La Liga: Hansi Flick confirms squad rotations as Barcelona prepare to visit Levante
Digital Desk | Madrid, Sep 12 (IANS) Manager Hansi Flick confirmed squad rotations as FC Barcelona returns to Valencia on Sunday to face Levante, a week after its 5-0 win at Mestalla Stadium, which sent his side top of La Liga with a 100 per cent record and 17 goals from its first four matches. Barcelona carried its league form into its Champions League opener on Thursday with a 5-1 thrashing of Feyenoord at a rain-soaked Camp Nou Stadium, and Flick must now manage his squad through a run of three games in a week before the first international break of the season. We are very happy to be playing at this level, but we know we have to show it in every match. We have great quality but need to maintain our intensity and focus. If we lose any of those things, it won't be good, Flick said at his pre-match press conference on Saturday, as quoted by Xinhua. Eric Garcia will wear a protective face mask on Sunday after breaking his nose in a collision with Rodrigo Hernandez that kept him out of the midweek win. Flick said he would continue his policy of squad rotation, with Xavi Espart likely to return at left back, Marc Bernal coming into midfield, and Anthony Gordon and Fermin Lopez also set to return to freshen up the attack. That's part of the game, and the players have to accept it, said the coach, adding he has wo or three players capable of playing in every position. We have three different profiles (of forwards), but Gordon, (Karim) Adeyemi, and (Dani) Olmo can also play, as can Fermin. We have several options, said Flick, who also highlighted the incredible Raphinha. Levante drew 0-0 away to recently promoted Malaga last weekend in a game in which it had less than 40 per cent of possession, and coach Luis Castro will expect his side to do plenty of defending on Sunday afternoon. Levante has failed to score in three of its four matches this season but stunned Betis with a 5-2 win at its Ciudad de Valencia Stadium in its last home game, with Roger Brugue scoring twice. Levante played really well against Betis. They are well-structured and know how to play on the attack, so it will be a good, competitive match, Flick said.
Why were 21 houses on private farmland demolished, Gauhati High Court asks Assam government
Court says the action of the revenue authorities in Goalpara district was prima facie illegal and unauthorised, and violated the principles of natural justice
The 2026 leg of the BRICS Summit stands out in more ways than one, mainly because of how India, the hosting nation, is steering the agenda and goals away from conventional geopolitics and trade into new realms of digital payments, AI innovation, quantum technology, and more to make the bloc sustainable in the wake of global issuesborn out of conflicts and to navigate around the conflicts that arise out of tussle between the big players, particularly the West.
Congress insults 'Vande Mataram' for minority appeasement: Karnataka BJP
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 12 (IANS) Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President B.Y. Vijayendra alleged on Saturday that the Congress is willing to stoop to any level to appease minorities and is even insulting the national song 'Vande Mataram' for political gains. Addressing the Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations organised at the state BJP headquarters Jagannath Bhavan, Vijayendra alleged that Congress, which he accused of supporting slogans such as Pakistan Zindabad being raised inside the Vidhana Soudha, was now insulting 'Vande Mataram', a song that inspired patriotism among people during the freedom struggle. He said the BJP, in contrast, believed in the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and was working for the welfare of all communities. Congress says one thing and acts differently when it comes to reservations and various other issues, Vijayendra said, alleging that while the BJP wanted to take the country forward by bringing all communities together, Congress was attempting to appease one community to secure votes. He alleged that Congress, having realised that it could not remain in power without relying on its guarantee schemes, was now attempting to mislead people through the Bharat Jodo organisations and return to power. He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set a goal of making India a developed nation by 2047, ensuring development in every sector and justice for the last person in society. Prime Minister Modi is leading the country with the feeling that he is not the Prime Minister but the 'Pradhan Sevak' (prime servant), he added. Vijayendra said the BJP government under former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had worked to provide justice to backward communities. He added that that 37 of the 71 Ministers in Prime Minister Modi's Union Cabinet belonged to backward communities and said several schemes, including those for Vishwakarma communities, had been implemented. Calling the Golla community another name for self-respect, Vijayendra said members of the community might face poverty but were known for their self-respect. He added that the BJP would make efforts to ensure that the Golla community received opportunities similar to those available through reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Congress government is doing injustice to all communities in the state. The Golla community must progress economically, socially and educationally and should also get political representation, he said. He accused Congress of shedding crocodile tears over reservation issues while allegedly working against the interests of communities. Vijayendra said Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was daydreaming about becoming the Chief Minister again after the 2028 Assembly elections. D.K. Shivakumar is dreaming that he will become Chief Minister of Karnataka again in 2028. But he also knows that this dream will not come true, he said, adding that nobody could stop the BJP from returning to power in the 2028 Assembly election. He said the BJP would work to fulfil the aspirations of the Golla community after forming the government in the state. Vijayendra also claimed that the BJP's 'Ballari Chalo' padayatra had achieved unprecedented success and accused the Congress government of betraying the people of Karnataka in the name of its five guarantee schemes. He alleged that the Congress government in the state was looking to use its power to push projects such as a tunnel road, Bidadi township and a Kanakapura airport, while having little concern for poor people and farmers. He also alleged that despite plans to form Bharat Jodo youth organisations, the state government was ignoring the increase in gambling and drug mafias across the state. They (Congress government) are promising money for youth organisations, but are not filling vacancies for around 2.5 lakh posts, Vijayendra alleged. Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, MLA and former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan, Legislative Council Chief Whip Ravi Kumar, Legislative Council member and OBC Morcha president Raghu Kautilya, Yuva Morcha state president and MLA Dheeraj Muniraju, former national vice-president of Mahila Morcha Poornima Prakash, party leader M.D. Lakshminarayana, state media convener Karunakar Khasale and leaders of the Golla community were present.
Indonesia boosts efforts for 2030 mercury-free goal: Deputy Minister
Punjab Lions Bowler Takes Field After Grandfather's Death
Ludhiana Lions' Krish Bhagat played an important Sher-E-Punjab T20 League match against Amritsar Soormas, dedicating a crucial wicket to his late grandfather, Chunni Lal Bhagat, a former Cabinet Minister. Krish shared how his grandfather's journey from Pakistan inspired him and spoke about his own early start in cricket, his family's support, and his focus on team goals in the league.
Indian Junior Women Hockey team cement their place in Asian summit clash
Indian Women was one step away from retaining the Junior Asian Cup Hockey title as they entered the summit clash, swamping South Korea 5-1, in the semifinals here on Saturday. Drag flicker Supriya did the star turn with a hat-trick of goals by ...
Supriyas three goals powered India past South Korea as defending champions moved closer to another continental title.
BRICS 2026: India's Chance To Make Diplomatic Gains
For India, the goal is not simply to host another grand diplomatic gathering. It is to prove that a diverse coalition of emerging powers can still deliver.
AstraZeneca's breast cancer drug fails in late-stage trial
AstraZeneca's breast cancer drug Etcamah did not meet its main goal in a late-stage trial. The drug showed only a numerical improvement when combined with palbociclib. This marks a setback for the recently approved treatment, which received accelerated approval. U.S.-listed shares of AstraZeneca experienced a decline in aftermarket trading. Trial data will be shared by the company in due course.
NIA raids 10 locations in Jammu and Kashmir in LeT-linked cross border terror case
In a significant operation, the National Investigation Agency executed searches at ten different locations in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing ties to a cross-border terror plot involving handlers from Pakistans Lashkar-e-Taiba. Incriminating materials were gathered and are under scrutiny. This investigation was initiated following the arrest of an Over Ground Worker discovered with a grenade and ammunition, with the goal of exposing the full extent of the cross-border terrorism infrastructure.
NSC vs KVP: Compare maturity value, interest rates and investment periods for a 1 lakh Post Office investment. Find out which scheme offers higher returns, understand tax benefits and choose the option that suits your financial goals.
Soha Ali Khan shares why she keeps missing her 10k steps goal: After 2,467 obstacles, I give up
Soha Ali Khan has once again used social media to highlight the difficulties of navigating Mumbais roads and sidewalks. The actor, who is known for maintaining a regular fitness routine, recently shared a light-hearted video explaining why completing her daily target of 10,000 steps is not always as easy as it sounds. In the video shared on Thursday, Soha can be seen stepping out with the intention of finishing her daily walking goal. However, her attempt soon turns into a series of unexpected obstacles. As she makes her way along the road, she comes across animal poop on the sidewalk, a broken manhole cover, roadwork, a large crane and a man sleeping on the pavement. She also appears to point out situations where pedestrians may have to wait or carefully navigate the area to avoid accidents. After encountering several such hurdles, Soha eventually decides to abandon her walking plan and try again the following day. Sharing the clip on social media, she wrote, I really try to get in my 10k steps every day but after 2,467 obstacles, I give up. While the post was presented with humour, it also drew attention to the everyday challenges faced by pedestrians in the city. This is not the first time Soha has spoken about the condition of Mumbais roads and public spaces. Earlier in February, the Rang De Basanti actor had shared a video showing a damaged sidewalk near her neighbourhood. She pointed out the potential danger posed by the broken section, especially for pedestrians who could accidentally fall into it. Along with the video, she wrote, Just a relaxing evening stroll navigating sidewalks that collapse into death traps. Before that, Soha had also raised concerns about ongoing road construction in Mumbais Bandra area. She shared a picture showing her daughter Inaaya carefully standing on a muddy and damaged stretch of road surrounded by barricades, debris and construction material. Through her social media posts, Soha has repeatedly highlighted pedestrian safety and the difficulties caused by damaged sidewalks and ongoing roadwork in Mumbai. Also Read : Soha Ali Khan reveals why she considered hiding her The Art of Seduction And Speak Easy books from daughter: Shes eight and she can read now, she might ask questions
Padikkal's captaincy move has a bigger goal
Top-order batter Devdutt Padikkal discusses his new role as India A captain, viewing it as a valuable learning experience that will positively influence his batting ahead of the upcoming New Zealand tour. He also reflects on his recent good form and the challenges of adapting to different playing conditions.
Anurag Kashyap-backed Little Thomas, starring Rasika Dugal and Gulshan Devaiah, gets release date
Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap is returning to childrens cinema with Little Thomas, starring Rasika Dugal and Gulshan Devaiah. The release date for the film has now been announced. Directed by Kaushal Oza, the childrens film is set in 1990s Goa and follows a young boys simple wish to have a younger brother. Little Thomas will release in theatres on October 23.
