Indias boxing revival faces the Asian test: Can the country turn its resurgence into medals?

Indian boxers prepare for the demanding Asian Games 2026 in Japan. This event follows a record-breaking Commonwealth Games performance for the contingent. Several women boxers carry significant medal hopes into the competition. Men's boxing shows signs of progress, aiming for stronger showings. Success in Japan will gauge the sport's revival and Olympic prospects.

Amar Upadhyay returns as Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi new promo unveiled!

Star Plus has officially confirmed one of television's most speculated comebacks Amar Upadhyay is set to return as Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The channel dropped a new promo announcing the development, putting an end to weeks of fan theories and speculation about whether the character would make a comeback to the show. The timing of the announcement coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi, adding a symbolic touch to the storyline, as the makers frame Mihir's return as an answer to Tulsi's prayers within the narrative. Speaking about his return, Amar Upadhyay said, Mihir mere liye sirf ek character nahi hai (is not just a character). He has been such a huge part of my journey, and the love audiences have given him over the years is something I have always carried with me. There has been so much chatter around whether Mihir is coming back. My fans have been eagerly waiting for my return and haven't stopped asking when I would be back on the show. Honestly, seeing their excitement has made this homecoming even more special. Shantiniketan mein wapas aana, Tulsi aur Virani parivaar ke beech Mihir bankar khade hona, brings back so many memories. It genuinely feels like coming home. But a lot has happened, equations have changed, and Mihir is returning to a family that has been through its own journey. I'm excited to see how audiences react when he finally walks back into their lives. View this post on Instagram A post shared by StarPlus (@starplus) Mihir's return isn't the only reunion in store for viewers. The show also marks the comeback of another original cast member as Aman Verma will be returning to his role as Anupam Kapadia, the brother of the iconic Mandira. For the unversed, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 features several cast from the first season which includes Hiten Tejwani and Gauri Pradhan as Karan Virani and Nandini Virani, Sumeet Sachdev and Ravee Gupta as Gautam Virani and Damini Virani, Ritu Chaudhary as Shobha Virani Choudhary, Sandeep Baswana as Sahil Virani, and Suvarna Jha as the antagonist Tripti. With the Virani family set for a major reunion of sorts, the upcoming track promises to bring fresh drama to Shantiniketan. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi airs every day at 10:30 PM on Star Plus and is also available to stream anytime on JioHotstar. Also Read: Amar Upadhyay returns as Mihir Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi after 14 weeks: Mihir has evolved with time

Rajasthan civic polls: Polling staffer touches Ashok Gehlots feet; BJP files complaint

Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) A controversy erupted during the second phase of Rajasthans civic elections on Friday after a member of the polling staff allegedly touched the feet of former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot at a voting booth in Jodhpur. Gehlot had arrived at Vardhaman Jain School in Mahamandir to cast his vote in Ward No. 82 when the incident reportedly took place. A video of the incident later surfaced, prompting a political dispute over the conduct of the polling staff. The BJP has objected to the incident and raised questions over the impartiality of the polling staff. Saurabh Saraswat, state convenor of the BJP Rajasthan legal cell, submitted a complaint to the District Election Officer in Jodhpur and the State Election Commission, seeking action against the polling staffer concerned. The BJP argued that election officials and polling personnel are expected to maintain political neutrality while performing election duties. According to the party, such conduct towards a prominent political leader could raise questions about the fairness and impartiality of the electoral process. The BJP said that the incident could create doubts among voters regarding the neutrality of the polling process. The party has demanded that authorities examine the matter and take appropriate action if any election rules have been violated. Election personnel are required to perform their duties impartially and without displaying political preference. The conduct of polling staff is therefore particularly important during the voting process, officials said. The incident triggered a debate over whether the polling staffer's conduct amounts to a violation of election rules. The election code is intended to ensure a free, fair and peaceful electoral process. Political parties and candidates are prohibited from using improper means to influence voters, while government and election machinery is expected to remain neutral, the BJP said. However, whether the polling employee's act of touching Gehlot's feet constitutes an actual violation of the applicable election rules will have to be determined by the competent election authorities after examining the incident and the circumstances in which it occurred. The controversy comes as Rajasthan's civic elections enter the crucial voting phase, with political parties closely monitoring polling-related incidents across the state.

India crosses 8 million HPV vaccinations under nationwide campaign

India has crossed 80 lakh human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations, marking another important milestone in strengthening preventive healthcare and protection against HPV infection and associated cancers, the Union health ministry said on Friday. The nationwide HPV vaccination campaign was launched on February 28 to vaccinate girls aged 14 years. The HPV vaccine plays a vital role in preventing cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers affecting women, it said. The single-dose Gardasil-4 vaccine is administered free of cost at government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs -- primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs), sub-district and district hospitals and government medical colleges, the ministry said. Vaccinations are administered in the presence of medical officers, while vaccination sites are linked to 24x7 adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) management centres for prompt management of any adverse events, it said. Parental ...

Odisha auditors caught demanding 10 bribe per student in government-run residential schools

The vigilance department seizes 14,38,340 kept in envelopes from two auditors accused of making such bizarre demands for bribes

Police crack Secunderabad armoury heist, recover weapons; retired Army officer among four in custody

Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Sep 11 (IANS) In a major breakthrough in the Madras Regiment arms theft case, Telangana Police have recovered the stolen arms and ammunition and taken into custody four suspects including a retired Army officer. A joint team of Telangana Counter Intelligence Cell, Hyderabad Task Force and Malkajgiri Police cracked the case after an 11-day hunt. The theft, reported on August 31, involved 12 firearms, 21 magazines, night-vision equipment and over 1,900 rounds of ammunition from the regiments facility at Bollaram in Secunderabad Cantonment. According to police, those taken into custody include a retired Army officer who is suspected of plotting the theft over a grudge against a former Commanding Officer. The investigators were questioning the suspects about their roles in stealing, transporting and concealing the weapons. The stolen weapons and ammunition were recovered from Nagarkurnool district of Telangana. It was immediately not clear if the entire cache of stolen arms has been recovered. Army officials were verifying the firearms, ammunition and other recovered articles against the armourys inventory. Details of the case are likely to be announced by the authorities later. Twelve firearms, including four AK-203 assault rifles, an INSAS rifle, six 9 mm pistols and a civilian 6.35-bore pistol, were reported missing from the Madras Regiment premises at Bollarum. A passive night-vision binocular, 21 magazines and more than 1,800 rounds of ammunition were also reportedly missing from the Army establishment. The theft came to light on the morning of August 31, when Army personnel opened the Kote and Battalion Magazine, where weapons and ammunition were stored. They found that the locks of the premises and the boxes containing the weapons, control stores and ammunition had been broken. A First Information Report registered with Bollarum Police Station of Malkajgiri Commissionerate stated that the weapons and ammunition had last been physically accounted for at about 6 p.m. on August 30, before the Kote and Battalion Magazine were closed. A case was registered under Sections 331(4) and 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Army officials had ordered an internal enquiry and questioned guard-duty personnel who were on duty when the weapons went missing. Military Intelligence also investigated the case in coordination with the police.

'I'm Purely A Rhythm Bowler': Siraj Rues 'two-month Break' For Disrupted Run-up

MA Chidambaram Stadium: Mohammed Siraj believes an unusually long two-month break affected his bowling rhythm and contributed to his loss of pace during Indias recent Test series in Sri Lanka. Siraj returned to domestic action for the Duleep Trophy final after Indias Test assignment in Sri Lanka and initially struggled to find his usual pace and rhythm at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The pacer conceded 140 runs in 25 overs in the first innings after the East Zone chose to bat but produced a much sharper performance in the second innings. He bowled with greater pace and control, finishing with 1-47 from 16 overs as the East Zone went on to defeat the South Zone and claim the title on first-innings lead. Siraj said his difficulties were linked to the disruption caused by his extended break before the Sri Lanka series. Im purely a rhythm bowler. If Im not in sync, I cant explode through the crease. That was the struggle in Sri Lanka my run-up felt disjointed. Some strides were too short, others were too long, and that broke my flow and cost me pace, Siraj was quoted as saying by Cricinfo. The 32-year-old said the lengthy gap was unfamiliar territory in his career and that training away from competitive cricket could not fully reproduce the demands of a match. Every bowlers body is different, but mine doesnt handle long breaks well. A short break is fine, but in my ten-year career, I had never taken two full months off. I was working out in the gym and bowling occasionally, but no amount of practice can replicate match intensity. It was a new experience, but a valuable learning curve for me going forward, he said. Siraj also had to deal with demanding conditions after coming directly from Sri Lanka. India had spent three-and-a-half days on the field during the second Test before the fast bowler travelled to Chennai for the Duleep Trophy final. We came straight from Sri Lanka, where we spent three-and-a-half days fielding in the second Test, and within a week, we were out here playing in Chennais sweltering heat, Siraj said. However, he refused to use the physical demands as an excuse, stressing the responsibility that comes with playing for India. But for me, it comes down to passion. When youre representing your country, you cant make excuses. You have to give every bit of your effort for your team and nation. Even if I didnt get the wickets to show for it today, that hard work will pay off at the international level, he added. However, he refused to use the physical demands as an excuse, stressing the responsibility that comes with playing for India. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories In the first innings, the pitch looked fresh, so I tried to bowl too fast. Because I was forcing it, my rhythm was off, he said. In the second innings, I told myself to forget the outcome and just run in with good, natural rhythm. The moment I did that, the old Siraj was back, and the ball started coming out beautifully. Article Source: IANS

Nimisha Sajayan gives a glimpse of excessive food she ate to put on 14 kilos for Babita Reporting character

Digital Desk | Mumbai, September 11 (IANS) Actress Nimisha Sajayan offered a glimpse into the intense physical transformation she underwent for her role in Babita Singh Reporting. The actress shared a series of pictures that show the elaborate meals she consumed to gain nearly 14 kg for the character. Taking to her social media account, Nimisha shared a photo dump titled A journey from Nimisha to Baby, documenting her transformation into Babita Singh, fondly called Baby in the film. The pictures show the actress at different stages of the process, along with an array of meals prepared. From sandwiches, poha, eggs, broccoli and peanuts to paneer, salads, fruits, waffles, pastries, yoghurt, nuts, juices and elaborate desserts, the pictures offer a glimpse of just how much food Nimisha had to consume in order to gain weight. The food pictures also include plates of desserts topped with berries, cream and flowers, as well as a spread of pastries, yoghurt and nuts. Sharing the pictures, Nimisha wrote, A journey from Nimisha to Baby. @dr.siddhant.bhargava @thaparware @saifali0067 thank you for making this journey easier and for being there for me throughout. The weight gain was definitely not an easy task..but you guys made it so much more manageable. From Weight kaise badega? to We finally did it! what a journey it has been. There were days when I would call @thaparware & say I cant do this anymore & you would always say Were in this together. Those words kept me going. @dr.siddhant.bhargava from monitoring my health and diet every single day to calling me and saying Nimisha Im proud of you. you have always been just a call away. Thank you for taking care of me and for always making sure I was doing okay. @saifali0067 Saifu tu best hai..! From cooking my favourite meals to constantly calling and asking Aap khush ho? Kal kya khaoge? She added, you put so much love into everything you did. Your hands are truly magic. Thank you for making sure I was well fed, happy and taken care of throughout this journey. And to the entire @filmsquadproductions thank you for standing by me like a rock and supporting me through it all. Nimisha had earlier opened up about the demanding transformation in an exclusive conversation with IANS. She revealed that she weighed 58 kg when she was selected for the role and eventually reached 72 kg, gaining almost 14 kg specifically for Babita. The actress said the process began with an intake of around 1,200 calories a day and eventually went up to nearly 8,000 calories. She described consuming that amount of food as an absolute nightmare, Talking about Babita Singh Reporting, it has directed by Ambiecka Pandit and written by Amita Vyas.

Ratna Bhandar Inventory to Follow 1978 List, Says Odisha Govt

The inventory of the Ratna Bhandar at Puri Srimandir will be carried out based on the list prepared in 1978, but the fresh inventory record will not be made available in the public domain, Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Thursday. Harichandan said the inventory process is being conducted with complete transparency. However, the [] The post Ratna Bhandar Inventory to Follow 1978 List, Says Odisha Govt appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .

BRICS Summit: Lutyens Delhi gets makeover with lights, flowers, themed signages

Officials said decorative lighting has been installed at several locations, including Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Mandi House, Teen Murti, Lok Kalyan Metro Station and the PMO roundabout.

JNU Sexual Harassment Row: ABVP Protests Against Professor, Demands Time-Bound Inquiry

ABVP students staged a protest at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi, demanding action over sexual harassment allegations reportedly made by 11 women students against JNU professor and Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.During our ground reporting, ABVP members levelled serious allegations against the professor, including claims that he demanded sexual favours from students. They also questioned the alleged delay in proceedings before the Internal Committee and demanded a fair, transparent and time-bound inquiry.The allegations are being reported as claims made by the protesters and have not been established as fact.

