Yearly Archives: 2025

general

Frances Tiafoe smashes racket in first-round loss at Tokyo Open

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TOKYO — Frances Tiafoe experienced a tough start at the Japan Open on Wednesday, suffering a first-round loss to qualifier Marton Fucsovics. The eighth-seeded American struggled with his first serve throughout the match, which ended 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 in favor of Fucsovics.

Frustrated by his performance, Tiafoe smashed his racket against the court during the match. In addition to Tiafoe’s upset, Denis Shapovalov also faced an early exit from the tournament, adding to the day’s surprising results.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641622/frances-tiafoe-smashes-racket-in-first-round-loss-at-tokyo-open

conflict, dignity, government, politics, security

Crisis is BJP govt`s own creation: Congress on Ladakh violence

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Congress’ media and publicity department head Pawan Khera described the loss of precious lives in Ladakh as tragic. He said, “It’s a grim reminder of the government’s failed promises. In 2019, from the floor of Parliament, the nation was assured that the humiliation being inflicted on the people of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir then would usher in peace. Six years later, the trouble has only deepened.”

Khera further stated on X, “Far from restoring normalcy in the valley, the Centre’s shortsightedness has pushed Jammu and Ladakh also into an incinerator of violence. This crisis is the BJP government’s own creation—one it now seeks to unfairly ignore.”

He emphasized that Ladakh’s demand for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, for dignity and the protection of their identity, is both legitimate and just. According to the Congress leader, it deserves not neglect but compassion and statesmanship.

On Wednesday, groups of youths engaged in arson and vandalism, targeting the headquarters of the BJP and the Hill Council. They also set ablaze vehicles. Police and paramilitary forces, deployed in strength across the town, lobbed teargas shells to bring the situation under control, officials said.

The Centre alleged that the mob violence was instigated by “provocative statements” from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. It added that certain “politically motivated” individuals were unhappy with the progress made in the ongoing talks between government representatives and Ladakhi groups.

In a statement, the Union Home Ministry said that barring a few unfortunate incidents that occurred early on Wednesday, the situation was brought under control by 4 pm. The ministry also urged everyone not to circulate old and provocative videos on media and social platforms.

At least 50 people were detained as police and paramilitary forces strictly enforced curfew on Thursday in the violence-hit Leh.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, and data of the text. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at their absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/crisis-is-bjp-govts-own-creation-congress-on-ladakh-violence-23595754

disaster, exams, politics, public service

Pune: Stranded By Floods, MPSC Aspirants Demand Postponement Of Sept 28 Prelims

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Aspirants preparing for the exams conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) are demanding the postponement of the State Services Exam’s preliminary test, scheduled for September 28. The reason behind this plea is the widespread floods across the state that have caused significant logistical issues, with many candidates losing their study materials.

Students from various parts of Maharashtra are pressing for the postponement, especially after the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) exam, initially scheduled for September 25 and 26, was also postponed.

Rohit Narayankar, a resident of Solapur, shared his concerns: “Incessant rains in Solapur, Jalgaon, and the Marathwada region have caused floods, and many residents and civil services aspirants are suffering too, as they have lost their study material.”

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-50 kmph between September 25 and 28. These conditions are expected to bring heavy downpours, waterlogging, and slower transportation flow due to generally cloudy skies.

Akshay Killedar, an MPSC aspirant, highlighted the impact on connectivity: “Beed, Dharashiv, Latur, Nanded, Solapur, Parbhani, and other parts of Maharashtra have been suffering from floods, and their road connectivity has been disrupted. Key routes such as Pune-Solapur and Kolhapur-Solapur have been affected due to the floods. We therefore request the MPSC to postpone the prelims, keeping in mind the hardships faced by aspirants.”

Support for the postponement has also come from political leaders. NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule tweeted in solidarity with the students, stating:

“The ongoing heavy rains across the state have caused great damage to students academically. Libraries are closed, and study materials have been damaged. Apart from this, the transport system is disrupted, and vehicles cannot reach many places. Despite this, the Maharashtra Public Service Commission State Service Examination is scheduled for September 28.