Anand Mahindra has called for India to focus on trust and patient experience rather than low treatment costs alone to strengthen its medical tourism industry. He suggested Goa and Visakhapatnam (Vizag) could become the next medical tourism hubs by combining their flight connectivity and hospitality infrastructure with world-class hospitals and specialists. He also urged emerging cities such as Amravati and GIFT City to plan health districts, while stressing that building a strong medical ecosystem could take 15 years.
'Hunger Remains The Same': Shami After Special 100 FC Matches As 'circle Comes Around'
New Delhi: India's veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami reflected on his recent accomplishment of competing in 100 first-class matches during the Duleep Trophy 2026 final for East Zone. Shami, who has been out of the Indian team for quite some time now, called playing 100 matches always special and highlighted that his hunger remains the same as before. 100th match is always special, whether you score a hundred and raise your bat for the first time or you play in 100 matches, it is a very long journey, a long sacrifice and a goal of your life, Shami said in a video shared by BCCI Domestic. It's a dream to play 100 first-class matches, make your state proud, play matches in different places, in different conditions and pick wickets; it's a big thing, it's a dream, he added. Shami's 100th FC game coincided with East Zone playing the Duleep Trophy final against South Zone, and East Zone went on to beat them. Shami was 21 when East won their maiden Duleep Trophy title in 2012, and he was a vital cog in their third title 14 years later. This is very special because it's your 100th match and you have the Duleep Trophy final, and if you win that, it's like a lifetime memory in your life. Last time the East Zone won, I was there, and now, after those years, I am still present here as the circle comes full. 100th match and the Duleep Trophy final win, it's really special for me. Hunger is the same, I think- the hunger for the wicket, the passion to run; it's the same as before. Now only one thing has changed; at that time I didn't know anything, now I know planning, plotting, and maturity is more, so that's the only difference, but I don't think anything else has changed, he said. The 36-year-old, who took 2/42 in his short spells in the final, reflected on the past struggles and pain in life, but emphasised that passion keeps one driving forward. Hunger is the same, I think- the hunger for the wicket, the passion to run; it's the same as before. Now only one thing has changed; at that time I didn't know anything, now I know planning, plotting, and maturity is more, so that's the only difference, but I don't think anything else has changed, he said. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories The same fight, the same passion, the same passion takes us forward and gives us the opportunity to perform for so many years, so I think you should be a good fighter, so I don't think it's very difficult, he concluded. Article Source: IANS
Supriya's hat-trick fires India into Junior Asia Cup final after thrashing win over South Korea
India moved into the final of the Hockey Junior Asia Cup after a commanding 5-1 win over South Korea in the first semifinal. Drag-flick specialist Supriya rose to the occasion and scored three goals from penalty corners to help India dominate the proceedings.
Tiafoe in tears after heartbreaking US Open defeat
Frances Tiafoe discusses his U.S. Open semi-final loss to Ben Shelton, acknowledging the need to improve his match-closing ability. Despite the defeat, he expresses pride in his season, which will see him re-enter the world's top 10, and reaffirms his goal of becoming a Grand Slam champion.
Joint AAP-GFP hoardings fuel alliance buzz ahead of Arvind Kejriwal's Goa visit
Displaying the slogan, Don't let them cheat you the third time, the hoardings bearing the symbols of both parties signal an imminent pre-poll arrangement between Kejriwal's party and the Vijai Sardesai-led fold for the 2027 state elections.
As per Gurgaon-based product manager Shivank Goel, embarking on a professional journey presents unexpected adulthood challenges. Strengthening friendships necessitates conscious effort and organized schedules amidst busy lives. Many also begin to take charge of their parents care as they age. Often, the pursuit of financial security comes at the cost of personal dreams. Thus, adulthood is less about achieving a goal and more about continual adaptation to lifes changes.
Can Isprava make bespoke luxury villas at scale?
Ten years on, Ispravas villas in Goa and Alibaug offer a window into how Indias wealthy are rethinking the second home
Perspectives on willpower play a crucial role in tackling difficult tasks. While some consider it a scarce resource, others find it invigorating. Research indicates that those with a limited view are prone to selecting easier challenges, whereas fostering a belief in limitless willpower encourages the pursuit of tougher goals. Such insights highlight the motivational power of mindset in achieving aspirations.
Back from the brink, Bayern Munichs Musiala feels pure happiness
Scoring a goal pure happiness. I just want to perform well again and to get back to my level step by step, playing with a sense of ease, joy, and fun on the pitch said Musiala
Will involve Gen Z, Alpha, Beta to achieve Telangana's economic goals: CM Revanth Reddy
In a marathon speech in the Assembly on Friday night, the CM, who holds the education portfolio, said his government aims to increase the state budgets allocation to education to 15%
In 1870, Goats were left on a Seychelles Island; by 1920, they were forcibly eradicated
Two men receive jail terms for violent burglary of Donnarumma
Two men involved in a violent burglary of Manchester City's Italy international goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and his pregnant girlfriend at their home in Paris were on Friday given prison sentences.
Sanctorum North United, New JK United play out 2-2 draw in KSL
Sanctorum North United FC and New JK United FC played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2 on Friday, with both sides sharing the points after an evenly contested encounter. As per a statement issued, New JK United fought back strongly, with Furqan pulling one goal back before Aquib found the net to level the score at 2-2. Despite efforts from both sides to find a winner, neither team could break the deadlock in the closing stages, and the match ended 2-2. In the next fixture, Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC will take on Athwas Hyundai XI FC on Saturday. The result adds another competitive fixture to an increasingly intense Khyber Cement Kashmir Super League Season 2, with teams continuing to battle for crucial points as the tournament progresses.
Your peace is our purpose, aspirations our mission: Lt Gen Sharma
Srinagar, Sept 11:Armys Northern Command remains firmly committed to ensuring peace and tranquillity in Jammu and Kashmir while contributing to nation-building and creating greater opportunities for the regions youth, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma said on Friday. Addressing a function at Army Goodwill Public School (AGPS), Pahalgam, Lt Gen Sharma said the Armys commitment to Jammu and Kashmir extended beyond security and included empowering the people through education, development and opportunities for the younger generation. As we march towards Viksit Bharat, Northern Command will continue to remain committed to nation-building while ensuring peace and tranquillity, Lt Gen Sharma said. He underlined the people-centric nature of the Armys mission in the region, saying, Your peace is our purpose, your aspirations are our missions, and your success is our pride. The Army commander was speaking at an event marking 10 years of the educational partnership between Army Goodwill Schools (AGS) and the Bharti Airtel Foundation, an association aimed at strengthening the educational ecosystem and expanding opportunities for children and youth across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. The event was attended by Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Rakesh Bharti Mittal, Co-Chairman, Bharti Airtel Foundation, Shinei Sharma, Regional President AWWA, Northern Command, besides senior officials of the Army and the Foundation. Lt Gen Sharma congratulated the students for their achievements and appreciated the role of parents and teachers in helping them excel. He said the success of AGS students reflected the impact of quality education, dedicated teachers and sustained efforts to nurture talent. He highlighted that AGS Wuzur secured third position and AGS Uri sixth position nationally in Young Scientist India 2025, while AGS Wuzur also recently figured among the top 10 schools in the Innovation category. The decade-long partnership between AGS and the Bharti Airtel Foundation has expanded considerably, from an initial engagement covering 14 schools to educational initiatives across all 43 Army Goodwill Schools in the region. The collaboration has focused on strengthening institutional leadership, classroom practices, academic management and teachers capabilities, besides promoting technology-enabled learning and implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. A key component of the initiative has been encouraging scientific temperament and creativity among students. AGS Innovation Clubs have facilitated more than 160 student-led projects, with students participating in national platforms such as ISRO YUVIKA, INSPIRE-MANAK and Young Scientist India. Sharing his own experiences as a student, Lt Gen Sharma spoke about the challenges he faced and how determination helped him overcome difficult circumstances. He urged the students to dream big and remain committed to their goals. Dream higher and remain committed to your dreams, he told the students, encouraging them to make the most of the opportunities available to them. Rakesh Bharti Mittal assured continued support to Army Goodwill Schools for the next decade and announced a series of initiatives by the Bharti Airtel Foundation. These include providing books for libraries, sports coaching, additional smart classes, scholarships for higher education and cash incentives for meritorious students of classes 10 and 12.
'Allow easy movement to professionals': Piyush Goyal urges Brics states
Piyush Goyal urged Brics nations to dismantle trade barriers and open markets. He also called for linking payment systems and trading in local currencies. Streamlining customs and promoting services trade were also highlighted by the minister. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized transparent trade and investment practices. The goal is to foster business partnerships and market access for member nations.
GSIDC moots Rs 110-cr govt complex at Morod
NT Reporter Panaji Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has proposed a multi-storey government complex at Morod in Mapusa at an estimated cost of Rs 110 crore, GSIDC chairman and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo saidon Friday. Speaking to reporters, Lobo said the proposedfacility would bring several government departments currently functioningfrom different locations across Mapusa under []
State-wide survey on stray dogs, cattle to begin on Oct 1
NT Reporter Panaji The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, along with urban and rural local bodies, will conduct a state-wide survey of stray dogs, pet dogs and stray cattle from October 1 to 15, following directions from the High Court of Bombay at Goa. The survey will collect area- and locality-wise data to assist []
Margao comunidade must return Rs 67L compensation: HC
NT Reporter Panaji The High Court of Bombay at Goa has dismissed apetition filed by the comunidade of Margao challenging an order directing it to refund over Rs 67 lakh received as compensation for land acquiredfor the expansion of National Highway 17 (now NH-66). The court upheld the directive issued by theCompetent Authority of Land []
Sewage issue at Colvale jail persists despite repeated cleaning, GHRC told
NT Reporter Panaji The sewage problem at the Central Jail, Colvale, has persisted despite repeated cleaning and maintenance work, with the jail authorities informing the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) that temporary arrangements are still being used to clear sewage. The matter had come before GHRC following an email complaint received on August 26 from []
CM rules out change to Official Language Act
NT Reporter Panaji Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday said that Goa state was formed on the basis of language and it would not be appropriate to alter the existing provision under the official language framework. Speaking on the demand to make Marathi a state language along with Konkani, the Chief Minister said that he []
Goa to bring in QR code-based taxi fare system
NT Reporter Panaji The State Transport Authority (STA) has decided to introduce a QR code-based taxi fare system aimed at bringing transparency to charges and reducing disputes between passengers and drivers. Speaking about the decisions taken at a STA meeting, Calangute MLA and Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation chairman Michael Lobo has said an IT-generated []
Piyush Goyal urges BRICS to link payment systems, trade in local currencies
India's Commerce Minister urged BRICS nations to link payment systems and trade in local currencies. He also called for simplified regulations and faster clearance of consignments between member countries. Russia's minister highlighted the bloc's economic power and commitment to sustainable development goals. He noted Russia's success in reducing dollar and euro reliance for its exports. The BRICS summit aims to foster cooperation and strengthen economic ties among member nations.
