"Only Patriotic Choice": New York Times Endorses Kamala Harris For President

The New York Times editorial board on Monday endorsed Kamala Harris, calling the Democrat "the only patriotic choice for president" in the race against Republican Donald Trump.

But the paper did not even mention the vice president's name until the fourth paragraph of its written endorsement -- instead focusing attention on Trump's unworthiness for the presidency, calling him morally and temperamentally "unfit."

"This unequivocal, dispiriting truth -- Donald Trump is not fit to be president -- should be enough for any voter who cares about the health of our country and the stability of our democracy to deny him re-election."

It's an "anyone but Trump" approach that The New Yorker took one day prior, with editors at the magazine saying the Republican represents the "ongoing assault on the stability, the nerves, and the nature of the United States."

In its lengthy endorsement, the Times acknowledged Harris "may not be the perfect candidate for every voter, especially those who are frustrated and angry about our government's failures to fix what's broken."

"Yet we urge Americans to contrast Ms. Harris's record with her opponent's," the paper said. "Ms. Harris is more than a necessary alternative."

The Times editorial board has not thrown its weight behind a Republican for president since 1956 when it backed Dwight Eisenhower.

But the paper emphasized that this election is "about something more foundational" than "competing politics and principles" in a two-party system.

"Unless American voters stand up to him, Mr Trump will have the power to do profound and lasting harm to our democracy," the paper wrote.

The Times said voters are right to ask more from Harris when it comes to policy specifics: "Given the stakes of this election, Ms. Harris may think that she is running a campaign designed to minimize the risks of an unforced error... under the belief that being the only viable alternative to Mr. Trump may be enough to bring her to victory."

"That strategy may ultimately prove winning, but it's a disservice to the American people and to her own record."

Meanwhile, it called the Republican Party "little more than an instrument" of Trump's "quest to regain power" and claimed a second Trump term "would be much more damaging and divisive than the first."

"Kamala Harris is the only choice," the editorial board said.

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Justice Manmohan Takes Oath As 32nd Chief Justice of Delhi High Court

Justice Manmohan on Sunday took oath as the 32nd chief justice of the Delhi High Court.

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena administered the oath to the 61-year-old judge at a ceremony at the Raj Niwas, the LG's secretariat.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, judges of the Delhi High Court as well as senior officers of the city government and the police.

Chief Minister Atishi took to social media platform 'X' to extend her wishes to Chief Justice Manmohan.

"My heartiest congratulations to Hon'ble Justice Manmohan on being sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. I am confident that under your leadership, the Delhi High Court will uphold the highest ideals of justice - delivering it with fairness, empathy, and integrity. Wishing you success in this important role," she said.

The lieutenant governor also congratulated and extended best wishes to Chief Justice Manmohan and shared pictures of the ceremony on X.

A senior AAP leader claimed that no invitation was received by any Cabinet minister of the Delhi government except the chief minister for the swearing-in ceremony of the chief justice of the Delhi High Court.

In the past, the ministers were invited every time, he said.

The LG office in a statement said that the swearing-in-ceremony at the Raj Niwas was attended by Chief Minister Atishi, the judges of the Delhi High Court, Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi apart from senior officers of the Delhi government, Delhi Police and judiciary amongst others and dignitaries from different walks of life.

After the elevation of then Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma to the Supreme Court, Justice Manmohan was appointed as the acting chief justice of the high court on November 9, 2023.

Justice Manmohan is the son of late Jagmohan, a famous bureaucrat-turned politician who also served as the governor of Jammu and Kashmir and the lieutenant governor of Delhi.

On July 11, the top court collegium recommended that Justice Manmohan, who will retire on December 16, be appointed the chief justice of the Delhi High Court.

The Central government cleared the proposal on September 21.

Justice Manmohan, who was then a senior advocate, was appointed as an additional judge of Delhi High Court on March 13, 2008. He was appointed as a permanent judge on December 17, 2009.

Justice Manmohan enrolled as an advocate in 1987 after he completed the law course from Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi.

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Priyanka Recalls Kashmir Trip With Indira Gandhi Days Before Her Assassination

The Congress will restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said on Saturday while she slammed the BJP for using the Union territory as a pawn to "stir emotions" elsewhere in the country.

Ms Gandhi, the Congress's national general secretary, also criticised Lt Governor Manoj Sinha saying the current administration was a "puppet" government being run with a remote control.

"The Congress party has a vision for you and for Jammu and Kashmir. We want to restore your state's status. If our government comes to power, we will immediately restore your statehood. We will also revive the tradition of the Darbar Move," Ms Vadra told a public rally here.

Darbar Move refers to the bi-annual shift of government offices, including the secretariat, between Jammu and Srinagar in view of the harsh winter in J-K.

"We want to protect your rights, your rights to your land and your employment," said Ms Gandhi while speaking in support of the party candidate in Bishnah, Neeraj Kundan.

Hitting out at Amit Shah's remarks on the statehood issue, she said "I found it amusing when the home minister said in his speech that if you want statehood back, you must vote for us. But the fact is, they are the ones who took it away. It is like a thief who steals your TV and then says, 'If you want it back, ask me.' "They claim only they can return it. If our government comes to power, we will immediately restore your statehood," Ms Gandhi said hitting out at the BJP government for "downgrading" J-K into a Union territory.

She added "This is the peak of the country. Nature has given you everything-these resources, this beauty. From here came the great sages who spread faith, culture and teachings not only in India but in other countries too." But the BJP has snatched everything you have, the Congress leader added.

Recalling her grandmother Indira Gandhi's "deep bond" with Kashmir, she said, "Four or five days before Indira Gandhi's assassination, she told us she wanted to visit Kashmir and see the autumn leaves. She brought us to the Kheer Bhawani temple, and just a few days after returning to Delhi, she was assassinated.

"It was a call from her land and Mata that took her to Kashmir," she reminisced, emphasising her family's longstanding relationship with the region.

Ms Gandhi also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her speech, saying he was not serious about the concerns of the people of J-K.

BJP leaders have turned Jammu and Kashmir into a pawn in their political chess game as policies are not being made for the people of the region, she said.

"They are created to stir emotions across the country using you and serve political purposes," Ms Gandhi said.

"Even in Modi Ji's speech, there was no seriousness about the genuine concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Fixing railway stations is not an achievement to boast about when the bigger issues of your rights, land, and employment are being ignored," she said.

"What really matters are the genuine concerns of the people of J-K. Why aren't those being addressed? Why aren't they focusing on the truth? When did the prime minister take away your state's status? The Congress leader also raised the issue of unemployment in her speech, claiming that half of the contracts meant for J-K had been awarded to outsiders. "You have been deprived of your voting rights, and small businesses are being crushed by large corporations. Why is Jammu and Kashmir lagging behind in employment? Why is there so much unemployment?" The BJP government, she said, has established a "system of loot, with a puppet government running things by remote control", she said.

"Land banks are being created, and your lands are being handed over to big industrialists, the same ones whom Modi Ji has favoured across the country. The same is happening here in Jammu and Kashmir," Ms Gandhi said.

Criticising the government on the Agnipath scheme, Ms Gandhi said, "They introduced Agniveer, a scheme that gives nothing to those who risk their lives on the borders and become martyrs. This is why all opposition parties are fighting and raising this issue repeatedly.

"This government and the prime minister are so arrogant that even though they know the scheme is wrong and not beneficial for the youth, they refuse to back down," she said.

She also touched on the drug addiction problem plaguing the region, saying that no BJP leader talks about it because they know the root cause is unemployment. "Due to joblessness, people are falling prey to the drug mafia," she said.

Ms Gandhi called on the people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote wisely, underlining that the Congress's vision includes the restoration of statehood, protection of land rights of locals, and employment opportunities for its people.

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Hezbollah Chief Was Israel Strike's Target In Latest Lebanon Attack: Report

Leading Israeli television networks reported that Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was the target of a massive Israeli air strike in a Beirut suburb on Friday.

"Target of the strike: Nasrallah. The IDF (Israeli military) is checking whether the secretary-general of Hezbollah was in the building in the heart of Dahiyeh (that was hit)," Channel 12 reported.

Public broadcaster Kan 11 said: "Target of the strike in Dahiyeh - Nasrallah." 

Contacted by AFP, the Israeli military said: "We are not commenting on this."

The left-leaning Haaretz newspaper also reported that Nasrallah was the target.

"Israel targets Hezbollah chief Nasrallah in massive Beirut strike," read a headline in Haaretz's online edition.
 

