News from November 9, 2025

383 articles found

Federal judges in Minnesota, across U.S., reject ICE attempts to hold immigrants without bond
50 years later, the mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald still haunts the children of its lost crew
Technology

50 years later, the mystery of the Edmund Fitzgerald still haunts the children of its lost crew

TWO HARBORS, MINN. – Nolan Church joined the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald as a porter late in life — a new career at age 50 after he was laid off from mining-related work in Silver Bay. After long stints on the massive taconite-carrying laker sailing mostly from Silver Bay to Toledo, Ohio, Church loved to spoil his children and tell stories that made them roar with laughter. They sometimes worried about him on the vast waters of the Great Lakes, his three daughters said recently. But when they would ask him if it was scary out there, he reassured them: “Not on the Ed,” came his steadfast response, according to daughter Bonnie Kellerman. Church treated his family to shopping and an early dinner at Duluth’s Chinese Lantern before heading out on what was going to be his last trip of the season on Nov. 9, 1975. The next evening, the 55-year-old father of five and 28 other crew members disappeared with their trusted ship in one of the most legendary wrecks on the Great Lakes. Their bodies were never recovered. Though the ship sank in Canadian waters close to Michigan, its mythic status looms large in Minnesota. On every anniversary, the decommissioned beacon at Split Rock Lighthouse north of Two Harbors is lit in honor of the lost men. Church was one of two Minnesotans who perished on the ship, along with seven men from northwest Wisconsin. “There hasn’t been another casualty like it since the Fitzgerald sank,” said David Schauer of the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. “Nothing to the extreme of losing a laker of that size with all hands. “This time of year when the gales of November kick up, it’s almost impossible not to think of the men on the Fitz.”

Wikipedia Co-founder Jimmy Wales on Rebuilding Trust Online and Off
Technology

Wikipedia Co-founder Jimmy Wales on Rebuilding Trust Online and Off

Grokipedia isn’t the only AI-driven threat to Wikipedia. Some 65% of the nonprofit’s most server-straining traffic now comes from bots, some of which scrape the site to feed into chatbots for training. Instead of clicking through to Wikipedia, search-engine users can now often find their answers in—sometimes wrong—AI-generated summaries. That’s if they don’t go straight to ChatGPT or Claude. Wales says all of this means islands of human-generated content like Wikipedia “become more important than ever.” He says his principles of trust are just as relevant to AI developers, “because every time you get an AI answer and find out that the AI hallucinated and just made that up, it reduces your trust.” That’s where the “real world” comes in. Part of Wales’ pitch is that most of us already practice trust in “very routine ways,” such as getting into a rideshare or sharing an elevator with strangers. He points to Braver Angels, a U.S. group that hosts in-person conversations between people with opposing politics. Participants often emerge “a little more understanding ... a little more ready to think about compromises,” Wales says. The challenge is designing institutions and online spaces that tap into those impulses. Wikipedia’s collaborative culture, at its best, is a web version of that: slow, structured, and imperfect.And for internet interactions, Wales’ best advice is disarmingly simple. Direct your attention toward activities that build trust. Audit your feeds. “If you find yourself spending too much time using social media and being fed information that you don’t trust, then stop doing that,” he says. He offers one specific nudge: delete X from your phone.

JJ Redick still showing signs of immaturity as LA Lakers head coach after repeating last year’s stunt
Sarah Jessica Parker: “Tani zgjedh punët që më lejojnë të kem ekuilibër mes jetës dhe karrierës”
Technology

Sarah Jessica Parker: “Tani zgjedh punët që më lejojnë të kem ekuilibër mes jetës dhe karrierës”

