La Liga: Barca in seventh heaven against Racing, Atletico beat Osasuna
Digital Desk | Madrid, Sep 17 (IANS) FC Barcelona remained top of La Liga with six wins from six after thrashing Racing Santander 7-2 at Camp Nou. The newly promoted visitor made eight changes from the side that beat Alaves last weekend, but Barcelona raced into a 2-0 lead through an excellent Joao Cancelo strike and a Raphinha penalty. Maguette Gueye pulled one back for Racing after an assist from Asier Villalibre, only for Cancelo to add his second from distance in the 36th minute after a deflection off Villalibre. Raphinha then made it 4-1, with Racing goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala saving a Lamine Yamal penalty before the break, reports Xinhua. With Wojciech Szczesny in goal for Barcelona at the start of the second half, Yassir Zabiri reduced the deficit with his sixth goal of the season in the 65th minute, but Barcelona responded immediately as Raphinha completed his hat trick from the spot two minutes later. Gabriel Jesus curled in a stunning finish to make it 6-2, and Yamal added a seventh in the 89th minute as Barcelona took its tally to 28 goals from its opening six matches. Atletico Madrid warmed up for Sunday's derby against Real Madrid by beating Osasuna 4-0 at the Metropolitano. Jonathan David opened the scoring in the 24th minute with his second goal in as many games, before Lee Kang-in struck the second in the 54th with an angled drive. Robin Le Normand made it 3-0 from a corner, and Alex Baena rounded off the scoring after a pass from Johnny Cardoso. Sevilla continued its fine start with a 1-0 win away to Deportivo La Coruna as Miguel Sierra capitalized on a goalkeeping error to score in the 52nd minute. Deportivo was reduced to 10 men on the hour when left-back Angelino was sent off for a bad challenge. Wednesday's scheduled match between Levante and Athletic Bilbao was postponed before kickoff after a thunderstorm at Levante's Ciudad de Valencia Stadium. Betis faces Getafe and Malaga hosts Villarreal in Thursday's fixtures.
Under PM Modi's leadership, India moving with confidence towards 'Viksit Bharat': Union Ministers
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Ministers on Thursday extended warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised his leadership, while acknowledging India's growth and the pace of its journey towards achieving the resolve of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar. He has served as the Prime Minister since May 26, 2014 -- currently in his third term. He is the longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. This year also marks his 25 years in public life. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, taking to X, said, Warm wishes and greetings to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on his birthday. Under his leadership, India is moving with confidence towards achieving the goal of 'Viksit Bharat'. From physical infrastructure to digital connectivity, from the welfare of the poor to innovation and entrepreneurship, the Defence Minister said that India has made historic and remarkable strides across every sphere. Ease of living has improved, opportunities have expanded, and the dignity of every individual has been strengthened, he said. He has placed good governance and public service at the centre of the countrys development journey, making administration more transparent, accountable and citizen-centric, he added. Under his leadership, Singh said that India's civilisational values and rich cultural heritage have received renewed recognition and respect on the global stage. India today is moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose, drawing strength from its civilisational roots. I pray for his good health, long life, and continued strength and energy in the service of the nation, he added. Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also extended heartfelt birthday greetings to the world's most popular politician, the architect of the vision for a Developed India, the inspiration for millions of youth, PM Modi. Under your leadership, the resolve for a 'Viksit Bharat' has today become the aspiration of the people. The new India is firmly establishing its interests and capabilities on the global stage. The 7.8 per cent GDP growth and India's leading role in the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi present a picture of a strong, self-confident, and decisive India before the world. Your dedication, discipline, and commitment to serving Mother India and the welfare of the nation serve as an inspiration to us all, he said. I pray to God that He grants you excellent health, long life, and boundless energy for the service of the nation. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, taking to social media, wished the Prime Minister and said, Join the nation and the world in wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi all success, good health and many more years in the service of our people. You continue to inspire globally through your ideas and achievements. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also extended warm birthday greetings to PM Modi and said, In these turbulent times, you are steering our country steadily towards Vikasit Bharat. At every step, you have put the nation first. For every spent from the exchequer, youve ensured that public good is served. I pray that you live a long and healthy life as you continue serving Maa Bharati. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari wished the Prime Minister on his birthday and lauded him for irelessly working for over five decades, with the motto of Nation First for the welfare of the countrymen. May fear, hunger, and corruption be completely eradicated from the country under your leadership; may India become self-reliant, and may we reclaim our position as the world's guru -- such are my wishes. I pray to God for your excellent health and long life, he said in a post on X.
Raphinha hat-trick fires Barcelona past Racing; Man United suffer upset
Raphinha scored a hat trick as Barcelona earned yet another big win, routing Racing Santander 7-2 for its best-ever start to a season. The Catalan club had never won seven games in a row. It has won six straight in the league and another in the Champions League. Gabriel Jesus and Lamine Yamal also found the net for Barcelona, which has scored at least five goals in five of its seven matches across all competitions this season. In the English League Cup, Manchester United was stunned 3-2 by Brighton after squandering a two-goal lead to crash out in round three. In the Europa League, Benfica beat AC Milan 2-0 on the road in the first round of the league stage. Barcelona and Raphinha stay red-hot in Spain With his hat trick, Raphinha took his league-leading tally to nine goals in six matches. The Brazil forward has scored a goal in all but one game this season. Happy for the goals and for the victory, which is the most important thing, Raphinha said. The players have the hunger
Lionel Messi's 100th Inter Miami goal seals 2-0 win over Cruz Azul
Lionel Messi scored the 100th goal of his Inter Miami career and Casemiro added another as Miami defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 to win the Campeones Cup. Messi opened the scoring in the 24th minute, heading in a cross from Luis Suarez for his 100th goal in 115 appearances across all competitions with Miami. The milestone came against the same club Messi scored his first Inter Miami goal against. He scored on a stoppage-time free kick to beat Cruz Azul 2-1 in his Miami debut in July 2023. Casemiro made it 2-0 in the 81st minute, heading in a corner from Messi. The Brazilian midfielder has scored four goals, all headers, in his last five matches after scoring in three consecutive games against CF Montreal, Atlanta United and Chicago before being held scoreless Saturday against Nashville. The victory gave Inter Miami another trophy three years after Messi's arrival. Miami won the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters' Shield in 2024 and MLS Cup in 2025.
