Why is Canada being offered a place in the EU that does not yet exist?
Canada could become the EUs first-ever associate member under a status that does not currently exist. The proposed partnership could cover defence, AI, energy, critical minerals and advanced technology. The offer comes as Canada looks to reduce its dependence on US trade and build closer ties with Europe. Something unusual happened in the European Parliament on Wednesday: the European Union offered Canada a relationship that the EU does not currently have a formal category for. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she wanted to work with Canadian prime minister Mark Carney on making Canada the blocs first associate member. She said the EU and Canada see the world with the same eyes, pointing to shared democratic values and common positions on issues ranging from artificial intelligence and climate change to Ukraine and geopolitics. The proposal was met with applause from European Parliament members, with Carney seated nearby. But what exactly would associate member mean? Canada is not being invited to become a full EU member. Carney had already said before his European trip that Canada was looking for a unique alliance with the 27-member bloc rather than EU membership. Full membership would also not fit the existing framework, with EU accession designed for European states. Instead, von der Leyen is proposing something in between the EUs existing relationships with non-member countries and full membership. The catch is that there is currently no associate-membership category in EU treaties. That means the details including what Canada would actually have access to and what rules it would have to follow still need to be worked out. Any formal arrangement would also require agreement from all 27 EU member states. So what could Canada get? Von der Leyen outlined a relationship that could go well beyond the existing Canada-EU trade agreement, known as CETA. She proposed closer cooperation on manufacturing, technology, defence, energy, critical minerals, batteries, AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity and economic security. The two sides could also look at integrating their defence industrial bases and making the Arctic a joint project. For the EU, Canada's energy and natural resources are particularly relevant as Europe seeks greater security over supplies and critical materials. Canada has already moved closer to the EU on defence. Carney's government says Canada is the only non-European member of the EU's SAFE defence procurement initiative, and he has described the broader goal as increasing Canada's strategic autonomy through partnerships . Why Canada, and why now? The timing is difficult to ignore. Canada is trying to reduce its heavy dependence on the US as trade tensions with Donald Trumps administration continue. Carney's government has said it wants to double Canada's non-US trade within a decade and is looking to strengthen relationships with Europe and other markets. The EU, meanwhile, is looking for stronger relationships with countries that can contribute energy, critical minerals, defence capabilities and technology. That makes the relationship potentially useful to both sides. Carney's presence in Strasbourg also carried symbolic weight. He was the first non-European leader invited to attend the European Commission presidents State of the Union address, before being due to address the European Parliament himself. The proposal does not automatically give Canada access to the EU single market, free movement or decision-making powers. In fact, those could be among the most difficult questions to resolve. The EU has previously resisted arrangements that would allow a country to enjoy parts of the single market while remaining outside the bloc's full obligations. Any deeper integration with Canada could therefore require Ottawa to align with EU rules in areas where it currently has its own regulatory approach. There are also unresolved issues with the existing Canada-EU trade relationship. CETA, the trade agreement signed in 2016, has still not been fully ratified by all EU member states. The proposed status could therefore take considerable negotiating. For now, associate member is more of an idea than a finished legal arrangement. But the significance of the offer is that both sides are considering a relationship that goes beyond a conventional trade deal without requiring Canada to become part of the EU itself. The next major step is expected at the Canada-EU summit in October, when the two sides are due to work on the future shape of their relationship.
Quote of the Day by Sally Field: Sally Fields quote, Quit thinking about your weight and start thinking about your worth and who you are and what you havent done yet. What you want to accomplish, explores the importance of self-worth, confidence, personal identity, and focusing on life goals rather than physical appearance. The quote suggests that a persons value should not be defined by their weight or body image, but by who they are, what they have achieved, and what they still hope to accomplish.
What is Campeones Cup that offers Messi another shot at silverware?
For Messi, the game carries another personal milestone. The Argentine superstar scored his 99th goal for Inter Miami in Sunday
The Tax-Saving Trap: Why Deductions Should Never Dictate Your Portfolio
Investment choices should be based on financial goals, risk and liquidity, with tax efficiency considered only after the portfolio's core structure is determined.
No foreign influence behind MDR on UPI payments above 2,000: FinMin
The finance ministry on Wednesday clarified that there was no foreign influence behind the decision to impose 0.4 per cent Merchant Discount Rate on UPI transactions above Rs 2,000. The clarification follows accusations by some Opposition parties, including the Congress, that the government succumbed to US pressure in taking the decision to impose the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR). Some claims suggest the change is due to foreign influence. This is false. India's UPI policy decisions are made independently, with the clear goal of building a self-sustaining, inclusive, and affordable digital payments ecosystem, the finance ministry said in a post on X. Since its launch in 2016, UPI has grown into the world's largest real-time interoperable payment system - entirely on India's own terms, it said. UPI processed 24.5 billion transactions in August 2026 alone. To keep this system self-sustainable, secure and innovative, a small fee on high-value merchant transactions helps fund better
IIT Goa Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Indian Institute of Technology Goa (IIT Goa) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 Junior Research Fellow post. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official website, iitgoa.ac.in, on or before 30 September 2026.
70% think Rs 1 crore is enough for retirement; can it meet your retirement goal?
Is Rs 1 crore enough for retirement? A new study reveals declining confidence among urban Indians, with many accumulating only 28% of their target corpus. Retirement planning is shifting earlier, with a growing focus on health and personal passions. Discover what truly defines retirement readiness beyond just financial savings.
CM Dhami celebrates birthday with children with disabilities, encourages them to pursue their goals
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami celebrated his birthday on Wednesday with children with disabilities at the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities in Dehradun. He cut a cake with the...
Keralam CM Satheesan says CPI(M) scapegoated M.V. Govindan for LDFs Assembly poll debacle
Satheesan says CPI(M)s extended State committee, which concluded in Kozhikode on Tuesday, seemed to deny the real reasons for LDFs historic defeat
Absconding Israeli drug dealer Atala surrenders before Goa court; sent to 30-day judicial custody
The case traces back to April 5, 2025 when Atala was arrested by the ANC following a raid at his apartment in Siolim in North Goa
How to Match Investment Products with Your Time Horizon
Aligning investments with goal deadlines can balance liquidity, market risk and inflation while preventing costly timeline mismatches.
As per the index, released by NITI Aayog on Wednesday, Delhi improved its score from 77 to 84, followed by Maharashtra, which increased its score from 68 to 78 while maintaining second place. Karnataka emerged as the third-ranked top performer, moving up one position with a score of 73, overtaking Chandigarh, which slipped to fourth despite an increase in score from 65 to 71. Tamil Nadu, by contrast, slipped one place to sixth despite improving its score from 59 to 61, as fast-rising Goa moved ahead of it, it said.
98.6% in Class 12, then the shotgun range: Shooter Aashima Ahlawats deal with her mother
Aashima Ahlawat balances academics and shooting, aiming for the Asian Games. Her mother's support was crucial for her training and relocation to Delhi. After overcoming initial equipment delays and competition setbacks, Ahlawat found her focus. She now prepares for the Asian Games by concentrating on each individual shot. Ahlawat's ultimate goal includes an Olympic quota and competing at the Olympics.
Check facts before raising fingers: Rahim Rather hits back at LoP over Assembly session
Srinagar, Sep 16: Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Abdul Raheem Rather on Wednesday hit back at Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma over his criticism on the duration of the upcoming Autumn session. Addressing media persons during a meeting convened ahead of the upcoming Autumn session of the House, Speaker asked the LoP Sunil Sharma to check facts before raising fingers saying that J&Ks record of Assembly sittings was better than the national average. He said the 10-day session, comprising seven working days, was planned in accordance with the business before the House and there was no purpose in extending it unnecessarily. The Speaker said the Autumn session was traditionally shorter and would deal with government business, including legislative work, besides private members business. It won't serve any purpose to have a long session. We have to keep it as per the business, Rather said. Taking on the Opposition over its criticism of the session's duration, Rather cited figures from different state legislatures and said J&K has an average of 28 Assembly sittings against a national average of 24. Our position is best when we compare our position with other legislatures. J&K is performing better in terms of holding sittings, he said. Rather said the Constitution required that the gap between two sessions should not exceed six months and alleged that some legislatures held sittings largely to fulfil this constitutional requirement. He specifically referred to Assam, governed by the BJP, and said the state had convened a one-day Autumn session. Ask the LoP about Assam which is governed by BJP. Sunil Sharma (our LoP) served as the BJP's election in-charge for the state. He should answer this, Rather added. The Speaker also said that as compared to the sessions, as per the figures, of other states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Goa J&K's Assembly has performed favourably with legislatures elsewhere. He said Gujarat, after its Assembly was adjourned in March, met again in September for three days, while Rajasthan had two sittings, Uttar Pradesh four, Madhya Pradesh five, Punjab six and Goa five. My request to the LoP is to check facts before raising fingers, Rather said. He also referred to the duration of Autumn sessions held under previous governments, saying the J&K Assembly, when the erstwhile state had greater legislative powers, held its 2015 Autumn session from October 3 to 10. In 2017, he said, the Autumn session lasted four days, from July 4 to 8. The present LoP was part of the decision-making process at the time. We are now holding the session for 10 days and opposition (LoP) says we are making a joke of it, Rather said. The Speaker said the length of an Assembly session should be determined by the volume of business and not merely extended to increase the number of days. He also pointed to the expenditure involved in convening the House. Speaker of the Legislative Assembly called upon the media to exercise greater caution and responsibility while reporting the proceedings of the legislature. The media is a respected section of society and Journalists act as an important bridge between the government and the people, he said. Rather said the media had the responsibility of communicating government policies, programmes and performance to the public while honestly conveying people's problems and aspirations to the government as well. On media coverage of the Assembly proceedings, Speaker urged the journalists to prefer quality of legislative proceedings over disruptions and noisy scenes. Prefer quality over noise. Make performance primary so that the legislators should realise that adherence to rules, law and meaningful participation in the House will attract greater media attention than disorderly conduct, he said. He said excessive focus on ruckus could tempt other members, particularly younger legislators, to resort to similar behaviour for attention. Legislators should feel that sensible behaviour in the House will invite more coverage, he added. The Speaker also cautioned journalists to report Assembly proceedings with due care and avoid any reach of privilege. He also assured the media of smooth arrangement saying that efforts would be made to address inconveniences faced by journalists during previous sessions. The Autumn session of the J&K Legislative Assembly is scheduled to commence on September 21, 2026.
