PIX: Two goals up, Man Utd dumped by Brighton in League Cup
Manchester United suffered a historic 3-2 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup, despite taking a two-goal lead. This loss marks the first time in nearly 50 years United have lost at home after being two goals up, adding to their recent struggles including a Premier League loss to Manchester City and a poor start to the season.
Quote of the day by W. Clement Stone remains compelling because it gives ambition a hopeful dimension without pretending that every attempt will succeed exactly as planned. It encourages people to think beyond immediate limitations, pursue goals that genuinely matter and treat unexpected outcomes as part of the journey rather than proof that the journey was worthless.
Fed raises rates despite Trump pressure, signals another hike likely in 2026
In a bid to tackle ongoing inflation, the US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by twenty-five basis points. Policymakers are predicting at least one additional hike in the upcoming months. As inflation affects various sectors, the Fed is working towards achieving its two percent goal. This move is likely to generate discontent from President Donald Trump.
Macklemore and Robert Kraft pledge millions amid Ed Sheeran tour controversy
Macklemore on Wednesday pledged to donate the entire $1 million of his net earnings from Ed Sheerans Loop Tour to Palestinian relief organizations, days after he was dropped from the tour over his pro-Palestinian comments. He also invited New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who said Macklemore wouldnt be welcome at Gillette Stadium for the tour's scheduled performances at the end of September, to match his donation. Within hours, Kraft released a statement saying Sheeran had already asked him to match his $2 million donation to humanitarian aid in the region. Their statements come amid a growing controversy following Macklemores removal that has seen all of Sheerans supporting acts quit the tour . Sheeran is set to play in Philadelphia this weekend. Sheeran broke his silence about Macklemore's removal from the tour on Tuesday, saying it wasn't his decision but the promoter's. Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, Sheeran said. Here's how the controversy began and how it continues to unfold. Sept. 4-5: Macklemore's performances at MetLife Stadium Earlier this month, Macklemore performed as Sheeran's opening act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he made pro-Palestinian comments and performed his protest song Hind's Hall. The song was written after protests in support of Palestine occurred on college campuses across the U.S. in 2024, and is named after Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed by Israeli troops in Gaza. Israel's military acknowledged in August that its troops had opened fire on the car carrying Hind and her family and said it had opened a criminal investigation into the killing. A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: 'Free Palestine,' Macklemore said onstage earlier this month. His comments drew criticism from pro-Israel groups including the Israeli-American Council, which started a petition to have the Grammy-winning artist dropped from the tour. Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of Sheeran's 10 remaining shows on the Loop Tour, with Philadelphia being the next stop. After that, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., is scheduled for performances on Sept. 25 and 26. Sept. 14: Macklemore gets dropped from Loop Tour In a lengthy social media post on Monday, Macklemore said, Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from The Loop Tour. He described having difficult conversations with Sheeran, whom he considers a brother. Macklemore said Sheeran told him that Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, didn't want Macklemore performing at the stadium over his pro-Palestinian comments. Sheeran also told Macklemore that Kraft had appealed to other stadium owners to issue him an ultimatum: If Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues, according to the post. View this post on Instagram Macklemore acknowledged that Sheeran was put in a difficult position. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed in a statement to Rolling Stone that Macklemore won't perform on his remaining support dates because multiple venues wouldn't allow concerts to proceed with the rapper on the lineup. Sept. 14: Robert Kraft responds Kraft issued a statement to the media, saying that Gillette Stadium is responsible for providing a welcoming environment for all guests attending events at the venue. Based on Macklemore's recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran's shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community, we determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line, Kraft said in the statement . I agree with Macklemore. Too many lives have been lost and there has been too much suffering, but only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas is not honest and only advances more divisiveness and hate, Kraft added. Sept. 15: Ed Sheeran breaks his silence As the controversy played out, Sheeran remained publicly silent. On Sept. 15, the pop star released a statement on social media, writing, I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated. View this post on Instagram Sheeran then explained that he preferred to remain publicly neutral on political issues and that Macklemore's removal wasn't his decision. Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine. Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me, he wrote. I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living, Sheeran wrote. Sept. 15: Sheeran's backing band and supporting acts pull out of the tour Sheeran's own backing band, Beoga which had been performing several songs around the middle of each set announced on social media that they would be departing the Loop Tour in light of Macklemore's dismissal. We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people. We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be. View this post on Instagram Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe announced in an Instagram post that he had dropped out as an opener on the tour. I don't take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this, the Irish musician wrote. But as Irish people, Rowe continued, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. Danish pop band Lukas Graham also announced on Tuesday their withdrawal as a supporting act for Sheeran's tour. Singer-songwriter Finneas also announced on Instagram that he was pulling out of the South American portion of the tour. Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed, he wrote. I have decided to withdraw my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people. As of Wednesday, Graham and Rowe are still listed as special guests on Sheeran's Loop Tour website . Sept. 16: Macklemore pledges $1 million to Palestinian relief groups. Kraft responds. On Wednesday afternoon, the rapper wrote in a post on Instagram , I will be donating the entire $1 million of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people. He then encouraged Kraft to match his donation. Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. Macklemore added, Writing a check is one of the least costly forms of solidarity available to me. I am doing it because I can, and because these organizations are doing the work while much of the world debates it. Within hours of Macklemores pledge, Kraft issued his own statement , saying, I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting. Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis. Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges. In addition, I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships. This article originally appeared on Yahoo News at https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/article/opening-acts-are-abandoning-ed-sheerans-tour-after-macklemore-was-dropped-over-his-pro-palestinian-comments-211418941.html
Man Utd misery mounts with League Cup exit against Brighton
Manchester United's problems mounted as they crashed out of the League Cup after blowing a two-goal lead in a stunning 3-2 defeat against Brighton on Wednesday.
Fed hikes interest rates for 1st time in 3 years in unanimous decision
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years in a unanimous decision on Wednesday, with central bankers now seeing a second hike this year to arrest sticky inflation. The Federal Open Market Committee voted to raise its benchmark interest rate to the range of 3.75% to 4% from 3.5% to 3.75%, the first rate hike since July 2023, as renewed tensions in the Middle East drive oil prices higher and raise concerns about broadening price pressures. We now have data broadly defined that says the economy has indeed strengthened, Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh said in a press conference following the meeting. Underlying growth is higher. Inflation is the problem. Stable prices have been the problem for, now, more than five and a half years. So what the committee decided to do today was take an action to ensure a timely return to our pricestability. Noting that the economy is essentially at full employment, Warsh said he thinks the Fed can tame inflation without depressing growth. I don't believe that we need to do harm to the labor markets to achieve our objective, he said. I don't believe that the two parts of our mandate price stability and full employment are working at cross purposes over the medium term. Dot plot projects another hike in 2026 In their updated summary of economic projections, officials now see one more rate hike this year. That compares with expectations in June, when half of the committee expected they would need to raise rates once this year, while the rest thought they could hold rates steady. Warsh didnt show his hand, declining to participate in the so-called dot plot for the second time. For 2026, 12 officials see two rate hikes, four see three rate hikes, while two see one rate hike. The median of 18 Fed officials projects holding rates steady in 2027, after two hikes this year, followed by one cut in 2028. Headline inflation is now seen rising 3.7%, compared with 3.6% previously. On a core basis, officials see inflation at 3.4%, compared with 3.3% previously. Officials dont see inflation dropping back to their 2% goal until after 2028. The latest Consumer Price Index reading showed prices rose 0.3% in August month over month on a core basis, which strips out volatile food and energy prices to better gauge underlying inflation. That was an acceleration over the prior two months, and a hair faster than the 0.2% threshold many officials said theyd need to see to be convinced inflation is slowing on its own. The plain fact is that inflation is too high and has been for too long. This summer's inflation readings do not tell me that underlying trends have meaningfullyimproved, Warsh said in the press conference. The Fed expects a slightly stronger economy, with GDP growing 2.3% versus 2.2% previously. The unemployment rate is projected at 4.1%, down from prior expectations of 4.3%. Unemployment currently stands at 4.1%. Officials noted in their statement that uncertainty remains elevated in part due to geopolitical developments, but that domestic spending has been resilient. The Feds actions come nearly seven weeks before the midterm elections, at a time when President Trump has relentlessly urged the central bank to cut rates, warning he might otherwise halt trade with countries maintaining trade surpluses with the US . Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has similarly argued that recent inflation reflects a temporary supply shock from higher oil prices and tariffs that is washing through. By voting to raise rates on Wednesday, Warsh signaled for the first time his willingness to break from Trump. As I said at the policy symposium in Jackson Hole, I would be hard-pressed to describe broad financial conditions as restrictive, he said. This view was widely shared by the committee, so we removed a dose of accommodation. Jennifer Schonberger is a veteran financial journalist covering markets, the economy, and investing. At Yahoo Finance, she covers the Federal Reserve, Congress, the White House, the Treasury, the SEC, the economy, cryptocurrencies, and the intersection of Washington policy with finance. Follow her on X @Jenniferisms and on Instagram . Click here for the latest economic news and indicators to help inform your investing decisions Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance This article originally appeared on Yahoo Finance at https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/article/fed-raises-interest-rates-by-a-quarter-point-in-unanimous-decision-marking-first-hike-in-3-years-171212149.html
CM Saha asks officials to fast-track over 158 investment proposals in Tripura
Digital Desk | Agartala, Sep 17 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that concept notes and detailed proposals for more than 158 investment projects have been received and directed officials of various departments to work towards grounding all feasible projects within a stipulated timeframe. Chief Minister Saha on Wednesday instructed the Secretaries and Directors of various departments to prepare a 100-day action plan to ground the feasible projects and said that the Chief Secretary Jitendra Kumar Sinha would conduct a monthly review of the progress to maximise investment and employment generation in the state. The huge investment potential that has opened up in Tripura must be implemented quickly and transformed into employment and economic development. Each investment proposal must be implemented within a specific timeframe by setting specific targets, he said. Chief Minister Saha added this while chairing a meeting with officials of various departments to review the implementation and progress of projects for which Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the recent Destination Tripura Business Conclave 2026. He said that the main objective of increasing investment is to enhance the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), create new employment opportunities and ensure the socio-economic development of the people of Tripura. At the beginning of the meeting, Secretary to the Chief Minister and Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department, Kiran Gitte, highlighted the progress of the MoUs and the potential areas of industry and investment in Tripura. He also briefed the meeting on various aspects of creating new investment opportunities by utilising the state's own resources and infrastructure. The Secretaries of various departments told the Chief Minister Saha about the current status of MoU signing and investment proposals under their respective departments, communication with investors, collection of proposals and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), and steps being taken for implementation of the projects. At the meeting, the Chief Minister said that 458 MoUs involving investments of more than Rs 1.30 lakh crore had been signed during the Destination Tripura Business Conclave 2026. Utilising this huge potential, Tripura should be further promoted as an important destination for investment and industry. Priority should be given to various potential sectors of the state, including tourism, health, education, skill development, information technology, renewable energy, agriculture and food processing, fish processing, dairy, livestock and EV charging, CM Saha added. He stressed the need to develop industries by effectively utilising Tripura's natural and agricultural resources and creating value-added products. CM Saha also directed the officials to resolve issues related to land, power and infrastructure at the earliest to facilitate the implementation of investment projects. He emphasised the need for regular communication and better inter-departmental coordination with investors and directed each department to appoint specific nodal officers for this purpose. The Chief Minister also stressed the need to simplify and streamline administrative procedures and make them more transparent and coordinated for the convenience of investors. He said that all departments should set clear targets and ensure that the work is completed within the specified timeframe. After signing the MoU, its implementation is now one of the government's goals. The concerned departments should play an active role in identifying and resolving the problems of investors quickly and taking the projects forward within the stipulated timeframe, he added.
