Karnataka to Decide on Kasturirangan Reports Area Survey After Public Hearing
The Kasturirangan Committee had recommended declaring 37 per cent of the Western Ghats, covering around 60,000 sq km across six states-Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Keralam and Tamil Nadu-as an Eco-Sensitive Area to balance environmental conservation with development
Whoop Promo Codes: 20% Off This September 2026
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Ronaldo gets Nations League call-up as new Portugal coach takes charge
Cristiano Ronaldo was included in Portugal's squad by new coach Jorge Jesus for its upcoming Nations League games on Friday. The 41-year-old Ronaldo said that this summer's World Cup was his last, but the global star has yet to say when he plans to retire from international play. He will be 43 by the time the 2028 European Championship, the next major tournament, is held. This was the first squad named by Jesus, who was hired to replace Spaniard Roberto Martinez after Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the round of 16 of the World Cup. Jesus' previous coaching job was with Ronaldo's club Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where they won the league together last season. The 72-year-old Jesus has also coached several Portuguese clubs, including Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, is the leading scorer for men's international soccer with 146 goals. His greatest achievement with Portugal was helping it win the 2016 Euros. Portugal will open the Nations League by ..
Dr Antonio Da Silva boys beat St Gregorios 2-0
Meanwhile, Podar International School CBSE (Powai) edged out St Marys SSC (Mazgaon) 1-0 thanks to a goal from Atharva Surywanshi.
Asiad 2026: Indian women boxers eye first gold since Mary Kom's 2014 win
Winning an elusive women's boxing gold will be the main target for the India squad at the Asian Games, with head coach Santiago Nieva drawing confidence from the team's record breaking performance at the Commonwealth Games. Indian boxers returned from the Glasgow Commonwealth Games last month with a record haul of 10 medals, including five golds and a silver won by the women. However they will face stiff competition from powerhouses Kazakhstan, China and Uzbekistan at the Asian Games. We want to have boxers in the final and we want to be on top of the podium, that's our goal. We also know that Asian Games is a very strong competition, Asian countries are also improving a lot, Nieva told PTI during an interaction facilitated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI). The great MC Mary Kom remains the only Indian woman boxer to win an Asian Games gold, having claimed the 51kg title in 2014. India did have a men's boxing gold at the 2018 edition, with Amit Panghal winning the 49kg tit
Assam Demolition Drive Faces HC Scrutiny
The Gauhati high court has questioned the legality of the demolition of 21 dwelling units on private agricultural land in Goalpara, saying the action appeared prima facie illegal and unauthorised and may have involved misuse of the Disaster Management Act.
Mumbai-Goa highway project cost rises 48 per cent to Rs 16,909 crore in 17 years
Repairs drag on for close to two decades amid cost escalations. Meanwhile, at least 14 lives lost on stretch in nine months this year
Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Kailam assumes Charge as Director AHD Kashmir
Srinagar, Sep 17: Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Kailam on Friday officially assumed charge as Director of Animal Husbandry Department (AHD), Kashmir, at departmental headquarters at GawKadal, Srinagar. Upon his arrival at the Directorate, Dr. Kailam was warmly received by the senior officers, technical experts, and administrative staff from across the division. The officers extended their congratulations and expressed full cooperation in driving the departments developmental goals forward. Immediately after taking over the operational responsibilities, the incoming Director chaired an introductory meeting with key departmental heads. During the interaction, Dr. Kailam outlined his core priorities including strengthening healthcare infrastructure, administrative efficiency, besides farmer welfare and livestock productivity. Dr. Kailam emphasized team collaboration, urging all staff members to work with dedication, transparency, and accountability to strengthen the rural economy dependent on animal husbandry.
Six-pillar transformation plan unveiled for SKUAST-Ks 2030 vision
Shalimar, Sep 18: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) held its 73rd Meeting of the Board of Management at the VC Secretariat, SKUAST-K, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai chairing the meeting. The meeting was attended by Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu; Dr. Rajbir Singh, Deputy Director General, Agricultural Extension, ICAR; Dr. Cherukamulli Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-IARI; representatives from; Director General, Codes; Special Secretary, Agriculture Production; Special Secretary, Planning and Monitoring; Director Extension, SKUAST-K; Dean, Faculty of Forestry; officers of the university; and a progressive farmer, among others. During the meeting, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai presented the University's progress report, outlining institutional developments and the roadmap for its next phase of transformation. In his address, Prof. Ganai said SKUAST-K has achieved the goal set in 2022 of moving from Local to National and is now repositioning its goalpost from National to Global. He said the next phase of transformation would focus on six key pillars: student diversity, faculty diversity, curriculum transformation, research and innovation, world-class infrastructure, and financial sustainability. Outlining the University's 2030 roadmap, he identified targets including raising international student enrolment to 5 per cent and the share of students from other States and Union Territories to 35 per cent. He also set targets of expanding the University's intellectual property rights (IPR) portfolio to over 250, taking its H-index to 250-plus, and attracting more than 50 faculty members from outside the Union Territory, including Professors of Practice and Adjunct Faculty, to strengthen faculty diversity. Among the major decisions, the Board approved the establishment of the Centre for Faculty Training and Pedagogy Research (CFTPR) under the Centre for Quality Education, along with the Centre for Quality Plant Material Discipline and Certification (CQPMDC). As part of academic restructuring, the Board approved the renaming of several divisions. The Division of Floriculture and Landscaping was renamed the Division of Floriculture, Ornamental Breeding and Landscaping Innovation. The Division of Fruit Sciences was renamed the Division of Fruit Breeding, Technology and Innovation, while the Division of Vegetable Sciences was renamed the Division of Vegetable Breeding, Technology and Innovation. On the recommendations of the Selection Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Deans and Directors in various academic and administrative positions, including Education, Research, Planning and Monitoring, Students Welfare, Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Sciences and Fisheries. The Board also approved direct appointments of Associate Professors and Professors across 14 departments, along with Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions of Associate Professors and Professors in 31 disciplines. The Board also approved select recommendations of the Academic Council and considered matters related to statutory amendments.
CUK hosts workshop on Women and Society: Revisiting Indian Knowledge Systems
Ganderbal, Sep 18: The Internal Committee (IC), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), in collaboration with the Department of English, School of Languages, organised a one-day national-level workshop on Women and Society: Revisiting Indian Knowledge Systems at Tulmulla campus here on Friday. In her opening remarks, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Presiding Officer, Internal Committee and Dean School of Languages, said the Internal Committee of CUKmr has set forth an agenda to make use of every possible opportunity for the benefit of the students, scholars, faculThis is an occasion and a platform, aligned with the Bharatiya Gyan Parampara, for not only knowledge sharing but also for providing clarifications she observed, stressing that an open-minded engagement with knowledge is central to meaningful learning. She further noted that the workshop sought to explore how women have contributed as nation-builders and what is required for them to continue making meaningful contributions. Prof. Sandhya Tiwari expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, for his continued support and guidance in organising such programmes. In her detailed presentation, Prof. Vandana Sharma, Professor of English and Dean, School of Languages, Central University of Jammu, deliberated upon the idea of womens dignity and self-respect. Drawing upon the metaphor of a river, she explained that a meaningful life requires a larger purpose, perseverance through difficult circumstances and the ability to remain committed to ones goal. For getting samman and respect in life, it is very important that we start looking at our life, wherein we have a big aim in life, she said. Prof. Sharma also reflected on the relationship between masculine and feminine principles in Indian knowledge traditions, describing them as complementary rather than competitive. She traced the intellectual, spiritual, literary and social contributions of women across different periods, referring to fi Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Geeta Singh, Professor and Director, CPDHE, Delhi University, emphasized the importance of rediscovering womens intellectual and cultural presence within Indian knowledge traditions. She connected Kashmirs heritage with the wider Indian knowledge landscape, referring to Sharda Peeth as a historic centre of learning and highlighting the enduring legacy of women such as Lalleshwari. Speaking about womens empowerment, Prof. Geeta Singh underlined that empowerment is closely linked with self-awareness. When we know ourselves, when we recognize ourselves, we are able to acquire the power to move forward, she said. She also invoked examples from the Vedic and later traditions to illustrate womens engagement with learning, philosophy, literature and social life. Prof. Geeta Singh further called upon young people to recognise their own capacities and contribute constructively to society. She stressed that educational institutions could play an important role in bringing forth this potential by creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and learning. Member IC, Dr. Mir Insha Farooq, conducted the programme and Member IC, Dr. Sunil Kumar Mannil proposed the vote of thanks.
Counter misconceptions, support those struggling with addiction: LG Sinha to youth
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Friday called upon youth to engage peers, counter misconceptions and extend support to those struggling with addiction. He emphasised that awareness, family support, timely assistance and rehabilitation were key to lasting change. He was addressing the gathering after launching a documentary and collage exhibition on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, marking a significant step in raising awareness against drug abuse. The Lieutenant Governor commended the University of Jammu for its efforts in reflecting the challenges faced by the youth of Jammu Kashmir and the collective resolve to overcome them. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the beginning of any social change was in acknowledging its reality. Drug abuse, he said, long posed a grave challenge to the social fabric of Jammu Kashmir, devastating families and threatening the future of the younger generation. LG Sinha highlighted the link between drug smuggling and narco-terrorism, underscoring the importance of dismantling these networks to ensure peace, security and drug-free Jammu Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor recalled the launch of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign in 2020. He said building on that momentum, a comprehensive 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan was initiated earlier this year in April, extending beyond formal events to villages, schools, universities and families. Through Padyatra, awareness drives, and administrative action, the campaign became a peoples movement. Women, youth clubs, teachers, doctors, civil society groups, and religious leaders played pivotal roles in spreading awareness and supporting rehabilitation. Highlighting the three-pronged approach of dismantling supply chains, creating awareness, and rehabilitation, the Lieutenant Governor noted the introduction of the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. This scheme aims to reintegrate affected youth into mainstream society, ensuring they lead healthy and responsible lives. I am happy that, in this direction, the University of Jammu has stepped forward and is playing its role through todays initiatives. Under the guidance of faculty members, students have also attempted to understand various aspects of drug de-addiction. I believe this is the true power of education, because when knowledge connects with human sensitivity, it transforms into social responsibility, he said. The Lieutenant Governor urged students of the University of Jammu to take on the roles of messengers, participants, and guardians of Nasha-Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan. A major goal is to make the University of Jammu campus and other educational institutions drug-free, and I want youth to work together with the administration, health institutions, civil society groups and youth organisations. I also expect that this documentary will be screened in every department of the university and shown in other institutions of the Jammu division as well so that more and more people connect with the resolve of healthy youth, empowered society, and drug-free Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said. Prof Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof J P Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Heads of Departments, faculty members and students of Jammu University attended the launch ceremony.
Should you take a personal loan for your wedding or use savings? Experts explain when using savings makes sense, how wedding loan EMIs affect future goals, and what borrowers should consider before taking on wedding debt.
Workshop on Women and Society: Revisiting Indian Knowledge Systems at Central University of Kashmir
Ganderbal, Sep 18: The Internal Committee (IC), Central University of Kashmir (CUK), in collaboration with the Department of English, School of Languages, organised a one-day national-level workshop on Women and Society: Revisiting Indian Knowledge Systems at Tulmulla campus here on Friday. In her opening remarks, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Presiding Officer, Internal Committee and Dean, School of Languages, said the Internal Committee of CU Kashmir had set forth an agenda to make use of every possible opportunity for the benefit of students, scholars, faculty and staff as per scope and viability. In line with the aforementioned precept, this time the IC had conceived this workshop in collaboration with the Department of English to provide students and scholars an opportunity to listen to two women academicians and administrators on the chosen theme of women and society from the perspectives of IKS. She also highlighted the importance of awareness about rights and contemporary social realities, while connecting these concerns with Indias intellectual legacy. This is an occasion and a platform, aligned with the Bharatiya Gyan Parampara, for not only knowledge sharing but also for providing clarifications, she observed, stressing that an open-minded engagement with knowledge is central to meaningful learning. She further noted that the workshop sought to explore how women have contributed as nation-builders and what is required for them to continue making meaningful contributions. Prof. Sandhya Tiwari expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, for his continued support and guidance in organising such programmes. In her detailed presentation, Prof. Vandana Sharma, Professor of English and Dean, School of Languages, Central University of Jammu, deliberated upon the idea of womens dignity and self-respect. Drawing upon the metaphor of a river, she explained that a meaningful life requires a larger purpose, perseverance through difficult circumstances and the ability to remain committed to ones goal. For getting samman and respect in life, it is very important that we start looking at our life, wherein we have a big aim in life, she said. Prof. Sharma also reflected on the relationship between masculine and feminine principles in Indian knowledge traditions, describing them as complementary rather than competitive. She traced the intellectual, spiritual, literary and social contributions of women across different periods, referring to figures including Lalleshwari, Lopamudra, Gargi, Maitreyi, Akka Mahadevi, Mirabai, Razia Sultana, Savitribai Phule, Fatima Sheikh, Pandita Ramabai, Sarojini Naidu and women pioneers in science and other fields. Emphasising the relevance of gender sensitivity for everyone, she said, Sensitivity has to go to the other gender as well. She urged students to recognise their potential and move beyond limiting stereotypes. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Geeta Singh, Professor and Director, CPDHE, Delhi University, emphasised the importance of rediscovering womens intellectual and cultural presence within Indian knowledge traditions. She connected Kashmirs heritage with the wider Indian knowledge landscape, referring to Sharda Peeth as a historic centre of learning and highlighting the enduring legacy of women such as Lalleshwari. Speaking about womens empowerment, Prof. Geeta Singh underlined that empowerment is closely linked with self-awareness. When we know ourselves, when we recognise ourselves, we are able to acquire the power to move forward, she said. She also invoked examples from the Vedic and later traditions to illustrate womens engagement with learning, philosophy, literature and social life. Prof. Geeta Singh further called upon young people to recognise their own capacities and contribute constructively to society. She stressed that educational institutions could play an important role in bringing forth this potential by creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and learning. Member IC, Dr. Mir Insha Farooq, conducted the programme, and Member IC, Dr. Sunil Kumar Mannil, proposed the vote of thanks.
