Trump turns to dual economic, military approach in latest attempt to squeeze Iran
Washington, Sep 04: Confronted by an intransigent Iranian government that has refused to back down in the face of a massive military campaign, President Donald Trump appears to have settled on a dual-pronged approach that combines economic pressure with the potential of a devastating escalation in force. Having launched Operation Economic Outcast just last week to try to isolate Iran from its remaining global trade partners, the Trump administration also resumed strikes in recent days, prompting Iranian retaliation that has renewed concerns of an all-out regional war. However, the combination of already intense sanctions on Iran and an off-and-on bombing campaign since the war began more than six months ago has not bowed the Iranian leadership and has left the administration struggling to find a way to wind down the conflict. Tehran has dug in its heels -- to Trump's frustration -- as energy prices rise, the global economy roils and poll numbers on the administration's handling of the war dip ahead of November's midterm congressional elections. Trump said Wednesday that he didn't think the conflict would last much longer, but he again shrugged off suggestions that its unpopularity and high gasoline prices resulting from Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz would affect the elections for Republicans. It doesn't matter. And I'm not affected by the election, he told reporters. I'm not running. But my party is running, and I'm going to help my party. But I think my party respects the fact that we're not allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon. A regional diplomat briefed on the matter described the current impasse between Tehran and Washington as reflective of both countries' domestic priorities: the midterm elections for Trump and Republicans and the internal crises within Iran. Domestic issues are critical reasons why neither side is willing to blink first, said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations. The diplomat said negotiations, including those between Iran and Oman or even Iran and the US, will not go anywhere without addressing the initial catalyst of war: Israel. And the diplomat was sceptical of the Trump administration's new sanctions plan, saying the threats require more explanation than what the US has provided so far. The Trump administration's economic isolation of Iran is off to a slow start The administration's new push for Iran's economic isolation was announced with great fanfare last week and a dire warning for all remaining countries to cut off financial and trade ties with Iran or face US retaliation -- but the campaign so far has fallen flat. Just one branch of an Egyptian bank in the United Arab Emirates has been targeted so far. For actual sanctions to bite, experts agree that they must apply to Iran's main trading partners: mainly China but also India and Russia. But Trump is loath to target China, especially as he is preparing to host President Xi Jinping later this month. Trump also insists that the US has control over the Strait of Hormuz, where one-fifth of the world's oil transits before the war began. The strategic waterway has been a key pressure point for Iran, and reopening it fully has become one of the prime goals for the US administration. Ship traffic through the strait is well below pre-war levels due to the risk of attack if vessels don't comply with an Iranian vetting regime near its coastline, which is in sharp contrast to the unhindered navigation before the war. There were 102 transits last week and 126 the week before, according to shipping data company Lloyd's List Intelligence, compared with 130 or more per day before the war. As President Trump said, the strait is open, and all mines have been cleared, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Thursday. The naval blockade remains in full force and effect, and Operation Economic Outcast is underway to sever every remaining economic lifeline sustaining the regime. The White House has repeatedly touted the economic impact that the sanctions have had on Iran, citing its rampant inflation and the massive loss in the value of its currency. US officials have described Iran's financial system as one big house of cards. Going forward, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the price Iran will pay will be primarily economic, but we reserve the right ... to take military action when necessary -- not just to protect ourselves but to prevent them from being able to threaten others as well. They're going to continue to feel the squeeze, he told Fox News host Brian Kilmeade in an interview that aired Wednesday. Vice President JD Vance said Thursday that he would not characterise the current situation as a war but that the administration would respond to any Iranian hostile action. Major combat operations are currently not ongoing, and they haven't been ongoing in a very long time, Vance told reporters during a White House briefing. In fact, what we did just a couple of days ago is that we made it harder for the Iranians to shoot at commercial shipping again in order to ensure the flow of oil and gas into world energy markets. Combining military force and sanctions on Iran is the only option,' one analyst says Complicating things for the US, Iran's leadership has shown signs of divisions between moderates more open to a diplomatic solution and hardliners who want to press ahead with a more confrontational approach. President Masoud Pezeshkian is one of the most prominent voices still calling for a negotiated solution. But the hardliners appear to have gained the upper hand, and Iran shows no sign of backing down. Tehran continues to lash out at US interests and allies around the region in response to military strikes. This kind of a hybrid approach -- the combination of military force, blockade and economic pressure -- is the only option that seems to be available to the United States at this moment, said Hamidreza Azizi, senior Iran analyst for the International Crisis Group. Still, he said, it's been for a long time, but now maybe more than ever, a battle of endurance between the two sides. Amr Hamzawy, director of the Middle East program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, pointed to two main reasons for the deteriorating situation. One, none of the two parties is satisfied with the outcome -- meaning that the current situation does not serve US interests well, and it does not serve Iranian interests well, Hamzawy said. The other reason is how leaders from both sides are perceived at home. The Trump administration is afraid of being portrayed in the US as an administration that failed to end a military campaign successfully, and that's going to impact the midterm elections, he said. And the Iranians, especially the Revolutionary Guard, are quite afraid of appearing as if they are submitting to US sanctions with no actions on their side, which might hurt them domestically.
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CS reviews rollout of water transport, PM E-DRIVE initiatives in J&K
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today reviewed the status and implementation of the introduction of inland water transport on the rivers Jhelum and Chenab, besides the rollout of electric mobility infrastructure under the Government of Indias PM E-DRIVE scheme in J&K. The meeting besides ACS, PWD was attended by Secretary, Transport; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu/Kashmir; VC, LCMA; Representative from IWAI and other concerned officers. Reviewing the progress, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for time-bound completion of all enabling infrastructure, including terminals, access facilities, navigation arrangements and removal of obstructions in terms of utility shifting, so that water transport can be operationalised within the set deadline. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary was apprised of the progress being made for developing inland water transport facilities along identified stretches of the River Jhelum (NW-49), River Chenab (NW-26) and River Ravi (NW-84). On this occasion the Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa apprised the meeting that in River Jhelum, a 106-km cruise corridor from Sangam to Gund Prang has been identified for development. Land for 11 terminal locations has been identified at strategic points including Marham (Sangam), Pantha Chowk, Zero Bridge, Amira Kadal, Chattabal, Sumbal and Gund Prang, among others. She further divulged that removal of local coffer dams is a key requirement for ensuring uninterrupted navigation along the Jhelum stretch. The Public Works Department (PWD) has been tasked with removal of 52 such structures, of which 18 have already been cleared. On the Chenab, a 9-km stretch between Reasi and Akhnoor Fort has been identified for cruise-based water transport, while a 15-km stretch of the River Ravi at Sohar in Jammu is also being developed for the purpose. The meeting was further informed that the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has awarded the tender for procurement of 10 specially designed hybrid eco-vessels, each having a passenger capacity of 20 persons. The vessels are scheduled for delivery by March 2027. Later the Chief Secretary also reviewed the implementation of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme in J&K, under which the administration is working towards establishing a robust charging ecosystem to support the transition to electric mobility. The meeting was informed that 50 locations across J&K have been identified and found technically feasible for installation of public EV charging stations. These include 17 sites in Jammu, 5 in Kathua, 4 in Rajouri, 3 in Udhampur, 4 in Doda, 2 each in Ramban and Reasi, and 1 in Samba. Similarly in Kashmir Division, the identified sites include 4 in Srinagar, 3 in Baramulla and 1 each in Anantnag, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama and Kupwara. The Chief Secretary was also apprised of the proposal for procurement of 200 electric buses under the Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model. The proposal has received in-principle approval at the Government of India level and is being taken forward for procurement through Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL). The Chief Secretary directed all concerned departments and agencies to work in close coordination to ensure that the charging infrastructure, electrical connectivity, land requirements and other supporting facilities are put in place well ahead of the deployment of electric buses. Emphasising the importance of integrating both initiatives with J&Ks broader tourism, urban mobility and environmental sustainability goals, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to maintain strict timelines and continuous monitoring at every stage. He stressed that the initiatives should translate into visible, sustainable and people-centric transport solutions, with the water transport projects and electric mobility infrastructure being progressed in a coordinated manner towards the targeted implementation within the stipulated timeframe.
