Goa

Goa airport passenger traffic takes a dip

Shoma Patnaik Panaji Goas two airports Dabolim International Airport in Vasco and Manohar International Airport at Mopa handled 47.97 lakh international and domestic passengers between April and September this year, down from 52.7 lakh during the same period in 2025. Combined passenger traffic across the states airports fell by 8.9% in the first []

Cabinet clears bio gas policy to boost clean energy in Goa

NT Reporter Porvorim Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday announced that the state cabinet has approved Compressed Biogas (CBG) Policy, aimed at promoting large-scale establishment of compressed biogas plants across the state and converting waste into clean energy. Briefing the media on cabinet decisions at Mantralaya in Porvorim, Sawant said the policy seeks to address []

Sanjivani revival: Farmers demand fair cane prices, timely payments

Question announcement timing, warn against poll promise without firm guarantees Ponda: The proposed reopening of Goas only sugar factory, Sanjivani Sahakari Sakhar Karkhana Ltd. in Dharbandora has renewed hopes among sugarcane growers and workers. However, questions have been raised over the timing of the announcement with some farmers warning that it could become an election []

Five-year contract renewal for GMC cardiac staff gets govt nod

Porvorim: The Cabinet has approved the renewal of contracts for all doctors and staff working in the cardiac department of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) for five years, from 2026 to 2031, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said. Briefing reporters on the Cabinet decisions, Sawant said the government had also approved filling 178 staff nurse []

Water supply to areas in S Goa to be partially hit from October 31

Panaji: Water supply to several areas across Goa is likely to be partially affected on October 31 and in the following days due to a 24-hour shutdown of the 100 MLD water treatment plant at Xelpem, also known as the JICA water treatment plant. The shutdown is scheduled from 8 am on October 31 to []

How India Shops for Beauty & Wellness

New Delhi [India], October 28: India's beauty and wellness shoppers discover products on social media but buy on trust. Built on the voices of 7,783 verified Indian consumers across metros and Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and deepened by one-on-one interviews, Hercules' new outlook shows what drives their choices: authenticity over speed, performance over prestige, and sleep as the new health goal. Click to Download the Full Report Free.

I-League 3: With 2 men sent off, Nongkseh suffer first defeat to Lakecity

Shillong, Oct 28: Nongkseh SSCC suffered a 1-0 defeat to Lakecity FC at the SSA Stadium today evening in a fiercely contested I-League 3 Group C encounter, with Abhijit Tawhare scoring the decisive goal in the 58th minute. Nongkseh had two men sent off, which put a big dent in their hopes of winning a [] The post I-League 3: With 2 men sent off, Nongkseh suffer first defeat to Lakecity first appeared on Highland Post .

Workplace Tips: 5 Signs a Coworker May Feel Jealous of Your Success and How to Handle It

Workplace Relationship Tips: A successful career is not just about working hard, meeting deadlines and achieving professional goals. Maintaining positive relationships with colleagues is equally important. However, workplace relationships can sometimes become complicated when competition, insecurity...

ISL: Goa's Last-Gasp Goal Frustrates Delhi

FC Goa secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Sporting Club Delhi in an Indian Super League match in Margao. Juan Pena gave Delhi the lead in the second half, but Alex Vallejo scored a stoppage-time equaliser for Goa, denying Delhi their first win of the campaign.

How The Kansas City Chiefs Justin Tucker Move Fits Their Pattern Of Buying Low On Veteran Talent

Chiefs are signing Justin Tucker to their practice squad as Harrison Butker struggles, with 11 makes on 16 field goal attempts through six games. Tucker, 36, brings a record of elite accuracy.

Why is Rahul Gandhi troubled by electoral roll purification? asks BJP chief Nitin Nabin

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Nitin Nabin on Wednesday led the Loktantra Bachao, Arajakta Hatao (Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy) padyatra in Delhi. He called upon party workers to protect democracy, counter anarchic thinking and strengthen public confidence in the party. The march commenced near the historic Jain Lal Mandir, with Delhi BJP President and Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Lok Sabha MPs Praveen Khandelwal and Ramvir Singh Bidhuri, Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma, BJP National Secretary Jaiprakash and other leaders in attendance. Addressing party workers, Nabin said BJP karyakartas serve the people and raise their voices on the streets, whether the party is in power or in opposition. He asserted that democracy is safe under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and that the faith of the countrys 140 crore citizens remains with him. Accusing the Congress of promoting dynastic politics, the BJP chief said that the party continued to prioritise one familys wishes over national interests. Referring to the Emergency and the dismissal of more than 90 elected state governments during Congress rule, he said the people had repeatedly responded democratically and punished the party. He also alleged that Congress MP Rahul Gandhis leadership is weakening the party and that his party leaders should reflect on their repeated electoral defeats. On electoral roll revision, Nabin compared voter lists to account books that must be regularly audited and corrected. He alleged that the rolls contained deceased voters, duplicate entries and names of people whose whereabouts could not be established. He said the exercise aimed to ensure that every eligible Indian citizen was included and ineligible entries, including those of alleged infiltrators, were removed. Questioning Rahul Gandhis opposition to the process, he accused the Congress of seeking to preserve irregularities for political advantage. The BJP president also highlighted the partys nationalism, recalling the 2011 Tiranga Yatra to Srinagars Lal Chowk and alleging that the Congress-led government had failed to respond adequately to the situation there. He said BJP workers had struggled to uphold the national flag and maintained that Indias unity, development and heritage would continue to advance under Prime Minister Modis leadership. Nabin said the BJPs ideology and expansion could not be stopped, noting that the party governs 22 states. He argued that the countrys youth have moved from the atmosphere of uncertainty prevailing in 2013 towards hope and optimism. He reiterated the goal of making India a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and expressed confidence that Prime Minister Modi would hoist the national flag from the Red Fort in 2029 also. Criticising the Aam Aadmi Party, Nabin credited Chief Minister Rekha Guptas leadership with the BJPs political success in Delhi and vowed to eliminate the remaining influence of the Arvind Kejriwal-led party. He also questioned the silence of Rahul Gandhi and opposition leaders over alleged misconduct involving a JNU professor who is a Congress MP. Nabin urged BJP workers to continue visiting households after the padyatra, expose what he described as anarchic politics, respond to opposition arguments both on the streets and in Parliament, and strengthen public trust in the BJPs commitment to democracy, national development and good governance.

Chhattisgarh Foundation Day: IAFs Sarang Helicopter team to stage air show in Raipur

Digital Desk | Raipur, Oct 28 (IANS) The Indian Air Forces prestigious Sarang Helicopter Display Team will perform a spectacular air show at Sendh Lake in Nava Raipur on November 2 as part of Chhattisgarhs State Foundation Day celebrations. The display, featuring five helicopters, will begin at 11 AM and showcase precision flying, daring manoeuvres and perfect coordination. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday warmly received members of the Sarang team at his official residence in Raipur. The team presented a memento to the Chief Minister. Sai said the participation of the world-renowned helicopter display team on the occasion of the state formation day was a matter of pride for Chhattisgarh. He expressed confidence that the air show would leave an unforgettable impression on the people of the state, especially the youth and students. The Chief Minister noted that the Indian Armed Forces are a source of pride and inspiration for every citizen. The courage, accuracy and teamwork displayed by the Sarang pilots, he said, would motivate young people to dream big, face challenges and pursue their goals with determination. He also highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily advancing towards self-reliance in defence and aviation. The use of indigenous Dhruv helicopters in the display would showcase Indias growing technical capabilities. The Sarang team will be led by Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar. Two women pilots, Squadron Leader Ankita and Squadron Leader Akshaya, are part of the five-helicopter formation. Chief Minister Sai specially appreciated the presence of the women pilots, saying their participation would inspire daughters of Chhattisgarh to aim high and achieve their dreams in challenging fields such as aviation and defence. Group Captain Abhijeet Kumar said it was an honour for the team to be part of the Chhattisgarh State Foundation Day celebrations. He noted that the Sarang team is one of only three helicopter aerobatic teams in the world and aims not only to entertain audiences but also to inspire youth towards courage, discipline and national service. The air show is expected to be one of the major attractions of the statehood day festivities.

Assam: Two leopards roam freely in Tinsukia village as locals choose coexistence

Doomdooma: Residents of Tingrai No. 1 Assamese village near Digboi in Assams Tinsukia district have been living alongside a male and a female leopard for about a month, with no reported direct confrontation between the animals and people. The leopards have reportedly killed three goats belonging to two local families. Despite the losses, the villagers [] The post Assam: Two leopards roam freely in Tinsukia village as locals choose coexistence appeared first on NorthEast Now .

'Priceless' Tresoldi not for sale as Brugge shut door on January exit

The 22-year-old striker has impressed this season, scoring 12 goals in 14 games and attracting attention from several top European clubs.

