on inequality under Sustainable Development Goal 10. New Delhi also steered an aggressive critique of international financial architecture. Reaffirming the BRICS Rio de Janeiro Vision and the Diriyah Guiding Principles, the leaders demanded the immediate implementation of the IMFs 16th General Review of Quotas and swift realignment under the 17th review. The declaration insisted that emerging market quota increases must match their true economic weight, without coming at the expense of poorer nations, and warned that voluntary financial contributions must never dictate quota allocation or governance representation. It also called for open, merit-based leadership selection at the IMF and World Bank to dismantle historical Western appointments. On trade, the leaders hit out at unilateral protectionism and unilateral carbon border adjustment measures (CBAM), characterizing them as discriminatory distortions violating World Trade Organisation principles. The bloc demanded the immediate restoration of the WTOs paralysed dispute-settlement Appellate Body, welcomed the accession procedures of Iran and Ethiopia, and commended Chinas zero-tariff programme for 53 African nations. Extraterritorial sanctions and secondary coercive economic measures drew unanimous condemnation, with leaders warning that such restrictions violate international law, sever critical supply chains, and infringe on fundamental human rights to development. To shield member states from unilateral financial sanctions, India helped steer tangible economic deliverables aimed at reducing reliance on Western financial plumbing. The BRICS Payment Task Force was mandated to broaden local currency settlements and test technical interoperability between member states domestic interbank messaging networks and central bank payment rails. Progress was registered on creating a BRICS Insurance Resilience Centre, alongside a review of an Indian proposal to locate an open-access BRICS Risk Lab inside the GIFT City International Financial Services Centre in Gujarat. Members also advanced structural revisions to strengthen liquidity responsiveness under the Contingent Reserve Arrangement Treaty ahead of its ninth operational test run, expanded pilot operations under the BRICS Multilateral Guarantees facility, and drafted steps for a member-driven New Investment Platform. Catering to Indias substantial small-business sector, the leaders agreed to examine an Indian-championed cross-border Invoice Discounting Mechanism under the Jaipur Consensus to provide liquidity for micro, small, and medium-sized exporters. The summit endorsed operationalising the BRICS Grain Exchange to protect against global food and fertiliser price shocks, and advanced feasibility work on an autonomous, high-speed submarine telecommunications cable network linking members directly. The New Development Bank, marking its 10th year of operations, was directed to expand local-currency loan disbursements. On foreign policy and international security, the summit expressed profound alarm over military escalation across the Middle East. The declaration condemned attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and IAEA-inspected nuclear installations, while demanding immediate compliance with UNSC Resolution 2803 following violations of the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire agreement. The leaders rejected any demographic alterations or forced displacement of Palestinians, insisted on full humanitarian access via UNRWA, and called for the admission of the State of Palestine as a full U.N. member based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The communiqu also condemned breaches of Lebanese sovereignty under UNSC Resolution 1701, demanding complete Israeli military withdrawal, and strongly condemned strikes against the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) that resulted in the deaths of four Indonesian peacekeepers. BRICS called for the total withdrawal of unauthorised foreign forces occupying Syrian territory under UNSC Resolution 2254, urged an immediate, permanent ceasefire in Sudan under the principle of African solutions to African problems, and called for the prompt termination of unilateral economic embargoes against Cuba. On security, Indian negotiators secured unified language unequivocally condemning terrorism in all forms, specifically citing the April 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The declaration demanded zero tolerance, rejected double standards, urged coordinated crackdowns on UN-designated terrorist outfits, and pressed for the adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. The summit also pledged intelligence-sharing between financial intelligence units to combat cyber scam syndicates, illicit virtual asset exploitation, and international arms trafficking. The document codified wide-ranging operational initiatives across technical sectors, approving an Integrated Early Warning System for Mass Infectious Diseases, pharmaceutical regulatory integration under the BRICS GXP White Paper, and a mental health network anchored by India's National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). Marking the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarins space flight, the bloc amended its Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation framework to integrate new member space agencies, drafted Terms of Reference for a BRICS Space Council, and reiterated calls for a binding treaty prohibiting outer-space weapons. Leaders approved a joint declaration on the global governance of artificial intelligence, created the BRICS Incubator Network, and began reviews for a shared startup innovation fund. The declaration codified the Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership 2030, establishing unified norms for green hydrogen certification, smart grids, and gig-worker social protections through the newly established BRICS CONNECT initiative. Following the conclusion of the New Delhi summit, India will formally hand over the rotating BRICS chairship to China, which will host the 19th summit in 2027.
'Global South must shape, not just follow, rules': PM Modi at Brics Summit
Prime Minister Modi opened the Brics summit, demanding urgent United Nations Security Council reforms. He stressed transforming global governance from privilege to partnership for developing nations. Modi proposed Brics draft ten proposals for inclusive global governance and multilateralism. He also called for a Seafarers Emergency Support Network for maritime workers. The summit aims to empower the Global South as rule-shapers, not rule-takers.
