61 springs in Goa face resource threat, finds first-ever census
Points to rising pressure on water sources Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji: Goas first-ever Spring Census has flagged resource threats in 61 of the 1,171 springs assessed in the state, including 14 classified as facing a high degree of threat, raising concerns over the vulnerability of traditional water sources amid increasing pressure on natural resources. The []
Lokesh Congratulates Jyothi Surekha on Asian Games Gold
In a post on his X handle, Lokesh said, I assured her of my full support as she moves forward with the goal of winning a medal at the 2028 Olympics.
China is initiating a significant overhaul of its higher education system to align with national and strategic goals. The new guidelines introduce a three-tier classification for universities to enhance educational efficiency and workforce readiness. Elite institutions will focus on research in breakthrough technologies and innovation. Second-tier universities will concentrate on practical skill development and industry integration.
Former WWE Champion's Blunt Response To Fans Questioning His Money In The Bank Comments
Ethan Page has explained his controversial Money in the Bank comments after fans questioned his plan to target the Intercontinental Championship. The former WWE Champion said his career goals are not decided by what fans want.
Football: Koski latest player out as international break injury victims mount up
Digital Desk | Madrid, Oct 5 (IANS) The ongoing international break continues to cause problems for La Liga clubs, with another player from a Spanish side suffering an injury while on international duty. Deportivo Alaves has reported that Finnish international defender Ville Koski has suffered a muscle injury that is likely to rule him out of Saturday's La Liga match at home to Atletico Madrid. The player has suffered a muscle injury and will return to Vitoria-Gasteiz in the coming hours, informs the Alaves website. The news is a blow for Alaves coach Quique Sanchez Flores, who has included the 24-year-old in all seven of his team's La Liga matches so far this season. Koski has been an important part of Alaves's positive start, which has left the club sixth in the table after conceding just five goals. Koski is one of several players to have suffered injuries during the new-format international break, which sees players leave their clubs for an intense spell of four international matches in just over two weeks. Atletico Madrid defender Alex Grimaldo had to withdraw from the Spain squad with a physical problem, while FC Barcelona duo Eric Garcia and Raphinha both returned to their club early. Kylian Mbappe suffered a knee problem while with France, and Nico Williams injured a hamstring that is likely to rule him out of Athletic Bilbao's weekend visit to Rayo Vallecano. Mbappe has yet to return to Madrid and drew criticism from some Real Madrid fans over the weekend after posting a video of himself riding a bicycle and running on a treadmill. He is also a doubt for next weekend's home match against Villarreal.
Tech-driven farming crucial for developed India goal: Expert
14-0! India U17 women crush Iraq for biggest-ever win in Asian Cup qualifiers
In a stunning display of skill, India's U17 women's team triumphed over Iraq with a jaw-dropping 14-0 victory in their qualifiers. Anushka Kumari shone brightly as the star of the match, scoring five goals and clinching the Player of the Match accolade. Abhista Basnett was instrumental as well, netting two goals and highlighting the team's cohesive efforts. After a brief pause due to weather, the team quickly regained their momentum.
Sagittarius Horoscope 5 Oct 2026
AstroSage.com, Meditation and yoga should be practiced for spiritual as well as physical gains. Don't spend too much on entertainment or cosmetic improvement. Spend some quality time in the company of people who love and care for you. Likely to share candyfloss and toffees with beloved on the cards. A good day as you get excellent opportunity to achieve your goals. IT professionals can also get a call from abroad. While fulfilling the needs of the family, you often forget to give yourself a break. But today, you will be able to take out some time for yourself and look for a new hobby. Marriage had never been so wonderful before than today. Lucky Number: 2
AstroSage.com, Health will be fine despite some mental pressures. Today, you are likely to attain benefits from the help of your brother or sister. This is the perfect day to attract the attention of others without doing much on your side. Your heart beats will play the music of love in rhythm with your partner today. You will be in a strong position to put together a team and work toward a collective goal. Pending problems need to get sorted out soon and you know that you have to start somewhere- so think positively and start putting efforts today. Rain is known for romance and you will feel the similar ecstasy with your life partner throughout the day. Lucky Number: 1
England's record goalscorer Kane set to match Shilton
England boss Tuchel believes Kane's sustained success has been fuelled by a fierce competitive streak that pushes him to keep chasing more records.
Rare Sumatran tiger births mark US-RI conservation goal: officials
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin will retire after the 2026-27 NHL season, the league's all-time goal-scoring leader said on Monday, calling time on his career after more than two decades. (Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York and Frank Pingue
Javed Akhtar says message attributed to him lashing out at Abhijeet Dipke are as fake as fake can be
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 5 (IANS) Veteran screenwriter Javed Akhtar of the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, has issued a clarification with regards to a recent fake message attributed to him. On Monday, the veteran writer took to his X, formerly Twitter, and penned a long note quashing the claims that he lashed out at CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, and said that the message is fake. He wrote, I, Javed Akhtar want to tell every one that the fake message on the social media that I have criticised CJP and run down Abhijeet Dipke is as fake as fake can be. He further mentioned, I am surprised that those who are opposing Dipke and CJP need to borrow credibility from someone like me !! . Yeh Haalut hogayee hai ??? Sad. A fake message has circulated on social media, claiming that the veteran lyricist and screenwriter criticised Abhijeet Dipke and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The purported message described Dipke as a puppet of Arvind Kejriwal and accused the CJP of pursuing an anti-BJP agenda. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, has launched a fresh protest campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The agitation began in Mumbai on October 2, with hundreds of supporters gathering at Shivaji Park despite police denying permission for the demonstration. The CJP is protesting the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and has alleged irregularities in the exercise. The Election Commission has said the revision is intended to remove duplicate, deceased and ineligible voters while retaining eligible voters. The CJP has announced that the campaign will expand to other cities, including Goa, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Dipke has also announced a return to Delhi, with a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 if ECI does not resign. Delhi Police detained few protestors during a demonstration on October 4, 2026.
Capcom Integrates AI Into RE Engine To Accelerate Game Development
Capcom has outlined a forward-looking strategy that extends beyond releasing game remakes , focusing heavily on embedding artificial intelligence into its development pipeline. The Japanese publisher aims to transform its proprietary RE Engine into a modernized platform fully equipped to leverage advanced AI technology . During the Capcom Open Conference , lead programmer Satoshi Ishida presented details on the REX Project , an initiative designed to integrate machine intelligence directly into active production workflows . According to Ishida, this shift addresses significant operational bottlenecks driven by the expanding scale of modern video games and the mounting complexity of development architecture. The engine currently supports over 2,000 developers worldwide, creating an urgent need for multi-language support, greater workflow accessibility , and streamlined systems to handle diverse file formats and build iterations. To tackle these hurdles, Capcom showcased several technical upgrades. Among them is RE:Log , an internal system engineered to automatically adjust interface and text languages according to the specific profile of the developer using the software. In addition, the studio is introducing new data processing standards alongside refined user interfaces to ease multi-team collaboration. Another central component is RE:Flows , a specialized automation tool designed to translate visual node graphs and visual scripts into standardized, clean source code. This feature represents a core milestone in Capcoms roadmap for applied generativesystems and smart automation within the game engine . Addressing industry-wide discussions regarding the ethics and risks of algorithmic automation, Capcom emphasized that its primary goal is not replacing human staff. Instead, the initiative focuses on automating routine, repetitive tasks to reduce technical overhead and optimize overall pipeline efficiency . By delegating mechanical scripting, localization formatting, and baseline maintenance to automated tools, the studio aims to allow developers to dedicate greater attention to high-level creative design , storytelling, and core gameplay mechanics. The studio continues testing these frameworks across internal projects. Capcom Integrates AI Into RE Engine To Accelerate Game Development , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Pickford 'almost caused crash' with careless driving
The goalkeeper was pulled over by police after ignoring a give way sign, forcing two cars to brake.
Its been almost 10 years: Forlan returns to India as Uruguay coach and fond memories
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 5 (IANS) Nearly a decade after experiencing Indian football as an Indian Super League (ISL) player, Uruguay head coach Diego Forlan has returned to the country in a very different role, with the former striker now preparing the two-time world champions for their friendly against India at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Tuesday. Forlans first association with India came during his stint with Mumbai City FC, when he spent six months playing across the country. His return has brought back memories of his time in the ISL and of the football culture he encountered in cities such as Kolkata, Mumbai and elsewhere. Its been almost 10 years since I came here, Forlan said. I had the opportunity to play in the ISL for Mumbai City. I spent six months here, playing in Kolkata, Mumbai and different cities. I discovered a really nice country, with a lot of people and a lot of good football players. Kolkata, in particular, left an impression on the former Uruguay international. Forlan recalled the atmosphere around the games during his time in India, pointing to the strong support for football in several parts of the country. Every time the team was playing here, the stadium was full, he said. Forlan also identified Kerala, Goa and the northeast as regions where he had witnessed a strong football following. They are really passionate about football. They have good players as well. His assessment of Indian football is not based solely on memories from his ISL stint. Forlan was also present in the stands when India faced Brazil in Kolkata, giving him an opportunity to watch the national team at close quarters ahead of Uruguays meeting with the hosts. While India suffered a heavy defeat against Brazil, Forlan saw enough in the performance to caution his players against underestimating their opponents. India had some really good players. They knew what to do, he said. There were some really nice combinations. If you give them time and space, they can damage you, and they can play well. So you have to respect everybody. Forlan also believes matches against higher-ranked opposition can play an important role in Indias development. With Uruguay providing another demanding test, he felt such fixtures could help the hosts gain valuable experience. I think its good that the national team is playing these kinds of friendly games. In the future, they can have more games like this, so they can learn and become a better team. Uruguay have spent nearly a week in Kolkata ahead of the match, allowing the squad to experience the city beyond the football pitch. Forlan said the reception from the people had added to their stay. The people are very humble, and the hospitality is great, he said. Every time I came here to India, people have been really kind. The players also managed to explore a little of Kolkata before the weather disrupted their plans. We just saw very little. Youre a really big country. But its a very historic culture, so it was nice to be around. Food, naturally, was another part of the Kolkata experience. Asked whether the Uruguay squad had sampled some of the citys local specialities, Forlan kept the possibility open for after the match. Maybe we can try after the match.
'What are you doing?' Bombay HC's Goa Bench raps EC over voter deletions
The HC's remarks came while examining concerns over voter deletions during the SIR exercise. The bench referred to observations made by the Supreme Court that ensuring the inclusion of Indian citizens in the final voter list is the ECI's responsibility. The comments was in the backdrop of the wider legal challenge to the voter revision exercise, with concerns being raised over the manner in which names could be excluded from electoral rolls.
Excise teams seize 123 liquor bottles from Goa, Delhi near Hyderabad airport
You know who's top. What about the rest? The post Can you name Frances top 20 goalscorers of all time? appeared first on Planet Football .
Nobel Prize 2026: Experts say the committee, in its process of awarding the prize, typically focuses on the durability of peace, the promotion of international fraternity and the quiet work of institutions that strengthen those goals.
Jammu division's green leap: Railway stations to expand solar power capacity to 2.55 MW
Jammu, Oct 5: To promote clean energy and reduce dependence on conventional electricity, the Northern Railway's Jammu division is expanding its solar power infrastructure, bringing its total installed and planned capacity to 2.55 MW, officials said on Monday. Solar plants with a combined capacity of 1,745 kWp (1.745 MW) are already operational at five major railway depots and premises in the division, including Jammu Railway Station and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station, where a 1 MW solar plant has been installed, they said. The division is now expediting work on 18 new solar plants with a combined capacity of 808 kWp. Once commissioned, the total solar generation capacity will rise to 2,553 kWp (2.55 MW), they said. Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer Vishal Rathi said work on a new 450 kWp solar plant at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station commenced on September 12 and is scheduled for completion by December 2026. He said work on another 13 solar plants with a combined capacity of 358 kWp at Shaheed Captain Tushar Mahajan Udhampur Station would also commence soon. The expansion is expected to help the division reduce carbon emissions, save lakhs of rupees annually in electricity expenditure, and lessen dependence on the conventional power grid. Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Kumar said the initiative aimed to make railway operations cleaner and more sustainable. Our goal is not just to operate trains, but to take Indian Railways towards a clean, green and sustainable future. Every station of Jammu Division will be illuminated with solar energy in the coming times, he said. The solarisation drive is expected to support environmental protection while enabling the Railways to use electricity savings to improve passenger amenities, officials said.
Best magnetic power banks and MagSafe portable chargers for iPhone 2026
Macworld Portable power banks that charge your phone are popular, but wireless battery packs using Apples magnetic MagSafe technology offer a simpler and smarter cable-free solution for iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and Air users. Phone batteries are prone to run dry just when youre heading away from a power source, so having a portable charging source is one of todays necessities. Annoyingly, most power banks require you to carry around a cable, too. Wireless power banks do away with cables but come with their own major limitationthe inefficiency of wireless charging means you need a high-capacity power bank to fully charge a drained iPhone. MagSafe is a technology thats compatible with all iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, Air and Duo models, from the mini to the Pro Max, but strangely missing from the 16e model. It allows accessories to clamp magnetically to the back of the iPhone, making the charging connection more efficient. We havent yet had an iPhone Duo in for testing with these magnetic power banks, but the new folding iPhone is MagSafe friendly. We put the best portable chargers through a series of rigorous iPhone recharging tests, and have listed the winners by power, portability and functionality: Best high-capacity 10k MagSafe power banks Best small portable 5K magnetic power banks Best multi-device charging MagSafe power banks Best capacity magnetic power bank for you You should consider size when it comes to a power bank: physical size and battery capacity. The higher the battery capacity, the more recharging power youll get from the power bankbut youll also be carrying around a larger, heavier item. Lighter, slimmer power banks are easier to pocket even when clamped to your phone. Larger power banks might not fit in your trouser pocket and can slide off easier when pocketed even if clamped magnetically. 10K power banks (with a 10000mAh battery capacity) can charge a phone close to two times over, while 5K (5000mAh) battery packs usually stretch between 60-75%, which is often enough to get you to the next wall-socket powering opportunity. If you are relying on the power bank for long-haul travel or a camping trip, a 10K battery or higher will suit you better. Belkin even offers a mid-range 8K power bank. Milliamp hours ( mAh ) is quite a blunt measurement of battery capacity. Its great for quickly differentiating between power bank sizes but we also list the capacity in the more accurate watt hours ( Wh ). Also, look out for power banks that are built using the latest semi-solid-state battery technology that uses less liquid electrolyte than standard litium-ion power banks, making them more durable, longer lasting, and safer. Wireless power bank charging speed Wireless charging speeds vary from 7.5W (MagSafe Compatible) to 15W (certified MagSafe and Qi2), all the way to the very fastest wireless charging at 25W (Qi2.2). While its not as efficient as using a cable to charge a phone, magnetic wireless charging is a step closer to doing away with cables altogether. Qi2 25W brings wireless charging close to wired speed but only iPhones 16 and later support that speed, and some power banks include a built-in USB-C cable for even faster charging up to 45W. The iPhone Air can manage 20W max on even a 25W charger. See Which wireless tech is best for your iPhone? . We have listed the speeds at which each portable power bank can be charged itself ( Input charger ) and charge the iPhone ( Output charger ). The higher the wattage, the faster the charging should be. Best high-capacity 10K MagSafe power banks A 10000mAh (10K) battery is the sweet spot for both power and portability. 5000mAh (5K) power banks reviewed further down are slimmer, lighter and easier to pocket, but generally offer a maximum of 70-80% recharge potential versus a 10K power bank that should be able to recharge an iPhone at least one and a half times over. KuxiuS325W10KSolid-StatePowerBank Fast 25W wireless battery pack that has it all Pros Large battery capacity 25W wireless or 35W wired charging Built-in USB-C cable Semi Solid State tech Digital display Kickstand Cons Not as slim as the S4 Price When Reviewed: $149.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $62.99 View Deal Kuxiu $68.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 39.5Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (25W Qi2.2) & USB-C (35W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 177% Battery type: Semi-Solid State Weight: 8.65oz (245g) Dimensions: 4.2 x 2.8 x 0.9 inches (107 x 71 x 22mm) Colors: Black The Kuxiu S3 was the first semi-solid-state 25W magnetic wireless power bank to enter the Macworld Lab. A semi-solid state (SSS) power bank is more energy-dense than a traditional liquid electrolyte power bank because its semi-solid electrolyte is less prone to leakage and thermal runaway. SSS is therefore more durable, safer and offers more charge cycles so will last longer. Indeed, not only does it tick those boxes but its also boasts three other top-end features: a built-in USB-C cable, integrated kickstand, and super-clear digital battery display. Only the iPhones 16/17/18 support the very fastest wireless tech Qi2 25W, and only the iPhone 15 and later have a USB-C charging port. Older iPhones (from 12 on) can use a 25W charger such as the S3 but are pegged back at 15Wstill faster than the 7.5W found on cheaper power banks. Switch to wired charging via the integrated USB-C cable and youll achieve up to 35W so even faster. The S3 has a 10000mAh (10K) battery capacity and managed to recharge that same iPhone to 177%so up to 100% then another 77% when it came to a second recharging task. Thats not the top score weve had in our 10K power bank tests: the champ so far is the Ugreen MagFlow Air 10K , which scored an unmatched 208%, with the EcoFlow RAPID 10K and Anker MagGo Slim scoring 190% or closeboth are reviewed here. But 177% is above average. The same company offers two other 25W magnetic power banks: the similar S4 reviewed below, and the K1 Ultra (reviewed in our multi-device section below) that has a neat slide-out panel that can charge your Apple Watch or AirPods at the same time as the iPhone. Read our full KuxiuS325W10KSolid-StatePowerBank review Ugreen MagFlow Pro Magnetic 10K 10K recharge score champion Pros Best battery capacity test score 25W wireless or 45W wired charging Built-in USB-C cable Price When Reviewed: $149.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $99.99 View Deal Ugreen $149.