Shiv Sena office-bearer killed as speeding SUV hits bike on Mumbai-Goa highway

Gujarat centre to produce 25,000 cattle embryos a year to improve milk yields

Digital Desk | Banaskantha, Oct 28 (IANS) A cattle breeding centre in Gujarats Banaskantha district aims to produce 25,000 embryos annually using advanced reproductive technology, allowing genetically superior cows to produce up to 10-20 calves a year instead of one through traditional breeding methods. The Bharat Bovine Breeding and Research Centre (BBBRC), spread across 127 acres at Bhildi, is designed to improve milk productivity per animal and reduce production costs by multiplying superior livestock genetics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the centre on October 30. The project has received technical support from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), while the Centre has sanctioned Rs 38.83 crore under the 'Rashtriya Gokul Mission'. Banaskantha, one of the state's major dairy-producing regions, has a livestock population of around 28 lakh animals. These include approximately four lakh Kankrej cows, 14 lakh buffaloes and 10 lakh crossbred Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows. The regions livestock already produces milk at levels exceeding the national average, and the centre aims to further improve productivity through genetic selection and advanced breeding techniques. The facility will use technologies such as Ovum Pick-Up, In Vitro Embryo Production and Embryo Transfer (OPU-IVEP-ET). Eggs collected from elite donor animals are matured and fertilised in a laboratory using semen from high-quality bulls. The resulting embryos are preserved through vitrification, an ultra-rapid freezing technique, until a suitable recipient animal is available. The frozen embryos can be transported to villages and transferred into healthy recipient cows or buffaloes. While conventional breeding generally allows a cow to produce one calf a year, the technology can allow a single elite donor cow to contribute to the production of 10-20 calves annually through multiple embryos and recipient animals. The centre plans to develop embryos from indigenous cattle breeds, including Kankrej, Gir, Punganur, Sahiwal, Red Sindhi, Rathi, Tharparkar and Ongole; buffalo breeds such as Mehsani, Banni, Murrah and Jafarabadi; and high-yielding exotic and crossbred cattle, including Holstein-Friesian, HF-cross and Jersey. To make the technology accessible to farmers, the initial price will be Rs 1,000 per embryo. Once pregnancy is confirmed, the remaining cost will be covered through subsidies jointly provided by the state government, the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) and Banas Dairy. The centre will also supply disease-free bulls with superior genetic traits for breeding. The objective is to improve the genetic quality of existing livestock across the Banaskantha milk-shed, increasing milk production per animal without requiring a corresponding expansion in the number of animals. The initiative also includes a Bovine Breedpreneur Club, which encourages dairy farmers to rear and breed high-quality livestock. As many as 316 breedpreneurs are currently associated with the centre and have access to animals with superior genetic traits under agreements with the BBBRC. Under these arrangements, the centre receives first preference to purchase calves, embryos and bulls born on participating farms, while farmers remain free to sell other animals in the open market. Members must maintain records of birth dates, lineage, growth, daily milk yields and health status, and ensure that their animals undergo annual health screenings. The farms are intended to function as local breeding centres, extending the reach of improved livestock genetics beyond the facility at Bhildi. The BBBRC brings together farmer cooperatives, technical support from the NDDB and government funding. The model could also support the wider use of Indian livestock genetics, with potential applications in breeding programmes that prioritise climate resilience, animal health and efficient conversion of feed into milk. The initiative is aligned with the Centres 'Sahkar Se Samruddhi' vision, which seeks to strengthen rural development through cooperation. Its stated goal is to improve the productivity and economic returns of dairy farming by combining superior genetics with better breeding practices.

Mainoo returns to Manchester United training ahead of Chelsea clash

Digital Desk | Manchester, Oct 28 (IANS) Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to training on Wednesday, providing a timely boost to head coach Michael Carrick ahead of the teams Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The homegrown midfielder had missed Manchester Uniteds last four matches due to injury after featuring in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on October 10. His return to training could strengthen the teams options as they look to improve their recent performances and secure a much-needed victory. Mainoo was unavailable for the UEFA Champions League fixtures against Atletico de Madrid and Como, as well as the Premier League matches against Leeds United and Bournemouth. Manchester United have endured a difficult run of results, with their recent 0-3 home defeat to Bournemouth increasing the pressure on Carrick. The team is seeking their first Premier League win since late August and will be eager to turn their fortunes around against Chelsea. Carrick took charge of training at the clubs Carrington facility on Wednesday as preparations continued for the weekend encounter. The head coach is scheduled to address the media at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, when he could provide an update on Mainoos fitness and availability. Manchester United could also receive updates on the condition of Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko and Luke Shaw ahead of the fixture. Chelsea, meanwhile, will be without leading goalscorer Joao Pedro, who is sidelined with a thigh injury, according to manager Xabi Alonso. Emiliano Martinez and Reece James are also unavailable, while England international Cole Palmer is eligible to feature against United after his suspension for the Carabao Cup fixture against Liverpool. United will hope Mainoos return can provide a boost as they attempt to halt their poor run and secure a positive result against Chelsea. The former Premier League winner are hoping to recover from the difficult run of events in this season and

SAP doubles down on equipping 2 million people in India with AI-ready skills by 2030

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) With 28 per cent of the worlds STEM workforce and 23 per cent of global software engineering talent, India is strongly positioned as a leader in the AI economy, enterprise applications and business AI leader SAP said on Wednesday, announced more programmes designed to achieve its ongoing goal of equipping two million people in India with AI-ready skills by 2030. The aim is to address the countrys demand for digital talent and prepare people for opportunities in an AI-powered economy. Building on its extensive established learning, certification and workforce-development programmes, SAP said it will work with academic institutions, industry partners, government bodies and community organisations to expand access to practical skills in AI, cloud, data and enterprise technologies at scale. The foundation of Indias strength in technology has always been its people. Preparing Indian talent for the next wave of innovation requires sustained investment in how people learn, apply their skills, and apply that in their careers, said Manish Prasad, President and Managing Director, SAP Indian Subcontinent. Of the 2 million people we expect to train in AI skills before 2030, nearly 13 per cent have already participated through certification, student education and community programmes. The 2030 commitment will help more people build the capabilities to contribute to Indias AI-led growth, Prasad noted. SAP collaborates with state governments and skill-development institutions across India to align technology skilling with regional workforce priorities. Through initiatives such as the Future Right Skills Network, it also works with industry partners and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to strengthen AI and workplace readiness among vocational learners. The initiative combines foundational AI learning, communication skills and industry exposure for students at Industrial Training Institutes, helping them apply technology in practical workplace settings. SAPs STEM and community programmes offer over 1,100 combined curriculum hours in AI, digital and workplace skills, alongside mentoring and employment support.

Leopard kills goat near Thalavadi

Hrithik Roshan says 'will always cheer for you' in a warm wish for Sussanne Khan

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan compiled a lovely birthday wish for his ex-wife Sussanne Khan as she turned a year older on October 26. Wishing her 'love and joy' the 'War' actor uploaded a couple of unseen photos of Sussanne with him and their kids. Hrithik shared on his official Insta handle, This wish comes belated but from the bottom of my heart nevertheless. Happy, happy Birthday Sussanne (Red heart and cake emojis) (sic). My wish for you is that this year brings you all the love, warmth, joy and magic that you so beautifully and freely give to the people around you, he went on to add. Hrithik added that he is extremely proud of the person Sussanne has grown into after facing all the challenges life has thrown her way. Truly, Mom's spirit lives on in you, he further wrote, remembering Sussanne's late mother, Zarine Khan. The 'Dhoom 2' actor also called Sussanne the est mama to their sons. He shared, I am so thankful that they have such a positive source of light in their mother. One that never tires of seeing the brighter side of life ! You are amazing, like Dad says, Amazing is what amazing does! You do amazing things, he added. I am and will always be here cheering for you. (Rainbow emoji) 26th Oct 2026 @suzkr, concluded the post. Talking about Hrithik and Sussanne's journey together, after dating for some time, these two tied the knot on 20 December 2000, shortly before Hrithik's Bollywood debut with 'Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai'. They have two sons together, Hrehaan and Hridaan Roshan. After shelling couple goals for years, Hrithik and Sussanne separated in 2013, and their divorce was finalized in 2014. At the moment, Hrithik is in a relationship with actress Saba Azad, whereas Sussanne is extremely vocal about her relationship with Arslan Goni.

'Invited all SCO members, dialogue partners': MEA on invite to Pak for SCO Civilisational Dialogue

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) India has invited all Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) members, dialogue partners and one observer to the SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum set to be held in New Delhi in November, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday. The remarks from MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal came at a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Wednesday. When asked whether India has invited Pakistan for the SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum, Jaiswal said, As per established practice, we have invited all SCO members. We have also invited dialogue partners and one observer to the SCO. They have been invited for the forum, Civilisational Dialogue Forum meeting, which will be held in New Delhi on 20th to 22nd of November, 2026. The SCO comprises 10 member states - Belarus, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It has 15 dialogue partners -Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Egypt, Cambodia, Qatar, Kuwait, Laos, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Sri Lanka and two observer states: Afghanistan and Mongolia. Earlier, diplomatic sources confirmed that India, which is hosting the SCO's first Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi, has also invited Pakistans Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurungzeb Khan Khichi, for the event. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the three-day forum, which will bring together representatives from more than 25 countries at Purana Quila, the historic 16th-century fort in the national capital. The Ministry of Culture is partnering with the Ministry of External Affairs to organise the event. The choice of Purana Quila as the venue underscores Indias emphasis on highlighting its historical and civilisational continuum while hosting a major multilateral cultural event. The gathering is expected to feature discussions on civilisational linkages, cultural diplomacy and collaborative initiatives in the fields of heritage, education and traditional knowledge systems. The initiative was proposed by Prime Minister Modi at the SCO leaders summit in Tianjin in 2025 and was subsequently adopted by the grouping. Pakistan has yet to confirm who will represent it at the forum. If Minister Khichi attends, it would mark the first visit by a Pakistani minister to India since the SCO Foreign Ministers Meeting in Goa in 2023, which was attended by Pakistan's then Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto. Despite strained bilateral relations, India has continued to engage with Pakistan within the SCO framework. In September 2026, India sent its SCO National Coordinator Alok Dimri to Islamabad for a meeting ahead of Pakistans presidency of the grouping and the planned SCO leaders summit scheduled for August 2027.

Livelihood, education goals affect migration under climate change

Climate-driven hazards can push many to leave their homes in search of a livelihood elsewhere, but aspirations for the future may change where they decide to migrate, according to a new study led by researchers at Penn State. At the same time, income losses due to climate shocks, or extreme weather events like floods or droughts, may constrain migration options for vulnerable populations.