Brics Summit: Delhi gets makeover with lights, flowers, themed signages

From illuminated roundabouts and floral displays to freshly landscaped roads and BRICS-themed signages, central Delhi has been given a makeover as the national capital hosts the BRICS Summit starting Friday. Officials said decorative lighting has been installed at several locations, including Patel Chowk, Windsor Place, Mandi House, Teen Murti, Lok Kalyan Metro Station and the PMO roundabout. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has also installed LED signages carrying the BRICS Summit logo and put up summit-themed posters on street-light poles along important routes. The civic body has stepped up beautification, lighting and horticultural works across its jurisdiction, with a focus on routes linking the airport and designated hotels with the summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, in the heart of the city. The 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit 2026 will be held on September 12 and 13, with India hosting the meeting as chair of the grouping. Key leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, al

Tusshar Kapoor says being a star kid is an Agneepath in a sense: You get your first break, but

Tusshar Kapoor has opened up about the advantages and challenges of being born into a film family, reflecting on the expectations that came with being the son of veteran actor Jeetendra. In an exclusive conversation with The Free Press Journal, the actor acknowledged that a film family can make getting a debut easier, but stressed that sustaining a career and making a film successful remain outside an actors control. Speaking about the pressure associated with being the son of an established star, Tusshar said there is often a greater expectation from actors who come from prominent film families. He said the industry and trade can be particularly critical, with achievements sometimes being viewed through a more demanding lens. When you are from a film family, an accomplished stars son, you know, son of an accomplished star, I mean, then there is an expectation, especially within the film industry or within the trade, where no matter how much you do, the glass is always considered half empty rather than half full. So you have to always surpass yourself. So initially, of course, I had a tough time, you know, trying to ignore the noise that comes with being a stars son. Its not a red carpet for sure. Of course, theres a huge battalion of pull-downers who were waiting for you to fall. Tusshar Kapoor on blocking out the noise The actor also credited his experience of living independently for helping him deal with the scrutiny surrounding his career. Tusshar said that living abroad and away from his family helped him develop an individual identity and gave him the ability to focus on his work rather than outside opinions. But the fact that Ive lived abroad, lived on my own, and found myself as an individual, living away from family, gave me the strength to really be able to block that noise out, no matter how overwhelming it got at certain points. I used to just block it out and just show up for work, show up for my classes. Yeah. I was training at that point. I would show up for work and just try to do my thing in my own way, in my track, and not focus on whatever is being said or what is being written. And then the film spoke for itself. You get your first break Tusshar acknowledged that having a family connection to the film industry can provide an entry point that may be harder for outsiders to access. However, he emphasised that getting a debut does not automatically translate into success. So yes, its an Agneepath in a sense but one has to be grateful that, you know, getting your first film is easier when you are from a family that belongs to the film fraternity. You get your first break. But us film ko complete karna, us film ko logon ke saamne tak lana, aur film ka chalna, woh aapke haath mein nahin hai. So thats the only advantage we have with all these disadvantages; thats the only advantage we have: that you get a break. You are more accessible to people who want to launch star sons. Tusshar made his acting debut with Jeena Sirf Merre Liye in 2002 and has since worked across comedy, drama and other genres in Hindi cinema. His latest comments reflect on the continuing conversation around privilege, expectations and the challenges of building an identity within the film industry. Also Read:Tusshar Kapoor opens up on 50 vanity vans at Welcome To The Jungle set: Is it really justified?

Karamtara Engineering IPO Day 3: GMP at 27%; check subscription status and key details

Karamtara Engineering IPO entered its final day of bidding on September 11, with the issue subscribed 3.61 times by the end of Day 2 and the retail portion booked 3.28 times. The Rs 875-crore IPO, comprising a Rs 675-crore fresh issue and Rs 200-crore OFS, is currently commanding a GMP of around 27%, indicating positive listing expectations.

Nitu Gupta reviews implementation of Agriculture Department, allied institutions

Secretary in Agriculture Production Department (APD), Nitu Gupta, today chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation of various programmes being executed under UT Capex Budget 2026-27, NABARD, HADP, JKCIP,CSS and SASCI In Kashmir division at Directorate of Agriculture Lalmandi. The meeting was attended by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Director Command area Development Kashmir, Director Planning Agriculture production department, Director Finance SKUAST-K, Chief Agriculture Officers and other senior officers of the department. The meeting focused on the progress and performance of the Department under CAPEX, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and NABARD. Detailed discussions were held on physical and financial achievements, expenditure, targets and implementation status of various ongoing interventions. The Secretary reviewed the progress of key projects and schemes and emphasised the need for timely execution, effective monitoring and optimum utilisation of funds to ensure that the intended benefits of these interventions reach the farming community. She stressed upon the officers to adopt a result-oriented and farmer-centric approach, strengthen field-level monitoring and ensure close coordination among all concerned stakeholders for expeditious implementation of developmental programmes. Earlier, the Secretary had also reviewed the functioning and performance of SKUAST-Kashmir, Command Area Development Department and Sericulture Department, taking stock of their respective programmes, achievements and implementation challenges. During these reviews, emphasis was laid on strengthening coordination between the Agriculture Production Department and allied institutions, promoting technology-driven interventions, improving service delivery and ensuring effective implementation of farmer-oriented programmes. Director Agriculture Kashmir apprised the Secretary of the overall performance of the department. He briefed her about the progress achieved under various schemes and initiatives besides highlighting the steps being taken to further accelerate implementation at the field level. The Secretary directed the concerned officers to maintain regular monitoring, ensure timely completion of targets and strengthen inter-departmental convergence, with a clear focus on improving agricultural productivity, supporting farmers and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across the region.

Shopian residents demand staff, equipment at district hospital, threaten hunger strike

On Thursday morning, members of civil society and local residents gathered outside District Hospital Shopian, demanding adequate manpower, specialist doctors and essential equipment at the facility. The protesters warned that they would intensify their agitation, including by going on a hunger strike, if the authorities failed to address what they described as persistent deficiencies at the hospital. The hospital was established in 1977 as a Sub-District Hospital (SDH) and was upgraded to a District Hospital after Shopian was granted district status in 2007. Despite catering to a population of more than 2.5 lakh, residents said the hospital continues to face shortages of specialist doctors, technical staff and diagnostic facilities, forcing patients to seek treatment outside the district. We will go for a hunger strike if the hospital is not provided with all the facilities a district hospital deserves, said Mitha Gatoo, a civil society member. Gatoo said the hospital was functioning without several crucial specialists, including a urologist and cardiologist, while other categories of staff were also inadequate. He said the shortage was particularly affecting patients requiring diagnostic services. The USG facility shuts at 4 pm. Afterwards, the patients have to either visit private diagnostic centres or are referred to Srinagar, Gatoo said. He said patients from Shopian were being forced to travel outside the district even for services that, in their view, should be available at a district-level hospital. The protesters also raised questions over the utilisation of equipment already available at the hospital. While the facility lacks key diagnostic services such as an MRI, some of the available equipment remains unused because of a shortage of trained personnel, they said. An ECHO machine is gathering dust because there are no technicians available in the hospital to operate it, Gatoo said. He said the absence of specialists and technical staff was undermining the purpose of having a district hospital in the area. Magray Mansoor, another civil society member, also joined the demand for strengthening the hospital and said the authorities needed to take immediate steps to address the shortage of staff and facilities. The residents said the problem was not limited to one particular department but involved several areas of healthcare, affecting patients who depended on the government hospital for affordable treatment. Ashok Kumar Bali, a resident and former councillor, said he would also join the proposed hunger strike if the authorities failed to address their demands. Bali said the hospital served a large population and should be equipped with the doctors, paramedical staff and diagnostic facilities required of a district hospital. The protesters called on the health authorities and the administration to assess the hospital's requirements and fill vacant posts besides ensuring that existing equipment was put to use. They said people in Shopian should not have to travel to Srinagar or rely on private facilities for basic and specialised healthcare services that should be available at the district hospital. The civil society members said they would wait for the authorities to respond to their demands but warned that failure to act would leave them with no option but to intensify their agitation.

Drug trafficking accused escaped from NCB Jammu custody arrested in Punjab

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police and Punjab Police, on Thursday traced and apprehended Aqib Bashir, a notorious drug trafficker who had fled from NCB custody in Jammu. The operation is a strong example of three-day sustained search and tracking operation across J&K and Punjab and prompt coordination and intelligence sharing between J&K Police, Punjab Police and NCB besides the valuable support of the media fraternity in disseminating the alert, said an NCB Jammu spokesperson. It also reflected strong coordination between Central and state and UT agencies, spokesperson said. After fleeing from Jammu, the accused, according to the spokesperson, reached Jalandhar via the Pathankot route. He initially attempted to evade detection by taking shelter under the cover of darkness and hiding in a forest area near Narwal Fruit Mandi, Jammu. To conceal his identity, he clean-shaved, changed his clothes and altered his appearance. He subsequently used his contacts in Jalandhar to seek shelter and evade the search teams. Continuous intelligence inputs and coordinated field efforts enabled the agencies to track and narrow down his location. The NCB (Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh)Punjab Police team apprehended him when he was reportedly preparing to move towards Delhi or another state, spokesperson said, adding that the successful operation reflected the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination, real-time information sharing, sustained efforts and public cooperation.

White Knight Corps GoC visits Poonch LoC

General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps, Lt Gen PK Mishra on Thursday visited forward locations on Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and took stock of overall security scenario. Army said that GOC White Knight Corps visited these forward posts along the LoC to review operational preparedness and assess the prevailing security situation. The Corps Commander was briefed on the security environment, counter-infiltration measures, surveillance grid and initiatives to further enhance operational effectiveness, said army. Commending the troops for their high state of readiness, vigilance and commitment, the GOC exhorted all ranks to remain steadfast. He also asked troops to maintain the highest standards of operational preparedness and responsiveness, the army said.

US lawmakers probe OpenAI over AI going rogue as fears of human control grow

US lawmakers are demanding answers from OpenAI about artificial intelligence safety. Senator Josh Hawley is investigating an incident where an AI system hacked another company. Senator Chris Van Hollen wants federal agencies to assess AI model risks. Concerns arise as researchers express worries about AI companies prioritizing competition over safety. One senator proposes banning superintelligent AI development until safety rules exist.

J&K cabinet puts Mission Skill, Home Stay policies on hold

Jammu, Sep 10:Jammu and Kashmir cabinet, led by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, on Thursday decided to put on hold the Mission Skill and Home Stay policies for further deliberations yet cleared rest of entire agenda, including the government business to be transacted during the ensuing autumn session of J&K Legislative Assembly. Among the major proposals, according to sources, considered by the cabinet, which met in Srinagar on Thursday evening, for approval also included the bill related to Ease of Doing Business, which formed part of government business, besides regular yet crucial administrative agenda items. The cabinet, following deliberations, also okayed construction of flyover from Muthi flyover to Shakuntala theatre in Jammu; industrial park under BHAVYA scheme in Vijaypur of Samba district for which transfer of land will be made to the Industry and Commerce department; transfer of land to BSNL for saturation of 4G mobile services in uncovered villages in J&K and transfer of 3-kanal Shamlat land to the Agriculture Production Department for SabziMandi at Sopore. Besides, a few promotions, as per routine agenda, were also effected by the cabinet. Following the cabinet approval, all cleared agenda items will be sent for the Lieutenant Governors nod. With regard to Mission Skill and Home Stay policies, which too were among agenda items before the cabinet, sources stated that they were discussed yet could not get approval. More information was sought by the cabinet about both the policies. They will be taken up before the cabinet for further deliberations and approval next time, sources maintained. The government business, considered for approval during the cabinet meeting, comprised four bills including the bill related to Ease of Doing Business (EODB), which was revised after addressing the concerns related to Industry and Commerce, Housing and Urban Development and Fire Services departments. Earlier on September 2, the J&K cabinet was given a presentation on the EODB bill by the concerned officials. The EODB issue was part of the August 4, 2026 cabinet meeting as well given its importance yet the approval (by cabinet) was put on hold in wake of certain queries by the ministers. The significant proposed bill once approved will see drastic reduction vis--vis requirement of No Objection Certificates by various government departments or agencies. The bills cleared by cabinet, after getting the Lieutenant Governors approval, will be introduced in the upcoming J&K Assembly session, commencing from September 21 in Srinagar. Following the meeting, an official spokesperson said that the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a meeting of the Council of Ministers in Srinagar today. The meeting deliberated and considered various proposals concerning public welfare and governance. Earlier, the Chief Minister, while speaking to media persons on the sidelines of an official function in Srinagar, described the cabinet meeting as a routine monthly exercise, mandatory to keep administrative wheels functioning. Cabinet meeting is a regular exercise, convened at least once in a month. After all, one cannot afford hindrance in governance agenda, CM Omar stated, while responding to media queries about the cabinet meeting. This was the first cabinet meeting after the Chief Ministers much hyped meeting with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the union capital on September 4, where the issues related to statehood, business rules, reservation and other pending files figured during the deliberations.

