Ranbir praises his 'Ramayana' co-star Sai Pallavi: 'Lucky enough to share a frame with you'
Indonesia seeks Japan's support for energy transition, infrastructure
India's current account deficit narrowed to $5.2 billion in August, compared to $6.1 billion a year earlier. The capital account surplus increased substantially to $50.6 billion, influenced by non-resident deposits of $83 billion. The balance of payments showed a surplus of $45.4 billion, contrasting with a deficit of $5.6 billion in the previous year. External commercial borrowing saw a net outflow of $22.4 billion during this time.
F-35 Is Fantastic, But Not For Us: Why Abhijit Iyer-Mitra Doesn't Trust Trump With Kill A Switch
Should India buy Americas F-35 stealth fighter? Defence analyst Abhijeet Iyer-Mitra delivers a blunt answer: Absolutely not. In a candid conversation with Meghna Deka on Defence HQ, he explains why the F-35s extraordinary technology may come with extraordinary dependence. From American-controlled upgrades and weapons to intelligence-sharing restrictions and satellite targeting, India could find itself locked into Washingtons ecosystem. Abhijeet warns that 6070 percent of the aircrafts capabilities may remain unusable if it cannot connect with Indias French, Russian and Israeli systems. He also examines the F-35 experience of Turkey and the UAE, the strategic reliability of France, the limitations of Russias Su-57, the crisis of Tejas deliveries and the case for private-sector defence production. His final verdict is clear: the most expensive thing India can buy is dependence.#f35 #f35fighter #indianairforce #defencehq #abhijeetiyermit ra #defenceanalysis #rafale #tejas #su57 #strategicautonomy #defenceprocurement #indiandefence #militarytechnology #fighterjets #indiausrelations
'WHOS THIS B*TCH? Trump Vs Taylor Swift ERUPTS On TikTok; POTUS Tells MAGA Crowd - I AM NUMBER 1
Donald Trump claims he is more popular than Taylor Swift on TikTok! Speaking at a campaign rally in Bullhead City, Arizona, the US president claimed he ranked number one on the platform while the global pop superstar ranked 19th. But publicly available follower figures tell a very different story.According to Social Blade, Taylor Swift had approximately 33.4 million TikTok followers, compared with around 17 million for Trump's account. Trump also claimed he had generated $10 billion for the United States through TikTok, but provided no evidence to support the figure. He previously made a similar claim in July, saying Swift ranked 11th.
SC Strikes Down Yes Bank's At1bond Write-Off
The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the Bombay High Court's decision: Reports
Venezuela's Maduro and wife plead not guilty to US torture charges
Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty on Thursday to a new US indictment accusing them of conspiring to torture political opponents. The additional charges,
India calls Pramila Jayapal's electoral roll remarks unacceptable interference
India calls Pramila Jayapal's electoral roll remarks unacceptable interference
Seven sailors missing after drones hit two tankers off Romania's Black Sea coast
Rescuers searched on Thursday for seven missing sailors after drones struck two chemical tankers near Romania's Black Sea coast, setting them ablaze and raising fresh security concerns along a vital shipping route used by Ukraine. Romanian President Nicusor Dan said the two ships had
Salman Khan will be appearing in the opening episode of Karan Johar's Koffee With Karan Season 9. KJo kicks off the show by revisiting his iconic virginity question, asking Salman if he is still a virgin. Salman responds in Ravi Kishan's style, leaving both of them in splits.
Is Dhanush ready to make his political debut? Fan club's new avatar sparks buzz
Dhanush's fan club has evolved into the Dhanush Narpani Iyakkam, signaling possible political ambitions. The organization plans to set up local welfare units in five assembly constituencies within Coimbatore district. This transition involves the introduction of a new logo and flag, streamlining its identity. Although comparisons with Vijay's political path are inevitable, Dhanush has not made any official announcements regarding his political intentions, fueling speculation about his future moves.
Houthis attack presidential palace complex in Yemen's Aden, PM unharmed, officials say
Yemen's Houthis fired missiles at the presidential palace complex in the southern city of Aden on Thursday, killing two security guards, two government officials told Reuters. Yemen's prime minister and cabinet members who were at the Maashiq presidential palace complex were unharmed, In
Chicago-area Hindu temple shooting plot draws India's condemnation
Chicago-area Hindu temple shooting plot draws India's condemnation
Venezuela's Maduro arrives in court over new US torture charge
Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores arrived in a US court on Thursday, where they are expected to respond to a new indictment accusing them of conspiring
Farage defends Reform's vetting after councillors filmed making racist comments
The Reform leader says you can't vet for future comments, after undercover filming of party activists.
CoreWeave's slump spotlights growing burden of debt behind AI boom
Shares and bonds of Nvidia-backed CoreWeave tumbled again on
Rahul Gandhi has written to President Droupadi Murmu urging her to reconsider Dushyant Gautam's recent appointment. He claims that appointing Gautam complicates the ongoing CBI investigation into Ankita Bhandari's murder. Gandhi emphasized the importance of the governor's trustworthiness and public perception during this turbulent time. The appointment of Gautam is viewed as undermining women's safety, according to Gandhi's letter.
Jio's 30,213-cr IPO priced at 34x earnings, below Bharti Airtel's 39x
Jio Platforms' 30,213-crore IPO opens on October 21 at a price band of 1,065-1,119 a share, valuing the firm at 10.3 trillion, with proceeds earmarked for debt repayment
UK comedian Russell Brand's accuser tells jurors: 'I know he raped me'
A woman who alleges British actor
Trump drops plan to livestream Fort Hood shooter's execution as terror deterrent
Trump drops plan to livestream Fort Hood shooter's execution as terror deterrent
Reacting sharply to Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav
30-Foot 'Cockroach' Effigy To Be Burned Alongside Ravan At Delhi Ramlila
The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee, which organises Ramlila in Pitampura, said the insect represents filth and dirt and the initiative is part of the Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi campaigns.