Losing precious plant resources
The Kashmir Himalayas, by virtue of being hilly and mountainous, with varied altitudinal gradients and a variety of macro and micro-climatic regimes, host a wide range of economically important plants, quite different from other regions of the country, in wild as well as in cultivated states. Additionally, since centuries the native farmer selections among useful indigenous plants for biomass, and the selective introductions from the Mediterranean, Europe and other temperate areas have also resulted in the accumulation and diversification of enormous plant genetic variability with respect to plants of agri-horticultural importance. Most of the economic plant species of this gene pool are region specific, some being strictly endemic, while others are locally long adapted, after introduction in the agro-ecological conditions of the region. Since the settlement of human population in the region, these plants have been catering to all the basic needs of the native people with respect to food and medicine, shelter and clothing. Possessing such a vast and unique plant biodiversity, Kashmir region has remained a leading biomass producing region of the country and is known for the export of its fruit, nuts, etc. As a result of unique geographical peculiarities, different climatic regimes, unique flora and fauna, the people of the region have their own cultural heritage, ethnic folklore, traditional healthcare systems, food habits and beverages. The man-plant relationship, since times, has also shaped their cultural identity, language and socio-economic development. Despite population pressures and climatic changes these plant resources shall continue to hold vast potential for current and future users for sustained development and wellbeing of the inhabitants. Significantly since the last several decades, these precious plant resources are now under threat and their constituents are slowly losing their habitat, their diversity and abundance mainly due to population pressures, change in land use pattern, urbanization, deforestation and erratic weather patterns. In addition, the selected cultivation of certain plant types and neglect of others for commercial gains, over harvesting of wild populations, continuous replacement of adapted and indigenous crop varieties (Farmers Varieties/ Land Races) by modern high yielding varieties/ hybrids and adoption of bio-hazardous production technologies have also contributed to the loss of native crop varieties and other economic plants growing in the wild. The rate of loss of native food cum economic plants has gained momentum as a result of institutional incentives to farmers to preferably cultivate newly bred high yielding crop genotypes which are economically more viable and resilient to climatic changes. Now after decades of adoption of new technologies and introduction of high yielding varieties and hybrids, most of the precious Land Races and other locally long adapted cultivars of all major crops and wild food plants (after having been thrown out of the cycle of cultivation), have been lost or marginalized. Consequently, more than hundred native land races of rice (both indica and japonica types, with unique quality traits), which used to be cultivated till middle of 20th century, have been completely lost, with no scope of their revival. Land Races of maize, having unique taste and traits, also stand either lost or have lost their genetic identity due to the introduction of hybrids. Kashmiri chillies, known all over India, for their blood red colour and pungency are losing their special traits due to random introductions. Latest victim have been the age old trusted fruit cultivars of Apple, Pears, Cherries, Plums, Apricots and Walnuts. They are being replaced by other exotic varieties under high density plantation drives adapted for high economic returns. Our famous indigenous Ambri Apple types (with long shelf-life and aroma) stand marginalized and neglected due to less commercial preference. Black Zeera (Zeera siyah) populations which once used to grow wild on large tracts on foot hills and on uplands, were considered as natural crop yielding substantial quantities of seed sufficient to be exported to neighboring states, have almost lost their habitat due to deforestation, excessive grazing and over harvesting, and are now restricted to some pockets of Gurez mountain slopes only. Our wild Tulips, Irises, Daffodils, Daisy populations, once seen growing abundantly on uplands and grasslands are also on the decline. Large mixed cultures of Elms (Bren), Willows (Vir), Black and White Poplars (Phrasse), Acacias (Kikar), Hackberry (Brimije) and Ailanto (Bohda) trees, a feature of most of the village outskirts of Kashmir, have vanished or the space been utilized by monocultures of Russian Poplars. Our graveyards and Sufi Shrine and Temple premises used to be the custodian of biodiversity nurturing and protecting large populations of Irises (Sosan posh), Daffodils, Lillies, Hyacinths (Sumbul), Wild Rue (Isband) and necessarily some large and old shade/fruit giving Chinars, Elms, Hackberry Trees, Jujube (Braeye), Apricots (Tchaere), and Cedars (Deodar). These sacred sites unfortunately now give a deserted look and their enclosures are covered by crops of tomb stones and invasive obnoxious weeds. Dozens of wild nutritious herbs easily available in our vicinities, (relished as vegetables by our ancestors) since centuries, have been abandoned after the introduction of European Vegetables and are seldom cooked nowadays [like Sochal (Mallows), Bhum (Water Lilly), Hande ( Dandelions), Nunar (Purslane), Lissa (Green Amaranths), Choukatchen (Garden Sorrel) , Kralemounde (Shepherds Purse), Gullala (Field Poppy), Gulla (Plantago), WopalHakh (Fullers Teasel) , Obuje(Sorrel), Dodije (Milk Thistle), Kretche(Star Thistle), KawaeKhoure (Butter Cup), Soyie (Nettles), PumbeHakh (Himalayan Rhubarb), Chounchor (Adders Tongues), Wan Pran(Wild Onion/ Garlics), Lachaeje(Goose Foot), etc.]. Little millets (Shoule), Italian millets (Pinga), Barley (Wishkae), Grain Amaranths (Ganhar) and Buckwheats (Troumba), once cultivated as substitute cereals and in fact more nutritious than rice and wheat, are no longer cultivated, after the introduction of high yielding and disease resistant exotic types of rice. Their germplasm lines have been completely lost. Many of the medicinal plants like Atis (Patres), Costus (Kought), Pan (Goa Zaban), Bugle (Jani-adam), Sweet Flag (Whye),Indian Podophyllum (Wan Wangun), Rhubarb (PambaHakh), Cobra Plant (HapatGogeje), and many others, have met with same fate and come under endangered status in wild. Similarly lot of other important and useful plants have suffered and the losses are yet to be documented. This slow erosion of plant resources is bound to affect the productivity of agro-ecosystems of the region and would prove catastrophic to the ecology of the region, food security and livelihood resources of farming communities. Even a cultural erosion is visible and is bound to affect our regional identities. Most of the native plant names are un-comprehensible to the new generation as they are not accquainted with the plants growing in their neighborhood, and can hardly identify them by local Kashmiri names. Even todays writers and poets can hardly use our most mesmerizing wild flowering plants like Arwal, Yemberzoule, Heey, Sumbul, Gullal, Karipaete, Achi-posh, etc., in their imaginative language to convey their emotions, thoughts and feelings (as metaphors/ similies) as can be seen in the poetic expressions of our great Sufi poets of recent past. In fact, now there is a global concern that biological diversity is being reduced by certain human activities and sensing its ill-effects on Biosphere, all countries, including India, have taken the responsibility for assessment of losses and conservation of their biological resources and for using them in a sustainable manner. Realizing that loss of biodiversity will have major impact on the development of humankind, the international community had accordingly agreed to programmes of action through the signing of Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 and its near universal ratification. Since its adoption India has launched massive programmes across important biodiversity regions, for identification, documentation, characterization and conservation of plant genetic resources and Passed an Act namely, Biodiversity Act in the Parliament, in 2002. Under this Act, the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has also set up a Biodiversity Council in 2013 whose main function is to conserve regional flora and fauna, promote sustainable resource use, and document local ecological heritage. Being absolutely crucial, the value of agricultural biodiversity extends far beyond being a mere resource for crop and breed improvement and forms an indispensable source of dietary diversity and the improved nutrition and better health that follows. Therefore, the conservation and wise use of this biodiversity is vital for sustained agricultural productivity, sustainability and economic growth of any region. Since there have been visible losses in the heritage & economic plants of this region, in recent years, the farming community ( the custodian of this heritage), needs to be made aware of the value of plant genetic resources for food and Agriculture, its future use and conservation. They should be convinced not to abandon their trusted and well adapted crop varieties while planting new commercially more attractive types; age old cultivars, especially of fruit crops, falling under different maturity groups and trusted since decades, for their performance, taste and quality, should not be neglected or totally replaced with modern types ; to maintain small representative populations of all important old cultivars to avoid possible failures of unpredictable performance of new introductions. Once thrown out of the cycle of cultivation, they will be lost and cannot be revived, even at great price. It is worthwhile to mention here that introductions of germplasm in the past, have been easy, and mostly complementary, as a goodwill gesture, but at present the procurement of germplasm has come under Intellectual Property Rights and thus has become a costly and risky affair. In this endeavour, our J&K stakeholders like our State Agriculture/ Horticulture Departments and other Agricultural Research cum Education Institutions (like SKUAST) have an important role to play and take concrete steps, in line with the Global Plan of Action in India for the Conservation and Sustainable Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture initiated by Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. They can help in the establishment of Field Gene Banks, across the region, for planting and maintaining and regeneration of the important germplasm lines of all major crops. Infrastructure for the establishment of Short/ Long Term Storage Facilities for ex situ conservation of germplasm, needs to be created on priority as has done in many other states of the country. Institutions should also encourage farmers to maintain broad diversity in crops; and give incentives for cultivation of local niche crop varieties and underutilized food plants for their development and commercialization, as nutrient rich ethnic foods. Being a part of the society, and a conservationist, I appeal to all conscious citizens, farmers, students and plant lovers of this Himalayan region to rise to the occasion and work towards sustainable and judicious use of our plant resources, promote local niche food plants, be environment friendly and safeguard the heritage, cultural and linguistic identities of its inhabitants, for a better future. Nazir Ahmad Zeerak, former Professor, SKUAST- Kashmir.
