Explained: New US Guidelines For International STEM Students

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the updated policy guidelines for international students' eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. 

The revised guidelines, effective from August 27, offer clarity on rules concerning online study, school transfers, grace periods, and study abroad programmes. These will apply to all pending and future requests.

OPT duration extended for STEM students

As per USCIS, international students in STEM will now enjoy up to three years of OPT, compared to one year for the students of non-STEM fields. This will allow students to gain more work experience in the country.

Online Study Allowances

Eligible students will now be able to count one class or up to three credits per academic session towards their full course of study, without violating the F1 visa terms. It must be noted that the class is taken online or via distance learning, meaning that it does not require any physical attendance.

School Transfers

The new policy now grants permission to eligible students to transfer between Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) schools, certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), at the same educational level or even a switch between different educational levels.

Post-Completion OPT 

The new guidelines mention that students who have completed their associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree programmes are now eligible for the post-completion OPT.

OPT extensions

Students will now be able to apply for STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before the expiry of their current employment authorisation.

To be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, they will require a valid post-completion OPT period; a qualifying STEM degree from an accredited institution; and work with an employer enrolled in E-Verify.

60-Day Grace Period

Once they complete their OPT, students will have a 60-day grace period. During this time, they remain eligible to change their educational level, consider transferring to another SEVP-certified school, or apply for changing to a different nonimmigrant or immigrant status. 

During this period, the employers can also sponsor the student's H-1B visa.

Clarification on the application period

The revised manual corrects the timeline during which the students can apply for the STEM OPT extensions, besides other technical adjustments. This ensures that the students can submit their applications.

Guidelines for the Study Abroad Programme

Students, who are enrolled in SEVP-certified schools, will be able to maintain active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) during the study abroad programmes if its duration is less than five months. For longer programmes, they will require a new Form I-20.

Students, who receive a STEM OPT extension, will be required to report any changes in their legal name, address, or employment details to the DSO within 10 days. Even in case there are no changes, still they will have to confirm their information every six months.
 

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IndiGo Flight Makes Emergency Landing Due To Engine Failure

A Bengaluru-bound IndiGo flight had to make an emergency landing at the Kolkata airport minutes after take-off on Friday night due to an engine failure, a senior official said.

Flight 6E573 from Kolkata to Bangalore, which became airborne at 10.36 pm on Friday, made an emergency landing at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) airport at 10.53 pm after failure of its left engine, he said.

However, no fire or spark was reported, the Airports Authority of India spokesperson said on Saturday.

The full emergency declared at 10.39 pm was withdrawn at 11.08 pm, he said.

Both the runways at NSCBI airport were handed over to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) to make those available for the plane to land back safely, the spokesperson said.

"It was learnt that the left side engine of the aircraft failed after take-off as a result of which it had to come back to Kolkata," he said.

The airline in a statement said the flight returned to origin after take-off "due to technical issues".

"The pilot followed necessary procedures and landed back at Kolkata," it said.

"Passengers were served with refreshments and an alternate aircraft was arranged to operate the flight. We regret the inconvenience caused to the passengers," the statement added. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"To Cover Up Delays...": Centre On Mamata Banerjee's Letter On Rape Cases

The Union Women and Child Development Minister has responded to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's second letter, seeking a stringent law and exemplary punishment on heinous crimes such as rape and murder.

Ms Banerjee in her second letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought a mandatory provision for time-bound disposal of rape and murder cases. The two letters came amid the CBI investigation into the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

The BJP had called her a "liar" over her letters, and questioned her over why she has not done anything to ensure implementation of existing "stringent" rules and regulations to protect women in her state.

"With regard to the information contained in your letter about the status of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) and exclusive POCSO courts in West Bengal, I may mention that according to information received from the Calcutta High Court, West Bengal has established 88 Fast Track Courts (FTCs), which are not the same as the Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) covered under the Central Government Scheme..." Union Women and Child Development Minister Annapurna Devi said in her response to Ms Banerjee.

"... ln spite of pendency of 48,600 rape and POCSO cases in West Bengal, the state has not operationalised additional 11 FTSCs which may be exclusive POCSO courts or combined FTSCs dealing with both rape and POCSO cases, as per the state's requirement. As may be seen, the information contained in your letter in this regard is factually incorrect and appears to be a step in the direction to cover up the delays in operationalizing the FTSCs by the state," Ms Devi said.

 BJP co-incharge for West Bengal Amit Malviya has also questioned the Bengal Chief Minister over not doing enough to ensure rules and regulations to protect women and girls are strictly followed.

"It is incumbent on Mamata Banerjee to explain why the West Bengal government hasn't done anything for implementing the stringent rules and regulations, which exist for protecting women and girls," Mr Malviya said in a post on X. "Stop writing letters. Answer the questions. You are accountable," he added.

On Ms Banerjee's demand for permanent judicial officers in FTSCs, instead of only retired judicial officers as prescribed in the FTSC scheme guidelines, the Women and Child Development Minister said, "... I may inform you that the scheme guidelines clearly provide for one judicial officer and seven staff to work exclusively for disposal of Rape and POCSO Act cases. Hence, additional charge of FTSCs cannot be given to any permanent judicial officer or court staff. This position was clarified earlier to the state of West Bengal..."

The rape and murder of the junior doctor in Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital has sparked outrage across the nation, with doctors and others in the medical profession calling for fundamental reforms to ensure dignity and security at their workplace.

The Trinamool Congress has alleged the BJP has politicised the incident. The BJP has, however, pointed the finger back at Ms Banerjee's party with allegations that the medical college was ridden with insidious corruption.

The college's former principal Sandip Ghosh is under investigation. The Central Bureau of Investigation has also arrested the key suspect Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer, who was seen on CCTV outside the seminar room of the hospital where the junior doctor's body was found.

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In A First For Kerala, Wife Succeeds IAS Husband As Chief Secretary

A wife is succeeding her IAS officer husband as the Chief Secretary of Kerala, a first in the state's history.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pointed to this rare occurrence on Friday during the farewell ceremony organised for outgoing Chief Secretary V Venu, who will retire from government service on August 31.

Venu will be succeeded as Chief Secretary by his wife Sarada Muraleedharan, who currently holds the post of Additional Chief Secretary.

Mr Vijayan recalled many instances in the state where couples, both of whom were in the civil service, have transferred the duties of Collector from one to the other.

He said that there have also been instances where both husband and wife have headed departments and become chief secretaries at different times.

"However, this is the first time in the history of Kerala that the post of Chief Secretary has been handed over by the husband to his wife," he said.

On this rare transition in the state's bureaucratic history, Muraleedharan said it was an odd moment for her as she bids adieu to her husband who will retire on August 31.

She said that both of them worked together as civil servants for 34 years, but she never gave much thought to the fact that they will not leave the service together.

"Now I am a bit anxious as I have to continue in service for another eight months after his retirement," she said.

The Additional Chief Secretary, in her welcome address, also said that her husband recently in an interview remarked that the Chief Minister was one of the most professional leaders in power that Kerala has seen.

The Chief Minister, in his speech bidding farewell to Venu, praised him for the work he did in various departments in the state government over the years.

"A medical doctor, dramatist, bureaucrat and a prominent personality in many capacities. This is a speciality that is not common to ordinary civil servants. He was able to advance both artistic and administrative work," Mr Vijayan said.

Venu, in his farewell speech, said that while he was gradually feeling a sense of relief as he set aside the burden he was carrying, he too was anxious when he thought of leaving a long familiar world of government service to that of a private citizen.

