Talks between Iran and Gulf countries in Oman postponed in the interests of consensus
The regional meeting to discuss possible agreements on the Strait of Hormuz was scheduled for September 14
Terrors changing face, Indias counter-terror strategy
India has moved from defensive restraint to proactive counter-terrorism
Pakistans westward turn strategic depth or overstretch
Pakistans expanding West Asian role brings influence and opportunity, but also strategic risks
Building consensus: On the 18th BRICS Summit, the New Delhi Declaration
The 18th BRICS Summit pushed for changes in traditional power equations
A rising graph: On the doping culture in Indian sports
Doping is now a deep-rooted culture in Indian sports
Revisiting Kuwaits invasion amid war
The legacy of the invasion extended well beyond 1991, with the war reshaping not only migration strategies but also the social geography of the Malayali diaspora in Kuwait
There were no immediate reports of casualties on any of the trains; the diplomatic train carrying security advisers from several European Union states had purposely left the station at Yahodyn ahead of schedule
The evidence gap in dole politics
Governments often attach lofty social purposes such as dignity and empowerment to cash transfers, but rarely publish the model that links payments to outcomes
Want to 'reset' ties with India, should be done through bilateral discussions: Bangladesh
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said Bangladesh needs to move beyond what he described as an excessive preoccupation with India and approach its relationship with New Delhi in a balanced manner
Pre-booking of photo book on Indira Gandhi launched
730 held for liquor smuggling over 5 months as new excise policy takes shape
ABVP unveils manifesto for DUSU polls; student housing, womens safety top priorities
My earliest memories are of the church in front of my home in Chintadripet
Dr J. Amalorpavanathan, vascular surgeon; former member, State Planning Commission
Jaywalking a menace on OMR, motorists say
Indian missing after attack on Panama-flagged tanker off Oman; MEA says search ops. on
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), condemning the attack as unacceptable, said 13 other Indian crew members of the vessel, MT El Gaia, were rescued
Rana launches 70 Cr development push in Mendhar
Salwah, Sep 13: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday inaugurated completed development projects and laid foundation stones for several new works aimed at strengthening road connectivity, drinking water supply, education and healthcare infrastructure in Salwah area of Mendhar. During his visit to Salwah block, Rana inspected ongoing development works and reviewed their physical and financial progress. He was informed that projects worth around 70 crore are currently under execution in the block. The Minister directed the concerned departments and executing agencies to ensure timely completion of the projects while adhering to prescribed technical specifications and maintaining quality standards. He also stressed regular field-level monitoring and better coordination among departments to address bottlenecks. Among the completed works inaugurated by Rana was the macadamized Nakka Salwah Road, constructed under the Cities and Towns Scheme at a cost of 90 lakh. He also inaugurated a newly constructed school building at Middle School Khorbani Salwah, completed under the CDF Scheme at a cost of 20 lakh. Rana said improved roads, educational facilities and other basic infrastructure were essential for inclusive development and improving the quality of life in rural and underserved areas. He also laid the foundation stone for the Nakka SalwahNar Tarkhana road under the SASCI scheme, estimated to cost 2.40 crore. The road is expected to improve connectivity to educational institutions, healthcare facilities, markets and other essential services. A foundation stone was also laid for a Sub Centre building at Salwah under the District CAPEX Budget at an estimated cost of 45 lakh. The facility is aimed at strengthening primary healthcare services in the area. To augment drinking water infrastructure, Rana laid foundation stones for three Water Supply Schemes under UT CAPEXWSS Pathanteer costing 1.50 crore, WSS Salwah Ghutna costing 89.50 lakh and WSS Salwah costing 6.34 crore. The Minister said ensuring reliable drinking water supply, particularly in rural areas, remained a priority of the Omar Abdullah-led government. As part of the Peoples Participation for a Better J&K initiative, Rana also interacted with local residents, students and other stakeholders at Government Higher Secondary School, Salwah. Residents raised issues related to road connectivity, drinking water, healthcare, education and other basic amenities. Rana assured them that the concerns would be examined on priority and taken up with the concerned departments for appropriate action. He directed officials to maintain close engagement with the public and ensure that development works were implemented transparently, efficiently and within stipulated timelines.