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Feeling Sluggish And Drowsy Post Meal? Nutritionist Shares Easy Lifestyle Changes

Do you often feel sluggish and drowsy after meals? If your low energy levels are sabotaging your productivity and you're wondering why this is happening, worry not. Nutritionist Pooja Malhotra has shared an Instagram post explaining how diet, sleep, and certain underlying medical conditions can contribute to feeling lazy after a meal. She offers insights on how to stop struggling to stay awake and focused after lunch or dinner. In the video, Ms Malhotra can be heard saying, “Feeling sluggish and drowsy after meals and unable to concentrate, then stop scrolling. The top reason why we feel sluggish after meals is a high-carb or a high-fat diet. Now, when these are digested, our body produces much more serotonin and melatonin, which make us drowsy.”

Pooja Malhotra continues, “Another reason could be sleep deprivation from the previous night, which makes us drowsy immediately after a meal. Other reasons could be alcohol intake, lack of movement or medical conditions such as diabetes, insulin resistance, anaemia, sleep apnea, or abnormal thyroid levels.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Pooja Malhotra (@nutritionistpoojamalhotra)

The nutritionist further discusses what can be done to stay active after eating a meal.

She writes in the caption

1. Eat well-balanced meals

When you eat a high-carb or high-fat diet, your body produces more serotonin and melatonin, which makes you drowsy. So, eating a well-balanced meal with all the nutrients is helpful.

2. Small and frequent meals

It reduces blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. While small meals prevent overeating, frequent meals maintain stable energy levels throughout the day.

3. Avoid too much alcohol

Alcohol has the bad quality of disrupting digestion and causing blood sugar imbalances. Reducing the intake level can exacerbate drowsiness and maintain focus and alertness.

4. Sufficient sleep

What better than good-quality sleep? It not only replenishes the powerhouse of energy and reduces fatigue but also regulates hunger hormones. With reduced overeating, you can easily improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism in your body. 

5. Hydrate well

Dehydration can cause fatigue and drowsiness. By being hydrated, your body will have better digestion and nutrient absorption.

6. Regular physical activity

A light 10-minute stroll after a big meal and other exercises will surely help. It boosts circulation and oxygenation, increases energy levels and alertness, helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels, stimulates digestion and reduces bloating. 

7. Soak in the early morning sun for a few minutes

It regulates circadian rhythms, improving energy and alertness. Vitamin D levels essential for energy production are also boosted, helping to enhance mood and reduce fatigue.

Pooja Malhotra lastly recommends, “If these measures don't help, you should consult a doctor to find out if there is any medical reason involved.” 

So follow these tips and stay active throughout the day.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Minor Girl Goes To Restaurant With Friends, Gang-raped In Odisha: Cops

A minor girl was allegedly 'gang-raped' by five persons, including two of her friends, in Odisha's Rourkela city, police said on Wednesday.

Police have registered a case in Raghunathpalli police station after the girl's family lodged a complaint on Tuesday night, a police officer said.

According to police, the girl went to a restaurant with two of her friends on Sunday night. Later, they took her to an isolated area and 'gang-raped' her. Later, three other persons also violated the girl.

Speaking to reporters, Rourkela SP Brijesh Kumar Rai said, "A police team led by additional SP has started investigation into the case. All the accused will be arrested soon." This was the third such incident in the steel city in a week.

On Saturday, two minor girls from Jharkhand were allegedly gang-raped by three youths. On the same day, a class 9 girl student was also allegedly harassed by her school teacher.

Rai said three persons have been arrested for gang-raping the two minor girls and police are taking necessary steps to submit the charge-sheet in the next 15 days.

He informed that the accused teacher has also been arrested in the case involving harassment of the class 9 student.

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Army, Forest Team Captures 2 Leopards After 3 Killed In Attacks In Udaipur

The forest department in Udaipur district, with the help of the Army, has captured two leopards, bringing a sigh of relief to residents of Gogunda town where three people were killed in attacks by the big cats last week, officials said on Tuesday.

The leopards were captured in separate cages on Monday night, they added.

The traps were set following a wave of panic in the community after the rise in deaths due to leopard attacks.

In response to the fatalities, which included a 16-year-old girl, a 50-year-old man, and a 40-year-old woman, the forest department launched a search operation with local police, according to officials.

A team from the Indian Army was also called in on Saturday to trace the animals. Cages were strategically placed at six locations in the area, they said.

Gogunda police station SHO Shaitan Singh Nathawat said the leopards were rescued and transported to Sajjangarh Biological Park in Udaipur city by the forest department team.

Nathawat said prima facie, one of the two big cats, the older one who is lacking teeth, might have been responsible for the recent fatal attacks on humans.

"The animal's inability to hunt its natural prey due to broken or lack of canines likely drove it to attack humans, making it easier for the leopard to seek alternative sources of food. However, the forest officials are examining the matter in detail," he said.

The search operation commenced on Wednesday, and the Army utilised drones for surveillance starting Saturday, the officials said.

Camera traps were also used to capture the leopards' movements, they added.

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Tirupati Laddoo Row: Centre Issues Show Cause Notice To Ghee Supplier

Central Health Ministry on Monday issued a show cause notice to a ghee-supplying company. The ministry received samples from 4four companies, out of which one company's samples failed the quality test, revealing adulteration.

Meanwhile, Former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), YV Subba Reddy, moved the Supreme Court for the constitution of an independent committee headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, to investigate the allegations of substandard ingredients and animal fat in the ghee to make Laddu Prasadam at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala.

Earlier in the day, a 'purification' ritual, Shanti Homam was performed as per the tenets of Vaikhanasa Agama in the Yagashala of Tirumala temple. To ensure that any 'doshas' which may have taken place during various programs or religious ceremonies conducted for Lord Venkateshwara, every year TTD conducts 'Pavitraotsavams' which involve 'Samprokshnas' in different areas. To ensure confidence is restored in devotees and they pray with a peaceful mind, a one-day 'Samprokshnas' and 'Shanti Homam' was conducted.

The Temple Authority also set up a sensory panel which will evaluate food samples on the parameters of aroma, taste and texture.

Earlier on Sunday, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations about the adulteration of Tirupati Prasadam (laddus).

"We are forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officers of IGP and above posts. The SIT will submit a report to the government and we will take action based on that report so that such things are not repeated," Naidu said.

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu further stated, " I am taking three angles, first, purification, according to traditions. I am ordering an inquiry at the IGP level. Only those who have beliefs will be there in the management committee. Finally, we will prepare standard operating procedures for all the temples."

On September 19, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu stirred a political controversy after he claimed that the ghee used in the preparation of Tirupati laddoo prasadam, offered at Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple in Tirupati, contained animal fat during the previous YSRCP government.

Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the Tirumala hills of Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district.

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Karnataka High Court Tightens Rules On Live-Streaming Of Proceedings

The Karnataka High Court has introduced strict guidelines for live-streaming of judicial proceedings to prevent unauthorised sharing of clips on social media platforms.

The incident stems from remarks made by a single judge recently. These comments, made during a live-streamed hearing, sparked widespread criticism after video clips went viral.

To address this, the High Court has issued a note titled, "Prohibitions and Restrictions on Usage of the Recording or Live Stream," which is now displayed at the beginning of live-streamed sessions.

The note prohibits any unauthorised recording, sharing, or dissemination of live-streamed proceedings and archival data, including on social media and messaging platforms. Only authorised individuals or entities are permitted to handle such recordings.

The court also warned that anyone found violating these rules would face legal consequences under the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and contempt of court laws.

Further, the note underscores the court's exclusive copyright over its recordings and mandates that the use of authorised recordings-allowed for news, educational, and training purposes-must not be edited or repurposed for commercial use.

Rule 10(2) of the Karnataka Rules on Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings, 2021, reinforces these restrictions by barring the use of recording devices by unauthorized individuals during hearings.

The changes come after Justice V Srishananda's remarks, which led to public backlash, prompting the judge to express regret.

Following media reports, the Supreme Court has taken note of the issue and asked the High Court Registrar General to file a detailed report on the matter.

The Advocates' Association of Bengaluru has also called for a temporary halt on live-streaming and urged judges to exercise greater sensitivity during proceedings.

They raised concerns that certain YouTube channels had exaggerated the judge's comments, attaching misleading titles to the content.

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OceanGate's Focus Was "Making Money" Rather Than Security, Says Ex-Employee

It's been over a year since the Titan submersible, on a deep-sea expedition to explore the wreck of the Titanic, imploded, killing all five individuals onboard. Now, testimonies from the first week of a US Coast Guard hearing have cast a damning spotlight on OceanGate, the Washington-based company behind the submersible, and its founder, Stockton Rush, who was also killed in the tragedy.

