VINIKA VISWAMBHARANNT BUZZ The memory of a police jeep arriving at his school and asking teachers to send students home remains with 77-year-old senior journalist, Gurudas Sawal. It was the eve of Goas Liberation, an event he witnessed as a schoolboy. Decades later, he draws on such memories and years of political reporting in his []
TAG selects Jack Rodson, Normandez for lifetime awards
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In November 2016, real estate firm KBS bought the 16-story building for $54 million in a joint venture with private developer Sterling Bay. Their goal was to turn the retail property into a Class A mixed-use building while preserving its historical architecture. The $16.6 million project took a year to complete. It covered 200,000 square feet of core renovations and 23,000 square feet of interior updates. Figures cited in the 2021 project account put Portland's technology workforce at 60,550 people, making it the 26th-largest tech talent pool in the country.
ISL 2026/27: Jithin strikes at death as NorthEast United FC beat Mohun Bagan SG
Digital Desk | Guwahati (Assam), Oct 12 (IANS) Jithin M.S scored a brilliant winner in the second minute of additional time (90+2) to give NorthEast United FC a 1-0 win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in their first match of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2026/27 at Guwahati on Monday. Introduced at the start of the second half, Jithin made an immediate impact, finding the net in the 90+2nd minute to settle a closely contested encounter and secure all three points for the Highlanders. Both sides started on the front foot, with NorthEast United creating a chance in the opening minute. However, Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Vishal Kaith was alert. The visitors responded with a promising set-piece opportunity in the ninth minute, but Lee Erwins effort struck the woodwork, keeping the scores level. NorthEast United introduced Jithin for Asheer Akhtar at the start of the second half, while Mohun Bagan brought on Manvir Singh for Chhangte. Bagan continued to press forward, but Gurmeet Singh made crucial saves to keep NorthEast United in the game. Bagan made further attacking changes in the 59th minute, bringing on Liston Colaco and Miguel Figueira for Sahal Samad and Lee Erwin. NorthEast United made a double substitution, bringing on Parthib Gogoi and Nikola for Macarton Nickson and Ethyan Gonzalez, respectively, as they looked to strengthen their attack. As the game progressed, NorthEast found greater attacking momentum. The hosts threatened through a cross towards Jithin M.S. in the 71st minute, but Bagan defender Mehtab Singh intervened to deny the forward a clear opportunity. Alaeddine Ajaraie subsequently found the net with a long-range effort, but the goal was ruled out for offside. NorthEast continued to push for a winner, with Nikola firing off target in the 83rd minute. Bagan came close to breaking the deadlock in the 87th minute when substitute Suhail Bhat connected with a cross from Liston Colaco, only for his effort to strike the woodwork. With five minutes of time added, NorthEast mounted one final attack. Vishal Kaith saved the initial effort, but the rebound off the post fell kindly for Jithin M.S., who made no mistake in finding the net. The forward reacted quickest to slot home, sending the home crowd into celebration. The late strike proved decisive as NorthEast United FC held on to claim a memorable 1-0 win over Mohun Bagan Super Giant, opening their home campaign with a crucial three points.
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Bengal: SSB rescues two minors from Mizoram in human trafficking attempt
Digital Desk | Kolkata, Oct 12 (IANS) Troops of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) foiled a human trafficking attempt across the India-Nepal Border. Two minor girls were rescued, and two accused were taken into custody. One of those arrested is suspected to be the key conspirator. Around 5 pm on October 11, personnel of the Border Intelligence Team (BIT), 41 Bn, SSB, who were deployed on the New Bridge, Panitanki, in West Bengal, intercepted a silver-coloured Toyota Hyryder proceeding from India towards Nepal. There were three persons travelling in the vehicle. One of them was Mahesh Bhuralal Tanna (61), a resident of Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The second was Navin Kumar (34), from Muzaffarpur in Bihar. He was driving the vehicle. The third occupant was a 17-year-old girl, a resident of Mizoram. During an on-the-spot preliminary inquiry, the minor girl revealed that she was travelling to Nepal with Tanna, an acquaintance of her father, supposedly for shopping and visiting a casino. She further stated that she had been staying with him at a rented flat near Salugara, Siliguri, lured by promises of employment at his spa centres in Mumbai and Goa, a senior SSB official said. The officials at the site sensed something amiss and alerted the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU) of Sector Headquarters, SSB, at Ranidanga and NGO partner Kosi Lok Manch, Siliguri. Teams immediately rushed to the SSB post at Panitanki for joint counselling and questioning. During sustained interrogation, Tanna confessed that an agent based in Mizoram had sent the minor girl to him about ten days earlier. He claimed that as she was underage, he engaged her as domestic help for Rs 4,000 until she attained majority. However, inspection of the suspect's mobile phone (iPhone) revealed compromising photographs and videos of the minor girl and another unidentified female stored in the 'Recently Deleted' folder, indicating gross sexual exploitation under the guise of employment, the official said. On being shown this evidence, Tanna was forced to admit that a second minor girl had been kept at his rented accommodation near Salugara, Siliguri. The SSB team immediately got into action and sent the information to the local police and NGO team in Salugara. Help was sought from the police as the area in Salugara was beyond the jurisdiction of the SSB. A police team, accompanied by members of the Kosi Lok Manch, raided the rented flat in Salugara in Siliguri and successfully rescued the second minor girl, the official said. Both rescued minors were taken to Kharibari Rural Hospital, where mandatory medical examinations were conducted in coordination with 41 Bn SSB personnel and the NGO team members. Subsequently, the girls, along with Tanna and Kumar, as well as the seized vehicle, were handed over to the Kharibari Police Station. An FIR was registered with the active assistance and coordination of 41 Bn SSB personnel for further investigation and prosecution under relevant statutory provisions. The NGO is coordinating with child welfare bodies for safe institutional care, counselling, and family repatriation of the two minors. Senior officials have appreciated the role played by the SSB personnel at Panitanki. It was their alertness and prompt action in coordinating with other agencies that resulted in the rescue of both girls and the arrest of the person behind the racket. Human trafficking is a major issue along the India-Nepal Border. Recently, six girls from Tripura, including three minors, were rescued while being taken to Nepal to work at a dance bar. The SSB has sensitised its troops and has strengthened intelligence gathering to prevent such crimes. It also works with NGOs working in this field to help the innocent victims.
Adilabad: Drought Forces Shepherds to Travel Long Distances for Water and Pasture
Drought conditions and prolonged dry spells have forced shepherds in Adilabad district to take their sheep and goats to long distances in search of pasture and drinking water.
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NorthEast United Secures Dramatic 1-0 Victory Over Mohun Bagan in ISL Opener
NorthEast United FC clinched a thrilling 1-0 win against Mohun Bagan, thanks to Jithin MSs last-minute goal in their ISL opener. NorthEast United Secures Dramatic 1-0 Victory Over Mohun Bagan in ISL Opener
Best Antivirus for Mac (2026): Tested
Macworld It wasnt long ago that Macs were considered secure enough on their own. But as Apple devices have grown in popularity, macOS has become an increasingly attractive target for attackers . Todays threats are less about traditional viruses and more about phishing, fake updates, malicious downloads, and scams designed to trick users into installing malware themselves. At the same time, AI tools are accelerating vulnerability discovery and exploit development, making rapid patching more important than ever. Apple includes built-in protections such as XProtect and Gatekeeper, and macOS security is stronger than ever. However, these defenses mainly target known threats and cant fully prevent social-engineering attacks or credential theft. Modern antivirus tools with features like anti-phishing protection, malicious site blocking, behavior monitoring, and password and identity safeguards therefore remain essential for Mac users. To see which ones actually defend against todays threats, weve tested the leading antivirus apps for Mac and you can see our recommendations below. Get the best Mac antivirus: Intego ONE Weve tested the top Mac antivirus software using real-world scenarios, performance benchmarks, and independent lab results, alongside usability, performance and reliability checks. Use this guide to find the best antivirus for your needs. Below are our expert picks for 2026, including the best overall, best value, and best free options. Best Mac Antivirus in 2026: At a Glance The best antivirus for Mac in 2026 is Intego ONE , thanks to its Mac-specific design, strong protection, and low performance impact. Norton 360 and Bitdefender are also top alternatives. Scroll down for full reviews and testing results. How we test Mac Antivirus We test Mac antivirus software using real-world scenarios and independent lab data from AV-Test and AV-Comparatives. Starting with a clean macOS system, we downloaded malware samples and visited malicious websites to measure protection against online and offline threats, including Windows-based malware. We also assessed system performance, ease of use and macOS integration, along with features like ransomware protection, VPNs and firewalls. Only products that deliver strong protection without slowing down your Mac make our top recommendations. Best Mac Antivirus: Benchmarks Antivirus AV-Test Protection AV-Comparatives Score Our Malware Detection Performance Impact (Our Tests) Scan Speed Overall Score Intego 6 / 6 Approved 99% Low Fastest 4.7 / 5 Norton 360 6 / 6 Approved 100% Medium Medium 4.7 / 5 Avast One 6 / 6 Approved 99% Medium Medium 4.5 / 5 Moonlock 5.5 / 6 Not available 100% Low Fast 4.4 / 5 Surfshark 6 / 6 Approved 100% Low Fast 4.4 / 5 Avira Free 5.5 / 6 Approved 97% Low Fast 4.4 / 5 AVG Internet Security 6 / 6 Approved 99% Low Medium 4.5 / 5 Bitdefender 6 / 6 Approved 100% Low Fast 4.5 / 5 ESET 6 / 6 Approved 95% Low Fast 4 / 5 Avira 6 / 6 Approved 97% Low Fast 4.4 / 5 We compared independent lab results with our own real-world testing to identify the best Mac antivirus software for 2026. Best Mac Antivirus: Our top picks tested and ranked Weve tested and reviewed the best Mac antivirus software below. Our summaries explain how each product performed, why it ranks where it does, and its key features with links to our full, in-depth reviews. Updated July 3, 2026. 1. Intego ONE Best antivirus for Mac users Pros Extremely fast malware scanning Excellent firewall control options Strong macOS-focused protection Cons No phishing protection or parental controls Price When Reviewed: Intego ONE Essential from $2.50 a month/one device/first year, then $3.33 a month or $29.99 for the first year and then $39.99 a year. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Intego (annual) $29.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Intego ONE is a powerful Mac-focused security suite with excellent malware detection, extremely fast scan speeds, and strong firewall controls. Designed specifically for macOS, it works alongside Apples XProtect and Gatekeeper protections. The Complete plan also includes a VPN and a companion iPhone app with useful security and privacy checks. Why we picked it as our top choice Intego ONE stands out for its outstanding malware protection, exceptionally fast scans, and powerful firewall controls. In our tests, it detected almost every threat from more than 130 malware samples and scanned more than 877GB of data in under 10 minutes. Recent updates have also improved performance during malware cleanup and resolved several earlier bugs. Key strengths include: Excellent malware detection, including ransomware protection. Extremely fast scans, processing millions of files in minutes. Powerful firewall with detailed network monitoring and customizable rules. Improved quarantine performance and system responsiveness. Useful iPhone VPN and security checks with the Complete plan. Clean, user-friendly interface designed specifically for macOS. Intego delivers excellent real-world protection while giving Mac users more control over network activity than many competing security suites. Key features Antivirus : Full, quick, and custom scans, scheduling, and automatic USB scanning (Essential, Advanced & Complete). Firewall : Network monitoring, connection alerts, and customizable allow/deny rules (Essential, Advanced & Complete). VPN : Access to 51 global server locations, with Lightway protocol options on Mac (Complete). SmartClean : Disk cleanup, application uninstaller, and system optimization tools (Advanced & Complete). iPhone security : VPN, Wi-Fi security checks, connection speed tests, and security and privacy assessments (Complete). Whos it for? Intego ONE is ideal for Mac users who prioritize excellent malware protection, fast performance, and detailed control over network activity without the complexity of more technical security applications. Intego is ideal if you: Want strong, Mac-specific malware and ransomware protection. Need advanced firewall controls and network monitoring. Prefer fast scans with minimal performance impact. Want a VPN and basic security checks for your iPhone as well as Mac protection. Considerations & drawbacks No dedicated phishing protection, spam filtering, or parental controls. Quarantine cleanup can still leave occasional files requiring attention. The interface cannot be resized or expanded to full screen. The iPhone VPN lacks advanced features such as a kill switch and multiple protocol choices. No Windows or Android protection. Verdict Intego ONE remains our top antivirus recommendation for Mac users, combining excellent malware detection, remarkably fast scans, and powerful firewall controls. Recent improvements have addressed several earlier performance problems, while the addition of iPhone VPN and security tools makes the Complete package more appealing. It lacks some extras offered by competing suites, particularly phishing protection, but its core Mac security performance is outstanding. Read our full Intego ONE review 2. Avast One Best for malware and phishing protection Pros Excellent malware protection Outstanding Email Guard Capable VPN Comprehensive security suite Cons Excessive upselling and fragmentation Basic AI Assistant Occasional malware detection gaps Some interface limitations Price When Reviewed: Premium Security: $49.99 first year / renews at $77.99/yr, Ultimate: $49.99 first year / renews at $109.99/yr Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avast $49.08 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Avast One is a comprehensive security suite for Mac that combines antivirus protection with phishing defense, a VPN, and privacy tools in a single application. It helps protect against malware, malicious websites, and email threats while keeping system impact low, making it a strong all-round security solution for everyday users. Why we picked it Avast One impressed with excellent malware detection, outstanding phishing protection, and a capable VPN that has little impact on Mac performance. Features such as Email Guard, Web Guard, and Real Site provide effective real-world protection against spam, phishing, and fraudulent websites. Key strengths include: Excellent malware protection Outstanding phishing and spam filtering Effective VPN with low system impact Comprehensive security feature set Strong web and email protection Email Guard, Web Guard, and Real Site work particularly well together, providing some of the strongest real-world phishing and scam protection weve seen. Key features Real-time malware protection Email Guard for phishing and spam detection Web Guard and Real Site website protection Integrated VPN AI Assistant for security advice Whos it for? Best for Mac users who want a feature-rich security suite with particularly strong phishing protection. Avast is ideal if you: Want all-in-one security rather than a basic antivirus Need excellent phishing and email protection Want a built-in VPN Prefer security software with minimal performance impact Value comprehensive web protection Considerations & drawbacks Frequent upselling throughout the app Confusing, fragmented subscription options AI Assistant provides limited value Missed some malware installers during testing Some interface limitations Verdict Avast One is one of the strongest all-round security suites for Mac, combining excellent malware protection, first-rate phishing defenses, and a capable VPN. Its confusing subscriptions, constant upselling, and underwhelming AI Assistant prevent it from being an easy recommendation, but its core protection is excellent. Read our full Avast One review 3. Norton 360 Best all-round, multi-platform security suite Pros Virus Protection Promise Instant reassurance for scams Includes Nortons VPN and Password Manager Cons Some features Windows only Price When Reviewed: Standard (3 devices): $39.99 for first year, usually $94.99 a year; Deluxe (5 devices): $29.99 for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Norton Security (first year, 1 device) $39.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Norton 360 is one of the most comprehensive security suites available for Mac, combining antivirus protection with a wide range of additional features, including a VPN, password manager and AI-powered scam detection. A well-known and trusted name in cybersecurity, Norton also offers its Virus Protection Promise, meaning youll get your money back if it cant remove a virus from your device. Why we picked it Norton stands out for its all-in-one feature set and excellent lab performance, making it ideal for users who want complete protection across multiple devices. Key strengths include: Top scores in AV-Test and AV-Comparatives (June 2025) All-in-one suite: antivirus, VPN, password manager and more AI-powered Genie Scam Protection for real-time threat advice Strong cross-platform support (Mac, iOS, Windows, Android) Good value considering the breadth of features The addition of Nortons Genie Scam Assistant is particularly impressive, offering real-time help with suspicious emails and messages a useful tool as phishing attacks become more sophisticated. Key features Real-time antivirus, anti-malware and ransomware protection Built-in VPN for secure browsing Password manager Genie Scam Protection (AI assistant) Dark web monitoring (on select plans) Multi-device support Whos it for? Best for users who want a full-featured security suite across multiple devices. Norton is ideal if you: Want an all-in-one security solution Use multiple devices (Mac, iPhone, Windows, Android) Value extra features like VPN and identity protection Want real-time help spotting scams Considerations & drawbacks macOS version feels less fully featured than Windows version Some features (e.g. cloud backup) are not available on Mac Interface and settings can feel complex for beginners In our testing, missed a small number of threats and struggled with some file types (e.g. ZIP files) Browser protection didnt block all suspicious links in testing Bottom line If you want a feature-rich, all-in-one security suite, Norton 360 is one of the best options available. While its not as Mac-focused as Intego, it offers excellent protection, powerful extras and strong cross-platform coverage, making it a great choice for households with multiple devices. Read our full Norton 360 review 4. MacPaw Moonlock Great antivirus protection for beginners Pros Excellent malware detection Fast scanning performance Useful built-in VPN Helpful security guidance Clean, focused interface Cons Leaves some support files behind No phishing website blocking No scan time estimates Trial requires payment information Price When Reviewed: 1 Mac: $54 per year; $13.50 a month; $150 one time payment (licences for more Macs available) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price MacPaw (annual) $45 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Moonlock is MacPaws dedicated antivirus and security app for Mac, combining malware protection with a VPN, system security checks and educational guidance. It aims to keep Macs protected from malware and online threats while helping users understand and improve their overall security without unnecessary complexity. Why we picked it Moonlock impressed with excellent malware detection, effective real-time Active Protection, a capable VPN and helpful educational resources. Rather than simply blocking threats, it also teaches users better security habits, making it particularly approachable for less technical Mac owners. Key strengths include: Excellent malware detection and removal Active Protection blocks threats before installation Built-in VPN with solid performance Helpful security education and guidance Flexible purchase options, including a one-time licence We particularly like how Moonlocks Security Advisor focuses on helping users develop better security habits through clear, practical guidance. Key features Quick, Balanced and Deep malware scanning Real-time Active Protection Built-in VPN Network Inspector for blocking traffic from selected regions System Protection and Security Advisor with security recommendations Whos it for? Best for Mac users who want strong malware protection with straightforward security tools and guidance rather than an overwhelming all-in-one suite. Moonlock is ideal if you: Want effective malware protection with minimal fuss Appreciate built-in security guidance and learning resources Prefer a clean, Mac-focused security app Want integrated VPN protection Like the option of a one-time purchase instead of only subscriptions Considerations & drawbacks Security Advisor is more informational than practical Menus and navigation can be confusing Scan scheduler only allows 15-minute intervals VPN defaults to the nearest server automatically Some features and options are buried in the interface Bottom line Moonlock delivers excellent malware protection backed by effective Active Protection, a capable VPN and useful security guidance. While its interface and menus need refinement, its a strong first standalone security suite from MacPaw and well worth considering for Mac users seeking straightforward protection. Read our full MacPaw Moonlock review 5. Surfshark One Best for privacy and multi-device protection Pros Supports unlimited devices Excellent malware protection Includes VPN, identity and privacy protection Cons Cheaper options available Price When Reviewed: Surfshark One, 24 months at $2.49 a month with 3 free months (Total for 27 months: $67.23); 12 months at $3.39 a month with 3 free months (Total for 15 months: $50.85); or $17.95/month. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Surfshark $50.85 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Surfshark One+ Antivirus is best suited to Mac users who want antivirus protection, a VPN, and privacy tools combined in one affordable package. It performs especially well for home users, remote workers, and small offices that prefer a simple all-in-one solution instead of managing several separate subscriptions. The software integrates smoothly with macOS and causes very little slowdown during everyday use. Why we picked it The best aspect of Surfshark One+ is the combination of strong malware protection and an excellent built-in VPN. During testing, the antivirus engine detected nearly all malware samples, while the VPN delivered stable connections and advanced privacy features normally found in standalone VPN services. Key strengths include: Excellent malware detection Powerful VPN with advanced features Low system impact on Macs Affordable introductory pricing Strong privacy and identity tools The biggest advantage of Surfshark One+ is its overall value. Users receive antivirus protection, VPN services, identity monitoring, and privacy features in one subscription, making it a convenient and cost-effective cybersecurity package. Key features Real-time malware protection Surfshark VPN with MultiHop and Dedicated IP Identity breach monitoring Alternative ID privacy feature Surfshark private search engine External drive scanning Whos it for? Surfshark One+ is best for users who want strong Mac protection alongside privacy-focused tools and VPN functionality. Surfshark One is ideal for: Remote workers and travelers Home users wanting simple security Privacy-conscious Mac users Considerations & drawbacks Weak phishing and scam-site browser protection Slow full-system scans Some beta tools feel unfinished Browser extensions can be unreliable Renewal prices rise significantly after discounts Verdict Surfshark One+ Antivirus is a strong choice for Mac users who want reliable malware protection, a feature-rich VPN, and privacy tools in one affordable package. While weak browser phishing protection prevents it from being among the very best security suites, it still offers excellent overall value for everyday users. Read our full Surfshark One review 6. Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Customizable, user-friendly protection Pros Clean, customisable and easy to navigate Low system impact Cons Missed some threats in our testing Limited extras Price When Reviewed: $24.99 per year for 1 device (usually $49.99), $29.99 per year for 3 devices (usually $69.99) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Bitdefender (first year, 1 device) $24.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac is a malware protection app that combines real-time antivirus scanning with tools such as ransomware protection, a browser extension and a basic VPN. It helps protect your Mac from malicious software while offering a straightforward, customizable interface that integrates well with macOS. Why we picked it Bitdefender impressed with its clean, customizable interface, straightforward scanning options and the ability to quickly scan external drives. The generous trial period and good macOS integration also make it easy to try and use, particularly alongside Apples built-in Gatekeeper protection. Key strengths include: Clean, customizable and easy-to-use interface Simple scanning of external drives and removable media Works well alongside macOS Gatekeeper Generous free trial period Good range of core security tools One standout strength is how easy it is to scan external drives on demand, making it particularly useful for users who regularly connect USB drives or other removable storage. Key features Real-time malware protection with Bitdefender Shield On-demand and scheduled malware scanning External drive and removable media scanning Browser extension for web protection Included VPN (200MB daily limit) Whos it for Bitdefender is best for Mac users who want an easy-to-use antivirus with a customizable interface and straightforward malware scanning. Bitdefender is ideal if you: Prefer a simple, uncluttered security app Frequently scan external drives or USB devices Want security that complements macOS protections Like being able to customize the interface Want a generous trial before subscribing Considerations & drawbacks Malware can slip through if Bitdefender Shield is disabled Occasional freezes during full-system scans Safari anti-phishing protection is limited Included VPN is restricted to 200MB per day and frequently encourages upgrades Overall malware protection still has room for improvement under some circumstances Verdict Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac delivers a polished interface, useful core features and convenient scanning tools, especially for external drives. However, inconsistent malware blocking under certain conditions, occasional scan freezes and limited web protection prevent it from being among the strongest Mac antivirus solutions. Read our full Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac review 7. AVG Internet Security for Mac Best for ease of use Pros Easy to use Strong malware protection and removal 60-day trial available Cons Mac only Price When Reviewed: $3.89 a month for 1 Mac ($46.68 for the first year, then $77.99 a year), or $4.99 a month for 10 devices ($59.88 for the first year, then $99.99 a year). Best Prices Today: Retailer Price AVG $46.68 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide AVG Internet Security for Mac is a reliable, feature-rich option that combines strong protection with a clean, easy-to-use interface. Best known for its free antivirus, AVGs premium suite builds on that foundation with broader security tools and consistently strong lab performance. In independent testing, AVG achieved top scores from AV-Test (Protection, Speed and Usability) and maximum ratings from AV-Comparatives across Mac malware, Windows malware and potentially unwanted applications confirming its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Why we picked it AVG stands out for its balanced mix of protection, usability and features, making it a strong choice for users who want dependable security without complexity. Key strengths include: Top scores in independent lab tests (AV-Test and AV-Comparatives) Strong malware and phishing protection Clean, intuitive interface Effective malware removal capabilities Generous 60-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee While it doesnt dramatically outperform rivals in any one area, AVG delivers consistently solid performance across the board. Key features Real-time malware and threat protection Web and phishing protection Email security tools Ransomware protection Scheduled and on-demand scans Whos it for? Best for cautious Mac users who want reliable, no-fuss protection with the option to try before they buy. AVG is ideal if you: Want strong protection without a steep learning curve Prefer a clean, easy-to-navigate interface Like the flexibility of a long free trial before committing Considerations & drawbacks Mac-only (separate products needed for other platforms) Scan activity could be communicated more clearly Missed some test scenarios (e.g. fake installer in our testing) Doesnt stand out as strongly as top competitors AVG uses the same core engine as Avast Verdict AVG Internet Security for Mac is a well-rounded and trustworthy antivirus solution. It may not lead the pack in any single category, but its strong lab results, ease of use and solid protection make it a dependable choice for most Mac users. Read our full AVG Internet Security for Mac review 8. Avira Prime Best for Mac cleanup and privacy tools Price When Reviewed: From $59.99 for first year, then $109.99 a year. Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Avira Prime (first year, 5 devices) $59.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Avira Prime combines strong malware protection with a comprehensive collection of privacy, cleanup, and system maintenance tools. Building on Aviras free antivirus software, Prime adds a VPN, cookie management, password storage, and disk optimization features, making it a good choice for Mac users who want more than basic antivirus protection. Why we picked it Avira Prime impressed us with its reliable malware detection, customizable scanning options, and useful maintenance tools. Its antivirus engine provides strong protection without significantly affecting Mac performance, while features such as Cookie Cleaner, Junk Cleaner, and Uninstaller offer practical ways to improve privacy and reclaim storage space. Key strengths include: Strong malware detection and protection against unwanted software. Fast Quick Scans and customizable scheduled scans. Automatic USB scanning and support for external drives. Excellent Cookie Cleaner with detailed control over tracking cookies. Effective Junk Cleaner that can recover several gigabytes of storage. VPN, password management, and application removal tools. Avira Prime offers a particularly useful combination of security and system maintenance, with enough customization to suit both beginners and more experienced Mac users. Key features Antivirus : Full, quick, and custom scans, scan scheduling, and external drive protection. VPN : Phantom VPN with international server selection and expanded data access compared with Avira Free. Cookie Cleaner : Identifies tracking cookies and allows selective removal. Junk Cleaner : Finds and removes unnecessary files to reclaim disk space. Uninstaller : Removes installed applications, including less visible system-level software. Passwords : Password storage and management tools. Startup Apps : Basic management of applications that launch automatically. Whos it for? Avira Prime is best suited to Mac users who want strong antivirus protection alongside useful privacy and system maintenance tools. Its particularly appealing to anyone who likes Avira Free Security but wants access to its additional features. Avira is ideal if you: Want antivirus protection combined with Mac cleanup tools. Need customizable scans, including external drive scanning. Want greater control over tracking cookies and unwanted files. Prefer a security subscription covering Macs, PCs, and mobile devices. Value having a VPN and password manager included in the same package. Considerations & drawbacks Some malware samples escaped detection during testing. Full system scans can take a long time. The VPNs launch process is unnecessarily cumbersome. Startup Apps offers fewer controls than dedicated alternatives. Comprehensive identity monitoring requires an additional subscription. Renewal pricing is considerably higher than the introductory price. Verdict Avira Prime is a strong choice for Mac users who want effective antivirus protection alongside practical privacy and cleanup tools. Its customizable scans, Cookie Cleaner, and Junk Cleaner are particular highlights, while the included VPN and password manager add value. The awkward VPN integration, limited startup management, and identity-monitoring upsell prevent it from being a top recommendation, but its a capable and versatile security suite worth considering. Read our full Avira Prime review 9. ESET HOME Security Best for power users seeking control Price When Reviewed: Essential: $49.99 a year for one device; Premium: $79.99 a year for one device; Ultimate $179.99 a year for five devices Best Prices Today: Retailer Price ESET (first year, 1 device) $34.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide ESET Cyber Security is a Mac security suite that combines antivirus, anti-phishing, spam filtering, ransomware and identity protection with a powerful built-in VPN. It focuses on delivering strong malware protection and extensive customization for security-conscious Mac users who want deep control over their security software. Why we picked it ESET impressed us with its excellent malware protection, highly configurable VPN, and administrator-level customization. It runs lightly in the background while providing strong real-time protection, making it particularly appealing to experienced Mac users who value configurability over simplicity. Key strengths include: Excellent malware protection with over 95% of malware samples blocked or quarantined Feature-rich VPN with multiple protocols, router support and Kill Switch Extensive administrator-level customization and security controls Minimal impact on everyday Mac performance Strong real-time protection that quietly removes threats in the background Its standout strength is the combination of outstanding malware protection and one of the most configurable VPN implementations bundled with Mac antivirus software, giving advanced users an exceptional level of control. Key features Real-time antivirus and malware protection Anti-phishing and spam filtering Ransomware and identity protection Built-in VPN with WireGuard, IKEv2, UDP, TCP, Stealth and WStunnel support Advanced VPN features including router support, Kill Switch and automatic connection rules Whos it for? Best for advanced Mac users and administrators who want deep control over their security software alongside excellent malware protection and a capable VPN. ESET is ideal if you: Want administrator-level security customization Need excellent malware protection with minimal performance impact Value a powerful built-in VPN with advanced networking features Prefer security-focused software over all-in-one maintenance utilities Are comfortable configuring advanced security settings Considerations & drawbacks Discord compatibility issues caused update and launch failures during testing Scheduled scans failed to execute reliably Logging tools are limited and lack useful export options Scan progress indicators provide little feedback during long scans Interface and settings are aimed at experienced users rather than beginners Verdict ESET Cyber Security Ultimate delivers excellent malware protection, an outstanding bundled VPN and exceptional configurability while remaining light on system resources. Although software bugs and a few usability issues prevent it from feeling fully polished, its a compelling choice for experienced Mac users who prioritize security and control over simplicity. Read our full Eset Home Security review Other Mac antivirus software we tested Macworld reviews many more antivirus products than you see in our ranking above. Not appearing in our top six doesnt mean a product isnt going to do a good job of protecting your Mac, merely that it failed to stand out among the best of the competition. Youll find some more top contenders below, with links to our full reviews for more details. We wouldnt advise installing any Mac antivirus without first checking our antivirus software reviews . (For PC antivirus, see our sister site PCWorlds guide to the best Windows antivirus .) Malwarebytes Premium Security We recommend: Malwarebytes for Mac Read our review Price When Reviewed: Standard plan $59.99; Plus plan $79.99; Ultimate plan starts at $279.99 (currently $139.99) a year for three devices Best Prices Today: $59.99 at Malwarebytes (first year, 1 devices) Why we recommend it : Malwarebytes for Mac is a user-friendly tool that delivers fast malware detection, external drive scanning, VPN and identity tools. Whos it for : Its best for casual users seeking set-it-and-forget-it defence, not power users needing granular control or all-surface threat coverage. Read our full Malwarebytes Premium Security review McAfee Total Protection We recommend: McAfee Total Protection Read our review Price When Reviewed: Single: $29.99 (1 device) for first year, usually $89.99; Essential: $39.99 (5 devices) for first year, usually $119.99 a year Best Prices Today: $29.99 at McAfee Total Protection (first year, 1 device) Why we recommend it : McAfee Total Protection covers the bases with solid antivirus, real-time scanning, and a basic VPN feature, but stumbles with vague alerts, an outdated WebAdvisor protection system, and noticeable performance hits. Whos it for : Its a decent all-in-one for casual users wanting broad protection, but power users or privacy hawks might want something leaner, faster, and easier to configure. Read our full McAfee Total Protection review Is free antivirus for Mac good enough? Free antivirus software can provide basic protection, but it often lacks advanced features such as ransomware protection, firewalls and real-time web security. Paid options offer more comprehensive, all-round protection. Apple includes built-in security tools like XProtect and Gatekeeper , which block known malware and unverified apps. However, in our testing, it was still possible to install Mac malware or suspicious software if warnings were ignored, showing that Apples protections alone are not foolproof. Free third-party antivirus tools offer an advantage in that they are updated more frequently and can protect against a wider range of threats, including adware, spyware, trojans and ransomware . The core antivirus engine is often the same in both free and paid versions. The difference lies in the extra features included in premium suites, such as web and phishing protection, VPNs, identity monitoring, parental controls and customer support. Ultimately, you get what you pay for. If security is a priority, a paid antivirus offers the most complete protection. However, if youre on a tight budget, a free antivirus is still better than relying solely on Apples built-in security tools. If youre on a really tight budget, a free antivirus is still going to do a better job of protecting you than Apples security tools. For some low-priced AV options, check out the best Mac antivirus deals for the best prices. Whats the best free Mac antivirus? Here are the best free antivirus for Mac apps we have reviewed: Apple Gatekeeper & XProtect Review | Built into macOS Avast Security for Mac Review | Download Avira Free Antivirus for Mac Review | Download AVG Antivirus for Mac Review | Download Bitdefender Virus Scanner for Mac Review | Download Intego VirusBarrier Scanner Review | Download Malwarebytes Antivirus for Mac Review | Download Best Mac Antivirus: Specs Comparison Developer Product Name Malware Protection Ransomware Protection Adware Prevention Anti Phishing Protection Email Protection Firewall VPN iOS Version Parental Controls Support Trial /Free version Intego Intego ONE Excellent, Mac focused Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Email/Phone 30 day trial and free option Surfshark Surfshark One Strong Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Chat/Email 30-day money back guarantee AVG Internet Security for Mac Good Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Email 60 days Avast Premium Security Very good Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Email/Forum 60 days McAfee Total Protection Good Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Phone/Chat 30 days/money-back guarantee Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Email 30 days Norton Norton 360 Very strong Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Phone/Chat 30-day money-back Avira Avira Prime Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Email 30 days Bitdefender Bitdefender Antivirus for Mac Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Email/Chat 30 days MacPaw Moonlock Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No Yes No Email 7 days Pocket Bits LLC BitMedic Pro Antivirus Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes No Email/Support Form 7 days Sophos Sophos Home Premium for Mac Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Chat/Email 30 days ESET ESET HOME Security Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Email/Phone 30 days Malwarebtyes Malwarebytes Premium Security No Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Email/Forum 14 days Why you can trust Macworld for antivirus advice Macworld has been testing Mac software since the launch of the Mac in 1984, giving us decades of experience and deep expertise in Apples ecosystem. We understand how Macs work and how best to protect them. While Apple includes built-in security tools to combat malware, todays threat landscape means additional protection is often worthwhile. Our antivirus reviewers have decades of industry experience, including hands-on work supporting users and solving real-world IT and security issues. Our recommendations are based on a combination of independent lab data, structured testing and real-world usage not just specifications or vendor claims. We regularly review and update our rankings to reflect the latest threats, software updates and performance improvements. How we test Mac antivirus software To identify the best antivirus software for Mac, we combine hands-on testing, real-world threat simulation and independent lab data. Our goal is to assess how effectively each product protects your Mac without compromising performance, usability or value. Real-world testing environment : We begin with a clean installation of macOS, which is then cloned for each antivirus product. Each app is installed and tested in isolation to ensure results are not affected by other software particularly important as antivirus tools can sometimes flag each other as threats. We simulate real-world attack scenarios by: Downloading known malware samples Visiting malicious and phishing websites Testing suspicious files and drive-by downloads Running malware in controlled conditions This allows us to evaluate how well each product detects and blocks both online and offline threats, including Mac-specific malware, adware and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs). We also assess how effectively each tool detects and handles Windows-based malware, which can still pose a risk when sharing files. Independent lab validation: To support our findings, we reference results from leading independent testing organisations: AV-Test AV-Comparatives These labs evaluate antivirus software against large sets of known malware and potentially unwanted applications, measuring detection rates, false positives and overall protection. Where lab data is unavailable, we carry out more extensive in-house testing using real malware samples. Performance impact : Antivirus software should protect your Mac without slowing it down. We measure performance by assessing: System responsiveness during full and quick scans Impact of real-time protection on everyday tasks Background CPU and resource usage We prioritise solutions that deliver strong protection with minimal noticeable slowdown, since overly demanding software is more likely to be disabled by users. Features, usability and user experience : We spend time using each product to evaluate how intuitive and practical it is in daily use. This includes: Ease of installation and setup Interface design and macOS integration Clarity and relevance of alerts and notifications We also assess additional features, including: Ransomware protection Web and phishing protection Firewalls and network monitoring VPNs and privacy tools Password managers and parental controls Importantly, we consider whether these features are genuinely useful or simply added complexity. Value for money : We evaluate pricing and overall value, including: Subscription costs and renewal pricing Number of devices covered Features included at each tier Our focus is on products that offer a strong balance of protection, performance and features at a reasonable price. Should I get an antivirus for my Mac? Scenario Recommendation Low-risk user (App Store only, trusted devs, automatic updates on) Apples built-in tools are sufficient. High-risk user (downloads from various sites, torrents, handles sensitive data) Paid antivirus is strongly recommended. Business user (handles client data, shares files with Windows PCs) Paid antivirus is recommended for an extra safety layer. User wanting extra features (VPN, password manager, phishing protection) Paid antivirus is worthwhile for the bundled features. Best Mac Antivirus: FAQ 1. Do Macs need antivirus software? Yes while Macs are generally more secure than Windows PCs and include built-in protections like XProtect and sandboxing, which helps limit how far malware can spread, these measures are not enough to defend against modern threats such as phishing, adware and ransomware. Adding a dedicated antivirus tool helps close those gaps, provides broader coverage against evolving threats and extra layer of security when browsing the web or downloading files. For more detail, see our guide to whether Macs need antivirus , along with our Mac security tips and advice on how to remove a virus from a Mac . Do iPhones need antivirus software? You may be considering a Mac Antivirus that also offers to protect your iPhone, but is that protection really necessary? Apples iOS is designed with strong built-in security, including app sandboxing, strict App Store review processes and system-level protections that prevent traditional viruses from infecting your device. This makes it very difficult for malware to spread in the same way it can on other platforms. So, no iPhones generally dont need antivirus software. However, iPhones are not completely risk-free. Threats like phishing attacks, malicious websites and data breaches can still affect users. Instead of installing an antivirus app the best advice is to keep iOS up to date, avoid clicking on suspicious links, use strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and dont download anything unless you are sure it is safe. 2. How does antivirus software protect your Mac? Mac antivirus software protects your device using a combination of on-demand scans and real-time (always-on) protection. On-demand scanning checks files when you run a manual or scheduled scan. This can take time, especially on systems with lots of data, and may temporarily use more system resources. For best results, scans are often scheduled to run at convenient times. See how to scan a Mac for malware Real-time protection works continuously in the background. If malware arrives for example via an email attachment or downloaded file the antivirus can detect and block it immediately. Suspicious files are typically quarantined , meaning they are moved to a secure location where they cant cause harm while you decide whether to delete or restore them. The effectiveness of these two layers of protection is the most important factor when choosing antivirus software, but additional features can also make a difference. Many Mac antivirus tools now include ransomware protection , which prevents unauthorised apps from accessing sensitive folders such as Documents or Photos. Only trusted apps are allowed access, and you can customise these permissions. Web protection is another key feature, often delivered via browser extensions. This helps block malicious websites, phishing attempts and unsafe downloads, reducing the risk of accidentally exposing personal information. 