Brics through the years: India is hosting the summit for the fourth time
The earlier occasions were in 2012 (New Delhi), 2016 (Goa) and 2021 (held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic)
Thou Shalt Be Vegetarian? Abhijit Iyer-Mitra Defends Bengals Durga Puja Traditions
Is eating mutton or fish during Durga Puja against Hinduism? In this episode of Why Should You Care, Political Commentator Abhijit Iyer-Mitra argues that Hinduism has never demanded one uniform diet or form of worship. From Jain-influenced vegetarian practices to the traditional sacrifice of goats and offering of fish in Bengal, Kashmir and Assam, he explains the diversity of Hindu customs.He also questions whether vegetarianism is mandated by the Gita or the Vedasand calls attempts to impose one lifestyle on all Hindus an insecure commentary.Watch the full show on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Z0dp4MIMJ2Y?si=VO1Mop0fhLMgpC_d
Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams retires from Ghana national team
Digital Desk | Madrid, Sep 11 (IANS) Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams on Friday announced his retirement from the Ghana national team after 28 appearances in which he scored two goals. The 32-year-old gave the news in a message posted on social media reading, I feel the time has come to bring my journey with the Ghana national team to an end. I leave happy, proud and with the peace of mind of knowing that I gave everything every time I wore this shirt. The elder of the Williams brothers, who had played once for Spain in 2016, decided to switch allegiance to his mother's homeland after visiting the country with his younger brother Nico, who plays for Spain, in the summer of 2022 and represented the country at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups as well as the 2023 African Cup of Nations. Ghana has given me much more than football. It has allowed me to come back home, feel even closer to my roots and experience the enormous pride of representing my country and wearing this flag on my chest. Ghana will always be a part of me. I will continue supporting the black stars of Ghana as one of you, wherever I am, wrote Inaki Williams. One of the best anecdotes about Inaki Williams and the Ghana national team is how he flew to Bilbao the day after Ghana was knocked out of the 2023 African Cup of Nations to play a Copa del Rey tie at home against FC Barcelona in January 2024. His flight arrived in Bilbao just hours before kick-off of a game where he was decisive, coming off the substitutes' bench to give Athletic Bilbao a 3-2 lead in a game they ended up winning 4-2 on the way to ending 40 years without winning the Cup. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao started their campaign in La Liga on a disappointing note, losing 0-2 to FC Barcelona. Goals from Raphinha in the 37th minute and Fermin Lopez in the 82nd gave Hansi Flick's side a comfortable victory against a rival that failed to register a shot on target. Lamine Yamal looked more threatening than on Sunday night and tested Athletic goalkeeper Unai Simon after 15 minutes. Despite Barcelona dominating possession, it needed a moment of quality from Pedri to thread Raphinha through on goal, allowing the Brazilian to finish in style.
Barca agree new contract with 18-year-old Egyptian Hamza Abdelkarim
Digital Desk | Madrid, Sep 11 (IANS) Spanish La Liga champion FC Barcelona announced on Friday that they have reached an agreement for the 18-year-old Egyptian international striker Hamza Abdelkarim to sign a new contract until the end of June 2030. The news, published on the club's website, comes only months after Barcelona made Abdelkarim's move to the Camp Nou permanent after he initially joined on loan from Egyptian team Al-Ahly. The player formed part of Egypt's squad at the 2026 World Cup, where he became the youngest Egyptian player to ever feature at the tournament. He was then called into Barcelona's squad for pre-season training and impressed, scoring four goals in preparation games, before making his La Liga debut on August 31 in a 5-2 win over Rayo Vallecano, reports Xinhua. One reason Barcelona wanted Abdelkarim to sign a new contract is that his initial deal after joining from Al-Ahly left his release clause at 15 million euros (17.4 million U.S. dollars), and given his progress in recent months, the club believes that is too low and makes the youngster a tempting target for its rivals. Meanwhile, the fifth round of La Liga matches begin in a hectic week in which teams will play three games before the first international break of the year, a run that could further underline Barcelona's control of the table. Valencia's Carlos Corberan is among the coaches whose position could come under pressure as he takes his side to Sevilla. Sunday's painful 5-0 home defeat to Barcelona left Valencia bottom of La Liga with one point from four games, and Corberan also has to contend with a lengthy injury list against a Sevilla side that has two wins and a draw from its opening matches. Elche coach Martin Anselmi also has cause for concern as he prepares to take his side to Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. Athletic have begun to find their rhythm under new coach Edin Terzic and beat Atletico Madrid 3-0 last weekend, while Elche have conceded 12 goals in their opening four games. Anselmi needs to tighten his defense against a rival that will press high up the pitch; otherwise he could be in for another difficult afternoon, and Elche owner Christian Bragarnik is not known for his patience with coaches. Real Madrid are also at home on Saturday, with Jose Mourinho again likely to rotate his squad against Rayo Vallecano. Mourinho's side has shown tremendous firepower in attack, but last weekend's defeat to Betis and a chaotic Champions League win at home to Inter Milan highlighted the need to find greater defensive balance.
Quote of the day by Denzel Washington says, Dreams without goals are just dreams, and they ultimately fuel disappointment. The saying explains why hopes need plans, goals and daily action. Denzel Washington connects commitment, consistency and discipline with achievement. His career also reflects a long path across films, television, theatre and direction, along with Academy Awards, a Tony Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
SPL 2026: Hardy strikes 4 as Nongkseh wallop Meghalaya Police
Shillong, Sep 11: Nongkseh showed just how devastating they can be with a 7-1 demolition of Meghalaya Police in the Shillong Premier League at the SSA Stadium here today. Hardy Cliff Nongbri (5, 12, 55, 87) delivered a captains performance with four goals the first hat-trick of SPL 2026. This was also the biggest [] The post SPL 2026: Hardy strikes 4 as Nongkseh wallop Meghalaya Police first appeared on Highland Post .
Apple Debuts AirPods 5 With Open-Ear ANC And Siri AI
Apple has officially announced the AirPods 5 , introducing active noise cancellation to an open-ear form factor, expanded integration with Apple Intelligence , and improved acoustic hardware. Audio Upgrades and Noise Cancellation The newly launched wireless earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) designed for an open-ear fit, delivering up to 50% greater noise reduction efficiency compared to previous generation open models. Apple has integrated a multi-port acoustic architecture paired with next-generation Adaptive EQ and support for Personalized Spatial Audio , aimed at refining dynamic frequency response and spatial immersion across varied environments. Transparency Mode has also received processing adjustments for more natural pass-through audio. AI Integration and Smart Controls Central to the upgrade is on-device AI connectivity through Siri AI and Apple Intelligence. The earbuds support real-time translation across multiple languages, allowing users to conduct conversations seamlessly through audio prompts. In addition to stem-based swipe gestures for volume adjustment, users can employ hands-free head gestures such as nodding or shaking their headto respond to Siri prompts, answer incoming calls, or manage notifications. Battery Life and Build Battery endurance reaches up to 5 hours of continuous playback with ANC activated, extending to 22 total hours when paired with the charging case. For durability, the earbuds carry improved resistance against dust, sweat, and water . In line with corporate environmental goals, the hardware is built with 40% recycled materials , packaged in 100% fiber-based boxing. Pricing and Availability Apple is offering the earbuds in two distinct hardware configurations: AirPods 5 (Standard Charging Case): Available for $129 . AirPods 5 (Wireless Charging Case): Available for $149 , adding wireless charging functionality alongside stem-based volume slider controls. Preorders open immediately , with general retail availability and shipping scheduled to commence on September 18 across more than 65 countries. Apple Debuts AirPods 5 With Open-Ear ANC And Siri AI , original content from Ubergizmo . Read our Copyrights and terms of use .