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Highlights: Jaggard said Mumbai's Taj Palace delivered a five-star experience comparable with hotels he has experienced in Dubai and the UK. He felt Karachi's Pearl Continental fell considerably short of the Indian hotel standard he had experienced. British restraint, Indian warmth and South Asian hospitality traditions are different expressions of luxury, not necessarily competing versions of the same thing. Architecture, history, food and local traditions can be as important to a luxury stay as room size, service and facilities. A hotel can be world-class without behaving like a London hotel, thankfully, because otherwise there would be very little point in travelling. Travel vlogger Harry Jaggard has offered his verdict on luxury hotels in India and Pakistan, and, unsurprisingly, the internet has something to say about it. Speaking on a Holafy podcast, Jaggard recalled staying at Mumbai's Taj Palace and Karachi's Pearl Continental. His conclusion was fairly blunt: the Indian property, he said, felt like a genuine five-star hotel, comparable with the luxury he has experienced in Dubai and the UK. Pakistan's Pearl Continental, by comparison, apparently did not make the cut. Jaggard said the Karachi hotel was owhere near the standard of the Indian hotels he had experienced. He went further, suggesting that while an Indian five-star hotel feels like a five-star property in Dubai or Britain, a Pakistani or Bangladeshi five-star hotel can feel more like a four-star or even three-star establishment. Quite the hotel report card. He also praised India's economic growth and rising affluent and middle-class population, arguing that the country's expanding wealth is increasingly reflected in its luxury hospitality sector. But there is a rather large problem with this comparison: why are we assuming a British hotel is the universal measuring tape for luxury in the first place? See on Instagram Britain does hotels. India does hospitality. A luxury hotel in Britain often prides itself on being discreet. Staff are polished, the interiors are restrained and the service is designed to make everything feel effortless. In other words, if you barely notice anything happening, the hotel is probably doing its job. India tends to take a somewhat different approach. Here, hospitality can be deliberately visible. Guests may be welcomed with flowers, traditional rituals, a cup of chai or a staff member who remembers where they travelled from. The property may smell of incense, serve regional dishes and incorporate centuries-old architectural traditions. That is not a failed attempt at British luxury. It is Indian luxury. And judging it by whether it behaves like a London hotel rather misses the point. You cannot remove culture from hospitality Take a heritage hotel in Rajasthan. Its courtyards, carved stonework, frescoes and palace architecture are not simply expensive decoration. They are part of the story of the place. A luxury property in Kerala may draw on local architecture, waterways and cuisine. A hotel in Mumbai can exist within the city's colonial, commercial and cinematic history. Then there is the Taj Palace in Mumbai, the property Jaggard praised. Its appeal is not merely the size of its rooms or the polish of its service. It carries history including the devastating 2008 terrorist attacks and the hotel's subsequent reopening and restoration. That cultural and historical context cannot be recreated by installing another marble bathroom and putting a five-star plaque outside. And then there is food British luxury hotels can certainly do food brilliantly. But Indian hospitality has an unfairly enormous culinary advantage: India has an extraordinary number of regional food traditions packed into one country. A hotel breakfast can move from dosas and idlis to parathas, poha and regional sweets before the croissant has even had time to become fashionable. Dinner might mean Goan seafood, Punjabi dishes, Hyderabadi biryani or South Indian specialities sometimes under the same roof. Calling this etter than British food would be just as simplistic as calling it worse. It is simply different . And that difference is precisely what makes travel interesting. The same five-star badge does not mean the same experience There is, of course, a legitimate point behind Jaggard's comments. Luxury standards matter. Cleanliness, service, maintenance, food quality, room standards and consistency can be assessed objectively. Some hotels in India, Pakistan, Britain and elsewhere will simply provide better service than others. But a hotel's star rating does not erase geography. A five-star hotel in London is operating within one cultural tradition. A five-star hotel in Mumbai is operating within another. A palace hotel in Rajasthan, meanwhile, can offer something that neither can reproduce: a sense of place that is inseparable from its surroundings. Trying to rank them all as though they are competing entries in Britain's Got Hotels is rather missing the point. iStock The more interesting question Instead of asking whether Indian or Pakistani hotels are as good as British ones, perhaps the better question is what each destination does with luxury. Britain has perfected discretion, consistency and polished service. India can offer grandeur, warmth, food, history and extraordinary cultural immersion. Pakistan has its own architectural traditions, hospitality culture and heritage properties that deserve to be judged on their own merits rather than simply against a British benchmark. Jaggard's experience is valid. His preference is valid too. But perhaps the five-star hotel industry does not need a single winner. After all, if every luxury hotel in the world tried to feel like a British hotel, travelling would become rather boring.
India, Belgium Target Doubling Bilateral Trade In Next 5 Years: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India and Belgium have set a goal of doubling bilateral trade over the next five years, as the two countries moved to deepen economic, defence, clean energy and technology cooperation.
PPF or SIP: Which is better for long-term wealth creation and financial stability?
PPF or SIP: Key differences in risk, returns, taxation, liquidity and investment horizon are explained to help you decide whether one or both fit your longterm financial goals.
Mumbai, September 3 (IANS) Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor recently took a trip down memory lane, as she recalled how, as a child, she would rush to the beach at 7 AM in Goa simply to watch veteran actress Zeenat Aman shoot for the song Samundar Mein Nahake. The heartwarming anecdote unfolded on the sets of []
What Sets the Top Builders in Chennai Apart?
Chennai has steadily grown into one of Indias most preferred residential markets, supported by expanding infrastructure, established employment hubs, and well-connected neighbourhoods. From first-time homebuyers to families planning a long-term investment, many people are exploring housing options that match their lifestyle and future goals. As the city continues to evolve, choosing the right residential project []
Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman quits IAF, joins Goa-based airline
Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down a Pakistani F-16 during an aerial engagement with Pakistan in 2019, joined FLY91 in August
GSL Trainee Project Executive Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 31 Posts
The Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) Recruitment 2026 for posts of 31 Trainee Project Executive. Candidates with B.Sc, B.Tech/B.E, CA Can Apply Online. The online application opens on 04-09-2026, and closes on 03-10-2026. The candidate shall apply online through GSL website, goashipyard.in.
