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Vatal Nagaraj hits out at ‘high command’ culture of political parties

Kerala Agricultural University releases new green chilli variety

The new variety promises high yield, quality fruits and field tolerance to major production constraints, according to the college authorities

FIFA World Cup 2026 venues: Full list

The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun, and football fans around the world are preparing for what promises to be the largest edition of the tournament ever staged. For the first time in the competition's history, three nations—the United States, Canada and Mexico—will jointly host the World Cup, bringing the sport's biggest event to North America on an unprecedented scale.The tournament, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026 (June 12 to July 20 as per Indian time), will feature 48 teams, an expansion from the traditional 32-team format. With 104 matches spread across 16 host cities, the World Cup is expected to attract millions of spectators and generate a festival atmosphere across the continent.From iconic football grounds steeped in history to ultra-modern arenas equipped with cutting-edge technology, the host venues reflect the diversity and ambition of FIFA's vision for the 2026 tournament.FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Cities and StadiumsThe FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to make history as the biggest edition of the tournament ever staged. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the competition will feature 48 teams competing across 16 host cities and some of North America's most iconic stadiums.From Mexico City's legendary Estadio Azteca to the ultra-modern SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, each venue brings its own unique story, architecture and football heritage. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with matches spread across three nations and a diverse range of world-class stadiums.Host CityStadiumCountryCapacityNew York/New JerseyMetLife StadiumUnited States82,500Dallas (Arlington)AT&T StadiumUnited States94,000AtlantaMercedes-Benz StadiumUnited States75,000HoustonNRG StadiumUnited States72,000Kansas CityArrowhead StadiumUnited States73,000Los AngelesSoFi StadiumUnited States70,000MiamiHard Rock StadiumUnited States65,000PhiladelphiaLincoln Financial FieldUnited States69,000SeattleLumen FieldUnited States69,000BostonGillette StadiumUnited States65,000San Francisco Bay AreaLevi's StadiumUnited States71,000TorontoBMO FieldCanada45,000VancouverBC PlaceCanada54,000Mexico CityEstadio AztecaMexico83,000GuadalajaraEstadio AkronMexico48,000MonterreyEstadio BBVAMexico53,500FIFA Canada VenuesCanada will host matches in Toronto and Vancouver, with both cities playing a key role in the expanded tournament.Toronto – BMO Field (Capacity: 45,000)BMO Field is one of the few purpose-built soccer stadiums among the World Cup venues. Opened in 2007, it previously hosted matches during the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and is home to Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.The stadium will stage six matches, including Canada's opening game against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 12, along with a Round of 32 fixture.Vancouver – BC Place (Capacity: 54,000)Located on Vancouver's waterfront, BC Place is widely regarded as one of the most scenic venues in the tournament. Opened in 1983, the stadium is home to the Vancouver Whitecaps and the BC Lions.The venue also played a major role during the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, hosting the final where the United States defeated Japan. BC Place will host seven matches, including two knockout-round encounters.FIFA Mexico VenuesMexico will host games in three cities, each boasting a rich football culture and passionate fan base.Mexico City – Estadio Azteca (Capacity: 83,000)Few stadiums can match the legacy of Estadio Azteca. Opened in 1966, it hosted the World Cup finals of 1970 and 1986 and witnessed unforgettable moments from legends such as Pele and Diego Maradona.In 2026, the stadium will become the first venue in history to host matches in three different FIFA World Cups. It will also stage the tournament opener on June 11 when Mexico takes on South Africa.Guadalajara – Estadio Akron (Capacity: 48,000)Recognized for its distinctive volcano-inspired design, Estadio Akron is among the most visually striking stadiums selected for the tournament.Since opening in 2010, the venue has hosted major events including the Copa Libertadores final and the Pan American Games ceremonies. Four group-stage matches will be played here, including Spain's clash against Uruguay.Monterrey – Estadio BBVA (Capacity: 53,500)Nicknamed "El Gigante de Acero" or "The Steel Giant," Estadio BBVA combines modern architecture with breathtaking mountain views.The stadium, which opened in 2015, is regarded as one of Mexico's finest football venues and will host four matches during the World Cup.FIFA United States VenuesThe United States will host matches in 11 cities, featuring some of the largest and most technologically advanced stadiums in the world.Dallas – AT&T Stadium (Capacity: 94,000)The largest venue of the tournament, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, can accommodate around 94,000 spectators. Home to the Dallas Cowboys, the stadium has previously hosted Super Bowls, major boxing events and international football matches.It will stage nine World Cup games, including a semi-final.New York/New Jersey – MetLife Stadium (Capacity: 82,500)MetLife Stadium will be the centerpiece of the tournament, hosting eight matches, including a semi-final and the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on July 19.Home to the New York Giants and New York Jets, the venue has previously welcomed major football events such as the Copa America Centenario final and the Club World Cup final.Atlanta – Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Capacity: 75,000)Known for its retractable roof and massive 360-degree video display, Mercedes-Benz Stadium is considered one of the world's most advanced sports venues.The stadium will host eight matches, including one of the two semi-finals.Los Angeles – SoFi Stadium (Capacity: 70,000)Often described as one of the most expensive stadiums ever built, SoFi Stadium reportedly cost around $6 billion. Home to the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, it will host eight matches, including the first World Cup game played on U.S. soil.Other Key U.S. VenuesSeveral other American stadiums will play important roles during the tournament:Gillette Stadium, Boston (65,000): Seven matches, including a quarter-final.NRG Stadium, Houston (72,000): Features a retractable roof and steep spectator stands.Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (73,000): Famous as one of the loudest sports venues in the world.Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (65,000): Hosts seven matches and has extensive experience staging major football events.Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia (69,000): Hosts six matches, including a fixture on U.S. Independence Day celebrations.Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara (71,000): Home of the San Francisco 49ers and a frequent host of major international sporting events.Lumen Field, Seattle (69,000): Renowned for passionate crowds and will host six matches, including knockout-round fixtures.A Tournament of Historic ScaleWith 16 host cities, 48 participating nations and a record number of matches, FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to be unlike any previous edition. The combination of historic venues such as Estadio Azteca and modern architectural marvels like SoFi Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium highlights the blend of tradition and innovation that will define the tournament.As preparations continue across North America, football fans can look forward to a month-long celebration of the world's most popular sport in some of the most spectacular stadiums ever assembled for a FIFA World Cup.