Sidharth Malhotra, Tamannaah Bhatia, Ektaa R Kapoor, Deepak Mishra, Arunabh Kumar, Anup Soni, Sunil Grover, Maniesh Paul and Shweta Tripathi Sharma attended the trailer launch of their film The Vvaan at a multiplex in Mumbai. Ektaa R Kapoor talked about her association with Arunabh Kumar of TVF, Balaji jo banata hai aur TVF jo banata hai; our content is very different. (smiles). But my admiration has been there for the makers because inki jo kahaniyaan hain, woh mitti se judi hui hoti hain. The problem in our country is that most of the content creators, at least in this side (of the country), make content which is out of touch with the demands of the common man. Humne desh se judna bandh kar diya. Hum apne aap ko usse upar samajte hai. That cannot happen. Aap desh se judoge toh desh aap se judega! Aap nahin judoge aur apne aap ko upar samjoge, toh aapko gira dega! Hence, it's very important to be rooted. Because TVF makes rooted stories (I wanted to work with them). Ektaa R Kapoor continued, And then, Arunabh and I became friends. We became mandir friends (laughs). Very few people in our circle visit temples. We belong to that category. So, we collaborated because of our faith. Then, Arunabh narrated the story to me, set in Bihar and about a van devi. Iss pe hamari baatein hui, kabhi ek mandir mein, kabhi dusre mandir mein (laughs). Arunabh Kumar added, We went to Goa and even there, we found a mandir. Ektaa revealed, On the first day of the year, we wanted to go to a temple in Goa. We were searching for a temple in Goa (laughs). Meanwhile, the song 'Chhathi Maiya' featuring Tamannaah has become a rage as it's a rare Hindi film to depict the Chhath Puja. The actress spoke about it in the beginning in detail. Towards the end of the event, Tamannaah Bhatia stated, I was celebrating the Ganesh Chaturthi festival at my residence. We had a pooja and yesterday, we did visarjan. Mere pandit ji ne mujhe pakad liya! He told me, We would all go and watch this film. He was impressed by the importance of Chhath depicted in the film. He was even noticing finer details about the celebration shown in the song and he appreciated that as well. Tamannaah then said, Then today my watchman told me, Aap Chhath pe film bana rahe hai?. I explained, Our film is on van devi, but Chhath is an important part of the film. She said, According to me, Chhath is not just a festival. Its an emotion. We have depicted it in the film with a lot of devotion and sincerity. That song ('Chhathi Maiya') blows up into a nice, amazing sequence (smiles). The Vvaan releases in cinemas on September 25. Also Read: The Vvaan trailer launch: Tamannaah Bhatia INVENTS new word to describe Sidharth Malhotras dashing personality Handsome-ta: Handsome-ta ka jo title hai, the one who embodies handsomeness
East Bengal FC Held To Draw In AFC Champions League Two Opener
East Bengal FC squandered a two-goal lead against Jordanian champions Al Hussein SC, settling for a 2-2 draw in their AFC Champions League Two Group D opener.
CMs extend birthday wishes to PM Modi on his 76th birthday, hail his 25 years of public service
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Chief Ministers on Thursday extended birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his 76th birthday, lauding his 25 years of public life and highlighting his focus on public service, good governance, development and nation-building. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his birthday wishes to the Prime Minister and said that PM Modi has awakened a new consciousness of transformation in the lives of individuals by making service his spiritual practice, good governance his resolve and nation-building his supreme objective during his 25 years of public life. Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has awakened a new consciousness of transformation in the lives of every individual by making service his spiritual practice, good governance his resolve, and nation-building his supreme objective during his 25 years of public life, Yogi said. He added that on the occasion of PM Modi's 76th birthday, the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' would be launched from Varanasi, the holy city associated with the Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency. Today, on the sacred occasion of his 76th birthday, the 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan' will be launched from Baba Vishwanath's holy city of Varanasi. At the same time, on the auspicious occasion of the Jayanti of Lord Vishwakarma ji, the deity of creation and labour, in Lucknow, the launch of the exhibition and margin money loan portal based on 'Vishwakarma Self-Employment and Swadeshi Mela 2026' under the 'Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana 2.0', as well as the distribution of cheques and toolkits to beneficiaries of various schemes, will take place, he said. This journey of resolve through service, self-reliance through labour, and prosperity through swadeshi will give new momentum to the goal of 'Viksit Bharat', CM Yogi added. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also extended her birthday greetings to the Prime Minister and highlighted what she described as his guidance and affection towards the national capital. In a post on X, CM Gupta said, Heartfelt birthday wishes to the esteemed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Delhi has continuously received your affection and guidance. Under your leadership, today the capital is moving forward with new momentum, new capabilities, and newfound confidence. She said the city's landscape was transforming along with new facilities, opportunities and aspirations for its people. The city's landscape is transforming, and along with it, new facilities, new opportunities, and new hopes are being woven into the lives of its people. Be it our sisters, our young companions, labourer families, senior citizens, or our children who cherish dreams of the future, the journey towards a developed Delhi centres on the lives of every individual, CM Gupta said. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also conveyed his birthday greetings to PM Modi and praised his public service and focus on the welfare of youth, farmers and the poor. Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to the revered Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the unparalleled devotee of Mother India, ever dedicated to the welfare of the youth, farmers, and the poor, and the illustrious leader who enhances India's pride on the global stage, CM Dhami said in a post on X. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also wished the Prime Minister on his birthday and highlighted his leadership and contribution to nation-building. Heartiest Birthday Greetings to our Honble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Your tireless dedication, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to nation-building continue to inspire millions across the globe. Under your dynamic guidance, Bharat is scaling new heights of progress, pride and self-reliance. Praying for your good health, long life and endless strength as you continue to lead our Motherland toward a brighter future, he added. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also extended his greetings and recalled PM Modi's political journey from Vadnagar to the Prime Minister's Office. I extend my heartiest birthday wishes to the world's most popular leader and the country's successful Prime Minister, the honourable Shri Narendra Bhai Modi ji, who dedicates every moment to the service of Mother India, CM Patel said. From the sacred soil of Vadnagar to becoming the helmsman of the world's largest democracy, your life journey is a living example of tireless hard work, unwavering resolve, and patriotism. From assuming the role of Chief Minister of Gujarat to becoming the country's Prime Minister, for the last 25 years, your continuous journey of service as a people's representative has become a golden chapter of good governance, public welfare, and development, he added. CM Patel further said that under PM Modi's leadership, the country had embraced the mantra of Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi and referred to cultural revival, digital development, modern infrastructure and self-reliance in the defence sector. Under your visionary leadership, the country has realised the mantra of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi.' On one hand, through magnificent cultural revival, and on the other, through digital revolution, modern infrastructure, and self-reliance in the defence sector, India has established its influence on the global stage, he said. He added that by placing the poor, youth, farmers and women at the centre of development, the government had sought to turn the goal of 'Viksit Bharat @ 2047' into a broader national resolve. I pray to God to grant you excellent health, long life, and ceaseless energy to lead the country to the pinnacle of supreme glory, CM Patel said. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also extended birthday greetings to PM Modi, saying his commitment to public service was giving a new direction to the country's development. Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to the illustrious Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, whose unwavering dedication to public service is giving a new direction to the nation's reconstruction, and who is realising the resolve of the people's aspirations, CM Yadav said. He said Modi had made GYAN the foundation of national strength and had contributed to enhancing India's self-confidence. By making GYAN the foundation of national strength, you have elevated India's self-confidence to new heights. Your dream of a 'Developed India' has today become the vow of millions of fellow citizens. May Baba Somnath bless you with excellent health and a long life, he added. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also extended his greetings and recalled PM Modi's journey in public life, noting his roles in Gujarat and at the national level. From a young age, Adarniya Shri Narendra Modi ji has devoted himself to public service in various capacities. For the past 25 years -- first as Head of Government in Gujarat and subsequently of Bharat -- he has steered the nation forward with unwavering resolve, CM Sarma said. He said welfare, social justice, infrastructure development and national security had been prominent aspects of PM Modi's public life. Welfare, social justice, rapid infrastructure development, and an uncompromising commitment to national security have been the hallmarks of his long public life, CM Sarma said. He further highlighted PM Modi's focus on Assam's development since 2014. Since 2014, he has placed unprecedented emphasis on Assam's development, firmly establishing it as an engine of growth for the region. From Vikas to Virasat, he has prioritised our State's overall welfare and continues to guide us as we script new chapters of development, CM Sarma said. On this special day, I pray to Maa Kamakhya and Srimanta Sankardev to bless him with good health and many more years in the service of Maa Bharti, he added.
Varanasi Gen Z Donates Blood on Modis Birthday, Hails Him GOAT
The event was held at the IMA building in Lahurabir, where organisers said many of the participants were aged between 18 and 22 years
UN chief calls for de-escalation in Middle East, Ukraine
Digital Desk | United Nations, Sep 17 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for de-escalation in the Middle East and Ukraine. He made the appeal at a press conference ahead of this year's high-level week of the UN General Assembly. At this crucial moment in the Middle East, de-escalation must be priority one, priority two and priority three, said Guterres on Wednesday (local time). All parties must cease any actions that harm civilians and ensure that humanitarian operations can proceed safely and without obstruction. Navigational rights and freedoms in and around the straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab must be fully restored and respected by all, in accordance with international law, he added. The only path forward is de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue. I will continue to press this message in my ongoing contacts with leaders, he said. On the Ukraine conflict, he said that it is time for an immediate ceasefire as a first step toward a just, lasting and comprehensive peace, in line with the UN Charter, international law and relevant UN resolutions, reports Xinhua news agency. The conflict is in its fifth year, with immense civilian suffering, cascading global consequences, and no end in sight, he noted. Regarding the peace plan for Gaza, he said it must be fully implemented with unrestricted humanitarian aid. And the creeping annexation of the West Bank must stop, said Guterres. There will be no peace in the Middle East without realising the two-state solution. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia would consider the deployment of Western troops on Ukrainian territory a declaration of direct war. Let me emphasise that we have no interest in getting involved in this, but if Europe, which talks every day about preparing for war against Russia, attacks the Russian Federation, that will be a completely different war, and it will be very short, he said at the International Festival of Youth in Yekaterinburg on Wednesday. Lavrov added that Moscow remains ready for a diplomatic settlement, including in the trilateral format that the United States proposed again. He noted, however, that Russia's position on a settlement to the conflict still implies fulfilling the objectives set at the outset and eliminating the root causes. Therefore, for us, addressing the root causes of threats and protecting the rights of Russian people, their right to their native language and Orthodox faith, are absolutely clear and well-defined objectives of the special military operation, he noted. I am confident that achieving these goals, as formulated by President Vladimir Putin, will help not only resolve this crisis but also improve the situation across the entire Eurasian continent, primarily in its western, European part and beyond. This will contribute to the establishment of a world order rooted in a balance of interests and international rules, Lavrov added.