Gajendra Chauhan called Imran Khan deshdrohi and demanded his deportation within 24 hours. Meanwhile, Raza Murad said foreign nationals should not interfere in India's internal affairs, adding that Imran could approach the court if he felt he was being treated unfairly.
India's current account deficit narrows to $5.2 billion in August: RBI data
India's current account deficit narrowed to $5.2 billion in August from $6.1 billion a year ago, while strong banking capital inflows helped the BoP post a $45.4 billion surplus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Ladakh's infrastructure growth since it became a Union Territory in 2019 while inaugurating and dedicating five major projects worth around Rs 3,350 crore. He underscored improvements in road connectivity, drinking water, healthcare, tourism and power infrastructure, including the new Leh airport terminal and the NimmuPadumDarcha road.
Will Allow Only 11 People: Delhi Police On Tomorrow's Connaught Place Protest Call By CJP
CJP's Abhijeet Dipke asked public to assemble at Central Park, Connaught Place, at 5 pm on October 16. Police's 11 persons offer came after court refused to restrain CJP from holding the protest in the centre of the national capital, but asked the police to egulate it.
India's trade with China surged nearly 29 per cent to USD 91.76 billion in the first six months of the financial year 2026-27, making Beijing the country's largest trading partner during the April-September period, according...
Delhi Police may allow small gathering for flag-waving during CJP's 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march
Delhi Police may allow a select group of people to gather at a suitable location to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march in Connaught Place on October 16, said officials.
Central Park in Delhi Connaught Place to remain shut on October 16, 17: NDMC ahead of CJP's march
The CJP is scheduled to take out a Lehra do Tiranga march at Central Park in Connaught Place on October 16
Administrative Reform Or Regime Control? The Hidden Cost Of Munirs Plan To 'Split Up' Pakistan
Pakistan could be on the verge of a historic map makeover. Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has proposed breaking up the nations four traditional provinces into 12 to 15 smaller administrative regionsor even up to 160 smaller zones. While official arguments centre around improving governance and local public services for 240 million citizens, critics warn of a massive underlying shift in power.In this video, we break down how dismantling these provincial strongholds could crush civilian political dynasties like the Sharifs and Bhuttos, give Islamabad greater control over resource-rich regions like Balochistan, and consolidate the military establishment's grip on the country. Is this genuine reform, or a high-stakes power grab?
'MERZ YOU FAILED': AfD Chief Explodes In Parliament; Chancellor GRILLED Over Ukraine War Aid
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced a heated showdown in parliament as he defended billions of euros in military aid for Ukraine and Germanys rising defence spending. Merz insisted that not a single euro spent on Ukraine is being taken away from Germanys social welfare or education budgets, pushing back against growing criticism of his governments spending priorities.Merz also defended increased investment in Germanys security, arguing that defence spending is essential to protecting the countrys economy, society and democratic institutions. Germany has provided or earmarked around 57.6 billion in military assistance to Ukraine since February 2022, according to government figures published in 2026. Berlin also recently announced a support package worth more than 1.3 billion, including interceptor drones and energy assistance.
Elon's Starlink 'Blocks' Ukraine Troops, Zelensky Weeps; India's Security Concern Proven Right
Elon Musk says India is blocking competition and wants Starlink cleared now. But Ukraine has shown why New Delhi insists on security clearance first. Ukrainian officials say Starlink restricted its military satellite service, Starshield, without any warning, capping terminal speeds at about 100 mph. They say the cap disrupted combat missions, including long-range strike drones and interceptors used against Russian Shahed attack drones. President Zelenskyy warned that people were killed and more will die. Kyiv links the timing to Donald Trumps pressure on Ukraine and his understanding with Vladimir Putin, while SpaceX may call it a technical or contractual call. Musk calls Delhis caution protectionism. Delhi calls it prudence. So what happens when Starlink sits inside Indias critical communications? We break down control, data and strategic dependence, plus Indias checklist: Indian gateways, local data, lawful interception and geo-fencing. Watch and subscribe for sharp geopolitics.
Houthis Unleash MASSIVE Gunfire & Missile Attack On SaudI-Backed Army In Yemen's Dhobab Desert
The Houthis released footage they said showed intense fighting around Yemens Dhobab desert and airport, with burning vehicles, gunfire, troop movements and major explosions visible in the videos.The footage emerged as fighting escalated near Bab el-Mandeb and Taiz, while Saudi Arabia launched fresh strikes on Houthi-held areas and faced continued missile and drone attacks on its own territory.
Actor Imran Khan To Challenge 'Leave India' Order In Bombay High Court
Lawyer Zulfiqar Memon will file a petition in the High Court challenging the order.
In Claude We Trust: Can 'God' save frontier models?
In this edition, we are going to look at how Anthropic is now hoping to get a little spiritual cred for its frontier models, and by doing so, they are channelling the kings of yore, who, despite their armies and gold, always wanted a divine mandate to rule. And will then ponder: how will we ever know when a machine becomes conscious?
'Ilhan Omar goes back to Somalia': Trump torches Congresswoman in fiery rant | MN Somali fraud
Blueface Explains Why Women Spend A Man's Money With Chrisean Rock Sitting Next To Him
Blueface said women spend a man's money on things they would rather not pay for themselves, with Chrisean Rock sitting beside him as he said it.
Pakistan parliament endorses emergency, governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Pakistan's parliament approved emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to escalated violence and terrorism. This move follows weeks of political tensions and is seen as a federal intervention. The federal government's resolutions were passed after debates involving both treasury and opposition members. Amnesty International raised concerns over potential human rights abuses amid these emergency measures.
Holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy trial says he was struck by how 'methodical' she was
The holdout juror who blocked Lindsay Clancy from being acquitted says he was influenced by how methodical he thought she was in killing her three children
Wisconsin's Republican candidate for governor keeps his distance from Trump in nail-biter campaign
Democrats got the candidate they wanted for governor in Wisconsin
Badminton: Jagsher Singh assured of medal after reaching boys' singles semis in World Juniors
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 15 (IANS) Indias Jagsher Singh Khangurra assured himself of a medal in the BWF World Junior Badminton Championships after he came from a game down to beat Yuan-Syue Jhuang of Chinese Taipei to reach the boys' singles semifinal in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday. The 17-year-old Jagsher Singh, who hails from Nabha town in Punjab, defeated Jhuang 6-15, 17-15, 15-12 in 48 minutes to become the ninth boys singles player from India to finish on the podium. India have so far won one gold, five silver and six bronze, and the 14th seeded Jagsher Singh will hope to go the distance as he faces 31st seed Radithya Bayu Wardhana of Indonesia in the semifinals on Saturday. Shaina Manimuthu also had a chance of assuring India a medal in the girls singles category, but the Asian U17 silver medallist went down 15-5, 15-8 against Chinas Yi Qing Yin in the quarterfinals. Punjab youngster Jagsher Singh Khangurra is a former under-17 national champion and Asian medallist in his age-group. He came into prominence with a medal in the under-15 nationals two years back and has since gone from strength to strength, turning his casual interest in the game into a passion and a possible career option. After getting initial training at an academy in Bahadurgarh and then at the Uday Pawar Academy in Mumbai, Jagsher Singh has been associated with the Centre of Excellence in Bangalore under former national coach Vimal Kumar for the last two years. Ranked 8th in the Under-19 boys' singles section as of September 22, 2026, Jagsher Singh achieved his best-ever ranking of No.1 in the under-17 boys' singles section at the national level in the week starting January 11, 2026. Jagsher, who took to badminton at the age of seven and left his home at 11 to join the academy in Bahadurgarh, has so far won six medals in international tournaments and has established himself as one of the best young shuttlers in the country. Jagsher, whose parents are both government school teachers, is the first person form his family to take to badminton.
Ramayana team have dropped a second trailer for the film, ahead of its release on November 5. The latest video has new visuals from the film featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash. The film...
Trump calls off livestream for Fort Hood shooter's execution by firing squad
Trump said some would ather not watch the execution of Nidal Hasan, the first military execution in over 60 years.
'Shows Character': BJP's Gaurav Bhatia slams Rahul Gandhi for 'Misbehaving' with woman Cop
PM Narendra Modi's 15-Year-Olds Remark, Then An Unmissable Reaction From Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a big smile on his face as PM Narendra Modi lauded how 15-year-olds are winning medals for India in major events like the Asian Games.
YouTube Music Adds AI Labels So You Know What You're Really Listening To
That catchy song in your playlist might have been composed and sung by AI. YouTube Musics new labels aim to make that clear right on the player.
Government Mandates Caller Name Display From November 1: Here's What It Means
The revised definition replaces the existing provision of the Unified Licence Agreement and will take effect on November 1, 2026.
Is this a good time to enter value funds? Here's what investors should know
Allocate 10-20 per cent of your equity portfolio for style diversification and wait patiently for performance to turn around
Houthis fire missiles at presidential palace in Yemen's Aden, officials say
Yemen's Houthis
India's balance of payments posts USD 45.4 billion surplus in August: RBI
India's overall balance of payments (BoP) recorded a surplus of USD 45.4 billion in August 2026, compared with a deficit of USD 5.6 billion in the same month last year, supported by a sharp rise in foreign currency inflows, particularly non-resident Indian (NRI) deposits, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Thursday. The sharp improvement comes even as India's current account remained in deficit, highlighting the role of foreign capital inflows in strengthening the country's external financial position. According to the data, the overall BoP surplus rose from USD 20.8 billion in July 2026 to USD 45.4 billion in August. A major contributor was the sharp increase in banking capital inflows, which reached USD 64.7 billion in August, compared with an outflow of USD 4.7 billion in August 2025. Within this category, net NRI deposits rose sharply to USD 83 billion during August, against USD 1 billion in the corresponding month last year. The increase in foreign cu...
SC to hear Mahua's Circuit House plea today
On October 1, the Supreme Court had sought responses from the West Bengal government and others on Moitra's plea seeking adequate protection during her constituency visit.
No breakthrough in talks at Antofagasta's striking Centinela copper mine, unions say
Negotiations between Antofagasta Minerals and two
Ramayana English Trailer: Yash's 'Fire And Fury' Clashes With Ranbir Kapoor's 'Perfect Man'
Yash's intense look and Ram's composed yet impactful demeanour once again stir excitement for the upcoming epic
Trump's shadow fleet loophole: Easing US sanctions on oil tankers may not lower fuel costs
In an effort to address soaring shipping costs, the Trump administration is evaluating the possibility of easing restrictions on sanctioned vessels. These limitations have heavily influenced rising tanker freight rates, affecting the dynamics of global oil markets. The proposed changes aim to clarify the vessels eligible for transporting legally traded crude and refined products, though challenges may arise that could undermine the effectiveness of this initiative.