The 10 players with the most goals
La Liga superstars dominate. The post The 10 players with the most goals & assists in Europe in 2026-27: Raphinha & Mbappe neck and neck appeared first on Planet Football .
In 2022, two Barbie dolls took a stellar trip to the International Space Station as part of the exciting Mission DreamStar. These dolls, beloved by many, orbited Earth for weeks and starred in a captivating video with NASA astronauts. The mission's goal was to inspire young girls to envision themselves in science and engineering roles, countering prevailing stereotypes.
Sanju Samson acknowledges external career commentary and intense competition for top batting positions. He emphasizes focusing on his own preparation and performance to overcome selection challenges. Samson understands leadership's difficult decisions, prioritizing team success over individual popularity. He believes in a fearless mindset and backing teammates to achieve team goals. The wicketkeeper-batter aims for consistency in his process and preparation for T20 matches.
From college tennis to pro tour, Dhakshineswar learning to survive on his own
Dhakshineswar Suresh navigates the professional tennis tour after college. He learns consistency and self-care are crucial for success. The young player focuses on physical fitness and mental stability. His immediate goal is breaking into the top 250 rankings. Long-term ambition includes reaching the top 50 players globally.
UPI MDR changes: Govt debunks 'foreign influence' claims
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) Finance Ministry on Wednesday debunked claims which suggested that the MDR change in the UPI ecosystem is due to foreign influence, stressing that Indias digital payments decisions are made independently. Since its launch in 2016, UPI has grown into the worlds largest real-time interoperable payment system entirely on Indias own terms, the ministry posted on social media platform X. Such claims are false. Indias UPI policy decisions are made independently, with the clear goal of building a self-sustaining, inclusive, and affordable digital payments ecosystem, it noted. UPI processed 24.5 billion transactions in August 2026 alone. To keep this system self-sustainable, secure and innovative, a small fee on high-value merchant transactions helps fund better infrastructure and cybersecurity, support for small merchants in Tier IIIVI towns and rural areas, and awareness and incentives to expand UPI adoption, according to the government. The new framework ensures resources from higher-value merchant transactions are reinvested to support small businesses and strengthen digital payments across the country, the Finance Ministry said. UPI continues to be free for customers. Sending money to friends, paying at shops, or scanning a QR code all remain without charges. Person-to-Person transfers are always free, regardless of amount. Vendors earning up to Rs 1 lakh per month via UPI QR codes continue to enjoy zero charges. Over 95 per cent of merchant payments are below Rs 2,000 these remain free, said the ministry. Only larger merchant transactions above Rs 2,000 attract a small fee (0.4 per cent) to be borne by merchants, far lower than credit card charges or other network charges. Railways, fuel, telecom, bill payments and insurance have a flat fee of Rs 5 per transaction above Rs 2,000 and mutual fund and securities payments attract just 0.02 per cent, capped at Rs 300. Merchants cannot pass MDR costs to customers. UPI apps cannot levy platform charges, the ministry further informed.
Need practical, tech-neutral approach to global energy transition: India at G20 Energy Ministerial
India's Power Minister Manohar Lal stressed on the need for diverse energy paths at the G20 meeting. He highlighted India's success in balancing economic growth and clean energy goals. Over half of India's power grid now uses non-fossil sources for electricity. The minister also discussed critical minerals and secure supply chains for developing nations. He also toured NASA's Johnson Space Center during his Houston visit.
'Winning first four games gives us confidence to retain Premier League title': Ben White
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) Arsenal defender Ben White believes the reigning Premier League champions have gained significant confidence from their perfect start to the 2026-27 season and can build on the momentum to retain their title. Arsenal have won all four of their opening Premier League matches, including a statement 2-1 victory over Chelsea, to sit at the top of the table. They have also made a winning start to their UEFA Champions League campaign, defeating Napoli 1-0 away from home through Martin Odegaards goal. White, who has started all four league games and provided an assist, reflected on Arsenals journey to last seasons Premier League title and said the success was the result of years of collective effort. It was an amazing season last season, and I feel so lucky to have been part of it. All the hard work we put in over the last five years finally paid off. There were tough times along the way, moments when things did not go our way, but we kept believing in each other and kept pushing, White told Jio Hotstar. That is what makes this success so special. It is not just about one season. It is about the journey we have been on together as a group. Now we want to build on this and keep winning, he added. Arsenal have carried their form into the new campaign, and White said the early results have lifted confidence within the squad. Winning the first four games of the season, including the win over Chelsea, has given us a lot of confidence. The mood in the dressing room is high, and everyone is pushing each other, he said. But we know its a long season. We cant get carried away. Its about maintaining this level, carrying on the momentum, and staying focused. There will be tough moments ahead, and we must be ready for them. If we keep working hard and stick together, we can go on to win the Premier League on the trot, he added. White also credited manager Mikel Arteta for creating a strong atmosphere around the club and at the Emirates Stadium, saying the support from the fans has become a major source of energy for the players. The boss has done so much to create the electric atmosphere at our home ground, and he has absolutely nailed it because now it is one of the best in the league. The fans have bought into what he is building, he said. On matchdays, the Emirates Stadium is loud and behind us from the first whistle. That energy drives us on the pitch. It is a huge advantage for us, and a lot of credit goes to the manager for making it happen, he added. White feels that competition for places within the squad has also helped raise standards in training. You want to play every game. You want to be on the pitch as much as possible. But this squad has so much quality that you have to accept the managers decisions. Its about being ready whenever your chance comes and supporting your teammates when youre not playing. We all push each other in training, and that makes the whole group stronger, he said. The defender also spoke about the connection between the Arsenal players and supporters, saying the fans can make a difference during difficult moments. When your legs are tired and the game is tight, hearing the fans push you on makes a huge difference. They travel everywhere with us and support us through thick and thin. That connection means a lot to the players. We want to repay them with performances and trophies. They are a big part of what we do, White said. Arsenals early-season run has seen them combine a perfect Premier League record with a 1-0 Champions League victory at Napoli, giving Artetas side a strong start on both domestic and European fronts.
From Financial Goals to Regular Investments: How an SIP Calculator Can Help
Learn how an SIP calculator can help align regular investments with your financial goals by estimating potential returns, future value, and required SIP contributions.
How to Know Whether You Are Investing or Just Reacting
Goal-based investing, fixed asset allocation and periodic reviews can help investors resist market noise, emotional impulses and costly portfolio churn.
India-New Zealand FTA will open door to 1.4 billion consumers, says PM Christopher Luxon
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Wednesday hailed the country's free trade agreement with India as a landmark deal that would open access to 1.4 billion Indian consumers and help boost jobs and incomes in New Zealand. People told me a Free Trade Agreement with India wasn't possible. Well, today that deal passed its final vote in Parliament. It's happening, Luxon said in a post on X. Luxon said the agreement would mean more New Zealand products being sold in India and help grow the country's economy. This landmark deal means more jobs, higher incomes for Kiwis. It means more New Zealand products being sold in India by opening the door to 1.4 billion Indian consumers, he said. He also said the agreement fulfilled a commitment made by his National Party to secure a free trade agreement with India during its first term in government. National said we said we'd secure a Free Trade Agreement with India in our first term, and we've delivered, Luxon said. Earlier on Wednesday, New Zealand's Parliament passed the legislation required to implement the FTA with India by 93-29. Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay said the agreement would provide New Zealand exporters with greater access to India, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies. Under the pact, 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India will become duty-free when the agreement takes effect. Once fully implemented, tariffs will be removed or significantly reduced on 95 per cent of exports. The kiwifruit industry alone is expected to save about NZ$125 million in tariffs over five years, McClay said. The agreement is expected to enter into force later this year after both countries complete their respective ratification procedures. It is also aimed at supporting a goal set by Luxon and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double two-way trade between the two countries by 2030.
Dhakshineswar Suresh Details Pro Tennis Tour Challenges
Indian tennis player Dhakshineswar Suresh discusses the significant transition from collegiate tennis to the professional tour, highlighting the challenges of travelling alone, managing his body, and maintaining consistency. He shares insights on the importance of off-court preparation, physical fitness, and setting ambitious goals like breaking into the top 250.
How is cockroach milk extracted, and why is it healthy?
This milk is extracted in crystal form from the embryos of the Pacific beetle species of cockroach. Rich in protein, fat, and amino acids, it is considered three times more potent than cow's milk.Cockroach milkAfter cow, buffalo, goat, and soy-almond milk options, another strange name is...
The last tango: Argentina name Messi in October friendly squad for farewell game
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) Lionel Messi will play his final game for Argentina in a friendly against Benin next month at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. We invited the worlds best player, our national-team icon, our captain Lionel Andres Messi, to have a deserved farewell here in Argentina, wrote AFA president Claudio Tapia on social media. Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, and Giovani Lo Celso will join the squad for the final friendly match on October 6th. The list of players called up from the domestic league will be announced on Friday, the Argentine FA said The Argentine great last month announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 20-year Argentina career that included a World Cup triumph, two Copa America titles and a record 207 appearances for his country. After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the Argentina national team, wrote Messi on 31 August. It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep down but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you, through football, feel proud to be Argentinian. The 39-year-old eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who currently plays for Inter Miami in MLS, is Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, having scored 125 goals in 207 appearances. Messi made his Argentina debut as an 18-year-old in 2005. He inspired the Albiceleste to a runners-up finish at Brazil 2014 and the title at Qatar 2022. At his last FIFA World Cup earlier this year, Messi registered eight goals and four assists to propel Lionel Scalonis side into the decider, which they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra time. The Argentine national team will play three international friendlies September 21 to October 6. The first match will take place at the Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium in Crdoba province on Wednesday, September 30, against Bolivia. The remaining two matches will be at River Plate Stadium on October 3, against Burkina Faso, and on October 6 against Benin. River Plate's Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, which has an 85,000 capacity, will host the game against Benin. Argentina's 2022 World Cup winners and their families have also been invited to the match, which Tapia said would be an unforgettable occasion.