MLA Mehdi backs veterinary interns demands

Ganderbal, Sep 10: PDP MLA Budgam Agha Muntazir Mehdi on Thursday backed protesting veterinary interns at SKUAST-Ks Shuhama campus, urging the government to enhance their stipend and ensure parity with interns elsewhere in the country. Speaking to reporters during his visit to the protesting interns, Mehdi said it was unfortunate that members of the medical fraternity, including veterinary and medical doctors, were being forced to take to the streets to seek what he described as their legitimate rights. The way they are performing their duties, whether in hospitals or clinics, the remuneration they are getting is very less, he said, adding that veterinary interns should receive the same kind of internship benefits as those available to students elsewhere in the country. The veterinary interns have been protesting at the Shuhama campus for the past four days, demanding an increase in their stipend and urging the government, particularly Agriculture Minister Javed Dar, to intervene in the matter. Mehdi said he had visited the protesting interns to hear their concerns directly and take up their demands with the government. Highlighting the nature of veterinary work, Mehdi said interns and veterinary professionals face considerable risks while dealing with animals and diseases that can potentially affect human beings. He questioned the adequacy of the existing stipend, saying that a monthly payment of around 6,000 was not commensurate with the responsibilities and risks involved in their work. Animals are also vectors of diseases. They stop those vectors and protect society from diseases, he said, arguing that the role of veterinary professionals was an important component of public health.

Govt pushes faster farm scheme rollout

Srinagar, Sep 10: Secretary in Agriculture Production Department (APD), Nitu Gupta, on Thursday chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation of various programmes being executed under UT Capex Budget 2026-27, NABARD, HADP, JKCIP,CSS and SASCI In Kashmir division at Directorate of Agriculture Lalmandi. The meeting was attended by Director Agriculture Kashmir, Sartaj Ahmad Shah, Director Command area Development Kashmir, Director Planning Agriculture production department, Director Finance SKUAST-K, Chief Agriculture Officers and other senior officers of the department. The meeting focused on the progress and performance of the Department under CAPEX, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and NABARD. Detailed discussions were held on physical and financial achievements, expenditure, targets and implementation status of various ongoing interventions. The Secretary reviewed the progress of key projects and schemes and emphasized the need for timely execution, effective monitoring and optimum utilization of funds to ensure that the intended benefits of these interventions reach the farming community. She stressed upon the officers to adopt a result-oriented and farmer-centric approach, strengthen field-level monitoring and ensure close coordination among all concerned stakeholders for expeditious implementation of developmental programmes. Earlier, the Secretary had also reviewed the functioning and performance of SKUAST-Kashmir, Command Area Development Department and Sericulture Department, taking stock of their respective programmes, achievements and implementation challenges. During these reviews, emphasis was laid on strengthening coordination between the Agriculture Production Department and allied institutions, promoting technology-driven interventions, improving service delivery and ensuring effective implementation of farmer-oriented programmes. Director Agriculture Kashmir apprised the Secretary of the overall performance of the department. He briefed her about the progress achieved under various schemes and initiatives besides highlighting the steps being taken to further accelerate implementation at the field level. The Secretary directed the concerned officers to maintain regular monitoring, ensure timely completion of targets and strengthen inter-departmental convergence, with a clear focus on improving agricultural productivity, supporting farmers and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across the region.

Rohit Pawar alleges Rs 40-crore FDA exam leak racket, demands resignation of MPSC chief

Digital Desk | Pune, Sep 10 (IANS) Launching a scathing attack on the state government, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday accused the administration of shielding Vivek Bhimanwar, who was recently appointed as the Chairman of the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) despite facing serious corruption allegations. Addressing a press conference, Pawar alleged a massive Rs 40 crore transaction in the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) paper leak case and released a presentation detailing various irregularities linked to Bhimanwar during his tenure as Transport Commissioner. These included scandals involving High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), transfers and promotions, Integrated Traffic Management Systems (ITMS), interceptor vehicles, and GPRS tracking kits. Pawar directly targeted Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the appointment, alleging inaction despite the availability of crucial evidence. The Chief Minister has all the documents regarding Bhimanwar, and I am ready to provide them again if needed. However, if no action is taken, it clearly indicates that the Chief Minister is protecting him, Pawar stated, demanding Bhimanwar's immediate resignation on moral grounds. Referring to the FDA recruitment scandal, Pawar refuted the state secretarys July 27 statement that denied any leak. The paper was not confined to a single individual; it reached hundreds of candidates, pointing to a Rs 40 crore racket, he claimed, adding that even Minister Pratap Sarnaik had previously acknowledged the existence of an active racket within the Regional Transport Office (RTO) on the floor of the legislature. Pawar also raised eyebrows over Bhimanwars insistence on conducting MPSC examinations online, noting the irony that he had previously opposed online transfer systems for officers and employees. If someone pays Rs 40 lakh to become a Talathi, what happens to deserving, underprivileged students? Pawar questioned, advocating for the appointment of an upright officer like Tukaram Mundhe to head the commission and restore integrity to the system. He further pointed out that Bhimanwar joined government service in 1993, served as a Special Executive Officer to the Chief Minister in 2014, and was promoted to the IAS in 2018noting that CM Fadnavis had three Special Executive Officers elevated to the IAS. Pawar strongly criticised MPSCs sudden decision to postpone the Maharashtra Group-C Services Combined Preliminary Examinationoriginally scheduled for October 25by three months. Rejecting the official rationale of upcoming festivals, he alleged potential foul play or fear of another paper leak. He demanded that the preliminary examination be conducted offline between October and November to ensure that the main exams take place in December, final results are declared by January, and the recruitment process concludes without delay. Pawar's move to target Bhimanwar comes amid protests by MPSC aspirants over paper leaks and administrative lapses. Protestors are demanding the resignation of Bhimanwar and concerned MPSC officers while pressing for transparency in conducting various examinations.

Food Safety Violations: Licences of Four Banjara Hills Eateries Suspended

The licences of Lakshmi Sri Balaji Sweets and Bakery, Girl Friend Mandi, Kholanis Fine Dine Restaurant and Kakatiya Tiffins Meals and Snacks in Banjara Hills have been suspended, with instructions to stop business operations immediately.

African Swine Fever kills thousands of pigs, farmers protest in Shillong

Shillong, Sep 10: Thousands of pigs have died across Meghalaya due to African Swine Fever, prompting pig farmers to take to the streets on Thursday demanding screening of pigs entering the state and compensation. The Hills Farmers Union (HFU) took out a peaceful rally from Civil Hospital junction to Malki, alleging infected pigs brought from [] The post African Swine Fever kills thousands of pigs, farmers protest in Shillong first appeared on Highland Post .

India beat Bangladesh by 40 runs to reach Women's T20 Asia Cup final

India secured a commanding 40-run victory over Bangladesh to advance to the Women's T20 Asia Cup final. Shafali Verma's impressive 64 runs propelled India to a competitive total of 149. Deepti Sharma then led the bowling attack with three crucial wickets. Bangladesh was restricted to 109 runs in their chase, falling short of the target. India's strong performance ensured their place in the championship match.

England Takes Command in Third Test Against Pakistan at Edgbaston

England secures a commanding 320-run lead over Pakistan in the third Test at Edgbaston, with key performances from their batsmen. England Takes Command in Third Test Against Pakistan at Edgbaston

Aaditya Thackeray calls for transparency over Ram Mandir trust amid BRICS summit preparations

The News Mill

Quote of the day by Sandra Bullock, 'I've learned that success comes in a very prickly package. Whether you choose to accept it or not is up to you' offers thought-provoking lesson on success, resilience, career growth, life challenges and why accepting hard parts can transform your journey

Quote of the day by Sandra Bullock offers a mature definition of achievement. Success is not a flawless gift wrapped in admiration and applause; it can be complicated, demanding and occasionally uncomfortable. The prickly package may contain opportunities alongside pressure, recognition alongside criticism and freedom alongside responsibility. What matters is understanding what comes with the achievement and consciously deciding whether it is worth embracing. For people chasing ambitious goals, that lesson can change the way they view difficult moments. Instead of asking why success is not easier, they can ask whether the challenges are helping them build a life they genuinely value. Sometimes the thorns are not evidence that the dream is wrongthey are simply part of what makes meaningful achievement real.

Stalin vs Vijay: Tamil Nadu's New Battle Over Emergency Legacy

DMK chief M.K. Stalin has hit back at Vijay over his Emergency-era detention under MISA, insisting that he did suffer injuries while in custody. The remarks come after the TVK chief challenged the DMK's narrative, with TVK's IT wing demanding documentary proof of Stalin's detention. As the war of words escalates, the bigger question is whether Tamil Nadu's next political battle will be fought over historical legacy and political sacrificeor present-day issues such as jobs, welfare and governance.

Telangana Police lathi-charge protesting polytechnic students

Hyderabad: Students from a Polytechnic College in Ramanthapur, Hyderabad, on Thursday, September 10, staged a protest demanding the withdrawal of Government Order (GO) 97 that merges the Young India Skills University (YISU) with the college. Telangana Police resorted to a lathi charge after the confrontation escalated. Videos from the site show officers in large numbers Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

All Kashmiri Pandit employees posted in Valley have transit accommodation, says J&K CM Omar Abdullah

Digital Desk | Srinagar, Sept 10 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Thursday that no Kashmiri Pandit employee doing duties in the Valley under the Prime Minister's package for migrants, is without a home. He was reacting to the recent protests by Kashmiri Pandit employees appointed under the Prime Minister's package for migrants and posted in various departments in the Valley. These employees had said that many of them have no safe accommodation while serving in the Valley. The Jammu and Kashmir government has built gated secured accommodations in various districts of the Valley for lodgement of migrant employees posted in the Valley. These multi-storeyed buildings with flats are secured by the security forces. Contesting the claim of the Kashmiri Pandit employees doing duties in the Valley, Omar Abdullah said, Which Kashmiri Pandit is without a home? None of them are homeless. Wherever transit accommodation has been prepared, they have been provided homes. So, which Kashmiri Pandit is without a home? It has become a trend to protest without any reason and do other things. If anyone needs a home, let us know. The rest have already been provided homes. The problem with the Kashmiri Pandit employees posted in the Valley under the PM Special Package, is that their families are away in Jammu and other places while they have to live in secured accommodations in the Valley. Most of them (Kashmiri Pandits) want to be posted out of the Valley citing multiple reasons, the Chief Minister added. Kashmiri Pandit employees posted in the Kashmir Valley said that they face severe security risks, targeted threats, and protests demanding relocation to Jammu. These employees say they face threats from terror groups and proxy outfits like The Resistance Front (TRF) and the United Liberation Council (ULC). These terror outfits had reportedly issued hit lists naming specific Kashmiri Pandit government employees and teachers hired under the Prime Minister's Rehabilitation Package. Migrant employees say recent threat letters have leaked private details, including employee names, home addresses, phone numbers, and vehicle registration numbers, heightening fear. These employees have staged prolonged protests and approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) to challenge transfer restrictions, demanding relocation to Jammu until the security situation improves in the Valley.

ACB Arrests ASI in Reasi for Accepting Bribe

JAMMU, Sept 10: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), Talib Hussain, posted at Police Post Talwara in Reasi district, for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of 5,000. According to the ACB, a case under FIR No. 08/2026 , Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered at ACB Police Station Udhampur against the accused police official. The ACB said that Hussain, who was working as the Investigating Officer in a case, allegedly demanded illegal gratification from the complainant in return for presenting the charge sheet (challan) against the accused persons before the court. Unwilling to pay the demanded bribe, the complainant approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau and sought legal action. The Bureau subsequently conducted a discreet verification of the complaint, which, it said, confirmed the demand for illegal gratification. Following the verification, a trap team headed by a Deputy Superintendent of Police-rank officer was constituted. During the trap operation, the ACB team allegedly caught ASI Talib Hussain red-handed while he was demanding and accepting Rs 5,000 from the complainant. The accused officer was arrested on the spot following due legal procedure. The bribe money was also recovered from his possession in the presence of independent witnesses. The ACB said that further investigation into the case is underway. The Bureau further stated that the latest operation marks the second successful trap laid at Police Post Talwara in Reasi district during 2026.

ACB arrests ASI for accepting bribe in Reasi

Jammu, Sep 10: The Jammu & Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has successfully trapped and arrested Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Talib Hussain, stationed at Police Post Talwara in District Reasi, in a bribery case, officials said. They said a case under FIR No. 08/2026, Section 07 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, was registered against the accused public servant at the ACB Police Station in Udhampur. ASI Hussain, acting as the Investigating Officer (I.O.), demanded illegal gratification from a complainant in exchange for presenting a charge sheet (challan) against accused individuals in a court of law. Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB to seek legal action. Upon receiving the complaint, the Bureau conducted a discreet verification that corroborated the officer's demand for a bribe. Subsequently, a specialized trap team led by an officer of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy. SP) rank was constituted. During the operation, the ACB team successfully caught ASI Talib Hussain red-handed while he was demanding and accepting a bribe amount of Rs. 5,000 from the complainant. The arrest was executed on the spot in accordance with due legal process. The bribe money was recovered directly from the accused's possession in the presence of independent witnesses associated with the trap team.. Further investigation into the case is currently ongoing, officials said and added, The incident marks the second successful trap operation laid by the ACB at Police Post Talwara, District Reasi, in the year 2026.

