Goa

EAM Jaishankar warns of Global Souths 4F crisis

Digital Desk | United Nations, Sep 27 (IANS) The Global South faces mounting threats to its food, fuel, fertiliser, and finance security, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the UN General Assembly on Saturday, warning that shortages and trade barriers were putting development gains under pressure. The predicament of the global South is particularly acute, he said. It faces a 4F crisis of the security of food, fuel, fertiliser, and finance. EAM Jaishankar cited a super El Nio, worsening fertiliser shortages and obstacles to grain movements as causes for alarm. Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals was also under strain, he said. He argued that non-market practices and restricted access to markets were making it harder for developing countries to industrialise. Technology, once a source of hope, was creating new anxiety. The misuse of artificial intelligence was sharpening bias and weakening mutual respect, he said. The pressures came amid a wider loss of trust between nations, EAM Jaishankar said. Countries were trying to reduce their exposure to risks and diversify their economic ties as competition disrupted supply chains and access to technology. Against that backdrop, he presented Indias domestic progress as a contribution to global development. Better delivery of health care, nutrition, education, drinking water, electricity, roads and housing had improved the prospects of one-sixth of humanity, he said. Indias digital public infrastructure was helping deliver social and economic benefits, he added. Improvements in infrastructure, business conditions and innovation had also contributed to the countrys growth. EAM Jaishankar said India wanted to share approaches that could work elsewhere. He pointed to 600 major Indian development projects in 78 countries, covering infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, information technology and training. Even as India progresses, we are conscious of our global responsibilities, he said. We know that many of our experiences and achievements are replicable elsewhere. Climate projects were part of that work, he said, citing clean energy and water, sustainable agriculture and the sharing of technology and practical knowledge. African nations and small island developing states had been preferred partners. He also named the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuels Alliance as initiatives that were making progress. India had provided medical supplies to conflict zones and places affected by epidemics and natural disasters, EAM Jaishankar said. He cited its early response to flash floods in Nepal and an earthquake in Venezuela. He said Indian programmes had also helped address shortages of food, medicine, energy and fertiliser, while supporting livelihoods. Training and the sharing of experience had made a difference across the Global South, particularly in Africa. EAM Jaishankars remarks placed the needs of developing countries at the centre of his address. He said the international climate was becoming less predictable even as those countries faced pressure to meet their development goals. The UNs Sustainable Development Goals cover areas including poverty, health, education and clean energy. They provide a common framework for countries to measure progress, though governments decide how to pursue them. India has used forums including the UN to seek a greater voice for developing nations in decisions on finance, technology and development. EAM Jaishankars speech linked that demand to the practical pressures he said those nations now face.

India U17 women lose to Philippines

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) The India U17 womens team lost 2-4 to the Philippines in the first of two closed-door friendly matches at the Vagator Football Ground in Anjuna, Goa, on Saturday. Anushka Kumari (85') and Joya (89') scored for the Young Tigresses. The visitors scored in the 47th, 50th, 68th and 79th minutes. India will meet the Philippines again on Tuesday. The Young Tigresses are preparing for the AFC U17 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers, which will be held in Malaysia from October 5 to 11. Earlier, the Indian U17 women's team drew 0-0 in both friendly matches against Uzbekistan last week, and while on paper the scoreline might suggest two quiet evenings in the Uzbek capital, the Young Tigresses' Tashkent trip was anything but uneventful. There were no goals to celebrate at the UFA National Football Centre, but for head coach Joakim Alexandersson, there was much more to look for than the numbers. With the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers scheduled to be held from October 5 to 11 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the two friendly fixtures against the Central Asian side offered a glimpse of the new U17 batch beginning to find its shape and foundation. Before that, the India U17 womens team ended their second friendly against Uzbekistan in a 0-0 draw at the UFA National Football Centre in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on August 30. Both sides had also played a goalless draw in the first friendly on Thursday. The Young Tigresses will now return to Goa to continue their preparations for the AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers. They will play two friendly matches against the Philippines on September 26 and 29. The Asian Cup qualifiers will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 5 to 11.

Jaishankar backs national control over AI at UN

Digital Desk | United Nations, Sep 26 (IANS) Countries should be free to develop artificial intelligence systems that serve their own priorities, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the UN General Assembly on Saturday, as he called for a broader voice for nations in a changing world order. We believe in the right of each nation to shape its ecosystem, he said, referring to the development of AI models and their use in line with national goals. Jaishankar described AI as a tool that could empower people, support economic growth and help solve problems on a large scale. India hosted an AI Impact Summit in February, he said, and intended to make the technology part of its partnerships with the Global South. At the same time, he warned that misuse of AI could sharpen bias and weaken mutual respect. Technology that had promised hope had also become a source of anxiety, he said. His remarks put national choice at the heart of Indias approach. Countries should be able to decide which models to develop and how to deploy them, rather than follow a single path, he said. Jaishankar connected that argument to a wider call for respect among nations. As technology became more widely available, attention to the interests and views of others could strengthen the prospects for peace, he said. He also urged countries to give greater weight to one anothers cultures, heritage and traditions. Economic power was shifting, and political change was visible, he said. Cultural change should follow. We are now well on our way towards a multipolar world, Jaishankar told the assembly. The post-1945 order is giving way to new realities. Adjusting to those realities would be difficult, he said. He linked some of the present turbulence to the challenge of accommodating a more diverse international order. For peace to endure, countries needed civil discussion, broad consultation and transparent decisions, he said. Large sections of humanity cannot be excluded from that process. Jaishankar said the case for reforming multilateral institutions was growing stronger. He did not set out a specific reform proposal in the remarks provided, but argued that international decision-making had to reflect the world as it is now. He also thanked UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for his work, singling out his support for Indias Mission LiFE initiative. Jaishankar said delegations should leave the General Debate with a stronger commitment to peace, development and prosperity. That commitment could not simply be imposed or negotiated, he said. It had to become a way of thinking. He closed with Mahatma Gandhis words: There is no way to peace. Peace is the way. India has long sought reform of the UN Security Council and a permanent seat on it. The councils five permanent members have held their positions since the institutions founding after World War II. The UN General Debate is the annual gathering at which member states present their priorities to the General Assembly. Jaishankar used this years address to connect Indias position on AI with its wider argument for more inclusive global decision-making.

Asian Games: South Korea holds off Japan for women's basketball gold, China takes bronze

Digital Desk | Nagoya (Japan), Sep 26 (IANS) South Korea held off a late Japanese rally to win the women's basketball gold medal 75-70 at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games in Nagoya on Saturday, while China beat Chinese Taipei 77-64 for bronze. South Korea led by 19 points at halftime, but Japan clawed back to within two, 70-72, with 15 seconds left before South Korea closed it out at the free-throw line. South Korea's Lee Hae-ran led all scorers with 24 points and nine rebounds, while Kang Lee-seul added 21 points and seven rebounds. Japan's Haru Owaki nearly posted a triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists, reports Xinhua. We built a big lead early on, but they came back quite a lot in the second half. I don't think we maintained our concentration very well... but in the end, we won, so I'm extremely happy, Lee said. Japan's Miyu Okamoto pointed to a slow start. If we had a better start, I think we would have had a much better chance of winning, she said. In the bronze medal game, China overcame a cold shooting night from deep, 1 of 10 from behind the arc in the first half, to pull away in the third quarter behind 2.23-meter centre Zhang Ziyu, before Luo Xinyu, Tang Ziting and Zhang Manman sealed it with fourth-quarter threes. Chen Mingling led China with 20 points, with Zhang and Luo adding 14 and 12, respectively. Chinese Taipei's Lin Yu-ting had a team-high 15 points, and Chen Yen-yu scored 11. We only put up 13 threes yesterday, compared to their 40. If you want them to go in, you have to keep shooting, China's Yang Shuyu said. China's head coach Gong Luming struck a reflective note afterwards. We came here to win gold, and we didn't get it. But for a young team like this one, chasing a shared goal together means something, he said.

India to host 4th Junior and 11th Senior Asian Pencak Silat in Goa

The News Mill

Donald Trump predicts Cuba and United States will make a deal

President Donald Trump predicted on Saturday that the US and Cuba will reach an agreement and that he does not think military action will be necessary. The Trump administration has openly stated that its goal is to change Cuba's government. In an address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump called Cuba a failed state and said freedom will be coming to the island nation.

Minister launches sheep and goat insurance scheme in Karimnagar

Cox Ready To Seize ODI Series Decider Opportunity At The Oval After Injury To Buttler

Jordan Cox: Wicketkeeper-batter Jordan Cox said he is ready to step into the spotlight and seize a crucial opportunity when he replaces injured Jos Buttler behind the stumps for Englands series-deciding third ODI against Sri Lanka, to be played at The Oval on Sunday. Cox looks set to don the gloves after Buttler was ruled out with a hamstring injury, thus paving the way for the youngsters first 50-over appearance for the national side since 2024. The call-up caps off a remarkably busy home season for Cox, who has successfully fought his way back into contention across all three formats after enduring a string of bad luck with injuries, including a fractured thumb that cruelly denied him a Test debut in New Zealand two winters ago. I definitely feel like the extra two years helped me get to know my game, especially in the red-ball format. I know my game a bit better. I was young... You don't really understand what it really means to play for England. Now I've had time away, two years of not being able to play and seeing other people do well for England, and you go, 'I really want a slice of that'. It's something I really wanted to do; I wanted people to be able to trust me -- even in that number three spot when Beth was unfortunately injured -- for people to say 'he's taken it with both hands'. I feel like I've done that, Cox was quoted as saying by Cricinfo on Saturday. His adaptability was on full display during the recent Test series against Pakistan, where he took over the gloves following Jamie Smith's finger injury and effected five dismissals before hitting the winning run to seal a 3-0 whitewash. If I do get the opportunity, that will be awesome. Jos is probably the best white-ball cricketer we've produced, but he's someone who can go under the radar in 50-over cricket. Whoever comes in will be an excited person. The opportunity in sport comes around, and you've got to look forward to the challenge. It's going to be amazing, 1-1 isn't what we wanted, but for the series to be on the line and to finish at The Oval with a packed house will be pretty special. They're the games you want to be playing in. To get 2-1 and a series win is massive, and that's always a goal for us as a team. But it's also about enjoying the moment and finishing the summer on a high, noted Cox. Looking ahead to a packed winter schedule featuring tours to Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, and Bangladesh, Cox stated he is determined to focus on performance rather than long-term guarantees. I'm just trying to take it day by day. To be fortunate enough to play three formats for England is something I wanted to achieve last summer. Injuries are part of the sport, but to be able to do that now, in all three, it's now about - can I cement a spot somewhere? I feel like you can reflect when you retire. I'll just try to get the opportunity to go to Pakistan, then it's Australia, South Africa, all these things. It's all from putting performances on the field. I've understood that I've had a lucky year, or a good year, playing so much for England, but it's only a start, he added. I'm just trying to take it day by day. To be fortunate enough to play three formats for England is something I wanted to achieve last summer. Injuries are part of the sport, but to be able to do that now, in all three, it's now about - can I cement a spot somewhere? Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Once you play for England, your next goal is 'can I get a central contract?' If I was to get one, that would be pretty awesome. If I get the call after the day's play on Sunday, or Monday morning, then that would be pretty special, he concluded. Article Source: IANS

'Catastrophic assault on democracy': Shashi Tharoor on ECI row

Digital Desk | Kozhikode, Sep 26 (IANS) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday called reports of differences within the Election Commission of India (ECI) a catastrophic assault on democracy, urging all citizens, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to fight it. Speaking to reporters in Kerala's Kozhikode, Tharoor said: This is an incredibly grave assault on the functioning of Indian democracy. Meanwhile, the ECI issued a press release after its meeting on Saturday afternoon to quell reports of internal differences and clarify the context in which ECI functionaries wrote a letter to the Cabinet Secretary. The Congress MP claimed that a large number of Indian citizens have been deprived of their democratic right to vote, apparently based on many irregularities, including an illegal modification of Form 6 requiring data that has not been required in the past. They (ECI) have actually gone ahead and made some changes without the consent of two of the three Election Commissioners, which itself is a violation of the procedures of the Election Commission. Days earlier, a report by a leading newspaper claimed differences within the poll panel, with decisions being taken allegedly without the knowledge of the two Election Commissioners. Tharoor further said: On top of that, we have a situation where, shockingly, we are seeing software that has been imposed over the heads of the electoral officers. And as a result, for example, one instance that has been found is that in Goa, 97 people have not only been deprived of the right to vote, but because of that they've also been deprived of the right to have dialysis treatment and other medical assistance and so on. The Congress leader was referring to the ECINet software, which the media reported had blocked access to Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) on the ground. This is not anything minor or routine; it's not political, it's not administrative. It is a fundamentally untenable, catastrophic assault on our democracy, he said while urging parties to unite in the fight against the challenge. There is no question anymore that our country is facing a very severe challenge. If the integrity of our elections is in doubt, then how will our democracy stand? If people in this country feel that even their identity is subject to the whims of some low-level officers and a software that has not been verified, tested or based on anything logical, then how on earth can our country proudly stand itself in front of the world and call itself the world's largest democracy? Tharoor questioned. Mentioning that the Congress has called a party Working Committee meeting on September 29, he said, I'll be going there to Delhi for that. Moreover, Shashi Tharoor urged BJP leaders to unite with the Opposition to defend democracy. I feel that on this matter every citizen of India, even members of the BJP, should be united with us. Our democracy is larger than any individual, any party. It's for everyone to defend, he stated.