3. Should my Mac antivirus include a VPN? Yes, a VPN can be a useful addition to Mac antivirus software. It encrypts your internet connection, helping protect your data especially on public Wi-Fi. However, built-in VPNs are often limited, so a dedicated VPN service usually offers better performance and features. Some Mac antivirus packages include a built-in VPN (virtual private network), although VPNs are also widely available as standalone products. For many users, VPNs are appealing because they can mask your location and allow access to region-restricted content, such as streaming services. More importantly, a VPN improves security by encrypting your internet connection, which is particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi networks. This helps protect your data from interception and reduces the risk of cyberattacks. While we generally recommend a dedicated Mac VPN service for the best performance and features, a VPN included with antivirus software can still be a useful extra. Just be aware that bundled VPNs often come with limitations, such as data caps or reduced functionality, and may prompt you to upgrade to a full subscription. 4. What is the best value Mac antivirus? Value means different things to different users. For some, its the best free option; for others, its a reasonably priced product with the most useful features. We define value as the best overall balance of protection, performance and features and for protecting a single Mac, we believe Intego offers the best value. That said, there are ways to save money on even the top antivirus products. Most Mac antivirus apps are sold as annual subscriptions, often with significant discounts for the first year. When that period ends, you can switch providers to take advantage of new introductory offers, or opt for longer-term plans (such as two- or three-year subscriptions) to reduce the overall cost. Many antivirus suites also cover multiple devices, including Windows PCs and Android smartphones. If you have several devices in your household, a multi-device plan can offer excellent value. For the latest offers, see our guide to the Best Mac Antivirus deals , which includes the most affordable options. 5. How to spot fake Mac antivirus software? Because many of us are waking up to the idea that malware is a threat to the Mac, malware writers have made it their business to play on that fear. There have been cases of malware writers disguising their viruses as antivirus apps two notable examples are Mac Auto Fixer and MacDefender. Its important to always read reviews on reputable sites such as Macworld before installing any software on your Mac or MacBook. At the same time, dont believe everything you read. MacKeeper is a great example of an antivirus program that has got a bad rap, but its worked hard to repair its reputation. It has gained Apple Notarization, which means the software has been checked by Apple for malicious components, and the company has garnering certification from various bodies to prove it isnt a PUP (potentially unwanted program), including an AV-Test certificate. That said, we havent recommended it here, and thats simply because we feel that there are better options available. If you have already installed MacKeeper and wish to try one of our alternative recommendations, we explain How to uninstall MacKeeper . 6. What cant Mac antivirus protect you from? Using a Mac antivirus product, especially one that includes tools to improve your online privacy, may lull you into believing youre completely safe from personal and private information leaking out and that you no longer need to keep your wits about you. Thats not quite the case. While theres no reason to panic, you should still practice caution and there are a few more issues you should consider when using Mac antivirus, too. First, an antivirus for Mac product may upload the complete text of files flagged to the cloud, where it can be analyzed by separate tools hosted there. This practice is normal and sensible: some malware can detect when a running process may examine it, and will then engage in subterfuge. Antivirus software makers also can access their massive databases to examine files with characteristics that trigger their algorithms certain elements that match known malware. As a result, security researchers discover new viruses, worms, Trojans horses, and the like. However, helping the greater good means youll have to be comfortable with trusting a third-party with your file contents. Where appropriate, we noted privacy policy issues in individual reviews. Second, this software may also rely partly or entirely on cloud-based checks of URLs, malware, and the like. Accordingly, an antivirus package might upload every URL you visit, metadata about files, signatures of files, information about your computers hardware, a list of running or installed applications, and more. Companies vary on their disclosure of such policies, and may not let you opt out of this kind of sharing. We note issues in each review as appropriate. Third, antivirus software makers also get a sense of what behavior is happening on your computer thats being monitored or blocked, and may use that information for their own purposes. In some cases, you can opt out of this information gathering. 7. What virus cleaner does Apple recommend? Apple has never recommended a third-party virus cleaner, and has instead focused on the Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions found within macOS, which are regularly updated with operating system updates. 8. How good is Apples virus protection? Its actually very good, and there isnt much that gets past it in the way of viruses and malware, given its Xprotect and Gatekeeper features but these can be overridden, and questionable software can be installed and activated if the user knows what theyre doing. Still, the protection is present, its updated well, and Apple keeps a good eye on things, but new viruses and malware are sent out from bad actors all the time, and this is where a good third-party application can come in handy. We have tested Apples own solution against a range of malware samples . While it did a reasonable job overall, we found instances where questionable applications could be installed without any warning. A helpful analogy is to think of Apples built-in antivirus system, XProtect, as the lock on your Macs front door, while a paid antivirus solution acts more like an alarm system with security cameras. Third-party tools update their virus definitions including not just viruses, but also adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware several times a day, often more frequently than Apples protections, providing real-time defense against new and emerging threats. During our testing of Apples malware protections, recovery options were limited. In some cases, the only solution was to wipe the Mac and restore from a backup made before the risky behavior hoping nothing had already spread. Apple does not offer dedicated malware removal support or guarantees if an infection occurs, nor does it protect against cross-platform threats across multiple devices. Paid antivirus software typically includes these services, along with additional features such as web and phishing protection, vulnerability patching tools, VPNs, password managers, parental controls, secure cloud backup, and dark web monitoring. That said, macOSs built-in security may be sufficient for low-risk users who install apps only from the App Store or trusted developers, keep automatic updates enabled, avoid pirated software, do not disable Gatekeeper, have limited exposure to risky email attachments, and do not handle sensitive client data. Ultimately, investing in a reputable security suite for Mac adds an extra layer of protection and for many users, its a case of being safe rather than sorry. 9. Is there free virus protection for Mac? The Xprotect and Gatekeeper functions serve as free virus protection for macOS, but you can also get basic virus protection from many of the well-known antivirus providers, we have some recommendations above. 10. How to choose the best Mac antivirus for your needs There are a lot of Mac antivirus programs to choose from. What you want is one that offers a familiar and easy-to-use interface that works well on a Mac a key reason why we recommend Integos antivirus. You should also look for antivirus with a good detection rate not just for Mac viruses, but also for PC viruses, unless you want to be passing viruses on to friends and clients running Windows. Low impact on system resources is also critical, especially if your Mac isnt the most powerful model. Consider the type and number of devices you want to protect are you looking for an app to cover one Mac, or Mac, iPhone, iPad and even a PC? Your budget matters here, too: do you prefer a subscription model or a one-time payment? Mac antivirus vendors typically offer different add-ons, and it is certainly a case of you get what you pay for: free products will have fewer bells and whistles, but the most comprehensive Mac security suites will include password managers, parental controls, cloud storage and more. The underlying antimalware engine will usually be the same for all security products from a particular company, so you can save money if you dont need all those extra features. 11. Whenare Applesbuilt-inprotections sufficient For many users, Apples layered security XProtect, Gatekeeper and Rapid Security Responses is more than adequate. If you fit into the low-risk category described below, you can probably rely on macOS alone. You only download apps from the Mac App Store or trusted developers . Gatekeeper ensures that only notarized software from identified developers can run, and XProtect scans these apps for known malware on launch. You keep automatic updates enabled . Apple regularly updates XProtects malware definitions in the background, and with macOS Tahoe, Background Security Improvements can now install critical patches silently without requiring a restart. You avoid pirated software, torrents, and cracks. These are common vectors for malware that can bypass Apples checks if a user overrides warnings. You do not handle sensitive client data or work in a high-risk environment . For casual home use, the built-in tools are generally enough to block the most obvious threats 12. When paid Antivirus is worthwhile Despite Apples strong foundation, there are clear gaps that third-party software fills. You frequently install software from various internet sources . In our hands-on testing, we have found that it is still possible to install malware by ignoring or bypassing Gatekeeper warnings. Our testers were able to install trojans, fake apps, and software that requested access to the microphone, webcam, and keystrokes. You want protection against phishing and malicious websites . Apples XProtect primarily focuses on known malware files. It does not offer the same level of real-time web and phishing protection that suites like Avast One or Bitdefender provide. You need more frequent updates and broader threat coverage . Third-party tools update their virus definitions several times a day, often more frequently than Apples updates. They also cover a wider range of threats, including adware, spyware, trojans, and ransomware. You want features like a firewall, VPN, password manager, or identity monitoring . Apple does not offer a dedicated, configurable firewall for macOS (it relies on the built-in one) and does not include a VPN, password manager, or dark web monitoring in its security suite. Paid suites bundle these features. You share files with Windows users. An unprotected Mac can unknowingly harbor Windows viruses that wont affect macOS but can be passed on to friends and colleagues. A good antivirus will detect and clean cross-platform threats.
Michael McArdle says Northern Ireland will have one last swing at trying to reach a first World Cup as they look to overcome a four-goal deficit in ... NI will have 'one last swing' at World Cup place
When should you switch your financial advisor? 5 warning signs investors should watch for
A financial advisor should help investors meet their changing financial goals, not simply push new products. Here are five warning signs to watch for, from poor portfolio reviews and unclear recommendations to hidden costs and lack of transparency.
CM lays foundation for Patharkhmah Mini Secretariat, inaugurates degree college
Shillong, Oct 12: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today laid the foundation stone for the Mini Secretariat at Patharkhmah and inaugurated the new Jirang Block Office, Patharkhmah Senior Secondary School and Patharkhmah Model Degree College at a programme at Western Ri-Bhoi Football Ground. The Jirang C&RD Block Office, inaugurated by India womens football team goalkeeper [] The post CM lays foundation for Patharkhmah Mini Secretariat, inaugurates degree college first appeared on Highland Post .
Ranji Trophy: Deshpande's Hat-trick Wrecks Chandigarh, Jadeja Slams Century For Saurashtra
Ranji Trophy Elite Division: Mumbai pacer Tushar Deshpande took a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul as Chandigarh were bundled out for 78 on Day Two of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday. Deshpande tore through the top order to pick 5-17, and Mohit Avasthi backed him with figures of 3-9. Mumbai, who had made 429 on the back of half-centuries from Tanush Kotian and Avasthi, enforced the follow-on, and Deshpande struck again in the second innings to leave Chandigarh at 0/1. Veteran left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, resuming on 72, scored 102 off 209 balls with seven fours as Saurashtra, who began the day on 308/4, were bowled out for 392 in 110.4 overs against Chhattisgarh in an Elite Group B clash at Rajkot. Jadeja fell to his former state-mate Dharmendrasinh Jadeja, who took 2-106 in 25.4 overs. Prerak Mankad went on to make 129 off 150 balls with 15 fours and a six, after starting the day on 92. Dev Aditya Singh was the pick of the Chhattisgarh bowlers with 5-67 in 24 overs, four of them maidens. Chhattisgarh were 122/3 in 55 overs at stumps. Anuj Tiwary was unbeaten on 72 and Mayank Verma on 32, with Ayush Pandey out for 13. Captain Jaydev Unadkat, Chetan Sakariya and Chirag Jani took a wicket each. Elsewhere, in the Elite Group A clash in Nagpur, Vidarbha captain Akshay Wadkar was dismissed two short of a maiden first-class double hundred, and his side finished on 428 against Puducherry after Yash Rathod hit 134 earlier in the day, with the visitors reaching 102/1 at stumps. In Goa, Atit Sheth was bowled for 99 as Baroda declared on 472/8 against Goa, who reached 5/1 at stumps. In Rajgir, Uttar Pradesh were bowled out for 540 against Bihar, with Aaradhya Yadav and Zeeshan Ansari scoring fifties after Madhav Kaushik (150) and Rinku Singh (112) fell. In Kalyani, West Bengal, Sudip Kumar Gharami (122 not out) and Abishek Porel (114 not out) hit centuries each and are unbroken in a 199-run stand as Bengal reached 304/3 against Delhi at Kalyani and have their lead currently at 64 runs. Jharkhand were bowled out for 587 against Kerala in Jamshedpur, with Aditya Singh's 147 and captain Virat Singh's 108 being strong contributions. Assam captain Denish Das (103) and Sibsankar Roy (143) also hit tons against Punjab in New Chandigarh, and Assam were bowled out for 373. For Punjab, veteran pacer Umesh Yadav took 5-70. In Ahmedabad, Gujarat's Vedant Trivedi (94 not out) and Aarya Desai (94) responded strongly to Baroda's 324 and took the hosts to 205/2 at stumps. In Vijayawada, SV Rahul, two days after turning 19, made a hundred on his first-class debut and shared a 202-run stand with wicketkeeper Revanth Reddy (97) that gave Andhra a 57-run lead over Karnataka, after ending day two at 331/6. Akash Vasisht's unbeaten 113 revived Himachal Pradesh, who had been 119/7, against Haryana and took them to 253. In reply, Haryana reached 178/4 in 46 overs and trailed by 75 runs, with Yashvardhan Dalal unbeaten on 69. Narayan Jagadeesan (55) and Pradosh Ranjan Paul (58) put on 104 for Tamil Nadu against Rajasthan, as they reached 167/4 and trailed by 196 runs. Rajasthan had been bowled out for 363, losing five wickets for 16 after Mahipal Lomror hit 66. B. Sai Sudharsan had gone down while fielding, and though he came out to bat, he made just three. Uttarakhand need 18 runs to match Railways' score of 78, with Avneesh Sudha unbeaten on 75. Tripura offspinner Sandip Sarkar took eight wickets in a 41.2-over spell, but Hyderabad still lead by 160 runs and need three wickets to move closer to an innings win. Fast bowler Avesh Khan's three wickets helped Madhya Pradesh bowl out defending champions Jammu and Kashmir for 120 to take a 76-run first-innings lead. But MP ended day twos play in Srinagar at 59/4, and are ahead by 135 runs overall, with fast-bowling all-rounder Auqib Nabis late strikes keeping the hosts in the contest. Uttarakhand need 18 runs to match Railways' score of 78, with Avneesh Sudha unbeaten on 75. Tripura offspinner Sandip Sarkar took eight wickets in a 41.2-over spell, but Hyderabad still lead by 160 runs and need three wickets to move closer to an innings win. Also Read: Special Cricket Stories Article Source: IANS
Luthra Brothers Get Bail In Goa Nightclub NOC Case
Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, owners of 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, have been granted regular bail by a Goa court in a case involving the alleged manipulation of a Health Department NOC to obtain an excise licence. The alleged forgery came to light after a devastating fire at the nightclub in December 2025 killed 25 people. Despite the bail, the brothers will remain in custody due to a separate High Court order in the fire tragedy case, with stringent conditions imposed by the court.
Leaders from various political parties join BJP in Jharkhand, LoP Marandi welcomes them
Digital Desk | Ranchi, Oct 12 (IANS) Several leaders and social activists associated with different political parties in Jharkhand on Monday joined Bharatiya Janata Party. Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi welcomed the new members at a joining ceremony held at the BJP state headquarters here. Prominent among those who joined the party were Khagen Mahato from Ichagarh, Parinda Singh from Bokaro, and Kumkum Devi from Barkatha. In his remarks on the occasion, Marandi said several of those joining the BJP came from families with a background in the Jana Sangh and the BJP. Describing their induction as a homecoming, he said the new members would strengthen the organisation and help take the partys ideology to the people. Mahato said he belonged to the family of Hikim Chandra Mahato, who had been associated with the Jana Sangh and the BJP, and pledged to work with dedication for the party. Parinda Singh, daughter-in-law of former minister Samaresh Singh, said she was inspired by the ideals of Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his commitment to national interest and wanted to work for the BJP organisation. Kumkum Devi described the BJP as her family and said she would sincerely discharge whatever responsibility the party gives to her. Jharkhand BJP Vice-President Rakesh Prasad welcomed the new members and urged them to work closely with party workers and contribute towards the goal of forming a BJP government in the state in 2029. He formally enrolled all the new members in the party through the online membership process. Several other leaders and workers, including Bimal Baitha, also joined the BJP. Among them were Bhawani Gop, Hari Singh, Haripal Mahato, Kailash Pramanik, Uttam Kumar, Mintu Gupta, Sanjay Mandal, Kshitij Kumar, Malinder Kalindi, and Chhotulal Mahato. A hearty welcome and congratulations to all fellow associates who have joined the party, inspired by the leadership of the esteemed Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi ji and the BJP's policies of national service and public welfare! Marandi said in a post on X. Jharkhand BJP media in-charge Yogendra Pratap Singh conducted the programme, while BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha state President Ranjay Bharti delivered the vote of thanks. Seraikela-Kharsawan BJP district President Harekrishna Pradhan, along with several other party office-bearers and workers, among many others, was present on the occasion.
