President Murmu, PM Modi pay floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary at Raj Ghat in Delhi, marking Gandhi Jayanti. President Murmu visited Raj Ghat and paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. She also remembered the Father of the Nation and highlighted the continuing relevance of his ideals of peace, non-violence, empathy and inclusive development. In a post on X, President Murmu said: On behalf of all citizens, I pay my respectful tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on his 157th birth anniversary celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti. Gandhiji's life and ideals are widely respected by the global community. Today, an atmosphere of war and conflict prevails in many parts of the world, affecting all nations in these circumstances, Mahatma Gandhis message of peace and non-violence becomes even more relevant, the President added. Our country is advancing towards the national goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by the year 2047. In this journey, priority is being given to the values of empathy and Inclusion to ensure that no citizen is deprived of the benefits of development. This vision reflects the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi's ideal of 'Sarvodaya, based on the principle of the welfare and upliftment of all. On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us reaffirm our commitment to building an empowered, developed and Atmanirbhar Bharat through our ethical conduct and active participation, President Murmu said. Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan also visited Raj Ghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat, remembering his contribution and legacy on Gandhi Jayanti. Gandhi Jayanti is observed every year on October 2 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of truth and non-violence played a significant role in India's freedom movement and continues to be remembered across the world. The tributes at Raj Ghat were held as the nation marked the 157th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and recalled his enduring message of peace, non-violence and welfare of all.
Asian Games 2026: India defeat Pakistan in semi-final of continental event
Abhisheks match-winning goal just 49 secs from final whistle helps defending champions India beat arch-rivals Pakistan 4-3 to scrape into the final; players and coach heave a sigh of relief
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 2 (IANS) Actress Raveena Tandon showered praise on Aafiya Sayed as she marked her entry into films with Prem Keetanu, calling herself the proudest Maasi after watching her niece on screen. The actress took to Instagram to congratulate Aafiya, applauding her dedication and determination in overcoming obstacles while staying focused on her goal. Congratulations @aafiyasayed_ . Love blessings and everything that your heart desires should be fulfilled. I have seen you work hard dedicatedly towards your goal. Obstacles in your way , but never losing focus . Alone, Standing strong, Raveena wrote in the caption. She went on to write: Braving it all for that one opportunity towards the winning post. Today seeing you in your full glory on the screen has made me the proudest Maasi of all. Love you beta and may Eeshwar bestow upon you all the blessings and more. With all our love, Welcome to the movies ,you are here to conquer . #premkeetanu playing at your nearest theatre. #funfilm, Raveena stated. Raveena also praised the performances of Veer Pahariya, Aparshakti Khurana and Nikhil Isht. Excellent performances. @veerpahariya you are too good! @aparshakti_khurana wickedly fantastic. @nickhilist you are too cute and funnyyyyyy! Congratulations. Directed by Apoorv Singh Karki, Prem Keetanu follows a group of college friends navigate heartbreak, family expectations, career challenges and growing up. This comedy-drama follows their journey as they search for love, purpose and success. Talking about Raveena, she was last seen on screen in Ahmed Khans comedy film titled Welcome To The Jungle. The film has a huge star cast including names such as Jackie Shroff, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Tusshar Kapoor, and Sayaji Shinde. It is loosely based on the 2005 American film The Producers as well as the 2008 American film Tropic Thunder.
Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on birth anniversary
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary, recalling his teachings on truth, non-violence, self-reliance and public service. Amit Shah took to the social media platform X and said Mahatma Gandhi did not consider Swaraj merely as the goal of freedom, but the foundation of self-respect and self-reliance. Mahatma Gandhi ji did not consider Swaraj merely as the goal of freedom, but as the foundation of self-respect and self-reliance. With the belief that no nation can become great without being connected to its roots, he established Swadeshi, one's own language, one's own culture and cleanliness as the fundamental philosophy of Indian society, HM Shah said. Gandhi ji taught through his life that when there is devotion in action and purity in thoughts, no goal is impossible. On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi ji, who gave the message of truth, non-violence and compassion to the entire world, I pay my respectful obeisance to him, he added. Rajnath Singh also paid homage to Gandhi, saying his principles continue to inspire people across the world. On the occasion of the revered Bapu's birth anniversary, we offer our humble respects and respectful homage. By walking the path of truth and non-violence, he gave a new direction to India's freedom movement. His message of peace, tolerance, equality and unity remains a source of inspiration for the entire world, Singh said. He said Gandhi had deep faith in the values of Indian culture and civilisation and presented the strength of India's spiritual and moral heritage to the world. Drawing inspiration from his ideas of Swadeshi, self-reliance and Sarvodaya, we continue to move forward relentlessly. His emphasis on social harmony, cleanliness and public service remains relevant even today. The life and ideals of the revered Bapu inspire us to fulfil our duties towards society and the nation, he said. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid tribute to Gandhi on his birth anniversary and extended greetings to the people of the state on the International Day of Non-Violence. On the sacred birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi ji, who walked the path of truth and non-violence to convey the message of freedom to the entire world through indigenous means and non-violence, millions of salutations, CM Yogi said. He added that Gandhis ideals, simplicity and thoughts continue to guide people in building a self-reliant and developed India.
Ronaldo-less Portugal score 4 goals past Denmark as Jesus takes control
Ronaldo-less Portugal score 4 goals past Denmark as Jesus takes control
Nations League: Portugal win in Denmark, Klopp gets first Germany win
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 2 (IANS) Portugal moved six points clear at their group summit after sealing a third win in as many games, while there was a maiden victory for Germany under Jurgen Klopp as UEFA Nations League Matchday 3 kicked off. Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 at Parken in a game where they were ahead three times, saw their opponents respond in the first two matches, and only managed to put an end to the contest near the 90th minute. Joao Cancelo, Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, and Joao Felix scored the goals in a victory built with efficiency, resilience, and composure in the decisive moments. Portugal maintained their perfect start in a six-goal thriller three of them coming in a breathless 12-minute spell in the first half. Goncalo Ramos was involved in both of the reigning champions' first-half goals, providing the assist for Joao Cancelo's opener before finishing Bruno Fernandes' pass to restore Portugals advantage. Mikkel Damsgaard had equalised in between with a curling effort from a tight angle before threading a superb ball into the path of Rasmus Hjlund for Denmark's second in the 53rd minute. The Selecao regained the lead through Vitinha's near-post header from Fernandes' brilliant ball over the top, before Felix finished off a swift counterattack for his third goal of the campaign and Portugal's third win in as many matches. Germany secured their first victory in this year's UEFA Nations League, giving new head coach Jurgen Klopp his first three points in his third match. The DFB team triumphed 2-0 against Serbia in Munich after a strong performance. Florian Wirtz shone in Klopp's first win as Germany coach at the third attempt. Aleksandar Pavlovic, Nick Woltemade and Serge Gnabry all had good chances, and, although Kosta Nedeljkovic was centimetres from sliding in on the break for Serbia, Tom Bischof got a deserved opener after Wirtz had hit the post. The Liverpool playmaker then sealed victory after the break with a smart drag-back and finish. Elsewhere, substitute Tijjani Reijnders struck an 89th-minute equaliser as the the Netherlands recovered from 2-0 down play out 2-2 draw with Greece. Fresh from maiden victory over Germany, the home side looked set for another famous win after an impressive first-half showing that saw Fotis Ioannidis score one and set up another for Giorgos Masouras, an early replacement for the injured Christos Tzolis. The momentum swung completely after the restart though, a trademark Virgil van Dijk header setting the stage for Reijnders to fire in late on.
Kashmir Marathon : No goal too distant for united India: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Oct 01: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that through the Kashmir Marathon- Run for Unity, the youth have sent a message that no goal is too distant for a united India. He graced the closing ceremony of the event and commended the enthusiasm and energy of the participants. The Lieutenant Governor said the runners had conveyed that their participation was an investment in a shared future, and their run was not only for themselves but for the new generation of Jammu and Kashmir, which dreams of a better India and for that youth who is working day and night to make Jammu and Kashmir a self-reliant and developed Union Territory. Sinha congratulated all the runners and lauded the Jammu and Kashmir Police for organising the marathon, which has become a symbol of peace, unity and progress in the Union Territory. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the Run for Unity was not merely about speed or endurance, but about the strength of collective resolve and faith. He said that when people walk together, no destination remains impossible and underlined the importance of determination and unity in overcoming challenges. Run for Unity race is not merely the speed of our steps. It is the speed of our resolve and it is the speed of that faith which tells us that when people walk together, no destination remains impossible, he said. Highlighting India's diversity as its greatest identity, the LG said that despite differences in language, tradition, food, and attire, the heartbeat of India remains one. He stressed that unity is India's strength, and when millions of steps move in one direction, even the highest mountains can be crossed. Through the Kashmir Marathon- Run for Unity, youth have sent a message that no goal is too distant for a united India, he said. Sinha urged the youth of Jammu and Kashmir to embrace discipline, fitness and brotherhood and to stay away from drugs. He recalled the success of the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign, which empowered thousands of young people through padyatras and civic action programmes. The Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth to become brand ambassadors of the Fit India Movement and contribute to nation-building. He further stated that the real victory of a marathon lies not just in reaching the finish line, but in holding each other's hands and moving forward together. Let us take this resolvethough we may have come from different paths, our destination is one. Our identities may be many, but our national identity is one. Our pace may differ, but our India is one, unbroken, and with the resolve of a Developed India @2047, it is continuously moving forward, he said. This year, more than 6,000 runners in different categories participated in the Kashmir Marathon- Run for Unity. Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Nitish Kumar, ADGP Armed Police; M.K. Sinha, ADGP, CID; senior officers of Police and Civil Administration; prominent sports personalities and youth attended the felicitation ceremony.