'Influencer' Swatantra Bhardwaj moves Patiala House court for bail, urgent hearing refused

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) A Delhi court on Thursday declined an out-of-turn hearing on a bail plea filed by self-styled influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj, who is in judicial custody in connection with the alleged assault of the father of a minor activist during a protest at Jantar Mantar. Bhardwajs counsel had sought an immediate hearing on the bail application before the District Judge. However, the Patiala House court declined to entertain the plea for an out-of-turn hearing and said the bail application would be taken up on September 14. The development comes days after the Delhi High Court dismissed a habeas corpus petition filed by Bhardwaj challenging his arrest in the alleged assault case. A bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja had rejected the habeas corpus plea after the Delhi Police submitted that it was not maintainable as Bhardwaj had already been sent to judicial custody. On Monday, the Patiala House Court sent Bhardwaj to 14 days of judicial custody, with his next production scheduled for September 21. Bhardwaj was detained in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district on Friday, hours after representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) met senior Delhi Police officials and demanded his arrest. According to the Delhi Police, Bhardwaj is accused of assaulting Sanjay Kumar, father of a minor protester, during a CJP-led demonstration at Jantar Mantar in July. The police had earlier said that the victims injuries were simple in nature and were caused by a steel bracelet. It later added provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and criminal intimidation to the FIR. The CJP had also demanded invocation of an attempt-to-murder charge, with the police stating that the provision would be considered after obtaining an expert medical opinion. A separate FIR was also registered against Bhardwaj under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on the complaint of the minor activist, who alleged online rape threats and harassment. The case also invokes relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act. The controversy erupted after a purported viral video in which Bhardwaj allegedly claimed that he had physically assaulted the father of a minor activist during the Jantar Mantar demonstration and allegedly said that he was let off because of his political connections. Bhardwaj later told the media that he had allegedly acted in self-defence. Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJP-RV) chief Chirag Paswan had said that his name was misused by Bhardwaj in the purported video. Paswan had said that he filed an official complaint against Bhardwaj and would ensure justice for the minor victim and her family. The CJP had staged a protest outside the Parliament Street Police Station demanding action against Bhardwaj and seeking the addition of attempt-to-murder, criminal intimidation and SC/ST Act provisions to the case.

ACB arrests ASI for accepting Rs 5,000 bribe in Reasi

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday arrested an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) for allegedly demanding and accepting a Rs 5,000 bribe at Police Post Talwara in Reasi district, officials said. In a statement, a spokesperson said that the ACB had trapped and arrested ASI Talib Hussain, posted at Police Post Talwara, in []

Karnataka HC quashes notices demanding 2% cess from movie tickets as govt. admits that law is yet to be enforced

Manipur: JFD Announces Shutdown Of Government Offices From September 11 Over NRC demand

The Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD) has announced a statewide shutdown of State and Central government offices in Manipur from September 11, demanding that the Centre update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state with 1951 as the base year. JFD convenor Jeetendra Ningomba made the announcement at a press conference... The post Manipur: JFD Announces Shutdown Of Government Offices From September 11 Over NRC demand first appeared on Northeast Today .

Over 900 Arasu Rubber Plantation Workers Protest For Wage Hike, Job Regularisation

More than 900 workers of the Arasu Rubber Corporation staged a one-day protest in front of the corporations headquarters here on Wednesday, demanding immediate wage revision and regularisation of casual workers.

Laomi, Koncharoenkai, Barnett nominated for ICC Women's Player of the Month for August

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 10 (IANS) Thailand duo of Suleeporn Laomi and Nannapat Koncharoenkai, alongside Isle of Mans Lucy Barnett, have been nominated for the ICC Women's Player of the Month award for August 2026. All nominations put immense spotlight on players from the associate nations. Barnett made history by becoming the first cricketer from the Isle of Man to feature on an ICC monthly award shortlist. The Thailand pair of Suleeporn and Nannapat earned their nominations through standout performances across white-ball formats, including the 50-over and T20I series against Papua New Guinea and the ongoing Womens Asia Cup in Dubai. Leg-spinner Laomi was in stellar form throughout August and played a pivotal role in Thailand's 3-0 ODI series sweep over Papua New Guinea. She snared four wickets in the three-match ODI series at an economy rate of 3.38, headlined by a match-winning spell of 3-27 in the final game. She also picked up six wickets in four T20Is during the month at an economy rate of 5.40, and carried her momentum into the Asia Cup where her standout effort was an impressive haul of 3-26 against India in Dubai. On the other hand, wicketkeeper-batter Nannapat provided consistent stability at the top of the order for Thailand. She finished as the leading run-scorer in the four-match T20I series against Papua New Guinea, accumulating 144 runs at an average of 36. She was equally commanding in the subsequent ODIs, scoring 121 runs at an average of 40.33 with a top score of 54 in the series opener. Koncharoenkai maintained her touch in the Asia Cup as well, top-scoring with 41 against India as she became the sole Thailand batter to reach double figures in the game. Meanwhile, Isle of Man captain and opener Lucy enjoyed a sensational outing in the Womens Continental Cup in Romania, where she led her side to the final. The all-rounder emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer by amassing 257 runs across four T20Is at a staggering average of 128.5 and a strike rate of 178.47. Her campaign was highlighted by an unbeaten 123 off 64 balls against Norway, alongside half-centuries against Romania (71 not out) and Turkey (59) in the final. Lucy also contributed with her off-spin by taking four wickets at an economy rate of 3.8.

iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Benchmarks Reveal Speed of A20 Pro Chip

Early benchmark results for the A20 Pro chip in the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max appeared early this morning in the Geekbench 7 database, offering us a first look at the new models' CPU and graphics performance ahead of the devices reaching customers. Based on these early results which are unconfirmed the A20 Pro chip across the Pro models appears to deliver around 21% to 23% faster performance in single-core and 27% to 28% faster performance in multi-core than the A19 Pro chip in the iPhone 17 Pro. It's a pretty impressive jump. The iPhone 18 Pro result lists a single-core score of 4,719 and a multi-core score of 12,677, while an iPhone 18 Pro Max entry delivers similar results, scoring 4,725 and 12,575, respectively. Both identify a six-core CPU running at approximately 4.93 GHz. There are similarly formidable gains on the graphics side for the A20 Pro. Based on early Metal scores in the Geekbench 6 database (also unconfirmed) the full 7-core GPU variant of the chip in the iPhone 18 Pro models is around 38% to 40% faster than the A19 Pro's 6-core GPU. The graphics results broadly match Apple's claim in its iPhone 18 Pro press release and product page that the A20 Pro offers up to 20% faster CPU performance compared to the A19 Pro chip in the iPhone 17 Pro models, while the A20 Pro's new seven-core GPU is up to 40% faster than the A19 Pro. Built using a 2-nanometer process, the chip also features a six-core CPU with integrated Neural Accelerators and 50% more memory bandwidth than its predecessor. Apple also says the new chip packaging and redesigned vapor chamber enable up to 40% better sustained performance than the previous generation. Note that these one-off benchmarks, which have yet to be independently verified, don't tell us how the devices will perform during prolonged gaming or other demanding workloads benchmark results and real-world performance are never totally analogous. Related Roundup: iPhone 18 Pro Tag: Geekbench This article, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max Benchmarks Reveal Speed of A20 Pro Chip first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

BRS leaders visit plot allegedly allotted to company linked to Telangana CMs brother

Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Sep 10 (IANS) Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders on Thursday staged a protest over the purported allotment of government land to a company allegedly linked to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. BRS leaders led by party Working President K.T. Rama Rao visited the land allegedly allotted to Tesseract Advanced Systems Private Limited in Raviryala village, Maheshwaram mandal, Ranga Reddy district. The main Opposition party alleged that land worth about 200 crore had been allotted to Tesseract for just Rs 7 crore. The party accused the Chief Minister of facilitating the allotment for the benefit of his family members. As the BRS MLAs were suspended from the Assembly for rest of the Monsoon Session for disrupting the proceedings, demanding action against the alleged assault on party legislators at the Assembly gate on September 7, a meeting of the BRS Legislature Party was held at the residence of Rama Rao to decide the future course of action. After the meeting, a delegation of BRS leaders led by K.T. Rama Rao left for Raviryala village on the city's outskirts to see the plot allegedly allotted to Tesseract. Meanwhile, BRS members staged a walkout from the Legislative Council over the issue of alleged land allotment to Tesseract. The BRS members demanded a discussion on the alleged allotment and raised slogans in support of their demand. BRS leader in the Council, Madhusudhana Chary alleged that a shell company which does not have a single employee was allotted government land worth 200 crore. The BRS lodged their protest when Chairman G. Sukhender Reddy cut the mike as Chary took the name of Kondal Reddy. The BRS leader took exception to the manner in which the proceedings were conducted. He alleged that their rights were being suppressed with the use of marshals. Last month, K.T. Rama Rao alleged that the Tesseract land deal was bigger than the MUDA case in Karnataka. How can a company with just 1 lakh in paid-up capital and reportedly zero employees get 5 acres of land worth 200 crore for 7 crore, he asked. The BRS also complained to the Lokayukta over the alleged illegal allotment of land. The party delegation demanded that pending an enquiry, the allocation of five acres of land must be cancelled. It sought a comprehensive probe under the Lokayukta Act into the roles of Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu and TGIIC officials. Minister Sridhar Babu denied the allegation and accused K.T. Rama Rao of misleading people with false allegations on land allocation. Alleging that the previous government of BRS allotted lands for only 90 lakh per acre, he said the present government allotted land for 1.50 crore per acre. The minister claimed that the land was allotted strictly in accordance with prescribed rules and regulations. Stating that five acres were allotted for 7.5 crore, he asked K.T. Rama Rao to clarify where from he got the figure of Rs.200 crore from.

Divyenndu and Bhuvan Arora face off as a clever hack spirals out of control in Waiting Hai trailer

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 10 (IANS) The makers of Waiting Hai have unveiled the trailer of the upcoming film on social media. It offers a glimpse into a high-stakes face-off between Divyenndu and Bhuvan Arora. The trailer shows how a clever hack sets off a chain of events that threatens to spiral into something much bigger than anyone could have anticipated. Set in Patna, Waiting Hai brings Divyenndu and Bhuvan Arora together in a high-stakes face-off sparked by a clever hack that soon grows into something far bigger. Divyenndu plays Sugam Mishra, a railway constable struggling to settle into a demanding new job while dealing with a difficult boss and the chaos of his personal life. Bhuvan Arora essays Afroz Hamsa, a tech whiz who discovers a way to beat the system. Speaking about the series, Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of AVOD Content, Prime Video India, said, At Prime Video, we are always looking to bring audiences stories that take familiar worlds and present them in fresh and entertaining ways. Waiting Hai does exactly that by taking the everyday struggle of securing a railway ticket and building an entire scam dramedy around it. I think what makes the series particularly special is how rooted it feels. It has humor, heart, and characters you can recognize, even as the situations around them become increasingly unpredictable. With Sameer Vidwans distinctive storytelling and a phenomenal ensemble led by Divyenndu and Bhuvan Arora, we believe Waiting Hai will strike a strong chord with audiences. Talking about playing Sugam Mishra, Divyenndu shared, What drew me to Sugam was that he is not your typical cop who has everything figured out. He is trying to find his feet professionally while also dealing with the realities of his personal and newly married life. That balance makes him very relatable, and I enjoyed exploring that side of him. Waiting Hai has this very rooted, desi humour to it, but there is also a cat-and-mouse chase at its core. I had a great time playing Sugam and I hope the audiences will have a lot of fun watching him uncover a scam that just keeps getting bigger. Sharing his experience of playing Afroz Hamsa, Bhuvan Arora added, What really drew me to Afroz was how different he felt from me as an actor and as a person. Hes someone with a good heart, but he finds himself doing things that arent necessarily right, and that contradiction is what I really enjoyed exploring. His equation with Mamaji (played by Vijay Maurya) was another aspect of the character that I really relished. The script itself immediately appealed to me because its such a fun cat-and-mouse chase, set in a world that feels very different from what audiences usually see. Knowing that the story is also loosely based on real-life events made it even more intriguing for me. And then, of course, getting to work with such talented and veteran actors was an added bonus. Afroz has so many unexpected turns to his journey, and I genuinely enjoyed every bit of playing him. Speaking about Waiting Hai, Sameer Vidwans, Series Director, said, I have always been interested in stories that are rooted in everyday life yet reveal a larger world beneath the surface. Waiting Hai offered that rare opportunity, bringing together an unusual premise and layered characters while balancing humor with tension and intrigue. Directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Sameer Vidwans, the MX Original stars Harshita Gaur, Kumud Mishra, Vijay Maurya, Srushti Tare and Sunita Rajwar in pivotal roles. Produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Ajay Rai, Waiting Hai will stream on Prime Video from September 16.

