Excise teams seize 123 liquor bottles from Goa, Delhi near Hyderabad airport
Nobel Prize 2026: Experts say the committee, in its process of awarding the prize, typically focuses on the durability of peace, the promotion of international fraternity and the quiet work of institutions that strengthen those goals.
Mayawati takes nephew Akash back in BSP, reappoints him national convenor
In a surprising turn of events, Mayawati has reinstated Akash Anand as the national convenor of the BSP, despite his previous ouster on September 10 for prioritizing personal interests. This is his third removal from a significant leadership role. The reappointment aims to realign with the party's goals and rejuvenate the movement's momentum.
Pentagon officials' heated debates foreshadowed problems in Iran
As Houthi militants in Yemen attacked ships with missiles and drones in the Red Sea early last year, top U.S. officials gathered at the Pentagon to prepare military options for President Donald Trump. Their meetings repeatedly grew tense. On one side were Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, then overseeing U.S. operations in the Middle East, and other hawks ready for action. The general was keen on military action not only against the Houthis, but also against Iran, which had backed the Yemeni paramilitary group for years with weapons and training, according to people familiar with the matter. Like others, they spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal government deliberations. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. On the other side were officials hesitant to launch military strikes so early in the second Trump administration, including the Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., who suggested that new U.S. assessments of what military action might yield would be wise before presenting the president with military options. That triggered an abrupt response from Kurilla, people familiar with the matter said. General, Kurilla said, the time for assessments is over. The exchange, which has not previously been reported, surprised some in the room. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, then new to his role, agreed with Kurilla, people familiar with the matter said. The disagreement came as other Pentagon appointees, including then-senior adviser Dan Caldwell and policy official Alex Velez-Green, repeatedly raised questions in meetings about how an extended military campaign against the Houthis could deplete stocks of key U.S. munitions, the people familiar with the discussions said. That issue has since grown in prominence as the Trump administration burned through its arsenal of cruise missiles and interceptors in a war with Iran that is now seven months old. In recent weeks, the Iranian-backed Houthi militants have launched a new offensive in Yemen, seizing control of the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, reigniting civil war and targeting critical energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. With Irans proxies weakened elsewhere, the group has emerged as the most powerful element of Tehrans Axis of Resistance against the United States and Israel. In March 2025, weeks after the disagreement between the generals, Trump announced Operation Rough Rider, a 51-day bombing campaign against the Houthis that almost immediately was embroiled in scandal when then-White House national security adviser Mike Waltz accidentally invited a reporter into a group chat on Signal, the unclassified messaging application. More than 1,000 targets were hit over the course of Rough Rider, including key Houthi commanders and weapons stocks. But the aerial bombing also resulted in significant civilian casualties, human rights groups said. Trump and Hegseth touted the campaign as a resounding success, but other senior Pentagon officials, including Caldwell and Joe Kasper, Hegseths first chief of staff, questioned whether the campaign had clear and obtainable objectives, the people familiar with deliberations said. The U.S. went on to strike Irans nuclear facilities in Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025 and, along with Israel, launched a sprawling war against Iran this February. A spokesperson for Hegseth, Kingsley Wilson, said in a statement that Rough Rider achieved decisive success against Houthi forces, with U.S. forces launching strikes that severely degraded radar networks, air-defense systems, ballistic-missile and drone launch sites, weapons depots, and production facilities while removing multiple mid- and senior-level commanders from the battlefield. The military action, Wilson added, substantially reduced immediate threats to vital international shipping lanes, compelled a clear tactical shift by the adversary, and helped create conditions for a ceasefire that strengthened freedom of navigation in the region. She declined to comment on the possibility of any future action in Yemen, but she said the Pentagons role is to develop and present military options to the President, and he makes the final choice. The White House and Pentagon both released statements defending the management of weapons stockpiles after The Washington Post shared its reporting that some administration officials had concerns about it before Rough Rider began. U.S. officials have said that while the U.S. military has a deep arsenal of weapons, it is increasingly running low on specific munitions, such as ship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot air-defense interceptors. The United States Military has enough munitions and ammo to serve all of the Commander-in-Chiefs strategic goals and beyond, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly wrote in a statement. Kasper and Caldwell declined to comment, while Velez-Green could not be reached for comment. Kurilla, who retired in August 2025, did not respond to requests for comment about the exchange with Brown or the objectives of Rough Rider. Brown declined to comment through a spokesperson, but a person familiar with his thinking said he did not dispute the account of the testy Pentagon deliberations. Its common, that person said, for a top commander to push for quick military action while the Joint Chiefs chairman considers a wider range of issues, including making sure all necessary plans and requirements are in place and that the presidents options are preserved. Brown was fired and forced into retirement just before Rough Rider, as Hegseth pushed to remove top Biden-era generals. An official with Hegseths office declined to say whether Browns caution about the Houthis played a role, saying that out of respect for our senior military leaders, they do not discuss the nature of their retirements. An abrupt ceasefire The military campaign in Yemen abruptly ended in May 2025 with a ceasefire brokered by Oman. Trump claimed victory and said that the Houthis dont want to fight anymore. They gave us their word that they wouldnt be shooting at ships anymore, and we honor that, Trump said. The end of combat operations, officials and analysts said, came after the Houthis showed remarkable resiliency in the face of American airpower. No U.S. troops were killed during the operation, but the militants shot down at least seven MQ-9 Reaper drones, and U.S. forces lost two F/A-18 fighter jets in mishaps at sea. The operation, people familiar with the effort said, was followed by the administrations near-total abandonment of Yemen. It was like a cord being pulled out of a socket, said a former U.S. official who worked on Yemen issues at the time. Trump wanted to scratch Yemen off the list and move on. When the mission was declared over, the former official said, some in U.S. Central Command, which Kurilla then oversaw, were apoplectic, believing that they had been making progress. A U.S. special envoy position for Yemen issues was never filled by the Trump administration, and Washingtons assistance to the impoverished country was slashed. At the time, the former official said, they warned colleagues: You ignore Yemen at your own peril. Folkloric status The disagreements at the Pentagon about how to proceed on Yemen underscore the competing views in the U.S. government about how to handle the persistent threat the Houthis have posed since they seized power in northern Yemen in 2014. The Shiite militia, which formed in the 1990s, aims to control Yemen, a country of 35 million at the southwest tip of the Arabian Peninsula. From 2015 to 2022, the Houthis, with support from Iran, fought a bloody civil war against Yemens internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. That war ended with a fragile truce that left the Houthis holding large swaths of the countrys north and the government coalition in control of the south. But the group has much larger ambitions, including ousting the U.S. from the Middle East and destroying the state of Israel. April Longley Alley, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, said that Houthis see themselves as the tip of the spear in the Arab world. Dan Shapiro, who served as U.S. ambassador to Israel during the Obama administration, described the Houthis as an enduring problem for decades to come. Were kind of stuck with this bad actor on this maritime choke point, able to activate and try to use their position or leverage at the moment of their choosing, said Shapiro, who later became a Pentagon official during the Biden administration. After the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, the Houthis started firing missiles at Israel in retaliation for the resulting military campaign in Gaza. That is when the Houthis took on an almost folkloric status, said Tim Lenderking, the U.S. envoy to Yemen during the Biden administration. It really bolstered their standing and their brand in the Arab world, he added. But the Houthis took it too far, he said, firing on U.S. and Israeli ships, killing international mariners and disrupting the flow of commercial traffic in the Red Sea. The Biden administration launched military strikes against the Houthis beginning in January 2024. The Houthis appeared undeterred. Trump launched Rough Rider on March 15, 2025. A few days later, he declared that tremendous damage had been inflicted on the Houthi barbarians and would get worse. Its not even a fair fight, and never will be, Trump wrote in a social media post. They will be completely annihilated! Unclear objectives, mounting costs The costs and questions quickly mounted. Over the course of the operation, estimated at more than $1 billion, the Houthis continued to target U.S. warships in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways. U.S. forces struck a migrant detention center in Yemen in April 2025, reportedly killing more than 68 civilians and injuring dozens more, according to Human Rights Watch. The operation also was dogged by the Signalgate scandal, in which senior Trump administration officials, including Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, communicated about Rough Rider in a group chat that accidentally included Atlantic journalist Jeffrey Goldberg. The revelation was especially damaging for Hegseth, who had shared specific, advance details about how the bombing would begin through the unclassified Signal app. A review by the Pentagon inspector general released in December found that Hegseths actions created a risk to operational security, though the secretary of defense and his team claimed total exoneration. The Trump administration began looking for an exit from Rough Rider after just a couple weeks into the bombing campaign, said Alley of the Washington Institute. There had been an assumption going into the campaign that you could go in and coerce the Houthis with overwhelming power to change [their] behavior. But Trump lacked a clear exit strategy, Alley said, so when Oman - long a mediator in the region - approached the administration saying that the Houthis wanted a truce, Trump took it. One of the people familiar with internal deliberations at the Pentagon said that the abrupt end to Rough Rider bolstered the belief among internal critics that the offensives objectives were never clear in the first place. It almost seemed, this person said, that Trump had buyers remorse. The deal, Trump said at the time, was simple: The Houthis would stop firing at U.S. ships if the U.S. stopped firing at the Houthis. We hit them very hard and they had a great ability to withstand punishment, Trump said in announcing the ceasefire. You could say there was a lot of bravery there. They rebuilt it all Yemens Saudi-backed coalition government was supportive of Rough Rider and caught off guard when it ended, according to a Yemeni official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. The Trump administration did not read the situation strategically, said the official. They just wanted a quick win. It was not long, the person said, before the Houthis rebuilt everything. In recent weeks, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked oil infrastructure and military bases in Saudi Arabia, which also saw its key East-West oil pipeline attacked by Iraqi militias. As Saudi Arabia - long a key U.S. ally - faces its biggest threats in years, it has confronted Trumps unwillingness to get more involved and looked to new partners for help in confronting the Houthis. Nadwa Al-Dawsari, a Yemeni researcher and conflict analyst, said the Trump administration never should have seen the truce as a win. The Houthis have learned how to use negotiations, ceasefires and truces as a tactic to preserve their power, rebuild their capabilities and prepare for the next round of conflict, she said. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam said that Rough Rider sparked widespread resentment regarding the U.S. and led to an influx of volunteers. Yemen, he said in a written statement to The Post, is known as the graveyard of invaders. Anyone who has attempted to colonize or occupy the country, he said, has left burdened by woes, sorrow, failure, and defeat. Trump struck a conciliatory tone in recent weeks when talking about the Houthis, saying last month in Ireland that the Houthis called us, and they dont want to fight us. Everything will work out very well, he said. The Yemeni official said that they fear the Trump administration still does not understand the threat that the Houthis pose, noting that the group is already working extensively with al-Shabab in Somalia and have clearly stated intentions to push the U.S. out of the region and destroy the state of Israel. The lesson I learned over the past 10 years is to take the Houthis seriously, the official added. I am not sure if the United States learned the same lesson. Alley said that Trumps decision last year to forge a truce with the Houthis had the unintended consequence of showing the militant group the limits of Trumps willingness to escalate - giving them additional room to maneuver. Trump may be done with the Houthis, she said, but the Houthis are not done with Trump. Susannah George contributed to this report. Related Content This article originally appeared on Washington Post at https://washingtonpost.com/world/2026/10/05/pentagon-dispute-trumps-first-war-foreshadowed-iran-challenges/
Philip Morris India and Litterati collaborate to address littering through evidence-based solutions
Philip Morris India has launched a 12-month anti-littering initiative in Delhi with Litterati. This project aims to analyze littering patterns using community science and AI technology. Insights will help implement targeted solutions for waste management and behavior change in identified areas. Previous anti-littering efforts included a successful campaign that removed substantial waste from public spaces. The initiative aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission's goals for cleaner urban environments.
Healthy Weight Loss: How Much Should You Lose and Why Losing Too Much Body Fat Can Be Risky
Weight loss and fitness have become major goals for many people, especially those trying to improve their health, appearance or physical performance. While losing excess weight can offer health benefits for some individuals, there is an important point that often gets overlooked: having less body fa...
Tom Bradys Unexpected Fashion Rise Continues As The NFL GOAT Embraces Luxury Style
Tom Bradys post-NFL life is taking a stylish turn as his Gucci runway debut and $300,000-plus Rolex add a new luxury side to the NFL GOATs growing public image.
Amitabh Bachchan has spoken about his struggle to find enough time for sleep amid his busy professional schedule. The actor, who continues to juggle his television commitments with film projects, shared his late-night thoughts on his personal blog, reflecting on the importance of sleep and his plans to get some rest before another early day at work. Amitabh noted that sleep is widely considered an important part of the bodys recovery process, but admitted that finding enough time for it can be difficult. He wrote: .. they said the night sleep is the best repair mechanism of the human body .. and I struggle to fine the time to follow that .. The actor also reflected on the feeling of going to bed early with the intention of waking up for work the next morning. According to him, such moments are often accompanied by several thoughts and ideas, along with the motivation to work towards goals that have been pursued for a long time. He further wrote: But tonight is a try .. nw to retire early and be p for a earlt wake for work it is a different feel .. a state of many thoughts and ideas .. all filled with drive and a sense of conquering all that was once considered as a goal that gives immense power to run to ts destination , in time and I must run to the bed. On the work front, Amitabh Bachchan is currently seen hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati. The Hindi adaptation of the British quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? features contestants answering multiple-choice questions, with lifelines available to help them when they are unsure about an answer. The actor was last seen in Vettaiyan, directed by T. J. Gnanavel. He is also associated with filmmaker Nag Ashwins Kalki 2898 AD sequel, which features Prabhas and Kamal Haasan. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world and follows a group of people attempting to protect a woman who is pregnant with Kalki, described as Lord Vishnus 10th and final avatar, from the powerful Yaskin. Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Geeta Agrawal Sharma talks about playing a dementia patient in Vajood Rahe Maujood; director Keigan Pinto says, Geeta ji is the Amitabh Bachchan of female actor today!