Of 97 left out in Goa, 88 are back, 3 others are Portuguese citizens: EC
'Six others are based abroad'
Humanitys greatest leaps have begun with tools that allowed people to do more. The plough increased the farmers strength. The steam engine multiplied human strength. Electricity redefined life. The computer changed how humanity handled information. Now artificial intelligence and robotics are opening another chapter. AI can learn from information, recognise patterns and help generate ideas, while robots can see, move and perform tasks in the physical world. Together, they may expand human capability. This emerging field is being explored worldwide. MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, Berkeley and the University of Toronto are working on AI, robotics and machines that can learn and act. Oxford, Cambridge, ETH Zurich, EPFL and Imperial College London are also advancing research. Scientists are developing machines that can understand surroundings, learn and work with people. The goal is to create useful tools for everyday challenges. Researchers are exploring how AI and robotics can become more useful. At MIT, Professor Daniela Rus studies robotics and AI, including ways to make machines learn and work with people. At Stanford, Professor Chelsea Finn researches how robots learn through experience. At Carnegie Mellon, Professor Howie Choset develops robotic systems for medicine, manufacturing, disaster response and space. At Oxford, Professor Ingmar Posner studies how robots can learn, adapt and assist people. Their work reflects a broader effort to make intelligent machines increasingly useful in everyday life. This growing field is also reshaping scientific research. AI can examine enormous amounts of information, identify patterns and help scientists explore difficult questions. Robots can assist with repetitive or physically demanding work. Automated laboratories can help scientists conduct experiments with greater speed and precision. Research teams are exploring AI-assisted discovery in medicine, materials and energy. Still, the human role remains central. Technology does not replace curiosity. It gives curiosity new tools to explore, examine and discover. This is where an age of amazing abundance becomes interesting. Abundance does not mean every problem disappears, or every need is automatically met. It means technology could create more useful knowledge, products, services and opportunities. If AI makes certain work easier, more people could benefit. If robots improve particular tasks, production could become more efficient. If machines take on routine work, people could have more space for creativity, curiosity and imagination. An even broader possibility emerges when AI and robotics come together. AI can help robots understand their surroundings, plan actions and learn. Robots can turn digital intelligence into physical action. Better machines can support production and open new possibilities. Each improvement can become the foundation for another. A positive cycle can emerge: better tools create possibilities, and new possibilities inspire better tools. Over time, this could accelerate discovery and widen access to these technologies. Institutions are studying this change. The OECD has examined how AI may affect productivity, skills and employment. The International Labour Organisation has studied how generative AI could change different kinds of work and reshape the tasks people perform. The World Economic Forum has examined how technology is changing work and skills. The next chapter is about what people can do with capable machines. The changing world of work is shaped by both technology and human adaptation. Some tasks may change, some may become automated, and new forms of work may emerge. A researcher may use AI to explore possibilities. An engineer may use intelligent software to develop and test designs. A teacher may use digital tools to support learning. A worker may use a robot to assist with repetitive tasks. The important question is not only what machines can do, but what new possibilities people can create with them. Education remains an important part of adapting to technological change. As machines become better at finding and processing information, acquiring knowledge can involve more than memorising facts. Knowledge, sound judgement, creativity, communication, teamwork and problem-solving will continue to matter. People may also need to develop new skills as technology advances and new areas of knowledge emerge. A strong educational foundation can help people build the understanding and abilities needed to participate purposefully in an evolving technological landscape. India is building capabilities in this field. Under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems, 25 Technology Innovation Hubs have been established across academic institutions, working in areas including AI, robotics and smart machines. IISc Bengaluru, IIT Hyderabad and IIT Delhi are involved in work related to robotics, navigation and machines that can work with people. India is advancing AI research, skills and innovation. These efforts are creating a foundation for intelligent technologies. The greatest possibility may not be a smarter robot or a more powerful AI system. It is time, one of the few resources that cannot be manufactured, stored or recovered. By handling routine and physically demanding tasks, these technologies could give people more room for family, creativity, research, art, learning and community. This is one dimension of abundance: greater access to knowledge, productive capacity, opportunity and time. As intelligent systems advance, they could accelerate discovery, improve precision and help address challenges that once demanded far more human effort. Machines may increasingly do more with less, expanding the possibilities for human activity. The real measure of progress may not be how closely machines imitate human abilities, but how effectively people can use technology to expand what is possible. If intelligent systems contribute to knowledge, productivity, creativity and greater flexibility in daily life, they could open new possibilities in everyday life. That is the defining promise of an age of amazing abundance: more knowledge, greater capability, wider opportunity and more room for human possibility. (The author is a Columnist. Feedback: bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com )
The Dog Bite that should Never Become a Death Sentence
Imagine a child playing outside his home in Kashmir when a dog suddenly approaches and bites him. The wound looks small, there is little bleeding, and the family decides to wait and see. But with rabies, there is no time to wait. One of the worlds oldest and most feared zoonotic diseases, rabies is almost invariably fatal once clinical signs appearyet it is entirely preventable when wounds are treated promptly, and post-exposure prophylaxis is given without delay. With dogs responsible for around 99% of human rabies cases globally, controlling rabies in dogs remains central to protecting people. As the world observed World Rabies Day on September 28, the message for Kashmir is simple: a dog bite should never become a death sentence. Rabies is not merely a medical problem Rabies is often discussed as a problem of human health. In reality, it sits at the intersection of human health, animal health and the environment. A person develops rabies because of an exposure to an infected animal. In India and much of Asia, dogs are the principal source of human infection. Therefore, treating humans after bites is only one part of the solution. Unless rabies transmission among dogs is controlled, the cycle continues. This is why rabies demands a One Health approacha coordinated effort involving veterinarians, human doctors, public-health authorities, municipal agencies, animal welfare organisations, local communities and responsible pet owners. The goal should not simply be to treat more bite victims. The goal should be to prevent those bites and interrupt transmission before people are exposed. Kashmir needs to rethink the stray dog problem In discussions about rabies, free-roaming dogs are often viewed solely as a nuisance or a threat. But simply removing or indiscriminately killing dogs is not a sustainable rabies-control strategy. WHO specifically identifies mass dog vaccination as the most cost-effective way of preventing human rabies by stopping transmission at its source. Kashmir therefore needs a more scientific and humane approach. This should include sustained vaccination of dogs, responsible dog population management, improved waste management, responsible pet ownership, identification and reporting of suspected rabies cases, community education and strong coordination between veterinary and human-health authorities. Vaccination cannot be a once-a-year publicity event. It needs to be a sustained programme with measurable coverage. Similarly, responsible pet ownership must become a social norm. Every dog owner should understand that rabies vaccination is not optional. Vaccinating a pet protects not only the animal but also the family, neighbours and the wider community. The five minutes that can save a life One of the most important messages that must reach every household is what to do after a bite or scratch. Wash the wound immediately and thoroughly with soap and running water for approximately 15 minutes. Then seek medical attention without delay. This simple action can substantially reduce the amount of virus at the site of exposure. Appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis includes wound management, rabies vaccination and, when indicated, rabies immunoglobulin or other recommended biologicals. People should never wait for symptoms of rabies before seeking treatment. Once the virus reaches the central nervous system and clinical disease develops, the outcome is almost invariably fatal. The window for prevention is after exposure but before disease develops. There is also a dangerous tendency to rely on home remedies or traditional practices after an animal bite. Chilli powder, acids, plant substances and other irritants should never be applied to wounds. Such practices do not prevent rabies and can cause additional tissue damage. A bite that looks insignificant can still represent a serious exposure. Children deserve special attention Children are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to play with dogs, approach unfamiliar animals or fail to report minor scratches to adults. Rabies education should therefore begin in schools. Children should be taught simple rules: do not disturb dogs while they are eating or caring for puppies; do not tease or chase animals; avoid approaching unfamiliar dogs; and immediately inform an adult about any bite, scratch or possible exposure. Parents should also understand that a child may hide a bite because of fear of punishment. A small scratch may be ignored, while the consequences of ignoring rabies exposure can be devastating. Kashmir needs stronger veterinarymedical coordination A rabies-control programme cannot succeed if the veterinary and medical systems work independently. Veterinarians are essential for dog vaccination, animal surveillance, investigation of suspected cases, responsible pet ownership and community education. Medical professionals are responsible for assessing human exposures and ensuring appropriate post-exposure treatment. When a suspected rabies exposure occurs, information should move rapidly between these sectors. This is the essence of One Health:the health of humans, animals and the environment cannot be treated as separate issues. Bhutan has shown that elimination is possible. There is an important reason for optimism this year. On September 4, 2026, the World Health Organisation validated Bhutan as having eliminated dog-transmitted human rabies as a public-health problemthe first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone. Bhutan's success was built on mass dog vaccination, dog population management, community participation, integrated human-animal surveillance and strong One Health coordination. This achievement carries an important lesson for Kashmir and the wider Indian subcontinent. Rabies elimination is not a utopian idea. It requires political commitment, sustained vaccination, surveillance, accessible post-exposure treatment and community participation. From awareness to action Every year, World Rabies Day brings posters, seminars, social-media campaigns and public messages. These are valuable, but awareness alone cannot eliminate rabies. Kashmir needs to move from campaign-based awareness to continuous prevention. We need regular vaccination of dogs, accessible and quality-assured post-exposure treatment, better surveillance, responsible pet ownership, scientific dog population management, improved waste management and meaningful community participation. Most importantly, we need to stop thinking of rabies as an unavoidable consequence of living with dogs. It is not. Rabies is preventable. WHO identifies three proven pillars: community awareness, timely post-exposure prophylaxis and mass dog vaccination. The real measure of our success should therefore not be how efficiently we treat people after they are bitten. It should be how successfully we prevent people from being bitten by infected animals in the first place. A child should be able to walk to school without fear. A family should be able to keep a vaccinated dog without fear. A community should be able to coexist safely with its animal population. Kashmir should make that its ambition. Because the ultimate victory against rabies will not be the ability to save someone after a bite. It will be creating a society where that bite never becomes a death sentence. (The Author is Assistant Professor cum Scientist, Dept. of Medicine, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, Punjab. Feedback: dr.abrar79@gmail.com )
Congress has cleared a bill that would give Social Securitys key claiming ages new names. The proposal would call 62 the minimum monthly benefit age, 67 the standard monthly benefit age, and 70 the maximum monthly benefit age. The ages themselves would not change. The goal is to make the benefit trade-offs easier to understand before workers decide when to claim.
Technology, youth talent key to innovation and building 'Viksit Bharat': Tripura CM
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 2 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that technology and the talent of the state's youth must be combined to encourage innovation and contribute to the building of a developed India. The Chief Minister on Thursday added that the future generation will be more technology-dependent and there is no dearth of talent among the students and youth of the state. We need to combine technology with their talent. If we can combine technology with talent, they will be able to involve themselves more in innovative work, CM Saha said after launching various schemes for the youths. He launched the Seva First Innovation Challenge 2026 and the Mukhyamantri Yuba Yogayog Yojana for the 2025-26 academic year, besides inaugurating Digi-SAPNE 3.0. CM Saha also formally inaugurated the renovated and redeveloped auditorium. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had emphasised connecting students and youth with technology to achieve the goal of a 'Viksit Bharat'. He added that the state government wanted to utilise the talent and innovative thinking of students and youth for development, adding that they would play a key role in building a developed India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested using the innovative thinking of students and youth more to build a developed India. In the 'Mann Ki Baat' programmes, he guides students and youth on the right path and also acknowledges their innovative thinking. The state government is also keen to use their ideas for the development of the state, CM Saha said. He added that the Seva First Innovation Challenge focuses on ideas relating to a clean and stable India, a prosperous India, a healthy and integrated India, an educated and skilled India, and a secure India. The Chief Minister said the Mukhyamantri Yuba Yogayog Yojana had benefited 63,249 people over the past five years, with each beneficiary receiving Rs 5,000. At the programme, CM Saha handed over grant cheques of Rs 10 lakh each to 10 young entrepreneurs selected under Digi-SAPNE 3.0 to support their startups. Digi-SAPNE 3.0 is aimed at supporting technology-driven startups in the Northeast through mentorship, business acceleration, investor connections and other ecosystem support. The programme was attended by Higher Education Minister Kishor Barman, Information Technology and Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, Sikkim Manipal University Vice Chancellor Gopalakrishna Prabhu, MeitY Software Industry Promotion Division official Rajeshwar Singh Jenwar, Secretary of the IT and Finance Department P.K. Goyal, and Secretary to the Chief Minister Kiran Gitte, among others.
Sachin Dev Burman's musical legacy continues to inspire generations: Tripura CM
Digital Desk | Agartala, Oct 2 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has paid tribute to legendary singer and composer Sachin Dev Burman on his birth anniversary, recalling his immense contribution to Indian music and his enduring connection with the state. Speaking at a programme organised at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan here on Thursday, CM Saha said that Sachin Dev Burman's journey from his roots in the erstwhile Royal family of Tripura to becoming one of India's most celebrated musicians was an inspiration for the younger generation. The Chief Minister added that the state government had donated the house associated with the legendary musician, who belonged to the Royal family but remained grounded despite his aristocratic background. He belonged to the Royal family, where he had access to everything, but he left it all behind and created his own identity, CM Saha said. He recalled that Sachin Dev Burman was born in Comilla, now in Bangladesh, and said the folk traditions, melodies and songs of the region deeply influenced his musical sensibilities. CM Saha said that Burman later moved to Kolkata and subsequently to Mumbai, where he established himself as one of India's most influential singers and composers. His distinctive musical style and songs continue to remain popular in India and abroad, he added. Today is his birth anniversary. I extend my greetings to the people of Tripura and the entire country on this occasion. It is a matter of pride that such a great singer and composer was born in connection with Tripura, the Chief Minister said. Chief Minister Saha, who holds the Information and Cultural Affairs portfolio, described Burman as a self-made personality who carved out a place for himself in the world of music through determination and hard work rather than relying on his royal background. He said that Burman's ability to blend classical traditions, including elements of Dhrupad and Hindustani classical music, with folk melodies gave his compositions a distinctive character that continues to resonate with music lovers. Music is something that remains in everyone's heart, CM Saha added. The Chief Minister urged the younger generation to learn more about Burman's life, musical journey and determination, saying his life could inspire people, particularly the youth, to pursue their goals with dedication and self-confidence. Information and Cultural Affairs Secretary Kiran Gitte, Director of Information and Cultural Affairs Bimbisar Bhattacharya and other officials were present at the programme.