The goals will come back: Vinicius Jr vows to Real Madrid fans after Elche win
The goals will come back: Vinicius Jr vows to Real Madrid fans after Elche win
Ranveer Allahbadia on what he gave up chasing success
Ranveer Allahbadia shared insights on relationships lost during his intense career building. He acknowledged that friendships were sacrificed for his professional goals. This reflection prompts a deeper look at ambition and conscious choices. Modern work culture often overlooks the personal costs of success. Understanding what ambition gives and takes away is crucial for career decisions.
Camp Nou wins bid to host 2029 Champions League final, Munich gets 2028
Barcelona's renovated Camp Nou was picked over Wembley Stadium in London to host the 2029 Champions League final, UEFA said Tuesday. The choice gives Barcelona a marquee game one year before Spain co-hosts the 2030 World Cup with Portugal and Morocco. Staging that final is a contest between Real Madrid's renovated Santiago Bernabeu home and the 115,000-seat stadium being built in Casablanca. UEFA's executive committee also confirmed the 2028 Champions League final will return to Bayern Munich's stadium, which was the only bidder, just three years after the 2025 edition. The much-delayed rebuild of a 105,000-seat Camp Nou is ongoing with the upper tier and roof still under construction. Barcelona last hosted the Champions League final in 1999, when Manchester United's two stoppage-time goals stunned a dominant Bayern team. Wembley has hosted three times since then - in 2011, 2013 and 2024 - and eight times in total since the European Cup started 71 years ago. This season's Champio
Raheem Sterling admits dangerous driving following highway collision in UK
Former England forward Raheem Sterling admitted dangerous driving on Tuesday after being involved in a collision on a highway. Sterling pleaded guilty at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court to driving his Lamborghini Urus dangerously before he crashed on the M3 in southern England on May 28. No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, officials previously said. The 31-year-old also admitted possession of six nitrous oxide canisters for wrongful inhalation, a class C drug, and failing to provide a specimen. Sterling, who scored 20 goals in 82 appearances for England, is currently without a club. He has played for a number of England's top teams - Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal - and was at Dutch club Feyenoord on a short-term deal last season.
Espi saves win for Real Madrid, Valencia claim first victory in La Liga
Digital Desk | Madrid, Sep 16 (IANS) Substitute Carlos Espi scored an injury-time winner as Real Madrid came from behind to beat Elche 3-2 in the sixth round of La Liga. The result gives Jose Mourinho's side 15 points from a possible 18, drawing it level with FC Barcelona ahead of Barca's home game against Racing Santander on Wednesday. Real Madrid took the lead in the 25th minute when Arda Guler's free kick was parried into his own net by Elche goalkeeper Matias Dituro. Kylian Mbappe made it 2-0 eight minutes later, heading in from a Yan Diomande cross. Mbappe then had a goal ruled out for a tight offside three minutes before halftime, reports Xinhua. Elche rallied after the break. Ariel Osorio pulled one back with about 20 minutes remaining after getting the better of Dean Huijsen, and Fer Nino leveled in the 83rd minute following a defensive lapse by Marc Cucurella. Just when it looked as if Elche would salvage a draw, Espi combined with Jude Bellingham and Mbappe before slotting home in the 91st minute. Valencia claimed its first win of the season, beating Deportivo Alaves 1-0 under B-team coach Oscar Sanchez, who took charge following Carlos Corberan's dismissal on Sunday. Luis Rioja scored the only goal in the 78th minute after fine work from Javi Guerra but had to be withdrawn injured shortly afterward. Arnaut Danjuma had a first-half goal ruled out for Valencia, while Alaves wasted several chances. Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol kicked off the day, with Rayo ending its exile at Leganes' Butarque Stadium with a 2-1 victory. Alvaro Garcia poked home after just three minutes and Adria Pedrosa doubled the lead in the 26th. Espanyol pressed in the second half and Raul Fernandez struck in the 54th, but Rayo held on for a vital win.
130g protein, 40g fibre: Mumbai nutritionist shares 45-minute daily meal plan for overall health
Meal planning aids in achieving high-protein and high-fibre goals without extensive cooking. Mumbai nutritionist Vanshika Khurana shares a daily plan focusing on protein-rich dairy, soy, and seeds. Breakfast includes a yogurt bowl with muesli and mixed seeds for sustained energy. Lunch features air-fried pizza toast using protein-rich bread and paneer. Dinner consists of soya chukani with rice and a side salad.
New Zealand Parliament approves India FTA, tariffs to fall on most exports
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 16 (IANS) New Zealand's Parliament on Wednesday passed legislation needed for the free trade agreement (FTA) with India with lawmakers voting 93-29 in favour, according to Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay. McClay said the vote showed strong parliamentary support for the agreement and its expected economic benefits. He said the FTA would give New Zealand exporters greater access to India, one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies. According to McClay, 57 per cent of New Zealand exports to India will become duty-free when the agreement takes effect. Once fully implemented, tariffs will be removed or significantly reduced on 95 per cent of exports. The minister further noted that kiwifruit industry alone is expected to save about NZ$125 million in tariffs over five years. He added that the agreement would provide faster border clearance and improved access to India's growing middle class, which is increasing demand for food, technology, education, tourism, professional services and other products. McClay said negotiations were announced in March 2025 and that the government expects the agreement to enter into force later this year. He said the FTA would help New Zealand exporters expand business ties and support a goal set by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to double two-way trade by 2030. The agreement will take effect once both countries complete their respective ratification procedures. Earlier in August, a report said that Indias economic rise makes it a strategic partner for New Zealand and the recently signed free trade agreement (FTA) between the two nations is expected to deliver significant gains. A report from Australia-based Westpac Institutional Bank highlighted Indias scale and growth potential suggesting that the FTA could add close to 0.1 per cent to New Zealands GDP over the next decade. India is one of the world's fastest-growing major economies and offers access to a market of 1.4 billion people one fifth of the worlds population, the report said.
James Rodriguez retires from international football after illustrious Colombia career
Colombian football star James Rodriguez has retired from international duty. He announced his emotional decision on social media for his fans. Rodriguez had a significant career, winning the Golden Boot in 2014. He represented Colombia in multiple World Cups and Copa America tournaments. The midfielder leaves behind a legacy with 131 caps and 31 goals.
Oberoi International Goregaon win MSSA Div-II crown
The final remained goalless in regulation time, with neither side able to find the decisive breakthrough.
PR Sreejesh: Every team will look to contain Harmanpreet
Ex-India goalie PR Sreejesh believes reigning champions must reduce over-reliance on skipper and star drag-flicker Singh and fix defensive woes to achieve success in Japan
UK climate advisers say Heathrow Airport expansion incompatible with climate goals
UK climate advisors state Heathrow Airport expansion conflicts with national climate targets. The aviation sector must achieve net zero emissions by 2050 for expansion to align. Heathrow's multi-billion-pound expansion plan includes a third runway, approved by the government. This summer's extreme weather highlights the urgent impacts of climate change. The government must ensure aviation bears decarbonisation costs and responsibility for its emissions.
Kishau agreement signed; 10th water dispute resolved by Modi govt: Amit Shah
The agreement for the long-pending Kishau Multipurpose Project was signed on Tuesday, marking the resolution of the 10th water dispute since Narendra Modi became prime minister, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, describing the pact as a historic agreement. The chief ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Haryana Yogi Adityanath, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Bhajanlal Sharma, Rekha Gupta and Nayab Singh Saini signed the agreement in the presence of Shah and Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil, an official statement said. Shah said the agreement would benefit all six states in one way or another and congratulated their chief ministers and Patil for playing an important role in bringing the project to this stage. He said the Government of India and the chief ministers of the six Yamuna basin states were committed to completing the project at the earliest. The Kishau project envisages the construction of a 232.6-metre-high concrete gravity dam on the Tons River, which flows along the Uttarakhand-Himachal Pradesh border, with a water storage capacity of 1,562 million cubic metres. The project will irrigate 97,000 hectares of land and generate 1,476 million units of clean hydropower, Shah said, adding that Delhi would be the biggest beneficiary. The pact comes after the six states agreed in June to sign an MoU on the 422-MW project, paving the way for its consideration by the Union Cabinet. The project was earlier estimated to cost around Rs 15,000 crore and had been pending for more than eight years. Under the Kishau Multipurpose Project, the Centre will bear approximately 90 per cent of the financial burden, while the remaining 10 per cent will be borne by the participating states in accordance with the 1994 agreement, Shah said. He said an agreement reached on May 12, 1994, provided that separate agreements would be entered into for each storage project coming up in the basin. Shah said that after disputes concerning the Lakhwar and Renukaji projects were resolved, work on Kishau moved forward and a formal agreement on the project was reached on June 16 this year. He said the Ministry of Jal Shakti took the matter forward after securing the consent of all the states and considering the technical and economic aspects while safeguarding their interests. Shah said that since Modi became prime minister, initiatives had been undertaken to resolve serious disputes that had continued for decades and this project will be the tenth water dispute that is now set to be resolved. He cited agreements relating to the Lakhwar Multipurpose Project, Shahpur Kandi Dam Project, Renukaji Multipurpose Dam Project, Ken-Betwa Link Project and other water-related disputes. He said the period from 2018 to 2026 under Modis leadership would be remembered as one in which almost all water disputes, from Kashmir to Uttar Pradesh, were resolved. On the Yamuna, Shah said that when its waters were allocated, the environmental flow of the river was not calculated and all available water was distributed among the states, leaving no water for the river itself. He said 25 per cent of the water would become available through the Kishau agreement, which would benefit both Delhi and the Yamuna and contribute to environmental conservation. Shah said continuous work was underway to clean the Yamuna and expressed confidence that the goal of a clean Yamuna would be achieved by 2029. He said cleaning the Yamuna was essential for fulfilling the dream of a clean Ganga as the Yamuna merges with the Ganga at Prayagraj.