The one-off GOAT kit Lionel Messi will wear for his final Argentina appearance
Including a pair of subtle goal horns. The post The one-off GOAT kit Lionel Messi will wear for his final Argentina appearance appeared first on Planet Football .
We didn't okay Form 6 changes, let's see who did it: SC
The Supreme Court stated it has not approved any modifications to Form 6, used for electoral roll inclusion, during the Special Intensive Revision. This observation came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging alleged unilateral decisions by the Chief Election Commissioner regarding changes to Form 6 and electoral roll revisions in states like Goa and West Bengal, without the concurrence of his colleagues. The court issued notice on the plea, highlighting concerns over collective decision-making within the Election Commission.
'Form 6 modification not approved by us', say SC; seeks EC's response
New Delhi, Oct 5: The Supreme Court on Monday said that it has not approved any modifications to Form 6 being used by the Election Commission (EC) during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in various states. Form 6 is an application through which an eligible person seeks inclusion in the electoral roll. A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana said, Any modification to Form 6 has not been approved by us. Let's be clear. When records are produced, we would like to see who has modified it. The bench was hearing a PIL filed in wake of a recent Indian Express report, which claimed that two of the three Election Commissioners had objected to decisions related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, including changes to Form 6 relating to the applicant's ancestry and a link to previous SIR. The bench told senior advocate Maneka Guruswamy, appearing for petitioner Shailendra Mani Tripathi, who has challenged the decisions, guidelines and software changes allegedly made by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar without the concurrence of his two colleagues, that the prayers in his PIL appear to be jumbled up. During the hearing on Tripathi's PIL, Guruswamy said there were no infirmities in the petitioner's PIL and raised concerns over changes made to Form 6, which is used by eligible citizens to apply for inclusion of their names in electoral rolls. The EC issued a press release on September 26 suggesting that the Supreme Court had upheld the Form 6 declaration in the May 2026 judgment relating to Bihar SIR. The bench issued notice on Tripathi's plea and tagged the matter with another PIL filed by Patna resident Rakesh Kumar Singh on the issue. Tripathi's plea, filed through advocate Chand Qureshi, has alleged that the CEC's actions violate the statutory requirement of collective decision-making. The plea also seeks initiation of criminal proceedings against the CEC and other officials for breach of official duty. Divested of any statutory or constitutional immunity, the Chief Election Commissioner remains directly accountable under the law -- subject to police investigation, evidence gathering, and regular trial proceedings as an ordinary accused, the plea states. Tripathi cited the provisions of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023, particularly Section 18, which provides for decision-making by the EC and says that where there is a difference of opinion, the view of the majority prevails. One of the main issues the plea raises is the alteration of Form 6, which the people use to register as voters. It alleges that the requirement relating to ancestral details and link with the previous SIR was introduced through the election panel's software without the statutory amendment required under the electoral rules. According to the petition, the two election commissioners other than Kumar objected to the change and asserted that the prescribed form could not be altered without following the statutory procedure. Issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order, or direction declaring all decisions, guidelines, directives, and software modifications initiated, approved, or implemented under CEC Gyanesh Kumar without full commission concurrence or contrary to the majority opinion of the Election Commissioners as unconstitutional, ultra vires, and void ab initio, the plea says. Concerns over the handling of electoral roll revisions in Goa and West Bengal were also mentioned in the plea, which alleged that the software lacked the feature to restore 97 eligible electors in Goa despite directions for their verification. In West Bengal, the petitioner claimed that more than 16.10 lakh appeals were filed in the EC's name against voters whose names were restored by judicial officers. The other two election commissioners and the West Bengal chief electoral officer were not aware of these appeals, nor did they authorise them, the plea claims.
Pawan Khera of Congress criticised the Aam Aadmi Party for its attacks regarding defections to the BJP. Khera emphasised that AAP had also experienced significant defections, highlighting their hypocrisy. He noted the failure of the BJP government in Goa regarding employment opportunities and law enforcement issues. Additionally, Khera discussed the removal of many voters from the electoral roll ahead of the upcoming elections.
Hyderabad: Nora Fatehis latest Paris outing has given fans something other than her fashion choices to discuss. A brief glimpse of her phone screen has put her personal life back in the spotlight, bringing a familiar name into the conversation: Moroccan footballer Yassine Bounou. The actress and dancer, who previously described the goalkeeper as a 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 .
'I had only one goal that is to win trophies, says Abhishek on his impact-first approach
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS) Abhishek Sharma has credited the freedom provided by his teammates and coaches for allowing him to embrace an aggressive, impact-driven approach, saying his ambition has never been centred on personal milestones but on helping India and his teams win trophies. The 26-year-old, who was part of Indias ICC Mens T20 World Cup-winning side, discussed his playing philosophy ahead of the new home season against the West Indies. Abhishek traced the development of his mindset to his domestic cricket days, when he began placing greater emphasis on influencing matches rather than chasing individual numbers. When I started, I thought that I have to play in a way that I can play impactful innings for my team. That started from my Punjab team in domestic cricket and we won the domestic T20 competition in 2024. From there, I feel, a mindset developed that I dont have to chase milestones, because thats not in your hands. Whats in your hands is how much impact you can make. That is how I want to play, no matter what opposition we are playing. As an individual, I never had this urge that I should achieve this, achieve that. I had only one goal that I have to win trophies. I feel that you need a lot of support from the team, the management, the coaches, the captain, because they know how you play. I feel they have helped me quite a lot, the entire team, not just the support staff, even the players as well, senior players. So now, like it has happened for me when I was new, the new players should also get that freedom, they should feel that they belong here. So, I really enjoy that when I talk with Vaibhav or with other young players, Abhishek told JioStar. That backing, according to Abhishek, has been crucial in allowing him to play without being constrained by the pressure of reaching specific statistical targets.
PM Narendra Modi Meets Swiss President Guy Parmelin to Accelerate Trade, Investment & TEPA Goals
Turtle doves, Cicada bugs, migratory birds arrive to announce Kashmirs golden yellow autumn
Digital Desk | Srinagar, Oct 5 (IANS) Turtle doves picking fallen grain from Paddy fields, Cicada chirping on willow trees and the cackle of migratory birds in the night sky, these are all indications that Kashmirs golden yellow season of plentyautumn has arrived. Farmers have gathered their Paddy crop and apples are being picked by the orchardists, grapes, Nadrus (Lotus stems)', Sweet Chestnuts and vegetables are aplenty in the markets. The sky is now a clear blue and the fear of cloudbursts, thunderstorms, hail etc is over. People love to bask in the early sunshine although the days are still hot. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.2 degree Celsius on Sunday, marking the city's second-highest October temperature on record. This exceptional reading, driven by an unprecedented autumn heatwave, surpassed the previous October high of 31.1 degree Celsius set 18 years ago on October 2, 2008. Despite the day heat, mornings and evenings are getting cold as locals wear a layer of warm clothes in the evenings. The turtle doves have come down from the mountains to feed on fallen grain in the harvested Paddy fields. They have to gain enough weight before they brave their flight to the plains to ward off the winter cold. Cicada bugs are chirping on willow trees as their natural camouflage makes them absolutely indistinguishable from their surroundings. The cackle of migratory birds in the night sky announces the first flight of these avian visitors to the Valley. Thousands of these birds including bar-headed geese, mallards, Pochards, shovelers, Pintails, Wigeons, Sheldrake ducks, teals etc spend their winters in the water bodies of Kashmir to ward off the extreme cold of their summer homes in Russian Siberia, China, Japan, Philippines and Eastern Europe. The hardy goatherds called the Bakarwals are now moving down from the highland meadows of the Valley with their families. They are going with their flocks of sheep, goats, watch dogs and load carrying horses to their homes in warmer Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua and Reasi districts of Jammu division. The life of the Bakarwals is an enduring lesson in bearing hardships to graze their flocks in the meadows during the summer months. The Bakarwals move lock, stock and barrel to the meadows during the summer months. Women carrying infants wrapped in a loose cloth around their back, utensils, clothes, bedding etc are loaded on the horses as the long journey to the plains starts for these families. The diet of these families is a dieticians prescription for keeping oneself fit. They take milk, cheese, ghee in plenty as they lead an active, hardworking life. It is rare to see an obese Bakarwal male or female. They are lean sturdy souls although signs of some sedentary life and economic prosperity are showing in the protruding bellies of the elders left behind to tend for homes during the summer months. Hundreds of labourers belonging to Bihar, West Bengal, UP and other states working as brick layers, masons, carpenters, electricians and labourers in orchards and Paddy fields have started moving down to their homes as the bitter winter cold becomes difficult for them to bear. Days have started ending early and beginning late as markets, streets and workplaces start closing after the sunset. Vegetable markets are full of locally grown turnips, spinach, tomatoes, brinjals, potatoes, etc. Interestingly, despite the availability of these local vegetables, their rates are higher than those brought in from outside the Valley, a paradox difficult to decipher for the common Kashmiri. The leaves of the majestic Chinar trees have started turning yellow from deep green. These leaves then turn into brilliant shades of yellow, amber, gold, orange, and a striking blood-red before falling in the winter. The water in rivers, mountain streams and springs is crystal clear as far off mountain tops acquire a tinge of white due to early snowfall. For the nature loving tourists and locals, autumn is the best time to see Kashmir in all its natural glory and brilliance.
All the goals from the Women's Super League - matchweek five
Watch every goal from matchweek five of the Women's Super League 2026-27 season.
India nears cold-storage goal, but first-mile gaps remain: Ficci-GT Bharat
With 40.22 million tonnes of cold storage capacity, India is near its long-term target, but three-quarters is used for potatoes and losses remain high before produce reaches the first cold point
2027 polls: AAP alleges bid to break 'Goa First' alliance, asks ally GFP to clarify stand
Aam Aadmi Party has raised concerns about potential conspiracies aimed at undermining the 'Goa First' alliance. The alliance, formed with the Goa Forward Party, seeks to exclude Congress and BJP from political collaboration. AAP state president Valmiki Naik urged GFP leader Vijai Sardesai to choose between political partners or the interests of Goa's citizens. Naik criticised the historical patterns of defections within Goa's political landscape over the years.
Klein Curaao restored native plants after removing goats and cats, aiding nine bird species
Zinc Football Academy's (ZFA) goalkeeper Sonam Ghosh has earned another major milestone in her young career after being selected in India's 23-member U-17 squad for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.
Messi vs Ronaldo: Two GOATs, two very different endings
Messi's farewell is therefore about closure. Ronaldo's is still a negotiation. After nearly 20 years of rivalry, that may be the most revealing difference of all.
Portugal Advances to UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals with 2-1 Victory Over Norway
Portugal secures a spot in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals by defeating Norway 2-1, thanks to Gonalo Ramos late goal. Portugal Advances to UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals with 2-1 Victory Over Norway
Eetha: Shraddha Kapoor dances in a red saree in viral BTS clip from sets
As the buzz around Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha continues to grow, a new BTS clip from the sets of the film has now surfaced online. In the clip, Shraddha, who plays lavani artist Vithabai Narayangoankar, is seen performing a dance sequence
MHA Orders AGMUT Segments to Report FIRs, Arrests Against Officers Within 48 Hours
SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all segments of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre to report within 48 hours any FIR, arrest, adverse court order or action by an investigating agency against officers of the IAS, IPS, DANICS and DANIPS. The directions cover cases involving agencies including the Central Bureau of Investigation, []
Ronaldo's Portugal return possible? Coach Jesus clears the air
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has left the door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return after the 41-year-old left the squad last week. Jesus said the decision is Ronaldos, while federation president Pedro Proenca backed the captain and called the episode a misunderstanding. Ronaldo remains Portugals record scorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
PIX: Portugal in Nations League quarters after all-win record
Title holders Portugal defeated Norway 2-1 in the Nations League, securing their place in the March quarter-finals with a perfect record. Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal, further highlighting the team's success despite Cristiano Ronaldo's recent departure from the squad. Other Nations League results included Denmark beating Wales, the Netherlands overcoming Serbia, and Greece drawing with Germany.