Shreya Ghoshal's husband washes dishes, cleans the kitchen and takes care of the house. He also runs a global tech company and is twice as rich as her. Who is Shiladitya Mukhopadhyaya?

Singer Shreya Ghoshal shared insights into her marriage with Shiladitya Mukhopadhyaya. She feels fortunate to have a supportive husband who shares household duties. Shiladitya handles chores like washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen himself. Both partners have demanding careers and manage responsibilities together. Read on!

Akali Dal Demands FIR and CBI Probe in Gulzar Singh Suicide Case

The Akali Dal calls for justice in the Gulzar Singh suicide case, demanding an FIR against Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Akali Dal Demands FIR and CBI Probe in Gulzar Singh Suicide Case

Tampering with Dr Ambedkar

Misal Satluj Party president Ajaypal Singh Brar condemned the tampering with Dr Ambedkars statue in Jalandhar, demanding an impartial investigation and strict legal action while appealing for peace and communal harmony. The post Tampering with Dr Ambedkars Statue Condemnable: Misl Satluj appeared first on Sikh Siyasat News .

'Mirzapur The Movie' faces flak over song on Maharana Pratap

Senior BJP leader Rajendra Rathore has formally objected to the use of a song dedicated to Maharana Pratap in Mirzapur The Movie, demanding its removal from the Central Board of Film Certification. Rathore argues that using the historical song in a scene with criminal characters disrespects Maharana Pratap and hurts public sentiments. The song's composer, Rapperiya Balam, also claims it was used without his permission and that its placement glorifies villains, insulting Rajasthan and Maharana Pratap.

Red Fort Wasn't Plan A, This Temple Was. Traffic Sent Bombers On Detour

The suicide bomber had first parked his explosives-laden i20 car near Lal Mandir, a Jain temple, before he moved to Red Fort, the NIA has alleged.

Lal Mandir Was Original Target: How Red Fort Bomber Changed Plans | NIA Chargesheet On IED Blast

The NIA chargesheet in the Red Fort blast case details the movements, planning and evidence linked to bomber Umar-un-Nabi. On November 10, Umar allegedly first tried to park the explosive-laden i20 near Lal Mandir in Chandni Chowk, but heavy traffic and police presence led him to turn back. CCTV captured the attempt at 6:37 pm, before the blast near Red Fort Gate No. 4 at 6:50 pm. The explosion killed 11 people and injured 29. The chargesheet also details forensic evidence, including a remote command mechanism fitted in one of Umars shoes and a metal piece testing positive for TATP, potassium and ammonium nitrate. The NIA also cited digital material, witness accounts, the Lone Mujahid Pocket Book and Umars movements before the attack.

Digvijaya Singh announces Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra to Ayodhya; BJP accuses Cong of 'appeasement politics'

Digital Desk | Bhopal, Sep 10 (IANS) Amid controversy surrounding allegations of donation theft at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh has announced the 'Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra', which will begin in Ujjain on October 20, coinciding with Dussehra, and proceed towards Ayodhya. While announcing the march, Digvijaya Singh described it as a journey from 'Shivdham' (the abode of Lord Shiva) to 'Ramdham' (the abode of Lord Ram), saying that the significance of Dussehra inspired him to undertake the yatra. Dussehra symbolises the victory of 'Dharma' (righteousness) over 'Adharma' (unrighteousness), and it is with this spirit that I decided to undertake the march... The objective of the march is not to oppose any political party or individual, but to hold a mirror to those allegedly involved in the misuse of devotees' faith and the funds offered at the temple, he said. Digvijaya Singh levelled serious allegations against the government over the alleged misuse of offerings made to the Ram Mandir Trust and claimed that the government was attempting to shield Champat Rai. The Congress leader also pointed out that allegations of irregularities had implicated certain individuals associated with the trust, which was constituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He maintained that any alleged misuse of funds donated by devotees at a major centre of faith could not be accepted and stressed that contributions made by devotees must be handled and utilised in a transparent manner. Singh said the proposed march was not intended as an attack on any particular political party or individual, but was rooted in Sanatan tradition, religious faith and respect for devotees. He said the allegations surrounding donations made to the Ram Temple would be raised before the public through the yatra. During the announcement, Singh also referred to his political history and recalled that despite his opposition to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he had participated in the 'Ram Shila Pujan' campaign during 1988-89. The announcement drew a sharp response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused Singh of using the Ram Temple issue for political purposes and urged him to first question Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his absence from the Ayodhya temple. Uttar Pradesh Minister Rakesh Sachan, speaking to IANS, said Singh himself had not visited the Ram Temple to offer prayers and questioned the basis of his criticism. He (Digvijaya Singh) never even went there to offer prayers. Those involved in the theft of donations have already faced action after the Chief Minister constituted a full-fledged inquiry committee. A CEO has also been appointed there in a new arrangement. CM Yogi has consistently been concerned that no such incident should take place, Sachan said. Bihar BJP President Sanjay Saraogi also hit out at Digvijaya Singh and said the Congress leader should first ask Rahul Gandhi why senior leaders of his party had not visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to pay obeisance. Digvijaya Singh should first ask Rahul Gandhi why his party's senior leader has not visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya to pay obeisance even once. Don't these people feel ashamed? Saraogi told IANS. Saraogi said the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, acted promptly after allegations regarding the theft of donations surfaced and constituted a committee to look into the matter. This is just an example of the Congress party's appeasement politics. Next year, Uttar Pradesh is going to polls, and hence now they are remembering Lord Ram out of nowhere, Saraogi added. JD(U) National General Secretary Shyam Rajak also questioned Digvijaya Singh's reference to Sanatan while attacking the Congress leader over his decision to launch the yatra. Which Sanatan is Digvijaya Singh talking about? He should first put his own house (Congress party) in order and take care of his own family, Rajak said.

BJPs Sanjay Sarawagi Criticizes Congress Leader Digvijaya Singh Ahead of Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra

Sanjay Sarawagi targets Congress over Digvijaya Singhs yatra, questioning Rahul Gandhis commitment to Ram Mandir. BJPs Sanjay Sarawagi Criticizes Congress Leader Digvijaya Singh Ahead of Sanatan Swabhiman Yatra

Drug trafficking accused arrested after fleeing from NCB custody in J&K

Digital Desk | Jammu, Sep 10 (IANS) Officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) said on Thursday that the drug trafficking accused, who had escaped from custody in J&Ks Jammu city on September 7, has been re-arrested. The officials said the NCB, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Punjab Police, has re-arrested the drug trafficking accused, who had fled from custody in Jammu. The accused had fled from Jammu and travelled towards Jalandhar via the Pathankot route, the officials said. He allegedly took shelter in a forested area near Narwal Fruit Mandi before altering his appearance by shaving his beard and changing his clothes. The official said that following a three-day search and tracking operation across Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, a joint team of NCB Jammu, NCB Amritsar, NCB Chandigarh and Punjab Police traced and apprehended him in Jalandhar. The accused was identified as Aqib Bashir. The accused was preparing to move towards Delhi or another state when he was apprehended. The accused used his contacts in Jalandhar to seek shelter and evade the search teams. Intelligence inputs and field efforts helped the agencies track his location. Aqib Bashir was arrested when he was preparing to move towards Delhi or another state. His initial arrest was part of a month-long operation by the NCB in the Jammu division, which exposed two distinct routes used by narcotic smugglers to push heroin into the union territory from Pakistan through the Uri sector and indirectly via Punjab. The NCB had earlier arrested him with 522 grams of heroin from a passenger bus in Samba district on September 3, the officials said. Further investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances of his escape and identify those who allegedly provided him shelter and facilitated his movement. Intelligence agencies believe that the major portion of narcotics smuggled into the country from Pakistan is used to sustain terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir

Digvijaya Singh Announces Sanatan Swabhimaan Yatra from Ujjain to Ayodhya Amid Ram Mandir Donation Controversy

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has announced a pilgrimage to address concerns over the alleged misuse of donations for the Ram Mandir. Digvijaya Singh Announces Sanatan Swabhimaan Yatra from Ujjain to Ayodhya Amid Ram Mandir Donation Controversy

Chennai Auto Drivers Plan Protest Demanding Fare Hike on September 19

Auto-rickshaw unions in Chennai will protest on September 19, urging the government to revise fares unchanged for 13 years. Chennai Auto Drivers Plan Protest Demanding Fare Hike on September 19

Jammu NCB tracks down, re-arrests escaped drug peddler from Punjab

Jammu, Sept 10: The Jammu unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau has re-arrested a drug peddler who had escaped from its custody three days ago, an official said on Thursday. The accused was arrested in Punjab's Jalandhar in a coordinated operation by the agency, J-K Police and Punjab Police, an NCB spokesperson said. Aqib Bashir, a resident of Kakapora in Pulwama district, escaped from NCBs custody in Narwal on the intervening night of September 6-7. The NCB had earlier arrested him with 522 grams of heroin from a passenger bus in Samba district on September 3. The NCB, in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police and Punjab Police, has successfully traced and re-arrested Bashir, a notorious drug trafficker who had fled from the NCBs custody in Jammu, the spokesman said. After fleeing from Jammu, he said the accused reached Jalandhar via Pathankot. He initially hid in a forest area near the Narwal fruit mandi. To conceal his identity, he clean-shaved, changed his clothes and altered his appearance, he said. The accused used his contacts in Jalandhar to seek shelter and evade the search teams. Intelligence inputs and field efforts helped the agencies track his location. Bashir was arrested when he was preparing to move towards Delhi or another state, the spokesman said. Bashirs arrest was part of a month-long operation by the NCB in the Jammu division, which exposed two distinct routes used by narcotic smugglers to push heroin into J-K from Pakistan through the Uri sector and indirectly via Punjab. In four interceptions carried out over the past month, along with a linked recovery in Punjab, the NCB has seized 6.920 kg of heroin and arrested six accused.

'Jarange is my brother: Amruta Fadnavis invites Maratha activist home for meal

Jarange has been staging a protest at Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district for the past 13 days, demanding reservation for the Maratha community under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category

TN: Auto unions announce September 19 stir, demand immediate fare revision

Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 10 (IANS) Auto-rickshaw trade unions in Tamil Nadu have announced a protest in Chennai on September 19, intensifying pressure on the Vijay government to revise fares that have remained unchanged for 13 years. The Federation of Auto-Rickshaw Trade Unions said drivers would assemble near Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore, demanding an immediate government order on revised meter fares. Union representatives said nearly five lakh drivers across the state were struggling with higher fuel, maintenance and insurance costs. The decision follows three rounds of consultations held with the Transport Department since the Vijay government assumed office in May. At the latest meeting on August 27, unions submitted a fare chart proposing a minimum charge of Rs 60 to Rs 70 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 25 to Rs 30 for every additional kilometre. Passenger representatives who attended the consultations supported the demand, union leaders said. The federation has now consolidated its demand at Rs 60 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 30 for every subsequent kilometre, along with separate waiting and night charges. It said repeated discussions had produced no firm assurance. Drivers had expected a decision during the Assembly debate on the Transport Departments demand for grants. However, Transport Minister A. Vijay Tamilan Parthiban said that an announcement would be made soon, disappointing the unions. A government committee had earlier recommended, in 2024, a base fare of Rs 40 and Rs 18 for each additional kilometre. That proposal remained pending. Following the consultations, officials were understood to be considering a higher recommendation of Rs 50 as the base fare and Rs 22 to Rs 25 for every additional kilometre. The State Home (Transport) Department must take the final decision, the unions said. The last revision, introduced in 2013, fixed the minimum fare at Rs 25 for the first 1.8 km and Rs 12 for each additional kilometre. Unions argue that those rates bear little relation to present operating expenses and have made meter-based services unviable. Commuters, meanwhile, have complained that app-based aggregators impose surge pricing, while some drivers demand amounts above displayed estimates. Transport activists have called for an enforceable fare structure, tighter regulation of aggregators and action on complaints. Officials said the revision would be based on the committees recommendations, but the unions maintained that only a time-bound order could avert agitation.

Tamil Nadu: Persons With Disabilities Protest Demanding Hike In Assistance To

More than 400 persons with disabilities staged a protest at the Commissionerate for the Welfare of the Differently-Abled on Kamaraj Salai in Chennai on Monday, 7 September 2026, demanding that the monthly assistance provided by the Tamil Nadu government be increased from 1,500 to at least 6,000, as reported in The Hindu. The State-wide protest [] The post Tamil Nadu: Persons With Disabilities Protest Demanding Hike In Assistance To 6,000 appeared first on The Commune .

WHO chief meets JP Nadda, praises India's health gains in maternal, child care and TB fight

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised India's health sector progress. He highlighted advancements in maternal and child health initiatives. India's Ayushman Arogya Mandirs bring health screenings closer to communities. ASHA workers support mothers and children from conception through adolescence. Discussions also covered India's efforts to end tuberculosis and strengthen regulations.