Sr Men Hockey Nationals: Kerala, Jharkhand held to draw; Rajasthan beat Gujarat 6-2 on Day 3
Digital Desk | Jhansi, Oct 12 (IANS) Two draws in Division B and a last-quarter turnaround in Division C, where Bihar (BSSA) edged past Hockey Andhra Pradesh, were the highlights of Day 3 in the 16th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2026 in Jhansi. The day also saw Rajasthan and Mizoram record victories. The two matches in Division B produced draws, with Kerala Hockey held by Chhattisgarh in Pool A while Hockey Jharkhand and Telangana Hockey were locked 1-1 at the end of the game. Kerala, beaten 0-9 by Odisha on Day 2, fought back to earn a point. Anoop Kumar Maurya put Kerala ahead with a field goal in the 29th minute. Chhattisgarh equalised through captain Sandeep Kumars penalty corner in the 45th minute and went ahead when Sonu Nishad scored from open play in the 48th. Sandeep Yadav converted a penalty corner in the 59th minute to level the match. In the Pool B clash, Dilbar Barla gave Jharkhand the lead with a penalty corner in the 26th minute. Telangana captain Shiva Kumar Shivangi equalised from a penalty corner in the 56th minute. Jharkhand are unbeaten after a 4-1 win over Goa on Day 2, and Telangana picked up their first point after losing to Arunachal on Day 1. In Division C, Bihar (BSSA) prevailed over Hockey Andhra Pradesh 4-3 in a Pool B match. Andhra Pradesh, 8-0 winners on Day 1, led twice through Metta Sai Kumars penalty corners (11', 38') and a field goal from captain Lekkala Hitesh Rao (25'). Bihar replied through Jony Kumars penalty corner (26') and Md Sidiks penalty corner (29') to level at 2-2 and 3-3 after Jony scored a field goal in the 43rd minute. Jony completed his hat-trick and scored the winner with a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute. It was Bihars first win of the championship after their 2-3 loss to Rajasthan on Day 1. In a Pool B match in the same division, Hockey Rajasthan defeated Hockey Gujarat 6-2 on Day 3. Prathambhai Patel put Gujarat ahead in the 8th minute, but Kunal Koundal equalised with a penalty corner in the 22nd. Rajasthan scored three times in the third quarter through Pawan Kumar Yadav (36', 39') and Ankit Rawat (42'), and Rawat added another in the 48th minute. Patel pulled one back for Gujarat in the 54th minute, and Rawat completed his hat-trick on the stroke of full time (60'). Rajasthan have now won both of their matches. In a Pool A match in the same division, Hockey Mizoram edged Hockey Jammu & Kashmir 2-1. Captain Karanjit Singh gave J&K the lead in the 9th minute. Dharmendra Pal turned the match with two penalty corners in the 15th and 28th minutes, and Mizoram defended the lead for the rest of the game. Mizoram bounced back from their 2-4 loss to Himachal on Day 2, and J&K lost for the first time after their 6-3 opening win.
20 Goals, 3 Wins: Indian Women
Indias U17 women defeated Malaysia 4-0 to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup after winning all three matches without conceding a goal.
'Western nations overlook pace of Indias transition to non-fossil fuels'
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) While western countries continue to focus on Indias coal-fired power plants in the debate on climate change, what is being overlooked is the rapid rate at which the country is adding to its renewable energy capacity, which includes both solar, hydel, and wind power, an article said. Many of todays high-income economies industrialised on coal for over a century before shifting to cleaner energy. India is attempting to do both simultaneously, expanding electricity access and industrial growth for 1.4 billion people while building one of the largest clean-energy systems in the world, according to the article in The Diplomat. At the 2015 Paris climate conference, India pledged that 40 per cent of its installed power capacity would come from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. It reached that goal in November 2021, almost a decade early. After raising its target to 50 per cent, India crossed that threshold in June 2025, this time five years ahead of schedule. As those figures suggest, Indias renewables expansion is significant. Indias non-fossil fuel energy capacity passed 300 gigawatts in July 2026, more than half of its total installed capacity, it said. The article highlighted that the country added a record 55 gigawatts of clean capacity in the 202526 financial year and now ranks third in the world for installed renewable energy. On July 29, 2025, renewables met more than half of India's electricity demand. However, some challenges still have to be overcome. Although more than half of Indias installed capacity is now non-fossil, these sources produce under a third of the electricity the country consumes. Solar output peaks in the afternoon while demand often peaks in the evening, and the storage and transmission networks needed to bridge this gap are still under construction. Until they are complete, coal will remain the backbone of reliable energy supply. Clean capacity is being added quickly, but demand is rising almost as fast, the article observed. It underscores that steel and aluminium are among the hardest sectors to decarbonise. Indian exporters now face carbon border rules in key markets. The Global Trade Research Initiative estimates that Indian steel and aluminium exporters may need to cut prices by 15 to 22 per cent to remain competitive in Europe. Smaller firms struggle the most with the cost of measuring and reporting emissions. Finance is the final, perhaps most binding, constraint. A transition of this scale requires enormous investment, much of it in grids and storage with long payback periods. At COP29, India objected to the new climate finance goal of $300 billion a year, which was less than one-fourth of the $1.3 trillion that developing countries had demanded, the article pointed out. Still, India continues to push forward. Its national carbon market became operational in January 2025, providing industry with a price signal to reduce emissions. The growth of India's fossil fuel emissions is projected to have slowed sharply in 2025. Energy transitions are rarely linear, as recent Western experience shows, it said.
Great Goals Revisited: Carlton Cole for West Ham v Wigan, 2009
Want to know what the West Ham way is? Watch this. The post Great Goals Revisited: Carlton Cole for West Ham v Wigan, 2009 appeared first on Planet Football .
Mbappe, Yamal and Raphinha lead the way for most goals + assists in Europe in 2026-27
La Liga superstars dominate. The post Mbappe, Yamal and Raphinha lead the way for most goals + assists in Europe in 2026-27 appeared first on Planet Football .
Danielle Cooper, a 44-year-old mother of two, won two British bodybuilding titles after taking up the sport at 40. She shares her fitness advice for women, explaining why nutrition, walking and the right mindset are key to achieving fitness goals. She says that women should make nutrition their foundation and focus on increasing their physical activities, like increasing daily steps.
Portugal Softens Ronaldo Suspension: Federation urges captains return; will he say yes?
Cristiano Ronaldo scored on his Al-Nassr return, taking his career tally to 980 goals, while Portugal have made clear they want their captain back. Despite the disciplinary proceedings following his camp exit, Ronaldo and coach Jorge Jesus have left the door open for a reunion. With Novembers fixtures approaching, will Ronaldo return to Portugal after the fallout?
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta discusses safety, education with college girls
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday discussed safety and education issues with college girls, promising measures to ensure that every student moves forward to lead and fulfil her dreams. In a message on X, CM Gupta said, Today, I had a heartfelt conversation with student representatives from various colleges in Delhi. In this informal meeting, the students shared their experiences and offered several valuable suggestions regarding safety, facilities, and better education in colleges. The thinking of our young generation, their new ideas, and their zeal to achieve something truly inspire us. Today's students are stepping forward not only to pursue their dreams but also to make Delhi better. Priority will be given to implementing the students' suggestions. Along with regular dialogue, their participation will also be increased in the preparations for the upcoming youth policy and budget, she said. Every student of Delhi should move forward with confidence, lead and fulfil her dreams. Their every concern is our responsibility, and their bright future is our resolve, she said. Earlier on Sunday, National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar interacted with non-collegiate women students of Delhi University at Miranda House and said that self-motivation, self-confidence and the desire to learn something new are the true strengths of success. Addressing the students at a Self-Building, Skill Development, and POSH Awareness Programme on the theme Udaan Sapne Bade Hon, Raaste Aneka Hon, Rahatkar said, When daughters believe in themselves and persistently strive toward their goals, they not only shape their own future but also become inspirations for change in society. She encouraged the students to recognise their abilities, learn new skills, and seize every opportunity to realise their dreams, as per a statement. The NCW organised Udaan programmes at various Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board (NCWEB) Centres of the University of Delhi, with the objective of raising awareness among students about Self-Development, Future Skills, and the POSH Act related to the safety of women in the workplace. Through these initiatives, students were provided the opportunity to move forward with confidence and prepare for future opportunities, the statement said.
The Bombay High Court at Goa on Sunday ordered the immediate release of seven individuals detained by the police at Azad Maidan in Panaji during protests against the Election Commission of India (ECI), observing that their detention may not have been authorised in the absence of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik [] The post Bombay High Court orders immediate release of seven detained over ECI protests in Goa, questions legality of detention appeared first on India Legal .
Rahul Gandhi only knows how to spread anarchy, create instability: BJP
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) BJP MP Anurag Thakur on Monday launched a sharp attack on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of making baseless allegations against constitutional institutions and attempting to create political instability amid the ongoing controversy over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Thakur alleged that Rahul Gandhi lacked a proper understanding of facts, rules and laws and was instead focused on creating disorder and questioning constitutional authorities. Rahul Gandhi may be the Leader of the Opposition, but he is a leader who knows neither the facts nor the arguments, rules, regulations or laws. He only knows how to spread anarchy, create instability, undermine constitutional offices and institutions, and tarnish India's image across the world, Thakur said. The BJP MP also questioned Rahul Gandhi's repeated allegations of vote theft, claiming that the Congress leader was effectively challenging the people's mandate without presenting sufficient evidence to support his claims. Rahul Gandhi keeps talking about 'vote theft', but in reality, he is challenging the public's mandate. He makes baseless claims. He is a leader dealing in empty rhetoric. His entire political agenda is built on hollow statements, baseless accusations, meaningless actions, protests, facts... Ground reality is that there is nothing substantial in his statements. He repeatedly makes allegations and then goes to court and apologises. That is his track record, Thakur said. He further accused the Congress leader of making the Election Commission of India (ECI), electronic voting machines (EVMs) and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) a scapegoat to target whenever the party suffers electoral defeats, instead of accepting the outcome of elections. Rahul ji, the country doesn't need noise, allegations or political statements, but truth, evidence, and clear answers, he added. Referring to the INDIA bloc's efforts to raise its concerns over the SIR exercise before the judiciary, Thakur questioned the opposition's attempt to seek a discussion with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) while the matter was sub judice. How can he seek a discussion with the CJI if this SIR issue is sub judice? The CJI made it clear that he should file a petition, Thakur said. You know that Rahul Gandhi has faced setbacks in court several times in the past and has apologised. Now he thinks that if he goes out on the streets and repeatedly tells lies, people will start believing them to be true. Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party have a very clear strategy: if they cannot rule, they will spread anarchy, he added. Thakur maintained that Rahul Gandhi and the Congress had the right to raise their concerns and approach the judiciary, but accused them of behaving as though they were above established constitutional procedures and institutions. The people of the country have every right to present their case before the court. Rahul Gandhi, you too have every right to present your views. But Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party consider themselves an extra-constitutional body, he said. The BJP leader also challenged the Congress to make public the evidence it had claimed to possess in support of its allegations against the Election Commission, insisting that criticism of constitutional institutions must be backed by verifiable facts. There might be allegations against the ECI, but where is the evidence? Rahul Gandhi had said that he would present the evidence, but it is still not made public... Disagreement is fine, but if allegations are made against the Constitutional institutions, then there must be evidence, he added. The responsibility lies not only with the government but also with the LoP, he added. This comes amid the Congress-led INDIA Bloc's march towards the Supreme Court, seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over the controversy surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition leaders have alleged irregularities in the revision exercise and raised concerns over the electoral rolls, while the BJP has defended the process and accused the Congress of politicising the issue. The INDIA Bloc leaders had also sought an appointment with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant to discuss their concerns. However, the CJI declined their request and advised them to approach the court through a petition in accordance with the established legal procedure. Following this, a bus carrying Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA Bloc leaders departed from the Constitution Club of India towards the Supreme Court.
Congress has no right to take Lord Ram
Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao on Monday criticised Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy over his remarks comparing the Congress to Lord Ram and the BJP to Ravana during his campaign speech in Goa on Sunday. Rao alleged that the Congress had opposed the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and accused the party of following an anti-Hindu approach. Speaking to ANI, Rao said the Congress had no right to invoke Lord Ram
Mormugao Port Authority Chief Engineer Recruitment 2026
Mormugao Port Authority has invited online applications for the post of Chief Engineer. Applications can be submitted at mptgoa.gov.in from 13 October 2026 to 12 November 2026.
Gurmeet Choudhary recalls how Nana Patekar inspired him by standing with soldiers during Kargil War
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 12 (IANS) Actor Gurmeet Choudhary has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of veteran actor Nana Patekar. He remembered him as a wonderful human being and a remarkable performer who would always remain in people's hearts. Paying tribute to the late actor, Gurmeet recalled how Nana's visit to soldiers during the Kargil War had inspired him. He said the veteran actor's gesture showed that an artist's contribution to society goes beyond their work on screen. Speaking to the media, the Geet Hui Sabse Parayi actress said he was deeply saddened by Nana's demise and remembered him as a good person and a talented actor. The actor also recalled reading about Nana's visit to the soldiers during the Kargil War when he was younger. He said the account had left a lasting impression on him. He was a very good person, an actor. He will always have a place in our hearts. I remember a story I read in the newspaper. When Kargil war was going on, he was the first actor who went to war and stayed with the soldiers. I was very inspired by that, Gurmeet said. He added that being an actor was not enough, stressing that contributing to society was equally important. I feel that being an actor is not enough. What you do for the society is very important, he said. Veteran actor and Padma Shri awardee Nana Patekar passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 75. According to reports, he was found unconscious at his Goa residence after experiencing severe chest discomfort. Several prominent personalities from the Indian film industry, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Hema Malini, have paid tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar. Raj Babbar, Anupam Kher, Rohit Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi also remembered his contribution to cinema and the influence he had on generations of artists. In an exclusive statement to IANS, Pankaj Tripathi reflected on the personal guidance he received from Nana Patekar. He recalled how the veteran actor's advice extended beyond professional matters. He said Patekar would often guide him and help him navigate important decisions in life. Nana jis passing is an incredibly painful loss for our entire fraternity; it's a deeply personal loss for me. I had the privilege of sharing screen space with him in Kaala, and that experience will always remain very special to me. He was not just a co-actor but someone who would guide me on the craft, life choices, and the smallest nuances of acting, Pankaj said.
In a strategic push, GE Aerospace plans to ramp up its supply chain spending in India, setting an ambitious goal of USD 400 million. This initiative emphasizes their commitment to the burgeoning Indian aviation market and supports local sourcing initiatives. Presently, GE partners with established suppliers like Tata Group and Mahindra, while also focusing on enhancing their technological and innovative proficiencies in the region.
Indian Hockey Team Focuses On Performance As Pakistan Withdraws From Asian Champions Trophy 2026
Indian men's hockey team goalkeeper Suraj Karkera said that while the public will miss the flavour and intensity of a match against arch-rivals Pakistan during the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) Punjab 2026.