Centre must address J&K alienation, restore statehood: Dr. Farooq
Srinagar, Sep 13: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on Sunday urged the Union Government to take serious and meaningful measures to address what he described as a growing sense of alienation, disappointment and distrust among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that while elections had been held in J&K, the elected government had remained deprived of full powers even after two years, calling the situation contrary to democratic, constitutional and moral principles. Dr Farooq said the decisions taken on August 5, 2019, were a major mistake by New Delhi and urged the Centre to rectify them in the interest of the countrys unity, integrity and democratic system. He reiterated that the Centre would eventually have to restore Jammu and Kashmirs special position, saying the National Conference would continue its struggle for the restoration of the regions constitutional and democratic rights. The NC president also expressed strong resentment over the continued Union Territory status of J&K, saying people had voted for an elected government to run the regions affairs and address their problems. According to him, the existing system has created hurdles for the elected government in providing relief to people and resolving their day-to-day issues. He said the demand for restoration of statehood was aimed at enabling the J&K government to function more effectively and serve the people better. However, he clarified that seeking statehood did not mean the National Conference had abandoned its demand for restoration of special status. Our party will continue, under all circumstances, to struggle for restoration of the constitutional rights that the people of Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed under the Constitution of India. We will not hesitate to make any sacrifice for this cause, he said. Dr Farooq said the National Conference government was making efforts, despite constraints, to provide relief to people, strengthen infrastructure and improve delivery of essential services. He added that NC legislators were regularly engaging with people in their constituencies and working to address their grievances. He reiterated that safeguarding the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir remained the partys foremost priority.
BRICS stand a setback for Pakistan: BJP
Srinagar, Sep 13: Senior BJP leader and BJP J&K spokesman Altaf Thakur on Sunday described the BRICS nations condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and cross-border terrorism as a major diplomatic victory for India, saying the development represented a setback for Pakistan and a warning to those sponsoring terrorism. BRICS nations condemning the Pahalgam terror attack and cross-border terrorism is a big win for India and its foreign policy, Thakur said. In a statement, he said the collective stand of the grouping demonstrated that Indias persistent efforts to expose terrorism before the international community had gained wider recognition. This is a defeat for Pakistans propaganda and a warning to those who believe they can use terrorism as an instrument of state policy. The world is increasingly unwilling to accept double standards on terrorism, he said. Thakur said the acceptance of Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a stronger, more cooperative and secure Global South reflected Indias growing diplomatic influence. PM Modis vision is gaining acceptance across the world. India being seen as the best bet for BRICS is a diplomatic achievement. Our countrys economic strength, democratic credentials and strategic importance have given it a central role in shaping the future of the grouping, he said. He said the BRICS declaration sent a clear message that terrorism could not be justified under any pretext and that those involved in terror activities and their support networks must be held accountable.
Temple tenants urge CM to implement G.O. fixing rents
BJP opposes circular on breakfast scheme
Trump says very negative forces raising exaggerated concerns over AI
Were leading China in AI; were the most sophisticated country in the world, and frankly I want to keep it that way because whoever wins AI wins, said Donald Trump
CPI(M) hits back at WB CM over his comments on partys Durga Puja bookstalls
CM says CPI(M) stalls promote foreign communist leaders while ignoring Indian icons ignoring Indian icons like Swami Vivekananda
Russia strikes Kyiv-Warsaw passenger train: Ukraine, Poland
The strike, just two kilometres (1.2 miles) from the Polish border, came days after U.S. envoys visited Kyiv and Moscow, hoping to revive Washington-led talks on ending Europe's worst conflict since World War II
IAFs Surya Kiran team to perform at Meerut airshow
From the graceful loop and thrilling barrel roll to inverted flying and the iconic DNA manoeuvre, every movement is a spectacular demonstration of precision, skill and seamless coordination, SKAT says in a statement
How to remember grandmothers you barely met
On Grandparents Day, September 13, a granddaughter pieces together the lives of three women she hardly knew
There is no such thing as a UN map with borders: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres
Days earlier India had noted anomalies in a map used by the UN during the Correct the Map resolution
Akash Anand spreading false rumours about my health, says Mayawati
Mayawati said in Lucknow that the expelled party leader had called her personal secretary and asked whether she was unwell.