Nagaland United take Talimeren Aos legacy to Indian Football League

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Nagaland United Sports Club will make history on October 30 when they face Real Kashmir at the TRC Stadium in Srinagar in the opening match of the 2026-27 Indian Football League (IFL) season, becoming the first club from Nagaland to compete in the national league. Founded in 2024 in Chmoukedima, Nagaland United have reached the IFL in just two years, carrying the hopes of a state whose connection with Indian football dates back to Dr. Talimeren Ao, captain of independent Indias football team at the 1948 Olympic Games. The clubs entry into the IFL marks a significant moment for Nagaland, which had waited 78 years for representation in the national league. The teams journey also reflects a deliberate effort to establish a platform for local footballers and build on the legacy of Ao, one of the most prominent figures in Indian football history. Nagaland United played their first competitive match on January 28, 2025, when they took on Barak FC in the inaugural match at a newly opened stadium in Chmoukedima. The date coincided with what would have been Aos 107th birthday. Although they lost 2-3, the club quickly established itself as a competitive force in the Nagaland Super League. They finished second among seven teams in the league phase, conceding just nine goals in 12 matches, before ending the season third overall. Forward Nisede Peseyie scored a hat-trick against 27 United and received one of the leagues individual awards, while head coach Khogen Singh was named coach of the season. Nagaland United secured their first major trophy in October 2025, winning the NSF Martyrs Memorial Trophy in Kohima. They progressed through the knockout stages with victories of 7-0, 2-1 and 4-0 before defeating Chedema Village Youth Organisation 3-1 in the final on October 18. Arap Konyak, Joel Haokip and Manton Konyak scored in the final, while the club also collected the player of the tournament, best goalkeeper and best defender awards. Singh was again recognised as the best coach. Aos journey began on the mission playground at Impur in the Naga Hills, where children played barefoot using improvised balls made from rags, woven cane or even pomelos. His father, who was the first Reverend in the Naga Hills, died of typhoid before Ao reached his late teens, leaving behind the wish that his son become a doctor and serve the Naga people. Ao fulfilled that wish while also making his mark in football. On July 31, 1948, he captained India in the countrys first Olympic football match as an independent nation, against France at Cricklefield Stadium in Ilford, east London. India lost 1-2 after conceding a goal in the final minute, with eight players competing without boots. Asked about playing barefoot, Ao famously replied: We play football in India, whereas you play bootball. After returning to India, Ao practised medicine and became Nagalands first Director of Health Services. His sporting legacy has endured in a state where football remains deeply embedded in community life. Football in Nagaland is more than just a sport, says coach Kivilu Kiba. Despite that passion, Nagaland had never fielded a club in the national league before Nagaland Uniteds entry. The clubs leadership believes the state could not afford to wait for the traditional route through the lower divisions. It would have taken us years, says Abu Metha, a member of the clubs board, and we do not have the time. Nagaland Uniteds entry into the IFL came through a goodwill agreement with Aizawl FC, the Mizoram club that made history by winning the national league in 2017. Aizawl had become the first team from the Northeast to win the title after drawing 1-1 with Shillong Lajong on the final day of the season. William Koso, the first coach from Nagaland to earn an AFC A licence, was part of Aizawls coaching staff during that historic campaign. The two clubs renewed their connection in June 2026, when Aizawl visited Nagaland for a match under the Football for Peace initiative. The June 6 fixture, billed as Match for Peace, Goal for Hope, was played in Chmoukedima, with tickets priced at Rs 20 and proceeds directed to an orphanage. Aizawl won 2-0. Aizawl owner Robert R. Royte subsequently expressed support for Nagalands representation in the national league. On September 9, the All India Football Federation approved a goodwill agreement under which Nagaland United took Aizawls place in the IFL, with the Mizoram club committing to provide technical and development support. Aizawl, who spent 11 consecutive seasons in the national league without relegation, will continue to compete in the Mizoram Premier League. The fixture list has also created a symbolic connection between the clubs. Nagaland United will visit Shillong on November 25, the city where Aizawl secured their historic title, before travelling to Aizawl on December 7. With the IFL campaign approaching, Nagaland United have been working to assemble their coaching staff and prepare for the demands of national-level competition. The club advertised for coaches and support staff and received hundreds of applications, including from Argentina, Spain and Brazil. Although the club has inherited a squad and staff with national-league experience, its board has identified local talent as a central priority. That commitment was highlighted on October 17, when 20-year-old central midfielder Ghuqhe Chishi and Vinato Achumi, both products of Nagalands under-20 sides, were recognised after being selected to represent the club in the IFL. Club coordinator Gentleson Vashum outlined the scale of the challenge ahead, with the team set to play 20 league matches, including 10 at home and 10 away. Plans are also in place to install FIFA-approved artificial turf at Chmoukedima. The club hopes to become a recognisable symbol of Nagaland across India and beyond, while creating opportunities for the states footballers to progress to the national stage. Whenever you enter any arena, Metha says, you enter to win. K. Neibou Sekhose, president of the Nagaland Football Association, has described the clubs entry into the IFL as a historic moment, while stressing that it represents only the beginning of Nagalands ambitions in football. Nagaland United will play their first home match in the IFL against Gokulam Kerala on November 14 at Chmoukedima, the venue where they played their first competitive fixture in 2025. Dempo will visit later in the month, while Mohammedan Sporting are scheduled to arrive on December 19. The 2026-27 season will see the IFL return to a full home-and-away format, offering Nagaland United the opportunity to bring national-league football to their home state throughout the campaign. The league has also reported a sharp rise in television viewership, with last seasons audience four times that of the previous season. Nagaland United have urged Naga communities living across India, particularly students, to support the team at away matches. Their opening fixture in Srinagar will offer the first opportunity for supporters far from home to rally behind the states newest football representatives. From a club founded in 2024 to a place in the national league, Nagaland Uniteds rise has been swift. But the significance of their debut extends beyond results. For a state that produced Indias first Olympic football captain, the club represents a long-awaited opportunity to turn a deep-rooted passion for the game into a sustained presence at the national level. When the season begins on October 30, Nagaland United will not simply be starting their first IFL campaign. They will be carrying forward a legacy that began with Talimeren Ao and opening a new route for the next generation of footballers from the Naga Hills.

Rajneesh Chopra Featured in Outlook's 'Pillars of Viksit Bharat 2026' Report for Advancing Wellbeing and Expanding Economic Opportunity

New Delhi [India], October 28: With the visionary goal of transforming India into a fully developed nation by 2047, Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat mission stands tall on multiple pillars of growth. The prestigious Outlook report, Pillars of Viksit Bharat 2026 honours a select group of changemakers whose work is actively shaping India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister.

Delhi Liquor App: A Look At Its Functionality And Goals

The Delhi State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) launched an online liquor booking app, approved by the previous government in 2024, to bring transparency and curb brand pushing in retail sales. The app, which became available to iOS users via a micro-site on September 6, allows customers to digitally book and pay for liquor, which must then be picked up from designated stores. It has seen significant transaction growth since its launch in November 2025, aiming to reduce crowds and ensure age verification.

Easton Cowans Costly Night Takes Unexpected Turn After Toronto Maple Leafs Coach Speaks Out

Easton Cowan blamed himself for two Calgary goals in the Leafs 5-2 loss, but coach Jim Hiller pushed back, saying the mistakes were shared across the lineup and Cowan was Torontos best player after the first period.

Yash and Radhika Pandit set couple goals at Ramayana premiere

Jacob Fowler Reaches New Milestone As Montreal Canadiens Extend Winning Streak

Jacob Fowler stopped all 46 shots he faced against the Blues to set the NHL record for most saves in a shutout by a goalie aged 21 or younger, leading Montreal to a 2-0 win and extending the Canadiens winning streak.

Mussolini's Great-Grandson Scores A Goal!

Romano Floriani Mussolini, great-grandson of former Italian fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, scored his first Serie A goal for Lazio in a 6-2 victory over Sassuolo, marking a significant milestone in his football career.

Can you name Bayern Munich

Getting full marks will be tricky. The post Can you name Bayern Munichs top 10 goalscorers of all time? appeared first on Planet Football .

Indias space economy poised to scale $44 billion by 2033

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 28 (IANS) Indias space sector is increasingly contributing to economic growth, private investment and industrial capability, alongside its scientific and strategic goals. Indias space economy is targeted to reach $44 billion by 2033. Emerging technologies such as reusable launch vehicles, air-breathing propulsion, electric propulsion and in-space docking are supporting this growth, according to a government factsheet released on Wednesday. This technological momentum is already creating economic opportunity. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has signed 118 Technology Transfer Agreements to transfer 83 technologies developed by ISRO to Indian industry. As a result, investor confidence is also growing. Cumulative investment in Indian space start-ups reached approximately $618.5 million as of 31 March 2026, with funding shifting from early-stage seed support to larger, growth-stage rounds, the factsheet states. Together, these developments show that India's emerging space technologies are not only advancing national capability but also building a strong, enterprise-led space economy for the years ahead. Indias space journey now looks ahead to the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station. Through SpaDeX, India also became the fourth country to achieve autonomous docking of two spacecraft in orbit. Meanwhile, Gaganyaan is advancing Indias human spaceflight goals. In September 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). The approved outlay of 8,240 crore covers development costs, three developmental flights, essential facilities, programme management and the launch campaign. Designed for a maximum capacity of 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the NGLV triples India's current launch payload capability compared to the 10-tonne LEO limit of the LVM3. In addition, a partially reusable NGLV variant with a 14-tonne LEO payload capability is being developed to support lower-cost access to space. Its reusability feature will also lower the cost of reaching space. NGLV will enable both national and commercial missions. These include human spaceflight missions to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, as well as lunar and interplanetary exploration. It will also launch communication and earth observation satellite constellations to Low Earth Orbit. These missions will benefit the entire space ecosystem and boost the nations capability and capacity. Indias space mission is aimed to serve the common citizen. That vision now shapes daily life across the country. Communication satellites extend connectivity to remote and underserved areas. Earth observation data support agriculture, disaster assessment, planning, environmental monitoring and other national requirements. Weather satellites track cyclones and monsoons, enabling early warnings that save lives. Fishermen, farmers and coastal communities rely on these alerts to protect their livelihoods. These systems connect citizens, protect communities, strengthen governance and drive inclusive, sustainable growth. Beyond these services, space also guards Indias frontiers and shapes its future. Space-based communication systems support national security and strategic requirements, the factsheet adds.