535 farmers died due to unsafe pesticide use between January 2024-2026 in Rajasthan

The department stated that farmers, agricultural labourers and other persons may fall ill and, in some cases, die due to failure to adopt necessary safety measures during pesticide spraying and because of indiscriminate and unsafe use of pesticides

Rahul Devraj appointed NIMS Hyderabad Director for three-year term

Dr. Rahul Devraj is among the institute’s senior faculty members and has been associated with its clinical, academic and administrative activities for several years

Smart money move: Why Groww MF's equity chief is betting on multicap strategies

While warning about the risk of a looming oil shock, Groww Mutual Fund’s equity chief, CA Anupam Tiwari, says multicap strategy together with bottom-up investing can work well in this market.Although there might be valuation concerns in some specific areas, the overall investment environment for active stock picking in mid and small caps has improved to some extent, he says in an interview with ET Markets.Edited excerpts from a chat:Markets have recovered from recent corrections despite geopolitical tensions. What is the market pricing that investors may be underestimating?Markets are showing signs of recovery from the fall due to the prospects of de-escalation and continued talks regarding the resolution of the Middle East crisis. Nevertheless, one possible threat that investors might be overlooking is the possibility of prolonged geopolitical instability that can cause oil prices to remain elevated for an extended period.Sustained higher energy prices could have broader implications for inflation, currency stability, corporate profitability, and economic growth. While markets appear to be pricing in a relatively benign outcome, any disruption that results in persistently elevated crude prices could have a more meaningful impact on the macroeconomic environment than is currently reflected in markets.With valuations still elevated in parts of the market, how should investors think about allocating money across large-, mid- and small-cap stocks today?Broad concerns regarding valuation levels in the market have cooled off in recent months. At the current juncture, close to one-third of the mid-cap space is priced below its five-year average valuation levels, whereas nearly half of the small-cap space is trading below its own five-year average valuation levels.Under these circumstances, although there might be valuation concerns in some specific areas, the overall investment environment for active stock picking in mid and small caps has improved to some extent. Here, a multicap strategy together with bottom-up investing can work well in uncovering better businesses.The multicap category has seen rising investor interest. What advantages does a multicap strategy offer in the current market environment compared to pure large-cap or mid-cap approaches?While the current phase is marked by heightened volatility, volatility is often uneven across segments. In such an environment, a multicap strategy may provide disciplined exposure across market caps within a single portfolio.This allows investors the relative stability and earnings visibility of larger companies, while also participating in the long-term growth potential of mid- and small-cap businesses. By maintaining exposure across segments, a multicap approach can help reduce over-reliance on any single category and provide a more balanced way to navigate changing market conditions.One of the key benefits of a multicap strategy is that it removes the burden of market-cap allocation from investors. Determining when to allocate across segments can be challenging, particularly as market leadership often shifts across cycles. A multicap strategy addresses this by embedding this decision within a disciplined investment framework, freeing investors from having to make often difficult and timing-sensitive allocation calls.From a long-term perspective, multicap funds can serve as a core equity allocation for investors, enabling investors to participate in India's growth story through a combination of established market leaders and emerging businesses.Many retail investors continue to favour mid- and small-caps despite recent volatility. Is the risk-reward equation still attractive in these segments?While mid- and small-cap stocks are generally more exposed during periods of market volatility, the opportunity set within these segments has improved as valuations have moderated across several pockets of the market while business fundamentals have remained intact and even improved in several pockets.Rather than looking at mid and small caps as segments, investors should focus on a disciplined investment framework. Selective opportunities continue to exist despite volatility, making active stock selection increasingly important in determining outcomes.Which sectors currently offer the strongest earnings visibility, and where are you finding opportunities despite market volatility?We continue to focus on