Leaking chemical tanker evacuated from Mumbai-Goa highway
Moziah Bridges began making bow ties at age 9 after developing a strong interest in fashion and sewing. With guidance from his grandmother, he learned to sew by hand and use a sewing machine, eventually creating more than two dozen designs from vintage fabrics and other materials. His business, Mos Bows, grew through word of mouth, Facebook, Etsy, and family support, reaching around $150,000 in sales and employing five staff members. Bridges also attracted attention through Shark Tank, O magazine, and Vogue. Beyond business, he donated $1,600 to send 10 Memphis children to Glenview Summer Camp and planned future goals in education and fashion.
Why is Canada being offered a place in the EU that does not yet exist?
Canada could become the EUs first-ever associate member under a status that does not currently exist. The proposed partnership could cover defence, AI, energy, critical minerals and advanced technology. The offer comes as Canada looks to reduce its dependence on US trade and build closer ties with Europe. Something unusual happened in the European Parliament on Wednesday: the European Union offered Canada a relationship that the EU does not currently have a formal category for. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she wanted to work with Canadian prime minister Mark Carney on making Canada the blocs first associate member. She said the EU and Canada see the world with the same eyes, pointing to shared democratic values and common positions on issues ranging from artificial intelligence and climate change to Ukraine and geopolitics. The proposal was met with applause from European Parliament members, with Carney seated nearby. But what exactly would associate member mean? Canada is not being invited to become a full EU member. Carney had already said before his European trip that Canada was looking for a unique alliance with the 27-member bloc rather than EU membership. Full membership would also not fit the existing framework, with EU accession designed for European states. Instead, von der Leyen is proposing something in between the EUs existing relationships with non-member countries and full membership. The catch is that there is currently no associate-membership category in EU treaties. That means the details including what Canada would actually have access to and what rules it would have to follow still need to be worked out. Any formal arrangement would also require agreement from all 27 EU member states. So what could Canada get? Von der Leyen outlined a relationship that could go well beyond the existing Canada-EU trade agreement, known as CETA. She proposed closer cooperation on manufacturing, technology, defence, energy, critical minerals, batteries, AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity and economic security. The two sides could also look at integrating their defence industrial bases and making the Arctic a joint project. For the EU, Canada's energy and natural resources are particularly relevant as Europe seeks greater security over supplies and critical materials. Canada has already moved closer to the EU on defence. Carney's government says Canada is the only non-European member of the EU's SAFE defence procurement initiative, and he has described the broader goal as increasing Canada's strategic autonomy through partnerships . Why Canada, and why now? The timing is difficult to ignore. Canada is trying to reduce its heavy dependence on the US as trade tensions with Donald Trumps administration continue. Carney's government has said it wants to double Canada's non-US trade within a decade and is looking to strengthen relationships with Europe and other markets. The EU, meanwhile, is looking for stronger relationships with countries that can contribute energy, critical minerals, defence capabilities and technology. That makes the relationship potentially useful to both sides. Carney's presence in Strasbourg also carried symbolic weight. He was the first non-European leader invited to attend the European Commission presidents State of the Union address, before being due to address the European Parliament himself. The proposal does not automatically give Canada access to the EU single market, free movement or decision-making powers. In fact, those could be among the most difficult questions to resolve. The EU has previously resisted arrangements that would allow a country to enjoy parts of the single market while remaining outside the bloc's full obligations. Any deeper integration with Canada could therefore require Ottawa to align with EU rules in areas where it currently has its own regulatory approach. There are also unresolved issues with the existing Canada-EU trade relationship. CETA, the trade agreement signed in 2016, has still not been fully ratified by all EU member states. The proposed status could therefore take considerable negotiating. For now, associate member is more of an idea than a finished legal arrangement. But the significance of the offer is that both sides are considering a relationship that goes beyond a conventional trade deal without requiring Canada to become part of the EU itself. The next major step is expected at the Canada-EU summit in October, when the two sides are due to work on the future shape of their relationship.
Quote of the Day by Sally Field: Sally Fields quote, Quit thinking about your weight and start thinking about your worth and who you are and what you havent done yet. What you want to accomplish, explores the importance of self-worth, confidence, personal identity, and focusing on life goals rather than physical appearance. The quote suggests that a persons value should not be defined by their weight or body image, but by who they are, what they have achieved, and what they still hope to accomplish.
What is Campeones Cup that offers Messi another shot at silverware?
For Messi, the game carries another personal milestone. The Argentine superstar scored his 99th goal for Inter Miami in Sunday
The Tax-Saving Trap: Why Deductions Should Never Dictate Your Portfolio
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No foreign influence behind MDR on UPI payments above 2,000: FinMin
The finance ministry on Wednesday clarified that there was no foreign influence behind the decision to impose 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000. The clarification follows accusations by some Opposition parties, including the Congress, that the government succumbed to US pressure in taking the decision to impose the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR). Some claims suggest the change is due to foreign influence. This is false. India's UPI policy decisions are made independently, with the clear goal of building a self-sustaining, inclusive, and affordable digital payments ecosystem, the finance ministry said in a post on X. Since its launch in 2016, UPI has grown into the world's largest real-time interoperable payment system - entirely on India's own terms, it said. UPI processed 24.5 billion transactions in August 2026 alone. To keep this system self-sustainable, secure and innovative, a small fee on high-value merchant transactions helps fund better
Maresca says Manchester City still waiting for apology after incorrect 2023 derby goal
70% think Rs 1 crore is enough for retirement; can it meet your retirement goal?
Is Rs 1 crore enough for retirement? A new study reveals declining confidence among urban Indians, with many accumulating only 28% of their target corpus. Retirement planning is shifting earlier, with a growing focus on health and personal passions. Discover what truly defines retirement readiness beyond just financial savings.
CM Dhami celebrates birthday with children with disabilities, encourages them to pursue their goals
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami celebrated his birthday on Wednesday with children with disabilities at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Dehradun. He cut a cake with the...
Keralam CM Satheesan says CPI(M) scapegoated M.V. Govindan for LDFs Assembly poll debacle
Satheesan says CPI(M)s extended State committee, which concluded in Kozhikode on Tuesday, seemed to deny the real reasons for LDFs historic defeat
Absconding Israeli drug dealer Atala surrenders before Goa court; sent to 30-day judicial custody
The case traces back to April 5, 2025 when Atala was arrested by the ANC following a raid at his apartment in Siolim in North Goa
How to Match Investment Products with Your Time Horizon
Aligning investments with goal deadlines can balance liquidity, market risk and inflation while preventing costly timeline mismatches.
As per the index, released by NITI Aayog on Wednesday, Delhi improved its score from 77 to 84, followed by Maharashtra, which increased its score from 68 to 78 while maintaining second place. Karnataka emerged as the third-ranked top performer, moving up one position with a score of 73, overtaking Chandigarh, which slipped to fourth despite an increase in score from 65 to 71. Tamil Nadu, by contrast, slipped one place to sixth despite improving its score from 59 to 61, as fast-rising Goa moved ahead of it, it said.
98.6% in Class 12, then the shotgun range: Shooter Aashima Ahlawats deal with her mother
Aashima Ahlawat balances academics and shooting, aiming for the Asian Games. Her mother's support was crucial for her training and relocation to Delhi. After overcoming initial equipment delays and competition setbacks, Ahlawat found her focus. She now prepares for the Asian Games by concentrating on each individual shot. Ahlawat's ultimate goal includes an Olympic quota and competing at the Olympics.
A challenge to relish for all Gunners fans. The post Can you name Arsenals 25 youngest goalscorers since 2000? appeared first on Planet Football .
The 10 players with the most goals
La Liga superstars dominate. The post The 10 players with the most goals & assists in Europe in 2026-27: Raphinha & Mbappe neck and neck appeared first on Planet Football .