Holding Up the Mirror: Reflective Practice for Teacher Professional Growth
While attending the three-day programme at RIE Ajmer on Experimenting Reflective Practices for Augmenting Teachers Professional Competencies as per NPST, I found myself reflecting on a simple but important question: How often do we, as teachers, actually stop to examine our own classroom practice? As a classroom teacher and teacher trainer, I have increasingly felt that teaching cannot be reduced to completing a lesson, covering the syllabus or conducting an assessment. If our purpose is to ensure that the teaching-learning process achieves the desired learning outcomes to the optimum level possible, we have to look beyond the act of teaching itself. We have to look at what happened after we taught. That requires reflection. Teaching needs a pause The routine of classroom teaching can easily become repetitive: plan, teach, assess and move on. In this cycle, we may not always pause to ask what actually happened. A reflective teacher asks: What worked well? What did not work? Why did it happen? Which learners benefited? Who struggled? What could I have done differently? What should I focus on next? These are not questions of fault-finding. They are questions of professional learning. Student assessment gives us important evidence, but it cannot always tell us everything about our teaching. A learner's performance is influenced by prior learning, individual differences, motivation and the learning environment. The teacher, therefore, also needs to examine his or her own decisions, strategies and interactions. The question changes from Why did my students not learn? to What does this evidence tell me about my teaching? That shift is significant. Competencies need to be visible in practice The National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) provides a national framework for teacher quality, defining expectations and competencies at different levels of expertise and stages of a teacher's career. NCTE describes progression through Proficient, Advanced and Expert levels. For me, these should not be seen merely as labels. They can become a professional mirror: Where am I now, what evidence supports my understanding, and what do I need to do to grow further? The six competencies that formed the basis of our reflective work offer meaningful areas for this self-examination: planning lessons with clear objectives and sound content understanding; addressing learner diversity; promoting student engagement; applying assessment for, as and of learning; integrating ICT meaningfully; and integrating content knowledge with pedagogy. Each competency can be converted into a question. Planning: Am I planning for learning or merely for completion? Learner diversity: Am I providing meaningful opportunities for different learners? Engagement: Are students actually thinking, questioning, creating and collaborating? Assessment: Am I using assessment to improve learning, or mainly to record it? ICT: Is technology adding value to learning? Content and pedagogy: Do I merely know my subject, or do I know how to make it learnable? When such questions become part of everyday teaching, professional standards move from a document into classroom practice. A small reflection from my own classroom One of my reflections concerned the competency Promote student engagement in learning. While teaching the classification of triangles, I noticed that students struggled to differentiate and classify triangles when learning relied mainly on textbook diagrams and verbal explanations. This made me reconsider my approach. I decided to move towards more hands-on, collaborative and experiential learning, using simple activities such as constructing triangles with sticks or straws, sorting triangle cards, identifying triangular shapes in the surroundings and discussing findings in groups. The challenge was not simply to find an activity. It was to make the activity meaningful for diverse learners, manage time, ensure participation and address misconceptions. The reflection therefore led to a professional goal: to incorporate more activity-based geometry learning and examine its impact on student understanding. For me, this illustrates the real value of reflection. A classroom difficulty need not end with the conclusion that students are weak. It can instead lead the teacher to ask, What can I change in my teaching? Reflection needs evidence Reflection becomes stronger when it is based on evidence. Student work, classroom observations, assessment responses, learner feedback, peer feedback and lesson records can all help a teacher examine practice more honestly. But evidence should not be limited to marks. A learner who repeatedly remains silent, a misconception that keeps appearing, an activity that generates participation but little understanding, or a question that most learners cannot answer can also provide valuable evidence. I would put it simply: Reflection without evidence can become perception; reflection supported by evidence can become professional learning. From reflection to action The reflective framework provides a practical sequence: Evidence Focus of Reflection Challenges Perceived Future Professional Goals The important part is what comes next. Reflection should lead to action. If questioning is dominated by recall, we can experiment with higher-order questions. If some learners remain disengaged, we can try differentiated or collaborative approaches. If assessment reveals persistent learning gaps, we can reconsider our teaching strategy rather than simply record the results. The cycle becomes: Experience Evidence Reflection Self-introspection Challenge Professional Goal Action New Evidence Further Reflection. This is how reflection becomes reflective learning. From individual reflection to professional culture Reflection need not remain an individual exercise. Peer discussion can help teachers see what they may have missed themselves. Sharing classroom experiences, discussing challenges and examining alternative approaches can make professional learning richer. A school should ideally become a place where teachers can comfortably say: This worked. This did not. I am not sure why. I tried something different. What could I do differently next time? Such a culture can strengthen peer learning, mentoring, collaborative planning and action research. The progression envisaged in NPST also reminds us that professional growth can extend beyond improving one's own classroom towards supporting and contributing to the professional learning of colleagues. The real purpose: better learning Ultimately, reflection is not about producing another document or finding faults with teachers. It is about improving what happens between the teacher and the learner. A reflective teacher continually asks whether planning, pedagogy, engagement, assessment, inclusion, technology and subject knowledge are working together to produce meaningful learning. Perhaps the most important question after a lesson is therefore not: Did I teach well? but: What did this lesson teach me about my teaching? For me, this is where the idea of the teacher as a lifelong learner becomes real. Experience becomes professional learning only when it is examined, questioned and used to improve future practice. When teachers learn to hold up the mirror to their own practice, reflection becomes more than a professional exerciseit becomes a pathway to better teaching, deeper professional competence and, ultimately, better learning for every child. (The Author is a teacher and columnist and can be reached at: abuaalim@gmail.com)
Teachers shape future of society, nation: Sakeena
Srinagar, Oct 04: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Sunday said that teachers are the cornerstone of the education system and play an indispensable role in shaping the future of society and nation. The Minister was addressing a one-day Mega Teachers Conference on the theme Roles, Rights and Responsibilities of Teachers, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum (JKReTTF) at SCERT Bemina here. The conference witnessed participation of a large number of teachers besides senior officers of the School Education Department. Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo appreciated the contribution of the teaching community towards nation-building and acknowledged the dedication of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, particularly those who have rendered their services in remote, far-flung and difficult areas of Jammu and Kashmir. She said that the contribution of teachers who served under the Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme has been instrumental in extending education to areas where educational facilities were once either inadequate or non-existent. When the Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme was introduced, perhaps no one could have imagined that schools in many remote areas, which were once closed or without adequate teaching facilities, would become functional and vibrant centres of learning. The children educated in these schools have gone on to achieve their goals, and the credit for this transformation goes to our teachers, the Minister said. Sakeena Itoo maintained that the Government recognizes the immense contribution of teachers and would continue to take steps to strengthen their dignity, professional standing and welfare. A teacher is not merely an employee of the Education Department; a teacher is the person who creates the future of our society. We cannot claim to build a strong and progressive Jammu and Kashmir unless we ensure that our teachers are respected, heard and empowered, Sakeena Itoo remarked. The Minister assured the teaching community that the genuine issues raised during the conference would be examined with due seriousness and that the Government would make every effort to address them within the applicable rules and procedures. I want to assure you that the Government has worked for you and will continue to work for you. The issues and demands placed before me today are genuine and deserve consideration. We will listen to your concerns, examine them and take them forward so that the hopes of our teaching community are not disappointed, she said. Referring to the role of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in supporting the concerns of the teaching community, the Minister said that the Governments commitment towards teachers was reflected in the resolution recently passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on issues concerning the teaching community. The Chief Minister has, on every appropriate occasion, spoken about the concerns and dignity of our teachers. The resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly was not an act of favor, it was an expression of our responsibility towards the teaching community, she said. Sakeena Itoo said that she had personally taken up the matter of the Assembly resolution after receiving representations from teachers, adding that she had ensured that the commitment made before the teaching community was translated into a formal legislative resolution. I had promised you that we would bring this issue before the Assembly, and I was determined to fulfil that commitment. I did not want the promise to remain merely an announcement. I wanted the resolution to be brought before the House, discussed and passed. I am satisfied that this commitment has now been fulfilled, she stated. Sakeena Itoo said that the resolution has provided an opportunity for members of the Legislative Assembly to deliberate upon the importance of teachers and the issues confronting them. The discussion in the Assembly once again demonstrated how important our teachers are for Jammu and Kashmir. Members cutting across the House spoke about the contribution of teachers and the need to safeguard their legitimate interests. The time available to the House was limited, but the sentiment was clearthat the teaching community deserves our respect and institutional support, the Minister said. The Minister further stated that the Government was not making commitments merely for the sake of announcements, but was working towards taking issues to their logical conclusion. My approach has always been that an announcement should be followed by action. I do not believe in making commitments here and leaving them unattended. Wherever an issue requires action at the level of the Department, the concerned Director or the Government, we are pursuing it through the proper process, she said. On the demand for a comprehensive transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, Sakeena Itoo said that the process was already at an advanced stage. The transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers is almost ready. We had placed the draft in the public domain so that suggestions could be received from all stakeholders. The suggestions received are now being examined and we are making efforts to incorporate whatever is feasible within the policy framework, she said. Sakeena Itoo informed that several issues raised by the teachers require action at different levels, including the concerned Heads of Departments and the administrative authorities, and that the process for examination and disposal of such matters was already underway. The Minister also urged the teachers and their representatives to ensure that all requisite service records and supporting documents were properly compiled and submitted to the concerned authorities. Sometimes, genuine cases get delayed because the required documents are not available on the file. I request our teachers and their representatives to ensure that all documents relating to promotion, service matters and other issues are properly compiled and submitted to the Department. This will help us process cases efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays, she said. Sakeena Itoo reiterated that the Government would continue to engage with the teaching community and work towards resolving genuine and long-pending issues through a structured and time-bound process. Wherever we have to raise our voice for our teachers, wherever we have to stand with them and wherever their legitimate interests have to be represented, we will do so. We will not shy away from our responsibility, she asserted. The Minister also emphasized that empowerment of teachers must go hand in hand with professional accountability and commitment towards students. Rights and responsibilities go together. While the Government remains committed to protecting the legitimate rights and dignity of teachers, I also expect every teacher to continue discharging his or her responsibility towards students with dedication, compassion and professionalism, she said. She called upon the teaching community to remain committed to the larger objective of providing quality education to children, particularly those belonging to disadvantaged and remote areas. Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani also addressed the conference and appreciated the contribution of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers in strengthening the education system across Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the dedication of teachers serving in challenging and far-flung areas and underscored their role in ensuring access to education for children in remote communities. On the occasion, the leadership of the Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum presented a comprehensive memorandum to the Minister, highlighting various issues concerning the welfare and professional advancement of teachers. The representatives of the teaching community also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo for the resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly concerning the issues of teachers. They said that the decision had strengthened their confidence in the Governments commitment towards addressing the genuine concerns of the teaching community.
Goat thieves arrested after encounter in Azamgarh
US and Man Citys Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest international goalscorer
Sullivans goal came after teenager Julian Hall, 18, had given Mauricio Pochettino's side the lead in Mexico friendly. US and Man Citys Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest international goalscorer
Tripura govt preparing master plan to modernise urban local bodies: CM Saha
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 4 (IANS) Two months ahead of the elections to 21 urban local bodies in Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday said that the state government is preparing a master plan to modernise municipal bodies and civic infrastructure across the state. The Chief Minister, while inaugurating the newly constructed two-storey ward office of Ward at Pratapgarh under the Agartala Municipal Corporation, said that while the government is implementing the Smart City Mission in Agartala, it has also prepared a master plan to create state-of-the-art infrastructure in all Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council areas of the state. The ward office was constructed at a cost of Rs 97.43 lakh. He said the main objective of the government is to ensure that every section of society benefits from development and improved civic services. That is why the government, rising above politics, is implementing various development programmes and delivering services to the doorsteps of the people, he said. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision is to accelerate development by ensuring that government facilities reach the last person in society. Keeping that goal in mind, the present state government is providing various government services to the last person in every part of the state, Saha said. The Chief Minister said substantial development work aimed at providing modern civic facilities has been undertaken in Agartala in recent years. Apart from providing safe drinking water to the doorsteps of the people, a lot of work has been done in various fields, including construction and repair of roads, improvement of the citys drainage system, provision of pucca houses, creation of alternative employment opportunities and expansion of healthcare services, he said. Saha said development would reach every citizen irrespective of political affiliation and that Agartala has witnessed a major push in urban infrastructure. He said safe drinking water projects worth Rs 112 crore have been implemented under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, while 48 flats have been constructed for economically weaker sections and construction of two more flats is underway. So far, 16,000 families have been provided with safe drinking water under the AMRUT 2.0 project, the Chief Minister said. A number of other programmes will be implemented under AMRUT 3.0. Sixty-five projects have been implemented across Agartala city under the Smart City Mission at a cost of Rs 581 crore, he said. Saha said the government is implementing various schemes with emphasis on infrastructure development in the Agartala Municipal Corporation area as well as the beautification of the city. Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, Municipal Corporation South Zone Chairman Abhijit Mallick and AMC Commissioner Saju Wahid were also present.
Iran tells U.S. there is no military solution to Middle East war
Ships anchored off the coast of Musandam governorate in Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday (-) Iran's top diplomat insisted on Sunday that there would be no military solution to the United States' war against the Islamic republic, with talks on ending the conflict apparently at an impasse. A campaign of heavy bombardment failed to bring a decisive close to the war launched by the US and Israel in late February, and Washington in recent weeks has dialled back military operations in favour of economic pressure. The main point of contention remains Iran's attempt to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for Gulf oil and gas where a UK maritime agency reported on Sunday another tanker was struck by an unknown projectile. If our enemies again choose the path of military confrontation, our response will be stronger than before, and we will defend ourselves with even more force, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at a gathering of foreign ambassadors. There is no military solution, nor any solution based on new sanctions, he continued, adding only negotiations based on justice and fairness could end the conflict. The two sides agreed a memorandum of understanding in June that spelled out a framework for a permanent resolution, but Iranian attacks on vessels in the Hormuz prompted a return to US military operations. Iran has sought to impose its control over the vital shipping lane since the start of the war, striking vessels that attempt to transit without its authorisation. The US has imposed its own counterblockade of Iranian ports, and has also struck vessels it accuses of violating it. On Sunday, the British maritime security agency UKMTO said a tanker in the Hormuz reported being struck by an unknown projectile, causing damage to the engine room, though the crew were reported safe and no environmental impact was recorded. The agency did not specify the date of the incident, the vessel's origin or destination, or whether it was an oil tanker or LNG carrier. - Focused on Hormuz - Iranian and US officials last week held indirect talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with Tehran saying it presented seven conditions for reopening the strait. Iran has demanded, among other things, a ceasefire across the Middle East, the unfreezing of its assets abroad, the lifting of sanctions on its oil sector and an end to the US naval blockade. Trump, however, rejected the proposal, while leaving the door open both to further talks or renewed military operations. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Sunday that the US had expressed its views on the proposal and said they were being reviewed. The Americans, through intermediaries, have also conveyed their views on this proposal, and these views are currently being examined inside the country through the relevant channels and procedures, he told reporters, according to state news agency IRNA. Whenever the final position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready, appropriate steps will be taken accordingly. At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran is also preparing itself for any other possible scenario. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday characterised the latest US counterproposal as being in line with their previous proposals concerning nuclear issues. We have clearly indicated that we are focusing on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, he said, adding that reopening the waterway required an end to the disruptions to Iranian commercial maritime traffic and the lifting of sanctions. The United States and Israel have said the war is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons -- a goal it has long denied pursuing -- though the focus soon shifted to reopening the Hormuz after its closure sent shockwaves through world energy markets. The United States has not struck Iran since September 1, but it has recently pursued a fresh military buildup in the region. US media outlet Axios reported that Washington hasdeployed additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to help protect key energy facilities from possible Iranian retaliation. It also reported that the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its strike group were heading to the Middle East, where they could join two other US carrier strike groups already in the region. Axios reported that top Trump cabinet members met Friday to discuss the war in Iran, as well as the conflict in Yemen, where the Tehran-backed Houthis have been fighting government forces and attacking Saudi Arabia. ap-sbr/smw/axn/jfx/amj This article originally appeared on AFP at https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/iran-tells-us-no-military-094635228.html
No Pass, No Goal: Bhagwant Mann's Hockey Jab At Punjab Congress. New Chief Pargat Singh
I hope his team members also pass him the ball, because without a pass, no goal can be scored, Bhagant Mann said.