sectors where earnings visibility remains relatively strong despite broader market volatility. Financials remain a key area of interest, supported by reasonable valuations, stable asset quality, improving credit growth, and a favorable funding environment, particularly within select NBFCs and mid-sized financial institutions.Within industrials, we remain constructive on themes such as power transmission & distribution, renewable energy, and defence, where order books remain healthy and policy support continues to drive long-term demand. In the auto space, we continue to see opportunities linked to premium consumption trends, EV adoption, and select auto-component manufacturers benefiting from structural drivers such as exports, and regulatory and policy changes.We are also positive on specialty chemicals, particularly businesses with strong contract manufacturing franchises, niche product portfolios, and long-term customer relationships. If you had to allocate fresh money today, which market-cap segment would receive the highest allocation and why?Our equity investment philosophy, QGaRP (Quality and Growth at a Reasonable Price), is market-cap agnostic and driven primarily by stock selection rather than segment-level calls. We seek to invest in businesses that combine high quality management, growth potential, and valuation comfort.That said, our multicap strategy has historically maintained a growth-oriented tilt towards mid- and small-cap companies. With valuations having moderated across several pockets of the mid- and small-cap universe, we believe the environment has become more conducive in these segments for active stock selection.As a result, while we continue to maintain a diversified allocation across market caps, we remain constructive on selectively identifying opportunities within the mid- and small-cap space where fundamentals, growth prospects, and valuations are aligned with our philosophy.

DMK rules out alliance with Congress

Pudukkottai (Tamil Nadu): Ruling out any future patch-up with the Congress, senior DMK leader R S Bharathi on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the national party, comparing its exit from the alliance to "adultery" and said that the Dravidian major will never welcome back defectors."We are not there in an alliance where Congress is present. I am clarifying that," Bharathi said.Addressing reporters here, Bharathi also issued a fierce electoral challenge to rivals, daring them to win a single mayor seat in the upcoming local body polls, and demanded the elections be held as early as January."In local body elections, people vote only for meritorious candidates. I challenge them: let elections be conducted in six months, say in January. If you can win even a single Mayor post, I will accept your strength. Are Annamalai and others ready to accept this challenge?" Bharathi asked.Also read | The safe keepers: Inside India's booming locker economyAsked about Congress leader Manickam Tagore's critical remarks regarding the DMK's performance and alliance dynamics, Bharathi advised Tagore to self-reflect on his own victory first.Using sharp analogies to describe the split, the senior DMK leader stated that while some separations happen by mutual consent, this breakdown was akin to a partner engaging in a "clandestine relationship"."No one lives with a wife who runs away. There is no longer any political ties or relationship with them. Even if the DMK leadership decides otherwise, the grassroots party cadres will never accept Congress back into the fold," Bharathi said.He added that despite the current political landscape, the DMK remains ideologically uncompromised and firmly ruled out ever aligning with the BJP in the future.Taking a swipe at politicians frequently switching allegiances, Bharathi noted that the "Aya Ram Gaya Ram" culture, which historically plagued northern states like Haryana, is now showing its face in Tamil Nadu.Also read | Indian tourists go viral for all wrong reasons. Here's how not to become the next horror storyTargeting former AIADMK leaders and other politicians defecting to the BJP and newly formed parties, Bharathi said, "People who shift from one party to another for positions will not last long. If the government falls in six months, they will all come running back to square one".Downplaying the recent electoral gains of actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK, Bharathi characterised the victory a "jackpot lottery ticket" rather than an endorsement of ideology. He noted that TVK only secured a 35 per cent vote share, meaning 65 per cent of the electorate voted against them."People voted simply looking at a face and due to social media campaigns on Instagram. Voters don't even know who their local MLAs or ministers are," Bharathi claimed, drawing a parallel to how a single issue like onion prices once changed a government in Delhi. He predicted that just like Archimedes' principle, "the faster a ball goes up, the faster it will come down," predicting a similar trajectory for TVK.