Aktorja dhe producentja e serialit të HBO-së And Just Like That po i qaset karrierës me një filozofi të re. Pas dekadash në skenë dhe ekran, Sarah Jessica Parker e sheh suksesin ndryshe nga dikur, jo më si një garë për të arritur majat, por si një proces që duhet të përputhet me jetën personale. Në Festivalin e The New Yorker në tetor 2025, Parker tha se puna pranë shtëpisë së saj në Nju Jork është një nga përfitimet më të mëdha të projektit aktual. Ajo ka qenë aktore që në moshën 11-vjeçare, duke ndërtuar një karrierë mbi ambicien dhe pasionin për role që e sfidonin dhe e çonin përpara profesionalisht. Por sot, në moshën 60-vjeçare dhe me dy vajza adoleshente në shtëpi, ajo pranon se mënyra si zgjedh projektet ka ndryshuar rrënjësisht. “Po bëj zgjedhje ndryshe nga më parë,” tha ajo. “Kur je në fillim të rrugëtimit, kërkon mundësi që të mësosh, të udhëtosh, të punosh me njerëz interesantë. Por tani jam më e kujdesshme për mënyrën si do ta kaloj kohën time.” Parker rrëfeu se çdo rol i ri shoqërohet me një sërë pyetjesh personale: “Çfarë do të më largojë nga vajzat e mia tani? Sa ditë do të jem larg shtëpisë? Çfarë angazhimesh po humbas?” — pyetje që e ndihmojnë të vendosë me vetëdije për prioritetet e saj. Ekspertët e lidershipit theksojnë se ndryshimi i përkufizimit të suksesit është një proces i shëndetshëm. Simon Sinek, në podcastin e tij A Bit of Optimism, tha se ideja se “po mbetesh pas” nënkupton një garë me një vijë fundore, “dhe kjo është krejt e gabuar”. Sipas tij, karriera duhet të shihet si një udhëtim që kërkon zhvillim të vazhdueshëm, jo si një garë për përfitime të menjëhershme. Për Parker, gjetja e ekuilibrit nuk kufizohet vetëm në zgjedhjen e roleve. Përveç aktrimit, ajo drejton një linjë vere në bashkëpunim me kompaninë Invivo, është pjesë e jurisë së Çmimit Booker Prize 2025 dhe angazhohet në organizatën The States Project, që mbështet kandidatë dhe kauza demokratike në nivel shtetëror. Aktorja pranoi se mundësia për të menaxhuar kaq shumë angazhime vjen falë mbështetjes që ka në shtëpi. “E di pse unë mund të bëj kaq shumë gjëra, sepse kam llojin e mbështetjes që më duhet. Ajo që më habit më shumë janë të gjitha gratë, burrat dhe prindërit në këtë qytet e në gjithë vendin që mbajnë dy ose tre punë dhe nuk e kanë këtë ndihmë, por ia dalin çdo ditë.” Sot, për Sarah Jessica Parker, suksesi nuk matet më me famë apo arritje profesionale, por me aftësinë për të qenë e pranishme, në punë, në shtëpi dhe në jetën e përditshme. / CNBC