Sr Men Inter-Department Nationals: PSPB, RSPB, CAG, AIPSCB reach semifinals
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Sep 11 (IANS) Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB), Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB), Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) and All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB) reached the semifinals of the 6th Hockey India Senior Men Inter-Department National Championship 2026 on Friday. The knockout stages of the event got underway with all four quarterfinals completed on Friday, headlined by a dramatic shootout finish between All India Police Sports Control Board and Food Corporation of India. In quarterfinal 1, Petroleum Sports Promotion Board edged past Sports Authority of India 3-2. Gurjot Singh, Manpreet and Varun Kumar were on target for PSPB, while Sachin Dungdung struck twice for SAI in a losing cause. The quarterfinal 2 saw Railway Sports Promotion Board keep a clean sheet to beat Central Board of Direct Taxes 2-0, with Singh Gursahibjit and Simranjot Singh finding the net either side of half-time. In quarterfinal 3, Comptroller & Auditor General of India came through a seven-goal contest against Punjab National Bank, winning 4-3. Skipper Parmod, Majji Ganesh, Deepak and Angad Bir Singh all found the target for CAG, while Panchal Prikshit, Abhimanyu and Neeraj replied for Punjab National Bank. The day's standout tie was quarterfinal 4, in which All India Police Sports Control Board (AIPSCB) and Food Corporation of India could not be separated after regulation time, finishing 2-2. Mohammad Haris and Shamsher Singh scored for AIPSCB, while Navraj Singh struck twice for FCI to force a shootout. AIPSCB held their nerve from the spot, with Shamsher Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, Vijay Kumar Gond and Mohammed Haris all finding the target, while goalkeeper Malhotra Paras produced the key saves to seal a 4-3 shootout win and send his side through. With all four quarterfinals now decided, the semifinal line-up is confirmed for September 13, with Petroleum Sports Promotion Board taking on Railway Sports Promotion Board in semifinal 1, and Comptroller & Auditor General of India facing All India Police Sports Control Board in semifinal 2. Semifinal line-up: Semifinal 1: Petroleum Sports Promotion Board vs Railway Sports Promotion Board Semifinal 2: Comptroller & Auditor General of India vs All India Police Sports Control Board
PM Modi, Iranian President Pezeshkian hold bilateral meeting on sidelines of BRICS Summit
New Delhi [India], September 11 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in the national capital on Friday, as the two leaders continued discussions on strengthening India-Iran ties and cooperation in multilateral forums. This meeting came after both leaders addressed the BRICS Business Forum 2026 alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. PM Modi was seen holding hands and walking with Pezeshkian alongside the other leaders at the forum, underscoring solidarity among leaders of the expanded grouping as they discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, innovation and global development. The bilateral meeting also comes against the backdrop of Pezeshkian's remarks at the Leaders' Session of the BRICS Business Forum, where he called for stronger economic cooperation among BRICS countries and a transition from potential cooperation to operational one. We believe that the true strength of BRICS is not confined merely to the size of its members' economies; rather, it becomes more apparent when these capacities are transformed into a network of trade, investment and joint financing a transition from potential cooperation to an operational one, Pezeshkian said. He also said that geopolitical uncertainty, disruption in supply chains and the increasing use of economic instruments to exert political pressure have made the economic environment more complex. The world today is going through one of its most complex periods. Geopolitical uncertainty, disruption in its supply chains and the increasing use of economic instruments to exert political pressure have made the economic environment in which countries operate more complex. The question is, what is BRICS response to these challenges? he said. Pezeshkian arrived in the national capital to attend the BRICS Summit earlier today, with the Ministry of External Affairs highlighting the longstanding civilisational ties between India and Iran and their shared commitment to progress and prosperity as BRICS partners. In a post on X, the MEA said that Minister of State for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur received the Iranian President at the airport. Pleased to welcome President of Iran, Dr Pezeshkian at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. He was warmly received by MoS Shantanu Thakur at the airport. India and Iran share civilizational ties, marked by robust cultural and people-to-people bonds. As BRICS partners, the two countries are working to contribute to shared progress and prosperity, the MEA said in its post. Ahead of his departure from Tehran, Pezeshkian had said that the goal of BRICS was to confront unilateralism and expressed hope that the grouping would move closer to that objective. The goal of BRICS is to confront unilateralism, and the slogan of the current summit is also within this framework, and we hope to get closer to this goal day by day. Of course, we know that economic issues are complex and we need new approaches to reduce totalitarianism and unilateralism in the world, he said. Pezeshkian had earlier met Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek. During that meeting, PM Modi reiterated India's readiness to closely cooperate with Iran in multilateral organisations, including BRICS and SCO, and expressed New Delhi's resolve to expand and diversify bilateral trade channels with Iran. The Iranian President also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Iran and India and the scope for expanding areas of common interest. Our presence at this summit is a good opportunity to meet and discuss with various officials, including those from China, Russia, Brazil, India, and other countries, he said. India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. India's Chairship is guided by the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, with development, sustainability and innovation forming key areas of focus. BRICS has emerged as an important platform for coordination among major emerging economies and for advancing the interests of the Global South in multilateral institutions. Its agenda covers development, finance, technology, trade and people-to-people exchanges. The grouping currently comprises 11 countries -- Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE. India's BRICS Chairship comes amid global economic fragmentation, technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, climate change and resource pressures. The expanded grouping provides a platform for cooperation on development, climate action, technology, energy and financial resilience, while also contributing to discussions on reforms in global institutions. For India, the 2026 Chairship is focused on translating the expanded representation of BRICS into meaningful cooperation and tangible outcomes, while building consensus among its diverse members and strengthening the effectiveness of existing mechanisms. (ANI)
Chelsea's Joao Pedro wins the Premier League POTM award after four goal contributions
Digital Desk | London, September 11 (IANS) Striker Joao Pedro has been named the Premier League Player of the Month for August after playing a key role in Chelseas winning start to the 2026/27 season. The 24-year-old Brazilian striker scored twice and provided two assists in Chelseas opening two Premier League matches, helping the Blues secure victories against Fulham and Brighton & Hove Albion. The award is the first Premier League Player of the Month honour of Joao Pedros career and makes him the first Chelsea player to win the monthly prize since Cole Palmer in September 2024. Joao Pedro also became the seventh Brazilian to receive the award, joining Juninho, Edu, David Luiz, Lucas Moura, Rodrigo Muniz and Igor Thiago. The former Brighton forward made an immediate impact in Chelseas opening game of the season against Fulham, scoring just 31 seconds into the match with a clever flick over goalkeeper Bernd Leno. He later set up Palmer for the decisive goal as Chelsea secured a 3-2 victory. Pedro continued his impressive start in Chelseas first home match of the campaign against his former club Brighton. He found the net with a composed finish for Chelseas third goal before again providing the assist for Palmer to score the winning goal in a thrilling 4-3 victory. His four goal contributions in the opening two matches helped Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign with back-to-back wins. Joao Pedro topped an eight-player shortlist for the August award, which also featured teammate Palmer, Arsenals Riccardo Calafiori, Manchester Citys Rayan Cherki, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Brentfords Mamadou Sangare, Hull City goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis and Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa. The Brazilians performances have provided Chelsea with a strong attacking presence at the start of the new campaign, while his combination with Palmer has already proved decisive in securing important points. Chelsea are currently placed at fourth position in the points table with six points in three matches. They will next face Hull City on Saturday.
Quote of the Day by Mariah Carey: Mariah Careys quote, Never listen to anybody who tries to discourage you explores the importance of self-belief, determination, and staying focused on your goals. The quote suggests that people should not allow negative opinions or discouraging voices to weaken their confidence or prevent them from pursuing their dreams. It encourages individuals to trust their abilities, remain motivated, and continue moving forward despite criticism or doubt from others.
'Focus on winning a gold for India': Wrestler Sunil Kumar ahead of Asian Games after 2022 bronze
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) India's Greco-Roman wrestler Sunil Kumar has set his eyes on the gold medal at the upcoming Asian Games as he looks to go all the way after winning a bronze in Hangzhou 2022. Kumar, who competes in the 87kg category, began his journey in the sport in his village and has now turned out to be one of the top wrestlers in the Indian contingent heading for the Asian Games. I started wrestling in my village, and in the beginning, it was just something I enjoyed doing. But as I grew and started competing, I began to think that I wanted to do something for my country, not just for myself. That thought has stayed with me ever since, and it is what pushes me even today, said Sunil. Kumar has his focus on winning a gold medal as he looks to build on the recent training camp in Uzbekistan. My full focus right now is on winning a gold medal for the country at the Asian Games. Everything I am doing is working towards that one goal. We recently had a training camp in Uzbekistan, and it went very well. The Uzbek wrestlers are very good, and there were a few gold medallists from 2022 training there as well. Training alongside wrestlers of that level pushed all of us to get better, he said. The grappler has had his own share of battles with injuries over the years. He underwent knee surgery last year and admitted that fear of getting hurt never fully goes away for any wrestler, even at his level. However, Kumar also sees this as something that every athlete fears. I had knee surgery last year, so I know what it feels like to go through an injury. The fear of injury is always there at the back of your mind; no wrestler can say that they don't feel it. But if injuries were not a part of this sport, then anyone would have been able to do what we do. Everyone carries a little bit of that fear; it is just part of playing this sport at this level, he said. The Asian Games 2026 remains Kumar's top priority, but he is also keeping an eye on the next phase of his career as he looks for an Olympic qualification next year. Once the Asian Games are done, my preparation for the Olympics will begin properly from 2027, when the qualification events start. That will be the next big target for me, he said. The grappler has also had the backing of the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) for the support that carried him through that period. After my knee surgery, IIS supported me a lot through my rehab. They gave me access to a really good gym and made sure I had everything I needed to recover properly. Because of that support, my comeback went well, and honestly, once I came back from rehabilitation, my body actually felt stronger than it did before the injury, he said.
India beat Malaysia as Anmol leads defending champions to Junior men's Asia Cup final
Defending champions India secured a 3-1 victory over Malaysia to reach the final. Captain Anmol Ekka scored two crucial goals from penalty corners for the Indian team. Goalkeeper Vivek Lakra made several vital saves, including stopping a penalty stroke. India will now face the winner of the Pakistan and South Korea semi-final. This win marks India's fourth consecutive appearance in the Junior Asia Cup final.
India Beats Malaysia, Enters Junior Asia Cup Final
Defending champions India, led by captain Anmol Ekka's two goals and goalkeeper Vivek Lakra's crucial saves, defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the AHF Men's Junior Asia Cup semi-final. India will now compete for their fourth consecutive and sixth overall title against the winner of the Pakistan vs South Korea match.
She had no training. No running shoes. No proper running equipment or uniform. Lata Bhagwan Kare started running not to fulfil a childhood dream or to achieve fitness goals but for love. She desperately needed money to afford an expensive MRI scan for her husband, who had suffered a heart attack.
Mbappe, Haaland, Yamal lead a record-breaking Champions League Matchday 1
Kylian Mbappe continued his march up the all-time Champions League scoring charts, moving level with Raul on 71 goals and into fifth place.
New Delhi , September 11: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in the national capital on Friday to attend the 18th BRICS Summit, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) underlining the longstanding civilisational ties between India and Iran and their shared commitment to progress and prosperity as BRICS partners. In a post on X, the MEA said that Minister of State for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, received the Iranian President at the airport. Pleased to welcome President of Iran, Dr Pezeshkian at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. He was warmly received by MoS Shantanu Thakur at the airport. India and Iran share civilizational ties, marked by robust cultural and people-to-people bonds. As BRICS partners, the two countries are working to contribute to shared progress and prosperity, MEA said in its post. Pezeshkian is also scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi later in the day. Speaking ahead of his departure from Tehran, the Iranian President said, The goal of BRICS is to confront unilateralism, and the slogan of the current summit is also within this framework, and we hope to get closer to this goal day by day. Of course, we know that economic issues are complex and we need new approaches to reduce totalitarianism and unilateralism in the world. According to Iranian media ISNA, before travelling to India, Pezeshkian, referring to the importance of the BRICS summit, said, Independence, solidarity, sustainability, resistance, and innovation are the slogans of the summit, and economic, financial, industrial, and trade issues will be discussed at this summit. A special bank has been formed within the BRICS framework, and we are going to see investment from countries so that interactions between countries and members can be carried out without dependence on the dollar, thus reducing America's totalitarianism with the dollar, he added. The Iranian President had earlier met Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. He is now set to continue his engagements in New Delhi with a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister. Pezeshkian also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Iran and India and the scope for expanding areas of common interest. Our presence at this summit is a good opportunity to meet and discuss with various officials, including those from China, Russia, Brazil, India, and other countries, he said. Reiterating India's readiness to closely cooperate with Iran in multilateral organisations, including BRICS and SCO, Prime Minister Modi, during his meeting with the Iranian President in Bishkek, expressed New Delhi's resolve to expand and diversify bilateral trade channels with Iran, emphasising the country's dedication to deepening historic ties across multiple domains. India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12-13. India's Chairship is guided by the theme Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability, with development, sustainability and innovation forming key areas of focus. BRICS has emerged as an important platform for coordination among major emerging economies and for advancing the interests of the Global South in multilateral institutions. Its agenda covers development, finance, technology, trade and people-to-people exchanges. The grouping currently comprises 11 countries -- Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE. Collectively, the BRICS members account for around 49.5 per cent of the global population, 40 per cent of global GDP and 26 per cent of global trade, according to background information on India's 2026 Chairship. India's BRICS Chairship comes amid global economic fragmentation, technological disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, climate change and resource pressures. The expanded grouping provides a platform for cooperation on development, climate action, technology, energy and financial resilience, while also contributing to discussions on reforms in global institutions. For India, the 2026 Chairship is focused on translating the expanded representation of BRICS into meaningful cooperation and tangible outcomes, while building consensus among its diverse members and strengthening the effectiveness of existing mechanisms. (ANI)
Ancient spice route may have shaped Keralams Malabari goats genetic legacy, study shows
Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University researchers have reported the first complete mitochondrial genome of the Malabari goat. The findings provide molecular evidence supporting the possibility that goats moved along the historic Indian Ocean Spice Route
Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo Left Red-Faced After Massive Blunder, Amid Chase For 1000th Goal
Portuguese football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo made a tactical blunder during Al-Nassr's recent game in the Saudi Pro League.