It is unlikely that students from Marathwada will be able to reach the examination centres on time. Therefore, the students are demanding that the examination be postponed until the situation returns to normal. I request the government to consider the students’ views and make a decision regarding postponing the examination.”

As the floods continue to hamper normal life across Maharashtra, the fate of the MPSC preliminary exam remains uncertain, with aspirants and authorities awaiting a decision that takes the prevailing difficulties into account.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/pune-stranded-by-floods-mpsc-aspirants-demand-postponement-of-sept-28-prelims

defense, india, international, military, technology

India test-fires Agni Prime missile from rail-based mobile platform

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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with the Strategic Forces Command (SFC), successfully launched the intermediate-range Agni-Prime missile under a full operational scenario on Wednesday, the defence ministry announced. The location of the test-firing has not been disclosed.

This “first-of-its-kind” launch was carried out from a specially designed rail-based mobile launcher, which has the unique capability to move on a rail network without any pre-conditions. It allows users to have cross-country mobility and enables missile launch within a short reaction time, explained Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

“This successful flight test has placed India in a select group of nations with the capability to develop a canisterised launch system from a moving rail network,” Singh said on social media platform X.

The ministry highlighted that the missile is equipped with independent launch capabilities, including state-of-the-art communication systems and advanced protection mechanisms. The missile’s trajectory was carefully tracked by various ground stations, and the launch was described as a textbook execution that met all mission objectives.

“This successful launch will pave the way for the induction of futuristic rail-based missile systems into the armed services,” the ministry added.

The test launch was witnessed by senior DRDO scientists and officers from the Strategic Forces Command. Notably, the “road mobile” variant of Agni-Prime has already been inducted into the armed forces after completing a series of successful flight trials.

The recent test-firing comes just over four and a half months after the four-day military conflict between India and Pakistan.

In related developments, on Tuesday, Rajnath Singh underscored India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India), emphasizing that the goal is not only to manufacture for domestic needs but also to develop capabilities that position India as a credible source of advanced technology and high-quality products globally.

During the same day, Singh and his Moroccan counterpart, Abdelatif Loudyi, jointly inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) state-of-the-art defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco. Singh described this event as a historic moment in the evolving strategic partnership between India and Morocco.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/india-test-fires-agni-prime-missile-from-rail-based-mobile-platform-23595727

climate, politics, protests, security, urban development

Ladakh protest: LG reviews security situation in Leh, calls for vigilance

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The situation in Ladakh remains extremely concerning amid ongoing protests that have resulted in four deaths and over 80 injuries. The incident occurred during widespread clashes amid a shutdown in the region.

In an effort to bring the situation under control, Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory, Kavinder Gupta, chaired a security review meeting in Leh on Thursday. During the meeting, Gupta called for heightened vigilance to maintain peace across Ladakh, as reported by news agency PTI.

The shutdown and protest were called by a constituent of the Leh Apex Body (LAB) in support of demands to expedite proposed talks with the Centre regarding the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution and statehood for Ladakh.

The Lieutenant Governor’s office posted on social media platform X: “A high-level security review meeting assessed the emerging situation across Ladakh, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance, seamless inter-agency coordination, and proactive measures to safeguard peace, security, and public order across the UT,” according to PTI.

Officials from Ladakh stated that senior officers from the police, CRPF, and civil administration attended the meeting, discussing in detail the prevailing law and order situation in the region.

On Wednesday, hundreds of protesters supporting the movement for Ladakh’s statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule turned violent. As reported by PTI, the protest intensified quickly, with demonstrators setting fire to the BJP office in Leh and several vehicles.

In response, authorities imposed a curfew in Leh and its adjoining areas to restore order.

The Centre alleged that the mob violence was incited by “provocative statements” made by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The Modi-led party also suggested that some “politically motivated” individuals were unhappy with the progress of ongoing talks between government representatives and Ladakhi groups.

Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk, who was leading a hunger strike in Leh to support the twin demands, called off his strike following the violence on Wednesday. He urged people to restore peace throughout Ladakh, according to PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/ladakh-protest-lg-reviews-security-situation-in-leh-calls-for-heightened-vigilance-23595753

business, health, investment, market

Indian pharma, healthcare firms eye ₹13,000cr via IPOs

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The industry plans to raise an estimated ₹12,000–13,000 crore over the next six to nine months. According to data compiled by *The Economic Times*, around 15 companies from this sector are likely to enter the primary market soon.

**Market Activity: SEBI Receives DRHPs for Several Companies**

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has received draft red herring prospectuses (DRHPs) from several companies. Notably, Indira IVF refiled in July with an issue size of about ₹3,500 crore, while Sahajanand Medical Technologies filed for a ₹1,500 crore issue. Other significant filings include NephroPlus (approximately ₹2,000 crore), Molbio Diagnostics (₹200 crore), and Cotec Healthcare (₹500 crore).

**Fundraising Plans: Companies That Have Received SEBI’s Nod**

Among the companies that have secured SEBI’s approval are Rubicon Research, aiming to raise ₹1,085 crore, and Corona Remedies, planning to raise ₹800 crore. Additionally, other companies gearing up for initial public offerings (IPOs) include Paramesu Biotech (₹600 crore), Allchem Lifesciences (₹190 crore), Paras Healthcare (about ₹900 crore), Veeda Clinical Research (around ₹500 crore), and Gujarat Kidney and Superspeciality Hospital (₹128 crore). Genetix Biotech is also poised to file for an IPO soon.

**Trends: ART Sector Attracting Investor Interest Due to Strong Fundamentals**

Saurav Chaube, a research analyst at Samco Securities, highlighted a strategic shift in the assisted reproductive technology (ART) sector. He explained that growing investor interest is fueled by strong market fundamentals, such as increasing infertility awareness and favorable demographics.

Chaube further noted that companies like Indira IVF and Gaudium IVF have filed through the confidential route. This approach signals a maturing market where players seek to optimize their public offerings while minimizing early scrutiny and potential opportunist litigation.

**Industry Outlook: Pharma and Healthcare Increasingly in Focus Since COVID-19**

Samir Bahl, CEO of Anand Rathi Advisors, observed that global markets have increasingly concentrated on pharma and healthcare since the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out that countries like the US and India are ramping up investments in pharmaceutical and biotech innovation.

Bahl also remarked that Indian pharma companies are commanding high price-to-earnings ratios, reflecting favorable valuations and strong investor interest in the sector.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/15-pharma-healthcare-firms-to-launch-ipos-in-coming-months/story

general

Philippines, Singapore in talks to modernize 48-year-old tax pact

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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines, through the Department of Finance (DOF), has begun negotiations with Singapore to update the nearly five-decade-old 1977 Double Taxation Agreement (DTA).

This initiative aims to “keep pace with the demands of the modern economy and strengthen bilateral and investment relations that will translate to more jobs for Filipinos,” the DOF said.

https://business.inquirer.net/549112/philippines-singapore-in-talks-to-modernize-48-year-old-tax-pact

business, economy, government, industry, trade

‘Everything from chip to ship’: PM Modi calls for boost to Atmanirbhar Bharat

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**PM Modi Calls for Boost to Indigenous Production Across Sectors at UP International Trade Show 2025**

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a significant boost to indigenous production across various sectors, emphasizing the importance of building a ‘Swadeshi’ economy. Speaking at the inauguration of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show-2025 (UPITS-2025) on Wednesday, PM Modi assured stakeholders that the government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with them in this journey.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to ease of doing business, the Prime Minister noted that several unnecessary compliances have been removed to help businesses thrive in India. “The government is putting a strong emphasis on Make in India manufacturing. We want everything from chip to ship to be manufactured in India; for this, we are focusing on your ease of doing business,” he said.