New HomePod rumors: HomePod mini 2, HomePad and touchscreen HomePod
Macworld Apple has confirmed a Welcome home Experience in New York on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 9 a.m. ET (6 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. BST). A new HomePod mini and Apples first smart-home display are expected to feature alongside an updated Apple TV 4K. Invited journalists will attend a New York gathering. Well cover the announcement in our Welcome Home live blog . For much of 2025 and 2026, Apples revamped Siri was the thing holding those products back. Thats no longer the case: Siri AI has now arrived with Apples OS 27 updates, removing one of the biggest obstacles to launching the new hardware. The HomePod mini 2 appears to be particularly close, with Apple code discovered in September 2026 revealing images of the unreleased speaker and its five colors, while Bloombergs Mark Gurman reported in July that a new HomePod mini, Apple TV and smart home display are among Apples upcoming home products. The naming is less straightforward. HomePad, Smart Home Hub, Personal Hub and HomePod Touch are all placeholder names being used for different rumored products or concepts, rather than confirmed Apple names. In this article, were using HomePad, Smart Home Hub and Personal Hub for the standalone smart display reportedly being developed for smart-home controls, Siri AI and video calls, while HomePod Touch refers specifically to reports about a HomePod-style speaker with an integrated touchscreen. There may ultimately be some overlap between these products, and some of the rumored concepts could be combined, renamed or never released at all. Below, we separate what is currently known about each device and when it is likely to arrive. What are the new HomePod products? Apple is reportedly developing several new HomePod and smart-home products. The names below arent official Apple names; where necessary, were using placeholder names to distinguish between the different rumored devices. Placeholder name What is it When HomePod mini 2 New HomePod mini with the same basic design, new colors, faster processor and Siri AI support. October 13 announcement expected HomePad /Smart Home Hub 6-inch smart display with Siri AI, Home controls, apps and camera; tabletop and wall-mounted versions expected. October 13 announcement expected HomePod 3 Next-generation full-size HomePod with faster hardware and Siri AI support In development, but reportedly not imminent HomePod Touch HomePod with a built-in 6-inch touchscreen. Uncertain; no firm launch window Robotic home screen Display mounted on a robotic arm 2027 or beyond Security camera Apple-designed home security camera Timing uncertain LG smart-home accessories Reported Apple/LG collaboration on a doorbell, lock, thermostat and security cameras October 13 announcement rumored; availability potentially months later Why have Apples new Home products taken so long? Apples next generation of smart-home products appears to have been delayed largely because of Siri. The company was developing a much more capable version of Siri for Apple Intelligence, while the processors inside the current HomePod mini and second-generation HomePod werent designed to run Apples latest AI features. That created a problem for new HomePod hardware. Apple was reportedly preparing products such as a new HomePod mini and smart home display around the capabilities of the redesigned assistant, but Siris delayed development meant the hardware couldnt launch as originally expected. That situation has now changed. Siri AI arrived with Apples OS 27 updates in September 2026, removing one of the main dependencies that had been holding back Apples smart-home plans. Recent reports suggest the HomePod mini 2 and Apples smart home display are among the products closest to release . The full-size HomePod appears to be on a different timetable, however. Bloombergs Mark Gurman reported in September that Apple is testing a new full-size HomePod with Siri AI support, but said it doesnt appear to be imminent. That means we no longer expect the HomePod 3 to necessarily arrive alongside the HomePod mini 2. HomePod mini 2 rumors Well start off with the rumors about the HomePod mini 2. The HomePod mini is Apples smaller, more affordable smart speaker. The new model is expected to offer a new selection of colors, a major processor upgrade and improved connectivity. Foundry When is the HomePod mini 2 expected to launch? Launch : October 13 announcement expected Apple introduced the original HomePod mini in November 2020, so it is now nearly six years old and overdue for an update. Rumours of a successor have circulated for more than a year. In January 2025, reports suggested a launch toward the end of 2025 , and Bloombergs Mark Gurman subsequently said that new HomePod mini and Apple TV models were expected in fall 2025 . Those products never materialised. Attention then shifted to spring 2026, with reports suggesting Apples new smart home devices would launch alongside its redesigned Siri. However, that timetable also slipped as Apple continued work on its AI-powered assistant. The HomePod mini 2 is expected to be announced at Apples October 13 Welcome home event. Apple has invited media to an Experience, but has not yet confirmed what will launch. What changes are coming to the HomePod mini 2? Black, blue, green, pink, and white color finishes. The current HomePod mini is available in Midnight, White, Blue, Yellow and Orange. In September, MacRumors spotted Apple code that revealed five colors for the new model: black, blue, green, pink, and white. Bloombergs Mark Gurman reported in September 2025, that Apple has tested additional colors for the next-generation model, including red, but it appears that red didnt make the final cut. Otherwise, the HomePod mini 2 is expected to retain the same compact, spherical design as the current model, with no major external changes rumored. Instead, Apple is reportedly focusing on upgraded internal hardware, including an S9 or newer chip capable of supporting Apples latest Siri AI features. Other changes coming to HomePod mini 2 Beyond the color changes revealed in Apple code, the main expected hardware upgrade is a newer processor capable of supporting Siri AI. Reports also point to newer Apple networking and Ultra Wideband hardware, along with possible audio improvements. Siri AI support :A newer processor should allow the HomePod mini 2 to support Apples latest Siri AI features, something the current S5-based model wasnt designed for. Improved connectivity :Reports have pointed to Apples newer in-house networking hardware, Wi-Fi 6E and an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip. Audio improvements :Apple is expected to upgrade the speakers audio hardware and processing. Other internal upgrades :Further hardware refinements are possible. HomePad/Smart Home Hub rumors Launch : October 13 announcement expected Strategy : A new smart-home display category for Apple HomePad release date Apples first smart-home display, provisionally called HomePad, is expected to be unveiled at the confirmed October 13 Welcome home Experience. Invited journalists will attend a New York gathering, but Apple has not confirmed a public livestream. Product announcements could appear on its website alongside the media experience. Well cover the announcement in our Welcome Home live blog . The product had originally been expected earlier in 2026, but its launch was repeatedly pushed back while Apple completed the Siri AI technology that arrived with its September OS 27 updates. Gurman previously reported that the hardware had been ready for some time, with Siri the main reason for the delay. Apples own software has also provided evidence that the product is approaching launch. References discovered in macOS identify J490/HomeAccessory17,1 and J491/HomeAccessory17,2, which are believed to correspond to the tabletop and wall-mounted versions of Apples smart home hub. What is the HomePad? The HomePad also referred to as Apples Smart Home Hub or home display is expected to be a compact 6-inch smart display designed to act as a central interface for the home . It would combine Siri AI, smart-home controls, FaceTime, media playback and Apple services in a device intended to remain plugged in on a countertop, desk, bedside table or wall. The latest reports suggest that it will be considerably smaller than many earlier concept images implied. A six-inch square display would measure only about 4.25 inches across each side, making it much more of a close-up personal device than an iPad-sized family display. It is likely to be more desk scale than room scale. Apples new Siri AI is expected to be central to the HomePad experience. Its delayed development appears to have been one of the main reasons the hardware did not launch earlier. Foundry / ChatGPT HomePad design, features and specs Reported features include: 6-inch display: The latest Bloomberg report points to a six-inch display with rounded corners, making the device considerably smaller than many earlier renders suggested. iMac G4-style tabletop design : The standard model is reportedly mounted above a circular metal speaker base on a polished metal arm, with a design said to be reminiscent of the classic iMac G4. Colors : Leaker itspdfu has suggested Rose Pink, Silver, Space Gray and Starlight based on Photo Face setup assets. Tilting display : The screen is reportedly designed to tilt forward and backward manually. Wall-mounted version : A second model is reportedly designed to mount on a wall, with a thin square base containing the speakers and microphones. No battery : The device is expected to remain plugged in, reportedly using USB-C for power. Siri AI: Apples new Siri technology is expected to be central to the device. Smart-home controls: It should act as a central interface for Home accessories. FaceTime and communication : A front-facing camera is expected to support FaceTime calls. User recognition : The device is reportedly designed to recognize household members by face and voice, then display that persons own calendar, reminders, notes and other information. Visitor mode : Reports suggest it will be able to hide personal information when guests are using the device. iPhone authentication : A nearby iPhone may be used for stronger authentication when required. Other software clues and reports suggest the device could also offer: Apple apps and services : Reports specifically mention Calendar, Messages, Photos, FaceTime, Notes, Reminders, Music, Podcasts and smart-home controls. Entertainment : The device is also expected to function as an entertainment hub for streaming music and video, as well as making FaceTime calls via a built-in camera. New home-focused software : The device is reportedly running a new interface combining elements of Apple Watch, Apple TV and iPhone/iPad software, including widgets, clock faces and photo displays rather than simply running iPadOS. No App Store expected at launch : Current reports do not mention an App Store, suggesting the HomePad may initially operate more like a dedicated smart-home appliance than a general-purpose iPad. Other clues about HomePad software: Kitchen integration : A new CookingKit framework and expanded food sections in Apple News indicate that kitchen assistance, such as searching for recipes by ingredient, could be a primary selling point. Advanced home control : Code found in the iOS 26 Home app describes an Adaptive Temperature feature, which could allow the HomePad to offer more granular control over smart thermostats, including energy-saving optimizations based on local electricity rates. HomePod 3 rumors The larger HomePod is more expensive than the HomePod mini, delivering richer, louder audio with deeper bass and spatial audio. The next generation is expected to get a processor upgrade, improved connectivity and better sound. Michael Brown/Foundry When is the HomePod 3 expected to launch? Release date : Unknown; not expected imminently Bloombergs Mark Gurman reported in September 2026 that Apple was testing a new full-size HomePod with Siri AI support, but that the release did not appear to be imminent. What changes are coming to the HomePod 3? Unlike the HomePod mini 2, there are relatively few leaks about hardware upgrades coming to the full-size HomePod. However, its expected to receive the same core internal upgrades needed to support Apples AI ambitions. Expected improvements include: More powerful chip : The current HomePod uses the S7 chip from the Apple Watch Series 7. A next-generation model is expected to adopt a significantly faster Apple silicon chip, potentially the S9 or newer, to support Apple Intelligence features. Siri AI support : The upgraded hardware should allow the HomePod to run Apples new Siri AI features that arent supported by the current S7-based model. Improved Connectivity : Rumours point to Apples in-house networking chip, together with Wi-Fi 6E and an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip for improved performance and smart home integration. Audio Enhancements : Apple is also expected to refine the speaker system with upgraded drivers and audio processing. In September, a post by itspdfu , who has a history of posting leaks online, said that audioOS27, the operating system for HomePod devices, supports Siri AI. The same source claimed that a future HomePod could also include new animations for its top display. Beyond these internal upgrades, some reports suggest Apple is experimenting with a HomePod featuring a built-in display. That device is expected to be a separate product rather than a standard HomePod 3, and we cover those rumours in the next section. HomePod with touchscreen (HomePod Touch) rumors Apple has been rumored to be working on a HomePod with a screen for years, although exactly what form that product will take remains unclear. Older reports have described a HomePod-style speaker with an integrated touchscreen, sometimes referred to unofficially as a HomePod Touch. There is considerable uncertainty here because some older reports about a HomePod with a display may describe the same product that more recent reports characterize as Apples HomePad or smart home hub. We are treating the HomePod Touch separately here only where reports specifically describe a HomePod-style speaker with an integrated screen. Foundry and Apple When could the touchscreen HomePod launch? Possible launch : Unknown Apple has been working on redesigning the HomePod to include a display for some time. Back in March 2023, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed Apple would unveil a redesigned HomePod featuring a 7-inch panel. Kuo initially expected this product to arrive in the first half of 2024, but that timeline slipped. In December 2024, he reported further delays had pushed the launch to after WWDC 2025 , citing software development challenges. Then, in March 2025, Kuo suggested the device had been delayed again, due to Apple Intelligence setbacks . Those predictions have all passed without a product appearing. Siri AI has since arrived, but there is currently no firm report giving this touchscreen HomePod a new launch date. It is therefore possible that earlier reports referred to a product that has evolved, been delayed further, or overlaps with Apples separately reported HomePad project. HomePod with display incoming? Foundry What could the touchscreen HomePod be like? Display size: 6 and 7-inch touchscreens. Software : Custom touchscreen operating system running apps like Weather, Calendar, Photos, HomeKit as well as Apple Music One of the biggest limitations of todays HomePod is that almost every interaction relies on Siri. A built-in display would provide a more direct way to control music, manage smart home devices and access information, putting Apples device in direct competition with the Amazon Echo Show and Google Nest Hub. According to current rumours, Apples display-equipped HomePod will feature a 6-7-inch touchscreen and run a touch-optimised version of homeOS, allowing it to function as both a smart speaker and a smart home hub. Unlike existing HomePods, it is expected to use a far more powerful A-series chip possibly an A18 or similar to support Apples redesigned AI-powered Siri and the more demanding graphical interface. Rumoured features: Large touchscreen : A 6-7-inch display for controlling smart home devices, viewing photos, checking the weather, following recipes and interacting with apps. Powerful Apple silicon : An A-series chip is expected to replace the S-series processor used in current HomePods, providing the performance needed for Apple Intelligence and the touchscreen interface. Smart-home controls : A touchscreen HomePod would logically offer easier access to Home controls, although reports about apps and a dedicated smart-home interface may refer instead to Apples separate HomePad project Improved connectivity : Apples in-house networking chip, Wi-Fi 6E and an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip are all rumoured. FaceTime camera : Reports suggest Apple may include a built-in camera for FaceTime and other video-based features. These could instead relate to Apples separate HomePad project. Possible modular design : Some less-established reports have suggested that a display could dock with a speaker base. This has not been corroborated by the more recent reports describing Apples HomePad. If accurate, this would represent Apples biggest expansion of the HomePod lineup since its debut, transforming it from a voice-first speaker into a full smart home controller. Amazon Echo Show beside the HomePod mini, Ben Patterson/Foundry Apple robotic home display rumors Possible launch : 2027 or later Strategy : A premium smart-home device with a movable display Apple is also developing a much more ambitious smart-home device that shouldnt be confused with the HomePad expected first (see above). As far back as April 2021, Mark Gurman described a high-end device combining a HomePod speaker, a touchscreen, and a camera mounted on a robotic arm that could follow the user around the room during video calls. Gurman has made various references to this over the years. The device, previously identified as J595, is reportedly an iPad-like display attached to a motorized robotic arm . The arm would allow the screen to move and reposition itself, potentially following a person around the room during FaceTime calls or turning toward whoever is speaking. Bloomberg has described it as a higher-end smart-home command center that could combine videoconferencing, home controls and security functions. Unlike the stationary HomePad, this appears to be a significantly more complexand probably more expensiveproduct. Earlier reports have suggested a price that could reach around $1,000. The robotic display is also believed to be further away than the HomePad . Previous reports placed it in late 2026 or 2027 at the earliest, and Apples more recent software leaks have focused on the J490 and J491 stationary home hubs rather than J595. What could the robotic display do? Reported capabilities include: A large display mounted on a motorized arm. Automatically turning toward the person using it. FaceTime and other video calling. Siri AI and smart-home controls. Cameras and gesture recognition Reports suggest cameras could support FaceTime, security monitoring and potentially recognition of users or gestures. Apple has also previously filed patents describing HomePod-related gesture controls, although patents do not necessarily indicate features destined for a shipping product. Associated LG accessories There is a rumor that LG accessories could accompany Apples smart-home launch Bloombergs Mark Gurman reports that Apple is working with LG on a doorbell, smart lock, thermostat and security cameras . These accessories could be announced on October 13, but reportedly would not reach customers for several more months. The products are expected to carry LG branding, with LG handling manufacturing and support. They are separate from the Apple-branded accessories also rumored to be in development. A separate leak from itspdfu points to an LG temperature and humidity sensor. What chips will power the new HomePods? The biggest limitation of todays HomePods isnt their speakers its their processors. The HomePod mini still uses the Apple Watch S5 chip introduced in 2019, while the second-generation HomePod runs on the newer, but still relatively modest, S7 chip from the Apple Watch Series 7. Those chips are powerful enough for music playback, Home controls and existing Siri functions, but they were not designed to run the new Siri AI capabilities introduced with Apples OS 27 generation. That hardware gap helps explain why Apple is expected to introduce new HomePod hardware rather than bringing the full Siri AI experience to the existing models. HomePod mini 2 & HomePod 3 Gurman has said the main hardware change he has specifically reported for the new HomePods is a faster chip, although he has not identified which processor Apple will use. HomePod with a screen The display-equipped HomePod is expected to require substantially more processing power than Apples existing smart speakers. Because it will reportedly run a touch-based operating system alongside Apple Intelligence, most analysts expect it to use an A-series processor, with an A17 Pro or A18 among the leading predictions. Apple has not confirmed the chip, and these reports remain speculative. Whatever processors Apple ultimately chooses, the goal appears to be the same across the entire HomePod range: replacing ageing Apple Watch chips with modern Apple silicon capable of delivering the full Apple Intelligence experience. New HomePod Prices The prices for the HomePods increased in June 2026: HomePod: $349/349 (was $299/299) HomePod mini: $129/129 (was $99/99) Apple raised HomePod prices in June 2026, so we wouldnt expect the new models to return automatically to the previous $99/$299 price points. However, a HomePod with a built-in screen could command a higher price. It may launch as a separate product altogether, potentially starting around $399/399, or higher, depending on features. Buying advice: Should you wait or buy a HomePod now? Wait if: You are considering a HomePod mini and can postpone your purchase until after October 13. A replacement is expected at Apples gathering, so waiting will let you assess any announcement before choosing between the current and new models. Buy now if: You need a HomePod immediately and find a worthwhile discount. The current HomePod and HomePod mini still work well as speakers and smart-home hubs, but their older processors mean they arent designed for Apples newer Siri AI capabilities. If you want a screen: Wait. Apples first dedicated home display appears much closer than the more speculative touchscreen HomePod. What is on Apples Smart Home Roadmap October 13, 2026 : Apples Welcome home Experience is confirmed. HomePod mini 2 and the HomePad smart display are expected announcements, alongside an updated Apple TV 4K. Beyond 2026: A new full-size HomePod is being tested, but Bloomberg reports that it does not appear imminent. 2027 or later: Apples more ambitious robotic home display could follow. Timing unknown: Apple is also reportedly developing home-security camera hardware.
Can you name the top 30 non-European Premier League goalscorers?
This is harder than you might think. The post Can you name the top 30 non-European Premier League goalscorers? appeared first on Planet Football .
Patekar passed away on Oct. 8 in Goa following a heart attack.
Cyber Scam Fears Cause Indians to Alter Online Habits, Threatening Digital Push
Rising cybersecurity concerns are emerging as a major bottleneck for Indias high-stakes digital economy goals. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) in New Delhi, Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific at GSMA, warned that widespread fears over cyber scams are forcing citizens to scale back their online activity. A recent GSMA survey revealed that [] The post Cyber Scam Fears Cause Indians to Alter Online Habits, Threatening Digital Push appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Hunkkaar: The Roar, which was released last month, has received appreciation for its subject, treatment and performances. Moreover, there was tremendous curiosity surrounding the web series due to the presence of Aneet Padda, who became a huge sensation after the release of Saiyaara (2025). In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Heeraz Marfatia, who developed the show, served as its lead writer, co-wrote all six episodes and directed the third and fourth episodes, spoke about the process of creating Hunkkaar: The Roar, Aneet Padda's casting and a lot more. How has life changed since the release of Hunkkaar: The Roar? The phone has just not stopped ringing (smiles). I have always believed in being courageous and never settling for what is acceptable to a larger audience. I had made a short film called Birju more than two decades ago, which was Oscar-nominated. There were no stakes involved; it was just me making a sincere beginning to my filmmaking journey. Post Hunkkaar, my belief in never settling has certainly received a boost. However, I was not fully prepared for what it takes to get something hard-hitting and pure made in a commercial industry where valid market forces are at play. It just takes the time it takes. Along the way, when things were not working out, I was blessed to collaborate with Palme d'Or and Oscar-winning directors like Roland Joff, and later with my guru, Shekhar Kapur. If you stick with it, slowly but surely, you meet people who believe in you. So, to answer your question, what has changed is that my belief has truly turned into conviction simply by living that belief. Nothing would make me happier than seeing more hard-hitting shows and films being released that also become full-blown commercial successes. You have directed two episodes. How was the experience? Also, how did you and the other directors ensure that you remained on the same page in terms of treatment? My co-directors, Karan Darius Kapadia and Nitya Mehra, and I were always concerned about that. Somehow, American shows have mastered the consistency of cinematic language. The transition between directors is seamless. I suggested an approach, and Nitya and Karan were supportive of the idea. Nitya, in particular, was extremely generous in agreeing to work on the shot breakdown of the pilot episode together, even though it was her episode to direct. The three directors and both cinematographers, Kavin Jagtiani and Kabir Tejpal, worked on the breakdown together. It took time and effort, but we got to where we needed to be, which was on the same page! We were also very fortunate to have Kavin and Kabir execute this seamlessness so beautifully. There have been films and shows dealing with godmen sexually assaulting devotees, such as Maharaj, Aashram and Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai. How did you and the team ensure that Hunkkaar stood out? The writing could never work within the familiar paradigms that you have mentioned. So, a singular premise needed to be developed. For example, why does the system not work? We also needed a sharp point of view to enhance our take, which was that the system is only as good or as bad as the office-bearers who run it. Instead of making viewers feel powerless about a system that never seems to work, we wanted to give a hopeful message. All the pillars of the criminal justice system, be it the cop, the lawyer or the journalist, can work effectively. They just need to do their jobs without passion or prejudice. When the office-bearers of the system do the right thing, the system becomes a juggernaut that cannot be stopped. The message is simple: empower yourself. You, the people, are the system. After almost six hours of viewing, you should feel empowered to stand up against this self-created behemoth, only to realise that there is a way forward. You are the system, and you can change things. Aneet Padda's casting added to the curiosity surrounding the show, and she has delivered a fantastic performance. Did you ever consider casting an established name, considering that she was relatively unknown when she signed the series? Yes, Aneet has delivered a sublime performance. That's the beauty of making a series. You don't necessarily have to cast established names. New talent brings fresh energy into the ecosystem. Look at where Aneet is now; the whole world is her playground! Aneet Padda shot for Hunkkaar before Saiyaara. What made the show take so long to release? Hunkkaar was financed and made by Applause Entertainment. They are among those rare companies that believe in incubating their shows through development and production. Here, I would like to give a shout-out to Rahul Vedparkash, the creative producer from Applause's end. Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment allow the makers to do their thing. They then take their time to find the right home for the show, one that can harness the potential and reach of the story. We also are very fortunate to have found a home in JioHotstar, especially considering the kind of show Hunkkaar is. Was there jubilation among you and the team when Saiyaara became a blockbuster and Aneet Padda became the heartthrob of the nation? After all, it was a foregone conclusion that your show would benefit from her newfound stardom... Yes, we were all ecstatic, especially since I knew how hard Aneet had worked to land the role of Vaani in Saiyaara. All the credit goes to her. Whatever advantage the series has gained from Aneet's well-deserved stardom has been amplified because Hunkkaar lives up to the weight of the expectations that the public had from her. And I am glad to report that Hunkkaar has answered that call with a big roar! Was there any apprehension that, in a sensitive country like India, a show like Hunkkaar might face opposition from a section of society? I am delighted and yet humbled that a bleak tale like Hunkkaar has been received with so much love. Our work represents the power of hope. The story is about getting justice, and the human spirit is always drawn to such themes. So, we had full confidence in the human spirit and had no apprehensions. One scene that sets the mood and is also quite disturbing is when Aneet Padda's character is video-recording her statement and gets interrupted twice. How did that scene come about in the writers' room? Also, could you explain how a writers' room functions? As lead writer, it's important to focus on research and read about victims who have transformed themselves into survivors. This scene is a small example of where the writers' room comes to the fore. So much has been written about how law enforcement collects information in a very inhuman, almost callous and clerical manner. It's brutal for a survivor to have to relive the trauma repeatedly while giving testimony. In Meenu's case, she has to recount her ordeal a dozen times before she finally calls out the complete disregard that society and the criminal justice system have for the very victims they are supposed to protect. So many little nuggets come out of the writers' room. For instance, there's the moment when Ram Kapoor's character, the defence lawyer, decides not to question Meenu any further and offers her a handkerchief as a mark of respect. Such moments emerge when four writers' minds come together and create a collective vision. The writers' room is like balancing a bicycle while steering it in the right direction. Plot, characters, episodic structure, season arc, the dramatic needs versus the dramatic goals of each character these are the questions that keep you up at night. The writers' room is the heart of a show. I was blessed to collaborate with extremely talented writers, Ravinder Randhawa and Nikhil Nair. Which was the toughest scene to crack? Not a scene per se, but the entire trajectory of the case, with its many twists and turns, was difficult to crack. It took us a few months to get it right. How would the prosecution devise its strategy? How would the defence think? How would the audience feel? How would the judge view the case? Maintaining a balanced perspective from all angles while keeping everything authentic was the biggest challenge. You have a development-first, writing-led production company called Writers Cut. Why have you chosen to put development at the centre of the business at a time when the industry is increasingly driven by speed and the packaging of projects for production? I co-founded Writers Cut with Shubhra Swarup (Writer and Co-producer on Delhi Crime). You ask why we have chosen to put development at the centre of our business. That's because we don't want to be in the content business; we want to be in the story business. The present ecosystem is all about producing more and more content. That's why a story like Hunkkaar, or even Delhi Crime, cuts through the content clutter like a hot knife through butter. Also, it's very important to recognize one's own skill set. We are not into the packaging game. We just want to tell stories that move audiences in the best possible way. Yes, revenue is vital in any business. But our position is simple: you can't take the story out of the storytelling business. Commercial success and good storytelling are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they are inextricably linked. Take an average story and package it with the biggest stars, brilliant production values and enormous marketing spends. Now, tell that same story a little better with all the other elements remaining the same, and your revenues will leapfrog. It's basic, but all the noise around us makes us overlook it. Incubation during development is the key. Films, shows and even video games require world-building. You can't become a great world-builder unless you've attempted it many times before and failed along the way. Development, like any discipline, requires you to have gone down the rabbit hole many times, knowing fully well that you may never reach Alice in her Wonderland. What's next? Hopefully, we get to tell more compelling and immersive stories. Writers Cut is co-producing a show with Channel 4 that Shubhra and I have created. Writers Cut is also co-producing a couple of shows in India that we have developed. There's a feature film on the cards as well. Details will emerge in due course, when we are ready to announce them. Also Read: Karan D Kapadia reveals he ensured Aneet Padda was cast in Hunkkaar: The Roar; says, I made sure she came on board
Having health insurance is not the same as being adequately protected
Health cover should evolve with income, family responsibilities and medical needs. The real test is whether insurance, savings and other protection can absorb a serious health event without derailing financial goals.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (GTDC) has released the notification for the post of Manager (Marketing). Eligible candidates can submit their offline applications from 30 September 2026 to 21 October 2026. Further details are available at goa-tourism.com.