Ladakh becomes Indias first fully organic Union Territory, individual farmer certification next

Ladakh has been declared Indias first fully organic Union Territory, promoting chemical-free agriculture practices. The administration aims for individual farmer certification to enhance market opportunities for organic produce. Efforts include a ban on chemical fertilizers and distribution of organic fertilizers to support farming transitions. The goal is to strengthen market linkages and improve farmers' incomes while safeguarding water and soil resources.

Mutual fund returns dip? Here's why experts say don't switch in a hurry

Business Standard Smart Investor Arena 2026: Financial advisers explain why investors should look beyond past returns, match funds to their goals and avoid frequent portfolio changes

COLORFUL India Successfully Concludes Pan-India Channel Partners Meet in Goa

New Delhi [India], October 28: COLORFUL India successfully hosted its Channel Partners Meet in Goa on 22nd October 2026. The meet brought together channel partners from 14 cities across the country, company leadership and representatives from its technology and distribution ecosystem. It was a platform for the brand to engage directly with the partners who carry its products to customers in diverse regional markets.

November 2026 Horoscope: Astrologer Krishnan Sampath Shares Monthly Predictions For All 12 Zodiac Signs

November brings a fresh month to reflect on relationships, career goals, financial decisions and personal well-being. As 2026 moves towards its final weeks, many may be thinking about unfinished plans, professional progress and what they want to prioritise before the year

Can Indian homegrown smartphone brands compete with global giants?

The governments goal of establishing a homegrown smartphone brand by October 2028 sets a clear benchmark for national ambition. However, achieving market relevance against global leaders requires moving past price competition and contract assembly

Floriani Mussolini, great-grandson of dictator Benito, scores 1st goal in Serie A

Floriani Mussolini, great-grandson of dictator Benito, scores 1st goal in Serie A

Benito Mussolini's Great-Grandson Scores His First Goal For Lazio

Floriani Mussolini struck in the 16th minute for Lazio's third goal in its 6-2 rout of Sassuolo in Serie A

Alia Bhatt enjoys Goa getaway with Raha, Neetu Kapoor, and the Bhatts; see pic

While Ranbir Kapoor is busy promoting Ramayana: Part 1 across India and international territories, Alia Bhatt recently took a break from her professional commitments for a family getaway in Goa. The actress was accompanied by daughter Raha, mother-in-law Neetu Kapoor, and members of the Bhatt family, including her mother Soni Razdan, sister Shaheen Bhatt, father Mahesh Bhatt and Shaheens partner Ishaan Mehra. A photograph from the private holiday has surfaced on social media, offering a glimpse of the family spending time together at a scenic coastal location. The group was seen gathered around a waterside picnic setup featuring low seating and rustic decor, creating a relaxed setting for the outing. Alia opted for an understated look in a strapless neutral gown, posing affectionately with Raha. Neetu Kapoor complemented the easy-going setting in casual, tailored neutrals, while Soni Razdan and Shaheen Bhatt were seen in earthy-toned resort wear. Mahesh Bhatt and Ishaan Mehra, meanwhile, kept their looks classic in crisp white ensembles. Alia & Raha spotted with family in Goa by u/BreadfruitCalm10 in BollyBlindsNGossip The photograph has drawn attention from fans, with some also noticing Ranbir Kapoors absence from the family gathering. The actor is currently in Los Angeles as part of the promotional campaign for Ramayana: Part 1, ahead of its scheduled worldwide theatrical release on November 5, 2026. The Goa getaway comes amid a busy period for Alia, who has several professional commitments lined up. The actress will next be seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Love & War, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal. The period romance is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on January 21, 2027, ahead of the Republic Day holiday window. Beyond acting, Alia continues to be involved in her entrepreneurial ventures, including sustainable kids wear label Ed-a-Mamma and production banner Eternal Sunshine Productions, alongside her investment interests. For now, the family photograph has offered fans a glimpse into Alias time away from work, even as Ranbir continues to take Ramayana: Part 1 to international audiences. Also Read: Alia Bhatt sports iconic eye mask from Tumbbad on films 8th anniversary; Sohum Shah responds

Mussolinis great-grandson scores his first goal for Lazio

The defender, whose full name is Romano Benito Floriani Mussolini, is related to Benito Mussolini through the maternal side of his family

Harrison Butkers Kansas City Chiefs Struggles Take A New Turn After Seattle Seahawks Loss As Andy Reid Issues A Direct Challenge

Harrison Butker missed two field goals in the Chiefs 20-3 loss to the Seahawks and now sits at 68.8% for the season, fourth-worst in the NFL. Here is what he said and how Andy Reid responded after the game.

Vishal undergoes physiotherapy amid 3 weeks of rest after back injury

Actor Vishal is currently recovering from a back injury he sustained while filming an action scene for his upcoming film Purushan in Goa. The actor has been advised three weeks of rest

Canossa girls beat Podar 2-0 to emerge champs

Canossa dominated the final from start to finish, with Aaradhya Shelar and Janvi Ambore scoring a goal each in the triumph

Rasika Dugal: Theres something lovely about exploring through a child's perspective

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Actress Rasika Dugal, who is currently seen in her latest release Little Thomas, has talked about how exploring the world through a childs perspective is lovely. Speaking about the landscape of Hindi cinema, Rasika said in a statement: With all the possibilities that technology offers filmmakers today, there is understandably a lot of emphasis on scale and spectacle. But sometimes, in all of that, we forget the beauty of a story that is simple without being simplistic. She said that director Kaushal Oza's quiet style of filmmaking is unique. There is a confidence in his storytelling that comes from knowing that a film doesn't necessarily need a grand setting or a complicated plot to connect with audiences. Sometimes, the simplest ideas can make for the most engaging stories because they reflect our own experiences and observations of life, she added. Rasika went on and said: In Little Thomas, a child's curiosity about where babies come from and his wish for a sibling become the starting point for a larger story about family, childhood, the ups and downs of a marriage, and life in post-liberalisation India. I think there is something lovely about exploring all of this through a child's perspective. It also reminds us that we shouldn't underestimate children's curiosity or dismiss their questions. I hope we continue to make films that trust the strength of their ideas and allow simple, everyday stories to find their place. Directed by Kaushal Oza and backed by Anurag Kashyap, Little Thomas also stars Gulshan Devaiah and Hridansh Parekh. The film tells the story of Thomas, a curious young boy whose questions about where babies come from and his wish for a sibling become central to the narrative. The film follows seven-year-old Thomas and his family as they navigate life's highs and lows in 1990s Goa, echoing the style of Malgudi Days and Ruskin Bond.

Asian Champions Trophy hockey: India hammer Bangladesh 13-0

Mandeep Singh scored a hat-trick while Harmanpreet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Hardik Singh scored two goals each

Espanyol sack coach Gonzalez after shock Copa del Rey loss to Sestao

Digital Desk | Madrid, Oct 28 (IANS) La Liga side Espanyol sacked coach Manolo Gonzalez following a shock Copa del Rey defeat to fourth-tier Sestao River, ending his tenure amid a prolonged run of poor results. The decision came shortly after Espanyol suffered a 4-3 defeat after extra time, with Jon Rojo scoring the winner for Sestao in the 121st minute. The cup exit compounded Espanyol's struggles in La Liga, where the club sits in the relegation zone following last weekend's 2-1 defeat away to Racing Santander. RCD Espanyol have decided to bring Manolo Gonzalez's tenure as coach of the club to an end, the club said in a statement on its website. The club thanked Gonzalez for his contribution, praising his professionalism, commitment and dedication during his time in charge. RCD Espanyol ... wish to express our gratitude to Manolo Gonzalez for the work, commitment and effort he has shown since taking charge of the first team, the statement said. Gonzalez, 47, took charge of Espanyol in March 2024 after being promoted from the reserve side and guided the club back to La Liga at the end of that season. However, his position came under increasing scrutiny following a difficult second half of last season, when Espanyol endured an 18-match winless run spanning 143 days. Despite winning two of its opening five league matches this season, Espanyol has since gone five games without a victory, increasing the pressure on Gonzalez. Spanish media had reported ahead of Tuesday's cup tie that his job was under threat. Espanyol said Gonzalez was leaving after more than three seasons and 107 competitive matches in charge of the first team. Elsewhere, Villarreal cruised to a 5-0 victory at Manacor through goals from Alassane Diatta, Tani Oluwaseyi, Sergi Cardona, Nizar and Nicolas Pepe. Malaga recorded its first win of the season with a 3-0 victory over Sporting de Alcazar. Chupe broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 71st minute and added a second before Dani Lorenzo completed the scoring in the 88th. Elche also advanced after recovering from a goal down to beat sixth-tier UD Pinatar 3-1. Ezequiel Ponce scored twice before Ali Houary added a third to seal the comeback victory.

Goa woman turns Instagram ethnic-wear venture into Rs 60 lakh-a-year boutique

In North Goa, Siddhi took the plunge into entrepreneurship by launching her ethnic wear business on Instagram four years ago. What began as a small venture has blossomed into a thriving boutique, employing seven to ten individuals and fulfilling international orders. With the help of the Mahamaya Self-Help Group, she has reinforced her commitment to uplifting women, aiming to expand job opportunities and foster financial independence throughout her community.

Major Upset! Fourth-tier Fleetwood stun Arsenal in League Cup shootout

Fourth-tier Fleetwood Town secured a stunning upset victory over 10-man Arsenal in the League Cup last 16, winning 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Aaron Loupalo-Bi put Fleetwood ahead, and despite Viktor Gyokeres levelling for Arsenal, a red card for Max Dowman hampered the Gunners. Fleetwood's goalkeeper Lynch was the hero, making crucial saves and denying Guimaraes in the shootout.

Mussolini's Great-Grandson Hits Maiden Serie A Goal As Lazio Beat Sassuolo

Romano Floriani scored his first Serie A goal as Lazio soared to the top of the Italian league with a 6-2 thrashing of 10-man Sassuolo on Tuesday.