ECI on defensive, refuses to relent on demand for CECs resignation: Congress

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) Claiming that the ECI has been forced into a defensive posture, the Congress on Saturday reiterated its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and sought the immediate suspension of the SIR of electoral rolls. Criticising a press release issued by the ECI after its afternoon meeting to quell reports of internal differences, the Congress described SIR as a drive for massive disenfranchisement of several crores of electors. Nothing short of the CECs resignation or prosecution will suffice, said Jairam Ramesh, Congress MP and General Secretary (Communications), referring to the alleged big differences within the Election Commission. In a message on X, Ramesh said that in the wake of media reports exposing disagreement among ECI functionaries and the nationwide protests that have followed, seeking the removal of Gyanesh Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the Election Commission of India (ECI) has now come out with a press note on September 26th, 2026. First, the Press note does not directly deny the story or its findings. It makes a defensive attempt to downplay the same in paragraph 3(i) and 3(ii) but does not say that the allegations are baseless, said Ramesh, pointing to the issues flagged in media reports. Second, in the case of Goa, after having been caught out, the ECI has sheepishly stated that Form 6 has already been filled out for inclusion by 81 of the 97 deleted voters. To put this another way, you disenfranchise voters through a broken and corrupt system, and when caught, say that they are being added back, he said. Third, it seeks to justify the Commissions actions by appealing to the Order of the Supreme Court dated May 27th, 2026. The Order, which was pronounced well before the recent revelations, will not save the CEC from the malicious deletion of targeted voters, from the incompetence that has resulted in citizens being wiped off the rolls, for the crores lost in both expenses and person-hours due to the confusion and harassment caused to entire families, said the Congress MP. Fourth, it extends the deadlines for voter registration in Delhi and Maharashtra. But what happens to the voters of Karnataka and Telangana? What happens to the voters disenfranchised in Bihar and West Bengal? Do the voters of these and other states who were deleted due to one mans corruption not deserve answers? he said. Fifth, the Press Release also states the ECI will now involve experts from IIT/IIIT to review the ECINET portal and submit a report to ensure it complies with rules. Aside from being a meaningless safeguard (since the concern is not about the technical soundness but rather the centralisation which prevents voter addition at ground level), this confirms the concerns attributed to the two other Election Commissioners per the reportage, said Ramesh. Sixth, the Press Note avoids answering the questions regarding the deliberate targeting of Gen Z voters. The ECI has no answer for its targeted disenfranchisement, beginning mid-July 2026 through wholly illegal changes made to Form 6 (unseen and unapproved by Parliament) which placed an unfair burden on them to find and disclose their parents and/or grandparents details, he said. The revelations regarding (1) the unilateral nature of decision-making by the CEC, (2) his open hatred and bias against the Opposition resulting in a clear bias, (3) his willing participation and abetment in Vote Chori by the ruling regime, (4) his specific attack to prevent the enrollment of Gen Z voters, (5) his corruption exposed ironically by his negligence in purging and pruning voter lists, need to be answered for, he said. Ramesh added, The CEC thinks he can hide behind bureaucratise and protocol. He stands exposed and is now petrified as an entire country seeks to hold him accountable. The ongoing SIR, which has turned out to be a method of massive disenfranchisement of several crores of Indians, must be suspended immediately without delay. In the meantime, nothing short of the CECs resignation or prosecution will suffice, said Ramesh.

IFA Shield: Punjab FC eye strong start under Dermitzakis in opener against Calcutta Customs

Digital Desk | Kolkata, Sep 26 (IANS) Punjab FC will start their campaign in IFA Shield 2026-27 against Calcutta Customs Club at Barasat Stadium near Kolkata on Sunday, hoping to make a good start after refurbishing the squad for the upcoming season. The Group II encounter marks the beginning of a new competitive season for the Shers and their first-ever campaign in the historic IFA Shield. The match serves as the first official outing for newly appointed head coach Pavlos Dermitzakis. The Greek tactician has named a revamped 24-member squad for the tournament, featuring a balanced mix of youth, established domestic talent, and key international acquisitions. The foreign contingent, comprising European-experienced defender Patrick Gerard Bahanack alongside newly acquired attackers Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, and Raphael Messi Bouli, is expected to add strength, pace, and finishing prowess to the lineup. To ensure tactical discipline against the local challengers, Punjab FC will rely on a robust domestic core. Goalkeeper Arshdeep Singh assures the back, supported by the defensive grit of Muhammed Uvais, Bishu Sharma, and Suresh Meitei. In the centre of the park, Nikhil Prabhu and Khaiminthang Lhungdim are expected to play pivotal roles in orchestrating play and anchoring transitions. The roster also underscores the clubs commitment to youth development, featuring several breakout talents from the Roundglass Football Academy. Graduates such as Manglenthang Kipgen, Muhammad Suhail, Arshvir Singh, and Ayush Deshwal have been integrated into the first team, providing the young athletes a vital platform to showcase their progression from the grassroots to the professional stage. Calcutta Customs, on the other hand, will start as underdogs after their 3-1 loss against the current ISL champions East Bengal FC. Although they drew first blood through an early strike by Riki Gharami in the 12th minute on a difficult, muddy pitch affected by stormy weather, they were comprehensively outplayed by the Red & Gold Brigade. Speaking ahead of his managerial debut, Dermitzakis said, We are very excited to begin our IFA Shield campaign. This historic tournament gives us a fantastic opportunity to evaluate our revamped squad in a highly competitive environment early in the season. We have built a formidable mix of experienced international players, established domestic leaders, and talented young boys from our Roundglass Academy. Calcutta Customs is a resilient side that knows the local conditions very well, but our focus remains on executing our tactical patterns, maintaining our discipline, and starting the group stage with a positive result, he added. Securing three points in Sunday's opener will be essential for Punjab FC to build momentum before they face local heavyweights East Bengal FC in their second group-stage fixture on September 30.

EXCLUSIVE: Chahatt Khanna ADMITS speaking her mind has cost her a lot, reveals family begs her not to do interviews; recalls bike stunts on MTVs Stuntmania and prep for Pati Patni Aur Panga, says, It gave me goosebumps

Chahatt Khanna has opened up about her debut web show Hasratein 4 and the reason she eventually decided to take on the role of a single mother. The actress, who has previously appeared in films and television projects, revealed that she had earlier been hesitant about playing a mother's character on screen. However, the relevance of her character in Hasratein 4 eventually changed her mind. Speaking exclusively to Bollywood Hungama, Chahatt said there was no conventional casting process for the show. She received a call about the project but initially turned it down once or twice before reading more about the character. There was no casting process as such because it's been a while since I've been in the industry, so I got a call, and then I initially refused this because I was not really sure about the project. But then when I read the character, it was very relevant, she said. The actress explained that the character was the primary reason she eventually agreed to do the show. She also revealed that she has been selective about the projects she takes on and has rejected several offers in the past. I used to refuse a lot of things. For that matter, I'm very choosy about what I want to do, what I don't want to do, how the project is being done. So, according to that I'm a very choosy actor. So, whatever I say yes to, I've already refused 10x things, Chahatt said. Chahatt Khanna on Playing a Single Mother for the First Time Chahatt also spoke about playing a single mother in Hasratein 4, revealing that she had previously been among the actors who were hesitant to portray a mother on screen. She said the role felt natural to her because of her own experience as a mother. The character was very relevant. It came very naturally to me because I was also one of those actors who refused to play a mother's character. So, the first time I played a single mother's character, she said. She added, As a mother, I have lived so many years that coming to your performance is very, very easy. It just slides in. Chahatt Khanna on Action in Pati Patni Aur Panga: I Felt That I Am Meant for Action Apart from Hasratein 4, Chahatt also reflected on her experience of performing action sequences in Pati Patni Aur Panga. The actress underwent MMA training again for the project, having previously trained in the discipline. There were action sequences. And there were stunts. There were shooting sequences. I mean, it was a proper action sequence, she said, adding that she restarted her MMA training for around two months to get back into form. For Chahatt, the experience went beyond physical preparation. She said performing action came surprisingly naturally to her and made her realise that the genre could be a space for her as an actor. This is the first time I'm doing action. And it was so... it just gave me, like, goosebumps. After every shot, I wanted to do one more. I was like, okay, let's do one more shot, she recalled. I did the first action sequence and the first action-based OTT series. I felt that I am meant for action. Action is my space, she added. Chahatt also revealed that she had an early connection with martial arts. She said she learnt karate when she was young and is a green belt. She later took up MMA several years ago and trained for around a year before eventually returning to it for Pati Patni Aur Panga. According to the actress, the weight loss that accompanied her preparation was not the primary goal. Instead, she wanted to reactivate her muscle memory and regain her familiarity with fighting techniques. Losing weight is a by-product. When you are doing so much, fat loss is a by-product of it. It's not like we target fat only, she said. Chahatt also recalled her earlier experience with stunts on MTV's Stuntmania, where she performed bike stunts and other physically demanding tasks. She said the years of training eventually helped her during the action sequences in her recent project. I didn't even know that I could do action sequences so effortlessly. So, all these years of practice, it just came in handy, she said. Chahatt Khanna on being candid in interviews Khanna also reflected on the challenges of speaking openly during interviews. The actor said her candid nature has sometimes created complications, particularly because comments made during video interviews can quickly become headlines. My family members beg me not to do (video) interview. And I beg my manager to stay with me if I do it, she said. Explaining why she remains cautious, Khanna added, In a video interview, you say something, and then you dont realise. And then the headlines are made. Despite knowing that her comments can invite opinions and reactions, the actor said she is willing to accept that consequence. Yes, its costing me a lot. But its okay. Even if it didnt cost me, people would still have an opinion about me, she said. Khanna is currently seen in Hasratein 4, which is streaming on Hungama OTT. Also Read:EXCLUSIVE: Chahatt Khanna recalls being held by aunties in malls after her Bade Achhe Lagte Hain character turned villain; says, It became difficult for me to step out, reveals why shed consider doing The Traitors over Alliance!

Heathrow Airport's third runway may be delayed to 2039

The UK's busiest airport says the original goal of 2035 will be difficult to meet without simplifying the planning process.

Can you name the 20 Spanish players with the most Premier League goals?

Featuring a couple of incredibly tough names. The post Can you name the 20 Spanish players with the most Premier League goals? appeared first on Planet Football .

CEC Gyanesh Kumar, ECs Sandhu-Joshi meet; Form 6, SIR decisions clarified (Lead)

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 26 (IANS) The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday sought to quell reports of differences within the poll panel, with Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi holding a full commission meeting at Nirvachan Sadan in New Delhi. In a detailed press note accompanied by a photograph of the three commissioners, the EC addressed allegations concerning its internal functioning, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, voter enrolment and its technology systems. The statement came days after The Indian Express reported on September 23 that Sandhu and Joshi had raised objections to several decisions and orders linked to the SIR exercise. The reports triggered a wider political controversy, with Opposition parties questioning the functioning of the Commission and demanding greater transparency. The EC maintained that the June 24, 2025, order launching the SIR across states and Union Territories was approved unanimously by all three commissioners. It said subsequent schedules related to the exercise were also issued with unanimous approval. The Commission further noted that the Supreme Court had upheld the original SIR order. On Form 6, used for enrolment of new voters, the EC addressed concerns over a declaration introduced during the SIR process requiring applicants to establish their linkage with the previous SIR through their parents' names. The Commission said the declaration had been upheld by the Supreme Court. Outside the SIR exercise, it clarified, forms prescribed under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, would continue to be used. The Commission also responded to questions surrounding 97 voters in Goa who had initially been left out of the electoral rolls. It said the Chief Electoral Officer, Goa, had directed Booth Level Officers to conduct house-to-house visits and collect the necessary forms. Of the 97 voters, 81 had already submitted Form 6 for inclusion. On ECINET, concerns had been raised about access to electoral-roll databases and the functioning of the portal. The EC said field officials receive role-based access in accordance with their statutory powers. It announced a review of ECINET by a committee headed by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner and including an independent expert from an IIT or IIIT. The Commission also clarified that a letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary concerned the redistribution of work involving an officer on deputation related to the officer's functioning, rather than any policy concerning the EC or its IT division. As part of measures to strengthen internal procedures, the EC said agendas for Commission meetings would be circulated in advance and minutes issued thereafter. It also stated that directions issued by commissioners to officials would be complied with meticulously. The EC further extended SIR deadlines in Delhi and Maharashtra, while reiterating that its major decisions had been taken collectively and unanimously.