'Gill had better credentials than Iyer': Manjrekar explains why Shubman missed out

Sanjay Manjrekar believes Shubman Gill possessed stronger credentials for India's next T20I captaincy than Shreyas Iyer. However, Gill's difficulty in securing a consistent playing XI spot reportedly cost him the opportunity. Manjrekar feels Gill's long-term suitability was overlooked, with selectors opting for Iyer due to his guaranteed place in the middle order.

Fire at residential building in Navi Mumbai; four injured

Ten persons were rescued from the premises. A minor and three other persons suffered burn injuries and breathing difficulties, the official said

World’s hottest market has Korea bulls reaching for protection

A wave of optimism over South Korean stocks is giving way to growing caution, as some investors hedge positions and pare back crowded trades on concerns that the rally has run too hot, too fast.Hedge fund Golden Horse Fund Management has trimmed exposure and added derivative protection, while M&G Investments has cut memory and foundry holdings to broaden out down the AI supply chain. A Bloomberg Intelligence analysis of options on the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF shows investors seeking protection against a decline. The fund tumbled 14% Friday in the US.The moves highlight the challenge facing global money managers. While investors remain upbeat about Samsung Electronics Co. and SK Hynix Inc., the two chip giants that powered Kospi’s more than 90% rise this year, many are becoming pickier about where to put new money and keeping cash ready for opportunities elsewhere.Friday’s selloff in US tech stocks, driven by fears of higher interest rates, shows how quickly popular trades can unwind once sentiment shifts. That risk could spillover into Korea once local markets open.“We’ve been trimming gross exposure at the margin and layering derivative protection over the last few weeks,” said Yi Ling Ong, managing partner at Golden Horse Fund. Several large IPOs, including a SpaceX listing this month, could lead to rotation as funds raise cash to participate, making it “prudent to hold some dry powder,” she said.131561937Over the past year, Korean stocks captured global attention as a combination of the AI boom and the government’s successful corporate reform propelled the index to new highs. Strong earnings potential continues to underpin bullish sentiment, but the extended rally has led to crowding in a few major players, leaving the market vulnerable to abrupt reversals. The benchmark tumbled 7% at one point on Friday.The caution is showing up in the derivatives market.“The debate isn’t whether the Kospi story remains attractive — it’s how to stay invested without giving back a portion of the gains,” said Tanvir Sandhu, global chief derivatives strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence. Options activity in the EWY ETF suggests investors are becoming more cautious, with demand shifting from upside exposure to downside protection, he said.Some investors are looking for opportunities beyond Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, whose meteoric rise propelled them into the $1 trillion valuation club and helped Korea briefly overtake India as the world’s sixth-largest stock market.“The alpha lies lower down the value chain — in the picks-and-shovels of the picks-and-shovels,” said Vikas Pershad, portfolio manager at M&G, referring to companies that benefit from spending on AI infrastructure without being at the heart of the trade.Not Bearish To be sure, the rotation doesn’t signal investors turning bearish on Korea. Valuations remain cheaper than in rival tech hub Taiwan and investors say the market still offers one of the strongest AI-linked stories in global equities. At 8.6 times forward earnings, the Kospi trades below its five-year average of 10 times and is much cheaper than Taiwan’s benchmark, which trades at about 20 times, data compiled by Bloomberg show.Earnings upgrade cycle has also started to broaden. Excluding Samsung and SK Hynix, the rest of the Kospi is now expected to deliver more than 50% profit growth this year, up from just 20% in January, according to Golden Horse Fund. 131561965“The speed of the rally has been vertiginous but in this type of market I would rather let the rally continue,” said Rajeev De Mello, global macro portfolio manager at Gama Asset Management SA. “Exiting now will make it very difficult to re-invest later if the market doesn’t correct.”Still, foreign outflows have become a concern. Global funds have pulled a record $76 billion this year, selling in every session over the past month. While part of the retreat is due to technical limits on single-stock holding, the selling has been absorbed by more fickle retail investors — a dynamic that may heighten volatility.At the same time, some investors are growing wary of rising retail leverage. The concern is that popularity of leveraged ETFs and the planned weekly single-stock options could amplify swings in an already-volatile market. While the products are “really interesting” and show retail participation is growing, they also leave the market “in somewhat of a precarious position in case of a reversal,” Stephane Martin, head of derivatives institutional sales for Asia at Optiver, said at a panel discussion at Bloomberg’s Volatility Forum last week. (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