No mayo, yet creamy: Mumbai nutritionist shares a spicy sandwich recipe with 20 g protein

Mumbai nutritionist Vanshika Khurana has unveiled a quick and nutritious sandwich recipe that's perfect for health-conscious snackers. Featuring high-protein paneer, creamy Greek yogurt, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this sandwich boasts 20 grams of protein and just 450 calories per serving. The paneer is spiced and shallow-fried for a satisfying crunch, making it an excellent choice for an evening treat that won't derail your wellness goals.

Deepti Naval recalls Nana Patekar making her rehearse first Marathi dialogue a million times

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 28 (IANS) Actor Deepti Naval recalled working with late veteran actor Nana Patekar in the Marathi film Suryodaya. The actress quipped that the veteran actor had made her rehearse her first Marathi dialogue a million times. Deepti shared a video clip from the film on her social media account and recalled shooting in a village near Nagpur. She said her first Marathi dialogue comprised three words, Gadva kuthhe thevayicha, which translates to Where are we going to keep the donkeys? Recalling the experience, the actor wrote, And Nana made me rehearse these three words a million times! She also described the film as a gem and urged her followers to watch it on YouTube. Suryodaya, a Marathi film released in 1991, featured Nana Patekar and Deepti Naval. The film revolved around a group of nomadic people in Maharashtra who dream of having permanent homes, and are misled into believing that the government will build concrete houses for them if they burn their temporary huts. Earlier, Deepti had also shared a still with Nana from filmmaker Goutam Ghoses film Yatra, captioning it, A moment between Nana and me.... from Gautam Ghoshs film Yatra. For the uninitiated, Nana Patekar passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75, following a cardiac arrest in Goa. Deepti had earlier paid tribute to the actor, remembering him as a true artiste and expressing that she would always miss the child in him. Remembering him fondly, she had written, Farewell Nana... You will always be remembered as a true artiste... Rest in peace my dear Nana... I will always miss the child in you!

Peace as a Public Policy

The world has made great progress in science, technology, medicine, education and communication. Today, people can talk to each other across the world within seconds. We can explore space, treat many diseases and use modern technology to make our lives easier. Yet, we continue to face hatred, violence, conflicts and divisions among people. This makes us think: why are we still unable to live together in peace despite so much progress? The reason is simple. Material progress alone cannot make the world peaceful. We also need love, kindness, justice, respect and understanding. Peace does not simply mean the absence of war or violence. It means living in a society where every person feels safe, respected and treated fairly. Now, enough is enough. The time has come for all of us to work together to build a peaceful world. We cannot continue to divide people in the name of religion, caste, colour, language, region or other man-made differences. These differences should not become reasons for hatred or separation. We may have different beliefs and cultures, but we all belong to one human family. Science teaches us that all human beings share the same basic needs. Everyone needs food, shelter, safety, love and respect. We all depend on the same natural resources, including air, water and land. Nature does not divide us according to our religion, language or nationality. It is we who have created many of these divisions. Therefore, we must learn to respect our differences and focus on the things that bring us together. Peace is the responsibility of every human being, but the role of the government is especially important. Governments have the power, resources and public institutions needed to bring people together and create a peaceful society. Their responsibility should not be limited to maintaining law and order. They must also work to prevent hatred, reduce social tensions, promote justice and build trust among people. Laws can control certain actions, but they cannot create love and understanding on their own. For this, we need education, dialogue, good leadership and a strong sense of responsibility towards others. When people receive equal treatment and feel that their voices are heard, they are more likely to trust one another and the institutions that serve them. In this connection, I propose that the government seriously consider establishing a new Ministry of Peace and Unity. The main purpose of this ministry should be to promote peace, love, unity and mutual respect among all sections of society, without any discrimination based on religion, caste, colour, language, region, gender or ideology. This ministry should not become just another government office. It should have clear duties, trained staff, proper funding and a practical plan of action. Its work should reach villages, towns, schools, colleges, universities and local communities. Similar arrangements could also be made at state and local levels so that peace-building becomes a continuous public activity. The ministry should introduce programmes in schools and colleges to teach children the importance of kindness, cooperation, honesty, respect and peaceful ways of solving disagreements. Education should not only prepare students for jobs; it should also help them become responsible citizens who respect others and contribute to society. The ministry should also form peace committees in local areas. These committees could include teachers, social workers, women, young people, religious leaders, volunteers and respected members of civil society. Their role would be to encourage dialogue, resolve local disagreements peacefully and help prevent small disputes from turning into serious conflicts. Public meetings, cultural programmes, joint social activities and community service should be organised regularly. People from different backgrounds can work together on cleanliness drives, environmental protection, helping elderly people and supporting poor families. When people work together for a common cause, they get opportunities to understand one another and build lasting friendships. The ministry should also help people understand the dangers of rumours, false information and hateful messages, especially on social media. Such messages can create fear, mistrust and unnecessary conflict. Public awareness programmes should encourage people to check facts before sharing information and to communicate responsibly. At the same time, freedom of expression and the right to express genuine criticism must be respected. The ministry should study the causes of social tensions and listen to the concerns of ordinary people. It should work with scientists, researchers, educational institutions and civil society organisations to find practical solutions. Its progress should be reviewed regularly so that the public can see whether its programmes are making a real difference. However, the government alone cannot achieve this goal. NGOs, volunteers, religious organisations, educational institutions and civil society must also come forward. Every individual has a role to play. We can begin by helping those in need, avoiding hurtful language, respecting different opinions and refusing to spread hatred. Even a small act of kindness can make a difference in someones life. Religious and community leaders can help by promoting love, compassion, honesty and service to humanity. Teachers can guide young minds towards understanding and respect. Scientists and intellectuals can help people think clearly and make decisions based on facts rather than fear and prejudice. Women and young people must be given an equal opportunity to take part in peace-building activities. We must remember that the real progress of a society is not measured only by its buildings, roads, wealth or technology. It is also measured by how people treat one another, how safely they live, how fairly they are treated and how much care they show for those who are weak or disadvantaged. Our children and grandchildren deserve a better world. They should not have to suffer because of the hatred, divisions and mistakes of earlier generations. They should inherit a society where people live with dignity, where differences are respected and where peace is considered a shared responsibility. Let us leave our personal interests and prejudices aside and work for the common good. Let the government take the lead, let institutions act with honesty, let NGOs and volunteers serve society, and let every citizen contribute towards this noble mission. One day, our future generations should be able to say with pride that we recognised the need for change and worked together to create a better society. Let humanity be our common identity, love our guiding principle, unity our strength and peace our shared goal. The time has come to act. The responsibility belongs to all of us. Dr Nasir Shah, Former Additional Director JKSTIC, DST, has remained actively associated with the promotion of science, scientific temper, innovation, and educational awareness across J&K.

Expedite completion of rehabilitation infrastructure, empowerment services for Divyangjan: Union Minister

Jammu, Oct 27:Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr Virendra Kumar on Tuesday visited the construction site of the permanent premises of the Composite Regional Centre (CRC) for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), CRC Jammu at village Chak Jawala, Vijaypur in district Samba of Jammu province to review the progress of the ongoing construction work. Constructed at an estimated cost of around Rs 24 Cr, the permanent premises are expected to significantly enhance the availability of rehabilitation and support services in the region, helping persons with disabilities lead more independent and dignified lives. Speaking on the occasion, Kumar said that the permanent premises would strengthen CRC Jammus institutional capacity and expand access to rehabilitation, education and support services for persons with disabilities across the region. He noted that the Centre was currently operating on a limited scale in Jammu city and that the new facility would enable it to broaden its services. The minister was accompanied by senior officials of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, including Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan). During the visit, Dr Rohnika Sharma, Director, CRC Jammu, briefed the minister on the progress of construction, the status of work completed so far and the activities remaining to be undertaken. She also apprised him of the infrastructure-related requirements and key aspects concerning the timely completion and operationalisation of the permanent premises. Dr Sharma also apprised the Union Minister of the infrastructure requirements and other aspects concerning timely completion of the project. Once operational, the facility is expected to support rehabilitation, special education, early intervention, skill development and empowerment initiatives for Divyangjan. The visit provided an opportunity to assess the ongoing construction work and review the measures required to expedite the remaining activities. The minister emphasised the importance of timely completion of the project and the availability of appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the effective delivery of services to Divyangjan. He added that the establishment of the permanent premises of CRC Jammu marked an important step towards strengthening rehabilitation services, special education, early intervention, skill development and empowerment initiatives for persons with disabilities in the Jammu region. Kumar said the Centre was intended to support the delivery of rehabilitation-related services and facilitate access to appropriate interventions and skill development opportunities for persons with disabilities. He said the Centre would provide physiotherapy and specialised training for children with disabilities to help them become self-reliant. Training for parents and caregivers would also be facilitated so that they can better support children with disabilities. He added that a Pradhan Mantri Divyasha Kendra would be established at the Centre to facilitate access to assistive devices. Disability-related courses, including B Ed and M Ed programmes, were also planned, which would create educational opportunities and enhance employment prospects for youth trained in disability rehabilitation and empowerment, he added. The Minister said the laboratory facilities for the measurement, manufacture and fitting of customised artificial limbs and other assistive devices would be developed at the Centre. These facilities were expected to help beneficiaries perform daily activities with greater ease and independence, he added. Emphasising inclusive development, Dr Kumar said that empowering persons with disabilities was integral to the vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He observed that CRC Jammu would address the long-standing need for a comprehensive rehabilitation facility in the Jammu region, bringing disability-related services closer to beneficiaries, from children to senior citizens. The Minister further said that supporting persons with disabilities would also strengthen their families and enable them to contribute more actively to society and the nations development. The review reaffirmed the importance of completing the infrastructure project in a timely manner to strengthen the institutional capacity for providing rehabilitation and empowerment services to Divyangjan in Jammu & Kashmir. CRC Jammu functions under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, through Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (PDUNIPPD), New Delhi.