Best Gaming Phones Under Rs. 40,000: Redmi Turbo 5, Oppo K13 Turbo, Poco F7 and More
Despite the soaring prices of memory components that have ultimately increased smartphone rates, gaming smartphones are still pretty accessible to the masses. There are several options in the sub-Rs. 40,000 segment that offer powerful chipsets, high-refresh-rate displays, and dedicated cooling systems. This means you do not necessarily need to spend flagship-level money for a phone capable of handling demanding games. Phones like the Redmi Turbo 5 with its Dimensity 8500 Ultra chipset and 3D Ice-Loop cooling, as well as the Oppo K13 Turbo Pro with its built-in fan, put a strong emphasis on sustained performance.
NHM standoff deepens as govt fails to address demands
Srinagar, Sep 12: More than 12,000 National Health Mission (NHM) employees across J&K continued their protest on Saturday as part of their extended 72-hour strike over long-pending demands, including a comprehensive job policy, salary revision and social-security benefits. The Jammu & Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association (JKNHMEA) UT-Level Coordination Committee commenced the 72-hour strike on September 9, with employees staging protests at district headquarters across Jammu and Kashmir. Amid the ongoing strike, the Health Department Kashmir has directed all Medical Superintendents, Block Medical Officers and heads of institutions under its administrative control to ensure the presence of all available regular staff in hospitals. DHSK directed all Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and heads of institutions to ensure that adequate regular staff remains available on duty in all critical and patient-care areas. Essential services including OPD, IPD, Emergency, Labour Room, OT, diagnostics, pharmacy and other patient-care services are maintained without interruption, the order said. The Directorate further directed that duty rosters be suitably adjusted wherever required to ensure adequate manpower during the strike period. It said patient care and essential health services should not suffer due to the absence of NHM staff. Any shortage of manpower adversely affecting essential services shall be brought to the notice of this Directorate immediately for appropriate intervention, it said. Meanwhile, commenting on the NHM employees strike, Health Minister Sakeena Itoo said she had met the employees several times and maintained that healthcare workers posted in sensitive and critical-care areas should not leave their duties to participate in protests. She said the government had not rejected their demands and assured that efforts were being made to address the issues that fall within the governments jurisdiction, while other matters had already been taken up with the Government of India. I have already taken up the matter with the Union Health Minister in a conference, and this was my main point. We have also sent the proposal to the Government of India, she said. We are examining the matter. We request them to resume their duties. The government is working on their issues, she added. However, JKNHMEA Chief Spokesperson Abdul Rauoof said NHM employees had been protesting for their rights for a long time and remained an important component of the healthcare delivery system. He said NHM employees continued to perform their duties in hospitals despite several unresolved issues concerning their service conditions and future. The NHM employees have been protesting for their rights for a long time. They are an important component of the healthcare delivery system and continue to perform their duties in hospitals, Rauoof said. He said the association was demanding a secure job policy, salary revision, retirement benefits and social-security measures to provide financial and social protection to employees and their families. Rauoof said the association had repeatedly raised these issues through appropriate forums and sought a meaningful and time-bound resolution from the government. Despite repeatedly raising these issues, the government has failed to resolve them and has only given assurances, he said. The latest agitation comes five months after a 48-hour strike held by NHM employees in April over similar demands. The protest was called off on April 2 after representatives met Health Minister Sakina Itoo, who had assured them that their grievances would be addressed.
Dust down, Mandi Gobindgarh climbs 15 spots in all-India clean-air survey
South African President calls for UNSC reforms at BRICS Summit
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday called for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Africa accounts for 54 member states of the United Nations and nearly one-fifth of humanity, yet Africa remains without permanent representation on the Security Council of the United Nations. This is neither just nor sustainable. South Africa reiterates its call for comprehensive Security Council reform that makes the council more representative, more accountable, more transparent, and effective, Ramaphosa stated during his remarks at the BRICS Summit. He noted that the relevance of the United Nations and the durability of the multilateral system are now threatened by overt violations of the United Nations Charter and the resort to war to settle differences between Member States. This is what makes BRICS so much more important in the geopolitical terrain that the world finds itself in. The greatness of BRICS lies not in the fact that we are the same, but precisely in the fact that we are different. We represent different continents, different civilisations, political traditions and stages of development. Yet we have discovered that our diversity need not divide us; our diversity should actually unite us. We can cooperate without surrendering our sovereignty, trade without demanding political conformity, and pursue our national interests while advancing the interests of humanity, stated the South African President. He said that BRICS represents a world in which no nation needs to choose between East and West, North and South. It represents a world with many centres of power, but a common commitment to development, to dignity, to respect for one another, and a more equitable international order. The BRICS members' session on Saturday was held on the theme of 'Inclusive Global Governance and Strengthening Multilateralism'. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), at the session, BRICS leaders spoke from their perspective, national perspective, but there was a broad convergence on the need to strengthen and to make our global governance institutions more representative, inclusive, effective and responsive to today's realities. The leaders reiterated support for comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council, with greater representation of developing countries and for reform of the international financial architecture to give developing countries and the Global South a stronger voice, Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary of Economic Relations at the MEA, said during a media briefing held on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. He noted that the discussion reaffirmed the foundations of BRICS cooperation anchored in mutual respect, equality, solidarity, openness, inclusiveness, and consensus, with differences addressed through dialogue and consultations.