This is a tough ask. The post Can you name Man Citys top 30 Premier League goalscorers? appeared first on Planet Football .
There is nothing better than taking a wicket, says Dhir after 3rd T20I heroics
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 12 (IANS) India all-rounder Naman Dhir has explained how reading a batter's intentions helps him make decisions with the ball, after his two-wicket contribution proved crucial in Indias 14-run victory over the West Indies in the third T20I at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Dhir, who dismissed Shimron Hetmyer and Kamil Pooran during the West Indies chase of 224, said his approach as an off-spinner centres on controlling his line and length, changing his pace and identifying the shots a batter is preparing to play. He also believes his experience as a batter offers him an additional perspective when he takes the ball. As an off-spinner, I dont have too many variations, so I have to rely on my line and length and vary my pace. That has always been my thinking. As they say that in T20 cricket, an attacking option can also be a defensive option because there is nothing better than taking a wicket. It helps being a batter because you understand the batters stance, where his backlift is coming from, his guard and the kind of shots he can play. I keep observing these things when I bowl, Dhir told JioStar. The Indian all-rounder explained that the dismissal was the result of assessing the situation rather than deliberately allowing the batter to attack before setting him up for a wicket. I didnt plan to concede three sixes and then take a wicket. For instance, when Kamil Pooran was batting, he was looking to play every shot towards the leg side and get room to free his arms, so I wanted to cramp him for room. I made a couple of errors in the first two deliveries. I knew I was bowling my third over, the batter was set, and with the run rate being high, he was bound to take a chance. And, ultimately, he got out playing exactly the kind of shot I wanted him to, getting caught at square-leg. So, these little things help me a lot, and as a bowler, I keep looking for such small details, he added. Beyond his bowling, Dhir also clarified the responsibilities assigned to him within the Indian setup, identifying himself primarily as a batting all-rounder. He said the team management expects him to provide flexibility in the lower middle order while contributing with the ball when required. I am a batting all-rounder. I got an opportunity to bat in this game, but I am a bit disappointed that I couldnt capitalise on it. However, its not as if I dont bowl. The Impact Player rule in the IPL means I get fewer opportunities to bowl there, but I have been bowling ever since I started playing cricket, and I really enjoy it. As far as my role is concerned, I have been told by the coaches and captain that I will bat at number six or seven, depending on the situation, so that role is flexible. With the ball, my responsibility is to bowl two or three overs economically whenever the team needs me, Dhir stated. Despite his contribution in Indore, Dhir is not setting himself specific targets for the immediate future. The all-rounder said he prefers to concentrate on playing his cricket and enjoying the game instead of mapping out ambitions too far in advance. I dont function that way, by looking too far ahead. I dont have any specific goals as of now. Im just playing my cricket, enjoying it, and wherever God takes me, Ill go, he concluded.
At a time when films are becoming increasingly violent and A-rated, writer-director Kaushal Oza attempts to bring innocence back to cinemas with Little Thomas. Starring Gulshan Devaiah and Rasika Dugal, the film's trailer is sure to bring a smile to viewers' faces while exploring a simple yet heartwarming premise. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Kaushal spoke about the idea behind Little Thomas, its casting, the decision to set the film in the 1990s and a lot more. Where do babies come from? we have all asked this question. But how was it to make a film around this idea? Its a semi-autobiographical film. I always wanted a little brother. That feeling actually stayed with me through my teenage years and even into adulthood. It never really went away. When I was little, I saw that some of my friends had a brother or a sister, while I didnt have one. But as one grows up, one finds one's own coping mechanisms and gets used to one's family situation. Yet, I always had this thought that If I had a brother, my life would have been totally different. I wrote a little synopsis about it when I was at FTII (Film and Television Institute of India). I did write other scripts, but I got a calling that this was the film I should make. I also wanted to attempt something a little different from what we are used to seeing. I loved books and stories like those of Ruskin Bond, Malgudi Days, Swami And Friends, etc. I wanted to capture in my films the kind of innocence that these stories had. This story was perfect for that. What made you set the film in Goa? I did a recce before I started writing the script. I wanted locations that had a magical, charming quality. Hence, I considered places like Darjeeling and Goa. I went to Goa first, and the moment I walked through the streets of Fontainhas in Panaji, the world of Little Thomas came completely alive for me. I then started writing the film with Goa as its setting. From the trailer, it looks like a period film Yes. It is set in the 90s, as I wanted to bring out that feeling of innocence. That's difficult to capture in a present-day setting because now, if a child has a question about where babies come from, they'll simply search for it on Google. These days, they'll even ask ChatGPT! But the fun lay in the wrong answers only aspect of the film rather than the children finding out the right answer (laughs). The kids wonder, Itna bada secret kya hai? and then stumble upon all sorts of ideas which we, as adults, know are completely wrong when it comes to getting a little brother. You see the child trying out everything with utmost sincerity, faith and belief. He's sad when something doesn't work and happy when another possibility comes up. All of this was possible only in the 90s. Secondly, to be precise, we have set the film in the mid-90s, when there was a clash between the old and the new. The father (played by Gulshan Devaiah) runs a bakery, which is a family business. The liberalization era had begun, and old businesses like his were facing new challenges. The film touches upon this aspect as well. This is the first time that Gulshan Devaiah and Rasika Dugal are working together. Were they your first choices? I have been very lucky with this film and all my other films, as I have always got the actors I wanted. I also place a lot of importance on acting, and I really want the best performances. Hence, I never compromise on actors. I may compromise on anything else, but not on actors. Moreover, their chemistry comes through effortlessly on screen. When I was shooting the film, I knew the performances were good. But when the film came together during the edit, I saw these two talented actors bringing out nuances that made their relationship feel very lived-in. The story begins when they have been married for 10 years. So, they have been through the initial honeymoon phase, and things have settled into a regular rhythm. Little issues begin to creep in, and you sometimes feel that your partner is not paying enough attention to you. All this is reflected in their scenes. Even when they are loving towards each other, you can sense that they have experienced something in the past that has hurt them. And even when they fight, you can see that it's coming from a place of love. There's a funny shot in the trailer involving a monkey. But it seems like the animal has been created using VFX That's because you can't shoot with a monkey in India as per the rules. Hence, we had to create one using VFX. You also turned lyricist with the song Adults Wrong Hai. How did that happen? I didn't want to write it. Aisa samaj lo ki mera kaam chori ho gaya (laughs). I had given a brief for a song to Shailendra Barve and told him, Aisa song hoga. I had written some lyrics, which I thought were stupid, along the lines of Hum tum hai right, adults wrong hai. Those lines got stuck in his head, and Shailendra liked them. But they were just part of my brief for the lyricist, who was supposed to write something nice. However, the next day, when I went to his studio, he had already composed a song around those lines! He sang it for me. He hadn't programmed it yet, but I felt it was coming out really well. I then decided to use a pen name, Iago, as I had never imagined that I'd end up writing lyrics for this film. Then, Ranjan Singh, who's the producer, liked the idea and said, Main kuch likhu kya?. He wrote a few lines, and those words were lovely. Everything in the film got approved on the first attempt, which doesn't usually happen! Why Iago? Are you a fan of Shakespeare's Othello or the bird of the same name in Aladdin? (Laughs) I am a fan of Shakespeare. I like his writing as well as the characters in his plays. Hence, I decided to use Iago. Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Little Thomas makers Kaushal Oza, Ranjan Singh explain the making of Adults Wrong Hai: Childrens joys and sorrows are unfiltered
Goa recorded a record 10.8 million tourist arrivals last year and expects visitor numbers to match or exceed that level this year, tourism minister Rohan A Khaunte said. Domestic travel has helped offset weaker international arrivals affected by the US-Iran conflict and flight curbs.
Messi nets brace in first game since Argentina retirement as Miami win 4-0
Lionel Messi scored two goals to give him a league-leading 23 this season, and Inter Miami beat D.C. United 4-0. Luis Suarez also scored twice and German Berterame had two assists for Inter Miami, which snapped a five-match winless skid. Miami had four draws and one loss before Saturday's outburst. Four days after playing his farewell match that ended a 21-year tenure with the Argentine national team, Messi played the entire 90 minutes. The win was Miami's first since a 7-1 rout of CF Montreal on Aug. 29. It was also the first league win for new coach Cristian Kily Gonzalez, who took over Sept. 16. D.C. United is winless in its last five matches. Messi scored his first in the 47th minute after Suarez tallied twice in the first half to give Inter Miami a 2-0 lead at the break. Suarez centered a pass near the 6-yard box, where Messi retrieved it and tapped in a shot inside the right post. Inter Miami padded its lead when Messi struck again in the 60th minute. He received Rodrigo
Major CISF Operation at Goa Airport Uncovers Cheating Devices, Two Arrested
CISF arrests two passengers at Goa Airport for possessing electronic devices intended for exam cheating. Investigation underway. Major CISF Operation at Goa Airport Uncovers Cheating Devices, Two Arrested
ISL 2026: Churchill Brothers secure hard-fought 2-1 win over Mumbai City FC
Churchill Brothers SC began their Indian Super League 2026-27 campaign with a 2-1 win over Mumbai City FC here on Sunday. Gaurav Bora headed in the club's first-ever ISL goal in the 57th minute and Sebastian Gutierrez added a second in the 86th. Sergio Llamas pulled one back from the penalty spot in the third minute of stoppage time, but it was not enough for the Islanders. Mumbai City took the early initiative, controlling possession and building from the back. In the ninth minute, Wilmar Jordan's cross found Brandon Fernandes, whose right-footed effort was saved by Sayad Kadir. Churchill broke forward almost immediately. After clearing a Brandon corner in the 10th minute, Vincy Barretto raced forward and shot from the right but just over the bar. The first-half ended at 0-0. The second half began with intensity from both sides, with Churchill probing for openings and Mumbai City looking to hit on the break. Churchill took the lead two minutes later. Anil Gaonkar swung in a cr
20 goals, 3 wins! India U17 women make history with Asian Cup qualification feat
India's U17 women's football team has etched its name in history once again by securing a spot in their second consecutive Womens Asian Cup. They dominated in the AFC qualifiers, thrashing Malaysia 4-0. Key contributions came from Redima Devi Chingkhamayum, Pritika Barman, Anushka Kumari, and Nidhi, who collectively showcased the extraordinary talent emerging in women's football in India with 20 goals throughout the tournament.
Man City deliver statement victory with 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield
Manchester City players were jeered and taunted by Liverpool fans on Sunday in their first game since the club was found guilty of a raft of financial breaches. But by the end it was the away section, decked out in blue and waving giant inflatable bananas, cheering loudly after a 3-0 win at Anfield in the Premier League. It is not yet known what the future holds for City after an independent panel found the club artificially inflated its revenue by more than $1 billion to help sign some of soccer's biggest stars and dominate the Premier League. But for now it is sitting pretty at the top of the standings with a 100% winning record and looking down on its rivals. Second-half goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki saw City take advantage of Liverpool going down to 10 men following a red card for Ryan Gravenberch around the hour mark. City is the early pace-setter this season, three points ahead of defending champion Arsenal in second, with victory a welcome relief fo
Maresca equals best winning run to start of a managerial reign in Premier League
Digital Desk | Liverpool, Oct 12 (IANS) Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca has now levelled the best start to a managerial reign in Premier League history after a 3-0 win at Liverpool, making it six victories from six since the Italian took over from Pep Guardiola. The Catalan is one of just three previous managers to win their first six Premier League games in charge of a club, with Guardiola doing so at City in 2016/17. Carlo Ancelotti also claimed victory in the first six games of the 2009/10 season, having been freshly appointed at Chelsea, as did Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after taking charge at Manchester United in December 2018, as per Manchester City. During his first six Premier League games in charge, Marescas City have scored 16 goals and conceded just five. Man City's haul of 18 points has left the Club three points clear at the top of the embryonic table. Man City have seen off the challenge of Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Coventry City, Manchester United and Sunderland before this win at Anfield. They've also claimed victories in the Champions League and Carabao Cup over Porto and Norwich City, respectively. Notably, Guardiolas six league wins at the start of his reign is the previous best winning run to begin a spell in charge of City. A win over Ipswich Town next Saturday would see him break new ground, however, with no manager ever successful in each of their first seven Premier League games with a club. Joe Mercer went unbeaten in his first seven league games back in 1965, but that run comprised of three wins and four draws. Man City will next be in action in the UEFA Champions League home opener against holders Paris Saint-Germain. It should be quite the game as the 2023 winners take on Luis Enriques holders, the French team having triumphed in both 2025 and 2026 by seeing off Inter Milan and Arsenal.
Indian Super League: Mumbai City lose 1-2 to Churchill Bros
The Islanders pulled a goal back via a spot-kick from Sergio Llamas in the fifth minute of stoppage time, but could not find the equaliser
Need to be more streetwise and stubborn defensively: Michael Carrick
Man Utd boss Carrick upset after conceding late goal in 1-1 draw against 10-man Tottenham
Bayern concede fastest Bundesliga goal, Rayo Vallecano game called off
Paris, Oct 11: Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer gave away the Bundesligas fastest ever goal, Rayo Vallecano fans forced their La Liga game to be suspended, and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior was sent off for yanking the hair of an opponent. Arsenal, Barcelona and Inter Milan also got wins to keep their leads as []
Messi nets two in first game since Argentina retirement
Inter Miami beat DC United 4-0 Miami, Oct 11: Lionel Messi scored two goals to give him a league-leading 23 this season, and Inter Miami beat D.C. United 4-0. Luis Suarez also scored twice and German Berterame had two assists for Inter Miami, which snapped a five-match winless skid. Miami had four draws and one []
Trump to attend Manila ASEAN summit
Digital Desk | Washington, Oct 12 (IANS) President Donald Trump will travel to Manila next month for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit before heading to China for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, the White House has said. Trump will take part in the summit in the Philippine capital on November 16 and then go to Shenzhen for APEC, which runs from November 17 to 19, the White House told the New York Post on Sunday. The goal of the trip is to demonstrate America's commitment to its allies in Southeast Asia and to advance US economic and national security objectives, the newspaper reported, citing a White House official. In China, Trump is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in person for the third time this year, after their meeting in Beijing in May and Xi's visit to the White House last month, the Post reported. The Philippines, which chairs ASEAN this year, has declared November 16 to 18 non-working days in Metro Manila for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. The gathering includes the East Asia Summit, where India and the United States both have a seat. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had signalled the President's interest in July, when he attended ASEAN foreign ministers' meetings in Manila. I think he'd like to. I don't know what the schedule looks like, Rubio told reporters then, according to ABS-CBN News. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. renewed his invitation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the ASEAN-India Summit and the East Asia Summit when the two leaders met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi in September. I look forward to receiving Prime Minister Modi in Manila this November, Marcos said in a statement after that visit. A Manila meeting, if it takes place, would come as ties between Washington and New Delhi remain strained over tariffs and India's purchases of Russian oil. Last year, PM Modi joined the ASEAN-India Summit in Kuala Lumpur virtually and sent External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to the East Asia Summit, ruling out a meeting with Trump, who attended in person. The two leaders last spoke by telephone on September 30, a call PM Modi described as productive. A more immediate test comes on October 18, the deadline under Section 113 of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 for the President to raise duties to up to 100 per cent on goods from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas that keep buying. India has been among the largest buyers of Russian crude since 2022. The law allows the President to waive the duties if he certifies to Congress that a waiver is in the US national interest. The decision comes as the Trump administration itself moves to buy Russian diesel. New Delhi has long argued it faces a double standard, with the External Affairs Ministry saying in August 2025 that the US continues to import from Russia uranium hexafluoride for its nuclear industry, palladium for its EV industry, fertilisers as well as chemicals. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste. The East Asia Summit brings together ASEAN members with eight partners, including India, the United States, China, Japan and Australia. APEC is a forum of 21 Pacific Rim economies. India is not a member.