He said that when working as a government official, "We often forget that there will be a life after this".

"Usually, government officials get some time a couple of months before their retirement to meet friends, put things in order... But, tomorrow I have to tomorrow go to the office, my last day in service, hold my last review meeting and hand over various responsibilities to others before I retire," he said.

The outgoing Chief Secretary also said that as he looks back at his years of service, he was fortunate to have been able to work with and learn from the shining stars in the socio-political sphere of the state.

He also recounted his experiences working with various political leaders, including former Kerala Chief Minister E K Nayanar, over the years.

Venu also said that he got to learn a lot from Chief Minsiter Vijayan, whom he called a 'guru', as he was a pillar of support and a source of guidance while dealing with the fallout of the recent devastating landslides in Wayanad district of the state.

"I have learned a lot from him," he added. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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AG Noorani, Noted Constitutional Expert, Lawyer, Author And More

Abdul Ghafoor Noorani, eminent constitutional expert, lawyer and author, died today at the age of 93. A noted scholar on Jammu and Kashmir, his absence is being felt in the Union Territory, where many are mourning him.

An alumnus of Mumbai's Government Law College, his unwavering commitment to justice and legal acumen brought him accolades and helped him blaze a trail from the Bombay High Court to the topmost court of the land.

In the courts, Noorani played a critical role at a difficult time, defending some of the leading lights of the day -- including Sheikh Abdullah during his detention and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

In recent days, he emerged as a sharp and incisive commentator on legal issues, including key judgements of the Supreme Court. With an overview of British India -- he was born in 1930 -- and the post-Independence ideologies, he was a stern critic of what, in his opinion, was a gradual degeneration of the legal system.  

These opinions were expressed in an array of eminent publications including The Statesman, Frontline, Economic & Political Weekly, The Hindustan Times and The Hindu. His views were cited by academics and judges and even in Supreme Court judgments. But along with many admirers, they also earned him some critics, who felt his views were out of sync with ground realities.

As an author, he penned books on constitutional law, politics, and history. Some of his notable works include The Kashmir Question (1964), Ministers' Misconduct (1973), Constitutional Questions and Citizens' Rights (2006), and The RSS: A Menace to India (2019). He also authored the biographies of Badruddin Tyabji and Dr Zakir Hussain.

"Sorry to hear about the demise of A G Noorani Sb earlier today. Noorani Sb was a man of letters, an accomplished lawyer, a scholar & a political commentator. He wrote extensively on matters of law and on subjects like Kashmir, RSS and the constitution. May Allah grant him highest place in Jannat," posted former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in his condolence message on X, formerly Twitter.

"AG Noorani, a giant among scholars has passed away. I learnt a great deal from him, from the constitution, to Kashmir, to China & even the art of appreciating good food. May Allah grant him maghfirah," posted AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi.

"A man erudite, gruff n scholarly! Be it the #BabriMasjid #Kashmir #RSS #Hyderabad history & rigorous legal documentation was is his forte! Salaam forever #Nooranisaheb or #Ghafoor as his close friends knew him! AG Noorani passes away at 93!" posted activist Teesta Setalvad.

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Shocking Dashcam Video From Bengaluru Shows Woman Faking Car Accident

In a bizarre incident, a woman was caught on the dashcam of a car faking an accident by falling in front of the moving car on one of the city roads of Bengaluru. The video shows how, after spotting her, the driver slowed down, but she fell onto the car and thereafter tried to attack him. She behaved erratically before leaving the scene.

The video footage was shared by Shonee Kapoor on X on August 29, urging social media users to install dashcams. He warned users who drive, "Put a dashcam. You never know when this happens to you. Especially when it is a lady. If something happens, people will take her side instantly."

Put a dashcam
You never know when this happens to you.

Especially, when it is a lady. If something happens, people will take her side instantly. pic.twitter.com/H5b2nhUjuF

— ShoneeKapoor (@ShoneeKapoor) August 28, 2024

The video shows the man driving through Bengaluru when the woman, who was standing in the middle of the road, began to hit the vehicles as they passed by. Despite the driver's attempts to avoid her, she threw herself onto his car. The video has invited speculation on social media that the woman may either be mentally ill, "possessed," or simply trying a trick in order to beg money from drivers.

It notably caught on the dashcam that the woman was standing in the road and deliberately hit the bonnet of the car, faking she was struck. It also revealed from footage that the driver safely drove the vehicle when such unusual behaviour was deliberately carried out by the woman. Further, the video went viral with questions regarding such dangerous acts on busy roads.

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29 Dead, More Rain In Store For Gujarat Over Next Two Days: 10 Points

1. The India Meteorological Department has forecast of extremely heavy rains in isolated parts of districts in Saurashtra on Thursday.
2. With the latest spell, Gujarat has so far received 105 per cent of its average annual rainfall, the State Emergency Operations Centre has said.
3. Twenty-nine people have died in rain-related incidents since the deluge started on Sunday. Around 18,000 people have been evacuated to safety.
4. Water from the Ajwa and Pratappura Reservoirs was released into Vishwamitri River, causing floods downstream. Parts of Vadodara and other cities and villages along the river have been under 10 to 12 feet of water.
5. Vadodara grappled with floods as the Vishwamitri river, flowing through the city, breached its banks and entered residential localities, inundating buildings, roads and vehicles.
6. An official release said 140 reservoirs and dams, and 24 rivers in the state were flowing above the danger mark.
7. Besides the National and State Disaster relief forces, the Army, the Air Force and the Coast Guard have been called in for rescue and relief work.
8. Many people are yet to be evacuated from flooded areas. Hungry and wet, they are struggling to stay safe, moving to rooftops under temporary sheds.
9. This morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and assured all possible support and assistance.
10. State health minister Rushikesh Patel said the government is considering diverting the flood water into the Narmada canal instead of releasing it in Vishwamitri river

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Watch: Baker Makes Bread Dough On Plane, Apologises After Backlash

Our social media feeds often feature bizarre cooking experiments. From trying viral food hacks to making treats at unusual locations, these posts stand out for a range of reasons. You may have come across videos of people cooking complicated dishes in their cars. Recently, a vlogger took this idea to the next level, by making bread dough on a plane. In a reel shared on Instagram, she documented the process from scratch and also explained how she spent part of her time while flying.

Also Read: Viral Video: Woman Cooks Seafood Meal Inside Her Car, Internet Reacts

The now-viral video begins with the text, "Making sourdough bread on my flight to Spain." This is followed by the baker stating, "I want to surprise my sister with a fresh loaf of bread." To this end, she starts by adding water, starter, flour and salt to a large bowl/ vessel. She mixes the ingredients to make a dough, kneads it and applies pressure as required. She covers the bowl and allows it to rest for some time. Later, she showcases the dough to the camera. She stretches and folds it carefully from different angles. The text on the video stated that she slept during the bulk fermentation stage of her creation.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maria Baradell (@leafandloafco)

Also Read: Viral Video: This 'Chalte Firte Ghar Ka Kitchen' In Car Has Left The Internet Divided

The reel has clocked 1 million views so far. In the comments, many users criticised her for undertaking such an experiment on a plane. She responded to several comments, even apologising for not realising the consequences. Check out some of the reactions below:

"This is inconsiderate for all the people on the plane allergic to wheat and/or gluten. If I sat next to you, I would ask for a new seat immediately and a full refund because it would make me sick for several weeks to just inhale the flour. Please be more considerate next time."