Inter-state gang targeting Char Dham pilgrims busted, key accused arrested
Digital Desk | Chamoli, Sep 12 (IANS) The Chamoli Police in Uttarakhand have invoked the Gangsters Act against an organised inter-state gang allegedly involved in pickpocketing and cheating pilgrims during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, with the gang leader arrested from Devprayag. The accused, identified as 26-year-old Sunil Kumar, a native of Bharatpur in Rajasthan and currently residing in Punjab's Bathinda was arrested on September 11 following sustained technical surveillance and ground-level intelligence gathering. According to the police, the gang took advantage of the heavy rush of devotees during the Char Dham Yatra and systematically targeted pilgrims. The investigation revealed that the accused were not part of an ordinary or loosely connected group but were operating as an organised inter-state criminal gang. A case was registered at Kotwali Shri Badrinath on April 27, 2026, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). As the investigation progressed, police established links between the accused and a wider organised network involved in targeting pilgrims. Police had earlier arrested four members of the gang. They were identified as Krishna Kumar, 28, a resident of Punjab's Bathinda; Diya, 25, a resident of Mor Mandi in Bathinda; Sunil Kumar, 26, a native of Rajasthan's Bharatpur and currently residing in Bathinda; and Lalit Kumar, 31, a resident of Rajasthan's Alwar. During interrogation, police uncovered details of the gang's activities and found that its members had allegedly targeted pilgrims not only in the Badrinath Dham area but also in Kedarnath Dham. A separate case in connection with similar incidents has also been registered at Sonprayag police station. According to the police, the findings in both cases established the organised and inter-state nature of the gang's criminal activities. Chamoli Police subsequently prepared a detailed gang chart and obtained approval from the District Magistrate before initiating action under the Gangsters Act against the gang and its members. Police teams maintained continuous surveillance on the suspects and combined technical inputs with information collected on the ground. The coordinated investigation eventually helped them trace the gang leader. Based on technical surveillance, Sunil Kumar was arrested from Devprayag on September 11. Police said the action is an important step towards ensuring the safety of pilgrims during the Char Dham Yatra and curbing organised criminal activities targeting devotees.
Manoj Jarange Patil to march to Mumbai from Sept 15 for indefinite Maratha quota hunger strike
Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange Patil on Saturday announced a march to Mumbai from September 15, where he plans to begin an indefinite hunger strike at Azad Maidan demanding OBC reservation for the Maratha community. He urged supporters to join in large numbers and warned the Maharashtra government against stopping them.
Ram Mandir Trust May Soon Appoint Joint, Deputy CEOs, DMRC Engineer May Get Key Role
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is going to strength its administrative and management structure after a huge haul of donation theft case. The trust in Ayodhya soon can appoint a Joint CEO and Duputy CEO after Air Marshal Jitendra
French Mayor praises BAPS for ten years of trust, transparency
Digital Desk | Bussy-Saint-Georges (Paris), Sep 12 (IANS) Yann Dubosc, Mayor of Bussy-Saint-Georges near Paris, has warmly praised the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) for its positive and transparent engagement with the city over the past ten years. His remarks are in contrast to the recent rumours about women's entry in Eiffel Tower. Speaking on their decade-long association, Mayor Dubosc said the relationship had grown through regular dialogue, better understanding and a shared commitment to working together. He described BAPS as a trusted part of the city's diverse religious and cultural community. The BAPS Hindu Mandir stands on the Esplanade of Religions and Cultures in Bussy-Saint-Georges. The esplanade already includes two Buddhist pagodas, a synagogue and a mosque, creating a distinctive space where different faiths and communities can meet and engage with one another. Mayor Dubosc said the Mandir reflects the identity of Bussy-Saint-Georges and its commitment to peaceful coexistence. He noted that the project had been developed openly and transparently, with information shared through the press and social media. Over the years, BAPS has become an active and trusted member of the Esplanade of Religions and Cultures. The organisation presided over the interfaith body in 2023 and continues to participate regularly in its activities. The Mayor also referred to the warm appreciation expressed for BAPS by representatives of the local Protestant community. Sharing his personal experience, Mayor Dubosc recalled welcoming a delegation of BAPS swamis to the Town Hall in 2023. He described their conduct as respectful and cordial. At no point, he said, was anyone asked to move or leave the premises, including female members of staff. The Mayor also praised the dignity and calm consistently shown by the BAPS community. His remarks reflected the trust that has developed through years of direct interaction between BAPS, the city administration and local interfaith representatives. Mayor Dubosc also acknowledged the scale and success of the cultural festival associated with the Mandir. The twelve-day celebration attracted tens of thousands of visitors from around the world, with 41 countries represented. Cultural and culinary programmes introduced visitors to Hindu traditions while bringing together people from different backgrounds. He thanked the teams and nearly 3,000 volunteers whose dedication made both the Mandir and the cultural festival possible after years of sustained effort. Mayor Dubosc said that the spirit of Hinduism had touched the people of Bussy-Saint-Georges. He highlighted the values of forgiveness, mutual support and solidarity, describing them as essential to building a more positive and harmonious society. Concluding his remarks, the Mayor invited those present to recognise and applaud the women and men whose commitment had enabled the BAPS Hindu Mandir to take its place within the life of Bussy-Saint-Georges.