PM Modi says will work with CM Vijay for TN's growth, development my 'mantra'
Chennai, Oct 11:Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he has taken development as his 'mantra,' and reaffirmed his commitment to serve the people of Tamil Nadu and ensuring the state's progress by working with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. He listed the rapid strides made in various sectors in the last 12 years, including the significant jump in defence exports. In his address after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for railway, road and petroleum-related projects worth about Rs 13,000 crore with Vijay, the PM underscored his commitment to ensure development. During the inauguration, the prime minister invited Vijay with a gesture to jointly flag off the Chennai Metro Phase-2 network, marking a milestone event carrying immense political and administrative significance for the centre-state ties. He held Vijays hand and jointly flagged off the service. The Chennai Metro Phase 2 network has been executed as a joint venture between the Central and Tamil Nadu state governments. Later, at the launch of infrastructure projects too, the PM held CM Vijay's hand to jointly inaugurate the initiatives. During his subsequent address, Prime Minister Modi said, I have always taken the country's development as my mantra. As chief minister, I understood the expectations of a state. After becoming PM, not only did I try to fulfil the aspirations but also made efforts so that the states meet their aspiration goals, he said. Referring to Tamil Nadu, he said when he was CM, he got the opportunity to interact with late leaders M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa when they headed Tamil Nadu. And, after becoming prime minister, he could work with former CMs O Panneerselvam, Edappadi K Palaniswami and M K Stalin. Governments may change, but my resolve for Tamil Nadu's development, serving its people remains steadfast. With this determination to serve people, together with CM Vijay, we are taking forward the development of the state, he said. TVK founder Vijay had ushered in his maiden government by winning the April Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Referring to his completion of 25 years as PM and CM, Modi said, As head of government, my trust in people and cooperative federalism has grown strong. A few days ago, with the blessings of the people, I completed 25 years of public service as a head of government - an important milestone. In October 2001, I took the oath as the chief minister of Gujarat. From there onwards, the people allowed me to serve them, first as chief minister and later as prime minister. Over these 25 years, my faith in two great strengths of our democracy has grown even stronger. First, the people of the country; and second, cooperative federalism, the PM said. He said Tamil Nadu has played a significant role in the journey of strengthening port infrastructure to take the shipping sector to new heights. With an investment of around Rs 17,000 crore, V O Chidambaranar Port in Thoothukudi is being developed into a world-class mega container and green energy hub. Once completed, the port will be able to accommodate the worlds ultra-large container vessels. This will help transform Tamil Nadu into a global hub for industry and transportation, he said. He noted that since 2014, Indias electronics exports increased 11-fold, while defence exports have grown 50-fold. Engineering exports have also reached new records. The growth in manufacturing has created lakhs of jobs for the youth, and the people of Tamil Nadu have played an important role in driving this manufacturing growth. I have always believed that urbanisation is not a challenge but an opportunity, and public transportation plays a crucial role in realising that opportunity. Good public transport improves the ease of living for people. However, better transportation requires more than just widening roads. Modern cities need holistic infrastructure. That is why, over the last decade, we have focused on expanding metro connectivity across the country, he said. In 2014, metro services were available in only five cities, but today, they are operational in 25 cities across the country. From mandir to metro, these experiences of Tamil Nadu reflected the spirit of India, which draws strength and inspiration from its cultural heritage, he said and noted that the Rs 13,000 crore worth of projects that he inaugurated and laid foundations for new ones would make daily travel easier; others will strengthen industry and trade. Together, they will create jobs for young people across Tamil Nadu, Modi said. Following the inauguration, PM Modi took a ride on the Chennai Metro from Porur Bypass Station to Poonamallee Bypass Station and back, accompanied by Chief Minister Vijay and senior officials.
Removing Inconsistencies, Reducing Friction
The 57th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, held on 8 October 2026 in New Delhi under the chairpersonship of Honble Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, marked a decisive shift in Indias indirect tax journey. The participants included Chief Ministers of Delhi, Goa, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Meghalaya, Deputy Chief Ministers of Manipur and Telangana, the Finance Ministers and senior members of States/Union Territories with Legislative Assembly, Secretary, Department of Revenue, Chairman and Members of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance. Coming roughly a year after the major rate rationalization that introduced a predominantly two-rate structure (The Next-Gen or GST 2.0 Reforms of September 2025), this meeting deliberately set rate changes aside. Instead, it focused on reforms, refunds, registrations, returns, process, compliance, enforcement, and ease-of-doing-business reforms that many observers are describing as the operational backbone of GST 3.0. Finance Minister made it clear that rate-related matters would henceforth be taken up only once a year in a dedicated meeting. The 57th Council concentrated on removing inconsistencies, reducing friction for genuine taxpayers, speeding up cash flows, and recalibrating enforcement towards a more trust-based system while retaining deterrence against fraud. Most of the recommended process reforms are slated for implementation from 1 April 2027, giving businesses and tax administrations time to prepare. From Rate Rationalization to Process Maturity The 2025 rate reforms had simplified the multi-slab structure, reduced rates on a large number of items, and aimed to correct inverted duty structures in several sectors. Early data presented around the meeting indicated healthy growth in taxable supplies and improved reporting of supplies to consumers, suggesting the rate changes had broadened the base without collapsing revenue. With the rate architecture largely settled, the natural next phase was to address the day-to-day pain points that still plagued businesses like delayed refunds, complex registration amendments, blocked or disputed input tax credit (ITC), high compliance burden on small taxpayers, and an enforcement framework that sometimes felt disproportionate. Enforcement Reforms The most widely reported decisions concerned enforcement. The Council recommended the complete removal of the power of arrest under GST (by omitting the relevant provision, commonly referred to as Section 69 of the CGST Act). Arrest powers had long been a source of anxiety for the business community, their withdrawal signals a clear preference for prosecution only after a proper case is built, rather than anticipatory action. Complementing this, the monetary threshold for launching prosecution was raised five-foldfrom `1 crore to `5 crore. Minimum mandatory punishments were also recommended for removal, leaving the nature of penalty (fine, imprisonment, or both) to judicial discretion. The general penalty under section 125 was proposed to be reduced from `25,000 to `10,000. A materiality threshold of `10,000 was introduced for the issuance of show-cause notices & no notices for demands below this amount (covering CGST, SGST/UTGST, IGST and Cess combined), with existing low-value notices to be withdrawn. These changes collectively aim to reserve criminal and heavy civil proceedings for serious cases while treating routine errors and delays through recovery, interest, and proportionate penalties. Automated Refunds Refunds have historically been one of the biggest sources of working-capital stress, especially for exporters and businesses facing inverted duty structures. The Council approved significant process improvements. The time limit for acknowledging a refund claim (or issuing a deficiency memo) was cut from 15 days to 10 days, with deemed acknowledgement, if the tax authority fails to act. A large proportion of eligible refundsreports mention around 90 per cent in many casesare to be sanctioned automatically within a few working days of acknowledgement on a risk-based basis. Cash-ledger refunds are expected to become fully automatic. Crucially, the inverted-duty-structure refund facility was expanded. Refunds of accumulated ITC on input services will be available for credit availed on or after 1 November 2026. Refunds relating to plant and machinery (for both exporters and inverted-duty cases) are proposed from 1 April 2027, to be spread over 60 months. These measures should free locked-up capital for manufacturers and exporters. Expansion of Input Tax Credit Scope The Council broadened the scope of eligible ITC. Credits will now be available on health and life insurance premiums paid for employees, telecommunication towers, and pipelines laid outside factory premises. Certain other previously restricted items, such as free samples and goods requiring destruction on expiry, also received relief. These changes reduce the cost of doing business and improve the integrity of the credit chain. A standing officers committee was recommended to examine residual issues around ITC eligibility, particularly protection of genuine buyers from supplier defaults under Section 16(2)(c) of GST Act, 2017. Registration, Returns and Small-Taxpayer Relief Registration & cancellation processes are to become more automated. Routine amendments (including addition of places of business) will see a high percentage of automatic approvals. Low-risk registrations already benefit from three-day automated processing, the system is expected to cover a larger share of applicants. Small e-commerce sellers received facilitative norms, including possible use of the operators warehouse as the principal place of business under certain ITC limits. For the smallest businesses, the Council approved in principle an optional scheme under which taxpayers with turnover up to `5 crore, who supply only to consumers (B2C), may file a single annual return while paying tax quarterly. This is estimated to benefit a large number of the smallest filers who collectively contribute a very small share of total tax liability, thereby reducing compliance costs without significant revenue risk. Detailed rules are to be finalized at a subsequent meeting. Movement of Goods and Other Facilitation Physical interception of goods in transit is to be restricted and vehicles may be stopped only by officers of the suppliers or recipients state, and only on the basis of specific intelligence and proper authorization. This should reduce harassment and delays at check-posts. Measures to facilitate export of services and improve GST Seva Kendra support for multi-jurisdictional taxpayers were also endorsed. Faceless assessment for certain CGST taxpayers registered across states is on the roadmap. Significance & Conclusion: In summary, the 57th GST Council decisions represent a maturation of the GST system. After nearly a decade of implementation and a major rate overhaul, the focus has shifted to making the tax administration itself simpler, faster, more predictable, trust based tax regime, and less adversarial for compliant taxpayers. The reforms address long-standing trade & industry grievances while preserving the ability to pursue serious evasion. Implementation from April 2027 will test the systems capacity to deliver automated processes reliably and to maintain revenue buoyancy. Businesses should watch for the detailed notifications, circulars, and statutory amendments that will give legal force to these recommendations. Early preparationupdating internal processes, training staff on new ITC eligibility, and monitoring refund claimswill help capture the intended benefits. For Indias broader ease-of-doing-business agenda and formalization drive, the 57th meetings emphasis on process excellence under the GST 3.0 umbrella is a welcome and necessary evolution. In the 10th. Year of GST since its implementation in July, 2017, the GST 3.0 Process Reforms has moved to much maturity phase for a trust based tax regime. Author is All India Master Trainer in GST & writes on Indirect Taxes. Presently works as State Taxes Officer in Srinagar.
Scorpio Daily Horoscope for October 12, 2026
You are likely to be in a more serious frame of mind. The practical issues of life are going to demand your attention today. But you are full of faith and optimism and are ready to take chances at the deepest emotional levels. Someone near to you will exhibit concerns regarding your aims and goals. Take the time to explain the situation to them. Read full Scorpio horoscope
The Burden of Intellectual Elitism in Kashmir
Education is a blessing that ought to be a means of personal growth, intellectual development, and service to humanity. However, in Kashmir, it is increasingly treated as a means to measure social prestige and superiority over others. A persons worth is often judged by the degree they hold, the profession they pursue, and the marriage prospects their qualifications and professions can secure. This mind-set reflects a form of intellectual elitism: the belief that certain academic fields and professions make those who pursue them superior to others and inherently more intelligent, capable or worthy than others. This attitude manifests itself in snobbery, condescension especially towards those people who lack any formal training in any professional field. There is also a growing emphasis on medicine, pressure to pursue it as a route to societal acceptance and a tendency to belittle students who choose humanities, arts or social science. In many Kashmiri households, society has become an authority almost like God. This is not a theological statement but a depiction of a concerning social reality in which the approval of society becomes the ultimate benchmark of success. Education, which ought to sharpen our conscience, consciousness, cultivate responsibility, broaden horizons, is reduced to a means of fulfilling societys expectations. The Quran repeatedly calls upon human beings to reflect, understand, and consider the signs of creation by using Aql (intellect). Yet the value of learning can be obscured when its objective becomes earning praise from society. Paradoxically, Kashmiri society, consciously or unconsciously claims to uphold Islamic values. The Islamic intellectual heritage of 14th century Kashmir offers a reason to ponder on the purpose of knowledge. The Sufi traditions associated with regions Islamic history cannot be reduced to mere outward religious practices but also encompass intellectual and cultural advancements. Similarly, the intellectual traditions of Abbasid period, golden period of Islam, encompassed fields such as mathematics, medicine, astronomy, geography, philosophy alongside religious scholarship. These examples remind us that learning was not about societal approval but a means to develop oneself and contribute to society. The question for contemporary Kashmiri society to ponder over is not simply securing the academic degrees that lead to prestige and higher income but whether our understanding of education still values creativity, inquiry, service, and moral responsibility. The Commercialization of Education and the Fascination with Social Prestige A pressing concern in contemporary Kashmir about education is the association between academic achievement and material success. Financial independence is no doubt a necessity and there is nothing wrong with parents wanting their children to become financially secure. However, the problem arises when education is valued only for the status and income it can provide, particularly when its rewards are reduced to a narrow selection of socially celebrated professions. Children are encouraged to pursue education less for their personal and intellectual growth and more for the recognition that a particular academic Degree can bring to their families. A daughters admission to a medical college or a sons success in KAS exams may become a source of family pride. These professions are no doubt valuable, but the social prestige associated with it should not reduce their qualifications as family trophies for display or make other career choices seem inferior. This is where the difference between intellectual elitism and education becomes significant. Education should help children discover their potential, increase calibre, make them humble and respect others regardless of their status but intellectual elitism launches a hierarchy of human worth based on academic and professional labels. A doctor in Kashmir is celebrated while a PhD student of History, Political Science etc may be overlooked. A civil servant aspirant may be admired for the ambition, while someone choosing to be a 10+2 teacher may be considered insufficiently ambitious. The value of a person is tied to the recognition attached to their profession. Such an attitude does not only influence career decisions but also shapes how children see themselves and become judgemental. The Culture of MBBS: When One Profession Becomes an Obligation One of the clearest examples of intellectual elitism in Kashmir is the overwhelming cultural emphasis on MBBS. Medicine is undoubtedly a valuable profession. Doctors serve communities and lessen suffering in ways that deserve respect. The problem is not the profession itself, but the assumption that someone who does not pursue MBBS cannot embody intelligence, achievement or bring pride to their parents. For most of the Kashmiri children, studying medicine is not presented as a career option, but as an inevitable part of life. The pressure can be heard in day-to-day life: This person is a doctor. Our neighbours daughter has secured highest position in NEET. You must do it anyhow. It will measure your worth. It will make us proud. These statements may come from good intentions. Parents want their children to have a means of earning a livelihood, particularly in a world where financial demands extend beyond basic necessities. However, their repeated emphasis can transform a childs educational journey into an obligation enforced by others. Students passionate about other fields may be perceived as less intelligent or discouraged to work hard. The tragedy is not that someone does not become a doctor, but that many children are made to feel that they must become one to please society and prove their worth. Educational institutions, especially coaching centres, reinforce MBBS as the best career path. When students fail to secure admission to medical colleges in Kashmir despite dedicating years to this taxing field, the emotional toll can be immense. Families adhere to this dream by sending their children abroad. Countries like Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan and Iran have become places to escape the shame and raise high in the society. Additionally, when a profession is imposed through constant comparison, even a child who might develop a genuine interest in medicine may begin to associate it with anxiety, pressure, inevitability, fear of failure and the prospect of disappointing their family. Concurrently, the primary motivation to pursue a profession that demands patience, compassion, intellectual curiosity and commitment should not be merely social expectations. The same pressure can affect arts students who are expected to pursue civil services because teaching, research or other careers are insufficiently distinguished. Instead of letting them explore the diversity of careers, they are pushed towards another socially acceptable destination. This does not celebrate education; but it reduces it to competition for status. Intellectual Elitism and Marriage In many Kashmiri households, intellectual elitism is deeply intertwined with marriage expectations. Marriage prospects are closely associated with wealth, the socially acceptable status of bride or groom, and of course, the family surname. High profile occupations, particularly those linked to medicine and civil services, can carry considerable weight when looking for a match. These factors often overshadow character, mutual respect and compatibility making professional prestige measure of personal worth. A daughter may repeatedly hear that she must study, secure a respectable profession and become financially independent so that she secures a socially prestigious marriage. Yet, history demonstrates that marital success has never depended solely on the professional status of the couple. Additionally, there is an important truth within these concerns: education prevents economic vulnerability, while financial independence provides financial security and allows people to contribute to families and societies. However, this message becomes distorted when children are taught that their dignity, security and future relationships depend on attaining a social status. A familiar saying attributed to Kashmiri mothers captures this attitude: Goadue likhyu paryu, banyu kenh, patt chie evaa baden baden doctoran hend rishtie (Pursue your education, then get a good job; once you are financially independent, you will get marriage proposals from affluent doctors) Moreover, the problem is not parents wanting their children to marry educated or financially independent prospects. It is the idea imposed on them that education is a route for acquiring a higher status spouse and that a persons own professional identity is valuable partly because of the marriage paths it opens. Especially, when it comes to daughters, their achievements risk becoming credentials in the marriage market rather than reflecting their intellectual development, personal agency, or the true value of their education. Likewise, men seeking financially independent women as an addition to their own financial standing, rather than recognizing them as individuals with their own independent aspirations and deserving of equal respect. Hence, Kashmiri parents must ask themselves whether they are educating their daughters to become independent human beings or merely preparing them to meet the standards of a prestigious marriage. Education in Islam: A Responsibility, not a Display of Superiority The understanding of knowledge in Islam extends beyond academic achievement and emphasizes the pursuit of meaningful knowledge, the importance of teaching, and the development of moral character alongside intellectual growth. A narration from 'Abdullah bin 'Amr describes Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encountering two gatherings in the mosque: one reciting Qur'an and supplicating to Allah, and the other learning and teaching. He praised both the gatherings but said of the latter, Verily I have been sent as a teacher. He then joined those learning and teaching. (Sunan Ibn Majah) The narration above emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge and sharing it with others. It is a virtuous act that Islam encourages everyone to pursue. The Quranic concepts of reflection, justice, understanding the signs of creation invite people to approach the world with intellectual curiosity and moral responsibility. The natural sciences, human sciences, humanities, and religious studies can all help us understand and contribute to the various facets of human existence, even though they dont answer the same questions or run through same methods. The pursuit of knowledge should deepen a persons understanding and a sense of responsibility before Allah, not encourage a feeling of superiority over others. No academic field be it medicine, religion, or social science automatically makes a person humble or superior. No doubt, knowledge is meant to cultivate ethics in us, but ultimately, how we behave after acquiring knowledge depends on our inner disposition, conscience, conduct and free will that Allah has bestowed upon us. This is a significant distinction that parents must learn to inculcate in their children. Education should not be pursued to defeat relatives, silence critics or establish dominance in society. It should be pursued to seek true knowledge, value that knowledge, develop ones intellect, earn a lawful livelihood and contribute to the well-being of others, because knowledge is both virtue and worship before Allah. The Psychological Cost of Intellectual Elitism Intellectual elitism can also affect youths emotional development. Youths relationship with education can become dominated by fear when their self-worth is tied to academic results. An examination becomes a quick judgement for their intelligence, social standing and family honour rather than an opportunity to demonstrate learning. Competitive exams like NEET or civil services exam involve demanding preparation and uncertain results. Yet, failure, which is a possible part of any competitive process, can become difficult to cope with when students results are treated as a reflection of the entire familys prestige, leaving the student in a quandary about their own worth and identity. Constant comparisons can also create a sense of inadequacy, disregard and jealousy. They discourage intellectual curiosity, and children may begin to see their peers as rivals. Hence, forcing young people to pursue something that will prevent them from criticism should not be justified. Additionally, the inability of Kashmiri parents to accept failure discourages students from taking intellectual risks. They may avoid exams because they are taught that their worth depends on never failing, making them image conscious. Yet learning requires the freedom to ask questions, make mistakes and try again. Parents can have high expectations without making children's love and dignity conditional on material achievement. Resilience grows when children are taught to face setbacks constructively. Education should not merely prepare them to succeed in exams, but also help them become individuals capable of facing uncertainty, learning from mistakes and making responsible decisions. Reclaiming the Purpose of Education Kashmir needs to reflect on the education culture it is creating. When youngsters are encouraged to pursue education primarily for personal pride and prestige, purpose of education turns an individual possession rather than a means of contributing to society at large. Inherently, there is nothing wrong with personal achievement, ambition or financial success. These can be valuable and compatible with Islamic ethics, but the concern lies in the absence of broader purpose behind education. Kashmiri parents and teachers can encourage youngsters to pursue knowledge to address the social challenges, grow as an indispensable part of society, develop conscience, rather than simply secure recognition and status. These expectations can pass from one generation to the next. A child repeatedly taught that true success in life is measured by being a doctor may grow up imposing the same mind-set in their children. Similarly, someone made to feel inferior for opting a field other than medicine may unknowingly pass the same prejudice to their children. Intellectual elitism therefore can become an intergenerational pattern. The change begins with a different understanding of achievement. Earning a livelihood is important and education helps us attain it. Academic excellence deserves acknowledgement, but a person without a degree can possess integrity and wisdom. Hence, Kashmiris need not to abandon academic excellence, ambition, the pursuit of financial independence or the respect for medicine, and civil services. What needs to change is the hierarchy through which society assigns worth to individual and disciplines. Educational achievement should not be confused with human superiority. If we genuinely want to reclaim the Islamic value of knowledge, we must teach young people to pursue it with humility rather than using it as a tool for self-glorification. The question is not whether we become doctors, engineers, civil servants or teachers. The question is whether we are learning ethics through the pursuit of these professions. Perhaps the first place to begin is not our schools or universities but our homes, in the language we use with our children. (The Author is a graduate of International Islamic University Malaysia)
Revanth Reddy confident Congress will win 2027 Goa assembly elections
The News Mill
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Interstate Drug Supplier Arrested in Goa
In a joint operation, Telangana EAGLE Force, HNEW and Panjagutta police arrested uncovering suspected online drugpurchasing networks involving credits of 48.4 lakh linked to more than 25 individuals in Telangana.