'Concentration of curry': Singapore blocks 14 anti-Indian posts likely from China

Singapore has ordered YouTube, Facebook, and X to block 14 posts targeting its Indian community and multiculturalism. The Ministry of Home Affairs stated the content, originating from overseas and likely China, aimed to sow discord by attacking the nation's multiracial society. These actions underscore Singapore's commitment to social cohesion and opposition to xenophobia.

West Asia war fuels airline bankruptcy risks

Soaring jet fuel prices driven by conflict in the Middle East are likely to push more airlines into bankruptcy and spur more sector consolidation this year and next, the head of the global airline body said on Saturday. Global airlines are grappling with higher fuel costs driven by the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran, which has choked jet fuel supplies and disrupted key air corridors, forcing costly detours.Also read: Airbus delays XLR deliveries to IndiGo as war hits suppliers Budget carriers have been among ‌the hardest hit, ⁠lacking higher margin ⁠revenue streams such as premium cabins, high-paying travelers and credit card loyalty programs. The strain is already showing: U.S. budget airline Spirit Airlines collapsed last month, and it will not be the last, said Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, the industry's main trade body. "Unfortunately I think there will be some carriers that will find this high fuel price very difficult to cope with," Walsh told Reuters at IATA's annual summit in Rio de Janeiro, adding he expects some airlines to go out of business and others to be acquired by larger carriers. Even so, the pressure does not spell the end of the low-cost airline model, which continues to thrive outside the United States, where the big three carriers, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines and American ⁠Airlines, are squeezing ‌out budget competitors, Walsh said. "I don't see that the low-cost model is broken, in fact, quite the opposite," he said, highlighting Ryanair's strong performance in Europe as an example. There is one blockbuster deal Walsh does not see happening: United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby's audacious ⁠proposal to buy arch rival American Airlines and create a U.S. aviation behemoth. The idea, which surfaced earlier this year, failed to get done despite Kirby raising it with President Donald Trump. "I don't think that's going to happen. I think the regulatory hurdles would be very significant. I don't know whether that was a genuine effort to pursue consolidation or Scott just trying to stir up some media," Walsh said. MIDDLE EAST AIRLINE WOES The Iran conflict has upended traffic flows through Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, creating acute challenges for Gulf carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad. Walsh said he didn't think the conflict would do permanent damage to the Gulf as an aviation hub given its strategic geographic importance and the value of the popular Gulf carriers, which account for 14% of ‌global capacity. "That capacity cannot be replaced by airlines from other regions around the world," Walsh said. "Once things settle down, I would expect the Gulf carriers to regain their important position in the market." Adding to the strain is the slow pace of aircraft deliveries from Boeing and Airbus, along with engine delays from ⁠GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney, a unit of RTX, limiting airlines' ability to expand fleets and improve efficiency.Also read: Airline chiefs grapple with fuel shock, fare test at Rio summit Walsh said the industry is increasingly frustrated by the delays, particularly as engine makers post strong profits while airlines struggle. He estimates supply chain disruption cost airlines about $11 billion last year. "We're disappointed that they're not moving faster. We're disappointed that they're not sharing the pain that the airline industry is sharing," he said. Aircraft and engine makers have said that much of the delays are out of their control, stemming from post-pandemic supply chain disruptions and political trade disputes. As airlines come under financial strain and climate policies lose momentum in the U.S. under Donald Trump, industry leaders have grown more cautious about meeting a 2050 net zero emissions target. Walsh said IATA is not ready to abandon the goal. "I certainly believe it's more challenging to achieve net zero in 2050 because we've not made the progress that we had expected to see on the development of sustainable fuels," he said.