Canada eyes $70 bn trade with India
Digital Desk | Milwaukee, Oct 1 (IANS) Canada and India have set a goal of taking bilateral trade from about $30 billion to nearly $70 billion within five years, Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu said Thursday, as the two countries push ahead with negotiations on a comprehensive trade agreement. Sidhu said the fifth round of negotiations would begin in Ottawa on Monday and voiced confidence that the two sides could reach a conclusion in the coming months. The vision that the leaders have set out for us is, you know, to go from 30 billion dollars of trade to close to 70 billion dollars of trade within the next five years, Sidhu told reporters on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting in Milwaukee. How do we get there? Part of that is through more facilitation of free trade, he said. And so right now the negotiations are ongoing to see what we can do together to help build our economies. Sidhu said Canada viewed the two economies as complementary rather than competitors. Its about building up our economies in complementary styles. Its not about competing with one another, he said. The minister said energy, critical minerals and aerospace were among the sectors offering opportunities for deeper cooperation. Sidhu, who visited India about 10 days ago and met Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal in Mumbai, said four rounds of negotiations had been discussed there. Round five will happen in Ottawa on Monday, he said. Of course, negotiations are always tough, but we look forward to concluding in the coming months. Sidhu said Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held excellent conversations on bringing the two economies closer. He pointed to Indias growing energy requirements as a major opportunity for Canada. India is growing at 7per cent year over year. India requires 70% more energy by 2035. We have that energy in Canada, Sidhu said. Canada, he said, has several LNG projects in various stages of development and expects to become one of the worlds top five LNG exporters within five years. But beyond energy, its about critical minerals with India; its about aerospace, Sidhu said. So as India builds, Canada wants to be there to help build India as well. Critical minerals could become another important pillar of the economic relationship, particularly as India expands its automobile, electric vehicle and battery industries. India is looking to diversify some of the supply chains if you look at critical minerals, Sidhu said. India has a growing auto sector, and for EVs and batteries, Canada is the only country in the Western hemisphere that has every single element to make an electric battery. Sidhu also highlighted investment as an important part of the relationship. He said Canada was the largest collective investor in India, with more than USD 100 billion in investments. Many of the infrastructure projects, theres Canadian companies involved building the airports, building the highways there, he said. At the same time, Canada wants more Indian investment in its mining and energy sectors. We also welcome Indian investors in Canada to invest in our mining projects, to invest in our energy projects, so we can grow together, Sidhu said. And so part of that is, yes, its trade, but its investments and beyond that in terms of research and collaboration as well. Canada and India launched negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement after Carney and Modi agreed in November 2025 to restart talks. Four rounds have since been completed, with both governments working towards concluding negotiations by the end of 2026. Two-way goods and services trade stood at $30.4 billion in 2025, according to the Canadian government. The two countries have set a goal of raising annual bilateral trade to $70 billion by 2030.
Three-Year-Olds Take As Many As 30,000 Steps Per Day, New Study Finds
According to the scientists, these numbers are meant to serve as a baseline for understanding childhood behaviour, not a strict daily goal.
Gandhi's peace, non-violence message more relevant amid wars: Prez Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on the eve of his birth anniversary and said his message of peace and non-violence has become even more relevant as an atmosphere of conflict prevails in many parts of the world, affecting all nations. On behalf of all citizens, I pay my respectful tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his 157th birth anniversary, celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, she said in a message. Mahatma Gandhi's life and ideals are widely respected by the global community, President Murmu said. Today, an atmosphere of war and conflict prevails in many parts of the world, affecting all nations. In these circumstances, Mahatma Gandhi's message of peace and non-violence becomes even more relevant, she said. President Murmu said the country is advancing towards the national goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047, with priority being given to the values of empathy and inclusion to ensure that no citizen is deprived of the benef
President Murmu pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on eve of his 157th birth anniversary
New Delhi [India], October 1 : On the eve of Mahatma Gandhi's 157th birth anniversary, President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to him, saying his message of peace and non-violence holds vital relevance amid ongoing global conflicts. On behalf of all citizens, I pay my respectful tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on his 157th birth anniversary, celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti, the President said in her message on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti. According to the release, Murmu said Gandhis life and ideals are widely respected by the global community and noted that an atmosphere of war and conflict prevails in many parts of the world, affecting all nations. In these circumstances, Mahatma Gandhis message of peace and non-violence becomes even more relevant, she said. The President said India is advancing towards the national goal of becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047, with priority being given to the values of empathy and inclusion to ensure that no citizen is deprived of the benefits of development. She said this vision reflects the spirit of Mahatma Gandhis ideal of Sarvodaya, based on the principle of the welfare and upliftment of all. On the auspicious occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, let us reaffirm our commitment to building an empowered, developed and Atmanirbhar Bharat through our ethical conduct and active participation, Murmu said. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy called for a nationwide 30-day cleanliness drive from Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary on October 31, urging citizens, government and private institutions, educational establishments, NGOs and other organisations to participate. Speaking to the media, Reddy said the cleanliness campaign should begin from people's homes and workplaces, with government and private offices, educational institutions, NGOs, associations and sanitation workers participating in the drive. From Gandhi Jayanti to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary, which is coming up on October 31st, for almost 30 days, everyone should take up this Swachh Bharat campaign program across the country, and an appeal has been made for everyone in the country to become participants, Reddy said. (ANI)
EC Releases List Of Goa's 97 Left-Out Voters: 88 Form 6 Acceptances, 3 Hold Portuguese Passports
Goas Chief Electoral Officer has provided details about 97 voters whose names were not included in the electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR.According to the CEO, forms for 88 voters have been submitted, while three voters hold Portuguese passports and six are living abroad. Officials are making efforts to contact those living overseas.The Indian Express had reported that Electoral Registration Officers found all 97 voters eligible, but their names could not be included in the final roll due to a software issue.The Election Commission also conducted a house-to-house survey and asked the omitted voters to submit Form 6 for inclusion in the electoral roll.Meanwhile, the EC has amended Form 6 in states where SIR has been completed. Voters will no longer have to provide details linked to the 2003 electoral roll, though eligibility will continue to be verified.
Train Passes Over Dudhsagar Falls In Stunning Visual
A mesmerising view of Dudhsagar Falls in Goa was captured as a train passed across the bridge overlooking the cascading waterfall. The stunning visual has left netizens amazed, with the scenic combination of the train, bridge, and waterfall drawing attention on social media.
Indonesia hammer Bangladesh 9-2 to seal final spot
USA-based striker Mitchell Baker scored four goals as Bangladesh suffered a 9-2 defeat against Indonesia in their final FIFA ASEAN Cup fixture at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Thursday.
Captain Smit Machchhar Has Vast Knowledge Of Aviation: Ex-GoAir Pilot
Machchhar was a Line Training Captain, who is an experienced senior airline pilot responsible for instructing, mentoring, and evaluating other pilots during actual commercial passenger flights, he said.
How Does an SIP Calculator Help Turn Investment Goals into a Practical Plan?
How Does an SIP Calculator Help Turn Investment Goals into a Practical Plan? Setting clear financial goals is the first step towards building a secure future, but executing them requires a structured approach. Whether you are planning for retirement, purchasing a home, funding a childs education, creating an emergency fund, or planning a major purchase, [] The post How Does an SIP Calculator Help Turn Investment Goals into a Practical Plan? appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Manifesting To Feature In 2027 ODI WC By Staying In Present And Keeping Fit: Rohit Sharma
Cricket World Cup: Outlining his long-term ambition to feature in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027, senior India opener Rohit Sharma says his strategy revolves around staying strictly in the present, keeping fit, and performing consistently in every immediate assignment rather than looking too far ahead. Rohit made a vintage 101 at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, as India chased down a massive 406 against the West Indies. He also shared an opening stand of 255 runs with captain Shubman Gill, who hit an unbeaten 223. Another superb performance from Rohit Sharma will be expected when the third ODI takes place in New Chandigarh on Saturday. What I want to manifest is that I keep myself capable enough until 2027, so I keep myself fit, keep working hard, and keep performing well in every tournament that comes up. This is what I need to think about, and this is what I need to do. So, I think my immediate goal is that whatever is in front of me right now, I do that properly, Rohit told JioStar in an interaction. Because thinking about next October right now is not going to help me play my game. What will help me is to stay in the present, keep ticking every box that comes my way, and then keep moving forward. In life, I've progressed step by step like this, so right now I have to do the same. So basically, what I mean is that I don't need to change anything. The way my journey has been so far, I want to keep driving it the same way. Keep working hard on my batting, keep working hard on my fitness, help the boys in the team, give input wherever it's needed, that's all, he added. Assessing Gill's transition into the captaincy role over the past year, Rohit urged critics to give the youngster time while praising his clarity of thought on the field. Shubman Gill has a great cricketing brain, no doubt about that. He has been captaining for about a year now, so it is unfair to judge him as a captain so early. But from what I have seen, he has been impressive. He is very clear about what he wants. That is the most important thing a captain should have. If the captain is clear, the players around him will also be clear. That is what I see with Shubman. He knows what he wants and is moving in the right direction. Of course, any captain needs the support of the players and the staff around him. I am sure that in whatever way I can help him, I will do that, he added. Rohit stressed that taking a backseat from the leadership role does not mean stepping away from guiding the team, adding that his dynamic with Gill remains unchanged. Shubman is the captain, but that does not mean I stay away from him or talk less with him. Ever since he made his debut, we have been moving in the same direction. That is how it should be, and it should not change for any reason. He needs the confidence of the team, knowing that everyone is moving together. Our job is to support him and take the team forward, he added. Having experienced the high of lifting World Cups twice in his career -- as a 20-year-old in the 2007 T20 World Cup and as captain in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Rohit stated that the feeling of winning a global trophy for India remains unmatched. It'll be great to win the upcoming ODI World Cup; that's all I'll say. I wouldn't think about full circle and all that now. Winning a World Cup for India is a special feeling. I have experienced that twice in the T20 format. In 2007, I was just a young kid of 20 years. Of course, it's a big tournament; you've won a World Cup in your first year, it's great. Then we won the Champions Trophy in 2013, and after that there was a long period, almost for 11 years, where we couldn't win an ICC title. So that's why, when we won the T20 World Cup in 2024, there was a realisation of how important it was. So that feeling is still inside to a great extent. So, I know what winning a World Cup feels like. So that's why I want that feeling back. The fun we had, you cant describe what that feeling is, because you can't match that. That's why winning that World Cup is very important to me, because I want to feel that feeling again, which we felt recently, he concluded. Then we won the Champions Trophy in 2013, and after that there was a long period, almost for 11 years, where we couldn't win an ICC title. So that's why, when we won the T20 World Cup in 2024, there was a realisation of how important it was. So that feeling is still inside to a great extent. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India win sailing, wrestling silver; cricket and hockey teams enter gold medal matches
India secured silver medals in sailing and Greco-Roman wrestling after a successful day at the Asian Games. The men's T20 cricket team posted a solid score and eliminated Sri Lanka to reach the finals. Meanwhile, the men's hockey team narrowly defeated Pakistan with a last-minute goal by Abhishek. India's womens golf team secured a bronze position ahead of the final round.
Kobbari Mithai: Exploring Coconut-Based Regional Indian Sweets
Indias dessert culture is remarkably diverse, with every region offering sweets shaped by its climate, agriculture, festivals, religious traditions and locally available ingredients. Among the ingredients that have quietly influenced Indian sweets for generations, coconut holds a particularly important place. From coastal Karnataka and Kerala to Tamil Nadu, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and the island [] The post Kobbari Mithai: Exploring Coconut-Based Regional Indian Sweets appeared first on FoodNosher.Com .
Hearing tech startup Legato launches its AI hearing glasses
The glasses stem from the startups goal of making hearing care more accessible by addressing the cost, comfort, and stigma associated with traditional hearing aids.
Delhi: L-G TS Sandhu opens DDA sports complex in Rohini, announces hockey cup from Oct 9
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) T.S. Sandhu on Thursday inaugurated a Delhi Development Authority (DDA) sports complex in Rohini, visited a local Aarambh library popular among civil services aspirants and shared the mantras of discipline and determination with the youth, an official said. At the inaugural ceremony of the sports complex in Rohini's Sector-33, Sandhu announced that the L-G Cup for Hockey would be held from October 9 to 18 to encourage and motivate young athletes and promote greater participation team sports like hockey. Spread over around 8.11 hectares, with a built-up area of around 10,974 square metre, the sports complex has been developed to bring quality sporting infrastructure closer to the residents of Rohini, outer Delhi and adjoining areas of North-West Delhi. While interacting with students at the library, L-G Sandhu said that since there is a huge demand from the students for this library, the Rohini library would be augmented by utilising one upper floor and creating more than 40 seats. After the visit to the library, the Lieutenant Governor said on X, Visited DDA's 'Aarambh Library' in Rohini's Sector-11 along with Ravinder Indraj Singh, Government of NCT of Delhi Minister, and spent time with young aspirants preparing for various competitive examinations. Sat with them, heard about their preparation routines, challenges and pressures, and shared reflections from my own student days. My message was simple: Stay positive, consistent, disciplined. Turn setbacks into stepping stones and never lose sight of your goal. The grit, dedication and quiet resolve of these young learners is inspiring. Keep going, learning and believing. Success will follow, L-G Sandhu said on social media platform X. Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor directed the strengthening of street lighting, CCTV coverage and police patrolling around colleges, along with dedicated Nodal Police Officers and Pink Booths near campuses. He issued the directions after chairing a meeting with principals of women's colleges of Delhi University (DU), DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh and senior officers of Delhi Police, Transport Department, Public Works Department, DDA and Delhi Metro on Wednesday, on safety and security of students in and around college campuses and transit. Some of the common concerns raised by almost all colleges include, menace of e-rickshaws, lack of safe last mile connectivity, encroached footpaths and pathways, unregulated vending, dark spots and lack of sufficient illumination, unsafe parks near campuses, public toilets near campuses, obscene flashing, requirement of more Pink Booths and patrolling, among others. The meeting followed L-G Sandhu's impromptu visits over the past three days to Daulat Ram College and Indraprastha College and a surprise inspection of Bonta Park on September 25, to ascertain ground-level concerns of women students and residents directly.