Threads of Tradition, Masterpieces of Art
The history of the Kashmiri carpet is a narrative of cultural synthesis, technical precision, and enduring art. Known locally as Kal Baffi, the Kashmiri carpet is a prized textile that bridges Central Asian artisan traditions with the aesthetic identity of the Kashmir Valley. Origins and Historical Development The origins of carpet weaving in Kashmir trace back to the 14th and 15th centuries. The foundation was laid by the revered Sufi saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, who brought Persian scholars and master craftsmen with him via the Silk Route to teach local Kashmiris. Decades later, the 15th-century king Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (popularly known as Budshah) formalised this transfer of knowledge. During his imprisonment in Samarkand (modern-day Uzbekistan), he was fascinated by Central Asian workshops. Upon returning to Kashmir, he imported master weavers from Persia, Samarkand, and Turkey to set up workshops (karkhaanas). While Turkish carpets traditionally use the symmetrical double-knot (Ghiordes knot) and geometric motifs, Kashmiri carpets adopted the Persian asymmetrical single-knot (Senneh knot). Kashmiri artisans absorbed foreign motifssuch as the Gl (medallions) from Turkmen traditions and Shah Abbas florals from Persiaand transformed them by incorporating local botanical life, such as the chinar leaf, lotus, cypress, and Kashmirs native flora. Today, this rich artistic heritage lives on in prominent local hubs. Establishments like Pashm Home, located at Munawarabad, Srinagar, showcase this legacy by offering a great variety of authentic Kashmiri and fine Persian carpets to collectors and visitors from around the globe. I had an occasion to visit this exotic Kashmir arts showroom last week, Woolen vs. Silk Carpets The choice of raw material dictates the texture, utility, and overall character of the carpet. Woolen Carpets (Kalm Kr): Crafted using high-grade local wool or fine imported wool, typically hand-spun over a durable cotton or wool warp foundation. They generally feature a knot density ranging from 100 to 400 knots per square inch (KPSI). Woolen carpets are heavier, provide exceptional warmth underfoot, and carry a rich, matte finish. Because of their durability and substantial feel, they are designed primarily as functional floor coverings meant to withstand decades of daily use. Silk Carpets (Resham Kr): Woven using pure Mulberry silk for the pile, often set upon a silk or ultra-fine cotton base. The fine nature of silk thread allows for an extraordinary knot density, frequently ranging from 400 to well over 900 knots per square inch. This enables artisans to achieve razor-sharp detail in the motifs. Silk carpets possess a luminous sheen, reflecting light differently depending on the viewing angle, and have a supple, fluid drape. Due to their delicacy and high value, they are most often treated as luxury wall hangings, tapestries, or collectors items and only infrequently as utility floor rugs. Design Conception: The Naqash and the Talim System The creation of a Kashmiri carpet design is a two-step intellectual process distinct from most world traditions. The visual layout is conceived by a master designer called the Naqash. Sitting with specialized graph paper (Naksha), the designer draws every line, flower, and border, selecting the precise colour matrix for the entire composition. The visual design is not handed to the weaver directly. Instead, a specialized artisan translates the drawn image into a coded cryptographic script known as the Talim. Written on long, narrow strips of paper, the Talim uses specific hieroglyphic symbols to denote the yarn colour and the exact number of knots to be tied sequentially. Weaving is performed on a vertical loom (Karkhana) set up with tightly strung warp threads. In a traditional workshop setting, a senior weaver or team leader acts as the Talim Khan. This leader reads the cryptographic script out loud in a rhythmic, melodic chant (such as Two red, four blue, one green), guiding the weavers sitting side-by-side at the loom. Remarkably, individual weavers do not need to see the finished picture or understand how the overall pattern looks. They blindly execute the coded chant knot by knot. The complete motif only emerges incrementally as row after row is tied, beaten down with a heavy iron comb (Panja), and trimmed with shears. Key Value Drivers The commercial value of a Kashmiri carpet is computed through specific key metrics: Knot Density (KPSI): Higher knots per square inch require significantly finer yarn and exponentially more labour hours, making it the single largest driver of price. Material Quality: Pure silk-on-silk commands a far higher price than wool-on-cotton or silk-blend pieces. Time and Labor: A fine silk carpet can take two to four weavers anywhere from six months to over two years of daily work to complete. Dyeing Techniques: Hand-dyed yarns using natural, organic plant-based dyes command a significant premium over chemical dyes. Design Complexity: Highly detailed central medallions or intricate narrative scenes (such as Shikargah hunting motifs) demand superior skill and elevate the cost. The prominent presence of the Kashmiri Shia community in hand-knotted carpet weaving stems directly from historical migrations. When Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani and later scholars like Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi migrated from Persia (Iran) to Kashmir, many of the accompanying master artisans belonged to Shia lineages. They settled in specific artisanal clusters, particularly in areas like Zadibal in Srinagar and parts of Budgam. Over centuries, carpet weaving remained a specialized cottage-industry craft handed down strictly within families and close-knit guilds. The geographic and cultural concentration of the Shia community helped preserve the specialized knowledge of reading the Talim and mastering Persian knotting techniques across generations. Distinguishing Global Traditions To truly appreciate the artistry of the Kashmiri carpet, one must understand how it fits into the broader tapestry of Eastern rug-making traditions. Persian Carpets: Set the standard for fluid curvilinear layouts, elaborate medallions, and high-density asymmetrical knotting (Senneh knot). Turkish Carpets: Famous for their bold, symmetrical double-knot (Ghiordes knot) construction and structural durability, featuring geometric shapes and stylized motifs. Kashmiri Carpets: Sit in harmonious conversation with these classic styles: they inherit the intricate asymmetrical Persian knotting technique and refined floral layouts, yet distinguish themselves through ultra-fine silk work guided by the unique Talim script and localized botanical imagery. Saudi Carpets (Sadu Weaving): Originate from nomadic Bedouin culture rather than urban loom workshops. Crafted primarily from goat hair, camel hair, or coarse sheeps wool on portable horizontal ground looms, Saudi carpets feature bold, contrasting linear stripes, tribal geometric symbols, and functional desert durability rather than intricate curvilinear florals or ultra-high knot counts. Present Status, Machine-Made Competition, and the Future The hand-knotted Kashmiri carpet industry currently faces structural transitions and market shifts. Power looms and low-cost synthetic machine-made carpets present a real challenge. Machine-made rugs can replicate complex visuals in minutes at a fraction of the cost, often confusing buyers and threatening the livelihoods of traditional artisans. Furthermore, low daily wages relative to the severe eye strain and physical labour have led members of the younger generation to seek alternative professions. To safeguard the craft against mechanical imitations, the Jammu & Kashmir government introduced a Geographical Indication (GI) certification framework. Authentic hand-knotted Kashmiri carpets are now fitted with a secure QR-code label that allows buyers to verify the carpets genuine origin, knot density, raw materials, and the specific weaver involved. While machine-made carpets can mimic a designs appearance, they cannot replicate the structural strength, individual hand-tied knots, or tactile depth of a hand-knotted piece. The future of the Kashmiri carpet lies not in mass production, but as a recognized luxury product, heirloom art investment, and high-end architectural craft. With strict GI enforcement, fair compensation for artisans, and contemporary design adaptations, the art of Kal Baffi continues to maintain its prestige in global textile heritage. Ultimately, a Kashmiri carpet is far more than a decorative floor covering; it is a living document of history, poetry, and painstaking human effort. From the rhythmic chants of the Talim Khan to the hundreds of thousands of hand-tied knots that make up a single silk masterpiece, Kal Baffi represents a rare convergence of discipline and creativity. As global appreciation grows for authentic craftsmanship and sustainable heritage art, the Kashmiri carpet stands as a testament to the resilient spirit of the valleys artisans. By preserving this ancient craft, the world retains not just a luxury textile, but an irreplaceable portal into centuries of cultural harmony and artistic mastery. Prof Upendra Kaul, Founder Director Gauri Kaul foundation
Protesters form human chain at Kennedy Center after Trump threatens demolition
Hundreds of activists gathered at the Kennedy Center Friday night in opposition to President Donald Trump's attempted takeover of the presidential memorial and threats that he will close and demolish it. Activists linked hands and formed a human chain outside the Washington venue, demanding Trump be removed as its chairman for failing to protect and manage it. Trump installed himself as chairman of the Kennedy Center last year after removing its previous leadership and replacing board members with his own appointees. Tom Brenner/Getty Images - PHOTO: Rally Held In Support Of The Kennedy Center In Washington, D.C. The demonstration opposes the recent sudden closure of the facility, the installation of security fencing, and political efforts to alter or demolish portions of the presidential memorial, the group said on its website. The Hands Off the Arts organization behind the rally and protest said they expect hundreds of people to gather on the center's steps for musical performances, testimonials and speeches before forming a human chain around the building. The group has held various protests outside the performing arts venue this year. The Kennedy Center can't be renamed for anyone else. It's a memorial to John F. Kennedy. It's like silly to suggest otherwise. And it's not just silly -- it's insulting and it's degrading and it's un-American, Miller told ABC News. J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo - PHOTO: Trump Kennedy Center Miller, who was a former assistant manager of dance programming at the Kennedy Center, lost her job in 2025 as part of mass layoffs as the administration restructured the Kennedy Center. Trump says Kennedy Center could be 'ripped down' if he doesn't get 'recognition' Artists are the risk takers in our society, Miller said ... We are the people who create the world that comes next, and that is what the Kennedy Center means to all of us. This is a building that belongs to the American people, not one person and it's our Kennedy Center. We are the Kennedy Center. The activist coalition, which says it formed after leadership changes at the Kennedy Center in recent months, said its goal is to reclaim the Kennedy Center from authoritarian overreach and protect other arts and cultural institutions from similar fates, according to the group's website. Earlier this week, Trump said the Kennedy Center could be ripped down if his administration doesn't receive recognition on the performing artscenter as tensions over his name being removed from the venue mount. I think that the Trump administration should certainly have recognition. Because frankly, if we don't do that, it's going to close. It'll end up being ripped down, the president told reporters. Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: President Donald Trump is seen aboard Air Force One looking at a large printout of the Kennedy Center after landing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on September 16, 2026. A federal judge on Thursday ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days' notice before making any major physical changes to the building, including demolishing it as Trump has threatened. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper issued the order after lawyers for Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex officio member of the board, cited Trumps warning that the center could be ripped down and submitted photographs appearing to show the Trump examining a placard labeled Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED on Wednesday night. The photos were taken Wednesday night through a cabin window on Air Force One. President Donald Trump is seen aboard Air Force One looking at a large printout of the Kennedy Center after landing at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on September 16, 2026. Trump says Kennedy Center could be 'ripped down' if he doesn't get 'recognition' The venue cannot install memorials for President Trump or anyone or anything else at the Kennedy Center without Congresss blessing, Cooper ruled. The judge earlier this week ruled that Trump's name could not be added to the center's exterior without congressional approval. The board previously placed his name on the facade, and removed it in June after an earlier ruling. Trump has argued that the center is in poor condition and requires substantial government support to remain open. It's in very, very bad shape, very dangerous shape, Trump said Wednesday. You see steel falling down. You see plaster falling off ceilings. You see a lot of dangers. ABC News' Sarah Beth Hensley contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on ABC News at https://abcnews.com/Politics/protesters-plan-form-human-chain-kennedy-center-amid/story?id=136558872
PIX: Brentford score first home win over Chelsea since 1938
Brentford secured a historic 3-0 victory over Chelsea in a Premier League match, with second-half goals from Jaidon Anthony, Igor Thiago, and Fabio Carvalho. This marks Chelsea's third consecutive league game without a win and Brentford's first home win against Chelsea since 1938.
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Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar Concludes Successful Visit to Bhutan
Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankars visit to Bhutan strengthens bilateral ties and cooperation on energy projects and development goals. Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar Concludes Successful Visit to Bhutan
Harry Kane smashes record for fastest to 100 Bundesliga goals in 98th game
Brentford stay unbeaten as they put three past Chelsea
Brentford maintain their unbeaten start in the Premier League as they score three second-half goals to beat Chelsea 3-0 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Youth must lead fight against drug abuse: LG Sinha
Jammu, Sep 18: Education, awareness and compassion are our strongest weapons. Let us pledge to protect our youth, empower society, and build a healthier future, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday as he launched a documentary and collage exhibition on the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan at the University of Jammu. The Lieutenant Governor commended the University of Jammu for its efforts in reflecting the challenges faced by the youth of Jammu and Kashmir and the collective resolve to overcome them. In his address, Sinha emphasised that the beginning of any social change lies in acknowledging its reality. Drug abuse has long posed a grave challenge to the social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir, devastating families and threatening the future of the younger generation, he said. He highlighted the link between drug smuggling and narco-terrorism, underscoring the importance of dismantling these networks to ensure peace, security and a drug-free Jammu and Kashmir. The LG recalled the launch of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir campaign in 2020. He said building on that momentum, a comprehensive 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan was initiated earlier this year in April, extending beyond formal events to villages, schools, universities, and families. Through Padyatra, awareness drives, and administrative action, the campaign became a people's movement. Women, youth clubs, teachers, doctors, civil society groups, and religious leaders played pivotal roles in spreading awareness and supporting rehabilitation. Highlighting the three-pronged approach of dismantling supply chains, creating awareness, and rehabilitation, the Lieutenant Governor noted the introduction of the Rehabilitation and Socio-Economic Reintegration Scheme for Drug Abuse Victims, 2026. This scheme aims to reintegrate affected youth into mainstream society, ensuring they lead healthy and responsible lives. I am happy that, in this direction, the University of Jammu has stepped forward and is playing its role through today's initiatives. Under the guidance of faculty members, students have also attempted to understand various aspects of drug de-addiction. I believe this is the true power of education, because when knowledge connects with human sensitivity, it transforms into social responsibility, he said. Sinha urged students of the University of Jammu to take on the roles of messengers, participants, and guardians of the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan. He called upon youth to engage peers, counter misconceptions, and extend support to those struggling with addiction. He emphasised that awareness, family support, timely assistance and rehabilitation are key to lasting change. A major goal is to make the University of Jammu campus and other educational institutions drug-free, and I want youth to work together with the administration, health institutions, civil society groups and youth organisations. I also expect that this documentary will be screened in every department of the university and shown in other institutions of the Jammu division as well so that more and more people connect with the resolve of healthy youth, empowered society, and drug-free Jammu Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said. Prof Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof J.P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof Sangita Gupta, Dean Planning and Development; Dr Neeraj Sharma, Registrar; Heads of Departments, faculty members and students of Jammu University attended the launch ceremony.
Kane hits fastest Bundesliga century as Bayern run riot against Union Berlin
Harry Kane scored twice in Bayern Munich's 7-0 demolition of Union Berlin on Friday , becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Bundesliga goals.