Market Watch: Fuel and Gold Dip as Sugar and Gas Climb in Kabul
Business

Market Watch: Fuel and Gold Dip as Sugar and Gas Climb in Kabul

KABUL – Kabul residents experienced a mixed bag of price movements in essential commodities this past week, with noticeable declines in fuel and gold providing some relief, even as staple food items and liquefied gas became more expensive, according to market sources. The diverging trends highlight the complex interplay of global market fluctuations, currency exchange rates, and local supply chains that continue to shape Afghanistan’s economy. Energy Sector Sees Diverging Trends In a welcome development for motorists and transporters, the prices of petroleum products saw a modest decrease. At the Ahmadyar pump station, a worker confirmed that the price of one litre of petrol had dropped from 70 Afghanis (afs) to 68 afs. Similarly, a litre of diesel now costs 77 afs, down from 80 afs the previous week. This decline is often linked to shifts in global oil prices and regional refining costs. However, this relief at the petrol pump was offset by a rise in the cost of liquefied gas, a critical fuel for heating and cooking in many households. Mohammad Jan Amin, a gas seller in the Daha-i-Bagh locality, reported that the price per kilogram had increased from 54 afs to 55 afs. Staple Food Prices: Sugar Surges, Others Hold Steady The food market presented a stable yet costly picture for consumers. Zmarai Safi, head of the Food Traders’ Association, reported a significant increase in the price of sugar. A 49-kilogram bag of Indian sugar now sells for 2,400 afs, up 50 afs from the previous week’s price of 2,350 afs. Traders often cite import costs and international sugar commodity prices as key factors behind such hikes. Other essential food items, however, saw their wholesale prices remain unchanged: A 16-litre bottle of Malaysian cooking oil: 1,650 afs A 24-kg bag of Pakistani rice: 2,600 afs A 49-kg sack of Kazakh flour: 1,500 afs One kilogram of African black tea: 380 afs One kilogram of Indonesian green tea: 350 afs Retail Markup Highlights Consumer Burden A visit to the Dahna-i-Bagh market, however, revealed the additional margin consumers pay at the retail level. Hamid Sufizada, a retailer, quoted slightly higher prices for all items, illustrating the standard markup from wholesale to retail: 49-kg sack of Kazakh flour: 1,550 afs 24-kg bag of Pakistani rice: 2,650 afs 49-kg sack of Indian sugar: 2,450 afs 16-litre bottle of cooking oil: 1,700 afs One kilogram of black tea: 430 afs One kilogram of green tea: 400 afs Gold Prices Dip Slightly The precious metals market also saw a minor correction. Mohammad Fawad, a jeweller in the Timor Shahi area, stated that the price of one gram of Arabian gold decreased from 6,800 afs to 6,770 afs. Russian gold followed a similar trend, falling from 5,380 afs to 5,360 afs per gram. Gold prices in Afghanistan are closely tied to international bullion rates, which are converted into local currency. Currency Exchange Sees Minimal Change The foreign exchange market remained largely stable. Haji Mohammad Hussain, owner of the Sadaqat Money Exchange Service, reported that the US dollar traded at 66.60 afs, a negligible change from 66.50 afs the previous week. The Pakistani rupee held steady, with 1,000 rupees exchanging for 230 afs. The stability of the Afghani against major currencies is a key indicator watched by economists and importers. Analysis: A Tale of Two Markets This week’s price movements underscore the competing pressures on Afghan households. The drop in fuel costs can lower transportation and generator expenses, providing a small boost to business activity and family budgets. However, the simultaneous rise in sugar and liquefied gas, both household essentials, immediately reclaims that financial breathing room. Market analysts suggest that while global factors influence fuel and gold, the increase in sugar and gas points to persistent challenges in supply chain logistics and import dependencies. As the new week begins, consumers and traders alike will be watching to see if these trends solidify or reverse. Donate Here

Apart From JEE, Which College Forms Should You Fill For 2026 Admissions?
Technology

Apart From JEE, Which College Forms Should You Fill For 2026 Admissions?

Apply For 2026 UG Engineering Admission: Every year, lakhs of students aim for a seat in top engineering colleges - and for most, JEE Main is the first name that comes to mind. But, you should know that JEE isn't the only door to a great engineering college. From state-level exams like MHT CET and WBJEE to university tests such as VITEEE, SRMJEE, and BITSAT - there are plenty of other routes that can take you to your dream campus. Exploring these exams not only expands your options but also boosts your chances of securing admission to a reputed institute.Here's a list of key engineering entrance exams and their application timelines:MHT CETThe Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) grants admission to engineering programmes in participating institutions across the state. The CET Cell Maharashtra will soon open the application window for PCM and PCB groups with the 2026 notification expected to be released in December at cetcell.mahacet.org.COMEDK UGETThe Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka conducts COMEDK UGET for admission to top private engineering colleges in Karnataka. Registrations expected to start in February and continue till April, with the exam held in May.BITSATThe Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT) is an institute-level exam for entry into undergraduate engineering courses at BITS Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad. The 2026 exams are expected to begin soon, apply here- bitsadmission.com.IIIT HyderabadIIIT Hyderabad conducts admissions through its Undergraduate Entrance Exam (UGEE). Applications usually open between February and April, with the exam held in May.VITEEEThe Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Examination (VITEEE) offers admission to BTech programmes at VIT campuses in Vellore, Chennai, Andhra Pradesh, and Bhopal. The application window generally remains open till March.SRMJEESRM Joint Engineering Entrance Examination (SRMJEE) is your pathway to SRM's BTech courses. The online application form is typically available till the end of March.WBJEEThe West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam (WBJEE) is conducted for students seeking admission to engineering institutes in West Bengal. Details here - wbjeeb.in.AEEEAmrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham conducts the Amrita Entrance Examination - Engineering (AEEE) in multiple phases each year. Students can attempt the test more than once to improve their scores. For details, visit amrita.edu.