His journey filled with service, dedication: HM Shah's warm birthday greetings to PM Modi
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday extended warm birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said that his journey is filled with service and dedication, and his life is an inspiration for many. PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar. He has served as the Prime Minister since May 26, 2014 -- currently in his third term. He is the longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister of the country. He is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. In a post on X, HM Shah said, Heartfelt birthday wishes to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, the symbol of tireless hard work, sacrifice, and foresight. The life of Modi ji, who has made karma his sadhana and national service the aim of his life, is an epic tale of penance, sacrifice, and unwavering resolve. His journey, filled with service and dedication, is an inspiration for millions of countrymen, he said. I pray to God that he remains long-lived and healthy, and under his leadership, the country continues to scale new heights of progress and moves forward towards achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Home Minister added. Meanwhile, HM Shah will visit Gujarat's Vadnagar on Thursday to flag off the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s 'Vadnagar to Varanasi' Seva Sankalp Bike Yatra as part of a nationwide campaign marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday and 25 years in public life. Union Minister Shah will flag off the yatra at 9:30 a.m. from Vadnagar (Gujarat), PM Modi's birthplace, where he will also participate in a series of programmes during the day. The parallel 'Varanasi to Vadnagar' yatra will begin at the same time from Varanasi, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu among those expected to attend the launch there. The twin bike yatras are the main feature of the BJP's 'Seva Sankalp Abhiyan', which begins on Thursday. The party has said the two yatras will together cover about 40,000 km, passing through 193 districts and around 1,159 villages in 10 states. Around 1,000 young people are expected to participate, with 500 travelling from Vadnagar towards Varanasi and another 500 travelling in the opposite direction. The yatras are scheduled to conclude on October 7, when PM Modi completes 25 years in public life. In Vadnagar, Amit Shah's programme will begin at 8:15 a.m. with a Maha Aarti at Sharmishtha Lake, a padayatra, the flag-off preparations for the Vadnagar-Varanasi Seva Yatra and the launch of a cleanliness campaign at the Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
Athwas India XI beat United Elegant 2-0, knock them out of KSL
Athwas India XI FC registered a 2-0 victory over United Elegant FC in the Kashmir Super League (KSL) Season 2 on Wednesday, ending United Elegants campaign in the tournament. Faisal Thakur opened the scoring for Athwas India XI before Adnan Ayoub added a second goal to put his side firmly in control. As per a statement, United Elegant FC tried to fight their way back into the contest but could not find a breakthrough as Athwas India XI held on to their advantage until the final whistle. Adnan Ayoub was adjudged the Man of the Match for his impressive performance. With the defeat, United Elegant FC are now out of the tournament, while Athwas India XI FC strengthened their position in the competition. The KSL action will continue on Thursday, with New JK United FC taking on Aqua Kashmir Avengers FC in the next fixture.
Ahaan Panday, Aneet Paddas next with Mohit Suri to begin in October
After Saiyaara, Mohit Suri will reunite with Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda for a mature, unconventional love story backed by Yash Raj Films. The shoot begins in Mumbai in October before moving to Goa in November
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 17 (IANS) Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday extended birthday greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and praised his leadership for improving India's global standing and driving development across various sectors of society. PM Modi was born on September 17, 1950, in Gujarat's Vadnagar. He has served as the Prime Minister since May 26, 2014 -- currently in his third term. He is the longest-serving continuously elected Prime Minister of the country. PM Modi is the Member of Parliament from Varanasi. He was the Chief Minister of Gujarat from 2001 to 2014. This year also marks his 25 years in public life. Taking to X, the Vice President said, Heartiest birthday greetings to Hon'ble Prime Minister Shriman Narendra Modi Ji. Under your steadfast and visionary leadership, Bharat is shining as a bright spot in the world and among the fastest-growing major economies. Over 25 crore Indians have come out of extreme poverty. A transformative digital revolution has empowered millions, and every sector-from space, technology, and healthcare to infrastructure and manufacturing has witnessed remarkable growth, he added. VP Radhakrishnan further praised the Prime Minister for referencing backward districts as 'Aspirational Districts', border villages as 'Vibrant and First Villages', and North-East as 'Ashtalakshmi', and said that this reflects a forward-looking approach that has transformed geographical marginalisation into empowerment, enabling active participation of people of various quarters in our journey towards Viksit Bharat. Over the past year, the Vice President mentioned that he travelled across the country and witnessed firsthand how these transformative changes are reaching even the remotest parts of our country. The spirit of progress, aspiration, and renewed enthusiasm visible across our nation reflects the confidence of our collective developmental journey. I pray for your good health, happiness, and continued strength as you lead the Motherland towards the realisation of Viksit Bharat @ 2047, he added. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also took to social media and wished PM Modi on his birthday. Heartfelt birthday greetings and best wishes to the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Under your leadership, India is forging a new identity on the global stage with confidence today. The nation is continuously scaling new heights in the realms of development, self-reliance, innovation, digital progress, infrastructure expansion, and public welfare, Birla said in a post on X. He also lauded PM Modi's 25 years in public life and said that this time has been proven immensely fruitful in upholding democratic values and uplifting the vulnerable and underprivileged sections of society. Your dedicated and active life, devoted to the nation's progress, inspires millions of citizens to work ceaselessly towards the goal of a developed India. I pray to the Almighty to grant you excellent health, a long life, and the continued strength to serve the nation, the Lok Sabha Speaker added.