Nearly 86,000 flee fighting in Yemen: UN
Displacement in Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, has now reached 85,818 people, the International Organization for Migration said in a statement
Malaysian PM sings Kishore Kumar song, wins hearts online
In a social media clip that has garnered over a million views and widely shared, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim is seen singing to a piano tune being played by an accompanist
Ganges Grandmasters beat Alpine Pipers to win maiden GCL title
Unchecked effluents mar the coastline; concern mounts over drainage flows into RK beach
Recent heavy spells and continuous showers exacerbated by low-pressure systems forming over the Bay of Bengal have triggered widespread urban runoff across Visakhapatnam
We also had discussions with the Presidents of Russia and China, which were mostly brief exchanges; a promising outlook for the expansion of economic cooperation is taking shape, said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
Madhya Pradesh: Over 30 tribal children die in Balaghat, many hospitalised
More than 30 tribal children have died in Madhya Pradeshs Balaghat district in recent weeks, while many others have been hospitalised. The exact cause of the deaths remains under investigation, as questions are raised over access to safe drinking water, healthcare and the response of authorities.
GVMC pushes bulk water connections to secure Visakhapatnam supply
Student gifts thread-art portrait to Jagga Reddy, seeks help to resume studies
Powerloom weavers demand hike in wages for free dhoti, saree scheme
Minor girl abducted, sexually assaulted in Coimbatore; police shoot in the leg of one accused
All Woman Police Station Inspector I. Sornavalli is undergoing treatment for an injury on her shoulder after being attacked by one of the accused with a sickle during the recovery of the weapon.
Migrant worker found dead in Perumbavoor, colleague in custody
Tiruppur garment makers, textile mills call for minimum floor price for yarn
BRICS Summit sparks political debate over China, Gaza and vegetarian dinner
The BRICS Summit in New Delhi has sparked political debate over issues ranging from its all-vegetarian gala dinner to Indias approach towards China and the conflict in Gaza. While Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh questioned the government, BJP leaders defended Indias foreign policy. Mehbooba Mufti, Mayawati and CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby also weighed in on the summit and its outcomes.
Vijayawada hospital bags two awards
Putin seeks BRICS grain trade, insurance to fight curbs
Russian President pitches for setting up a dedicated platform for economic growth with the BRICS, says the global stature of BRICS is rising as it has been focusing on charting an independent course
529 child labourers rescued in Bengaluru; 105 cases registered
IGP Kashmir Reviews Security Situation in Sopore, Calls for Intensified CT Operations
Sopore, Sep 13: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Sujit Kumar on Sunday reviewed the security and law-and-order situation in Sopore and directed security forces to step up intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations against terrorists and their support networks. During a security review meeting, the IGP took stock of the prevailing security scenario in north Kashmirs Sopore and assessed the operational preparedness of the police and other security agencies deployed in the area. Kumar emphasised the need to further strengthen intelligence-gathering mechanisms and ensure prompt and effective action against terrorist elements and their associates. The meeting also discussed measures to reinforce naka checking and interception mechanisms to monitor and curb suspicious movement across the area. The IGP called for maintaining a high level of operational readiness, along with greater coordination and synergy among security agencies, to facilitate a swift and effective response to emerging security challenges.
Kochi Corporation to roll out nutrient kits under TB eradication drive
Nutrient kits will be provided to those diagnosed with TB by tapping into Corporate Social Responsibility funds. Camps will be organised within Kochi Corporation limits to trace TB patients and extend treatment to them and their contacts during the first three months after detection.