Governor urges VTU graduates to become job creators, focus on innovation

Thaawarchand Gehlot, who is also the Chancellor of the university, calls upon students to dream big, set ambitious goals and work continuously towards achieving them.

Trump, Xi agree to establish AI communication channel

Digital Desk | Washington, Sep 26 (IANS) US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to establish a bilateral communication channel for artificial intelligence (AI) incidents and use the term super intelligence rather than AI during their summit in Washington this week, the White House has said. Trump and Xi also agreed that no country can be allowed to impose tolls on international waterways, the White House said in a fact sheet on outcomes from their summit, as Iran asserts control over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for oil, natural gas and other commodities, reports Yonhap news agency. During the summit, the leaders discussed a range of ongoing global concerns, including North Korea, Russia and Iran, the White House said. It did not elaborate on their discussions about North Korea amid questions over whether the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the North's denuclearization. The two countries established the U.S.-China Super Intelligence (SI) Dialogue to exchange views on risks and benefits related to SI, the fact sheet said. The next exchange will occur by November 2026. The United States and China also agreed to establish a bilateral communication channel for SI incidents. The reference to the next SI exchange appears to point to the anticipated Trump-Xi meeting in November, when China will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen. Trump has pushed for the new term, SI, saying that all U.S. documents will use the much more accurate term because the word artificial makes intelligence sound fake. On Iran, the leaders agreed that the Islamic Republic can never have a nuclear weapon, and that no country or institution can be allowed to impose tolls on international waterways. The fact sheet did not mention the Strait of Hormuz. During the White House summit, Trump urged Xi to increase production of refined petroleum products to stabilize global supply, the document said, amid concerns over high energy prices -- a crucial economic issue that could affect voter sentiment ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November. As they highlighted the need for cooperation between the superpowers, the two sides discussed fostering peace and prosperity o enhance confidence for businesses and consumers around the world, according to the fact sheet. The two countries agreed to build a constructive relationship of strategic stability on the basis of respect, fairness, and reciprocity, it said. The leaders also operationalized the government-to-government mechanisms of the bilateral Board of Trade and the Board of Investment, which were chartered during their previous summit in Beijing in May. The Board of Trade is designed to manage bilateral trade across nonsensitive goods, while the Board of Investment is a government-to-government forum for discussing investment-related issues. Under the Board of Trade, the two countries reached consensus on recommendations for more favorable tariff treatment for US$30 billion of nonsensitive goods in each direction, according to the fact sheet. The board also launched a working group focused on addressing market access barriers in the agricultural sector. Moreover, China plans to import at least 10 million metric tonnes of coal from the U.S. in both 2027 and 2028. On rare earths and other critical minerals, the fact sheet noted that the two countries continue to work on U.S. concerns regarding supply chain shortages, with the goal of ensuring shipment levels return to appropriate levels. On Friday, Xi wrapped up his three-day state visit to the U.S. -- his first trip to Washington in more than a decade. This week's summit marked the leaders' third in-person meeting since Trump's return to office, following their meetings in Busan last October and in Beijing in May.

Erling Haaland could overtake Kylian Mbappe

He's coming for your records, Kylian... The post Erling Haaland could overtake Kylian Mbappes international goalscoring record NEXT WEEK appeared first on Planet Football .

Asian Games: Indian mens hockey team reaches semis with 2-0 win over Japan

Digital Desk | Kakamigahara, Sep 26 (IANS) Defending Champions India men punched their ticket to the semifinals with a hard-fought 2-0 win over the hosts to register their fourth consecutive victory in Pool A in the Asian Games 2026 on a rainy Saturday in Kakamigahara, Japan. In a match played under persistent rain at the Kawasaki Juko Hockey Stadium, Japan made India fight every inch. However, goals by Abhishek and captain Harmanpreet Singh were enough to take the title-holders through to the last-four stage of the competition, with a pool match against Bangladesh left to play on September 28. The match against Japan was a landmark moment for Indian defender Sanjay, who played his 100th senior international match. The match began at a brisk pace, with both teams looking to attack. India came close in the third minute when an aerial pass found Abhishek at the top of the circle. Still, the move was stopped after the ball was deemed dangerous with the Indian striker in a one-on-one situation against Japanese goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa. Two minutes later, Manpreet Singh earned India a penalty corner, but Harmanpreet's flick struck an Indian playeranother penalty corner followed in the sixth minute after a Japanese foot in the circle. Harmanpreet's effort hit the rusher's foot and, from the re-award, the Japanese defender on the post made a fine save. Japan responded with sharp counter-attacks. In the seventh minute, they created a double chance, with Seren Tanaka getting another attempt after an initial effort was mis-hit, but Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera stood firm. India continued to press, with Manpreet setting up Dilpreet Singh in the ninth minute, although his attempt to score lacked the required power. Japan thought they had taken the lead in the 10th minute, but the goal was ruled out because an Indian foot had been involved before the ball entered the goal. On the other end, India continued to create opportunities, with Shilanand Lakra making a superb run through the centre before finding Abhishek, whose attempt to set up Sukhjeet Singh was intercepted. India finally broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. Japan's defence allowed Abhishek too much time at the top of the circle, and the forward made no mistake, pushing the ball past the goalkeeper to give India a 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Japan continued to threaten after the restart, earning a penalty corner in the 17th minute, but Ryoma Ooka's powerful effort was deflected away by an Indian stick. India came close to doubling their lead when Jarmanpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh and Sukhjeet combined, but Rajinder's pass harmlessly went across the face of the goal. At the other end, Mohith HS produced an excellent save to keep Japan from finding an equaliser. India earned another penalty corner in the 21st minute, but Jugraj Singh's grounded effort lacked sting, and Japan cleared. The hosts then tightened their defensive structure, making it difficult for India to find another opening before half-time. India went into the break with a slender 1-0 advantage. Japan continued to defend deep in the third quarter, relying on quick counters. In the 36th minute, the hosts earned a penalty corner after a well-constructed move into the Indian circle. Shota Yamada's initial attempt went wide, but Japan successfully challenged the decision through a video referral for an Indian foot. The resulting penalty corner was brilliantly blocked by Karkera. India eventually found the much-needed cushion in the 40th minute. From their sixth penalty corner, Harmanpreet unleashed a rocket-speed flick into the left corner of the Japanese goal, giving the goalkeeper no chance and putting India 2-0 ahead. India earned another penalty corner in the 43rd minute, with Harmanpreet denied by the goalkeeper. The captain spotted a possible foot and called for a referral, which resulted in another penalty corner. Harmanpreet went aerial this time, but the flick sailed wide. Japan continued to fight hard in the final quarter, while India remained composed. Jugraj's penalty-corner attempt in the 46th minute was powerful but straight at the goalkeeper. India earned three more opportunities with penalty corners in quick succession between the 54th and 55th minutes but could not convert them. Japan had one final chance in the 58th minute when Manabu Yamashita found space following a poor stop at the top of the circle, but his shot travelled across the face of goal. India held on comfortably in the closing minutes to complete a 2-0 victory, with the defending champions showing composure in a tightly contested encounter against the hosts.

Rayner attacks Mahmood's care worker visa plan for 'changing the goalposts'

Rayner says Mahmood's plan unfairly changes the goalposts for foreign care workers. Care workers on health and care visas would wait 15 years, not five, for permanent residence. The rules would apply retrospectively to arrivals since 2021. More than 100 Labour MPs and trade unions oppose the plan ahead of conference. ANGELA RAYNER has criticised home secretary Shabana Mahmood's plan to make it harder for foreign care workers to gain permanent residence in the UK, saying it would unfairly change the goalposts. In an interview with The Times ahead of Labour's party conference, the housing, communities and local government secretary said the plan would hit care workers who had moved their lives here to look after our loved ones. Burnham considers immigration exemption for care workers Under Mahmood's reforms, social care workers who arrived on a health and care visa would have to wait 15 years, rather than five, before claiming permanent residence. The changes would apply retrospectively to those who have arrived since 2021. About 185,000 foreign care workers were recruited directly from overseas between 2022 and 2024, after the Conservative government opened the visa route. Shabana Mahmood orders urgent review after two migrant boat landings Rayner told The Times she stood by her earlier description of the plan as un-British, made before she rejoined the government under prime minister Andy Burnham. Burnham, who inherited the policy from Keir Starmer, also has concerns and is considering exempting care workers already in Britain. More than 100 Labour MPs, as well as trade unions, oppose the plan, which is expected to be a major issue at Burnham's first conference this weekend. Labour backbencher Rachael Maskell told BBC Radio 4's Today programme she expected the reforms to be scrapped. Migrant workers still bring dependants despite UK curbs But culture secretary Lisa Nandy defended them, saying the UK had never offered an automatic right to citizenship to most people arriving from overseas. Mahmood told the home affairs select committee this week that a decision would come very soon. She said the government was trying to strike the right balance between its responsibilities to migrant workers and to people already living here.

Its the last World Cup Im going to play for India: Kohli

For me, its the last World Cup Im going to play for India. And that is my motivation. Like, you know, to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. And whatever it takes, Im absolutely ready, Kohli said

Rayner criticises visa rule proposals ahead of Labour conference

The housing secretary says the government's plans to change wait times for permanent residency are unfair because they change the goalposts.

NDA leaders meet in Bengaluru; BJP-JD(S) to jointly contest 4 Council seats

Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 26 (IANS) The BJP and JD(S) have decided to jointly contest elections to four Legislative Council seats in Karnataka, with leaders of the two parties arriving at an understanding to fight the polls together at an NDA meeting held in Bengaluru on Saturday. The NDA meeting in Bengaluru on Saturday was attended by BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, Union Minister and JD(S) State President H.D. Kumaraswamy, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka, JD(S) Legislative Party Leader in the Assembly Suresh Babu, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy and JD(S) Legislative Party Leader in the Council S.L. Bhojegowda. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Vijayendra said a special meeting of BJP and JD(S) leaders had been convened to discuss preparations for the upcoming Legislative Council elections to one teachers' constituency and two graduates' constituencies. He said the two parties had decided to contest all four seats together and work jointly to ensure victory in all the constituencies. We have decided that the BJP and JD(S) should contest the elections together in all four constituencies. We have to win all four seats and work together towards that goal, Vijayendra said. He added that the responsibilities of party leaders for each constituency had also been announced. Vijayendra further alleged that Congress legislators in the state government had lost confidence in Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Even Congress MLAs in the ruling party are losing confidence in the Chief Minister. The ruling party legislators themselves have lost confidence in the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is unable to get a grip on the administration, he said. He also alleged that the state government had been reduced to making announcements without adequate funds to implement them. Vijayendra said this had become evident through a letter issued by the Finance Department, and alleged that there was no money in the state treasury. He accused the D.K. Shivakumar-led government of being limited to making announcements. He said the BJP and JD(S) would jointly take up agitations in the coming days and discuss strategies for bringing the NDA to power in Karnataka. We have also discussed how both parties can fight together in the coming days and how the party should come to power in the state. We have discussed bringing an NDA government to power in Karnataka, he said.

India beat Japan 2-0 to seal semifinal berth in Asian Games men's hockey

Defending champions India secured a place in the semifinals after defeating Japan by 2-0. Abhishek opened the scoring with a field goal in the 15th minute of the match. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 40th minute to double the lead. India will face Bangladesh in their final pool match on September 28. The team maintained an unbeaten streak throughout the tournament, showcasing their attacking capabilities.

Drug Bust In Goa: Man Arrested, Minor Detained With Ganja

Goa Police have arrested a 24-year-old man from Odisha and detained a 17-year-old youth in connection with a significant drug bust. Over 10.7 kg of ganja, estimated to be worth Rs 10.5 lakh, was seized at the Mapusa interstate bus terminal. Authorities suspect the adult accused used the juvenile for drug trafficking.