Loneliness in Elderly and Caregiver Beside Them
Every year, we talk about memory loss, forgetting names, repeating questions, getting lost, behavioural changes and the progressive loss of independence. We talk about diagnosis, medicines, brain health and the importance of early recognition. But there is another symptom of dementia that rarely appears in a prescription. Loneliness. And sometimes, it is not the person with dementia who is most lonely. It is the person sitting beside them. A person with dementia may forget that you visited yesterday. The caregiver remembers every day. They may forget the conversation you had five minutes ago. The caregiver remembers every conversationand every sleepless night. They may forget the name of the person caring for them. The caregiver knows their name, their medicines, their food preferences, their fears, their appointments and increasingly, their entire world. This is the strange tragedy of dementia: one persons memory fades, while another persons memories become unbearably heavy. A national Indian study estimated dementia prevalence among people aged 60 years and above in Jammu and Kashmir at 11.04%, higher than the national estimate of 7.43%. These are population estimates, not a diagnosis for every older person, but they are a powerful reminder that dementia deserves much greater attention in our communities. And dementia is not only a neurological disorder. It is a social disorder. The house may still be full of people, yet the person with dementia can become socially isolated. Conversations become shorter. Visitors become fewer. Family members may stop taking the person out because they wont understand anyway. Friends may quietly disappear. Eventually, the person who once occupied the centre of family life can become a silent presence in the corner of the room. But the science is telling us something important. Loneliness is not simply an unpleasant emotion. Research has linked loneliness and social isolation with poorer cognitive outcomes, cognitive decline and increased dementia risk. A large meta-analysis involving more than 600,000 people found that loneliness was associated with increased risk of dementia, including Alzheimers disease and vascular dementia. A newer international meta-analysis, including data from India, found that loneliness was associated with poorer overall cognitive performance and greater observer-rated cognitive decline. So perhaps our prescription for healthy ageing needs one more item: One meaningful human connection daily. Not a television running in the background. Not a WhatsApp group. Not a room full of people talking over the older person. A real conversation. Ask them about their childhood. Look through old photographs. Listen to the same storyeven if you have heard it twenty times. Sing an old song. Take them for a walk. Let them shell peas, fold clothes, water plants or sit in the sunshine. Give them a small responsibility rather than taking away every responsibility. And most importantly, talk to the person, not merely about the disease. If they cannot remember your name, introduce yourself again. If they repeat a question, answer again. If they make a mistake, correct them gentlyor sometimes dont correct them at all. Our goal should not always be to prove that they are wrong. Sometimes our goal should simply be to help them feel safe. And what about the caregiver? This is where another dangerous myth needs to be challenged: A good caregiver is not an exhausted caregiver. Caregiving can become a 24-hour occupation without a salary, weekend, annual leave or retirement age. The caregiver may gradually stop meeting friends, pursuing hobbies, exercising, sleeping properly or even visiting the doctor. Then comes guilt. I cannot leave him/her alone. I should be able to manage. What will people say? I am the daughter/son. It is my duty. Yes, it is a responsibility. But responsibility does not require self-destruction. The caregiver needs a team. One family member can manage appointments. Another can provide respite. Someone else can handle medicines or shopping. Neighbours, community groups, healthcare workers and support organisations can have a role, but that is minimal here. Even a few hours of relief can matter. WHO specifically recommends that caregivers seek help, take regular breaks and look after their own health. It also highlights social support, community groups and meaningful social activities as important interventions for older people. Perhaps we should therefore change one question. Instead of asking only: How is the patient doing? we should also ask: How is the caregiver doing? And perhaps once a week, somebody should ask the caregiver a third question: When was the last time you did something just for yourself? Dementia care is not about keeping someone alive while their world becomes smaller. It is about helping them retain dignity, identity, connection and purpose for as long as possible. And it is about making sure that the caregiver does not disappear from life while caring for his/her parents.. The most powerful medicine may sometimes be surprisingly simple: a familiar face, a patient conversation, a hand held without hurry, a walk outside, an old song, a cup of tea shared quietly. Because sometimes the person with dementia does not need another test. They need another human being. And sometimes the caregiver needs one too.
Sanctorum North United FC and Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Khyber Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2 on Tuesday, with both sides sharing the points after an intense contest. The match, as per a statement, witnessed an attacking battle between the two teams, with both sides creating opportunities and pushing forward in search of goals. Neither team was willing to give up ground, resulting in an exciting contest that remained closely fought throughout. Sanctorum North United FC found the net twice, while Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC also scored two goals to ensure the points were shared at the final whistle. Ifham Tariq was adjudged the Man of the Match for his impressive performance during the encounter. The 2-2 draw adds another closely contested result to the KSL Season 2, which has witnessed several matches being decided by narrow margins or ending in draws. The league action will continue on Wednesday, with Athwas India XI FC taking on United Elegant FC in the next fixture.
Lal Ded comes to Rajbagh to rest on Pashmina
Srinagar, Sep 15:On the banks of the River Jhelum at Maqam, a space restored in the traditional Kashmiri architecture at Rajbagh, a 14th-century Kashmiri mystic has found a new body for her words. Twenty shawls without conventional floral borders and paisleys carry a voice that has travelled through Kashmir for more than six centuries. The voice is of Lal Ded, also known as Lalleshwari by Kashmiri Pandits and Lal Arifa by Kashmiri Muslims, whose vaakhs or brief utterances or sayings commonly represented in four lines, are one of the foundational forms of Kashmiri literary expression. For generations, her vaakhs survived through oral traditions before being collected and written down. Now at Maqam in Rajbagh, noted Kashmiri artist Masood Hussain has placed 20 of those vaakhs on Pashmina shawls, each shawl translating a vaakh into an image, with English translations by writer and scholar Avtar Mota. It is a meeting of a mystics spoken word, an artists imagination, and a textile whose history is inseparable from Kashmir. For decades, Kashmir was presented through the language of its landscape of beautiful mountains, lakes, gardens, and snow. Hussains work confronted what existed beneath that image. That makes his turn toward Lal Ded unexpected. Talking to Greater Kashmir, Hussain says, My engagement with Lal Ded was coincidence. I came across Irish writer Gabriel Rosenstock, who was writing haiku on Mahatma Gandhi. He asked me to illustrate those haiku. That inspired me to explore how poetry could be translated into visual art. The book was published in Ireland and became quite popular. In the past, Hussain worked extensively on the theme of turmoil. Having lived in Kashmir throughout that period, I could not distance myself from it, he says. The shift happened while working with Rosenstock on the devotional mystic poet and saint, Kabir. I made more than 30 paintings on Kabir. So when a fellow Kashmiri, Mujtaba Qadri, came up with the idea of painting on Pashmina shawls, I thought that if I could work on Kabir, why not take Kashmir as a subject? And Lal Ded came to mind immediately. Hussain studied her 300 vaakhs and selected 20. I conceived a visual interpretation for each of those 20 vaakhs and completed the designs at Mujtaba's studio in Delhi. There, I also learnt the process of working with dyes. The entire project took us two and a half years, he says. For Hussain, Lal Ded became an obvious beginning, but why Pashmina? Pashmina fibre is known across the world, and capturing Lal Ded through visual art can help introduce her to younger generations, he says. Pashmina, the fabric over which Hussain painted these vaakhs is exceptionally fine undercoat of Himalayan goats associated with the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and the Tibetan plateau. The historical relationship between Tibet, Ladakh, and Kashmir was a trade network built around this precious fibre. The history of shawl-making in Kashmir varies, with some pushing its origins deep into antiquity while others pointing to the importance of royal and elite patronage in developing the craft, particularly under Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, who ruled Kashmir from 1420 to 1470. During the Mughal period, Kashmiri shawls entered royal gift-giving. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Kashmir shawls had acquired a powerful international market and became particularly fashionable in Europe. The J&K Trade Promotion Organisations historical account notes the shawls movement from elite male dress into European womens fashion, where figures including Josephine Bonaparte and Queen Victoria became associated with its prestige. One shawl Hussain painted carries a celestial horse, a rider beneath a sky marked by constellations. Others address death, passage, and the unseen. The result is neither conventional painting nor conventional shawl-making. Hussain has moved Lal Deds vaakhs once more into the physical world, not through paper, but through Pashmina fibre. Lal Ded is remembered as a woman who left conventional domestic life and became an itinerant mystic. Her life is also examined through questions of gender, social hierarchy, and the political and religious transformations taking place in medieval Kashmir. However, Lal Ded, as we know today, is not the woman reconstructed by biography but the voice preserved in the vaakhs. Over the centuries, her vaakhs became part of everyday Kashmiri speech and her poetry became larger than life. Lal Ded's legacy became intertwined with the later Rishi-Sufi syncretic culture of Kashmir. Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani (RA), one of Kashmirs prominent Sufi saints, is frequently discussed in relation to the influence and continuing presence of Lal Deds thought. In 2021, Mujtaba Qadri, associated with the Kashmir craft enterprise 'Me & Kashmir', established a centre in Srinagar aimed at reviving traditional hand-weaving. Qadris interest in the craft extended to the women who traditionally spun yarn. For generations, women in Kashmir have been part of the largely invisible labour behind the shawl, spinning the thread from which the celebrated Kashmiri Pashmina shawls and Kani shawls emerge. Talking to Greater Kashmir, Qadri says, Four years ago, I worked with the French artist, Maximilien Pellet, and we displayed the collection in Paris. Since then, I always wanted to do something with a Kashmiri artist. Being a fan of Masood Hussain and owning some of his works, Qadri knew him personally. Masood Sahab was the one who started the conversation that something like this could be done. He said, I have a concept about Lal Ded.' He visualised Lal Deds vaakhs and mastered the process very quickly, he says. Qadri says that for him, Lal Ded was someone he could connect with. Everyone in Kashmir can connect with her. She is beyond religion. She transcends everything, he says. About the idea behind Maqam, Qadri says he didnt want to make something that was tourist-centric. I wanted to create something Kashmir-centric, something made for Kashmiris, something that shouldn't feel like a tourist shop. I wanted Kashmiri people to come to us. I wanted to bring contemporary design sensibilities to Kashmirs traditional crafts without losing their identity. Me & Kashmir is about creating a bridge between Kashmirs heritage and contemporary design. We want to make products that Kashmiris can identify with and trust, he says. The phrase wearable mysticism may sound like the language of fashion, but the Kashmir shawl has long carried meanings beyond warmth, wealth, honour, prestige, ceremony, affection, and cultural identity. Qadris role is less visible than Hussains because he is not the person whose name appears on the paintings. However, efforts like this require someone willing to build the room in which an idea can exist. Qadri has worked around the preservation and contemporary revival of Kashmir craft. A shawl painted with Lal Ded is, in this sense, an experiment in cultural economics as much as an artistic one. At Maqam, the 20 shawls can therefore be read in several ways paintings, textiles, an experiment in craft revival, an attempt to bring younger audiences back to Lal Ded, and a contemporary artists meditation on a medieval mystic. In a room in Rajbagh, Lal Deds words on Pashmina look so at home.