US tech entrepreneur with deep India ties seeks Raja Krishnamoorthi's Illinois seat (IANS Interview)
Digital Desk | Chicago, Oct 4 (IANS) Jennifer Davis was still in college when she and her husband started a technology company, and decades later, the business had hundreds of employees, substantial operations in India and had given the Wisconsin farm girl an intimate view of immigration, entrepreneurship, and the Indian American experience. Now, the Republican and first-time political candidate wants to take that experience to Congress. Davis is running for Illinois' 8th Congressional District seat being vacated by Indian American Democrat Raja Krishnamoorthi, who has represented it in the Congress for a decade. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Davis laid out an unusual political biography: the sixth of nine children, a mother of 10, a technology entrepreneur, a longtime employer in India and a political newcomer who says the Congress needs lawmakers who understand artificial intelligence, data centres, blockchain, and the rapidly changing technology economy. She also spoke about H-1B visas and immigration, President Donald Trump, government debt, online threats to families, and the Indian American community that has become an important part of the district. Davis grew up on a farm in Wisconsin. Her parents also owned an auto repair business, where she got her first paid job. She later went to university to study education, Russian history, and English. Politics existed at home, but across party lines. My dad was a Democrat, my mom was a Republican, she said, recalling a period when such political differences within a family seemed less consequential. Her original plan was to teach. Instead, she and her husband started a technology company while she was still in college. By graduation, the business was established enough that teaching no longer made financial sense. Davis remained in the company for her career. The business expanded to India in 2002, initially opening an office in Kolkata and later moving its operations to Hyderabad. Her husband had initially gone to India looking for consultants. Davis recalled that he soon reached a different conclusion. I know what the problem is, that we were trying to buy labour, but instead we need to invest in people, she quoted him as telling her. They established their own operation. By the time the company was sold to private equity in 2019, Davis said it had about 240 employees. She estimates that 300 to 400 people worked for the business over its history. Davis remained in an operating role until January 2023 and then served as a board member until April 2025. Her relationship with India, she said, consequently developed long before she entered politics. I really fell in love with the culture when we started to go to India, she said. Indians made up the majority of employees in her business, she said. Davis described personally helping Indian employees and their families move to the United States, meeting them at airports, and helping them find familiar grocery stores and settle into their communities. When we ask a lot of questions, and we become curious, we become -- it doesn't seem foreign anymore, she said. And you become a friend instead of a foe or an adversary. And we don't have to focus on what makes us different. We can focus on what makes us the same. Davis' personal story is also defined by a large family. She and her husband have 10 children, seven biological and three adopted, and seven grandchildren. Her youngest child is now 19. Davis said that gave her the time to contemplate something she had never seriously considered before running for public office. The decision began taking shape in January 2025. Eight of her 10 children have left Illinois, she said, and their departure sharpened her concerns about taxes, politics and the opportunities available to the next generation. You have two choices when you complain about something: you either need to be quiet or do something about it, Davis said. The opening created by Krishnamoorthi's departure presented that opportunity. Davis said a congressional seat also suited her professional background because of the growing importance of immigration and technologies including AI, data centres, and blockchain. We have people in Congress that don't have those skills, and Congress is supposed to represent the people, she said. 261004_0925 Her first campaign priority, she said, is economic. Davis talks about affordability but argues it cannot be separated from government debt and the role government plays in either encouraging or obstructing opportunity. Her second major emphasis is technology. She has written a white paper proposing what she calls a Digital Dome, based on the argument that while America has formidable military defences, ordinary families remain vulnerable to threats entering their homes through digital devices. Our bedrooms and our, you know, our phones are being invaded every single day by predators, Davis said. She said parents and grandparents often lack the expertise or tools to respond, creating a responsibility for government. Davis also contends that too few members of Congress possess substantial technology experience, something she believes becomes increasingly consequential as lawmakers confront AI and other emerging technologies. 261004_0925 Perhaps more striking for a Republican seeking a Democratic-held seat is Davis' assessment of the man she hopes to succeed. Raja's represented me for the last decade, and I feel like he's represented the district very well, she said. After deciding to run, Davis said she met mayors across the district and asked what Krishnamoorthi had done that they appreciated and what they wished he had done differently. Regardless of what the letter is behind his name, if he did a good job serving the people, then that's what I should, you know, that's the thing I should emulate, she said. Davis acknowledged that she has not studied Krishnamoorthi's voting record in detail. But based on conversations with local officials, she said, I think that he, they were happy with his performance. Krishnamoorthi's Indian heritage also makes the transition particularly significant in a district with an established Indian American population. Davis argues that her decades of professional and personal engagement with Indians give her an understanding of some of the community's concerns. Immigration is near the top. What's going on right now with the H-1Bs is really hard and not really fair, she said. She also raised the difficulty international students can face in moving from education to employment in the United States. There is not a good transition from a student visa to the work permits, Davis said. We have to create a really strong pathway to citizenship for people who want to create an American dream. Davis said Indian Americans have demonstrated how immigrants can become deeply invested in the country, and identified education, immigration and political representation among issues particularly important to the community. That's why Raja was so important to them because they felt like one of their own was there representing them, she said. I'm obviously not Indian, but I hope because of my background that I will, you know, serve them well and, you know, be able to represent them. Davis also rejects the idea that being the Republican candidate requires automatic agreement with Trump. Everybody always asks me, like, 'Are you gonna be a rubber stamp for Trump?' she said. Davis compared political agreement to marriage, saying that after decades with her husband she still does not agree with him on everything. To me, I think that the things that he does well, we should support, and the things that we disagree with, we should disagree with, she said. But we have to have a country where we can have civil discourse about the things we agree, agree and disagree on. She said she was very, very happy that the border is closed, while adding: I am very dissatisfied with what's gone on with immigration as a whole. Davis was also cautious in assessing Trump's actions involving Iran. I don't know if what Trump did was right or wrong, she said, arguing that the full consequences could only be judged over time. Was Trump's timing right, how he did it right, all of these things? I don't think any of us know, and history will only tell whether it was right. If she reaches Congress, Davis already has an idea of where she wants to work. Small business is her first choice. Indian Americans are such entrepreneurs, and that's another reason why they're near and dear to my heart, because I love the entrepreneur, she said. Her company had about 3,500 customers, she said, almost all entrepreneurs. Energy and commerce is another preferred assignment, particularly because of AI, data centres, technology and the pressure they place on America's energy infrastructure. Davis said financial services would be her third choice, citing her experience with blockchain and cryptocurrency. For now, her days are consumed by campaigning. Davis said she has personally knocked on thousands of doors and made thousands of calls. Her campaign set a goal of holding 100 small meet-and-greet events. She is also undertaking what she calls the Ride the Line Bike Tour, cycling along the boundaries of the district to make a point about gerrymandering. Davis said she is riding 211 miles around the district o demonstrate to people what gerrymandering looks like and how it really is stealing the vote of the people. The race pits Davis against Democrat Melissa Bean for an open seat that Krishnamoorthi has represented since 2017. Bean previously served in the US House from 2005 to 2011, representing an earlier configuration of Illinois' 8th Congressional District. Krishnamoorthi's departure leaves open a seat with a substantial Asian American and Indian American presence. For Davis, the contest is also an attempt to translate a career spent building a technology company, working with India and navigating immigration and entrepreneurship into a first term in elected office.
SLBC tunnel project moves beyond geological challenge: Uttam Kumar Reddy
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 4 (IANS) Marking a decisive breakthrough in Telangana's Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project, the excavation has moved beyond a major geological challenge, paving the way for additional equipment deployment and improved operational efficiency while maintaining rigorous safety standards, state Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said on Sunday. The minister held a marathon review with elected representatives and senior officials from the three districts of erstwhile Nalgonda on the implementation of key irrigation projects, including the SLBC tunnel. The project is expected to deliver over 30 TMC of water to the regions parched upland areas, helping end the perennial scarcity they have faced. The minister commended the efforts of officials and the workforce engaged in the arduous task. Successful passage through the precarious shear zone marked a significant advance in the project, he said. Uttam Kumar Reddy pressed for the deployment of additional equipment, improved excavation cycles and close safety monitoring. He sought a credible, closely monitored programme to achieve the June 2028 water-delivery goal. He directed officials and the contractor to build on the progress through the difficult geological stretch while safeguarding crews working more than 20 km inside the tunnel. Eight workers were killed during the excavation of the tunnel in February, 2025. The project team reported an advancement of about 700 metres over the preceding five to six months, comprising approximately 450 metres from the outlet and 250 metres from the inlet. This included carefully negotiated passage through the major shear zone, overcoming formidable geological, technical, and logistical challenges. The 43.968-km main tunnel was reported to be approximately 79 per cent complete, with about 9.1 km of excavation remaining. Col. Parikshit Mehra, an Indian Army tunnel expert spearheading the tunnel operations, said that excavation at the inlet had deliberately been slowed during the initial months because of weak ground, rock bursts and the need to prevent another accident. The diversion around the point where the tunnel-boring machine had become stuck had taken the working face through particularly poor geological conditions. To negotiate the unstable stretch, the team installed 140-mm seamless pipes to form an umbrella canopy, providing protective support ahead of excavation. Reinforced ribs, staged excavation, probe drilling, and additional support measures helped control risks as work advanced. Improving rock conditions were enabling a return to normal working conditions deep inside the tunnel. Uttam Kumar Reddy pressed for sustained progress supported by timely equipment deployment. The project team reported a current combined advance of about eight metres a day, with a sustained rate of seven to seven-and-a-half metres daily. Progress had reached ten metres on one or two days. A three-arm drilling boomer was already operating at the outlet, where progress was reported to be close to the required pace. Another three-arm boomer was expected at the inlet in October. Electric loaders and advanced excavators were also supporting construction operations. A locomotive ordered from Germany is expected by the end of October. Its deployment is expected to improve the removal of excavated material and shorten the construction cycle. Hauling material over distances of up to 21 km remained a major constraint. When removal fell behind, excavated material accumulated inside the tunnel, eventually forcing work at the face to stop until the backlog was cleared. The team reported that a construction cycle previously taking about 48 hours had been reduced to 2024 hours. With improved equipment and faster material removal, it is anticipated to bring the cycle down to about ten hours and accelerate progress from late October or early November. MPs K. Raghuveer Reddy and Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, MLAs Mandula Samel, K. Jaiveer Reddy, Vemula Veeresham and Anil Kumar Reddy, MLC Shankar Naik; Irrigation Secretary E. Sridhar; Engineer-in-Chief O. V. Ramesh Babu; and the Collectors of Suryapet, Nalgonda, Yadadri-Bhongir and Mahabubabad participated in the meeting.
Pakistan conducting strikes in Afghanistan to avoid Mecca agreement commitments: Report
Digital Desk | Islamabad, Oct 4 (IANS) Pakistan has portrayed its airstrikes in Afghanistan as actions taken in response to militant attacks and threats allegedly originating from Afghan territory, but the increasing civilian death toll and its still worsening security situation spark serious questions over its claims, while the action is also seen as a bid to avoid the commitments it faces under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as well as divert attention from Army chief Asim Munir's failure on the security front, a report said. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that at least 10 people were killed and nine others were injured in Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan on October 1. Taliban have said that three civilian homes were hit in Pakistan's airstrikes. However, Pakistan claimed that attacks targeted hideouts belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), according to a report in Afghan news agency Khaama Press. The airstrikes in Afghanistan were reported a week after Pakistan carried out strikes in Khost, Paktia, and Kandahar on September 24, claiming the lives of four civilians. As many as three people were killed in Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan's Kunar and Paktika on September 21. Islamabad has repeatedly described its attacks as deliberate, precise, and proportionate, presenting them as necessary responses to militant attacks and threats allegedly originating from Afghan territory. Yet the growing civilian toll and continuing deterioration of Pakistans own security situation raise serious questions about that justification, Ankit Kumar said in the Khaama Press report. These strikes appear to serve two additional political goals for Islamabad that go beyond its stated counterterrorism strategy against the TTP: avoiding the difficult commitments Pakistan faces under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement and diverting attention from Field Marshal Syed Asim Munirs failure to contain the worsening security situation inside Pakistan, he contended. On August 7, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. Under the pact, an attack on any one country would be considered an attack on all three nations. The agreement reflected the shared commitment of the three nations o further strengthen their collective security and to promote peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond, in pursuit of a secure and prosperous future, according to a statement released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On September 8, Houthis launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. On September 9, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that action against Saudi Arabia could make the Mecca agreement operational. Pakistan's rhetoric became stronger in the coming days as senior military officials vowed to stand with Saudi Arabia against aggression, while Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, said that any threat to Mecca or Medina represented a red line. However, strong rhetoric is not the same as sending troops or entering war in the Middle East, according to the Khaama Press report. Pakistan's second motive behind carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan is Munir's failure to contain the worsening security situation in Pakistan. The security crisis in Pakistan has deep political, social and historical roots, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former tribal areas. Pakistan cannot use carrying out airstrikes across an international border as a substitute to address those grievances, the report maintained.