State to seek 200 crore for underground drainage in Kakinada, says MAUD Minister
Four struck dead by lightning in separate incidents in Palnadu district
CPI(M)s extended Keralam State committee meet begins in Kozhikode
Open debate on a draft report prepared by the State committee on the problems plaguing the party gets under way
Over 6,000 kg of rice, wheat allegedly diverted from ration shops seized in Keralam
Acting on a tip-off, Food and Civil Supplies department officials, with the assistance of the police, searched a locked house in Karali, Parassala, and recovered the grains, allegedly meant for sale on the black market
House burglary case: one held for stealing 40 lakh in gold, silver
Markets bustle with last-minute Vinayaka Chavithi shoppers
Salem organises Yercaud Nam Uyirkadu initiative to spread awareness on how plastic harms environment
Cultural programmes to sensitise the public to the environmental damage caused by plastic waste; people encouraged to use eco-friendly alternatives such as cloth bags; awareness events to cover 120 locations in 10 days
75% of students who tested positive for drugs in Mangaluru now test negative: Police Commissioner
YSRCP accuses Narayana of involvement in waste management scam worth 1,200 crore
Three-day wet spell brings down rainfall deficit to 51.7% in Andhra Pradesh
Rainfall fails to offset monsoon shortfall; Rayalaseema districts continue to reel under severe deficiency
Teachers body seeks increase in rice allocation under mid-day meal scheme in Andhra Pradesh
The existing quantity is insufficient as students are having meals regularly, thanks to the quality of rice and attractive menu, says Andhra Pradesh Primary Teachers Association
Calls for govt. action to tackle kidney disease crisis in Srikakulam
No restrictions on private vehicles during Tirumala Brahmotsavams, say police
Condemning the social media post to this effect, Superintendent of Police Subbarayudu says that a case will be filed on the false campaign, and advises pilgrims not to give credence to such mala fide information
Prolonged dry spell leaves farmers in northern Thoothukudi worried
India should take global leadership in entire value chain of lab-grown diamonds: Amit Shah
Mumbai (Maharshtra) [India], September 13 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah appealed to Indian industry to build the entire value chain for lab-grown diamonds in India, from manufacturing machinery and jewellery production to branding, showrooms and global sales, and establish global leadership in the emerging sector. The 52nd India Gems and Jewellery Awards 2026 ceremony, which felicitates excellence, leadership and remarkable performance in the gems and jewellery industry in India, was organised in Mumbai. Union Minister Amit Shah was speaking as the chief guest at the ceremony. Union Minister Shah said that India has the strength of infrastructure, energy, capital and an enterprising trading community. The global market for lab-grown diamonds is likely to expand on a large scale in the coming period. Therefore, recognising the opportunities in this sector, the Indian industry should increase not only the pace of work but also the scope of business. He said a proposal has been put forth to provide large space and necessary FSI for the gems and jewellery industry in Navi Mumbai. Union Minister Shah also said that the state government is committed to providing all possible help to ensure that this industry does not go out of Maharashtra. In the year 2025, India's gems and jewellery exports have reached Rs 2 lakh 44 thousand crore. The share of this sector in the country's total merchandise exports is 6.3 per cent. About 75 lakh citizens are getting direct and indirect employment from this industry. India has become an important supplier of jewellery for the USA, Middle East, Hong Kong and Europe. India processes more than 90 per cent of the world's cut and polished diamonds. This is an excellent example of the adventure and skill of Indian entrepreneurs. He also said that the industry should explore new markets and business opportunities by utilising the free trade agreements with the European Union, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Oman and the United Kingdom, the state government said. He said that the decision to give long-term income tax concessions to companies trading in rough diamonds in the Special Notified Zone has been an important beginning towards making India a global rough diamond trading hub. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed confidence that the state-of-the-art Gems and Jewellery Park to be set up in Navi Mumbai will generate an investment of about Rs 1 lakh crore and create 50,000 jobs. Chief Minister Fadnavis said that Mumbai and Maharashtra have the largest share in India's gems and jewellery exports. The capable ecosystem created by Bharat Diamond Bourse has given a big boost to the growth of this industry. At this place, about 30 to 35 thousand traders, artisans and employees work like a family every day. Due to their hard work, the trade of this sector has reached 21 billion dollars and is continuously increasing. The state government has formulated a new policy for the gems and jewellery sector in 2025. Along with traditional business, various provisions have also been made in this policy for the industry of diamonds developed in the laboratory, i.e., the 'lab-grown diamond' industry, the state government stated. The state government has made land available for the proposed Gems and Jewellery Park in Navi Mumbai. It has been announced that the work of this project will start from Dussehra. The most modern gems and jewellery ecosystem in the country will be built at this place, which will greatly benefit the state's as well as the country's economy, he noted. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that Maharashtra contributes about 50 per cent to the gems and jewellery export business, and this sector has played an important role in the growth rate of the country's economy. More than 50 lakh jobs have been created through this industry, and an investment of about one lakh crore rupees has been made in this sector. The 52nd India Gems and Jewellery Awards organised by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council included 27 categories. The awards given on Sunday included categories such as highest turnover, highest employment generation, highest tax-paying company, cut and polished diamonds, plain and studded jewellery of precious metals, silver jewellery, coloured gemstones, costume fashion jewellery, synthetic stones and lab-grown diamonds. (ANI)
BRICS Summit concludes: What came out of two days of talks?