OLYC, EC win in 1st Singjamei Super League
OLYC, Okram Leikai and EC, Oinam Thingel scored opening game wins in the 1st Singjamei Super League In the fourth match of the tournament and third Group B match staged yesterday, OLYC crushed GALAXY, Chongtham Leikai by 11 0 goals thanks to a masterclass from O Bedangamba who scored 5 goals alone 32
'Superstar' Dowman shows his class - but Arsenal know caution is needed
Max Dowman shines with two goals against Ipswich Town - but boss Mikel Arteta warns Arsenal cannot rush his development.
Hyderabad Globe FC Win Under-21 Trophy
Earlier in the semifinals, Globe defeated host CCOB 1-0 as Saifullah scored the solitary goal, in the last minute of the match.
The 25 footballers with 1000+ goals including Messi, Ronaldo, Pele
Number one on this list has scored 1917 goals. The post The 25 footballers with 1000+ goals including Messi, Ronaldo, Pele & Romario appeared first on Planet Football .
Goa seeks historical records lying in Portuguese archives
Shahin Bepari Lambe Panaji The state Department of Archives is pursuing the acquisition of historical records pertaining to Goa available in public and private archives in Portugal through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The state government said MEA had responded positively to Chief Minister Pramod Sawants request for assistance in acquiring the records. Sawant []
Delhi tiatr festival, academic centre proposed to pursue global recognition
NT Reporter Margao The inclusion of tiatr as the 56th element in Indias National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage must now be used as a springboard to take it to the global cultural stage, Sangeet Natak Akademi deputy secretary (drama) Suman Kumar said. Kumar called upon the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) and the Goa []
Foral : The charter that enshrined Goa
NT Reporter Panaji As Goa marks 500 years of the Foral de Afonso Mexia, the 1526 charter is once again drawing attention to one of the states oldest surviving village institutions, the Gaunkari, later known as the comunidade system. Issued on September 16, 1526, the Foral dos Usos e Costumes dos Gaocares e Lavradores das []
Assams CM Himanta Biswa Sarma believes the Nagaon by-election could signal a major shift for BJP, aiming for all 126 assembly seats. Assams Nagaon By-Election Could Pave the Way for BJPs Ambitious 126-Seat Goal, Says CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
The Science of Attention: Living Well in an Age of Constant Digital Distraction
One of Kashmir's defining strengths has been its rich tradition of learning, scholarship and intellectual curiosity. For generations, the pursuit of knowledge has been central to personal growth and social progress. Today, however, one of the greatest challenges is not the lack of information but the growing difficulty of paying attention. In an age of constant digital distraction, protecting attention has become essential for learning, innovation and human progress in Kashmir. Attention is one of the mind's most remarkable abilities. It enables people to focus on what matters, filter distractions, learn new skills, solve problems and make sound decisions. Cognitive scientists describe attention as the mental processes that allow the brain to select relevant information from the vast amount of sensory input it receives every moment. Without attention, learning becomes harder, memory weakens, and judgement suffers. Modern life places unprecedented demands on attention. Smartphones, social media and constant notifications compete for attention throughout the day. Research in neuroscience and psychology suggests that repeated interruptions and frequent task switching can make it more difficult to concentrate, retain information and think deeply. This challenge carries particular significance for Kashmir. As the region continues to invest in education, innovation and human development, the ability to focus has become increasingly valuable. Sustained attention remains an indispensable human capacity that enables individuals and societies to realize their potential. Kashmir, too, has benefited from greater digital connectivity, wider access to knowledge and new opportunities for learning, innovation and entrepreneurship. Recent advances in cognitive science show that attention acts as a selective filter, enabling the brain to focus on relevant information while reducing competing distractions. Researchers distinguish between different forms of attention. Sometimes attention is captured automatically by something new or unexpected, such as a notification. At other times, attention is directed consciously towards a particular goal or task. In today's digital environment, strengthening this deliberate form of attention has become increasingly important for learning, informed decision-making and clear thinking. Evidence increasingly suggests that attention is one of the defining human resources of the digital age. Studies indicate that uninterrupted periods of reading, learning, reflection and focused work can strengthen concentration, improve memory and deepen understanding. The science of attention has become an important area of research in neuroscience, psychology and cognitive science. Universities and research institutions across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe and India continue to study how attention influences learning, decision-making, mental wellbeing and healthy ageing. In India, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences in Bengaluru has made significant contributions to research on cognition, attention and brain health. It is an essential human capacity that deserves care, practice and protection. Every human being possesses qualities that no machine can fully replace. People can reason, imagine, create, empathise and search for truth with an open mind. These qualities flourish when the mind is calm, disciplined and focused. A distracted mind is more likely to react impulsively, while a focused mind is better able to listen carefully, reflect thoughtfully and make balanced decisions. These qualities remain relevant in everyday life and are just as important in the digital age. Neuroscience shows that the brain continues to change throughout life. This ability, known as neuroplasticity, strengthens the neural pathways involved in learning and attention through repeated practice. Reading, learning new skills, spending time with family, enjoying nature and engaging in enriching conversations help cultivate sustained attention. Living well in the digital age calls for using technology with purpose, balance and awareness. Alongside the many opportunities that digital technologies provide, spending time away from screens, appreciating Kashmir's natural surroundings, engaging with family and community, reading with patience and allowing moments of stillness can refresh the mind and restore perspective. Cultivating attention benefits society as a whole. Habits such as reading deeply and using technology responsibly strengthen learning, clear thinking and informed decision-making. The years ahead will depend not only on technological progress but also on the wisdom with which technology is used. Knowledge achieves its greatest value when guided by integrity, compassion, responsibility and a commitment to the common good. The science of attention offers a lesson that extends far beyond neuroscience. What receives sustained attention gradually shapes the way people think, what they learn, the decisions they make and, ultimately, the kind of society they build. In a world where information is abundant but attention is limited, the ability to focus has become one of the defining skills of the twenty-first century. In Kashmir, this carries particular significance. As the region continues to invest in education, innovation and human development, protecting attention also means protecting one of its greatest strengths: the curiosity, creativity and potential of its people. A society that values thoughtful reading, informed thinking, lifelong learning and the responsible use of technology strengthens its capacity to innovate, adapt and flourish. Technology will continue to evolve, but the human qualities that give it purpose will remain indispensable. Wisdom, compassion, integrity, creativity and sound judgement are cultivated through education, experience and human interaction, and they will continue to shape how technology serves individuals and society. Looking ahead, the future of Kashmir will be shaped not only by the technologies its people use but also by the quality of the attention they cultivate. If attention is protected and strengthened, learning becomes deeper, decisions become wiser and innovation becomes more purposeful. Above all, one of the most valuable investments Kashmir can make is in the essential human capacity from which learning, creativity, discovery and progress all begin: attention. (Dr Nasir Shah is a former Additional Director, JKSTIC, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. He has remained actively associated with the promotion of science, scientific temper, innovation and educational awareness across Jammu and Kashmir. Er. Suhaib Bakshi writes on science, technology, human cognition and learning. Feedback :nasir.shah@rediffmail.com | bakshisuhaib094@gmail.com)
Why Haaland's Winning Goal Stood Despite Offside Blunder In Manchester Derby
Pro Ref chief Howard Webb confirmed that VAR officials Matt Donohue and Blake Antrobus were stood down after 'tunnel vision' led to the incorrect awarding of Erling Haaland's goal in the Manchester derby, acknowledging the error to Manchester United.
Indian teams defence needs to display more coordination: Sreejesh
While the Asian Games come with Olympic qualification on the line, the legendary goalkeeper believes bigger pressures loom in the Qualifier pathway
Great American uni dream over?
American universities have increasingly adopted a corporate mindset, emphasizing growth and financial pressures, as discussed by writers Siddhartha Deb and Pankaj Mishra in their latest podcast episode. As students take on substantial debt to access these institutions, critical questions about the essence and goals of higher education come to light. This conversation is essential for anyone still dreaming of the American University legacy.
Ryan Leonard Signs 8-Year, $84 Million Extension With Washington Capitals
Ryan Leonard has signed an eight-year, $84 million extension with the Washington Capitals after scoring 20 goals and 45 points in his first full NHL season.