The Silent Epidemic of Fatty Liver: Why Young Indians Are Developing Liver Disease
HEALTH WATCH There was a time when a diagnosis of fatty liver on an ultrasound report hardly raised an eyebrow. A patient would often be told that there was some fat in the liver and that there was nothing much to worry about. Many patients would leave the consultation with little more than a vague instruction to lose some weight or avoid oily food. Today, we know that the story is much more complicated. Fatty liver has emerged as one of the most common chronic liver conditions in the world, and increasingly, it is being seen in people who are young, apparently healthy and sometimes not even visibly overweight. What was once considered largely an incidental ultrasound finding is now largely recognised as part of a much broader metabolic problem involving obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol. The terminology itself has changed. The condition previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now generally referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The change is important because it reflects our improved understanding of the disease. In many patients, the problem is not simply fat in the liver; it is a manifestation of metabolic dysfunction affecting the entire body. The spectrum can range from simple liver fat to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and, in some patients, liver cancer. And this is where the problem becomes particularly relevant to India. A changing disease in a changing society India is undergoing a major epidemiological transition. Infectious diseases remain important, but alongside them we are seeing an enormous rise in diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and other lifestyle-related conditions. Our eating habits have changed. Physical activity has changed. Work has become increasingly sedentary. Children spend more time sitting in front of screens. Adults may spend eight or ten hours sitting at work, followed by several more hours on phones or television at home. At the same time, calorie-dense food has become increasingly accessible. This does not mean that traditional Indian food is unhealthy. Far from it. The problem often lies in the combination of excessive calories, refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, highly processed foods, large portion sizes and inadequate physical activity. The liver quietly bears much of the metabolic burden. Recent Indian research illustrates the scale of the problem. The 2025 MAP study, involving more than 13,000 adults attending diabetes and endocrine clinics across different parts of India, found MASLD in 68.2% of participants and liver fibrosis in 33.7%. Interestingly, severe liver steatosis was particularly common among participants from Jammu and Kashmir, reported in 50.3% of that regional clinical population. These figures should not be interpreted as the prevalence of fatty liver among every person living in J&K because the study population consisted of people attending specialised clinical settings. Nevertheless, they provide an important warning about the burden of metabolic liver disease in our region. Perhaps more worrying is that this is no longer a disease of the middle-aged. Studies are increasingly identifying MASLD in young adults. This means that the metabolic problems eventually responsible for liver disease may begin much earlier than we previously appreciated. How does fat actually reach the liver? The liver is not simply a storage organ. It plays a central role in regulating glucose, cholesterol and fat metabolism. When a person develops insulin resistance, the bodys normal response to insulin becomes impaired. The pancreas may compensate by producing more insulin, but over time, the metabolic system becomes increasingly disturbed. More fatty acids can reach the liver, while the liver itself may produce and accumulate additional fat. Initially, the liver may simply contain excess fat without significant injury. But in some individuals, the process progresses. Fat accumulation can be accompanied by inflammation and damage to liver cells. Over time, the liver may begin laying down scar tissue. This process is called fibrosis. Fibrosis is particularly important because progressive fibrosis can eventually lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is not simply a bad liver report. It represents advanced structural damage and can lead to complications such as portal hypertension, ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. The reassuring part is that this progression does not happen in everyone. The challenge is identifying the people who are actually at risk. The misconception that you have to be obese One of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding fatty liver is that it affects only people who are visibly obese. That is not correct. A person can have MASLD despite having a seemingly normal body weight. This is sometimes described as lean MASLD. South Asians can develop metabolic abnormalities at comparatively lower levels of BMI, and abdominal fat appears to be particularly important. This is why a person who looks slim but has an increasing waist circumference, high triglycerides, diabetes or insulin resistance should not automatically assume that they are metabolically healthy. The weighing scale tells us something, but it does not tell us everything. Waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, physical activity and family history all contribute to the overall picture. My liver enzymes are normal, so my liver is fine. This is another common misconception. Many people with fatty liver have normal or only mildly abnormal ALT and AST levels. Normal liver enzymes do not necessarily exclude significant liver disease. This is why modern assessment increasingly focuses not simply on liver enzymes but also on the possibility of fibrosis. One useful first-line tool is the FIB-4 score, which uses age, AST, ALT and platelet count. It is inexpensive and can be calculated from routinely available blood tests. It is not a perfect test and should not be interpreted in isolation, but it can help identify people who may need further assessment. Patients with an elevated FIB-4 may require additional evaluation, such as transient elastography or other non-invasive fibrosis tests. This is an important change in the way we approach fatty liver. The question is no longer simply: Is there fat in the liver? The more important question is: Is this patient at risk of progressive liver fibrosis? An ultrasound report is the beginning, not the end Ultrasound is commonly used to detect fatty liver and is often the investigation through which the problem is first discovered. But an ultrasound cannot tell us everything. It can suggest the presence of steatosis, but it is not sufficient by itself to determine the degree of inflammation or fibrosis. If fatty liver is identified, the next step should be a clinical assessment of the patient as a whole. Is there diabetes? Is there hypertension? Is the patient overweight or centrally obese? What is the lipid profile? How much physical activity does the person get? Is there significant alcohol consumption? Are there medications or other liver conditions that need to be considered? Depending on the circumstances, further investigations may be necessary. This is particularly important in people with diabetes or multiple metabolic risk factors, because their risk of advanced fibrosis is higher. The liver and the heart are connected There is another reason why fatty liver deserves attention. MASLD is not simply a liver disease. It is closely linked with cardiovascular and metabolic disease. A patient with fatty liver may simultaneously have hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity or insulin resistance. In many patients, cardiovascular disease becomes a major determinant of long-term health. Therefore, treating fatty liver should not mean focusing exclusively on the liver enzymes. If a patient has fatty liver, high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes, correcting those problems is part of liver care too. This is one reason why the modern concept of MASLD is so useful. It forces us to look beyond a single organ. Can fatty liver be reversed? This is perhaps the most important question patients ask. The answer is encouraging. In many patients, particularly when the disease is identified early, lifestyle modification can substantially improve liver fat and metabolic health. Weight reduction is one of the most effective interventions for people who are overweight or obese. Evidence suggests that losing around 510% of body weight can produce meaningful improvements in liver fat, inflammation and fibrosis, with greater weight loss generally associated with greater benefit. For someone weighing 90 kilograms, this does not necessarily mean an unrealistic goal of immediately reaching 60 kilograms. Even a reduction of 59 kilograms can be clinically meaningful. This is why I often tell patients that the first goal should not be perfection. It should be progress. A sustainable 7-kilogram weight loss maintained for years is far more valuable than losing 12 kilograms in two months and regaining it shortly afterwards. What should we eat? There is no single fatty liver diet. The basic principle is relatively simple: reduce excess calorie intake while improving the nutritional quality of the diet. More vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains and appropriate protein sources should form the foundation of the diet. Refined carbohydrates, excessive sweets, sugary beverages, highly processed foods and excessive saturated fat should be limited. Portion size matters too. A common problem is that people focus on whether an individual food is healthy while ignoring how much of it they consume. Even healthy food contains calories. For Indian families, this does not require abandoning our traditional cuisine. Dal, rajma, chana, vegetables, curd, fish, eggs and appropriately portioned whole grains can all form part of a healthy diet. The goal is not to make food miserable. The goal is to make the overall dietary pattern sustainable. Exercise is not optional If there is one prescription that should accompany almost every discussion about metabolic health, it is physical activity. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce liver fat even when dramatic weight loss does not occur. Both aerobic exercise and resistance training have beneficial effects. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, running, hiking and strength training can all be incorporated according to age, fitness level and medical condition. Current guidance supports regular physical activity, with around 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity commonly used as a practical target. For someone who has been inactive for years, there is no need to suddenly start running five kilometres every morning. Start walking. Then walk faster. Add strength training. Take the stairs. Reduce prolonged sitting. Build movement into the day. The liver does not care whether the exercise happens in a gym or on a village road. It responds to improved metabolic health. What about medicines? This is where patients need to be particularly careful. The internet is full of products claiming to detox the liver, cleanse the liver or reverse fatty liver within weeks. Most of these claims should be viewed with considerable scepticism. There is no magic liver detox. Treatment should be directed at the underlying metabolic problem and the patients individual risk of liver disease. That may include appropriate management of diabetes, obesity, hypertension and abnormal cholesterol. The therapeutic landscape is also evolving. Newer medications are being studied and used in selected patients with metabolic liver disease. In November 2025, the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases issued updated guidance regarding semaglutide for selected patients with MASH and moderate-to-advanced fibrosis. Another important development has been the emergence of therapies directed specifically at patients with significant fibrosis. But these treatments are not a substitute for lifestyle modification, nor are they appropriate for everyone who happens to have fat on an ultrasound. Medication should be individualised. A person should not start a weight-loss injection simply because a friend, relative or social-media influencer is taking one. What about alcohol? The name non-alcoholic fatty liver disease sometimes created the impression that alcohol was the only alternative explanation. The newer terminology is more useful. Alcohol intake should still be assessed carefully in anyone with steatotic liver disease, because alcohol and metabolic risk factors can coexist and contribute to liver injury. People with significant liver fibrosis require particular caution regarding alcohol, and those with advanced liver disease are generally advised to avoid it. The important message is that fatty liver should never automatically be attributed to either alcohol or diet without properly assessing the patient. The problem starts much earlier than the ultrasound Perhaps the greatest opportunity lies in prevention. By the time fatty liver is discovered on an ultrasound, the metabolic process may have been developing for years. A teenager who is gaining excessive weight, drinking sugary beverages daily and spending most of the day sitting may not have a liver problem today. But that does not mean there is no problem. Likewise, a 30-year-old with abdominal obesity, borderline blood sugar and high triglycerides may feel completely healthy. This is precisely why metabolic disease is sometimes described as a silent epidemic. There may be no pain. There may be no jaundice. There may be no obvious warning. The patient feels perfectly normal while the metabolic process quietly progresses. What should a person do after being told you have fatty liver? First, dont panic. Second, dont ignore it. Third, dont immediately spend money on supplements marketed as liver cleansers. Instead, discuss the finding with your doctor. Depending on the individual, assessment may include body weight and waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose or HbA1c, lipid profile, liver enzymes and platelet count. A fibrosis risk assessment such as FIB-4 may be appropriate, followed by elastography or specialist assessment when indicated. The important thing is to determine where the patient sits on the spectrum. Someone with mild steatosis and no significant metabolic risk may need lifestyle intervention and monitoring. Someone with diabetes, obesity, abnormal liver tests and an elevated fibrosis risk may need a more detailed evaluation. These are not the same patient, and they should not receive the same advice. A wake-up call, not a reason for fear The increasing prevalence of fatty liver is a reflection of a much larger health transition taking place around us. We are living longer, but we are also becoming less physically active. Food is more readily available, but often more calorie-dense. Technology has made life easier, but it has also reduced the amount of physical movement built into our daily routines. The liver is simply one of the organs showing us the consequences. The encouraging message is that MASLD is not an inevitable sentence. For many people, the disease can be prevented, slowed and, particularly in its earlier stages, substantially improved. We do not need to wait for liver disease to become advanced before taking action. A ten-minute walk today may seem insignificant. Choosing water instead of a sugary drink may seem insignificant. Losing five percent of body weight may seem insignificant. Individually, these choices appear small. Collectively, they can change metabolic health. The next time someone looks at an ultrasound report and says, It only says fatty liver, perhaps we should pause before dismissing it. Sometimes the liver is the first organ to tell us that something is wrong with the way the whole body is functioning. And when the liver speaks quietly, it is worth listening. Because the best treatment for advanced liver disease is often to prevent it from becoming advanced in the first place. Suggested newspaper pull-quote: The question is no longer simply whether there is fat in the liver. The more important question is whether the patient is at risk of progressive liver fibrosis. ( The author is a registered medical practitioner and RK Health columnist. He can be reached at: mir.muzaffar@yahoo.com)
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We have accepted your suggestions and will discuss these issues in the Karnataka Assembly, Shivakumar said. He added that the state government had convened a three-day special session to discuss issues concerning farmers, drought and the Kasturirangan report. The report would be discussed on the first day of the Assembly session, he said. I will also visit Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru and listen to the sentiments of the people there, he added. On the Forest Rights Act, Shivakumar said there was a provision prescribing different time limits, including 25 years for some and 75 years for others. The state government would consider taking a decision to prescribe a uniform 25-year limit and send it to the Centre, he added. He said that he had instructed Forest Department officials not to cause difficulties to people residing in forest areas. We will not do politics based on emotions. We are concerned about your lives, Shivakumar added. 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He also referred to the Cabinet decision to recognise Tulu as the second additional administrative language in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts. He said the state government had given priority to tourism in the coastal and Malnad regions and approved several development measures to attract investment and prevent migration. Representatives of various organisations and elected representatives urged the state government to constitute an expert committee and conduct a physical survey before taking further decisions on the Kasturirangan report. They said the report covers around 13,000 square km in Kerala and around 20,000 square km in Karnataka. According to them, Kerala conducted a physical survey through a high-level officials' committee, separating inhabited areas from forest areas and reducing the area covered by the report to around 9,000 square km. They claimed that a similar exercise in Karnataka could potentially exclude around 5,000 square km from the report's coverage. 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Digital Desk | Thimphu, Sep 18 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Friday concluded a productive visit to Bhutan, during which the two neighbouring countries discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation. Concluded a productive visit to Bhutan. Touched by the warmth of our unique ties of friendship. Kadrinchey La!, EAM Jaishankar stated on X, sharing highlights of his visit. EAM Jaishankar paid an official visit to Bhutan at the invitation of Bhutanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel. In a joint statement issued on Friday, the two sides welcomed the progress made in strengthening the special and multi-faceted India-Bhutan partnership under the guidance of Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They also commended the progress made in bilateral development cooperation. The EAM reaffirmed Indias support for Bhutans developmental goals and priorities, while Bhutan appreciated support from India for wide-ranging programmes under its 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29). EAM Jaishankar and his Bhutanese counterpart Dhungyel expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership of March 2024, and recalled the recent strides in energy cooperation, including the inauguration of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (HEP), signing of its Tariff Protocol and the resumption of dam construction of 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I HEP. They welcomed the signing of the agreement on concessional Line of Credit of INR 4000 crores for energy projects in Bhutan. They also welcomed the active engagement of Indian companies in hydropower projects in Bhutan, adding dynamism to the existing energy cooperation, the statement noted. The EAM reaffirmed Government of Indias support for the Bhutan Kings vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The two sides acknowledged the interaction through the Joint Working Group on GMC and agreed to continue efforts to develop collaboration on GMC-related issues. EAM Jaishankar, along with Bhutans King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, on Thursday lit Aashirvaad ka Diya at the iconic Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu. The Aashirvaad ka Diya was lit at the iconic Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu in the gracious presence of His Majesty the King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. We paid tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years of committed Janseva, which has impacted countless lives globally. We were joined by Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, Foreign Minister of Bhutan, D. N. Dhungyel, friends of India from Bhutan and the Indian community in this special moment, EAM Jaishankar stated on X.
Karnataka cabinet gives Tulu official language status
Digital Desk | Mangaluru, Sep 18 (IANS) The Karnataka government on Friday announced Tulu as the states second additional administrative language alongside Kannada, began the process of renaming Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru district, and approved development projects worth Rs 32,611 crore for the coastal region. The Cabinet took these decisions at a special historic meeting held in Mangaluru. Addressing the media with Cabinet colleagues, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the Cabinet had unanimously decided to recognise Tulu as an additional administrative language in Dakshina Kannada (Mangaluru) and Udupi districts. He noted that the decision followed a long-standing demand from Tulu-speaking people, organisations, and public representatives for official recognition of the language. Tulu is spoken prominently in the coastal districts. We will not discuss why the previous government did not take this decision. We will not do politics based on emotions, Shivakumar said, adding that the government was committed to strengthening peoples social and economic power rather than indulging in emotional politics. He explained that society cannot be built on emotions alone, and the government would focus on empowering people socially and economically. He also said that, if necessary, the Cabinet would consider the economic and legal framework and hold meetings in the coming days to address issues requiring attention. This is Team Karnataka. The Cabinet is with you, Shivakumar said, announcing that Tulu would be declared the states second additional administrative language, limited to Udupi and Dakshina Kannada (Mangaluru) districts. The Chief Minister recalled that former minister Ramanath Rai first raised the demand to declare Tulu as the second additional language. He said MLA Ashok Kumar Rai and several other elected representatives had jointly exerted pressure for the demand. Shivakumar congratulated everyone who worked to get Tulu recognised. Explaining the sentiments of the people in the region, Shivakumar said that the first question Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai raised in the Assembly after becoming an MLA was related to the Tulu language. I was surprised. His first sentiment was for the language. Today, he has secured approval for a Rs 500-crore medical college, but that is a different matter, he added. The Cabinet also decided to initiate the process of changing the name of Dakshina Kannada district to Mangaluru district. Shivakumar said the government would issue a draft notification and invite public opinion and objections for one month before taking a final decision. People recognise Mangaluru at the international level. People have expressed their wish in this regard. We have to follow the prescribed procedure and take the opinion of the people, he said. On coastal development, Shivakumar said the Cabinet approved projects worth Rs 32,611 crore, including Rs 16,000 crore for rural development projects. The Cabinet also approved the development of 12 islands in Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar districts to transform the coastal region into a global tourism hub. He said the government was seeking to utilise the regions coastline, cultural heritage, and natural resources to promote tourism and generate employment. A new Coastal and Malnad Karnataka Tourism Policy was also approved, which will treat tourism projects as infrastructure projects and provide greater support to investors, including extended loan repayment periods. The region will establish a Fisheries and Blue Economy University, and the existing fisheries college intake will increase from 60 to 200 seats. The Cabinet has also approved establishing a medical college in Puttur for Rs 549 crore. The Chief Minister said it was welcome that the Cabinet meeting was held in Mangaluru for the first time outside Bengaluru. Responding to a journalists question on whether Cabinet meetings would also be held in other districts, he said the government intends to hold meetings at 10 to 12 locations over the next 15 months. Cabinet meetings will be held wherever there is the capacity and a need, he said, adding that the governments goal is to build an integrated and prosperous Karnataka.