Watch: Delhi Declaration 2026: What did BRICS decide?
The 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi has concluded with the historic adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. Member nations are demanding urgent reforms to the UN Security Council and pushing for local currency trade settlements.
Watch: Delhi Declaration 2026: What did BRICS decide?
The 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi has concluded with the historic adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. Member nations are demanding urgent reforms to the UN Security Council and pushing for local currency trade settlements.
CM Patel made corrupt officials drink Gangajal in Gujarat: Deputy CM
Digital Desk | Gandhinagar, Sep 12 (IANS) Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Saturday praised Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel's approach to combating corruption, saying Patel's actions against corrupt officials had been more significant than his public statements. Speaking at a programme where development works worth Rs 1,848 crore were inaugurated and launched in Gandhinagar, Sanghavi said: Bhupendra Patel is not in the habit of speaking much; he is in the habit of working directly. Our Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has made the highest number of corrupt officials in the entire country drink Gangajal. Sanghavi said the state government under Patel had consistently taken decisions keeping citizens' interests at the centre and without political vendetta. The Chief Minister continued to announce development works one after another, he said. Turning to Gandhinagar's transformation, Sanghavi said the city was once identified primarily with the Secretariat but had now become an active urban centre with modern facilities, education, industry, trade and cultural activities. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, important facilities and projects had been developed in Gandhinagar and surrounding areas, he asserted. He cited universities, the Helipad Exhibition Ground, GIFT City and Mahatma Mandir among the projects that had become part of Gandhinagar's identity. He said the city had also undergone a visible change in its evening and night-time activity. Earlier, the streets of Gandhinagar would become deserted after evening. Today, the situation has changed. Gandhinagar has become a city that remains vibrant until late at night, and the streets that remained deserted years ago can now be seen bustling with activity, he said. Sanghavi also highlighted the government's support for Navratri, saying the festival is an important part of Gujarat's cultural identity. Citizens had been given the opportunity to play garba and worship Maa Amba until late at night, while efforts had been made to create an environment in which small traders could also receive business comparable to that during Diwali, he said. He said the government's working style under Patel had been based on taking direct and quick decisions and delivering development works to citizens one after another. The Deputy CM also appealed to citizens to share responsibility for cleanliness and support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cleanliness campaign. Sanghvi said even educated and degree-holding people were sometimes seen throwing water bottles, wafer packets and other waste in public places. Such behaviour increased the workload of sanitation workers, he said. He urged citizens to collectively resolve not to litter and to fulfil their responsibility towards keeping public spaces clean. The Deputy CM also congratulated residents on the Rs 1,848 crore development package and called for continued public participation in the city's development journey. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Sanghavi jointly flagged off around 30 new e-buses and travelled in one of them as ordinary passengers from the venue to the Ministers' Residential Complex.
Sher-E-Punjab T20: Amritsar Soormas Storm Into The Final With A 7-wicket Win Over Mohali Kings
Punjab T20 League: Amritsar Soormas marched into the final of the inaugural Sher-E-Punjab T20 League after registering a commanding seven-wicket win over Mohali Kings at the I.S. Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Saturday. The Soormas produced a strong all-round performance, with their bowlers restricting Mohali Kings to 169/7 before Naman Dhir took charge with the bat. His aggressive knock helped Amritsar chase down the target comfortably and book their place in the title clash. Batting first, Mohali Kings were restricted to 169/7 in their 20 overs. Amritsars bowlers kept things under control, especially during the later stages of the innings, preventing the Kings from finishing with a bigger total. Mohali lost a few early wickets before Anmolpreet Singh and Ramandeep Singh came together to steady the innings. The two added 55 runs for the fourth wicket, giving the Kings a much-needed platform. Ramandeep was eventually dismissed for 42 off 28 balls, while Anmolpreet followed soon after, scoring 43 off 26 balls. With Mohali needing another strong partnership, Harpreet Brar and Sohraab Dhaliwal joined hands and added 54 runs for the sixth wicket. Dhaliwal scored a quick 26 off 13 balls before being dismissed, while Brar stayed unbeaten on 33 off 27 balls. For Amritsar, Jaipratap was the most successful bowler, picking up three wickets, although he conceded 45 runs in his four overs. Akash Pandey also chipped in with two wickets for 33 runs in his four overs at the I.S. Bindra Stadium, which has hosted international matches in the past. Shubham Rana impressed with an economical spell, conceding just 21 runs from his three overs and helping keep the scoring under control. In the chase, Amritsar suffered an early setback as Sahaj Dhawan and Jashanpreet Singh were dismissed with only seven runs on the board. With the Soormas under early pressure, Naman Dhir and Abhay Choudhary took charge and began rebuilding the innings. Naman, in particular, took the attack to the Mohali bowlers. The right-hander found the boundary regularly and completely changed the momentum of the chase. His most damaging over came against Harshdeep Singh, when Naman smashed 30 runs, including five sixes, to put Amritsar firmly in control. Naman continued his attacking approach but was eventually dismissed after being trapped in front by Manpreet Singh. He made a brilliant 91 off just 37 balls, leaving Amritsar within touching distance of victory. His most damaging over came against Harshdeep Singh, when Naman smashed 30 runs, including five sixes, to put Amritsar firmly in control. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Abhay remained unbeaten on 48 off 38 balls, while Rahul contributed 26 not out off 16 balls as Amritsar completed a comfortable seven-wicket victory. Article Source: IANS