Deandre Ayton Admits What Went Wrong During Practice That Led to Lakers Loss
Sports

Deandre Ayton Admits What Went Wrong During Practice That Led to Lakers Loss

The Hawks’ defense set the tone early and carried through the night. They came out aggressive, forcing the Lakers into turnovers and tough shots. LA struggled to find rhythm, shooting just 44% in the first quarter, while Atlanta capitalized, building a 37-29 lead by the break. Mouhamed Gueye led the charge with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting, adding seven rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block. Every Hawks starter scored in double digits, and the team shot an impressive 51.1% from the floor, converting defensive stops into transition points. Atlanta’s ability to force mistakes and control the paint left the Lakers scrambling, with only Doncic (22 points, 5 rebounds, 11 assists, 1 steal) and Ayton (11 points, 5 rebounds) making notable contributions. JJ Redick’s frustration was clear as crystal as he faced the media after the loss. In a brief press conference lasting less than ninety seconds, he delivered sharp, no-nonsense answers before quickly exiting, leaving little doubt about his disappointment. “Just not a lot to like tonight,” he said. Redick didn’t mince words when reflecting on Atlanta’s effort. “They brought the requisite level of effort and urgency and physicality,” he stated, acknowledging that the Hawks showed up ready to compete while his team struggled to match the intensity. The loss reflected the Lakers’ difficulties across the board: poor perimeter shooting, sloppy ball movement, and turnovers piled up, leaving Redick visibly displeased. The game was defined by execution, or lack thereof. Atlanta clicked on all fronts, knocking down 16 threes, racking up 37 assists, and keeping turnovers to a minimum with just 11. The Lakers, meanwhile, struggled to match that rhythm, hitting 12 threes, dishing out 23 assists, but stumbling with 20 turnovers that constantly handed momentum to the Hawks. Ayton opens up: Lakers’ defensive struggles exposed by Hawks DeAndre Ayton admitted that the Lakers underestimated the Hawks. “Really, probably leaving those guys underestimated, not keeping those guys in account,” he said. “Forgetting about them that this is the NBA and those are NBA players… I feel like we were just behind the ball a little bit, and they killed us in transition, and they played amazing defense. And we weren’t ready for it, and JJ [Redick] basically got on us about it. Yeah, we ready for the next game.” The Lakers’ overconfidence was evident, and Ayton’s stats only added to it. Heading into the game, he was averaging 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks on an efficient 65.7% shooting. Defensively, Ayton had flashes of brilliance, especially as a help-side protector, famously holding Spurs’ standout Victor Wembanyama, a DPOY favorite, to 19 points and eight rebounds. His timing for blocks looked sharp, reflected in a 3.9% block rate. Ayton also discussed how he plans to improve for the Lakers’ upcoming matchup against the Hornets on November 10. “JJ can see the stress on my face and you try to calm me down. But um it was a little frustrating because I’m the last line of defense and like I said they were in our paint and the way how they were moving the ball.” The paint has been a persistent vulnerability for the Lakers. Ayton struggled on the defensive glass, posting a career-low 18.7% defensive rebounding rate. Even with these mixed signals, the Lakers still stepped onto the court brimming with confidence, perhaps underestimating the Hawks and the challenges that awaited them. He also praised the Hawks’ unique style of play: “The centers were even driving the ball and the guards cutting. It was the other way around. So, you know, they’re pretty unique in how they were playing. They were running around, doing a lot of cutting and a lot of rebounding. They really wanted that game and it was really the second half that got them the dog.” The third quarter turned into a nightmare for the Lakers. Early on, Ayton and LaRavia helped shrink Atlanta’s lead to nine, but the Hawks quickly answered with a 7-0 spurt and two long-range shots, stretching their advantage to 20 with over seven minutes left. By the quarter’s end, the gap had swelled to 26. From there, the game was all but lost for the Lakers.