"Looks really cute but please don't do it in planes, it's a really closed place and a celiac could suffer an intoxication, the flour can easily "fly" and spread. I know there is HEPA in the plane but is not instantaneous, so please avoid doing it in closed public places if you do not want to ruin some days of someone's holidays."

"I'd be too worried about airplane airborne germs on my dough."

"Plane is one of the dirtiest places even if you say you didn't touch anything but you did! Not a place to cook for your own health."

"Nope! It's so easy to just dehydrate your starter and take it anywhere and rehydrate and it goes back to normal in a day. A plane is no place to be doing this."

The vlogger responded to one of the initial comments, saying, "Lesson learned. Thanks for letting me know. I'm sorry." In a separate reel posted later (meant to be "Part 2"), she wrote, "#milehighsourdoughclub won't be a thing. I was trying to be creative after I saw another creator making pasta in-flight, but thanks to your comments I learned this was not a great idea. I am very thankful for the people who shared their feedback in a kind way, but it's ok if you want to hate on it, I had good intentions. We had this bread for dinner the following day and it was great! I am loving exploring Barcelona and visiting a few of the best bakeries here."

Also Read: Watch: Man Cooks Chicken Curry Inside Truck On Highway, Internet Impressed

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Thousands From India Take Part In Holy Arbaeen Pilgrimage In Iraq's Karbala

Over 21 million Shia Muslims took part in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq this year, marking the 40th day of mourning for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed and a founding figure in Shia Islam. The event culminated on Sunday, with attendees expressing their solidarity with Gaza.

Indians were among those who travelled to Karbala to pay homage to Imam Hussain. The Arbaeen Yatra saw millions walking from Najaf to Karbala, a distance of 80 km, to visit the shrine of Imam Hussain.

Imam Hussain, revered by millions, was martyred on the land of Karbala nearly 1,400 years ago after enduring three days of hunger and thirst under the rule of Yazid I, the second caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate. His martyrdom, along with that of 72 of his companions-including his six-month-old son, Ali Asghar-remains a pivotal event in Islamic history.

A significant number of Indians participated in the Arbaeen Walk, with thousands reaching Karbala. Along the 80 km route, food, drinks, medical services, and accommodation were provided by Iraqi locals, who opened their homes to the pilgrims. 

Approximately 1,455 stalls were set up from Najaf to Karbala, where people from around the world offered food and drinks representative of their cultures. Indian pilgrims also set up several stalls, including Caravan-e-Hind, providing accommodation, food, and medical services. Over 50 Indian doctors were present, offering medical care throughout the journey.

Upon reaching Karbala, many Indian devotees visited Imam Hussain's Shrine to offer their respects. In a symbolic gesture, they hoisted the Indian flag, which was warmly received by the local Iraqis. 

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Syed Afzal, General Secretary of the Hazrat Abbas Holy Shrine, stated that over 21,000 volunteers were mobilised to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. "Our aim is to make sure that no devotee faces any difficulty during the Arbaeen pilgrimage," he said.

Several notable Indian personalities, including actor Javed Jaffrey and Ladakh MP Mohammad Hanifa, participated in this year's Arbaeen pilgrimage. Agha Sultan, the coordinator for the Iraqi government and the Indian contingent, said that the delegation, led by Mohammad Hanifa, met with Sheikh Mehdi Karbalai, the chief of Imam Hussain Shrine, who expressed his admiration for the Indian people and his experiences during his visit to India for medical treatment.

Volunteers provided water, juice, and other refreshments at regular intervals along the 80 km route. To combat the heat, water was sprinkled along the way, and air conditioning was installed at all martyr's shrines in Karbala. Ambulances and doctors were also on standby to provide medical assistance as needed.

For those unable to travel to Iraq, Arbaeen Walks were organised in various parts of India. In Delhi, pilgrims walked from Jama Masjid to Jor Bagh Karbala, with the march serving as a protest against oppression, drawing inspiration from Imam Hussain's refusal to bow to tyranny.
 

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"Send Me Rs 500 For Cab": Scammer Poses As Chief Justice, Case Filed

From fake digital arrests to courier fraud, cybercriminals have become crafty. After several instances of fraudsters impersonating policemen, messaging and calling people to dupe them of their hard-earned money, a fake message from the 'CJI', seeking money to book a cab, is now going viral.

According to a screenshot of the post on the microblogging platform X, the impersonator, who claimed to be Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, was stranded at Connaught Place (CP).

"Hello, I am CJI and we have urgent meeting of the collegium and I am stuck at Cannaught Place can you send 5000rs for cab," read the screenshot of the post riddled with spelling and grammatical errors.

"I will return the money once I reach the court," assured the fraudulent message.

The Supreme Court has now taken note of the viral post and filed a complaint of cyber fraud on the instructions of the Chief Justice.

Several cases of cyber fraud have emerged in the recent past where people have lost lakhs of rupees after falling prey to the ingenious digital methods used by criminals.

Recently, the Reserve Bank of India proposed to set up a 'Digital Payments Intelligence Platform', which will have advanced technologies to mitigate payment fraud risks.

According to the annual report released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on May 30, there was a significant surge in the number of financial frauds reported by banks, increasing by 166 per cent year-on-year in the financial year 2023-24 to reach 36,075 cases.

This figure starkly contrasts with the 13,564 cases reported in the previous fiscal year, FY23.

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Prince Harry Has Found A New "Father Figure" In US. He Is A Music Mogul

Prince Harry has found a new mentor and "father figure" in Canadian music icon David Foster, according to sources close to the pair, The Times reported. The 74-year-old music producer has become a close friend and confidant to the Duke of Sussex during his time in the US, as per the report.

Foster, who lives near Harry and Meghan Markle in Montecito, California, has apparently filled a void left by Prince Harry's strained relationships with his own family, particularly King Charles. Katharine McPhee, Foster's wife, described the bond between Harry and her husband as "like father and son". 

How they became friends

Meghan Markle attended the same Catholic middle school in Los Angeles as Foster's wife, Katharine McPhee. Although they weren't close friends at school, they reconnected in London when McPhee was starring in the musical Waitress on the West End. It was then that David Foster and Prince Harry hit it off.

Foster and McPhee helped the Sussexes find a place to stay in Canada after they left the UK in 2020. The 16-time Grammy winner helped the couple find a $14.1 million rental home in Victoria, British Columbia, while they looked for a permanent residence in California.

Foster told the Daily Mail back in 2020 that he was honoured to help the ex-royal couple, citing his Canadian roots and the commonwealth connection. "I was just happy through my friend to facilitate what I could for them, and it looked like they had a great rest," he said. "They are a young modern family. I'm sure they want to balance their commitment to the crown and be a 2020 family." 

Since then, Harry and Foster have been close friends. McPhee said, "My husband has a really, really beautiful relationship with Harry. They're so cute."

In October 2020, the Sussexes moved to Santa Barbara, and the two couples have been inseparable ever since. They were spotted enjoying a double date at Lucky's Steakhouse in Montecito, where Katharine McPhee, then pregnant with her son Rennie, chatted with Meghan Markle about purchasing a home in the area.

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"Embarrassment": Omar Abdullah's Jibe At BJP Over Seat-Sharing Fumble

National Conference chief Omar Abdullah, shortly after thrashing out what he called a "tough" seat-sharing deal with ally Congress, said he was surprised that the BJP, which prides itself on its discipline, failed to announce its candidates without a hitch. 