Protests erupt over abrupt closure of Kurnool Outdoor Stadium
Gym users who gathered at the venue in large numbers allege that the facility was being closed on the orders of the District Sports Development Officer, raise slogans demanding that Minister Bharath Gupta intervene and resolve the issue
MP Aga Ruhullah extends support to protesting veterinary students; joins them on strike
Srinagar, Sep 12: Srinagar Lok Sabha Member of Parliament, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, expressed solidarity with the protesting veterinary interns at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology - Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shuhama campus. Joining the students at their protest site, the parliamentarian urged the Jammu & Kashmir administration to address their long-pending demand for a monthly stipend hike without delay. The veterinary interns, under the banner of the Jammu & Kashmir Veterinary Students Association (JKVSA), have been staging a peaceful protest at SKUAST-K campus for last six days. Demanding parity with veterinary interns across other parts of the country, the students highlighted that their current monthly payoutfixed between 6,000 and 9,000has remained unchanged for years despite inflation, demanding a revision to 20,00023,000. Addressing the gathering, MP Ruhullah emphasized the crucial role played by veterinary professionals as first responders in public health. The right to a dignified stipend and safe working conditions is fundamental, Ruhullah stated, emphasizing that the young medical and veterinary professionals should not be forced onto the streets or face institutional pressure for raising legitimate concerns. He questioned the Rs 6,000 stipend being paid to the students, saying those who had spent years studying should not be expected to work for such an amount. Ruhullah also raised the issues of medical interns and reservation, saying an elected government should listen to the people who elected it. He asked the Agriculture Minister to meet the students and said he would wait for a day or two for the department or higher authorities to engage with them. Agriculture Minister is a good person, I know him and he has been my friend adding that I am sure he will connect with the students, Ruhullah said. If that did not happen, he said, he would involve more people and amplify the issue. The MP promised to continue advocating for the welfare of the student community and raise their grievances forcefully if the administration fails to act promptly.
Ganeshotsav 2026: Girgaon, Lalbaug mandals seek sea immersion for small idols
With Ganesh Chaturthi set to begin on September 14, these traditional festival hubs are demanding a practical balance between environmental safeguards and the long-standing tradition of sea immersion
Mathura labourer dies in college wall collapse, family protests with body
Digital Desk | Mathura, Sep 12 (IANS) Family members of a labourer who died during repair work at a college in Uttar Pradeshs Mathura staged a protest outside the institution on Saturday. While holding a dharna, they placed the body at the main gate and demanded compensation and action against those responsible. According to Mathura Police, several labourers were carrying out plastering work at the National Inter College in Govardhan around 11:30 a.m. The repair work was undertaken by the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA). During the work, a wall above the college gate suddenly collapsed, injuring two labourers. They were identified as Lal Singh, a resident of Ading town under Govardhan police station, and Pankaj, a resident of Talfara village under Deeg police station in Rajasthan. Pankaj, who was seriously injured in the incident, was immediately referred to SN Medical College in Agra for treatment. However, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment. Following his death, the family staged a protest with his body at the colleges main gate, demanding compensation and action. Local resident Kailash told IANS that Pankajs family did not even have a house and depended on his daily wages for survival. Pankajs family has no home. He used to work as a daily-wage labourer to support his family. They live in a hut by the roadside. He leaves behind two children. The government should provide compensation and a job to support the family, Kailash said. Pankajs wife also appealed to the government for Rs 20 lakh in compensation, a job and a house. I live on the roadside, and after my husbands death, I have no one left to support me, she said. In a similar incident recently in Uttar Pradeshs Mainpuri district, 26-year-old Ashish Kumar, a resident of Nagla Kaith in the Kotwali area, was working as a painter along with other labourers at a house in Khargajit Nagar. While applying putty to a wall, Ashishs hand came into contact with a cut in an electrical cable, resulting in an electric shock that caused his death. The following day, Ashishs family members placed his body on Devi Bypass Road and blocked traffic. They refused to proceed with the cremation until the house owner was arrested. The City Circle Officer and the city Kotwal reached the spot and tried to pacify the protesting family members.
Best Italian Proverb of the Day: Its easy to preach fasting when your stomach is full warns against demanding sacrifices from others while remaining comfortable oneself. The proverb uses the contrast between hunger and a full stomach to explore empathy, hypocrisy and double standards. Its broader lesson is to understand another persons circumstances before judging their choices or asking them to endure hardship.