Football: Mumbai City confirm return of Farukh Choudhary for upcoming season
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 1 (IANS) Mumbai City have confirmed the return of Farukh Choudhary to the club, with the attacker signing a deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026-27 season. Born in Ambarnath, Maharashtra, Choudhary is no stranger to the Islanders, having previously made six appearances for the club during the 2020-21 Indian Super League season. Since then, he has gone on to represent Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC, making 126 Indian Super League appearances and registering seven goals and 10 assists across his career. Choudhary has also represented the Indian National Team, earned 24 caps and scored three goals for the Blue Tigers. Farukh Choudhary, an attacker at Mumbai City, said, Coming back to Mumbai City means a lot to me. I have had some really good memories here, and I am happy to be back with the club. I am looking forward to the new season, working hard with the team and giving my best on the pitch. We have a strong squad and big ambitions, and I want to contribute as much as I can and help the team achieve its goals. Earlier, Mumbai City had confirmed the arrival of Lazar irkovi, the Serbian joining the Islanders on a one-year deal, until the end of the 2026/27 season. Born in Ni, Lazar began his football journey with the Serbian SuperLiga club Rad in 2010. During his time there, he also gained valuable experience on loan at the Serbian League club Pali. In 2014, Lazar joined Serbian giants Partizan, making his official debut for the club in a UEFA Europa League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur. During his four-year spell with Partizan, he won two Serbian SuperLiga titles and one Serbian Cup before going on to represent Luzern in Switzerland, Maccabi Netanya in Israel, and Kisvrda and Honvd in Hungary. Lazar then moved to India, where he joined fellow Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC. In his debut season, he played a crucial role in helping the club secure a place in the playoffs, earning a move to Jamshedpur FC the following season. He continued to deliver consistent performances for the Men of Steel, helping them reach the semi-finals. At international level, Lazar made his competitive debut for the Serbia Under-21s in 2013, featuring in a home victory over Northern Ireland. He represented the side intermittently until 2015 and was also part of Serbias squad for the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Ktaka: Bengaluru-Goa Vande Bharat extension boosts coastal connectivity
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Oct 1 (IANS) Rail connectivity between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa has received a major boost with the extension of the existing MadgaonMangaluru Vande Bharat Express up to Bengaluru via Hassan, Udupi and Karwar, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy said on Thursday. The development follows a proposal by Kumaraswamy to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw seeking Vande Bharat connectivity between Bengaluru and Madgaon via Hassan, Mangaluru, Udupi and Karwar, in view of growing passenger demand along the corridor. Kumaraswamy said he had highlighted the route's importance for tourism, pilgrimage, education and commerce, as well as the need for stronger connectivity between Bengaluru and the major commercial, port and tourism centres of coastal Karnataka and Goa. Thanking Vaishnaw for his prompt and positive response, Kumaraswamy said the existing Madgaon-Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express had now been extended to Bengaluru. The service will operate as Train No. 26655/26656 YesvantpurMangaluruMadgaon Vande Bharat Express with revised timings. The extension will connect Bengaluru with key destinations in coastal Karnataka and further link the region with Madgaon in Goa. Kumaraswamy said his original proposal aimed to address growing demand for passenger services along the Bengaluru-coastal Karnataka-Goa corridor. In his communication to the Railway Minister, he had pointed out that the route caters to a diverse passenger base, including tourists, pilgrims, students and professionals. He had also urged the authorities to examine the feasibility of the service and initiate the necessary administrative process. Vaishnaw, in his communication dated September 28, 2026, referred to Kumaraswamys letter of December 23, 2025, and informed him that the MadgaonMangaluru Vande Bharat Express had been extended up to Bengaluru via Hassan, Udupi and Karwar. Kumaraswamy said the enhanced connectivity would benefit passengers travelling between Bengaluru, Hassan, Mangaluru, Udupi, Karwar and Madgaon. He said the service would also support tourism, regional economic activity and inter-state connectivity by strengthening rail links between Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this is another step towards strengthening modern rail connectivity and bringing Bengaluru, coastal Karnataka and Goa closer, Kumaraswamy said. He added that the extension would further strengthen the integrated and modern rail network connecting Karnatakas interior and coastal regions with Goa.
CEC's resignation, SIR freeze among demands as Dipke announces Mumbai protest
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said protests would also be organised in Goa, Karnataka, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. If Kumar does not resign, Dipke said a further protest would be held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi from the end of October
Created and produced by Rajkumar Hirani and directed by Avinash Arun, Pritam and Pedro has emerged as one of the most-watched shows on streaming. The cybercrime comedy-thriller features Arshad Warsi, Vir Hirani, Vikrant Massey, Boman Irani and Mona Singh in key roles. Set in Goa, the series follows Pedro (Arshad Warsi), an old-school police officer who is transferred to the IT cell, and Pritam (Vir Hirani), a tech-savvy coding expert. The two form an unlikely partnership as they work together to investigate digital crimes and mysterious kidnappings. The show combines comedy, suspense and emotional moments as the duo navigates a series of cases. The series has received a strong response from viewers, with its blend of humour and thriller elements becoming a key part of its appeal. Rajkumar Hirani Films recently marked the show's performance with a special social media post, expressing gratitude to the audience. The post was captioned, Pritam and Pedro continue to rule hearts. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rajkumar Hirani Films (@rhfilmsofficial) According to the makers, Pritam and Pedro has officially become the most-viewed show ever, crossing 31 million views and recording more than 73 million watch hours. The figures mark a significant streaming milestone for the series. The show's performance also puts the spotlight on Rajkumar Hirani's move into the OTT space. His storytelling style has been brought into the series while retaining elements of humour and emotion. Vir Hirani has also drawn attention for his portrayal of Pritam, with viewers and critics responding to his performance. With its reported viewership continuing to grow, Pritam and Pedro has set a new benchmark in streaming numbers, while bringing together Rajkumar Hirani's creative direction and Vir Hirani's performance in the series. Also Read : SHOCKING: Gurugram youth takes inspiration from Vikrant Masseys Pritam And Pedro character to allegedly con student of Rs. 24.60 lakhs
Harmanpreet converted two penalty corners in the 5th and 13th minutes, Sukhjeet Singh netted a field goal in the 23rd minute, and Abhishek scored the winning goal in the final minute
Asian Games: Playing For India, Especially For A Medal, Hits Different, Says Ishan Kishan
Korogi Sports Park: Dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan admitted that representing the country at the Asian Games brings a unique kind of pressure that is different from playing regular international fixtures, adding that the quest of clinching a medal creates a distinct, heart-felt emotion in the entire squad. At the Korogi Sports Park, Kishan hit a magnificent 80 that propelled India to post 169 and clinch a convincing victory by bundling out Sri Lanka for just 45 in the semi-finals. To be very honest, I was thinking about this and it does make a difference in your heart, at least, when you're playing for India, especially when it's about the medal. It's not just a thing where you're related to the BCCI - it's always about India here. There are so many flags going around and so many people cheering for you. So you get that feeling inside, though you don't show it. But I think you get that feeling like this is a different kind of thing, even if we have a very good side and we have those bowlers and batters. But still, I feel there's a bit of more pressure here, to be very honest, Kishan said in the post-match press conference. Navigating a pitch laden with visible cracks, Kishan highlighted the importance of a set batter staying through the innings to post a winning total, especially given India's formidable spin attack. I think it was very important for us to get to that total. First, you target, when you go in, you do know how much total is needed on this kind of wicket, especially having those spinners in your side, you need to at least get 150 odd runs on this pitch to just be on the safer side. So the goal was simple, just to reach anyhow to 150 and I was just playing those shots which were needed at that point of time, he added. Detailing the team's tactical approach on a surface that tested even established batters, Kishan added, I think it's very tricky, to be very honest. I was not feeling so confident in the middle, but like our team, we had a team meeting and we had a plan. Any one batsman who is set in the middle is supposed to be there and play till all the 20 overs because that is the best way he can score big runs and help the team get to a certain total because I felt someone coming in and suddenly, if you ask him to just go for big shots or you ask him to get those runs going, it's very difficult for him to get those things. But at the same time, like we discussed, one batter in the middle, if he is set, just try and score big runs. Asked whether the unpredictable nature of such tracks makes a high-stakes final feel like a lottery, Kishan dismissed the notion. No, it actually doesn't. Cricket is all about, you get out in one good ball and it just changes the whole scenario of the game. So you have to be very aware of the situation, what the pitch is going to do, what you are planning to do, what the team requires. So especially on these wickets, I feel it's more about your team goals other than your individual goals. So we just focus on those little things. With India setting up a gold medal clash against Pakistan, to be played on Saturday, Kishan insisted the squad is focused on keeping things simple rather than getting weighed down by the occasion. I think just keeping it simple, as you don't think so much. We played today; we know the conditions are not going to be so easy, especially when they are also a spinner-friendly team. At the same time, you know, you just don't think like what's going to happen after two days. You just keep calm, you play your shots, you are in the moment and just enjoy those crunch moments, he said. Off the field, Kishan expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality in Japan and the seamless support from local organizers and volunteers despite language barriers. I think it's been lovely. Everyone has been so sweet. They've been very helpful, especially going around here and there, though there's a language barrier. But I've seen all the locals here trying to help us get to wherever we want to go, trying to be like on their toes and help us with whatever we need in the match during the game as well. If I speak, they were all there, whatever we needed; they were on their toes doing everything for us and even for those little things you can't like talk about. But you feel very good when you see people helping you out here, especially when you are in some other company and country. Sometimes it's not their job as well, but still they're trying to help us. So that's a very big thing for us. Japan is lovely. I think I just decided I'll come here with my family once I get married. Acknowledging the vocal Indian diaspora that continues to turn up in large numbers across venues, Kishan expressed gratitude for their unwavering support. No, I think the support which we get, the best thing is that wherever we go in this world, I think Indian supporters are always there and we always have that extra bit of backing from the supporters. So we are always starting the game with a little bit of an upper hand. But at the same time, all I can say is I'm very thankful to each and every one coming from far away, coming here to support us. Even if we're losing, even if we are winning, it doesn't matter to them. Acknowledging the vocal Indian diaspora that continues to turn up in large numbers across venues, Kishan expressed gratitude for their unwavering support. No, I think the support which we get, the best thing is that wherever we go in this world, I think Indian supporters are always there and we always have that extra bit of backing from the supporters. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
India survive Pakistan scare to storm into Asiad hockey final
Defending champions India secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asian Games hockey semifinal, thanks to a last-minute goal by Abhishek. India initially led 3-0 but allowed Pakistan to stage a comeback, scoring three goals to level the score before Abhishek's decisive strike with just 45 seconds remaining. The win sends India to the final, though their second-half performance raised questions.