BJP rejects J&K govt's 'dual power structure' argument, says outcomes important, not explanations
Jammu, Oct 15: BJP general secretary Satish Poonia on Thursday dismissed the Jammu and Kashmir government's argument that the dual power arrangement had hindered the fulfilment of its promises, saying its performance should be judged by results, not such explanations. Poonia, the BJP in-charge of J&K here for a high-level party meeting, also dismissed allegations that the BJP was responsible for the failure to hold panchayat and local body elections in Jammu and Kashmir. It is for the government to decide how it wants to explain this, because it received the mandate, came to power and made the commitments. How many promises it fulfilled and how many it failed to deliver cannot be explained away. What matters is the outcome and the results, he told reporters before the party meeting. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are well aware of the results of these two years, Poonia said, replying to a question about the government''s claims that the dual-power arrangement -- the elected National Conference-led government and the Lt Governor administration -- prevented it from fulfilling the promises it had made during the past two years. Poonia said the government had received the people's mandate, assumed power and made commitments, adding that its performance should be judged by the results rather than explanations. With the government blaming the BJP for failure to hold panchayat elections, he said How are we (BJP)responsible? The tradition of holding elections under the Panchayati Raj system in Jammu and Kashmir was initiated by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the party also followed it very effectively. He said that the District Development Council (DDC) elections were held for the first time during the BJP's regime. Therefore, such allegations are baseless. On the BJP's organisational meetings, including meetings of its various cells, Poonia said the party had received a good mandate in Jammu and Kashmir after a long time. He said the BJP was committed to working for the prosperity and development of Jammu and Kashmir, citing the governance model of the Narendra Modi government. The construction of the Chenab Rail Bridge, the operation of Vande Bharat trains and the benefits of schemes such as Ujjwala and Ayushman Bharat reaching the people of Jammu and Kashmir are examples of this governance model. This demonstrates our commitment to working for the prosperity of Kashmir, he said.
Hurricane Trudy looms over Mexico's Pacific coast, severe rainfall expected
Hurricane
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurates North East's first VISA application centre in Guwahati
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday inaugurated the North East's first VISA application centre at the Inter-State Bus Terminus (ISBT), Khanapara in Guwahati. During the inauguration, Chief Minister Sarma mentioned that this was the first VFS Global visa application centre in Assam, adding that it would serve applicants from all eight North Eastern states. He stated that the facility would process visa applications for 14 countries, which include Austria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malta, Morocco, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This is the first VFS global visa application center in Assam and it will serve applicants from all eight North Eastern states. It its importance therefore extends well beyond Guwahati. The center will initially facilitate visa application for fourteen countries directly. This includes Austria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, Estonia, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Malta, Moroc...
What'd we do without police in America?: Susan Collins warns of DSA influence in Maine Senate race
Donald Trump is looking for a replacement of Susie Wiles; 'She's burned a lot of people': Report
Ashoke Pandit supports government's notice asking Imran Khan to leave India
IMFA becomes India's largest ferro chrome producer with Kalinganagar plant
IMFA's 800-crore Kalinganagar plant adds 100,000 tonnes of annual ferro chrome capacity, taking its total to 534,000 tpa, with output targeted at 500,000 tonnes by FY28
UP: Massive explosion brings down house in Varanasi's Sarnath; 3 injured
A massive explosion ripped through a two-storey residential building in the Sarnath area here on Thursday, triggering its collapse and leaving at least three people injured, according to officials. The blast is suspected to have occurred at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit operating inside the densely populated residential locality. Upon receiving information about the incident near Purana Pul, senior administrative and police officials, along with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Fire Services, rushed to the spot to initiate search and rescue operations. In a briefing on the incident, an administrative official stated that rescue teams pulled out three injured persons, including two children and a woman, who were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. A house collapse was reported in the Sarnath police station limits near Purana Pul. Immediate rescue operations were launched with NDRF, SDRF, fi...
'Stunned': Rahul urges Prez to hold Dushyant Gautams appointment as Sikkim guv
Pune (Maharashtra) [India], October 15: PPS Motors, a part of one of India's largest automobile retail conglomerates, inaugurated a new Mahindra service facility in Saswad, Pune, further strengthening its presence in Maharashtra and enhancing access to quality vehicle service for customers in the region. The facility was inaugurated by senior officials from Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., including Pavan Kumar, SVP and Head Sales, Customer Care and CX, Sachin Gupta, VP & Head - Customer Care, Manoj Kumar - Zonal Head Customer Care - West Zone, Samira Mahapatra - RCCM - Pune Region, and PPS Group's Supreeth R, CEO, PPS-M & M (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala), Pakshal Shah, Chief of Staff, Insha Maseeh, COO, PPS-M & M Maharashtra along with other senior representatives from both organisations. The new workshop, PPS Group's 151st Mahindra touchpoint in India , takes its network to 9 Mahindra touchpoints in and around Pune .
SanDisk traded 7.27% lower to $1,301.33.
Delhi's Central Park in Connaught Place to remain shut on Oct 16-17 ahead of CJP's Tiranga march
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park in Connaught Place (CP) will remain closed on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons. This comes a day after Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke called on people to assemble at the venue and hoist the national flag.The proposed gathering, being promoted under the slogan 'Lehra Do Tiranga', is the latest development in the ongoing agitation involving student organisations, political activists and Opposition leaders. The CJP and other organisations have urged people to wave the national flag at Central Park, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also extended support to the call.
Aakash Chopra Criticises India's Bowling After 4th T20I Defeat Against West Indies
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has criticised the team's bowling performance after they suffered defeat against the West Indies in the fourth T20 in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Japan's first woman PM says chores leave her less time than male predecessors
Japan's first woman PM says chores leave her less time than male predecessors
To Get Land For Lover, Man Smashes Father's Head With Stone In Bihar
Higher mutual fund yields lift ICICI Prudential AMC's Q2FY27 earnings
ICICI Prudential AMC posted 18% revenue growth in Q2FY27 on higher mutual fund yields, while net profit rose 6% and equity market share declined amid competition
Jailer 2: Mohanlal's costume designer calls out makers for cutting scenes
Mohanlals costume designer Jishad Shamsudeen has criticised the makers of Jailer 2 for cutting three of the actors looks and trimming his scenes. The designer says he will not return for a potential third instalment, while fans have also questioned the Malayalam stars limited screen time
'4 Russian Su-34s destroyed, 2 more hit': Zelenskyy makes big claim, shares photo
Paddy Pimblett has claimed Ilia Topuria will return to the UFC as a little bit damaged goods after his first career loss to Justin Gaethje. Topuria lost the lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250 in June and suffered fractures to both orbital bones.