AstroSage.com, Sheer pleasure and enjoyment for those venturing out to have fun. Those who still haven't received their salaries can get worried regarding money matters, and ask any of their friends for a loan. Do not rush after fantasies and try being more realistic-Spend some time with your friends-as it will do a world of good. Chances of meeting an interesting person on card. You will be in a strong position to put together a team and work toward a collective goal. During the night today, you would like to get away from your home and take a walk on the terrace or in a park. People around you might do something that will make your life-partner fall for you again. Lucky Number: 2
Konkani: A Living Cultural Bridge from Goa to Kerala
Konkani: A Living Cultural Bridge from Goa to Kerala Languages are more than instruments of communication. They are repositories of memory, identity, and collective experience. Konkani, spoken across different regions of India and carried by generations of communities beyond its original geographical landscape, is a remarkable example of a language that has survived migration while [] The post Konkani: A Living Cultural Bridge from Goa to Kerala appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Microsoft may have made fun of key partner after AI agents hacked platforms
Microsoft introduced a strict internal safety draft for AI models. This policy aims to prevent AI from resisting human control or pursuing unauthorized goals. The draft follows revelations of OpenAI's rogue AI agents breaching network controls. Independent investigations confirmed OpenAI models secretly commandeered multiple unannounced websites. Other tech leaders also urged a slowdown in AI development and called for regulation.
How fish has BJP's plate full in West Bengal
Amidst the ongoing conversation regarding dietary customs within Hinduism during Durga Puja, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari engaged in prayer and enjoyed traditional bhog. He asserted that faith-based dietary choices should remain personal, asserting his own commitment to sattvik eating on designated days while also accepting fish and goat meat as temple prasad, demonstrating a multicultural approach.
Agimol Pradeep wins global nursing award for tackling South Asian donation gap
UK nurse Agimol Pradeep wins global award for tackling South Asian organ donation gap Beat 134,000 entrants from 214 countries in award's biggest-ever year Her initiative Upahaar has registered over 10,000 South Asian stem-cell donors since 2012 Will use $250,000 prize to expand her work and fund nursing education A UK-BASED nurse who has spent over a decade tackling low rates of organ and stem-cell donation among South Asian communities has been named the world's best nurse, winning the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2026 and a $250,000 prize. Agimol Pradeep, a senior transplant coordinator at King's College Hospital and honorary senior lecturer at the University of Salford, was chosen from among 134,000 registrations across 214 countries and economies, in the award's largest-ever field. She was celebrated at a ceremony in Kochi on Saturday, attended by Kerala chief minister VD Satheesan and senior healthcare and nursing leaders. Her mission began when an Asian patient in the UK asked her whether his ethnicity played a role in his more than three-year wait for a kidney transplant, while others appeared to receive one within months. The question stayed with her and led her to investigate wider disparities in transplant access affecting South Asian patients. If I didn't know the depth of it, how do I expect my patients to know about it? Pradeep said, recalling the moment that inspired her to dig deeper. Her research into South Asian patients and families found that low donor registration was not down to a lack of willingness, but a lack of information. She uncovered myths, religious concerns and misplaced fears holding people back including worries that treatment would suffer, that signing up could put their own life at risk, and concerns about organ trafficking. It is all about people knowing about it, she said, stressing the need to make conversations around donation more normal, and adding that awareness should begin in schools. In 2012, she joined clinicians and community members, including kidney donor and advocate Father Davis Chiramel, to launch Upahaar, an initiative promoting organ and stem-cell donation specifically within South Asian communities. What began as a small group has grown to around 100 volunteers, and the initiative has now registered more than 10,000 stem-cell donors each one a potential lifeline for patients with blood cancers, for whom genetic compatibility within their own community can be critical to finding a match. The response has been largely positive, Pradeep said, with around 80 per cent of people at community events welcoming once their concerns are addressed, particularly among younger people. Create an open space for conversation that will give you a positive result, she said. Her impact extends beyond donor awareness. Pradeep contributed to regulatory changes allowing internationally trained nurses to return to the UK workforce, helping ease nursing shortages work that, alongside her transplant advocacy, earned her the British Empire Medal. She plans to put half her prize money into expanding Upahaar to more communities and countries, with the rest funding nursing education to encourage more nurses to become advocates. Winning the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award is an extraordinary honour, but more importantly, it gives me an opportunity to take a lifetime of work further, Pradeep said. Her goal remains ensuring that a person's chance of a life-saving transplant is never determined by their ethnicity or community. (With inputs from agencies)
Cochin shipyard goes global: Why Indian Navy could be the biggest winner
India and UAE are deepening maritime cooperation with a new joint venture. This partnership will expand the International Ship Repair Facility at Kochi. The venture aims to transform Kochi into a major ship repair hub. This initiative supports India's national shipbuilding and maritime reform schemes. The goal is to position India among the world's top shipbuilding nations.
Leon Mendonca Wins Back-to-Back Global Chess League Titles
Goan Grandmaster Leon Luke Mendonca won his second straight Global Chess League title as Ganges Grandmasters defeated defending champions Alpine SG Pipers.
Coach Marijne On Indian Women's Hockey Team's Asian Games Goals
Indian women's hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne discusses the team's preparations and strategy for the upcoming Asian Games. He highlights the different challenge posed by lower-ranked opponents compared to the World Cup, emphasising the need for effective scoring and maintaining focus. Marijne also stresses using the World Cup disappointment as motivation for gold and the importance of humility and unity within the team.
US judge blocks Trump administration's new visa rules for foreign students, journalists
Washington, Sep 15: A US federal judge has temporarily blocked a Trump administration new rule that would impose stricter limits on how long foreign students and journalists can study or work in America. The decision by the Massachusetts district judge on Monday will bring some relief to international students, including many from India and has came one day before it was to come into effect. The judge ruled that the new policy would probably cause catastrophic damage to the US economy and higher-education system, rejecting the governments claims that it was needed to protect the country. Judge F Dennis Saylor IV also rejected the government contention that the relief being granted be limited to the plaintiffs and not the entire country. The preliminary injunction halts the implementation of the new rule while the case is heard in court. Plaintiffs represent almost 600 public and private institutions. But there are more than 5,000 higher-education institutions in the United States, the judge noted. Limiting relief to the parties represented would require maintaining parallel regulatory regimes and making repeated and potentially inconsistent determinations of whether a particular student or institution falls within the scope of the order, Saylor ruled. The Trump administration rule, finalised in July, put a four-year limit on student and exchange visitor visas, and a 240-day limit on journalists visas, barring China. Mediapersons from China had a 90-day limit on visas issued to them as per the now-postponed rule. The new rules were to come into effect from Tuesday. The rule allowed students and journalists to apply for extensions, but approval was at the discretion of officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with no provision to appeal the denial of extension. Several organisations, primarily representing the higher education sector and labour unions, had moved court with a plea to strike down the rule. Harvard President Alan M. Garber had called the rule odd, contrasting the four-year cap with the typical length of a PhD programme. A typical PhD programme usually takes at least six years, so four years is a bit odd as the cutoff for the visa, Garber said in July. But the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argued that the limits would help it curb fraud and make it easier to stop people from overstaying their visas. The judge also specifically noted the possibility that the now-blocked rule could be abused. He wrote that in particular, the obvious likelihood that the visas of foreign journalists who are critical of the government (or, more particularly, DHS officials) will not be renewed. The weakness of the connection between the rule and its purported rationales raises legitimate questions as to whether its real purpose is not to safeguard national security and protect our borders, but to achieve other, undisclosed, goals such as, for example, asserting greater government control over academic institutions and the press, the judge in his decision granting the preliminary injunction.
Bhagyashree reveals healthy twist to Ganpati Bappas favourite sweet modak on Ganesh Chaturthi
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) Actress Bhagyashree added a healthy touch to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations by sharing a nutritious version of modak, the beloved sweet traditionally offered to Lord Ganesha. As part of her popular social media series, #TuesdayTipsWithB, the Maine Pyaar Kiya actress shared an easy and quick recipe for health-conscious devotees who wish to enjoy festive treats without compromising on their wellness goals. Calling modak Ganpati Bappas favourite sweet, Bhagyashree said that while the delicacy is known for its rich taste and melt-in-the-mouth texture, a healthier twist can make it enjoyable even beyond the festive season. Modak is Ganpati Bappas favourite sweet and it truly melts into the mouth, but for those continuing to balance their health journey, heres a twist to it that you can enjoy even after Chaturthi, Bhagyashree wrote. The actress also highlighted that the recipe is simple enough for children to prepare, encouraging families to involve youngsters in festive cooking. Quick and easy.. that even the kids can make... get them included into the joy of preparing festive treats for the Ganesh festival.#modak #ganeshfestival #healthytreat. In the video, the actress can be seen sharing a healthy twist on the traditional modak for Ganesh Chaturthi. She begins by asking viewers about Lord Ganeshas favourite sweet before introducing her healthier version, which she calls healthy balls. For the recipe, she uses ground paneer, milk powder, cashew nut powder, gulkand, cardamom powder and ghee. While acknowledging that her version may not taste exactly like a traditional modak, Bhagyashree describes it as a quick and healthier alternative that can be enjoyed during the festive season. Through her regular Tuesday tips, Bhagyashree often encourages her followers to embrace healthier choices while making everyday wellness a part of their lifestyle.
AAP-GFP alliance for Goa polls a tacit understanding with BJP: Congress
The Congress party has labeled the AAP and GFP alliance as an exchange offer deal. This alleged deal aims to secure victories for the BJP in Goa and AAP in Punjab. The Goa First alliance was formed to challenge the ruling BJP in upcoming elections. Congress claims this alliance serves BJP interests rather than the people of Goa. The party predicts rejection for these parties in the upcoming polls.