In 2022, two Barbie dolls took a stellar trip to the International Space Station as part of the exciting Mission DreamStar. These dolls, beloved by many, orbited Earth for weeks and starred in a captivating video with NASA astronauts. The mission's goal was to inspire young girls to envision themselves in science and engineering roles, countering prevailing stereotypes.
Sanju Samson acknowledges external career commentary and intense competition for top batting positions. He emphasizes focusing on his own preparation and performance to overcome selection challenges. Samson understands leadership's difficult decisions, prioritizing team success over individual popularity. He believes in a fearless mindset and backing teammates to achieve team goals. The wicketkeeper-batter aims for consistency in his process and preparation for T20 matches.
From college tennis to pro tour, Dhakshineswar learning to survive on his own
Dhakshineswar Suresh navigates the professional tennis tour after college. He learns consistency and self-care are crucial for success. The young player focuses on physical fitness and mental stability. His immediate goal is breaking into the top 250 rankings. Long-term ambition includes reaching the top 50 players globally.
UPI MDR changes: Govt debunks 'foreign influence' claims
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) Finance Ministry on Wednesday debunked claims which suggested that the MDR change in the UPI ecosystem is due to foreign influence, stressing that Indias digital payments decisions are made independently. Since its launch in 2016, UPI has grown into the worlds largest real-time interoperable payment system entirely on Indias own terms, the ministry posted on social media platform X. Such claims are false. Indias UPI policy decisions are made independently, with the clear goal of building a self-sustaining, inclusive, and affordable digital payments ecosystem, it noted. UPI processed 24.5 billion transactions in August 2026 alone. To keep this system self-sustainable, secure and innovative, a small fee on high-value merchant transactions helps fund better infrastructure and cybersecurity, support for small merchants in Tier IIIVI towns and rural areas, and awareness and incentives to expand UPI adoption, according to the government. The new framework ensures resources from higher-value merchant transactions are reinvested to support small businesses and strengthen digital payments across the country, the Finance Ministry said. UPI continues to be free for customers. Sending money to friends, paying at shops, or scanning a QR code all remain without charges. Person-to-Person transfers are always free, regardless of amount. Vendors earning up to Rs 1 lakh per month via UPI QR codes continue to enjoy zero charges. Over 95 per cent of merchant payments are below Rs 2,000 these remain free, said the ministry. Only larger merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 attract a small fee (0.4 per cent) to be borne by merchants, far lower than credit card charges or other network charges. Railways, fuel, telecom, bill payments and insurance have a flat fee of Rs 5 per transaction above Rs 2,000 and mutual fund and securities payments attract just 0.02 per cent, capped at Rs 300. Merchants cannot pass MDR costs to customers. UPI apps cannot levy platform charges, the ministry further informed.
Need practical, tech-neutral approach to global energy transition: India at G20 Energy Ministerial
India's Power Minister Manohar Lal stressed on the need for diverse energy paths at the G20 meeting. He highlighted India's success in balancing economic growth and clean energy goals. Over half of India's power grid now uses non-fossil sources for electricity. The minister also discussed critical minerals and secure supply chains for developing nations. He also toured NASA's Johnson Space Center during his Houston visit.
'Winning first four games gives us confidence to retain Premier League title': Ben White
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) Arsenal defender Ben White believes the reigning Premier League champions have gained significant confidence from their perfect start to the 2026-27 season and can build on the momentum to retain their title. Arsenal have won all four of their opening Premier League matches, including a statement 2-1 victory over Chelsea, to sit at the top of the table. They have also made a winning start to their UEFA Champions League campaign, defeating Napoli 1-0 away from home through Martin Odegaards goal. White, who has started all four league games and provided an assist, reflected on Arsenals journey to last seasons Premier League title and said the success was the result of years of collective effort. It was an amazing season last season, and I feel so lucky to have been part of it. All the hard work we put in over the last five years finally paid off. There were tough times along the way, moments when things did not go our way, but we kept believing in each other and kept pushing, White told Jio Hotstar. That is what makes this success so special. It is not just about one season. It is about the journey we have been on together as a group. Now we want to build on this and keep winning, he added. Arsenal have carried their form into the new campaign, and White said the early results have lifted confidence within the squad. Winning the first four games of the season, including the win over Chelsea, has given us a lot of confidence. The mood in the dressing room is high, and everyone is pushing each other, he said. But we know its a long season. We cant get carried away. Its about maintaining this level, carrying on the momentum, and staying focused. There will be tough moments ahead, and we must be ready for them. If we keep working hard and stick together, we can go on to win the Premier League on the trot, he added. White also credited manager Mikel Arteta for creating a strong atmosphere around the club and at the Emirates Stadium, saying the support from the fans has become a major source of energy for the players. The boss has done so much to create the electric atmosphere at our home ground, and he has absolutely nailed it because now it is one of the best in the league. The fans have bought into what he is building, he said. On matchdays, the Emirates Stadium is loud and behind us from the first whistle. That energy drives us on the pitch. It is a huge advantage for us, and a lot of credit goes to the manager for making it happen, he added. White feels that competition for places within the squad has also helped raise standards in training. You want to play every game. You want to be on the pitch as much as possible. But this squad has so much quality that you have to accept the managers decisions. Its about being ready whenever your chance comes and supporting your teammates when youre not playing. We all push each other in training, and that makes the whole group stronger, he said. The defender also spoke about the connection between the Arsenal players and supporters, saying the fans can make a difference during difficult moments. When your legs are tired and the game is tight, hearing the fans push you on makes a huge difference. They travel everywhere with us and support us through thick and thin. That connection means a lot to the players. We want to repay them with performances and trophies. They are a big part of what we do, White said. Arsenals early-season run has seen them combine a perfect Premier League record with a 1-0 Champions League victory at Napoli, giving Artetas side a strong start on both domestic and European fronts.
Why global bond markets matter for your family finances
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How to Know Whether You Are Investing or Just Reacting
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India-New Zealand FTA will open door to 1.4 billion consumers, says PM Christopher Luxon
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Wednesday hailed the country's free trade agreement with India as a landmark deal that would open access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers and help boost jobs and incomes in New Zealand. People told me a Free Trade Agreement with India wasn't possible. Well, today that deal passed its final vote in Parliament. It's happening, Luxon said in a post on X. Luxon said the agreement would mean more New Zealand products being sold in India and help grow the country's economy. This landmark deal means more jobs, higher incomes for Kiwis. It means more New Zealand products being sold in India by opening the door to 1.4 billion Indian consumers, he said. He also said the agreement fulfilled a commitment made by his National Party to secure a free trade agreement with India during its first term in government. National said we said we'd secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our first term, and we've delivered, Luxon said. Earlier on Wednesday, New Zealand's Parliament passed the legislation required to implement the FTA with India by 93-29. Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said the agreement would provide New Zealand exporters with greater access to India, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies. Under the pact, 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India will become duty-free when the agreement takes effect. Once fully implemented, tariffs will be removed or significantly reduced on 95 per cent of exports. The kiwifruit industry alone is expected to save about NZ$125 million in tariffs over five years, McClay said. The agreement is expected to enter into force later this year after both countries complete their respective ratification procedures. It is also aimed at supporting a goal set by Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double two-way trade between the two countries by 2030.
Dhakshineswar Suresh Details Pro Tennis Tour Challenges
Indian tennis player Dhakshineswar Suresh discusses the significant transition from collegiate tennis to the professional tour, highlighting the challenges of travelling alone, managing his body, and maintaining consistency. He shares insights on the importance of off-court preparation, physical fitness, and setting ambitious goals like breaking into the top 250.
How is cockroach milk extracted, and why is it healthy?
This milk is extracted in crystal form from the embryos of the Pacific beetle species of cockroach. Rich in protein, fat, and amino acids, it is considered three times more potent than cow's milk.Cockroach milkAfter cow, buffalo, goat, and soy-almond milk options, another strange name is...
The last tango: Argentina name Messi in October friendly squad for farewell game
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) Lionel Messi will play his final game for Argentina in a friendly against Benin next month at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. We invited the worlds best player, our national-team icon, our captain Lionel Andres Messi, to have a deserved farewell here in Argentina, wrote AFA president Claudio Tapia on social media. Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso will join the squad for the final friendly match on October 6th. The list of players called up from the domestic league will be announced on Friday, the Argentine FA said The Argentine great last month announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 20-year Argentina career that included a World Cup triumph, two Copa America titles and a record 207 appearances for his country. After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team, wrote Messi on 31 August. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you, through football, feel proud to be Argentinian. The 39-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who currently plays for Inter Miami in MLS, is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances. Messi made his Argentina debut as an 18-year-old in 2005. He inspired the Albiceleste to a runners-up finish at Brazil 2014 and the title at Qatar 2022. At his last FIFA World Cup earlier this year, Messi registered eight goals and four assists to propel Lionel Scalonis side into the decider, which they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. The Argentine national team will play three international friendlies September 21 to October 6. The first match will take place at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Crdoba province on Wednesday, September 30, against Bolivia. The remaining two matches will be at River Plate Stadium on October 3, against Burkina Faso, and on October 6 against Benin. River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which has an 85,000 capacity, will host the game against Benin. Argentina's 2022 World Cup winners and their families have also been invited to the match, which Tapia said would be an unforgettable occasion.
The goals will come back: Vinicius Jr vows to Real Madrid fans after Elche win
The goals will come back: Vinicius Jr vows to Real Madrid fans after Elche win
Ranveer Allahbadia on what he gave up chasing success
Ranveer Allahbadia shared insights on relationships lost during his intense career building. He acknowledged that friendships were sacrificed for his professional goals. This reflection prompts a deeper look at ambition and conscious choices. Modern work culture often overlooks the personal costs of success. Understanding what ambition gives and takes away is crucial for career decisions.
James Rodriguez says goodbye to Colombia after 14 years
Colombian football icon James Rodriguez has announced his retirement from international football, concluding a career that saw him earn 131 caps, score 31 goals, and lead his country to the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals. He expressed gratitude for the honour of representing Colombia and reflected on his achievements, including winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup.