India's Top Six Cities See 26% Rise In New Office Supply, Pune Tops List: Vestian
Business

India's Top Six Cities See 26% Rise In New Office Supply, Pune Tops List: Vestian

India's top six cities witnessed a 26 per cent annual growth in new supply of office spaces during the September quarter to 16.1 million sq ft as developers look to encash strong demand of premium workspaces from global and domestic firms, according to Vestian.. US-based real estate consultant Vestian data showed that the new supply of office space was the highest in Pune at 3.70 million sq ft during the July-September period, an increase of 164 per cent from the year-ago period.. In Delhi-NCR, the new office supply increased 35 per cent to 3.10 million sq ft.. The fresh supply of office space in Chennai jumped 320 per cent to 2.1 million sq ft, while the supply doubled in Mumbai to 1.80 million sq ft.. However, Bengaluru, the biggest office market in India, witnessed a 6 per cent drop in new office supply to 3.40 million sq ft.. In Hyderabad, too, the new supply fell 51 per cent to 2 million sq ft during July-September period of this calendar year.. Interestingly, Kolkata, the seventh major cities tracked by Vestian, saw no fresh supply of office space during the latest September quarter.. Vestian CEO Shrinivas Rao said, 'The third quarter of 2025 reported the highest absorption of the current year, primarily driven by GCCs (global capability centres). This robust demand kept the office market buoyant amid global trade uncertainties and geopolitical tensions.' He noted that construction activity also gained momentum, with significant supply additions across key markets.. 'Robust absorption, healthy supply, and a diversified occupier base are expected to drive the next wave of growth in the coming quarters. H-1B visa restrictions may further amplify the demand for offices in India as more and more GCCs expand their footprint in India,' Rao said.. According to Vestian, the leasing or absorption of office space rose 6 per cent to 19.69 million sq ft during July-September period of 2025 across seven major cities in the country.. Major developers who are constructing office spaces include DLF Ltd, Tata Realty & Infrastructure, Hiranandani Group, Embassy Group, Prestige Estates, Sattva Group, and RMZ Group.. There are four listed Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) that are backed by rent-yielding office assets. They have a huge portfolio of office assets and are also expanding through both greenfield and brownfield routes.. The four listed REITs are Sattva-Blackstone backed Knowledge Realty Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, K Raheja-backed Mindspace Business Parks REIT, and Brookfield India Real Estate Trust.

Thousands of Afghan Refugees Forcibly Returned from Iran and Pakistan in a Single Day
World

Thousands of Afghan Refugees Forcibly Returned from Iran and Pakistan in a Single Day

KABUL – In a massive wave of forced repatriations, more than 12,000 Afghan refugees were expelled from neighboring Iran and Pakistan in a single day, according to an official from the country’s de facto authorities. The move highlights a deepening refugee crisis and places immense strain on Afghanistan’s fragile humanitarian and economic infrastructure. Official Figures Reveal Scale of Returns Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), reported on Sunday that a total of 12,455 individuals, comprising 2,098 families, were repatriated on Saturday. The returnees entered the country through five major border crossings: Islam Qala in Herat and Pul-i-Abresham in Nimroz (from Iran), and Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Bahramcha in Helmand, and Torkham in Nangarhar (from Pakistan). According to Fitrat, the returning refugees received varying levels of support upon arrival. While some were transported directly to their home provinces, 2,051 individuals were provided with immediate humanitarian assistance. In a bid to help them reconnect, Afghan telecommunications companies distributed 1,652 SIM cards to the returnees. A Crisis in Motion: The Push Factors This single-day figure is part of a much larger, ongoing exodus. The returns come against a backdrop of intensified pressure from host countries: From Pakistan: In late 2023, the Pakistani government initiated a large-scale campaign to detain and deport undocumented foreigners, a policy overwhelmingly affecting an estimated 1.7 million Afghans. Despite widespread international condemnation, the deportations have continued, with authorities citing security concerns and economic pressures. From Iran: Iran has long hosted millions of Afghans but has periodically carried out forceful deportations. Economic hardship and political tensions in Iran have led to a steady stream of returns, often under harsh conditions. Humanitarian Organizations Sound the Alarm The sudden influx of thousands of people, many with little more than the clothes on their backs, presents a monumental challenge for Afghanistan. The country is already grappling with one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the withdrawal of international aid following the IEA’s takeover in 2021. “A return of this magnitude in such a short timeframe is overwhelming and deeply concerning,” said a representative from an international aid agency operating in Herat, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “These families are arriving in the winter months, often with no homes, no jobs, and no prospects. The existing aid infrastructure is stretched to its absolute limit, and we fear a sharp rise in malnutrition and disease.” Returnees often face a precarious future. Many left Afghanistan decades ago and have no remaining support networks or property. They return to a nation plagued by economic collapse, a collapsed banking system, and severe restrictions on women’s rights, which further complicates humanitarian efforts and any potential for recovery. A Call for International Response The mass deportations have drawn criticism from human rights groups, which argue that returning individuals to a country with such a dire humanitarian situation may violate the principle of non-refoulement—a core tenet of international law that prohibits sending refugees back to a place where they face serious threats to their life or freedom. As border crossings like Torkham and Spin Boldak continue to see long lines of weary returnees, the international community is being urged to increase humanitarian funding and pressure host nations to halt forcible returns. For the tens of thousands of Afghans who have already returned and the millions more who may follow, the future remains uncertain and fraught with hardship. Donate Here