Highlight: Among Premier League full-backs who played at least 900 minutes last season, Lewis Hall led the entire division for high-speed runs and underlapping runs per game, and ranked in the top three for dribbles completed. Despite that, Hall missed out on England's World Cup squad entirely. Newcastle have just signed him to a new contract running until 2031, a two-year extension, and turned down interest from Manchester United to keep him. Somewhere in the Premier League's underlying numbers sits a genuine contradiction. Lewis Hall, Newcastle's 22-year-old left-back, statistically outran, out-underlapped and out-dribbled every other full-back in the division last season. England's World Cup squad didn't include him anyway. Newcastle, apparently having seen the same numbers everyone else is only just catching up on, have responded by tying him down until 2031. What do the numbers actually say? Among full-backs who played at least 900 minutes in the Premier League last season, Hall led the entire division for both high-speed runs and underlapping runs per game, and ranked in the top three for dribbles completed. Those aren't vague eye-test impressions. They're the specific underlying metrics used to separate genuinely elite full-back performances from merely solid ones, and Hall topped the list outright in two of them. He's backed the numbers up with substance against real opposition too, keeping Barcelona's Lamine Yamal quiet from open play during a Champions League fixture, no small feat against one of the most dangerous wingers in Europe. This season alone, he's already set up two goals, continuing to function as a genuine attacking outlet rather than a purely defensive full-back. So why did England leave him out? That's the part without a clean answer. Hall missed out on England's World Cup squad entirely, despite leading the league in the exact profile of stats that usually get a modern full-back noticed. Competition for places in that position is genuinely fierce at international level, and being statistically strong domestically doesn't automatically translate into a squad slot when selectors are weighing form, tactical fit and experience all at once. Still, the gap between leads the Premier League in his position and ot selected is wide enough that it's becoming difficult to explain away as simple bad luck. What does the new Newcastle contract actually involve? A two-year extension on Hall's existing contract, tying him to the club until 2031. Hall, who joined Newcastle from Chelsea in 2023 as a boyhood supporter of the club, has made 106 appearances since arriving, and called signing the extension an absolute pleasure, describing representing the club's supporters as something he doesn't take lightly given his own family's connection to Newcastle. Did Manchester United's interest play into the timing? It's hard to ignore that it might have. Just a month before the new deal was announced, Manchester United great Peter Schmeichel told new Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle that his old club were keeping an eye on Hall. Jaissle's response left no room for interpretation: No chance, he said. Whether that exchange directly sped up contract talks or simply reflected a decision Newcastle had already made, the timing lines up neatly with a club moving to protect a player it clearly rates more highly than England's selectors currently do. Lewis Hall, the numbers PL ranking (900+ min full-backs) 1st for high-speed runs and underlapping runs per game; top 3 for dribbles completed England World Cup squad Missed out New contract Runs until 2031 (two-year extension) Age 22 Appearances for Newcastle 106 Joined from Chelsea, 2023 Goals set up this season 2 What did Jaissle say about him? Warmly, and with real specificity about what he sees in Hall's game. Lewis covers ground in a way that few players can, the Newcastle boss said, praising his defensive maturity and the technical level that allows him to support attacks higher up the pitch. Jaissle also pointed to Hall's mentality as central to why he's convinced there's more still to come, describing a player who wants to learn and improve in every match rather than one who's settled into a finished level. What happens now? The club situation is settled either way. Newcastle have shown, through both the contract and Jaissle's own words, exactly how highly they rate him, and there's no transfer uncertainty left hanging over his season. The open question is entirely about England now: whether a player leading the league in the specific metrics that usually define a modern full-back eventually forces his way back into a squad that's currently overlooking him, or whether Newcastle end up being the only club that fully backed him at the right moment.
BRICS Summit 2026: From Millets to Mithai, Whats on the Menu?
BRICS has evolved into a key platform for emerging economies to advocate for greater representation in global governance, reform international financial institutions, strengthen trade and investment links, and advance sustainable development goals.
Parag Patil, a 47-year-old athlete from Badlapur, has won 22 international Masters athletics medals for India, including four gold, 10 silver and eight bronze. Despite his achievements, he works as a cab driver in Mumbai while continuing to train and fund his sporting career. His journey has involved loans, fundraising and significant family sacrifices, including his wife Sunita's mangalsutra being pledged as collateral. Patil's next goal is to win 100 international medals for India.
Sun Tzu, the ancient strategist, profoundly emphasized the significance of preparation and intelligence for achieving strategic victories. His insights prioritize accomplishing goals with the least conflict and financial burden. In contemporary settings, this guidance proves invaluable for addressing business and personal hurdles alike. By fostering adaptability and situational awareness, Sun Tzu's enduring wisdom continues to steer decision-makers toward effective leadership on the global stage.
Fay Fernandes wins Miss Goa International as First Pageant Held in UK
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Fay Fernandes wins Miss Goa International as First Pageant Held in UK The inaugural Miss Goa International 2026 was held in the UK, with London-raised Fay Fernandes taking home the crown. The post Fay Fernandes wins Miss Goa International as First Pageant Held in UK appeared first on DESIblitz .
AI researchers express concerns about potential human extinction and enfeeblement. These fears stem from loss-of-control scenarios and deliberate human misuse of AI. Highly intelligent AI agents might pursue their own goals, disregarding human well-being. Misaligned AI could view humans as obstacles to achieving their objectives. Catastrophic scenarios also include societal breakdown from cyberattacks and novel bioweapons.
UCL matchweek 1 records: Yamal surpasses Mbappe, Bayern touch 900-goal mark
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal impressed again as bigwigs kicked off their Champions League 2026-27 campaign with wins. Yamal scored and provided two assists as Barcelona defeated Feyenoord 5-1 in their UCL opener. Paris Saint-Germain hold the top spot in the 36-team table after matchweek 1 in Europe's top-flight, while Bayern brushed aside Bodo/Glimt 5-0. Returning to the UCL after a two-year absence, Manchester United handed debutants Sabah a 4-0 drubbing in their opener. Here, IANS take a look at some of the top stats from matchweek 1. Yamal breaks Mbappe's record for most goal contributions as a teenager in Champions League history after a goal and two assists. The 19-year-old now has 23 goal contributions in the UCL (12 goals and 11 assists) after contributing to three goals in the UCL opener. Mbappe had 20 contributions as a teenager. Meanwhile, FC Bayern Munich have become just the second club to register 900 goals in the UCL, becoming just the second team after Real Madrid (1139) to reach the mark. They beat Bodo/Glimt 5-0 to now tally 904 goals in the competition. Harry Kane's goal-scoring run continues as the England internarional netted once in the 5-0 win. He has now scored goals in eight consecutive UCL games, making him just the fourth player with eight or more straight games with goals. Only Cristiano Ronaldo (twice), Robert Lewandowski (twice) and Ruud van Nistelrooy have achieved the mark. Azerbaijan club Sabah made their debut in the Champions League and lost to United 4-0. However, they have set a unique record as they have become the first-ever team to name a starting XI of players of 11 different nationalities in their first game at the UCL. Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe and Federico Valverde scored in Madrid's 2-1 win over Inter Milan in their UCL opener. Although Real were not that impressive, Mbappe scored and has now become the joint fifth-highest goal-scorer in UCL history, levelling Raul Gonzalez. He is now behind only Ronaldo (140), Lionel Messi (129), Lewandowski (109) and Karim Benzema (90).
Mourinho seeking 'killer' Vinicius as Real Madrid face Rayo
The Brazilian remains one of the key players of the modern Madrid era, having scored the winning goal in the Champions League final in 2022 and netting again as Madrid won the showpiece in 2024.
Supplyco advances Keralams SDG goals through affordable food, farmer support: Study
The recent assessment highlights Supplycos multifaceted approach in enhancing food security and supporting local farmers, revealing substantial savings for households and a significant impact on poverty reduction and nutrition access across Kerala.
India Inc aligns Viksit Bharat vision with business strategies, disclosures: Report
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 11 (IANS) India Inc is increasingly aligning the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision with their business strategies and disclosures, with aerospace and defence, automobiles and banking emerging as the strongest sectors to meet the national development agenda, according to a report released on Friday. The State Bank of India (SBI) Research report said its NLP-based analysis of 66 annual reports of 33 companies shows that this ambition is also increasingly embedded in corporate disclosures, with governance and digital transformation emerging as prominent cross-cutting themes. Its in-house Viksit Bharat Disclosure Index ranked aerospace and defence highest, followed by automobiles and banking, indicating these sectors are most actively linking corporate priorities with the goal of building a developed, self-reliant and globally competitive India by 2047. The sectoral analysis further revealed differentiated pathways towards development. IT is particularly oriented towards Digital Transformation, Energy towards Innovation, Power towards Sustainability, while Banking combines Governance, Digital Transformation and Human Capital, said the report. The Sapta Dhara mapping reinforces this multidimensionality, with Technology and Innovation, Manufacturing, Connectivity and Infrastructure and Green and Blue Economy emerging as the strongest areas of corporatenational convergence, while Defence, Agriculture & Food Production and Soft Power retain more domain-specific relevance. The future-oriented disclosures add a forward-looking dimension, signalling investment, expansion, technological upgrading, capacity creation and strategic transformation rather than merely reflecting current performance, with Banking, Automobiles and Aerospace & Defence showing the strongest future-oriented language, followed by Metals and Food Processing, said the report. It further stated that corporates must move beyond broad thematic references and embed the Viksit Bharat priorities into their business strategies, capital expenditure plans, technology adoption, supply chains, workforce development and measurable sustainability targets. Sectors such as Power and Electrical Equipment require stronger alignment. Greater emphasis is needed on renewable-energy integration, grid modernisation, energy storage, smart equipment, indigenous manufacturing, research and development, and workforce skilling, it noted. Banking, IT, automobiles, pharmaceuticals and other sectors must act as key enablers by providing finance, digital solutions, clean technologies, innovation and resilient supply chains to sectors where alignment remains relatively weak. Companies should establish time-bound targets, outcome-based indicators and transparent disclosures to demonstrate how their investments contribute to national development priorities, said the SBI report.