"For them to have furniture broken in their office and almost a riot like situation was extremely unusual. But then, I'm not surprised. When you suddenly change all your senior leaders, you are going to have a problem," Mr Abdullah said.

The BJP had released a list of 44 candidates for the three-phase election to 90 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, but deleted it and released a list with 15 names -- the candidates for the first phase. 

The change followed a massive display of resentment from the local leaders. The list which was deleted, contained names of leaders who had switched over from the Congress, National Conference, PDP and Panthers Party. 

"When you reward turncoats, you reward those who have left other parties and come and join you... Look at the embarrassment. I have never seen a situation where the party has had to withdraw its list within 10 minutes and then put out a truncated list," Mr Abdullah said. 

About the challenges faced by the INDIA alliance - Congress had to fly in two central leaders, KC Venugopal and Salman Khurshid, at the eleventh hour - Mr Abdullah said both parties were new to it. 

Seat sharing, for any party, is not easy, Mr Abdullah said. But for the current National Conference leaders, including himself, a pre-poll seat sharing was a first, he said, pointing out that the last time it happened was in the 1980s.

"This is the first time I have had any negotiations for a seat sharing arrangement, coupled with the fact that we haven't had assembly elections in J&K for 10 years," Mr Abdullah said. "This was never going to be easy, but all credit to the negotiators of the Congress and the National Conference, we reached where we are,' he added. 

The two parties cracked the deal late in the evening - hours before the deadline for nominations of the first phase. 

The National Conference will contest 51 of the 90 assembly seats, the Congress will contest 32. The parties will have a friendly contest on the five seats they disagreed on, and two seats will be left for the CPM and the Panthers Party.

Jammu and Kashmir, where elections are being held after a decade, is headed for a triangular contest between the BJP, Mehbooba Mufti's People's Democratic Party and the National Conference-Congress alliance. 

In 2014, the BJP formed a ruling alliance with the PDP after the election results presented a hung house. But the alliance of the two ideologically mismatched parties was short-lived and Jammu and Kashmir came under President's Rule in 2018. 

The big surprise of this election is the participation of the candidates of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami, who are contesting as Independents. 

"I think it's an important development," Mr Abdullah said. "An organisation that spent the last 30-plus years telling the people of Kashmir that elections are 'haram', that they should not participate in elections, was talking about Jammu and Kashmir not being a part of India, today is willing to take the same oath on the Constitution of India that mainstream political parties have taken. This is a huge development," he said. 

About his own decision to contest the assembly elections, the former Chief Minister said, "I am not getting into the powers of the chief minister and all that... Ultimately, if I believe I am a leader of the National Conference, then I must lead". 

From the point of view of the assembly, he said it would be "hypocritical" or "seen as hypocritical" if he were to tell people that "I don't believe in this assembly, but you must vote".

"Whatever the flaws of this assembly, it is still better than what we have now. This assembly may not be the assembly that it was in 2018, but it is still an assembly that will speak for them that will fight for their rights. And also this is an assembly that will bring back the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. We'll make a start from there," he added. 

The 54-year-old will contest from Ganderbal.
 

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As Starliner Returns Without Sunita Williams, Boeing Faces $1 Billion Loss

NASA, on Saturday, announced that Boeing's Starliner capsule will return empty from the International Space Station (ISS), citing ongoing propulsion system problems. This latest development adds to Boeing's woes, with estimated losses in the Starliner program exceeding $1 billion, reported CNBC.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will now return on Elon Musk's SpaceX's Crew-9 vehicle in February 2025, after a six-month extended stay on the ISS. The original nine-day test flight was delayed due to issues with Starliner's thrusters.

A "technical disagreement" between NASA and Boeing led to the decision, with NASA prioritising safety and choosing SpaceX for the return mission.

"Boeing has worked very hard with NASA to get the necessary data to make this decision," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said on Saturday. "We want to further understand the root causes and understand the design improvements so that the Boeing Starliner will serve as an important part of our assured crew access to the ISS." Mr Nelson stressed that test flights like the Starliner mission are "neither safe, nor routine."

Following the decision, NASA will conduct an additional phase of its Flight Readiness Review to determine the optimal time to bring the empty Starliner capsule back to Earth. 

Despite Boeing's assurances that Starliner was safe for emergency crew return, NASA disagreed. Mr Nelson expressed support for Boeing, stating he was "100% certain" that Starliner would launch with a crew again in the future. Boeing also reaffirmed its commitment to safety, saying it would execute the mission as determined by NASA and prepare for a safe uncrewed return. 

In a statement on X, Boeing said, "We continue to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft. We are executing the mission as determined by NASA, and we are preparing the spacecraft for a safe and successful uncrewed return."

Ken Bowersox, NASA associate administrator, said NASA officials were unanimous in their decision to choose SpaceX to bring the crew home. Meanwhile, SpaceX will bring two astronauts along on its Crew-9 vehicle - instead of the four who were originally planned to go - to make room for Wilmore and Williams.

Boeing's Starliner capsule, 'Calypso', has been docked at the International Space Station since June, with its mission extended indefinitely due to ongoing thruster failures. The Starliner crew flight test, intended to be a final milestone for Boeing, has instead become a major setback. 

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Video Shows Pod Of Whales Surrounding Solo Paddler Across Atlantic Ocean

An adventurer paddling solo across the Atlantic Ocean had an unexpected encounter with a massive pod of pilot whales, an experience that left him both exhilarated and alarmed.

Tom Waddington, on his journey from Newfoundland to England, found himself surrounded by long-finned pilot whales after a morning drizzle on July 7, as he shared on Instagram.

In a video, Waddington expressed his amazement: "This is so cool. A pod of whales is circling the boat and playing around it. I love it, but I'm worried they might hit my rudder. They're so close, see?"

He continued, "I can hear them blowing bubbles. Wow, that is so cool. What a special treat. I've seen many whales before, but they're just here to say hello."

The situation took a frightening turn when one of the whales bumped into his boat, causing him to drop the camera and pause filming briefly.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tom Waddington (@tomwaddington_skier)

When he resumed, his voice carried a note of concern. "I'm two hours in now with these thousands of whales," he said on camera. "One bumped the boat earlier, and I'm really scared they might hit it again. It's an incredible sight, but also very frightening."

According to the crew monitoring Waddington's journey from shore, the whales eventually swam away, allowing him to continue his paddle towards land, the New York Post reported. 

Though Waddington emerged unscathed, the reality of sharing the ocean with such large creatures became starkly clear when one whale collided with his small boat. He later recounted the experience on social media, highlighting the shift from a serene wildlife encounter to a more daunting reality.

Experts suggest that the whales Waddington encountered were likely long-finned pilot whales, known for their social nature and tendency to travel in large groups. According to NPR, these whales often form tight-knit pods and are commonly found in the North Atlantic, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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UP Man Fined For Driving Car Without Helmet By Noida Police

A man who claims that he has never been to Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar district in his car, has been slapped with a fine of Rs 1,000 by Noida police for driving the vehicle without a helmet. 

Tushar Saxena initially received a text message informing him about the fine but he ignored it, thinking it to be a mistake. However, things became serious when this was followed by an email and another message. The car owner - who lives in Rampur district, some 200 km from Noida - contacted the traffic police and was told that he was fined for driving his four-wheeler vehicle without a helmet. 

Police told him that if he fails to pay the amount then he will have to appear in court.

"The challan was issued on November 9, 2023. If you are violating traffic rules, then it is common to receive a fine but that is not my case. I have never driven my car to the NCR area. And if there's any rule that says we have to wear a helmet inside a car, then the authorities must give this to me in writing," Mr Saxena said.