PM Modi further elaborated on the reforms, stating, “The government abolished more than 40,000 compliances, and more than a thousand laws were decriminalised. We are standing with you shoulder-to-shoulder,” addressing the business fraternity and traders present at the event.

Despite global disruptions and uncertainties, the Prime Minister expressed confidence in India’s growth potential. “Disruptions don’t hinder us, but even in those circumstances, we look for new directions. Amid all these disruptions, India is strengthening the foundations for the coming decades. Our resolve and mantra is Atmanirbhar Bharat. Nothing can be more helpless than being dependent on others. The more a country stays dependent on others, the more its growth is going to stay compromised,” he added.

PM Modi also stressed the importance of maintaining quality in indigenous products. “Every citizen is adopting Swadeshi, ‘Garv se kaho hum swadeshi hai’. Our traders will have to proudly adopt this mantra,” he said. He called for creating an ecosystem that gives special emphasis to Swadeshi designs, while urging private investment in research and innovation. “Without innovation, the world stops, businesses halt,” he remarked.

### About the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show 2025

The trade show, held from September 25 to 29, carries the theme “Ultimate Sourcing Begins Here” and focuses on three core objectives: innovation, integration, and internationalisation. UPITS-2025 aims to connect international buyers, domestic Business-to-Business (B2B) buyers, and domestic Business-to-Consumer (B2C) buyers through a three-pronged buyer strategy, offering opportunities for exporters, small businesses, and consumers alike.

This platform will showcase Uttar Pradesh’s diverse craft traditions, modern industries, robust MSMEs, and emerging entrepreneurs. Key sectors represented at the event include handicrafts, textiles, leather, agriculture, food processing, IT, electronics, and AYUSH, among others. The trade show will also celebrate the state’s rich art, culture, and cuisine under one roof.

Adding strategic significance, Russia will participate as a partner country, facilitating new avenues for bilateral trade, technology exchange, and long-term cooperation.

The event expects participation from over 2,400 exhibitors, approximately 125,000 B2B visitors, and about 450,000 B2C visitors.

*(With inputs from ANI)*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/everything-from-chip-to-ship-pm-modi-calls-for-boost-to-atmanirbhar-bharat-manufacturing-23595743

conflict, international relations, Middle East, politics

South Yemen would join Abraham Accords, says separatist leader Aidaros al-Zubaidi

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**South Yemen Would Join Abraham Accords, Says Separatist Leader Aidaros al-Zubaidi**

Aidaros al-Zubaidi, President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), recently expressed his support for a two-state solution involving both Israel and Palestine, as well as in Yemen. Speaking to UAE state media, al-Zubaidi emphasized the potential for South Yemen to join the Abraham Accords, signaling a significant shift in the region’s diplomatic landscape.

Al-Zubaidi, who leads the anti-Houthi Southern Transitional Council, made these remarks during the United Nations General Assembly in New York City on September 24, 2025. His statements underscore the growing interest among some Middle Eastern actors in pursuing peaceful resolutions and normalized relations through frameworks like the Abraham Accords.

![Aidaros al-Zubaidi speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, New York City, September 24, 2025](SCREENSHOT/X/@STCSouthArabia)

*Photo credit: SCREENSHOT/X/@STCSouthArabia*

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-868510

general

NBA: Defiant Suns owner Mat Ishbia calls lawsuits a ‘money grab’

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PHOENIX — Defiant Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia says he’s not worried about the multiple lawsuits his NBA franchise is currently facing. The claims against the Suns range from discrimination to wrongful termination.

Speaking at Suns media day on Wednesday, Ishbia dismissed the lawsuits as a “money grab.”

READ: NBA: Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia calls season a ‘failure’

The franchise continues to address the legal challenges while focusing on the upcoming season.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641625/nba-defiant-suns-owner-mat-ishbia-calls-lawsuits-a-money-grab