Singapore Blocks Social Media Posts Inciting Racial Discord Against Indians

Singapore has long positioned its multicultural model as foundational to its stability and identity

How a murder in England by a Brit-Sikh triggered a MAGA meltdown over 'decline of western civilisation'

A British student's murder has ignited a transatlantic political firestorm. US Vice President JD Vance and Elon Musk have seized on the case, criticizing UK immigration and multicultural policies. This has sparked outrage in Britain, with accusations of American interference and a widening ideological rift between London and Washington.

Obama casts a long shadow on Iran bill

US President Donald Trump has spent years attacking his predecessor Barack Obama for what he called a giveaway to Iran. The image of "pallets of cash" became one of his favorite political talking points, a symbol of what he portrayed as weakness in dealing with Tehran.Yet the irony of the current moment is becoming harder to ignore. As negotiations to end the latest US-Iran confrontation stall, Iran is demanding access to billions of dollars in frozen assets, and the success of any deal may depend on whether Trump agrees to some form of financial relief. The president who built his Iran policy around rejecting Obama's approach may now find himself confronting the same reality that faced previous administrations -- diplomacy with Iran often comes with a price tag.Pay $12 billion now, and $12 billion laterAn indication of how central money has become to the negotiations came from Mohsen Rezaei, military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in an exclusive interview with CNN. According to Rezaei, the negotiations have reached a deadlock and the responsibility for breaking it lies squarely with Trump. He said Iran wants the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets, with $12 billion to be made available immediately after an interim agreement is signed and another $12 billion at a later stage.Also Read | Iran says frozen funds key to progress in US talksRezaei termed the demand not a concession from Washington but as a test of American intentions. "If he wants to reach an agreement with Iran, this $24 billion is a test of trust that Iran wants to have with Trump," he told CNN. "This is our own money, not America's money."The significance of the demand extends beyond the amount involved. By publicly linking the prospects of peace to the release of frozen assets, Iran has effectively made financial compensation the central political hurdle in the negotiations.Trump's Obama problemFor Trump, the issue is not as much financial as deeply political. CNN reported that Trump has repeatedly instructed his team that any agreement with Iran must be viewed as stronger than the 2015 nuclear accord negotiated by Obama. Equally important, he wants to avoid anything that resembles the controversial payments that became a focal point of Republican criticism a decade ago.Throughout his political career, Trump has portrayed the Obama administration's handling of Iran as evidence of weak leadership. Recently, he revived his criticism of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA, describing it as a horrible deal and insisting that any agreement he reaches will be far better. That political history now threatens to constrain his negotiating options. A deal that includes billions of dollars flowing to Iran could invite immediate comparisons with the very agreement he spent years denouncing.Also Read | Iran retains about 22% of missile stockpile, says TrumpWhat Obama actually didThe comparison is unavoidable because financial relief was also a major feature of the Obama-era approach. The JCPOA, finalized in 2015 after negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 powers, imposed strict limits on Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. The agreement capped uranium enrichment, reduced centrifuge capacity and established what experts described as one of the most intrusive inspection regimes ever negotiated.The deal also coincided with the release of $1.7 billion to Iran, a figure that Trump and other critics frequently cited as evidence of appeasement. Critics argued that sanctions relief and financial compensation rewarded Iranian behaviour across the region.Supporters of the agreement took a different view. They argued that much of the money involved consisted of Iranian assets that had already belonged to Iran and that the deal successfully halted Tehran's progress toward a nuclear weapon while providing unprecedented transparency into its nuclear program.Former US Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, who helped negotiate the agreement, told CNBC that the JCPOA's most important achievement was its extraordinary verification system. Arms control experts similarly maintain that the deal effectively constrained Iran's nuclear ambitions before it unraveled.Why the current situation is more difficultThe irony for Trump is that negotiations now are taking place under conditions far less favorable than those that existed in 2015. After the US withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018, Iran gradually breached many of the agreement's restrictions. It expanded uranium enrichment, accumulated a much larger stockpile of nuclear material and scaled back some transparency measures.Many think that any new agreement must address a more advanced Iranian nuclear programme and a more complicated political environment. There is also the added challenge of rebuilding trust after years of mutual escalation. That reality means economic incentives have become even more important. Tehran is demanding tangible benefits upfront rather than promises of future relief. From Iran's perspective, accepting new restrictions without immediate financial gains would be politically difficult.Trump's search for a political workaroundTrump's advisers are acutely aware of the political risks. According to CNN, administration officials are exploring mechanisms that would allow Iran to receive financial relief without creating the appearance of a direct US payment. One possibility involves third countries such as Qatar releasing funds. Another would permit access to frozen assets while restricting their use to humanitarian purchases such as food, medicine and agricultural goods. There have also been discussions about creating reconstruction funds financed largely by Gulf states rather than the United States.These proposals reflect an important reality. The debate is no longer about whether Iran should receive economic relief at some stage. It is increasingly about how that relief can be structured so that Trump can claim he has not repeated Obama's mistakes. In that sense, the dispute is becoming as much about political messaging as about financial policy.Leverage versus peaceThe White House remains reluctant to surrender what it views as one of its strongest bargaining tools. Trump has publicly insisted that the United States will retain control over frozen Iranian funds until Iran meets Washington's demands. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has similarly emphasised that sanctions relief should follow compliance rather than precede it.The administration's concern is straightforward. Once funds are released, Washington loses a major source of leverage. That leverage could prove critical during the highly technical second phase of negotiations focused on Iran's nuclear program. Iran, however, sees the issue differently. For Tehran, immediate access to frozen assets is evidence that the United States is negotiating in good faith. Without such a gesture, Iranian leaders appear unwilling to commit themselves to a broader settlement. That difference in perspective has created the current impasse.The choice facing TrumpThe strategic dilemma confronting Trump is becoming increasingly clear. He can maintain a hard line and refuse any significant financial concession, preserving political consistency but risking the collapse of negotiations. Or he can accept some form of economic relief for Iran, potentially unlocking a broader peace agreement but exposing himself to accusations that he has embraced a version of the same approach he once condemned.Rezaei's comments to CNN show how central that decision has become. By presenting the release of $24 billion as a test of trust, Iran has effectively challenged Trump to choose between ideological purity and diplomatic pragmatism. For a president who built his Iran policy in opposition to Obama's legacy, that may be the most uncomfortable choice of all. If peace ultimately requires releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, Trump would be seen as eating his words when he had asked Iran for complete surrender.