Nani on The Paradise: 'Most tiring film of my career'
Nani, who has undergone a striking physical transformation for Srikanth Odela's upcoming action drama The Paradise, has recently talked about the film's demanding process, calling it the most tiring project of his career, both mentally and physically.
Tamannaah Bhatia takes centre stage in The Vvan song Chhathi Maiya teaser
The teaser of Chhathi Maiya, the second song from the upcoming fantasy film The Vvan, has been unveiled, giving audiences a closer look at the films spiritual and folklore-inspired world, with Tamannaah Bhatia commanding attention
Khatron Ke Khiladi 15: 5 stunts that pushed Ruhaanika Dhawan out of her comfort zone
Ruhaanika Dhawan has taken on a series of challenging stunts during her stint on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, pushing herself beyond her comfort zone through tasks involving snakes, fighter dogs, aerial obstacles and electric shocks. At 18, the young actor has already established herself as a familiar face on television, and her participation in the stunt-based reality show has offered viewers a different side of her personality. Throughout the season, Ruhaanika has faced several tasks that tested her physical strength as well as her ability to deal with fear. Despite moments of panic and hesitation, she continued to attempt the challenges, making her journey on the show notable. One of the most talked-about tasks was a creepy-crawly stunt involving multiple snakes. The challenge required Ruhaanika to confront one of her biggest fears. Although she appeared visibly scared during the task, she continued with the stunt and attempted to complete it. Her reactions during the challenge also drew attention from viewers online. Another demanding task saw Ruhaanika team up with Farrhana Bhatt for an aerial ropes challenge. The duo had to make their way through a series of aerial obstacles while maintaining balance and coordination. Ruhaanika later described the task as her absolute favourite stunt of the season. The challenge required the two contestants to work closely together as they navigated the course. Ruhaanika also faced a stunt involving fighter dogs, which she described as one of the most frightening experiences of her time on the show. The task required her to withstand physical pressure while remaining composed. Despite the difficulty, she continued to participate and complete the challenge. In another intense task, Ruhaanika was paired with Orry for a stunt involving electric shocks and creepy reptiles. Designed by host Rohit Shetty, the challenge combined multiple fear elements and tested the contestants both physically and emotionally. Ruhaanika's reactions reflected the intensity of the task, but she continued despite the panic. The Capsule Stunt was another challenge that tested Ruhaanika's endurance and perseverance. The physically and mentally demanding task required her to remain focused under difficult conditions. Her fellow contestants also showed their support as she took on the challenge. With the finale approaching, Ruhaanika's journey on Khatron Ke Khiladi 15 has seen her take on a range of fear-based and physically demanding tasks. Her willingness to attempt challenges despite her fears has been a recurring part of her stint on the show. Also Read : Ruhaanika Dhawan meets Divyanka Tripathi and Vivek Dahiyas twin boys; calls reunion with Ishi Maa a full circle moment
Family Protests in Mathura After Laborers Death During College Renovation
A laborers death in Mathura leads to a family protest demanding compensation and action against negligence during college repairs. Family Protests in Mathura After Laborers Death During College Renovation
V-P C.P. Radhakrishnan condoles demise of Tamil scholar Solomon Pappaiah
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday condoled the death of Tamil scholar Solomon Pappaiah, hailing his contribution to language, literature, and culture. In a message on social media platform X, the Vice-President said, Deeply saddened by the passing of Solomon Pappaiah, a towering Tamil scholar whose eloquence and wisdom enriched our literary and cultural heritage. With rare grace and profound learning, he brought the beauty of Tamil literature into the hearts of millions and elevated the timeless tradition of Pattimandram, Radhakrishnan said on social media platform on X. His scholarship, wit and oratory made Tamil's timeless wisdom accessible to generations. My heartfelt condolences to his family, admirers and the Tamil fraternity, he added. Through the tradition of literary forums, he carried the richness of the Tamil language to countless homes and inspired generations. The lifelong dedication he rendered to the Tamil language, literature, and culture will be remembered forever, Radhakrishnan said. Earlier, Vice-President Radhakrishnan visited the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. During one of his outings, he explored vibrant Daman Night Market on Friday. He appreciated the development of these public spaces that are enhancing tourism, recreation and economic opportunities, while showcasing Daman's natural beauty and rich heritage, a statement said. He also visited and interacted with students at Swami Vivekananda Vidya Mandir in Silvassa. He also visited Ramsetu Seafront, Moti Daman, and Namopath Seafront in Devka, the statement said. The Vice-President's visit to Silvassa also included a tour of the NAMO Hospital and NAMO Medical Education and Research Institute, it added. He visited the Anatomy Museum, Dissection Hall, Central Library and Lecture Theatre, taking an overview of the facilities and academic infrastructure of the institute. This was his maiden visit to the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The visit began on Friday and ended on Saturday, it said. During his visit, the Vice-President attended a public function at A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Government College in Silvassa. He will also visit important tourism and waterfront development sites, including Daman Night Market, Ramsetu Seafront and Namopath Seafront.
