MANILA, Philippines – National University opened the third quarter strong to eventually put away University of the East, 72-57, on Sunday for a winning start to its UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball campaign at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Bulldogs extended their lead after the break with an 11-point run, with Jake Figueroa among those contributing to the surge.
https://sports.inquirer.net/641065/uaap-nu-routs-ue-to-open-season-88-campaign
**Adani Group Demands Accountability from Hindenburg Following $150 Billion Losses**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 05:26 PM*
The Adani Group is calling for accountability from Hindenburg Research after the US-based firm’s allegations led to a staggering loss of nearly $150 billion in shareholder value.
### SEBI Clears Adani Group of Violations
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently concluded its investigation and cleared the conglomerate of any related-party violations under existing laws. A source close to the group questioned who would be held responsible for the massive losses suffered by millions of investors following Hindenburg’s report.
### Market Response: Stocks Rally After SEBI’s Clean Chit
Following SEBI’s ruling, the stocks of nine companies under the Adani Group witnessed gains ranging from 0.3% to 12.4%. Adani Power emerged as the biggest gainer, climbing 12.4% in stock price.
Despite this positive momentum, the combined market capitalization of these companies remains below ₹14 lakh crore, which is significantly lower than the pre-allegation peak of over ₹19 lakh crore.
### Regulatory Scrutiny Finds No Evidence of Wrongdoing
SEBI had launched a thorough investigation in 2023 in response to the Hindenburg allegations. The regulator found no evidence of fraud, market manipulation, or diversion of funds.
Additionally, a six-member committee appointed by the Supreme Court to examine the claims also cleared the Adani Group of any wrongdoing.
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The developments mark a crucial chapter in the ongoing saga between the Adani Group and Hindenburg Research, highlighting the impact of financial allegations on market valuations and investor sentiment.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/adani-seeks-accountability-as-sebi-dismisses-hindenburg-allegations/story
**iPhone Air Gives a Sneak Peek at Apple’s Upcoming Foldable**
*By Akash Pandey | Sep 21, 2025, 06:30 PM*
Apple’s highly anticipated foldable iPhone, expected to launch next year, could resemble two iPhone Air models placed side by side. This intriguing design insight was shared by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his latest *Power On* newsletter, suggesting the device will be a technical marvel featuring a titanium chassis.
**Design Speculation: Is the iPhone Air a Prototype for the Foldable?**
The sleek and thin profile of the iPhone Air has sparked speculation that Apple might have developed it as a prototype or a design precursor for its first-ever foldable iPhone. The concept hints at a future device combining portability with a larger screen experience, encapsulated in a premium, lightweight design.
**Manufacturing Insights: Made in China**
Contrary to earlier reports indicating production would start in India, Gurman’s report suggests that the foldable iPhone will primarily be manufactured in China. However, there will likely be “at least” some production happening in India.
Regarding pricing, the foldable iPhone is expected to launch with a starting price around $2,000 (approximately ₹1.66 lakh). Previous rumors placed the price slightly higher, in the range of $2,100 to $2,300 (roughly ₹1.75 lakh to ₹1.91 lakh).
**Launch Timeline: Fall 2026**
Apple’s foldable iPhone, tentatively called the iPhone Fold, is projected to launch alongside the iPhone 18 series next fall, making September 2026 the most probable timeframe for its official unveiling. However, the launch window could shift to October or November, following patterns set by past iPhone releases such as the iPhone X in 2017.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of smartphone innovation, the foldable iPhone could mark a significant milestone in the company’s product lineup, blending cutting-edge design with enhanced functionality. Stay tuned for more updates as the launch date approaches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/apple-s-foldable-iphone-could-closely-resemble-iphone-air-design/story
**Market Cap of India’s Top 7 Firms Jumps by ₹1.18 Lakh Crore**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | September 21, 2025, 02:58 PM*
The combined market capitalization of seven of the top 10 most valuable companies in India saw a substantial increase of ₹1.18 lakh crore last week. This surge was primarily driven by gains in State Bank of India (SBI) and Bharti Airtel, reflecting a broadly positive trend in the equities market.
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) benchmark index also experienced a boost, rising by 721.53 points, or 0.88%, during the same period.
**Market Leaders SBI and Airtel Lead the Charge**
SBI’s market valuation soared by ₹35,953.25 crore, reaching ₹7,95,910 crore. Close behind, Bharti Airtel’s valuation jumped by ₹33,214.77 crore to ₹11,18,952.64 crore. Reliance Industries also registered a significant increase, with its market capitalization rising by ₹17,389.23 crore to ₹19,04,898.51 crore.
Additionally, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) saw its valuation climb by ₹12,952.75 crore, bringing it to ₹11,46,879.47 crore.
**Other Notable Gainers: LIC and Infosys**
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and Infosys also recorded considerable gains. LIC’s market cap grew by ₹12,460.25 crore to ₹5,65,612.92 crore, while Infosys’s valuation increased by ₹6,127.73 crore to ₹6,39,901.03 crore.