Trump names Jay Clayton as AI czar: Where he stands on AI safety
President Trump on Sunday named Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as his new AI czar, adding a different category of intelligence, the artificial kind, to the U.S. spy chief's portfolio. In a post on Truth Social , Trump said Clayton will lead a newly formed Super Intelligence Force alongside Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor. The group will report directly to Trump and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Its goal, Trump wrote, is to ensure that America continues to lead the World in Super Intelligence, which many say is bigger than the Industrial Revolution, and the Internet, and will protect the interests, and improve the lives, of all Americans. Clayton will keep his job as DNI, which oversees the nation's 18 intelligence agencies. Trump's announcement follows meeting last Tuesday at the White House where top AI executives signed what he called a morally binding agreement to police themselves in order to prevent their increasingly powerful models from going rogue and harming humanity . There's a belief that there should be tremendous self-regulation, the president said at the meeting. This is going to be all for the good, and we're going to have it be nice and safe. Despite new polls showing that 86% of Americans want AI companies to meet independent safety standards even if doing so slows development with 74% largely mistrusting the leaders of those companies Trump insisted in recent days that federal regulations are unnecessary and that those who say otherwise are Conspiracy Theorists, Treasonists, Traitors, and Leakers . The only control or 'guardrails' that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades! he wrote on social media . Elsewhere, Trump has said that regulation would handicap the U.S. in its race to win AI. Whoever wins AI ... that's the group that wins, Trump told the United Nations General Assembly last month . We're leading now over China by a lot and everyone else, and we're going to keep it that way. According to the Guardian , Trump's previous AI and crypto czar, billionaire tech investor David Sacks, consistently counseled the president to give a soft touch to AI regulation, helping push executive orders and other measures aimed at loosening restrictions on the technology. Sacks also maintains direct financial stakes in multiple AI companies, the paper reported, though he took steps to divest some of his holdings last year while serving in the administration. He stepped down in March. Will Clayton follow Sacks's lead? Or will he chart a new course? Here's what we know so far. Who is Jay Clayton? Clayton, 60, is a registered independent with degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (engineering, law) and the University of Cambridge (economics). As a lawyer in private practice, he focused mostly on Wall Street: mergers and acquisitions, market offerings and regulatory proceedings. During Trump's first term, from 2017 to 2020, Clayton chaired the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. From March 2021 to April 2025, Clayton served as chair and lead independent director of the board of Apollo Global Management . (Apollo has owned a 90% majority stake in Yahoo since September 2021.) In late 2024, Trump nominated Clayton to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, his first prosecutorial job; Trump later appointed Clayton to serve in an acting capacity after New York Sen. Chuck Schumer blocked his appointment. Reports suggest Clayton was also considered for roles as secretary of the treasury, attorney general and director of the Central Intelligence Agency. In November 2025, Trump ordered the Department of Justice to investigate Democrats associated with Jeffrey Epstein, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi assigned Clayton to lead the probe . After former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigned in May 2026, Trump tapped Clayton to replace her. He's very qualified, Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said at the time . But Clayton sidestepped questions over who won the 2020 election during his July confirmation hearings, and he was confirmed without Democratic support. I'm not an election denier, Clayton told the Senate. He went through our processes, and Joe Biden became the president of the United States. What has Clayton said about AI? During his DNI confirmation hearings, Clayton described AI as a game changer , warning that it represents not only an opportunity but a threat. We should just all recognize that, he continued. When something is both an opportunity and a threat, you better get your arms around it. On Tuesday, Clayton attended Trump's White House meeting with top AI executives. Speaking afterward to CNBC, he used the president's new preferred term for AI i.e., superintelligence while pushing back against lawmakers who have called for regulating or pausing U.S. AI development. Super intelligence is a national security issue, and that was something that was recognized yesterday by not just the industry leaders but everybody in the room, Clayton said. But to, in some way, not try to drive forward inside the United States, with companies that are regulated in the United States ... to somehow say we should back away from this and let the rest of the world develop these models and implement these models? I don't think anybody in that room, and I don't think any American, should think that that's a good strategy. Asked to respond to criticism from Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts that Trump's current policy of letting AI companies police themselves will prove to be a recipe for disaster, Clayton suggested that the U.S. government's existing regulatory framework could also help keep AI in check. My response to the American people on that front is we have a Federal Trade Commission, we have a Department of Justice, Clayton said. I know the leaders of both those organizations, and they're committed to protecting the American people in this regard. What will Clayton do as AI czar? According to Trump's post, the Super Intelligence Force will coordinate the federal government's dealings with AI companies, infrastructure providers, consumers, public interest groups and religious organizations, CNN reported . Last month, Trump wrote on social media that he would be announcing, in the near future, the AI 'Czar.' Only High I.Q. individuals need apply! he added. In the same post, the president again dismissed concerns about AI safety as a hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Democrats. He also wrote that going forward, his administration would not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry, which he described as the next Industrial Revolution, or Internet only even larger and more impactful. Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows! Trump explained. As for reining in bad actors, he wrote, we can do that, very easily, with our already existing Criminal and Civil Justice System. Clayton, it seems, will now be in charge of cherishing, helping and watching over the AI industry as it grows. He's a good man, Trump told Axios when the outlet asked last week if Clayton was being considered for the job . He's right here. That's a good idea. It's unclear what happened to a separate idea Trump floated last month, which he called the AI Force. I am forming the AI Force, much like I did Space Force , which has been a tremendous SUCCESS, in my First Term, Trump wrote in his September social media post about naming an AI czar. According to Axios , Trump's AI Force idea caught advisers by surprise, setting off a mad dash within the administration to imagine what AI Force would look like. What did Trump's previous AI czar do? When Sacks served as AI czar, he repeatedly persuaded the president and his administration to resist new AI restrictions, including state laws to limit AI . Since leaving the White House, Sacks has maintained close ties with the president, according to the Guardian, and in May, he successfully urged Trump to scrap an executive order that would've subjected AI models to government review. The Wall Street Journal recently reported the Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles were caught off guard and unhappy with Trump's decision after they spent months negotiating to increase oversight of AI and had consulted a range of industry executives on the order. According to the Journal's sources, Wiles told others that Sacks had persuaded Trump to back down in a last-minute call, leaving Bessent worried that AI-led cyberattacks could wreak havoc on the nation's banking system. This article originally appeared on Yahoo News at https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/article/trump-names-jay-clayton-as-ai-czar-who-is-americas-new-artificial-intelligence-chief--and-how-will-he-address-growing-safety-concerns-152448937.html
Teachers play key role in shaping future of society, nation: Sakeena Itoo
Srinagar, Oct 4 : Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Sunday said teachers are the cornerstone of the education system and play an indispensable role in shaping the future of society and the nation. She was addressing a one-day Mega Teachers Conference on Roles, Rights and Responsibilities of Teachers, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum (JKReTTF) at SCERT Bemina here. The conference was attended by a large number of teachers and senior officers of the School Education Department. Appreciating the contribution of teachers towards nation-building, Itoo particularly acknowledged the services of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers who have served in remote, far-flung and difficult areas of Jammu and Kashmir. She said the Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme played an important role in extending education to areas where educational facilities were earlier inadequate or non-existent. The children educated in these schools have gone on to achieve their goals, and the credit for this transformation goes to our teachers, she said. Itoo said the government recognised the contribution of teachers and would continue to take steps to strengthen their dignity, professional standing and welfare. A teacher is not merely an employee of the Education Department; a teacher is the person who creates the future of our society, she said, adding that Jammu and Kashmir could not progress without respecting and empowering its teachers. The minister assured the teaching community that the genuine issues raised during the conference would be examined seriously and addressed within the applicable rules and procedures. Referring to the recent resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on issues concerning the teaching community, Itoo said it reflected the government's commitment towards teachers. She said she had personally taken up the matter after receiving representations from teachers and ensured that the issue was brought before the Assembly. The resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly was not an act of favour, it was an expression of our responsibility towards the teaching community, she said. On the demand for a comprehensive transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, Itoo said the draft policy was at an advanced stage. She said the draft had been placed in the public domain to invite suggestions from stakeholders and the suggestions received were being examined for incorporation wherever feasible. The minister also urged teachers and their representatives to ensure that all required service records and supporting documents were properly compiled and submitted to the concerned authorities to avoid delays in processing service-related cases. Itoo stressed that teachers' rights must go hand in hand with professional accountability and commitment towards students. Rights and responsibilities go together. While the Government remains committed to protecting the legitimate rights and dignity of teachers, I also expect every teacher to continue discharging his or her responsibility towards students with dedication, compassion and professionalism, she said. Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani also addressed the conference and appreciated the contribution of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers in strengthening the education system across Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the services of teachers working in challenging and far-flung areas and underscored their role in ensuring access to education for children in remote communities. On the occasion, the leadership of the Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum presented a memorandum to the minister highlighting various issues concerning the welfare and professional advancement of teachers. Representatives of the teaching community also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo for the recent Assembly resolution concerning teachers' issues.(KNS) ,
SC to hear pleas seeking suspension of CEC on Monday
The Supreme Court is set to hear pleas challenging Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's alleged unilateral decisions without the concurrence of other election commissioners. The petitions seek his suspension and question actions like altering voter registration forms and handling electoral roll revisions in Goa and West Bengal, highlighting concerns over the multi-member character of the Election Commission.
England's seven-goal spree sends message to Euro rivals: Kane
Harry Kane scored twice in England's impressive 7-0 victory against Croatia during the Nations League match. This win illustrated England's potential ahead of co-hosting Euro 2028 and demonstrated their attacking style. Manager Thomas Tuchel's approach emphasized relentless play, contrasting with previous defensive strategies in major tournaments. Kane is poised to equal Peter Shilton's record for caps, highlighting his ongoing contributions to the national team.
Viksit Bharat By 2047 Is Within Reach, Says Shaktikanta Das; Names 5 Key Priorities
India can sustain its growth momentum towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal by focusing on AI, a deeper financial ecosystem, strategic self-reliance, sustainable development and human capital, Shaktikanta Das said.
Yemen Presidency Announces Military Drive To Retake All Houthi Territory
The announcement sets an ambitious goal for the embattled government, which recently lost large swathes of the country's Red Sea coastline and areas around the Bab al-Mandab Strait -- a chokepoint for international shipping -- after a lightning offensive by the Iran-backed Houthis
India U17 men share spoils with Myanmar in first friendly
Digital Desk | Thanylin (Mayanmar), Oct 4 (IANS) A spirited fightback saw a goal down India U17 mens national team restore parity and draw 1-1 with Myanmar in the first friendly match at the StarCity Sports Club in Thanlyin, Myanmar, on Sunday. The hosts opened the scoreline through Aung Myat Thar in the 42nd minute, before the Blue Colts drew level from Dallalmuon Gangte's penalty in the 73rd minute. After the initial enthusiasm and exuberance displayed by both sets of very eager boys, it was Myanmar who took the lead much against the run of play. Allowed a deep run from the top of the box, Aung Myat Thars first attempt was blocked by defender Abhishek Kumar Mondal. But the ball rolled onto his path and the Myanmar striker produced a firm, low right-footer which squeezed between the outstretched legs of goalkeeper Maroof Shafi. In fact, till then Shafi had ruled the 18-yard box effectively and never allowed the Myanmar strikers any liberties. Except for a couple of shots skimming the crossbar, they did little to trouble the goalkeeper. But just a minute after trailing, Mehrajuddin Wadoo's side almost restored parity when the tall striker Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi outjumped everyone and headed into the centre a lob from Maldino Singh Yumnam from the right but goalkeeper Wai Yan Htet did well to turn it over the bar as Myanmar kept their lead at the break. After resumption, the Blue Colts showed a lot of urgency and launched a series of attacks in search of the equaliser. But the deep-lying Myanmar defence stood firm. Skipper Gangte did a fine job in midfield. He controlled the pace of the game, switched attacks to either flanks and initiated a few good moves as well. With Lawmsangzuala and Kamgouhao Doungel providing super support, the Indians came close to scoring often. As the clock ticked away, the raiders intensified. Gangte had a couple of tries blocked. In the 72nd minute, he barged into the box on the left but was brought down by Htoo Lwin Han. Gangte took the award and placed firmly to substitute goalkeeper Shin Thant Htoos right to restore parity. Despite dominating the game thereafter, the Indians were denied the winner by the stubborn home team defence. The second friendly fixture between the two sides is scheduled to be played at the same venue on Wednesday.