WHO chief meets Nadda, praises Indias healthcare gains, hails progress in maternal, child health

Digital Desk | Dili (Timor-Leste), Sep 10 (IANS) World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has praised Indias significant progress in the healthcare sector, particularly its efforts to expand primary healthcare coverage, improve maternal and child health and strengthen the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. Tedros met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia being held in Dili, Timor-Leste, where the two leaders discussed Indias healthcare achievements as well as its ongoing cooperation with the global health body. Taking to X on Thursday, Tedros said, I met Indias Health Minister J.P. Nadda and congratulated him on the countrys impressive health gains, particularly in maternal and child health and the fight against noncommunicable diseases. He also praised Indias Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative, which has expanded access to primary healthcare services and screening facilities in communities across the country. Tedros said that through around 160,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, India is taking screening for hypertension, diabetes and common cancers closer to communities, while also providing referral pathways for patients who require further care and treatment. The WHO chief also highlighted the role played by Indias large network of ASHA workers in taking healthcare services to people in their communities, particularly in supporting women, mothers and children through different stages of life. India's ASHA workers are another powerful example of health care reaching people where they are, supporting mothers and children from conception through adolescence, Tedros said. The WHO Director-General further pointed to the expansion of immunisation coverage and the rise in institutional deliveries from 78 per cent to 93 per cent as important factors contributing to sustained improvements in maternal and child health outcomes. During the meeting, Tedros and Nadda also discussed Indias efforts to eliminate tuberculosis, an area in which the country has been pursuing intensified measures through expanded screening, diagnosis, treatment and public health interventions. The two also discussed strengthening the regulation of medical products to ensure their quality, safety and effectiveness, while reviewing Indias continued engagement with the WHO on a range of global health priorities. Tedros acknowledged Indias important support for the WHO and its contribution to international health initiatives, including cooperation in the field of traditional medicine and also covered the ongoing negotiations concerning the Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing system under the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The meeting between Tedros and Nadda comes as health ministers and representatives from countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region gathered for the 79th Session of the WHO Regional Committee in Dili. Indias healthcare progress, primary health infrastructure and its role in global health cooperation remained among the key areas highlighted during the interaction.

Lal Mandir was original target: How traffic forced Red Fort bomber to change plans

The National Investigation Agency filed a charge sheet detailing the Red Fort vehicle-borne IED attack. The bomber initially targeted Lal Mandir but was diverted by traffic and police presence. He detonated the explosive near Red Fort Gate No. 4, killing eleven people. The device was triggered remotely using a mechanism fitted into the bomber's shoe. This attack was the first vehicle-borne IED incident reported in the national capital.

J&K veterinary interns strike enters 3rd day

Protest demonstrations staged by veterinary interns in Jammu and Kashmir entered their third consecutive day on Wednesday, with protesting students boycotting non-essential services to press for an immediate revision of their monthly internship stipends. Organised under the banner of the Jammu & Kashmir Veterinary Students Association (JKVSA), interns from the Sher-e-Kashmir Universities of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Kashmir assembled outside main campus blocks clad in uniforms, carrying placards and raising slogans demanding parity and financial justice. Protesters highlighted a severe pay gap compared to veterinary interns across other premier institutions in India. Currently, veterinary interns at SKUAST receive a monthly allowance of 6,000. Protesting students pointed out that the current figure fails to cover basic transportation, living and field posting expenses. In contrast, peer institutions offer significantly higher monthly stipends. We are required to carry out 24/7 emergency duties, clinical rotations and livestock field visits in remote districts, paying travel costs out of our own pockets, said JKVSA President Saqlain Rashid. How can we manage basic survival on a Rs 6,000 allowance when interns in other states draw up to Rs 23,500? Student representatives noted that university leadership submitted a formal proposal for a stipend enhancement to the Finance Department as early as 2023. However, despite multiple assurances and official communications from the Veterinary Council of India (VCI), the file remains unapproved. Demonstrating interns warned that unless the government issues a formal, written order approving a stipend hike, they will escalate their agitation into an indefinite strike, halting emergency clinical services and ambulatory livestock duty across university facilities. The protesting students urged the Agriculture Minister Javed Ahmad Dar to look into the grievance for redressal.

Punjab govt. employees call off their strike after assurance

The employees, who had on Tuesday, September 8, observed a day-long strike, were demanding that the government withdraw its letter branding their August 27 mass casual leave taken in protest as unauthorised leave.

Bihar Police SI Candidates Protest in Patna, Demand Dates for Physical Efficiency Test

Candidates for Bihar Police SI positions protested in Patna, demanding immediate announcement of Physical Efficiency Test dates after passing exams. Bihar Police SI Candidates Protest in Patna, Demand Dates for Physical Efficiency Test

Arogya Mandirs to offer specialist consultations through telemedicine

ACB arrests assistant police inspector for demanding & accepting bribe

BU employee welfare association continues sit-in demanding refund of ESI deduction

Veterinary interns stipend protest enters second day

Ganderbal, Sep 8: The protest by veterinary interns at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shuhama campus, entered its second consecutive day on Tuesday, with the protesting interns pressing for an enhancement in their monthly stipend and urging the government to address their demands without further delay. The protesting interns said they have been seeking a revision of their stipend, which they described as inadequate considering the nature of their duties, academic commitments and field responsibilities. The protest continued at the Shuhama campus as the interns maintained that their demand was legitimate and aimed at securing financial support during their internship period. PDP leader Iltija Mufti visited the protesting interns at the Shuhama campus and interacted with them regarding their demands. She later spoke to reporters and extended her support to the interns, calling upon the government to initiate dialogue with them and resolve the issue at the earliest. It is a shame that the brightest minds of J&K, doctors and vets, are being forced to leave their duties and protest on the streets. They are not demanding anything illegal, Mufti said. She drew a parallel between veterinary interns and medical interns who, she said, have also been raising concerns over stipend-related issues at different institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. According to Mufti, the interns are currently receiving around Rs 6,000 per month and are seeking an increase to Rs 23,000. She said the demand was modest considering the expenses interns have to meet while carrying out their duties. She appealed to the Minister for Animal Husbandry, Javed Ahmad Dar, to visit the protesting interns personally and hold a dialogue with them. Mufti maintained that she did not want to politicise the protest, saying her immediate concern was that the interns should receive justice and that the government should engage with them.

Delhi CM hails Centre's approval for separate Delhi PWD engineering cadre

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) The Central government has approved the Delhi governments proposal to create an independent engineering cadre for the Public Works Department (PWD), a long-pending reform expected to give the capital greater control over its engineering workforce and accelerate infrastructure projects. Under the decision, 3,214 sanctioned engineering posts across 36 categories in the Delhi PWD will be separated from the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) cadre and brought under a New Delhi PWD Engineering Cadre. The move ends nearly three decades of dependence on the central cadre for appointments and postings. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta welcomed the approval, describing it as a historic step towards making Delhi a developed, safe and world-class capital. In a post on X, she said the need for a separate PWD engineering cadre had been pending for almost 30 years. Our government took the decision, accelerated the process, and now, with the approval of the central government, the path has been paved for Delhi to have its own independent engineering cadre within a year and a half, she stated. Gupta expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling the long-standing demand. The Delhi government said the separate cadre would enable faster filling of vacant posts, strengthen project monitoring and give fresh momentum to the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges and public buildings. It is also expected to make the engineering system more responsive to the capitals specific developmental and administrative requirements. Until now, Delhi PWDs engineering services were largely dependent on the CPWD cadre, with appointments routed through the central system. Officials noted that this arrangement sometimes delayed decisions tailored to the citys needs. With its own cadre, the Delhi government will have greater flexibility in managing vacancies, ensuring the availability of engineers, monitoring projects and deploying officials according to work requirements. The reform comes as the government prepares for several major projects, including a new Secretariat, mini-secretariats in all 11 districts, and works related to mandis, sports grounds and other public facilities. Sustained engineering support will also be required for ongoing road, bridge and infrastructure works across the capital. The government believes the independent cadre will improve accountability and transparency in the execution of public works by aligning the responsibilities of engineering officials more closely with the Delhi administrations framework.

Apple unveils iPhone 18 Pro series with variable-aperture camera, A20 Pro chip and new Siri AI

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 9 (IANS) Apple on Wednesday unveiled its latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, at its fall Surprise and Shine event, with major upgrades focused on camera capabilities, performance, battery life and artificial intelligence. While the overall design of the new Pro models remains largely unchanged from the previous generation, Apple has significantly upgraded the camera system. The iPhone 18 Pro series features a 48-megapixel main camera with a variable aperture mechanism built using six thin blades. Apple has also introduced new professional controls within the Camera app, giving users greater control over white balance, shutter speed, aperture and histogram settings. On the video front, the new Pro models can record 4K footage in Dolby HDR Vision. Users will also be able to apply cinematic effects to recorded footage after shooting, giving them greater flexibility during the editing process. Apple has made changes to the front of the devices as well. The new Pro models feature a smaller Dynamic Island, which can now display up to three Live Activities simultaneously, allowing users to monitor more information without leaving the current screen. Under the hood, both smartphones are powered by Apple's latest A20 Pro chip and feature a redesigned vapor chamber aimed at improving heat management during demanding tasks. Apple has also redesigned the battery system to improve endurance. The company claims the iPhone 18 Pro can deliver up to 36 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max offers up to 45 hours. Artificial intelligence was another major focus of the launch. Apple demonstrated its new Siri AI with contextual on-screen intelligence, allowing the assistant to better understand information and actions displayed on the user's screen. With iOS 27, Apple is also introducing an iPhone handoff feature that allows users to use two iPhones with a single eSIM and switch between the devices. The iPhone 18 Pro series also gets a new burgundy colour option, replacing the orange finish offered with the previous generation. The iPhone 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the iPhone 18 Pro Max starts at $1,299, representing a $100 increase over last year's models. Pre-orders will begin Saturday, with both devices scheduled to go on sale on September 18.

Fee reimbursement issue: Telangana BJP chief writes to Rahul Gandhi in Italian to seek his intervention

Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Sep 9 (IANS) Telangana BJP president N. Ramchander Rao on Wednesday wrote a letter in Italian to Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, seeking his intervention to release outstanding college fee reimbursements and address the education crisis in Telangana. Ramchander Rao said he decided to write Rahul Gandhi in his 'mother tongue' as despite hunger strikes, protests, lathicharges, arrests, student letters to the Chief Minister, the 'Goonj' of Telanganas students has neither reached Rahul Gandhi nor his 'arrogant' Congress government. The BJP leader wrote that a severe crisis is affecting the education sector under the Congress government in Telangana. Despite repeated appeals and protests demanding the release of long-pending college fee reimbursements, your government has remained unresponsive to the students' plight. Having exhausted every democratic avenue in an attempt to draw the arrogant Congress government's attention to this serious issue, I find myself compelled to appeal directly to you, reads the letter. Ramchander Rao claimed that the future of nearly 40 lakh studentsparticularly those belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, and the economically weaker sections of societyis currently in jeopardy due to outstanding fee reimbursements totalling Rs 15,000 crore. Because the government has failed to pay the amounts owed, educational institutions are withholding students' certificates; consequently, these young people are unable to pursue higher education or access employment opportunities, the Telangana BJP chief said. The consequences of this situation extend far beyond the students, affecting institutional administrations, teachers, and other staff members as well. Educational institutions are struggling to maintain normal operations, and many employees are receiving only half their salaries. The prolonged delay in payments has had serious repercussions on the quality of education, infrastructure, and even the institutions' ability to meet their most basic obligations, he said. Ramchander Rao mentioned that when BJP stood in solidarity with these students, the state government responded with arrests, police action, and lathi charges. He also wrote that when he decided to go on a hunger strike, the government denied permission for the proposed venue, forcing me to hold it at the BJP state headquarters. The BJP leader told Rahul Gandhi that a large number of students expressed their deep frustration regarding the promises made in his party's Youth Declaration. From unemployment allowances and job promises to recruitment schedules and Vidya Bharosa Cards, the commitments that once fuelled the hopes of young people remain unfulfilledeven though your government has now been in office for 1,000 days, he said. Ramchander Rao said the government arrested him four times in 10 days simply for raising my voice in support of these students. You brandish the Constitution and speak of defending democracy, yet a government led by your own party denies even the space for peaceful protests and attempts to silence the opposition. How can you reconcile your words with these actions? he asked. He urged Rahul Gandhi to exert the necessary pressure on Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to immediately release all outstanding tuition fee reimbursements and urgently implement the corrective measures needed to revitalise the education system in Telangana.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu borrowed from family and friends to fund 'Maa Inti Bangaaram' before its