Kerala govt orders probe into children singing RSS song onboard newly inaugurated Vande Bharat
Politics

Kerala govt orders probe into children singing RSS song onboard newly inaugurated Vande Bharat

The Kerala government on Sunday ordered a probe into the singing of an RSS song by school students onboard the newly inaugurated Vande Bharat Express from Ernakulam to Bengaluru, even as union ministers strongly justified the incident, saying it is a patriotic song.General Education Minister V Sivankutty instructed the Director of Public Instructions (DPI) to conduct inquiry and submit a report in this regard. In a statement issued by the minister's office, Sivankutty said the government views the incident with utmost seriousness.The opposition Congress continued to slam the incident and demanded action against the school authorities for allowing children to be used for "communal purpose".However, the school management strongly defended the act of children singing the particular song, saying that its message is "unity in diversity"They also sought to know what was communal about it.Live EventsYou Might Also Like:People hopeful of boost in tourism, trade with introduction of two Vande Bharat services from UPAnnouncing the probe, Sivankutty said politicising children at government events and using them to promote the communal agenda of any particular group is a violation of constitutional principles."The Director of Public Instructions (DPI) has been directed to immediately conduct an inquiry and submit a report," he said. The inquiry would examine whether there were any lapse in making students participate in the official event, he said adding that appropriate further action would be taken based on the findings in the report.The government has a responsibility to uphold the secular and national values of the country and steps will be taken to ensure that these principles are protected, Sivankutty added.You Might Also Like:PM Modi flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains: Check new routes, travel time, key features, and moreHowever, Union Minister Suresh Gopi on Sunday justified the students singing RSS song onboard the newly inaugurated train.It was part of the innocent celebration of children, he told reporters in Thrissur."They felt to sing that song at the moment and they did so. Anyway, it's not an extremist song," the union mister of state for petroleum, natural gas and tourism added.George Kurian, another union minister from the state, also strongly defended the singing of RSS song and asked what is communal in a 'gana geetham".You Might Also Like:Vande Bharat sleeper coach maintenance facility to be ready by June: OfficialHe also said those who try to propagate anti-India sentiments abroad may not like the song.Justifying the rendition of the song by the students, Dinto K P, the principal of Saraswathi Vidyanikethan Public School in Elamakkara, said it as a patriotic song.He said it was not sung as directed by the Southern Railway but children chose to sing it themselves as a Malayalam patriotic song.The principal also admitted that the school authorities had sent letters to the office of Prime Minister and Union Railway Minister when the video of the song was removed from the X handle of the Southern Railway following the row.The Southern Railway might repost the video later in the day because of the school's request, he said."We don't know why did the state Education Minister has ordered a probe into the matter. We will think about going legal way if the General Education Department goes ahead with its action," he added.Dinto also said the children, who sung the song, are largely being subjected to cyber bullying and branded as "Sanghi kids" on social media platforms.While CPI (M) general secretary M A Baby termed the incident as a "challenge to the democracy", Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan cited it as yet another example of the BJP's attempt to communslise Kerala."At an official function, children were made to sing the RSS gana geetham. Action must be taken against the school that allowed this. Who decided to use children for communal purposes?" Satheesan said.Official functions should not be politicised, he said adding that if the RSS wants to sing its gana geetham, let it's members do it themselves, he said."Politicisation will not be allowed at the expense of the public. How can the RSS gana geetham be called a patriotic song?" the LoP asked.The probe ordered by the state government and the strong remarks by leaders came a day after the singing of an RSS song by a group of school students onboard the newly inaugurated Vande Bharat Express had drawn sharp reactions in Kerala.Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday condemned the reported act of the Southern Railway, saying it deserves to be protested.He had said that including the song of the RSS, which allegedly constantly spreads anti-religious hatred and communal divisive politics, in the official programme of the government is a violation of constitutional principles.LoP Satheesan had also spoken on the same lines and said that making students sing the RSS song as part of a government programme was "illegal and undemocratic".The Southern Railway had earlier reportedly withdrew the social media post following widespread criticism against it.On later Sunday, the Southern Railway again posted on social media platform 'X' the video of the song by the students along with its English translation.You Might Also Like:Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express promises faster, smoother travel across western UP: Check route, stops & schedule"The students of Saraswathi Vidyalaya beautifully performed their school song during the inaugural run of the Ernakulam Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express," it had said in the 'X' post.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now! (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onVande Bharat Expresspatriotic songs in IndiaGeneral Education Minister SivankuttyRSS song controversyrss anthemrss songbengaluruprime ministerrailway ministerErnakulam Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onVande Bharat Expresspatriotic songs in IndiaGeneral Education Minister SivankuttyRSS song controversyrss anthemrss songbengaluruprime ministerrailway ministerErnakulam Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online....moreless Prime ExclusivesInvestment IdeasStock Report PlusePaperWealth Edition123View all Stories

