Riyad H. Mansour, the Palestinian Permanent Observer to the United Nations, is seen on screens as he addresses delegates following the United Nations General Assembly vote on the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
The event took place at the UN headquarters in New York City, US, on September 12, 2025.
(Photo credit: REUTERS/EDUARDO MUNOZ)
By REUTERS
Loading…
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-868109
**Pizza-loving lizards to alcoholic bats: Bizarre research wins Ig Nobel**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 19, 2025, 05:21 PM*
The 35th annual Ig Nobel Prize awards, a celebration of bizarre yet thought-provoking scientific achievements, took place recently at Boston University. The event was also streamed online, allowing a global audience to join in the fun. This year’s ceremony centered around the theme of **digestion**, featuring intriguing talks and unique performances.
One highlight was a presentation by Dr. Trisha Pasricha, who explored the curious connection between smartphone use on toilets and the incidence of hemorrhoids. Additionally, attendees enjoyed a mini-opera titled *“The Plight of the Gastroenterologist,”* adding an artistic touch to the scientific festivities.
### Unusual Research Topics Recognized
The Ig Nobel Prizes, awarded by actual Nobel laureates, honored a variety of unconventional studies that blend curiosity with humor. Some of the standout topics included painting cows with zebra stripes to reduce fly bites and investigating pizza preferences among different lizard species.
Among the notable winners were William B. Bean, who received a posthumous award for meticulously documenting the growth of his fingernail over 35 years. Julie Mennella and Gary Beauchamp were recognized for their research on how garlic consumption affects nursing babies. Meanwhile, Marcin Zajenkowski and Gilles Gignac studied how narcissists react when told they are intelligent, revealing quirky insights into human psychology.
### Innovative Chemistry and Engineering Research
The awards also celebrated groundbreaking work in chemistry and engineering. Rotem Naftalovich, Daniel Naftalovich, and Frank Greenway won the chemistry prize for their unusual study on eating Teflon to increase food volume without adding calories—an idea sure to spark both laughter and curiosity.
In the field of engineering design, Vikash Kumar and Sarthak Mittal examined how foul-smelling shoes influence the experience of using a shoe rack, blending everyday annoyances with scientific investigation.
The physics prize was awarded to a team that analyzed the clumping behavior of pasta sauce, a seemingly trivial phenomenon with surprisingly complex underlying principles.
Carly York, an associate professor of biology at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, commented on the event’s overall impact: these winners perfectly fulfill the Ig Nobel’s mission—to make people laugh and then think.
—
The Ig Nobel Prizes continue to celebrate the weird and wonderful side of science, proving that curiosity knows no bounds and that humor can be a powerful tool for learning.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/bizarre-research-honored-at-2025-ig-nobel-prize-awards/story
**Wolves Secure New Deal for Striker Jørgen Strand Larsen**
*By Rajdeep Saha | September 19, 2025, 6:17 PM*
Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) have secured the future of their star striker, Jørgen Strand Larsen, by signing a new contract extension that will keep the Norwegian international at the club until 2030. The deal also includes an option for an additional year, further strengthening Wolves’ long-term plans.
### Career Progression and Recent Developments
Strand Larsen’s new contract comes just three months after his permanent transfer to Wolves. The striker initially joined the club on loan from Celta Vigo last season, making an immediate impact by scoring 14 goals. His impressive performances played a key role in helping Wolves avoid relegation, as they finished 16th in the Premier League.
This summer, Newcastle United made two bids for the striker—initially £50 million, followed by an increased offer of £55 million. However, both bids were rejected by Wolves, underscoring the club’s intent to keep their key forward.
### Current Status and Injury Update
Following his permanent signing for £23 million, Strand Larsen has started the season strongly, netting two goals in the EFL Cup victory over West Ham. Unfortunately, he has been sidelined for the last two games due to an Achilles injury. As Wolves prepare to face Leeds United this Saturday, the club remains hopeful that Strand Larsen will recover in time to boost their attacking options.