Four workers killed in blast at factory in Gandhinagar's Chhatral GIDC industrial area
Four workers lost their lives in a devastating explosion at Kovika Dyes & Intermediates factory in Gujarat. The tragic incident happened during pipe-fitting work near a boiler vessel, raising concerns about safety. Preliminary investigations suggest a pressure burst may have caused the explosion, with forensic teams now examining the site. Police are registering an accidental death case and conducting post mortem examinations of the victims.
Kieron Pollard's UAE Bulls To Launch Title Defence In Abu Dhabi T10
Defending champions UAE Bulls, featuring West Indies great Kieron Pollard, will mount their Abu Dhabi T10 title defence against Jason Holder's Yas Lions on November 7
A persistent war machine: How Houthis are threatening MBS's Vision 2030
Pakistani student's suicide proof of system that allows exploitation of educational ambitions
Digital Desk | Islamabad, Oct 15 (IANS) The death of a young student of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) - reportedly by committing suicide after she discovered that the admission and scholarship she believed she had secured were fake - is an indictment of a system that allows unscrupulous individuals to exploit the educational ambitions of young Pakistanis with seemingly little fear of being caught or punished, a report has detailed. The young Pakistani woman who earned a gold medal and dreamed of studying at Harvard University died as her goal of studying at Harvard University was allegedly exploited by people who promised her that she will get admission and a scholarship in exchange for money. She paid Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 9.3 million through a scheme involving fake university documents, according to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), a report in leading Pakistani daily 'The Friday Times' mentioned. Laiba Aijaz, a student of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), reportedly died by suicide after discovering that the admission and scholarship she believed she had secured were fake. It is a heartbreaking tragedy. But it is also an indictment of a system that allows unscrupulous individuals to exploit the educational ambitions of young Pakistanis with seemingly little fear of being caught or punished. And unless something changes, Laiba will not be the last student whose dreams are shattered by this flourishing industry of deception, Karachi-based journalist Omar Quraishi wrote in The Friday Times. Education consultants and visa consultants in Pakistan promise students that they will get admission in prestigious universities abroad, scholarships, student visas and guaranteed immigration. Some of these consultants provide legitimate services but the industry also includes individuals who prey on desperation, ambition and ignorance of foreign admissions procedures. According to the report, the lack of effective oversight in Pakistan implies that anyone can present themselves as an educational consultant, advertise their services on social media and start collecting money from unsuspecting students and their families. The FIR registered by the FIA on October 10 stated that two people - Muhammad Nauman and Fatima Sarwar, also identified as Aiza, allegedly obtained PKR 9.3 million from Laiba Aijaz after they promised her that they would arrange a US visa and university scholarship for her. According to the FIR, PKR 2.9 million were transferred through the bank account while the remaining payment was made in cash. Investigators allege that these individuals had provided Laiba Aijaz fake scholarship letters, fee payment receipts and university admission offers. The FIR also mentioned the subsequent death of Laiba Aijaz. However, the FIA has not mentioned the cause of her death.
Meethe Mein Kya Hai: Radhika Bansal's film explores family bonds over Diwali
Radhika Bansals directorial debut, Meethe Mein Kya Hai, has unveiled its first poster ahead of its October 30 Netflix release. Starring Ritwik Bhowmik, Rohini Hattangadi and Ayesha Raza Mishra, the feel-good family drama unfolds over four days of Diwali celebrations
Nandy 'minded to intervene' in Sky's 1.6bn takeover of ITV entertainment arm
The culture secretary says the deal could affect free expression in the media and the variety of Britain's news landscape.
Aneet Padda On Headlining Shakti Shalini: 'It's Completely On My Shoulders'
The actor says the Maddock horror comedy will let her explore a different side of herself after her breakthrough role in Saiyaara
US stocks: CoreWeave's slump puts spotlight on debt behind AI boom
CoreWeave's financial distress is highlighted by its $50 billion debt and significant default risks, causing stock prices to drop. Investors express concerns about how the AI industry's expansion is financed, especially with rising interest rates. The company's efforts to secure an investment-grade rating indicate attempts to access more capital. Analysts project a bleak future for many neoclouds, with potential shutdowns by 2030.
Sanju Samson's Big Bumrah Verdict After India's 24-Run Defeat To West Indies
Samson calls Bumrah a once-in-a-generation bowler while expressing confidence in India's emerging pace options after the Hyderabad defeat.
Can You Get A Personal Loan Without Income Proof In India? Here's What You Should Know
Digital personal loans may not require manual income document uploads but still involve income and repayment capacity checks using credit history and verified financial data.