SC ruling on creamy layer prompts demand for JEE category revision

SC holds that parental income from salary and agriculture cannot be the sole basis for determining creamy layer status. In Kerala, OBC students are denied non-creamy layer certificates if their parents earn more than ₹8 lakh annually through salary or agriculture, forcing them to apply for JEE under the general category. Students now argue that SC order makes many of those denied NCL certificates eligible for OBC reservation.

Allahabad HC raps U.P. police, says officers serve political bosses over the Constitution

HC slams illegal use of Gangsters Act to keep a homemaker in jail for 80 days, quashes case against family; denounces culture that treats rule of law as an administrative obstacle, not Constitutional mandate

Student from Dharwad secures second rank in CET (Agriculture stream)

Anmol Prabhu, a student of Arjun PU College in Dharwad has secured the second rank in the Agriculture stream in the Common Entrance Test, the results of which were announced by Karnataka Examination Authority on Saturday

Sanskrit mandatory on Haridwar signages ahead of Ardh Kumbh

Chief development officer (CDO) Lalit Narayan Mishra said the move would promote the language and offer a unique cultural experience to pilgrims

Maruti, Tata lead hatchback revival

For nearly a decade, India's carmakers chased the sport utility vehicle (SUV) dream.Higher margins, aspirational buyers and a growing appetite for larger vehicles pushed manufacturers to flood showrooms with sport utility vehicles and compact SUVs, steadily relegating hatchbacks — once the backbone of India's passenger vehicle market — to the sidelines.Also Read: Tata Motors PV launches next-gen Tiago from Rs 4.69 lakh, Tiago.ev from Rs 6.99 lakh with lifetime battery warrantyThe strategy worked. Utility vehicles now account for well over half of all passenger vehicle sales in India and contributed nearly two-thirds of the 4.3 million vehicles sold in FY25.But as economic pressures mount, vehicle prices climb and first-time buyers struggle to enter the market, India's biggest automakers are beginning to acknowledge a reality they may have overlooked: the country's next wave of growth could come from the very segment they left behind.From Maruti Suzuki's renewed commitment to entry-level cars to Tata Motors' ambitious reinvention of the Tiago, hatchbacks are once again finding themselves at the centre of boardroom conversations.Also Read: Small cars strike back: Maruti Suzuki bets on mass mobility while costs squeeze fourth quarter profitsAnd this time, carmakers are betting that small cars no longer have to feel small.The forgotten customerThe shift is being driven by a growing recognition that India's passenger vehicle market cannot rely indefinitely on premiumisation.While SUVs have transformed the industry's revenue mix, they have also pushed average vehicle prices steadily higher, making car ownership increasingly difficult for millions of households.Maruti Suzuki Chairman R. C. Bhargava recently signalled the company's intent to rebalance its portfolio."We are planning to develop both small cars and SUVs. The small car market is growing. India is a country where small cars have a long-term future," Bhargava said.The comments mark a notable shift in tone from an industry that spent years focusing on larger and more expensive vehicles.For Maruti, which built its dominance on models such as the Alto, WagonR and Swift, the renewed emphasis reflects confidence that affordability will remain central to India's mobility story."A large part of the population… need small cars" for basic mobility, Bhargava said.Industry analysts say the opportunity remains substantial."In the small cars segment, there is a much bigger conversion pool that carmakers can navigate. Hence, there is this renewed push towards small cars and that segment," said Hemal Thakkar, Senior Director, Crisil Intelligence."India is a price sensitive market and hence, small cars will stay and customers are looking for upgrades within vehicles. If carmakers can provide small cars with new features and upgrades, then there will be more customers for the small car space," he added.Making hatchbacks aspirational againIf Maruti