Alexander-Arnold is an England international again, on paper at least, after fifteen months out of the picture. Thomas Tuchel named his squad for this month's Nations League fixtures with both Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer back in, the two most notable absences from England's World Cup run this summer, and the two names every conversation about this squad was always going to start with. Eight changes separate this squad from the one that took England to a third-place finish at the World Cup in North America this summer. Phil Foden and Jordan Henderson are among those dropping out. Newcastle's Lewis Hall, Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha are among those coming in alongside the two headline returns. None of the other changes were the story today, though. Those were always going to be Alexander-Arnold and Palmer. Why they were both left out in the first place Neither absence was really controversial at the time, even if both were talked about constantly. Alexander-Arnold hadn't played for England since June 2025, a run that stretched back well before the World Cup squad was even picked, while he adjusted to life at Real Madrid after leaving Liverpool. Palmer's omission came down to fitness and form together: a groin injury disrupted his season just as Chelsea slumped to a tenth-place Premier League finish, and Tuchel opted for other options rather than gamble on a player who wasn't fully right. What's changed is simple enough. Palmer has started this season with four goals and two assists in his first six games under Xabi Alonso, numbers that make his omission from the summer look considerably more debatable in hindsight than it did at the time. Alexander-Arnold has settled into two different positions at Real Madrid and made his case with a strong start to the season in Spain, enough that Tuchel felt there was no longer a reason to leave him out of the conversation. Tuchel's own message: this is a chance, not a return Asked directly about both recalls, Tuchel was careful not to frame either as a settled decision. Cole has his numbers back, he said, before adding, of Alexander-Arnold specifically, that he was never non-selectable. The distinction matters. Tuchel is treating both recalls as an opportunity to compete for a place rather than a return to guaranteed selection, particularly for Alexander-Arnold, who Tuchel confirmed will report to camp as a right-back in a position where competition remains genuinely fierce. England open their Nations League campaign against reigning European and world champions Spain at Wembley on 26 September, before matches against the Czech Republic and Croatia follow in the same window. For two players who spent the World Cup watching from home, the message from their own manager is blunt enough: getting picked again isn't the hard part. Staying picked is.
Bengal: Maoist leader remanded to police custody till Sep 29
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 18 (IANS) A lower court remanded senior CPI (Maoist) leader Asim Mandal, alias Akash, Timir and Manoj to police custody until September 29 on Friday. He was arrested on Thursday by the Special Task Force (STF) of Kolkata from Patashpur in East Midnapore district After being presented in court, counsel for the Kolkata Police STF told the court that there were 55 cases against Akash in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha. The Jharkhand and Odisha governments had announced a reward of Rs 2.2 crore. Akash is an active member of a banned organisation. His activities harmed the sovereignty and integrity of the state. He was also responsible for creating a cycle of illegal activities and sabotage involving the three states. He used to hide himself by frequently changing names, the STF counsel told the court. No bail application was moved on behalf of Akash. His counsel, Yasin Rahman, told the court that accusations of sabotage had been made against Akash for decades. However, many people involved in this force before 2011 have since become heroes in society and mainstream political figures. Akashs arrest is being viewed as a significant success for security agencies and a major setback to Maoist activities in the tribal and forested regions spread across the three eastern states. A native of Fulchak village under Chandrakona Police Station in West Midnapore district, Mandal is said to have become involved in Left-Wing extremist activities during his student years in the 1980s. He later joined the Peoples War Group and worked extensively in the Sarenga and Goaltor regions of West Bengal as well as the Gurabanda area of Jharkhands East Singhbhum district. Security agencies records show that nearly 55 serious criminal cases are registered against him across Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal. Several of these cases relate to attacks on security forces and armed encounters in Jharkhand. Following the formation of CPI (Maoist) in September 2004, he returned to the Jangalmahal region spanning parts of Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore districts. He became actively involved in the outfits activities. He also played a key role during the Lalgarh movement, after which he was entrusted with the responsibility of Secretary of the West Bengal State Committee in 2010. He later held important positions in the Bengal-Jharkhand-Odisha Regional Committee. According to police sources, the Maoist network in West Bengal suffered a major setback after the November 2011 encounter killing of senior Maoist leader Kishanji. Thereafter, Mandal is said to have gone completely underground and remained elusive for years until his arrest on Thursday.
PM Modi fostering resilience, innovation to achieve Viksit Bharat@2047: Rajnath Singh
Digital Desk | Kochi, Sep 18 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is serving the nation with a special focus on fostering resilience, innovation and a sense of national identity among citizens to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Speaking at an event in Kochi, Kerala, the Defence Minister asserted that before 2014, India faced challenges such as corruption and misgovernance, which had weakened the morale of the people, and the nations progress in the last 12 years has been shaped by its ability to convert challenges into opportunities. Over the last 12 years, the world has faced a pandemic such as Covid-19 and witnessed several wars, which have had a profound impact on the global economy. Despite global challenges, we are moving steadily on the path towards becoming a self-reliant and developed nation, he said. Rajnath Singh stated that Operation Sindoor is proof of Indias willingness to cross the border to eliminate those who threaten the sovereignty and integrity of the country. He added that Maoism, too, has been brought to an end. On the governments aim to continuously bolster indigenous capabilities, the minister stated that indigenous defence production, which was just Rs 40,000 crore in 2014, has now reached nearly Rs 1.80 lakh crore. He added that defence exports have risen from nearly Rs 600 crore to around Rs 40,000 crore, with Indian equipment reaching around 100 countries. Voicing the nations resolve to work tirelessly towards its goals with courage and determination, Rajnath Singh described youth as the countrys greatest strength. Our youth are building start-ups, creating unicorns, developing drones, building hydrogen trains, and making rockets and satellites. They are leaving no stone unturned to make India a developed nation, he said. Rajnath Singh emphasised the importance of making the younger generation more aware of Indias history, culture and heritage. He said greater awareness among youth would contribute to stronger national consciousness and help build confidence in Indias place in the world. He called upon the youth to contribute to Indias economic, social and technological transformation, saying that a confident, capable and socially inclusive India can emerge as a developed nation and play a greater role in shaping the future of the world. On the crucial role of media in todays times, the Defence Minister stated that journalism is rightly called the fourth pillar of democracy, terming an independent and impartial press as one of the strongest instruments for ensuring accountability. The role of the media is not merely to report the news. It is also to ask difficult questions, bring the truth before the people, and hold those in power accountable, he said.
PGTI leader Saptak Talwar sees star-studded India Championship as a game changer for Indian golf
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Saptak Talwar, Indias current No. 1 on the DP World PGTI Tour, knows the next few weeks could be life-changing for him and take the 27-year-old to the next level in the sport. The tournament not only boasts of a massive $4 million prize, the highest in India for the second year running, but could also decide the topper of the DP World PGTI Order of Merit, newly named as the Race to DP World India Championship. Following a landmark arrangement between the DP World PGTI and the DP World Tour, the winner of the domestic Indian Order of Merit will get a full status on the main Tour. The arrangement is also the latest marker of the investment global logistics provider DP World has made in Indian golf part of a wider sporting footprint that also includes cricket and a consistent focus on bringing more young people into the sport. The event brings huge benefits for both the fans and the Indian golfers. While the fans await a golfing feast with the likes of two-time Masters winner, Rory McIlroy, defending champion Tommy Fleetwood and former FedEx Cup winner, Viktor Hovland, and Major champions like Ryan Fox, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Patrick Reed and Bubba Watson, the top Indian golfers realise that the DP World India Championship could be a life-changer for them. The newly constituted Race to DP World India Championship is a competition to determine DP World PGTI Order of Merit Champion for 2026, DP World India Championship 2026 qualifiers and playing rights on the DP World PGTI for 2027. The race in its debut year, will feature non-stop golfing action on the DP World PGTI calendar in the run-up to the DP World India Championship 2026. The top 24 players of the standings will earn their spots for the DP World India Championship 2026 while the Top 60 players on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit who will retain their playing rights for the 2027 DP World PGTI season. The nine events of the second half of the season, which concludes with the inaugural Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship in the first week of October, will finalise 24 spots for DPWIC and the R2DPWIC for 2027 will run through the full DP World PGTI calendar from next season. Talwar currently holds a lead of more than Rs. 20 lakhs over No. 2 Jhared Hack (US), but the latter is not likely to play any more events over the next few weeks in India. Also, Talwar is more than Rs. 30 lakhs (twice what a player earns for a regular win in a Rs. One Crore event) ahead of the next best Indian, Honey Baisoya. Yet Talwar says, The DP World PGTI Order of Merit is not a done deal. With the OOM finishing at DGC (DP World India Championship), anything can happen. We have four events left and the last one on DP World PGTI is the Kapil Dev Invitational, which has double the Prize Money and then there is the big one the DP World India Championship, where the prize purse is almost 38-40 times more at $4 million. So, the top Indian golfer could well walk away with the Merit honours by doing well in DP World India Championship. And I see no reason why one of us cannot do that. However, as Amandeep Johl, CEO of DP World PGTI confirmed, Only one fourth of that prize money will be counted towards the DP World PGTI Order of Merit. Talwar added, I am also missing the Tour Championships (Kapil Dev Invitational) as I am off to Asian Games in Japan that week. So, the DP World India Championship can be a life-changer for me and many other Indian players. Talwars compatriots Yuvraj Sandhu, Veer Ahlawat, Shubhankar Sharma and Anirban Lahiri will also be playing at DP World India Championship this year. Talwar, who early in his career, also played on the Canadian Tour, has now decided to try and top the DP World PGTI OOM to get into the main Tour in 2027. There has been further recognition in the form of a place in the National three-man team for the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, alongside Yuvraj Sandhu and Veer Ahlawat, who before him had earned DP World Tour cards in 2026 and 2025. This season Talwar has gained a lot of experience as he played a lot of events on the HotelPlanner (HPT), the second rung Tour in Europe, this season. At one point he had two possibly pathways to the DP World Tour for 2027. I had set myself a goal or threshold to try for a card through HPT, but when I was not inside that I decided to get back to India and play the DP World PGTI, where I was leading, says Talwar. Then there is the DP World India Championship at the Delhi Golf Club. That golf course is close to my heart and for many others in India. I literally grew up on the B course, have seen every big event. As a junior I attended many of the clinics by world class players like Ernie Els and others. So, to be playing alongside the likes of Masters winners, Major champions and PGA Tour players is a great opportunity for us to showcase Indian talent. While admitting that the current Indian pros have not won as much as the previous generation from Jeev Milkha Singh to Jyoti Randhawa and Arjun Atwal to Anirban Lahiri, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Shiv Kapur and Shubhankar Sharma, Talwar added, This event, the DP World India Championship is a game changer for Indian golf. This could a catalyst for Indian golf. In 10 years, we will see this as the one that changed the landscape of Indian golf. We have a number of good players, but they have not translated into wins. One win could ignite that fire and then we will have a big bunch of winners. Hemant Kumar Ruia, Country Manager, DP World (India) Subcontinent, said: India is one of the largest markets in our global network, and we remain focused on strengthening our ports, rail and inland logistics network across the country. Our commitment to India extends beyond our business, and supporting the growth of sport is an important part of that commitment. We are particularly pleased that the DP World India Championship can create genuinely life-changing opportunities for players like Saptak. With the newly named Race to DP World India Championship providing a pathway to the DP World Tour, Indian golfers now have a clear opportunity to take their game to the next level. We are delighted to play our part in helping make that possible. This has been his big breakthrough year for Talwar, though he won his maiden pro title in 2025. He added a second PGTI win at the Indo-Rama Ventures Open at Kalhaar and was second in the HotelPlanner event in India. Since then, he has been a prime contender for the DP World -PGTI Order of Merit, which has multiple benefits. And, now the DP World India Championship could see Saptak Talwar take the next big step in the big and highly competitive world of golf.
Do You Really Need a Bulky Phone Case for Serious Protection?
Macworld Meet the New Era of Protection Less Bulk. More Freedom. View Ostand Q3 (function () { document.querySelector(#sticky-promo-block a).addEventListener(click, function(e) { const debug = document.location.host.search(/lndo.site|go-vip.net/) !== -1; const text = this.closest(#sticky-promo-block).querySelector(p.promo-title).textContent; const data = { event: stickyConversionUnitClick, eventCategory: Sticky Conversion, eventAction: Click, eventLabel: text }; if(debug)console.log(Sticky Conversion CLick - pushing to dataLayer: , data); dataLayer.push(data); return true; }); })(); The iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max are, by most accounts, some of the best-looking iPhones Apple has ever made. Which makes it a little painful that the first thing most of us do after buying one is bury it inside a case. Thats the compromise thats defined phone accessories for years: you either protect your investment or you enjoy the design you paid for, but rarely both. A case substantial enough to survive a concrete sidewalk tends to turn a sleek slab of titanium and glass into something closer to a brick. A case slim enough to preserve that in-hand feel often leaves you one bad drop away from a cracked screen and an expensive repair. Torras TORRASs answer, with its new Ostand Q3 lineup, is that this trade-off is increasingly outdated. Smarter materials and more deliberate engineering mean a case doesnt need bulk to do serious protective workand it can pull double duty as a stand, a grip, and a mount while its at it. The Ostand Q3 Air Pro and Ostand Q3 Rugged are built on that premise, and they take slightly different routes to it. Torras Q3 Air Pro: Protection Without the Padding The Q3 Air Pro is Torrass showcase for what it calls Air Pro Tech, a sealed dual-layer airbag system called Air Duet that it describes as the first of its kind, borrowing an idea from performance sneakers: rather than relying on sheer mass to blunt an impact, staged internal air chambers absorb and dissipate force before it reaches the phone. The result is a case rated for drops of up to 16 feet , while measuring just 2.5mm at the sides and weighing 53g for the iPhone 18 Pro (61g for the Pro Max). Raised edges around the screen and camera add targeted reinforcement, anti-slip side texture improves grip, and a microfiber lining protects the phones finish from the inside. Its the case for someone who wants real drop protection but refuses to give up the phones actual shape. Q3 Rugged: The Traditional Approach, Trimmed Down The Q3 Rugged leans on more familiar rugged-case constructiona polycarbonate backplate wrapped in a TPU frame, with air-cushion protection built into the top and bottom edges and raised lips guarding the screen and camera. The best protection, of course, is not dropping your phone in the first place, so the Q3 Rugged includes additional grip along the sides to make the phone easier to hold while moving or working out. Its the more conventional route to durability, but Torras has kept the bulk in check: 47g for the iPhone 18 Pro and 59g for the Pro Max, with a matte, precision-textured grip thats clearly aimed at commutes, workouts, and anything more physical than a desk job. Its also MagSafe compatible, and more affordable at $49.99$51.99 against the Q3 Air Pros $79.99. Torras Ostand Gives the Cases Extra Functions What ties the two together is Torrass 3-in-1 Ostand, a rotating ring built into the back of each case rather than bolted on as an afterthought. It rotates a full 360 horizontally and opens up to 180 vertically, which gives it three practical modes: Stand, for propping the phone up to watch video, join a call, or follow a recipe hands-free; Hang, for suspending the phone somewhere useful when theres no flat surface nearby, like a gym rack; and Snap, which uses the cases magnetic connection 18N of holding force on the Q3 Air Pro to attach wallets, power banks, or car and bike mounts. So, Do You Need the Bulk? Not anymore, really. Between a sophisticated airbag system and a leaner take on rugged construction, TORRASs Ostand Q3 lineup makes a reasonable case that slim and seriously protected dont have to be opposing goals. Torras
Achieving any desired goal necessitates unwavering commitment and consistent effort rather than mere initial excitement. A Russian proverb reiterates that true success stems from hard work and perseverance. Relying solely on passive hope or good intentions can never substitute the effort required for real achievements. Significant rewards await those who are willing to invest the necessary labor, applying this concept across professional, educational, and personal growth avenues.