Supriya's hat-trick fires India into Junior Asia Cup final after thrashing win over South Korea
India moved into the final of the Hockey Junior Asia Cup after a commanding 5-1 win over South Korea in the first semifinal. Drag-flick specialist Supriya rose to the occasion and scored three goals from penalty corners to help India dominate the proceedings.
Former aide-de-camp to President Droupadi Murmu, Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal, has opened up about the personal sacrifices involved in the demanding role, including restrictions on marriage and family life. Recalling his roughly three-year tenure, Sambyal said the posting left little room for a conventional personal life, while also describing his warm and memorable bond with Murmu.
Searches conducted at five locations in Poonch and Udhampur Districts: SIA Jammu
Jammu, Sep 12: The State Investigation Agency (SIA), Jammu, today conducted searches at five locations in the Mandi and Surankote areas of District Poonch and Ramnagar area of District Udhampur in connection with an ongoing investigation into a case involving alleged propagation of secessionist narratives and radicalisation activities through online and offline communication channels, including social media platforms from across the border. According to an official spokesperson, During the course of investigation, certain individuals were found to be allegedly communicating with suspicious persons located across the Line of Control (LoC)/border. The search operations commenced in the morning and are presently underway. The searches are aimed at collecting and verifying relevant material and evidence in furtherance of the ongoing investigation, he said. Further details, if any, will be shared upon completion of the search operations and assessment of the material recovered, an SIA spokesperson said.
Villagers tie telecom techie to mobile tower over poor 5G network
Six villagers in Fatehpur district were arrested after allegedly tying a telecom technician to a mobile tower. The incident occurred following prolonged 5G network outages, with residents demanding resolution to connectivity issues. Police rescued the technician and subsequently arrested six individuals who were later released on bail.
US Open: New No. 1 Rybakina, 3-peat eyeing Sabalenka set to battle for glory
Digital Desk | New York, Sep 12 (IANS) In a rematch of the 2026 Australian Open final, the U.S. Open will conclude with a perfect finale: a three-peat-chasing Aryna Sabalenka facing Elena Rybakina, who will take the top spot in the rankings and have #1 next to her name on Monday, with the duo chasing ultimate glory at Flushing Meadows. The top two seeds have taken different routes to the final, but both arrive in formidable form. Sabalenka, the two-time defending champion, powered past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 in the semi-finals, while Rybakina recovered from a set down to defeat home favourite Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. For Sabalenka, the Arthur Ashe Stadium court has once again become a stage where she has found her most imposing tennis. The Belarusian has lost just one set across six matches and heads into the championship clash with a 20-match unbeaten run at the US Open dating back to 2024. Her numbers underline the level of aggression she has brought to New York. Sabalenka has struck 170 winners, the most in the womens draw, while converting 25 break points, also a tournament-leading figure. She was tested by Linda Noskova in the quarter-finals, surviving a deciding-set super tie-break 10-7 before dispatching Pegula with authority. Rybakina, meanwhile, has had to overcome both an injury concern and a formidable American challenge to reach a first US Open final. A left ankle problem suffered in Cincinnati had cast doubt over her participation, but the Kazakh has responded with one of the strongest runs of her career in New York. Her campaign has included a victory over two-time champion Naomi Osaka and comeback wins against Qinwen Zheng and Gauff. Against Gauff, Rybakina held her nerve despite a partisan crowd and repeatedly delivered when the match entered its most demanding passages. Saturdays meeting also carries a significant ranking consequence. Rybakina needed to reach the semi-finals to guarantee that she would replace Sabalenka at the summit of the WTA Rankings next week, ending Sabalenkas 99-week reign as No. 1. The head-to-head adds another layer. Sabalenka leads their rivalry 10-7 and has won their last two meetings, but Rybakina owns the victory that matters most this season. She fought back from 3-0 down in the deciding set of the Australian Open final to claim the title. Her serve could again prove decisive. Rybakina has fired 42 aces in New York and has struck 143 winners, ranking among the tournament leaders in both categories. For Sabalenka, it is a chance to complete a US Open hat-trick. For Rybakina, it is an opportunity to add a second major of the season while beginning her reign as World No. 1 with the biggest prize of all.
SIA raids 3 locations in Poonch, Udhampur
Poonch, Sept 12 : The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Saturday conducted searches at three locations in Poonch and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. An official said that SIA teams carried out searches in Mandi and Surankote areas of Poonch district and Ramnagar in Udhampur district. The official said that in Mandi, the SIA team searched the residential premises at Cheela Dhangri. Further details about the searches and the case in connection with which they were conducted are awaited.(KNO)
Pro-Iran Houthis' Open War Against Saudi; Fighters Strike Strategic King Fahd Air Base | Report
The Yemen conflict is escalating, with unconfirmed reports of a Houthi ballistic missile strike targeting Saudi Arabias King Fahd Air Base. At the same time, Yemeni forces say they have seized the strategic Jardad Mountains in Taiz, gaining a commanding position over key areas and routes toward the Bab-el-Mandeb coastline. The developments signal a major battlefield shift as fighting intensifies between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed forces.