The company, which charged wealthy adventurers around $250,000 per dive, is now being scrutinised for prioritising profit over safety.

“What this really comes down to is hubris and greed,” Peter Girguis, a Harvard oceanographer, told CNN. He pointed out the grim parallels between the Titan disaster and the Titanic's sinking over a century ago. “It's both tragic and ironic that this hubris occurred within a few hundred metres of the Titanic, another emblem of human pride,” he said.

According to testimony, one of the last messages sent from the Titan came at 10:14 am local time in Newfoundland: “All good here.” Just 30 minutes later, at 10:47 am, the submersible reported it had “dropped two weights,” a possible indication of the crew's attempt to abort the mission. Six seconds after that, all contact was lost.

The final message and loss of communication came around 90 minutes into the dive. The Titan's wreckage was later found on the ocean floor, just hundreds of yards from the Titanic's remains.

Chris Roman, an expert in oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, stated how out of place the disaster was in the deep-sea exploration world. "It's not a cavalier, high-risk, daredevil event if done properly," Mr Roman said. "If you cut corners, it will bite you."

One of the hearing's key witnesses, David Lochridge, former director of marine operations at OceanGate, was concerned about the Titan's safety years before the tragedy. Mr Lochridge testified that OceanGate's focus was on "making money" rather than ensuring the vessel's safety, branding the company's operations as "smoke and mirrors."

He described a 2018 report in which he detailed serious safety issues, including concerns about the sub's viewport, which was certified for a depth of only 1,000 metres. OceanGate, however, intended to take the submersible to 4,000 metres - far beyond its certified capacity.

"They wanted to be able to qualify a pilot in a day, someone who had never sat in a submersible," Mr Lochridge testified. He said he was fired after raising these concerns.

Mr Lochridge also recounted a troubling incident during a 2016 dive to the Andrea Doria shipwreck, in which Stockton Rush allegedly panicked while piloting the Cyclops 1 submersible. Mr Lochridge testified that Rush had made multiple errors during the dive and that he had to intervene to bring the sub safely back to the surface. "Just remember I'm the CEO, you're just an employee," Mr Rush reportedly told him during one dive. 

Meanwhile, Renata Rojas, a mission specialist, who was on board during that dive, gave a different account. She testified that no one panicked, and there was no shouting or swearing, as Mr Lochridge had claimed. 

"I did not use any foul language," she said. "Nobody was really nervous. They were excited about what they were going to see."

Ms Rojas also spoke emotionally about the doomed Titan voyage. "They were just very happy to go. That's the memory I have," she said of the five passengers on the submersible's final dive.

OceanGate's approach to submersible design also came to focus during the testimony. Rather than going for an externally certified viewport, Stockton Rush had the window designed in-house and manufactured by a third party, a decision that raised safety concerns among industry experts.

Alfred McLaren, a retired Navy captain and friend of one of the victims, said that OceanGate had consistently avoided safety protocols to expedite missions to the Titanic.

"They did not build a safe vehicle," Mr McLaren testified. "They avoided all this to save money, to get down to Titanic as soon as they can, taking all these chances."

Stockton Rush, who was among those killed in the implosion, wanted to make deep-sea voyages more accessible to wealthy tourists, often at the expense of safety. Peter Girguis criticised this mindset, saying, "There are people willing to put their lives on the line to push the envelope. This is an example of someone who put their life on the line and the lives of four other people, and that part was reckless."

As the hearings continue, the investigation into the causes of the Titan disaster has revealed a pattern of negligence. OceanGate, which has since ceased operations, extended its condolences to the families of the victims and hoped that the ongoing hearings will "shed light on the cause of the tragedy."

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UP NEET PG Counselling 2024: Round 1 Registration Starts, Details Here

UP NEET PG Counselling 2024: The Directorate of Medical Education and Training, Uttar Pradesh, initiated the Round 1 registration process for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate) on September 23. Eligible and interested candidates can apply by visiting the official website. The deadline for application submission is September 28, 5pm. The complete schedule for choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting to the allotted colleges will be released soon. Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of Rs 3,000.

UP NEET PG Counselling 2024: Steps To Apply

• Visit the official website, upneet.gov.in.
• Select the link for 'UP NEET PG Counselling 2024 Registration Round 1.'
• Enter your credentials to log in.
• Choose a course, input your roll number and date of birth, and submit.
• Upload the required documents and submit them.
• Print the confirmation page for future reference.

List Of Documents Required For Counselling

Candidates must bring the following documents to participate in the counselling process:

• Copy of the allotment letter
• NEET PG admit card
• NEET PG or NEET MDS scorecard
• Class 12 mark sheet and certificate
• Marksheets from all MBBS exams
• MBBS degree certificate
• Compulsory rotatory internship completion certificate
• Permanent registration certificate (State Medical Council, MCI, or DCI)

Reservation certificate (if applicable)

Eligibility:

• Candidates who have participated in NEET PG 2024 or NEET MDS 2024 and have been declared qualified are eligible for counselling.
• Only candidates whose internships are completed by June 30, 2024, are eligible to participate in NEET MDS 2024 counselling.
• Only candidates whose internships are completed by August 15, 2024, are eligible to participate in NEET PG 2024 (MD/MS/Diploma/DNB) counselling.
• For state quota seats in postgraduate courses at government institutions, candidates who have passed MBBS/BDS from medical/dental colleges in Uttar Pradesh, except for Aligarh Muslim University, Banaras Hindu University, AIIMS Raebareli, and AIIMS Gorakhpur, are eligible for counselling.
• For private sector postgraduate courses, candidates who have passed MBBS/BDS from medical/dental colleges in Uttar Pradesh or other states of India are eligible for counselling.
• Reserved category candidates from Uttar Pradesh will be eligible for UP NEET PG 2024 and NEET MDS 2024 counselling according to the reserved category cutoff score issued by NBE (NBEMS).
• Reserved category candidates from other states will only be eligible for UP NEET PG 2024 and NEET MDS 2024 counselling and registration according to the unreserved category cutoff score issued by NBEMS. Such candidates cannot benefit from the reserved category cutoff score issued by NBEMS.
• Indian citizens or those of Indian origin who obtained their primary medical qualifications from institutions outside India must have passed the FMGE exam, as outlined in section 4.10 of the NEET PG 2024 information bulletin issued by the National Board of Examinations. They must also be registered with NMC/MCI or the State Medical Council. Their internship must be completed by August 15, 2024. These candidates will be eligible for seats in private-sector medical/dental colleges in Uttar Pradesh.

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UK University Invites Applications For MBA In Fashion Business And Entrepreneurship

Ravensbourne University, London is currently accepting applications for its one-year MBA in Fashion Business & Entrepreneurship. This programme, tailored for aspiring fashion professionals and entrepreneurs, provides students with advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to thrive in the rapidly changing fashion industry.

According to a press release, students will have the opportunity to work with industry experts, participate in live projects, and benefit from Ravensbourne's extensive network of fashion and business professionals.

In addition to the MBA, the university offers a variety of creative courses across design, media, and technology, including BA (Hons) in Interior Design Environment Architecture, BA (Hons) in Digital Photography, and BA (Hons) in Music & Sound Production.

Why Pursue MBA In Fashion Business And Entrepreneurship?

This programme equips students with sought-after skills in business and entrepreneurship, specifically within the fashion industry. It enables learners to develop expertise in leadership, business strategy, and innovation at the master's level, building the confidence to succeed in the highly competitive fashion market. The programme emphasises hands-on experience in fashion leadership through practical, real-world tasks, enhancing employment prospects. Students also have the opportunity to expand their professional network by collaborating with peers who bring diverse skill sets, all within a tech-savvy, creative community.

Module Completion And Assessment Criteria

Students must score at least 40% for undergraduate modules and 50% for postgraduate modules to pass. Certain modules, such as electives, are graded on a Pass/Fail basis, without numerical marks. Pass/Fail grades do not contribute to final award classifications.

A student who completes all required assessments but has not yet finished their current level may proceed to the next term, as approved by the Interim Assessment Board.

Reassessment Policy

If a student fails or does not submit an assessment, it will result in a failing grade for that component or module. Each student is allowed three attempts per assessment: one initial attempt and two resits. When a failed assessment is successfully retaken, the maximum grade is capped at 40% for undergraduates and 50% for postgraduates, unless extenuating circumstances are granted.