Nifty Finds Support At 25,350–25,300
Business

Nifty Finds Support At 25,350–25,300

The NSE Nifty 50 has found its support zone at 25,350-25,300, according to Rajesh Bhosale, equity technical analyst at Angel One."On the levels front, 25,350-25,300, which encompasses a weekly breakout zone, 50% Fibonacci retracement, and 50-day EMA, is likely to be seen as an intermediate and sacrosanct support zone, and any breakdown is likely to dampen sentiments in the near term," Bhosale said.The index formed a bearish-bodied candle with a lower wick and a small upper wick was formed, indicating selling pressure at higher levels, according to Hardik Matalia, derivative analyst at Choice Broking."On the upside, resistance is seen at 25,600 and 25,700, with the latter acting as a key hurdle. A sustained breakout above 25,800 could trigger a bullish move, potentially targeting the 26,000–26,200 zone in the coming weeks," Matalia said.Going ahead, Bajaj Broking expects the index to hold above the support area of 25,200-25,400 and gradually head towards the immediate resistance of 25,850 and then towards the recent 52 weeks high of 26,100 in the coming weeks.For Bank Nifty, Bhosale identified resistance in the 58,000-58,200 zone."The Bank Nifty index formed a Doji candle on the daily chart, indicating indecision in the market. Buying interest was observed in public sector undertaking banks, while private banking stocks showed some hesitation," Matalia added."As long as the index remains below the 58,500 mark, it is likely to trade in a range-bound manner. Overall, the setup suggests a sideways to consolidation phase in the near term," he added.Matalia identified support for the index at the 57,500-57,000 range..Corporate Actions This Week: Infosys Buyback; Power Grid, ONGC, And More To Trade Ex-Dividend—Full List.The NSE Nifty 50 closed in the red for a third straight session. The Nifty fell for a second consecutive week. Hindalco Industries Ltd. and Grasim Industries Ltd. fell the most in the Nifty index..Stock Market Today: Nifty Rebounds From Day's Lows To Hold 25,500; Sensex Slips Nearly 100 Points.The rupee fell 3 paise to 88.66 against the US dollar on Friday. The yield on the 10-year bond ended flat at 6.51..IPO Rush: PhysicsWallah, Three Other Mainboard Issues To Open This Week; Groww Listing In Focus