HDFC Bank witnessed a modest rise in its market capitalization, up by ₹230.31 crore, reaching ₹14,84,816.26 crore.
**Companies Facing Decline in Market Capitalization**
On the other hand, three companies experienced a dip in their market value. ICICI Bank’s market cap fell by ₹10,707.87 crore to ₹10,01,654.46 crore. Bajaj Finance saw its valuation decrease by ₹6,346.93 crore, down to ₹6,17,892.72 crore. Hindustan Unilever also recorded a decline of ₹5,039.87 crore, bringing its market cap to ₹6,01,225.16 crore.
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Overall, the positive momentum in India’s equity markets was largely supported by strong performances from SBI, Bharti Airtel, and Reliance Industries, signaling robust investor confidence in these leading firms.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/top-7-m-cap-gainers-add-1-18l-crore-last-week/story
**When Will BCCI Announce India’s Squad for West Indies Tests?**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 21, 2025, 03:44 PM*
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce the Indian Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against the West Indies. According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the team selection will be finalized and revealed on either September 23 or 24.
### Series Details: India’s 1st Home Test Series under Shubman Gill
The first Test will commence on October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, followed by the second Test starting on October 10 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. This series marks India’s first home Test assignment under the leadership of new captain Shubman Gill.
India enters the series on the back of an impressive 2-2 draw against England in their last Test engagement.
### West Indies Squad Updates: Key Returns and New Inclusions
West Indies have reinforced their squad for the Test series with some significant additions. Experienced batters Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze are back in contention, while left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has been selected for his maiden Test outing.
Head coach Daren Sammy commented on the squad changes, stating, “The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles.”
### Team Strategy and Player Management
The inclusion of Khary Pierre is strategic, aimed at strengthening the spin department amid expected spin-friendly pitch conditions. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been rested to manage his workload ahead of a packed limited-overs schedule, including the T20 World Cup scheduled for February-March next year.
Notably, Kraigg Brathwaite, who faced challenges with the bat during the last home Test series against Australia, has been excluded from the squad.
### West Indies Test Squad
– Roston Chase (Captain)
– Jomel Warrican (Vice-captain)
– Kevlon Anderson
– Alick Athanaze
– John Campbell
– Tagenarine Chanderpaul
– Justin Greaves
– Shai Hope
– Tevin Imlach
– Alzarri Joseph
– Shamar Joseph
– Brandon King
– Anderson Phillip
– Khary Pierre
– Jayden Seales
Stay tuned for the official announcement of India’s playing XI as the series approaches.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ind-vs-wi-tests-bcci-secretary-confirms-squad-announcement-date/story
**Market Cap of India’s Top 7 Firms Surges by ₹1.18 Lakh Crore**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 21, 2025, 02:58 PM*
The combined market capitalization of seven out of the top 10 most valuable companies in India witnessed a massive jump of ₹1.18 lakh crore last week. This surge was primarily driven by strong performances from State Bank of India (SBI) and Bharti Airtel, amid a broadly positive trend in the equity markets.
The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) benchmark index also reflected this optimism, rising by 721.53 points or 0.88%.
### Market Leaders SBI and Bharti Airtel Lead the Gains
State Bank of India saw its market valuation soar by ₹35,953.25 crore, reaching ₹7,95,910 crore. Bharti Airtel closely followed with an increase of ₹33,214.77 crore, lifting its market cap to ₹11,18,952.64 crore.
Reliance Industries also experienced a significant rise, adding ₹17,389.23 crore to touch a valuation of ₹19,04,898.51 crore.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) posted an increase of ₹12,952.75 crore, taking its market capitalization up to ₹11,46,879.47 crore.
### Other Notable Gainers: LIC and Infosys
Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) saw its valuation climb by ₹12,460.25 crore, reaching ₹5,65,612.92 crore. Infosys also recorded gains, with its market cap increasing by ₹6,127.73 crore to ₹6,39,901.03 crore.
HDFC Bank’s market capitalization rose marginally by ₹230.31 crore, closing at ₹14,84,816.26 crore during the week.
### Market Laggers: ICICI Bank, Bajaj Finance, and Hindustan Unilever
On the downside, three firms witnessed declines in their market capitalizations last week. ICICI Bank’s valuation decreased by ₹10,707.87 crore to ₹10,01,654.46 crore.
Bajaj Finance and Hindustan Unilever also saw drops, with market caps falling by ₹6,346.93 crore and ₹5,039.87 crore, respectively. This brought Bajaj Finance’s valuation down to ₹6,17,892.72 crore and Hindustan Unilever’s to ₹6,01,225.16 crore.
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The overall surge in market caps reflects renewed investor confidence in India’s blue-chip companies, particularly the banking and telecommunications sectors, while some pockets saw profit booking and corrections.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/top-7-m-cap-gainers-add-1-18l-crore-last-week/story
**When will BCCI announce India’s squad for West Indies Tests?**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 21, 2025 03:44 pm*
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to unveil the Indian squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies. According to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, the team selection will be finalized shortly, with the announcement expected on either September 23 or 24.