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 39.2Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (25W Qi2.2) & USB-C (45W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 208% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 8.29oz (235g) Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.8 x 0.63 inches (108 x 71 x 16mm) Colors: Gray The Ugreen MagFlow Pro is a 10,000mAh magnetic wireless portable charger that pairs 25W wireless output with a genuinely fast 45W USB-C port and a built-in USB-C cablea combination that makes it one of the more versatile chargers weve tested. It also is the current (non-pun intended) champion in our 10K power bank recharging tests. Its performance in our recharging tests really wowed us. It scored 208%, so two full charges and a trickle on the third round. The previous champ, the EcoFlow RAPID 10K , scored 190%. There are a bunch of environmental factors that come into play each time you charge but theres no doubting that the MagFlow Air is an ace. It may be helped by its CryoPulse TEC Active Coolingit even has a screen thats meant to show the liquid cooling in action. Simon Jary If you want a slimmer alternative, the Ugreen MagFlow Air Magnetic 10K Power Bank (pictured above) actually matched the MagFlow Pro in our recharge tests but is slower at 15W wireless. At 0.53 inches (13.9mm) its also nearly as thin as the Kuxiu S4 , the slimmest 10K battery pack reviewed below. Like the Pro MagFlow it boasts a built-in USB-C cable (30W vs 45W). Theres even a 5K MagFlow Air model, reviewed with the other small power banks further down, and that too won its class on battery capacity. Read our full Ugreen MagFlow Pro (10000mAh, 25W, 45W Built-in USB-C Cable) review Iniu 25W SnapGo Air 10K Equal slimmest 10K MagSafe battery pack Pros Equal slimmest 10K power bank Large battery capacity 25W wireless or 45W wired charging Digital display Detachable USB-C cable Cons No kickstand Price When Reviewed: $54.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $54.99 View Deal Iniu $54.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 39.2Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (45W) Output charger: Wireless (25W Qi2.2) & USB-C (45W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 185% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 6.9oz (196g) Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.8 x 0.53 inches (105 x 71 x 13.7mm) Colors: Space Gray, Silver, Metallic Mocha, Lilac, Orange, Navy The Iniu SnapGo Air matches the Kuxiu S4 , reviewed below, as the slimmest 10K magnetic portable charger weve had in for testing. Its a little lighter but a tiny bit wider, and it scored with a similar result in our iPhone recharging tests. It beats the S4 with 45W wired charging (but matched it on 25W wireless) and by including a detachable (but not built-in) USB-C cable. Its also available in a wider range of colors. Unlike the S4 its not semi solid state, which may mean it can perform fewer recharge cycles although it will take you a long time to find out. There are two USB-C ports but total output is pegged back to 15W when more than one id used at the same time. Its neat base-mounted digital display is helpful and better than most LED indicators but the S4s display shows a bit more information if you need it. The S4 also features a kickstand, missing from the SnapGo Air. Kuxiu S4 Semi-Solid Safe 25W Wireless 10K Power Bank Equal slimmest 10K MagSafe battery pack Pros Equal slimmest 10K power bank Large battery capacity 25W wireless or 30W wired charging Semi Solid State tech Digital display Kickstand Cons S3 offers built-in 35W cable Price When Reviewed: $89.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $77.98 View Deal Kuxiu $77.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 38.5Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (25W Qi2.2) & USB-C (30W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 182% Battery type: Semi-Solid State Weight: 7.55oz (214g) Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.7 x 0.53 inches (104 x 69 x 13.7mm) Colors: Black, Cosmic Orange Like its S3 sibling, the Kuxiu S4 is a semi-solid-state 25W magnetic wireless power bank with all the safety and durability benefits gained from that technology. While it lacks the S3s super-useful and powerful built-in 30W USB-C cable, it measures up in terms of slim profile. At just 13.7mm thin, its the slimmest 10K power bank weve tested (equakl with the Iniu SnapGo Air 10K , reviewed above). The S3 and most 10K power banks look chunky in comparison. If you want thinner, you need to switch down to a 5K capacity power bank. Its integrated kickstand is not quite as robust as that found on the S3 but it does the job well enough, and its digital battery display carries even more charging information. Youll need to bring your own cable to switch to wired charging for 30W output. The S4 recharged our test iPhone to 182%, so a little higher than the S3 but close enough for the difference to be down to environmental factors such as temperature. Read our full Kuxiu S4 Semi-Solid Safe 25W Wireless 10K Power Bank review Anker MagGo Power Bank 2 Pro Fast 45W wired & 25W wireless battery pack Pros 25W wireless iPhone charging 45W wired charging 10K battery capacity Easy-to-read display Kickstand Cons No built-in USB-C cable Price When Reviewed: $109.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $109.99 View Deal Anker $109.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 39.2Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (45W) Output charger: Wireless (25W Qi2.2) & USB-C (45W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 199% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 7.76oz (220g) Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.8 x 0.7 inches (105 x 71 x 17.8mm) Colors: Phantom Gray, Burgundy Red, Polar Night Blue, Starlight Silver The Anker MagGo Power Bank 2 Pro is a solid, fast 10000mAh magnetic wireless portable charger with a built-in kickstand that scored very highly in our iPhone battery recharge tests. Its sole USB-C port is rated at 45W so will charge your iPhone much faster than wireless if you need to power up as quickly as possible, but youll need to bring a USB-C cable as it doesnt come with its own built-in as you find on some power banks. 45W USB-C, also found on the Ugreen MagFlow Pro and Baseus PicoGo AM52 , is the fastest weve seen on a magnetic power bank. The Anker MagGo Power Bank 2 Pro has two charging modes, which you activate with the charging button while looking at the display. Silent Mode is without the fan on, and Cool Mode is with the fan working for slightly faster charging. You can tap through six screens on its large, informative digital display to check charging status, battery level, battery health, and temperature, or quickly switch Silent and Cool charging modes and wireless charging on or off. You can still buy the similar but slower (15W) Anker Qi2 MagGo 10K Power Bank that scored 170% in our tests. Read our full Anker MagGo Power Bank 2 Pro review EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank 10K Best wireless battery pack for input speed Pros Large battery capacity Built-in USB-C cable 15W wireless or 30W wired charging Super-fast 65W input Kickstand Cons A little larger than its rivals 25W models are faster Price When Reviewed: $89.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price EcoFlow $89.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 38.7Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (65W) Output charger: Wireless (15W Qi2) & USB-C (30W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 190% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 9.7oz (275g) Dimensions: 4.25-x-2.8-x-0.9 inches (108-x-70-x-23mm) Colors: Gray/silver The EcoFlow RAPID 10K has a large capacity, refilling a iPhone 16 Pro twice over in our testsclose to the best wed seen, with only the Ugreen MagFLow Air 10K beating it. What makes this power bank specialalthough not uniqueis its short built-in USB-C cable that can be used for fast-charging an iPhone 15, 16 or 17 or refilling the power bank itself. The cable fits neatly away when not in use at the bottom of the power bank. Its the highest rated weve tested with 65W input and output. Wirelessly it will work with any MagSafe iPhone (12/13/14/15/16/17/18) at 15W. iPhone 15/16/17/18 users can connect via the integrated USB-C cable or a separate longer cable via the side USB-C port if required, for faster 30W charging. Owners of earlier iPhones can use a USB-C to Lightning cable instead for fast 20W wired charging from the power banks port. Note that the iPhone 16e does not work with magnetic wireless charging. For faster wireless charging, consider the new generation of Qi2 25W power banks such as the Kuxiu S3 , Baseus PicoGo and Iniu SnapGo Air reviewed here. That said, the 25W power banks we have tested didnt match the EcoFlow or Ugreen MagFlow Air on battery capacity in our tests, although they are not too far behind. No 10K magnetic wireless power bank can match the EcoFlow on input speedthat is the rate at which it is recharged itself. Its 65W is much faster than the average 30W input speed. While winning on charging performance and capacity, the EcoFlow Rapid is reasonably chunky compared to the Ugreen MagFlow Air , Anker MagGo Slim and Benks ArmorGo , and notably bulkier than smaller-capacity 5K power banks. Its still pocketable but the slightly larger size is the compromise for the other benefits. If you want a slimmer battery pack, look for a smaller 5000mAh optionweve tested the best slim power banks further on. It has a handy pull-out kickstand at the back. Read our full EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank 10K review Baseus PicoGoAM52Qi2.2 Magnetic Power Bank Fast 45W wired & 25W wireless battery pack Pros 25W wireless iPhone charging 45W wired charging 10K battery capacity Slim 25W 10K power bank Built-in cable option Cons Slimmer but slower alternatives Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal $63.99 View Deal Baseus $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 36Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (25W Qi2.2) & USB-C (45W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 182% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 7.45oz (196g) Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.6 x 0.63 inches (102 x 67 x 16mm) Colors: Black, Dark Cherry This 25W wireless power bank lived up to its claims of wirelessly charging an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 50% in 36 minutes12 to 15 minutes faster than a 15W power bank. That might not sound a lot but when youre in a rush to charge your phone, every minute counts. 25W wireless charging is limited to the iPhone 16 to 18 families, running at least iOS 26; older iPhones will charge at 15W using this power bank. Most 10K wireless power banks are around 22mm deep, so the 16mm-thin Baseus PicoGo Magnetic 10K Power Bank (AM52) is one of the slimmest weve tested. The Kuxiu S4 reviewed above is even slimmer at just under 14mm but the AM52 is certainly thinner than most. The AM52 is an output blazer is more ways than one. It is certified Qi 2.2 so charges wirelessly at 25W, as fast as the Ugreen MagFlow reviewed below, and like the MagFlow also boasts an option with a built-in USB-C cable. And if you choose wired charging, you can access output at 45Wequal fastest of any magnetic wireless power bank reviewed with the Iniu SnapGo Air, Ugreen MagFlow Pro and Anker MagGo 2 reviewed above. If you use the wireless charging pad, the handy integrated USB-C cable and the spare USB-C port to simultaneously charge three devicessay your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPodstotal output is restricted to 15W. When recharging an iPhone, it refilled our test 16 Pro more than one and a half times, scoring an impressive 182% in the Macworld Recharge Score. The Baseus PicoGo AM52 costs $69.99 / 59.99 for the model with no integrated cable and $79.99 / 69.99 for the AM52 with cable built in. We think that extra ten bucks is worth it for the convenience of the built-in cable. Both are also available in Apples new Burgundy color (here called Dark Cherry). Read our full Baseus PicoGoAM52Qi2.2 Magnetic Power Bank review Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) Slim 10K MagSafe battery pack Pros High battery capacity Super slim and lightweight 15W wireless or 30W wired Color choice Cons 25W models are faster No built-in USB-C cable Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $79.86 View Deal $79.86 View Deal $79.86 View Deal $79.86 View Deal Anker $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Capacity: 38.7Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (15W Qi2), USB-C (30W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 188% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 7.05oz (200g) Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.8 x 0.58 inches (104 x 71 x 14.7mm) Colors: Black, White, Pink, Teal At just 14.7mm thick, the 10000mAh Anker MagGo Slim power bank rivals even some of the 5000mAh battery packs in terms of slimness. Only the 13.7mm Kuxiu S4 and Ugreen MagFlow Air are thinner. Its also one of the lightest 10K magnetic wireless power bank that we have tested, and scores highly on recharging power. A built-in USB-C cable would be nice but its lack keeps the MagGo slim as its name suggests. It uses Qi2 magnetic tech, so can wirelessly charge at 15W rather than Qi2.2s 25W. If you have a spare cable with you, it can charge at twice that speed via its USB-C port. This makes it as fast a wireless charger as the EcoFlow RAPID reviewed above but slower than the bulkier Kuxiu S3 or S4 . The EcoFlow charger is more convenient with its built-in USB-C cable, but owners of iPhones 12/13/14 might appreciate the ability to add a Lightning cable to the USB-C port and charge that way. In our tests it performed well: recharging an iPhone 15 Pro to 188% (over the course of two iPhone charges from one power bank charge). Its available in up to four colors depending on your country and where you buy it, including pink and teal versions. Theres an even slimmer 5K Anker Nano model, reviewed below. Read our full Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K, Slim) review Sharge Icemag 3 Power Bank Fast 10K magnetic power bank with lights Pros Large battery capacity Built-in USB-C cable 25W wireless or 35W wired charging Kickstand Lights Cons Noisy fan Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $69.90 View Deal $79.90 View Deal Sharge $79.90 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 39.1Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (25W Qi2.2) & USB-C (35W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 171% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 7.7oz (220g) Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.8 x 0.78 inches (110 x 71 x 20mm) Colors: Black The Sharge Icemag 3 has a cool name and is certainly one of the coolest-looking magnetic power banks weve seen. It even has a little RGB light show going on. They dont mean much but they do look pretty. At 25W its super fast for iPhone 16 to 18, and it maintains power output throughout by having built-in active cooling. Note. though. that this fan is quite noisy in operation but it should mean more reliable faster charging. Older iPhones will charge at a more sedate 15W. In our tests it performed wellnot the very best but a respectable 177% score. It has a built-in USB-C cable and a kickstand so ticks all the right boxes in terms of functionality. Read our full Sharge Icemag 3 Power Bank review Benks ArmorGo Qi2 Power Bank (10K) Toughest magnetic power bank case Pros Tough Aramid Fiber coating Classy looks Cons 25W models are faster Low input speed No built-in USB-C cable Price When Reviewed: $62.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Benks $35.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 36.5Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (15W) Output charger: Wireless (15W Qi2) & USB-C (30W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 165% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 8.5oz (240g) Dimensions: 4.1-x-2.6-x-0.6 inches (103-x-67-x-17mm) Colors: Black, Rose Gold This power bank stands out with its Aramid Fibre weavea high strength material that is more resistant to heat, cuts and abrasion than other cases and is often used in protective clothing and aerospace parts. The rose gold color also looks rather nice. Benks doesnt call it that (or anything) but thats how it looks with a pleasing weave pattern. Its Qi2 so capable of 15W chargingno longer the fastest but what was until recently the cutting edge of wireless power. It scored a decent 165% in the Macworld recharging tests so will give you over 1.5 charges before it, too, needs filling upwhich, by the way, it takes its time doing as the 15W input power is less than on other power banks. Benks also offers an equally tough and super-slim 5K Aramid Fiber model, although it is only MagSafe Compatible so a slower charging experience at 7.5W. The 10K model is Qi2 so faster 15W charging power. Lisen P604 Magnetic Power Bank 65W/45W Pros Large battery capacity Attached USB-C cable 25W wireless or 45W wired charging Color choices Cons Humped back Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal Lisen $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 36.72Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (25W Qi2) & USB-C (65W/45W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 185% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 8.3oz (236g) Dimensions: 4.1-x-2.6-x-0.91 inches (103-x-64-x-23mm) Colors: Black, Ceramic White, Sandstone Khaki, Soft Violet, Ice Blue If you really want a violet power bank, the Lisen P604 is ready for you, as well as being available in a rather fetching Sandstone hue, plus the usual black and white. The P604 is a curious 10K power bank in a couple of other ways, too. In the U.S. it claims to have a USB-C power output of 65W, which would put it right at the top of the charts in terms of wired charging, as well as it boasting Qi2.2s 25W wireless charging. However, because thats a burst speed that cant be maintained throughout the charge, in some other nit-picking regions (e.g. the U.K. and E.U.) it is listed as a 45W wired charger. 45W is still extremely fast for an iPhone, but dont be surprised to sometimes see it listed as either 65W or 45W or both, which is a little confusing. As a result, well regard it as 45W here, but you might get an initially faster charging experience with this power bank tahn with others when using a cable. The other variance to other power banks is its slightly humped back in comparison to the flat form of most portable chargers. It means its a little shorter but thicker than most. All that said, it performed well in our recharging tests with a score of 185%. It has a USB-C cable permanently attached but its not integrated to the battery pack. PhoneSuit Journey Mag MagSafe Wireless All-In-One Charger Pros Integrated plug prongs 2x USB-C ports 7.5W wireless or 20W wired Cons Slow 7.5W wireless Longer than most Plug prongs for North America only Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price PhoneSuit $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 38.5Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W), USB-C (20W) & USB-A (18W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 150% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 9.1oz (258g) Dimensions: 5.25-x-2.6-x-0.65 inches (133-x-66-x-17mm) Colors: Gray While a wireless charging pad saves you the bother of carrying a cable around to charge your phone from a power bank, you still need a wall charger to hand to recharge the power bank itself but not with the PhoneSuit Journey Mag, which features foldable North American plug prongs so you can plug the battery pack straight into a power socket. While plugged in, the power bank can charge the attached iPhone wirelessly at the same time as recharging the battery pack. Two further USB ports are also handy. The USB-C port can charge at 20W, so much faster than the 7.5W MagSafe-compatible wireless charging padbut you will need a USB-C cable in this instance: USB-C to Lightning for iPhones older than the iPhone 15, and USB-C to USB-C for the 15, 16, 17 and 18. The USB-A port can charge another device at up to 18W. The 10000mAh battery capacity allowed us to charge a faded iPhone to 100% and then again another 50%, which is about average for this size battery. Best small portable magnetic power banks If you carry your power bank around with all day, in your bag or pocket, a slimmer, lighter magnetic/MagSafe power bank will suit you better than a larger, heavier 10K battery pack. They are also easier to pocket when clamped to your phone. The Anker MagGo 10K Slim Power Bank, reviewed above, is just 0.58 inches thick and weighs only 200g but these 5K magnetic power banks will take up even less space in your bag or desk drawer, and are easier to pocket with iPhone attached. Simon Jary EcoFlow RAPID Magnetic Power Bank 5K Best overall 5K magnetic battery pack Pros Slimmer than 10K Built-in USB-C cable Built-in stand 15W wireless or 30W wired Cons Slightly larger than other 5K power banks 25W models are faster Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $21.49 View Deal $65.99 View Deal EcoFlow $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 19.35Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (30W) Macworld Recharge Test Score: 70% Weight: 6.4oz (180g) Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.8 x 0.6 inch (108 x 70 x 14mm) Colors: Gray/silver 5K battery packs are slim enough to clamp to your iPhone and still slip into your pocket. While 10000mAh power banks boast larger re-charging capacity, if you want a slightly smaller and lighter battery pack with a stand, we recommend you choose between this EcoFlow RAPID 5K power bankthe smaller sibling of our recommended best 10K magnetic power bankand one of the latest slim portable chargers reviewed below. Where the 5K EcoFlow Rapid gets the overall nodespecially for owners of the iPhone 15, 16, 17 and 18is its built-in USB-C cable. No other 5000mAh wireless power bank we have tested has the handy integrated cable. Several of our favorite 10K battery packs have built-in cables but this is the first 5K power bank to boast one. Even if you have an earlier Lightning iPhone, the integrated cable can be used to top up the power bank itself. It features 15W Qi2 wireless charging when clamped to the back of an iPhone, and can be charged with a cable at a top 30W speed. You can find faster 25W 5K power banks reviewed below, and also thinner models with higher recharge scores but the EcoFlow offers a greater mix of features with its integrated cable and kickstand. BMX SolidSafe Air 5K Solid-State Qi2 Slimmest magnetic power bank Pros Equal slimmest magnetic power bank Great battery power test score Semi Solid State tech Cons 25W models are faster Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal BMX $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 18.5Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (15W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W); 22W combined Macworld Recharge Test Score : 89% Battery type: Semi-Solid State Weight: 4.1oz (116g) Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.8 x 0.27 inch (103 x 70 x 6.8mm) Colors: Titanium Gold, Titanium Black, and Titanium Silver This semi-solid-state battery promises to be more sustainable and safe than conventional Lithium-ion rivals. At 6.8mm, its easily the slimmest magnetic power bank weve tested, and it performed the best of any 5K power bank too. Solid-state electrolytes are replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with more stable, efficient materials that allow for smaller, more compact, and safer battery designs. Semi-solid-state cells reduce flammable liquid to a fraction of that found in standard lithium-ion batteries. Its not all about sizethese batteries are safer and should last significantly longer with a greater number of cycles before the battery degrades. In our battery recharge test the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K achieved an impressive score of 89%, among the highest of all the magnetic wireless power banks we have had in the Macworld Labs. The SolidSafe Air features the usual four LED battery indicator lights. If you want a display with more detail, its plain (non-Air) BMX SolidSafe sibling (available in Black, Blue, Silver or Orange) boasts a great digital screen that is much more informative. That model also has a short USB-C cable attached: its not built in but is tied to the power bank on a tough thread. Read our full BMX SolidSafe Air 5K Solid-State Qi2 Power Bank review Baseus Picogo Air Magnetic Power Bank (AM71) Pros Equal slimmest magnetic power bank Above-average battery power test score Available in iPhone 18 Pro colors Cons 25W models are faster Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal $69.99 View Deal Baseus $69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 19.4Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (22.5W); 15W combined Macworld Recharge Test Score : 82% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 3.7oz (105g) Dimensions: 4 x 2.8 x 0.27 inches (102 x 71 x 6.8mm) Colors: Dark Cherry, Black, and Silver While not boasting the semi-solid-state technology of the BMX SolidSafe Air reviewed above, the Baseus PicoGo Air not only matches it as the equal slimmest magnetic power bank (0.17 inches thin) weve tested but is the undisputed lightest power bank (105g) thats ever sat on our ultra-precise scales. Yes, the SolidSafe Air narrowly beat it in our recharge tests, but the PicoGo Air is available in three of the iPhone 18 Pros colors: Dark Cherry (Burgundy), Black, and Silver. Read our full Baseus Picogo Air Magnetic Power Bank (AM71) review Zens SemiSolidStatePowerbank 5K Highest 5K recharge score Pros Equal highest score in battery tests Slim 25W wireless or 20W wired Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Zens $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 19.6Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (30W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 90% Battery type: Semi-Solid State Weight: 4.3oz (122g) Dimensions: 4 x 2.8 x 0.31 inches (102 x 70 x 8mm) Colors: Black The Zens Semi Solid State 5K Powerbank matches the Ugreen 5K MagFlow Air with the best performance the best weve seen in our battery recharging tests, achieving a Macworld Recharge Test Score of 90%. While thats only 1% more than the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K , reviewed above, and 2% higher than the Statik State 5K Power Bank , reviewed below, it beats the Ugreen by being a little slimmer (8mm vs 8.6mm) and faster at 25W (vs 15W). Using a semi-solid electrolyte helps this portable charger hit such a high recharge score and remain thin and lightweight with a higher energy density in a compact design. This newer battery structure also enhances stability and durability with improved thermal control, greater resistance to shock and temperature changes, plus a longer lifecycle with sustained performance over more charge cycles. The 10K Zens Semi Solid State 5K Powerbank (unsurprisngly thicker at 14mm but still thinner than most 10K portable chargers, and heavier at 199g) also performed well in our tests with a score of 181%. Ugreen MagFlow Air Magnetic 5K Power Bank Highest 5K recharge score Pros Equal highest score in battery tests Slim 15W wireless or 20W wired Cons 25W models are faster Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $44.99 View Deal Ugreen $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 19.6Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 90% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 4.48oz (127g) Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.7 x 0.53 inches (105 x 70 x 8.6mm) Colors: Gray, Blue, White Like its 10K sibling, the 5K MagFlow Air performed the best weve seen in our tests, achieving a Macworld Recharge Test Score of 90%. That matches the same score as the Zens Semi Solid State Powerbank reviewed above and is impressive beating the two semi-solid-state battery packs despite not being solid state itself. Its 15W wireless charging speed isnt the very fastest on the market but its standard for 5K magnetic power banks, and no slouch with some reviewed here merely 7.5W. Read our full Ugreen MagFlow Air 5K review . Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank Qi2 Colorful high performer Pros Impressive in battery tests Built-in stand 15W wireless or 12W wired Bright range of colors Cons 25W models are faster USB-C port a little underpowered Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.95 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $84.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Capacity: 19.25Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (12W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 79% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 4.8oz (136g) Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches (98 x 66 x 14mm) Colors: White, Blue, Sand, Blue, Citrus Yellow, Gold, Pink, Deep Purple, Teal This Belkin BoostCharge Pro Power Bank 5K + Stand impressed in our recharging tests, recharging a faded iPhone 16 Pro by 79% compared to 70% by the 5K EcoFlow RAPID 5K and 68% for the Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Wireless Power Bank . Only the Ugreen MagFlow Air 5K (90%), BMX SolidSafe Air (89%), and Statik State 5K Power Bank (88%) beat it and Kuxiu S2 Solid-State Power Kank matched it. The Belkins kickstand is easy to use and feels robust, and the battery pack itself is marginally smaller than the Ugreen. The $49.99 Torras MagStall Power Bank is a little slimmer but wider and boasts a stand/finger-grip, although recharges to a slightly lesser extent. It features 15W Qi2 wireless charging when clamped to the back of an iPhone, and can be charged with a cable at 12W, which is not as speedy as some power banks that have 20W or even 30W USB-C ports. Simon Jary Check here first : While Belkin and Amazon offer a choice of Black, White (shown above), Lavender, and Pink, the Apple Store now has an exclusive set of new colors, including a brighter Pink, Deep Purple with a red stand and a fetching Teal with a yellow stand (pictured top). Read our full Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank 5K review Statik State 5K Power Bank High recharge score Pros Impressive in battery tests Semi Solid State tech Cons Slow 7.5W wireless Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal Statik $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 19.25Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) & USB-C (20W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 88% Battery type: Semi-Solid State Weight: 5oz (131g) Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.8 x 0.45 inches (104 x 70 x 11.5mm) Colors: Black This is a Semi Solid State (SSS) power bank so offers greater durability and capacity plus all-important safety on the more traditional liquid electrolyte batteries. Its likely that SSS power banks represent the next stage in charging technology not just for travellers but all of us on the move. The Statik State 5K Power Bank may not be the smallest power bank weve tested but its pretty tiny all the same, and it is the overall winner in our 5K magnetic power bank recharging tests, scoring 88%just a marginal 2% below our highest scorer, the Ugreen MagFlow Air 5K . Its only real downside is the slow wireless charging at just 7.5W compared to the superior 15W and 25W power banks reviewed here. If you arent after the fastest recharging times, this is a solid choice and gets very close to offering a full battery recharge. Read our full Statik State 5K Power Bank review Anker Nano 5K MagGo Slim Power Bank Super slim 5K wireless power bank Pros Very compact and lightweight Impressive in battery tests 15W wireless or 20W wired Cons 25W models are faster Price When Reviewed: $59.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $54.99 View Deal $54.99 View Deal $54.99 View Deal Anker $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 19.35Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 77% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 4.3oz (122g) Dimensions: 4 x 2.8 x 0.34 inches (102 x 71 x 8.6mm) Colors: Gray, Black, and White Most people carry their power bank around with them, and theres none better in a small bag or pocket than the super skinny Anker Nano MagGo 5K Slim , the a super-slim magnetic power bank. Only the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K is thinner (at 6.8mm). Its the little sibling of the 10K Slim reviewed above. The Anker Slim performed excellently in our recharge tests, boosting an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 77%. Charging speeds were impacted by the heat, which is caused by the smart temperature control that slows things down when they get hot. Read our full Anker Nano 5K MagGo Slim Power Bank review Twelve South PowerCapsule 5k mAh Slim 5K wireless power bank that feels great Pros Very slim and lightweight Impressive in battery tests 15W wireless or 20W wired Cactus leather feel Cons 25W models are faster Price When Reviewed: $49.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $49.99 View Deal $49.99 View Deal $49.99 View Deal Twelve South $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 19.25Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 80% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 4.3oz (122g) Dimensions: 4-x-2.8-x-0.36 inches (102-x-71-x-9.1mm) Colors: Dune, Slate At just 0.36 inches thick the Twelve South 5K PowerCapsule is one of the slimmest magnetic power banks weve tested. Only the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K Solid-State Qi2 (0.27 inches) and Anker Nano 5K MagGo Slim Power Bank (0.34) are thinner; both are reviewed above. The semi-solid-state BMX scored a very high 89% in our recharging tests, and the PowerCapsule was also impressive at 80%. We also like the Twelve South PowerCapsule for its sandy Dune color and the fact that it feels great to touch, being crafted in sustainable cactus leather. Simon Jary Theres a 10K PowerCapsule measuring the same dimensions except for height, which at 0.61 inches (15.5mm) makes it one of the thinnest 10K power banks but not as slim as the 5K; you can see the physical difference above with the 10K PowerCapsule at the top. It scored a decent 165% in our recharging tests. UAG SRGE Slim 5K Power Bank with Stand Impressive test score for a 5K Pros Impressive in battery tests Built-in stand Cons Slow 10W wireless Price When Reviewed: $69.95 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $64.95 View Deal UAG $69.95 View Deal $69.95 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 18Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (15W) Output charger: Wireless (10W) & USB-C (20W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 85% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 4.6oz (132g) Dimensions: 4.2-x-2.7-x-0.51 inches (106-x-69-x-13mm) Colors: Black/Gray, Titanium We tested the Titanium version of the UAG SRGE Slim 5K Power Bank with Stand . Not only does it look very smartas all UAG products tend tobut it impressed in our recharging tests, getting an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 85%. Only the semi-solid-state Statik State 5K Power Bank performed better (88%), and that lacks the stand on this UAG power bank and is rated at just 7.5W. This power bank is rated at 10W wireless, which is faster than 7.5W but noticeably slower than the 15W and 25W power banks also reviewed here. As long as youre not in an awful hurry, the recharge capacity makes up for the speed. UAG UAG has some versions in camo and floral patterns, but without the stand. Baseus PicoGo Ultra-Slim 5K Sweet spot for size and recharge Pros Slim and small Color choices Cons Slow 7.5W wireless Price When Reviewed: $35.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $22.99 View Deal $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 18Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) & USB-C (15W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 71% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 3.9oz (111g) Dimensions: 3.9-x-2.6-x-0.36 inches (100-x-67-x-9mm) Colors: Space Grey, Nebula Pink, Natural Titanium, Cosmic Black Theres an interesting battle for the crown of smallest, slimmest and lightest magnetic battery pack between three of the power banks reviewed and tested here The Baseus PicoGo 5K is a tiny bit shorter and less wide than the Vonmhlen Evergreen Mag but almost exactly the same slim depth and is 13g lighter. It is precisely the same weight (111g) as the Infinacore M3 . We think its the sweet spot between the three, and is available from Amazon for less than $23 . Recharging our iPhone 16 Pro to 71%, it performed much better in our battery tests than the smallest power bank (Infinacore: 56%) and very slightly better than the slimmest (Vonmhlen: 70%), although that will charge faster at 15W compared to the PicoGos 7.5W. There is a larger capacity 10K Baseus PicoGo (4 x 2.7 x 0.6 inches; 6.2oz) that is about the same credit-card length and width but noticeably thicker in depth than the 5K, as youd expect from a much more powerful battery pack. The 10K version is faster charging at 15W Qi2, and performed well in our tests with a score of 142%. Read our full Baseus PicoGo Ultra-Slim 5K Magnetic Power Bank review Kuxiu S2 Qi2 5000mAh World's first solid-state 15W power bank Pros Impressive battery capacity 15W wireless or 20W wired Semi Solid State tech Higher charge cycle than others Cons 25W models are faster Heavier than some Price When Reviewed: $69.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Kuxiu $49.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 19Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 79% Battery type: Semi-Solid State Weight: 6.1oz (174g) Dimensions: 3.3 x 2.4 x 0.4 inch (84 x 60 x 11mm) Colors: Stainless Black, Natural Titanium Solid-state batteries (SSB) are a new technology that promise to be more powerful, sustainable and safe than conventional Lithium-ion rivals by using a solid rather than liquid electrolyte. The Kuxiu S2 is actually semi solid-state but its still the first SSB power bank that weve tested. We have since tested the Statik State 5K Power Bank , which performed even better (88%) in our recharge challenge but is slower (7.5W) at wireless racharging. One of the benefits of semi or solid-state batteries is that you should get as much as twice as many charges from the power bank before it starts to degrade: 1,000 vs a normal power banks 500. It should also be more robust and safer to carry and store. The Kuxiu S2 performed very well in our charging tests, matching the Belkin BoostCharge at 79%. With Qi2 it wirelessly charges at 15W. Its not the smallest weve tested but also not the largest, although it does tip the scales more than the tinier power banks reviewed here. PISEN CCC 5000mAh Wireless Power Bank Budget 5K with solid stand Pros Budget price Solid kickstand Cons Slow 7.5W wireless North America only Price When Reviewed: $23.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 18.5Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) & USB-C (30W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 80% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 4.8oz (135g) Dimensions: 4-x-2.8-x-0.36 inches (106-x-69-x-16mm) Colors: White This 5K portable charger is a budget option and features the most solid alloy stand weve seen in a power bank. It scored well in our recharging tests (80%) but suffers from a slow 7.5W wireless charging speed. if youre not in a hurry then that wont bother you, and the price is hard to beat. Vonmhlen Evergreen Mag 5000mAh Power Bank Slim magnetic power bank Pros One of the slimmest tested 15W wireless or 20W wired Cons 25W models are faster Premium price Not available in the U.S. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Vonmahlen 69.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 19.25Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (20W) Output charger: Wireless (15W) & USB-C (20W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 70% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 4.4oz (124g) Dimensions: 4 x 2.4 x 0.35 inch (102 x 70 x 9mm) Colors: Black, White Longer and wider than the smallest power bank we have tested, the well-named Infinacore M3 Mini reviewed below, the Vonmhlen Evergreen Mag 5000mAh Power Bank however is a slimmer 5K power bank. If you want to shave 2mm off the width of the power bank clamped iPhone sliding in and out of your pocket, then this is a great optionalthough the BMX SolidSafe Air 5K (68mm) and Anker Nano MagGo 5K Slim (8.5mm) are thinner. It is also faster than the M3 Mini and Phonesuit Elite Mag Slim at wirelessly charging as it supports Qi2, and in our tests it recharged an iPhone 16 Pro from 0% to 70% before requiring a power-up itself, which easily beats the Infinacore and just shades the PhoneSuit. PhoneSuit Elite Mag Slim 5K Super-slim 5K battery pack with display Pros Super slim Digital display Cons Slow 7.5W wireless Price When Reviewed: $39.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price PhoneSuit $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 19.25Wh (5000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) & USB-C (20W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 69% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 3.9oz (111g) Dimensions: 4-x-2.6-x-0.35 inches (108-x-65-x-9mm) Colors: Space Grey Knowing how much charge is left in your power bank could mean the difference between leaving the house confident that your battery pack is full of juice and finding out too late that it needs a recharge itself. The Elite Mag Slim from PhoneSuit has a large digital display showing off the exact remaining charge that is more accessible than the usual four LED dots found on most power banks. This battery pack is also notable for its slimness, which is equal to the Vonmhlen Evergreen Mag , reviewed above. The Vonmhlen power bank narrowly beat it in our tests but certainly not significantly so, but it does charge faster wirelessly (15W vs 7.5W) than the PhoneSuit. The PhoneSuit Elite Mag Slim Pro is a 10K version, with a recharge score of 149%, and the same bright easy-to-read display for just $10 more but deeper (0.5in vs 0.35in). Best multi-device charging MagSafe power banks if you own AirPods and an Apple Watch as well as an iPhone, look for MagSafe power banks that charge multiple Apple devices at the same time. As power banks these should still be portable, but often convert into charging stands when in use. Most are two large to slip in your pocket with the phone attached but they are useful for when you are away from base and need to power up all your favorite Apple kit. Kuxiu K1 Ultra 25W 3-in-1 MagSafe 10K Power Bank Best Watch-charging iPhone power bank Pros Charges iPhone plus Watch or AirPods Large battery capacity 25W wireless or 30W wired charging Fast charges Apple Watch Kickstand Cons Chunky Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Kuxiu $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 38.7Wh (10000mAh) Input charger: USB-C (30W) Output charger: Wireless (25W Qi2.2) & USB-C (30W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 170% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 9.05oz (257g) Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.7 x 0.9 inches (105 x 69 x 22mm) Colors: Black, Cosmic Orange The Kuxiu K1 Ultra bills itself as a 3-in-1, and certainly can charge iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch but not all wirelessly at the same time. Lets not knock it, though, as this is a super Qi2.2 iPhone magnetic power bank that can wirelessly charge your iPhone at the very fastest speed. The other multi-device magnetic power banks reviewed below are limited to 7.5W wireless iPhone charging. That will take around 90 minutes to charge an iPhone to 50%, where this power banks 25W wireless output reduces that charging time to a mere 30 minutes. Noe that only the iPhone 16, 17 and 18 benefit from 25W wireless charging; older iPhones will charge at 15W using this power bank. The back section of the K1 Ultra cleverly clicks round like a rotated Rubiks Cube to show off its Qi module that can charge Watch or AirPods at 5W. Theres also a spare USB-C port to enable a third device to be charged if you have a cable handy. A handy kickstand is also available. Theres a lovely Cosmic Orange model, which is available via Amazon or direct . Otherwise, you can choose the Black model. If 15W is all you need0-50% charging in around 45 minutesKuxiu offers the K1 Pro for a lower price, although wed recommend you consider spending the extra so youre ready for your next iPhone upgrade. Read our full Kuxiu K1 3-in-1 Power Bank review . Belkin Stage PowerGrip Camera Grip Wireless battery pack with Bluetooth shutter Pros Bluetooth camera grip 20W wired charging Built-in cable option Works as stand and with tripod Cons Slow 7.5W wireless Larger than most Price When Reviewed: $79.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $56.99 View Deal $59.99 View Deal $79.95 View Deal Belkin $79.99 View Deal $79.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Capacity: 34.4Wh (9300mAh) Input charger: USB-C (18W) Output charger: Wireless (7.5W) & USB-C (20W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 160% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 9.6oz (273g) Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.3 x 1.6 inches (124 x 83 x 40mm) Colors: Charcoal, Ice Blue, Sand This clever gadget is a portable camera grip that pairs with your iPhone over Bluetooth, and just happens to also be a magnetic wireless power bank. You can snap it onto your iPhone and start using it to shoot photos or video with its one-touch shutter, plus charge your device at the same time. The ergonomic grip supports better framing, and it can attach to a tripod with a quarter-inch screw mount for steady photo or video capture. In our Recharge Tests it scored 160%, which means it powered an iPhone 16 Pro from 0-100% and then another 60% before it was drained itself. As its not quite a full 10K power bank (with a 9.3K battery) this holds up pretty well with the less functional but smaller and slimmer power banks reviewed here. Featuring a 29.5-inch (0.75m) retractable cable, it can also charge the phone at 20W, which is handy if youre in a hurry as the wireless charging is only MagSafe Compatible, and therefore slow at 7.5W. It has a spare USB-C port, too, so can simultaneously charge three devices. Its quite large and heavy compared to the other magnetic portable chargers but youll buy it as much for its camera grip as the battery pack. Statik SmartCharge Pro Multi-iPhone magnetic travel 15K battery pack Pros High battery capacity Integrated U.S. plug prongs U.K., E.U, AU/NZ adapters Built-in USB-C cables 2x USB ports Watch fast-charge Cons Too bulky for a pocket Not great on simultaneous charging 25W models are faster Price When Reviewed: $99.99 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Statik $99.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Capacity: 54Wh (15000mAh) Input charger: AC, plus USB-C (45W) Output charger: Wireless (15W), USB-C cable (60W), USB-C (60W), USB-A (18W) Macworld Recharge Test Score : 235% Battery type: Lithium-Ion Weight: 13oz (370g) Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.5 x 1.3 inches (110 x 90 x 33mm) Colors: Black, Orange Much bigger and meaner than the power banks reviewed above, the Statik SmartCharge Pro can charge through its USB-C and USB-A ports, an iPhone or Apple Watch wirelessly through a magnetic charging pad, and one through the built-in USB-C cable. As a portable power bank you might carry in a bag on your travels, but not in your pocketits one to rest on a table rather than in actual transit. In our tests, it demonstrated its 15K battery capacitycharging an iPhone 16 Pro nearly two and a half times over. It even recharged a flat 14-inch MacBook Pro to 54%. Certified Qi2, the iPhone wireless charging pad is rated at 15W. There is an integrated 60W USB-C output cable, as well as a 60W USB-C port and 18W USB-A. Its not so great at charging multiple devices at the same timewhen using all the ports simultaneously they share a maximum 15W output. If you want to get the 60W charging use either the USB-C port or cable and have nothing else hooked up to the power bank. It features built-in U.S. plug prongs so can be connected straight into a power socket rather than requiring a separate USB-C charger. You can quickly charge the power bank plugged into a wall AC socket, but during recharging the output is reduced to 20W on the port and cable until the battery is at 100% when the charging returns to 60W. If you need a higher-wattage standalone USB-C wall charger, check our reviews of the best USB-C chargers . The U.S. plugs are fine for users based in North America, but not for international users, so there are U.K., E.U, and AU/NZ plug adapters included making it work in those countries and as a travel companion. Statik has a non-Pro version, the 10K SmartCharge Gen 2 , which features two integrated 15W USB-C cables, plus 20W USB-C and 22.5W USB-A ports. In our tests, it was very close in battery charging power to the top scorerscharging an iPhone 16 Pro nearly twice over. This version isnt available in the Pros bright orange color. The first version of SmartCharge Gen 1 has one USB-C for iPhone 15/16/17/18 and a Lightning cable for older iPhones. if that suits you better, Amazon still has stock at the time of writing. Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry Another plug-in-the-wall power bank option is the Infinacore P3 Pro , pictured above, which costs $129 / 102, and can charge four devices at the same time, including an iPhone at 15W Qi2. It lacks the integrated USB-C cable found on the Statik power bank but as it plugs directly into a wall power socket you wont need to carry a cable to recharge the power bank itself. Like the Statik battery pack, it comes with U.K., E.U, and AU/NZ travel adapter plug heads. As well as the Qi2 charging pad, there are two USB-C ports and one USB-A. The P3 Pro also boasts an excellent display, showing charging speed, battery status, temperature, and charge time remaining. Read our full Statik SmartCharge Pro review If you dont need a portable power bank, check out the best MagSafe chargers that we have tested. Also check out our tests of the best iPhone chargers for wired charging solutions, and of course to refill your iPhone power bank. How we tested MagSafe charger testing was conducted using an iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro and 16 Pro, subscribed to a 5G network and WiFi, with screen off and all default settings. Our test is a simple battery recharge shootout. We let our test-unit iPhone Pro (3095mAh battery capacity) drain to just 10% and then set the Battery Pack to work recharging the phone. We then assigned the charger a score of whatever percentage it managed to charge the iPhone to and subtract the 10%; we test each model at least twice. Its not a real-world test of day-to-day use where youll likely be using your phone for various tasks (of varying battery usage) and in different environmental conditions and network configurations. But it does give us a common score format that we can use to compare different battery-pack models. Why is magnetic wireless better? The MagSafe connection to Apples iPhone is precise enough to make wireless charging more efficient as around 20% of non-magnetic power loss is from poor placement of a phone and the wireless charging pad. Standard Qi wireless charging can lose as much as 50% of the portable batterys power, but MagSafe and Qi2 wireless charging loses just 30%. Hot out of the gadget laboratory, the new Qi 2.2 (also known as Qi2 25W) brings even faster 25W wireless charging for the iPhone 16, 17 and 18. 15% will be plenty fast enough for most of us but who doesnt want the fastest possible charging when your iPhones battery icon is in the red? Why comparing Watt Hours is better than Milliamp Hours Phone batteries are generally rated in Milliamp Hours (mAh) but this is a measure of electrical charge, while a Watt Hour is equal to one watt of energy consumed for one hour of time. When comparing battery capacities and how much a power pack will boost a phones internal battery, energy is more important than electrical charge. And mAh ignores a battery voltage, which determines the wattage (power) of a battery. If the mAh is the same, the higher the voltage, the greater the actual stored power. For example, Apples MagSafe Battery Pack is rated at just 1460mAh but it has a higher voltage potential (7.62V) than the iPhone (3.81V) or other battery packs, meaning that it can provide more power to an iPhone than its mAh suggests; in fact, it is actually 2920mAh. To go into further depth about this read our feature iPhone battery capacities compared that also lists all iPhones battery life in mAh and Wh. Anatomy of a magnetic power bank TORRAS A lot more than a battery goes into the making of a magnetic power bank. Of course, the battery is the most important component, but the wireless charging coils and magnetic connection are vital for efficient and therefore fast and powerful charging. The transmitter coil transfers power by electromagnetic induction. The magnets need to be set up to exactly connect the transmitting coilshere on the power bank to the receiving coils, in this case inside the iPhone. The example shown above is the Torras MagStall Wireless Power Bank, reviewed in our chart. You can see the various parts, including that power banks rotating stand/handle. Which magnetic wireless tech is right for each iPhone? iPhone 7 and earlier: Dont support wireless charging. iPhone 8 iPhone X/XS/XR: Support wireless charging. iPhone 8 and later can charge wirelessly at 7.5W but on a less efficient non-magnetic Qi pad. iPhone 11 and earlier: Dont support MagSafe. iPhone 8 and later can charge wirelessly but on a less efficient non-magnetic Qi pad. iPhone 12 iPhone 15: Support MagSafe and Qi2. Can wirelessly charge at 7.5W with MagSafe-Compatible power banks and chargers, and at 15W with certified MagSafe or Qi2 power banks and chargers. iPhone 16 iPhone 18: Support MagSafe, Qi2 and Qi2.2. Can wirelessly charge at 7.5W with MagSafe-Compatible power banks and chargers, at 15W with certified MagSafe or Qi2 power banks and chargers, and at 25W with Qi2.2-certified power banks and chargers. Is charging via a cable faster or safer than magnetic wireless charging? Charging via a cable is nearly always faster than wireless, even the latest Qi2.2 wireless chargers. Wireless charging is inefficient, losing some of its energy transfer through heat, for example. MagSafe, Qi2, and Qi2.2 magnetic connections dramatically improve efficiency but sticking a cable in is still a faster method, if not as convenient. Most magnetic wireless power banks include at least one USB-C port, and some even include a port and an integrated cable for ultimate convenience. Models after the iPhone 17 can charge to 50% in 20 minutes or under via a cable and a 45W or higher charger or power bank. But wireless is so simple and cable-free that we dont mind waiting an extra 15 minutes or so to reach such a charge wirelessly. Why does my phone occasionally charge slowly or even stop charging? This phone charging behavior is due to the built-in battery management feature on your iPhone. A phone heats up during charging as power is exchanged between the chargers coils and the iPhones own. The phone actively adjust its charging behavior accordingly. This can slow down or temporarily pause charging to protect battery health and extend its lifespan. This is completely normal. Once the phone cools down, charging will automaticallyresume as normal. What is a semi solid state battery? The material that carries ions back and forth inside a battery is called electrolyte. Traditional lithium-ion batteries use a volatile, free-flowing liquid for electrolyte. As their name suggests, solid-state batteries use a solid material such as a ceramic or polymer. But semi-solid-state batteries are more common in todays new generation of power banks. A semi-solid-state battery uses a mix of solid particles in a much smaller amount of liquid, making a hybrid thick gel, paste or slurry. By reducing the liquid content to a minimum, semi-solid-state batteries increase stability and durability and significantly lower the risk of leaks, fires, and dangerous thermal runaway. What about non-wireless power banks? Wireless chargingespecially magnetic wireless chargingis super convenient and does away with the need to carry around messy cables to connect your device to the battery pack. But wired charging is nearly always faster and not much of an inconvenience if you are not out and about. Over on our sister site Tech Advisor I have reviewed the best power banks that includes standard non-wireless battery packs that might be a decent solution as well as the power banks reviewed above. Do magnetic power banks work when the iPhone is in a case? Yes, most quality iPhone cases are compatible with MagSafe having their own magnet ring to ensure a close connection between the power banks magnetic charging coils and the iPhones own. You can find exactly which are supported in our roundups of the best iPhone 17 cases , best iPhone 16 cases and best iPhone 15 cases . We round up a selection of battery cases for iPhone here: Best iPhone Battery Cases .
Pentagon officials' heated debates foreshadowed problems in Iran
As Houthi militants in Yemen attacked ships with missiles and drones in the Red Sea early last year, top U.S. officials gathered at the Pentagon to prepare military options for President Donald Trump. Their meetings repeatedly grew tense. On one side were Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, then overseeing U.S. operations in the Middle East, and other hawks ready for action. The general was keen on military action not only against the Houthis, but also against Iran, which had backed the Yemeni paramilitary group for years with weapons and training, according to people familiar with the matter. Like others, they spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal government deliberations. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. On the other side were officials hesitant to launch military strikes so early in the second Trump administration, including the Joint Chiefs chairman, Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr., who suggested that new U.S. assessments of what military action might yield would be wise before presenting the president with military options. That triggered an abrupt response from Kurilla, people familiar with the matter said. General, Kurilla said, the time for assessments is over. The exchange, which has not previously been reported, surprised some in the room. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, then new to his role, agreed with Kurilla, people familiar with the matter said. The disagreement came as other Pentagon appointees, including then-senior adviser Dan Caldwell and policy official Alex Velez-Green, repeatedly raised questions in meetings about how an extended military campaign against the Houthis could deplete stocks of key U.S. munitions, the people familiar with the discussions said. That issue has since grown in prominence as the Trump administration burned through its arsenal of cruise missiles and interceptors in a war with Iran that is now seven months old. In recent weeks, the Iranian-backed Houthi militants have launched a new offensive in Yemen, seizing control of the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait, reigniting civil war and targeting critical energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. With Irans proxies weakened elsewhere, the group has emerged as the most powerful element of Tehrans Axis of Resistance against the United States and Israel. In March 2025, weeks after the disagreement between the generals, Trump announced Operation Rough Rider, a 51-day bombing campaign against the Houthis that almost immediately was embroiled in scandal when then-White House national security adviser Mike Waltz accidentally invited a reporter into a group chat on Signal, the unclassified messaging application. More than 1,000 targets were hit over the course of Rough Rider, including key Houthi commanders and weapons stocks. But the aerial bombing also resulted in significant civilian casualties, human rights groups said. Trump and Hegseth touted the campaign as a resounding success, but other senior Pentagon officials, including Caldwell and Joe Kasper, Hegseths first chief of staff, questioned whether the campaign had clear and obtainable objectives, the people familiar with deliberations said. The U.S. went on to strike Irans nuclear facilities in Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025 and, along with Israel, launched a sprawling war against Iran this February. A spokesperson for Hegseth, Kingsley Wilson, said in a statement that Rough Rider achieved decisive success against Houthi forces, with U.S. forces launching strikes that severely degraded radar networks, air-defense systems, ballistic-missile and drone launch sites, weapons depots, and production facilities while removing multiple mid- and senior-level commanders from the battlefield. The military action, Wilson added, substantially reduced immediate threats to vital international shipping lanes, compelled a clear tactical shift by the adversary, and helped create conditions for a ceasefire that strengthened freedom of navigation in the region. She declined to comment on the possibility of any future action in Yemen, but she said the Pentagons role is to develop and present military options to the President, and he makes the final choice. The White House and Pentagon both released statements defending the management of weapons stockpiles after The Washington Post shared its reporting that some administration officials had concerns about it before Rough Rider began. U.S. officials have said that while the U.S. military has a deep arsenal of weapons, it is increasingly running low on specific munitions, such as ship-launched Tomahawk cruise missiles and Patriot air-defense interceptors. The United States Military has enough munitions and ammo to serve all of the Commander-in-Chiefs strategic goals and beyond, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly wrote in a statement. Kasper and Caldwell declined to comment, while Velez-Green could not be reached for comment. Kurilla, who retired in August 2025, did not respond to requests for comment about the exchange with Brown or the objectives of Rough Rider. Brown declined to comment through a spokesperson, but a person familiar with his thinking said he did not dispute the account of the testy Pentagon deliberations. Its common, that person said, for a top commander to push for quick military action while the Joint Chiefs chairman considers a wider range of issues, including making sure all necessary plans and requirements are in place and that the presidents options are preserved. Brown was fired and forced into retirement just before Rough Rider, as Hegseth pushed to remove top Biden-era generals. An official with Hegseths office declined to say whether Browns caution about the Houthis played a role, saying that out of respect for our senior military leaders, they do not discuss the nature of their retirements. An abrupt ceasefire The military campaign in Yemen abruptly ended in May 2025 with a ceasefire brokered by Oman. Trump claimed victory and said that the Houthis dont want to fight anymore. They gave us their word that they wouldnt be shooting at ships anymore, and we honor that, Trump said. The end of combat operations, officials and analysts said, came after the Houthis showed remarkable resiliency in the face of American airpower. No U.S. troops were killed during the operation, but the militants shot down at least seven MQ-9 Reaper drones, and U.S. forces lost two F/A-18 fighter jets in mishaps at sea. The operation, people familiar with the effort said, was followed by the administrations near-total abandonment of Yemen. It was like a cord being pulled out of a socket, said a former U.S. official who worked on Yemen issues at the time. Trump wanted to scratch Yemen off the list and move on. When the mission was declared over, the former official said, some in U.S. Central Command, which Kurilla then oversaw, were apoplectic, believing that they had been making progress. A U.S. special envoy position for Yemen issues was never filled by the Trump administration, and Washingtons assistance to the impoverished country was slashed. At the time, the former official said, they warned colleagues: You ignore Yemen at your own peril. Folkloric status The disagreements at the Pentagon about how to proceed on Yemen underscore the competing views in the U.S. government about how to handle the persistent threat the Houthis have posed since they seized power in northern Yemen in 2014. The Shiite militia, which formed in the 1990s, aims to control Yemen, a country of 35 million at the southwest tip of the Arabian Peninsula. From 2015 to 2022, the Houthis, with support from Iran, fought a bloody civil war against Yemens internationally recognized government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia. That war ended with a fragile truce that left the Houthis holding large swaths of the countrys north and the government coalition in control of the south. But the group has much larger ambitions, including ousting the U.S. from the Middle East and destroying the state of Israel. April Longley Alley, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, said that Houthis see themselves as the tip of the spear in the Arab world. Dan Shapiro, who served as U.S. ambassador to Israel during the Obama administration, described the Houthis as an enduring problem for decades to come. Were kind of stuck with this bad actor on this maritime choke point, able to activate and try to use their position or leverage at the moment of their choosing, said Shapiro, who later became a Pentagon official during the Biden administration. After the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, the Houthis started firing missiles at Israel in retaliation for the resulting military campaign in Gaza. That is when the Houthis took on an almost folkloric status, said Tim Lenderking, the U.S. envoy to Yemen during the Biden administration. It really bolstered their standing and their brand in the Arab world, he added. But the Houthis took it too far, he said, firing on U.S. and Israeli ships, killing international mariners and disrupting the flow of commercial traffic in the Red Sea. The Biden administration launched military strikes against the Houthis beginning in January 2024. The Houthis appeared undeterred. Trump launched Rough Rider on March 15, 2025. A few days later, he declared that tremendous damage had been inflicted on the Houthi barbarians and would get worse. Its not even a fair fight, and never will be, Trump wrote in a social media post. They will be completely annihilated! Unclear objectives, mounting costs The costs and questions quickly mounted. Over the course of the operation, estimated at more than $1 billion, the Houthis continued to target U.S. warships in the Red Sea and surrounding waterways. U.S. forces struck a migrant detention center in Yemen in April 2025, reportedly killing more than 68 civilians and injuring dozens more, according to Human Rights Watch. The operation also was dogged by the Signalgate scandal, in which senior Trump administration officials, including Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, communicated about Rough Rider in a group chat that accidentally included Atlantic journalist Jeffrey Goldberg. The revelation was especially damaging for Hegseth, who had shared specific, advance details about how the bombing would begin through the unclassified Signal app. A review by the Pentagon inspector general released in December found that Hegseths actions created a risk to operational security, though the secretary of defense and his team claimed total exoneration. The Trump administration began looking for an exit from Rough Rider after just a couple weeks into the bombing campaign, said Alley of the Washington Institute. There had been an assumption going into the campaign that you could go in and coerce the Houthis with overwhelming power to change [their] behavior. But Trump lacked a clear exit strategy, Alley said, so when Oman - long a mediator in the region - approached the administration saying that the Houthis wanted a truce, Trump took it. One of the people familiar with internal deliberations at the Pentagon said that the abrupt end to Rough Rider bolstered the belief among internal critics that the offensives objectives were never clear in the first place. It almost seemed, this person said, that Trump had buyers remorse. The deal, Trump said at the time, was simple: The Houthis would stop firing at U.S. ships if the U.S. stopped firing at the Houthis. We hit them very hard and they had a great ability to withstand punishment, Trump said in announcing the ceasefire. You could say there was a lot of bravery there. They rebuilt it all Yemens Saudi-backed coalition government was supportive of Rough Rider and caught off guard when it ended, according to a Yemeni official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. The Trump administration did not read the situation strategically, said the official. They just wanted a quick win. It was not long, the person said, before the Houthis rebuilt everything. In recent weeks, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked oil infrastructure and military bases in Saudi Arabia, which also saw its key East-West oil pipeline attacked by Iraqi militias. As Saudi Arabia - long a key U.S. ally - faces its biggest threats in years, it has confronted Trumps unwillingness to get more involved and looked to new partners for help in confronting the Houthis. Nadwa Al-Dawsari, a Yemeni researcher and conflict analyst, said the Trump administration never should have seen the truce as a win. The Houthis have learned how to use negotiations, ceasefires and truces as a tactic to preserve their power, rebuild their capabilities and prepare for the next round of conflict, she said. Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam said that Rough Rider sparked widespread resentment regarding the U.S. and led to an influx of volunteers. Yemen, he said in a written statement to The Post, is known as the graveyard of invaders. Anyone who has attempted to colonize or occupy the country, he said, has left burdened by woes, sorrow, failure, and defeat. Trump struck a conciliatory tone in recent weeks when talking about the Houthis, saying last month in Ireland that the Houthis called us, and they dont want to fight us. Everything will work out very well, he said. The Yemeni official said that they fear the Trump administration still does not understand the threat that the Houthis pose, noting that the group is already working extensively with al-Shabab in Somalia and have clearly stated intentions to push the U.S. out of the region and destroy the state of Israel. The lesson I learned over the past 10 years is to take the Houthis seriously, the official added. I am not sure if the United States learned the same lesson. Alley said that Trumps decision last year to forge a truce with the Houthis had the unintended consequence of showing the militant group the limits of Trumps willingness to escalate - giving them additional room to maneuver. Trump may be done with the Houthis, she said, but the Houthis are not done with Trump. Susannah George contributed to this report. Related Content This article originally appeared on Washington Post at https://washingtonpost.com/world/2026/10/05/pentagon-dispute-trumps-first-war-foreshadowed-iran-challenges/
Philip Morris India and Litterati collaborate to address littering through evidence-based solutions
Philip Morris India has launched a 12-month anti-littering initiative in Delhi with Litterati. This project aims to analyze littering patterns using community science and AI technology. Insights will help implement targeted solutions for waste management and behavior change in identified areas. Previous anti-littering efforts included a successful campaign that removed substantial waste from public spaces. The initiative aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission's goals for cleaner urban environments.