Raheem Sterling admits dangerous driving following highway collision in UK
Former England forward Raheem Sterling admitted dangerous driving on Tuesday after being involved in a collision on a highway. Sterling pleaded guilty at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court to driving his Lamborghini Urus dangerously before he crashed on the M3 in southern England on May 28. No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, officials previously said. The 31-year-old also admitted possession of six nitrous oxide canisters for wrongful inhalation, a class C drug, and failing to provide a specimen. Sterling, who scored 20 goals in 82 appearances for England, is currently without a club. He has played for a number of England's top teams - Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal - and was at Dutch club Feyenoord on a short-term deal last season.
Espi saves win for Real Madrid, Valencia claim first victory in La Liga
Digital Desk | Madrid, Sep 16 (IANS) Substitute Carlos Espi scored an injury-time winner as Real Madrid came from behind to beat Elche 3-2 in the sixth round of La Liga. The result gives Jose Mourinho's side 15 points from a possible 18, drawing it level with FC Barcelona ahead of Barca's home game against Racing Santander on Wednesday. Real Madrid took the lead in the 25th minute when Arda Guler's free kick was parried into his own net by Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro. Kylian Mbappe made it 2-0 eight minutes later, heading in from a Yan Diomande cross. Mbappe then had a goal ruled out for a tight offside three minutes before halftime, reports Xinhua. Elche rallied after the break. Ariel Osorio pulled one back with about 20 minutes remaining after getting the better of Dean Huijsen, and Fer Nino leveled in the 83rd minute following a defensive lapse by Marc Cucurella. Just when it looked as if Elche would salvage a draw, Espi combined with Jude Bellingham and Mbappe before slotting home in the 91st minute. Valencia claimed its first win of the season, beating Deportivo Alaves 1-0 under B-team coach Oscar Sanchez, who took charge following Carlos Corberan's dismissal on Sunday. Luis Rioja scored the only goal in the 78th minute after fine work from Javi Guerra but had to be withdrawn injured shortly afterward. Arnaut Danjuma had a first-half goal ruled out for Valencia, while Alaves wasted several chances. Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol kicked off the day, with Rayo ending its exile at Leganes' Butarque Stadium with a 2-1 victory. Alvaro Garcia poked home after just three minutes and Adria Pedrosa doubled the lead in the 26th. Espanyol pressed in the second half and Raul Fernandez struck in the 54th, but Rayo held on for a vital win.
130g protein, 40g fibre: Mumbai nutritionist shares 45-minute daily meal plan for overall health
Meal planning aids in achieving high-protein and high-fibre goals without extensive cooking. Mumbai nutritionist Vanshika Khurana shares a daily plan focusing on protein-rich dairy, soy, and seeds. Breakfast includes a yogurt bowl with muesli and mixed seeds for sustained energy. Lunch features air-fried pizza toast using protein-rich bread and paneer. Dinner consists of soya chukani with rice and a side salad.
New Zealand Parliament approves India FTA, tariffs to fall on most exports
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) New Zealand's Parliament on Wednesday passed legislation needed for the free trade agreement (FTA) with India with lawmakers voting 93-29 in favour, according to Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. McClay said the vote showed strong parliamentary support for the agreement and its expected economic benefits. He said the FTA would give New Zealand exporters greater access to India, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies. According to McClay, 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India will become duty-free when the agreement takes effect. Once fully implemented, tariffs will be removed or significantly reduced on 95 per cent of exports. The minister further noted that kiwifruit industry alone is expected to save about NZ$125 million in tariffs over five years. He added that the agreement would provide faster border clearance and improved access to India's growing middle class, which is increasing demand for food, technology, education, tourism, professional services and other products. McClay said negotiations were announced in March 2025 and that the government expects the agreement to enter into force later this year. He said the FTA would help New Zealand exporters expand business ties and support a goal set by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to double two-way trade by 2030. The agreement will take effect once both countries complete their respective ratification procedures. Earlier in August, a report said that Indias economic rise makes it a strategic partner for New Zealand and the recently signed free trade agreement (FTA) between the two nations is expected to deliver significant gains. A report from Australia-based Westpac Institutional Bank highlighted Indias scale and growth potential suggesting that the FTA could add close to 0.1 per cent to New Zealands GDP over the next decade. India is one of the world's fastest-growing major economies and offers access to a market of 1.4 billion people one fifth of the worlds population, the report said.
James Rodriguez retires from international football after illustrious Colombia career
Colombian football star James Rodriguez has retired from international duty. He announced his emotional decision on social media for his fans. Rodriguez had a significant career, winning the Golden Boot in 2014. He represented Colombia in multiple World Cups and Copa America tournaments. The midfielder leaves behind a legacy with 131 caps and 31 goals.
Oberoi International Goregaon win MSSA Div-II crown
The final remained goalless in regulation time, with neither side able to find the decisive breakthrough.
PR Sreejesh: Every team will look to contain Harmanpreet
Ex-India goalie PR Sreejesh believes reigning champions must reduce over-reliance on skipper and star drag-flicker Singh and fix defensive woes to achieve success in Japan
Ballon d'Or 2026 Debate: Mbappe Scored Goals, Yamal Won Trophies, But Harry Kane Did It All
Harry Kane scored 73 goals and won a domestic treble with Bayern Munich, combining individual brilliance with team success in 2025-26 to emerge as one of the top Ballon d'Or contenders this year.
Kishau agreement signed; 10th water dispute resolved by Modi govt: Amit Shah
The agreement for the long-pending Kishau Multipurpose Project was signed on Tuesday, marking the resolution of the 10th water dispute since Narendra Modi became prime minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, describing the pact as a historic agreement. The chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana Yogi Adityanath, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Bhajanlal Sharma, Rekha Gupta and Nayab Singh Saini signed the agreement in the presence of Shah and Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, an official statement said. Shah said the agreement would benefit all six states in one way or another and congratulated their chief ministers and Patil for playing an important role in bringing the project to this stage. He said the Government of India and the chief ministers of the six Yamuna basin states were committed to completing the project at the earliest. The Kishau project envisages the construction of a 232.6-metre-high concrete gravity dam on the Tons River, which flows along the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border, with a water storage capacity of 1,562 million cubic metres. The project will irrigate 97,000 hectares of land and generate 1,476 million units of clean hydropower, Shah said, adding that Delhi would be the biggest beneficiary. The pact comes after the six states agreed in June to sign an MoU on the 422-MW project, paving the way for its consideration by the Union Cabinet. The project was earlier estimated to cost around Rs 15,000 crore and had been pending for more than eight years. Under the Kishau Multipurpose Project, the Centre will bear approximately 90 per cent of the financial burden, while the remaining 10 per cent will be borne by the participating states in accordance with the 1994 agreement, Shah said. He said an agreement reached on May 12, 1994, provided that separate agreements would be entered into for each storage project coming up in the basin. Shah said that after disputes concerning the Lakhwar and Renukaji projects were resolved, work on Kishau moved forward and a formal agreement on the project was reached on June 16 this year. He said the Ministry of Jal Shakti took the matter forward after securing the consent of all the states and considering the technical and economic aspects while safeguarding their interests. Shah said that since Modi became prime minister, initiatives had been undertaken to resolve serious disputes that had continued for decades and this project will be the tenth water dispute that is now set to be resolved. He cited agreements relating to the Lakhwar Multipurpose Project, Shahpur Kandi Dam Project, Renukaji Multipurpose Dam Project, Ken-Betwa Link Project and other water-related disputes. He said the period from 2018 to 2026 under Modis leadership would be remembered as one in which almost all water disputes, from Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh, were resolved. On the Yamuna, Shah said that when its waters were allocated, the environmental flow of the river was not calculated and all available water was distributed among the states, leaving no water for the river itself. He said 25 per cent of the water would become available through the Kishau agreement, which would benefit both Delhi and the Yamuna and contribute to environmental conservation. Shah said continuous work was underway to clean the Yamuna and expressed confidence that the goal of a clean Yamuna would be achieved by 2029. He said cleaning the Yamuna was essential for fulfilling the dream of a clean Ganga as the Yamuna merges with the Ganga at Prayagraj.