Award Criteria

Upon completing the approved course of study, students will receive their designated degree. Students who leave the program before completion may qualify for one of the following exit awards:

Postgraduate Certificate in Fashion Business and Entrepreneurship, awarded upon completing specified modules and meeting the learning outcomes for the certificate.

Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion Business and Entrepreneurship, awarded upon completing the necessary modules and achieving the learning outcomes for the diploma.

MBA in Fashion Business and Entrepreneurship (ordinary Master's degree), awarded upon successful completion of the full course and its specified learning outcomes.

Application Process

Eligible candidates who wish to apply can do so directly through the university's online application portal. Each course and mode of study has a specific link for applications.

To proceed, select your preferred start date and mode from the 'Apply now' dropdown at the top of this page, and you will be taken to the relevant section within the portal.

Course fee

The full-time course fees are 12,400 pounds for UK students and 19,500 pounds for international students, approximately Rs 12.5 lakh and Rs 19.7 lakh respectively, based on current exchange rates.

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OpenAI Releases New Model With Reasoning Capabilities

OpenAI is releasing a new artificial intelligence model known internally as "Strawberry" that can perform some human-like reasoning tasks, as it looks to stay at the top of a crowded market of rivals.
The new model, called o1, is designed to spend more time computing the answer before responding to user queries, the company said in a blog post Thursday. With the model, OpenAI's tools should be able to solve multi-step problems, including complicated math and coding questions.

"As an early model, it doesn't yet have many of the features that make ChatGPT useful, like browsing the web for information and uploading files and images," the company said. "But for complex reasoning tasks this is a significant advancement and represents a new level of AI capability. Given this, we are resetting the counter back to 1 and naming this series OpenAI o1."

A preview version of the model will be available through OpenAI's popular chatbot, ChatGPT, to paid Plus and Team users on Thursday. Bloomberg previously reported the company could release the new model as soon as this week.

The model's release comes as San Francisco-based OpenAI is looking to raise billions in funding and faces heightened competition in the race to develop ever more sophisticated artificial intelligence systems. OpenAI isn't the only company working on such capabilities; competitors Anthropic and Google have also touted "reasoning" skills with their advanced AI models.

In its blog post, OpenAI gave examples of the AI model's responses to questions on topics including coding, English, and math, and asked it to solve a simple crossword puzzle. In a series of posts on X, Noam Brown, a research scientist at OpenAI, said the company is releasing the model in preview now in part to get a sense for how people use it, and where it needs to be improved.

The experience of using OpenAI's updated AI system will differ somewhat from what people have come to expect with ChatGPT, the company's chatbot. Before responding to a user's prompt, the new software will pause for a matter of seconds while, behind the scenes and invisible to the user, it considers a number of related prompts and then summarizes what appears to be the best response. This technique is sometimes referred to as "chain of thought" prompting.

OpenAI has been working to get computers to carry out multi-step actions for some time. In May 2023, for instance, the company released a blog post and an accompanying research paper about its efforts to improve AI systems' abilities to solve math problems. According to the paper, the company trained a model by rewarding it for each correct step in the process toward coming up with an answer to a problem, rather than by just rewarding it for generating an accurate answer.

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Kedarnath Pilgrimage Put On Hold After Part Of Trek Route Caves In, Thousands Stranded

The pilgrimage to Kedarnath by road was put on hold on Saturday after part of the trek route caved in near Jungle Chatti leaving thousands of pilgrims returning from the Himalayan temple stranded.

The helicopter service remains functional, officials said.

Rudraprayag Superintendent of Police Akshay Prahlad Konde said 10-15 metre stretch of the trek route caved in suddenly, making movement along the route impossible. Thousands of pilgrims on their way back from the temple got stranded due to it.

However, an alternative route, though rather long winding, was readied quickly to evacuate the stranded pilgrims, he said.

So far, around 5,000 pilgrims have been evacuated and the rest are also being brought down with the help of the police, SDRF and NDRF personnel, he said.

The priority is to first evacuate the pilgrims who got stranded on their way back from Kedarnath, Konde said. Pilgrims bound for the temple were asked to stay in places like Phata, Guptkashi, Rudraprayag and Srinagar till restoration of the trek route which might take some time, the SP said.

Pilgrimage to the temple by air continues uninterrupted, he said.

Those who were to leave for the temple from Gaurikund and Sonprayag were asked not to proceed on their onward journey to stay safe, Mr Konde said.

No pilgrim has been allowed to go beyond Sonprayag and Gaurikund after damage to the trek route near Jungle Chatti, the SP said.

Keeping in mind safety of the pilgrims going on foot to Kedarnath, the police have requested them to stay wherever they are and not rush to reach Sonprayag or Gaurikund where there are limited staying facilities, Mr Konde said.

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"100% Correct": Manipur Security Adviser On Intelligence Report "900 Kuki Militants" Entered From Myanmar

The Security Adviser to the Manipur government today for the first time publicly confirmed they have received an intelligence report that alerted about the entry of "900 Kuki militants" trained in jungle warfare and use of weaponised drones to Manipur from neighbouring Myanmar. The intelligence report cannot be taken lightly, Manipur Security Adviser Kuldiep Singh told reporters today.

The intelligence report was sent to all Senior Superintendents of Police in the districts along the India-Myanmar border in southern Manipur, top intelligence sources told NDTV, requesting anonymity. The report, sent on Thursday, mentioned that "900 Kuki militants, newly trained in use of drone-based bombs, projectles, missiles and jungle warfare have entered Manipur from Myanmar", the sources said.

The "Kuki militants" are believed to be grouped in units of 30 members each and at present are scattered in the periphery, the intelligence sources told NDTV, adding they may launch multiple coordinated attacks on Meitei villages in the last week of September.

In the press conference today, Mr Singh said they believe the report to be "100 per cent correct".

"Unless and until it is proved wrong, we believe that it is 100 per cent correct. Because any intelligence input you have to take 100 per cent correct and prepare for that. If it doesn't come true, then there are two things. Either it didn't happen at all, or because of your efforts it didn't happen. You cannot take it lightly," Mr Singh told reporters.

Ethnic armed groups in Myanmar's Chin State and other states have been fighting the junta, and have taken large parts of the country which the junta earlier controlled. Some of the fighting has taken place close to the border with India, with instances of some junta troops fleeing into India after Chin State rebels overran them.

READ | Row Over Assam Rifles Ex Chief's "Meitei Police, Kuki Police" Comment; Cops Say "Myopic Mindset"

The Manipur government has long maintained that the ethnic violence in the state was a direct result of a huge spike in the population of illegal immigrants - among other factors - in southern Manipur, which shares a border with Chin State and the Sagaing Region.

In January, on a question about attacks on police commandos in Manipur's border trading town Moreh, the Security Adviser had denied the involvement of Myanmar-based militants. He had, however, admitted there was a possibility that Myanmar militants might have come, though there was no evidence then.

There are many villages of the Kuki tribes in the hills surrounding the Meitei-dominated valley. The clashes between the Meitei community and the nearly two dozen tribes known as Kukis - a term given by the British in colonial times - who are dominant in some hill areas of Manipur, has killed over 220 people and internally displaced nearly 50,000.

The general category Meiteis want to be included under the Scheduled Tribes category, while the Kukis who share ethnic ties with people in neighbouring Myanmar's Chin State and Mizoram want a separate administration carved out of Manipur, citing discrimination and unequal share of resources and power with the Meiteis.

No Value Of Agreements?

The involvement of overground insurgents from both communities in the Manipur clashes was confirmed recently by the police after a gunfight in Jiribam district, neighbouring Assam.

Three Kuki insurgents who were killed in the gunfight were members of the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), whose two factions are part of the two umbrella Kuki-Zo groups that have signed the controversial tripatriate Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement - a sort of ceasefire - with the state government and the Centre.

A member of the Meitei insurgent group United National Liberation Front (Pambei), or UNLF(P), was also killed in the Jiribam gunfight. The UNLF is the oldest Meitei insurgent group, which later broke up into two factions; the Pambei faction signed a tripartite peace agreement with the Centre and the state government in November 2023.

READ | "Prosecute Manipur Chief Minister": 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs To Probe Panel On 'Audio Clip' Leak Row

India-Myanmar Border Fencing

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said fencing work had been completed in 30 km of the porous India-Myanmar border in the Manipur section.

The Cabinet Committee on Security has, in principle, approved the construction of border fencing and roads along the 1,643-km international border between India and Myanmar at an approximate cost of Rs 31,000 crore.