Abhinandan Varthaman Joins FLY91 As Commercial Pilot
Vir Chakra awardee and former IAF Group Captain begins new aviation career with Goa-based regional airline.
Top 10 highest-paid goalkeepers in the world: Emiliano Martinez 7th
It's not just attacking players earning the big bucks. The post Top 10 highest-paid goalkeepers in the world: Emiliano Martinez 7th appeared first on Planet Football .
KMRL Prepares DPR For Goa Water Metro Covering Nine Routes And 111 Km Of Waterways
GOAT Debate Settled: Lionel Messi Breaks Internet With Receipt-Style Instagram Post
Lionel Messi has added his own twist to the long-running debate over football's greatest player by sharing a receipt-style Instagram post highlighting his achievements with Argentina.
Lionel Messi shares a post on Instagram settling the 'GOAT Debate'
Lionel Messi posted an itemised, receipt-style graphic detailing his international honours with Argentina, concluding with the bold statement GOAT debate-settled
Goa SBB Finance Controller Recruitment 2026 - Walkin
Goa State Biodiversity Board (Goa SBB) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 Finance Controller post. Eligible candidates can attend the Walk-in Interview on 29 September 2026. Candidates can apply through the official website, gsbb.goa.gov.in.
Goa Samagra Shiksha Teacher Recruitment 2026
Goa Samagra Shiksha Recruitment 2026 for 78 posts of Teacher. Candidates with B.Ed, D.El.Ed Can attend the walkin.The Walk-in on 04-09-2026. For detailed information please visit Goa Samagra Shiksha official website, goa.gov.in.
UN warns global warming will exceed 1.5C and must be reversed
Warming is projected to peak around 1.8C in the best-case scenario. This necessitates a new goal of overshoot, peak and decline for climate change. Cutting greenhouse gas pollution and removing carbon dioxide are crucial steps. Countries with greater historical responsibility must lead these urgent efforts.
Abhinandan varthaman retired: Former IAF Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot after leaving the Indian Air Force and obtaining the required NOC from the Defence Ministry. As per reports, he has obtained a NOC from the defence ministry for transition from fighter pilot to a commercial pilot.
Drug free Maharashtra goal hypocritical, event driven spectacle: Shiv Sena (UBT)
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party questioned the government's record in tackling narcotics and other forms of substance abuse and asked why the illegal drug trade had allegedly continued to expand despite the BJP holding power at the Centre and sharing power in Maharashtra for several years.
'Drishyam The Conclusion' trailer gets U/A 16+ certificate, Goa launch on Sept 8 or 9
Bengaluru-based tech professional achieved a net worth of Rs 7 crore before turning 32. His strategy involved investing early and increasing his earnings through career moves, while also experimenting with side businesses and learning new skills to create additional income. Despite travelling extensively, he prioritised experiences over material possessions. After becoming a father, he also shifted his focus towards health and well-being alongside his financial goals.
Harry Kane Brace Helps Bayern Munich Win German Cup Opener
A Harry Kane double helped holders Bayern Munich come from a goal down to win 4-1 in their German Cup opener at second division Osnabrueck on Wednesday.
Drishyam The Conclusion trailer cleared by CBFC ahead of grand Goa launch
Drishyam The Conclusion trailer has been cleared by the CBFC with a U/A 16+ certificate. The 2-minute-52-second promo is expected to launch at a grand Goa event on September 8 or 9, with Ajay Devgn and the entire cast in attendance
Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, Who Shot Down Pak Jet, Retires From IAF And Joins Goa Airline: Report
In 2019, Varthaman was conferred the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry medal, for displaying an exceptional sense of duty during the dogfight.
Fighter pilot Abhinandan, who downed Pak jet, retires from IAF, joins Goa airline
Fighter pilot Abhinandan who downed Pak jet retires from IAF joins Goa airline
Lionel Messi shares Instagram post settling GOAT debate after international retirement
The News Mill
Royal Enfield Motoverse 2026 Dates Announced
Royal Enfield has announced the dates for Motoverse 2026, its annual motorcycle festival, which will be held from November 27 to 29 at Vagator, Goa. The brand has opened early-bird registrations and revealed the first set of artists lined up to
CM calls for harnessing J&Ks biomass to decarbonise economy
Srinagar, Sep 02: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday called upon engineers, scientists and academic institutions to harness Jammu and Kashmirs abundant biomass resources to develop locally suited, economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decarbonizing the economy. The Chief Minister was addressing the inaugural session of the 41st National Convention of Chemical Engineers and National Seminar on Biomass: A Sustainable Resource for Decarbonizing the Economy, organized under the aegis of the Chemical Engineering Division Board of The Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI) in association with the Department of Chemical Engineering, NIT Srinagar, at the IEI J&K State Centre here. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof. Nelofer Khan, Director NIT Srinagar Anurag Mishra, Chairman IEI J&K State Centre Ferdous Ahad Bhat, Chairman Chemical Engineering Division Board, FIE, Prof. G. Madhu, besides engineers, academicians and other experts attended the two-day national convention and seminar. Highlighting the significance of the convention being held in Jammu & Kashmir after a gap of several decades, the Chief Minister said the last National Convention of the IEI held in J&K had taken place in early 1989. For us, to have all of you present for the 41st National Convention, organized by our own NIT Srinagar and the Chemical Engineering Division Board, is a significant moment, he said, while expressing appreciation to the organizers for choosing biomass and decarbonization as the central theme of the convention. The Chief Minister said the need to reduce dependence on carbon-based fuels had become increasingly urgent, both from the perspective of energy security and the growing environmental consequences of using fossil-fuel. He said recent pressures on fuel supplies had underlined the vulnerabilities associated with excessive dependence on carbon-based energy sources, while the consequences of unchecked fossil-fuel use were becoming increasingly visible in the form of global warming and climate-related disasters. Those of us who are roughly around my age or maybe a little older have seen with our own eyes the way in which our glaciers are retreating and shrinking, Omar Abdullah said, highlighting the particular vulnerability of the Himalayan region to climate change. Referring to the Thajiwas glacier near Sonamarg, the Chief Minister said the extent of glacier retreat could be understood from personal experience. We have only to travel two hours out of Srinagar to go to Sonamarg to see the Thajiwas glacier there, he said, recalling that it was once possible to reach the foot of the glacier after a short walk, whereas today it requires a considerably longer trek. He said such changes offered a stark reminder of the environmental consequences of the continued and unchecked use of fossil fuels. However, the Chief Minister cautioned that moving away from a carbon-based economy could not be achieved simply by switching from one energy source to another overnight. Economically viable, sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions are the need of the hour, he said, stressing that alternative energy solutions must be capable of competing economically with established sources of power. Omar Abdullah pointed out that Jammu & Kashmir possessed significant biomass resources generated through agriculture, horticulture, forests, municipal waste and increasing consumption. We are sitting on a wealth of biomass whether we like it or not, he said, adding that the challenge was to develop effective mechanisms for converting this resource into useful energy. The Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir had so far struggled to develop a workable and sustainable model for waste-to-energy, despite generating sufficient waste to support such initiatives. He observed that the economic viability of waste-to-energy projects remained a major challenge, particularly when compared with relatively cheaper sources such as solar and hydropower. At the same time, he stressed that economic considerations could not be the only factor determining the future of waste management and energy policy. We will have to do it, he