Mr Saxena said he bought his car in March last year and got the vehicle's registration transferred from Ghaziabad to Rampur. 

He has appealed to Noida traffic police to investigate this matter and revoke his fine.

A similar case happened in Jhansi when the city's traffic police fined a man Rs 1,000 for not wearing a helmet while driving his Audi car. Bahadur Singh Parihar, a resident of Jhansi's Nandu colony, approached traffic police officials, but was told they would look into the matter after the ongoing Lok Sabha election is over.

Until then, Mr Parihar wore a bike helmet while driving to avoid more fines.

(With inputs from Tamkin Faiyaz)
 

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Congress Targets BJP After Its Request To Postpone Haryana Poll Day

The Haryana unit of the ruling BJP has written to the Election Commission requesting a brief postponement of the assembly poll slated for October 1, citing holidays before and after the election date that could lead to a lower voter turnout.

While the opposition Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) slammed the BJP, claiming that the ruling party was panicking as it could sense defeat, Abhay Chautala's INLD too sought the deferment of polls.

A Haryana BJP leader on Saturday said the letter was sent by the party's state unit chief Mohan Lal Badoli to the poll panel.

Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal confirmed that the commission received a copy of the communication on Friday over email.

"We have received the communication from state BJP and forwarded it to the Election Commission," Agarwal told PTI.

Varinder Garg, a member of the BJP's state election management committee, said, "We have reasoned that the Assembly election date of October 1 (Tuesday) is preceded by a weekend and followed by more holidays which might hit the voting percentage as people tend to go on vacation on long weekends." Varinder Garg said September 28-29 are Saturday and Sunday while October 1 is a poll holiday. It is followed by more holidays as Gandhi Jayanti falls on October 2 and Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti on October 3, he said.

"We have written to the Election Commission in this regard. For a better turnout, any new date once the string of holidays is over should be fine," Varinder Garg told PTI over the phone.

By taking a day's leave on September 30, people will have six holidays. Due to this long weekend, there is a strong possibility that several families might go on a vacation and give voting a miss, Mohan Lal Badoli said in his letter to the EC.

If it happens, the voting percentage would reduce drastically, he added.

Mohan Lal Badoli also said that on 'Asoj Amavasya' on October 2, several members of the Bishnoi community of Haryana will leave for Nokha tehsil of Bikaner in Rajasthan to participate in an annual fair held on the occasion.

This too can affect the voting percentage, he further said.

Mohan Lal Badoli wrote that it has been the continuous effort of the EC to ensure that the maximum number of people exercise their franchise to strengthen democracy.

Therefore, it would be appropriate that the date fixed for voting for the Haryana Assembly election be changed. While determining a fresh date for the election, it should be made certain that there is no holiday the previous or the following day, he wrote.

We believe that if the EC does this, more and more voters will be able to participate in the election, he wrote.

Mohan Lal Badoli, in his letter, also mentioned that in the past the date of polling has been changed by the EC. For example, the date declared for voting in Punjab Assembly elections -- February 14, 2022 -- was changed to February 20, 2022, due to Sant Ravidas Jayanti on February 16.

In 2022, the then Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the BJP and its allies, and the BSP had urged the poll panel to postpone the date of voting as lakhs of followers of Guru Ravidas travel to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to celebrate the day.

However, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the BJP's stand shows that it has already accepted defeat.

It has been more than a week since the Election Commission announced the poll date. The BJP wants the polls to be deferred as it has accepted defeat, Bhupinder Hooda, who is Leader of the Opposition and former chief minister of Haryana, said.

Polls should be held according to the date fixed by the EC... People of Haryana don't want to see the BJP government in power even for a day, he said.

Bhupinder Hooda's son and Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda while referring to Mohan Lal Badoli's letter, said, "It shows how scared the BJP is of the elections".

The BJP is staring at defeat and is therefore coming up with such childish arguments. It has no issues, work or achievements to show to the people and no candidates to distribute the tickets. This is why the BJP is conspiring to postpone the elections by giving an excuse for holidays, Deepender Hooda said in Hindi on X.

The voters of Haryana are aware. They will not go anywhere for a holiday, but will come to the polling booth in large numbers to vote out the BJP government, he added.

The AAP's Haryana unit said even before the elections took place, the ruling BJP had started looking for excuses as it could sense its impending defeat in the election.

In a post on X, the AAP said if the BJP had done work in the state, it would not have been seeking postponement of polls. This time the BJP's defeat is certain, it said.

Meanwhile, Indian National Lok Dal's (INLD) Chautala said the polling date should be postponed by one or two weeks.

Since people usually go on holidays on long weekends, it will adversely affect the voting percentage which is likely to decrease by 15 to 20 per cent, Chautala said.

The EC on August 16 announced that assembly polls in Haryana would be held in a single phase on October 1 and the results would be declared on October 4.

The BJP is eyeing a third consecutive term while the Congress is looking to wrest power from the ruling outfit.

The tenure of the current Haryana Vidhan Sabha ends on November 3.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Why NASA Picked Elon Musk's SpaceX To Bring Back Astronauts From Space

NASA today picked Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring back Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore from space next year. Eighty days ago, the two astronauts arrived at the International Space Station aboard Boeing's Starliner for an 8-day mission. They were forced to extend their stay because of major technical issues with the Boeing capsule.

The astronauts are expected to return in February next year, after spending a total of eight months in orbit, on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft due to launch next month as part of a routine astronaut rotation mission.

NASA chief Bill Nelson said Starliner's propulsion system is too risky to carry its first crew home. Starliner will undock from the ISS without a crew and attempt to return to Earth as it would have with astronauts aboard.

The space agency's decision to pick Boeing's top space rival marked a fresh setback to the Starliner test mission. Boeing had hoped the mission would redeem the troubled program after years of development problems and over $1.6 billion in budget overruns since 2016.

Nelson said he discussed the agency's decision with Boeing's new CEO Kelly Ortberg.

The SpaceX Crew-9 mission will take off in late September, but carrying only two passengers instead of the originally planned four.

It will remain moored to the ISS until its scheduled return in February, bringing back its own crew members plus their two stranded colleagues.

The veteran NASA astronauts, both former military test pilots, became the first crew to ride Starliner on June 5 when they were launched to the ISS.

Starliner's propulsion system suffered multiple glitches beginning in the first 24 hours of its flight to the ISS, triggering months of cascading delays. Five of its 28 thrusters failed and it sprang several leaks of helium, which is used to pressurise the thrusters.

Since Starliner docked to the ISS in June, Boeing has scrambled to investigate what caused its thruster mishaps and helium leaks. The company arranged tests and simulations on Earth to gather data that it has used to try and convince NASA officials that Starliner is safe to fly the crew back home.

But results from that testing raised more difficult engineering questions and ultimately failed to quell NASA officials' concerns about Starliner's ability to make its crewed return trip - the most daunting and complex part of the test mission.

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China's Export Strategy Causes Global Market Havoc: Report

China's 'Made in China' products have already established a firm foothold in the international market, surpassing the expansion of any other nation in history. Manufacturers all over the world are under tremendous pressure due to the flood of cheaper Chinese goods. China is now focussing more on exporting in an effort to take the lead in the world's manufacturing sector.

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, Chinese President Xi Jinping has increased his focus on the manufacturing sector, with a high percentage of production going to export, in response to the slow economic development that his government is facing in recent past. China is once again ramping up its massive export machinery, giving rivals little opportunity to survive in the market.