Digital Desk | Bengaluru, Sep 11 (IANS)The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the ambitious 'Udyoga Nidhi' scheme to boost industrial investment and job creation in the state's backward districts, Minister for IT/BT and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge has said. In a statement on Thursday, Kharge said the scheme aims to create one lakh new jobs in 11 backward districts and reduce regional inequality in the state. Under the scheme, eligible Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and industrial establishments that create additional employment will receive an incentive of Rs 2,500 per additional employee per month for a maximum of 24 months, he said. He further stated: The government will provide an annual grant of Rs 305 crore for the scheme. The incentive will be released only after verification of new recruitment and salary payments to employees. This is to ensure that assistance reaches only those industries that actually create new jobs and retain them, ensuring transparency and accountability in implementation. The scheme will encourage the establishment of new industries and expansion of existing ones in 11 backward districts, including Kalaburagi, Bidar, Raichur, Yadgir and Bagalkot, he said. The objective, the Minister said, is to prevent industries and jobs from being concentrated only in major cities like Bengaluru and to take investment to different parts of the state. Increased local employment opportunities will also reduce the need for youth to migrate to distant cities in search of jobs. The 'Udyoga Nidhi' will be implemented in coordination with the state government's 'Yuva Nidhi' scheme. While Yuva Nidhi focuses on support and skill development for youth to get jobs, Udyoga Nidhi will provide direct incentives to industries that create jobs. Development should not be limited to Bengaluru or a few cities. Investment and employment opportunities should reach every part of the state. Our youth should not have to leave their hometowns and districts for jobs. Our government's goal is to create good job opportunities in their own regions and enable them to build their future there, Priyank Kharge said. Udyoga Nidhi is not just an industrial incentive scheme, but a result-based job creation programme. The government will support industries that create jobs and also ensure that those jobs are actually created and salaries are paid, he added. The Minister said Udyoga Nidhi will be an important step towards building a balanced and inclusive Karnataka by taking investment, industry and employment to backward regions of the state.
Fadte bags squash title in Denmark
Goa-based Fadte defeated Denmarks top-ranked player Magnus Laursen 3-1 (118, 1816, 711, 114) in the summit clash.
Subs made an impact, but need to defend better Xabi Alonso
The Blues were in danger of crashing out following Tarik Muharemovics opener and a Brenden Aaronson goal soon after the interval.
Red-hot character! Liverpool brush aside Atletico Madrid
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola hails teams fighting spirit as they rally from a goal down to beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in their European campaign-opener
SKUAST-K charts national-to-global transformation roadmap by 2030
Shalimar, Sep 10: The 46th Academic Council meeting of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) was held on Thursday at Vice-Chancellors Conference Hall, Main Campus, Shalimar, with deliberations focused on academic transformation, research and innovation for Universitys transition from National to Global by 2030. The meeting was chaired by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K and Chairperson of the Academic Council, and attended by members of the Academic Council, representatives from sister universities and institutions, and officers and heads of various Divisions of the University. Ram Niwas, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, attended the meeting as special guest. In his address, Prof. Ganai said the University has achieved the goal set in 2022 of moving from Local to National and was now repositioning its goalpost from National to Global. He said that the next phase of transformation would be driven by six key pillars: student diversity, faculty diversity, curriculum transformation, research and innovation, world-class infrastructure, and financial sustainability. Prof. Ganai outlined the milestones to be achieved by 2030, including increasing the international students enrollment to 5% and students from other States/UTs of the country to 35%, taking the Universitys IPR portfolio to over 250 and H-index to 250+, and strengthening faculty diversity by attracting 50+ faculty members from outside the Union Territory, including Professors of Practice and Adjunct Faculty. He further stressed the need for a sustainable mountain development policy, keeping in view the changing global climatic scenario and the growing challenges confronting mountain ecosystems. He said the University should contribute its expertise towards developing sustainable and climate-resilient approaches for mountain agriculture and development. Prof. Ganai expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha; Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah; Minister for Agriculture, Javid Ahmad Dar; Chief Secretary, J&K; other Administrative Secretaries; and ICAR for their continued support and guidance to the University. He also thanked Ram Niwas for his valuable suggestions and inputs during the Council deliberations, which, he said, would help the University advance its vision of becoming a globally recognized institution. Addressing the Council, Ram Niwas said SKUAST-K has demonstrated how an agricultural university could take on a larger role in the higher education landscape and acknowledged the Universitys shift in its goalpost from national to the global level. He said the proposed Centre for Faculty Training and Pedagogy at SKUAST-K has the potential to serve as a model for universities across the country. He also suggested the creation of an Indian Teachers Service on the lines of other national services such as IAS, IFS and IES, to strengthen academic capacity-building across the country. Ram Niwas further suggested that universities should develop predefined five- or ten-year action plans, with clear goals and measurable outcomes, to provide a structured roadmap for institutional development and long-term transformation. Earlier, Prof. Mohd. Altaf Bhat, Director Education, SKUAST-K, delivered the welcome address. Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar and Member Secretary, Academic Council, presented the University Progress Report, followed by the Agenda and Action Taken Report of the previous Academic Council meeting. The meeting also witnessed the release of the revised uniform format for postgraduate theses, prepared by Dr Heena Hamdani, aimed at ensuring greater uniformity and standardisation in thesis preparation and submission at the University. A Ph.D. thesis of Agricultural Engineering student Er. Riyaz Ashraf was also displayed as a model for other research scholars, particularly in view of its additional chapter focusing on research outcomes. Umer Ibni Assad, Deputy Registrar (Academics), proposed the vote of thanks.
Two goals in two games - Sesko gives Man Utd a different threat
Benjamin Sesko's return to Manchester United's starting line-up is well timed ahead of Sunday's Premier League encounter with Manchester City
Pvt beach shacks, huts get Oct 31 registration deadline
NT Reporter Panaji Operators of beach shacks, huts and cottages on private properties have until October 31 to register for a licence, with registration now mandatory for all beach shacks in Goa, including those on government and privately owned land. The requirement follows the newly notified Goa Registration of Tourist Trade (Amendment) Act, 2026. Tourism []
IPB reserves 1L sqm in Quepem fore co-tourism project
NT Reporter Panaji The Goa Investment Promotion and Facilitation Board (Goa-IPB) has reserved 1.04 lakh square metres of privately owned land in Quepem as an investment promotion area for an eco-tourism project proposed by R Silva & Sons. The project envisages the development of cottages and a wellness centre. According to a notification issued by []
Akshat Ayush to take charge as South SP, Verma transferred
NT Reporter Panaji Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Akshat Ayush will take charge as the new Superintendent of Police (SP), South Goa, from September 12, replacing IPS officer Tikam Singh Verma, who has been transferred to Jammu and Kashmir. Ayush is currently serving as ADC to the Governor of Goa. In an order issued by []
Crime branch arrests three in Porvorim shootout case
NT Reporter Panaji The Goa Polices crime branch has arrested Qazu Sheikh (28) and Suraj Acharya (36), both natives of Maharashtra, and Israr Ali (25), hailing from Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the August 28 firing incident in Porvorim in which Shrinivas Nayak, director of Majestic Pride Group, escaped unhurt. The accused are suspected to []
Banking services to be impacted in Goa for 5 days
NT Reporter Panaji Banking services will be impacted in Goa as with the one-day nationwide strike on Friday, banks will be shut for five days till September 15. The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) has given a call for a one-day nationwide bank strike on Friday, September 11, 2026. As a result, banking services []
Scheme offers solatium even in acquittal case
NT Reporter Panaji The state government has notified the Goa Victim Compensation Scheme, 2026 for providing funds for the purpose of compensation to the victim or dependants who have suffered loss or injury as a result of the crime and who require rehabilitation. The victim can claim the compensation even if the offender is acquitted []
India Leads BRICS 2026: Its Importance in a Fractured World
The world is entering a period of profound uncertainty. Wars in Europe and West Asia, rivalry among major powers, disrupted supply chains, protectionist trade policies, climate emergencies and rapid technological change are reshaping international relations. The post-Cold War belief that economic interdependence would steadily reduce conflict has weakened, yet no stable alternative order has emerged. India assumes the BRICS chair in 2026 at this unsettled moment. The groupings expansion has increased its demographic, economic and political weight, while placing it at the centre of debates over multilateralism, Global South representation, financial reform, energy security, technological sovereignty and strategic rivalry. The enlarged BRICS now comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia. Saudi Arabias participation has at times been described differently by official sources, but its invitation itself reflects the groupings expanding reach. Together, the members account for roughly 46 per cent of the worlds population and about 36 per cent of global GDP on a purchasing-power-parity basis, according to International Monetary Fund estimates. Their combined share of global oil production is also substantial, while China and India are among the worlds largest energy consumers and fastest-growing major economies. Indias task should be to make BRICS more effective, representative and development-oriented without allowing it to become an anti-Western bloc. Its leadership can demonstrate that multipolarity need not produce disorder and that cooperation among non-Western powers need not be defined by opposition to the United States or Europe. A larger and more complex BRICS BRICS began with Brazil, Russia, India and China and later included South Africa. Its expansion into the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia has given it broader geographical and economic reach. The new members bring energy resources, strategic waterways, agricultural capacity, manufacturing potential and access to some of the worlds fastest-growing markets. The groupings economic weight is already visible. China and India together account for a large share of global growth, while the Gulf members are major energy and investment centres. Brazil is an agricultural and commodities powerhouse; Russia remains a major producer of hydrocarbons, minerals and fertilisers; South Africa is an important gateway to the African continent; and Egypt controls the Suez Canal, through which a significant share of global trade passes. They also differ sharply in political systems, economic structures and strategic priorities. India and China remain competitors; Russias confrontation with the West has reshaped its relationships; Iran has distinct regional security concerns; Gulf members maintain close Western partnerships; and Brazil and South Africa bring their own developmental and regional perspectives. These differences need not make BRICS ineffective. They can instead support a model of practical multilateralism in which members cooperate where interests converge without requiring agreement on every issue. The danger lies in turning BRICS into an ideological alliance against the West. A focus on development, institutional reform and economic cooperation would make it a constructive pillar of a more balanced international system. The grouping already has examples of practical cooperation. The New Development Bank, established in 2015, has approved more than 100 projects worth over $30 billion, according to its published figures. Its mandate is to finance infrastructure and sustainable-development projects in member and other developing countries. The Contingent Reserve Arrangement, with a committed pool of $100 billion, was created to provide liquidity support during balance-of-payments pressures, although it has not yet become a substitute for the International Monetary Fund. These institutions are still modest compared with the World Bank and IMF. But they demonstrate that BRICS can build mechanisms rather than merely issue declarations. Indias strategic opportunity Indias foreign policy is based on strategic autonomy. It maintains partnerships with the United States, Europe, Russia, Japan, the Gulf, Africa and the wider developing