FSSAI orders recall of Everest cumin powder batch over excess pesticide residues
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said on Sunday that it has directed the recall of a batch of Everest-brand pre-packed cumin powder after laboratory tests found pesticide residues beyond the permissible limits, leading to the product being classified as unsafe under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. According to an FSSAI notification, the affected batch was found to contain residues of the pesticides azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum limits. The regulatory sample of the pre-packed cumin powder was collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt. Ltd. in Goa for testing. A regulatory sample of Pre-packed Cumin Powder was drawn from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt. Ltd., Goa. The food analyst's report found pesticide residues of Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum limits, the food regulator stated. The Food Analyst declared the sample UNSAFE under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it added. FSSAI said the product's manufacturer was given an opportunity to appeal against the findings of the food analyst. Following the appeal process, the sample was referred to a Referral Food Laboratory, which confirmed the earlier findings that the product was unsafe for consumption due to the excessive pesticide residues. Based on the laboratory findings, the food regulator ordered the immediate recall of the entire affected batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder bearing Batch No. E080668761 from the market. The regulator has also directed the food business operator (FBO) to maintain complete records of the recalled products and submit the required recall information and status reports within the stipulated timelines. Additionally, the company has been asked to implement corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and submit a compliance report upon completion of the recall process. The FBO was provided an opportunity to appeal against the Food Analyst's report, following which the sample was referred to the Referral Food Laboratory. The Referral Food Laboratory confirmed that the sample was UNSAFE, as Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam were found above the prescribed maximum limits, the regulator stated.
Already Investing Through SIP? A Step-Up SIP Could Help You Build a Bigger Long-Term Corpus
Starting a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is an important step towards disciplined investing, but simply continuing with the same monthly contribution for decades may not always be enough to keep pace with rising income, inflation and changing financial goals.Many investors begin a SIP with an amo...
We're expecting strong scores. The post Can you name Germanys top 20 goalscorers of all time? appeared first on Planet Football .
High commands decision final on alliance, says new UP Cong chief amid seat-sharing concerns with SP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Amid the ongoing seat-sharing deadlock between Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, newly appointed state Congress president Aradhana Mishra has said the decision regarding the alliance will be taken by the party's high command. Mishra stressed that the INDIA bloc was formed at the national level and decisions concerning the alliance, whether at the state or central level, would be taken by the national leadership. I would like to reiterate that the INDI Alliance does not form alliances at the state level; it is formed at the national level. The national leaders of all the parties that are part of the alliance came together on one platform to form this alliance. Whatever decisions are taken, whether for the states or at the Centre, regarding the alliance will be decided by the national leadership, she told IANS. Her remarks come amid uncertainty over seat-sharing arrangements between Congress and the SP in Uttar Pradesh, where both parties are part of the INDIA bloc and are expected to coordinate their strategy against the BJP in the 2027 Assembly polls. Mishra said the Congress remained committed to the alliance, Congress stands with everyone. We have upheld the principles of alliance politics, and we will continue to do so. I would like to say that our goal today is to remove the corrupt and unsuccessful Bharatiya Janata Party government in 2027 and form an alliance government, she said. The UP Congress chief also spoke about Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Satyagraha portal, drawing a parallel with Mahatma Gandhis Satyagraha against British rule. Satyagraha was started by Mahatma Gandhi against the British. It was a movement that united the country. Today, another Gandhi has started this movement, and the circumstances are the same. Today, the countrys democracy and Constitution are under threat. The way Rahul Gandhis Satyagraha movement is gaining popularity makes it clear that things Rahul Gandhi said earlier, which people did not accept at the time, are now being understood, and people are relating to his views... Mishra said. She also reiterated Congress demand concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise had led to the deletion of a large number of names from voter lists. A resolution to this effect was passed by our highest body, the CWC, and we demand that the process be stopped immediately. In the name of SIR, a large number of names have been deleted from the voter lists, affecting the election process. This happened when two members of the three-member Election Commission made serious allegations against their own Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, she said. Mishras comments come as Congress seeks to strengthen its organisation in Uttar Pradesh while maintaining the broader opposition alliance ahead of the crucial 2027 Assembly elections.
3rd ODI: 'It Was Important For Me To Get Some Batting Time,' Says Rahul On His Century
Cricket World Cup: KL Rahul said his unbeaten 129 in the third ODI against the West Indies was as much about gaining valuable time in the middle as it was about the runs, with India using the bilateral series to sharpen their plans for the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2027. Speaking after Indias 2-1 series win, Rahul said the long innings was important as he continues to work on the demands of batting in the middle order ahead of next years global tournament. Rahuls century came in a match India eventually lost as the West Indies chased down 352, denying the visitors a series clean sweep. Despite that disappointment, the wicketkeeper-batter saw value in spending an extended period at the crease, particularly after limited opportunities to construct a long ODI innings from the middle order earlier this year. Happy to have scored 129 runs but disappointed that we couldnt clean sweep the series. Had we done that, then the happiness level would have been at the peak. Nonetheless, I wanted to spend more time with the bat out there in the middle and the last time I really got to bat for a long duration in ODI cricket, in the middle-order was in early January this year against New Zealand, and since then I havent really got a lot of time to play a long innings. And next year is a big one, with the World Cup starting in October, so its important for me to get valuable batting time because off the field Im trying a few things and I want to test that in the game. And only then will you know whether the work that youre putting behind the scenes is working or not, or what I need to do differently. So yeah, it was important for me to get some batting time, so Im happy about that, Rahul told JioStar. The innings also offered Rahul an opportunity to work on one of the more demanding aspects of his current role. Having spent much of his career at the top of the order, the batter has had to adapt to conditions that can become increasingly difficult for middle-order players as an ODI innings progresses. He pointed specifically to the behaviour of the older ball and the difficulties it can create for batters attempting to attack in the final overs. Its very different, but Ive been doing this role for the last 6-7 years. In the last year and a half, since the ball change rule has happened, its been very different. Its not been easy to get 80-90 in the last 10 overs. The balls been getting reverse swing, and even in this game, once the ball got old and soft, and started to reverse swing, as a batter you dont feel confident enough to take on the long-on and deep mid-wicket fielder if its a big boundary on that side. Ive always batted top of the order, and I like the hard ball coming onto me, I can use the pace. So thats something Ive been working on, trying to play with softer, older balls and being able to hit sixes with that. So, thats something Ive worked on. I constantly try to get better within my own game, understand my role, understand what a number five and number six batter has to do to consistently put up performances for the team, he added. The 2027 World Cup remains more than a year away, but Rahul said the current series are already providing the match situations needed to test Indias plans and personnel. All these series on the road to the World Cup are a good opportunity to get some game time in the middle. We dont want to go too far away from the plan but also experiment a little bit as a batting unit. The goal so far has been about can we score 330-340 while batting first, but were seeing that 340s and 350s get chased down very easily in one-day cricket. So how can batters, once set, keep pressing on and get 370s and 380s, or push for 400 on a given day. The 2027 World Cup remains more than a year away, but Rahul said the current series are already providing the match situations needed to test Indias plans and personnel. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India played their part well and made it difficult for us: Ancelotti
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 4 (IANS) Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti carried genuine appreciation for the way India attempted to counter-attack and contributed to what he considered an entertaining and competitive contest at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. India made five-time world champions Brazil work hard before the Selecao showed their quality and pulled away to a 4-0 victory on Saturday with Estevao and Pedro scoring before half-time and substitute Samuel Lino striking twice after the break. India played their part well. They tried to play their game; they defended, they were organised, they tried to play counter-attack. I think that they played a good game. We had difficulty opening the score, but the moment we opened the score with Estevao, we had more opportunity to control the game better, Ancelotti was quoted by AIFF. Although Brazil kept a clean sheet, Ancelotti admitted that India managed to expose spaces during a few counter-attacks. The Italian also pointed out that Brazil fielded a defensive combination that had not previously played together. I think we defended well. We could have defended better if we had a couple of chances in the counter-attack, but I think for us it's important not to concede a goal, he said. Obviously we have to improve some mechanisms in defence, but we had a new defence that never played together, so maybe not everything was perfect. Again, the message is that we are happy to be here. We tried to do our best; we tried to show our best quality to all the people who love Brazil and love football, and I hope they enjoyed the night. India remained compact during the opening stages and attempted to threaten Brazil through quick transitions. While Morisco had little to do for much of the first half, India tested the Brazilian goalkeeper through Ryan Williams and Manvir Singh after the restart. Reflecting on the overall contest and the atmosphere created by 51,000-odd spectators, Ancelotti said, We feel good. It was a good experience. I think it was a good game, entertaining, with good intensity, and India did their part. The friendly also allowed Ancelotti to assess several members of Brazils emerging generation. He made extensive changes during the second half as the Selecao concluded a three-match international window that had begun with two fixtures against Australia.
US firm offers to supply Ukrainian drones to Pakistan triggering regional security concerns
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 4 (IANS) Powerus, an American defence company with close ties to the family of US President Donald Trump, shot into the limelight last week when it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pakistani Army and offered Islamabad access to Ukrainian drone technology which has serious implications for regional security. Within six months of being set up, in October last year, Powerus acquired three small firms and started manufacturing unmanned aerial and maritime systems. At the same time, Powerus signed a contract with G1 Exploration to commercialise autonomous defence systems developed in Ukraine. G1 Exploration owns the intellectual properties of seven fully developed drone models from Ukrainian manufacturers, as well as a number of systems at various stages of development. The collaboration between the two companies has also led to the launch of the Guardian line of drone interceptors, according to an article in India Narrative. The company has recently secured a number of contracts beating defence giants such as Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and Boeing, which have a large share of the unmanned systems market. Powerus secured a contract with the U.S. Air Force to supply 3,000 interceptor drones, valued at $90 million, as well as a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to supply 1,500 FPV drones, control kits, and spare parts, valued at $2.5 million. Besides, it has bagged a key $22.3 million deal to develop a system to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Middle East on behalf of the United States. At the same time, Powerus began re-exporting Ukrainian drone technology to the Indian subcontinent. It first struck a deal with Paras Defense and Space Technologies in Mumbai, which provided for the production and sale of Guardian-1 technology in India. However, on September 16, the company signed the MoU with the Pakistan Army, represented by Field Marshal Asim Munir. The drone deal sparked controversy over conflicts of interest and raised serious concerns regarding regional security, especially given Islamabads active efforts to build up its drone capabilities by exporting Ukrainian tactics and technologies after its defeat in Operation Sindoor, the article points out. Although exact details have not been disclosed, Poweruss co-founder Brett Velicovich stated that the MoU calls for an initial order of unmanned aerial vehicles. He added that the companys ultimate goal is to establish a joint technology partnership and set up manufacturing operations in Pakistan. Powerus CEO Andrew Fox said that Pakistans private defence sector is still in the early stages of development, but is of interest to American companies. These statements raise particular concerns about the resumption of US-Pakistan defence cooperation. Although Washington has ceased supplying Islamabad with weapons, only providing modernisation packages for previously delivered F-16 fighter jets, the Powerus deal is a cause for concern, the article added.
AAP mocks Congress over defections, Opposition friction grows in Goa
The Aam Aadmi Party has criticized the Congress in Goa over past defections of its MLAs. AAP used a mocking slogan to question Congress's credibility as it prepares for upcoming elections. The Congress is mobilizing support through its 'Goy Rakhon Yatra' campaign to unite the opposition. Sunil Kawthankar of Congress condemned AAP for not focusing on the ruling BJP's actions.
Klein Curaao experienced a significant increase in seabird populations after removing invasive goats and cats. The island went from a few breeding pairs to over 650 in just two decades. This recovery highlights the effectiveness of invasive species eradication as a conservation strategy. However, uncontrolled human traffic poses ongoing threats to the islands ecosystem. Protecting the habitat is essential to maintain the progress made in seabird recovery.
Deputy ECs to visit 5 states as poll body steps up preparedness to hold high stakes elections
Senior Election Commission officials will begin visiting five poll-bound states this week to assess election preparedness at the field level, starting with Goa and followed by Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur. Uttar Pradesh is yet to get a visit schedule. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh and Goa have started first-level checks of EVMs and VVPAT machines as part of preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.
Target was clear: Harmanpreet leads India to Asian Games hockey gold, Olympic berth
India's men's hockey team secured the Asian Games gold medal by defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final. Captain Harmanpreet Singh highlighted their confidence to rebound from previous disappointments, emphasizing their dominance in Asia. The victory also qualified them for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, addressing their ambition for a medal. Goalkeeper Mohith Shashikumar expressed the team's strong desire to prepare diligently for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 4 (IANS) A man has been arrested on the charge of molesting two women in the lobby of a five-star hotel in Kolkata, said the police on Sunday. The incident took place on Saturday night, and based on the complaint, a case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Pragati Maidan police station. Kolkata Police Additional Commissioner (Detective Department) Kunal Agarwal said, CCTV footage of the hotel is being examined. Appropriate action will be taken after investigating the entire matter. According to the police, the woman, a resident of Dimapur, Nagaland, said in a written complaint that she and a companion were in the hotel lobby between 12:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. There, while celebrating with members of the Brazilian football team, an unidentified person touched them in an obscene manner. They felt uncomfortable during the incident and were allegedly molested. The Brazilian football team was in Kolkata on Saturday to play a friendly match with India at Salt Lake Stadium. The Brazilian team won the match after scoring four goals. After the match, the team went to the five-star hotel to celebrate the victory. On receiving the complaint, the Pragati Maidan police station began the investigation. The CCTV footage in the hotel lobby was examined. The suspect was identified by analysing the footage and matching it with the description given by the complainant. Later, the complainant also identified the person by watching the CCTV footage, according to the police. After that, the police checked the accused's movements through the CCTV footage. Finally, he was nabbed from a room in the hotel. Police identified the arrested person as Palash Roy (56), a resident of Lotus Boulevard, Sector 100, Noida, in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddha Nagar district. The officials said that other information related to the incident and the movement of the accused was also being investigated. His presence in the hotel at the time of the incident and every aspect of the complaint are being verified on the basis of CCTV footage and other sources.