Western troops in Ukraine would mean direct war: Russian FM
Digital Desk | Moscow, Sep 17 (IANS) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia would consider the deployment of Western troops on Ukrainian territory a declaration of direct war. Let me emphasise that we have no interest in getting involved in this, but if Europe, which talks every day about preparing for war against Russia, attacks the Russian Federation, that will be a completely different war, and it will be very short, he said at the International Festival of Youth in Yekaterinburg on Wednesday. Lavrov added that Moscow remains ready for a diplomatic settlement, including in the trilateral format that the United States proposed again. He noted, however, that Russia's position on a settlement to the conflict still implies fulfilling the objectives set at the outset and eliminating the root causes, reports Xinhua news agency. Therefore, for us, addressing the root causes of threats and protecting the rights of Russian people, their right to their native language and Orthodox faith, are absolutely clear and well-defined objectives of the special military operation, he noted. I am confident that achieving these goals, as formulated by President Vladimir Putin, will help not only resolve this crisis but also improve the situation across the entire Eurasian continent, primarily in its western, European part and beyond. This will contribute to the establishment of a world order rooted in a balance of interests and international rules, Lavrov added. Earlier on Tuesday, during an ambassadorial roundtable discussion on the Ukrainian settlement, Lavrov said that Russia is ready to seek compromises on Ukraine but has never changed its position on preventing the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO's) presence on its borders. We are ready, within this position, to seek reasonable compromises, but fundamentally we have not changed our objectives -- to ensure our security, to prevent NATO's presence on our borders, he said. Lavrov added that Russia welcomes the US interest in facilitating a settlement in Ukraine. The main thing is that the United States understands the root causes of this conflict, unlike all other Western countries, he said. Speaking of negotiation possibilities, Lavrov reaffirmed that Russia has never rejected talks and is prepared to hold talks in both a bilateral and trilateral format.
The Winnipeg Jets Are Losing Their Goalie but Mark Scheifele Is Not Going Anywhere
With two-time Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck going for a trade from the Jets, center Mark Scheifele stands firmly with his team in this moment of upheavel.
PIX: Two goals up, Man Utd dumped by Brighton in League Cup
Manchester United suffered a historic 3-2 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup, despite taking a two-goal lead. This loss marks the first time in nearly 50 years United have lost at home after being two goals up, adding to their recent struggles including a Premier League loss to Manchester City and a poor start to the season.
Quote of the day by W. Clement Stone remains compelling because it gives ambition a hopeful dimension without pretending that every attempt will succeed exactly as planned. It encourages people to think beyond immediate limitations, pursue goals that genuinely matter and treat unexpected outcomes as part of the journey rather than proof that the journey was worthless.
Fed raises rates despite Trump pressure, signals another hike likely in 2026
In a bid to tackle ongoing inflation, the US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by twenty-five basis points. Policymakers are predicting at least one additional hike in the upcoming months. As inflation affects various sectors, the Fed is working towards achieving its two percent goal. This move is likely to generate discontent from President Donald Trump.
Macklemore and Robert Kraft pledge millions amid Ed Sheeran tour controversy
Macklemore on Wednesday pledged to donate the entire $1 million of his net earnings from Ed Sheerans Loop Tour to Palestinian relief organizations, days after he was dropped from the tour over his pro-Palestinian comments. He also invited New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who said Macklemore wouldnt be welcome at Gillette Stadium for the tour's scheduled performances at the end of September, to match his donation. Within hours, Kraft released a statement saying Sheeran had already asked him to match his $2 million donation to humanitarian aid in the region. Their statements come amid a growing controversy following Macklemores removal that has seen all of Sheerans supporting acts quit the tour . Sheeran is set to play in Philadelphia this weekend. Sheeran broke his silence about Macklemore's removal from the tour on Tuesday, saying it wasn't his decision but the promoter's. Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, Sheeran said. Here's how the controversy began and how it continues to unfold. Sept. 4-5: Macklemore's performances at MetLife Stadium Earlier this month, Macklemore performed as Sheeran's opening act at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he made pro-Palestinian comments and performed his protest song Hind's Hall. The song was written after protests in support of Palestine occurred on college campuses across the U.S. in 2024, and is named after Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl who was killed by Israeli troops in Gaza. Israel's military acknowledged in August that its troops had opened fire on the car carrying Hind and her family and said it had opened a criminal investigation into the killing. A big part of the reason why I wanted to do this tour in the first place is so I could stand up in stadiums like this and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: 'Free Palestine,' Macklemore said onstage earlier this month. His comments drew criticism from pro-Israel groups including the Israeli-American Council, which started a petition to have the Grammy-winning artist dropped from the tour. Macklemore was scheduled to perform at eight of Sheeran's 10 remaining shows on the Loop Tour, with Philadelphia being the next stop. After that, Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., is scheduled for performances on Sept. 25 and 26. Sept. 14: Macklemore gets dropped from Loop Tour In a lengthy social media post on Monday, Macklemore said, Ed Sheeran and his team have made the decision to remove me from The Loop Tour. He described having difficult conversations with Sheeran, whom he considers a brother. Macklemore said Sheeran told him that Kraft, whose Kraft Group owns Gillette Stadium, didn't want Macklemore performing at the stadium over his pro-Palestinian comments. Sheeran also told Macklemore that Kraft had appealed to other stadium owners to issue him an ultimatum: If Macklemore stays on the tour, you will not be allowed to play in our venues, according to the post. View this post on Instagram Macklemore acknowledged that Sheeran was put in a difficult position. The promoter, Messina Touring Group, confirmed in a statement to Rolling Stone that Macklemore won't perform on his remaining support dates because multiple venues wouldn't allow concerts to proceed with the rapper on the lineup. Sept. 14: Robert Kraft responds Kraft issued a statement to the media, saying that Gillette Stadium is responsible for providing a welcoming environment for all guests attending events at the venue. Based on Macklemore's recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran's shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community, we determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line, Kraft said in the statement . I agree with Macklemore. Too many lives have been lost and there has been too much suffering, but only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas is not honest and only advances more divisiveness and hate, Kraft added. Sept. 15: Ed Sheeran breaks his silence As the controversy played out, Sheeran remained publicly silent. On Sept. 15, the pop star released a statement on social media, writing, I am appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The suffering and pain caused on both sides is a human tragedy. There are too many wars across the world causing immeasurable pain, none of which should be tolerated. View this post on Instagram Sheeran then explained that he preferred to remain publicly neutral on political issues and that Macklemore's removal wasn't his decision. Macklemore coming off tour was the promoter's decision, it was not mine. Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me, he wrote. I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and the other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living, Sheeran wrote. Sept. 15: Sheeran's backing band and supporting acts pull out of the tour Sheeran's own backing band, Beoga which had been performing several songs around the middle of each set announced on social media that they would be departing the Loop Tour in light of Macklemore's dismissal. We believe in dialogue as a means of progressing the plight of the Palestinian people. We are Irish people who understand colonialism. As founding members of the Irish Artists for Palestine movement, we are committed activists for justice and will continue to be. View this post on Instagram Irish singer-songwriter Aaron Rowe announced in an Instagram post that he had dropped out as an opener on the tour. I don't take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life, I could never thank him enough for this, the Irish musician wrote. But as Irish people, Rowe continued, we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violent occupation. I cannot stand by and allow billionaires to use their position of power to silence the rightful voices of those who speak up against Israeli genocide and who highlight the savage murder of children. Danish pop band Lukas Graham also announced on Tuesday their withdrawal as a supporting act for Sheeran's tour. Singer-songwriter Finneas also announced on Instagram that he was pulling out of the South American portion of the tour. Artists must not be silenced when they speak up for the oppressed, he wrote. I have decided to withdraw my upcoming tour dates with Ed Sheeran. I stand with Palestine and its people. As of Wednesday, Graham and Rowe are still listed as special guests on Sheeran's Loop Tour website . Sept. 16: Macklemore pledges $1 million to Palestinian relief groups. Kraft responds. On Wednesday afternoon, the rapper wrote in a post on Instagram , I will be donating the entire $1 million of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people. He then encouraged Kraft to match his donation. Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. Macklemore added, Writing a check is one of the least costly forms of solidarity available to me. I am doing it because I can, and because these organizations are doing the work while much of the world debates it. Within hours of Macklemores pledge, Kraft issued his own statement , saying, I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting. Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis. Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges. In addition, I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships. This article originally appeared on Yahoo News at https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/article/opening-acts-are-abandoning-ed-sheerans-tour-after-macklemore-was-dropped-over-his-pro-palestinian-comments-211418941.html
28 sittings a year, J&K leads in legislative time: Speaker
Srinagar, Sept 16: Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Wednesday defended the duration of the forthcoming Autumn Session, rejecting criticism from Leader of Opposition (LoP) Sunil Sharma that a short sitting reflected a lack of legislative accountability. Rather said Jammu and Kashmir has an average of 28 Assembly sittings a year against the national average of 24, arguing that the Union Territory compares favourably with other legislatures in terms of annual sitting days. The Leader of Opposition should introspect before making statements like that. Jammu and Kashmir has an average of 28 sittings per year against the national average of just 24, Rather toldmedia personsduring an interaction ahead of the Autumn Session. The session is scheduled to be held in Srinagar from September 21 to September 30. Sharma had demanded a month-long session, alleging that the Government was avoiding adequate legislative scrutiny and failing to provide sufficient time for raising public issues. The Speaker said the Autumn Session in J&K had traditionally been relatively short and cited examples from other States to counter the Opposition's criticism. Assam had a one-day session, Rajasthan had a two-day session, and Gujarat, Delhi and Goa had three-day sessions, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh had five-day sessions. These are all BJP-ruled States, he said. He also referred to the period when the BJP was part of the Government in Jammu and Kashmir, saying the Autumn Session had been short during those years as well. In 2015, the Autumn Session was from October 4 to October 10 while in 2017, it was held in July for only four days, Rather said. The Speaker's remarks came a day after Sharma accused the Government of undermining legislative accountability and called for a longer session to enable members to raise issues concerning the public. Rather, however, maintained that the number of sitting days alone should not be viewed as the sole measure of legislative performance, stressing the importance of the quality of debate and the functioning of the House. He also made an appeal to the media to give greater prominence to substantive legislative work rather than disruptions and uproar inside the Assembly. The Presiding Officers will certainly try to bring them under controlthat is indeed their responsibility. However, your responsibility is even greater. Those who create uproar and show no respect for the rules, please write less about them, he said. Rather urged journalists to focus more on the quality of speeches and the legislative performance of members. Give more coverage to whichever member delivers a good performance. That will help us conduct the House in a civilised and orderly manner, he said. The Speaker said excessive coverage of disruptions could encourage other members to resort to similar tactics for publicity. Generally, it is seen that those who create a ruckus receive the most coverage. The consequence of this is that the number of rabble-rousers continues to grow day by day, he said. Rather said new members could get the impression that shouting slogans and creating disruptions was an effective way of attracting media attention, and urged the press to instead highlight members who respect parliamentary rules and contribute substantively to proceedings. The exchange between the Speaker and the Opposition comes ahead of the September 21 opening of the Autumn Session, with the duration and functioning of the House emerging as an early point of political contention.