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Off Northern Japan, Prompting Tsunami Advisory
World

Powerful Earthquake Strikes Off Northern Japan, Prompting Tsunami Advisory

TOKYO – A significant earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck off the coast of northeastern Japan on Sunday evening, jolting the region and prompting authorities to issue a tsunami advisory for coastal communities. The quake, which hit at around 5 p.m. local time, was centered off the coast of Iwate Prefecture at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The agency reported a shindo intensity of 4—a metric measuring ground motion—in parts of Iwate, indicating strongly felt shaking. A series of smaller aftershocks followed the initial temblor, keeping residents on edge. Immediate Warnings and Precautionary Measures In response to the seismic activity, the JMA immediately issued a tsunami advisory, warning of waves potentially reaching up to 1 meter (3 feet). While an advisory is less severe than a full-scale tsunami warning, authorities and public broadcaster NHK urgently advised residents to evacuate coastal areas and riversides. “Please do not approach the coast, and leave the area immediately if you are there,” NHK announced in its continuous coverage. The broadcaster emphasized that tsunami waves can arrive repeatedly for hours and may grow in height. Initial tsunami observations confirmed the arrival of the waves, with heights of around 20 centimeters (8 inches) reported in Kuji and smaller waves detected in several other ports along the Iwate coast. The advisory remained in effect for over an hour as officials monitored the situation. Transport Disruptions and Infrastructure Checks The quake caused temporary delays to bullet train services in the Tohoku region operated by JR East as crews conducted safety inspections. Kyodo News also reported some power outages in the affected area. Crucially, there were no immediate reports of significant injuries or widespread structural damage. Officials also confirmed that no abnormalities were detected at nuclear power plants in the region, including the Fukushima Daiichi plant, which was devastated by a tsunami in 2011, and the nearby Onagawa plant. A Nation on Alert in a Seismically Active Zone The event served as a stark reminder of Japan’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” the country is one of the most earthquake-prone in the world. The memory of the March 11, 2011, magnitude 9.0 quake—which triggered a massive tsunami and the subsequent Fukushima nuclear disaster—remains fresh in the national consciousness. Sunday’s quake, while far less powerful, triggered the well-rehearsed emergency response protocols that are a routine part of life in Japan. The differing magnitude readings—6.7 from the JMA and 6.8 from the U.S. Geological Survey—are common due to variations in measurement techniques. As the shaking subsided and the tsunami advisory was eventually lifted, the focus turned to assessing any minor damage and bracing for potential further aftershocks. Donate Here

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey suggests ‘reset’ with newly elected City Council
Politics

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey suggests ‘reset’ with newly elected City Council

Mayor Jacob Frey won re-election to four more years, along with most of the more progressive City Council members he’s battled the past two years, though their coalition has weakened and they lost their veto-proof majority. Does that mean peace will come to City Hall? “I’m getting the sense that people agree that it must,” said the most senior council member, Linea Palmisano, a more moderate Democrat who sailed to re-election on Tuesday. “People are sick of gridlock in government, and we need to show that we can come together as a governing body. All of the city — not just some strong arm of council.” Dysfunction between the council and mayor and within the body itself has been a hallmark of the last two years and led to several highly public spats, from Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw accusing Council President Elliot Payne (who is also Black) of talking down to Black women, to Council Member Aisha Chughtai dropping an expletive while railing about the mayor. And even though all but one are Democrats, the council and mayor were unable to reach consensus on issues such as what to do at the site of George Floyd’s police killing and how to repurpose the police station that was torched during riots. Throughout the campaign, Frey’s top three challengers promised they could work better with the council. But they lost, and now there are four new faces on the 13-member council. Frey said voters made it clear they don’t want extreme, divisive leadership but leaders “who love this city more than they want their political opponents to fail.” He said he’s always been eager to work with willing council members, and hopes with the election over, they can “do a reset.” “The end of a veto-proof majority means we’ll have to work together again to get things done — just like we did before 2023," Frey said in a statement to the Star Tribune.