Healthy Weight Loss: How Much Should You Lose and Why Losing Too Much Body Fat Can Be Risky
Weight loss and fitness have become major goals for many people, especially those trying to improve their health, appearance or physical performance. While losing excess weight can offer health benefits for some individuals, there is an important point that often gets overlooked: having less body fa...
Hyderabad gets a taste of South Italy at this Mazzo Rooftop pop-up
Food traditions often carry a sense of home, and Chef Alessio Cosma Amodios cooking is no exception. Growing up in Southern Italy, his earliest inspiration came from his grandmothers kitchen, a foundation that stayed with him through a culinary career which eventually settled in Goa. This week, Chef Alessio brings those traditions to Hyderabad for Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Tom Bradys Unexpected Fashion Rise Continues As The NFL GOAT Embraces Luxury Style
Tom Bradys post-NFL life is taking a stylish turn as his Gucci runway debut and $300,000-plus Rolex add a new luxury side to the NFL GOATs growing public image.
Amitabh Bachchan has spoken about his struggle to find enough time for sleep amid his busy professional schedule. The actor, who continues to juggle his television commitments with film projects, shared his late-night thoughts on his personal blog, reflecting on the importance of sleep and his plans to get some rest before another early day at work. Amitabh noted that sleep is widely considered an important part of the bodys recovery process, but admitted that finding enough time for it can be difficult. He wrote: .. they said the night sleep is the best repair mechanism of the human body .. and I struggle to fine the time to follow that .. The actor also reflected on the feeling of going to bed early with the intention of waking up for work the next morning. According to him, such moments are often accompanied by several thoughts and ideas, along with the motivation to work towards goals that have been pursued for a long time. He further wrote: But tonight is a try .. nw to retire early and be p for a earlt wake for work it is a different feel .. a state of many thoughts and ideas .. all filled with drive and a sense of conquering all that was once considered as a goal that gives immense power to run to ts destination , in time and I must run to the bed. On the work front, Amitabh Bachchan is currently seen hosting Kaun Banega Crorepati. The Hindi adaptation of the British quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? features contestants answering multiple-choice questions, with lifelines available to help them when they are unsure about an answer. The actor was last seen in Vettaiyan, directed by T. J. Gnanavel. He is also associated with filmmaker Nag Ashwins Kalki 2898 AD sequel, which features Prabhas and Kamal Haasan. The film is set in a post-apocalyptic world and follows a group of people attempting to protect a woman who is pregnant with Kalki, described as Lord Vishnus 10th and final avatar, from the powerful Yaskin. Also Read : EXCLUSIVE: Geeta Agrawal Sharma talks about playing a dementia patient in Vajood Rahe Maujood; director Keigan Pinto says, Geeta ji is the Amitabh Bachchan of female actor today!
The one-off GOAT kit Lionel Messi will wear for his final Argentina appearance
Including a pair of subtle goal horns. The post The one-off GOAT kit Lionel Messi will wear for his final Argentina appearance appeared first on Planet Football .
We didn't okay Form 6 changes, let's see who did it: SC
The Supreme Court stated it has not approved any modifications to Form 6, used for electoral roll inclusion, during the Special Intensive Revision. This observation came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging alleged unilateral decisions by the Chief Election Commissioner regarding changes to Form 6 and electoral roll revisions in states like Goa and West Bengal, without the concurrence of his colleagues. The court issued notice on the plea, highlighting concerns over collective decision-making within the Election Commission.
Pawan Khera of Congress criticised the Aam Aadmi Party for its attacks regarding defections to the BJP. Khera emphasised that AAP had also experienced significant defections, highlighting their hypocrisy. He noted the failure of the BJP government in Goa regarding employment opportunities and law enforcement issues. Additionally, Khera discussed the removal of many voters from the electoral roll ahead of the upcoming elections.
Hyderabad: Nora Fatehis latest Paris outing has given fans something other than her fashion choices to discuss. A brief glimpse of her phone screen has put her personal life back in the spotlight, bringing a familiar name into the conversation: Moroccan footballer Yassine Bounou. The actress and dancer, who previously described the goalkeeper as a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
'I had only one goal that is to win trophies, says Abhishek on his impact-first approach
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 5 (IANS) Abhishek Sharma has credited the freedom provided by his teammates and coaches for allowing him to embrace an aggressive, impact-driven approach, saying his ambition has never been centred on personal milestones but on helping India and his teams win trophies. The 26-year-old, who was part of Indias ICC Mens T20 World Cup-winning side, discussed his playing philosophy ahead of the new home season against the West Indies. Abhishek traced the development of his mindset to his domestic cricket days, when he began placing greater emphasis on influencing matches rather than chasing individual numbers. When I started, I thought that I have to play in a way that I can play impactful innings for my team. That started from my Punjab team in domestic cricket and we won the domestic T20 competition in 2024. From there, I feel, a mindset developed that I dont have to chase milestones, because thats not in your hands. Whats in your hands is how much impact you can make. That is how I want to play, no matter what opposition we are playing. As an individual, I never had this urge that I should achieve this, achieve that. I had only one goal that I have to win trophies. I feel that you need a lot of support from the team, the management, the coaches, the captain, because they know how you play. I feel they have helped me quite a lot, the entire team, not just the support staff, even the players as well, senior players. So now, like it has happened for me when I was new, the new players should also get that freedom, they should feel that they belong here. So, I really enjoy that when I talk with Vaibhav or with other young players, Abhishek told JioStar. That backing, according to Abhishek, has been crucial in allowing him to play without being constrained by the pressure of reaching specific statistical targets.
After HIL, our focus will be on building a fresh squad for LA 2028: India head coach Craig Fulton
Digital Desk | Nagoya, Oct 5 (IANS) After the Indian mens hockey team successfully defended their Asian Games crown for the very first time in the sport's history, head coach Craig Fulton said that LA 2028 is not far away and that once the Hockey India League (HIL) gets over, he will have to build a new team afresh. This will include infusing more young faces in the team in order to strike a fine balance between youth and experience. LA 2028 is within two years. It seems a long way off, but it obviously comes around pretty quick. I think at the moment were just trying to get the right schedule, the right planning in place, the big blocks of what is the preparation like, two years out, one year out, six months out, and plan accordingly to that. Yeah, I think every team has its phases at and flows with experience and youth. We have a good group of experienced players with us now, Craig Fulton told SAI Media. We have some youth, but we have a lot of youth in the Indian A team and a strong Under-21 team as well, which is great. So in the next two-three months, I think just post the Hockey India League, we'll have a look at all the talent that we have, choose new squad, and start afresh from there, the 51-year-old added. This was the fifth gold medal overall for the Indian mens hockey team in the continental sports extravaganza after 1966 Bangkok, 1998 Bangkok, 2014 Incheon and 2022 Hangzhou editions. Fulton, who represented South Africa in the 1996 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games, said defending back-to-back gold medals was always special. Personally, this Asian Games was very unique. It was very different to the last Asian Games as we were isolated out here in a sense of away from the other events and athletes. There was no so-called Games Village. But at the same time, we had our own routine. We went to the field, we played, we came back, and everything is the same. But Hangzhou, being the first gold medal, was very special. But to come back and defend it back-to-back golds is always special, he said. India edged past arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 by scoring in the dying minutes of the match at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, squandering a 3-0 lead. Captain Harmanpreet Singh (5, 13) and Sukhjeet Singh (23) gave India a 3-0 lead but Abu Mahmood (30), Hannan Shahid (45) and Waheed Rana (49) brought Pakistan back on level terms. It was Abhishek who scored in the final minute of the match to take India into the mens final. Everything did go according to plan. We had a really good first half, and then the third quarter was difficult. Pakistan is that team that if you give them any free opportunities, they take them and they are a great team, and they showed that. They came back nicely and put us under a lot of pressure from 3-0 to 3-all. We still had some good chances in that period, but we couldnt finish, we couldnt score. And found a way in the last minute to do so and to get the fourth goal, which helped us make the final, Fulton said. The feat was a first-ever double gold finish for the mens and womens hockey teams at the Asian Games. It was only the third Indian team sport to have a double gold finish after Kabaddi and Cricket at Aichi-Nagoya. The turnaround was fuelled by the Sports Authority of Indias (SAI) support of INR 77.8 Crore on both the mens and womens hockey teams, including the national coaching camp, international competition exposure, remuneration of foreign coach and equipment support, among others. I think the government is our biggest supporter in terms of the resources and the funds that they put forward to helping the grassroots programs all the way through to the 18s, 21s, seniors. Without them, obviously, I don't know what would happen if they didn't put as much support and resources around. But at the same time, by doing that the girls stand on the podium winning gold for the first time in 44 years. And we're fortunate enough to go back to back. Yes, that's domination in Asia. We obviously want to do that on the world stage. And the women had a fantastic World Cup, and the men obviously had a fantastic Paris. So the balance is there. The resources are there. But the main thing is we just got to keep pushing forward to find the talent and expose it on the international platform, he signed off.
PM Narendra Modi Meets Swiss President Guy Parmelin to Accelerate Trade, Investment & TEPA Goals
Turtle doves, Cicada bugs, migratory birds arrive to announce Kashmirs golden yellow autumn
Digital Desk | Srinagar, Oct 5 (IANS) Turtle doves picking fallen grain from Paddy fields, Cicada chirping on willow trees and the cackle of migratory birds in the night sky, these are all indications that Kashmirs golden yellow season of plentyautumn has arrived. Farmers have gathered their Paddy crop and apples are being picked by the orchardists, grapes, Nadrus (Lotus stems)', Sweet Chestnuts and vegetables are aplenty in the markets. The sky is now a clear blue and the fear of cloudbursts, thunderstorms, hail etc is over. People love to bask in the early sunshine although the days are still hot. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.2 degree Celsius on Sunday, marking the city's second-highest October temperature on record. This exceptional reading, driven by an unprecedented autumn heatwave, surpassed the previous October high of 31.1 degree Celsius set 18 years ago on October 2, 2008. Despite the day heat, mornings and evenings are getting cold as locals wear a layer of warm clothes in the evenings. The turtle doves have come down from the mountains to feed on fallen grain in the harvested Paddy fields. They have to gain enough weight before they brave their flight to the plains to ward off the winter cold. Cicada bugs are chirping on willow trees as their natural camouflage makes them absolutely indistinguishable from their surroundings. The cackle of migratory birds in the night sky announces the first flight of these avian visitors to the Valley. Thousands of these birds including bar-headed geese, mallards, Pochards, shovelers, Pintails, Wigeons, Sheldrake ducks, teals etc spend their winters in the water bodies of Kashmir to ward off the extreme cold of their summer homes in Russian Siberia, China, Japan, Philippines and Eastern Europe. The hardy goatherds called the Bakarwals are now moving down from the highland meadows of the Valley with their families. They are going with their flocks of sheep, goats, watch dogs and load carrying horses to their homes in warmer Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua and Reasi districts of Jammu division. The life of the Bakarwals is an enduring lesson in bearing hardships to graze their flocks in the meadows during the summer months. The Bakarwals move lock, stock and barrel to the meadows during the summer months. Women carrying infants wrapped in a loose cloth around their back, utensils, clothes, bedding etc are loaded on the horses as the long journey to the plains starts for these families. The diet of these families is a dieticians prescription for keeping oneself fit. They take milk, cheese, ghee in plenty as they lead an active, hardworking life. It is rare to see an obese Bakarwal male or female. They are lean sturdy souls although signs of some sedentary life and economic prosperity are showing in the protruding bellies of the elders left behind to tend for homes during the summer months. Hundreds of labourers belonging to Bihar, West Bengal, UP and other states working as brick layers, masons, carpenters, electricians and labourers in orchards and Paddy fields have started moving down to their homes as the bitter winter cold becomes difficult for them to bear. Days have started ending early and beginning late as markets, streets and workplaces start closing after the sunset. Vegetable markets are full of locally grown turnips, spinach, tomatoes, brinjals, potatoes, etc. Interestingly, despite the availability of these local vegetables, their rates are higher than those brought in from outside the Valley, a paradox difficult to decipher for the common Kashmiri. The leaves of the majestic Chinar trees have started turning yellow from deep green. These leaves then turn into brilliant shades of yellow, amber, gold, orange, and a striking blood-red before falling in the winter. The water in rivers, mountain streams and springs is crystal clear as far off mountain tops acquire a tinge of white due to early snowfall. For the nature loving tourists and locals, autumn is the best time to see Kashmir in all its natural glory and brilliance.
All the goals from the Women's Super League - matchweek five
Watch every goal from matchweek five of the Women's Super League 2026-27 season.
India nears cold-storage goal, but first-mile gaps remain: Ficci-GT Bharat
With 40.22 million tonnes of cold storage capacity, India is near its long-term target, but three-quarters is used for potatoes and losses remain high before produce reaches the first cold point
Klein Curaao restored native plants after removing goats and cats, aiding nine bird species
Zinc Football Academy's (ZFA) goalkeeper Sonam Ghosh has earned another major milestone in her young career after being selected in India's 23-member U-17 squad for the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers.
Messi vs Ronaldo: Two GOATs, two very different endings
Messi's farewell is therefore about closure. Ronaldo's is still a negotiation. After nearly 20 years of rivalry, that may be the most revealing difference of all.
How former Premier League goalkeeper David Stockdale rescued and revamped FC Farsley
Portugal Advances to UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals with 2-1 Victory Over Norway
Portugal secures a spot in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals by defeating Norway 2-1, thanks to Gonalo Ramos late goal. Portugal Advances to UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals with 2-1 Victory Over Norway
Eetha: Shraddha Kapoor dances in a red saree in viral BTS clip from sets
As the buzz around Shraddha Kapoor's Eetha continues to grow, a new BTS clip from the sets of the film has now surfaced online. In the clip, Shraddha, who plays lavani artist Vithabai Narayangoankar, is seen performing a dance sequence
MHA Orders AGMUT Segments to Report FIRs, Arrests Against Officers Within 48 Hours
SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed all segments of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram-Union Territories (AGMUT) cadre to report within 48 hours any FIR, arrest, adverse court order or action by an investigating agency against officers of the IAS, IPS, DANICS and DANIPS. The directions cover cases involving agencies including the Central Bureau of Investigation, []
Ronaldo's Portugal return possible? Coach Jesus clears the air
Portugal coach Jorge Jesus has left the door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to return after the 41-year-old left the squad last week. Jesus said the decision is Ronaldos, while federation president Pedro Proenca backed the captain and called the episode a misunderstanding. Ronaldo remains Portugals record scorer and most-capped player, with 146 goals in 234 appearances.