India vs Japan Men's Hockey Live Score, Asian Games 2026: Harmanpreet Singh And Co. Marches Into The Semis with 2-0 Win vs Japan

India vs Japan Men's Hockey Live Score Updates, Asian Games 2026: India have increased their lead to 2-0 after Harmanpreet Singh's goal from PC! Abhishek scored the opener for India in the 1st quarter of the Asian games 2026 men's hockey Pool A match

Why 4 in 10 Gen Z workers could struggle in retirement

42 per cent of Gen Z workers could face retirement poverty at minimum auto-enrolment levels. Younger savers are prioritising flexible options such as cash savings and ISAs. Pensions dashboards could make retirement savings easier to track. For a generation that says it wants financial freedom and the option to retire earlier, saving enough for retirement is becoming a difficult balancing act. More than two-fifths, or 42 per cent, of Gen Z workers are on track for retirement poverty if they remain at the minimum auto-enrolment contribution level of 8 per cent of qualifying earnings, according to research from workplace pension provider Penfold. The finding highlights a growing gap between what younger workers want from their financial future and where their savings are currently heading. Retirement is competing with more immediate goals For many younger workers, putting more money into a pension means having less available for expenses that feel more urgent today. High housing costs, saving for a deposit and wider cost-of-living pressures can all compete with retirement contributions. Penfold said younger people also tend to favour savings options that are easier to access, including cash savings and ISAs. Analysis from JPMorgan Asset Management has similarly found that Gen Z investors often prioritise ISAs over pensions because of their accessibility and flexibility. The attraction is understandable. Money held in an ISA can generally be accessed before retirement, while pension savings are designed for the longer term. That creates a particular problem for younger workers. They may want the financial freedom to retire earlier, but the money needed to make that possible has to compete with financial goals that are much closer. Penfold co-founder Chris Eastwood reportedly said pension planning often asks Gen Z to prioritise a future that is decades away while they are dealing with rent, home saving and the rising cost of living. Many younger people already know financial security is important and aspire to achieve greater financial freedom, including earlier retirement than previous generations, Eastwood reportedly said. He argued that pensions need to be made simpler and more closely connected to the financial goals younger people are already working towards. Could seeing the money change the way Gen Z saves? One issue is visibility. A pension can feel distant when the only evidence of progress is an annual statement or a figure buried inside a provider's app. Penfold has argued that technology could make it easier for younger workers to understand what they have saved and what their current contributions could mean later in life. The planned pensions dashboards could play a role here. The UK system is designed to allow people to see information about their pensions, including their State Pension, in one place online. Pension schemes in scope are required to connect to the dashboards ecosystem by October 31, 2026. That does not automatically mean people will save more. But having a clearer view of multiple pension pots could make retirement planning less abstract, particularly for younger workers who may change jobs several times during their careers. The bigger challenge is therefore not simply getting Gen Z into pensions. Auto-enrolment has already made workplace pension saving much more common. The question is whether younger workers will increase their contributions as their incomes rise, rather than remain at the minimum level. For Gen Z, retirement may still be decades away. But the amount saved in those early working years can have a long time to grow, making the decisions taken now increasingly important.

IND v JPN, Men's Hockey Live: Harmanpreet Drills In Powerul Goal, India Take 2-0 Lead

India vs Japan Men's Hockey Live Score Updates, Asian Games 2026: India have increased their lead to 2-0 after Harmanpreet Singh's goal from PC! Abhishek scored the opener for India in the 1st quarter...

Leadership Is Shifting Towards Agility and Continuous Learning

Panaji (Goa) [India], September 26: As India's hospitality sector evolves across luxury, heritage and lean-luxury formats, senior hotel leaders are increasingly required to combine operational expertise with agility, continuous learning and people development, according to Ms. Sheetal Singh, Vice President - Hotel Openings, Full Service Business, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL).

Absolutely Ready To Do Whatever It Takes To Win In 2027: Virat Kohli

Cricket World Cup: Indian stalwart Virat Kohli has set his sights firmly on the 2027 ICC Mens Cricket World Cup, admitting that the showpiece event in South Africa will be his final ODI World Cup for India and saying he is ready to do whatever it takes to win the title. Indias stalwarts Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who now play just one format at the highest level, are keen to make the most of the road to the 2027 World Cup, with the new home season set to begin against the West Indies on Sunday. Speaking to JioStar ahead of the first ODI, Kohli highlighted the unique intensity of a 50-over World Cup and revealed the motivation driving him towards the marquee tournament. The intensity of a 50-over World Cup is greater than anything. Because now, it's about 10 games at a T20 level of intensity. But you are playing 2.5 T20 games in one day. And to maintain that intensity for 10 games in a big tournament and World Cup is a big deal. Also now, it's in foreign conditions. It takes a lot out of you, Kohli said. For me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India. And that is my motivation. Like, you know, to leave everything out there. And of course, the goal is absolutely to win the World Cup. And whatever it takes, I'm absolutely ready. Kohli has been one of the most productive batsmen in World Cup history. He has played 37 ODIs in the World Cup, scoring 1,795 runs at an average of 59.83, including five hundreds and 12 fifties, with a top score of 117. In his overall ODI career, he scored 14,941 runs in 302 innings at an average of 58.59 with 54 centuries and 79 fifties. His highest score is 183 and strike rate of 93.95. Kohli also has a phenomenal record in T20 World Cups having scored 1,292 runs in 35 matches at an average of 58.73. He has 15 half-centuries, the most in the tournaments history, and has been named Player of the Tournament twice, in 2014 and 2016. Rohit, meanwhile, said he does not view his ICC World Cup ambitions as unfinished business that can simply be marked complete, stressing that there will always be another challenge as long as he continues playing. The thought will never cross my mind that the business I had is finished. As long as you're playing, there is always something to look forward to. And I'm looking forward to the World Cup, looking at what lies ahead for me, Rohit said. Rohit, meanwhile, said he does not view his ICC World Cup ambitions as unfinished business that can simply be marked complete, stressing that there will always be another challenge as long as he continues playing. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The first ODI of West Indies tour of India will be played on Sunday, with the match scheduled to begin at 2 PM and broadcast live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network. Article Source: IANS

Indias new wealth creators: Why diversification is changing investment strategies

Indias new wealth creators are looking beyond traditional investments, exploring alternatives, global markets, and more diversified portfolios as their financial goals evolve towards more sophistication.

Prosecutor accused of misconduct in 'Broadview Six' case resigns, says US attorney 'scapegoated' her

A prosecutor who has been accused of misconduct over a failed attempt to bring felony charges against six protesters of the federal immigration crackdown in Chicago has resigned

Scorpio Daily Horoscope for September 26, 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

Taxi fares revised, night travel to cost more

NT Reporter Panaji Taxi travel in Goa is set for a major fare restructuring, with the State Transport Authority notifying new distance slab-based rates for yellow/black taxis as well as tourist taxis, motor cabs and maxi cabs, replacing the fare schedules notified in August 2021. The new rates come into force from their publication in []

First foreign charter flight toland at Dabolim on Sept 30

NT Reporter Vasco Goas first foreign charter flight of the 2026-27 tourist season is scheduled to arrive at Dabolim airport on September 30, with around 180 tourists from Russia. An Aeroflot charter flight is expected to bring the tourists from Russia. During the tourist season from October to March, around 144 foreign charter flights are []

701 more AI cameras tobe put up at 68 locations

NT Reporter Panaji Goa is set to expand its artificial intelligence-based traffic enforcement network, with 701 additional AI cameras proposed to be put up at 68 locations in the next phase. This will take the technology-driven enforcement system well beyond the 348 cameras already installed at 26 locations. Between four to 15 cameras will be []

Keep calm and carry on

Contentment requires recognizing the present moment and understanding what can be changed. It involves cultivating emotional well-being and acknowledging current blessings, while still pursuing goals. According to teachings, true contentment fosters tranquility and enables individuals to face challenges without being overwhelmed by negativity.

