Governor R.N. Ravi on Saturday said a narrative was built in Tamil Nadu that Sri Rama was a ‘north Indian’ God, and the people of the State did not know the God when preparations were under way for pranpratishta at the Ayodhya Ram temple. However, he said, there is hardly a place in the State where Sri Rama’s footprints cannot be found.

Speaking at the launch of the book, Sri Rama in Tamilagam: An Inseparable Bond, authored by D.K. Hari and D.K. Hema Hari, at the Raj Bhavan, Mr. Ravi further said Bharath could not exist without sanatana dharma.

He contended that young people in Tamil Nadu were being deprived of their cultural and spiritual heritage.

Brijendra Pratap Singh is set to be next Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of National Aluminium Corporation (NALCO), a PSU under the Ministry of Mines. He has been recommended for the post by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel on Tuesday. Presently, he is serving as Director in-charge of SAIL's Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plants.

Singh has been recommended for the post of CMD of NALCO from a list of six candidates, who were interviewed by the PESB selection panel in its selection meeting held on September 17. Out of six candidates, two candidates were from SAIL and one each from NLC India Limited, RailTel, NALCO and Indian Revenue Service.

Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya today chaired the 2nd formal Meeting of the COP9 Bureau and the 3rd meeting of the Fund Approval Committee under the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sport in New Delhi. The two-day high-level meetings aim to advance global collaboration in the fight against doping, emphasizing the importance of integrity, fairness, and inclusivity in sport.

In his opening remarks, Dr Mandaviya highlighted India’s commitment to play a leading role in global anti-doping efforts. He emphasized the critical role of international cooperation in safeguarding the integrity of sports for future generations.

Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse reiterated the government’s resolve to support a doping-free sports culture and emphasized the growing partnerships that India is forging in this area.

In Hockey, India lifted the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy for a record fifth time after defeating the hosts China 1-Nil at Hulunbuir this evening. In a high-intensity clash, India’s Jugraj Singh slotted home the only goal of the game in the fourth quarter. Team India, who were the defending champions, are the most successful team in the competition with five titles. The Men in Blue were playing in their sixth Asian Champions Trophy hockey final from the eight editions held so far. China made their maiden appearance in the final.

Information and Broadcasting Ministry has instituted a new section as part of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 for young filmmakers called the ‘Best Debut Indian Film Section 2024.’ The 55th IFFI is slated to be held in Goa from November 20th to 28th. Through this section, IFFI will also focus on Indian debut films, showcasing a diverse range of narratives and cinematic styles from across the country. These selections will highlight the creative vision and unique storytelling approaches of young filmmakers, providing a platform for new talent and showcasing the work of emerging directors. A maximum of five debut feature films will be selected and shown in the Best Debut Indian Film Section. Entries for the ‘Best Debut Indian Film Section’ are open now, with September 23rd as the deadline for submission. 

Saleema Imtiaz has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female umpire from Pakistan to be nominated to the ICC International Panel of Development Umpires, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Sunday. This prestigious nomination enables Imtiaz to officiate in women's bilateral international matches and ICC women’s events, making her the first Pakistani woman to reach this level in the field of umpiring.

In a statement, Imtiaz expressed her pride and hope that her accomplishment would inspire other women in Pakistan. "This isn't just a win for me, it's a win for every aspiring female cricketer and umpire in Pakistan," she said. "I hope my success motivates countless women who dream of making their mark in the sport." She also highlighted the growing role of women in cricket, crediting the PCB’s commitment to supporting female athletes and officials.

The Indian Army and Indian Air Force today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya to enhance the skills and capability building of personnel in logistics operations. On this occasion, the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh said that it is a monumental partnership to build a world-class and future proof logistics system and achieve self-reliance in defence sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that Vishwavidyalaya will serve as a vital partner in empowering the Armed Forces with cutting-edge logistics education, research and innovation.

India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) on Tuesday appointed Manu Bhaker, the double Olympic medal winner, as a brand ambassador.

Bhaker, the shooting ace who won Medals in shooting in the recent Summer Olympics held at Paris, is the daughter of a Marine Engineer.

Speaking after the signing, Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister, MoPSW, said: “It is a moment of great pride for every Indian; and for every member of India’s maritime sector. Manu Bhaker, the daughter of a proud marine sailor, is now going to champion the marine sector of India as she has been officially signed as the Brand Ambassador of the Ministry.”

Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has won a second term with 84.3 percent of the vote in last week's election, final results announced Saturday showed, down from an initial count contested by rivals.

The preliminary results issued by the North African country's electoral authority ANIE on Sunday gave Tebboune nearly 95 percent support, prompting other candidates to challenge the results in appeals to the Constitutional Court.

The court's president, Omar Belhadj, announced on Saturday the official count, with Tebboune far ahead of his only two challengers.

French European Union (EU) Commissioner Thierry Breton on Monday (September 16, 2024) resigned from the Bloc's executive body with immediate effect, publishing a picture of his resignation letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on social network X.

Mr. Breton in the letter said Ms. Von der Leyen "a few days ago" had asked France to withdraw his name as the country's pick for the Commission "for personal reasons" in return for an "allegedly more influential portfolio".

"In light of these latest developments — further testimony to questionable governance — I have to conclude that I can no longer exercise my duties in the College", Mr. Breton said in the letter.