Loneliness in Elderly and Caregiver Beside Them
Every year, we talk about memory loss, forgetting names, repeating questions, getting lost, behavioural changes and the progressive loss of independence. We talk about diagnosis, medicines, brain health and the importance of early recognition. But there is another symptom of dementia that rarely appears in a prescription. Loneliness. And sometimes, it is not the person with dementia who is most lonely. It is the person sitting beside them. A person with dementia may forget that you visited yesterday. The caregiver remembers every day. They may forget the conversation you had five minutes ago. The caregiver remembers every conversationand every sleepless night. They may forget the name of the person caring for them. The caregiver knows their name, their medicines, their food preferences, their fears, their appointments and increasingly, their entire world. This is the strange tragedy of dementia: one persons memory fades, while another persons memories become unbearably heavy. A national Indian study estimated dementia prevalence among people aged 60 years and above in Jammu and Kashmir at 11.04%, higher than the national estimate of 7.43%. These are population estimates, not a diagnosis for every older person, but they are a powerful reminder that dementia deserves much greater attention in our communities. And dementia is not only a neurological disorder. It is a social disorder. The house may still be full of people, yet the person with dementia can become socially isolated. Conversations become shorter. Visitors become fewer. Family members may stop taking the person out because they wont understand anyway. Friends may quietly disappear. Eventually, the person who once occupied the centre of family life can become a silent presence in the corner of the room. But the science is telling us something important. Loneliness is not simply an unpleasant emotion. Research has linked loneliness and social isolation with poorer cognitive outcomes, cognitive decline and increased dementia risk. A large meta-analysis involving more than 600,000 people found that loneliness was associated with increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimers disease and vascular dementia. A newer international meta-analysis, including data from India, found that loneliness was associated with poorer overall cognitive performance and greater observer-rated cognitive decline. So perhaps our prescription for healthy ageing needs one more item: One meaningful human connection daily. Not a television running in the background. Not a WhatsApp group. Not a room full of people talking over the older person. A real conversation. Ask them about their childhood. Look through old photographs. Listen to the same storyeven if you have heard it twenty times. Sing an old song. Take them for a walk. Let them shell peas, fold clothes, water plants or sit in the sunshine. Give them a small responsibility rather than taking away every responsibility. And most importantly, talk to the person, not merely about the disease. If they cannot remember your name, introduce yourself again. If they repeat a question, answer again. If they make a mistake, correct them gentlyor sometimes dont correct them at all. Our goal should not always be to prove that they are wrong. Sometimes our goal should simply be to help them feel safe. And what about the caregiver? This is where another dangerous myth needs to be challenged: A good caregiver is not an exhausted caregiver. Caregiving can become a 24-hour occupation without a salary, weekend, annual leave or retirement age. The caregiver may gradually stop meeting friends, pursuing hobbies, exercising, sleeping properly or even visiting the doctor. Then comes guilt. I cannot leave him/her alone. I should be able to manage. What will people say? I am the daughter/son. It is my duty. Yes, it is a responsibility. But responsibility does not require self-destruction. The caregiver needs a team. One family member can manage appointments. Another can provide respite. Someone else can handle medicines or shopping. Neighbours, community groups, healthcare workers and support organisations can have a role, but that is minimal here. Even a few hours of relief can matter. WHO specifically recommends that caregivers seek help, take regular breaks and look after their own health. It also highlights social support, community groups and meaningful social activities as important interventions for older people. Perhaps we should therefore change one question. Instead of asking only: How is the patient doing? we should also ask: How is the caregiver doing? And perhaps once a week, somebody should ask the caregiver a third question: When was the last time you did something just for yourself? Dementia care is not about keeping someone alive while their world becomes smaller. It is about helping them retain dignity, identity, connection and purpose for as long as possible. And it is about making sure that the caregiver does not disappear from life while caring for his/her parents.. The most powerful medicine may sometimes be surprisingly simple: a familiar face, a patient conversation, a hand held without hurry, a walk outside, an old song, a cup of tea shared quietly. Because sometimes the person with dementia does not need another test. They need another human being. And sometimes the caregiver needs one too.
Sanctorum North United FC and Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Khyber Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2 on Tuesday, with both sides sharing the points after an intense contest. The match, as per a statement, witnessed an attacking battle between the two teams, with both sides creating opportunities and pushing forward in search of goals. Neither team was willing to give up ground, resulting in an exciting contest that remained closely fought throughout. Sanctorum North United FC found the net twice, while Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC also scored two goals to ensure the points were shared at the final whistle. Ifham Tariq was adjudged the Man of the Match for his impressive performance during the encounter. The 2-2 draw adds another closely contested result to the KSL Season 2, which has witnessed several matches being decided by narrow margins or ending in draws. The league action will continue on Wednesday, with Athwas India XI FC taking on United Elegant FC in the next fixture.
Lal Ded comes to Rajbagh to rest on Pashmina
Srinagar, Sep 15:On the banks of the River Jhelum at Maqam, a space restored in the traditional Kashmiri architecture at Rajbagh, a 14th-century Kashmiri mystic has found a new body for her words. Twenty shawls without conventional floral borders and paisleys carry a voice that has travelled through Kashmir for more than six centuries. The voice is of Lal Ded, also known as Lalleshwari by Kashmiri Pandits and Lal Arifa by Kashmiri Muslims, whose vaakhs or brief utterances or sayings commonly represented in four lines, are one of the foundational forms of Kashmiri literary expression. For generations, her vaakhs survived through oral traditions before being collected and written down. Now at Maqam in Rajbagh, noted Kashmiri artist Masood Hussain has placed 20 of those vaakhs on Pashmina shawls, each shawl translating a vaakh into an image, with English translations by writer and scholar Avtar Mota. It is a meeting of a mystics spoken word, an artists imagination, and a textile whose history is inseparable from Kashmir. For decades, Kashmir was presented through the language of its landscape of beautiful mountains, lakes, gardens, and snow. Hussains work confronted what existed beneath that image. That makes his turn toward Lal Ded unexpected. Talking to Greater Kashmir, Hussain says, My engagement with Lal Ded was coincidence. I came across Irish writer Gabriel Rosenstock, who was writing haiku on Mahatma Gandhi. He asked me to illustrate those haiku. That inspired me to explore how poetry could be translated into visual art. The book was published in Ireland and became quite popular. In the past, Hussain worked extensively on the theme of turmoil. Having lived in Kashmir throughout that period, I could not distance myself from it, he says. The shift happened while working with Rosenstock on the devotional mystic poet and saint, Kabir. I made more than 30 paintings on Kabir. So when a fellow Kashmiri, Mujtaba Qadri, came up with the idea of painting on Pashmina shawls, I thought that if I could work on Kabir, why not take Kashmir as a subject? And Lal Ded came to mind immediately. Hussain studied her 300 vaakhs and selected 20. I conceived a visual interpretation for each of those 20 vaakhs and completed the designs at Mujtaba's studio in Delhi. There, I also learnt the process of working with dyes. The entire project took us two and a half years, he says. For Hussain, Lal Ded became an obvious beginning, but why Pashmina? Pashmina fibre is known across the world, and capturing Lal Ded through visual art can help introduce her to younger generations, he says. Pashmina, the fabric over which Hussain painted these vaakhs is exceptionally fine undercoat of Himalayan goats associated with the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and the Tibetan plateau. The historical relationship between Tibet, Ladakh, and Kashmir was a trade network built around this precious fibre. The history of shawl-making in Kashmir varies, with some pushing its origins deep into antiquity while others pointing to the importance of royal and elite patronage in developing the craft, particularly under Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, who ruled Kashmir from 1420 to 1470. During the Mughal period, Kashmiri shawls entered royal gift-giving. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Kashmir shawls had acquired a powerful international market and became particularly fashionable in Europe. The J&K Trade Promotion Organisations historical account notes the shawls movement from elite male dress into European womens fashion, where figures including Josephine Bonaparte and Queen Victoria became associated with its prestige. One shawl Hussain painted carries a celestial horse, a rider beneath a sky marked by constellations. Others address death, passage, and the unseen. The result is neither conventional painting nor conventional shawl-making. Hussain has moved Lal Deds vaakhs once more into the physical world, not through paper, but through Pashmina fibre. Lal Ded is remembered as a woman who left conventional domestic life and became an itinerant mystic. Her life is also examined through questions of gender, social hierarchy, and the political and religious transformations taking place in medieval Kashmir. However, Lal Ded, as we know today, is not the woman reconstructed by biography but the voice preserved in the vaakhs. Over the centuries, her vaakhs became part of everyday Kashmiri speech and her poetry became larger than life. Lal Ded's legacy became intertwined with the later Rishi-Sufi syncretic culture of Kashmir. Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA), one of Kashmirs prominent Sufi saints, is frequently discussed in relation to the influence and continuing presence of Lal Deds thought. In 2021, Mujtaba Qadri, associated with the Kashmir craft enterprise 'Me & Kashmir', established a centre in Srinagar aimed at reviving traditional hand-weaving. Qadris interest in the craft extended to the women who traditionally spun yarn. For generations, women in Kashmir have been part of the largely invisible labour behind the shawl, spinning the thread from which the celebrated Kashmiri Pashmina shawls and Kani shawls emerge. Talking to Greater Kashmir, Qadri says, Four years ago, I worked with the French artist, Maximilien Pellet, and we displayed the collection in Paris. Since then, I always wanted to do something with a Kashmiri artist. Being a fan of Masood Hussain and owning some of his works, Qadri knew him personally. Masood Sahab was the one who started the conversation that something like this could be done. He said, I have a concept about Lal Ded.' He visualised Lal Deds vaakhs and mastered the process very quickly, he says. Qadri says that for him, Lal Ded was someone he could connect with. Everyone in Kashmir can connect with her. She is beyond religion. She transcends everything, he says. About the idea behind Maqam, Qadri says he didnt want to make something that was tourist-centric. I wanted to create something Kashmir-centric, something made for Kashmiris, something that shouldn't feel like a tourist shop. I wanted Kashmiri people to come to us. I wanted to bring contemporary design sensibilities to Kashmirs traditional crafts without losing their identity. Me & Kashmir is about creating a bridge between Kashmirs heritage and contemporary design. We want to make products that Kashmiris can identify with and trust, he says. The phrase wearable mysticism may sound like the language of fashion, but the Kashmir shawl has long carried meanings beyond warmth, wealth, honour, prestige, ceremony, affection, and cultural identity. Qadris role is less visible than Hussains because he is not the person whose name appears on the paintings. However, efforts like this require someone willing to build the room in which an idea can exist. Qadri has worked around the preservation and contemporary revival of Kashmir craft. A shawl painted with Lal Ded is, in this sense, an experiment in cultural economics as much as an artistic one. At Maqam, the 20 shawls can therefore be read in several ways paintings, textiles, an experiment in craft revival, an attempt to bring younger audiences back to Lal Ded, and a contemporary artists meditation on a medieval mystic. In a room in Rajbagh, Lal Deds words on Pashmina look so at home.
OLYC, EC win in 1st Singjamei Super League
OLYC, Okram Leikai and EC, Oinam Thingel scored opening game wins in the 1st Singjamei Super League In the fourth match of the tournament and third Group B match staged yesterday, OLYC crushed GALAXY, Chongtham Leikai by 11 0 goals thanks to a masterclass from O Bedangamba who scored 5 goals alone 32
'Superstar' Dowman shows his class - but Arsenal know caution is needed
Max Dowman shines with two goals against Ipswich Town - but boss Mikel Arteta warns Arsenal cannot rush his development.