HomePod rumors: All we know about HomePod mini 2, HomePod Touch

Macworld Apples HomePod lineup could be about to undergo its biggest expansion since the original HomePod launched. Rather than simply refreshing its existing smart speakers, Apple is reportedly preparing several new smart home devices, including products that blur the line between HomePod, smart display and home hub. The company is said to have three smart home products very nearly ready to release, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman. However, Apple is reportedly delaying their launch until its redesigned AI-powered Siri is ready, with the new assistant expected to debut alongside the OS 27 updates later this year. If those plans stay on track, Apple could unveil its next wave of HomePod and smart home devices shortly after iOS 27 and the upgraded Siri are released this fall. In this guide, we round up all the latest rumours and reports about Apples upcoming HomePod products, including expected release dates, new hardware, Apple Intelligence features and pricing. What are the new HomePod products? Apples HomePod lineup currently consists of two models, both of which became more expensive following Apples June 2026 price increases. The HomePod mini now costs $129, while the 2nd-generation HomePod is priced at $349. But the real story isnt the current speakers its the next generation of smart home devices Apple is preparing. According to multiple reports, Apple is developing several new HomePod-related products, including updated HomePod and HomePod mini models and a display-equipped smart home hub, widely referred to as the HomePad. Rumored new products include the following, the names arent confirmed, we are using them as placeholders: Placeholder name What is it When Likelihood HomePod mini 2 Updated internals, faster chip, and new colors including red Mid-2026 10/10 HomePod 3 Updated internals, faster chip Mid-2026 10/10 HomePod Touch HomePod with a built-in 6-7in touchscreen Late-2026 6/10 HomePad A smart display with a 6-7in screen possibly wall-mounted. To be the command centre of the home. Late-2026 6/10 HomeHub Combining a HomePod speaker, display, and advanced home-control features (building onHomePod Touch concept, may not be separate product) Late-2026 6/10 Screen mounted on robot arm Display mounted on a robotic arm (could be evolution of HomePod concept) 2027 or beyond 5/10 Security camera A security camera is said to be part of Apples smart home roadmap 2027 or beyond 5/10 Why hasnt Apple launched the new HomePod devices yet? The biggest obstacle is Siri. Apples next-generation Siri is designed to be a far more capable assistant, able to understand conversational context, personal information and on-screen content as part of Apple Intelligence. However, the chips inside todays HomePods simply arent powerful enough to support these features. The HomePod mini uses the Apple Watch S5 chip, while the 2nd-generation HomePod runs on the S7 chip. Those processors work well for music playback, HomeKit control and basic voice commands, but they lack the performance needed for Apples latest AI models. As a result, Apple is widely believed to have delayed its new HomePod hardware until it can launch devices capable of delivering the full Siri AI experience. Bloombergs Mark Gurman reports that several smart home products are effectively ready , but are being held back until the redesigned Siri ships with the iOS 27 software updates later this year. That means the next generation of HomePods is expected to feature significantly more powerful Apple silicon, enabling Apple Intelligence features that the current models cannot support. HomePod mini 2 Well start off with the rumors about the HomePod mini 2. The HomePod mini is Apples smaller, more affordable smart speaker. The new model is expected to offer a new red color option, major processor upgrade and improved connectivity. Foundry When is the HomePod mini 2 expected to launch? October 2026 Apple introduced the original HomePod mini in November 2020, so it is now nearly six years old and overdue for an update. Rumours of a successor have circulated for more than a year. In January 2025, reports suggested a launch toward the end of 2025 , and Bloombergs Mark Gurman subsequently said that new HomePod mini and Apple TV models were expected in autumn 2025 . Those products never materialised. Attention then shifted to spring 2026, with reports suggesting Apples new smart home devices would launch alongside its redesigned Siri. However, that timetable also slipped as Apple continued work on its AI-powered assistant. The latest reports now point to an October 2026 launch. According to Bloombergs Mark Gurman, Apple has several smart home products that are nearly ready but is waiting for the redesigned Siri to ship with the OS 27 updates before introducing new hardware. If those plans remain on schedule, the HomePod mini 2 is expected to launch alongside Apples broader refresh of its smart home lineup this fall, with most reports pointing to October. What changes are coming to the HomePod mini 2? Black, blue, green, pink, and white. The current HomePod mini is available in Midnight, White, Blue, Yellow and Orange. In September 2025, Bloombergs Mark Gurman reported that Apple has tested additional colours for the next-generation model, including red, although it remains unclear whether any new colours will make it to the final product. In September, MacRumors spotted Apple code that revealed the new colors: black, blue, green, pink, and white. Otherwise, it is expected to retain the same compact, spherical design as the current model, with no major external changes rumoured. Instead, Apple is reportedly focusing on more powerful internal hardware, with an S9 or newer chip able to support next-generation AI-powered Siri features. Other changes coming to HomePod mini 2 Alongside a faster processor, the HomePod mini 2 is also rumoured to include: Apple Intelligence support, enabling the redesigned AI-powered Siri, although some features may arrive after launch if Siri development continues to slip. Improved connectivity, including Apples in-house networking chip, Wi-Fi 6E and an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip. Audio improvements, with upgraded drivers and enhanced sound processing. Minor hardware refinements, such as a removable power cable, although this remains speculative. HomePod 3 The larger HomePod is more expensive than the HomePod mini, delivering richer, louder audio with deeper bass and spatial audio. The next generation is expected to get a processor upgrade, improved connectivity and better sound. Michael Brown/Foundry When is the HomePod 3 expected to launch? October 2026 Apple has not officially announced a third-generation HomePod, but Bloombergs Mark Gurman says the company is preparing several new smart home products that are being held back until its redesigned AI-powered Siri is ready. If those plans remain on schedule, the HomePod 3 is expected to launch alongside the HomePod mini 2 following the release of the OS 27 updates later this year. What changes are coming to the HomePod 3? Unlike the HomePod mini 2, there are relatively few leaks about hardware upgrades coming to the full-size HomePod. However, its expected to receive the same core internal upgrades needed to support Apples AI ambitions. Expected improvements include: More powerful chip : The current HomePod uses the S7 chip from the Apple Watch Series 7. A next-generation model is expected to adopt a significantly faster Apple silicon chip, potentially the S9 or newer, to support Apple Intelligence features. Apple Intelligence Support : The upgraded hardware should enable Apples redesigned AI-powered Siri and other Apple Intelligence features, although some capabilities may arrive after launch if Siri development continues to slip. Improved Connectivity : Rumours point to Apples in-house networking chip, together with Wi-Fi 6E and an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip for improved performance and smart home integration. Audio Enhancements : Apple is also expected to refine the speaker system with upgraded drivers and audio processing. In September, a post by itspdfu , who has a history of posting leaks online, said that audioOS27, the operating system for HomePod devices, supports Siri AI. In addition to Siri AI support, the new HomePod will have new animations for the devices display. Beyond these internal upgrades, some reports suggest Apple is experimenting with a HomePod featuring a built-in display. That device is expected to be a separate product rather than a standard HomePod 3, and we cover those rumours in the next section. HomePod with screen Apple has been rumored to be working on a HomePod with a screen for years, and while it hasnt launched yet, the evidence that its coming is now overwhelming. Read on to find out what we know about the HomePod with Screen perhaps called HomePod Touch based on the latest reports. Foundry and Apple When will the HomePod with Screen launch? Possible launch: Delayed until fall-2026 Apple has been working redesigning the HomePod to include a display for some time. Back in March 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple would unveil a redesigned HomePod featuring a 7-inch panel. Kuo initially expected this product to arrive in the first half of 2024, but that timeline slipped. In December 2024, he reported further delays had pushined the launch to after WWDC 2025 , citing software development challenges. Then, in March 2025, Kuo suggested the device had been delayed again, due to Apple Intelligence setbacks . Current speculation suggests a possible release in the fall of 2026, with the release slipping as the major updates to Siri and Apples AI platform have been further delayed . Alternatively, the HomePod Touch may gain AI related features as part of a later software update. HomePod with display incoming? Foundry What will the HomePod with Screen be like? Display size: Touchscreen 6 and 7-inches Software : Custom touchscreen operating system running apps like Weather, Calendar, Photos, HomeKit as well as Apple Music One of the biggest limitations of todays HomePod is that almost every interaction relies on Siri. A built-in display would provide a more direct way to control music, manage smart home devices and access information, putting Apples device in direct competition with the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub. According to current rumours, Apples display-equipped HomePod will feature a 6-7-inch touchscreen and run a touch-optimised version of homeOS, allowing it to function as both a smart speaker and a smart home hub. Unlike existing HomePods, it is expected to use a far more powerful A-series chip possibly an A18 or similar to support Apples redesigned AI-powered Siri and the more demanding graphical interface. Rumoured features: Large touchscreen : A 6-7-inch display for controlling smart home devices, viewing photos, checking the weather, following recipes and interacting with apps. Powerful Apple silicon : An A-series chip is expected to replace the S-series processor used in current HomePods, providing the performance needed for Apple Intelligence and the touchscreen interface. Dedicated smart home hub : Enhanced HomeKit and Matter controls, with apps including Weather, Calendar, Photos, Apple Music and Home. Improved connectivity : Apples in-house networking chip, Wi-Fi 6E and an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip are all rumoured. FaceTime camera : Reports suggest Apple may include a built-in camera for FaceTime and other video-based features. Possible modular design : Some rumours suggest the display could magnetically dock with a full-size HomePod speaker, allowing it to be used either as a standalone smart display or as part of a higher-fidelity speaker system. If accurate, this would represent Apples biggest expansion of the HomePod lineup since its debut, transforming it from a voice-first speaker into a full smart home controller. Amazon Echo Show beside the HomePod mini, Ben Patterson/Foundry HomePad or HomeHub smart hub: Rumors & release date for smart display with robot arm Possible launch : Late 2026 or 2027 if Siri updates are delayed Strategy : Brand new category of products HomePad release date Apples first-ever smart home display had been rumored to launch in the spring of 2026, but its been delayed due to issues with Siri, according to Bloombergs Mark Gurman. He claims the hardware has been ready for some time , according to anonymous sources with knowledge of the matter. Another leaker, known as Kosutami, who has made accurate predictions in the past, posted on X on March 5 to predict: Autumn. Home. Integrated with Pad. Now coming. That somewhat cryptic post doesnt necessarily refer to the HomePad, but it seems likely. What is the HomePad? Apple has reportedly been exploring a broader smart home strategy for years, and the HomePad could be its most ambitious step yet. As far back as April 2021, Mark Gurman described a high-end device combining a HomePod speaker, a touchscreen, and a camera mounted on a robotic arm that could follow the user around the room during video calls. Gurman has made various references to this over the years. Reports suggest Apple may be planning multiple smart home hub products, potentially split into two tiers: Low-end smart display (J490) : A stationary device with an approximately 7-inch screen, designed for wall mounting or docking. It would focus on HomeKit control and FaceTime calls. High-end robotic hub (J595) : A more advanced version featuring a display mounted on a robotic arm. This Luxo Jr.-like device could function as a videoconferencing system and home security tool, though it may not arrive until late 2026 or even 2027. A revamped, AI-powered Siri is expected to be central to the experience and its ongoing development is widely believed to be the main reason these products have yet to launch. Imagen 3 (Gemini) HomePad Smart Hub Design, Features & Specs Speculation regarding the HomePads internal specifications and software capabilities includes: Processing Power : Internal code suggests the device, codenamed J490, may be powered by the A18 chip , which is capable of supporting advanced Apple Intelligence features. Operating System : The hub will likely run a version of TVos that incorporates iOS-like features . For instance, the inclusion of the ChatKit framework in recent software betas suggests the HomePad may support iMessage and texting, features not currently available on Apple TV or standard HomePods. Kitchen Integration : A new CookingKit framework and expanded food sections in Apple News indicate that kitchen assistance, such as searching for recipes by ingredient, could be a primary selling point. Entertainment : Beyond home control, the device is expected to function as an entertainment hub for streaming music and video, as well as making FaceTime calls via a built-in camera. Advanced Home Control : Code found in the iOS 26 Home app describes an Adaptive Temperature feature, which could allow the HomePad to offer more granular control over smart thermostats, including energy-saving optimizations based on local electricity rates. Camera : There are suggestions that the device could combines a HomePod with a camera, or place a camera on a robot arm. This camera could also be used to recognize gestures. Some years ago a patent was filed that related to a future HomePod that could interpret 3D hand gestures. That patent describes a HomePod that can interpret three-dimensional hand gestures as a means of controlling the device so as to execute an action or function. What chips will power the new HomePods? The biggest limitation of todays HomePods isnt their speakers its their processors. The HomePod mini still uses the Apple Watch S5 chip introduced in 2019, while the second-generation HomePod runs on the newer, but still relatively modest, S7 chip from the Apple Watch Series 7. Those chips are powerful enough for music playback, HomeKit control and basic Siri requests, but they are not capable of running Apples next-generation AI features. Apple Intelligence currently requires an A17 Pro, M1 or newer chip, making it impossible to bring the full AI-powered Siri experience to the existing HomePod hardware. That hardware gap is widely believed to be the main reason Apple has delayed its next generation of HomePods. Rather than updating Siri on the existing speakers, Apple is expected to launch new models with significantly faster processors capable of supporting Apple Intelligence. HomePod mini 2 & HomePod 3 Bloombergs Mark Gurman has said the only confirmed hardware change coming to the new HomePods is a faster chip, although he has not identified which processor Apple will use. The most commonly suggested possibilities are the S9, S10 or S11 chips, but these remain speculative and have not been reported by Gurman or other major Apple analysts. HomePod with a screen The display-equipped HomePod is expected to require substantially more processing power than Apples existing smart speakers. Because it will reportedly run a touch-based operating system alongside Apple Intelligence, most analysts expect it to use an A-series processor, with an A17 Pro or A18 among the leading predictions. Apple has not confirmed the chip, and these reports remain speculative. Whatever processors Apple ultimately chooses, the goal appears to be the same across the entire HomePod range: replacing ageing Apple Watch chips with modern Apple silicon capable of delivering the full Apple Intelligence experience. New HomePod Prices The prices for the HomePods increased in June 2026: HomePod: $349/349 (was $299/299) HomePod mini: $129/129 (was $99/99) With Apple increasing prices in June 2026, we think that these change are like to stick for the updated versions. However, a HomePod with a built-in screen could command a higher price. It may launch as a separate product altogether, potentially starting around $399/399, or higher, depending on features. Buying advice: Should you wait or buy a HomePod now? With prices recently rising on devices that are already underpowered our advice would be: do not buy now. What is on Apples Smart Home Roadmap Apples smart-home roadmap is expected to accelerate in 2026 and beyond, as the company expands its Home ecosystem with new hardware, AI features and services designed to compete with Amazon and Google. Ongoing : Apple continues to lean on the Matter standard to increase device compatibility. Updates like Matter 1.5 have added support for security cameras and energy management, which Apple is expected to integrate into the Home app. February 2026 : On February 10, 2026, Apple ended support for its legacy HomeKit architecture. This transition removed the ability to use an iPad as a home hub, restricting that role to the Apple TV 4K or HomePod. Mid 2026 : Launch of new HomePod mini 2 and HomePod 3. Later in 2026 : Apple intends to overhaul Siri. A completely redesigned, LLM-based Siri is expected to debut in early 2026 to power the new smart hubs. Previous delays in the smart home roadmap were largely attributed to Siris development snags September 2026 : iOS 27 (expected September 2026) may include AI vision recognition, allowing cameras to recognize specific users and their actions to trigger automations while maintaining privacy. Fall 2026 : Launch of Apples HomePad device(s). Other Smart Home products coming from Apple Apple Security Camera : Reports indicate Apple plans to enter the security camera market with its own hardware. Code discovered in iOS 26.2 includes a new isFirstPartyAccessory flag, suggesting support for Apple-branded cameras and doorbells that integrate deeply with the ecosystem. Robotic HomeHub : A home assistant with a display mounted on a robotic arm

Ryan Williams scores vs Panama, how is former Australia footballer playing for India?

Former Australian international Ryan Williams proved to be Indias game-changer on Friday evening at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. The 32-year-old scored a clinical 41st-minute goal to hand the Blue Tigers a 1-0 lead...

Shankar Mahadevan says, despite 21 mixdowns of 'Dil Chahta Hai' title track, rough track made it to final cut

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 25 (IANS) Music composer Shankar Mahadevan has shared an interesting anecdote about the title track of the iconic film Dil Chahta Hai. The composer shared that he along with his fellow composers Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa, and sound engineer Vijay Benegal (Benny) had made 21 versions of the title track. However, the scratch version of the song made it to the final cut as it was liked the most by the makers, and everyone in the team. In a special video for Spotify, Shankar Mahadevan sat down for a chat with Ehsaan Noorani, Loy Mendonsa, playback singer Shaan, and Meiyang Chang. He said, Shall I reveal one more secret about this song? Benny did about 21 mixes of the song. And this, what you're hearing is the rough mix. There was something, something magical about it. What you're hearing is actually the first scratch that we did of the song. The bass lines and all. We had some new samples and great drums, we experimented, and it paid off. People get scared of being minimalistic. He further mentioned, Most people in the business want to fill it up. That shows a person's insecurity. If you're very confident about your melody, if you're confident about your groove and your bass line and your, and that minimal thing, you don't need stuff. If you have a good engineer who mixes it well, it fills up the space. Dil Chahta Hai marked the directorial debut of Farhan Akhtar, and became a defining film of modern Hindi cinema, particularly for its portrayal of urban friendship, romance and youthful independence. Its Goa road trip turned into a cultural touchstone, inspiring generations to recreate the journey with friends. The films visual language, casual fashion and conversational storytelling also influenced Bollywoods depiction of contemporary urban India. The soundtrack was equally influential, blending rock, pop and Indian sounds.