Highlights Maa Inti Bangaaram has crossed the 7.75 million mark at the worldwide box office. Samantha Ruth Prabhu backed the film through her production banner Tralala Moving Pictures. The team deliberately worked with a tightly controlled budget. In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Samantha opened up about the risks behind the films success. Samantha Ruth Prabhus Maa Inti Bangaaram may have become a 7.75 million box office success, but the journey behind the film was far more uncertain than its eventual numbers suggest. The Telugu action film marked Samanthas return to theatres after a three-year break. She also stepped into the role of producer, backing the project through her banner Tralala Moving Pictures alongside Raj Nidimoru and co-producer Himank Duvvuru. Looking back at the films journey, Samantha revealed just how carefully the team approached the project when there was no guarantee that audiences would turn up. A gamble from the beginning The makers deliberately kept the production budget tight because they did not know how the film would perform. We were not embarrassed to admit that we had no idea if this would work, Samantha told The Hollywood Reporter India. The uncertainty shaped several decisions around the production, including how much money and time could be spent on the film. Rather than relying entirely on outside financing, Samantha said the team borrowed from friends and family while also putting in their own money. It turned the film into a deeply personal investment for the actor-producer. The eventual box office success therefore meant much more than simply another hit on her filmography. Making an action film on a tight budget The financial restrictions also affected how the film was made. Major action sequences, including the popular bus sequence, were compressed into single days of filming. The cast and crew had to work within a demanding schedule to deliver the scale expected from an action film without allowing the limited budget to become obvious on screen. Samantha admitted that the film could have benefited from more time and money. However, she felt the finished product did not look as though it was missing something. That restraint proved significant. What started as a carefully controlled production eventually crossed the 7.75 million mark worldwide and became one of Samanthas biggest successes. Why the success means more to Samantha The film was also a significant personal comeback for Samantha after her three-year absence from the big screen. She has rejected the idea that its success should be viewed as an overnight turnaround. For Samantha, the result reflects roughly two years of work, not only on Maa Inti Bangaaram but also on herself as an actor and as a person. The character of Swarna, also known as Jhansi, was initially considered for Sai Pallavi, who eventually had to pass because of scheduling conflicts. After Samantha came on board, writer Raj Nidimoru reworked the character for her, drawing loosely on the resilience Samantha has shown in her own life. Samantha described the character as an exaggerated version of a resilience shared by many women. The result is now a striking turnaround. A project that began with the makers openly questioning whether it would work has gone on to become a major commercial success. For Samantha, the 7.75 million result is proof that taking a risk can pay off, even when there is no certainty at the start.

Family, activists protest demanding murder probe into Class XI students death in Madurai

Controversy Erupts Over Maa Shipra Aarti in Ujjain as Priests Protest Administrative Interference

Ujjain priests are protesting against administrative interference in the traditional Maa Shipra Aarti, demanding the preservation of their customs. Controversy Erupts Over Maa Shipra Aarti in Ujjain as Priests Protest Administrative Interference

Chennai Open: Ajeetesh Sandhu opens two-shot lead

Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 9 (IANS) Ajeetesh Sandhu fired a six-under 66 to open a two-shot lead after the second round of the INR 1 crore Chennai Open 2026, here at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. The 37-year-old from Chandigarh (65-66), who began the day sharing the lead, made eight birdies against two bogeys to reach 13-under 131 at the halfway stage. Sandhu, a five-time winner on the DP World PGTI and a former Asian Tour champion, moved two strokes clear of overnight co-leader Stepan Danek. The 29-year-old Czech Republic golfer (65-68) made six birdies and two bogeys in a four-under 68 to take sole possession of second place at 11-under 133. Delhis Rashid Khan (66-68), winner of the Telangana Open in Vikarabad two weeks ago, occupied third place at 10-under 134. His four-under 68 included an eagle on the par-five 18th, four birdies and two bogeys. Sandhu played both nines in three-under but particularly enjoyed the front nine, which was his second nine of the day, because it contains some of the courses more demanding holes. The front nine is a little trickier and has a few holes that really demand your attention, Sandhu said. I managed to make birdies on a couple of those holes, so that was enjoyable. Sandhu felt he struck the ball better than during the opening round and found his rhythm earlier. A couple of timely par saves helped him settle before his late setback, a three-putt bogey on the eighth. Overall, it was a pretty solid round, he said. I found my rhythm early and made a couple of important saves, which helped build momentum. After that, it was fairly smooth sailing. The three-putt bogey on the eighth was disappointing, but there are still two rounds to play. This is Sandhus first appearance at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. His only previous tournament in Chennai came during his first season as a professional. I liked the course as soon as I played it during the Pro-Am, he said. It suits my eye. It is tree-lined and tricky, so Im pleased with how Ive played so far. Sandhu has also enjoyed the local cuisine, turning to idlis and dosas as part of his preparation for the humid conditions. Im a big fan of South Indian food, he said. Ive been having plenty of dosas and idlis, especially at breakfast. Idlis are good fuel for the round, so Ill continue with that. Current Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar (67-68) moved up from tied sixth to tied fourth at nine-under 135, alongside Noida golfers Gaurav Pratap Singh (69-66) and Amardeep Malik (67-68). Defending champion N Thangaraja of Sri Lanka followed his opening 69 with a 70 to move into a share of 11th place at five-under 139. The halfway cut fell at even-par 144, with 52 players from the field of 132 advancing to the final two rounds.

Pakistan: 100-year-old Hindu temple's demolition sparks concerns among minority communities

Digital Desk | Islamabad, Sep 9 (IANS) The collapse of a more than 100-year-old Hindu temple in Narowal in Pakistan's Punjab province has sparked concerns among minority communities in the country, who have highlighted earlier incidents where heritage sites suffered damage under conflicting accounts, a report has detailed. A minority rights group, the Pakistan Masiha Millat Party, said that the temple was intentionally demolished to make more space for a nearby madrasa. Pakistans Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), which is responsible for managing Sikh and Hindu properties left behind by those who migrated to India after the partition, claimed that the temple collapsed during torrential rains. The Punjab government has backed ETPB's statement about the temple collapse, according to a report in Bitter Winter. PMMP chairman Aslam Parvez Sahotra said that he and several local residents have submitted a written application to the Punjab Additional Home Secretary, demanding action against those behind the demolition and officials who were not able to protect the site. He said that the order issued by the ETPB Deputy Director in Sialkot in January, cancelling the lease of the madrasa, ordering illegal occupants to vacate the property and sealing the property, was never implemented. The PMMP alleged that the temple was dismantled piece by piece and materials like bricks and metal fittings were removed from the site and said that the collapse statement given by ETPB and the government does not explain the reason behind the absence of these materials. They called for reconstructing the temple in its original form and urged the Punjab government to protect Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras, and Christian churches, the report in Bitter Winter mentioned. The conflicting accounts have revived concerns among minority communities, who point to earlier incidents where heritage sites suffered damage under disputed circumstances. In June, portions of the 125yearold Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Sahib in Farooqabad were reduced to rubble after a local businessman allegedly carried out demolition work without legal clearance or a court order, the report detailed. Sikh residents protested in the streets, and only then did authorities acknowledge the incident. A report described the night of June 24 as the moment machinery tore into a building that generations had treated as sacred. Officials later admitted that the department failed to take notice until the Sikh community raised its voice and promised reconstruction, it added.

Stay Away, Mamdani Chants Rock Nyc; 9/11 Protesters Pack Manhattan

Zohran Mamdani is facing a fiery backlash in New York ahead of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, with protesters in Downtown Manhattan demanding the mayor stay away from the Ground Zero commemoration. American and Israeli flags filled the rally as demonstrators waved signs featuring caricatures of Mamdani and references to the September 11 attacks, while chants of Stay away, Mamdani rang through the crowd. Mamdani has confirmed he plans to attend Fridays ceremony.

MPSC aspirant's death by suicide in Pune amid paper leak row sparks outrage

Digital Desk | Pune, Sept 9 (IANS) A youth preparing for Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examination allegedly died by suicide in Pune, allegedly due to recurring incidents of paper leak and financial distress. The deceased has been identified as Prathamesh Deshmukh. Police suspect that severe financial difficulties, including an unpaid debt of Rs 2.5 lakh, led him to take this extreme step. The tragic incident has sparked outrage among exam aspirants in the state. Pune, widely regarded as the educational hub of Maharashtra, has recently come under intense scrutiny over repeated paper leak scandals, including connections to NEET, CET, and the latest drug inspector examination leaks. In the wake of the incident, Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Harshvardhan Sapkal and Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke launched a scathing attack on the state government. Demanding the immediate resignation of the MPSC Chairman and Secretary, Sapkal accused the state government of evading responsibility. The government is acting deaf and blind. A student from Dharashiv ended his lifethis is a victim of government apathy, Sapkal said. If the Chairman does not resign, it implies that he is a close ally of the Chief Minister and was appointed specifically to facilitate paper leaks, he added. Expressing grief over Prathamesh's demise, CJP chief Abhijit Dipke appealed to competitive exam aspirants across the state to refrain from taking extreme measures. Highlighting the plight of rural students who migrate to Pune for exam preparation, Dipke stated that while the government may not value their lives, their families depend on them. Deshmukh's suicide comes after the MPSC aspirants held protests in Pune on Monday and in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Tuesday demanding the resignation of MPSC Chairman and concerned officials for paper leaks. Highlighting recent revelations surrounding the MPSC Excise (Departmental) Examination, the protestors alleged direct institutional complicity in administrative malpractices, pointing to reports implicating a high-ranking joint secretary-level officer in leaking exam marking patterns. They demanded an immediate removal and replacement of the current MPSC Chairman and Secretary and press for their replacement with officers of unblemished integrity, comprehensive criminal investigations and strict legal proceedings against all officials and middlemen implicated in scam allegations and pattern leaks and complete structural reform and cleansing of the MPSC examination and recruitment frameworks. NCP SP MLA Rohit Pawar, who has been actively supporting the MPSC aspirants' demand said, It is deeply shocking that while students dedicate 20 hours a day to rigorous preparation, officials within the commission are allegedly selling exam materials. This injustice against hardworking candidates will not be tolerated. This march is not political; it is a fight for the future of our youth. Dismissing allegations that opposition parties are politicising the issue, Rohit Pawar emphasised that the protest represents genuine public outrage. Are the demands of students seeking fair opportunities political? These candidates have assembled on their own accord to protect their rights. People paying 50 to 60 lakh rupees to secure posts through corruption will not be accepted by these students or by the state of Maharashtra, he asked.

Young Entrepreneur Avik Bhatia: Building a New Chapter in Real Estate Market

New Delhi [India], September 9: From establishing offices at DwarkaExpressway to commanding a strong presence in one of NCRs most sought-after real estate corridors, young entrepreneur Avik Bhatia has steadily

PM Package Employees Set September 30 Deadline Over Pending Transit Accommodation

SRINAGAR: Kashmiri Pandit employees appointed under the Prime Ministers Package staged a peaceful protest at Press Colony here on Wednesday, demanding the early allotment of transit accommodation and a permanent solution to their housing concerns. The protesting employees said they had been waiting for government accommodation for a prolonged period and were currently dependent on []

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs Tilak Varma: Verbal Exchange Lights Up Duleep Trophy Final

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's exchange with Tilak Varma became the sharpest on-field moment of Day 4 in the Duleep Trophy final, as East Zone moved closer to a commanding win over South Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The East Zone

Education officer caught taking Rs 10,000 bribe in Sangareddy

Hyderabad: The Telangana Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested the Sangareddy District Intermediate Education Officer (DIEO) on Wednesday, September 9, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. According to the complainant who approached the ACB, the accused, Ramavath Govind Ram, demanded the bribe for conducting an inspection and submitting a report for extension of provisional affiliation Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e: Release date, rumored specs, price, cameras, and latest news