Scorpio Daily Horoscope for October 28, 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

UTAA plans state-wide campaign for ST political reservation

Margao: The United Tribals Associations Alliance (UTAA) will hold a meeting on Saturday to plan a state-wide campaign demanding political reservation for Goas Scheduled Tribe (ST) community. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, UTAA president Prakash Velip, executive members advocate John Fernandes, Vishwas Gaude and Joseph Vaz, and other members said the organisation would visit []

Know your risks, diversify, & skip tips: Lessons from Smart Investor Arena

At the BFSI Insight Summit 2026's Smart Investor Arena, experts urged investors to set financial goals, diversify portfolios, avoid herd mentality and understand risks before investing

BJP aims for big win with 50% vote share at Goa polls

NT Reporter Panaji Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin on Tuesday called upon the party workers in Goa to gear up for the 2027 Assembly elections, asserting that lotus would bloom at every polling booth as he expressed confidence that the party would return to power in the state with a big margin. []

Ordinance brings offices of comunidade admins under service rules

Panaji: The state government has notified an ordinance empowering it to frame rules governing the recruitment and service conditions of employees of Comunidades and staff working in the offices of their Administrators. The Goa Comunidade Employees (Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, was promulgated by Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju on October 22 and published []

Census 2027 to cover 1,630 enumeration blocks in North Goa from December 1

Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji: The North Goa district administration is preparing for the population enumeration phase of Census 2027, scheduled from December 1, 2026, to January 4, 2027. Online self-enumeration will be open from November 16 to 30, followed by a revisional round from January 5 to 9, 2027. Unlike the first phase, which covered []

Indias steel future depends on breaking its costly coal habit

India plans to significantly increase its steelmaking capacity to support its development goals by 2047. The National Steel Policy proposes a shift from coal dependence to green hydrogen for production processes. This transition aims to reduce the vulnerability of steelmakers to volatile coking coal prices and enhance cost predictability. Moreover, the government is expected to promote long-term contracts for green steel to secure investments.

Nations get moving on Paris Climate Accord, but the pace is slow: UNFCCC

The reports assess the progress countries have made towards tackling climate change and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Countries are investing in the clean energy transition, adapting to the impacts of climate change and building resilience, and there are international financial flows to climate action, the reports said.

ASM Lifts 2027 Outlook as AI Buildout Fuels Demand For Tools

ASM International NV increased its revenue target for next year by about 24%, setting up the chip-equipment maker to hit its 2030 goal three years ahead of schedule, on a surge in sales linked to AI investments.

Asian Champions Trophy: India slams 13 past hapless Bangladesh

Mandeep Singh struck three goals and created as many for the host

Kashmir Elegant, Kashmir United play goalless draw in Premier Division League

Srinagar, Oct 27:Kashmir Elegant FC and Kashmir United FC played out a goalless draw in Tuesdays match of the My Youth My Pride Srinagar Premier Division Football League 202627. The match was organised by the District Football Association (DFA) Srinagar at the TRC Synthetic Turf, Srinagar. Both teams, as per a DFA statement, put up a competitive performance, displaying determination and defensive discipline throughout the match. Despite creating opportunities, neither side managed to find the back of the net, and the contest ended 00. The result sees both teams share a point in the ongoing league.

Tenzing Norgay Didn't Want His Kids To Climb Mountains, Says Youngest Son

Dhamey said that Tenzing's goal was simply to connect them with nature rather than encourage climbing.

Goat takes the pyre as murder accused fakes death to dodge trial, held after 18 months

Ranji Trophy: Shorey, Samarth, Malewar fifties put Vidarbha in pole position

The home team wraaps up the Goan first innings for 220

GTDC Technical Assistant Recruitment 2026

Goa Tourism Development Corporation Limited (GTDC), Project Cell, Special Purpose Vehicle, has released the notification for 3 Technical Assistant (Civil) posts. Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications from 27 October 2026 to 17 November 2026. Further details are available at goa-tourism.com.

Asian Champions Trophy: India start title defence with 13-0 win over Bangladesh

India started their Asian Champions Trophy title defence with a thumping 13-0 win over Bangladesh at Jalandhar's Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium on Tuesday. In front of a passionate home crowd, Mandeep Singh managed a brilliant hat-trick, while skipper Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh and Dilpreet Singh added a brace. Abhishek, Shilanand Lakra, Jugraj Singh and Nilakanta Sharma also scored a goal each, as per ESPN. Bangladesh had brief moments of counter-attacks which did not produce anything, and they could barely test Indian defence and goalkeeping. Nilakanta Sharma announced his retirement following the match, revealing that his international career will conclude after the tournament. Nilakanta, the Manipuri midfielder, has been a vital cog of the Indian line-up for close to a decade and was a part of the teams which won the Bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and the team which won the gold medal at the recently concluded Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya to qualify for the Los A...

ero-tolerance policy against corruption

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday led the state-level Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 event in Bhubaneswar and administered the integrity pledge, reiterating the government's commitment to tackling corruption. Speaking at the event, Majhi said Vigilance Awareness Week was being observed from October 26 to November 1, with programmes organised across the state to raise awareness against corruption. From October 26 to November 1, we are observing Vigilance Awareness Week against corruption. Programs are being organised across the entire state for this purpose. The theme of this year's Vigilance Awareness Week is 'Prosperity through Integrity.' Strong ethics, complete cleanliness, and integrity are our most important weapons in this fight against corruption. Making the administration completely corruption-free is our primary goal for the success of government schemes. Therefore, the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against corruption, the Chief Minister sai...

Chhattisgarh Hockey League: Nyayadhani Knights enter semis; Sanskardhani Strikers secure first win

Digital Desk | Raipur, Oct 27 (IANS) It was another eventful day in Raipur, as Nyayadhani Knights entered the semis by virtue of continuing to be top of the points table, after they played out a 4-4 draw against Chakradhar Champions in the first match; the second witnessed a maiden win for Sanskardhani Strikers, as they got the better of Rajdhani Royals 4-2. Talking about Match No. 10, Yuvraj Walmiki emerged as the hero for the Champions with three goals, while Ketan displayed his best hockey for the Knights. The first quarter was the one where teams just tested the waters and played conservative hockey. Come the second, Ketan and Adarsh opened the scoring for Nyayadhani, when the former beat at least four defenders in his run from the right flank, entering the circle with much ease. He then passed the ball to Adarsh in the last moment, who netted it. The second goal didnt take much time to come; again Ketan entered the circle through the left this time, and Sonu Nishad was the one who came up with the deflection, to take their team to 2-1 at half-time. A similar story started unfolding in the third quarter. Chirag missed, but Ketan found himself right in front of the goal to score his first, bringing their tally to four. Meanwhile, Walmiki scored two via penalty strokes, and the third one was a field goal, after being injected a ball from Sunil just outside the circle. The former went in for a reverse flick that landed in the post. Completing his second hat-trick of the tournament, he looked good for his fourth as well...but Khogeshwar was awarded for a deflection. Strikers finally arrived. After struggling in the first three encounters, the Shamsher-led Strikers struck top form, with two goals each coming from Ashish Tani Purti and Shahrukh. In this battle, both sides had a lot at stake. It was their only chance to stay alive, with neither having managed to secure a win before this encounter. And the pressure showed initially. Both teams had a slow start. Attacks and circle penetrations were hard to come by for them, while the focus was on maintaining possession. Still, Ashish managed to open the scoring through a PC for Strikers. After a bit of a struggle, Royals too came back in the match, just before the half-time hooter, with Raushan scoring on the reverse. It was an excellent run of play as he dodged a few in the circle, found some space on the left, and then executed the shot to draw parity. Rajdhanis defence was largely good, but the slightest of mistakes of leaving Shahrukh unmarked meant he scored from just inside the circle, through a reverse flick. There was no looking back from that moment for Sanskardhani. Ashish converted yet another PC to take his tournament total to 9 goals. Shahrukh again struck, with a minute left in the third quarter, after getting a solid pass right in front of the post from the right flank. It was only a question of increasing the lead now. Nonetheless, Lalit got on the scorers sheet too for Rajdhani, when he got one into the net, on the rebound from a PC. That also marked the end of the proceedings, with Ashish winning the striker of the match award, and Shahrukh clinching the Player of the Match award.

India to host SCOs first Civilisational Dialogue Forum; Pakistan Minister invited

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) India will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organisations (SCO) first Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi from November 20 to 22, with Pakistans Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurungzeb Khan Khichi, among those invited to attend, diplomatic sources said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the three-day forum, which will bring together representatives from more than 25 countries at Purana Quila, the historic 16th-century fort in the national capital. The Ministry of Culture is partnering with the Ministry of External Affairs to organise the event. The choice of Purana Quila as the venue underscores Indias emphasis on highlighting its historical and civilisational continuum while hosting a major multilateral cultural event. The gathering is expected to feature discussions on civilisational linkages, cultural diplomacy and collaborative initiatives in the fields of heritage, education and traditional knowledge systems. The initiative was proposed by Prime Minister Modi at the SCO leaders summit in Tianjin in 2025 and was subsequently adopted by the grouping. Culture ministers from all 10 SCO member states, including Russia, China, the UAE, Iran and Belarus, have been invited, along with representatives from observer and dialogue partner countries. Pakistan has yet to confirm who will represent it at the forum. If Minister Khichi attends, it would mark the first visit by a Pakistani minister to India since the SCO foreign ministers meeting in Goa in 2023, which was attended by Bilawal Bhutto. Despite strained bilateral relations, India has continued to engage with Pakistan within the SCO framework. In September 2026, India sent its SCO National Coordinator Alok Dimri to Islamabad for a meeting ahead of Pakistans presidency of the grouping and the planned SCO leaders summit scheduled for August 2027. Officials said the Civilisational Dialogue Forum aims to promote cultural understanding, shared heritage and people-to-people exchanges among SCO member states and partner countries. With participation expected from a wide range of countries, the forum is being viewed as an important platform for dialogue under Indias SCO engagement.

13-goal blitz! India show no mercy as Mandeep runs riot at ACT hockey tournament

India began their Asian Champions Trophy title defence with a crushing 13-0 victory over Bangladesh. Mandeep Singh scored a hat-trick, while Harmanpreet Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Hardik Singh netted twice each. India dominated from start to finish, leading 6-0 at half-time. The defending champions will next face China on Thursday, while Bangladesh prepare to take on Malaysia.