Thinking about upgrade, what will it cost me ?
current setup(build year 2020) -GPU ZotacGTX 1660ti -CPU Ryzen R5 3600x -RAM 16gb ddr4 -MOBO MSI B450 tomahawk -PSU Adata XPG Pylon 550W 80 Plus Bronze(bought it in 2022) GOAL : I am want to upgrade it enough to run modern games with RTX support in 1080p, for now also most of AAA games runs low/mid in 60 fps but no rtx support is there. Also how much i can expect when sell this setup or the part which i will replace?
Khalid Jamil press conference: Soft goals, individual errors cost us after India 0-4 Brazil
India's coach reflects on the team's performance against Brazil, highlighting the importance of self-belief, concentration and experience after the defeat. He also backs goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, stressing that the team must learn from its mistakes.
SPL: Nongkseh maintain title hopes after bruising battle with Laitkor
Shillong, Oct 3: Nongkseh are still in with a chance for the Shillong Premier League 2026 title after they defeated Laitkor 3-1 in a feisty match at the SSA Stadium here today. Hardy Cliff Nongbri (55), Dawanchwa Challam (81) and Shano Tariang (90+5) scored for Nongkseh while Laitkors goal was by Shelbilkstar Kharshilot (87). Nongkseh [] The post SPL: Nongkseh maintain title hopes after bruising battle with Laitkor first appeared on Highland Post .
Sullivan becomes youngest US goalscorer in 3-0 rout of Mexico
The teenager surpassed Mathis Albert
Carlo Ancelotti praises India's fighting spirit, hails Brazil's new talent
Brazilian head coach Carlo Ancelotti was impressed by India's organised defense and counter-attacking approach but said his team found it easier to control the game after breaking the deadlock in its 4-0 win in the historic football friendly here on Saturday. Playing under muggy conditions with a rejigged side, the five-time world champions had to navigate some anxious moments in the first 27 minutes before Estevao (28th), Pedro (42nd) and Samuel Lino (58th, 90+5) secured a comfortable win over world No. 138 India. They defended, they were organised, they tried to play counter-attack. I think they played a good game, Ancelotti said of India in the post-match interaction. The Italian great felt the opening goal changed the complexion of the contest. We had difficulty to open the score but the moment we opened the score with Estevao, we had more opportunity to control better the game, he said. Ancelotti was pleased with Brazil's clean sheet but admitted there was still wor
INDIA bloc victory matters more than individual party wins, says Akhilesh Yadav
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday stressed that the primary objective of the INDIA bloc should be victory rather than the number of seats won by individual parties, saying that a united effort is necessary to defeat communalism and protect democracy, the Constitution and reservations. In a post on X, Yadav said that when the goal is clear and the focus remains fixed on the destination, the journey becomes easier. When the goal is clear, hand in hand we stand, When the gaze is fixed on the destination, the journey becomes easy! The big thing isn't how many seats the alliance gets or which seat goes to whom - the big thing is that we all must ensure that the victory belongs to the alliance. Let us repeat again: It's not about the seats, it's about the victory, he added. Yadav expressed confidence saying, This victory will be greater than the parties in our alliance - it will be the victory of all of us, of that united effort that persists in struggle so that communalism may never raise its head again, so that BJP's influence may not touch democracy, the Constitution, or reservations, and so that the country's harmony may bloom once more, and the nation's progress and prosperity may smile again. Yadav's remarks come at a time when the Samajwadi Party and the Congress are preparing to begin deliberations over seat-sharing for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The formula for a pre-poll alliance between the two parties is yet to be finalised, with seat allocation emerging as a potential point of contention. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Shiv Pal Singh Patel on Saturday questioned the Congress' reported demand for 150 seats in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. He said the Congress should seek seats in proportion to its electoral strength and organisational presence in the state. Speaking to IANS, Patel said, I think if they are given 50 seats, they should look at their actual position and status before seeking anything more than 50 seats. They should look at their past record. The six seats we got in Madhya Pradesh were because of the Samajwadi Party. Therefore, if they do this, there will be our candidates as well as theirs on several seats. This will only lead to a loss, so they should agree to 50 seats. Earlier on Wednesday, Yadav had hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying that its iggest sorrow was that the INDIA bloc was united. He made the remarks after BJP leaders criticised him for skipping the INDIA bloc's meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday. However, the Samajwadi Party was represented by its other leaders at the meeting.
The Talent Scarcity Myth: Why Strategy Churn Not Skills Gap Is The Top Drag On Business Goals
While a dearth in talent may have been an obstacle in the past for a firm's growth, it is no longer seen as such.
UEFA Nations League: Spain maintain perfect start with 3-1 win over Czech Republic
Spain maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Oviedo on Saturday, with Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Merino finding the net for the hosts. The victory kept Spain at the top of Group A3 and extended their remarkable unbeaten run inside 90 minutes to 41 matches, comprising 31 wins and 10 draws, according to the website of the UEFA Nations League. Returning to Oviedo for the first time in 11 years for a home international, Spain made an ideal start as Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute. The Barcelona winger collected the ball around 18 yards from goal before curling a superb effort into the far corner, scoring in a third consecutive match for La Roja. Spain dominated the opening exchanges and came close to extending their lead when Dani Olmo saw a close-range effort blocked, while Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky produced important saves to deny Alex Baena and Pedri. The pressure eventually told...
UEFA Nations League: England thrash Croatia 7-0 as Kane, Saka score twice
England produced a stunning attacking display to thrash Croatia 7-0 in the UEFA Nations League in Rijeka on Saturday (local time), with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring twice each as Thomas Tuchel's side strengthened their position in Group A3. Kane opened the scoring in the eighth minute after Jude Bellingham split the Croatia defence with a superb through ball. The England captain controlled the pass before firing emphatically past Dominik Livakovic, according to the website of the UEFA Nations League. Bellingham then turned provider into goalscorer in the 21st minute. Anthony Gordon collected Saka's cross and squared the ball into the six-yard box, where Bellingham arrived to prod it home and double England's advantage. Gordon continued to torment the Croatia defence and got his own name on the scoresheet in the 39th minute, heading in Jarell Quansah's inviting cross. England were four goals ahead before the break as Saka capped a dominant first half in stoppage time. Bellingham c...
Goat theft gang member arrested after police encounter in UP's Azamgarh
Digital Desk | Azamgarh, Oct 4 (IANS) A member of an alleged goat theft gang was arrested following a police encounter in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh. The accused sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg, police said. The arrested accused has been identified as Asif, a resident of Ashrafpur under Jiyanpur police station. Police recovered a .315-bore pistol, cartridges, a two-wheeler and Rs 1,560 in cash from his possession, officials said. According to police, the encounter took place on Sunday during checking in the Shahgarh area, when the police team received information that two suspected members of a goat theft gang were travelling on a motorcycle. Acting on the information, police teams established a cordon near the Lohari Mod culvert on the Samenda-Pura Thakurai road. When the motorcycle was intercepted, Asif, who was riding pillion, opened fire at the police team, officials said. Police personnel retaliated, during which Asif suffered a bullet injury to his right leg. He was subsequently taken into custody and shifted to the district hospital for treatment, police said. During interrogation, the accused confessed to his involvement in several goat theft incidents in the area. He admitted to stealing two goats from Daulatpur in the Sidhari area, one goat from Samenda and three goats from Bairiyadih under Jeyanpur police station, officials said. Police also recovered Rs 1,560 from Asif, which, according to investigators, was his share of the money received from the sale of the goat allegedly stolen from Samenda. Police said the main member of the gang, identified as Kaleem, a resident of Shahpur under Jiyanpur police station, managed to escape from the spot by taking advantage of the darkness. Following the incident, police teams have launched raids at suspected locations to trace and arrest Kaleem. Efforts are underway to apprehend him, police said. According to police records, six cases have been registered against the arrested accused Asif, while as many as 38 cases are registered against the absconding accused Kaleem. Police have registered a case against Asif under relevant sections of law, including provisions of the Arms Act, and further legal action has been initiated in the matter. Further investigation is underway.
Uttar Pradesh Police Arrests Member of Goat Theft Gang After Encounter
A member of a goat theft gang was arrested in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, following a police encounter, while another suspect remains at large. Uttar Pradesh Police Arrests Member of Goat Theft Gang After Encounter
We didnt take our chances to kill off the game: Zinedine Zidane
French fans got an exciting game at the Stade de France, but not the result they expected, mainly because of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarummas performance
Bhagyashree enjoys date night with hubby Himalaya Dassani re kindle the joys of a relationship
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) Actress Bhagyashree recently enjoyed a date night with her husband Himalaya Dassani and shared a glimpse of their evening on social media. Taking to Instagram, the Maine Pyar Kiya actress shared moments from their outing and reflected on how date nights can help couples unwind and reconnect. Sharing their romantic photos, Bhagyashree wrote, Captured moments making memories. Date nights are so important to unwind, re kindle the joys of a relationship. While at it, @prashantchaudhri @minakshichaudhri I must admit that the possibility of us enjoying this at a whim is thanks to the incredible places in juhu that you have consistently built over the years. #couplegoals #datenight. The carousel of photos features Bhagyashree and Himalaya enjoying quality time together at a restaurant. In one picture, the couple is seen gazing at each other, while another captures Bhagyashree laughing as she rests her head on Himalayas shoulder. In another heartwarming moment, the actress is seen feeding her husband, giving a glimpse of their love and companionship. Bhagyashree often gives a glimpse into her married life with Himalaya Dassani by sharing pictures and special moments from their time together. In July, the actress shared pictures from a getaway to Udaipur with her husband, offering a peek into their memorable moments together. For the unversed, Bhagyashree and Himalaya tied the knot in 1989. The couple has two children, son Abhimanyu Dassani and daughter Avantika Dassani. Abhimanyu made his acting debut with the 2019 film Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, while Avantika stepped into the entertainment industry with the web series Mithya. In January, Bhagyashree marked 37 years of marriage with husband Himalaya Dassani. On the occasion, she looked back on their journey together, reminiscing about the years filled with cherished memories, laughter, tears, disagreements and reconciliations. Bhagyashree had written, Growing up together and still going strong, 37 years and counting! We have created a lifetime of memories, laughed n cried, fought and made up, built a house, made a home, had 2 beautiful kids, worked hard, travelled the world, seen the highs and lows of life, struggled and celebrated.... wow together forever....Nothing's gonna stop us now ! Feel blessed to have walked my life with you...happy anniversary my love. @himallay27.
'My goal is to have 3': Alex Albon wants Thailand to join his list of F1 home races
Lamine Yamal On Target As Spain Hold Off Czech Republic
Lamine Yamal continued his superb goalscoring form as Spain secured a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic on Saturday in the Nations League.
Yamal on target as Spain beat Czech Republic to go 41 games unbeaten
Lamine Yamal continued his superb goalscoring form as Spain secured a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic on Saturday in the Nations League.
Fernandes hails Ronaldo as Portugal's 'greatest symbol' amid controversy
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker Ronaldo's future with the national team, for whom he is the leading goalscorer and most capped player, is in doubt after his walk out.
12 goals in 9 games: Yamal fires Spain to 3-1 win over Czech Republic
However Mikel Merino wrapped up Spain's win late on after Ladislav Krejci was sent off for the Czechs as Spain racked up a 41st consecutive unbeaten game, including the World Cup final win over Argentina in July.
Urban Expansion Cost : Srinagars green cover shrinks, temperature rises 4C
Srinagar, Oct 03: Srinagars rapid urban expansion over the past two decades has been accompanied by rising surface temperatures, declining vegetation cover and deteriorating air quality, highlighting the growing environmental cost of the citys transformation, a new study published in GeoJournal has found. The study, Quantifying the environmental impacts of urban expansion in Srinagar City, Jammu & Kashmir, India through remote sensing and geostatistical analysis, examines environmental changes in Srinagar between 2001 and 2021 using satellite-based observations and geostatistical techniques. Researchers Amjed Ali, Kheraj and Arshad Ahmed of the Department of Geography,Central University Haryana found that land surface temperature (LST) increased by up to 4C during the period, while vegetation cover showed a significant decline. PM2.5 concentrations also increased by up to 3.9 micrograms per cubic metre, with the changes particularly pronounced in central and south-western parts of the city, reads the study, accessed by Rising Kashmir. The researchers used satellite-derived LST, vegetation cover derived from the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and PM2.5 estimates from AOD-GEOS-Chem datasets. They combined these indicators through a grid-based analytical framework and applied Mann-Kendall trend analysis and multiple linear regression to examine their spatial and temporal relationships. The study found a significant relationship between vegetation loss, PM2.5 and surface warming. Its regression analysis indicated that vegetation loss and PM2.5 significantly contributed to surface temperature variation, with the model recording an R value of 0.46. However, the researchers also caution that PM2.5 variability cannot be explained solely by surface temperature and vegetation cover, pointing to the influence of additional factors on Srinagars air-quality conditions. The Environmental Quality Index developed as part of the study paints a broader picture of the citys environmental health. More than half of Srinagar was found to fall within moderate-to-poor environmental quality categories. The researchers attribute the changing environmental conditions to the rapid expansion of built-up areas and the replacement of natural land surfaces with impervious urban materials. Such changes alter surface energy processes and can intensify urban heating, while the loss of vegetation reduces the natural cooling and pollution-filtering functions of green spaces, the study reads. Vegetation plays a key role in regulating urban temperatures through evapotranspiration and can also help improve air quality by filtering pollutants. Its decline therefore has implications beyond the loss of green cover alone, the study notes. The spatial analysis showed that central and south-western areas of Srinagar experienced particularly notable changes, with increases in surface temperature and PM2.5 occurring alongside declining vegetation cover. The researchers argue that these trends demonstrate the need to view Srinagars urban growth and environmental management as interconnected challenges. They call for integrated urban planning, greater emphasis on green infrastructure and stronger pollution-control strategies. The study also places Srinagars experience within the wider environmental challenges faced by rapidly urbanising cities, where the pace of development can exceed the capacity of infrastructure and environmental management systems. Rather than examining temperature, vegetation and air pollution separately, the research brings the three indicators together to quantify the cumulative environmental changes associated with Srinagars urban expansion. Managing the citys future growth will require greater attention to environmental sustainability, including the protection and development of green infrastructure and measures to address pollution, in line with the broader objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities, the study states.