world while participating in the Quad, G20, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and other forums. This is not inconsistency but recognition that todays international system cannot be organised into rigid camps. India should bring this approach to BRICS. The grouping should be judged not by whether it is for or against the West, but by whether it can make global governance more representative, finance more accessible and development more sustainable. Issue-based cooperation offers the best path forward. BRICS can work together on trade, infrastructure, health, food security, energy, technology and financial inclusion even when its members disagree on security matters. Strategic autonomy should mean independent partnerships and policy choices, not isolation. Indias own experience gives it credibility in this regard. During its G20 presidency in 2023, New Delhi helped secure the African Unions permanent membership in the G20 and promoted the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. The G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration also called for reform of international financial institutions and highlighted the concerns of developing countries. India can carry this developmental emphasis into BRICS while avoiding rhetoric that divides the world into opposing camps. Reforming global governance Global institutions still reflect the distribution of power after the Second World War. India, Africa, Latin America and other emerging regions remain underrepresented in the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other bodies whose decisions affect the entire world. India is the worlds most populous country, with more than 1.4 billion people, yet it has no permanent seat on the Security Council. Africa, a continent of 1.4 billion people and 55 countries, also lacks permanent representation. This mismatch between contemporary realities and institutional authority weakens the legitimacy of the international system. BRICS can give collective weight to demands for reform. India should argue that global legitimacy requires representation of major populations, economies and regions. But reform must not replace one hierarchy with another. The objective should be an inclusive system that gives the Global South greater voice, policy space and access to finance, technology and markets. The New Development Bank can support this argument by expanding its lending in local currencies, increasing co-financing with regional development banks and simplifying access for smaller and poorer countries. Its credibility will depend on whether it can offer faster, more flexible and more affordable finance than traditional institutions. From declarations to delivery BRICSs credibility will depend on practical results. India should promote greater intra-BRICS trade and investment by reducing customs delays, improving logistics, harmonising standards and helping small and medium-sized enterprises participate in cross-border commerce. Cooperation should also strengthen supply chains for medicines, food, fertilisers, semiconductors, critical minerals and clean-energy equipment. The economic opportunity is considerable. BRICS countries include some of the worlds largest consumer markets, energy producers, agricultural exporters and manufacturing centres. Yet intra-BRICS trade remains far below its potential because of payment restrictions, regulatory differences, weak transport links and limited mutual recognition of standards. The New Development Bank should expand financing for infrastructure and sustainable development, including public health, water management, urban transport, digital connectivity and climate adaptation. Developing countries need affordable, predictable finance responsive to national priorities. The banks experience in approving projects in renewable energy, transport, water and urban infrastructure provides a foundation, but its capital base and project pipeline must grow substantially. BRICS members should explore increased trade in local currencies and interoperable cross-border payment systems. A common currency is neither necessary nor immediately realistic. The European Unions experience shows that monetary union requires deep fiscal, banking and political integrationconditions that do not exist within BRICS. Indias experience with digital public infrastructure and fast, low-cost payments offers a useful model for improving financial inclusion and reducing transaction costs. Indias Unified Payments Interface processed more than 18 billion transactions in January 2025, according to the National Payments Corporation of India. Its success demonstrates how interoperable digital systems can expand access to formal finance, although international adoption would require strong safeguards for data protection, cybersecurity, consumer rights and national sovereignty. The goal should be efficiency and interoperability, not financial confrontation. Energy, food and technology Energy and food security are now inseparable from national security. Price shocks, export restrictions, sanctions, shipping disruptions and extreme weather can quickly affect economic and political stability. The International Energy Agency projects that global electricity demand will continue to rise sharply through 2026, driven by industry, cooling, electric vehicles and data centres. At the same time, the energy transition is increasing demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and rare earth elements. BRICS members possess or process significant quantities of many of these resources, giving them an opportunity to cooperate on responsible mining, recycling, refining and supply-chain resilience. India should encourage BRICS cooperation on renewable energy, nuclear power, green hydrogen, energy storage, resilient electricity grids and critical minerals. Developing countries will need finance and technology to pursue clean growth without sacrificing development. The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that global renewable-energy capacity exceeded 4,000 gigawatts in 2024, but deployment remains highly uneven. Much of the developing world still faces high borrowing costs and inadequate grid infrastructure. BRICS could help close this gap through blended finance, technology partnerships and common standards for green hydrogen, batteries and renewable-energy equipment. Food security also requires collective action. The Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that hundreds of millions of people continue to face hunger, while climate change, conflict and high input costs threaten agricultural production. BRICS could establish an agricultural resilience programme focused on climate-resistant crops, digital farming, efficient irrigation, storage, research and emergency food coordination. Brazils agricultural research institutions, Indias digital agriculture initiatives, Chinas manufacturing capacity and African members land and labour resources could support practical cooperation. Such a programme should avoid distorting food markets or imposing political conditions on emergency assistance. Technology presents a similar challenge. Artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, quantum computing and digital platforms are transforming economies, but capabilities remain concentrated in a few countries and corporations. The International Data Corporation estimates that global spending on artificial intelligence will reach hundreds of billions of dollars annually before the end of the decade, yet many developing countries lack the computing infrastructure, skilled workforce and regulatory capacity to participate fully. Developing countries risk becoming consumers of technologies designed elsewhere, with limited control over data, standards and intellectual property. India should promote a BRICS innovation partnership supporting joint research, start-up cooperation, technology transfer, digital skills and responsible artificial intelligence. Applications could focus on health, agriculture, education, climate forecasting, disaster management and financial inclusion. Indias CoWIN platform, Aadhaar system and UPI demonstrate the potential of large-scale digital public infrastructure, although any international adaptation must respect privacy, consent and local laws. Open, secure and affordable systems should be accompanied by safeguards for privacy, cybersecurity and democratic accountability. Managing the China question Indias BRICS leadership will inevitably be shaped by its relationship with China. The two countries have unresolved border differences and compete over trade, technology, infrastructure and regional influence. Yet both are central to BRICS and together account for a substantial share of its population and economic output. India should neither underestimate China nor allow bilateral rivalry to paralyse the grouping. The guiding principle should be cooperation where interests converge, competition where they diverge and dialogue where disputes persist. BRICS must not become an arena for Chinese dominance or Indian-Chinese confrontation. India should also ensure that decisions remain transparent, consensus-based and attentive to smaller members. A credible grouping cannot be controlled by any single power. This will require institutional safeguards. BRICS should publish clearer project criteria, strengthen parliamentary and expert consultations, improve data transparency and ensure that new initiatives are assessed for debt sustainability and environmental impact. Smaller members should have meaningful roles in working groups rather than being treated as passive participants. India can also use its chairmanship to separate economic cooperation from unresolved security disputes. That will not eliminate tensions, but it can prevent every disagreement from blocking progress in areas such as public health, climate adaptation, disaster relief and trade facilitation. Keeping the Global South at the centre Developing countries face interconnected challenges of debt, climate vulnerability, food insecurity, technological inequality and limited access to development finance. The World Bank has warned that developing countries face elevated debt-servicing costs and slower growth, while the United Nations estimates that developing countries require trillions of dollars annually to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and climate objectives. They also seek greater influence over international rules. Many countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific believe that the global financial system responds more quickly to crises in wealthy economies than to persistent development needs elsewhere. Indias G20 presidency showed its ability to place development at the centre of global diplomacy. Its BRICS presidency should advance a similar model of developmental multilateralism, linking economic growth with human dignity, sovereignty and sustainability. This requires outreach beyond BRICS membership to Africa, Latin America, Asia and small island states. The groupings relevance will grow if it becomes a platform through which developing countries can articulate shared concerns and obtain practical support. India could convene a regular BRICS-Global South forum on debt, climate finance, digital public infrastructure, health and food security. It could also promote cooperation between the New Development Bank and regional institutions such as the African Development Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. The objective should not be to claim that BRICS speaks for every developing country. The Global South is too diverse for a single political voice. The objective should be to create channels through which its varied concerns receive greater institutional attention. A bridge, not a wall The world does not need another rigid bloc. It needs institutions capable of managing disagreement without turning every dispute into confrontation. India should resist presenting BRICS as a substitute for the G7, NATO or any Western institution. It will be more influential if it remains open to dialogue with all major powers and works alongside existing institutions where cooperation is possible. A constructive BRICS can support reform without rejecting the international system, defend strategic autonomy without promoting isolation and represent the Global South without claiming to speak for every developing country. It can challenge unfair structures while avoiding new divisions. The 2026 presidency is therefore a test of Indias ability to translate its growing international stature into institutional leadership. Success should be measured by concrete outcomes: more development finance, faster payments, stronger health and food-security cooperation, better energy coordination, expanded technology partnerships and a clearer voice for underrepresented regions. If it succeeds, BRICS can become a platform for a more balanced global ordermultipolar without being anarchic, plural without being fragmented and ambitious without becoming hegemonic. Indias message should be clear: the objective is not to replace one centre of power with another, but to create a world with many centres of responsibility. That is the promise of BRICS 2026 and Indias most consequential diplomatic opportunity in a fractured world. (The Author is a geopolitical analyst and a noted legal expert of India)