'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' launched to counter Gandhi family's 'self-centric' interests: Nitin Nabin

Digital Desk | Panaji, Oct 27 (IANS) BJP president Nitin Nabin on Tuesday remarked that the nationwide 'Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy' campaign has been launched by the party to counter the Gandhi family's functioning of working only for its own interests, while accusing the Congress of being frustrated and desperate. Nabin made the remarks during a BJP event in Panaji. He is on a two-day visit to Goa. Addressing a gathering, the BJP chief criticised Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's aap remark, saying: Whenever Congress leaders become frustrated and desperate, they resort to insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parents by making derogatory remarks. I would like to tell the Congress president that it is because of this culture and conduct that the party is declining today. There is still time to introspect and reform. Otherwise, there may come a time when there will be no one left willing to associate with the Congress. Referring to the person whose remark Kharge was responding to at the Bihar event, Nabin said: He was a Congress worker himself who admitted that if the party continues on this path, Narendra Modi will continue to remain in power, while adding that Congress workers themselves are holding up a mirror to the leadership, but the party refuses to learn. Accusing Congress of sidelining democracy with the imposition of 'Emergency' under then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Nabin targeted the Gandhi family. For them, the Constitution only means the wishes of one family. Whatever that family desires, they want it to become the law of the land. But that will never happen. The people of India understand this very well...This family lives for itself and works only for its own interests. That is why the BJP has decided to launch the campaign Save Democracy, Remove Anarchy across the country. We believe in directly engaging with the people and exposing the true faces of those who mislead them, he said. Further accusing the grand old party of adopting double standards, Nabin said: When the public elects them, they say democracy is alive. When voters reject them, they claim democracy is under threat. If they win in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, or West Bengal, democracy is functioning. If they lose, democracy is endangered. The public can clearly see this double standard and hypocrisy. He alleged that Congress leaders often walk away after coming up with presentations and allegations, saying: I would like to say that even a BJP 'Mandal President' is capable of answering Rahul Gandhis questions. We are ready for debates in Parliament, on the streets, or on any platform. Maintaining that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have been conducted earlier as well, the BJP chief underlined that India's electoral system has a process which ensures that citizens exercise their right to vote. Decisions regarding proper voter identification and voter rolls are made through an established process, he emphasised. He said that the Congress also conducted the SIR during its tenure and was supported by the then-Opposition rather than being questioned. Accusing the Congress of misusing Constitutional institutions, Nitin Nabin alleged: There is a long list of Election Commission officials who, after retirement, were rewarded by Congress governments. The party cannot answer questions related to it. But the people of the country have all the answers and give a befitting reply to the Congress from time to time. Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focused towards working on women-based development that focuses on welfare and empowerment, Nabin said: That is why numerous schemes have been launched to empower women, enhance their skills, and improve their rights and opportunities. We believe that when a woman becomes empowered, not one but two families become stronger, and consequently, society itself becomes stronger. While reiterating PM Modi's resolve to implement the 'Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam', the BJP chief stated: We are confident that under the BJP-led governance, women will receive their rightful representation (in the Parliament and state Assemblies). Meanwhile, Nabin referred to Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi's Smash the Patriarchy remark, questioning the Congress party's hesitation surrounding discussions related to women's rights and dignity. I would also like to ask Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders why they remain silent when allegations of misconduct against 11 female students emerged at Delhi's JNU, involving a Congress MP? Why is the Congress mute on such matters? he asked. One can understand that their (Congress) sole purpose is to spread anarchy in the country. This shows that they are not genuinely concerned about womens dignity. If they truly cared, they would have sought immediate action against the MP and taken a clear stand, he stated. Citing the BJP-led government's schemes for women, skill development programmes for youth, and startup initiatives, the BJP chief said: Congress, however, continues to focus on dividing the youth. Their political strategy revolves around creating divisions in society...But the youth of India reject this approach. They support the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and a Developed India rather than anarchy. They see the expansion of entrepreneurship and new opportunities taking place under PM Modi's leadership. Therefore, so-called attempts to spread negativity and divide society will not succeed, he asserted. Moreover, Nabin accused the LoP of insulting the tribal community while citing the Congress leader's Goa visit. When Rahul Gandhi visited Goa and was presented with a Kunbi shawl as a symbol of respect for the tribal community, he could not handle it properly. He had done something similar with a 'gamosa' in Assam as well. Someone who has insulted the countrys first tribal woman President would hardly understand the significance of symbols of respect, he remarked. Meanwhile, the BJP president urged party workers in Goa to set up 'Jan Samvad' programmes over the next two months to inform the public about the work undertaken by the party at the national, state and booth levels and also organise a separate programme to reach out to first-time voters. The dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 can be realised only if the BJP remains strong, because the Opposition lives only for itself. The party will fulfil its resolve to make the lotus bloom once again in Goa in 2027, he asserted.

India calls for building sustainable cities to meet global climate goals

Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 27 (IANS) Indias Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Tokhan Sahu, on Tuesday called for collective efforts to develop sustainable cities to fulfil global climate commitments and create better opportunities for future generations. He was addressing the second edition of the ARISE Cities Forum, which kicked off at the India Habitat Centre here, bringing together over 200 delegates from more than 50 cities across 18 countries representing the Global South. From resolve to planning, from planning to implementation, and from implementation to resultsthat should be our way of working. Our goal is to build cities where development reaches every section of society and creates, the minister said. Themed From Bharat to Antalya Commit. Implement. Deliver, the Forum features 3 technical plenaries and 14 technical sessions, focusing on the experiences of local governments from the Global South region in advancing urban resilience, sustainability, and equitable and low-carbon development. The discussions feed into the Delhi Declaration on Local Action for Global Climate Goals 2026, which will be adopted on Wednesday at the forum and presented at COP31 in Antalya, Trkiye. Country Representative, UN Women India Shoko Ishikawa, called for gender-responsive and inclusive urban development. She said, Drawing on the lessons gained from our initiatives in India, there are three priorities: integrate gender equality into urban planning, climate policies and investments; invest in urban infrastructure and services that strengthen women's safety, mobility and economic participation; and institutionalise women's leadership and accountability in urban climate action. She added that UN Women looks forward to working with the ARISE Cities Forum to carry this agenda forward so that women and girls help shape the cities of tomorrow she s Director of the National Institute of Urban Affairs, Debolina Kundu, noted that the theme of this year's Forum, From Bharat to Antalya Commit, Implement, Deliver, reflects the urgency of moving from climate commitments to action. As we look towards COP31, it is important that the experiences, priorities and solutions emerging from our cities find a stronger place in national and global climate conversations, she remarked. Secretary General of ICLEI, Gino Van Begin, also spoke of the potential of urban local governments, stating, Cities are developing innovative solutions, building functioning partnerships and demonstrating pathways towards more resilient, inclusive and sustainable futures. Their experiences and priorities must have a stronger voice in global processes such as the UNFCCC COPs, and this is what the ARISE Cities Forum aims to achieve. Day 1 of the ARISE Cities Forum 2026 featured 2 Plenary sessions and 8 technical sessions. The discussions, featuring high-level representatives from city governments, state-level bodies, embassies, UN agencies, development institutions, and experts, spanned topics such as the need for strengthening multilevel action to translate global climate commitments into measurable action on the ground, climate-resilient water management and sustainable energy transition in cities, urban biodiversity and nature-positive cities, positioning entertainment and culture as an actionable lever for systemic urban resilience, building resilient coastal cities and communities, and integrating public health and child- and youth-focused initiatives with climate-resilient urban planning. A Memorandum of Understanding was also exchanged between Global Buildings Performance Network (GBPN) and ICLEI South Asia.

India vs Bangladesh Hockey LIVE, Asian Champions Trophy 2026: India's Score Enters Double Digits After 3 Goals In 1 Minute | IND 11-0 BAN

India vs Bangladesh Hockey LIVE, Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Hosts and favourites India take on underdogs Bangladesh in their first preliminary round game of the Asian Champions Trophy.

Rahul Gandhi and Opposition are trying to create disorder: Nitin Nabin

Nitin Nabin addressed the Goa BJP executive committee, highlighting the need for discussions focused on development. He accused opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi of avoiding these discussions and creating disorder instead. Nabin emphasized the BJP's commitment to fulfilling promises made to the electorate in various states. He expressed confidence in securing over 50 percent of votes in the 2027 Goa assembly polls.

Rajnath Singh Announces 2.12 Lakh Crore Defence Push: What Will Indias Forces Get?

Indias defence self-reliance push is entering a new phase. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for Aatmanirbharta 2.0, with a focus on advanced technologies, stronger research and development, and resilient supply chains.The goal is to move beyond domestic manufacturing and import substitution towards developing cost-effective, operationally superior and globally competitive defence technologies.In this video, we explain what Aatmanirbharta 2.0 means, how India is encouraging defence start-ups and private-sector innovation, and why technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, cybersecurity, semiconductors and advanced sensors are becoming critical to modern warfare.We also examine the challenges India must overcome, from critical-material dependencies and supply-chain vulnerabilities to faster testing, procurement and the transition from research to battlefield-ready systems.Subscribe to The Times of India for more defence explainers, military analysis and geopolitical updates.#Aatmanirbharta #DefenceTechnology #IndianDefence #DefenceHQ

Goat-butting row: Man gets life term for punching neighbour to death in Bengaluru

Calgary Flames Historic Streak Reveals A Surprising Toronto Maple Leafs Connection

The Calgary Flames beat the Toronto Maple Leafs to extend a 60-game winning streak when scoring four-plus goals. Devin Cooley and an improved offense are driving a strong turnaround after a terrible season start.