> “Selection for the Indian Test team for the upcoming Test series against West Indies will be done on September 23 or 24,” Saikia confirmed at the BCCI headquarters.
### Series Details: India’s First Home Test Series Under Shubman Gill
The first Test match of the series will be held from October 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The second Test will follow from October 10 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. This series marks India’s first home Test assignment under the leadership of new captain Shubman Gill.
India comes into the series after a competitive 2-2 draw in their previous Test series in England.
### West Indies Squad Updates: Key Returns and New Inclusions
West Indies have strengthened their squad with the return of top-order batters Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Alick Athanaze. Additionally, left-arm spinner Khary Pierre has been included in the team for the first time.
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy noted, “The return of Tagenarine Chanderpaul is to help transform our fortunes at the top of the order given the recent struggles.”
Pierre’s inclusion aims to capitalize on the spin-friendly pitch conditions expected during the series, serving as a second spinner alongside the team.
### Managing Workload: Motie Rested; Brathwaite Omitted
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie has been rested to manage his workload in preparation for the upcoming limited-overs schedule, including the T20 World Cup set for February–March.
Also notable is the exclusion of Kraigg Brathwaite, who struggled with the bat during the last home series against Australia.
### West Indies Test Squad
The full West Indies squad for the series includes:
– Roston Chase (c)
– Jomel Warrican (vice-captain)
– Kevlon Anderson
– Alick Athanaze
– John Campbell
– Tagenarine Chanderpaul
– Justin Greaves
– Shai Hope
– Tevin Imlach
– Alzarri Joseph
– Shamar Joseph
– Brandon King
– Anderson Phillip
– Khary Pierre
– Jayden Seales
Stay tuned for the official announcement of India’s squad in the coming days as preparations ramp up for this exciting Test series.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/ind-vs-wi-tests-bcci-secretary-confirms-squad-announcement-date/story
**Word of the Day: Motif**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 21, 2025, 05:05 pm*
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**What’s the story?**
The word **”motif”** (noun) refers to a recurring theme, pattern, or idea that appears in art, literature, music, or design. It describes an element—such as an image, sound, or phrase—that repeatedly appears to provide deeper meaning and unity within a work. Motifs help bring various parts of a work together, adding depth and interest.
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**Origin**
The origin of the word *motif* comes from the French word *motif*, meaning “pattern” or “theme.” It entered the English language in the mid-19th century, initially used to describe repeated designs and symbolic elements. Today, the term is widely used across literature, fashion, art, and architecture to highlight recurring symbols or ideas.
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**Synonyms**
Some common synonyms for *motif* include:
– Theme
– Pattern
– Symbol
– Design
– Concept
– Idea
– Figure
These words all describe repeated elements that contribute meaning, beauty, or connection within creative works.
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**Usage**
Here are examples of how to use *motif* in different contexts:
– *“The novel uses light as a recurring **motif** of hope.”*
– *“Floral **motifs** decorated the ancient pottery.”*
– *“Music often relies on repeating **motifs** to build emotion.”*
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**Why use the word?**
Using *motif* allows you to highlight elements that appear repeatedly to create meaning. It enriches descriptions of art, literature, and design by illustrating how repeated symbols or themes shape an entire work. Whether in stories, music, or visuals, a *motif* ties everything together with clear purpose.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/word-of-the-day-motif/story
**Rifts Emerge in Gaza Flotilla: Greta Thunberg Removed from Leadership Committee**
Greta Thunberg, the renowned Swedish climate activist, has been quietly removed from the leadership committee of the Global Sumud Flotillas. This decision comes amid internal rifts and communication challenges faced by the flotilla organizers during their mission to breach the Gaza naval blockade.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which aims to challenge the blockade on Gaza, made a scheduled stop in Tunisia. Greta Thunberg was seen arriving at the port of Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia, as part of this effort. The flotilla paused for two days in Tunisia before setting sail again on September 10, 2025, to join the Maghreb Sumud Flotilla on its journey to Gaza.
The ongoing tensions within the flotilla’s leadership highlight the complexities of coordinating such a high-profile and politically sensitive mission. As the flotilla continues its voyage, organizers are working to resolve internal disputes to maintain their focus on challenging the naval blockade.
*Tunis, Tunisia, September 7, 2025.*
*Photo credit: REUTERS/JIHED ABIDELLAOUI*
https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-868231
The Trump White House is working to maintain Charlie Kirk’s influence with young voters after his assassination left a leadership gap at Turning Point USA.
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, played a key role in mobilizing young voters in support of former President Donald Trump. His sudden death has created uncertainty about the future direction of the influential youth movement.
Efforts are now underway within the Trump administration and the broader conservative network to preserve and continue Kirk’s legacy and voter outreach. The focus remains on sustaining engagement with young Americans who have been pivotal to recent political campaigns.
Photo credit: CHENEY ORR/REUTERS, REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon
By REUTERS