Scorpio Daily Horoscope for October 04, 2026
You are likely to be in a more serious frame of mind. The practical issues of life are going to demand your attention today. But you are full of faith and optimism and are ready to take chances at the deepest emotional levels. Someone near to you will exhibit concerns regarding your aims and goals. Take the time to explain the situation to them. Read full Scorpio horoscope
The Attention Crisis: Are we Losing the Ability to Think Deeply?
We live in an age of extraordinary access to information. A question that once required a visit to a library can now be answered within seconds. A book can be downloaded instantly, a lecture can be watched from anywhere, and a news story can reach millions of people within minutes. Yet, despite having more information than any previous generation, we appear to be facing a curious problem: we are finding it increasingly difficult to give our complete attention to anything. The modern person is surrounded by notifications, messages, short videos, emails, advertisements, headlines and endless streams of content. We move from one piece of information to another almost instinctively. A few seconds of waiting can feel uncomfortable. A long article can seem demanding. Even a conversation can be interrupted by the simple vibration of a phone. This may be one of the quiet challenges of our time: we are becoming better at consuming information but not necessarily better at understanding it. Attention is not merely the ability to look at something. It is the ability to stay with something long enough to understand it. Deep reading, thoughtful conversation, serious study and meaningful reflection all require sustained attention. Without it, information may enter our minds without becoming knowledge. The difference between information and knowledge is important. Information tells us what happened. Knowledge helps us understand why it happened, what it means and how it connects with something else. Developing such understanding requires time. The digital world, however, rewards speed. Social media platforms are designed around rapid consumption. One piece of content is quickly replaced by another. Short videos provide entertainment within seconds. Headlines compete for attention. Notifications constantly remind us that something new is waiting. There is nothing inherently wrong with these technologies. They have transformed communication, education and access to knowledge. The problem begins when convenience turns into dependence and when our ability to concentrate becomes weaker because we rarely practise it. Consider the simple act of reading a book. A person may begin reading with genuine interest. After a few pages, however, the phone lights up. There is a message to check. Then comes another notification. A few minutes later, the reader returns to the book but has lost the thread of the argument. The process is repeated again and again. Eventually, the difficulty may not be the book. It may be our increasingly fragmented attention. This matters particularly for students. Education is not simply about collecting facts. It involves concentration, questioning, connecting ideas and developing the ability to think independently. A student who can memorise information but cannot concentrate on a difficult problem for an extended period may struggle when confronted with complex subjects. Competitive examinations provide another example. Preparation often requires sitting with a subject for hours, revising the same material repeatedly and patiently working through difficult questions. There are no shortcuts to developing genuine understanding. The ability to concentrate, therefore, may become one of the most valuable skills in the future. Ironically, at a time when artificial intelligence can summarise documents, answer questions and produce information within seconds, human beings may need to become even better at thinking deeply. AI can help us find information, organise ideas and accelerate many tasks. But it cannot remove the need for human judgment. If anything, the easier information becomes to obtain, the more important it becomes to know what information deserves our attention. This is where libraries have a continuing role. For some, the library may appear to belong to another era: shelves filled with books, quiet reading rooms and people sitting silently with newspapers or textbooks. But the fundamental purpose of a library has never been limited to storing books. A good library creates an environment where attention is protected. It provides a space away from many of the interruptions of everyday life. It allows a student to sit with a difficult subject, a researcher to examine evidence, or an ordinary reader to spend an hour with a book without being required to respond to every notification. Modern libraries are evolving. They provide access to digital databases, electronic books, online journals, educational platforms and research tools. The library of today can be both physical and digital. But technology should not eliminate the culture of reading. It should strengthen it. Perhaps we need to rethink what we mean by digital literacy. Being able to operate a smartphone or search the internet is only one part of digital literacy. A truly digitally literate person should also be able to distinguish reliable information from unreliable information, recognise misleading content, understand context, protect personal information and resist the temptation to believe something simply because it appears repeatedly online. Most importantly, digital literacy should include the ability to control ones attention. This does not mean rejecting technology. That would neither be practical nor desirable. Smartphones, computers and artificial intelligence have enormous educational and professional value. The goal should instead be to use technology deliberately rather than allowing technology to determine where our attention goes. There is a simple distinction between using a device and being controlled by it. When we deliberately open an educational video, read an article or use an AI tool to understand a difficult concept, technology is serving us. When we repeatedly open an application without any clear purpose simply because we are bored, technology may be controlling our attention. The solution does not necessarily require dramatic changes. Small habits can make a significant difference. We can dedicate a portion of each day to uninterrupted reading. We can keep phones away while studying. We can read longer articles instead of consuming only headlines. We can occasionally sit in silence without immediately reaching for a screen. We can have conversations in which neither person checks a phone. Parents can encourage children to develop reading habits without treating books merely as examination material. Schools and colleges can create spaces where students are encouraged to read beyond their prescribed syllabus. Libraries can promote reading clubs, discussion groups, digital-literacy programmes and quiet study environments. The objective should not be to create a generation that reads constantly. It should be to create a generation capable of concentrating when concentration matters. There is also a deeper social dimension to this issue. A distracted society can become an impatient society. We may become less willing to listen to opinions that take time to explain. We may prefer simple answers to complicated questions. We may react before understanding. We may judge people based on a headline, a photograph or a short video rather than the complete context. Deep attention teaches patience. When we read a thoughtful book, we learn that ideas can develop gradually. When we listen carefully to another person, we discover that people often have reasons behind their views. When we study history, science or literature, we learn that reality is rarely as simple as a social-media post suggests. In this sense, attention is not merely an academic skill. It is also a human virtue. Perhaps the greatest challenge is that attention has become a commodity. Many digital services compete for it because attention has economic value. Every minute spent watching, scrolling or clicking can have commercial significance. This makes personal control over attention increasingly important. We cannot control every piece of information that reaches us, but we can become more selective about what we allow to occupy our minds. The question, therefore, is not whether technology is good or bad. The more important question is: What kind of relationship do we want to have with technology? We should be able to use the internet without becoming dependent on constant stimulation. We should be able to enjoy short-form entertainment without losing the ability to read long-form material. We should be able to use artificial intelligence without surrendering our capacity to think independently. The future may belong not simply to those who have access to the most information, but to those who can decide which information deserves their attention. In an increasingly noisy world, the ability to concentrate may become a form of quiet strength. Perhaps the next time we feel the urge to check our phones while reading a book, attending a lecture or speaking with someone, we should pause for a moment. The notification can wait. The message can wait. The next video can wait. But our ability to think deeply is something we cannot afford to lose. (The author works at a premier Medical college in J&K. Email: waniishfaq0001@gmail.com )
Asian Games: HI Prez Dilip Tirkey hails historic hockey double, promises full support for LA 2028
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey hailed the historic Asian Games campaign after both the Indian mens and womens teams won gold medals and secured direct qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, saying the achievement reflected the hard work of the players, coaches and support staff. The mens team retained its Asian Games title with a commanding 5-1 victory over Malaysia in the final at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Saturday, a day after the womens team defeated defending champions and Paris Olympics silver medallists China 1-0 to reclaim the gold medal. Both teams had the same aim: to win the Asian Games and then qualify for LA. Both teams have done it. It is a very proud moment for us, Tirkey told IANS after the mens final. The double gold also created history for Indian hockey, with the mens and womens teams winning the Asian Games title at the same edition for the first time. Tirkey also pointed out the striking similarity between Indias last two mens Asian Games final victories. India had defeated Japan 5-1 in the Hangzhou final and repeated the same scoreline against Malaysia in Kakamigahara. Both teams have performed very well. The womens team played a very good game against China, who are a tough team, Olympic silver medallists and the last Asian Games champions. We beat them 1-0, and today we beat Malaysia 5-1, he said. Tirkey praised the entire mens squad and coaching staff, with special mention for captain Harmanpreet Singh, Abhishek, Dilpreet Singh and Manpreet Singh. The chief coach, supporting staff, captain Harman, Abhishek, Dilpreet, Manpreet and all the players performed very well. From the beginning, everyone played together, and everyone had the same aim, he said. With both teams now assured of Olympic qualification, Tirkey promised Hockey India would provide all necessary support in the build-up to Los Angeles. The coach is very experienced, and everything happens according to his plan and programme. Whatever the team needs in the future, we will try to provide everything. Whether it is an exposure tour, a tournament in Europe or a coaching programme, Hockey India will try to provide all the facilities, he said. Hockey India has also announced a cash reward of Rs 11 lakh each for the players of both gold-winning teams, while members of the respective support staff will receive Rs 5.5 lakh each. Tirkey stressed that Olympic selection would ultimately depend on performance and fitness, while urging players from Odisha and other states to continue working hard as competition for places increases. Those who play well will come into the team. Maintaining fitness and their game is the responsibility of the players. Olympic Games are the Olympics, and the competition in modern hockey has increased a lot, he said. He also highlighted Hockey Indias grassroots efforts in Odisha, particularly in Sundargarh, where turf facilities, academies and hostels have been developed across blocks. Every block in Sundargarh has a turf, academies and hostels. We are also organising grassroots programmes, and the government is doing a lot in other districts. But proper training programmes need to be organised on these grounds, Tirkey said. Tirkey said that greater emphasis is needed on fitness, technical skills, drag-flickers and goalkeepers to strengthen Indias hockey pipeline. Now we have to make this performance even better. We have to prepare the team in terms of confidence, fitness and future events, Tirkey said.
Inclusive growth at heart of India's development goal: Radhakrishnan
India's Vice President CP Radhakrishnan emphasized the necessity for inclusive growth in the country's development journey. He highlighted that both economic and social resilience are critical for future progress. The vice president noted India's impressive GDP growth and its improved sovereign rating as indicators of economic strength.
Tourism key driver of Odisha's $1.5tn-economy goal
Brazil tame India in 4-0 friendly win
Chelsea winger Estevao scored Brazils first goal and assisted Pedro before Lino netted a second-half brace, helping Carlo Ancelottis side conclude their tour of Australia and India with two wins and a draw
Brazil's Clinical Finishers Overcome Gallant India In Friendly
India's national football team faced five-time champions Brazil in a FIFA international friendly in Kolkata, losing 4-0. Despite a spirited start for the first 25 minutes, Brazil's superior skill and clinical finishing secured a comfortable victory with goals from Estevao, Pedro, and Samuel Lino.
Quantum computing will start in Amaravati on February 3, 2027, says Andhra CM Naidu
Pan-IIT World Council will be formed in Amaravati to guide curriculum reforms, foster startups and mentorship and support the States goal to become a global knowledge hub, says Naidu
India impress on counters, but even lacklustre Brazil too hot to handle; beat hosts 4-0 in Kolkata
Heading to the match, the general expectations was Brazil to create a flurry of chances and test Indias defence. Multiple goals were expected and even though that assumption turned true, but Brazil were far from producing their best brand of football . They lacked character and some may argue that it saved India from a humiliation. However, the other side of the coin can read that India were very well organsied defensively and threatened Brazil on multiple occasions, which no one expected.
Brazil breeze past India 4-0 in historic Kolkata friendly
India impressed during the opening 27 minutes, but Brazil gradually took control and scored twice before half-time before adding two more goals after the break.
Ranking 12 of Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan's goals measured by ridiculousness. The post Ranking 12 of Zlatan Ibrahimovics best goals in order of ridiculousness appeared first on Planet Football .
We created our own piece of history: Craig Fulton hails Indias back-to-back Asian Games Hockey golds
As the Indian men's hockey team clinched the gold medal at the 2026 Asian Games after defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final on Saturday, head coach Craig Fulton praised the team for achieving their goal of winning back-to-back Asian Games gold medals and creating a piece of Indian hockey history. He said the team overcame the challenges following a difficult World Cup campaign, regrouped effectively before arriving in Japan, and maintained consistency throughout the seven-match tournament before producing a strong performance in the final. The Indian men
Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary inspected the Ankur Biochem Private Limited ethanol plant, currently under construction in the Chakai block of Jamui district on Saturday. During the inspection, officials briefed the Chief Minister i about the plant's construction work and the project's progress. Officials stated that production at the plant would commence by March 2027. Following the inspection, a review meeting was held at the ethanol plant premises, chaired by the Chief Minister, Samrat Chaudhary. According to a press release, during the meeting, Jamui District Magistrate Naveen gave a presentation providing detailed information about the Ankur Biochem Private Limited ethanol plant, noting that this project is one of Asia's largest grain-based ethanol plants. It is being developed on a 105-acre site. The plant will have a production capacity of 1,000 kilolitres per day, enabling the daily production of approximately 10 lakh litres of ethanol. A 20-megawatt captive power generat...
Football friendly: Brazil take 2-0 lead at half-time
Brazil's star-studded line-up, including Vinicius Jr and Marquinhos, is set to face India in a friendly match at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, with veteran goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu captaining the Indian side.
Amit Shah Sets Ambitious Goal for a Drug-Free India by 2029
Amit Shah announces a target for a drug-free India by 2029 during a conference in Bhopal, emphasizing collaborative efforts for the initiative. Amit Shah Sets Ambitious Goal for a Drug-Free India by 2029