The impact of China's manufacturing dominance is evident in various sectors. For instance, a Massachusetts startup called CubicPV betting on silicon wafers, a high-tech component in solar panels. Buoyed by President Biden's climate legislation enacted two years ago, with billions of dollars in tax credits and government loans, CubicPV announced plans in late 2022 for a $1.4 billion wafer plant in Texas.

Since then, China has nearly doubled its output of silicon wafers-way more than it needs. The extra wafers had to go somewhere, and they went overseas, pushing prices down by 70%. CubicPV had to halt its production plan early this year, putting engineers and other employees out of work, citing "a distorted market as a result of China's overcapacity."

In another case, thousands of miles away, in Chile, iron ore miner and steelmaker CAP is struggling with China's continued commitment to low-end commodity manufacturing as an onslaught of cheap Chinese metal hits its shores. The firm said this month that it would shutter its giant Huachipato steel mill in central Chile indefinitely, with the loss of some 2,200 jobs. The company said it can't compete with low-priced Chinese metal even after the government raised tariffs on steel bars and other imported products.

Beijing's strategy of bolstering its manufacturing sector through aggressive exports is creating significant challenges for businesses around the world. This escalating trade tension raises concerns about the potential for a new global trade war.

The WSJ report further mentioned that other countries have opened antidumping investigations to see whether Chinese goods are being sold below fair value. India is examining Chinese pigments and chemicals. Japan is looking at electrodes. The UK is investigating imports of excavators and biodiesel, while Argentina and Vietnam are probing Chinese microwave ovens and wind towers.

Xi Jinping's "establish the new before breaking the old" strategy prioritizes building new industries like EVs and semiconductors while maintaining traditional ones like steel. Despite acknowledging overcapacity, China continues to invest heavily in manufacturing, driven by concerns about industrial security and economic stability. This approach is straining global trade relations and causing economic hardship in other countries.

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"History Made Today," Says Zelensky After Meeting PM Modi: 10 Points

1. "Following the visit, we also agreed on a joint statement focusing on the development of a strategic partnership, bilateral trade, and continued military-technical cooperation," said the Ukrainian President, whose country is at war with Russia.
2. PM Modi's office in the joint India-Ukraine statement said both leaders reiterated their readiness for further cooperation in upholding principles of international law, including the UN Charter, such as respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states. "They agreed on the desirability of closer bilateral dialogue in this regard," the joint statement said.
3. PM Modi arrived in Kyiv this morning on a special train on the first-ever visit to Ukraine by an Indian Prime Minister after the former Russian state became independent in 1991.
4. In his talks with Mr Zelenskyy that took place under the shadow of the conflict, PM Modi said India is ever ready to play an "active role" in every effort to restore peace in Ukraine and he would even like to contribute personally in ending the conflict.
5. "We (India) are not neutral. From the very beginning, we have taken sides. And we have chosen the side of peace. We have come from the land of Buddha where there is no place for war," PM Modi said in his opening remarks during the talks. "We have come from the land of Mahatma Gandhi who had given a message of peace to the entire world," he said.
6. Both sides agreed to ask the Indian-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) to explore all possible ways to not only restore bilateral trade and economic relations to pre-conflict levels, but expand and deepen them further.
7. There has been a significant reduction in the annual bilateral trade in goods since 2022 due to the challenges related to the ongoing conflict.
8. PM Modi also apprised Mr Zelensky of his conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Samarkand in September 2022 and Moscow last month. "Some time back, when I met President Putin in Samarkand, I had told him that this was not the era of war. Last month when I went to Russia, I said in clear words that a solution to any problem is never found on the battlefield," PM Modi said.
9. PM Modi's visit to Kyiv is seen in many quarters as a diplomatic balancing act as his trip to Russia triggered anguish among some Western countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said PM Modi reiterated the need for "practical engagement" between all stakeholders to develop an innovative solution that will help build broad acceptability and contribute towards peace and stability.
10. Both sides called for a comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities and to make it more representative, effective and efficient in dealing with issues of international peace and security. Ukraine reiterated its support for India's permanent membership of a reformed and expanded UN Security Council.

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Neeraj LIVE Streaming, Men's Javelin Throw At Lausanne Diamond League

India's double Olympic medallist javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is set to compete at the Diamond League meet in Lausanne. Battling from a groin injury, Neeraj claimed a silver at the recently-concluded Paris Olympics 2024. He had won a historic gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2021. In just two weeks after his glory at the Paris Games, Neeraj will be seen in action again. He will be competing at the big meet in Lausanne that will have the likes of Anderson Peters and Jakub Vadlejch. Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem, who bagged a gold medal in Paris Olympics, would not be a part of this meet.

Neeraj needs to finish in the top-six of the Diamond League Meetings series to qualify for the season finale that is set to take place in Brussels.

When will Neeraj Chopra's Men's Javelin Throw Event at Lausanne Diamond League take place?

Neeraj Chopra's Men's Javelin Throw Event at Lausanne Diamond League will take place on Friday, August 23 (IST).

Where will Neeraj Chopra's Men's Javelin Throw Event at Lausanne Diamond League be held?

Neeraj Chopra's Men's Javelin Throw Event at Lausanne Diamond League will be held at at the Pontaise Olympic Stadium, Lausanne, Switzerland.

What time will the Neeraj Chopra's Men's Javelin Throw Event at Lausanne Diamond League start?

Neeraj Chopra's Men's Javelin Throw Event at Lausanne Diamond League will start at 12:22 AM IST.

Which TV channels will live telecast the Neeraj Chopra's Men's Javelin Throw Event at Lausanne Diamond League?

Neeraj Chopra's Men's Javelin Throw Event at Lausanne Diamond League will be telecast live on the Sports18 network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Neeraj Chopra's Men's Javelin Throw Event at Lausanne Diamond League?

Neeraj Chopra's Men's Javelin Throw Event at Lausanne Diamond League will be live streamed on the JioCinema app and website.

(All details are as per information provided by the broadcaster)

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"We Beat Head's Bat 15 Times...": Dravid On 'Luck' Factor In WC Final Loss

Former Indian head coach and skipper Rahul Dravid opened up on Australian batter Travis Head's counter-attacking knock against Men in Blue in the ICC Cricket World Cup final last year, which shattered the country's dreams of lifting the trophy at home. Speaking at the CEAT Cricket Awards on Wednesday, Dravid said that the Indian bowlers managed to beat Travis's bat around 15 times, but he did not touch a single ball, highlighting that sometimes, one just needs a bit of luck even though cricket is largely a skill-based game.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Dravid said, "I remember whatever it was, we beat Travis Head's bat 15 times -- he did not touch a single ball. You know, things can go your way sometimes, but you have to stick to the process. I have had time to reflect on it. I have had time to reflect on a lot of things we have done. You do realise, sometimes, you have to do a lot of these things, you have to do the process, you have to do everything right," said Dravid.

"Sometimes at the end of the day, you need a little bit of luck. Sometimes (it is) the skill, but we needed a guy who could keep his foot within one inch of a line," he added.

Dravid also lauded the current generation of Indian players for being able to carry forward the legacy of the older stars from the 2000s, by staying dominant across all formats, winning the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, ICC Champions Trophy 2013, ICC T20 World Cup 2024 among many other accomplishments.

"I left in 2011-2012. These players have been able to carry the legacy forward. If you just look at the success that we have had over the last 12 years in all the three formats of the game, the time that after we left, it has been absolutely phenomenal," said Dravid.