Hockey at Asiad 2026: Abhishek's late goal powers IND past PAK in s/f
Defending champions India survived a scare before Abhishek struck with just 45 seconds remaining to snatch a dramatic 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan and seal a place in the Asian Games hockey final here on Thursday. Harmanpreet converted two perfectly executed penalty corners in the 5th and 13th minutes, while Sukhjeet Singh scored a field goal in the 23rd minute. Abhishek scored the winning goal for India from a field play in the final minute of the game. Pakistan's goals were scored by Abu Mahmood (30th minute), Hannan Shahid (45th) and Waheed Rana (49th). The defending champions looked set for a comfortable semifinal win after captain Harmanpreet's brace and Sukhjeet Singh's field strike put them firmly in control. But a stunning second-half collapse allowed Pakistan to claw their way back as they scored three goals and push India to the brink of an embarrassing defeat before Abhishek's late strike rescued the contest. India, who had dominated the opening half, inexplica
Nara Lokesh Orders Action After Video Of Boy Forced to Herd Goats Goes Viral
Nara Lokesh directed the Nellore District Collector to immediately reach out, verify the circumstances, and review the boy's situation
India have defeated Pakistan 4-3 in the semi-final of the mens hockey event at the ongoing Asian Games. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side secured a 3-0 lead in the second quarter, with the captain scoring twice and Sukhjeet Singh adding once. However, towards the fag end of the second quarter, they conceded a late goal and since then, Pakistan scripted a stunning comback.
You should be getting 100% here. The post Can you name Arsenals top 25 goalscorers under Arsene Wenger? appeared first on Planet Football .
LG Sinha Addresses Closing Ceremony of J&K Polices Kashmir Marathon- Run for Unity
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 01: The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today graced the closing ceremony of the Kashmir Marathon- Run for Unity. He commended the enthusiasm and energy of the youth who participated in the event and congratulated all the runners and lauded the Jammu Kashmir Police for organizing the marathon, which has become a symbol of peace, unity and progress in the Union Territory. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the Run for Unity was not merely about speed or endurance, but about the strength of collective resolve and faith. He said that when people walk together, no destination remains impossible and underlined the importance of determination and unity in overcoming challenges. Run for Unity race is not merely the speed of our steps. It is the speed of our resolve and it is the speed of that faith which tells us that when people walk together, no destination remains impossible, he said. Highlighting Indias diversity as its greatest identity, the Lieutenant Governor noted that despite differences in language, tradition, food, and attire, the heartbeat of India remains one. He stressed that unity is Indias strength, and when millions of steps move in one direction, even the highest mountains can be crossed. Through the Kashmir Marathon- Run for Unity, youth have sent a message that no goal is too distant for a united India. All the runners have conveyed that their participation was an investment in a shared future, and their run was not only for themselves but for the new generation of Jammu Kashmir, which dreams of a better India and for that youth who is working day and night to make Jammu Kashmir a self-reliant and developed Union Territory, he said. The Lieutenant Governor urged the youth of Jammu Kashmir to embrace discipline, fitness, and brotherhood and to stay away from drugs. He recalled the success of the 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Campaign, which empowered thousands of young people through padyatras and civic action programmes. He called upon the youth to become brand ambassadors of the Fit India Movement and contribute to nation-building. He further stated that the real victory of a marathon lies not just in reaching the finish line, but in holding each others hands and moving forward together. Let us take this resolve- though we may have come from different paths, our destination is one. Our identities may be many, but our national identity is one. Our pace may differ, but our India is one, unbroken, and with the resolve of a Developed India @2047, it is continuously moving forward, he said. This year, more than 6000 runners in different categories participated in the Kashmir Marathon- Run for Unity. Shri Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Shri Nitish Kumar, ADGP Armed Police; Shri M.K Sinha, ADGP, CID; senior officers of Police and Civil Administration; prominent sports personalities and youth in large number attended the felicitation ceremony.
SIR Draft Roll Cannot Justify Voter Deletions: Bombay HC
Goa Bench Questions ECI Over Deletions Without Hearing, Reliance On ERONET Software
Software cannot override law in voter deletion: HC
The Bombay High Court's Goa bench has ruled that draft electoral rolls cannot be the sole basis for deleting names from voter lists, asserting that administrative software cannot supersede statutory laws. The court questioned the Election Commission of India's authority to delete voters without a hearing, highlighting concerns over the ERONET system's limitations and its potential to disenfranchise citizens.
It was a day full of glitter, grooves and giggles for the Pataudi-Kemmu family. Soha Ali Khan took to Instagram to share a series of photo dumps from the ninth birthday celebrations of her daughter Inaaya, and the posts offer a delightful peek into the family's pink-tinted party. Going by the pictures, the colour pink set the backdrop for the festivities, with the dcor and cake curated around a Disco party theme. In the first set of photos, Soha is seen helping her daughter cut the cake, surrounded by family. The gathering included her mother Sharmila Tagore, brother Saif Ali Khan and his sons Taimur and Jeh, husband Kunal Kemmu, and sister Saba Pataudi. The caption read, One birthday. One photo. Zero coordinated poses - just one big blurry blast! And just like that she's 9! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soha (@sakpataudi) The second post was a video offering glimpses of the bash, including the fun activities and stalls that were part of the event. In the caption, Soha thanked the entire team who were instrumental in putting the celebration together. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soha (@sakpataudi) The final set of photos came with a personal note from the proud mother to her daughter. Soha wrote, Nine years ago, we cut the umbilical cord. But apparently, you can't actually get rid of your mother that easily. I read somewhere (probably Instagram) that some of the mother's cells cross the placenta into the child and can hang around for years while some of the child's cross into the mothers. So here we are, nine years later: still connected haha!! You can't roll your eyes at that! (Or can you) Happy 9th. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Soha (@sakpataudi) The witty yet emotional message struck a chord with fans, and the posts are a reminder of how the Pataudi family continues to come together for every milestone, big or small. With three generations of the family under one roof, the party was as much about togetherness as it was about the disco lights and the cake. Soha Ali Khan, who is known for sharing candid glimpses of her family life with her followers, has often spoken of keeping things warm and unfussy at home. On the work front, she is active on the podcast scene with her show All About Her, while also juggling her other work commitments. Also Read: Soha Ali Khan shares why she keeps missing her 10k steps goal: After 2,467 obstacles, I give up
Goa Election Commission Updates on 97 Missing Voters; 88 Have Submitted Form-6
The Goa Election Commission reports that 88 out of 97 missing voters have submitted Form-6, ensuring no eligible voter is left out. Goa Election Commission Updates on 97 Missing Voters; 88 Have Submitted Form-6
Goa SIR row: 97 missing voter cases updated, 88 names restored or accepted for inclusion
The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Goa had reportedly left 97 voter cases requiring further verification or action. The latest update shows that 88 of these cases have now been...
GSSC Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online for 32 Food Safety Officer; Veterinary Assistant Posts
Goa Staff Selection Commission (GSSC) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 32 Group 'C' vacancies across various posts. Eligible candidates can submit their online applications from 09/10/2026 to 30/10/2026. The detailed advertisement and online application process will be available on the official website, gssc.goa.gov.in. The recruitment drive includes Food Safety Officer, Veterinary Assistant, and other details as specified in the detailed advertisement.
Women Supporting Women! Bollywood is in a celebratory mood, and the reason is Vithya Ramraj. The sprinter has won three medals at the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, breaking PT Usha's 42-year-old national record along the way, and the industry's leading ladies have wasted no time in hailing her. Dia Mirza took to social media to share a series of posts celebrating Vithya's remarkable run. Alia Bhatt, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Dhvani Bhanushali and Sharvari echoed the sentiment by resharing the posts on their own profiles. Alia wrote, The ladies have done it again, and Sharvari wrote, Historic!!! Congratulations to our incredible champions! Fatima penned, Uff!! The women are killing it! while Dhvani wrote, She ran into history today. The cheers were not limited to Vithya alone. B-town has been rooting for India's women athletes across the board, including Kiran Pahal, Poovamma Machettira and Prachi Choudhary, whose performances have taken the country's sporting pride to another level. It is, quite simply, one queen celebrating another's victory, as it should be. Vithya's medal run began with a silver in the mixed 4x400m relay, where her late surge helped India finish second in 3:14.46. Four days later, she stepped onto the track for the 400m hurdles with one goal in mind: chasing 54 seconds. She came agonisingly close, clocking 54.75 seconds to clinch bronze and, in the process, smash PT Usha's national record of 55.42 seconds, which had stood for 42 years. She saved the golden moment for Tuesday, when she joined Kiran Pahal, Machettira Poovamma and Prachi in the Indian women's 4x400m relay team. The quartet clocked 3:29.69 to win gold, handing India its first athletics gold of the Games. With three medals, a historic record and a nation cheering, Vithya Ramraj's Nagoya campaign has become one of the defining stories of the 2026 Asian Games. Also Read: Love & War: Sanjay Leela Bhansali and others celebrate the birthday of Ranbir Kapoor with grand dinner
Pilgrimage, wildlife: India's tourism wave is creating new real estate bets
Beyond Goa and Jaipur: The new tourism hotspots that could drive property demand
Jessica Chastain hails Michael Shannons favorite performance on Take Shelter anniversary
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 1 (IANS) Hollywood star Jessica Chastain marked the 15th anniversary of Take Shelter by praising co-star Michael Shannons performance in the critically acclaimed film, calling it one of her favourite performances of all time. Chastain took to Instagram, where she shared the scene featuring a powerful public outburst by Shannon, standing before the stunned crowd, his eyes wide with a terrifying conviction, he delivers his famous warning: There is a storm coming like nothing you have ever seen, and not a one of you is prepared for it! The actress wrote in the caption: Take Shelter came out 15 years ago today. @michaelshannon gave one of my favorite performances of all time. Show-off (GOAT) emoji. Take Shelter is a 2011 American psychological thriller film written and directed by Jeff Nichols. The plot follows a young husband and father who, plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself and his increasing worry over having paranoid schizophrenia. It explores themes of masculinity, mental illness, and the lengths people go to protect the ones they love. Shannon has twice received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, for Revolutionary Road and Nocturnal Animals. He received Actor Award and Golden Globe nominations for his role in 99 Homes. His film debut was in 1993 with Groundhog Day. He then appeared in Jesus' Son, Pearl Harbor, Kangaroo Jack, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, The Iceman, The Night Before, The Shape of Water, Knives Out, and Bullet Train. He frequently collaborates with director Jeff Nichols, appearing in all of his films to date, which includes Shotgun Stories, Take Shelter, Mud, Midnight Special, Loving, and The Bikeriders. Talking about Chastain, she is known for starring in projects with feminist themes. The actress has received various accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award, in addition to nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award, two Tony Awards and two British Academy Film Awards. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012.
Kynan Chenai's golden charm: How father's 30-yr-old gun helped him win Asiad gold
Kynan Chenai won Asian Games mixed team trap gold with Neeru Dhanda using a 30-year-old gun borrowed from his father Darius Chenai, a two-time national trap champion who won both his titles with the same barrel. Kynan calls his father one of his biggest inspirations and the biggest support in his shooting career. From Rio 2016 to his Los Angeles 2028 goal, Kynan says he is more hungry now.
Motilal Oswal Alternates sells over 2% stake in Molbio Diagnostics for 306 cr
Business Excellence Trust III, a fund of Motilal Oswal Alternates, offloaded 23.28 lakh shares of Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics at an average price of 1,315.01 apiece
Restoring Forest Food Sources to Address Goalparas Human-Elephant Conflict
Goalpara is one of the districts of Assam known for its lush green landscapes, particularly along the highways that pass through the district. Forests cover nearly 22.73% of its geographical area, alt
Nations League: Lamine Yamal scores twice in Spain's 4-1 victory over Croatia
Yamal (63rd) netted again by beating the goalkeeper at his near post. Nico Williams (89th) then added a fourth for Spain with a crisp dribble and finish
Dayananda, Meiteisana on target as YGC romp past AKSA 4 0
YGC carried forward their red hot form in the 22nd KK Memorial 1st Division Football Tournament 2026 by thrashing AKSA, Kakching Khunou 4 0 this afternoon at DSA playground YGC dominated the possession but failed to find the breakthrough in the opening half until S Meiteisana who subbed in for Y Priyobarta after 49 minutes, made the most of a chance in the 66th minute to end the goal drought Meiteisana scored again within 5 minutes to make it 2 0 before Y Dayananda scored a brace in the closing minutes 89
NHL Trade Rumors: Latest Updates On Connor Hellebuyck, Alexander Nikishin, Kirby Dach And More
Connor Hellebuyck remains in a Winnipeg Jets holdout as the Carolina Hurricanes stay linked to the goalie, while Alexander Nikishin, Kirby Dach and Shane Wright are also part of trade discussions.