South African Women To Attend Four-day Red-ball Camp Ahead Of Tests Against India, Australia

Cricket South Africa: Gearing up for a packed home summer featuring two Test matches against India and Australia, Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday announced an extended 28-player squad for a four-day red-ball training camp scheduled to be held in Centurion from September 27 to 30. The training camp, to be held at Irene Cricket Club, is the first of two specialised sessions designed to prepare the Proteas Women for their four-day Test against India, to be played at St George's Park in Gqeberha from December 9 to 12. It is followed by a marquee Test match against Australia, to be played at Potchefstroom in March next year. The extended roster features nationally contracted players, Emerging Academy recruits, and top performers from domestic cricket alongside Test-capped regulars like captain Laura Wolvaardt, Sun Luus, Nadine de Klerk, and Anneke Bosch, though Marizanne Kapp is a notable omission. This is another great chapter for the Proteas Women as a group. Preparing for and playing red-ball cricket is something that excites us as players and coaches. We are a team that is always eager to learn and grow as cricketers, and the longer format of the game goes a long way towards helping us achieve that continuous development, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi said in a statement released by CSA. Weve purposefully cast the net wide with the players we have invited to the camp, with the aim of building a solid base of cricketers we can look to when it comes to the skills and mentality required to be successful in red-ball cricket and beyond, he added. Mashimbyi also noted that the camp would also help strengthen team culture and elevate the side's technical foundation across white-ball formats. Another important goal for us is simply spending more time together as a squad and continuing to grow the culture within the group. It also gives us an opportunity to enhance our technical and tactical blueprint, which is not only applicable to the longer format but will also help us prepare for the challenges ahead in One-Day International and T20 International cricket. In terms of the work well be doing, the first camp will largely focus on the various skills required for Test cricket before we look to put those into practice with a training match during the second camp, he added. It also gives us an opportunity to enhance our technical and tactical blueprint, which is not only applicable to the longer format but will also help us prepare for the challenges ahead in One-Day International and T20 International cricket. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Laura Wolvaardt, Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Alexandra Candler, Izel Cilliers, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Nicolien Janse van Rensburg, Leah Jones, Yasmeen Khan, Masabata Klaas, Simon Lourens, Sun Luus, Tebogo Macheke, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nthabiseng Nini, Luyanda Nzuza, Kayla Reyneke, Nondumiso Shangase, Tumi Sekhukhune, Mian Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, and Caitlin Wyngaard. Article Source: IANS

Lionel Messi remains the undisputed free kick GOAT according to EA FC 27

No surprise Lionel Messi is stop but who is following him? The post Lionel Messi remains the undisputed free kick GOAT according to EA FC 27 appeared first on Planet Football .

Abahani stumble again as newcomers Chattogram City snatch Fed Cup draw

Heavyweights Abahani continued their sluggish start to the season, following up their goalless draw against PWD in the Bangladesh Football League with a 1-1 draw against newcomers Chattogram City FC in their Federation Cup opener at the Birshrestha Flight Lt Matiur Rahman Stadium in Munshiganj on Friday.

SIR process completely transparent in Goa: CEO denies reports of discrepancy

Digital Desk | Panaji, Sep 25 (IANS) Goa Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sanjay Goel on Friday denied reports that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state was flawed, asserting that the process was completely transparent and that a majority of the voters who were left out got their names back on the electoral rolls after filing Form 6. This follows a media report claiming that the Goa CEO had written to the ECI eight times in seven days to include 97 voters deleted by the ECINet software. Speaking to reporters, Sanjay Goel said: Representatives of the Congress party have submitted a memorandum. We have explained to them that the entire SIR process has been carried out transparently. In every state, meetings were held with political parties at CO and DO levels. All logical discrepancy lists were displayed at the polling stations. The final roll was also shared with the parties, he said while adding that it has been seven months since the SIR exercise in the state was wrapped up. The CEO added: We had also disposed of the handful of appeals that were received. Apart from this, we didn't receive any complaint from any political party. Even when the representatives of political parties were present (during the SIR process), they had not raised any objection. Reiterating that the process was extremely transparent, he mentioned: Wherever needed, we were writing to the Election Commission for help...the process has been carried out with their support and teamwork. When asked about the 97 deleted voters, Goyal replied: The Booth Level Officers later conducted a house-to-house survey for those who were left out (from the final electoral rolls) and made them fill Form 6. Those who were available and willing were made to fill Form 6 earlier as well, in March-April. If those still left are available and willing, they can fill out Form 6, following which their names will also be included. They will be able to avail their voting rights, the Goa CEO added. Further, he denied any mistake in the state's SIR process, saying: There was always this mechanism to fill out Form 6 (whose names got deleted from the electoral rolls). So, it is nothing like a big mistake or blunder has been committed, or that someone's voting right has been permanently snatched away. Sanjay Goel said that most voters who filled Form 6 have had their names added back to the electoral rolls in time to cast their votes. Regarding the claims that eight mails were written to the ECI within a week, he called it a process of communication. There are clarifications sought by us and instructions sent by them (ECI). We also seek their (ECI's) help in the process. All these keep happening, Goel said.

ODI WC prep starts now; players must put themselves under pressure, says Morne Morkel

Digital Desk | Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 25 (IANS) India bowling coach Morne Morkel on Friday asserted that preparation for the 2027 Mens ODI World Cup begins immediately through the upcoming series against the West Indies, and urged players to embrace high-pressure situations rather than waiting for the marquee tournament to step up their game. India will begin their home season via a three-match ODI series against the West Indies at the Greenfield International Stadium on Sunday, followed by matches in Guwahati and New Chandigarh. Look, for me, the main focus I reckon would be: we can talk, and you can look at different options on how you want to go about playing eleven. But for me, the end of the day is that the guys who ever walk onto the field now, up until the World Cup, starting on Sunday, need to know that there's a certain standard we want to achieve. I want these players to put themselves under pressure, as much pressure. I think coming to the World Cup is the biggest stage. You can't decide a month or a week before the tournament now that we're going to step things up. I think it starts now with this series against West Indies, how with bowling, with back ball and in the field, how can we put ourselves under pressure? Morkel told reporters in a press conference on Friday. He also revealed that the team management held a detailed meeting to set high benchmarks and lay down the building blocks in the 50-over format for the upcoming home season. Very excited for this series and for us, building towards something special. It's almost a year away. We had a good team meeting and conversation today about how we would like to play this series and the standards we want to set. So, the words were spoken in the room, and hopefully now over the next week or so we can go out and start getting those foundations and the building blocks in place for this series, he added. To build mental toughness, Morkel said he has challenged the bowling unit to proactively seek responsibility during tough passages of play under captain Shubman Gill. We've challenged the bowlers today when conditions are tough, or there are certain partnerships that are developing badly. I want to see guys going to Shubman and asking for the ball and wanting to create opportunities and not be sort of protecting their own space. I think that will be a great goal for us if we can develop that now for guys wanting the tough situations. If we are maybe 30/4, who's going to go and get that partnership and get us at 100? So if we can throw ourselves in certain situations and guys can figure out ways to play those situations and learn and take learnings about that, there will be growth, and that will help us down the line, he added. The bowling coach also highlighted that players will continue to be rotated across different roles in the upcoming matches against the West Indies and New Zealand to test the squad depth, especially with the Asian Games around right now and later, when Test series preparation demands players to miss a few games later in November. I think if you look at the last year, we've been trying to give guys some game time and see in different roles how they react, and that will be the same now leading into the series and looking at New Zealand, to give guys opportunity with the ball in hand. I think it's very important for those guys to get the game time, to get a feel for the standard that we're looking to play. Addressing the role of senior figures like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Morkel praised Gill's leadership while stressing how crucial experience for the veteran duo is in mentoring younger ODI squad members. It's always great to have that experience back in the team. Just to guide Shubman as well. I must say Shubman has done an exceptional job so far leading the team. But I'm always a big believer in your senior players and how they shape the team. I think different players in the team will feel more comfortable speaking to a certain senior individual, and we're quite fortunate that we've got a lot of experience in that. So if Virat or Rohit, whoever is leading the conversation, there's a lot of game time and a lot of experience in those conversations, that can only be great for the team. We always throw out as many questions as possible in team meetings for the senior guys to speak and to share their experience. But the challenge is to sometimes ask a younger guy while they're batting in the nets, pick Virat's brain, speak to Rohit about what is important with a new ball up front. So, the more opportunities we can create for conversation with these guys, the better it is for us, concluded Morkel.

Metas new AI agent wants to make managing money easier

Meta launched Muse, its new AI agent, earlier this month and it's already claiming to help some consumers save money. At the 2026 Meta Connect conference, Meta Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang spoke about Muse's ability to shop for products online, manage travel plans, save money on insurance costs, negotiate utility bills, and more. Now, he's challenging people to use Muse to save them $1,000 in what he's dubbed the #MuseMoneyChallenge on X. With the agent's help, users can do everything from create a budget to cancel unused subscriptions. Here's a closer look at Muse's personal finance capabilities, and some risks to weigh before handing over your financial information. Read more: Meta's Zuckerberg says Muse AI agent will take small fee from transactions What is Muse? Muse is Meta's personal AI agent. The company describes it as an agent that takes on more of the work so people can focus on what matters to them. Plenty of other AI agents exist today with features that allow users to help with tasks whether that's setting up a work meeting on a shared calendar, writing code, or planning a summer vacation. Instead of just chatting with users and responding to prompts, these agents can make decisions based on information already discussed and take actions on the user's behalf, generally based on parameters they've set. Many have also begun integrating personal finance tools for users. OpenAI's ChatGPT has a personal finance experience that lets you connect your financial information to get personalized recommendations and more. Robinhood has an agentic credit card feature that lets cardholders link their third-party AI agents to make automatic (preapproved) purchases. Read more: ChatGPT can now see your bank account. Is it worth the risk? Unlike some other AI agents, Muse is targeting everyday users, claiming to be the first personal AI agent built for everyone with no learning curve. According to Meta ( META ), Muse can take on tasks that those already using agentic AI are familiar with, including sending emails, booking travel, and making restaurant reservations. It can also help users accomplish goals: Once a person shares a goal with Muse, it helps them develop a personalized plan and coordinate their time and resources, then advances the work on its own. It can open a browser, fill out forms, and negotiate on their behalf. Meta is also positioning Muse specifically as a personal finance tool. Read more: Meta's Muse is an impressively capable AI agent, despite some hiccups How Meta's Muse could help with your finances Here are a few of the ways Muse can assist with personal finances: Track spending and saving When you connect your bank account to Muse, it can track your spending and help you set a budget. By reviewing your frequent purchases, it can recommend where to cut back and save more. You can also set up regular check-ins on spending and savings goals and have the agent make adjustments over time. Read more: Best high-yield savings accounts Audit subscriptions Muse can use your linked accounts to find all of the subscriptions you're currently paying for and help you decide what's worth keeping. Beyond the one-time audit, it can also keep monitoring your paid subscriptions so they don't pile up. The agent can even track unexpected expenses charged to your accounts, which can be useful if you forget to cancel a free trial before it turns into a paid subscription. Negotiate bills With access to financial accounts, Muse can analyze your bills and expenses to find any duplicate charges or errors and then resolve them for you. If there's a provider charging less for a service you already pay for, it can let you know. Muse can also negotiate lower bills for you. In some cases, it may be able to call your service providers and negotiate bill prices itself. Other times, it can start the process and connect you to the call to speak with a representative. Find money you're owed Muse can search online databases for unclaimed property , finding any money you're owed across different states you've lived in. It can file the claims for you and start the process of receiving the money whether from old bank accounts, employers, overpaid utility bills, and more. Find deals Before you buy an item, Muse can search online for the best prices and recommend similar items at lower price points. It can also keep track of an item you've already purchased to see when prices drop. If the discount falls within your credit card's purchase protection policy, it can help you navigate the claim. If you choose, it can even make purchases for you. Muse is set up to ask for approval before it authorizes any spending. For websites where your payment method is already on file, it'll give you the purchase details and ask for approval before purchasing. If you don't already have a stored payment, Muse can use your stored payment (using single-use card information, but not sharing your real card numbers with the merchant) to make the purchase, again with your approval. Read more: Americans are using AI for financial advice more than you think Muse security and privacy risks For a lot of users, privacy is a major concern when it comes to using an AI agent including Muse for personal finance help. Experts we've spoken to are also skeptical about linking sensitive financial information to third-party services. Right now, the technology is too new, Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, recently told Yahoo Finance. The data sharing implications are still unknown It's just not something we're going to recommend. According to Meta, Muse has several built-in security protections. That includes securely storing passwords and payment methods (even from the agent itself), requiring approval for certain actions, keeping a trail of past and future actions, and more. Still, privacy isn't guaranteed. Meta itself admits Muse isn't immune to attack and will sometimes make mistakes. If you're not willing to share your banking and credit card information yet, you can still make use of Muse for your personal finances. The process will just require more manual work on your end. Instead of allowing complete access to your credit card account, for example, you can upload a copy of your most recent statement, or several past statements, and omit information you want to keep private. The agent can use that select information to help you find recurring expenses, identify unnecessary spending, and create a budget. Read more: I asked ChatGPT for financial advice. Here's what happened. This article originally appeared on Yahoo Personal Finance at https://finance.yahoo.com/personal-finance/banking/article/metas-muse-says-it-can-manage-your-money-should-you-let-it-141040045.html