is signalling a strategic return to small cars, Tata Motors is attempting something more ambitious — making hatchbacks desirable again.The company this week unveiled the next-generation Tiago and Tiago.ev, positioning them as technology-rich products aimed at reviving a segment many in the industry had effectively written off."Hatchbacks remain the gateway to personal mobility for millions of Indian families and yet, for far too long, this segment received scarce attention from the industry, when it genuinely deserved far more," said Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director and CEO, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles.Calling the new Tiago "not an evolution but a full reinvention", Chandra said the vehicle brings substantially upgraded design, connected technologies and safety features that were once largely reserved for more expensive categories.The next-generation Tiago gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless smartphone connectivity, a dual-screen dashboard, wireless charging and a segment-first 360-degree surround-view camera."The feeling of wow shouldn't be reserved for expensive cars," Chandra said."Today hatchback customers want far more than mobility, they want design, tech, safety and pride of ownership. A car they want to flaunt."The company has also positioned the Tiago.ev as an affordable electric mobility option, offering a lifetime battery warranty and fast-charging capability that can add up to 100 kilometres of range in 18 minutes."Tiago will make EV more accessible," Chandra said.Why affordability is back in focusThe renewed interest in hatchbacks comes as affordability re-emerges as a key concern across the industry.Vehicle prices have risen sharply in recent years because of stricter regulations, higher commodity costs and the addition of new safety and technology features.That has increasingly pushed first-time buyers out of the market.According to Srikumar Krishnamurthy, Senior Vice President and Co-Group Head, Corporate Ratings, ICRA Limited, hatchbacks continue to play a critical role in expanding the customer base."Hatchbacks remain a preferred segment, particularly for first-time buyers and households seeking a second vehicle, as affordability and comfort are key purchase considerations," he said."From an original equipment perspective, a presence across segments also helps improve reach, especially in Tier 2/3 cities."Krishnamurthy added that rising vehicle costs are forcing manufacturers to revisit their entry-level offerings."With input costs rising and vehicle prices expected to increase further, affordability is becoming even more important, especially in the mass-market segment. In response, OEs are looking to reposition entry-level hatchbacks and compact SUVs through new launches and refreshed variants that offer a stronger value proposition to consumers."Beyond SUVsThe industry's renewed focus on hatchbacks does not mean SUVs are going away.Far from it.Utility vehicles remain India's dominant passenger vehicle category and continue to drive growth and profitability for manufacturers.What is changing, however, is the recognition that growth cannot come solely from moving customers up the value chain.To sustain volumes, carmakers need to bring new buyers into the market.That is especially important as India adds millions of young consumers entering the workforce, many of whom are seeking their first personal vehicle but remain highly sensitive to price.Affordable electric hatchbacks could further strengthen the segment's appeal in coming years."Affordable EV hatchbacks could become an attractive proposition as charging infrastructure improves, range-anxiety concerns ease, and the financing environment becomes more supportive," Krishnamurthy said.For much of the past decade, India's hatchbacks were treated as yesterday's story while SUVs became the industry's obsession.Now, as automakers search for their next growth engine, the segment that once put millions of Indians behind the wheel is beginning to look relevant again.The future of India's auto market may still be taller, bolder and SUV-shaped. But increasingly, carmakers are recognising that the road to scale may once again begin with a hatchback.