Can you name the top 20 goalscorers in English top flight history?
Proper history buffs only. The post Can you name the top 20 goalscorers in English top flight history? appeared first on Planet Football .
'Every stroke feels like music': Rower Poonam set for Asian Games debut
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Indian rower Poonam is gearing up for her first-ever appearance at the Asian Games as she will be competing in the Women's four event in Aichi-Nagoya. From taking up the sport almost accidentally to now enjoying it with every stroke feeling like music, Poonam has come a long way from competing at the university level to now representing India at the Asian Games. She began her career with athletics but switched to rowing to get admission for her graduation. I started rowing because I got the opportunity to get admission for my graduation through sport. At that time, I never thought that rowing would become my career. I just wanted to make use of the opportunity and see where it could take me, she said. The starting days in the sport were not that easy. Due to limited coaching and challenges in settling into a new environment, Poonam initially set herself smaller targets. She hoped to establish her authority at the university and national level before those ambitions got wings. Initially, my dream was to win a gold medal at the inter-college and university level. Then I wanted to win a medal at the Senior Nationals. Slowly, my goals started getting bigger. We have won gold medals at the Nationals, Senior Nationals and National Games, and now I am at the Asian Games, she said. Poonam trains at the Inspire Institute of Sport and reflected on how it has been helping her during her career. There have been a lot of changes after coming to Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS). I have been part of their rowing programme for the past one year. We get a lot of support here, and the staff takes care of our nutrition, physiology and psychology. Because of this environment, we feel more confident and feel that we can do much more, she said. I am feeling very good about going to the Asian Games. We had been working towards getting into the camp for the last few years, and we have been able to stay together and train consistently since last year. That has helped us improve a lot and has given me a lot of confidence, she said. She has now had a training stint in Europe under her belt. Poonam revealed how training in Europe has changed her mindset, showing that the Indian rowers can compete with them too. Our Europe trip was very good because we learnt how to handle pressure and control our nervousness during a race. Earlier, when we saw the European teams, we used to think about when we would be able to beat them. But after competing with them, we realised that we are not very far behind. We can compete with them, she added. As she prepares for the Asian Games, Poonam is also drawing confidence from the time she and her teammates have spent training together. We have spent a lot of time training together, and that has helped us understand each other better. In rowing, everyone has to move together and maintain the same rhythm. The more time we spend together, the more confident we become as a crew. Now she enjoys the sport even more, highlighting that the sound of strokes feels like music to her. Every stroke feels like music. The catch is different, the finish is different, and the movement of the boat is different. We don't get bored because we are so involved in it. Sometimes we keep rowing for one or two hours and don't even realise how much time has passed, she said.
Palmer, Trent return as Tuchel names England squad for Nations League campaign
Digital Desk | London, Sep 18 (IANS) Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold have returned to the England squad after missing the FIFA World Cup 2026, as head coach Thomas Tuchel named a 27-member team for the opening four matches of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaign. Palmer and Alexander-Arnold were among the high-profile names left out of Tuchels 26-member World Cup squad for the tournament in North America. Both players have now been brought back into the fold after impressive performances for their respective clubs. The duo are part of a number of changes to the England squad following the start of the new domestic season. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lewis Hall, Rio Ngumoha, Jarrad Branthwaite, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Alex Scott have also been selected. England return to action after winning the bronze medal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This was their best performance since winning the title in 1966 in the FIFA World Cup. The Three Lions beat France in the third-place play-off after their campaign ended with a 1-2 defeat to Argentina in the semi-final. Tuchels side will begin their Nations League campaign against world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26. England will then travel to Prague to face Czechia on September 29 before taking on Croatia in Rijeka on October 3. The four-game window will conclude when Czechia visits Wembley on October 6. England have been drawn alongside Spain, Croatia and Czechia in League A, Group C. The group winner will advance to the Nations League Finals in June. The squad will gather at St Georges Park early next week before beginning preparations for the four matches. England squad: Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Jason Steele, James Trafford Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrod Branthwaite, Trevor Chalobah, Marc Guehi, Lewis Hall, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Nico O'Reilly, Jarell Quansah Midfielders: Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Alex Scott Forwards: Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Rio Ngumoha, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka
DLF to open Goa shopping mall in Feb-Mar, eyes over 150 cr in rentals
DLF invests around 500 crore to develop mall
Had decided to leave politics after 2024 elections, says Shehzad Poonawalla on BJP exit
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) Political analyst and former BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Friday shed light his decision to resign from the party, saying that he had been considering a transition to the private sector after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Poonawalla said he had always intended to return to the private sector after the 2024 elections, but decided to continue working with the BJP for some more time due to the political situation following the polls. Speaking to IANS, Poonawalla said: After the 2024 elections, it was in my mind to transition to the private sector. The reason behind this was that when I joined politics in 2021 and became the national spokesperson of the BJP, I had previously been in the media. Before that, I drew a regular salary. I only knew media work and articulation. But when I joined politics and dedicated myself to it 24/7, I calculated how much savings I had and how many years I would be able to sustain working like this. When I realised that remaining active in a political party would only be feasible until the end of 2024, I had already made up my mind, he said. He further said that he wanted to re-enter the private sector. If you look at my earlier videos and statements, my intention had always been to leave politics after the 2024 elections and re-enter the private sector from where I had come, Poonawalla added. However, he said the BJPs tally of 240 seats in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the political developments that followed made him reconsider his decision. Given the post-2024 election situation, where the tally stood at 240, I felt that leaving at that critical juncture would not be right. There were also crucial state elections approaching, and I wanted to contribute as much as I could. Finally, after the Bengal elections, I decided that the time had come to step into the private sector, he said. Poonawalla also said that his objective in politics had never been to seek an elected position. Secondly, my goal has never been to become an MP or an MLA. I do not work for positions; I work for a mission and a vision. Even today, I continue to work for the mission and vision of the BJP. I do not chase titles or posts; I believe in building stature, he said. On the row over the Umar Khalid documentary, Poonawalla criticised those who, according to him, portray Khalid as a hero while questioning the credentials of other prominent Indians. They never see a hero or a Nelson Mandela in Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, nor in Ustad Bismillah Khan. They only see one in Umar Khalid. And those shedding tears for Umar Khalid -- when the court gave a clean chit to Sadhvi Pragya, they still label her a terrorist simply because she wears saffron. Yet someone whom the courts refuse to release is still portrayed by them as a martyr and innocent, he said. He quipped that the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, can become PM, but of Pakistan. Rahul Gandhi can become Prime Minister but perhaps of Pakistan. If he prefers, of Italy, or whichever country he frequently visits, like Bangkok -- if he wishes to take citizenship there, he could become Prime Minister there, since he spends most of his time abroad anyway. In India, he only visits briefly between his vacations. He could certainly become Prime Minister of those countries, but here, in 2029, Narendra Modi will be re-elected Prime Minister with an even bigger margin. In 2034, if he decides to contest, he will become Prime Minister in 2034 as well. In 2027, Yogi Adityanath will return with an even greater margin than the BJP received in 2017, he claimed. On actor Swara Bhaskers remarks regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi verdict, Poonawalla criticised her views and said the Supreme Court verdict should be respected. Swara Bhasker, please stop now! Because this anti-Hindu stance, anti-national rhetoric and constant belittling of Hindus must end. The verdict on the Ram Mandir came through the Supreme Court -- and these people claim to champion saving the Constitution. Do Rahul Gandhi and Swara Bhasker believe that the wisdom of the Supreme Court was flawed? he said. Recently, Swara Bhasker has revealed that when the Ram Janmabhoomi verdict was announced, she reached out to superstars Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan to express her solidarity. She said she felt ashamed and, as such, reached out to all the Muslims she knew to tell them that she didnt agree with the verdict.
There is no excuse, this is an occasion: Vimal on India's Asian Games prospects in badminton
Former coach Vimal Kumar believes India can surpass their previous Asian Games medal tally. He stated that consistency from singles players is crucial for achieving this goal. Indian players must deliver strong performances in key matches during the upcoming tournament. The team's success hinges on strong starts from the first two singles matches. India's contingent is preparing for the team and individual events in Japan.
Maruti's vehicle dispatches via in-plant rail terminals reach 1 million
Maruti Suzuki India on Friday said it has reached a milestone of dispatching 1 million vehicles through in-plant railway terminals in just over three years since opening dedicated transportation lines at two manufacturing sites in Gujarat and Haryana. Operations from in-plant railway sidings at Hansalpur (Gujarat) commenced in March 2023 and from the Manesar (Haryana) railway siding in June 2025. In the current financial year, the automaker said that 70 per cent of its total rail-based vehicle dispatches have been through these two in-plant railway sidings, and its mid-term goal is to increase such dispatches to 35 per cent by FY31. As of August 31 of this fiscal year, the company's rail-based vehicle dispatches have crossed 3 lakh units, it said. An in-plant railway terminal inside a manufacturing facility allows goods to be loaded onto freight trains within the plant, eliminating the need for trucks to access the nearest railway stations before entering the supply network. Of th
Spanish Proverb of the Day: The Spanish saying 'Poco a poco se anda lejos' conveys the importance of taking small, steady steps toward long-term goals. This proverb reminds us that patience and consistent effort lead to substantial achievements, contrasting the contemporary obsession with rapid success. Its message remains pertinent for both personal growth and career advancement, encouraging individuals to value the journey over immediate results.
'I'm Man United Fan Because Of Nitish Rana, He Introduced Me To Football': Rinku Singh
And Rana Bhai: India cricketer Rinku Singh revealed that he is a core Manchester United fan, and his support for the Premier League club began after fellow cricketer Nitish Rana introduced him to football and helped him understand how to watch and follow the game. Rinku recently attended his first-ever live football match at Old Trafford, witnessing the Manchester derby against Manchester City in the Premier League. The experience gave the Indian cricketer an opportunity to watch the rivalry from inside the iconic stadium after previously following football only on television. Earlier, I was a United fan, and I still am to some extent because of Nitish Rana bhai. He introduced me to football and showed me how to watch the game. From there, my interest in football grew a bit. And Rana Bhai is a United fan, so I used to spend time with him, and watching him, I became a fan of United, Rinku told JioStar. The derby, however, did not produce the result Rinkus adopted club would have wanted. Manchester City secured a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal in the second half. Despite arriving as a United supporter, Rinku admitted that he found himself backing City at certain stages of the match as United struggled to create an impact. Yes, I found myself supporting City a little bit as the match went on. United werent playing that well, while City were looking better at the time, he said. For Rinku, though, the result was secondary to the experience of watching a football match live for the first time. He said the atmosphere inside Old Trafford helped him understand why the sport has such a strong following around the world. I consider myself lucky because I got to watch a match between City and United. I was very lucky to be there and watch the match at such a time. It was the first live football match of my life, and it was a completely different feeling altogether, he said. I realised what it feels like to watch a football match live in a stadium. I had only watched matches on TV before, so it felt really good to be there. I loved the vibe. The way the entire crowd supports the team when a goal is scored or a player does something special, the crowd screams out. That is something you really feel and experience when you are there at the stadium, he added. I consider myself lucky because I got to watch a match between City and United. I was very lucky to be there and watch the match at such a time. It was the first live football match of my life, and it was a completely different feeling altogether, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories I really like Marcus Rashford. Ive followed him a lot, so hes my favourite. And when it comes to composure, I think Bruno Fernandes. He stays very calm, plays very calmly, keeps strolling on the pitch, and when the ball arrives, he instantly scores a goal or does whatever is needed on the pitch, he said. Article Source: IANS
San Diego military base brings in almost 500 goats to tackle wildfire risk
ASEAN Cup: Dooley names Farhaan, Shuki and Zidane in final 23
The inclusion of Farhaan Ali Wahid has generated particular interest, with Dooley hopeful that the England-based forward can provide Bangladesh with a cutting edge in front of goal.
India's Bichu Devi, Pakistan's Rehman Bag Poligras Awards
Indian women's hockey team goalkeeper Bichu Devi Karibam and Pakistan striker Abdul Rehman have been honoured with the Poligras Magic Skill Awards for their outstanding performances at the recent FIH World Cup. The awards, decided by fan votes, recognised Devi's crucial save and Rehman's exceptional 3D skills.
Star Cast: Kunal Kemmu, Preity G Zinta, Sparsh Srivastava, Vanshika Dhir Director: Kunal Kemmu Vibe Movie Review Synopsis: VIBE is the story of two friends who land in serious trouble. Bhagirath aka Bugs (Sparsh Srivastava) works as a software developer at a company called Next Phase Technologies in Mumbai. His best friend, Hardik Sharma (Kunal Kemmu), is quite sharp but has just been released from drug rehab. Bugs requests his boss to hire Hardik, and the latter joins the companys marketing department. Here, he meets Kareena (Vanshika Dhir), and sparks fly between the two. All is going well until one day, all hell breaks loose for Hardik and Bugs. A fiery national security agent, Madam H (Preity G Zinta), and her team abduct the duo and compel them to work on a top-secret mission. They cant back out as its a matter of national security. What happens next forms the rest of the film. Vibe Movie Story Review: Kunal Kemmu's story is a bit clichd but works well within the zone of the film. Kunal Kemmu's screenplay is simplistic and peppered with hilarious dialogues and moments that keep the interest going. However, the writing falters whenever the film gets serious. Kunal Kemmu's dialogues are one of the high points. The one-liners land effectively, and a few of them will be lapped up big time by viewers. Some of the one-liners are adult in nature, which explains the film's 'A' rating. Kunal Kemmu's direction is functional. He is a pro when it comes to humour and he proved it with MADGAON EXPRESS [2024]. The film is a bit in the zone of GO GOA GONE [2013] and a few Hollywood films where two simpletons are forced to fight the baddies. However, since it is set in Mumbai and also has a terrorism act, it works well for the Indian audiences. The circumstances under which Hardik and Bugs come into contact with Madam H are hilarious and also quite unexpected. The dinner scene involving Kareena and her father (Mark Bennington) is also very funny, while the intermission point is equally shocking. On the flipside, the film falters in the second half once humour takes a backseat. The twist involving the villain is just about okay and makes VIBE feel somewhat routine. The makers raise intriguing questions about how a suspicious individual could change her identity and gain access to a prominent tech company, whether an insider was involved, and whether there is a leak within the team. However, the film conveniently leaves these intriguing threads unresolved, making one wonder why they were introduced in the first place. Moreover, the films title and overall tone are such that it is likely to appeal primarily to urban audiences. Vibe Movie Review Performances: Kunal Kemmu is great not just as a writer-director but also as an actor. Playing such goofy roles comes naturally to him and even in VIBE, he essays it with full conviction. Many scenes turn funnier than what was written on paper because of his act. Preity G Zinta looks stunning and performance-wise, shes first-rate. Her action scene is memorable. Sparsh Srivastava shines and ensures that he doesnt get dominated by Kunal and Preity. He also gets to show his acting and humour prowess effectively and makes good use of it. Vanshika Dhir is not merely eye candy and has a crucial role. Performance-wise, shes satisfactory. Dinesh Lal Yadav aka Nirahua (Bansi) and Yashpal Sharma (Rawal) are very convincing and also entertaining. Salem Kali (Abid) is just okay, while Mark Bennington leaves a mark. Rajesh Krishnan (Bug's Boss) is funny. Uorfi Javed (Chanchal Screwvala) and Aaditya Kulshreshth aka Kullu (Hardik's colleague) do well in cameo appearances. Vibe movie music and other technical aspects: Amit Trviedi's music is just okay. 'Raaton Mein Aana' is memorable for its whistle theme and picturization. This is followed by 'Aisi Meri Vibe', 'Rafta Rafta' and 'Sipahi Ek'. John Stewart Eduri's background score is in sync with the films happenings. Kaushal Shah's cinematography is neat. Prachi Deshpande's production design is classy, while Rick Roy's costumes are glamorous. Parvez Shaikh's action and Brahm Chab's stunt design are devoid of gore and entertaining. But it could have been better. Anand Subaya and Sanjay Shrirang Ingle's editing is functional. Vibe Movie Review Conclusion: On the whole, VIBE works due to Kunal Kemmus strong command over humour, several hilarious one-liners and entertaining performances. Though the film loses steam in the second half and the villain track feels routine, it has enough madcap moments to keep viewers amused. At the box office, its urban appeal and youth-friendly humour should help it find its target audience.