Odisha sets up CM-EAC on lines of EAC-PM to drive $1.5 trn economy goal
Panel comprising economists, former bureaucrats and Sarvam AI co-founder will advise on growth, fiscal management and structural reforms as Odisha pursues its 2047 target
Mangaluru-Goa Vande Bharat to be extended till Bluru soon
It's well past time for a woman to lead as UN ponders its next chief
According to the UN agency's recent gender snapshot, at the current rate of progress it will take 171 years to achieve gender equality, a UN goal initially set for 2015 and then moved to 2030
NIO Goa experts identify 14 breach-prone stretches along river Godavari in Konaseema
Health experts flag need for immediate wound care, medication to fight rabies
At a workshop organised as part of World Rabies Day (September 28) observance, they say systemic gaps in care must be addressed for Keralam to achieve the goal of rabies elimination by 2030. Apart from dogs or cats, exposure to wild animals leading to human rabies death is a new and emerging cause for concern in the State
TVS MotoSoul 6.0: Flagship motorcycling festival returns to Goa on December 11-12
The two-day festival will feature new experiences and formats, bringing performance, technology, creativity, community and youth culture together
Indian Coast Guard evacuates Indian seafarer from Panama-flagged vessel amid medical emergency
Panjim (Goa) [India], September 30 : The Indian Coast Guard carried out a medical evacuation of a 26-year-old Indian seafarer from the Panama-flagged merchant vessel HT Unite off the coast of Goa. The evacuation took place on Tuesday with the help of the Indian Coast Guard Ship Akshay. Swift Response. Precision in Action! @IndiaCoastGuard executed a seamless medical evacuation of a 26-year-old Indian national from the #Panama flagged merchant vessel HT Unite on 29 September 26 off the coast of #Goa, the Indian Coast Guard stated on X. Coordinated seamlessly by #ICG District HQs #Goa, the emergency response was swiftly executed by #IndianCoastGuard Ship Akshay. The patient was successfully brought to safety and transferred for immediate medical attention. This flawless operation stands as a testament to ICG's relentless commitment to safeguarding lives and delivering an immediate lifeline across the open seas, the statement read. Earlier on Monday, the Indian Coast Guard rescued a chemical tanker carrying 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil and 23 crew members after it issued a distress call off Paradip coast in Odisha and was found in an unstable, tilting condition, the maritime security agency said. In a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard said that ICGS Vishwast launched a swift & decisive operation after receiving the critical distress call from MT Seagull 9. Averting a major disaster at sea! Following a critical distress call from MT Seagull 9 off #Paradip, #ICGS Vishwast launched a swift & decisive operation to rescue the unstable chemical tanker carrying 9,000 MT palm oil & 23 crew members, the Coast Guard said. The Coast Guard added its specialist Damage Control Team boarded the vessel while braving high-risk conditions and took several measures to stabilise the tilting tanker. Braving high-risk conditions, the specialist Damage Control Team boarded the ship, deployed submersible pumps, de-flooded ballast tanks, and sealed damaged sea-pipelines to stabilize the tilting vessel, it said. (ANI)
India Takes Major Step Towards Renewable Energy Goals
PM Modi announces Cabinet approval for Green Energy Corridor Phase-III, targeting 900 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2035. India Takes Major Step Towards Renewable Energy Goals
India Takes Major Step Towards 900 GW Renewable Energy Goal by 2035
PM Modi announces approval for Green Energy Corridor Phase-III, aiming for 900 GW renewable capacity by 2035, boosting jobs and clean energy. India Takes Major Step Towards 900 GW Renewable Energy Goal by 2035
Starting a startup requires careful financial planning. Founders should prioritise family security by creating a safety fund, protecting savings for family goals, and building a startup fund.
Goa nightclub owners offer 15 lakh ex gratia to kin of people killed in fire; HC seeks reply
A division bench of the HC in Goa recorded the statement made on behalf of Saurav and Gaurav Luthra, brothers and owners of the fire-hit nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane, that they were willing to pay 15 lakh to each of the 25 victims' families
Can you name the top Premier League goalscorer for every European country?
This gets very tricky. The post Can you name the top Premier League goalscorer for every European country? appeared first on Planet Football .
UNDP youth champions and advocates share India's perspective during UN General Assembly
Digital Desk | New York, Sep 30 (IANS) Youth champions and advocates of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India shared their perspectives during high-level dialogues, conversations with global leaders, climate advocacy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals Action Awards held during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). UNDP India youth champion Sanjana Sanghi, youth climate champion Prajakta Koli and advocate for the SDGs Bhumi Pednekar used their platforms to draw attention to the role people, especially youngsters, can play in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future, the UNDP highlighted. During the UNGA session, Sanghi called for moving beyond seeing young people only as beneficiaries of development, and instead recognising them as partners and decision makers. On September 16, Sanghi, UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo, UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Kanni Wignaraja and Permanent Representatives from across Asia and the Pacific participated in a high-level dialogue A Generation at the Crossroads: Dynamics Facing Youth in Asia and the Pacific. Drawing on her engagement with young changemakers through Youth Co:Lab, Sanghi stressed the need to give young people greater access and a genuine role in decisions that impact their lives. She also participated in a conversation with Alexander De Croo during the UNGA session and shared her viewpoint on the question of what young people need to build their future, UNDP India stated. She also shared her message on youth agency at the UN Peace Circle held at UN Headquarters to mark the International Day of Peace on September 21. Sanghi participated alongside UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director Diene Keita, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador Mary Maker, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador Muzoon Almellehan and youth representatives in the UNs Hear Us. Act Now for a Peaceful World campaign. She spoke about the importance of investing in young people, including in education and health, and reiterated that young people should be involved in decisions instead of simply being beneficiaries of them. Sanghi joined the session Powering the Transition: Indias Climate Economy and What it Means for the Global South ', where discussions were held on green growth, decarbonisation, mobilising capital and the need for an equitable transition, including what Indias experience could mean for countries across the Global South. She also held a meeting with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, where they discussed climate action and the role young people can play in shaping a more sustainable future. UNDP India Youth Climate Champion Prajakta Koli was a member of the high-level judging panel for the 2026 UN SDG Action Awards. She became the first Indian to serve on the awards jury and was part of the panel which recognised people and initiatives translating the SDGs into action. The awards celebrate changemakers using creativity, innovation and collective action to advance the 2030 Agenda. Through her engagement at the 81st session of the UNGA, UNDP India Advocate for the SDGs Bhumi Pednekar highlighted the urgency of climate action and the role people can play in protecting the planet. Together, the engagements of Sanjana, Prajakta and Bhumi around UNGA81 reflected different ways in which public voices can help bring development issues closer to people. From youth agency and participation to climate action and the SDGs, their engagements carried a common message: achieving sustainable development will require more people, especially young people, to have the opportunity, platforms and agency to help shape the decisions that determine their future, UNDP India mentioned in a statement.
Hockey glory beckons? India women march into final with Asiad gold in sight after 44 years
India's women's hockey team secured a significant victory against South Korea with a score of 2-0. Ishika Chaudhary and Salima Tete scored the goals to ensure their place in the final. The team's next challenge is a match against defending champions China. India dominated possession throughout the match and earned numerous penalty corners. South Korea attempted a late comeback, but India's defense remained strong to secure the win.
Asian Games: India storm into women's hockey final with 2-0 win over South Korea
Digital Desk | Kakamigahara, Sep 30 (IANS) India assured themselves a medal in womens hockey at the Asian Games 2026 after defeating South Korea 2-0 in the semifinal in Kakamigahara, Japan, on Wednesday, with goals from Ishika and an own goal helping the unbeaten side book a place in the final. India, who are chasing their first Asian Games gold in womens hockey since 1982, will face China in the title clash after maintaining their perfect record in the tournament. The Salima Tete-led side dominated possession and territory for large periods but had to wait until the third quarter for the breakthrough after South Koreas disciplined defence repeatedly denied them. India earned multiple penalty corners in the opening quarter but could not convert any of them. They also came close from open play, with Lalremsiami Hmarzote unable to finish after receiving a fine pass from Navneet Kaur. South Korea also attempted to test the Indian defence through attacks from both flanks, but India remained organised at the back as the opening quarter ended goalless. India continued to press in the second quarter and came close again from a penalty corner when Navneet produced a powerful strike, only for the South Korean goalkeeper to make an excellent save while stretching across the goal. Despite sustained Indian pressure, South Korea held firm, and the teams went into half-time locked at 0-0. India continued to control possession after the change of ends, patiently building attacks through the midfield and looking for openings on either flank. South Koreas defence, however, continued to frustrate the Indian forwards. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 44th minute when Ishika found the back of the net with a superb finish, giving India a 1-0 lead at the end of the third quarter. India then doubled their advantage early in the final quarter after a fine move initiated by captain Salima Tete. The skipper carried the ball into the shooting circle from the right and cut it back from the baseline, with the ball taking a deflection off a Korean defenders stick before ending up in the net. South Korea attempted to fight back, but India remained composed and continued to create pressure. The Koreans defended another Indian penalty corner with determination, keeping the scoreline at 2-0. The result keeps alive Indias bid to end a 44-year wait for a second womens hockey gold at the Asian Games. India had entered the semifinal unbeaten after sweeping aside Uzbekistan 19-0, Indonesia 17-1 and Thailand 20-1 before overcoming hosts Japan 3-1 and Singapore 7-0 in the pool stage. South Korea, who finished second in Pool A, had won four of their five matches before Wednesdays semifinal, with their only defeat coming against China. The Indian team will now aim to complete their campaign by winning gold when they face China in the final on Friday.
Asian Games Hockey: India Women Storm Into Final
The Indian women's hockey team defeated South Korea 2-0 to qualify for the Asian Games final, ending a 44-year wait for a potential gold medal. Goals from Ishika Chaudhary and Salima Tete secured the victory, setting up a clash with defending champions China in the final.
ICC To Unveil 2027 ODI WC Schedule On Thursday; Ticket Ballot To Open Up For Mega Event
The International Cricket Council: The countdown to crickets biggest event on African soil in 23 years will officially begin on Thursday when the International Cricket Council (ICC) unveils the schedule for the 2027 Men's ODI World Cup during a grand launch event in Cape Town on Thursday. Set to be broadcast live on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network from 8:30 pm IST in India, the high-profile launch ceremony at the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) will mark the exact one-year landmark for the 14-team mega event, which runs from October 2 to November 21, 2027, in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Alongside the schedule release, the ICC will also open the global ticket ballot, giving fans worldwide a fair opportunity to secure their tickets across 12 host venues hosting 57 matches. Ten of the 14 participating nations will have secured direct qualification based on the September 30 cut-off date. Hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe receive automatic entry, and are joined by top-ranked ODI nations India, Australia, England, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. The remaining four slots will be decided through a multi-team global qualifier to be played early next year, with two-time champion West Indies set to feature in it and aim to qualify for the mega event. For Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the 2027 ODI World Cup represents a final opportunity to cap off stellar international careers with championship glory. Speaking to JioStar, Rohit recalled the overwhelming emotion of leading India to the 2024 T20 World Cup and expressed his deep craving to replicate that feeling on the 50-over stage. It'll be great to win the upcoming ODI World Cup. I wouldn't think about full circle and all that now. Winning a World Cup for India is a special feeling. I have experienced that twice in the T20 format. In 2007, I was just a young kid of 20 years. Of course, it's a big tournament; you've won a World Cup in your first year, it's great. Then we won the Champions Trophy in 2013, and after that there was a long period, almost for 11 years, where we couldn't win an ICC title. So that's why, when we won the T20 World Cup in 2024, there was a realisation of how important it was. So that feeling is still inside to a great extent. I know what winning a World Cup feels like. So that's why I want that feeling back. The fun we had, you cant describe what that feeling is, because you can't match that. That's why winning that World Cup is very important to me, because I want to have that feeling again, which we felt recently, Rohit said. Kohli, who lifted the 2011 ODI World Cup trophy early in his career at home, declared that his final World Cup appearance provides all the motivation he needs to leave everything on the field. I'm not in a place where I feel like, if it didn't happen earlier, I have to do it now. But for me, it's the last World Cup I'm going to play for India. And that is my motivation. Like, 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. My goal is to win as many games as I can for the team, and my dream is to play a match-winning knock in the finals while chasing a score; that would be ideal. If it happens, great. If it doesn't happen and we win the World Cup, I'll be just as happy because, eventually, you understand that, as much as that competitive nature is there, it's the last time you're getting to play in a World Cup. So, winning that trophy is the most important thing, he stated. Meanwhile, the free ticket ballot will remain open from October 1 until November 21, 2026. Fans can request up to four tickets per match across all categories, with a randomised draw determining allocations wherever demand exceeds stadium capacity. If it doesn't happen and we win the World Cup, I'll be just as happy because, eventually, you understand that, as much as that competitive nature is there, it's the last time you're getting to play in a World Cup. So, winning that trophy is the most important thing, he stated. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Auto industry welcomes CAFE-III norms
New Delhi: The government's new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE-III) norms give the automobile industry a clear plan for future technology investments. Industry representatives said the norms aim to balance environmental goals with flexibility for companies. The new framework is also expected to encourage the use of flex-fuel vehicles and biofuels.Welcoming the notification, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Shenu Agarwal said the five-year framework provides predictability for automakers to plan investments and accelerate innovation.CAFE III regulation lays down a structured roadmap with aggressive annual targets for next 5-years for the Auto industry along with a market-based compliance mechanism, he said.Agarwal said the framework would reduce overall fuel consumption from new passenger vehicles while allowing manufacturers to pursue different technology pathways, further adding that the framework provides clear predictability which will enable the Auto industry to plan investments and accelerate innovation.Mahindra President, Automotive Business, Velusamy R said the framework strikes a balance between environmental requirements and what is achievable for the industry, while also strengthening energy security.The framework strikes a pragmatic balance between what is necessary for the environment and what is achievable for the industry, while strengthening India's energy security, Velusamy said.He welcomed provisions including compliance blocks, technology credits, cleaner-fuel benefits and super credits for electric vehicles and other advanced technologies. The targets are appropriately ambitious and provide a clear trajectory through 2031-32, he added.The new CAFE norms, which take effect from April 1, 2027, target a 16.7 per cent improvement in passenger vehicle fuel efficiency by 2032. The framework also recognises alternative fuels and cleaner technologies, including ethanol-blended petrol, biofuels, EVs, hybrids and flex-fuel vehicles.All India Distillers' Association President Vijendra Singh said the framework could strengthen the link between India's ethanol industry and clean mobility. He said the recognition of ethanol and flex-fuel vehicles through a 22.3 per cent Carbon Neutrality Factor and 1.1x super-credit provides greater policy visibility to biofuels.The focus now should be on building the wider FFV ecosystem, including vehicle availability, fuel infrastructure and consumer awareness, Singh said, adding that this would be important for translating India's ethanol capacity into greater clean mobility adoption.