Secret documents reveal donors behind $330 million for Trump's ballroom
A list obtained by The Washington Post reveals all the major donors to President Donald Trump's White House ballroom project, including previously undisclosed contributors who have benefited from regulatory decisions, government contracts and, in one case, a pardon for a family member. Tech giants Nvidia and Apple each committed $25 million, the top contribution amount, the list shows. The Adelson family, one of the GOP's largest donor dynasties, committed that sum as well, as did billionaire Charles Ergen, co-founder and chairman of telecommunications company Dish Network. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. Absent from the list is Trump himself, who has said that he is helping to pay for the project. It's being paid for a hundred percent by me and some friends of mine, he said last year, days after demolition began on the old East Wing. The White House publicly identified 37 people, companies and foundations as donors last October, without revealing the amount of their individual gifts. The list obtained by The Post, an internal spreadsheet used to track contributions for the fundraising effort, contains the source, date and amount of all 67 donations above $10,000 recorded as of late last month. It shows a total of $333 million from private donors, aligning with the administration's public statements. Additional records, also internal to the fundraising effort, provide more detail about the donations and indicate that at least $77 million came from donors who requested anonymity. The list and other documents offer a panoramic view of a fundraising campaign that is extraordinary both for its size and opacity. Ordinary political giving requires public disclosure and is subject to campaign finance rules. The ballroom donations are collected by a nonprofit and then channeled to the government and into a White House account the president directly controls. Independent experts and scholars have expressed alarm at the potential the arrangement has for influence buying and coerced giving. Some donors on the list obtained by The Post cut large checks, while others created installment plans that are still being paid off, the additional records show. The list does not include in-kind contributions. The Post's reporting does not establish a connection between the donation commitments and favorable actions by the Trump administration. But the documents show that the vast majority of the funds raised came from companies and wealthy individuals with interests before the federal government. Companies or executives of firms that have had contracts with the federal government during Trump's second term accounted for about half of the total, The Post found. After reviewing the list obtained by The Post, White House spokesman Davis Ingle declined to discuss individual donations but described the ballroom donors as a wide array of great American companies and generous individuals, all of whom are contributing to make the People's House better for generations to come. The same critics who are alleging fake conflicts of interests, would also complain if American taxpayers were footing the bill for these long-overdue renovations, he said. He added that the administration will relentlessly pursue those responsible for this cowardly leak while continuing to protect all those who give. The Post is publishing the names of the 57 donors listed as having committed to giving $100,000 or more. The additional records detailing donors' preferences show at least nine wanted to remain anonymous. The Post attempted to reach all the donors whose names appear in this report. Most did not respond or declined to comment. Those who did comment said that there was no connection between their donations and any favorable government actions. Nvidia, the world's most valuable public company, became a top contributor to the ballroom in October 2025, nearly three months after it struck a groundbreaking pact with Trump to sell advanced microchips to China despite national security concerns. CEO Jensen Huang told reporters at the time that the company was contributing to Trump's ballroom in a small way but did not provide a dollar amount. Documents show Nvidia requested that its $25 million donation be kept anonymous. As an American company, our support for the United States is paramount, and independent of any business interests, Nvidia spokesperson John Rizzo said in response to questions from The Post. We were proud to be able to make a donation to a nonpartisan trust that serves all Americans and have said so publicly since the donation was made. Major GOP donor Joseph Popolo Jr., Trump's ambassador to the Netherlands, and his wife contributed $1 million from their family fund to support the ballroom project in late 2025, the records show. Their donation - made two months after Popolo's confirmation - has not been previously reported. Trump Cabinet member Kelly Loeffler of the Small Business Administration and her husband Jeff Sprecher, former chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, promised $5 million for the project, the list shows. Brandon Lutnick, chairman of investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald and the son of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, donated stock worth more than $2.5 million, the records show. Popolo, Loeffler, Sprecher and the Lutnicks did not respond to requests for comment. More than three-quarters of the money for the ballroom came in commitments of $5 million or more. Among the top donors are some of America's blue chip companies, including Amazon, Caterpillar, Comcast, Microsoft and T-Mobile. (Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos owns The Post . ) Cryptocurrency companies, now under loosened regulations from the Trump administration, and their investors promised more than $18 million. The largest portion came from Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, co-founders of the Gemini crypto exchange, who together donated bitcoin valued at $5,050,018, the records show. The Winklevoss brothers did not respond to requests for comment. The ballroom project has also received dozens of small contributions, some as low as $10. The list and additional documents show the source of all but $24,000 of the total donations. The total fundraising amount falls short of the $400 million Trump has said he intends to raise for the work. The cost of building the new East Wing, which includes the ballroom, office space and an underground military facility, was projected in March to have increased to $600 million, an estimate previously reported by The Post. The White House has used taxpayer dollars to cover some of the construction cost, records show. The ballroom donations are routed through the Trust for the National Mall, a D.C.-based nonprofit whose mission is to restore and preserve the National Mall and the White House grounds. Nonprofits are not generally required to disclose their donors. Prospective donors were sent a pledge agreement form, a copy of which was obtained by The Post, for giving toward the Donald J. Trump Ballroom. The form lists Meredith O'Rourke, the top fundraiser for Trump's 2024 campaign, as the main contact. O'Rourke referred questions to the White House. A 12-page agreement between the government and the Trust requires that the Trust maintain the anonymity of Project donors to the extent provided by law and not publicly recognize any such donor unless explicitly authorized in writing by staff in the White House's Executive Residence unit. Democratic lawmakers have denounced the fundraising for the ballroom as secretive and potentially transactional. They have demanded that the administration and the Trust provide details about the donors and circumstances of the gifts. Those demands have been rebuffed. In a statement the Trust said: In philanthropy, it is not uncommon for donors to request their gifts remain anonymous. The Trust is committed to honoring donors requesting anonymity. Pardon for international