### Strand Larsen’s Statistics at Wolves
– **Premier League Appearances:** 37
– **Goals:** 14
– **Assists:** 4
– **All Competitions Appearances:** 41
– **Goals in All Competitions:** 16
– **Current Season:** 3 games, 2 goals
Jørgen Strand Larsen continues to be a vital part of Wolves’ squad, and with his new long-term contract, the club looks to build its future around the talented Norwegian striker.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/wolves-see-strand-larsen-sign-a-new-deal/story
**Seva Pakhwada Launched Across India to Promote People-Centric Governance and Environmental Conservation**
The Seva Pakhwada (Service Fortnight) under Maharashtra government’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rajaswa Mission was formally launched in Palghar by District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar, an official announced on Friday. This 15-day-long Sewa Pakhwada, initiated by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to mark the 75th birthday of its prominent leader, runs from September 17 to October 2.
The initiative aims to provide citizens with direct access to government services and ensure faster delivery of welfare scheme benefits. It is part of the state government’s broader effort to promote efficient, people-centric governance at the grassroots level, according to reports by news agency PTI.
During her visit, Collector Jakhar reviewed various development initiatives and government schemes in Jawhar and Mokhada talukas. She also inspected farm ponds constructed under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). In Mokhada taluka, 53 farm ponds have been approved for 2025-26, while Poshera has 35, Hirve 10, and Ase 8. Each pond is designed to store 2.5 lakh litres of water, aiding local irrigation and water conservation efforts.
—
**Diplomats from 70 Nations Participate in Sapling Plantation During Delhi’s Seva Pakhwada**
In New Delhi, diplomats from 70 countries came together to plant saplings at the Central Ridge as part of the Delhi government’s 15-day Sewa Pakhwada. A total of 75 diplomats, alongside Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, attended the event on Thursday.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta planted a tree under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and highlighted the global significance of the diplomats’ participation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she said, “The participation of 75 diplomats from 70 countries has given the campaign a form of global cooperation and shared responsibility.”
Under the Seva Pakhwada, observed on the birthday of visionary Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0” campaign not only spreads the message of environmental conservation but also symbolizes gratitude toward Mother Earth, she added.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa also posted on X, emphasizing that the involvement of foreign diplomats has transformed the mission into a truly global event.
—
**PM Modi to Launch ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ and Foundation of PM MITRA Park in Madhya Pradesh**
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the country’s first PM MITRA Park and launch the fortnight-long ‘Sewa Pakhwada’ during his visit to Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced.
In addition to these events, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan at Bhainsola village in Dhar district. The campaign focuses on the health and empowerment of women, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social welfare.
These events mark a concentrated push by the central and state governments to enhance public service delivery, environmental sustainability, and community development initiatives across India.
—
*With inputs from PTI*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-seva-pakhwada-launched-in-palghar-under-rajaswa-mission-23594841
Dominic LeBlanc announces that consultations on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) will begin this Friday, ahead of a planned review of the North American trade pact next year. The Canadian trade minister stated that Ottawa will engage with provinces, territories, industry representatives, and workers in preparation for formal negotiations with the United States and Mexico scheduled for 2026.
An exemption for CUSMA-compliant goods has so far shielded much of Canada’s trade from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war. However, sectoral duties remain in effect in industries such as steel, aluminum, automotive, and softwood lumber.
LeBlanc noted that while Ottawa would be open to signing a broader deal with the U.S. should Washington propose terms beneficial to Canada, his immediate priority is addressing the existing sectoral tariffs.
Meanwhile, Carney and Sheinbaum emphasized that the upcoming trade agreement will complement CUSMA, strengthening cooperation among the three countries.
*With files from Craig Lord in Ottawa*
https://globalnews.ca/news/11436583/canada-launching-cusma-review-consultation/
US stocks have opened slightly higher as investors showed confidence in the market.
Buying activity was particularly strong in the technology and consumer discretionary sectors, driving gains in these areas.