Man Utd misery mounts with League Cup exit against Brighton
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Fed hikes interest rates for 1st time in 3 years in unanimous decision
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years in a unanimous decision on Wednesday, with central bankers now seeing a second hike this year to arrest sticky inflation. The Federal Open Market Committee voted to raise its benchmark interest rate to the range of 3.75% to 4% from 3.5% to 3.75%, the first rate hike since July 2023, as renewed tensions in the Middle East drive oil prices higher and raise concerns about broadening price pressures. We now have data broadly defined that says the economy has indeed strengthened, Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh said in a press conference following the meeting. Underlying growth is higher. Inflation is the problem. Stable prices have been the problem for, now, more than five and a half years. So what the committee decided to do today was take an action to ensure a timely return to our pricestability. Noting that the economy is essentially at full employment, Warsh said he thinks the Fed can tame inflation without depressing growth. I don't believe that we need to do harm to the labor markets to achieve our objective, he said. I don't believe that the two parts of our mandate price stability and full employment are working at cross purposes over the medium term. Dot plot projects another hike in 2026 In their updated summary of economic projections, officials now see one more rate hike this year. That compares with expectations in June, when half of the committee expected they would need to raise rates once this year, while the rest thought they could hold rates steady. Warsh didnt show his hand, declining to participate in the so-called dot plot for the second time. For 2026, 12 officials see two rate hikes, four see three rate hikes, while two see one rate hike. The median of 18 Fed officials projects holding rates steady in 2027, after two hikes this year, followed by one cut in 2028. Headline inflation is now seen rising 3.7%, compared with 3.6% previously. On a core basis, officials see inflation at 3.4%, compared with 3.3% previously. Officials dont see inflation dropping back to their 2% goal until after 2028. The latest Consumer Price Index reading showed prices rose 0.3% in August month over month on a core basis, which strips out volatile food and energy prices to better gauge underlying inflation. That was an acceleration over the prior two months, and a hair faster than the 0.2% threshold many officials said theyd need to see to be convinced inflation is slowing on its own. The plain fact is that inflation is too high and has been for too long. This summer's inflation readings do not tell me that underlying trends have meaningfullyimproved, Warsh said in the press conference. The Fed expects a slightly stronger economy, with GDP growing 2.3% versus 2.2% previously. The unemployment rate is projected at 4.1%, down from prior expectations of 4.3%. Unemployment currently stands at 4.1%. Officials noted in their statement that uncertainty remains elevated in part due to geopolitical developments, but that domestic spending has been resilient. The Feds actions come nearly seven weeks before the midterm elections, at a time when President Trump has relentlessly urged the central bank to cut rates, warning he might otherwise halt trade with countries maintaining trade surpluses with the US . Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has similarly argued that recent inflation reflects a temporary supply shock from higher oil prices and tariffs that is washing through. By voting to raise rates on Wednesday, Warsh signaled for the first time his willingness to break from Trump. As I said at the policy symposium in Jackson Hole, I would be hard-pressed to describe broad financial conditions as restrictive, he said. This view was widely shared by the committee, so we removed a dose of accommodation. Jennifer Schonberger is a veteran financial journalist covering markets, the economy, and investing. At Yahoo Finance, she covers the Federal Reserve, Congress, the White House, the Treasury, the SEC, the economy, cryptocurrencies, and the intersection of Washington policy with finance. Follow her on X @Jenniferisms and on Instagram . Click here for the latest economic news and indicators to help inform your investing decisions Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance This article originally appeared on Yahoo Finance at https://finance.yahoo.com/economy/policy/article/fed-raises-interest-rates-by-a-quarter-point-in-unanimous-decision-marking-first-hike-in-3-years-171212149.html
UPI fee issue raised at finance panel meet; crypto report in final stage
A parliamentary committee convened to evaluate the fees associated with UPI transactions and explore revenue strategies. Opposition members expressed strong concerns regarding the government's choice to impose such charges. Previously, the committee had advocated for a sustainable financial model to support UPI. Furthermore, officials reiterated that cryptocurrency does not align with India's economic goals. The committee is poised to complete its report on virtual digital assets shortly.