Teachers Protest in Lucknow Demanding Justice and Meeting with Chief Minister
Over 68,500 teacher recruitment candidates protested in Lucknow, seeking a meeting with the Chief Minister to address reservation issues. Teachers Protest in Lucknow Demanding Justice and Meeting with Chief Minister
SIA raids two locations in Poonch
Poonch, Sep 12: The State Investigation Agency (SIA) on Saturday conducted search operations at two locations in Jammu and Kashmir, including Mandi and Surankote in Poonch district Officials said an SIA team searched the residential premises of Munabbar Hussain at Cheela Dhangri in Mandi Tehsil of Poonch District Further details regarding the searches and the case linked to the operation are awaited.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Delhi-NCR is likely to witness continued rainfall on Saturday as monsoon activity remains active over the region, coinciding with the start of the BRICS Summit in the national Capital. The weather conditions assume significance as New Delhi hosts the two-day BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam. The national Capital has been making final preparations for the high-profile gathering, which will bring together leaders and representatives of 11 major emerging and developing economies. The participating countries are Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, India, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE. The theme of Indias Chairship 2026 is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.' According to the latest weather forecast, rainfall is expected to continue over Delhi for the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised residents to remain updated about changing weather conditions, particularly during spells of intense rain, thunderstorms and lightning. Rainfall could also affect traffic movement and daily commuting in the Delhi-NCR region, especially during periods of heavy showers. People travelling to work or other destinations have been advised to take weather conditions into account while planning their journeys. The southwest monsoon remains active over several parts of the country. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall across around 20 states on Saturday, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. In Rajasthan, several areas are expected to experience rain accompanied by thunderstorms. The weather department has issued warnings for thunderstorms and lightning in both East Rajasthan and West Rajasthan for September 12. Odisha is also likely to receive rain and thunderstorms, with yellow warnings issued for several districts. The IMD has warned that some parts of the state could record heavy to very heavy rainfall through September 13. Bihar is expected to experience widespread monsoon activity, with rain, thunderstorms and strong winds likely in different parts of the state. Some areas could also receive heavy showers. Haryana is likely to see rain and thunderstorms as monsoon activity continues over northern India. The latest forecast suggests that some parts of the state could receive heavier rainfall along with thunderstorms. In Himachal Pradesh, several areas are likely to remain under unsettled weather conditions, with rain and thunderstorms forecast for Saturday. The IMD has issued rainfall-related warnings for multiple districts. Uttarakhand is also expected to receive fairly widespread rainfall and thunderstorms. The state is likely to remain under an enhanced spell of monsoon activity through September 14. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained in the satisfactory category, according to monitoring data from various stations across the city. The recorded AQI levels included NSUT Jaffarpur (83), Punjabi Bagh (117), Shadipur (71), Mandir Marg (76), Pusa (98), Chandni Chowk (73), Commonwealth Sports Complex (82), NSIT Dwarka (113), JNU (66), Burari Crossing (86), North Campus, DU (104), IIT Delhi (82), Anand Vihar (83), Mundka (105), Rohini (114), Patparganj (79) and Nehru Nagar (115).
Delhi Police arrests 3 for pro-Khalistan graffiti at Singhu Border
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) Delhi Police arrested three accused for allegedly painting pro-Khalistan graffiti at the Singhu Border, purportedly at the behest of terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, official sources said on Saturday. According to police sources, the offensive slogans and graffiti were painted on walls at the Singhu Border, between the states of Delhi and Haryana, on September 6. Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the chief of the banned group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), had claimed responsibility for the act in a post on 'X'. Investigators obtained clues about the accused from CCTV footage at the Singhu Border, based on which the police team arrested all three individuals. The police have also recovered the car used by the accused. According to police sources, one of the accused was in direct contact with Pannu. The Special Cell of Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation into the matter. This comes after pro-Khalistan outfits operating in foreign countries altered their operational framework under direct instructions from Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), shifting focus from violent crime towards political campaigning to evade international law enforcement crackdowns, Intelligence officials say. With the international agencies now working closely with the Indian authorities on the Khalistan issue, these groups have decided to change their modus operandi. The Khalistan movement abroad is increasingly shifting towards a political campaign rather than a violent one. The Pakistani spy agency that controls this movement has clearly instructed the pro-Khalistan groups not to openly engage with the gangsters as they have been doing all these days. An Intelligence Bureau official said that the shift comes amid the close coordination between Indian and international security agencies. This has led to a severe crackdown, which has made operations hard for these groups. The crackdown was possible as these Khalistani groups were indulging in violence, extortion rackets, and money laundering. Their close nexus with the criminal gangs abroad gave the agencies the leeway to act tough on them as heinous crimes, which included murders, narcotic smuggling and money laundering, the official said. The ISI realises the importance of keeping pro-Khalistan groups such as SFJ relevant. They have been encouraged to pursue the issue as a purely political movement, organising referendums, holding marches and demanding a separate Khalistan carved out of Punjab.
Mumbai: Over 1,000 tribals march to Raj Bhavan seeking forest rights laws
Members of tribal community march to Raj Bhavan demanding implementation of laws protecting their rights