A Privilege To Take Up CSK Head Coach Role, Big Shoes To Fill, Says Zaheer Khan

Chennai Super Kings: Newly appointed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Zaheer Khan said on Friday that being at the helm of the five-time Indian Premier League (IPL) champions is a privilege which comes with immense responsibility, adding that filling the shoes of outgoing coach Stephen Fleming will be an exciting yet challenging task for him. Zaheer, the former Indian left-arm fast bowler, was named as the new CSK head coach on Monday for IPL 2027. His immediate task will be to chalk out a strategy for the mini auction, to be held in Goa in December this year. The feeling is still sinking in, I would say. So much love and affection being shown towards me by the fans, by the well-wishers looking ahead to this special chapter in my cricketing career. It always feels very satisfying and a lot of pressure as well at the same time of responsibilities which I'll be carrying since you're talking about CSK, isn't it? Zaheer said on the franchise's official YouTube channel on Friday. It's a franchise which has the legacy, rich history of cricket and big shoes to fill in. So that's something which is going to be very challenging at the same time, exciting as well because it's just about taking the team to the level which everyone expects them to be and that's something which I'm looking forward to, the former India speedster added. Describing the appointment process, Zaheer, a member of the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning team, praised the franchise's clarity in the process of appointing him to the role and showing trust in his coaching abilities. The procedure was pretty simple, straightforward, I would say, in a typical CSK fashion. Obviously, MS has been a great force with CSK. It's been very critical in terms of understanding the direction the team should be going. The owners and the CEO, Rupa and Mr. Kasi, did have a word with me, and the conversation was very simple. We want you -- if you're available or not; the availability was checked. I said, yeah, I would love to be part of it. It would be a privilege and an honour. From then on, it was just about taking things forward and moving on with the formalities. It was as simple as that, and that gives me a lot of confidence stepping into this responsibility. It's the faith which has been shown in me and in my abilities. Obviously, the responsibilities are going to be greater. It's going to be a different challenge. But this faith is definitely something which I value a lot, and I'm looking forward to just taking things in my stride and doing my best, he added. Zaheer paid rich tributes to Fleming, under whom CSK won five titles, and his legendary partnership with MS Dhoni, which established the franchise as one of the most successful T20 franchises globally. When you talk about Fleming, it's about the consistency and the camaraderie which he's had with MS. It's something which has been very special. CSK has always been a very tough opponent whenever I've been facing them, and that's the legacy which I'm talking about -- the brand of cricket was established through years of hard work. It's about protecting that brand and taking things forward from here. So, as I mentioned, big shoes to fill. A lot of expectations that do bring a lot of pressure as well. It's going to be an exciting challenge which I'm looking forward to, he added. For Zaheer, returning to CSK feels like a homecoming, as he revealed about having spent a significant part of his formative cricket years in the city at the famous MRF Pace Foundation under Australian fast bowling legend Dennis Lillee. Well, we go a long way back; that pace foundation is something which is very dear to me. Played a huge role in my career and shaped me as a fast bowler. Spending time with Dennis Lillee there, I pretty much spent about 3 years. So, that time was something very special. The guest house was very nice. You had 10-12 fast bowlers slogging it out over the off-season for five-six months. On weekends, go for movies, make new friends -- that has been the connection. So, Chennai has always been very dear to me. Anna Nagar is where we used to stay. So, obviously, that area I'm very familiar with. Spent a lot of time there. Then, I went to the Pace Academy, which was in Egmore. The cricket ground was in a school facility. So, a lot of buzz in that area, and I did play a lot of league cricket there in Chennai. So, over the years, around that time, I was part of the MRF team. The Globe Trotters in the local league -- so, good and fond memories, lots of connections and friends there, he recalled. The guest house was very nice. You had 10-12 fast bowlers slogging it out over the off-season for five-six months. On weekends, go for movies, make new friends -- that has been the connection. So, Chennai has always been very dear to me. Anna Nagar is where we used to stay. So, obviously, that area I'm very familiar with. Spent a lot of time there. Then, I went to the Pace Academy, which was in Egmore. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The team and the fans look like a big family, and the togetherness is very special, and that's what everyone experiences when they come to Chepauk and enjoy the game of cricket. So, looking forward to all the love and adulation which this team will get as we move along. Article Source: IANS

Socceroos denied famous win as late Brazil goal cancels out Irankunda stunner

GSSTFDCL Company Secretary Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline

Goa State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 6 Company Secretary posts. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications up to 10-10-2026. The prescribed application form and detailed notification are available on the official website.

IGPL: Varun Chopras final-day charge wins him title at IDPL Invitational

Digital Desk | Ras Al Khaimah, Sep 25 (IANS) Varun Chopra, who started the final day of the IGPL Invitational three shots behind the 36-hole leader Shiv Kapur, played another solid round of 4-under 68 and beat Kapur in the race to the finish. Chopras superb final-round rally gave him a two-shot win over Kapur, who slipped to 1-over 73 on the final day. Chopra shot rounds of 66-68-68 for a total of 14-under 202. Kapur, after a stunning 62 on the first day, had a 69 on the second, which kept him in a three-shot lead. However, the final day saw the pendulum swing Chopras way and win the title, which also gave the Indian-American the first prize cheque of Rs. 22.50 lakhs. Kapur was left to clutch the second spot at 12-under 204 and received Rs. 15 lakhs. It was Chopras first IGPL title, and earlier this year he won the APGA Tour championship and had done well at the Morocco Rising Stars Marrakech. Sachin Baisoya grabbed third place with a 68 that gave him a total of 8-under, while five players Veer Ganapathy (71), Gaganjeet Bhullar (71), Varun Parikh (71), Aryan Roopa Anand (68) and Tushar Pannu (68) were tied fifth. Chopras fine final day also meant Auro Goa Eagles took a double as they won the team title this week. They totalled 23-under, while Kapur-led RVR Delhi Blue Bulls were pushed to second at 21-under. Sachin Baisoyas final-day push earned his team, Hyderabad Firebird, third place at 13-under. They were tied for third with Flying Man Kolkata, for whom Varun Parikh was the star performer. Chopra began with a birdie start, but his three birdies in a span of four holes between the fifth and the eighth gave him the momentum he needed. Meanwhile, Kapur just could not get the birdies to answer Chopras charge. By the turn, Chopra had moved ahead, and he made no mistakes on the back nine, even as Kapurs putter did not do his bidding. After a 4-under front nine, Chopra birdied the 14th but gave that shot back on the 16th before playing the final two holes in par. That did not prove costly as Kapur was unable to take advantage of that. Shiv Kapur, who had holes everything saw on the first day round of 10-under 62, just could not find any birdies on the final day. He was forced to settle for pars all through, and he also dropped a bogey on the Par-4 12th for a 73. IGPL Debutant Ravi Kumar (70) and young Kanav Chauhan (71) were tied ninth to round off the top-10 finishers

India strengthening public health systems through Ayushman Bharat, digital health push: Health Secretary

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 24 (IANS) India highlighted progress on universal health coverage, hepatitis elimination and sickle cell care at two global health events on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, an official statement said on Thursday. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, ABPMJAY and e-Sanjeevani as tools bringing healthcare services closer to communities, the statement from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. Srivastava at the Seventh Annual Ministerial Meeting of the Group of Friends of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) & Global Health highlighted Indias efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across primary, secondary and tertiary health care, while protecting people from financial hardship. India reiterated its commitment to making quality healthcare accessible and affordable for all, while sharing its experience in strengthening public health systems and addressing priority health challenges, the statement said. India has a network of over 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which bring a broad range of healthcare services closer to communities, she noted. These services comprise reproductive and child health services, screening and management of non-communicable diseases, mental health, elderly and palliative care, along with preventive, promotive and curative healthcare. Srivastava highlighted the role of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the publicly funded health assurance scheme, in strengthening financial protection for vulnerable and underserved sections of society. She also underlined the importance of the Free Drugs and Diagnostics Service Initiative and the Prime Ministers National Dialysis Programme in reducing the financial burden on patients and improving access to essential healthcare services. The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana strengthens financial protection for vulnerable groups and over 900 million citizens hold unique health IDs under Indias growing digital health ecosystem, Srivastava noted. Over 497 million teleconsultations have been facilitated through e-Sanjeevani, alongside services and innovations such as teleradiology, AI-enabled X-rays and Mobile Medical Units. In a related event, the Union Health Secretary highlighted the countrys commitment to the 2030 goal of eliminating Hepatitis B and C as public health threats, and underlined the importance of early diagnosis, affordable access to treatment. Embedded within the National Health Mission (NHM) framework, viral hepatitis screening services are being provided from nearly 1.80 lakh primary healthcare facilities, including Health and Wellness Centres, to tertiary care facilities. The National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme helped screen nearly 225 million beneficiaries, the statement noted.

Who Is Connor Hellebuyck's Wife Andrea? What To Know About Goalie's Family And White House Controversy

Connor Hellebuycks wife Andrea has kept much of their family life private, but her social media has offered glimpses into their marriage, children and the controversy that followed his 2026 White House visit.

Phoebe Brett, Maria Andrews Named In England Squad For U-19 T20 WC And India Series

T20 World Cup: Warwickshire spinner Phoebe Brett and The Blaze all-rounder Maria Andrews have been named in a 15-player England squad for their upcoming tour of India and the subsequent ICC U-19 Womens T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in Nepal and Bangladesh. The ECB announced a busy winter itinerary for the side, which begins with a five-match T20 series against India in November-December this year, and serves as key preparation for the marquee global event in January-February 2027. Following the conclusion of the series against India, the squad will stay back in the country for an additional week of outdoor training camps before flying out for the World Cup. Phoebe remains the sole player from England's 2025 World Cup campaign in Malaysia, where the side lost to eventual champions India in the semi-finals. Maria, who served as a non-travelling reserve during the previous edition, has earned a call-up to the main squad this time around. This is an exciting opportunity for this group of players who will be the best prepared squad we will have sent to the U19 Womens World Cup, England U-19 head coach Chris Guest said in a statement. The aspiration as always is to win the U19 World Cup. Taking on board learnings from previous campaigns, we have gone about things slightly differently this time, ensuring that our players are getting some game time outdoors much closer to the tournament, he added. Detailing the focus of the upcoming winter assignment, the head coach stressed that player development remains as vital as winning silverware. The goals for the winter are dual focused. We want to win the World Cup, and we are also developing players and helping them prepare for what their career might look like in a professional environment. The ECB stated that the team captain will be named at a later date. Additionally, five non-travelling reserves - Ava Clive, Ivreen Dhaliwal, Libby Fellows, Lucy Randle-Bissell, and Isobel Thorndike - will participate in all preparation camps, including the training period in India at the conclusion of the T20 series. The five-match T20 series against India will kick off in Baroda on November 26, with the venue hosting the first two games before the action shifts to Surat for the remaining three fixtures. The ECB stated that the team captain will be named at a later date. Additionally, five non-travelling reserves - Ava Clive, Ivreen Dhaliwal, Libby Fellows, Lucy Randle-Bissell, and Isobel Thorndike - will participate in all preparation camps, including the training period in India at the conclusion of the T20 series. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Non-travelling reserves: Ava Clive, Ivreen Dhaliwal, Libby Fellows, Lucy Randle-Bissell, and Isobel Thorndike. Article Source: IANS

Ruthless Haaland's Goal Rush Knocks Zlatan Off Nordic Summit

Erling Haaland's double against Denmark took his Norway tally to 64 goals in 56 games, surpassing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo while sealing Norway's first competitive win over Denmark.

Supreme Court Notice To Goa Police, Tarun Tejpal In 2013 Rape Case

The bench said it will issue notice on both the pleas filed by Tarun Tejpal and the Goa government.