said, underlining the need to address not only the problem of legacy waste but also the continuously increasing generation of organic waste that could potentially be converted into energy. The Chief Minister also recalled his efforts during his previous tenure to explore the possibility of converting plant material harvested from Dal Lake into biofuel, in collaboration with higher education institutions, particularly the agricultural university. He said that while the idea had so far remained largely at the discussion stage, such initiatives needed to be pursued with greater determination and through practical experimentation. Drawing from a personal experience at a boarding school in Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister illustrated how seemingly unconventional ideas could eventually become successful and practical solutions. He recalled how one of his teachers had proposed establishing a poultry farm at the school to ensure an in-house supply of eggs. The teacher then went a step further by exploring the possibility of converting poultry waste into biogas. What initially may seem to others as a pipe dream or may even for people evoke mockery, actually, in the long term, if you keep going at it, people will realize that the mockery was wrong and the vision was actually the correct thing, Omar Abdullah said. He said the school ultimately developed a workable system in which poultry waste was converted into biogas, which was then transported almost a kilometre to the central dining hall and used to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for cooking. The Chief Minister urged scientists, engineers and academic institutions not to be discouraged by unsuccessful experiments while working on new technologies and solutions. Let us not be afraid of failure, he said, stressing that experimentation and learning from unsuccessful attempts were essential for technological progress. He cited the example of Thomas Edison and his approach to experimentation while developing the electric light bulb, as well as contemporary technological ventures where failed experiments provide valuable data for subsequent innovations. Omar Abdullah called for the collective intellectual capacity of the engineers, scientists and institutions participating in the convention to be channeled towards developing practical projects capable of addressing Jammu and Kashmirs specific requirements. We need to commit the awesome brain power that is present in this room, or that is represented by the institutions that are present here, to arrive at workable, sustainable, economically viable projects, he said. He emphasized that solutions for biomass utilization could not simply be replicated from one part of the country to another, given the differences in available resources, geography, climate and local conditions. The biomass of Jammu and Kashmir will not be the same as the biomass of Maharashtra, will not be the same as the biomass of Tamil Nadu, he said, calling for greater emphasis on localized and indigenized solutions. The Chief Minister suggested that the deliberations of the convention should culminate in concrete recommendations that could be examined by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and subsequently shared with governments in other parts of the country as well as the Government of India. He said the objective should be to identify technologies and models that could simultaneously address waste management, energy generation, environmental sustainability and economic viability. Let us arrive at localized, sustainable, economical solutions, he said, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir should seek to utilize biomass that is available locally rather than depend on resources brought in from outside. The Chief Minister said the ultimate objective of such efforts should be to gradually move the economy away from excessive carbon dependence while protecting the environment for future generations. We have to be able to give them a planet that is more sustainable than the planet that we have inherited from our forefathers, he said, referring to the young participants and students present at the convention. He expressed hope that the two-day national convention would produce actionable recommendations and practical ideas capable of translating scientific research into field-level solutions. If we are able to do that, I believe this national convention will more than have met the goals that it set for itself, he said. The Chief Minister wished the participants and organizers success in their deliberations and expressed hope for continued engagement with the Institution of Engineers (India) and the engineering and academic community in Jammu and Kashmir.
Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman joins regional airline FLY91 as pilot
FLY91, which started flying in March 2024, currently operates a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft. The airline's two bases are Goa and Hyderabad
Rana stresses sustainable water security for J&K
New Delhi, Sep 2: Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana participated in the two-day Departmental Summit of the Ministry of Jal Shakti at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where he highlighted the Union Territorys priorities and challenges in the water sector. The summit brought together senior officials and stakeholders to discuss the implementation of water-sector programmes and measures to strengthen water security across the country. Deliberations focused on timely execution of water infrastructure projects, rainwater conservation and harvesting, sustainability of water sources, and effective operation and maintenance of rural drinking water supply systems. Sharing J&Ks perspective and field-level experiences, Rana stressed the need for sustained coordination between the Centre and the Union Territory to expedite critical water infrastructure projects and ensure timely delivery of benefits to the people. He called for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to water management, with greater emphasis on source sustainability, conservation, climate-resilient infrastructure and the long-term functionality of rural drinking water systems. Rana also underscored the importance of robust operation and maintenance mechanisms to ensure reliable and uninterrupted water supply, particularly in rural and remote areas of Jammu and Kashmir. The minister reiterated the J&K governments commitment to sustainable water security and dependable drinking water services for every household, stressing that effective Centre-UT coordination, sound planning, efficient implementation and regular monitoring would be key to achieving these goals. The summit provided a platform for officials and stakeholders to share experiences, discuss challenges and explore coordinated strategies for strengthening water services and ensuring reliable, sustainable and people-centric water supply.
Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot. Sources told PTI that Varthaman joined the airline in August. However, further details about...
J&K U/17 Boys, Girls lift bronze medals in NZ National Cship held at Dehradun
Srinagar, Sep 2: Mini U/11 & U/17 Boys and Girls Categories North Zone Roll Ball National Championship 2026 was held at Parade Ground and Shukun Sports Academy Dehradun on August 29 to 31, 2026, with full sports enthusiasm and sprit. J&K boys and girls participated in the U/11 & U/17 Categories respectively. In the Boys U/17 category, the team was comprised of: Omaik Bagdadi as Captain, with Agrim, Bhavyansh, Medhansh Kumar, Ahamdeep, Yogeshwar Tanesh Kumar, Rasiq Khan, Zehraan, Anas Bin Yassin, Mohammad Aneef and Sunandas. While as in Girls U/17 category, Qurat ul Ain was leading as Captain, with Eleeza Mukhdomi as goalkeeper, Meera Verma, Arushema Mir, Areeba, Aliza, Dhwani, Nanda. The teams were led by M. Ashraf Dijoo Chief Coach, assisted by Manvi Vijay Singh, Suresh Kumar and Sameer Gupta. Both the teams (boys and girls) played very well and proved their mettle in the championship and won bronze medals. U. P State emerged as the overall winners. The girls team captain Qurat ul Ain on her best performance in the championship was awarded a Bicycle as a best Scorer of the Championship. She was also awarded a bicycle in Agra Nationals held last year. Omaik Bagdadi, J&K team Captain also Shown the best performance in the Championship by Scoring overall 10 goals. U/11boys also participated Ist time at the National Level Shows Best Performance in the Championship. Roll Ball Association of UT J&K is doing its best for the development of this indigenous game in the State under the aegis of JK Sports Council. At the concluding ceremony, all the coaches and referees were felicitated with an award of honour.