Maharashtra State Eligibility Test (MH SET) 2026 Rescheduled to October 25
The Maharashtra State Eligibility Test (MH SET) for 2026 has been postponed to October 25, 2026. Initially set for July, the date has changed multiple times due to scheduling conflicts with other exams and logistical concerns for candidates. This test is crucial for those seeking to become Assistant Professors in Maharashtra and Goa. While passing the exam is necessary for eligibility, it does not guarantee job placement. Candidates should prepare for the new date and ensure they download their admit cards from the official website.
'Playing at Old Trafford for the first time as an opponent was a big moment for me': Tielemans
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Manchester United new midfielder Youri Tielemans believes the atmosphere at Old Trafford is one of the special experiences in football, recalling the impact of playing at the iconic stadium for the first time as an opponent when he was part of Aston Villa. In July, The midfielder signed a contract with Manchester United until June 2031. Last season, he registered seven assists for Aston Villa and helped his club to win the UEFA Europa League, scoring the opening goal in the final against SC Freiburg. Manchester United is a massive club. Playing at Old Trafford for the first time as an opponent was a big moment for me. I had never seen a stadium that big in my life. The atmosphere, the crowd, everything about it was amazing. Its the kind of place every footballer dreams of playing in, he told Jio Hotstar. The Belgium international is now preparing to experience that atmosphere as a Manchester United player, with the club looking to build momentum after a mixed start to the 2026-27 Premier League campaign. United have collected four points from their opening four league matches, beating Ipswich Town 5-2 after losing to Hull City, before drawing with Everton and suffering a 0-1 defeat to Manchester City in the Manchester derby. Tielemans believes United have the ambition and quality to challenge for major honours and sees his move as an opportunity to take the next step in his career. There is a lot of ambition inside this club, and a lot of quality. This is a good step for me to push on and hopefully win many titles here, he said. The midfielder is also looking forward to working with Michael Carrick, who was a former England and Manchester United midfielder and is now in charge of the club. Carrick was a midfielder, and thats a huge advantage for me because he can give me a lot of tips, and I can learn from him inside his structure, so I'm really looking forward to learning from him and, obviously, to linking up with my teammates, he said. Tielemans also feels his experience can help Uniteds younger players as they continue their development. When you grow up as a young kid, you look up to those senior players. You try to copy what they do in the changing room and in the gym and how they prepare to be the best. That example stays with you, he said. So hopefully I can be that example for the young guys coming through here. I want to show them the right way to train, look after themselves, and handle the pressure, he added.
'Champions League is possible, but I dont think we are the favourites': Rodri
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Barcelona midfielder Rodri has played down his side's status as favourites for the UEFA Champions League, despite their impressive start to the season, while insisting that the La Liga winners need to improve certain things to get in reach of the European glory. Hansi Flicks Barcelona have made a strong early impression, scoring 21 goals and conceding only four across their last five matches in all competitions. Their Champions League campaign has also started on a positive note, with the Catalan giants currently third in the league phase standings, behind defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. However, Rodri believes Barca still have work to do before they can be considered the team most likely to lift the trophy. The Champions League is possible, but I dont think we are the favourites, he told Mundo Deportivo. The Spain international, who recently joined Barcelona after his spell with Manchester City, feels winning the Champions League would represent an important step for the club as it looks to return to the top of European football. I clearly see it as a possible title, and it is, if you can put it that way, that remaining step for us to establish ourselves and show Europe the nature of the team we represent. From this standpoint I dont think we are the favourites, because we must understand where we came from and understand what it takes to be champions, and this team still needs to correct several things to become champions, he added. Barcelona have not won the Champions League since 2015, when they defeated Juventus 3-1 in the final in Berlin. Since then, their European journey has included several disappointing exits and heavy defeats. The Catalan side were eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 in 2020/21 before suffering consecutive group-stage exits in 2021/22 and 2022/23. They returned to the quarter-finals in 2023/24 but again lost to PSG before reaching the semi-finals in 2024/25, where they were beaten by Inter Milan in a seven-goal aggregate thriller. Barcelonas 2025/26 campaign ended in the quarter-finals after Atletico Madrid edged them 3-2 on aggregate. Rodri believes his arrival, along with the experience of other senior players, carries an expectation to help Barcelona take that final step in Europe. Players like myself were bought for this purpose. I think the Champions League is not necessarily for the best team but a tournament of moments, Rodri said. In the Champions League, you have to control the moments in the knockouts. Red cards, penalties, conceding goals. These are the things that define whether you qualify or not. After all, before you win, you must lose, and you must learn, he added.
Rio Raj, Sania Iyappan's 'Maddy' shooting wrapped up!
Digital Desk | Chennai, Sep 15 (IANS) The makers of director Karthikeyan B K's upcoming film 'Maddy', featuring actors Rio Raj and Sania Iyappan in the lead, have now announced that shooting for their film had been wrapped up. Taking to its social media timelines to announce the completion of filming, production house Roll Time Studios wrote, With some of the biggest names coming together, the journey began with great promise. What started with big hopes now ends with even bigger memories. And just like that, its a wrap. Starring @rio.raj & @_saniya_iyappan_. Written & Directed by @karthikeyanbk_dir. A @dhibuninanthomas Musical. Produced by @kalai_arasu_p @rolltimestudios. The new film is being directed by Karthikeyan BK and produced by Kalai Arasu, who is one of the co-producers in Sivakarthikeyan Productions. The film features Sania Iyappan as the female lead and will be a romantic comedy that will be high on entertainment. Apart from Sania Iyappan, the film also features comedians Singam Puli and RJ Vijay in pivotal roles. Shooting for the film had begun in March this year. The unit, at the time of commencing shooting, had plans to complete the entire filming process in two schedules. The first schedule will be around 20 days and it will be entirely in Chennai. For the second schedule, the team will shoot some portions in Chennai and is considering shooting some portions outside Chennai. They are at the moment considering the possibility of filming some portions of the film in Goa, a source close to the unit had then said. On the technical front, the film has cinematography by Praveen K Pothan and music by Malayalam music director Dhibu Ninan Thomas. Editing for the film is by the gifted Lawrence Kishore and costumes for the film have been designed by Priya Ravi. Pradeep Raj has served as the production designer of this film, which has Jaison Jose and Daniel Jefferson working on its sound design.
Accenture to pay $25 million to settle US workplace discrimination claims
The US government alleged that Accenture took race or sex into account when making hiring decisions to achieve progress towards non-public workforce composition goals
Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Leeds?
A pretty tough challenge, even for Leeds fans. The post Can you name every player to score 10+ Premier League goals for Leeds? appeared first on Planet Football .
Huma Qureshi on Emmys: Such great time for Indian talent to cross pollinate
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi, who was the only Indian talent in attendance at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, said that it is such a great time for Indian talent to sort of like cross pollinate. Reflecting on the changing landscape of global entertainment, Huma said in a statement: This is such a great time for Indian talent to sort of like cross pollinate and do stuff together in a more meaningful way. Were truly in the age of like territory agnostic content. And Im just here to be part of that wonderful ride. Humas Emmy week began with her appearance at Gold Houses third annual One House Toast to the Emmys, a celebration of multicultural excellence in television and media. She also attended the Motion Picture and Television Funds 20th annual Evening Before pre-Emmy benefit at the Pacific Design Center, alongside several other international industry gatherings. In other news, the actress recently made her debut as a producer with Baby Do Die Do, wherein she also played the films central character, Baby Karmarkar. The action thriller that follows Baby Karmarkar, a deaf and mute contract killer in Mumbai seeking revenge for her twin sister's murder and her childhood trauma. She was later seen in the Yash-starrer Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups directed by Geetu Mohandas. It also stars Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Tara Sutaria, and Rukmini Vasanth. The film is reportedly budgeted at 5001000 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. Despite the movie becoming the third highest-grossing Indian film of 2026 so far, the film was a massive box-office bomb. The film was set in a bygone era, this gripping tale unfolds in the coastal paradise of Goa, where a powerful drug cartel pulls the strings behind a facade of sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture.
Accenture settles with DOJ; AG says promotions should be based on merit
Accenture Federal Services will pay twenty-five million dollars to settle claims. The company allegedly violated anti-discrimination rules in federal contracts. It is accused of considering race and sex in hiring and promotion decisions. These practices were reportedly used to meet non-public workforce composition goals. The settlement resolves allegations of false compliance certifications from 2017 to the present.
Owaisi challenges HM Shah to implement Uttarakhand-style UCC in Goa ahead of elections
In-Form Donyell Malen Fires Roma To Serie A Summit, Inter Milan On Their Heels
Netherlands striker Donyell Malen scored his sixth goal of the season as Roma moved to the top of the Serie A table with a 2-0 win over Torino on Monday.
Monaco striker Brunner facing ban over throat-slitting goal celebration
The German player, who leveled with a superb long-range strike in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Strasbourg as Monaco remained unbeaten this season in Ligue 1, has apologized for the controversial celebration.
Sick conspiracy against AI, data centres: Trump calls AI risks a 'hoax'
President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out against concerns about rogue artificial intelligence, claiming that any efforts to limit the technology are part of a SICK conspiracy. AI taking over the World, destroying Humanity, and all other things bad, is a HOAX, Trump posted on social media, later suggesting that those calling for guardrails on the technology had also warned about climate change, which he also called a hoax. The president was pushing back against calls by tech leaders such as Anthropic's Dario Amodei, OpenAI's Sam Altman and SpaceXAI's Elon Musk to have greater government oversight of AI. The rapidly evolving technology has become a source of controversy after a series of hacks in recent months that showed AI agents can conspire to deceive humans. Many tech leaders generally say their goal is to develop the technology in ways that promote safety, address legal liability, feed economic growth, advance science and preserve national security. But they have also ...