High-Fibre Fruits Listed: Study says 7 of 10 Indians miss fibre target; fruits help meet goal

India Aims For Asian Games Hockey Semis

Defending champions India, currently unbeaten in the men's hockey Pool A at the Asian Games, are set to face hosts Japan in a crucial match. Both teams have won all their games, but India holds a superior goal difference. The winner of this match will secure the top spot in the pool and a direct semifinal berth, with India's forwards showing exceptional form.

MACT Goalpara Multi Tasking Staff Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline

The Motor Accident Claims Tribunal Goalpara (MACT Goalpara) has released 01 Multi Tasking Staff vacancy. Eligible candidates with 8th can apply online from January 16, 2026 to February 16, 2026 at cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in.

Texas goat farmer Lisa Seger needed more garden space but not another 4-by-8 or 4-by-12 bed, so she filled an old filing cabinet with soil and grew herbs in its drawers

In Texas, Lisa Seger resides on a goat farm where she practices innovative vertical gardening, maximizing limited space to cultivate herbs and various plants. This method has gained traction among urban gardeners who often struggle with space restrictions. Compared to conventional gardening, vertical gardens optimally use space, water, and light. Furthermore, recent studies highlight gardening's positive impact on mental health.

Supreme Court issues notice to Goa Government on plea challenging rape conviction of Tarun Tejpal

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the State of Goa on a plea filed by former Tehelka editor-in-chief Tarun Tejpal challenging the Bombay High Court judgment which overturned his acquittal in a 2013 rape case and sentenced him to 10 years rigorous imprisonment. A Bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Prasanna B. Varale [] The post Supreme Court issues notice to Goa Government on plea challenging rape conviction of Tarun Tejpal appeared first on India Legal .

Make In India At 12: What Worked, What Didn't, What Needs More Work

12 years of Make In India: Strong gains in production and exports, but key job and GDP goals remain elusive. Industry demands easy finance for MSMEs.

GATE 2027 Registration Closing Soon: Complete Your GOAPS Form Before the Deadline Hits

GATE 2027 registration closes on September 27, 2026. Don't wait until the last minute to complete your GOAPS form. Follow these tips to avoid payment glitches, verify documents, and ensure your application is submitted.

SC Issues Notices In Tarun Tejpal Rape Case

The Supreme Court has issued two notices concerning Tarun Tejpal's sentencing in a 2013 rape case. One notice was sent to Goa Police regarding Tejpal's petition against his 10-year prison term, while the other was issued to Tejpal himself following a Goa government plea seeking an enhanced sentence. This development follows the Bombay High Court's decision to convict Tejpal and overturn his earlier acquittal.

Asiad 2026: India women's hockey team notch fourth win with 3-1 win vs JPN

The Indian women's hockey team continued its unbeaten run, beating hosts Japan 3-1 to register its fourth consecutive win and virtually seal a semifinal berth at the Asian Games here on Friday. The Indians scored through Lalremsiami (5th minute), Ishika Chaudhary (30th) and Navneet Kaur (36th). Japan's lone goal was scored by Shiho Kobayakawa in the 46th minute. India will round off their Pool B campaign against Singapore on Sunday. India entered the contest after three consecutive wins in the competition. The Indian women opened their campaign with a 19-0 victory over Uzbekistan, which was followed by a 17-1 win against Indonesia, and then they defeated Thailand 20-1 to top Pool B. The Indians continued their fine run and took the lead as early as the fifth minute through a field goal by Lalremsiami. The Indians continued to control the proceedings and mounted numerous attacks on the Japanese defence, which stood firm. Japan too had their chances but failed to breach the Indian

They said it: Leaders at the UN, in their own words

Many leaders saying many things about many topics that matter to them, to their regions, to the world: Thats what the U.N. General Assembly invariably produces each year. And each year, certain voices dominate. Here, The Associated Press takes the opposite approach and spotlights some thoughts from leaders who might have not captured the headlines and airtime on Thursday, the third day of the 2026 General Debate. ___ The time for simply setting out goals is behind us. Mia Amor Mottley, president of Barbados, on climate change ___ A United Nations that delivers for all cannot mean an organization that responds loudly to some crises and quietly to others. Janez Jansa, prime minister of Slovenia ___ Power earns trust only when it respects law. Andrs Baka, president of Hungary ___ Narrow self-interest is breaking the bonds of solidarity. Michel Martin, Taoiseach of Ireland ___ Please allow me to quote the great African writer Chinua Achebe, who said the...

Supreme Court seeks Goa Polices response on Tarun Tejpals appeal against rape case conviction

Tejpal surrendered before a Goa court on September 14, to serve his 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence

SC seeks Goa cops' response on Tarun Tejpal's plea against rape conviction

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to Goa Police on an appeal filed by journalist Tarun Tejpal against a Bombay High Court order that sentenced him to 10 years in prison in a 2013 rape case. A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and P B Varale also issued notice to Tejpal on a Goa government plea seeking enhancement of his sentence. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Tejpal, submitted that it was a case where the acquittal was reversed by the high court and urged that his bail plea be heard in the matter. This is a case of reversal, there is a right of appeal, I have surrendered. The High Court itself has suspended the sentence for four weeks, Sibal said. The bench said it will give a specific date for hearing the matter. On August 25, the top court had directed Tejpal to surrender within three weeks to undergo his 10-year prison sentence and had dismissed his plea seeking exemption from surrendering. Subsequently, Tejpal surrendered before the trial court in

Tarun Tejpal challenges rape conviction, SC seeks Goa govt response

CEC Row: 97 Names, EC Objections And Rahul Gandhi

The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has come under renewed scrutiny following a dispute over 97 voter names in Goa and reports of objections raised by two Election Commissioners on issues related to the revision exercise. According

Home of Hope gala raises $879,000 as supporters mark 26 years of grassroots work in India

Home of Hope, a volunteer-driven nonprofit focused on underserved communities in India, raised $879,000 at its annual fundraising gala at the Santa Clara Marriott, bringing the organization closer to its $1 million fundraising goal.

Asian Games 2026: India beat Japan 3-1 to book women's hockey semifinal berth

India's women's hockey team achieved a significant win over Japan with a score of 3-1 in Pool B. They scored twice in the first half through Lalremsiami and Ishika to establish a strong lead. Navneet Kaur added another goal in the third quarter, demonstrating their competitive edge. Although Japan managed to score once in the fourth quarter, India maintained their advantage until the end.

56 games, 64 goals: Haaland just won

The Norwegian striker scored twice as Norway edged Denmark 3-2 in a thrilling Nations League opener in Oslo, taking his international tally to 64 goals in just 56 appearances.

Panama test will help us know what it takes to be a World Cup team: Sandhu

Veteran India goalkeeper Gurpreet urges team to use Fridays friendly to learn how they can step up their game against superior opponents

Israel Footballer Abu Farchi Red-Carded for 'Gun' Celebration

Israeli forward Saied Abu Farchi was sent off during a UEFA Nations League match against Austria after simulating a gun with the corner flag during his goal celebration, leading to a second yellow card.

Xi Jinping pushes Trump to 'oppose' Taiwan independence in rare call

Since coming to power in 2012, Xi has made bringing Taiwan under China's control a key goal and vowed to achieve it someday, by force if necessary

Felix goal earns Portugal narrow victory as Ronaldo misfires

Portugal have won two of the four finals since the competition was launched in 2018 but lost in the round of 16 to Spain at the World Cup in July.

Goa SIR row: Election Commission responds to Opposition's voter list manipulation charges

The Election Commission (EC) has responded to Opposition allegations in Goa that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls could influence the upcoming elections, with the poll body assuring that no eligible voter will...

Argentina Coach Scaloni Says Messi Deserves To Go Out On Own Terms

Scaloni also said Messi, who scored his 100th goal for Inter Miami earlier this month, deserved to win another Ballon d'Or

AIM seal title of 1st Gift Raikhan Memorial Football Tournament

AIM, Khabam claimed the title of the 1st Gift Raikhan Memorial Football Tournament 2026 27 organised and sponsored by Gift Raikhan Family and Babina Group of Companies AIM edged ATFA by 2 1 goals to seal the top honour of the inaugural edition of the 15 team football tournament organised in memory of former Manipur and NEROCA FC coach, under the aegis of the All Manipur Football Association ATFA drew first blood through Biken in the 12th minute before N Nenaldo set up the recovery path for AIM by scoring the equaliser in the 25th minute After settling the first half in a 1 1 draw, Th Amujao scored in the 52nd minute to put AIM in the driver

Italy Moves to Cap Number of Foreign Students in Its Classrooms

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the goal was to better integrate non-Italian speaking children, but critics accused her of trying to appease anti-immigrant sentiment.

Goa cops to lead nat

Panaji: Goa Polices tech-driven policing will serve as a guideline for informed implementation across the country Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), Alok Mittal said on Thursday. Goa Police on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BPR&D, Union Ministry of Home Affairs, for the tech-driven implementation of the One Year []

Centre approves Rs 13 cr seafarers

Vasco: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal has approved the establishment of a Seafarers Welfare Centre at Mormugao Port. He also said that an existing reputed Maritime Training Institute/College in Goa was being considered for affiliation with Indian Maritime University to strengthen maritime education and training. The approval for Seafarers Welfare Centre []

Goa-C

Panaji: Goa endured a batting collapse as their two-day All India U-16 JY Lele Invitational Cricket Tournament match against Chhattisgarh ended in a draw at the Infipro Sports Academy Cricket Ground. Chhattisgarh, who made 212/9 in their first innings, bowled Goa out for 120 in 66.4 overs to secure the first-innings lead points. Vishram Parab []

On ancient Madagascar, large native herbivores paid the price as introduced livestock spread

New analyses of ancient cattle, sheep and goat bones on Madagascar suggest the rapid spread of introduced livestock on the island 1,200 years ago coincided with forest loss and population declines of large native herbivores.

Apple Music to Host Free Head Trip Festival Livestream

Apple Music is teaming up with Goldenvoice to livestream the Head Trip music festival that's taking place in Indio, California, on October 10 and 11. Head Trip will feature Calvin Harris, Fisher with Chris Lake, Peggy Gou with Four Tet, Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex, Dom Dolla with Kettama, and more. Tickets to the in-person event started at $499 but have sold out, and only passes starting at $589 are available now. HEAD TRIP. LIVE FROM INDIO. OCTOBER 10 + 11. WATCH THE LIVESTREAM ON APPLE MUSIC. https://t.co/puQ6MSRbxA pic.twitter.com/1cAMs0xYHP Apple Music (@AppleMusic) September 24, 2026 Music fans who don't want to pay that much or travel to the California desert can instead watch the livestream for free through Apple Music. Head Trip brings together an extraordinary lineup of artists who are shaping dance and electronic music culture right now, says Stephen Campbell, Global Head of Dance, Electronic Music & DJ Mixes at Apple Music. Our goal at Apple Music has always been to bring fans closer to the artists, scenes, and dance floors driving this culture forward. Teaming up with Goldenvoice on Head Trip gives us an incredible opportunity to take the energy of this one-of-a-kind festival beyond Indio, giving fans around the world the chance to experience these performances on Apple Music. Sets from the main stage of the event will be livestreamed across both days of the festival, according to Digital Music News . More information about Head Trip can be found on the festival website . Tag: Apple Music This article, Apple Music to Host Free Head Trip Festival Livestream first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums

Goa Takes Action on 97 Voter Registration Cases Ahead of Elections

Goas election office addresses 97 voter registration cases, ensuring eligible voters are included in the final list. Goa Takes Action on 97 Voter Registration Cases Ahead of Elections

'Many Added': Goa Electoral Officer On 97 Electors Not Being Included In Rolls

It is reiterated that no eligible elector will be left behind, the Goa Chief Electoral Officer said.

'No eligible elector will be left behind': Goa CEO clarifies on 97 missing voters

The Chief Electoral Officer of Goa has provided clarity regarding the exclusion of 97 voters from the electoral rolls. These individuals were initially identified due to discrepancies reported during the Special Intensive Revision process. However, follow-up house visits successfully registered many eligible voters. This incident has raised concerns over the reliability of the Election Commission's ECINet software, prompting criticism from opposition parties about electoral registration procedures and centralization.

Train Attendant Held With Illegal Liquor

A train attendant was arrested at Thane railway station for allegedly possessing 61 bottles of Goa-manufactured Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs 71,560. The seizure was made by the state excise department based on a tip-off, and the attendant has been charged under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.

Axis Bank readies major customer-connect initiative to mark World Tourism Day

Axis Bank is set to launch an extensive outreach program across India, spotlighting tourism and hospitality sectors in Goa. The initiative plans to engage over 5,000 customers and honour approximately 1,000 entrepreneurs.