Macworld For years, Apple has followed a predictable iPhone launch schedule, introducing new iPhones in September the standard model and the Pro model. In the spring, Apple often releases a less expensive phone previously the SE iPhones and, more recently, the e series. That could change with the iPhone 18 generation. This year, the most reliable rumors suggest Apple will introduce the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max in the fall, along with a more expensive iPhone Ultra folding phone , but the iPhone 18 might not join them until later. So what can we expect from the iPhone 18 and 18e? Rumors are pretty thin right now, in part because most of the exciting new stuff will come with the Pro and folding iPhone models in the fall of 2026. Below is a log of what weve heard so far about the standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e, based on the most recent and reliable rumors, analyst reports, and leaks, along with historical precedent. iPhone 18 vs 18e rumors at a glance iPhone 18 iPhone 18e Expected release Spring 2027 Spring 2027 Expected price $849-$899 $649-$699 Display size 6.3 inches 6.1 inches Refresh rate Up to 120Hz ProMotion 60Hz Display cutout Dynamic Island; possibly smaller Notch or possibly Dynamic Island Processor A20, expected 2nm A20, expected 2nm RAM 9GB or 12GB 9GB most likely Rear cameras Two 48MP cameras expected Single 48MP Main expected Front camera Rumored 24MP Rumored 12MP Camera Control Yes, possibly simplified Not expected Cellular modem Apple C2 expected Apple C2 expected Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Likely N1 Likely N1 Design Similar to iPhone 17, unless replaced by Air-style design Similar to iPhone 17e Biggest uncertainty Could potentially be replaced/reimagined as Air 2 Whether it gains Dynamic Island Is Apple launching the iPhone 18 in September? No. Apple is expected to launch the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and foldable iPhone at its September 9 event , but hold the standard iPhone 18 until spring 2027. The new split-release strategy should make Apples increasingly large iPhone lineup easier to manufacture, while giving its premium models the spotlight during the crucial fall launch period. It would also create a second major iPhone launch window in spring, when the iPhone 18 is expected to arrive alongside the iPhone 18e and Air 2. There is a separate rumor that the Air 2 could effectively become the iPhone 18, but that claim remains fairly speculative at this stage. When will the iPhone 18 and 18e release? iPhone 18 : Expected in spring 2027 with an A20 chip, improved RAM and cameras, the iPhone 18 could even disappear entirely if Apple turns the thinner dual-camera Air 2 into its standard iPhone. iPhone 18e : The iPhone 18e is expected in spring 2027 with an A20 chip, 9GB RAM, C2 modem and 48MP camera, while retaining a cheaper 60Hz display and possibly gaining Dynamic Island. While Apple has launched its standard and high-end iPhone models together ever since the first Pro phone arrived in 2019, this year looks to be different. While the Pro phones will launch in September 2026, all the evidence indicates Apple will push the iPhone 18 launch to the spring of 2027, leaving it on shelves for a full 18 months for the first time. So if you bought an iPhone 17 at launch and are looking to upgrade, youll either need to spring for an iPhone 18 Pro or wait until March or April when Apple may hold a second iPhone event or at least launch the new iPhones via press release. We also expect Apple to release the iPhone 18e and iPhone Air 2 at the same time although there is a rumor that the iPhone 18 might actually be the iPhone Air 2. Early Apple published a claim on X that Apple is exploring the idea of calling what is essentially the iPhone Air 2 the iPhone 18 rather than launching a third device. In July Jon Prosser made a similar suggestion in a FTP video that Apple could eventually streamline the lineup around the iPhone, iPhone Pro and iPhone Ultra, with the Air serving as a stepping stone toward that strategy.. What specs will the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e have? A20 processor 9GB to 12GB RAM C2 modem While the iPhone 18 Pro and Ultra will almost certainly use the new A20 Pro chip , the iPhone 18 and 18e are expected to use the standard A20. Like the Pro version, it should be manufactured by TSMC using a 2nm process. Based on the A19, we expect the A20 to retain a 6-core CPU while delivering improved performance and efficiency. The GPU will probably have five cores, although Apple could disable one core in the iPhone 18e. One of the biggest gains may come from the Neural Engine, as Apple continues to put more emphasis on on-device AI processing. The standard iPhone 18 is also expected to get more RAM, up from the iPhone 17s 8GB. Analyst Jeff Pu predicts a substantial increase to 12GB, matching the current iPhone 17 Pro, while Ming-Chi Kuo expects the iPhone 18 and 18e to use an unusual 9GB configuration made up of six 1.5GB memory chips. Macworld considers 9GB slightly more plausible given the global memory shortage and rising component costs. More RAM would primarily benefit multitasking and AI. Both memory capacity and bandwidth are important when running advanced AI models on-device, so Apple has good reason to increase RAM across the range. However, if the iPhone 18 and 18e are limited to 9GB while the Pro models get 12GB, they could have less headroom for increasingly demanding Apple Intelligence features in future iOS releases. That could eventually mean some features are reduced or unavailable on the cheaper models. Elsewhere, the iPhone 18 and 18e are expected to adopt Apples upcoming C2 cellular modem . It isnt yet clear whether the C2 will support mmWave in the U.S., but improvements to 5G performance and power efficiency are likely, along with the potential for expanded satellite connectivity. For Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Apple may have little reason to move beyond the N1 chip, which already supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Will the iPhone 18 and 18es cameras be improved? iPhone 17e camera. David Price / Foundry 24MP selfie camera on iPhone 18 iPhone 18e may retain a 12MP selfie camera 48MP Main cameras expected Revised Camera Control button on iPhone 18 The iPhone 18 could get another front-camera upgrade. Apple introduced an 18MP Center Stage camera with the iPhone 17 generation, but reports now suggest the standard iPhone 18 will move to a 24MP selfie camera. That should potentially deliver more detail and give Apple more resolution to work with for cropping and computational photography. The rumor that the iPhone 18 and iPhone Air 2 could be one and the same may mean that the iPhone Air gets a second rear camera. The situation with the iPhone 18e is less clear. While some rumors have suggested that 24MP cameras could spread across the wider iPhone 18 family, a November 2025 J.P. Morgan report said the lower-cost iPhone 18e will retain a 12MP front camera. For now, we wouldnt assume that the 18e will get the same selfie-camera upgrade as the iPhone 18. There has been much less information about the rear cameras. The current iPhone 17 has 48MP Main and 48MP Ultra Wide cameras, while the iPhone 17e has a single 48MP Main camera. We therefore expect the iPhone 18 to retain two 48MP rear cameras and the iPhone 18e to continue with a single 48MP Main camera, although there havent yet been reliable reports of major sensor upgrades for either model. Apple may also simplify Camera Control. According to Weibo leaker Instant Digital , the iPhone 18s button will retain pressure sensitivity but drop the capacitive sensing used by current models, potentially reducing complexity and cost. The iPhone 18e isnt expected to gain Camera Control. Will the iPhone 18e get a display upgrade? iPhone 17e display. David Price / Foundry The iPhone 18 is likely to use a display similar to the iPhone 17, with up to 1,000 nits of typical SDR brightness, 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness, and up to 3,000 nits outdoors. The iPhone 18e could get a more noticeable upgrade, although reports remain inconsistent. The current iPhone 17e uses an older display with relatively modest brightness and a notch rather than Dynamic Island. Some reports suggest the iPhone 18e will finally move to a newer panel with Dynamic Island, potentially bringing it closer to the iPhone 15, which offered up to 2,000 nits of outdoor brightness. However, the Dynamic Island upgrade remains disputed. What does appear more likely is that Apple will continue to limit the 18e to a 60Hz display. According to Digital Chat Station, the phone will retain a 60Hz LTPS OLED panel rather than adopting the LTPO technology used for ProMotion. That would mean no 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate or Always-On display, even as those features become more widespread elsewhere in the iPhone lineup. How much will the iPhone 18 and 18e cost? Everything in the world of tech has gotten more expensive, thanks to chip shortages spurred on by an endless need to build more, bigger AI data centers. Apple in June raised its prices for nearly all Macs and iPads, and even aging hardware like HomePod and Apple TV. iPhone was spared, but we predict the new iPhones arriving on September 9 will carry prices at least $50-100 higher than they have in the past. And thats likely to carry forward to the spring releases, too. Our estimation there for is that the iPhone 18 could start at $849 or $899, and the iPhone 18e could start at $649 or $699. However, as these are Apples budget models, its possible that Apple raises prices on the Pro models but keeps the iPhone 18 and 18e at their current levels, its also possible that Apple could raise prices of the iPhone 17 and 17e before they are replaced. Should you wait for iPhone 18? If you want the Pro models: The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will be available later in 2026. But be prepared for higher prices. If you want a standard or budget iPhone the wait for the iPhone 18 is longer. In the meantime, the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17e remain excellent choices. If you want to save money, the iPhone 17 starts at $799/799 with 256GB of storage, making it one of the best values in the lineup.

Russia Foreign Minister Again Warns Europe Amid Tensions; 'Remember, What Putin Said...'

Lavrov has issued a stark warning to Europe: if Europe attacks Russia, the war would be completely different and very short. The Russian foreign minister cited repeated warnings from Vladimir Putin as tensions between Moscow, NATO and Europe continue to rise over military support for Ukraine.Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte is urging Ukraines allies to dig deeper and increase military assistance, while the Pentagon warns that Russia is rebuilding its military capabilities and defence industry.With Ukraine demanding more drones, weapons and funding, and diplomatic talks taking place in Moscow and Kyiv, the conflict is entering another critical phase. Could increased Western support trigger a dangerous new escalation with Russia or will diplomacy prevent a wider war?

In pictures: Nahid Rana

The UAE tri-nation ODI series is being targeted for his competitive comeback as Bangladesh prepare for a demanding international schedule.

Are Teenagers Becoming Weaker Readers In Digital Age? What Study Says

PISA 2025 results show OECD reading scores fell 28 points in a decade, with weaker performance on demanding texts.

Sher-E-Punjab T20 Cup: Amritsar Soormas Seek Third Straight Victory Against Jalandhar Warriors

Punjab T20 Cup: Amritsar Soormas will look to extend their winning streak to three matches when they clash with Jalandhar Warriors in a Sher-E-Punjab T20 Cup clash at the I.S. Bindra Stadium here on Thursday. A victory for the Abhishek Sharma-led side will help them strengthen their push for a spot in the semi-finals. Amritsar enter the contest buoyed by consecutive victories, which has taken their tally to six points from as many matches. Their latest triumph was a commanding 67-run victory over Mohali Kings, powered by an explosive batting display that yielded a tournament-high total of 279/7. Middle-order batter Naman Dhir, who recently got his India A call-up for the 50-over series against Australia A, delivered the standout performance of the season in that victory by smashing 173 runs off 64 balls, an innings studded with 16 boundaries and 12 sixes. Dhirs explosive knock, also the highest individual score of the current campaign, has provided Amritsar with substantial momentum ahead of the upcoming clash. Dhir will feature as a central figure in Amritsar's batting lineup alongside skipper Abhishek, Abhay Choudhary, and Rahul Kumar. Middle-order batter Jashanpreet Singh Sidhu is also expected to play a key role following his useful contribution of 41 runs off 25 deliveries in the previous match. Reflecting on the team's current form and operational mindset, Jashanpreet spoke about the importance of maintaining focus despite their recent success. We are getting the momentum from the last couple of games and everything is going well. We just have to play ball by ball and trust our game, Jashanpreet said ahead of Thursday's match. Middle-order batter Jashanpreet Singh Sidhu is also expected to play a key role following his useful contribution of 41 runs off 25 deliveries in the previous match. Reflecting on the team's current form and operational mindset, Jashanpreet spoke about the importance of maintaining focus despite their recent success. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories While Amritsar's top-order firepower has dominated recent headlines, they will hope for their potent run-scoring capability to click alongside a disciplined bowling, which in turn can contain Jalandhar's dangerous batting lineup. Article Source: IANS

BJP Condemns Tanvir Sadiq

SRINAGAR: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday staged widespread protests across Jammu and Kashmir against National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq over his alleged remarks about the living conditions of Kashmiris, demanding an apology and his resignation. The protests were organised over what the BJP has termed the Yazar (Pajama) Controversy, []

Dehradun T20 League 2026: Mussoorie Thunders, Selaqui Strikers Set For Title Clash In Grand Final

The Dehradun T20 League: The Dehradun T20 League 2026 has reached its much-awaited climax, with Mussoorie Thunders and Selaqui Strikers set to lock horns in the grand finale for the coveted title on Wednesday. Both teams secured their places in the final with impressive victories in their respective semi-finals and will now battle for the glittering trophy. The highly anticipated title clash will take place today, September 9, 2026, from 7:00 PM onwards at Abhimanyu Cricket Academy in Dehradun. Mussoorie Thunders enter the final high on confidence after edging past Vikasnagar Dhamaka by four runs in the first semi-final. Captain Neeraj Singh Rathore led from the front with an impressive 62 off 48 balls, while Anshul Kumar delivered a match-winning bowling performance, claiming five wickets to help his side secure a place in the title clash. Selaqui Strikers, meanwhile, stormed into the final with a commanding seven-wicket win over Doiwala Kings in the second semi-final. Priyank Singh set the tone with a disciplined three-wicket spell before captain Piyush Joshi (64)* and Aryan Kapoor (43)* completed the chase in style with an unbeaten partnership. With both sides carrying strong momentum into the final, the stage is set for a thrilling contest at the Abhimanyu Cricket Academy. Mussoorie Thunders will aim to complete their campaign by securing the ultimate prize, while Selaqui Strikers will be determined to deliver one final dominant performance and lift the Dehradun T20 League trophy. With both sides carrying strong momentum into the final, the stage is set for a thrilling contest at the Abhimanyu Cricket Academy. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Fans can catch the live action from 7:00 PM on OTT and digital platforms. The final will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website, and fans can also watch the match on ABP Sports across television and digital platforms. Article Source: IANS

Quant Small Cap Fund exits SBI Funds Management, Jubilant FoodWorks and 4 other stocks in August

Quant Small Cap Fund, managed by Quant Mutual Fund, exited six stocks and added four new names in August 2026. The fund increased exposure to 12 stocks while reducing holdings in seven others. Its portfolio stood at 104 stocks, with HFCL commanding the highest allocation at 6.70%. The funds AUM rose to Rs 35,557 crore during the month.