CM Saha asks officials to fast-track over 158 investment proposals in Tripura
Digital Desk | Agartala, Sep 17 (IANS) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has said that concept notes and detailed proposals for more than 158 investment projects have been received and directed officials of various departments to work towards grounding all feasible projects within a stipulated timeframe. Chief Minister Saha on Wednesday instructed the Secretaries and Directors of various departments to prepare a 100-day action plan to ground the feasible projects and said that the Chief Secretary Jitendra Kumar Sinha would conduct a monthly review of the progress to maximise investment and employment generation in the state. The huge investment potential that has opened up in Tripura must be implemented quickly and transformed into employment and economic development. Each investment proposal must be implemented within a specific timeframe by setting specific targets, he said. Chief Minister Saha added this while chairing a meeting with officials of various departments to review the implementation and progress of projects for which Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the recent Destination Tripura Business Conclave 2026. He said that the main objective of increasing investment is to enhance the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), create new employment opportunities and ensure the socio-economic development of the people of Tripura. At the beginning of the meeting, Secretary to the Chief Minister and Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department, Kiran Gitte, highlighted the progress of the MoUs and the potential areas of industry and investment in Tripura. He also briefed the meeting on various aspects of creating new investment opportunities by utilising the state's own resources and infrastructure. The Secretaries of various departments told the Chief Minister Saha about the current status of MoU signing and investment proposals under their respective departments, communication with investors, collection of proposals and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), and steps being taken for implementation of the projects. At the meeting, the Chief Minister said that 458 MoUs involving investments of more than Rs 1.30 lakh crore had been signed during the Destination Tripura Business Conclave 2026. Utilising this huge potential, Tripura should be further promoted as an important destination for investment and industry. Priority should be given to various potential sectors of the state, including tourism, health, education, skill development, information technology, renewable energy, agriculture and food processing, fish processing, dairy, livestock and EV charging, CM Saha added. He stressed the need to develop industries by effectively utilising Tripura's natural and agricultural resources and creating value-added products. CM Saha also directed the officials to resolve issues related to land, power and infrastructure at the earliest to facilitate the implementation of investment projects. He emphasised the need for regular communication and better inter-departmental coordination with investors and directed each department to appoint specific nodal officers for this purpose. The Chief Minister also stressed the need to simplify and streamline administrative procedures and make them more transparent and coordinated for the convenience of investors. He said that all departments should set clear targets and ensure that the work is completed within the specified timeframe. After signing the MoU, its implementation is now one of the government's goals. The concerned departments should play an active role in identifying and resolving the problems of investors quickly and taking the projects forward within the stipulated timeframe, he added.
Leaking chemical tanker evacuated from Mumbai-Goa highway
Moziah Bridges began making bow ties at age 9 after developing a strong interest in fashion and sewing. With guidance from his grandmother, he learned to sew by hand and use a sewing machine, eventually creating more than two dozen designs from vintage fabrics and other materials. His business, Mos Bows, grew through word of mouth, Facebook, Etsy, and family support, reaching around $150,000 in sales and employing five staff members. Bridges also attracted attention through Shark Tank, O magazine, and Vogue. Beyond business, he donated $1,600 to send 10 Memphis children to Glenview Summer Camp and planned future goals in education and fashion.
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.
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IIT Goa Junior Research Fellow Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
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70% think Rs 1 crore is enough for retirement; can it meet your retirement goal?
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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...
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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.
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.
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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.
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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
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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
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
James Rodriguez says goodbye to Colombia after 14 years
Colombian football icon James Rodriguez has announced his retirement from international football, concluding a career that saw him earn 131 caps, score 31 goals, and lead his country to the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals. He expressed gratitude for the honour of representing Colombia and reflected on his achievements, including winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup.
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.
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.
Ballon d'Or 2026 Debate: Mbappe Scored Goals, Yamal Won Trophies, But Harry Kane Did It All
Harry Kane scored 73 goals and won a domestic treble with Bayern Munich, combining individual brilliance with team success in 2025-26 to emerge as one of the top Ballon d'Or contenders this year.
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.
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 .
Abdul Wahab Khan Panaji With the government restricting access for motorists on the new elevated corridor, the North Goa District Road Safety Committee (NGDRC) said the move will not resolve the problem of five black spots in Porvorim. A fatal accident within 24 hours of its opening led to a ban on two-wheelers and closure []
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.
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.
Japanese proverb of the day: Sincere effort and dedication never go to waste, building valuable skills and resilience. Consistent effort always holds value, even when results take time to appear. Lasting achievements are built through patience, consistency, and sustained effort over time. Every challenge encountered can teach new lessons and strengthen preparedness for opportunities. Applying this proverb involves setting small goals and learning from every setback.
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.
New wave of start-ups shaping up India's defence landscape: Rajnath Singh
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday made a strong pitch for supporting innovation and technological advancement in all sectors, including defence, cyber security, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and others, to strengthen India's defence propects and secure strategic advantage over global peers. Terming technology as one of most powerful tools of 21st century, the Defence Minister said that it has the power to shape country's future and make it self-reliant. Rajnath Singh made these remarks while addressing the DRDO-Industry Synergy Meet VIMARSH 2026 in the national capital, themed 'Varta Se Vikas'. Highlighting that a new wave of defence startups is rising in India, the Defence Minister said, These startups are giving a fresh direction to the modern defence landscape in areas like drone technology, artificial intelligence, and cyber security. Today's innovation is tomorrow's military capability. Whoever leads technology today will gain a strategic advantage in future warfare, he added. Rajnath Singh also urged the nation and its youth to inculcate a habit of self-confidence and self-reliance, saying that a country having its own technology will always have the power to shape its own future. India's Startups and MSMEs have emerged as new flag-bearers of innovation. From deep tech to futuristic technologies, these enterprises are scripting a new story of self-reliance in the defence sector. From research to manufacturing, the role of MSMEs and Startups is extremely crucial in building Aatmanirbhar Bharat, he said. The Defence Minister also called for increased collaboration between the research institutions like DRDO, the industry and also the Armed Forces, for accelerating technology development and achieving self-reliance in defence sector. The defence sector plays a decisive role in achieving the goal of 'Developed India 2047'. When DRDO's technology, the industrial world's manufacturing capability, the innovation of startups, and the aspirations of the youth unite in one direction, India's military capability will reach new heights. This is the 'Collective Strength' of the 'New India'!, Rajnath Singh said in a post on social media platform X.
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.