Holding Up the Mirror: Reflective Practice for Teacher Professional Growth
While attending the three-day programme at RIE Ajmer on Experimenting Reflective Practices for Augmenting Teachers Professional Competencies as per NPST, I found myself reflecting on a simple but important question: How often do we, as teachers, actually stop to examine our own classroom practice? As a classroom teacher and teacher trainer, I have increasingly felt that teaching cannot be reduced to completing a lesson, covering the syllabus or conducting an assessment. If our purpose is to ensure that the teaching-learning process achieves the desired learning outcomes to the optimum level possible, we have to look beyond the act of teaching itself. We have to look at what happened after we taught. That requires reflection. Teaching needs a pause The routine of classroom teaching can easily become repetitive: plan, teach, assess and move on. In this cycle, we may not always pause to ask what actually happened. A reflective teacher asks: What worked well? What did not work? Why did it happen? Which learners benefited? Who struggled? What could I have done differently? What should I focus on next? These are not questions of fault-finding. They are questions of professional learning. Student assessment gives us important evidence, but it cannot always tell us everything about our teaching. A learner's performance is influenced by prior learning, individual differences, motivation and the learning environment. The teacher, therefore, also needs to examine his or her own decisions, strategies and interactions. The question changes from Why did my students not learn? to What does this evidence tell me about my teaching? That shift is significant. Competencies need to be visible in practice The National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) provides a national framework for teacher quality, defining expectations and competencies at different levels of expertise and stages of a teacher's career. NCTE describes progression through Proficient, Advanced and Expert levels. For me, these should not be seen merely as labels. They can become a professional mirror: Where am I now, what evidence supports my understanding, and what do I need to do to grow further? The six competencies that formed the basis of our reflective work offer meaningful areas for this self-examination: planning lessons with clear objectives and sound content understanding; addressing learner diversity; promoting student engagement; applying assessment for, as and of learning; integrating ICT meaningfully; and integrating content knowledge with pedagogy. Each competency can be converted into a question. Planning: Am I planning for learning or merely for completion? Learner diversity: Am I providing meaningful opportunities for different learners? Engagement: Are students actually thinking, questioning, creating and collaborating? Assessment: Am I using assessment to improve learning, or mainly to record it? ICT: Is technology adding value to learning? Content and pedagogy: Do I merely know my subject, or do I know how to make it learnable? When such questions become part of everyday teaching, professional standards move from a document into classroom practice. A small reflection from my own classroom One of my reflections concerned the competency Promote student engagement in learning. While teaching the classification of triangles, I noticed that students struggled to differentiate and classify triangles when learning relied mainly on textbook diagrams and verbal explanations. This made me reconsider my approach. I decided to move towards more hands-on, collaborative and experiential learning, using simple activities such as constructing triangles with sticks or straws, sorting triangle cards, identifying triangular shapes in the surroundings and discussing findings in groups. The challenge was not simply to find an activity. It was to make the activity meaningful for diverse learners, manage time, ensure participation and address misconceptions. The reflection therefore led to a professional goal: to incorporate more activity-based geometry learning and examine its impact on student understanding. For me, this illustrates the real value of reflection. A classroom difficulty need not end with the conclusion that students are weak. It can instead lead the teacher to ask, What can I change in my teaching? Reflection needs evidence Reflection becomes stronger when it is based on evidence. Student work, classroom observations, assessment responses, learner feedback, peer feedback and lesson records can all help a teacher examine practice more honestly. But evidence should not be limited to marks. A learner who repeatedly remains silent, a misconception that keeps appearing, an activity that generates participation but little understanding, or a question that most learners cannot answer can also provide valuable evidence. I would put it simply: Reflection without evidence can become perception; reflection supported by evidence can become professional learning. From reflection to action The reflective framework provides a practical sequence: Evidence Focus of Reflection Challenges Perceived Future Professional Goals The important part is what comes next. Reflection should lead to action. If questioning is dominated by recall, we can experiment with higher-order questions. If some learners remain disengaged, we can try differentiated or collaborative approaches. If assessment reveals persistent learning gaps, we can reconsider our teaching strategy rather than simply record the results. The cycle becomes: Experience Evidence Reflection Self-introspection Challenge Professional Goal Action New Evidence Further Reflection. This is how reflection becomes reflective learning. From individual reflection to professional culture Reflection need not remain an individual exercise. Peer discussion can help teachers see what they may have missed themselves. Sharing classroom experiences, discussing challenges and examining alternative approaches can make professional learning richer. A school should ideally become a place where teachers can comfortably say: This worked. This did not. I am not sure why. I tried something different. What could I do differently next time? Such a culture can strengthen peer learning, mentoring, collaborative planning and action research. The progression envisaged in NPST also reminds us that professional growth can extend beyond improving one's own classroom towards supporting and contributing to the professional learning of colleagues. The real purpose: better learning Ultimately, reflection is not about producing another document or finding faults with teachers. It is about improving what happens between the teacher and the learner. A reflective teacher continually asks whether planning, pedagogy, engagement, assessment, inclusion, technology and subject knowledge are working together to produce meaningful learning. Perhaps the most important question after a lesson is therefore not: Did I teach well? but: What did this lesson teach me about my teaching? For me, this is where the idea of the teacher as a lifelong learner becomes real. Experience becomes professional learning only when it is examined, questioned and used to improve future practice. When teachers learn to hold up the mirror to their own practice, reflection becomes more than a professional exerciseit becomes a pathway to better teaching, deeper professional competence and, ultimately, better learning for every child. (The Author is a teacher and columnist and can be reached at: abuaalim@gmail.com)
Teachers shape future of society, nation: Sakeena
Srinagar, Oct 04: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Sunday said that teachers are the cornerstone of the education system and play an indispensable role in shaping the future of society and nation. The Minister was addressing a one-day Mega Teachers Conference on the theme Roles, Rights and Responsibilities of Teachers, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum (JKReTTF) at SCERT Bemina here. The conference witnessed participation of a large number of teachers besides senior officers of the School Education Department. Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo appreciated the contribution of the teaching community towards nation-building and acknowledged the dedication of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, particularly those who have rendered their services in remote, far-flung and difficult areas of Jammu and Kashmir. She said that the contribution of teachers who served under the Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme has been instrumental in extending education to areas where educational facilities were once either inadequate or non-existent. When the Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme was introduced, perhaps no one could have imagined that schools in many remote areas, which were once closed or without adequate teaching facilities, would become functional and vibrant centres of learning. The children educated in these schools have gone on to achieve their goals, and the credit for this transformation goes to our teachers, the Minister said. Sakeena Itoo maintained that the Government recognizes the immense contribution of teachers and would continue to take steps to strengthen their dignity, professional standing and welfare. A teacher is not merely an employee of the Education Department; a teacher is the person who creates the future of our society. We cannot claim to build a strong and progressive Jammu and Kashmir unless we ensure that our teachers are respected, heard and empowered, Sakeena Itoo remarked. The Minister assured the teaching community that the genuine issues raised during the conference would be examined with due seriousness and that the Government would make every effort to address them within the applicable rules and procedures. I want to assure you that the Government has worked for you and will continue to work for you. The issues and demands placed before me today are genuine and deserve consideration. We will listen to your concerns, examine them and take them forward so that the hopes of our teaching community are not disappointed, she said. Referring to the role of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in supporting the concerns of the teaching community, the Minister said that the Governments commitment towards teachers was reflected in the resolution recently passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on issues concerning the teaching community. The Chief Minister has, on every appropriate occasion, spoken about the concerns and dignity of our teachers. The resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly was not an act of favor, it was an expression of our responsibility towards the teaching community, she said. Sakeena Itoo said that she had personally taken up the matter of the Assembly resolution after receiving representations from teachers, adding that she had ensured that the commitment made before the teaching community was translated into a formal legislative resolution. I had promised you that we would bring this issue before the Assembly, and I was determined to fulfil that commitment. I did not want the promise to remain merely an announcement. I wanted the resolution to be brought before the House, discussed and passed. I am satisfied that this commitment has now been fulfilled, she stated. Sakeena Itoo said that the resolution has provided an opportunity for members of the Legislative Assembly to deliberate upon the importance of teachers and the issues confronting them. The discussion in the Assembly once again demonstrated how important our teachers are for Jammu and Kashmir. Members cutting across the House spoke about the contribution of teachers and the need to safeguard their legitimate interests. The time available to the House was limited, but the sentiment was clearthat the teaching community deserves our respect and institutional support, the Minister said. The Minister further stated that the Government was not making commitments merely for the sake of announcements, but was working towards taking issues to their logical conclusion. My approach has always been that an announcement should be followed by action. I do not believe in making commitments here and leaving them unattended. Wherever an issue requires action at the level of the Department, the concerned Director or the Government, we are pursuing it through the proper process, she said. On the demand for a comprehensive transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, Sakeena Itoo said that the process was already at an advanced stage. The transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers is almost ready. We had placed the draft in the public domain so that suggestions could be received from all stakeholders. The suggestions received are now being examined and we are making efforts to incorporate whatever is feasible within the policy framework, she said. Sakeena Itoo informed that several issues raised by the teachers require action at different levels, including the concerned Heads of Departments and the administrative authorities, and that the process for examination and disposal of such matters was already underway. The Minister also urged the teachers and their representatives to ensure that all requisite service records and supporting documents were properly compiled and submitted to the concerned authorities. Sometimes, genuine cases get delayed because the required documents are not available on the file. I request our teachers and their representatives to ensure that all documents relating to promotion, service matters and other issues are properly compiled and submitted to the Department. This will help us process cases efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays, she said. Sakeena Itoo reiterated that the Government would continue to engage with the teaching community and work towards resolving genuine and long-pending issues through a structured and time-bound process. Wherever we have to raise our voice for our teachers, wherever we have to stand with them and wherever their legitimate interests have to be represented, we will do so. We will not shy away from our responsibility, she asserted. The Minister also emphasized that empowerment of teachers must go hand in hand with professional accountability and commitment towards students. Rights and responsibilities go together. While the Government remains committed to protecting the legitimate rights and dignity of teachers, I also expect every teacher to continue discharging his or her responsibility towards students with dedication, compassion and professionalism, she said. She called upon the teaching community to remain committed to the larger objective of providing quality education to children, particularly those belonging to disadvantaged and remote areas. Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani also addressed the conference and appreciated the contribution of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers in strengthening the education system across Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the dedication of teachers serving in challenging and far-flung areas and underscored their role in ensuring access to education for children in remote communities. On the occasion, the leadership of the Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum presented a comprehensive memorandum to the Minister, highlighting various issues concerning the welfare and professional advancement of teachers. The representatives of the teaching community also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo for the resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly concerning the issues of teachers. They said that the decision had strengthened their confidence in the Governments commitment towards addressing the genuine concerns of the teaching community.
Goat thieves arrested after encounter in Azamgarh
Salman Khan has maintained a disciplined fitness routine focused on strength training and volume over many years. His longtime trainer Rakkesh R. Uddiyar emphasizes the importance of consistency and dedication in achieving fitness goals. Salman trains six days a week, ensuring his workouts are efficient while adapting to his film schedules. While he follows a balanced diet, he modifies his training and cardio according to specific film roles.
US and Man Citys Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest international goalscorer
Sullivans goal came after teenager Julian Hall, 18, had given Mauricio Pochettino's side the lead in Mexico friendly. US and Man Citys Cavan Sullivan becomes youngest international goalscorer
Tripura govt preparing master plan to modernise urban local bodies: CM Saha
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 4 (IANS) Two months ahead of the elections to 21 urban local bodies in Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday said that the state government is preparing a master plan to modernise municipal bodies and civic infrastructure across the state. The Chief Minister, while inaugurating the newly constructed two-storey ward office of Ward at Pratapgarh under the Agartala Municipal Corporation, said that while the government is implementing the Smart City Mission in Agartala, it has also prepared a master plan to create state-of-the-art infrastructure in all Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council areas of the state. The ward office was constructed at a cost of Rs 97.43 lakh. He said the main objective of the government is to ensure that every section of society benefits from development and improved civic services. That is why the government, rising above politics, is implementing various development programmes and delivering services to the doorsteps of the people, he said. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision is to accelerate development by ensuring that government facilities reach the last person in society. Keeping that goal in mind, the present state government is providing various government services to the last person in every part of the state, Saha said. The Chief Minister said substantial development work aimed at providing modern civic facilities has been undertaken in Agartala in recent years. Apart from providing safe drinking water to the doorsteps of the people, a lot of work has been done in various fields, including construction and repair of roads, improvement of the citys drainage system, provision of pucca houses, creation of alternative employment opportunities and expansion of healthcare services, he said. Saha said development would reach every citizen irrespective of political affiliation and that Agartala has witnessed a major push in urban infrastructure. He said safe drinking water projects worth Rs 112 crore have been implemented under the AMRUT 2.0 scheme, while 48 flats have been constructed for economically weaker sections and construction of two more flats is underway. So far, 16,000 families have been provided with safe drinking water under the AMRUT 2.0 project, the Chief Minister said. A number of other programmes will be implemented under AMRUT 3.0. Sixty-five projects have been implemented across Agartala city under the Smart City Mission at a cost of Rs 581 crore, he said. Saha said the government is implementing various schemes with emphasis on infrastructure development in the Agartala Municipal Corporation area as well as the beautification of the city. Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, Municipal Corporation South Zone Chairman Abhijit Mallick and AMC Commissioner Saju Wahid were also present.
Iran tells U.S. there is no military solution to Middle East war
Ships anchored off the coast of Musandam governorate in Oman near the Strait of Hormuz on Friday (-) Iran's top diplomat insisted on Sunday that there would be no military solution to the United States' war against the Islamic republic, with talks on ending the conflict apparently at an impasse. A campaign of heavy bombardment failed to bring a decisive close to the war launched by the US and Israel in late February, and Washington in recent weeks has dialled back military operations in favour of economic pressure. The main point of contention remains Iran's attempt to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for Gulf oil and gas where a UK maritime agency reported on Sunday another tanker was struck by an unknown projectile. If our enemies again choose the path of military confrontation, our response will be stronger than before, and we will defend ourselves with even more force, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at a gathering of foreign ambassadors. There is no military solution, nor any solution based on new sanctions, he continued, adding only negotiations based on justice and fairness could end the conflict. The two sides agreed a memorandum of understanding in June that spelled out a framework for a permanent resolution, but Iranian attacks on vessels in the Hormuz prompted a return to US military operations. Iran has sought to impose its control over the vital shipping lane since the start of the war, striking vessels that attempt to transit without its authorisation. The US has imposed its own counterblockade of Iranian ports, and has also struck vessels it accuses of violating it. On Sunday, the British maritime security agency UKMTO said a tanker in the Hormuz reported being struck by an unknown projectile, causing damage to the engine room, though the crew were reported safe and no environmental impact was recorded. The agency did not specify the date of the incident, the vessel's origin or destination, or whether it was an oil tanker or LNG carrier. - Focused on Hormuz - Iranian and US officials last week held indirect talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, with Tehran saying it presented seven conditions for reopening the strait. Iran has demanded, among other things, a ceasefire across the Middle East, the unfreezing of its assets abroad, the lifting of sanctions on its oil sector and an end to the US naval blockade. Trump, however, rejected the proposal, while leaving the door open both to further talks or renewed military operations. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Sunday that the US had expressed its views on the proposal and said they were being reviewed. The Americans, through intermediaries, have also conveyed their views on this proposal, and these views are currently being examined inside the country through the relevant channels and procedures, he told reporters, according to state news agency IRNA. Whenever the final position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is ready, appropriate steps will be taken accordingly. At the same time, the Islamic Republic of Iran is also preparing itself for any other possible scenario. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday characterised the latest US counterproposal as being in line with their previous proposals concerning nuclear issues. We have clearly indicated that we are focusing on the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, he said, adding that reopening the waterway required an end to the disruptions to Iranian commercial maritime traffic and the lifting of sanctions. The United States and Israel have said the war is necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons -- a goal it has long denied pursuing -- though the focus soon shifted to reopening the Hormuz after its closure sent shockwaves through world energy markets. The United States has not struck Iran since September 1, but it has recently pursued a fresh military buildup in the region. US media outlet Axios reported that Washington hasdeployed additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to help protect key energy facilities from possible Iranian retaliation. It also reported that the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its strike group were heading to the Middle East, where they could join two other US carrier strike groups already in the region. Axios reported that top Trump cabinet members met Friday to discuss the war in Iran, as well as the conflict in Yemen, where the Tehran-backed Houthis have been fighting government forces and attacking Saudi Arabia. ap-sbr/smw/axn/jfx/amj This article originally appeared on AFP at https://www.yahoo.com/news/world/articles/iran-tells-us-no-military-094635228.html
No Pass, No Goal: Bhagwant Mann's Hockey Jab At Punjab Congress. New Chief Pargat Singh
I hope his team members also pass him the ball, because without a pass, no goal can be scored, Bhagant Mann said.
SLBC tunnel project moves beyond geological challenge: Uttam Kumar Reddy
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Oct 4 (IANS) Marking a decisive breakthrough in Telangana's Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel project, the excavation has moved beyond a major geological challenge, paving the way for additional equipment deployment and improved operational efficiency while maintaining rigorous safety standards, state Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said on Sunday. The minister held a marathon review with elected representatives and senior officials from the three districts of erstwhile Nalgonda on the implementation of key irrigation projects, including the SLBC tunnel. The project is expected to deliver over 30 TMC of water to the regions parched upland areas, helping end the perennial scarcity they have faced. The minister commended the efforts of officials and the workforce engaged in the arduous task. Successful passage through the precarious shear zone marked a significant advance in the project, he said. Uttam Kumar Reddy pressed for the deployment of additional equipment, improved excavation cycles and close safety monitoring. He sought a credible, closely monitored programme to achieve the June 2028 water-delivery goal. He directed officials and the contractor to build on the progress through the difficult geological stretch while safeguarding crews working more than 20 km inside the tunnel. Eight workers were killed during the excavation of the tunnel in February, 2025. The project team reported an advancement of about 700 metres over the preceding five to six months, comprising approximately 450 metres from the outlet and 250 metres from the inlet. This included carefully negotiated passage through the major shear zone, overcoming formidable geological, technical, and logistical challenges. The 43.968-km main tunnel was reported to be approximately 79 per cent complete, with about 9.1 km of excavation remaining. Col. Parikshit Mehra, an Indian Army tunnel expert spearheading the tunnel operations, said that excavation at the inlet had deliberately been slowed during the initial months because of weak ground, rock bursts and the need to prevent another accident. The diversion around the point where the tunnel-boring machine had become stuck had taken the working face through particularly poor geological conditions. To negotiate the unstable stretch, the team installed 140-mm seamless pipes to form an umbrella canopy, providing protective support ahead of excavation. Reinforced ribs, staged excavation, probe drilling, and additional support measures helped control risks as work advanced. Improving rock conditions were enabling a return to normal working conditions deep inside the tunnel. Uttam Kumar Reddy pressed for sustained progress supported by timely equipment deployment. The project team reported a current combined advance of about eight metres a day, with a sustained rate of seven to seven-and-a-half metres daily. Progress had reached ten metres on one or two days. A three-arm drilling boomer was already operating at the outlet, where progress was reported to be close to the required pace. Another three-arm boomer was expected at the inlet in October. Electric loaders and advanced excavators were also supporting construction operations. A locomotive ordered from Germany is expected by the end of October. Its deployment is expected to improve the removal of excavated material and shorten the construction cycle. Hauling material over distances of up to 21 km remained a major constraint. When removal fell behind, excavated material accumulated inside the tunnel, eventually forcing work at the face to stop until the backlog was cleared. The team reported that a construction cycle previously taking about 48 hours had been reduced to 2024 hours. With improved equipment and faster material removal, it is anticipated to bring the cycle down to about ten hours and accelerate progress from late October or early November. MPs K. Raghuveer Reddy and Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, MLAs Mandula Samel, K. Jaiveer Reddy, Vemula Veeresham and Anil Kumar Reddy, MLC Shankar Naik; Irrigation Secretary E. Sridhar; Engineer-in-Chief O. V. Ramesh Babu; and the Collectors of Suryapet, Nalgonda, Yadadri-Bhongir and Mahabubabad participated in the meeting.
Pakistan conducting strikes in Afghanistan to avoid Mecca agreement commitments: Report
Digital Desk | Islamabad, Oct 4 (IANS) Pakistan has portrayed its airstrikes in Afghanistan as actions taken in response to militant attacks and threats allegedly originating from Afghan territory, but the increasing civilian death toll and its still worsening security situation spark serious questions over its claims, while the action is also seen as a bid to avoid the commitments it faces under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement as well as divert attention from Army chief Asim Munir's failure on the security front, a report said. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that at least 10 people were killed and nine others were injured in Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan on October 1. Taliban have said that three civilian homes were hit in Pakistan's airstrikes. However, Pakistan claimed that attacks targeted hideouts belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), according to a report in Afghan news agency Khaama Press. The airstrikes in Afghanistan were reported a week after Pakistan carried out strikes in Khost, Paktia, and Kandahar on September 24, claiming the lives of four civilians. As many as three people were killed in Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan's Kunar and Paktika on September 21. Islamabad has repeatedly described its attacks as deliberate, precise, and proportionate, presenting them as necessary responses to militant attacks and threats allegedly originating from Afghan territory. Yet the growing civilian toll and continuing deterioration of Pakistans own security situation raise serious questions about that justification, Ankit Kumar said in the Khaama Press report. These strikes appear to serve two additional political goals for Islamabad that go beyond its stated counterterrorism strategy against the TTP: avoiding the difficult commitments Pakistan faces under the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement and diverting attention from Field Marshal Syed Asim Munirs failure to contain the worsening security situation inside Pakistan, he contended. On August 7, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement. Under the pact, an attack on any one country would be considered an attack on all three nations. The agreement reflected the shared commitment of the three nations o further strengthen their collective security and to promote peace, security, and stability in the region and beyond, in pursuit of a secure and prosperous future, according to a statement released by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On September 8, Houthis launched missile and drone attacks against Saudi Arabia. On September 9, Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that action against Saudi Arabia could make the Mecca agreement operational. Pakistan's rhetoric became stronger in the coming days as senior military officials vowed to stand with Saudi Arabia against aggression, while Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, said that any threat to Mecca or Medina represented a red line. However, strong rhetoric is not the same as sending troops or entering war in the Middle East, according to the Khaama Press report. Pakistan's second motive behind carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan is Munir's failure to contain the worsening security situation in Pakistan. The security crisis in Pakistan has deep political, social and historical roots, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the former tribal areas. Pakistan cannot use carrying out airstrikes across an international border as a substitute to address those grievances, the report maintained.