The India-Myanmar border passes through Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh. The Union Home Minister said India has scrapped the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which allows people living close to the border to go 16 km into each other's territory without any documents. Foreigners can enter from Myanmar using the standard method i.e. with visas, Mr Shah had said.

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Army, Police Find 28 Kg IEDs In Major Joint Operation In Manipur

Seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) weighing 28.5 kg were found by the army and the police in a joint operation in Manipur, the army said in a statement today. The IEDs were defused by army engineers, the army said.

The large quantity of IEDs was "recovered in the hilly areas near Bongjang and Itham villages in Imphal East district" during a search operation involving the army's explosives detection dogs.

The recovery has prevented a major disaster and saved precious lives, the army said.

This was the second big haul of IEDs in Manipur in the last three months. The army had recovered and defused 33 kg of IEDs in the hilly areas of Saichang in Imphal East district on July 20.

The army in the statement said the swift response in sync with the Manipur Police was a fine example of good coordination among the security forces. The joint operation also ensured safety and security in the area, sending a strong message to anti-national elements, the army said.

Police Alert On Alleged Infiltration: Sources

Police sources said a message has been flashed to senior officers in Thoubal district about alleged infiltration from Myanmar. They said the security forces are on high alert to prevent any attacks.

READ | "Seems They Traversed Long Distance...": Manipur Police On What Happened In Jiribam

The Kuki tribes and the Meiteis have been fighting since May 2023 over a range of issues such as land rights and political representation.

There are many villages of the Kuki tribes in the hills surrounding the Meitei-dominated valley. The clashes between the Meiteis and the nearly two dozen tribes known as Kukis - a term given by the British in colonial times - who are dominant in some hill areas of Manipur, has killed over 220 people and internally displaced nearly 50,000.

The general category Meiteis want to be included under the Scheduled Tribes category, while the Kukis who share ethnic ties with people in neighbouring Myanmar's Chin State and Mizoram want a separate administration carved out of Manipur, citing discrimination and unequal share of resources and power with the Meiteis.

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KCET 2024 Round 2 Provisional Seat Allotment Result Released, Check Steps To Download

KCET 2024: The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has announced the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET) 2024 Round 2 seat allotment results. Candidates who have registered for the counselling can check their results by visiting the KEA website at kea.kar.nic.in.

KCET 2024 Round 2 Provisional Seat Allotment Result: Steps To Download

• Step 1. Visit the official website, cetonline.karnataka.gov.in/kea
• Step 2. Navigate to the KCET Seat Allotment link on the homepage
• Step 3. Enter your login details and click on 'Submit'
• Step 4. Check the result and download it
• Step 5. Take a printout of the result for future reference

Seat Allotment And Reporting

Candidates can modify their choices after the release of the mock seat allotment results. Those who are satisfied with their allotment must report to their assigned institutes for document verification and fee payment.

The official website states: "Specific objections, if any (options entered, second round cutoff rank verified, but not allotted any seat), may be emailed to keauthority-ka@nic.in before 10 a.m. on September 19, 2024, with all the details."

KCET 2024 Counselling: Documents Required

• KCET 2024 Application Form
• KCET 2024 Admit Card
• Class 12 or 2nd PUC Scorecard
• Two passport-size photos
• Class 10 Scorecard
• Study Certificate countersigned by the concerned BEO or DDPI
• Registration Fee Payment Proof
• Kannada Medium Certificate
• Rural Study Certificate
• Caste Income Certificate
• Income Certificate

The KCET exam is held annually for students aiming to gain admission to undergraduate programs in engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy at institutions in Karnataka. This year, the Karnataka Common Entrance Test took place on April 18 and 19, with two shifts: one from 10.30am to 11.50am, and another from 2.30pm to 3.50pm.

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Arvind Kejriwal Resignation Updates: Arvind Kejriwal Resigns, Atishi To Be Delhi Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal Resignation LIVE Updates: Arvind Kejriwal resigned today as the Chief Minister of Delhi. Senior AAP leader Atishi, who is currently serving as the Delhi Education Minister, will take up the top post after Mr Kejriwal steps down. Mr Kejriwal, who was granted bail in the Delhi liquor police case on Friday, had announced he will not return to the top post until his party is re-elected in the upcoming state polls - which he said will be the "people's order".

At the meeting of AAP MLAs today, party leader Dilip Pandey proposed that Mr Kejriwal decide on the Chief Minister face. When the AAP national convener proposed Ms Atishi's name, all AAP MLAs stood up and accepted it and Ms Atishi was elected leader of the legislature party. 

Ms Atishi now holds key portfolios in the Delhi government such as Education and Public Works Department. An Oxford University alumnus and a Rhodes scholar, Ms Atishi has worked extensively in the AAP's flagship exercise to overhaul education in Delhi's schools.

Here are the Highlights on Arvind Kejriwal's resignation:

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Bengal Government Handled RG Kar Case Badly: Ex-Trinamool MP On Why He Quit

Former Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar on Monday opened up on why he quit the party and laid out five reasons for his resignation.

Speaking to IANS, Mr Sircar asserted that the RG Kar rape and murder case was mishandled, which led to widespread dissatisfaction among the public.

Following are the excerpts from the interview:

IANS: RG Kar's former Principal Sandeep Gosh was arrested in connection with the rape, murder and destruction of evidence and conspiracy. Is this the reason for your resignation as a Rajya Sabha member?

Jawhar Sircar: My resignation is on a wider issue. I wanted to bring it to the notice of Trinamool leaders that there is widespread dissatisfaction among the people over the RG Kar Medical College incident, which was handled badly. I am an administrator. I know what is good handling and what is bad handling.

My second issue is corruption and favouritism, and I am very clear that there are issues of corruption and favouritism within the health sector. Third, women of West Bengal have come out on the streets. I cannot be within the party and support an anti-party movement.

The fourth issue is the wider disaffection among the people at the style of functioning of certain leaders.

The fifth issue is the most important reason why I have resigned: all the four issues put together put Trinamool in a bad light. However, Trinamool is the only party that can stop BJP from entering and capturing West Bengal.

BJP should not capture the state because West Bengal has a completely different culture, be it political or social, which can not gel with what BJP thinks. We are not communal.

West Bengal does not want BJP to come in by default because there is no such party that can stop BJP, keeping in mind all its manpower, Central interventions and selective vindictiveness. Congress in Bengal is finished. Left in West Bengal is battered. Only Trinamool can stop BJP. And I informed that party that if you lose the first four issues, you'll lose the fifth one also.

IANS: What is the stake of BJP in West Bengal? Do you think the RG Kar incident will be a drawback for Mamata Banerjee in the election?

Jawhar Sircar: It should not be a drawback as elections are quite some distance away. If she takes corrective measures from now, she will be able to stop it as she has done before. But she needs to take corrective measures, as I have said in my letter.

IANS: Do you think she will make the corrective decision in future? She tried to connect with the doctors but they demanded a live streaming of the meeting, which she refused.

Jawhar Sircar: In the letter I wrote, I said that she should have jumped into the matter within the first few weeks when the incident occurred. She is not somebody who is scared to visit Manipur. She is not like that; she doesn't get frightened to travel without a security bodyguard.

She should have jumped into the problem and spoken to the doctor. If she had done that in the first few days, the position would not have hardened. The positions are now hardened, and the doctors' movement also has infiltration. I am using the word infiltration as it is from mischievous elements. One was caught yesterday.

After 35 days, when positions are hardened, things cannot be sorted out in one day with a handshake and a hug. Everything will be ok, but it will require patience.

IANS: What do you think about the arrest of Sandeep Gosh and Abhijit Mondal?

Jawhar Sircar: CBI must have found some proof. It is up to CBI to prove themselves or look like a fool if you make such a high-profile arrest. If the CBI has arrested someone for the sake of the show, its vindictiveness will come out. However, if CBI has arrested someone on the grounds of certain pieces of evidence, that will also come out.

In a high-profile case, one has to be careful. I won't comment on CBI arrest as good or bad because I don't have the evidence in front of me. However, something was wrong with Sandeep Ghosh, that is why, from the first day itself, I said that it was important to remove him from the post.

IANS: Has any attempt been made to save Sandeep Ghosh?

Jawhar Sircar: I don't know about that. The matter I raised was that he was under somebody's protection. Who is that 'somebody' will also be revealed. Somebody was saving Sandeep Ghosh and was advising the Chief Minister that he was innocent and all. The Chief Minister, taking contrary factors into cognizance, must have believed them.