Borosil Renewables pilots rooftop solar projects, targets 100 crore revenue
Borosil Renewables aims to capitalise on the governments goal to solarise 10 million households by next March, using its solar glass production capabilities to offer comprehensive rooftop solar solutions to consumers.
From Hangzhou high to Nagoya test: India eyes another sporting leap at Asiad
India's athletes face a significant challenge at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya. The nation aims to showcase its growing sporting depth and future global aspirations. Track-and-field athletes and shooters lead the charge with strong medal hopes. Cricket, badminton, and hockey also present opportunities for success. These games serve as a crucial step towards India's long-term sporting goals.
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 18 (IANS) As Prime Minister Modi completes 25 years in public service, there has certainly been a significant change, not only in the Indian economy but also in the growing wealth of India and Indians, New Zealand's Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, said on Friday. Speaking to IANS, McClay said that PM Modi's focus on education for people, building more universities every year than anyone else in the world, and, of course, the great investment in infrastructure is quite significant. Of course, Prime Minister Modi has said he wants to increase the earnings of farmers and growers by 50 per cent by 2035. I think we're joining him in that mission, he mentioned. McClay further said that there's a lot of advanced technology and innovation that we use in New Zealand that we will want to bring and work with India on to help increase the earnings of farmers in India, just as we have in New Zealand. PM Modi completes 25 uninterrupted years in public office on October 7. Under his leadership, India is rapidly moving on the path of development to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047. McClay further said that his country has had negotiations and discussions and signed agreements previously with India in many areas, and now in trade as well. Energy security is extremely important, and particularly around renewable energy, there will be a lot that we can do together. Of course, there's more to the relationship now. We've signed cooperation agreements around security. Our military forces will do things together constructively and so on, McClay told IANS. The India-New Zealand trade agreement is only the start of the effort, focus and investment that the New Zealand government wants to make in our relationship with India, he added. He further said that we have our election coming up in New Zealand. Once that's finished, then it's my hope to be able to visit India before the end of the year.
India, Bhutan review bilateral ties, hail progress in development cooperation
Digital Desk | New Delhi/Thimphu, Sep 18 (IANS) India and Bhutan reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation as well as other regional and international issues of mutual importance during External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar's three-day official visit to the Himalayan nation from September 16-18. EAM Jaishankar paid an official visit to Bhutan at the invitation of Bhutanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel. In a joint statement issued on Friday, the two sides welcomed the progress made in strengthening the special and multi-faceted India-Bhutan partnership under the guidance of Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They also commended the progress made in bilateral development cooperation. The EAM reaffirmed Indias support for Bhutans developmental goals and priorities, while Bhutan appreciated support from India for wide-ranging programmes under its 13th Five Year Plan (2024-29). EAM Jaishankar and his Bhutanese counterpart Dhungyel expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership of March 2024, and recalled the recent strides in energy cooperation, including the inauguration of the 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (HEP) and signing of its Tariff Protocol, and the resumption of dam construction of 1200 MW Punatsangchhu-I HEP. They welcomed the signing of the Agreement on concessional Line of Credit of INR 4000 crores for energy projects in Bhutan. They also welcomed the active engagement of Indian companies in hydropower projects in Bhutan, adding dynamism to the existing energy cooperation, the statement noted. EAM reaffirmed the Government of Indias support for the Bhutan Kings vision for the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). The two sides acknowledged the interaction through the Joint Working Group on GMC and agreed to continue efforts to develop collaboration on GMC-related issues. The Indian side reaffirmed its commitment to establish an Immigration Check Post at Hatisar (Assam) to facilitate easy movement of investors and visitors to Gelephu as announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modis State Visit to Bhutan in November 2025. Bhutanese side thanked the Government of India for the decision to establish a special temporary immigration facility at Hatisar (Assam) across Gelephu to facilitate entry/exit of third-country nationals for Project 108 Chortens/Stupas on 01 November 2026, the statement mentioned. India thanked Bhutan for its support to Indias candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028 - 2029 term. The Indian side also welcomed the ratification of the Framework Agreement of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) by Bhutan. Both the ministers also exchanged views on regional and global developments, and recognized the significance of close bilateral ties amid the complex international environment. India and Bhutan share an exemplary partnership characterised by trust, goodwill and mutual understanding at all levels and close people-to-people contacts. The visit was in line with the longstanding tradition of close engagement and cooperation between the two countries, the statement noted.
'We've Been Benchmarked, Tested, Theres Nowhere To Hide,' Admits Afghan Coach Pybus
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Afghanistan head coach Richard Pybus said his side had been benchmarked and tested by India in their 3-0 T20I series loss to the heavyweights and admitted there was nowhere to hide for them after being bowled out for 94 in the third T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Afghanistan had a long gap since playing their last T20 World Cup group stage game in February, and the defeat to India has exposed exactly where they currently stand right now in terms of the shortest format. We've got a lot to work on. I think I said the other day this is our first T20 series since the World Cup. That's a really long break. Some of these guys have just come back into the squad for the first time since then. We've been benchmarked, tested and we can see where our deficits are. Now we need to go to work. We were poor. We were pleased to start off with winning the toss and getting an opportunity to chase. Our first 10 overs with the ball - our control wasn't good enough and Abhishek and Sanju batted beautifully up front. I was really pleased with the way we came back from 10 to 20 overs. I thought our fight back was phenomenal, skills and intent in the field was much better, Pybus said in the post-match press conference. Though Afghanistan gave away 79 runs from the last 60 balls in Indias innings, after Abhishek Sharma blew them to hit 108 and rack up 100 runs in power-play, Pybus was still left ruing the inconsistency with the ball. I thought we were brilliant in the field in those back 10 overs. Rashid led that. He was superb. With the batting, you're chasing 220. The intent is to go and chase it down. You have got scoreboard pressure and go at 11 runs and over. There's nowhere to hide. If you come up short, it's no good scoring 150 and being behind the rate. We've got to execute our game plan. We didn't deliver. I thought that up front with Ibrahim and Gurbaz, we were much better in terms of our intent. We brought our game to the Indian opening bowlers, but we couldn't hold that consistency. Afghanistan's batting hadnt stepped up to the enormous talent they have in the first two T20Is. In the third T20I, after making 31 runs in the first three overs, it did not qualify as a performance at all. That slide, coupled with scoreboard pressure, led to Afghanistan finishing six short of the three-figure mark, and 14 fewer than Abhisheks 108. Pybus stated the problem was execution under pressure, not the batting order. I don't think it's much of the batting order, it's the execution. Ibrahim and Gurbaz at the top of the order are an established pair. Again I thought our intent was much better. I thought we were too passive in the last game. I thought we let India bowl to us. So I was happier with the way that we took on the Indian attack. Again it comes back to execution under pressure and you're chasing 220, you've just got to keep on going. So there are areas for all of our players to improve and a little bit like with the bowling, against an attack as good as India's, you're facing Jasprit and Axar - these are absolutely world-class operators and you've got to be very clear in your game plans. So we've got work to do and really to come here and play in India against the best T20 side in the world and understand what it's like to play under pressure - this isn't league cricket, it isn't international cricket against lower-ranked sides. This is the ultimate examination. So we can see very clearly what we've got to work on. His bowlers, as per Pybus, had discovered how small the margins are against India's openers on flat pitches. We're bowling to some really fine opening batters on fantastic surfaces. The reality is with players like this on these surfaces, you can get hit off your length. You can get hit off the top of your bounce. They're superb at it. The other side of that is that we need to be much, much better. Our control, our disciplines. On wickets like this, your length is about 12 inches. On one side of the length, you're getting pulled. The other side of the length, you're getting driven. It's an opportunity for our cricketers, particularly for our bowlers, to understand the skill levels you need to have to be able to control the game. Until you have an experience like this, you don't know what it is, really. When you've got the guys who are hitting you as a spin bowler, as we saw in the last game with Rash and Nabi, where literally you miss your length by six inches, it's gone back over your head off the back foot for six. It's a proper challenge. But again, until you actually have this experience, you don't know what it is. With the 2028 T20 World Cup in view, Pybus felt any mental hold big teams like India have over Afghanistan would have to be broken one step at a time. If there is an issue with a side where the opposition have got the wood over you, when you work through that, you do it stage by stage. You're conditioning and got to get your skills right. Off the back of improving your skills, then your strategy improves. Until you get your skills to world-class level, you really don't have a strategy and then once we get our strategy right, then we've got to execute under pressure. It's fine when you're playing lower-ranked sides and maybe you can beat them on skill. But to come to India, historically it's been one of the great challenges in world cricket. I don't think it's any different for Afghanistan. You're playing against players who are grounded in their game here with a volume of games in the IPL, and they're unbelievable playing on these surfaces. But again, if you want to go in the T20 format, if we want to be able to go to the World Cup in 2028 and to be looking to have a game which is going to take us to get into the last rounds and then be there to fight through those stages, we've got to deal with it. But it really is - when you have those psychological issues, you've got to do it step by step. Again, when you come here, it's the ultimate challenge. You've got to be up for it. But you've also got to have the skills and the strategy to be able to deliver. When sides are evolving, when you are putting your calendar together, you need a mixture of opponents, and this is the best opponent we can have for us to work out exactly where we're at. I think the boys are bitterly disappointed, obviously here in particular and I think there will be some serious reflection, really and then it's up to myself and the coaching staff to get busy with them, he explained. Pybus also gave an update on pacer Naveen-ul-Haq, who sat out of all three games due to a shoulder niggle. Naveen irritated his shoulder in training. We've had him here to be able to gauge where he's at in his comeback. He got some decent bowling early on. When we were here before we started coming into these three matches, the good news is the irritation has got nothing to do with his old injury. I think the boys are bitterly disappointed, obviously here in particular and I think there will be some serious reflection, really and then it's up to myself and the coaching staff to get busy with them, he explained. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories He's got some really fantastic support staff around him who are hugely experienced. Our goal is to get him back to his best and we don't want to rush that. I know he's absolutely desperate to play and I know he's disappointed he couldn't play, but we want to get him 100 percent ready so he can play at his best. Article Source: IANS
BLACKPINKs Lisas backup career plan was a Disneyland performer as princess
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 18 (IANS) K-pop girl group BLACKPINK member and Thai singer Lisa revealed she had a couple of backup career options in case her singing career did not work out, including performing at Disneyland. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the K-pop icon said she could have become a dance teacher or worked as a Disneyland performer dressed as a princess. A clip shared on Instagram by the show was captioned: If her singing career didnt work out, @lalalalisa_ms backup jobs were to be a dance teacher or a @disneyland performer #FallonTonight #LISAonFallon In the video, Fallon asked: Was there ever a backup plan for you or you just knew that you'd get to this point and this is what you wanted to do, that you just want to be a singer? Was that always your goal? To which, Lisa replied: I think so or maybe my B plan was a plan B was a dance teacher or maybe work as a performer at Disneyland. Like a princess costume. Yeah, I love doing it. Lisas latest song SaWaDiKa has been released. A few weeks ago, she expressed her gratitude and said that the whole village helped her bring her track to life. Sharing a heartfelt note on Instagram, Lisa thanked the team across Thailand, Korea and Los Angeles. Lisa wrote: Its been one day since SaWaDiKa is released to the world!! From Thailand to Korea to LA, it took a whole village to bring this to life, so a huge Thank you to every single person that was involved. She released SaWaDiKa on September 4, as a pre-release single from her upcoming EP Press Play. One of K-Pops most followed artists on Instagram, Lisa rose to prominence as a member of the South Korean girl group Blackpink, which debuted in August 2016 and became one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.
Prithvi Shaw announce splits with fiancee Akriti Agarwal
Just six months after announcing their engagement, India batter Shaws fiancee Agarwal says the couple have mutually decided to part ways due to differing goals
Cant accept the manner of our loss Carrick after Brighton defeat
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick fumes after Red Devils let two-goal lead slip in shock 2-3 defeat to Brighton in third round
Diaz out as Colombia unveil new-look squad
Digital Desk | Bogota, Sep 18 (IANS) Birmingham City midfielder Jhon Solis and Zenit St. Petersburg defender Kevin Andrade were among 11 uncapped players named in Colombia's squad on Thursday for friendlies against Mexico, Paraguay and Peru in the United States. Other newcomers included goalkeeper Aldair Quintana, defender Roger Caicedo, midfielder Daniel Arcila and forward Camilo Duran. Manager Nestor Lorenzo called up two players from local club Atletico Nacional: left-back Samuel Velasquez and midfielder Juan Manuel Rengifo. Nobody is always in, nor permanently out, Lorenzo told a news conference in Bogota. Whether they are young or old, everyone who has been part of this process knows they have to compete, and that anyone can come in or drop out of the squad. Absent from the 26-man squad were Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz and former captain James Rodriguez, who announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday, reports Xinhua. In the case of Luis Diaz, we mutually agreed that he should rest during this window, Lorenzo said. It also allows us to test young talent and give them valuable experience. The Cafeteros will play Mexico in Baltimore on September 26, Paraguay in New Jersey on October 2 and Peru in Miami on October 6. The matches will mark the team's first outings since a penalty shootout loss to Switzerland in the World Cup round of 16 in July. Lorenzo paid tribute to Rodriguez, who is Colombia's most capped player with 131 international appearances and its second-highest scorer with 31 goals. I didn't intervene in his decision [to retire], Lorenzo said. I listened to him and respected his timeline. I had known since the match against Switzerland, and I respected his decision regarding how and when to announce it. James has given an enormous amount to the national team. He was a cornerstone of our project. We must thank him for everything he did and hope that the shirt continues to shine. FIFA's extended international window, which combines the previously separate September and October dates, allows teams to play up to four fixtures over a 16-day period. Lorenzo has said that he will use the friendlies to test new players ahead of South America's 2030 World Cup qualifiers.
Teenager Floyd Samba's Stunning Debut For Manchester City!
Seventeen-year-old English midfielder Floyd Samba made a sensational senior debut for Manchester City, scoring two goals and earning the man of the match award in their 5-0 League Cup victory over Norwich City.
West Bengal needs 7.25% annual growth to achieve 5X economy by 2047: ORF report
A report details West Bengal's path to a fivefold economy by 2047. It identifies growth gaps and proposes six pillars for development. The state budget aligns with productivity and capital formation goals. Investment incentives and single window clearance aim to boost realization. Infrastructure and federal alignment are key steps for future growth.