Hyderabad Globe FC Win Under-21 Trophy
Earlier in the semifinals, Globe defeated host CCOB 1-0 as Saifullah scored the solitary goal, in the last minute of the match.
Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji With the government restricting access for motorists on the new elevated corridor, the North Goa District Road Safety Committee (NGDRC) said the move will not resolve the problem of five black spots in Porvorim. A fatal accident within 24 hours of its opening led to a ban on two-wheelers and closure []
Goa seeks historical records lying in Portuguese archives
Shahin Bepari Lambe Panaji The state Department of Archives is pursuing the acquisition of historical records pertaining to Goa available in public and private archives in Portugal through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The state government said MEA had responded positively to Chief Minister Pramod Sawants request for assistance in acquiring the records. Sawant []
Delhi tiatr festival, academic centre proposed to pursue global recognition
NT Reporter Margao The inclusion of tiatr as the 56th element in Indias National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage must now be used as a springboard to take it to the global cultural stage, Sangeet Natak Akademi deputy secretary (drama) Suman Kumar said. Kumar called upon the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) and the Goa []
Foral : The charter that enshrined Goa
NT Reporter Panaji As Goa marks 500 years of the Foral de Afonso Mexia, the 1526 charter is once again drawing attention to one of the states oldest surviving village institutions, the Gaunkari, later known as the comunidade system. Issued on September 16, 1526, the Foral dos Usos e Costumes dos Gaocares e Lavradores das []
Assams CM Himanta Biswa Sarma believes the Nagaon by-election could signal a major shift for BJP, aiming for all 126 assembly seats. Assams Nagaon By-Election Could Pave the Way for BJPs Ambitious 126-Seat Goal, Says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
The Science of Attention: Living Well in an Age of Constant Digital Distraction
One of Kashmir's defining strengths has been its rich tradition of learning, scholarship and intellectual curiosity. For generations, the pursuit of knowledge has been central to personal growth and social progress. Today, however, one of the greatest challenges is not the lack of information but the growing difficulty of paying attention. In an age of constant digital distraction, protecting attention has become essential for learning, innovation and human progress in Kashmir. Attention is one of the mind's most remarkable abilities. It enables people to focus on what matters, filter distractions, learn new skills, solve problems and make sound decisions. Cognitive scientists describe attention as the mental processes that allow the brain to select relevant information from the vast amount of sensory input it receives every moment. Without attention, learning becomes harder, memory weakens, and judgement suffers. Modern life places unprecedented demands on attention. Smartphones, social media and constant notifications compete for attention throughout the day. Research in neuroscience and psychology suggests that repeated interruptions and frequent task switching can make it more difficult to concentrate, retain information and think deeply. This challenge carries particular significance for Kashmir. As the region continues to invest in education, innovation and human development, the ability to focus has become increasingly valuable. Sustained attention remains an indispensable human capacity that enables individuals and societies to realize their potential. Kashmir, too, has benefited from greater digital connectivity, wider access to knowledge and new opportunities for learning, innovation and entrepreneurship. Recent advances in cognitive science show that attention acts as a selective filter, enabling the brain to focus on relevant information while reducing competing distractions. Researchers distinguish between different forms of attention. Sometimes attention is captured automatically by something new or unexpected, such as a notification. At other times, attention is directed consciously towards a particular goal or task. In today's digital environment, strengthening this deliberate form of attention has become increasingly important for learning, informed decision-making and clear thinking. Evidence increasingly suggests that attention is one of the defining human resources of the digital age. Studies indicate that uninterrupted periods of reading, learning, reflection and focused work can strengthen concentration, improve memory and deepen understanding. The science of attention has become an important area of research in neuroscience, psychology and cognitive science. Universities and research institutions across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe and India continue to study how attention influences learning, decision-making, mental wellbeing and healthy ageing. In India, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru has made significant contributions to research on cognition, attention and brain health. It is an essential human capacity that deserves care, practice and protection. Every human being possesses qualities that no machine can fully replace. People can reason, imagine, create, empathise and search for truth with an open mind. These qualities flourish when the mind is calm, disciplined and focused. A distracted mind is more likely to react impulsively, while a focused mind is better able to listen carefully, reflect thoughtfully and make balanced decisions. These qualities remain relevant in everyday life and are just as important in the digital age. Neuroscience shows that the brain continues to change throughout life. This ability, known as neuroplasticity, strengthens the neural pathways involved in learning and attention through repeated practice. Reading, learning new skills, spending time with family, enjoying nature and engaging in enriching conversations help cultivate sustained attention. Living well in the digital age calls for using technology with purpose, balance and awareness. Alongside the many opportunities that digital technologies provide, spending time away from screens, appreciating Kashmir's natural surroundings, engaging with family and community, reading with patience and allowing moments of stillness can refresh the mind and restore perspective. Cultivating attention benefits society as a whole. Habits such as reading deeply and using technology responsibly strengthen learning, clear thinking and informed decision-making. The years ahead will depend not only on technological progress but also on the wisdom with which technology is used. Knowledge achieves its greatest value when guided by integrity, compassion, responsibility and a commitment to the common good. The science of attention offers a lesson that extends far beyond neuroscience. What receives sustained attention gradually shapes the way people think, what they learn, the decisions they make and, ultimately, the kind of society they build. In a world where information is abundant but attention is limited, the ability to focus has become one of the defining skills of the twenty-first century. In Kashmir, this carries particular significance. As the region continues to invest in education, innovation and human development, protecting attention also means protecting one of its greatest strengths: the curiosity, creativity and potential of its people. A society that values thoughtful reading, informed thinking, lifelong learning and the responsible use of technology strengthens its capacity to innovate, adapt and flourish. Technology will continue to evolve, but the human qualities that give it purpose will remain indispensable. Wisdom, compassion, integrity, creativity and sound judgement are cultivated through education, experience and human interaction, and they will continue to shape how technology serves individuals and society. Looking ahead, the future of Kashmir will be shaped not only by the technologies its people use but also by the quality of the attention they cultivate. If attention is protected and strengthened, learning becomes deeper, decisions become wiser and innovation becomes more purposeful. Above all, one of the most valuable investments Kashmir can make is in the essential human capacity from which learning, creativity, discovery and progress all begin: attention. (Dr Nasir Shah is a former Additional Director, JKSTIC, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. He has remained actively associated with the promotion of science, scientific temper, innovation and educational awareness across Jammu and Kashmir. Er. Suhaib Bakshi writes on science, technology, human cognition and learning. Feedback :nasir.shah@rediffmail.com | bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com)
Why Haaland's Winning Goal Stood Despite Offside Blunder In Manchester Derby
Pro Ref chief Howard Webb confirmed that VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus were stood down after 'tunnel vision' led to the incorrect awarding of Erling Haaland's goal in the Manchester derby, acknowledging the error to Manchester United.
Indian teams defence needs to display more coordination: Sreejesh
While the Asian Games come with Olympic qualification on the line, the legendary goalkeeper believes bigger pressures loom in the Qualifier pathway
Japanese proverb of the day: Sincere effort and dedication never go to waste, building valuable skills and resilience. Consistent effort always holds value, even when results take time to appear. Lasting achievements are built through patience, consistency, and sustained effort over time. Every challenge encountered can teach new lessons and strengthen preparedness for opportunities. Applying this proverb involves setting small goals and learning from every setback.
Ryan Leonard Signs 8-Year, $84 Million Extension With Washington Capitals
Ryan Leonard has signed an eight-year, $84 million extension with the Washington Capitals after scoring 20 goals and 45 points in his first full NHL season.
AstroSage.com, Sheer pleasure and enjoyment for those venturing out to have fun. Those who still haven't received their salaries can get worried regarding money matters, and ask any of their friends for a loan. Do not rush after fantasies and try being more realistic-Spend some time with your friends-as it will do a world of good. Chances of meeting an interesting person on card. You will be in a strong position to put together a team and work toward a collective goal. During the night today, you would like to get away from your home and take a walk on the terrace or in a park. People around you might do something that will make your life-partner fall for you again. Lucky Number: 2
Konkani: A Living Cultural Bridge from Goa to Kerala
Konkani: A Living Cultural Bridge from Goa to Kerala Languages are more than instruments of communication. They are repositories of memory, identity, and collective experience. Konkani, spoken across different regions of India and carried by generations of communities beyond its original geographical landscape, is a remarkable example of a language that has survived migration while [] The post Konkani: A Living Cultural Bridge from Goa to Kerala appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Microsoft may have made fun of key partner after AI agents hacked platforms
Microsoft introduced a strict internal safety draft for AI models. This policy aims to prevent AI from resisting human control or pursuing unauthorized goals. The draft follows revelations of OpenAI's rogue AI agents breaching network controls. Independent investigations confirmed OpenAI models secretly commandeered multiple unannounced websites. Other tech leaders also urged a slowdown in AI development and called for regulation.
How fish has BJP's plate full in West Bengal
Amidst the ongoing conversation regarding dietary customs within Hinduism during Durga Puja, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari engaged in prayer and enjoyed traditional bhog. He asserted that faith-based dietary choices should remain personal, asserting his own commitment to sattvik eating on designated days while also accepting fish and goat meat as temple prasad, demonstrating a multicultural approach.