Harness J&Ks biomass potential to cut fossil fuel dependence: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
Srinagar, Sep 2:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called upon engineers, scientists and academic institutions to harness Jammu and Kashmirs abundant biomass resources to develop locally suited, economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions for reducing dependence on fossil fuels and decarbonizing the economy. The Chief Minister was addressing the inaugural session of the 41st National Convention of Chemical Engineers and National Seminar on Biomass: A Sustainable Resource for Decarbonizing the Economy, organized under the aegis of the Chemical Engineering Division Board of The Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI) in association with the Department of Chemical Engineering, NIT Srinagar, at the IEI J&K State Centre here. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof. Nelofer Khan, Director NIT Srinagar Anurag Mishra, Chairman IEI J&K State Centre FerdousAhad Bhat, Chairman Chemical Engineering Division Board, FIE, Prof. G. Madhu, besides engineers, academicians and other experts attended the two-day national convention and seminar. Highlighting the significance of the convention being held in Jammu & Kashmir after a gap of several decades, the Chief Minister said the last National Convention of the IEI held in J&K had taken place in early 1989. For us, to have all of you present for the 41st National Convention, organised by our own NIT Srinagar and the Chemical Engineering Division Board, is a significant moment, he said, while expressing appreciation to the organisers for choosing biomass and decarbonization as the central theme of the convention. The Chief Minister said the need to reduce dependence on carbon-based fuels had become increasingly urgent, both from the perspective of energy security and the growing environmental consequences of using fossil-fuel. He said recent pressures on fuel supplies had underlined the vulnerabilities associated with excessive dependence on carbon-based energy sources, while the consequences of unchecked fossil-fuel use were becoming increasingly visible in the form of global warming and climate-related disasters. Those of us who are roughly around my age or maybe a little older have seen with our own eyes the way in which our glaciers are retreating and shrinking, Omar Abdullah said, highlighting the particular vulnerability of the Himalayan region to climate change. Referring to the Thajiwas glacier near Sonamarg, the Chief Minister said the extent of glacier retreat could be understood from personal experience. We have only to travel two hours out of Srinagar to go to Sonamarg to see the Thajiwas glacier there, he said, recalling that it was once possible to reach the foot of the glacier after a short walk, whereas today it requires a considerably longer trek. He said such changes offered a stark reminder of the environmental consequences of the continued and unchecked use of fossil fuels. However, the Chief Minister cautioned that moving away from a carbon-based economy could not be achieved simply by switching from one energy source to another overnight. Economically viable, sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions are the need of the hour, he said, stressing that alternative energy solutions must be capable of competing economically with established sources of power. Omar Abdullah pointed out that Jammu & Kashmir possessed significant biomass resources generated through agriculture, horticulture, forests, municipal waste and increasing consumption. We are sitting on a wealth of biomass whether we like it or not, he said, adding that the challenge was to develop effective mechanisms for converting this resource into useful energy. The Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir had so far struggled to develop a workable and sustainable model for waste-to-energy, despite generating sufficient waste to support such initiatives. He observed that the economic viability of waste-to-energy projects remained a major challenge, particularly when compared with relatively cheaper sources such as solar and hydropower. At the same time, he stressed that economic considerations could not be the only factor determining the future of waste management and energy policy. We will have to do it, he said, underlining the need to address not only the problem of legacy waste but also the continuously increasing generation of organic waste that could potentially be converted into energy. The Chief Minister also recalled his efforts during his previous tenure to explore the possibility of converting plant material harvested from Dal Lake into biofuel, in collaboration with higher education institutions, particularly the agricultural university. He said that while the idea had so far remained largely at the discussion stage, such initiatives needed to be pursued with greater determination and through practical experimentation. Drawing from a personal experience at a boarding school in Himachal Pradesh, the Chief Minister illustrated how seemingly unconventional ideas could eventually become successful and practical solutions. He recalled how one of his teachers had proposed establishing a poultry farm at the school to ensure an in-house supply of eggs. The teacher then went a step further by exploring the possibility of converting poultry waste into biogas. What initially may seem to others as a pipe dream or may even for people evoke mockery, actually, in the long term, if you keep going at it, people will realize that the mockery was wrong and the vision was actually the correct thing, Omar Abdullah said. He said the school ultimately developed a workable system in which poultry waste was converted into biogas, which was then transported almost a kilometre to the central dining hall and used to reduce dependence on fossil fuels for cooking. The Chief Minister urged scientists, engineers and academic institutions not to be discouraged by unsuccessful experiments while working on new technologies and solutions. Let us not be afraid of failure, he said, stressing that experimentation and learning from unsuccessful attempts were essential for technological progress. He cited the example of Thomas Edison and his approach to experimentation while developing the electric light bulb, as well as contemporary technological ventures where failed experiments provide valuable data for subsequent innovations. Omar Abdullah called for the collective intellectual capacity of the engineers, scientists and institutions participating in the convention to be channeled towards developing practical projects capable of addressing Jammu and Kashmirs specific requirements. We need to commit the awesome brain power that is present in this room, or that is represented by the institutions that are present here, to arrive at workable, sustainable, economically viable projects, he said. He emphasized that solutions for biomass utilization could not simply be replicated from one part of the country to another, given the differences in available resources, geography, climate and local conditions. The biomass of Jammu and Kashmir will not be the same as the biomass of Maharashtra, will not be the same as the biomass of Tamil Nadu, he said, calling for greater emphasis on localized and indigenized solutions. The Chief Minister suggested that the deliberations of the convention should culminate in concrete recommendations that could be examined by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and subsequently shared with governments in other parts of the country as well as the Government of India. He said the objective should be to identify technologies and models that could simultaneously address waste management, energy generation, environmental sustainability and economic viability. Let us arrive at localised, sustainable, economical solutions, he said, emphasizing that Jammu and Kashmir should seek to utilize biomass that is available locally rather than depend on resources brought in from outside. The Chief Minister said the ultimate objective of such efforts should be to gradually move the economy away from excessive carbon dependence while protecting the environment for future generations. We have to be able to give them a planet that is more sustainable than the planet that we have inherited from our forefathers, he said, referring to the young participants and students present at the convention. He expressed hope that the two-day national convention would produce actionable recommendations and practical ideas capable of translating scientific research into field-level solutions. If we are able to do that, I believe this national convention will more than have met the goals that it set for itself, he said. The Chief Minister wished the participants and organizers success in their deliberations and expressed hope for continued engagement with the Institution of Engineers (India) and the engineering and academic community in Jammu and Kashmir.
South Asias political landscape presents one of the most compelling narratives in contemporary democratic governance. Historically, the subcontinent stood at the forefront of female executive leadership, producing Sri Lankas Sirimavo Bandaranaikethe worlds first female prime minister in 1960 alongside iconic heads of government including Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Sheikh Hasina, and Khaleda Zia. Today, as regional democracies actively strive toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG-5) for gender equality, a profound democratic transition is unfolding from the grassroots upward. This evolving landscape demonstrates that women are decisively moving beyond passive voting toward becoming central architects of governance, even as key institutional and socio-cultural barriers remain to be addressed. The foundation of this democratic expansion was laid through Indias landmark 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in 1993, which mandated a minimum 33.3% reservation for women across rural Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies. Over the subsequent decades, more than twenty Indian states including Bihar, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal progressively elevated this threshold to a 50% reservation. Today, nearly 1.4 million women hold elected office in Panchayats across India. Ground-breaking empirical research by Nobel laureate Esther Duflo and Raghabendra Chattopadhyay confirms that female local leaders systematically steer public spending toward vital community priorities, particularly clean drinking water, sanitation, fuel access, and rural road connectivity. Moreover, continuous exposure to female leadership has actively dismantled entrenched societal stereotypes, while significantly elevating the educational and professional aspirations of adolescent girls in rural communities. At the ballot box, female engagement has shattered historic records. In Indias 2024 general elections, the traditional gender turnout gap was inverted, with female voter turnout reaching an unprecedented 65.8%, marginally surpassing male turnout at 65.6%. In states such as West Bengal, female turnout reached 83.33%. Women have emerged as an autonomous, decisive voting constituency, prompting state governments to introduce programmatic welfare initiatives, including direct benefit transfers, educational stipends, and subsidized cooking gas. Complementing this electoral mobilization, Indias enactment of the historic Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Womens Reservation Act) mandating 33% representation in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembliesmarks a transformative institutional step toward scaling grassroots democratic representation into national parliamentary chambers. Across the wider South Asian neighbourhood, positive milestones coexist with valuable institutional lessons. Nepal leads the region in parliamentary representation, with women holding 34.9% of seats in its Lower House and 38.6% in its Upper House due to progressive constitutional mandates. This positions Nepal as the only country in the region currently crossing Drude Dahlerups classic 30% critical mass threshold - the proportion theorised as necessary for women legislators to move past tokenism and exert collective policy influence. Crucially, empirical research by PRS Legislative Research robustly refutes the traditional myth regarding female winnability. In contested general elections, female candidates achieve win rates equivalent to or exceeding those of their male counterparts, while demonstrating identical diligence in parliamentary attendance and debate. Nevertheless, translating descriptive presence into substantive policy influence presents distinct operational hurdles. At the local level, newly elected representatives frequently encounter administrative and resource deficits. A large number of female Panchayat members receive limited formal training in budgetary allocation and bureaucratic procedures, while roughly half of rural administrative units lack adequate office facilities and digital connectivity. In the absence of institutional capacity-building, female leaders can face administrative sidelining or the challenge of proxy governance, wherein male relatives attempt to mediate council decisions. Similarly, in systems relying on indirect party-list quotas, such as in Bangladesh & Pakistan, female legislators often lack independent popular constituencies, leaving their legislative autonomy constrained by party hierarchies. Furthermore, the rising financial demands of electoral campaigning and the emergence of Violence Against Women in Politics (VAWP) remain serious deterrents. UN Women reports that 81.8% of surveyed female parliamentarians in the Asia-Pacific region experienced psychological harassment, while 44.4% faced explicit physical threats. In the digital sphere, cyber-VAWPranging from coordinated smear campaigns to weaponized artificial intelligence deepfakes poses an escalating threat to female public figures. Bridging the gap between electoral participation and substantive empowerment requires concerted structural support. Strengthening internal democracy and campaign financing within political parties, enforcing strict legal protections against physical and digital harassment, and institutionalising continuous governance academies for local representatives are essential steps forward. By reinforcing these institutional foundations, South Asia can harness its surging female electorate to foster enduring democratic leadership and fully achieve the promise of SDG-5. These are excerpts from a paper presented on 18 August 2026 at a National Conference on Gender Equality in the 21st Century: Perspectives and Pathways to SDG-5 held at Govt. Degree College for Women, M.A. Road Srinagar.