India aligns development agenda with renewable energy and green policy: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) India is increasingly aligning its development agenda with climate action, integrating renewable energy, energy efficiency and green industrial policy into economic planning rather than treating environmental goals as separate priorities, a new report has said. The report from Vietnam Times said Indias climate journey increasingly reflects a broader transformation in its development model, with climate policies designed to boost energy security, manufacturing, investment and employment rather than slow economic growth. The country's approach demonstrates how climate policies can simultaneously strengthen energy security, encourage manufacturing, attract investment, generate employment and improve technological capabilities, the publication said. Indias climate strategy has evolved from the 2008 National Action Plan on Climate Change which introduced eight National Missions covering renewable energy, enhanced energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water conservation, sustainable agriculture, Himalayan ecosystem protection, Green India and strategic knowledge for climate change. The report highlighted the success of these programs, saying National Solar Mission evolved as the most visible pillars of India's clean energy transformation, while the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme encouraged greater industrial energy efficiency across energy-intensive sectors. Further, UJALA LED programme and the National Green Hydrogen Mission, are also being used to drive industrial competitiveness while cutting emissions. The rapid growth in solar, wind and hybrid projects came from incentives for domestic solar manufacturing under the Production Linked Incentive scheme, and policies to scale green hydrogen to support decarbonisation in hardtoabate sectors. Government estimates indicated that the National Green Hydrogen Mission could notably cut dependence on imported fossil fuels while attracting substantial private investment and creating new employment opportunities across the clean energy value chain. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) programme and complementary state-level policies helped accelerate pace of adoption of electric buses, two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. The report noted that India's climate narrative is also gaining international visibility, adding that global climate summits extend the country's experience in climate missions into international partnerships, particularly across developing countries seeking affordable pathways to clean energy and climate resilience.
Actress Rupali Ganguly became emotional while recalling her familys financial struggles and her late father, filmmaker Anil Gangulys long-standing dream of owning a house in Mumbai. Speaking at FICCI Frames 2026 in Mumbai on Wednesday, September 30, the actress opened up about the difficult phase her family went through and how the success of Anupamaa eventually helped her fulfil her fathers wish. Rupali recalled that her father had to make difficult financial decisions while pursuing his career in filmmaking. She explained that during those years, filmmakers working outside the corporate system often had to sell their homes to finance their movies. Her family, too, went through a difficult period and eventually lost their property. My father was a filmmaker. In those times, those who were not into corporate filmmaking business, they sold homes and made films. There was a point when we lost it all. My father's only dream was to make a house in Mumbai, Rupali recalled, becoming emotional. The actress also reflected on growing up as the daughter of a filmmaker and the assumptions that came with being a epo kid. While acknowledging her background, Rupali said that she wanted to build something of her own while also fulfilling her father's dream. I was a typical nepo kid, a big filmmaker's daughter. But that was the only dream of my dad that I wanted to fulfil. Anupamaa hua and maine apna pehla ghar khareeda (Anupamaa happened and I finally bought my first home). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bollywood Hungama (@realbollywoodhungama) The success of Anupamaa proved to be an important turning point for Rupali, both professionally and personally. The show gave her wider recognition and also helped her achieve a goal that had remained close to her heart. Rajan Shahi recalls Rupali Gangulys early struggles Anupamaa producer Rajan Shahi, who was also present at the event, recalled Rupali's initial struggles in the industry. He revealed that she had auditioned multiple times for the first show they worked on together, but he had initially rejected her. For the first show we did together, Rupali had given three auditions and I had rejected her. She asked me to give her another chance. That time, she used to walk all the way from Worli as she didn't have money to travel by bus. So that is her struggle and I am very proud of her, Rajan said. Rupali was visibly emotional as Rajan spoke about her early years in the industry and wiped away tears on stage. Also Read : Rupali Ganguly drops adorable Yashoda-Krishna reel on Janmashtami 2026
Actor Rasika Dugal underwent four months of piano training for her upcoming film Little Thomas, learning to play intricate classical compositions while simultaneously working on another project. As part of her preparation, the actor even carried a portable keyboard to her other shoot and practised between takes. Directed by Kaushal Oza and co-starring Gulshan Devaiah, Little Thomas explores the quiet rhythms and everyday chaos of a Goan family. Dugal plays Jessie Miranda, a character with a deep connection to music. To prepare for the role, the actor learned around 45 seconds of complex piano pieces by composers Mozart, Schumann and Chopin. Speaking about the challenge of learning the instrument from scratch, Dugal said, These are masters, and I didnt even know how to get both my hands to play different things at the same time! So, yes, 45 seconds turned out to be quite a task! But it was a challenging and beautiful one. Dugal trained under piano instructor Nitesh Dean, focusing on coordinating both hands while playing. Her preparation coincided with another project she was filming, which required her to find time to practise alongside her shooting schedule. I was also filming something else at the time, and anyone who has learnt the piano will tell you that even one day of not practising can feel like a setback. So I carried a keyboard with me on shoot and happily played away between filming scenes of a horror show! So Jessies love for playing the piano became more a part of my prep work than Kaushal and I intended it to be. But it really gave me an entry into a world that I didn't know so well. And led to one very poignant moment in the film. Through the process, Dugal said the piano practice became an important part of understanding Jessie and her relationship with music. What began as preparation for a specific sequence eventually became a way for the actor to connect more closely with a part of the character's world. Little Thomas is scheduled to release on October 23. The film is produced by Luminoso Pictures, Civic Studios, Good Bad Films, Ranjan Singh's Flip Films and Anurag Kashyap. Also Read : Mirzapur The Movie Box Office Day 25: Film collects Rs. 41 lakh on Monday, sees 63.72% drop; total reaches Rs. 211.94 crore
AI is changing how India campuses hire
Indias campus hiring market remains resilient as employers focus on skills, critical roles and job readiness, according to Aons Campus Study Report 2026-27.The 15th edition of the study covers more than 220 organisations, 10 qualifications and 12 key industries. It found that 56% of organisations plan to increase hiring of Chartered Accountant and Company Secretary graduates.Around 51% expect to hire more interns, while 40% plan to increase recruitment of diploma holders and 36% expect to hire more engineers. About 40% of organisations also plan to increase lateral hiring.India's campus hiring market remains resilient, but employers are becoming more selective of the skills and roles they hire, said Roopank Chaudhary, Partner and Head of Talent and Rewards Consulting, India, Aon.Organisations continue to invest in campus talent, yet hiring decisions are increasingly shaped by business demand, specialised skills and graduate readiness. The findings show employers are building early-career pipelines that align more closely with the capabilities they need to support future growth.The report said financial institutions, global capability centres, and fast-moving consumer goods and consumer durables companies are driving campus hiring across qualifications. Demand is strongest for data science and engineering roles, with a shift towards actionable insights in operations and supply chain functions.The median intake stands at 15 MBA hires and 100 lateral hires, according to the study. Hiring sentiment also remains positive, with 43% of organisations expecting double-digit revenue growth.Campus hiring concentrated in August-SeptemberCampus recruitment remains concentrated in the August-September period, which accounts for 47% of total intake. Hiring during June-July has declined from 26% to 19%, according to Aon.Around 21% of hiring takes place in October-November, while 13% happens in December-January. Year-end recruitment is driven mainly by other services, financial institutions and engineering and manufacturing companies.Campus compensation set to riseCampus compensation is projected to rise 2% to 7% year-on-year across major streams.For Bachelor of Technology and Master of Technology graduates, the projected median total cost to company (TCC) for the 2027 cohort at the seven IITs covered in the study is INR 16.56 lakh, compared with INR 16.46 lakh for the 2026 cohort.Median TCC at Tier-1 engineering colleges is projected to increase from INR 13.85 lakh to INR 14.75 lakh. The median TCC at Tier-3 colleges is projected at INR 7.55 lakh.For MBA graduates, projected median TCC at the top IIMs is expected to remain at INR 26 lakh. At Tier-1 management institutes, it is projected to rise from INR 20.89 lakh to INR 21.50 lakh.TCC includes fixed pay, one-time cash offers such as joining bonuses and annual variable pay, but excludes long-term incentives.MBA compensation has largely stabilised, with employers protecting top-tier offers while limiting increases at lower-tier institutes. About 46% of organisations offer joining bonuses to MBA graduates, while 72% include variable pay in TCC.For other graduates, median compensation stands at INR 7.55 lakh at Tier-1 institutes, INR 5.45 lakh at Tier-2 institutes and INR 4.71 lakh at Tier-3 institutes. Only 23% of organisations offer joining bonuses to graduates, suggesting that such payments are mainly being used for critical roles.Internships remain key hiring routeInternship hiring remains widespread across qualifications. Between 89% and 94% of organisations hire interns, with the highest proportions reported for B.Tech and M.Tech graduates at 94% and MBA graduates at 93%.Around 85% of organisations hiring MBA interns use pre-placement interviews or offers to convert them into full-time employees. The corresponding figures are 81% for B.Tech and M.Tech, 83% for B.A, B.Com and B.Sc graduates, 80% for M.A, M.Com and M.Sc graduates, 82% for CA and CS graduates, and 80% for other graduates.Employers track post-joining outcomesThe offer-to-joining ratio is the most widely monitored campus metric, cited by 66% of respondents.First-year performance ratings and early voluntary attrition are each tracked by 55% of organisations. The internship-to-pre-placement offer ratio is monitored by 52%, while gender diversity ratio is tracked by 50%.Overall, 82% of organisations monitor early attrition. For 51% of them, early attrition refers to employees leaving within the first year. Other organisations define it as exits within three months, six months or two years.Slow career growth and a mismatch between employees expectations and their day-to-day roles remain the leading reasons for early-career exits. Organisations are responding by strengthening role communication, onboarding, mentorship and career development programmes.Focus on culture, inclusion and AICulture alignment is becoming an important part of campus hiring, with 90% of organisations assessing it during recruitment. HR-led interviews are the most common method used for this assessment.About 32% of organisations report a direct link between culture alignment and individual performance. More than half have set gender representation goals across major talent cohorts, while about 30% have visited institutes outside their traditional campus lists to support these objectives.AI is helping organisations assess candidates more effectively by placing greater emphasis on skills, role relevance and job readiness, said Amit Kumar Otwani, Associate Partner, Talent Solutions, India, Aon.As talent needs evolve, employers are using these tools to make more informed hiring decisions and build stronger talent pipelines. Campus hiring is no longer a staffing exercise; it is an opportunity to build the capabilities and strengthen workforce resilience for long-term success.