This positive momentum reflects growing optimism among investors about the economic outlook and corporate earnings.
https://thewest.com.au/business/markets/wall-street-ticks-higher-as-shares-in-fedex-jump-c-20080056
An Irish Jesuit priest serving as a chaplain with the British army was among the liberators of Bergen-Belson, the first Nazi concentration camp to be liberated on the Western Front during World War II. Father Michael Morrison was with the British and Canadian troops who entered the camp in western Germany, 72 years ago, on April 15, 1945. The liberators had no idea what theyd encounter when they entered Bergen-Belson. Sixty thousand people were squashed into a camp designed to hold 10, 000. The troops came upon hundreds of prisoners in mass graves and people suffering from severe malnutrition. Although there were no gas chambers at the camp, the horrid conditions led to the death of 50, 000 individuals between 1941 and 1945, including diarist Anne Frank, who died only three weeks before the camp was liberated. In the immediate aftermath of the liberation, Father Michael Morrison worked tirelessly to help the wounded and tend to those still alive in the camp, reported TheJournalreel about the camps liberation, said Bergen-Belsen was not a name one ever forgot and became a place of horror long before Auschwitz. Father Morrison was profoundly affected by what he witnessed at the camp. Conor Dodd, a historian at Glasnevin Cemetery, where Morrison is buried, said: It affected him for the rest of his life. He never quite got over it. After the war, Morrison briefly served as a parish priest in Australia before returning to Ireland. He died in 1973. * Originally published in 2017, updated in Aug 2024.
https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/michael-morrison-nazi-concentration-camp
Lucknow, September 19: To provide new opportunities and platforms to the youth, the state government is now taking the CM YUVA Yojana forward on a larger scale. In this series, the CM YUVA Yojana will remain the main attraction at the UP International Trade Show (UPITS-2025), to be held at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, from September 25 to 29.
### MoU Signing With Leading Institutions
Through the ambitious plan of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, initiatives are being taken to connect the youth of the state with innovative projects, franchise models, and technology-based business ideas. During the event, on September 27, an MoU will be signed between CM YUVA and 27 leading educational institutions.
Along with this, 150 special stalls will be set up in Hall No. 18A, where new business models from various fields will be showcased. Students, youth fellows, university representatives, and people from various industries across the state will participate in this exhibition, offering young people opportunities to learn, connect, and advance towards entrepreneurship.
### Educational Institutions To Join Hands
CM YUVA Yojana’s nodal officer and Joint Commissioner of Industries, Sarveshwar Shukla, said, “The main objective of this MoU is to directly connect the state’s educational institutions with the CM YUVA Yojana. The MoU will directly benefit final-year students and alumni of the institutions, who will get an opportunity to be part of innovative projects.”
He added, “The initiative will not only inspire youth towards entrepreneurship but also play an important role in realizing the state government’s vision of startups and innovation.”
MoUs under the CM YUVA Yojana are being signed with leading institutions such as Galgotia University, GL Bajaj, Chaudhary Charan Singh University (Meerut), Ajay Kumar Garg University, Sharda University, Amity University, and ABES. Students and faculty from these institutions will actively participate in the exhibition, giving youth direct exposure to industry and a chance to explore new opportunities.
### District-Level Participation And Outreach
The state government has instructed CM YUVA fellows from all 75 districts to take part in the exhibition. They have been tasked with collecting data and contact details from each stall, as well as promoting these brands in their respective districts.
In addition, students and officials from colleges in Saharanpur, Meerut, Agra, and Aligarh divisions will also be part of this exhibition. This effort aims to provide youth with a direct opportunity to connect with innovation and entrepreneurship.
### Digital Campaign And Registrations
A digital media campaign has already been launched to promote the program. A large number of youth have registered online so far.
For this purpose, a special website, [conclave.cmyuva.org.in](https://conclave.cmyuva.org.in), has been created, through which interested youth can obtain detailed information about the scheme and register online to visit UPITS.