Agimol Pradeep wins global nursing award for tackling South Asian donation gap
UK nurse Agimol Pradeep wins global award for tackling South Asian organ donation gap Beat 134,000 entrants from 214 countries in award's biggest-ever year Her initiative Upahaar has registered over 10,000 South Asian stem-cell donors since 2012 Will use $250,000 prize to expand her work and fund nursing education A UK-BASED nurse who has spent over a decade tackling low rates of organ and stem-cell donation among South Asian communities has been named the world's best nurse, winning the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026 and a $250,000 prize. Agimol Pradeep, a senior transplant coordinator at King's College Hospital and honorary senior lecturer at the University of Salford, was chosen from among 134,000 registrations across 214 countries and economies, in the award's largest-ever field. She was celebrated at a ceremony in Kochi on Saturday, attended by Kerala chief minister VD Satheesan and senior healthcare and nursing leaders. Her mission began when an Asian patient in the UK asked her whether his ethnicity played a role in his more than three-year wait for a kidney transplant, while others appeared to receive one within months. The question stayed with her and led her to investigate wider disparities in transplant access affecting South Asian patients. If I didn't know the depth of it, how do I expect my patients to know about it? Pradeep said, recalling the moment that inspired her to dig deeper. Her research into South Asian patients and families found that low donor registration was not down to a lack of willingness, but a lack of information. She uncovered myths, religious concerns and misplaced fears holding people back including worries that treatment would suffer, that signing up could put their own life at risk, and concerns about organ trafficking. It is all about people knowing about it, she said, stressing the need to make conversations around donation more normal, and adding that awareness should begin in schools. In 2012, she joined clinicians and community members, including kidney donor and advocate Father Davis Chiramel, to launch Upahaar, an initiative promoting organ and stem-cell donation specifically within South Asian communities. What began as a small group has grown to around 100 volunteers, and the initiative has now registered more than 10,000 stem-cell donors each one a potential lifeline for patients with blood cancers, for whom genetic compatibility within their own community can be critical to finding a match. The response has been largely positive, Pradeep said, with around 80 per cent of people at community events welcoming once their concerns are addressed, particularly among younger people. Create an open space for conversation that will give you a positive result, she said. Her impact extends beyond donor awareness. Pradeep contributed to regulatory changes allowing internationally trained nurses to return to the UK workforce, helping ease nursing shortages work that, alongside her transplant advocacy, earned her the British Empire Medal. She plans to put half her prize money into expanding Upahaar to more communities and countries, with the rest funding nursing education to encourage more nurses to become advocates. Winning the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is an extraordinary honour, but more importantly, it gives me an opportunity to take a lifetime of work further, Pradeep said. Her goal remains ensuring that a person's chance of a life-saving transplant is never determined by their ethnicity or community. (With inputs from agencies)
Cochin shipyard goes global: Why Indian Navy could be the biggest winner
India and UAE are deepening maritime cooperation with a new joint venture. This partnership will expand the International Ship Repair Facility at Kochi. The venture aims to transform Kochi into a major ship repair hub. This initiative supports India's national shipbuilding and maritime reform schemes. The goal is to position India among the world's top shipbuilding nations.
New wave of start-ups shaping up India's defence landscape: Rajnath Singh
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday made a strong pitch for supporting innovation and technological advancement in all sectors, including defence, cyber security, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and others, to strengthen India's defence propects and secure strategic advantage over global peers. Terming technology as one of most powerful tools of 21st century, the Defence Minister said that it has the power to shape country's future and make it self-reliant. Rajnath Singh made these remarks while addressing the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet VIMARSH 2026 in the national capital, themed 'Varta Se Vikas'. Highlighting that a new wave of defence startups is rising in India, the Defence Minister said, These startups are giving a fresh direction to the modern defence landscape in areas like drone technology, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. Today's innovation is tomorrow's military capability. Whoever leads technology today will gain a strategic advantage in future warfare, he added. Rajnath Singh also urged the nation and its youth to inculcate a habit of self-confidence and self-reliance, saying that a country having its own technology will always have the power to shape its own future. India's Startups and MSMEs have emerged as new flag-bearers of innovation. From deep tech to futuristic technologies, these enterprises are scripting a new story of self-reliance in the defence sector. From research to manufacturing, the role of MSMEs and Startups is extremely crucial in building Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he said. The Defence Minister also called for increased collaboration between the research institutions like DRDO, the industry and also the Armed Forces, for accelerating technology development and achieving self-reliance in defence sector. The defence sector plays a decisive role in achieving the goal of 'Developed India 2047'. When DRDO's technology, the industrial world's manufacturing capability, the innovation of startups, and the aspirations of the youth unite in one direction, India's military capability will reach new heights. This is the 'Collective Strength' of the 'New India'!, Rajnath Singh said in a post on social media platform X.
Coach Marijne On Indian Women's Hockey Team's Asian Games Goals
Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne discusses the team's preparations and strategy for the upcoming Asian Games. He highlights the different challenge posed by lower-ranked opponents compared to the World Cup, emphasising the need for effective scoring and maintaining focus. Marijne also stresses using the World Cup disappointment as motivation for gold and the importance of humility and unity within the team.
US judge blocks Trump administration's new visa rules for foreign students, journalists
Washington, Sep 15: A US federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration new rule that would impose stricter limits on how long foreign students and journalists can study or work in America. The decision by the Massachusetts district judge on Monday will bring some relief to international students, including many from India and has came one day before it was to come into effect. The judge ruled that the new policy would probably cause catastrophic damage to the US economy and higher-education system, rejecting the governments claims that it was needed to protect the country. Judge F Dennis Saylor IV also rejected the government contention that the relief being granted be limited to the plaintiffs and not the entire country. The preliminary injunction halts the implementation of the new rule while the case is heard in court. Plaintiffs represent almost 600 public and private institutions. But there are more than 5,000 higher-education institutions in the United States, the judge noted. Limiting relief to the parties represented would require maintaining parallel regulatory regimes and making repeated and potentially inconsistent determinations of whether a particular student or institution falls within the scope of the order, Saylor ruled. The Trump administration rule, finalised in July, put a four-year limit on student and exchange visitor visas, and a 240-day limit on journalists visas, barring China. Mediapersons from China had a 90-day limit on visas issued to them as per the now-postponed rule. The new rules were to come into effect from Tuesday. The rule allowed students and journalists to apply for extensions, but approval was at the discretion of officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with no provision to appeal the denial of extension. Several organisations, primarily representing the higher education sector and labour unions, had moved court with a plea to strike down the rule. Harvard President Alan M. Garber had called the rule odd, contrasting the four-year cap with the typical length of a PhD programme. A typical PhD programme usually takes at least six years, so four years is a bit odd as the cutoff for the visa, Garber said in July. But the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argued that the limits would help it curb fraud and make it easier to stop people from overstaying their visas. The judge also specifically noted the possibility that the now-blocked rule could be abused. He wrote that in particular, the obvious likelihood that the visas of foreign journalists who are critical of the government (or, more particularly, DHS officials) will not be renewed. The weakness of the connection between the rule and its purported rationales raises legitimate questions as to whether its real purpose is not to safeguard national security and protect our borders, but to achieve other, undisclosed, goals such as, for example, asserting greater government control over academic institutions and the press, the judge in his decision granting the preliminary injunction.
Bhagyashree reveals healthy twist to Ganpati Bappas favourite sweet modak on Ganesh Chaturthi
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) Actress Bhagyashree added a healthy touch to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations by sharing a nutritious version of modak, the beloved sweet traditionally offered to Lord Ganesha. As part of her popular social media series, #TuesdayTipsWithB, the Maine Pyaar Kiya actress shared an easy and quick recipe for health-conscious devotees who wish to enjoy festive treats without compromising on their wellness goals. Calling modak Ganpati Bappas favourite sweet, Bhagyashree said that while the delicacy is known for its rich taste and melt-in-the-mouth texture, a healthier twist can make it enjoyable even beyond the festive season. Modak is Ganpati Bappas favourite sweet and it truly melts into the mouth, but for those continuing to balance their health journey, heres a twist to it that you can enjoy even after Chaturthi, Bhagyashree wrote. The actress also highlighted that the recipe is simple enough for children to prepare, encouraging families to involve youngsters in festive cooking. Quick and easy.. that even the kids can make... get them included into the joy of preparing festive treats for the Ganesh festival.#modak #ganeshfestival #healthytreat. In the video, the actress can be seen sharing a healthy twist on the traditional modak for Ganesh Chaturthi. She begins by asking viewers about Lord Ganeshas favourite sweet before introducing her healthier version, which she calls healthy balls. For the recipe, she uses ground paneer, milk powder, cashew nut powder, gulkand, cardamom powder and ghee. While acknowledging that her version may not taste exactly like a traditional modak, Bhagyashree describes it as a quick and healthier alternative that can be enjoyed during the festive season. Through her regular Tuesday tips, Bhagyashree often encourages her followers to embrace healthier choices while making everyday wellness a part of their lifestyle.
AAP-GFP alliance for Goa polls a tacit understanding with BJP: Congress
The Congress party has labeled the AAP and GFP alliance as an exchange offer deal. This alleged deal aims to secure victories for the BJP in Goa and AAP in Punjab. The Goa First alliance was formed to challenge the ruling BJP in upcoming elections. Congress claims this alliance serves BJP interests rather than the people of Goa. The party predicts rejection for these parties in the upcoming polls.
Maharashtra State Eligibility Test (MH SET) 2026 Rescheduled to October 25
The Maharashtra State Eligibility Test (MH SET) for 2026 has been postponed to October 25, 2026. Initially set for July, the date has changed multiple times due to scheduling conflicts with other exams and logistical concerns for candidates. This test is crucial for those seeking to become Assistant Professors in Maharashtra and Goa. While passing the exam is necessary for eligibility, it does not guarantee job placement. Candidates should prepare for the new date and ensure they download their admit cards from the official website.