"Very easily, clearly in a lot of the rankings, we are always (No.) 1 or 2... we are always up there with anyone. To be able to go out and win that, just the kind of cricket that we play, the level of skill of some of our players, the way that they approach the game, is great," concluded Dravid.

The 26th edition of the awards honoured a distinguished group of cricketers and sports leaders who showcased exceptional talent and leadership throughout the year.

Phil Salt was celebrated as the Men's T20I Batter of the Year, while Tim Southee earned the title of Men's T20I Bowler of the Year. In recognition of his tactical brilliance, Shreyas Iyer received the Award for Outstanding Leadership for winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Sai Kishore was recognized as the Domestic Cricketer of the Year for his consistent performances on the domestic circuit.

Virat Kohli took home the Men's ODI Batter of the Year award, and Mohammad Shami was named the Men's ODI Bowler of the Year.

The Award for Most Matches as a Captain in Women's T20I History was awarded to Harmanpreet Kaur, while Yashashvi Jaiswal and Ravichandran Ashwin were honoured as the Men's Test Batter of the Year and Men's Test Bowler of the Year, respectively. On the women's side, Deepti Sharma was named the Women's Indian Bowler of the Year, and Smriti Mandhana earned the title of Women's Indian Batter of the Year.

The Award for the Fastest Double Century in Women's Test went to Shafali Verma, while Jay Shah was recognized with the Award for Excellence in Sports Administration for their significant contributions to the sport. For his glorious contribution to the world of cricket, Rahul Dravid was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

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Ahead Of Ukraine Visit, PM Modi's Message On War And Peace In Poland Speech

This is not an era of war, reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the Indian community in Poland, two days before his much-anticipated visit to Ukraine where he has pledged to campaign for a peaceful resolution of Russia's invasion.

"India is an advocate of permanent peace in this region. Our stand is very clear - this isn't an era of war. This is the time to come together against those challenges which threaten humanity. Therefore, India believes in diplomacy and dialogues," PM Modi said.

PM Modi, 73, will be the first Indian Prime Minister to make a Ukraine trip and is the first in 45 years to travel to Poland - Kyiv's close ally and a key transit for foreign leaders heading to its war-torn neighbour.

PM Modi, who will be visiting Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelensky on August 23, has said that he will share with the Ukrainian leader perspectives on a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.

His visit to Kyiv comes nearly six weeks after his high-profile trip to Moscow which triggered criticism from the US and some of its Western allies.

In September 2022, the Prime Minister made the "not an era of war" comment while talking with Russia's President Vladimir Putin during an SCO summit.  On the sidelines of the SCO summit in Samarkand on September 16, PM Modi said, "Today's era isn't of war" while emphasising the need to find ways to address the problems of food, fuel security and fertilisers.

Before his departure for Poland, PM Modi said, "As a friend and partner, we hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region." 

The Prime Minister arrived in Poland on a two-day visit where he laid wreaths at Jam Saheb of Nawanagar Memorial and Kolhapur Memorial in Warsaw, two places that commemorate the shared history between India and Poland.

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5 Facts About UK Tech Tycoon Missing Since Yacht Sank Off In Italy

A superyacht which belonged to the family of UK businessman Mike Lynch sank off Italian island Sicily yesterday. Six people including Mike Lynch, his 18-year-old daughter, Morgan Stanley International chairman Jonathan Bloomer, Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo, and their wives, have been missing since the yacht sank.

Mike Lynch was hosting his friends and family on the 56-metre luxury yacht called "Bayesian" to celebrate his win in a big US fraud case when the tragedy happened, according to news agency AFP. A total of 22 people were aboard the boat. Mike Lynch's wife Angela Bacares is among the fifteen people who were rescued before the yacht sank.

Here are 5 facts about UK tycoon Mike Lynch: 

• Mike Lynch was born in 1965 and was raised in Chelmsford town near London. His mother was a nurse and father was a fireman. 
• Mike Lynch went to Cambridge University where he studied physics, mathematics and biochemistry. He then went on to research signal processing for his PhD. His thesis is considered to be ground-breaking and is reportedly widely consulted in the university's library.
• Mike Lynch founded UK's largest software firm, Autonomy, in 1996, which searched and organised data using patented algorithms. He was called Britain's Bill Gates. 
• Fifteen years later, in 2001, Mike Lynch sold Autonomy to HP for $11 billion. Later, HP accused Lynch of fraud which lead to a decade-long trial. In June this year, after 12 year-long trial, Lynch was acquitted of all charges by a jury in San Francisco.
• After selling Autonomy, Mike Lynch set up venture capital firm Invoke, which backed big companies such as cyber security company Darktrace, software firm Featurespace and more.

With agency inputs

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JioTV+ App for Android TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire OS Devices Launched

Reliance Jio is making it easier for its subscribers to watch TV on multiple devices, with the launch of the JioTV+ app on Android, Apple and other TVs powered by Amazon's Fire OS. The app was previously accessible exclusively via the Jio set-top box (STB) that came bundled with the Jio Fiber and Jio Air Fiber connections. The telecom operator has now announced that subscribers can now watch over 800 digital TV channels across multiple languages and genres via a single login using the JioTV+ app.

JioTV+ App Now Available on Android TV, Apple TV and Amazon Fire OS

In a press release, Reliance Jio announced that its JioTV+ streaming app is available on all leading smart TV platforms. It features a single login for over-the-top (OTT) apps, modern guides, smart remote compatibility, and personalised recommendations. Users can also browse through content using language and category filters.

JioTV+ user interface
Photo Credit: Jio

The JioTV+ app offers access to 800 digital TV channels across categories such as news, entertainment, sports, music, kids, business and devotional. Jio Fiber and Jio Air Fiber subscribers will also be able to consume content from 13 popular OTT apps such as JioCinema Premium, Disney+ Hotstar, Sony Liv, Zee5 and FanCode. It also features a kid's section which is claimed to offer specially curated content for kids.

Users can download the JioTV+ app via the Google Play Store for Android TV devices, and follow the same steps to get the app for Apple TV or TVs powered by Amazon's Fire OS.

JioTV+ App Eligibility

Not all Jio Fiber and Jio Air Fiber subscribers will be able to access the new app. It is only available for users subscribed to the following eligible plans:

1. JioAirFiber: all plans
2. JioFiber Postpaid: Rs. 599, Rs. 899 and above
3. JioFiber Prepaid: Rs. 999 and above

According to Reliance Jio, the JioTV+ app is available to download on Android TV, Apple TV and Amazon Firestick TV. Support for LG OS-powered TVs will be rolled out soon.

However, those owning Samsung TVs that aren't running on Android TV won't be able to access the app, as it is not available on Samsung's operating system. Users without a smart TV will need to purchase an STB as an add-on to access it.

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In Pics: Indian Actors, NYPD Attend India Day Parade In New York

The Indian community in New York celebrated the India Day Parade with great fervour. Hundreds of people from the Indian community and also Americans participated in the parade held yesterday. The parade featured a float of Ayodhaya's Ram Mandir replica. Several celebrities such as Bollywood actor Sonakshi Sinha, Pankaj Tripathi and Indian actor-politician Manoj Tiwari participated in the event.

People carried Indian flags, sang patriotic songs, played drums and danced as they marched through New York city. The New York Police Department was also a part of the grand celebration. 