The campaign is rapidly gaining popularity among youth on social media platforms, further boosting engagement and outreach.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/up-international-trade-show-2025-cm-yuva-yojana-to-be-major-attraction-mou-with-27-institutions-on-september-27
**Ethiopian Snacks You’ll Love**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 19, 2025, 02:28 PM*
Ethiopian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its rich flavors and unique ingredients. Among its many culinary treasures, snacks made from indigenous grains truly stand out. These snacks not only offer a delicious taste of Ethiopia’s heritage but also highlight the versatility of local grains such as teff, barley, millet, and sorghum. Exploring these traditional treats provides a wonderful insight into the country’s culture and culinary traditions.
### 1. Teff-Based Snacks: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Teff, an ancient grain native to Ethiopia, is a cornerstone of many traditional snacks. Packed with protein and iron, teff is a healthy and nourishing option. A popular example is *kolo*—roasted teff mixed with spices. This crunchy, nutty-flavored snack is often enjoyed during social gatherings or as a quick energy boost. Its chewy texture makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
### 2. Barley Delights: A Versatile Ingredient
Barley is another important grain in Ethiopian snacking culture. Barley flour is used to make a variety of dishes, including *dabo kolo*, which are small baked barley bites seasoned with salt or spices. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for enjoying any time of day. Their mild flavor allows them to be savored on their own or paired with other dishes.
### 3. Millet Magic: A Gluten-Free Option
Millet, a gluten-free grain, features prominently in Ethiopian cooking as well. It is used to prepare *genfo*, a thick, porridge-like snack often served with honey or spicy sauces. This comforting dish is especially popular during colder months as it provides warmth and sustenance. Millet’s mild flavor makes it a versatile base for both sweet and savory toppings.
### 4. Sorghum Snacks: A Traditional Treat
Sorghum, one of Ethiopia’s oldest cultivated crops, plays a vital role in traditional cuisine. It is used to make *injera*, a sourdough flatbread eaten with almost every meal. Sorghum injera has a distinct tangy taste due to fermentation and serves a dual purpose—not only as food but also as a utensil for scooping up other dishes. This unique aspect of Ethiopian dining embodies both flavor and functionality.
Discovering these Ethiopian snacks is a delicious way to experience the country’s rich culinary heritage while enjoying nutritious and flavorful treats. Whether you’re drawn to the nutty teff-based kolo or the tangy sorghum injera, each snack offers a story rooted in tradition and culture.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/ethiopian-snacks-you-ll-love/story
**Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Brett James (57) dies in plane crash**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 01:37 PM*
Brett James, a celebrated American country music singer-songwriter and record producer, has tragically died in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday (US time). He was 57 years old. The news of his untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the music industry, with fans and fellow musicians expressing their grief and paying tribute to the late artist.
### Crash Details
James was one of three people on board a Cirrus SR22T aircraft that crashed in a field in Franklin, North Carolina, at around 3:00 PM local time on Thursday. The plane departed from Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport and went down near Iotla Valley Elementary School, close to Macon County Airport, surrounded by open fields.
### His Impact on the Music Industry
Brett James was a prolific songwriter, having penned some of the biggest hits for artists such as Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Kelly Clarkson, Brantley Gilbert, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Bon Jovi, and Kenny Chesney. Among his most acclaimed works is Carrie Underwood’s 2006 chart-topper *Jesus Take the Wheel*. The track earned Grammy Awards for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance, and it was also nominated for Song of the Year at the 49th Grammy Awards in 2007.
### Personal Tributes
Dierks Bentley, who collaborated with James on his 2013 hit *I Hold On*, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late songwriter. Bentley described James as “a total legend” and shared how James helped him refine the song’s concept following his father’s death. “The chorus is all him. Our friendship and that song changed my life. Prayers for his family,” Bentley wrote on social media.
### A Look at His Career
Born in Columbia, Missouri, Brett James attended music school in the early 1990s but decided to drop out to pursue a career in music. He released his self-titled debut album in 1995, featuring charting singles such as *Female Bonding*, *If I Could See Love*, and *Worth the Fall*. From the early 2000s onward, James became widely known as a gifted songwriter for other country and pop artists.
Brett James’s contributions to music have left an indelible mark, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/songwriter-brett-james-dies-in-plane-crash-at-57/story