IANS: Since it took so many days to arrest Sandeep Ghosh in connection with the RG Kar case, do you think Mamata Banerjee was trying to save him?

Jawhar Sircar: Sandeep Ghosh did not rape or murder. According to CBI, he is involved in the cover-up. CBI would have to prove it and should have enough evidence for it. It is not just a sensational arrest made just a few days before the Supreme Court hearing.

As far as Mamata Banerjee is concerned, people are claiming her involvement in the case, and a public image has been made. I have informed her that she should be careful about this.

IANS: Who are the people behind giving another posting to Sandeep Ghosh immediately after he resigned from RG Kar Medical College and Hospital? Do you think it was the state government?

Jawhar Sircar: I can't say. I am an outsider. But we all saw that he was immediately posted somewhere else, and I felt bad, and I have written about it. It doesn't look good. This is a part of the mistakes which were made. Whoever was behind it was wrong.

IANS: Should Sandeep Ghosh's call records be checked? Can this expose his links and collusion with Trinamool and the police?

Jawhar Sircar: This is all speculation. Let the case roll out, and everything will become clear. CBI is very fond of the West Bengal government. Everything will be under scrutiny, and everything will be under the appeal of the judicial system.

IANS: Do you think the Kolkata Police Commissioner should also be arrested in connection to investigating the criminal conspiracy?

Jawhar Sircar: No, it is up to the CBI to take a call on who will be arrested. It might go up to the Chief Minister or the Prime Minister. Maybe the Prime Minister gave the call. Let things come out in the light, we would know.

IANS: What is your stand on the Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024, which was recently passed in the Bengal Assembly?

Jawhar Sircar: It's a good bill. The accused will be punished timely. The other part of the solution lies in giving respect. West Bengal is one of the most women-empowered states in India. I am proud to say that. According to the NCRB statistics, women in West Bengal are the safest.

Why did the Bill come here? It is because the women here are empowered. You couldn't have done it somewhere else. You can only do it here and make a precedent for the rest of India. Additionally, society should also participate in the process of protection.

IANS: How is it possible that a woman on duty is raped inside her workplace? Are women not safe in their workplace?

Jawhar Sircar: Yes, this is a matter of investigation. It is a matter of security concerns. And it will come out. How did no one see what was happening? How was everyone unconscious of the situation? Everything is under scrutiny and will come out.

IANS: The allegations were made by the victim's parents that they were offered money by Kolkata Police. What do you have to say about this?

Jawhar Sircar: Again, a matter of dispute. They have made the allegations, but Kolkata Police have denied it. Let the investigations make it clear. Let the punishment be given.

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In J&K Pre-Poll Twist, Jamaat-Backed Leaders and Awami Agree On Alliance

In a new twist to pre-assembly election politics in Jammu and Kashmir, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) and former members of the banned Jama'at-e-Islami (JeI) have come together in a strategic alliance and have decided to support each other's candidates.

"The move was made by Engineer Rashid's party and Jamaat agreed to it as in the end it's a fight for a bigger cause and not for the chair," a senior officer told NDTV.

According to him, both parties knew that if they contested alone, then they would be dividing their own votes. "But now by fighting together they would be consolidating votes, especially in the south and also in north Kashmir," another officer said.

In the meeting held today, the AIP delegation was led by its chief and MP Engineer Rashid and spokesperson Inam Un Nabi, while the JeI delegation was led by Ghulam Qadir Wani. Other prominent JeI members participated in the discussions.

At the core of the meeting was the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir, with both sides emphasising the need to work together in the larger interest of the region's population.

Following comprehensive deliberations, it was agreed that the AIP would support JeI-backed candidates in Kulgam and Pulwama. Similarly, JeI will throw its support behind AIP candidates across Kashmir.

In areas where both AIP and JEI have fielded candidates, the alliance has agreed to a "friendly contest", particularly in constituencies like Langate, Devsar and Zainapora. In other constituencies, mutual support will be extended to ensure a unified approach to the elections.

"With Jamaat and AIP coming together, PDP (People's Democratic Party) will suffer the most in south Kashmir, while in North Kashmir a significant dent would be seen in the National Conference vote bank," a political analyst said.

He said the move aims in stopping division of votes. "Both parties have the same base cadre, so it is a good move by them," the analyst added.

Both parties in their agreement have stressed on resolving the Kashmir issue and promoting a lasting and dignified peace in the region.

"They highlighted the rapidly evolving political landscape, both regionally and internationally, and stressed that neither JeI nor AIP can afford to remain passive observers," a source said.

After reaching an agreement, the leaders in both parties asked their cadre to spread the message of support for each other's candidates, in line with the agreement.

"The goal is to secure a resounding victory for AIP and JeI candidates, ensuring that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have strong representatives who can articulate their sentiments and aspirations," a JeI member said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Chenab Valley on Monday, where he is scheduled to address three rallies.

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Russia, Ukraine Swap 206 Prisoners Of War In UAE-Brokered Deal

Moscow and Kyiv swapped 103 prisoners of war each on Saturday in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates, a rare moment of coordination between the two warring sides as Russia pushes ahead in east Ukraine.

The Russians released in the swap were captured during Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region, Moscow said, while some of the Ukrainians freed had been held prisoner since Moscow seized the Azovstal steel plant in May 2022.

"Another 103 soldiers were returned to Ukraine from Russian captivity," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Telegram.

Among the freed were 82 privates and sergeants as well as 21 officers, Zelensky said.

"The defenders of Kyiv, Donetsk, Mariupol and Azovstal, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and the Kharkiv regions," he added.

Russia confirmed it had "handed over" 103 Ukrainian army prisoners, and received 103 Russian servicemen captured by Kyiv in its Kursk offensive in return.

"At present, all Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are being provided with the necessary psychological and medical assistance, as well as an opportunity to contact their relatives," the Russian defence ministry said.

Despite ongoing hostilities, Russia and Ukraine have managed to swap hundreds of prisoners throughout the two-and-half-year conflict -- often in deals brokered by the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia or Turkey.

The announcement comes a day after Zelensky said 49 Ukrainian POWs had been returned from Russia, and three weeks ago both sides swapped 115 prisoners each in a deal also mediated by the UAE.

The UAE's foreign ministry hailed the deal as a "success" and thanked both sides for their cooperation on Saturday.

Russian advances

The prisoner swap came as Russia pushed ahead in east Ukraine, where it claims to have captured a string of villages in recent weeks.

The Russian defence ministry said in a daily briefing it had "liberated" the village of Zhelanne Pershe, less than 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the key Ukrainian-held logistics hub of Pokrovsk.

Pokrovsk lies on the intersection of a key road that supplies Ukrainian troops and towns across the eastern front and has long been a target for Moscow's army.

More than half of the city's 60,000 residents have fled since the invasion began in February 2022, with evacuations ramping up in recent weeks as Moscow's army closes in.

Ukraine had hoped its major cross-border incursion into the Kursk region last month would slow down Russia's advances in the east.

On Friday, Zelensky said Moscow had been slowed down somewhat but conceded the situation on the eastern front was "very difficult".

Russia meanwhile claimed this week to have clawed back a swath of territory in the Kursk region, as it mounted what appeared to be a counter-offensive.

Missile spat

Tensions between Russia and the West over the conflict reached dire levels this week over UK and US discussions about letting Ukraine use longer-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia.

The discussions came after a visit to Kyiv by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British counterpart David Lammy.

President Vladimir Putin warned the West on Thursday that green-lighting the use of the long-range weapons deep inside Russia would put the NATO military alliance "at war" with Moscow.

"This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict," Putin told a state television reporter.

"It would mean that NATO countries, the US, European countries, are at war with Russia," he added.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden on Friday delayed a decision on the move.

US officials believe the missiles would make a limited difference to Ukraine's campaign and also want to ensure that Washington's own stocks of the munitions are not depleted.

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Viral Video From Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja Sparks VIP Culture Debate

A viral video from Lalbaugcha Raja, one of Mumbai's most visited pandals on Ganesh Chaturthi, has stirred a debate on the existence of VIP culture even in religious places.  

The video, widely circulated on social media, showed the stark contrast between two different experiences at the Lalbaugcha Raja festival. On one hand, it showed VIP devotees enjoying the special treatment, taking selfies and revelling in the festivities. On the other hand, it revealed a chaotic scene where regular worshippers were pushed and shoved by volunteers and workers as they waited in queues to pay their respects. 