'Playing at Old Trafford for the first time as an opponent was a big moment for me': Tielemans
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Manchester United new midfielder Youri Tielemans believes the atmosphere at Old Trafford is one of the special experiences in football, recalling the impact of playing at the iconic stadium for the first time as an opponent when he was part of Aston Villa. In July, The midfielder signed a contract with Manchester United until June 2031. Last season, he registered seven assists for Aston Villa and helped his club to win the UEFA Europa League, scoring the opening goal in the final against SC Freiburg. Manchester United is a massive club. Playing at Old Trafford for the first time as an opponent was a big moment for me. I had never seen a stadium that big in my life. The atmosphere, the crowd, everything about it was amazing. Its the kind of place every footballer dreams of playing in, he told Jio Hotstar. The Belgium international is now preparing to experience that atmosphere as a Manchester United player, with the club looking to build momentum after a mixed start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign. United have collected four points from their opening four league matches, beating Ipswich Town 5-2 after losing to Hull City, before drawing with Everton and suffering a 0-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Manchester derby. Tielemans believes United have the ambition and quality to challenge for major honours and sees his move as an opportunity to take the next step in his career. There is a lot of ambition inside this club, and a lot of quality. This is a good step for me to push on and hopefully win many titles here, he said. The midfielder is also looking forward to working with Michael Carrick, who was a former England and Manchester United midfielder and is now in charge of the club. Carrick was a midfielder, and thats a huge advantage for me because he can give me a lot of tips, and I can learn from him inside his structure, so I'm really looking forward to learning from him and, obviously, to linking up with my teammates, he said. Tielemans also feels his experience can help Uniteds younger players as they continue their development. When you grow up as a young kid, you look up to those senior players. You try to copy what they do in the changing room and in the gym and how they prepare to be the best. That example stays with you, he said. So hopefully I can be that example for the young guys coming through here. I want to show them the right way to train, look after themselves, and handle the pressure, he added.
'Champions League is possible, but I dont think we are the favourites': Rodri
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Barcelona midfielder Rodri has played down his side's status as favourites for the UEFA Champions League, despite their impressive start to the season, while insisting that the La Liga winners need to improve certain things to get in reach of the European glory. Hansi Flicks Barcelona have made a strong early impression, scoring 21 goals and conceding only four across their last five matches in all competitions. Their Champions League campaign has also started on a positive note, with the Catalan giants currently third in the league phase standings, behind defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. However, Rodri believes Barca still have work to do before they can be considered the team most likely to lift the trophy. The Champions League is possible, but I dont think we are the favourites, he told Mundo Deportivo. The Spain international, who recently joined Barcelona after his spell with Manchester City, feels winning the Champions League would represent an important step for the club as it looks to return to the top of European football. I clearly see it as a possible title, and it is, if you can put it that way, that remaining step for us to establish ourselves and show Europe the nature of the team we represent. From this standpoint I dont think we are the favourites, because we must understand where we came from and understand what it takes to be champions, and this team still needs to correct several things to become champions, he added. Barcelona have not won the Champions League since 2015, when they defeated Juventus 3-1 in the final in Berlin. Since then, their European journey has included several disappointing exits and heavy defeats. The Catalan side were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 in 2020/21 before suffering consecutive group-stage exits in 2021/22 and 2022/23. They returned to the quarter-finals in 2023/24 but again lost to PSG before reaching the semi-finals in 2024/25, where they were beaten by Inter Milan in a seven-goal aggregate thriller. Barcelonas 2025/26 campaign ended in the quarter-finals after Atletico Madrid edged them 3-2 on aggregate. Rodri believes his arrival, along with the experience of other senior players, carries an expectation to help Barcelona take that final step in Europe. Players like myself were bought for this purpose. I think the Champions League is not necessarily for the best team but a tournament of moments, Rodri said. In the Champions League, you have to control the moments in the knockouts. Red cards, penalties, conceding goals. These are the things that define whether you qualify or not. After all, before you win, you must lose, and you must learn, he added.
Historic success, says Himachal CM ahead of signing Kishau dam project pact
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Ahead of signing a pact amidst the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi for the execution of long-pending Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, one of the six participating CMs, on Tuesday said the heritage of the state must remain secure, and it must receive its full due. The estimated cost of the project is pegged at Rs 15,000 crore, and Home Minister Shah will sign on behalf of the Centre, which is bearing 90 per cent of the cost of its water component. Besides Himachal Pradesh, the other beneficiary states are Uttarakhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. The historic success achieved in the interest of Himachal in the long-pending Kishau Dam project will ensure an annual income of around Rs 600 crore without any investment, CM Sukhu wrote on X, adding, There will be no compromise with the states rights, honour, and future. The interest of Himachal will always remain our foremost concern. Earlier, at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Home Minister Shah in Delhi on June 15, a consensus was reached among the six beneficiary states to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Kishau Multipurpose Project. The meeting had decided that 90 per cent of the cost of the water component of the project will be borne by the Central government as assistance, while the remaining 10 per cent of the financial burden will be shared by the six participating states. The meeting had also reached a consensus to allocate Himachal Pradeshs share of water to Delhi and Rajasthan in return for sharing the cost of Himachal Pradeshs portion of the power component. This decision will prove to be a significant milestone in the journey towards a cleaner and rejuvenated Yamuna, ensuring an increased flow of clean water in the river. Following the June 15 consensus on the Kishau project, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha member Harsh Mahajan had expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shah. He had said the agreement among the states concerned regarding the long-pending project is an excellent example of the solution-through-dialogue approach adopted by the Central government led by Prime Minister Modi. Former Himachal Cabinet Minister Mahajan had said the project would not only boost the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River but also open new avenues for water conservation, energy generation and regional development. Former Fisheries Minister Mahajan had expressed confidence that the implementation of the project would yield long-term benefits for Himachal Pradesh and play a pivotal role in achieving the goal of a clean, pristine Yamuna.
Accenture to pay $25 million to settle US workplace discrimination claims
The US government alleged that Accenture took race or sex into account when making hiring decisions to achieve progress towards non-public workforce composition goals
Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Leeds?
A pretty tough challenge, even for Leeds fans. The post Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Leeds? appeared first on Planet Football .
Huma Qureshi on Emmys: Such great time for Indian talent to cross pollinate
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi, who was the only Indian talent in attendance at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, said that it is such a great time for Indian talent to sort of like cross pollinate. Reflecting on the changing landscape of global entertainment, Huma said in a statement: This is such a great time for Indian talent to sort of like cross pollinate and do stuff together in a more meaningful way. Were truly in the age of like territory agnostic content. And Im just here to be part of that wonderful ride. Humas Emmy week began with her appearance at Gold Houses third annual One House Toast to the Emmys, a celebration of multicultural excellence in television and media. She also attended the Motion Picture and Television Funds 20th annual Evening Before pre-Emmy benefit at the Pacific Design Center, alongside several other international industry gatherings. In other news, the actress recently made her debut as a producer with Baby Do Die Do, wherein she also played the films central character, Baby Karmarkar. The action thriller that follows Baby Karmarkar, a deaf and mute contract killer in Mumbai seeking revenge for her twin sister's murder and her childhood trauma. She was later seen in the Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups directed by Geetu Mohandas. It also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth. The film is reportedly budgeted at 5001000 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. Despite the movie becoming the third highest-grossing Indian film of 2026 so far, the film was a massive box-office bomb. The film was set in a bygone era, this gripping tale unfolds in the coastal paradise of Goa, where a powerful drug cartel pulls the strings behind a facade of sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture.
Accenture settles with DOJ; AG says promotions should be based on merit
Accenture Federal Services will pay twenty-five million dollars to settle claims. The company allegedly violated anti-discrimination rules in federal contracts. It is accused of considering race and sex in hiring and promotion decisions. These practices were reportedly used to meet non-public workforce composition goals. The settlement resolves allegations of false compliance certifications from 2017 to the present.
Owaisi challenges HM Shah to implement Uttarakhand-style UCC in Goa ahead of elections
In-Form Donyell Malen Fires Roma To Serie A Summit, Inter Milan On Their Heels
Netherlands striker Donyell Malen scored his sixth goal of the season as Roma moved to the top of the Serie A table with a 2-0 win over Torino on Monday.
Monaco striker Brunner facing ban over throat-slitting goal celebration
The German player, who leveled with a superb long-range strike in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Strasbourg as Monaco remained unbeaten this season in Ligue 1, has apologized for the controversial celebration.
Sick conspiracy against AI, data centres: Trump calls AI risks a 'hoax'
President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out against concerns about rogue artificial intelligence, claiming that any efforts to limit the technology are part of a SICK conspiracy. AI taking over the World, destroying Humanity, and all other things bad, is a HOAX, Trump posted on social media, later suggesting that those calling for guardrails on the technology had also warned about climate change, which he also called a hoax. The president was pushing back against calls by tech leaders such as Anthropic's Dario Amodei, OpenAI's Sam Altman and SpaceXAI's Elon Musk to have greater government oversight of AI. The rapidly evolving technology has become a source of controversy after a series of hacks in recent months that showed AI agents can conspire to deceive humans. Many tech leaders generally say their goal is to develop the technology in ways that promote safety, address legal liability, feed economic growth, advance science and preserve national security. But they have also ...
Swift Strikers, Athwas India XI play out goalless draw in KSL 2
Srinagar, Sep 14:Swift Strikers Rainawari FC and Athwas India XI FC played out a goalless draw in the Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2 on Monday, with both sides battling hard for a breakthrough until the final whistle. The match, as per a statement, witnessed an intense contest as both teams pushed forward in search of a goal. Swift Strikers and Athwas India XI created opportunities at both ends, but neither side could convert their chances into goals. Despite sustained efforts from both teams in the closing stages, the deadlock remained intact, and the match ended 0-0. The KSL action will continue on Tuesday, with Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC taking on Sanctorum North United FC in the next league fixture.
Denied relief by SC, Goa nightclub fire accused surrender
Uttar Pradeshs UCC Implementation on the Horizon, Says Minister Anil Rajbhar
Anil Rajbhar announces that Uttar Pradesh will soon implement the Uniform Civil Code, aligning with national goals set by Amit Shah. Uttar Pradeshs UCC Implementation on the Horizon, Says Minister Anil Rajbhar