banker One of the earliest commitments to donate to the ballroom, from Sept. 23, 2025, came from the daughter of Julio Herrera Velutini, an international banker and dual Venezuelan-Italian citizen. In 2022, the Justice Department indicted Herrera Velutini, then 50, on bribery charges, accusing him of helping finance the campaign of Puerto Rico's then-governor in exchange for the removal of a regulator investigating his bank. The former governor and a political consultant were also charged. Herrera Velutini and his attorney unsuccessfully tried to get the case dismissed, claiming prosecutors were criminalizing lawful political activity. After Trump's victory, Herrera's daughter, Isabela Herrera, made two donations to Trump's MAGA Inc., a political action committee, totaling $3.5 million, campaign finance records show. The donations prompted the nonprofit Campaign Legal Center to file a complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleging that Isabela Herrera was serving as a straw donor for her father. The organization described her as a self-employed financial consultant in her mid-20s whose only prior political donation was $20 to Pete Buttigieg, a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate. The organization said it got no response from the FEC, which declined to comment for this story. In August 2025, Herrera Velutini's charges were reduced to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement. The following month, Isabela Herrera committed to donating $2.5 million for the ballroom, which has not been previously reported. Records show she paid a first installment of $835,000 on Oct. 14, 2025. Trump pardoned Herrera Velutini in January. Herrera's second payment was due this month, the records show. Amid a wider Justice Department retreat from sweeping public corruption investigations, Trump also pardoned the former governor and the political consultant. The White House said the prosecutions had been politically motivated. After the pardon, an attorney for Herrera Velutini issued a statement saying his client was profoundly grateful to President Donald J. Trump for bestowing the grace of his benevolent pardon. Neither Herrera Velutini nor his daughter responded to requests for comment. A dropped investigation Last year, Ergen, the telecommunications executive, found his company EchoStar in the Trump administration's crosshairs. Brendan Carr, the chair of the Federal Communications Commission, wrote Ergen in May to inform him that the agency had begun investigating EchoStar. Carr threatened to yank government licenses that were critical to the survival of the business, accusing EchoStar, owner of Dish Network, of not following through on promises it had made to upgrade its cellphone network. The following month, Ergen met with Trump and Carr behind closed doors to discuss the investigation, according to Bloomberg. The outlet, citing unnamed sources, said the June 11 discussion included a brief exchange about Ergen's political donations and whether he gave to candidates in both political parties. The company referenced a June 11 meeting between Ergen and Carr in a regulatory filing and wrote that Trump subsequently encouraged the parties involved to reach an amicable resolution. Ergen negotiated a deal to sell some of the company's licenses to AT&T in August, subject to approval of the FCC and Justice Department. Carr dropped the investigation the following month, thanking Ergen for his responses and for information he had provided. In December, with the sale still pending, Ergen committed $12.5 million to Trump's ballroom, according to the donation list. Records indicate Ergen requested that the source of the donation remain anonymous. The donation has not been previously reported. He committed another $12.5 million in February, according to the list. In May, the FCC and Justice Department each gave EchoStar approval for the sale. Through a spokesman, Ergen and EchoStar declined to comment. The FCC and Carr did not respond. DOJ did not provide comment for this story. The donor list also shows $5 million pledged by AT&T, the only line item on the list described that way. Every other amount is listed as won. In a statement to The Post, AT&T spokesperson Megan Ketterer said the company appeared to have been listed in error. We have no idea what list you are talking about and have no plans to contribute to the Trust for the National Mall, Ketterer said. An approval, then a donation Another top donor was a subsidiary of Rocket, the Detroit-based housing, finance and tech company founded by Daniel Gilbert, owner of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. In March 2025, Rocket said that it planned to acquire two competitors: the home search site Redfin and the mortgage site Mr. Cooper. The moves would give Rocket a much larger share of the real estate market. Federal agencies tasked with protecting against anticompetitive business practices declined to challenge the deals, allowing them to proceed. Five Democratic senators wrote to the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission in protest. To acquire Mr. Cooper, Gilbert also needed approval from the Federal Housing Finance Agency. FHFA approved the deal on Aug. 26, 2025. The Rocket subsidiary committed $10 million to the ballroom three weeks later. Records show it requested anonymity. A Rocket spokesperson said the approvals and donation were not connected. Rocket and its related companies have supported the Trust for the National Mall and other nonpartisan organization in Washington for more than a decade, said spokesperson Aaron Emerson. We're proud to join dozens of companies and individuals in improving our nation's capital. An FTC spokesperson said Rocket received no special treatment, pointing to a lawsuit the agency brought against Redfin for anticompetitive practices days after the donation. FHFA and the Justice Department did not provide comment. Software contracts One of the country's leading software providers, Salesforce, has significantly grown its government contracting business during the second Trump administration. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has attended exclusive dinners and events with Trump, including a state dinner hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle in September 2025 and a business summit in Japan the following month. While there, Trump thanked Benioff for previously putting him on the cover of Time magazine, which Benioff owns. Marc has some pretty good suggestions, Trump said of the CEO. The following day, Benioff committed $1 million to the ballroom, according to the list. The donation has not previously been reported, and Benioff asked that it remain anonymous. Salesforce separately made two $1 million commitments to the ballroom, one last Christmas Eve and another Jan. 29 of this year, the list shows. The donations have not been previously reported. In between, the Army awarded the company a contract worth up to $5.6 billion through 2035, which appears to be the largest public government contract in Salesforce's history, according to a review of public contracting records. Announcing the contract, the Pentagon said bids were solicited via the internet with only one received. Benioff and Salesforce did not respond to requests for comment. In a statement, a Pentagon official said: Outside affiliations, investors, or political connections play absolutely no role in the Department's funding decisions. One of Salesforce's competitors, ServiceNow, also donated to the ballroom. Last September, the General Services Administration announced what it called a landmark agreement with ServiceNow that would make the company's AI-driven software available to federal agencies at a discount. When President Trump says the federal government needs to operate like a best-run business, he means it, CEO Bill McDermott said as part of the announcement. The next month, ServiceNow committed $5 million to the ballroom, a donation that has not been previously reported. The GSA said in a statement that ServiceNow has been