Sharing the video on X, formerly Twitter, a user wrote, “If you are getting aggressive inside a temple then I don't know what faith means,” 

If you are getting aggressive inside a temple then I don't know what faith means pic.twitter.com/CJ9KKyEXjh

— Dr Nilima Srivastava (@gypsy_nilima) September 13, 2024

The footage has caught the attention of many prominent figures, including Harsh Goenka, chairman of the RPG Group.

Sharing another video of the same scene, Mr Goenka wrote, "Ever wondered why people opt for VIP darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja? It's because the common devotee often faces long waits and crowds, highlighting the unequal treatment. Isn't faith supposed to be equal for all?"

Ever wondered why people opt for VIP darshan at Lalbaugcha Raja? It's because the common devotee often faces long waits and crowds, highlighting the unequal treatment. Isn't faith supposed to be equal for all? pic.twitter.com/kCAhpcDq25

— Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) September 12, 2024

Others echoed these sentiments, with one user writing, “In most places - not just temples - be it stadiums, colleges, voting lines, conferences... there are common people, VIPs, VVIPs, VVVIPs, and so on. Unfortunately, everybody wants exclusivity! But no one wants others to have exclusivity that they don't have. And so the cycle goes on. Very sad and unfortunate!”

In most places - not just temples- be it stadiums, colleges, voting lines, conferences...., there are common people, VIPs, VVIPs, VVVIPs and so on.
Unfortunately, everybody wants exclusivity! But no one wants others to have exclusivity that they don't have. And so the cycle goes…

— D Prasanth Nair (@DPrasanthNair) September 13, 2024

Another user slammed the stark contrast in treatment, noting how some groups were comfortably taking pictures while others were being roughly handled. "Since when did you own Lord Ganesh? It's not your fault; the idiots who come there are to be blamed,” they commented. 

contrast to how the other group is conveniently taking pictures, while the general public is caught by the neck & pulled over. @LalbaugchaRaja since when did you own Lord Ganesh?? not your fault, the idiots who come there are to be blamed.

— Sreedhar Murthy (@nsm_73) September 13, 2024

Many others were frustrated over how privilege seems to extend even to places of worship, with one user remarking, “We live in a world where the privileged think even God is available with better access for money! Funny how the ones who get privileged access end up taking selfies with the deity to show off, while the commoners are just trying to get a few seconds of blessings.”

We live in a world where the privileged think even god is available with better access for money! Funny how the ones who get privileged access end up taking selfies with the diety to show off and the commoners are just trying to get a few seconds of blessings

— Nayar (@Blues_Blue34) September 13, 2024

Some users suggested potential solutions to the problem, with one person proposing a separate day for VIP darshan: "Simple, sir. It happens even in Tirupathi Balaji Temple. The solution would be to keep a day meant only for VIPs, and they all will come as if it is common for them. All other days, if they wish, they should come as common people.”

simple sir, it happens even in Tirupathi Balaji Temple, the solution would be to keep a day meant only for VIP and they all will come as if it is common for them. All other days if they wish they should come as common man. ????????????

— SribhashyamSri. STA CFTe CMT, (@sribhashyam65) September 13, 2024

The history of Lalbaugcha Raja, one of the most revered Ganesha idols, dates back to the early 1900s and it remains the most visited pandal in Mumbai.  

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Kamala Harris Leads Over Trump, Voters See Her As Debate Winner In Latest Polls

Democratic U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris leads Republican Donald Trump 47% to 42% in the race to win the Nov. 5 presidential election, increasing her advantage after a debate against the former president that voters largely think she won, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that closed on Thursday.

The two-day poll showed Harris with a five percentage point lead among registered voters, just above the four-point advantage she had over Trump in an Aug. 21-28 Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Among voters who said they had heard at least something about Tuesday's debate, 53% said Harris won and 24% said Trump won. Some 52% of respondents said that Trump stumbled and didn't appear sharp, while 21% said that of Harris.

Harris, 59, put Trump, 78, on the defensive in a combative presidential debate with a stream of attacks on his fitness for office and his myriad legal battles.

The poll surveyed 1,690 U.S. adults nationwide, including 1,405 registered voters. It had a margin of error of around three percentage points for registered voters.

While national surveys including Reuters/Ipsos' polls give important signals on the views of the electorate, the state-by-state results of the Electoral College determine the winner, with a handful of battleground states likely to be decisive.

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Bhoomi Poojan For Dharavi Redevelopment Performed By Firm Undertaking Project

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), the firm redeveloping Asia's largest slums, on Thursday, performed the groundbreaking ceremony (Bhoomi Poojan) of the Dharavi redevelopment project at the RPF grounds in Matunga.

The pooja, conducted in an area called Sector 6, marks the auspicious beginning of the construction of the Railway's staff quarters and offices to be handed over to the government, as mandated in the Dharavi Redevelopment tender documents, sources said.

Already, the state government-led door-to-door survey to determine eligible and ineligible residents is on with an idea to speed up the redevelopment and to ensure inclusive development.

The DRPPL, which is a joint venture between the state government and the Adani Group, has also moved in the direction envisaged by the Maharashtra government, which is on a mission to make Mumbai a slum-free city by 2030.

Mapping the roughly 600 acres of densely populated Dharavi is crucial for the redevelopment that is likely to take seven years to complete. Eligible residents will get a 350-square-foot flat in the area once the project is completed, while ineligible residents will be rehoused elsewhere in Mumbai. It is the Maharashtra government's first-ever policy where everyone, whether eligible or ineligible will get home.

A DRPPL source said that Thursday's ceremony was in keeping with the tender conditions and also the first step in the group's commitment to create a modern Dharavi.

"We are redeveloping one of the most densely populated clusters in the world. We have committed to providing Dharavikars with a 'key to key' exchange wherein existing residents have been guaranteed new homes within a stipulated timeframe and without shifting to temporary accommodation," the source said.

The Dharavi Redevelopment Project will put India on a global map when it comes to resettling townships.

Residents will be given 350 sq ft modern homes with a kitchen and a toilet and will have access to amenities such as top-class roads, hospitals, schools, open spaces, etc. These homes are 17 per cent extra than any other slum rehabilitation project in Mumbai.

The ineligible residents have been classified into two sub-categories: those from January 1, 2000, to January 1, 2011, will be given homes on an ownership basis at affordable prices.

The post-2011 tenement holders will be given homes under the state government's affordable rental housing policy with an option of hire-purchase. The ineligible residents will be housed in modern townships that will be created in Mumbai.

A DRPPL source said, "These new townships will be ultra-modern townships equipped with schools, hospitals, gardens and good roads." It is pertinent to note that all eligible, non-polluting industries and commercial establishments will be rehabilitated in Dharavi itself.

A state government source said that the DRPPL was exploring every possible option to protect livelihoods and businesses.

"Better infrastructure will enable businesses to expand their enterprises while skilling and upskilling centres will help people acquire new knowledge, learn, and increase their earning potential. Additionally, businesses will benefit from SGST reimbursement for five years, further supporting their growth and sustainability," a DRPPL source said.

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Several Labourers Trapped Due To Snowfall, Sliding Of Rocks In Himachal Pradesh

Over two dozen labourers engaged in erecting BSNL towers and construction of an Army post got stranded near Lal Dhak in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Thursday due to snowfall and sliding of rocks, officials said.

The work of erecting the BSNL towers was in progress at Nagdum and Dharnithal, while the Army post was under construction at Nagdum.

The labourers had started returning as heavy snowfall begun in the area and cold conditions aggravated. However, they got trapped as a road their return route was blocked due to sliding of a huge rock at Dumti, nearly 25 km from Chitkul.

"The labourers were returning as the work stopped due to heavy snowfall and severe cold conditions but the road at Dumti was blocked due to sliding of huge rocks," said Gobind Ram, accountant of the contractor Norbu Chhorian.

The district administration has informed that after receiving information about the labourers getting stranded, heavy machinery has been rushed to the spot and the road would be opened once the snowfall stops, Ram said.

Meanwhile, the meteorological office here on Thursday warned of moderate flash flood risk in parts of Shimla, Kinnaur, and Sirmaur districts until Friday.

It also issued a yellow alert of heavy rains, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places in five out of 12 districts of the state for Thursday and Friday.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rains could lash parts of Kinnaur, Mandi, Sirmaur, Solan and Shimla districts. It also cautioned of the possibility of damage to plantations, crops, vulnerable structures and kutcha houses.

Light rains continued in some parts of the state on Thursday, with Dharamhala recording the maximum rainfall at 41 mm since Wednesday evening, followed by Dhaulakuan 26 mm, Kalpa 19.3 mm, Jot 7.6 mm, Dalhousie 7mm, Kahu 6.8 mm, Chopal 6.2 mm, Manali and Wangtoo 5 mm each.