Vande Bharat Express from Bengaluru to Goa via Mangaluru: Railway Minister
Sources said the Yesvantpur-Madgaon Vande Bharat Express (26655) is likely to depart Yeshwantpur in Bengaluru at 6.05 am to reach Madgaon in Goa at 7.15 pm
OpenAI Dots Explained: AI Agents That Can Work Independently Across Apps
OpenAI has introduced Dots, a new class of AI agents designed to work toward user-defined goals without requiring constant prompts. Unlike conventional chatbot sessions that typically wait for the next instruction, Dots can continue working in the background, use a browser,
World Off-Track on Nearly Every Food System Goal
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A 1015 times income rule is only a starting point for term insurance. Experts explain how loans, childrens education, dependants, inflation, future goals and existing assets can change the cover you need.
HM Amit Shah to address BJPs anti-drug rally in Jalandhar today
Digital Desk | Jalandhar, Sep 30 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Jalandhar in Punjab on Wednesday to address the concluding programme of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra', a statewide campaign against drug abuse that has covered all 117 Assembly constituencies. Four yatras, launched simultaneously from different parts of the state on September 18, are scheduled to converge at the rally venue after traversing nearly 4,000 km across Punjab. The rally is set to be a significant political gathering for the BJP ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. The campaign seeks to draw attention to the growing concern over drug abuse and rally public support for the goal of making Punjab drug-free. According to BJP leaders, around two lakh people are expected to attend the rally. The party has made arrangements at a 50-55-acre site, with approximately 40 acres earmarked for the main gathering and the remaining area for parking. Nearly 2,000 buses carrying party workers and supporters from different parts of Punjab are expected to reach Jalandhar for the event. The BJP has also planned to highlight the plight of families affected by drug abuse during the programme. HM Shah's visit comes at a time when the BJP has intensified its political activities in Punjab, with the drug menace emerging as one of its principal campaign issues ahead of the Assembly elections. The party has been targeting the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government over its handling of the drug problem, while the latter has maintained its commitment to tackling the menace. BJP leaders have described the campaign as an effort to create awareness about drug abuse and involve people in the fight against addiction. To review the preparations, state party President Kewal Singh Dhillon and state in-charge Satish Poonia visited the rally venue. They held discussions with officials regarding security arrangements, traffic management, parking, public convenience and other necessary arrangements for the rally. Dhillon said Punjab is currently facing a serious drug menace, and the BJP has been reaching out to the people on this issue. Through the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra, efforts are being made to create awareness among people in villages and cities across Punjab against drugs.
The Architecture Of Quiet Influence In Complex Systems
In todays rapidly evolving business landscape, leadership is no longer defined by a title or a position of authority on an organizational chart. True leadership is an art forma dynamic combination of vision, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire others toward a shared goal. Whether you are leading a startup team or managing a []
Dir SKIMS calls for community-wide CPR training to strengthen response to cardiac emergencies
Srinagar, Sep 29: On World Heart Day, the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) launched 'CPR 360', a structured academic and community outreach initiative to strengthen preparedness for cardiac emergencies and equip people with lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills. A key component of the launch was a hands-on community CPR workshop. Participants came from diverse sections of society, including the Traffic Police, the trekking community, schools and gymnasiums. They received practical demonstrations and training in basic CPR and other essential first-response skills for cardiac arrest and life-threatening emergencies, and were presented with certificates of participation on completing the programme. Addressing the gathering, Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, stressed that lifesaving skills such as CPR should not remain confined to hospitals and healthcare professionals, but must reach the wider community. There is an urgent need to sensitise and train communities at a much larger scale. Timely CPR and an appropriate first response can make a critical difference in saving a life. SKIMS has the expertise, infrastructure and human resources to lead this effort, and CPR 360 should evolve into a sustained, community-oriented programme, he said. Prof. Ganie also highlighted the potential of the proposed SKIMS Research Winter/Summer Fellowship Programme to involve students in structured academic learning, research and community outreach, creating a wider network of young health ambassadors who can spread health awareness and lifesaving skills On the occasion, Prof. Ganie released the Academic Curriculum and Training Module for the three-year Post-Doctoral Training Programme in Cardiology, developed by the Department of Cardiology. The curriculum provides a structured framework for advanced academic, clinical and procedural training, and reflects SKIMS' commitment to developing specialised expertise in the management and prevention of cardiovascular emergencies. Speaking at the launch, Prof. (Dr.) Imran Hafeez, Head of the Department of Cardiology, SKIMS, said: Every citizen who learns CPR becomes a first responder. With CPR 360, our goal is to make bystander CPR a community reflex, so that no one in Kashmir loses a life for want of a few minutes of timely help. SSP Traffic, Ajaz Ahmed Bhat, also participated in the valedictory function and stressed the need for such initiatives in the community. The event also honoured former Heads of the Department of Cardiology, Prof. Hilal and Prof. Aijaz Lone, with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their distinguished contributions to Cardiology and to the development of the specialty at SKIMS. The organisers acknowledged and felicitated the Departments of Critical Care, Anaesthesia and Pharmacy, and the In-charge of the SKIMS Skill Lab, for their valuable support in the successful conduct of the programme. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates to participants from the various community groups who underwent CPR training.
Shillong, Sep 29: A goal in the early part of each half gave Mawlai a 2-0 win against Meghalaya Police in the Shillong Premier League 2026 at the SSA Stadium here on Tuesday. Arkibor Makhroh (3) and Damanbhalang Chyne (51) were the scorers in the victory that took Mawlai up to second place as the []
Nations League: Spain beat Croatia, England battles to 2-0 win over Czechia
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 30 (IANS) Lamine Yamal struck twice as Spain earned a 4-1 win at home against Croatia on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League, while England battled to a 2-0 success in Czechia. Yamal opened the scoring inside two minutes, beating Dominik Livakovic after Fermn Lopez's clever flick. Croatia levelled when Dion Beljo, making just his third senior appearance, headed in from Ivan Perisic's cross for his first international goal. Spain needed barely two minutes to respond, Marc Pubill nodding in from Yamal's superb delivery. Yamal then added his second, meeting Pedri's through ball and finishing at the near post. Nico Williams sealed victory in the 89th minute, twisting free inside the area before rifling home. Elsewhere, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored as England beat ten-man Czechia 2-0 to earn their first win since the FIFA World Cup and move second in UEFA Nations League A Group 3. Gordon scored in his third successive England appearance, while Harry Kane struck in a second game on the spin in the second half, after Pavel Sulc's early red card. England were firmly in control after Pavel Sulc was dismissed for a foul on Elliot Anderson midway through the opening half, with Morgan Rogers hitting the post and Matj Kov denying Kane in style. The visitors got the breakthrough barely a minute into the second period with Gordon nodding into the bottom corner from a delicious Trent Alexander-Arnold cross, and Thomas Tuchel's side sealed the victory thanks to a piece of quick thinking from the visiting skipper to sweep home a loose ball. In other actions, Sebastian Pocognoli's first home game as Scotland boss ended in a 3-0 defeat to Switzerland. Ricardo Rodriguez converted a free-kick after Jack Hendry's 11th-minute dismissal, with Nico Elvedi and Zeki Amdouni on target after the interval. Slovenia are second behind the Swiss in Group B1 after winning at home against North Macedonia. Sandi Lovric's angled finish on 55 minutes broke the deadlock, and substitute Aljosa Matko made it 2-0 with his first senior international goal. Leo Sauer, 20, scored his first goal for Slovakia, but it was experienced David Hancko who hit their winner in a 2-1 against Kazakhstan, with Albania and Iceland (both 3-0 away, against San Marino and Luxembourg respectively) the other winners in League C.
US doubles key EB-5 investor visa fees
Digital Desk | Washington, Sep 30 (IANS) The United States has finalised steep fee increases for its EB-5 immigrant-investor programme, more than doubling the cost of filing some petitions in a change likely to affect applicants from India seeking permanent residence through investment. US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the revised fee structure on Tuesday. The new charges are scheduled to take effect on November 30. The filing fee for Form I-526, used by standalone investors, will rise from $3,675 to $7,615. The fee for an initial Form I-526E petition, used by investors participating through an approved regional centre, will increase from $3,675 to $7,850. Initial I-526 and I-526E petitions will also include a $75 technology fee. Regional-centre investors must additionally pay the programmes investor integrity fee. The fee for Form I-829, filed by investors seeking to remove conditions on their permanent resident status, will increase from $3,750 to $5,000. Charges imposed on regional centres will rise more sharply. The fee for an initial Form I-956 application seeking regional-centre designation will increase from $17,795 to $44,115. The charge for Form I-956F, used to seek approval of an investment in a commercial enterprise, will rise to $42,675. The annual fee for Form I-956G will fall from $3,035 to $2,165, however. The final rule also establishes Form I-527 for certain investors seeking to amend older Form I-526 petitions. The new filing will cost $10,330. The fee schedule was released for public inspection on Tuesday and is due to be formally published in the Federal Register on Wednesday. USCIS said the revisions are intended to ensure that fees fully cover the cost of operating the EB-5 programme, help the agency meet statutory processing targets and support strengthened integrity measures. Those measures include audits, compliance reviews, site visits and efforts to detect fraud and abuse. USCIS is largely financed through application and petition fees rather than direct taxpayer funding. The agency said the cost of examining applications, verifying eligibility, conducting background checks and maintaining programme operations must therefore be paid by those using the immigration system. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 directed USCIS to undertake a separate study of the programmes costs. It also required the agency to set fees at levels sufficient to recover the full expense of administering it. The law established processing goals and expanded oversight of regional centres, promoters and investment projects. The new rule also raises the annual EB-5 Integrity Fund payment from $10,000 to $11,000 for regional centres with 20 or fewer investors. The charge for larger regional centres will increase from $20,000 to $22,000. It establishes penalties for late payments. A regional centre paying in November after the deadline could face a 10 per cent penalty. The penalty would rise to 20 per cent for payments made in December, with possible termination for continued non-payment. USCIS said the changes were designed to strengthen the integrity of the programme while ensuring sufficient resources to process investor petitions. Congress created the EB-5 programme in 1990 to encourage foreign capital investment and job creation in the United States. Qualifying investors may obtain conditional permanent residence for themselves, their spouses and eligible children by investing in an American commercial enterprise and creating the required number of jobs. The programme generally requires an investment of $800,000 in a targeted employment area or qualifying infrastructure project, or $1.05 million elsewhere. For Indian applicants, the government filing charges are separate from the required capital investment, legal expenses and administrative fees charged by individual regional-centre projects.
OpenAI today announced the launch of Dots to compete with Meta 's popular Muse agent. OpenAI describes Dots as always-on agents uilt to handle everything. Dots use the GPT6 Astra model and have a cloud computer with a web browser, much like Muse. The agents learn from feedback over time, and OpenAI says they can work on the user's goals 24/7 and connect to over 4,000 apps. From the announcement: You can ask questions, explore ideas, and give feedback along the way; or you can simply hop on a voice call when you need to talk something out. The more you work together, the more your dot learns your preferences, how you think, and what good looks like to you. Users can communicate with Dots through ChatGPT or other apps like Slack or Teams, and options to text Dots are planned. Dots can carry context across different channels and will do proactive research on projects in the background. Dots follow ChatGPT's permissions and support custom rules for which tasks require approval. Users can create a primary dot and name it starting today, with teams of Dots coming later. Dots are rolling out for Pro, Business Premium, and Enterprise plans in select markets, with other users to get access soon. Eligible users get one Dot at no extra cost. Conversations with the agent don't count toward ChatGPT usage limits, but tasks will use plan allowances. Dots can be set up in the ChatGPT desktop app and accessed in the mobile app afterward. OpenAI also introduced GPT6.1 Sol today , which it says is a major upgrade to GPT6 Sol with improvements in agentic coding, computer use, and professional work. Tags: Meta , OpenAI This article, OpenAI Launches Always-On 'Dots' Agents to Rival Meta's Muse first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
PIX: Yamal double as Spain rout Croatia; England edge Czechs
Spain, led by a brace from Lamine Yamal, defeated Croatia 4-1 to extend their unbeaten run and maintain a perfect start in the Nations League. Meanwhile, England secured a 2-0 victory over 10-man Czech Republic with goals from Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane, also continuing their strong performance in the tournament.
Scorpio Daily Horoscope for September 30, 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