What Foreign Founders Can Learn From Korea
Startups do not usually fail because nobody gives them a desk. They fail because the right engineer, buyer, researcher, investor or test environment is just out of reach when the company needs it most. That is one of my key takeaways after visiting Pangyo Techno Valley , Koreas large technology cluster south of Seoul. The location is often compared with Silicon Valley, but the more useful comparison is not about famous companies or startup valuations. It is about physical design. Pangyo puts young companies, established tech firms, accelerators, public-sector support staff, research organizations and specialized facilities in close proximity. The goal is to reduce the friction between having an idea and proving it works outside a slide deck. During a recent visit, I met with officials from the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator, or GBSA, at the Pangyo Startup Campus. GBSA is not a startup or an investment fund. It is a public, nonprofit agency that supports businesses in Gyeonggi Province and helps operate parts of the Pangyo ecosystem. The most interesting part of the conversation was not that GBSA offers startup office space. Plenty of places do that. It was the idea that a startups physical location can become an operating advantage when it puts the company close to people and facilities that can help answer expensive questions: Can/how this product be tested? Is there a research partner who understands the problem? Can someone introduce the team to a pilot customer? Is there public support available before the company burns another six months of runway? In the West, startup support is often scattered. An accelerator may be downtown, a university lab may be across town, a corporate partner may be in another state, and a government program may be administered through a separate agency with little day-to-day contact with founders. It is effective, Silicon Valley itself proves it, but it creates more coordination and requires more network power for the startup. Pangyos model is more intentionally concentrated. GBSA officials described a campus that brings together startups, 19 accelerators and support institutions, with research organizations nearby. The agencys public Startup Campus program supports prospective founders and technology startups up to seven years old, separating its space offerings across pre-startup, early-stage and growth-stage companies. ( see GBSAs Startup Campus program ) A team with only an idea does not need the same help as a company with early revenue, and neither needs exactly what a more mature deep-tech company needs. Deep-tech startups, in particular, can spend years moving from concept to a working demonstration because access to equipment, specialists and credible test environments is limited. GBSA officials said they run public proof-of-concept projects that select roughly 20 to 30 companies, give them access to relevant facilities for six months to a year, and provide up to KRW 20 million in support. Those are interview-sourced program details, not available to every applicant. For those who have access, it may unlock a demonstration, experiment or technical relationship that a small startup could not arrange alone. This is where physical density becomes more than real estate or convenience. A startup campus is useful when being there shortens the path to a researcher, an accelerator, a public testbed or an enterprise conversation. The value is to shorten and accelerate the iteration loop through which all great startups use seeking the perfect product. The agency is also trying to orient that model around the next set of technology priorities. Officials said Gyeonggi Province is emphasizing AI, while related programs are still being developed. They also said a fabless-specialized district is under discussion. Fabless companies design semiconductors but outsource manufacturing, avoiding the enormous cost of owning a chip fabrication plant (like NVIDIA). Both ideas should be treated as plans, not completed Pangyo initiatives, but they show an effort to direct the cluster toward AI, advanced mobility and semiconductor-related work. There is also a limited but potentially useful lesson for foreign founders. GBSA officials said there was no U.S. company on the campus at the time of our meeting, and I dont think theres a formal landing program for overseas startups. However, a foreign company with a Korean market question, an R&D need, a manufacturing connection or a partnership thesis could reasonably reach out and see whether there is synergy with the local ecosystem, in my opinion. (From left) Ubergizmo Editor-in-Chief Hubert Nguyen and Techno Valley Innovation Group Director So Yeon Lee take a commemorative photo after concluding the meetup. | Photo by AVING News (https://us.aving.net) GBSA already runs outward-facing support for Pangyo startups, including global acceleration, overseas commercialization funding, translation and interpretation in English, Chinese and Japanese, and investor-startup exchanges. Its published program lists support for 12 globally promising startups through acceleration, commercialization support for 20 tenant startups, 350 language-support cases and four investment-exchange events. That activity is mainly designed to help Korean companies go abroad, particularly toward the U.S. market. But the same connections can matter to foreign investors, accelerators, university labs and companies looking for Korean technology partners. In the end, buildings do not create innovation, and a campus can become an expensive real-estate project if its managers do not convert proximity into genuinely useful connections and outcomes. For founders out there, do not ask only whether an ecosystem has money or prestige. Ask whether it can help you make the next (very) expensive decision faster. What Foreign Founders Can Learn From Koreas Pangyo Model , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Lovell FHCC lighting project remains a useful example of how sustainability goals can produce measurable results when they are connected to practical investments. Joining the Federal Green Challenge in 2011 gave the facility a broader environmental framework, while the LED retrofit translated that commitment into lower electricity demand, reduced emissions, maintenance savings and better lighting.
Celtic sign five in one day after Van den Berg & Lotomba arrive
Celtic complete loan deals for former England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and teenage Chelsea duo Shumaira Mheuka and Landon Emenalo.
Pyrograzing turns ordinary livestock into fire prevention heroes, so why isn
In grasslands across the American West, four-legged fire prevention crews are busy at work, helping keep wildfire risk under control. These cattle, goats and sheep stomp down tall grasses as they munch their way through plants that could otherwise burn, lowering the risk of catastrophic fires in the process.
Goa police shunt PSI, suspend four others in discipline drive
Sub-inspector shifted over dispute in restaurant Panaji: Goa police on Wednesday initiated departmental action against newly recruited Police Sub-Inspector (PSI) Viraj Sawant, attached to the Porvorim police station, for reportedly misbehaving with restaurant staff during a dispute over food bill. The incident occurred at an establishment in Porvorim, prompting a complaint to be filed at []
Rs 200 crore integrated campus to come up on Goa varsity land: CM
Panaji: The state government will acquire around 2 lakh square metres of Goa University land on the Taleigao plateau to develop a common campus for five colleges, with the new Goa College of Pharmacy and Goa College of Architecture targeted for completion by next year, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Wednesday. Replying to the []
UN report says global warming will surpass the goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius
Climate scientists now aim to minimize time spent above the limit from the Paris Agreement.
3 zodiac signs ready to turn their lives around after September 3, 2026
After September 3, 2026, Mars direct energy will empower three zodiac signs. Gemini will move beyond procrastination and embrace decisive action for their goals. Virgo will choose action over regret, taking responsibility for their future. Sagittarius will use past lessons to build confidence and transform their lives. This astrological shift encourages meaningful change and new beginnings for these individuals.
Global road map tracks four years of infrastructure change using AI
The United Nations considers well-developed and safe roads an important part of infrastructure in its Sustainable Development Goals. Until now, however, there has been no benchmark for the condition and state of road networks worldwide. Researchers at the Institute of Geography at Heidelberg University and HeiGIT (Heidelberg Institute of Geoinformation Technology) have addressed this gap by using artificial intelligence and satellite imagery to create an open-access dataset that maps and classifies more than 9 million kilometers of roads worldwide.