Here's a glimpse of the India Day Parade in New York city- 

Bollywood actor Sonakshi Sinha, Pankaj Tripathi and actor-politician Manoj Tiwari attended the India Day Parade in NYC.
Photo Credit: Screengrab from video posted on X by @ANI

NYPD auxiliaries marched in the India Independence Day Parade.
Photo Credit: Image posted on X by @NYPDauxiliary

Newly crowned Miss New Jersey, Hoboken's Jabili Kandula participated in the India Day Parade. She was a part of the Gujarati float
Photo Credit: Image posted on X by @aem76us

NYPD's ceremonial unit marched down Hillside Avenue for the 9th Annual Queens India Day Parade
Photo Credit: Image posted on X by @NYPDCeremonial

Members of the New York City Department of Correction marched down Madison Avenue in Manhattan to attend India Day Parade.
Photo Credit: Image posted on X by @CorrectionNYC

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Panel Report Reveals Stories Of Harassment Women Face In Malayalam Cinema

The much-awaited Justice Hema Committee report on harassment faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry has recorded explosive accounts of harassment, exploitation and ill-treatment of female professionals, and has alleged that a "criminal gang" was controlling the industry where unyielding women are squeezed out.

The panel report also alleged there was a "power nexus" consisting of a handful of producers, directors, actors and production controllers.

The Kerala government constituted the panel after the 2017 actress assault case involving actor Dileep to study issues of sexual harassment and gender inequality in Malayalam cinema.

The report released on Monday sheds light on the widespread and persistent sexual harassment faced by women in the Malayalam cinema industry, with many alleging they were subjected to unwanted advances even before commencing work.

The women actors who are ready to compromise are given code names, and those who are not ready to yield are pushed out of the field, as per the report.

The report highlighted the widespread nature of the issue, sparking concerns about the safety and well-being of women in the industry.

"It has come out in evidence that certain men in cinema, who are well-known and well-reputed for their ability as artist, director or whoever he be in the film industry have shocked certain women in cinema by sexual harassment and physical advances made by them towards them," the expert panel report said.

A copy of the report was given to the media under the RTI Act after five years of its submission to the government.

In a series of shocking and shameful revelations, the report stated that female actors faced harassment, including instances where the doors of their rooms were knocked on by intoxicated individuals in the film industry.

Many of them, who suffered sexual harassment, were reluctant to complain about this to the police due to fear, it said.

"The sky is full of mysteries, with the twinkling stars and the beautiful moon. But scientific investigation revealed that the stars do not twinkle, nor does the moon look beautiful," the report said.

"Do not trust what you see; even salt looks like sugar," the opening lines of the report said.

As per the report, submitted by the three-member panel, the major issue which women face in the film industry is sexual harassment.

"It is the worst evil which women in cinema face in the film industry. The women in cinema are most reluctant to speak out about the sexual harassment which they are subjected to, even to other women or close relatives," it said.

The commission said it was "shocked to hear the sexual harassment stories" revealed to it by women working in the Malayalam film industry.

"The offer to act or for doing any other job in cinema comes to a woman coupled with demand for sexual favours. As I already mentioned, the woman would be asked to adjust and compromise, thereby she is asked to surrender to sexual demands," the report said.

"In most of the hotels, where they are staying, the doors are knocked by the men working in cinema who could be mostly under intoxication. Many women have stated that knocking will not be polite or decent but, they repeatedly bang the door by force," the report detailed.

The panel said even though many sexual acts committed against women in cinema come under the IPC and under the definition of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, prohibition and redressal) Act (POSH), the women who suffered the atrocities prefer to keep silence.

"An artist added that if they take up the matter before the court or the police, they will face worse consequences, including threat to life. The artist added that threat to life will not only be against the victims but even their close family members will be in danger," the report said.

The report has categorically mentioned that the police should register FIRs against crimes that are being committed in the industry, and many are not coming out fearing for their lives.

The publication of the report, initially scheduled for July 24, was put on hold by the Kerala High Court following a plea from a Malayalam film producer.

The court later dismissed the plea on August 13 and directed the government to release the report within a week.

However, the publication was delayed again due to a plea from an actress, which was heard by the High Court on Monday. The government finally released the report on Monday evening.

State Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cheriyan said the government has taken note of the findings and recommendations of the Justice Hema Committee.

The government would convene a cinema conclave in the next two months to discuss and resolve the issues in the film industry, he said.

The opposition Congress expressed shock over the findings of the committee and sought to know whom the government tried to protect by keeping the report without releasing it.

"The action of the government and the chief minister who kept the report in cold storage so far was a criminal offence," Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly V D Satheesan told reporters in Kochi.

Actor Siddique, who is also the president of actor outfit AMMA, said they would study the report in detail and take necessary steps to address the issues.

Women in Cinema Collective, an outfit of women professionals in the industry, expressed happiness over the releasing of the report and thanked the panel members, media, women organisations and the lawyers.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Manmohan Singh Was Part Of Lateral Entry: Minister Hits Out At Rahul Gandhi

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Monday hit out at Rahul Gandhi for his claim that the government was trying to bypass the reservation system through lateral entry, reminding the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha that former prime minister Manmohan Singh was made the finance secretary in 1976 through the lateral entry route.

The minister also dismissed as "baseless" Rahul Gandhi's allegation that RSS people will be hired as public servants through this mode and pointed out that it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who made the system of lateral entry methodical by giving the mandate to UPSC for framing rules. Earlier, he pointed out, there was no formal system in place for such entry into governance.

"Whatever appointments or recruitments or selections are to be done, UPSC will do it. Where is the issue of BJP, RSS in this? Baseless allegations are being made," Arjun Meghwal told PTI Videos in Bikaner.

He said that RSS is an organisation that promotes cultural nationalism.

The minister alleged that Rahul Gandhi was trying to mislead people and tarnish the image of institutions like UPSC by "spreading lies".

"The efforts of Rahul Gandhi, who is making such false allegations, are never going to succeed," he said, adding that despite being the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, which is a constitutional post, Rahul Gandhi was making irresponsible statements.

"Dr Manmohn Singh was also part of the lateral entry. How did you directly make him the finance secretary in 1976?" the minister said.

He said that the then Planning Commission deputy chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia entered service through the lateral entry route. He said CPP chairperson Sonia Gandhi was made head of the National Advisory Council. "The prime minister's is a constitutional post. But is NAC a constitutional body," he quipped adding Sonia Gandhi was placed above the prime minister.

He alleged the then prime minister Jawahar Lal Nehru had opposed reservation in 1961 and as the leader of opposition, Rajiv Gandhi opposed OBC reservation on the floor of Lok Sabha.

"You started lateral entry. Prime Minister Modi made it methodical," he said.

The minister noted that these are contractual posts. "Suppose an environment expert becomes a deputy secretary, what is the problem... person has to be an expert in a particular field," he said.

He said the lateral entry is open to all. "Persons of SC, ST and OBC categories also apply. IAS vacancies are different. They claim we are ending reservations. What were you doing when you were recruiting? Suddenly their love for OBCs has come out. They are trying to mislead SC, ST, OBC students," he said.

Condemning the rape and murder of a junior doctor in Kolkata, he said that the whole country is ashamed.

"After the incident, efforts were made to destroy the evidence. It is a very shameful incident and we condemn it in very strong words," he said.

Later, Arjun Meghwal, who is an MP from Bikaner, reached a BSF outpost in Khanuwali on the Indo-Pakistan border and celebrated the festival of Raksha Bandhan with women BSF personnel.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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