a federal contractor for more than a decade, adding that its charitable or political donations - like those of any company - have no bearing on GSA's decision to include them in federal buying catalogs. ServiceNow said in a statement that negotiations for the deal had been underway for a considerable period of time. Its government business is separate and unconnected to any donations we make to any cause, it said. Of the donation, the company said: Many of our partners and peers were also contributing to the project. We chose to join them. Venezuelan oil interests Nearly $10 million for the ballroom was committed by two Trump political donors who have pursued large investments in Venezuelan oil - a market Trump has gained influence over since the U.S. seizure of President Nicols Maduro in January. Billionaire financier Paul Singer committed to donate $5 million through his foundation in October 2025, a month before his hedge fund received court approval to pursue a purchase of Venezuelan oil giant Citgo for $5.9 billion. The deal will require approval from multiple federal agencies, including the Commerce Department, Energy Department, State Department and Treasury Department. It has stalled amid ongoing negotiations with the South American country's U.S.-backed administration. The Oklahoma oil and gas company Continental Resources and its chairman emeritus, billionaire and GOP megadonor Harold Hamm, both promised donations to the ballroom in October 2025 totaling just under $5 million. This year, in response to the Trump administration's call for energy companies to invest in the Venezuelan oil industry, Continental struck a tentative agreement with the country's state-run oil company to develop 126,000 acres of untapped oil fields. Singer declined to comment. Neither Hamm nor Continental responded. Unlisted Two companies and one individual the White House has publicly named as donors do not appear on the list obtained by The Post. The companies are Hard Rock International, the hospitality chain owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Tether America, a cryptocurrency firm. The individual is Paolo Tiramani, a modular homes company executive who told the Times of London that he had donated $10 million in stock. None of the three answered The Post's questions or explained why they are not recorded as having contributed to the ballroom fundraising campaign. Neither did the Trust for the National Mall or the White House. Kevin Crowe, Samantha Schmidt, Dan Lamothe and Alex Horton contributed to this report. - - - Graphics: Donations by date Major donors Related Content This article originally appeared on Washington Post at https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/secret-documents-reveal-donors-behind-133125519.html
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Leh, Oct 15: Asserting that the development of Ladakh is a top priority for the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said special attention is being given to the youth of the Union territory so that they get quality education, gain opportunities to learn new technologies, and need not to move to other cities any longer. Virtually inaugurating five development projects covering airport infrastructure and strategic road connectivity in Ladakh worth around Rs 3,350 crore, Modi also said the Central government aims to develop modern infrastructure in the region while taking full care of the local environment. Prioritising the educational empowerment of the younger generation so they do not have to migrate to other cities, the prime minister highlighted the construction of a major centre of excellence in Leh alongside advancing proposals for satellite campuses of IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu. These premier institutions will equip local students with advanced research and modern technological skills right at their doorstep, Modi said. Our special focus is on the new generation of Ladakh. The youth of Ladakh will now be able to get better opportunities for higher education, research, and new skills right in their own region, he said. The prime minister said several important development projects were inaugurated on Thursday, which will make travel easier for many people in Ladakh, improve electricity facilities in some areas, increase water availability in others, and strengthen the preservation of our ancient heritage. The projects include a new passenger terminal at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, built for Rs 640 crore. It incorporates geothermal energy to enhance energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint, reflecting the importance of sustainable infrastructure in Ladakh's ecologically sensitive environment. Modi also dedicated to the nation the 298-km-long Nimmu-Padum-Darcha Road, constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), a 9 MW Hanu small hydroelectric project and the 66 kV double-circuit Dah-Hanu-Khaltsi transmission line. Besides, the prime minister also inaugurated India's first Petroglyph Conservation Park at Sindhu Ghat in Leh and 40 water bodies developed across 40 villages under Project Him Sarovar. Today, the development of Ladakh is a top priority for the Central government. I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the people of Ladakh for these projects. I also congratulate all the engineers, workers and local colleagues involved in these projects. I especially appreciate the colleagues of the BRO, Modi said. Addressing a long-standing regional demand for closer judicial access, Modi said the government in August officially approved the establishment of a high court bench for Ladakh, and fulfilling this crucial institutional requirement will streamline both governance and legal recourse for the citizens. This will make the justice system accessible alongside administration, he said. Modi also said that Ladakh has immense potential in sports, with the youth of the Union territory carving out a unique identity in ice hockey, winter sports and mountaineering. The prime minister said he was pleased that efforts are being made to promote sporting talents through the new sports policy in Ladakh. Our effort is to ensure that the youth receive better training and facilities, and achieve new accomplishments at national and international levels, he said. Emphasising the role of digital connectivity in driving modern commerce for hotels, restaurants, homestays and local crafts, Modi detailed the expansion of 'BharatNet' and high-speed internet across the remote pockets of the region. Continuous efforts are underway to ensure seamless access to e-governance, online education for youth, and global market integration for local entrepreneurs, he said. Today, online business is opening new avenues of income, he said. Referring to the new terminal at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, the prime minister said it is the first terminal in India equipped with geothermal heating facilities. The terminal will also bring new energy to the tourism sector in Ladakh, he said. The prime minister also said that more than 40 border settlements are currently being upgraded under the Vibrant Villages programme to stimulate grassroots economic activity. This is creating employment opportunities even in the far-flung villages, he said. Praising the craftsmanship of local artisans and farmers, the prime minister shared how he frequently gifts Ladakhi products to world leaders, including the German chancellor and the Swedish prime minister. He stressed that the government is actively strengthening Pashmina's global identity and expanding market branding for regional goods. Our effort is to ensure that local products get new markets, get better branding, and their benefits reach the producers directly, he said. Expressing optimism for the UT's trajectory, Modi hoped that with collective action, the region will reach unprecedented developmental milestones. Together, we will take Ladakh to new heights of development, he said.
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