New JK United FC beat Aqua Kashmir Avengers 21
Srinagar, Sep 17: New JK United FC secured a hard-fought 21 victory over Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC in the Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2, strengthening their position in the league standings and securing qualification for the next round. The encounter produced an engaging contest, with both sides displaying attacking intent and determination. New JK United FC managed to find the decisive goals to take all three points, while Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC fought until the final whistle but could not overturn the deficit. Following the completion of the league-stage fixtures, Athwas Hyundai XI FC finished as the league toppers, with New JK United FC securing second place and Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC finishing third. All three teams have qualified for the next round of the Kashmir Super League Season 2, setting up an exciting phase of the competition. The KSL-26 has continued to provide a competitive platform for football clubs and players from across the region, with fans witnessing closely contested matches throughout the season. The Kashmir Super League Season 2 is being organized with the aim of promoting football, developing local talent and providing players with greater opportunities to compete at a high level.
CS calls for year-wise craft export strategy till 2030
Srinagar, Sep 17: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a meeting to review the newly framed Action Plan for Promotion of Export of Handicrafts and Handloom Products, aimed at scaling up the Union Territorys textile and apparel exports from the present base of 800 crore to 2,000 crore by 2030. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce; Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir/Jammu; Managing Director, J&K Handicrafts (S&E) Corporation; Director, Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT); representatives from NIFT and other concerned officers. The Chief Secretary stressed the need for a thorough analysis of the sectors strengths, competitive advantages and challenges before finalising the implementation framework. He also directed the Department to identify challenges for immediate resolution and dovetail your competitive advantages for boosting exports of high value craft products. He called for a year-wise strategy up to 2030, with clearly defined targets, measurable milestones and timelines to ensure systematic progress towards the export goal. Dulloo also directed the department to prepare a comprehensive plan focusing on capacity building, infrastructure upgradation, establishment of clusters and effective organisation of artisans and craftsmen. He also advised the formulation of a detailed blueprint to leverage incentives and schemes of the Government of India, while designing suitable UT-specific interventions to achieve the objectives in a time-bound manner. Emphasising the importance of sound planning, the Chief Secretary observed that the assessments and projections underlying the Action Plan should be scientific, evidence-based and founded on robust data, as the quality of these assessments would directly influence the outcomes. On this occasion the Commissioner Secretary, I&C, Vikramjit Singh highlighted the outline of the strategic framework developed by the Department for the period 20262030 which seeks to align the national export vision with coordinated UT- and district-level interventions. The Commissioner Secretary also underscored the Jammu and Kashmirs improved trade readiness, noting that the UT had risen from 36th position in 2020 to 2nd position in 2024 in the national Export Preparedness Index among Small States, North-Eastern States and Union Territories. He further added that the proposed framework comprises the State Export Action Plan (SEAP) and District Export Action Plans (DEAPs), with interventions tailored to the competitive strengths of individual districts. The Action Plan as elucidated by the Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam envisages substantial expansion of the export ecosystem by 2030, with the active registered exporter base targeted to increase to 15,000, against the present 269 active RCMC exporters and a potential pipeline of around 1,000 users. It further aims to ensure 100 per cent GI-QR tagging of exports for enhanced authenticity and traceability, promote 100 crore in e-commerce exports through focused digital onboarding and market-access interventions, and raise Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilisation to over 50 per cent, from the current level of below 20 per cent. The department also presented a phased implementation framework comprising immediate, medium-term and long-term interventions. Immediate priorities over the next 02 years include scaling up the Artisan Credit Card, establishing Export Textile Planning Cells under Tex-RAMPS and launching the unified Soulful J&K GI branding campaign. Additionally, the Medium-term interventions over 24 years include introducing ESG and EUDR compliance certifications for more than 100 manufacturing units and establishing raw material banks to strengthen the production and export ecosystem. Moreover, the Action Plan proposes to leverage the benefits of key Central Government schemes of the Ministry of Textiles, including the Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) and SAMARTH, the scheme for capacity building in the textile sector. It also envisages utilising the J&K Export Subsidy Scheme, 2021, under which eligible exporters are entitled to an export subsidy of 10 per cent, subject to a maximum of 5 crore per exporter, to strengthen the competitiveness of local products in international markets. Concluding the meeting, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of sustained institutional coordination, robust monitoring and effective implementation of the Action Plan to strengthen Jammu and Kashmirs export ecosystem, enhance the global reach of its traditional crafts and secure sustainable livelihoods for its approximately 4.50 lakh artisans and craftsmen.
PM Modis 25 years in public life marked by welfare for poor, foundation for Indias growth: Amit Shah
Vadnagar, Sep 17: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modis 25 years in public life should be seen as a period of welfare for the poor and foundation-laying for Indias prosperity. He was speaking after inaugurating the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan in Vadnagar and flagging off a bike rally to Varanasi to mark Modis birthday. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde were also present. Born on September 17, 1950, in Vadnagar in Gujarats Mehsana district, Modi turned 76 on Thursday. He completes 25 uninterrupted years in public office on October 7, having first taken the oath as Gujarat chief minister in 2001 before becoming prime minister in 2014. Addressing a gathering, Shah said the 25 years of Modis public life will have to be written in golden letters in history as the years of poor welfare. He said the period under Modis leadership had laid the foundation for Indias prosperity, made the country more secure and started the process of making India a global leader in infrastructure and digital public infrastructure. Shah said Modis tenure as PM would be remembered as a period of welfare for poor people and claimed that 25 crore people had been lifted out of poverty during this period. He said generations of people had waited for basic necessities such as houses, toilets, tap water, electricity, food and medical treatment. His 12-year tenure as prime minister will be known as a golden era for the 80 crore poor people of the country, Shah said, listing houses, electricity, tap water, five kg of free grain per person per month, health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh, toilets and gas cylinders among the benefits delivered by the Modi government. Shah said Modi had personally experienced poverty after being born in a poor village and had, despite his circumstances, put before the country a vision of equitable and inclusive development. He said Modis 25-year public life was also marked by sustained personal work and service to the poor, backward classes, Dalits and tribals. Shah said he had worked with Modi during his organisational years in Gujarat and later when he became the CM and PM. The Union minister also praised Modis simplicity and said he had connected BJP workers across the country with the Nation First slogan. He said Modi had treated the entire country as his family. Referring to Modis years as Gujarat CM, Shah listed initiatives including water management, the Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana, Sagarkhedu Kalyan Yojana, industrial development, Vibrant Gujarat, an education hub and 24-hour electricity supply to villages. He said the state recorded an agricultural growth of more than eight per cent when Modi was the CM. The Gujarat model was subsequently taken to the national level after Modi took charge of the nation in 2014, he said. Shah credited the Modi government with introducing what he described as clear policies after a period of policy paralysis and cited GST, the JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) trinity, Direct Benefit Transfer, banking reforms, FDI and PLI (Production Linked Incentive) as measures that had contributed to economic development. He also referred to expansion of roads, railways, airports, ports and digital infrastructure, saying the number of airports in the country had increased from 75 to 150. He mentioned PM Gati Shakti, Digital India and Startup India as initiatives that had opened opportunities for the youth. On national security, Shah cited the governments decisions on Article 370, the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, peace accords in the Northeast and military operations. He also referred to measures relating to women, tribal welfare, defence production and space programmes, including Chandrayaan and Aditya L1. Shah said Modis public life could be summed up in two words -- India First. Earlier, CM Patel said the bike rally from Vadnagar to Varanasi was not merely a journey but a pledge-driven mission dedicated to serving the nation. He said Vadnagars soil had inspired Modi with patriotism, simplicity and a spirit of service and that his 25 years of public life had contributed to the countrys transformation. Patel said India had emerged as a major opportunity for youth and highlighted developments in digital payments, space technology, artificial intelligence and semiconductors. He said the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan should take Modis message of public service to every household and called for building a Viksit Gujarat as part of the vision of a Viksit Bharat. A simultaneous rally was flagged off from Varanasi, PMs Lok Sabha constituency, with the two journeys planned to conclude on October 7, the day Modi completes 25 years as CM of Gujarat and Indias PM. According to the BJP, the two rallies will together cover about 40,000 km through 193 districts and around 1,159 villages across 10 states. Around 1,000 youths will participate, it said. At Vadnagar, Shah, Patel and other leaders first performed Maha-aarti at Sharmishtha Lake and then walked to the ancient Hatkeshwar temple of Lord Shiva. Shah prayed for Modis long life and good health before flagging off the rally, said officials. Shah said the BJP and its allies had launched the campaign to take the message of Modis 25 years of public service to people across the country and inspire younger generations to work towards the goal of a developed India by 2047.
New JK United FC beat Aqua Kashmir Avengers 2-1
Srinagar, Sep 17: New JK United FC secured a hard-fought 21 victory over Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC in the Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2, strengthening their position in the league standings and securing qualification for the next round. As per a statement, the encounter produced an engaging contest, with both sides displaying attacking intent and determination. New JK United FC managed to find the decisive goals to take all three points, while Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC fought until the final whistle but could not overturn the deficit. Following the completion of the league-stage fixtures, Athwas Hyundai XI FC finished as the league toppers, with New JK United FC securing second place and Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC finishing third. All three teams have qualified for the next round of the Kashmir Super League Season 2, setting up an exciting phase of the competition. The KSL-26 has continued to provide a competitive platform for football clubs and players from across the region, with fans witnessing closely contested matches throughout the season. The Kashmir Super League Season 2 is being organised with the aim of promoting football, developing local talent and providing players with greater opportunities to compete at a high level.
AAPs Newly Formed PAC Holds First Meeting to Strategize for Upcoming Elections
AAPs Political Affairs Committee met to discuss strategies for upcoming elections in Punjab, Goa, and Gujarat, emphasizing organizational strength. AAPs Newly Formed PAC Holds First Meeting to Strategize for Upcoming Elections
Scorpio Daily Horoscope for September 18, 2026
You are likely to be in a more serious frame of mind. The practical issues of life are going to demand your attention today. But you are full of faith and optimism and are ready to take chances at the deepest emotional levels. Someone near to you will exhibit concerns regarding your aims and goals. Take the time to explain the situation to them. Read full Scorpio horoscope
Microfluidic device simulates human tissue and offers an alternative to animal testing
Researchers at the Brazilian Center for Research in Energy and Materials (CNPEM) have developed microfluidic technology that can grow cells in three dimensions (3D). The goal is to conduct toxicity tests on new products by more accurately simulating living organisms.
From New Delhi to Africa: BRICS Declaration and Emerging Architecture of Global South
The New Delhi Declaration issued after the 18th BRICS Summit has set the stage for India to achieve a diplomatic victory in the BRICS format. At the September 12-13, 2026 summit in New Delhi, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the three pillars of the expanded BRICS grouping: political and security cooperation; economic and financial cooperation; and cultural and people-to-people ties. The core of this statement reaches beyond economic cooperation. It highlights issues like reform of global governance, trade in the Global South, technology, digital public infrastructure, development finance, food and energy security and, as in the G20, the growing role of African countries. While BRICS was initially set up to promote economic cooperation between emerging economies, it is very clear from the New Delhi Declaration that its agenda has grown significantly since then. The declaration underlines in particular the necessity of a more representative and fair international order, the reform of multilateralism and the role of the Global South. It also says that multipolarity allows developing countries to develop their creative potential and participate in a more inclusive global economic system. Such a transition is especially crucial for India, which has always promoted BRICS as a platform for development and reform of global governance, not a military or ideological bloc. The Most Significant Shift in the New Delhi Declaration: An Institutional Agenda for the Global South The declaration puts the Global South not only as a political slogan but as a basis for more effective participation in global governance. It demands reform of the United Nations Security Council and more representation of the developing nations. It also explicitly recognises the aspirations of African countries, with reference to the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. India has long wanted a bigger role in the Security Council. The African Union has also made the case for permanent representation for African countries. The New Delhi Declaration weaves both these perspectives into a wider reform agenda for the Global South. It is precisely here that the India-Africa partnership gains new strategic salience within the framework of BRICS. Following the expansion of BRICS, the New Delhi Declaration will strive to engage more actively with developing countries and Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDCs) on a more inclusive and developmental partnership. For example, the New Delhi Declaration states its welcome to the increase in the number of ICAO Council seats for under-represented regions such as Africa and the Asia Pacific, and the candidature of Ethiopia. Moreover, the New Delhi Declaration specifies that the agenda of BRICS for Africa is not only about trade and investment but also about global representation and reform, and development-related initiatives. Turning India-Africa Relations on Their Heads at the BRICS Summit India and Africa already cooperate on trade, education, health, agriculture, capacity-building, and development partnerships. The key element of the New Delhi Declaration is that it promotes the opportunity to engage these sectors within the multilateral framework of BRICS. The New Delhi Declaration focuses explicitly on fostering high-value manufacturing, technical cooperation, production capacity, and technology transfer. It suggests that it is time for India-Africa economic engagement to move from rade in goods to a partnership in technology, manufacturing, and value chains. This is critical to African economies as local production capacity, technology transfer, and skill development are the cornerstone of their economic transformation. The New Delhi Declaration emphasises the importance of cooperation in the field of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). It calls upon member nations to collaborate on a BRICS DPI repository and DPI-based pilot projects. The digital infrastructure experience of India, including its digital ID, digital payments, and digital public platforms, will offer enormous opportunities for African nations. However, the goal of India-Africa digital cooperation should not be to simply expand the reach of Indian technology but to build capacities, interoperability, affordability, and local innovation. If this vision becomes a reality, digital cooperation would become the next pillar of engagement between India and Africa. New Delhi Declaration lays particular emphasis on cooperation in the area of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). It calls for cooperation among member nations on a BRICS DPI repository and DPI-based pilot projects. Indias digital experience in digital identity, digital payments and public digital platforms could offer significant opportunities for African nations. However, the goals of India-Africa digital cooperation should not just be an extension of Indian technology but be grounded in capacity building, interoperability, affordability and local innovation. If it manages to do this, digital cooperation could become the next big pillar of India-Africa relations. New Delhi Declaration has institutionalised health cooperation. It has highlighted initiatives like the BRICS Training Hub Network and Centres of Excellence, including Bengaluru-based NIMHANS, which focuses on mental health collaboration. This is of great significance to African nations. This is because there are significant opportunities to align Indias pharmaceutical and healthcare capabilities with the healthcare infrastructure and human resource needs of African nations. Consequently, the India-Africa health partnership can go beyond generic medicines to include medical education, telemedicine, health technology and capacity building. Discussions in BRICS often revolve around the dollar and alternatives to the currency system. However, it would be wrong to see the New Delhi Declaration solely as a de-dollarisation document. More importantly, it seeks cooperation on cross-border payments, use of local currencies and a more robust financial architecture, enabling BRICS members to adopt alternative methods that cut payment costs and mitigate risks from external financial shocks. This is particularly beneficial for India and Africa, as it opens up possibilities for lowering transaction costs and dealing with currency-related issues in bilateral trade. Ultimately, what the New Delhi Declaration highlights is that BRICS has been able to create a joint document amidst complex international imbalances. So, the success of BRICS beyond 2026 will depend not on the number of declarations made but on their implementation. However, efforts have been made to pave a smoother path ahead for India and Africa; the New Delhi Declaration has outlined at least five key areas of engagement: first, global governance: coordination for greater representation in the UNSC and global financial institutions; second, digital partnership: cooperation on DPI, AI, fintech and digital skills; third, development finance: funding for infrastructure, energy and sustainable development; fourth, technology manufacturing: technology transfer, productive capacity and value-chain integration; and fifth, human development: health, education, skills, youth and women-led entrepreneurship. If there are tangible project-level changes announced in all these areas, the African dimension of BRICS could become even more substantive for Indias relations with Africa. Following significant developments within BRICS, the New Delhi Declaration clarified that the group has not simply created a new geopolitical bloc overnight. The real change is in the fact that BRICS have expanded its scope beyond economic cooperation to include global governance, development, technology, financial resilience and representation for the Global South. For India, this move did not just make Africa a part of the BRICS expansion narrative but created an opportunity to tie up the continent with the agenda of institutional reform in the Global South. If BRICS drives tangible progress for African nations, balancing development finance, technology, energy, health, agriculture and employment with global representation, it could greatly strengthen the blocs impact. The New Delhi Declaration, therefore, is not an end in itself but the beginning of the next phase. The crucial question is not what BRICS has announced but rather how swiftly and effectively the New Delhi Declaration translates into tangible policy outcomes for India, Africa and the wider Global South. (The author is an Assistant Professor, Satyawati College (Evening) & PhD, Department of African Studies, University of Delhi, India)
Four goat traders robbed of 4 lakh on Knp-Aligarh highway
3rd T20I: It All Depends On The Process I've Been Doing Before Every Series, Says Abhishek
Arun Jaitley Stadium: Dynamic opener Abhishek Sharma, who lit up the third T20I against Afghanistan by hitting a breath-taking 108 off just 34 balls at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, believes his explosive form at the top of the order is a direct result of meticulous, bowler-specific preparation, while adding that one or two bad series will not alter the team's aggressive batting template. Abhishek, who now holds the record for the fastest mens T20I fifty by an Indian batter and the quickest ton by a batter from a Full Member nation, was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series in Indias 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan, coming via a thumping 127-run triumph. I feel it all depends on the process I've been doing before every series. It's just, it's very particular for me against whom I'm gonna play and who are gonna be the bowlers. So for personally me as a batter, it's always been about the process: how I'm gonna utilise the power play, who is gonna bowl me the power play, and then the seventh, eighth over. It's very specific for me, Abhishek said in the post-match presentation ceremony. Dismissing concerns over occasional failures, Abhishek stated that the squad remains united in its long-term goal of dominating opponents across all conditions. I mean, I've told in the first interview as well, because we have been doing this for the last two years, and I told this before as well, one or two bad series won't define us as a batting department, because we wanted to dominate throughout the whole year before the World Cup, and no matter who, against whom we are playing. But I feel as a batter, as a cricketer, sometimes it's gonna go up and down. But it's the team dressing room momentum and the way we all think about it. I feel that's very important, because that's the time we have to be in one unit and just focus on the next game and just keep on dominating, he added. Crediting the Indian team management for providing clarity and freedom, Abhishek further spoke about the importance of clear communication from the team leadership in consistently executing a high-risk playing style. I feel once you want to play in this certain way, it's very important that the captain and the coach has to be on your side, because, I mean, you have to get that surety from the management and from the coaches and from the captain as well. So I feel it's because of them as well we've been doing this from, like, quite a few years now, and hopefully we're gonna continue this as well, he noted. On his ability to score all around the park, something which has been on display in the series, Abhishek reiterated his seeing and hitting strategy. I feel it's, for me, I feel I don't want to restrict any area. It's just watch the ball and play according to it. For me it's very simple, from day one. I just want to go and express myself, and I don't want to force the ball. It's just I just want to see and hit it, and it's gonna be very simple for me for the upcoming every matches as well. On his ability to score all around the park, something which has been on display in the series, Abhishek reiterated his seeing and hitting strategy. I feel it's, for me, I feel I don't want to restrict any area. It's just watch the ball and play according to it. For me it's very simple, from day one. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Abhishek also shared a light moment during the presentation, acknowledging a fan in the stands: Happy birthday to whoever is there (in the crowd). Article Source: IANS
Prithvi Shaw-Akriti Agarwal Call Off Engagement
Indian cricketer Prithvi Shaw and his fiance Akriti Agarwal have announced their separation just months after their engagement, citing 'different goals and circumstances' for their future.