Trump names Jay Clayton as AI czar: Where he stands on AI safety
President Trump on Sunday named Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton as his new AI czar, adding a different category of intelligence, the artificial kind, to the U.S. spy chief's portfolio. In a post on Truth Social , Trump said Clayton will lead a newly formed Super Intelligence Force alongside Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Emil Michael and Office of Personnel Management Director Scott Kupor. The group will report directly to Trump and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. Its goal, Trump wrote, is to ensure that America continues to lead the World in Super Intelligence, which many say is bigger than the Industrial Revolution, and the Internet, and will protect the interests, and improve the lives, of all Americans. Clayton will keep his job as DNI, which oversees the nation's 18 intelligence agencies. Trump's announcement follows meeting last Tuesday at the White House where top AI executives signed what he called a morally binding agreement to police themselves in order to prevent their increasingly powerful models from going rogue and harming humanity . There's a belief that there should be tremendous self-regulation, the president said at the meeting. This is going to be all for the good, and we're going to have it be nice and safe. Despite new polls showing that 86% of Americans want AI companies to meet independent safety standards even if doing so slows development with 74% largely mistrusting the leaders of those companies Trump insisted in recent days that federal regulations are unnecessary and that those who say otherwise are Conspiracy Theorists, Treasonists, Traitors, and Leakers . The only control or 'guardrails' that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT, and the U.S.A. has that, in spades! he wrote on social media . Elsewhere, Trump has said that regulation would handicap the U.S. in its race to win AI. Whoever wins AI ... that's the group that wins, Trump told the United Nations General Assembly last month . We're leading now over China by a lot and everyone else, and we're going to keep it that way. According to the Guardian , Trump's previous AI and crypto czar, billionaire tech investor David Sacks, consistently counseled the president to give a soft touch to AI regulation, helping push executive orders and other measures aimed at loosening restrictions on the technology. Sacks also maintains direct financial stakes in multiple AI companies, the paper reported, though he took steps to divest some of his holdings last year while serving in the administration. He stepped down in March. Will Clayton follow Sacks's lead? Or will he chart a new course? Here's what we know so far. Who is Jay Clayton? Clayton, 60, is a registered independent with degrees from the University of Pennsylvania (engineering, law) and the University of Cambridge (economics). As a lawyer in private practice, he focused mostly on Wall Street: mergers and acquisitions, market offerings and regulatory proceedings. During Trump's first term, from 2017 to 2020, Clayton chaired the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. From March 2021 to April 2025, Clayton served as chair and lead independent director of the board of Apollo Global Management . (Apollo has owned a 90% majority stake in Yahoo since September 2021.) In late 2024, Trump nominated Clayton to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, his first prosecutorial job; Trump later appointed Clayton to serve in an acting capacity after New York Sen. Chuck Schumer blocked his appointment. Reports suggest Clayton was also considered for roles as secretary of the treasury, attorney general and director of the Central Intelligence Agency. In November 2025, Trump ordered the Department of Justice to investigate Democrats associated with Jeffrey Epstein, and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi assigned Clayton to lead the probe . After former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigned in May 2026, Trump tapped Clayton to replace her. He's very qualified, Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia said at the time . But Clayton sidestepped questions over who won the 2020 election during his July confirmation hearings, and he was confirmed without Democratic support. I'm not an election denier, Clayton told the Senate. He went through our processes, and Joe Biden became the president of the United States. What has Clayton said about AI? During his DNI confirmation hearings, Clayton described AI as a game changer , warning that it represents not only an opportunity but a threat. We should just all recognize that, he continued. When something is both an opportunity and a threat, you better get your arms around it. On Tuesday, Clayton attended Trump's White House meeting with top AI executives. Speaking afterward to CNBC, he used the president's new preferred term for AI i.e., superintelligence while pushing back against lawmakers who have called for regulating or pausing U.S. AI development. Super intelligence is a national security issue, and that was something that was recognized yesterday by not just the industry leaders but everybody in the room, Clayton said. But to, in some way, not try to drive forward inside the United States, with companies that are regulated in the United States ... to somehow say we should back away from this and let the rest of the world develop these models and implement these models? I don't think anybody in that room, and I don't think any American, should think that that's a good strategy. Asked to respond to criticism from Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts that Trump's current policy of letting AI companies police themselves will prove to be a recipe for disaster, Clayton suggested that the U.S. government's existing regulatory framework could also help keep AI in check. My response to the American people on that front is we have a Federal Trade Commission, we have a Department of Justice, Clayton said. I know the leaders of both those organizations, and they're committed to protecting the American people in this regard. What will Clayton do as AI czar? According to Trump's post, the Super Intelligence Force will coordinate the federal government's dealings with AI companies, infrastructure providers, consumers, public interest groups and religious organizations, CNN reported . Last month, Trump wrote on social media that he would be announcing, in the near future, the AI 'Czar.' Only High I.Q. individuals need apply! he added. In the same post, the president again dismissed concerns about AI safety as a hoax perpetrated by Radical Left Democrats. He also wrote that going forward, his administration would not in any way hinder or stifle the Growth of this incredible Industry, which he described as the next Industrial Revolution, or Internet only even larger and more impactful. Rather, we will cherish it, help it, and watch over it, as it grows! Trump explained. As for reining in bad actors, he wrote, we can do that, very easily, with our already existing Criminal and Civil Justice System. Clayton, it seems, will now be in charge of cherishing, helping and watching over the AI industry as it grows. He's a good man, Trump told Axios when the outlet asked last week if Clayton was being considered for the job . He's right here. That's a good idea. It's unclear what happened to a separate idea Trump floated last month, which he called the AI Force. I am forming the AI Force, much like I did Space Force , which has been a tremendous SUCCESS, in my First Term, Trump wrote in his September social media post about naming an AI czar. According to Axios , Trump's AI Force idea caught advisers by surprise, setting off a mad dash within the administration to imagine what AI Force would look like. What did Trump's previous AI czar do? When Sacks served as AI czar, he repeatedly persuaded the president and his administration to resist new AI restrictions, including state laws to limit AI . Since leaving the White House, Sacks has maintained close ties with the president, according to the Guardian, and in May, he successfully urged Trump to scrap an executive order that would've subjected AI models to government review. The Wall Street Journal recently reported the Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles were caught off guard and unhappy with Trump's decision after they spent months negotiating to increase oversight of AI and had consulted a range of industry executives on the order. According to the Journal's sources, Wiles told others that Sacks had persuaded Trump to back down in a last-minute call, leaving Bessent worried that AI-led cyberattacks could wreak havoc on the nation's banking system. This article originally appeared on Yahoo News at https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/article/trump-names-jay-clayton-as-ai-czar-who-is-americas-new-artificial-intelligence-chief--and-how-will-he-address-growing-safety-concerns-152448937.html
Punjab FC's IFA Shield run ends in penalty shootout
Punjab FC's IFA Shield campaign concluded after a narrow 3-4 defeat on penalties to defending champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the semi-final. The match remained goalless after 120 minutes of competitive play, with both teams creating chances before the shootout decided the winner.
Teachers play key role in shaping future of society, nation: Sakeena Itoo
Srinagar, Oct 4 : Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Sunday said teachers are the cornerstone of the education system and play an indispensable role in shaping the future of society and the nation. She was addressing a one-day Mega Teachers Conference on Roles, Rights and Responsibilities of Teachers, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum (JKReTTF) at SCERT Bemina here. The conference was attended by a large number of teachers and senior officers of the School Education Department. Appreciating the contribution of teachers towards nation-building, Itoo particularly acknowledged the services of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers who have served in remote, far-flung and difficult areas of Jammu and Kashmir. She said the Rehbar-e-Taleem scheme played an important role in extending education to areas where educational facilities were earlier inadequate or non-existent. The children educated in these schools have gone on to achieve their goals, and the credit for this transformation goes to our teachers, she said. Itoo said the government recognised the contribution of teachers and would continue to take steps to strengthen their dignity, professional standing and welfare. A teacher is not merely an employee of the Education Department; a teacher is the person who creates the future of our society, she said, adding that Jammu and Kashmir could not progress without respecting and empowering its teachers. The minister assured the teaching community that the genuine issues raised during the conference would be examined seriously and addressed within the applicable rules and procedures. Referring to the recent resolution passed by the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on issues concerning the teaching community, Itoo said it reflected the government's commitment towards teachers. She said she had personally taken up the matter after receiving representations from teachers and ensured that the issue was brought before the Assembly. The resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly was not an act of favour, it was an expression of our responsibility towards the teaching community, she said. On the demand for a comprehensive transfer policy for Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers, Itoo said the draft policy was at an advanced stage. She said the draft had been placed in the public domain to invite suggestions from stakeholders and the suggestions received were being examined for incorporation wherever feasible. The minister also urged teachers and their representatives to ensure that all required service records and supporting documents were properly compiled and submitted to the concerned authorities to avoid delays in processing service-related cases. Itoo stressed that teachers' rights must go hand in hand with professional accountability and commitment towards students. Rights and responsibilities go together. While the Government remains committed to protecting the legitimate rights and dignity of teachers, I also expect every teacher to continue discharging his or her responsibility towards students with dedication, compassion and professionalism, she said. Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani also addressed the conference and appreciated the contribution of Rehbar-e-Taleem teachers in strengthening the education system across Jammu and Kashmir. He acknowledged the services of teachers working in challenging and far-flung areas and underscored their role in ensuring access to education for children in remote communities. On the occasion, the leadership of the Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum presented a memorandum to the minister highlighting various issues concerning the welfare and professional advancement of teachers. Representatives of the teaching community also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo for the recent Assembly resolution concerning teachers' issues.(KNS) ,
SC to hear pleas seeking suspension of CEC on Monday
The Supreme Court is set to hear pleas challenging Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's alleged unilateral decisions without the concurrence of other election commissioners. The petitions seek his suspension and question actions like altering voter registration forms and handling electoral roll revisions in Goa and West Bengal, highlighting concerns over the multi-member character of the Election Commission.
England's seven-goal spree sends message to Euro rivals: Kane
Harry Kane scored twice in England's impressive 7-0 victory against Croatia during the Nations League match. This win illustrated England's potential ahead of co-hosting Euro 2028 and demonstrated their attacking style. Manager Thomas Tuchel's approach emphasized relentless play, contrasting with previous defensive strategies in major tournaments. Kane is poised to equal Peter Shilton's record for caps, highlighting his ongoing contributions to the national team.
Viksit Bharat By 2047 Is Within Reach, Says Shaktikanta Das; Names 5 Key Priorities
India can sustain its growth momentum towards the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal by focusing on AI, a deeper financial ecosystem, strategic self-reliance, sustainable development and human capital, Shaktikanta Das said.
India U17 men share spoils with Myanmar in first friendly
Digital Desk | Thanylin (Mayanmar), Oct 4 (IANS) A spirited fightback saw a goal down India U17 mens national team restore parity and draw 1-1 with Myanmar in the first friendly match at the StarCity Sports Club in Thanlyin, Myanmar, on Sunday. The hosts opened the scoreline through Aung Myat Thar in the 42nd minute, before the Blue Colts drew level from Dallalmuon Gangte's penalty in the 73rd minute. After the initial enthusiasm and exuberance displayed by both sets of very eager boys, it was Myanmar who took the lead much against the run of play. Allowed a deep run from the top of the box, Aung Myat Thars first attempt was blocked by defender Abhishek Kumar Mondal. But the ball rolled onto his path and the Myanmar striker produced a firm, low right-footer which squeezed between the outstretched legs of goalkeeper Maroof Shafi. In fact, till then Shafi had ruled the 18-yard box effectively and never allowed the Myanmar strikers any liberties. Except for a couple of shots skimming the crossbar, they did little to trouble the goalkeeper. But just a minute after trailing, Mehrajuddin Wadoo's side almost restored parity when the tall striker Hrishikesh Charan Manavathi outjumped everyone and headed into the centre a lob from Maldino Singh Yumnam from the right but goalkeeper Wai Yan Htet did well to turn it over the bar as Myanmar kept their lead at the break. After resumption, the Blue Colts showed a lot of urgency and launched a series of attacks in search of the equaliser. But the deep-lying Myanmar defence stood firm. Skipper Gangte did a fine job in midfield. He controlled the pace of the game, switched attacks to either flanks and initiated a few good moves as well. With Lawmsangzuala and Kamgouhao Doungel providing super support, the Indians came close to scoring often. As the clock ticked away, the raiders intensified. Gangte had a couple of tries blocked. In the 72nd minute, he barged into the box on the left but was brought down by Htoo Lwin Han. Gangte took the award and placed firmly to substitute goalkeeper Shin Thant Htoos right to restore parity. Despite dominating the game thereafter, the Indians were denied the winner by the stubborn home team defence. The second friendly fixture between the two sides is scheduled to be played at the same venue on Wednesday.
FSSAI orders recall of Everest cumin powder batch over excess pesticide residues
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) said on Sunday that it has directed the recall of a batch of Everest-brand pre-packed cumin powder after laboratory tests found pesticide residues beyond the permissible limits, leading to the product being classified as unsafe under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. According to an FSSAI notification, the affected batch was found to contain residues of the pesticides azoxystrobin and thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum limits. The regulatory sample of the pre-packed cumin powder was collected from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt. Ltd. in Goa for testing. A regulatory sample of Pre-packed Cumin Powder was drawn from the premises of Riverside Resorts & Holiday Homes Pvt. Ltd., Goa. The food analyst's report found pesticide residues of Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam at levels exceeding the prescribed maximum limits, the food regulator stated. The Food Analyst declared the sample UNSAFE under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, it added. FSSAI said the product's manufacturer was given an opportunity to appeal against the findings of the food analyst. Following the appeal process, the sample was referred to a Referral Food Laboratory, which confirmed the earlier findings that the product was unsafe for consumption due to the excessive pesticide residues. Based on the laboratory findings, the food regulator ordered the immediate recall of the entire affected batch of Everest pre-packed cumin powder bearing Batch No. E080668761 from the market. The regulator has also directed the food business operator (FBO) to maintain complete records of the recalled products and submit the required recall information and status reports within the stipulated timelines. Additionally, the company has been asked to implement corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and submit a compliance report upon completion of the recall process. The FBO was provided an opportunity to appeal against the Food Analyst's report, following which the sample was referred to the Referral Food Laboratory. The Referral Food Laboratory confirmed that the sample was UNSAFE, as Azoxystrobin and Thiamethoxam were found above the prescribed maximum limits, the regulator stated.
Already Investing Through SIP? A Step-Up SIP Could Help You Build a Bigger Long-Term Corpus
Starting a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is an important step towards disciplined investing, but simply continuing with the same monthly contribution for decades may not always be enough to keep pace with rising income, inflation and changing financial goals.Many investors begin a SIP with an amo...
You cant play football like this: Modric ashamed of Croatias performance against England
Digital Desk | Rijeka, Oct 4 (IANS) Croatias most capped player Luka Modric has expressed disappointment over his teams performance against FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze medallists England after the home side went down by 7-0 in their third match of the UEFA Nations League 2026. Modric, who was making his 205th appearance for his country, was left helpless against the Harry Kane-led side as Croatias defence was facing difficulty containing the Englands attackers. You cant play football like that we looked like we had four or five players less., It is difficult to find an explanation for such a performance without duels, fouls, aggressiveness, and togetherness. I've been here for 20 years, but for the first time I feel ashamed after a game, Modric said, as quoted by The BBC. You can lose or play against an opponent who is better and they are right now. But in any case, losing like this and squandering the reputation weve built over the years is unacceptable, he added. England produced a ruthless attacking display in Rijeka to register their second victory of the Nations League campaign and inflict Croatias heaviest defeat. Harry Kane opened the scoring in the eighth minute after Jude Bellingham released him through on goal. Bellingham then turned scorer in the 21st minute, finishing from close range after Anthony Gordon kept Bukayo Sakas cross alive. Gordon extended Englands advantage six minutes before half-time with a header at the back post, before Saka added a fourth on the stroke of the interval following a swift counter-attack. Kane completed his brace after the break when he converted Elliot Andersons cross, while Saka scored his second of the night to make it 6-0. Substitute Morgan Rogers completed the rout three minutes from time after latching onto a long ball from Bellingham and finishing past Dominik Livakovic. The result marked Englands second win over Croatia in 2026, following their victory in Dallas at the FIFA World Cup earlier this year. Croatia had begun Bilics second spell in charge with a 2-1 Nations League victory away to the Czech Republic, a result that initially put them above England in Group A3. However, they then suffered a 4-1 defeat away to world champions Spain before Saturdays heavy loss left them third in the group and facing a battle to retain their place in the top tier of the Nations League.
We're expecting strong scores. The post Can you name Germanys top 20 goalscorers of all time? appeared first on Planet Football .
High commands decision final on alliance, says new UP Cong chief amid seat-sharing concerns with SP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Amid the ongoing seat-sharing deadlock between Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, newly appointed state Congress president Aradhana Mishra has said the decision regarding the alliance will be taken by the party's high command. Mishra stressed that the INDIA bloc was formed at the national level and decisions concerning the alliance, whether at the state or central level, would be taken by the national leadership. I would like to reiterate that the INDI Alliance does not form alliances at the state level; it is formed at the national level. The national leaders of all the parties that are part of the alliance came together on one platform to form this alliance. Whatever decisions are taken, whether for the states or at the Centre, regarding the alliance will be decided by the national leadership, she told IANS. Her remarks come amid uncertainty over seat-sharing arrangements between Congress and the SP in Uttar Pradesh, where both parties are part of the INDIA bloc and are expected to coordinate their strategy against the BJP in the 2027 Assembly polls. Mishra said the Congress remained committed to the alliance, Congress stands with everyone. We have upheld the principles of alliance politics, and we will continue to do so. I would like to say that our goal today is to remove the corrupt and unsuccessful Bharatiya Janata Party government in 2027 and form an alliance government, she said. The UP Congress chief also spoke about Congress leader Rahul Gandhis Satyagraha portal, drawing a parallel with Mahatma Gandhis Satyagraha against British rule. Satyagraha was started by Mahatma Gandhi against the British. It was a movement that united the country. Today, another Gandhi has started this movement, and the circumstances are the same. Today, the countrys democracy and Constitution are under threat. The way Rahul Gandhis Satyagraha movement is gaining popularity makes it clear that things Rahul Gandhi said earlier, which people did not accept at the time, are now being understood, and people are relating to his views... Mishra said. She also reiterated Congress demand concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that the exercise had led to the deletion of a large number of names from voter lists. A resolution to this effect was passed by our highest body, the CWC, and we demand that the process be stopped immediately. In the name of SIR, a large number of names have been deleted from the voter lists, affecting the election process. This happened when two members of the three-member Election Commission made serious allegations against their own Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, she said. Mishras comments come as Congress seeks to strengthen its organisation in Uttar Pradesh while maintaining the broader opposition alliance ahead of the crucial 2027 Assembly elections.