We live in a generation that talks about mental health more openly than ever before. We have learned the wordsanxiety, depression, trauma, attachment, emotional neglect, burnout, people-pleasing, boundaries. We know how to identify symptoms, name patterns and sometimes even recognise them in ourselves. And that is progress. But perhaps there is something more important than learning the name of a wound. Perhaps we need to learn how to understand where it came from. Because before there was an anxious adult, there was a child who was trying to feel safe. Before there was an adult who could not trust people, there may have been a child who learned, very early, that trusting someone came with consequences. Before there was a perfectionist constantly terrified of failure, there may have been a child who discovered that mistakes changed the way people looked at them. Before there was someone who struggled to express their emotions, there may have been a child who was repeatedly told to stop crying, stop being sensitive, stop making a fuss. We often meet people at the end of their story and judge them for the behaviours they have developed, without ever asking about the beginning. A teenager becomes withdrawn, and everyone asks, Why dont you talk to anyone? A child becomes angry, and the adults ask, Why are you behaving like this? Someone becomes excessively sensitive, and we tell them they need to toughen up. Someone becomes desperate for reassurance, and we call them needy. Someone becomes distant, and we call them cold. Someone becomes obsessed with achievement, and we praise their ambition without wondering why failure feels unbearable to them. We see the behaviour. We rarely see the child who learned it. Psychology has increasingly shown us how deeply our early environments can influence the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. Childhood does not simply pass through us as a collection of memories. Our relationships, experiences and environments can help shape the ways we regulate emotions, understand relationships, respond to stress and perceive our own worth. A child is constantly learning. Not only from what we tell them, but from what we repeatedly show them. They learn whether love is consistent or conditional. Whether mistakes are safe. Whether emotions are welcomed or punished. Whether asking for help brings comfort or humiliation. Whether conflict means temporary disagreement or the threat of abandonment. Whether they are allowed to be childrenor whether they have to become adults too soon. And children are remarkably adaptive. They adapt to survive the environments they are given. The problem is that sometimes the very adaptations that helped a child survive can follow them into adulthood. The child who learned to stay quiet to avoid conflict may become an adult who cannot express what they need. The child who learned to monitor everyones moods may become an adult who constantly reads between the lines of every message and every silence. The child who learned that being useful earned affection may grow into an adult who feels guilty whenever they put themselves first. The child who was never allowed to fail may grow into someone who would rather not try than risk being imperfect. And then, years later, we look at that adult and ask, Why are you like this? Perhaps that is the wrong question. Perhaps the better question is: When did you first learn that you had to be this way? This does not mean that every mental-health difficulty begins in childhood. Human psychology is far more complicated than that. Genetics, biology, temperament, relationships, social circumstances, trauma, ongoing stress and countless other factors shape us throughout our lives. Childhood is not a sentence. It is a foundation. And foundations can be repaired. There is another uncomfortable truth we sometimes avoid: parents are often raising children while carrying their own unfinished childhoods. A parent who never learned how to regulate anger may struggle to teach emotional regulation. A parent who grew up believing that vulnerability was weakness may unknowingly teach the same lesson to their child. And so, without anyone consciously intending it, wounds can travel from one generation to another. That is why understanding our childhood should not become an exercise in blaming our parents for everything that went wrong. It should become an exercise in understanding. Because there is a difference between saying, My parents ruined me, and saying, Something happened in my childhood that shaped the way I learned to protect myself, and now I want to understand it. The second one gives us something the first does not. It gives us agency. Perhaps this is where our modern conversation about mental health needs to go next. We have become remarkably good at naming our struggles. But knowing the label is not the same as healing the wound. Calling someone anxiously attached does not tell us what they are afraid of losing. Calling someone a people-pleaser does not tell us why disappointing others feels so dangerous. Calling someone a perfectionist does not tell us what they believe will happen if they fail. Calling someone emotionally unavailable does not tell us what vulnerability once cost them. A label can describe a pattern. Understanding asks why the pattern had to exist in the first place. And perhaps that is what we owe ourselvesand the children growing up around us. Instead of only asking children, Why are you behaving this way? perhaps we should sometimes ask, What are you trying to tell me through this behaviour? Instead of immediately correcting an angry child, perhaps we should wonder what the anger is protecting. Instead of dismissing a teenager who suddenly withdraws, perhaps we should ask what made connection feel unsafe. Instead of telling a sensitive child to grow up, perhaps we should teach them that having feelings does not make them weak. Because one day, that child will become an adult. And we may meet them again years laterin the form of someone who cannot trust, cannot rest, cannot ask for help, cannot accept love, cannot forgive themselves for making mistakes, or cannot believe they are worthy without constantly proving it. And when that happens, perhaps we should remember: There is still a child somewhere inside that adult. A child who once learned how the world worked from the people closest to them. A child who did not have the vocabulary to explain what was hurting. A child who could not leave. A child who could only adapt. And perhaps healing begins when the adult finally turns back toward that childnot with shame, but with understanding. We cannot rewrite our childhood. We cannot go back and give ourselves every conversation, apology, hug, boundary or reassurance we needed. But we can learn. We can notice the patterns. We can question the beliefs we inherited. We can seek help. We can choose differently. And perhaps most importantly, we can make sure that the children who come after us do not have to spend their adulthood healing from the childhood we gave them. Because maybe the goal of understanding mental health is not simply to become better at identifying what is wrong with people. Maybe it is to become curious enough to ask what happened before the symptoms appeared. To look beyond the behaviour. Beyond the diagnosis. Beyond the label. And to remember that sometimes, behind the adult we are struggling to understand, there is simply a child who learned to survive the only way they knew how. Baiza Mushtaq, alumna GK School of Communication
Are we preparing children for life or just for exams?
The routine is familiar to all of us. Weekly tests, monthly assessments, and term examinations and finally the progress report. My kids have completed their Term 1 examinations, while weekly tests continue without a break. As a parent, I understand the importance of assessment, as it keeps both the parents as well as the teachers updated about the understanding of the topics. But watching this continuous cycle made me think, Are we preparing our children for life, or mainly preparing them for exams? I believe that marks are important but I also believe they can't be the only measure of education. The real world will ask our kids questions that may not have answers in their textbooks. It will require them to communicate, think independently, solve problems, make decisions, use technology, manage money, work with others, handle failure, and adapt to change. These, I think, are the skills that will help them throughout their lives. Term 1 for my kids was followed by a Parent-Teacher Meeting, which in our case (in Kashmir) again focuses more on marks, grades, and academic performance. Instead of asking questions like, How many marks did my child get? Shouldn't we ask what can we do together to help our child grow holistically? Our questions must revolve around the strengths, communication, confidence, interest and decision-making of a child apart from academics. We must understand that our children need practical knowledge alongside academic knowledge. The absence of financial literacy in mainstream education makes our children bad at saving, spending, budgeting and financial decision-making. Young people graduate without understanding how money works; how to manage it, invest it, or grow it. At the same time, they get fewer opportunities to develop entrepreneurial thinking, not necessarily to become entrepreneurs but to learn initiative, creativity, innovation, resilience and problem-solving. Our kids must learn to use technology wisely and responsibly. They should be encouraged to ask questions rather than simply memorise answers. Moreover, our education system needs career counselling in schools. Students should be guided about different career options from an early age. This can help them choose the right career based on their interests and skills. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is indeed a good initiative because it talks about holistic development, experiential learning, skills, vocational education etc but a policy can bring change only when its ideas are actually implemented in our classrooms. A key pillar of NEP 2020 is the transformation of the teachers role from an instructor to a facilitator and mentor. This shift is crucial. Students today need guidance, not just instruction; exploration, not just explanation. But this transformation depends heavily on the availability of the right educators. We need to recruit and train the trainers who bring practical knowledge into the classroom, encourage curiosity and innovation, guide students through real-world problem-solving and move beyond textbook-driven teaching. Without equipping teachers with the right skills and mindset, the goals of NEP 2020 cannot be fully realised. NEP 2020 has laid a strong foundation for the future of education in India. But a policy, no matter how visionary, can only succeed when it is lived in classrooms, not just documented in guidelines. NEP has given us a direction; now it is up to us (the parents, the teachers and the schools) to turn that direction into reality. (The author is the Managing Director, Zum Zum Food Products. Email: tajamul12@yahoo.co.in )
Goa hotelier, Kolkata businessmans son held in online share-trading fraud
A cellular threshold can determine whether herpesvirus becomes active or lies dormant
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we wore masks and kept 2 meters (6.6 feet) apart in an effort to reduce the spread of the tiny droplets we release into the air with every breath, conversation or cough. The main goal was to reduce the number of virus particles
Focus on biodiversity conservation may offer a less divisive path to climate action in Japan
If you want to drum up support for environmental action, putting climate change front and center may not always be the best strategy. A new study by Aya Takagi and Ryosuke Nakadai of Yokohama National University suggests that support for policies that emphasize biodiversity conservation, including conservation measures that also contribute to climate goals, may be less divided along cultural lines than measures explicitly associated with climate change.
MoS Shobha Karandlaje opens Bengaluru MSME technology centre to train 10,000 annually
In Bengaluru, a new Technology Centre has been launched with the goal of training 10,000 individuals each year. This facility is dedicated to enhancing electronics system design and manufacturing skills for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). With comprehensive training and production assistance, this centre aims to significantly uplift the capabilities of MSMEs.
GSMC alleges Assam census staff coercing Meghalaya residents in border villages
Shillong, Sep 10: The Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), Pedaldoba Regional Unit, has petitioned the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, alleging coercive enrolment of Meghalaya residents in Assam census in border villages. Chairman Rimjen Ch. Sangma, in a letter today, alleged that census officials from Goalpara entered villages like Kurung and Saltopgre under Raksamgre [] The post GSMC alleges Assam census staff coercing Meghalaya residents in border villages first appeared on Highland Post .
Quote of the day by Sandra Bullock offers a mature definition of achievement. Success is not a flawless gift wrapped in admiration and applause; it can be complicated, demanding and occasionally uncomfortable. The prickly package may contain opportunities alongside pressure, recognition alongside criticism and freedom alongside responsibility. What matters is understanding what comes with the achievement and consciously deciding whether it is worth embracing. For people chasing ambitious goals, that lesson can change the way they view difficult moments. Instead of asking why success is not easier, they can ask whether the challenges are helping them build a life they genuinely value. Sometimes the thorns are not evidence that the dream is wrongthey are simply part of what makes meaningful achievement real.
Check returns and exit costs before buying non-par insurance plans
Calculate the internal rate of return, assess surrender costs and make sure the long-term premium commitment fits your goal before opting for guaranteed-benefit insurance products
ECB hikes rates from 2.25% to 2.5% as Iran war drives fuel inflation fears
The ECB responded by raising its policy rate to 2.50% from 2.25%, saying inflation was expected to stay above its 2% goal for some time.
Quote of the Day by Sydney Sweeney: Sydney Sweeneys quote, I actually began my career by convincing my parents to let me be an actress when I was 12 with a PowerPoint presentation describing acting and my goals, explores the importance of ambition, confidence, preparation, and determination in pursuing dreams. The quote suggests that achieving a goal often requires more than simply having a passion; it also involves clearly communicating your vision, demonstrating commitment, and having the courage to take action toward the future you want.