Goa resident held over drug supply links to Hyderabad
India crushed by Russia in women's football friendly
The Indian women's football team suffered a heavy 0-8 defeat against Russia in their second international friendly in Kolkata. Russia displayed clinical finishing and exploited India's defensive weaknesses, scoring five goals in the first half and adding three more after the break, with multiple players bagging braces.
BJP is Ravan, Congress is Ram, says Telangana CM Revanth Reddy
Digital Desk | Hyderabad/Panjim, Oct 11 (IANS) Terming BJP as Ravan and Congress as Ram, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday appealed to people to help Ram defeat Ravan. He said that he was confident of Congress coming to power in Goa in 2027, and that he could sense the same energy in the state as he experienced in Telangana in 2023 ahead of the Assembly elections. Revanth Reddy was speaking in Goa on Sunday as part of the Congress party's Goy Rakhonn Yatra. The story in Indian politics has a Ram and a Ravan. Ravan is BJP, which is dividing the people, and Ram is Congress. If the people want Ravan to lose, they have to support Ram in this fight, a release from the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) here quoted him as saying. He urged the people of Goa not to vote for smaller parties propped up by the BJP. They are here to divide the people. Any vote for them is a vote for BJP. This time, I urge the people of Goa to vote only for the Hand symbol, he said. He stated that Rahul Gandhi is trying to unite the people while the BJP was trying to divide them. Revanth Reddy was there to represent Rahul Gandhi, who was scheduled to participate in the meeting. Yesterday, I got a call from Shri Mallikarjun Kharge ji. He said Rahul ji is needed in Delhi, where he is leading the fight for our country. Kharge ji told me to represent Rahul ji here. Rahul ji told him that Congress party workers in Goa are waiting. I am here as a messenger and representative of Rahul ji, he said. Revanth Reddy stated that Rahul Gandhi is leading the youth, the opposition and the entire country in the fight against the corrupt dictatorship of the Modi government. He commended Goa Assembly Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and Goa Pradesh Congress President Girish Chodankar for organising the yatra. As Chief Minister of Telangana, I bring love and greetings from the people of Telangana. I remember how we, too, in Telangana had done a similar padayatra. I also note that there is optimism in the air here in Goa. It is the same optimism I found in Telangana ahead of the Assembly elections in 2023, when we won and formed the government there, he said. He said the people are clear that the BJP government cannot be allowed to come to power for a third time in Goa. They won't leave an inch of land for the people of Goa. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is destroying democracy in India. They have destroyed the Election Commission. They are misusing SIR to remove the votes of crores of people who are against them, especially Dalits, Adivasis and Minorities. In the past, BJP used ICE and NICE. ED and CBI were used to attack the opposition. It is not working anymore. Now, they are using the ECI itself, said Revanth Reddy. Revanth Reddy challenged Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant: The whole of the Indian government is on your side. The Prime Minister and Home Minister are saying Nasha Mukt Bharat. My question is simple why are you not implementing it in Goa? It is because you are making money off drugs. He asked whether this drug image was good for Goa. With every department and agency like the ED and CBI under BJP control, why can't they control drugs in Goa? he asked.
Churchill Brothers claim historic ISL win over Mumbai City
Churchill Brothers SC kicked off their Indian Super League 2026-27 campaign with a 2-1 victory against Mumbai City FC in their first home game. Gaurav Bora scored the club's inaugural ISL goal, followed by Sebastian Gutierrez, securing a significant win despite a late penalty from Sergio Llamas for Mumbai City.
Vinoo Mankad Trophy: Jammu Kashmir Beat Goa by 69 Runs
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmirs Under-19 cricket team defeated Goa by 69 runs in the Vinoo Mankad One-Day Tournament at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula on Saturday. Batting first, J&K posted 294 for nine in their allotted 50 overs before bowling Goa out for 225 in 45.3 overs to secure a convincing victory. J&Ks batting []
BJP turned Goa into hub for drug lords, land mafia: Revanth
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Kerala Blasters Begin Season With 2-0 Win Over Inter Kashi
Vibin Mohanan and Andre Green struck a goal each to help Kerala Blasters FC begin their Indian Super League (ISL) campaign with a 2-0 victory over Inter Kashi on Sunday.
BJP is Ravan, Congress is Ram, says Revanth in Goa
BJP made Goa a drug hub and Telangana is suffering due to it
EAGLE busts Goa-Hyderabad drug network, one held
Hyderabad: The Telangana EAGLE Force, in coordination with the Hyderabad Enforcement Wing (H-NEW) and Hyderabad City Police, has apprehended an absconding drug supplier in Goa, with the investigation revealing a suspected GoaHyderabad drug network and financial transactions worth about Rs. 48.4 lakh. The arrested person, Custodio Fernandes alias Kristy, a resident of North Goa, is Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kerala Blasters begin ISL campaign with win over Inter Kashi
Kerala Blasters FC defeated Inter Kashi 2-0 in their Indian Super League season opener on Sunday. Goals from Vibin Mohanan in the 18th minute and Andre Green in stoppage time secured the victory for the Blasters.
Panaji: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy on Sunday, October 11, claimed the appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) was part of the BJPs new method to win elections by targeting voters opposed to the ruling party. Addressing the Congress Goy Rakhon Yatra in south Goa, Reddy alleged the BJP was attempting to Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Brandon Hagel's Hat Trick Leads Tampa Bay Lightning Past New York Islanders After Late Comeback
Brandon Hagel scored a hat trick, including two late goals, as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New York Islanders 5-3 after surrendering a two-goal lead.
After 'Evil Dead' Remark, Tanushree Dutta Shares New Post On Nana Patekar's Death
Nana Patekar died of a heart attack in Goa in the early hours of October 8, aged 75
CJP protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar blocked in Goa, dozens detained
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The autopsy report on the mortal remains of veteran actor Nana Patekar has confirmed that his death was caused by a fatal heart attack, a senior doctor at the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) stated on Sunday. According to reports, the 75-year-old actor suffered an acute myocardial infarction triggered by a blood clot [] The post Autopsy Confirms Nana Patekars Death Due to Coronary Artery Blood Clot appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
Nana Patekar's post-mortem report reveals the cause of death, confirms heart attack
The post-mortem report of veteran actor Nana Patekar has confirmed that he died of a heart attack caused by a blood clot blocking a major coronary artery, a senior doctor at Goa Medical College and...
Nana Patekar's Cause Of Death Revealed, Autopsy Report Confirms Heart Attack
A senior doctor at the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) confirmed the findings on Sunday.
India's draft steel policy targets 604 million tonnes capacity by 2047
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Oct 11 (IANS) The government has unveiled a draft steel policy targeting a close to 3-fold jump in India's crude steel capacity to 604 million tonnes by 2047 from the current level of around 220 million tonnes. The new policy draws up a roadmap to cut carbon emissions in the steel sector and increase the availability of iron ore and coking coal to meet the anticipated demand. These raw materials account for over 65-70 per cent of the cost of making steel. While India is largely self-sufficient in iron ore, it imports nearly all of its coking coal requirement. The policy aims to cut the average carbon-emission intensity in the steel sector to around 1.54 tons of carbon dioxide per ton of crude steel by 2047 from the current 2.54 tons, in line with India's net zero emission goal for 2070. According to the draft National Steel Policy 2047, the demand for finished steel will rise to 505 MT by 2047 while per capita consumption is expected to go up to 302 kg. The increase in capacity is also expected to result in steel exports rising by 45 MT. Iron ore demand is projected to rise to 772 MT by 2047 from 299 MT in 2025. The policy proposes securing high-grade iron ore reserves through overseas assets and joint ventures, alongside measures to improve domestic supply and transport infrastructure. It also proposes to expand slurry pipelines, which transport iron ore in a water-based mixture, to reduce reliance on road and rail transport and improve logistics efficiency. Coking coal demand is expected to triple to 236 MT. Because India imports 92 per cent of its coking coal, the draft outlines plans to reduce import dependence through domestic mining, expand domestic coal washeries, go for long-term supply arrangements, and leverage AI to optimise coal blends. Other raw materials important for the steel sector, like manganese, limestone, etc., will also remain in policy focus to ensure long-term resource sustainability. The proposed roadmap includes improving energy efficiency, increasing renewable electricity use, promoting scrap-based steelmaking and adopting hydrogen-based technologies and carbon capture. These measures will need to accompany capacity expansion to help the industry meet its emissions target. The policy also focuses on value-added steel such as stainless steel and speciality steel to reduce dependence on imported raw materials and technology. Steel quality will be strengthened through revised Indian Standards and conformity assessment mechanisms. Digital transformation is identified as an emerging priority. This includes a focus on digital infrastructure, common data standards and Industry 4.0 adoption, driven by trusted AI and autonomous production systems. International cooperation in the steel sector will become a priority area in the coming years, especially for raw material diversification, steel trade and technology collaboration. India, the second-largest producer and consumer of steel, will collaborate with other countries to take the sector forward in the right direction, the draft stated.
Nana Patekar death: Final post-mortem report out, rules out foul play
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Oct 11 (IANS) The final post-mortem report in the death case of veteran actor Nana Patekar has clarified the cause of death to be natural. A team of doctors at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Bambolim, in its report, has clarified that his death was a natural death, caused by a massive heart attack. It was confirmed by the Goa Police to IANS. As per the police, the family has also been informed about the report and the family has also agreed to the medical report and has not raised any objection so far. As per the final post-mortem report by GMC, the blood supply to the heart was stopped due to a blood clot in the main coronary artery, which led to a cardiac arrest. At around 2:30 am on October 8, the actor informed his family friend about his ill health on WhatsApp, after which he was brought to Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula, where doctors declared him dead even after about 45 minutes of CPR . For the unversed, the Panaji police had registered a case of unnatural death under section 194 of the BNSS under UD No. 62/2026. Now that the post-mortem has confirmed natural death and ruled out any foul play by son Malhar Patekar and nephew Prasad Patekar, the case will be closed soon. The late actor Nana Patekar was cremated with full state honours at his farmhouse in Donje in Pune district on Thursday. The actor was given a 3-gun salute. The late actors friends and members of the film fraternity including Jackie Shroff, directors Anil Sharma, Aneez Bazmee, and producer Firoz nadiadwala arrived at Donje village to attend the last rites of Nana Patekar. A huge crowd also turned up to bid adieu to the departed soul. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid his last respects to Nana Patekar at Pune airport before leaving for Mumbai. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde went to the actors Pune farmhouse to pay his respects.
Will work with CM Vijay for TN's growth, development my 'mantra', says PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said he has taken development as his 'mantra,' and reaffirmed his commitment to serve the people of Tamil Nadu and ensuring the state's progress by working with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay. He listed out the rapid strides made in various sectors in the last 12 years, including the significant jump in defence exports. In his address after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for railway, road and petroleum-related projects worth about Rs 13,000 crore with Vijay, the PM underscored his commitment to ensure development. I have always taken country's development as my mantra, he said. As chief minister, I understood the expectations of a state. After becoming PM, not only did I try to fulfil the aspirations but also made efforts so that the states meet their aspiration goals, he said. Referring to Tamil Nadu, he said when he was CM, he got the opportunity to interact with late leaders M Karunanidhi and J Jayalalithaa when they head
'Stronger states build stronger nation': PM Modi on development projects launched in TN
Digital Desk | Chennai, Oct 11 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called for stronger states to build a stronger nation, stressing cooperative federalism as he inaugurated development projects worth Rs 13,000 crore and laid the foundation stones for national highway projects in Tamil Nadu. Addressing a gathering attended by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, PM Modi said the Centre and the state government were working with a shared commitment to Tamil Nadu's development. He described the occasion as historic and said the projects would create more employment opportunities for young people. The programme began with the national anthem, followed by Tamil Thai Vazhthu, the state anthem. The projects covered sectors including highways, railways and ports. Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stones for national highway projects worth around Rs 3,700 crore. Extending Navratri greetings to the nation, the Prime Minister referred to his visit to the Jalakandeswarar temple and said he had received the deity's blessings in Tamil Nadu, which he described as a sacred land associated with Lord Shiva. Reflecting on 25 years in public leadership, PM Modi recalled working with former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers M. Karunanidhi and J. Jayalalithaa during his tenure as the Gujarat Chief Minister. After becoming the country's Prime Minister, the Prime Minister said that he had worked with J. Jayalalithaa, Edappadi K. Palaniswami and M.K. Stalin. He added that the same determination now guided his engagement with Chief Minister Vijay and reiterated his commitment to serving Tamil Nadu's people. Prime Minister Modi described urbanisation as an opportunity and highlighted the expansion of India's Metro network. He said that Metro services, available in five cities in 2014, now operated in 25 cities, while the network had grown from 250 km to 1,100 km. The expansion, the Prime Minister added, was making travel easier and improving access to public transport. Calling for greater support for locally manufactured products, PM Modi said the Union government was taking measures to encourage Tamil Nadu's manufacturing sector. Drawing on his experience as a former Chief Minister, PM Modi said he understood states' expectations and sought to address them. Citizens, he added, had gained greater confidence in cooperative federalism. PM Modi emphasised that development required broader infrastructure investment alongside better roads. Improved transport systems would ease daily life, he said, expressing confidence that the new projects would further accelerate Tamil Nadu's progress. A developed Tamil Nadu, the Prime Minister added, would contribute to the larger goal of building a developed India.
A goat on a platter: Ashwin explains how Hope let Sanju Samson regain form
Ravichandran Ashwin criticized Shai Hope's decision to keep Akeal Hosein bowling during the PowerPlay. Sanju Samson capitalized on this, scoring 82 runs off 41 balls. Despite India's strong batting performance, the West Indies managed to chase down 249 runs successfully. Shai Hope's unbeaten century led his team to level the series at 1-1. The upcoming matches could continue to highlight the ongoing challenges faced by bowlers.
India Accounts For One In Three Child Brides Worldwide, UNICEF Warns
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India eyes 30 GW nuke power from private players by 2047
Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty announced that India's private sector is projected to invest Rs 7.5 lakh crore and contribute 30 GW towards the nation's goal of achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047. This marks a significant policy shift, facilitated by the SHANTI Act, encouraging private participation in nuclear energy beyond the traditional public sector model. The country is also exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for industrial needs and advancing its three-stage nuclear power programme, leveraging its substantial thorium reserves.
ET Alpha Wealth Summit 2.0: What do Shah Rukh Khan and SIFs have in common? Radhika Gupta explains
Edelweiss Mutual Fund MD and CEO Radhika Gupta says investors should approach Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs) with clear portfolio goals rather than chase new products or returns. Speaking at the ET Alpha Wealth Summit 2.0, she highlighted their tax efficiency, the importance of understanding derivatives-based strategies, and the need to assess risks, costs and realistic return expectations before investing.