3rd ODI: 'It Was Important For Me To Get Some Batting Time,' Says Rahul On His Century
Cricket World Cup: KL Rahul said his unbeaten 129 in the third ODI against the West Indies was as much about gaining valuable time in the middle as it was about the runs, with India using the bilateral series to sharpen their plans for the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2027. Speaking after Indias 2-1 series win, Rahul said the long innings was important as he continues to work on the demands of batting in the middle order ahead of next years global tournament. Rahuls century came in a match India eventually lost as the West Indies chased down 352, denying the visitors a series clean sweep. Despite that disappointment, the wicketkeeper-batter saw value in spending an extended period at the crease, particularly after limited opportunities to construct a long ODI innings from the middle order earlier this year. Happy to have scored 129 runs but disappointed that we couldnt clean sweep the series. Had we done that, then the happiness level would have been at the peak. Nonetheless, I wanted to spend more time with the bat out there in the middle and the last time I really got to bat for a long duration in ODI cricket, in the middle-order was in early January this year against New Zealand, and since then I havent really got a lot of time to play a long innings. And next year is a big one, with the World Cup starting in October, so its important for me to get valuable batting time because off the field Im trying a few things and I want to test that in the game. And only then will you know whether the work that youre putting behind the scenes is working or not, or what I need to do differently. So yeah, it was important for me to get some batting time, so Im happy about that, Rahul told JioStar. The innings also offered Rahul an opportunity to work on one of the more demanding aspects of his current role. Having spent much of his career at the top of the order, the batter has had to adapt to conditions that can become increasingly difficult for middle-order players as an ODI innings progresses. He pointed specifically to the behaviour of the older ball and the difficulties it can create for batters attempting to attack in the final overs. Its very different, but Ive been doing this role for the last 6-7 years. In the last year and a half, since the ball change rule has happened, its been very different. Its not been easy to get 80-90 in the last 10 overs. The balls been getting reverse swing, and even in this game, once the ball got old and soft, and started to reverse swing, as a batter you dont feel confident enough to take on the long-on and deep mid-wicket fielder if its a big boundary on that side. Ive always batted top of the order, and I like the hard ball coming onto me, I can use the pace. So thats something Ive been working on, trying to play with softer, older balls and being able to hit sixes with that. So, thats something Ive worked on. I constantly try to get better within my own game, understand my role, understand what a number five and number six batter has to do to consistently put up performances for the team, he added. The 2027 World Cup remains more than a year away, but Rahul said the current series are already providing the match situations needed to test Indias plans and personnel. All these series on the road to the World Cup are a good opportunity to get some game time in the middle. We dont want to go too far away from the plan but also experiment a little bit as a batting unit. The goal so far has been about can we score 330-340 while batting first, but were seeing that 340s and 350s get chased down very easily in one-day cricket. So how can batters, once set, keep pressing on and get 370s and 380s, or push for 400 on a given day. The 2027 World Cup remains more than a year away, but Rahul said the current series are already providing the match situations needed to test Indias plans and personnel. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India played their part well and made it difficult for us: Ancelotti
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 4 (IANS) Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti carried genuine appreciation for the way India attempted to counter-attack and contributed to what he considered an entertaining and competitive contest at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. India made five-time world champions Brazil work hard before the Selecao showed their quality and pulled away to a 4-0 victory on Saturday with Estevao and Pedro scoring before half-time and substitute Samuel Lino striking twice after the break. India played their part well. They tried to play their game; they defended, they were organised, they tried to play counter-attack. I think that they played a good game. We had difficulty opening the score, but the moment we opened the score with Estevao, we had more opportunity to control the game better, Ancelotti was quoted by AIFF. Although Brazil kept a clean sheet, Ancelotti admitted that India managed to expose spaces during a few counter-attacks. The Italian also pointed out that Brazil fielded a defensive combination that had not previously played together. I think we defended well. We could have defended better if we had a couple of chances in the counter-attack, but I think for us it's important not to concede a goal, he said. Obviously we have to improve some mechanisms in defence, but we had a new defence that never played together, so maybe not everything was perfect. Again, the message is that we are happy to be here. We tried to do our best; we tried to show our best quality to all the people who love Brazil and love football, and I hope they enjoyed the night. India remained compact during the opening stages and attempted to threaten Brazil through quick transitions. While Morisco had little to do for much of the first half, India tested the Brazilian goalkeeper through Ryan Williams and Manvir Singh after the restart. Reflecting on the overall contest and the atmosphere created by 51,000-odd spectators, Ancelotti said, We feel good. It was a good experience. I think it was a good game, entertaining, with good intensity, and India did their part. The friendly also allowed Ancelotti to assess several members of Brazils emerging generation. He made extensive changes during the second half as the Selecao concluded a three-match international window that had begun with two fixtures against Australia.
AAP mocks Congress over defections, Opposition friction grows in Goa
The Aam Aadmi Party has criticized the Congress in Goa over past defections of its MLAs. AAP used a mocking slogan to question Congress's credibility as it prepares for upcoming elections. The Congress is mobilizing support through its 'Goy Rakhon Yatra' campaign to unite the opposition. Sunil Kawthankar of Congress condemned AAP for not focusing on the ruling BJP's actions.
Klein Curaao experienced a significant increase in seabird populations after removing invasive goats and cats. The island went from a few breeding pairs to over 650 in just two decades. This recovery highlights the effectiveness of invasive species eradication as a conservation strategy. However, uncontrolled human traffic poses ongoing threats to the islands ecosystem. Protecting the habitat is essential to maintain the progress made in seabird recovery.
Deputy ECs to visit 5 states as poll body steps up preparedness to hold high stakes elections
Senior Election Commission officials will begin visiting five poll-bound states this week to assess election preparedness at the field level, starting with Goa and followed by Uttarakhand, Punjab and Manipur. Uttar Pradesh is yet to get a visit schedule. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh and Goa have started first-level checks of EVMs and VVPAT machines as part of preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.
Bowie seizing Scotland shot after World Cup disappointment
BBC Scotland speaks to Kieron Bowie after he scores his first goal for his country against North Macedonia.
Target was clear: Harmanpreet leads India to Asian Games hockey gold, Olympic berth
India's men's hockey team secured the Asian Games gold medal by defeating Malaysia 5-1 in the final. Captain Harmanpreet Singh highlighted their confidence to rebound from previous disappointments, emphasizing their dominance in Asia. The victory also qualified them for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, addressing their ambition for a medal. Goalkeeper Mohith Shashikumar expressed the team's strong desire to prepare diligently for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 4 (IANS) A man has been arrested on the charge of molesting two women in the lobby of a five-star hotel in Kolkata, said the police on Sunday. The incident took place on Saturday night, and based on the complaint, a case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Pragati Maidan police station. Kolkata Police Additional Commissioner (Detective Department) Kunal Agarwal said, CCTV footage of the hotel is being examined. Appropriate action will be taken after investigating the entire matter. According to the police, the woman, a resident of Dimapur, Nagaland, said in a written complaint that she and a companion were in the hotel lobby between 12:30 a.m. and 1 a.m. There, while celebrating with members of the Brazilian football team, an unidentified person touched them in an obscene manner. They felt uncomfortable during the incident and were allegedly molested. The Brazilian football team was in Kolkata on Saturday to play a friendly match with India at Salt Lake Stadium. The Brazilian team won the match after scoring four goals. After the match, the team went to the five-star hotel to celebrate the victory. On receiving the complaint, the Pragati Maidan police station began the investigation. The CCTV footage in the hotel lobby was examined. The suspect was identified by analysing the footage and matching it with the description given by the complainant. Later, the complainant also identified the person by watching the CCTV footage, according to the police. After that, the police checked the accused's movements through the CCTV footage. Finally, he was nabbed from a room in the hotel. Police identified the arrested person as Palash Roy (56), a resident of Lotus Boulevard, Sector 100, Noida, in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddha Nagar district. The officials said that other information related to the incident and the movement of the accused was also being investigated. His presence in the hotel at the time of the incident and every aspect of the complaint are being verified on the basis of CCTV footage and other sources.
Thinking about upgrade, what will it cost me ?
current setup(build year 2020) -GPU ZotacGTX 1660ti -CPU Ryzen R5 3600x -RAM 16gb ddr4 -MOBO MSI B450 tomahawk -PSU Adata XPG Pylon 550W 80 Plus Bronze(bought it in 2022) GOAL : I am want to upgrade it enough to run modern games with RTX support in 1080p, for now also most of AAA games runs low/mid in 60 fps but no rtx support is there. Also how much i can expect when sell this setup or the part which i will replace?
Khalid Jamil press conference: Soft goals, individual errors cost us after India 0-4 Brazil
India's coach reflects on the team's performance against Brazil, highlighting the importance of self-belief, concentration and experience after the defeat. He also backs goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, stressing that the team must learn from its mistakes.
Sullivan becomes youngest US goalscorer in 3-0 rout of Mexico
The teenager surpassed Mathis Albert
Carlo Ancelotti praises India's fighting spirit, hails Brazil's new talent
Brazilian head coach Carlo Ancelotti was impressed by India's organised defense and counter-attacking approach but said his team found it easier to control the game after breaking the deadlock in its 4-0 win in the historic football friendly here on Saturday. Playing under muggy conditions with a rejigged side, the five-time world champions had to navigate some anxious moments in the first 27 minutes before Estevao (28th), Pedro (42nd) and Samuel Lino (58th, 90+5) secured a comfortable win over world No. 138 India. They defended, they were organised, they tried to play counter-attack. I think they played a good game, Ancelotti said of India in the post-match interaction. The Italian great felt the opening goal changed the complexion of the contest. We had difficulty to open the score but the moment we opened the score with Estevao, we had more opportunity to control better the game, he said. Ancelotti was pleased with Brazil's clean sheet but admitted there was still wor
INDIA bloc victory matters more than individual party wins, says Akhilesh Yadav
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 4 (IANS) Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday stressed that the primary objective of the INDIA bloc should be victory rather than the number of seats won by individual parties, saying that a united effort is necessary to defeat communalism and protect democracy, the Constitution and reservations. In a post on X, Yadav said that when the goal is clear and the focus remains fixed on the destination, the journey becomes easier. When the goal is clear, hand in hand we stand, When the gaze is fixed on the destination, the journey becomes easy! The big thing isn't how many seats the alliance gets or which seat goes to whom - the big thing is that we all must ensure that the victory belongs to the alliance. Let us repeat again: It's not about the seats, it's about the victory, he added. Yadav expressed confidence saying, This victory will be greater than the parties in our alliance - it will be the victory of all of us, of that united effort that persists in struggle so that communalism may never raise its head again, so that BJP's influence may not touch democracy, the Constitution, or reservations, and so that the country's harmony may bloom once more, and the nation's progress and prosperity may smile again. Yadav's remarks come at a time when the Samajwadi Party and the Congress are preparing to begin deliberations over seat-sharing for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The formula for a pre-poll alliance between the two parties is yet to be finalised, with seat allocation emerging as a potential point of contention. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Shiv Pal Singh Patel on Saturday questioned the Congress' reported demand for 150 seats in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. He said the Congress should seek seats in proportion to its electoral strength and organisational presence in the state. Speaking to IANS, Patel said, I think if they are given 50 seats, they should look at their actual position and status before seeking anything more than 50 seats. They should look at their past record. The six seats we got in Madhya Pradesh were because of the Samajwadi Party. Therefore, if they do this, there will be our candidates as well as theirs on several seats. This will only lead to a loss, so they should agree to 50 seats. Earlier on Wednesday, Yadav had hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying that its iggest sorrow was that the INDIA bloc was united. He made the remarks after BJP leaders criticised him for skipping the INDIA bloc's meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday. However, the Samajwadi Party was represented by its other leaders at the meeting.
Khalid Jamil Sees Hope For India After Brazil Encounter
Khalid Jamil, head coach of the Indian football team, expressed optimism despite a 4-0 defeat against five-time world champions Brazil. He highlighted the high quality of the Brazilian team and the learning experience for India, emphasizing the need for more high-profile matches to improve. Jamil also defended goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and looked forward to the upcoming match against Uruguay.
The Talent Scarcity Myth: Why Strategy Churn Not Skills Gap Is The Top Drag On Business Goals
While a dearth in talent may have been an obstacle in the past for a firm's growth, it is no longer seen as such.
UEFA Nations League: Spain maintain perfect start with 3-1 win over Czech Republic
Spain maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Nations League campaign with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Oviedo on Saturday, with Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Mikel Merino finding the net for the hosts. The victory kept Spain at the top of Group A3 and extended their remarkable unbeaten run inside 90 minutes to 41 matches, comprising 31 wins and 10 draws, according to the website of the UEFA Nations League. Returning to Oviedo for the first time in 11 years for a home international, Spain made an ideal start as Yamal opened the scoring in the sixth minute. The Barcelona winger collected the ball around 18 yards from goal before curling a superb effort into the far corner, scoring in a third consecutive match for La Roja. Spain dominated the opening exchanges and came close to extending their lead when Dani Olmo saw a close-range effort blocked, while Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky produced important saves to deny Alex Baena and Pedri. The pressure eventually told...
UEFA Nations League: England thrash Croatia 7-0 as Kane, Saka score twice
England produced a stunning attacking display to thrash Croatia 7-0 in the UEFA Nations League in Rijeka on Saturday (local time), with Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka scoring twice each as Thomas Tuchel's side strengthened their position in Group A3. Kane opened the scoring in the eighth minute after Jude Bellingham split the Croatia defence with a superb through ball. The England captain controlled the pass before firing emphatically past Dominik Livakovic, according to the website of the UEFA Nations League. Bellingham then turned provider into goalscorer in the 21st minute. Anthony Gordon collected Saka's cross and squared the ball into the six-yard box, where Bellingham arrived to prod it home and double England's advantage. Gordon continued to torment the Croatia defence and got his own name on the scoresheet in the 39th minute, heading in Jarell Quansah's inviting cross. England were four goals ahead before the break as Saka capped a dominant first half in stoppage time. Bellingham c...
Goat theft gang member arrested after police encounter in UP's Azamgarh
Digital Desk | Azamgarh, Oct 4 (IANS) A member of an alleged goat theft gang was arrested following a police encounter in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh. The accused sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg, police said. The arrested accused has been identified as Asif, a resident of Ashrafpur under Jiyanpur police station. Police recovered a .315-bore pistol, cartridges, a two-wheeler and Rs 1,560 in cash from his possession, officials said. According to police, the encounter took place on Sunday during checking in the Shahgarh area, when the police team received information that two suspected members of a goat theft gang were travelling on a motorcycle. Acting on the information, police teams established a cordon near the Lohari Mod culvert on the Samenda-Pura Thakurai road. When the motorcycle was intercepted, Asif, who was riding pillion, opened fire at the police team, officials said. Police personnel retaliated, during which Asif suffered a bullet injury to his right leg. He was subsequently taken into custody and shifted to the district hospital for treatment, police said. During interrogation, the accused confessed to his involvement in several goat theft incidents in the area. He admitted to stealing two goats from Daulatpur in the Sidhari area, one goat from Samenda and three goats from Bairiyadih under Jeyanpur police station, officials said. Police also recovered Rs 1,560 from Asif, which, according to investigators, was his share of the money received from the sale of the goat allegedly stolen from Samenda. Police said the main member of the gang, identified as Kaleem, a resident of Shahpur under Jiyanpur police station, managed to escape from the spot by taking advantage of the darkness. Following the incident, police teams have launched raids at suspected locations to trace and arrest Kaleem. Efforts are underway to apprehend him, police said. According to police records, six cases have been registered against the arrested accused Asif, while as many as 38 cases are registered against the absconding accused Kaleem. Police have registered a case against Asif under relevant sections of law, including provisions of the Arms Act, and further legal action has been initiated in the matter. Further investigation is underway.
Uttar Pradesh Police Arrests Member of Goat Theft Gang After Encounter
A member of a goat theft gang was arrested in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, following a police encounter, while another suspect remains at large. Uttar Pradesh Police Arrests Member of Goat Theft Gang After Encounter
We didnt take our chances to kill off the game: Zinedine Zidane
French fans got an exciting game at the Stade de France, but not the result they expected, mainly because of Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarummas performance
Bhagyashree enjoys date night with hubby Himalaya Dassani re kindle the joys of a relationship
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 4 (IANS) Actress Bhagyashree recently enjoyed a date night with her husband Himalaya Dassani and shared a glimpse of their evening on social media. Taking to Instagram, the Maine Pyar Kiya actress shared moments from their outing and reflected on how date nights can help couples unwind and reconnect. Sharing their romantic photos, Bhagyashree wrote, Captured moments making memories. Date nights are so important to unwind, re kindle the joys of a relationship. While at it, @prashantchaudhri @minakshichaudhri I must admit that the possibility of us enjoying this at a whim is thanks to the incredible places in juhu that you have consistently built over the years. #couplegoals #datenight. The carousel of photos features Bhagyashree and Himalaya enjoying quality time together at a restaurant. In one picture, the couple is seen gazing at each other, while another captures Bhagyashree laughing as she rests her head on Himalayas shoulder. In another heartwarming moment, the actress is seen feeding her husband, giving a glimpse of their love and companionship. Bhagyashree often gives a glimpse into her married life with Himalaya Dassani by sharing pictures and special moments from their time together. In July, the actress shared pictures from a getaway to Udaipur with her husband, offering a peek into their memorable moments together. For the unversed, Bhagyashree and Himalaya tied the knot in 1989. The couple has two children, son Abhimanyu Dassani and daughter Avantika Dassani. Abhimanyu made his acting debut with the 2019 film Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, while Avantika stepped into the entertainment industry with the web series Mithya. In January, Bhagyashree marked 37 years of marriage with husband Himalaya Dassani. On the occasion, she looked back on their journey together, reminiscing about the years filled with cherished memories, laughter, tears, disagreements and reconciliations. Bhagyashree had written, Growing up together and still going strong, 37 years and counting! We have created a lifetime of memories, laughed n cried, fought and made up, built a house, made a home, had 2 beautiful kids, worked hard, travelled the world, seen the highs and lows of life, struggled and celebrated.... wow together forever....Nothing's gonna stop us now ! Feel blessed to have walked my life with you...happy anniversary my love. @himallay27.
'My goal is to have 3': Alex Albon wants Thailand to join his list of F1 home races