The 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi saw leaders discuss global conflicts, trade, AI, food security and cooperation among developing countries. From proposals by Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin to Prime Minister Narendra Modis 15 bilateral meetings with world leaders, heres a look at the key moments and takeaways from the summit.
AIADMK General Secretary EPS questions Vijays London visit
Tamil Nadu bypolls: Left enters fray, five-cornered contest takes shape
KLE Law College wins Al Ameen national moot court competition
BCCI set to discuss contract renewal with Agarkar
Kurnool all set for Ganesh idol immersion amid water shortages, says Bharath
Inspecting the arrangements, the Industries Minister directs officials to make necessary arrangements for availability of water, security, and infrastructure
Tiruchi City Police gear up for procession, immersion of of Vinayaka idols on Sept. 16
Modis bilateral meetings on BRICS sidelines put defence, security cooperation in focus
Prime Minister holds separate meetings with leaders from Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Uganda, Nigeria, South Africa and Burundi on a range of issues that, apart from defence and security cooperation, also include trade, technology and strategic partnerships
Konda couple dismisses speculation over leaving party
Bihar to send 100 professors for training at global institutions, including Oxford: CM Choudhary
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary asks assistant professors to ensure 75% student attendance in colleges
Partial Pink Line opening unlikely to ease Bannerghatta Road traffic, say commuters and experts
While the opening could provide an alternative mode of transport for commuters travelling towards destinations such as Jayadeva Hospital and IIMB, regular commuters believe its impact on road congestion will remain limited as long as the underground section is not operational.
Telangana Police facilitate 139.68 crore refund to 24,189 cyber fraud victims this year
BJP aiming for major communal flare-up ahead of 2028 Assembly polls, alleges KPCC spokesperson
Salem traders claimsluggish sale of Vinayaka idols this year
Traders cite large number of shops selling idols, strict guidelines by authorities and mounting expenses in celebrating the festival as reasons for poor sales; people also prefer small or medium-sized idols to larger, costlier ones for ease of moving them to immersion points
Shivakumar says Kumaraswamy is set to take away power from Ashok, Vijayendra
Unqualified practitioners found treating patients, prescribing allopathic medicines in Hyderabad
Historic Cochin gymnasium rejects Corporations rent proposal
The Corporation secretary has been asked to hear the gym authorities before taking a decision on the matter, says Mayor V.K. Minimol.
Historic Cochin gymnasium rejects Corporations rent proposal
The Corporation secretary has been asked to hear the gym authorities before taking a decision on the matter, says Mayor V.K. Minimol.
Tripura detects 19 illegal de-addiction, mental health rehabilitation centres
State Mental Health Authority issues show-cause notices to 19 unauthorised centres following recent violence at an Agartala rehabilitation facility
Tripura detects 19 illegal de-addiction, mental health rehabilitation centres
State Mental Health Authority issues show-cause notices to 19 unauthorised centres following recent violence at an Agartala rehabilitation facility
Falling groundwater levels spur call for desilting of Chithiraichavadi check dam on Noyyal
Falling groundwater levels spur call for desilting of Chithiraichavadi check dam on Noyyal
SCoR women welfare group organises essay competition for children of railway employees
SCoR women welfare group organises essay competition for children of railway employees
Water crisis damps Vinayaka Chavithi festivities across Vizag apartments
Water crisis damps Vinayaka Chavithi festivities across Vizag apartments
CPI(M) protests hike in Vijaya Dairy milk prices
CPI(M) protests hike in Vijaya Dairy milk prices