3 years vs 5 years: How your investment strategy should change as your goal gets closer
Investment strategies should adapt as goals approach, particularly between three to five years. Moving away from high-risk equity is essential for protecting savings.
Global Development Initiative: A Prescription for Tackling Chronic Global Issues
Beijing, September 2: With only four years left to achieve the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, the state of global development is flashing a red light. Out of 139 evaluation indicators, only 36 percent are progressing smoothly, while nearly half are moving at a sluggish pace, and about 15 percent have fallen below baseline levels. ... Read more Global Development Initiative: A Prescription for Tackling Chronic Global Issues
Acer Unveils Project DualPlay Mini, a Gaming Handheld That Turns Into a Tiny Laptop
Acer used the closing moments of its IFA 2026 press conference in Berlin to unveil Project DualPlay Mini , an experimental Predator gaming handheld that can transform into a small laptop, complete with an integrated physical keyboard and fold-out speakers. The concept explores an interesting question for the increasingly crowded Windows handheld market: instead of carrying a gaming handheld and a laptop, could one device realistically handle both? Project DualPlay Mini looks much like a conventional PC gaming handheld, with a central display flanked by game controls. Acer says it uses TMR joysticks and Hall-effect triggers , technologies designed to provide precise controls while reducing the mechanical wear that can eventually lead to stick drift. The concept is powered by an Intel processor , although Acer has not disclosed the exact chip. The unusual part becomes apparent when you open the device. A physical keyboard folds out from underneath the display, effectively turning the handheld into a miniature laptop. At the same time, two speaker wings deploy on either side of the screen , giving the system a distinctly unconventional appearance. During the presentation, Acer framed the design around three potential scenarios: gaming on the couch as a handheld, using it as a productivity machine while traveling, and connecting it to a larger monitor at a desk. Acer envisions this concept as a seamless transition between handheld gaming and notebook-style productivity. According to the company, users could play using the integrated controls, then open the device to work on documents, email, communication, or other everyday Windows tasks without carrying a second computer. The keyboard also changes how the DualPlay Mini could be used for PC gaming. Acer suggests pairing the integrated keyboard with a Bluetooth mouse, effectively providing conventional keyboard-and-mouse controls for first-person shooters while retaining the handheld form factor when those controls are not needed. Predator Cooling In a Much Stranger Form Factor Project DualPlay Mini uses Predator AeroBlade cooling , combining ultra-thin metal fan blades with the companys Vortex Flow cooling technology.Acer claims the system can improve airflow by up to 10% compared with a conventional plastic fan , based on its internal testing. The goal is to maintain performance during extended gaming sessions despite the compact chassis. The company did not reveal other important specifications such as display resolution and refresh rate, battery capacity, RAM, storage, processor model, dimensions, or weight. And importantly, this is still a concept rather than an announced retail product . Acer has not provided pricing or a release date, and the company notes that the images may not represent a final production device. Acer Unveils Project DualPlay Mini, a Gaming Handheld That Turns Into a Tiny Laptop , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Quote of the Day by Jane Fonda: Jane Fondas quote, The secret of losing weight is patience, explores the importance of patience, consistency, realistic expectations, and a balanced approach to health and fitness. The quote suggests that meaningful physical changes take time and that sustainable progress comes from developing healthy habits rather than expecting immediate results. It encourages people to remain committed to their goals while treating themselves with patience and self-respect.
Jack Daniel's maker misses sales estimates on weak consumer spending
Brown-Forman's first-quarter sales fell short of expectations, yet the company reaffirmed its annual financial goals. Economic worries from inflation and job market uncertainties are curbing consumer spending on alcohol, stabilizing whiskey sales while ready-to-drink products thrived. Similarly, competitor Pernod Ricard reported weakened demand in critical global markets. After releasing this information, Brown-Forman's shares experienced a modest bump.
Chief Election Commissioner praises Goa BLOs as vital link to voters
The News Mill
IPO-bound Simple Energy eyes large fundraise to enhance production capacity, supply chain
The electric two-wheeler manufacturer Simple Energy is on the hunt for significant capital investment to elevate its production capabilities and fortify its supply chain operations. The target is to ramp up production to 10,000-12,000 scooters by March, a vital step towards claiming market leadership within eighteen months. Once the funding is secured and production goals met, ambitious IPO strategies are set to follow.
The hips mobility workout that everyone is skipping could be holding back your fitness goals, experts give a low down
Fed's Williams ties rising bond yields to strong economy, CNBC reports
John Williams, the President of the New York Fed, emphasizes the impact of robust economic growth on increasing bond yields. He highlights the Federal Reserve's essential role in managing inflation and achieving its goals. As he continues to analyze data for upcoming interest rate adjustments, recent economic indicators show promise in reducing price pressures. The central bank remains vigilant, ready to adapt its strategies based on new information.
A.P. CM Naidu stresses river interlinking to transform Uttarandhra into Uttamandhra
The Godavari water will reach Visakhapatnam by next year and Srikakulam in future, realising the goal of its interlinking with Vamsadhara River, says the Chief Minister
Quote of the Day by Ashanti: Ashantis quote, I think my motto is to always remain focused on what it is that you're trying to accomplish, explores the importance of focus, determination, discipline, and commitment in achieving personal goals. The quote suggests that staying focused on a clear objective can help people overcome distractions, remain motivated during difficult moments, and continue working toward success without losing sight of what they want to accomplish.
Chief Election Commissioner Highlights Role of Booth Level Officers in Goa
Panaji, September 2: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar engaged with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) across Goa on Wednesday. He described BLOs as the foundational pillars of the worlds largest democracy and the primary point of contact between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and citizens. Over 1,000 BLOs from various regions of the state ... Read more Chief Election Commissioner Highlights Role of Booth Level Officers in Goa
Akshay Kumar has begun shooting for Samuk, an upcoming survival-action thriller directed by Kanishk Varma and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, along with co-producer Aashin A. Shah. The film, which is being mounted on a large scale for a pan-Indian theatrical release, has reportedly been in development for over two years. Samuk is set to combine elements of military realism, survival horror and alien mythology. The makers have also brought international talent on board to create the world and action of the film. Academy Award-nominated creature designer Alec Gillis, known for his work on films including Alien and Predator, is designing the central creature, while British action director Luke Tumber is overseeing the film's action sequences. The project marks another collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Vipul Amrutlal Shah, who have previously worked together across multiple genres. Their collaborations have included films such as Aankhen, Waqt: The Race Against Time, Namastey London, Singh Is Kinng, Action Replayy and Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty. Speaking about their decision to reunite for Samuk and the creative approach behind their collaborations, producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah said, The reason Akshay and I keep coming back to each other is that we have never wanted to make the same film twice. Every time we collaborate, the goal is to break our own mold, whether it was taking a risk with a heist thriller like Aankhen, exploring emotional drama with Waqt, capturing iconic romance in Namastey London, bringing massive action-comedy in Singh Is Kinng, experimenting with sci-fi in Action Replayy, or delivering military action in Holiday. We constantly challenge each other to step into unexplored territory. Reuniting for Samuk, which is an alien-survival thriller, proves yet again that we always bring something different to the table. With Samuk, the makers are looking to take their collaboration into a new genre space. The film aims to combine Akshay Kumar's star presence with international creature design and practical action, while maintaining a grounded approach to its survival-driven narrative. As the project progresses, further details about the film's storyline, ensemble cast and release plans are expected to be announced by the makers. Samuk is being positioned as a theatrical spectacle that brings together Indian filmmaking and international expertise in science-fiction and action. Also Read: Akshay Kumar vs Saif Ali Khan: The Haiwaan trailer sets up a gripping face-off