A total of 34 roads were closed and 24 power schemes were disrupted in the state as of Wednesday, according to the latest update from the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).

A maximum of 13 roads were closed in Shimla, 10 in Kangra, eight in Mandi, three in Kullu and one in Sirmaur district, SEOC said.

Since the monsoon onset in Himachal Pradesh on June 27, the state's rainfall deficit till date stands at 21 per cent, with the state receiving 539.1 mm rainfall against an average of 678.4 mm.

According to officials, 165 people so far died in rain-related incidents during the monsoon onset from June 27, while 30 are still missing.

The state has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 1,323 crore, they said.

On Thursday, Keylong in Lahaul and Spiti was the coldest place in the state with a low of 6.7 degrees Celsius, while Kangra was the hottest with a maximum temperature of 34.6 degrees.

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"Durdasha" : Nirmala Sitharaman Attacks Rahul Gandhi Over Remarks In US

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his controversial remarks abroad and asked if the Congress party endorsed his statements, especially those on Sikhs.

Stating that as Leader of the Opposition, he should not have misused his freedom of expression to meet those working against the interest of India, and speaking against the country, she said the Congress party should explain if it endorsed his views especially those on Sikhs.

"It's nothing but a bad time... You can criticise the BJP, the Prime Minister and the government and we are prepared to respond. But just because you have the freedom of expression meeting those working against the interests of India, an anti-India lawmaker, is unacceptable," Ms Sitharaman told reporters here.

Addressing a gathering of several hundred Indian Americans in Washington DC on September 10, Mr Gandhi accused the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of considering some religions, languages and communities inferior to others and said the fight in India is about this and not about politics.

Asking the name of a turbaned person in the gathering, Mr Gandhi said, "The fight is about whether a Sikh is going to be allowed to wear his turban in India or a kada in India. Or he, as a Sikh, is going to be able to go to a gurdwara. That is what the fight is about. And not just for him, for all religions." 

Asked to comment on Mr Gandhi's purported remarks in Virginia on Monday on the religious freedom of the minorities in India, she asked who made Manmohan Singh (former Prime Minister) to apologise to the Sikhs.

"Going abroad and speaking with the forces working against India, as a leader of the opposition, its durdasha ... his ally, the DMK, if it is patriotic, should question him on this," she said.

The BJP senior also accused the ruling DMK of creating hurdles to the Centre's initiatives as it did not want the Modi government to earn a good name from the people.

The DMK's opposition to the Vishwakarma Yojana, and Hindi showed the extent to which that party went to defame the Centre. "There's no egalitarian approach in the state. The Dravidian model creates hurdles for the good schemes of the Centre," she said and claimed no action was taken on those who mixed feces in the drinking water tank of the Scheduled Caste.

She claimed that a MP from the state sought her recommendation to admit a child from his constituency to a Kendriya Vidyalaya, where Hindi is taught. "And that party is claiming Hindi is being imposed in Tamil Nadu. Why the hypocrisy, why tar Hindi letters," Sitharaman asked.

The Central minister accused the opposition of creating a ruckus in Parliament to stall PM Modi's reply on the Manipur violence. Two members from Manipur were asked to rush to the well of the House and protest, she added.

On a charge by the ruling DMK that the Centre has not provided adequate funds to implement the Rs 63,246 crore Chennai Metro rail phase II project, Ms Sitharaman said the state government utilised only Rs 5,880 crore, though the Central government arranged Rs 21,560 crore multi-lateral loan to execute it under State sector project.

"We have already said that in due course whenever you think it's fit we will take it up under the central sector. So, don't blame us," she said.

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Decades-Old Doorstop Turns Out To Be Priceless Gem Worth Rs 8 Crore

A large piece of amber used for years as a doorstop has just been valued at around $1 million (Rs 8.4 crore), according to EL PAIS. The 3.5-kilogramme stone was dug up by an elderly woman from a stream bed near Colti, Romania, and then used in her house to hold open doors.

It was later discovered that the stone was one of the largest pieces of amber, which is the resin of a tree fossilised for millions of years. This type, known as rumanit because of its reddish hue, is mined around Colti.

After she died in 1991, the house had been passed on to a relative who felt that the doorstop could be more valuable than originally thought. It was then sold to the Romanian state, and experts from the Museum of History in Krakow confirmed the amber to be between 38 and 70 million years old.

The information has been confirmed to EL PAIS by Daniel Costache, director of the Provincial Museum of Buzau, where the object is currently being kept.

"Its discovery represents a great significance both at a scientific level and at a museum level," explains Costache, who believes that its value is incalculable. The expert claims that it is one of the largest pieces in the world and the largest of its kind.

Members of the owner's family reported that the old lady was the victim of a break-in in which only a few pieces of gold jewellery of little value were stolen, while the amber nugget was completely ignored. "In their frantic search for valuables, they overlooked the real treasure that was there before their eyes," they said.

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No Toll Up To 20 km For Private Vehicles With Global Navigation Satellite System

Motorists using private vehicles with a functional global navigation satellite system (GNSS) will be allowed to travel toll-free on highways and expressways up to 20 kilometres daily with effect from Tuesday, according to a government notification.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways amended the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008, which has come to effect from Tuesday.

Under the new regulations, known as the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Amendment Rules, 2024, fees will now be charged on the actual distance travelled if the distance exceeds 20 kilometres.

"A driver, owner or person in charge of a mechanical vehicle other than a National Permit vehicle who makes use of the same section of the national highway, permanent bridge, bypass or tunnel, as the case may be, shall be levied a zero user fee up to 20 kilometres of a journey in each direction in a day under Global Navigation Satellite System based user fee collection system," the notification said.

The highway ministry in July had said it decided to initially implement a GNSS-based toll collection system at select national highways on a pilot basis as an added facility along with FASTag.

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had said that a pilot study with regard to a GNSS-based user fee collection system has been done on the Bengaluru-Mysore section of NH-275 in Karnataka and Panipat-Hisar section of NH-709 in Haryana.

Mr Gadkari had said a stakeholder consultation through an international workshop was organised on June 25, 2024, and global expression of interest (EOI) was invited for wider industrial consultation on June 7, 2024, with the last date of submission as July 22, 2024.

NHAI plans to implement the GNSS-based electronic toll collection (ETC) system within the existing FASTag ecosystem, initially using a hybrid model wherein both RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC will operate simultaneously.

Implementation of GNSS-based electronic toll collection in India will facilitate smooth movement of vehicles along the National Highways and is envisaged to provide several benefits to highway users such as barrier-less free-flow tolling leading to hassle-free riding experience and distance-based tolling where users will pay only for the stretch they have travelled on a national highway, the ministry said.

The GNSS-based collection will also result in more efficient toll collection as it helps to plug leakages and check toll evaders, it added.

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Woman Raped, Murdered In Gujarat's Vadodara, 4 Arrested

The body of a woman, who had gone missing earlier, was found dead in bushes in Gujarat's Vadodara.

The woman has been identified as Vidya Ramesh Vasava, a resident of Shinor village in the district.

According to police reports, four men -- Pravin Shanabhai Vasava, Kiran Shanabhai Vasava, Gangaram Gangubhai Vasava, and Chunilal Mangaldas, all residents of Shinor and nearby villages -- have been arrested in connection with the case.

The investigation revealed that Kiran, the woman's brother-in-law, suspected her of being involved in another relationship. Officials said he had been pressuring her to marry him, but she refused.

In retaliation, the accused along with his associates allegedly entered the Monter's Boat Training Centre, where they assaulted and raped the victim. After she attempted to flee, they chased her down, dragged her back into the bushes, and sexually assaulted her again. At last, they strangled her using her scarf, resulting in her death.

The police have arrested all four suspects, and further legal proceedings are ongoing.

In 2023, four individuals, including a woman, were arrested for allegedly attempting to murder a 40-year-old woman from Shinor taluka. The victim was reportedly half-stripped and dragged through fields as punishment for allegedly having an extramarital affair with the husband of the accused woman.

According to the FIR filed at Shinor police station, the accused included a mother and her son, who were assisted by two others in the assault. At one point, the accused attempted to strangle the victim by pressing his foot on her neck after throwing her to the ground. She was half-stripped, brutally beaten with sticks, and mercilessly dragged across the ground. After the assault, the accused left her in a villager's field and proceeded to attack her paramour, who is the father of the accused.

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