India must embrace future technologies, lead world in creating them: PM Modi

New Delhi, Oct 27: India must embrace future technologies, innovate boldly and lead the world in developing them, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday and asserted that the country is moving forward with a new mindset and a newfound self-confidence in the field of science and technology. Addressing the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave (ESTIC)-2026 here, he also said the countrys goal is to create new technology and shape its direction for India, for the world, for today, and for tomorrow. India must embrace technology of the future, innovate boldly, and lead the world in creating them, Modi said. Today, 21st-century India is moving forward with a new mindset and a newfound self-confidence, he said. During his address, the prime minister highlighted that from the discovery of zero to the development of the number system and advancements in astronomy, Indias culture has always been rooted in knowledge and discovery. The country is currently carrying this scientific heritage forward with modern technology and renewed confidence, he said. Speaking about nuclear energy, he stated that building a Viksit Bharat requires nuclear energy on a large scale, and thats why India is developing fast breeder reactor technology. The prime minister noted that it was a significant milestone when the countrys first indigenous prototype fast breeder reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, attained criticality in August this year. Modi also said the countrys successes achieved across different sectors are unprecedented. For instance, first shipments of chips made in India have now started reaching the world, he said. In the field of battery storage as well, we are working on capacity building using what is available in India, said the prime minister. Underlining the milestone achieved in the space sector, Modi said the July mission of Indian firm Skyroot Aerospace, which involved the launch of the countrys first privately developed orbital rocket Vikram-1, and placing of multiple technology demonstration payloads in low Earth orbit. From nuclear to space, from AI to semiconductors... The needs of all these sectors are different, but the message from all of them is the same. India is enhancing both its strength and its confidence in emerging technologies, said Modi.

Safety and counselling centre inaugurated in railways' Jammu division

Jammu, Oct 27: Northern Railway has inaugurated a safety and counselling centre in Jammu division to strengthen safe train operations and promote employee welfare, officials said. The facility was inaugurated by Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Jammu, Vivek Kumar. The centre has been specially established for loco pilots, guards and other running staff to provide them counselling, safety awareness, guidance and support, with a focus on mental well-being and fostering a positive work environment, they said. Speaking on the occasion, Kumar said safe train operations remained the top priority of the railways. He said the facility would enhance employees safety awareness, improve their mental health and promote a better work-life balance, further strengthening the railways commitment to the goal of Together for Safe Train Operation.

Murugappa Gold Cup: Last-gasp goal keeps IOCL in semifinal race

3-year-old scores goals, then police arrive: What happened at a Florida youth soccer game as parents claim he was kicked out for being too good

A youth soccer game in Florida escalated when police intervened due to a dispute involving a 3-year-old player. The child's parents claimed he was asked to leave for being too talented for his peers. Meanwhile, the league organizer suggested the boy was pushing other players during the game. The Winter Park Police Department clarified that no one was arrested or forced to leave the park.

No plan to raise ethanol blending in petrol above 20 pc: Hardeep Puri

Digital Desk | Betul (South Goa), Oct 27 (IANS) Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Tuesday said the Centre has no immediate plan to increase the ethanol blending in petrol above the current level of 20 per cent. During an interaction at the inauguration of the 29th Energy Technology and Innovation Meet in South Goa, Puri also claimed that misinformation was being spread about biofuels. In so far as biofuels are concerned, yes, the 20 per cent ethanol blending was the target, and there is no desire, just now, to increase it by more than 20 per cent, he said in reply to a question. He also said that misinformation was being deliberately spread about E20 (20 per cent ethanol-blended petrol). The government has been promoting ethanol-blended petrol as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, which is the leading factor behind the countrys current account deficit. The country has already rolled out E20 fuel, containing 20 per cent ethanol and 80 per cent petrol. Puri said he saw a social media post which claimed that vehicles had stopped and were facing breakdowns, implying that the government stopped selling the blended fuel. He said that E20 blended fuel was compatible with the vehicles. There was some problem with the older vehicles which were manufactured before 2003, the minister pointed out. He said the introduction of E20 petrol helped the country save Rs 1,60,000 crore, of which Rs 1,40,000 crore was given back to farmers. The farmers have become Urjadata (giver of energy) from Annadata (giver of food), he remarked. Asked about problems reported by the E20 fuel users, Puri said, I think there was a problem with the transportation of the blended fuel. The tankers which were used for transportation were also used for other things. As far as the engine damage story is concerned, someone had made the claim and the particular automobile manufacturer has filed a case against him, he pointed out. The minister said the misinformation about the E20 (fuel) was a contrived narrative. Six crore vehicles go to the dispensing stations every day. If engine damage was caused, you could have seen the vehicles all over the place, he added. The Road Transport Ministry on Monday notified changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, allowing flex-fuel vehicles that can run on up to E100 (near 100 per cent ethanol). Flex-fuel vehicles are designed to run on higher ethanol blends such as E85 (85 per cent ethanol, 15 per cent petrol) and E100 (near 100 per cent ethanol). Leading auto manufacturers such as Toyota, Tata Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company are also developing flex-fuel vehicles for the Indian market. The minister was speaking at the inauguration of the meeting with the theme: 'Accelerating Energy Innovation From Research to Commercialisation' organised by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at South Goa's Betul village.

When US national parks closed in 2020, scientists tracked 229 mammals in 14 parks; animals near developed areas began using those spaces differently from before

Recent research reveals that the temporary closure of US National Parks led to notable shifts in wildlife behavior. During the pandemic lockdown, certain animals, like wolves and mountain goats, avoided human interactions. However, parks that became busier saw mule deer and red foxes engaging more with human spaces. This study sheds light on how diverse species adapt differently to human presence within these protected areas.

Maha govt approves amendments to PPP Policy 2026 to accelerate infrastructure development

Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 27 (IANS) In a significant move to boost infrastructure growth and streamline project execution, the Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday approved the key structural and procedural amendments to its Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy 2026. The updated framework follows cabinet approval and aims to bring greater clarity, administrative simplification, and efficiency to infrastructure projects across the state. The PPP framework is anchored on point 100 of the Viksit Maharashtra @ 2047 vision document. A Viability Gap Funding (VGF) allocation of Rs. 200 crore has been provisioned for the financial year 202627. Following requests from the Maharashtra Institution for Transformation (MITRA) for enhanced clarity and simplification, a total of 11 specific policy amendments have been advanced. The proposed modifications address various operational stages of project development and governance. The policy introduces clear definitions for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and establishes updated guidelines regarding developers and project authority ownership/risks in instances where the policy is not applicable. To reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, one tier of scrutiny by the Network Planning Group committee concerning in-principle project approvals has been omitted. Additionally, the Chief Executive Officer of MITRA will now be invited to meetings of the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee during PPP project approval phases. Projects involving Government assistance, land, or premiums up to Rs 25 crore will require formal approval from the Empowered Committee. Projects valued at Rs 25 crore and above will require approval from the Cabinet Infrastructure Committee (CCI) based on recommendations from the Empowered Committee. The policy refines provisions governing Project Development Funds (PDF), departmental project evaluations, development through Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), project sanctions, and the engagement of Transaction Advisors (TA) and Law Firms. A major addition to the framework is the introduction of a new policy concept under Clause 13 (Asset Monetisation). This initiative is designed to unlock revenue by enhancing the economic value of public assetssuch as land and buildingsthat are not commercially viable for standard PPP development, provided they remain consistent with the goals of the Viksit Maharashtra @ 2047 vision. Under the updated PPP guidelines, projects follow a systematic progression from inception to completion. Preliminary feasibility studies, public interest evaluations, and Value for Money assessments will be conducted by the concerned department, with optional Project Development Fund (PDF) support. Formulation of techno-economic feasibility reports, draft RFPs (Request for Proposal) and concession agreements will be made alongside transaction advisors and law firms. Securing mandatory initial approvals (EC/CCI) prior to market launch will be followed by transparent competitive bidding evaluated on a single financial parameter. Final award approvals, execution of concession agreements with selected developers or SPVs, and rigorous implementation monitoring will be done by the Empowered Committee, with grievance mechanisms established for issues exceeding Rs 5 crore.

EC orders transfer of key officers in 5 poll-bound states

The Election Commission has directed five states - Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand - to transfer officers involved in election work ahead of the 2027 assembly polls. This move, a standard practice for fair elections, targets officers in their home districts or those completing three years in a district by May 2027, covering various administrative and police roles.

ISL 2026-27: FC Goa look to regain momentum against Sporting Delhi

Digital Desk | Margao, Oct 27 (IANS) FC Goa return to Indian Super League 2026-27 action on Wednesday as they host Sporting Club Delhi, who are searching for their first points after two consecutive defeats. FC Goa have played just once in the league so far, drawing 1-1 with Chennaiyin FC, and will be eager to rediscover their rhythm after a spell away from domestic action that ended in an exit from the AFC Challenge League. Head coach Gouramangi Singh stressed the importance of returning with a win, insisting his side must show the same intensity, commitment and concentration they expect of themselves. Every game is important. Our game against Delhi is particularly important for us. Since we are back now (from Asian competition), we want to start with a win, he said. Forward Christian Chiki Borrego has been in good scoring form, finding the net in his last four games across competitions. However, the attacker is focused on the teams results rather than his individual tally. I prefer scoring goals for getting wins, he said. Sporting Club Delhi, however, will be no pushovers. Their opening two matches have followed a similar pattern: they led Bengaluru FC 2-1 at half-time before losing 3-2, then took a 1-0 lead against Mohun Bagan Super Giant before suffering a 2-1 defeat. Despite those results, head coach Tomasz Thorez remains confident in his sides performances. I am very happy with the performance of the team. I think we played a very good game. We repeated what was a very good first-half performance in Bengaluru. We were dangerous and created a lot of chances against a strong opponent, but unfortunately we couldn't score more goals. Defender Clarence Fernandes acknowledged the need to see games through after SCD let leads slip in both outings. We should know how to hold the lead, he said The fixture also marks a return to familiar surroundings for SCD defender Sanatomba Singh Yanglem, who previously represented FC Goa. The Gaurs won the sides last meeting 1-0 in February, with Dejan Drai scoring the winner. Bob Jackson Raj is expected to be available for Goa, while Harsh Patre and Aakash Sangwan are set to be sidelined for a while.

Goa Shipyard launches next-gen offshore patrol vessel INS Srishti

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