Premier League Matchweek 5: Haaland, Liverpool, Arsenal and more headline key storylines
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) The 2026/27 Premier League season is only four rounds old, but Matchweek 5 already offers several intriguing statistical narratives. Manchester City are chasing a fifth straight victory, Arsenal are attempting to extend their winning run to 10 league matches, while Liverpool head into their meeting with Bournemouth looking to turn a run of draws into victories. Elsewhere, Bournemouth's extraordinary draw record in 2026 and Erling Haaland's unusual scoring record against Sunderland provide two of the weekend's standout talking points. Brentford v Chelsea Brentford are still searching for their first Premier League home win over Chelsea, having drawn four of their previous five meetings at the Gtech Community Stadium. Ten of Brentford's last 14 league matches have also ended in draws, while they are unbeaten in their last six. Chelsea, meanwhile, have won only one of their last six away league matches. Their opening five games have produced 19 goals, more than those of any other side. The set-piece numbers could prove significant, with Brentford recording 2.34 set-piece xG excluding penalties, the second-highest figure in the division. Chelsea have conceded 1.57 set-piece xG. Joo Pedro leads the league for goal involvements with six, including three goals and three assists. Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa Tottenham and Aston Villa have not played out a draw in their last 22 Premier League meetings, with Spurs winning 15 and Villa seven. Villa have won four of their last six league visits to Tottenham, despite winning only three of their previous 21 trips. Spurs, meanwhile, have opened the campaign with consecutive 0-0 draws, as many goalless draws in their last two matches as in their previous 181 league games. Villa are still without a victory this season, matching only three previous five-game winless starts in their top-flight history. Tottenham also have three players ,Mathys Tel, Omar Marmoush and Svio ,among the six league players with at least nine completed take-ons. Svio became the first player this season to complete four take-ons and create four open-play chances in the same match against Everton. Brighton v Arsenal Arsenal arrive at the Amex on a nine-match Premier League winning streak, conceding only twice during that run. Victory would take them to 10 consecutive league wins, a feat they have achieved only on a handful of occasions in their Premier League history. Brighton have scored 13 goals so far, the most in the division, with nine coming in their two victories. They have also registered 41 high turnovers, another league-leading figure. Arsenal have conceded just 2.7 xG across their opening four matches, the lowest total in the division. Bukayo Saka has scored on each of his last three league visits to Brighton and has five goal involvements across six away appearances against the Seagulls. There is also a creative battle between Pascal Gro and Martin degaard. Gro has created 13 chances this season and degaard 12, while both have created 11 from open play. Everton v Ipswich Town Everton are unbeaten after four matches, their best start since 2021/22. They last went unbeaten through their opening five games in 2020/21. Ipswich have collected six points despite conceding 10 goals. They are only the third Premier League side to reach six points after conceding at least 10 in their first four matches. Jordan Pickford recorded his 100th Premier League clean sheet in the goalless draw against Tottenham, moving into an elite group alongside the likes of Ederson and Alisson. Ipswich forward Zian Flemming has scored 12 Premier League goals in 31 appearances, with a goal every 152 minutes across the last two seasons, a rate bettered by only three players with at least 10 goals in that period. Leeds United v Crystal Palace Leeds have collected eight points from their first four matches, their best start since 2001/02. A victory would give them their joint-best points tally after five games. Crystal Palace, however, have conceded at least twice in each of their last 10 Premier League matches. They have also faced the division's highest xG at 8.15, conceded 11 goals and allowed 164 opposition touches in their own box. Leeds forward Noah Okafor has seven goals and one assist in his last 11 league appearances, contributing a goal or assist every 79 minutes during that stretch. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored in each of his last five Premier League home appearances for Leeds. Another goal would make him only the second Leeds player to score in six consecutive home league appearances, following Mark Viduka's run between March and August 2003. Manchester City v Sunderland Manchester City have won all four matches so far and can begin a top-flight campaign with five consecutive victories. Their record at home against Sunderland is equally impressive: City are unbeaten in 14 previous Premier League meetings at home, winning 12 and drawing two. Sunderland, though, have scored in each of their last eight away league matches, matching their longest such run since 2015/16. Haaland arrives in form, having scored nine times in his last nine appearances. Yet Sunderland remain the only Premier League side he has faced without scoring against. Across two previous meetings, he has taken three shots worth 0.75 xG without finding the net. For City, Enzo Maresca can become only the sixth manager to win his first five Premier League matches in charge of a club. Newcastle United v Hull City Hull have never lost a Premier League away game at Newcastle, winning twice and drawing once across three previous visits to St James' Park. The newly promoted side are also seeking to become the first team to be promoted since Portsmouth in 2003/04 to remain unbeaten through their opening five matches. Newcastle have faced 76 shots, more than any other side, while only Crystal Palace have faced more xG. Despite that, they have scored seven times from just 3.9 xG, an overperformance of 3.1. Hull midfielder Mohamed Belloumi has two goals and an assist in his first four Premier League appearances. Newcastle's Lewis Hall has won possession 31 times, the most in the league, while his six completed dribbles are also the most among defenders. Nottingham Forest v Coventry City Coventry's return to the Premier League has begun with four defeats and no goals. Only Crystal Palace in 2017/18 endured a longer losing start without scoring, losing their first seven games. Forest have also struggled in front of their home supporters, failing to score in any of their three Premier League matches at the City Ground. They have never previously opened a league campaign without scoring in their first three home games. Morgan Gibbs-White has been one of the league's most productive players in 2026, contributing 13 goals and five assists. Only Bruno Fernandes has been involved in more Premier League goals during the calendar year. Coventry's Jack Rudoni has registered five shots and created eight chances without a goal contribution. Bournemouth v Liverpool Liverpool have dominated the historical head-to-head, winning 14 of 18 Premier League meetings with Bournemouth. All three Bournemouth victories have come at home. The Reds have scored in 17 of those 18 encounters and average three goals per game against the Cherries, their highest average against any opponent they have faced at least 10 times in the competition. Liverpool have drawn three of their first four matches, the first time they have done so since 2005/06. Bournemouth have an even more remarkable draw record in 2026. They have drawn 13 of their 23 league matches this calendar year, meaning 56.5% have ended level, the highest draw ratio recorded by a team in a single calendar year in English top-flight history. The Cherries have also led in all four league games this season without winning any. Marcus Tavernier has scored in four of his last five appearances, matching his combined total from his previous 24 matches. Fulham v Manchester United Manchester United have lost only once in their last 21 Premier League meetings with Fulham, winning 16 and drawing four. United have collected four points from their opening four games, matching their joint-lowest tally at this stage of a Premier League season. Their shot volume, however, has been high, with 84 attempts across the first four matchdays, the most in the division. Their 8.3 xG is second only to Brighton. Fulham have struggled for goals, failing to score in 10 Premier League matches during 2026, the most of any team. Marcus Rashford leads United for chances created with nine, while his 14 completed dribbles and 23 touches in the opposition box are also team-high figures. Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, has provided five assists in his last five Premier League appearances in London, adding another individual subplot to Sunday's fixture.
PM Modi expresses gratitude for birthday wishes, calls for collective effort towards Viksit Bharat
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming wishes, affection and blessings he received from people across the country and beyond on the occasion of his birthday. In a message shared on social media, the Prime Minister said every word of warmth had deeply touched him and given him renewed strength to continue serving the people of India. My heartfelt gratitude for the wishes, affection and blessings that have poured in from all across. Every word of warmth is deeply cherished and gives me renewed strength to serve our people, Prime Minister Modi posted. The Prime Minister also appreciated the efforts of countless citizens who participated in Seva activities throughout the day. He underlined that acts of selfless service form an integral part of the nations spirit and contribute to strengthening the social fabric. Highlighting the larger national goal, PM Modi urged citizens to work together in the journey towards a developed India. Let us together continue to build a Viksit Bharat, he said, reiterating the vision of a prosperous, inclusive and self-reliant nation by 2047. The message comes at a time when birthday celebrations of the Prime Minister are increasingly marked by large-scale voluntary initiatives rather than formal events. Across states, volunteers organised blood donation camps, cleanliness drives, tree plantation programmes, free medical check-ups and distribution of essential items to the needy. Many such activities were coordinated by local organisations, youth groups and party workers as a way of expressing solidarity with the Prime Ministers call for service. Political leaders, industrialists, artists and ordinary citizens from different walks of life extended greetings through messages and posts. Several state governments and public institutions also organised special programmes focusing on public welfare. Observers noted that the Prime Ministers emphasis on Seva and the shared goal of Viksit Bharat reflects a consistent theme in his public communicationlinking personal milestones with collective national aspirations. By acknowledging both the emotional support he received and the practical service rendered by citizens, PM Modi sought to reinforce the idea that nation-building is a continuous and participatory process. The post concluded on a note of optimism and unity, inviting every Indian to remain committed to the path of development and service. As the nation marks another year of his leadership, the Prime Ministers message once again placed the focus on peoples participation in shaping Indias future.
In 2019, New York restaurants were taking part in an unusual environmental effort: recycling discarded oyster shells for use in rebuilding New York Harbor's historic oyster reefs. The Billion Oyster Project was collecting shells, raising baby oysters and working with students and volunteers as part of its goal to restore 1 billion oysters by 2035.
PM Modi is like a university from which one can keep learning: CM Fadnavis
CM Fadnavis said PM Modi had taken India to new heights and expressed confidence that the Prime Minister would help realise the goal of Viksit Bharat, or developed India
The makers of Drishyam: The Conclusion have released the first song from the soundtrack, titled Vingansa, offering a musical preview of the tension and retribution at the core of Vijay Salgaonkars story. Arriving after a gripping trailer that reintroduced Ajay Devgn as Vijay and brought in Jaideep Ahlawat as SP Crime Branch Rajveer Singh Tomar, the song underscores the mounting pressure around Vijays long-guarded secret. The title Vingansa draws from the Portuguese word vingana, meaning revenge, and the composition leans into that emotion with a dark, brooding soundscape. The track is built around themes of anger and confrontation, suggesting a world where old wounds remain raw and vengeance now runs parallel to the pursuit of truth. Composer Ravi Basrur said, With 'Vingansa', I wanted the music to feel like the pressure was slowly building. There is a lot happening beneath the surface in Vijay's world, and the music needed to carry that without becoming too loud or obvious. Siddharth's voice has that rawness and intensity which worked beautifully for the song. Aamil's words also gave me a strong emotional space to build the composition around. Lyricist Aamil Keeyan Khan said, This composition by Ravi Basrur ji was so catchy and yet so peculiar that it demanded an equally peculiar word. 'Vingansa' is a Goan word that comes from the Portuguese word for revenge or vengeance. Revenge in this story is not simply about anger; it comes from everything these characters have done and carried with them for years. I wanted the lyrics to have that weight. The song had to feel like it belonged to the world of Drishyam, where every action has an equally terrifying reaction. Singer Siddharth Basrur said, When I heard the composition, I immediately felt that this song needed a certain rawness. It couldn't sound too perfect or too controlled. There is a lot of aggression and emotion underneath 'Vingansa', and I tried to keep that feeling alive in the vocals. Ravi's music already had so much intensity that my job was really to get inside that emotion and let the voice carry it. With 'Vingansa', the franchise gives audiences its first musical window into the concluding chapter, where every secret carries a cost and every decision could tip the balance. The film is scheduled for a grand theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Drishyam: The Conclusion is presented by Star Studio18 and directed by Abhishek Pathak. Produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak, with Sanjeev Joshi as co-producer, the ensemble features Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Jaideep Ahlawat, Prakash Raj, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav and Kamlesh Sawant. The song is available now across streaming platforms via Sony Music India. Also Read: We were thinking like Salgaonkar while writing: Director Abhishek Pathak on crafting Drishyam The Conclusions unpredictable twists