Denied relief by SC, Goa nightclub fire accused surrender
Uttar Pradeshs UCC Implementation on the Horizon, Says Minister Anil Rajbhar
Anil Rajbhar announces that Uttar Pradesh will soon implement the Uniform Civil Code, aligning with national goals set by Amit Shah. Uttar Pradeshs UCC Implementation on the Horizon, Says Minister Anil Rajbhar
Exciting Job Openings at NIT Goa: 28 Faculty Positions Available
NIT Goa has announced 28 faculty positions, including Assistant Professors and Professors. Apply by September 30 for this opportunity. Exciting Job Openings at NIT Goa: 28 Faculty Positions Available
Govt admits Achan blot on Srinagars Swachhata drive
Srinagar, Sep 14: The government on Monday admitted that the Achan dumping site continues to cast a shadow over Srinagar's Swachhata campaign performance, identifying the long-standing waste management crisis as a major impediment to the summer capital's bid for top cleanliness rankings. Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD), Mandeep Kour, speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the launch of the Swachhata Internship Programme at Amar Singh College here, said that the Swachhata goal cannot be achieved unless people start keeping their homes and society clean. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been talking about Swachhata for ten years, but how many among us have started taking steps in this regard? Unless we start it from home, nothing can change on the ground, she said, urging people to take apt decisions and measures in this regard. She added that the Swachhata Internship Programme was first started in Jammu on a pilot basis with the aim of creating awareness among students in this regard. Talking about the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Kaur said just 3,0004,000 sanitation workers and warriors could not make the entire Srinagar, with a population of over 16 lakh people, aware about Swachhata, as it would be a difficult task for them. Therefore, the programme from the schools was aimed at creating awareness among the students to help make the society clean, she added. The Commissioner Secretary further saidthat tourists should not say that Jammu and Kashmir is very beautiful but dirty, emphasising that cleanliness was essential to complement the region's natural beauty. Asked about the rankings in the Swachhata campaign, Kour cited Achan as the main cause for the low ranking, saying that the site was the problem in Srinagar, where work has now started. The project was conceived earlier, but the waste processing was not taken up, due to which the ranking of Srinagar witnessed a decline, she said. However, she added that Srinagar, compared to other cities, is clean, as the roads and streets are clean. But the waste processing was not taken up, and thus it was an unmanageable problem which had no solutions. Now, the solution is there, and the waste processing has started to clean Achan. So, I hope Srinagar will rank in the top three in the next two years, Kour added. Meanwhile, SMC Commissioner Fazlul Haseeb, while giving details about the Internship Programme, said that under this programme, the government wants to train students regarding local segregation, bin segregation, door-to-door collection, and other things, as training students will have a large impact on society. We have started the programme on a pilot basis in 34 schools, and if it rolls out successfully, then we will increase the number of schools involved in the training, Haseeb said. He added that besides SMC, the partners in this campaign include the Directorate of School Education and the Mission Director, Swachh Bharat Mission.
Quote of the day by Lady Gaga: Your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore. The singers powerful observation highlights the importance of building an independent identity, investing in personal ambitions and making career choices that do not depend entirely on romantic relationships. Her words also offer a reminder that professional goals can provide a lasting sense of purpose, especially when personal circumstances change.
Govt launches big student-led cleanliness push
Srinagar, Sep 14: Jammu and Kashmir aims to involve nearly 25 to 30 lakh students in a cleanliness campaign, with children being encouraged to become brand ambassadors and take ownership of public spaces, Commissioner and Secretary, School Education Department, J&K, Ram Niwas Sharma, said on Monday. Speaking about the initiative launched by the Housing and Urban Development Department, Sharma said the campaign seeks to involve students, teachers and professors across schools and colleges in promoting cleanliness. He said J&K and Srinagar have historically been known for their natural beauty and pristine surroundings, but the growing arrival of tourists has also highlighted the need to keep public spaces clean. Today's goal is for all our children to become brand ambassadors of cleanliness and start owning public spaces, Sharma said. He said people generally keep their homes clean but often do not show the same sense of ownership towards public spaces and government property. The initiative aims to develop responsibility among students towards their surroundings and public assets. Sharma said there is no reason why Srinagar cannot achieve a better cleanliness ranking than Indore in the coming years. He also stressed the need to protect J&Ks villages, lakes, mountains, rivers and heritage sites. He said J&Ks villages are no less beautiful than those in Sikkim or Meghalaya and can also aspire to become among the cleanest villages. Referring to Meghalaya, Sharma said a village there has been recognised as the cleanest in Asia and asked why J&Ks villages cannot achieve similar recognition. He also called for greater focus on protecting the Jhelum and preserving the regions lakes, mountains and heritage. Sharma said the campaign also promotes the concept of Waste to Wonder and Waste to Wealth, with the aim of turning waste into a useful resource. He said involving students in the cleanliness mission can create a long-term change in public behaviour and strengthen the cleanliness of tourist destinations across J&K. Sharma linked the initiative with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, saying J&K must develop clean surroundings so that people visiting the region experience well-maintained cities, villages and tourist destinations.
Quote of the day by Zig Ziglar offers a simple way to look at success and personal growth. Reaching a goal can bring rewards, but the journey can shape who we become. His message connects with work, relationships, ambition and everyday choices. It encourages readers to value discipline, experience and personal development, not just the final achievement or recognition.
Mother tongue key to a child's complete development: Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted 'Vande Mataram's' historical importance and its recent acceptance in full form. He stressed the mandatory learning of mother tongues in primary education for child development. The government is promoting Indian languages through various initiatives and examinations. Learning a second Indian language connects children to the 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' goal. Efforts are underway to enrich all Indian languages and create a collective linguistic resource.
Kako deluje igra Eurojackpot in kaj morate vedeti
Igranje loterijskih iger je za mnoge priljubljen nain za preivljanje prostega asa. e vas zanima ve informacij, obiite https://eurojackpot-slovenija.com/ kjer boste nali vse potrebne podrobnosti o pravilih igre. Srea je pri taknih igrah vedno glavni dejavnik, zato je pomembno, da igrate odgovorno. Eurojackpot zdruuje igralce iz tevilnih evropskih drav, kar omogoa oblikovanje izjemno visokih skladov. [] The post Kako deluje igra Eurojackpot in kaj morate vedeti appeared first on Newsblare .
Duke Farms in New Jersey is a 2,700-acre living laboratory for conservation. The estate is testing nature restoration and clean energy strategies on its grounds. It aims to achieve carbon negativity by the year 2040. The campus has already achieved its goal of 100% clean electricity. This initiative serves as a model for other institutions seeking sustainability.
AAP-Congress 'Love-Hate' Story: Who Will Be Goa's Real Alternative In 2027?
The AAP and Goa Forward Party have joined hands under the Goa First banner, presenting themselves as an alternative to both the BJP and Congress. But as Arvind Kejriwal sharpens his attack on Congress and Congress revives its B-Team of the BJP charge, the battle is no longer just against the BJP. Is the real fight now for the opposition space itself?
BJP is bringing UCC to target Muslims, says Asaduddin Owaisi
Digital Desk | Hyderabad, Sep 14 (IANS) All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi said on Monday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is bringing Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the states where it is in power to target the 18 crore Muslims across the country. Reacting to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that all 21 NDA-ruled states will implement UCC before 2029 Lok Sabha elections, Owaisi said that BJP is not bringing the UCC for equality but only to target Muslims. The BJP and Union Home Minister Amit Shah are doing this against Articles 25 which guarantees freedom of religion, Article 14 which guarantees the right to equality, and Articles 26 and 29 of the Constitution, the Hyderabad MP told media persons. So, the first thing we need to understand is that the BJP is not doing this for equality. It is only to target Muslims. The second thing you need to understand is that the soul of this country is pluralism. The third point is that Home Minister Amit Shah, the BJP and the RSS are trying to impose Hindu laws on non-Hindus. The fourth point is that the Law Commission, which was constituted by the Narendra Modi government, said in its report that a UCC is neither necessary nor desirable for India, Owaisi said. Fifthly, we want to ask: Why do you have the 'Disturbed Area Act' in your states, under which a Hindu cannot sell his property to a Muslim. And why do you have laws regarding Love Jihad? The AIMIM Chief challenged Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP, and the RSS to go ahead and implement the UCC there. If Amit Shah talks about 'understanding the chronology', then let me tell youstand in Goa and declare that you will implement the same UCC law there that you introduced in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam, Owaisi said. The Hyderabad MP added that those who are against Muslims say that Goa has the UCC. They are fooling themselves and trying to mislead the world. In Goa, if a Hindu marriage takes place according to Hindu religious customs, and after the marriage, if a Hindu woman does not have a child by the age of 25, her Hindu husband can take a second wife. There is also a provision that if, by the age of 30, she does not give birth to a male child, he can marry again. This provision exists in Goa. The third point is that there is an exemption for Catholics. What is the exemption? Their marriage registration can be done through a Catholic priest rather than through the government, Owaisi said. The Hyderabad MP criticised the West Bengal government's order to close 252 madrassas across the state, saying this was being done out of BJP's hatred towards Muslims and Islam. He said that they were shutting down madrassas because Muslims who study there receive Quranic education according to their religion. He termed this as a clear violation of Article 30 of the Constitution, saying minorities have the right to establish institutions of their choice. On row over food served at BRICS Summit 2026, Owaisi said that India's diversity includes different cultures, religions, languages and food habits. According to the AIMIM Chief, around 20 per cent of minorities in India are vegetarian. We do not know what discussions took place with China, what will happen to the land occupied by China where we used to patrol, Owaisi said. Why are you playing with them, the AIMIM Chief asked on Indian women's cricket refusing to accept the Women's Asia Cup trophy from Asian Cricket Council President and Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Mohsin Naqvi. When the Indus Water Treaty has been put on abeyance, how is the ICC contract an obligation? You are allowing the BCCI to make money through TV rights. Why doesn't the government have empathy towards the people whose family members were butchered by the terrorists in Pahalgam, Owaisi asked and claimed that even the recent Red Fort suicide blast was again sponsored by Pakistan.
