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  • Over 100,000 pro-Palestinian protesters forced early end to Spanish Vuelta, authorities say

    Over 100,000 pro-Palestinian protesters forced early end to Spanish Vuelta, authorities say

    MADRID (AP) — Spanish authorities say more than 100,000 people took part in the latest pro-Palestinian protests that interrupted the final stage of the Spanish Vuelta and forced organizers to cut short the Grand Tour event on Sunday, capping a campaign of disruptions.

    The central government’s representative for the Madrid region said that authorities estimated more than 100,000 people joined Sunday’s protests. The number could not be independently verified.

    READ MORE: London police arrest hundreds of people as pro-Palestinian protesters defy new law

    Fran Martín Aguirre added that two people were detained by police.

    Visma-Lease a Bike rider Jonas Vingegaard was confirmed as the overall winner of the three-week cycling race.

    There were clashes between police and protesters near the route finale in Madrid. Some protesters carrying anti-Israel banners partly blocked the road and forced riders to stop.

    There was no stage winner and the podium ceremony was called off because of security concerns. Organizers said the final stage “ended early to ensure the safety of the riders.”

    “Due to the protests in Madrid, the race ended earlier than planned and there will be no podium ceremony,” race officials said.

    There were about 50 kilometers (31 miles) left on the 21st stage that was a mostly ceremonial ride into Madrid.

    Vingegaard had extended his overall lead over João Almeida on Saturday with a lead of 1 minute, 16 seconds over Almeida.

    It was Vingegaard’s third Grand Tour title, adding to his pair of Tour de France titles won in 2022 and 2023.

    Police escort

    The protesters threw barriers onto the road on a finishing circuit in the Spanish capital. Riders had been expected to do nine laps on the circuit.

    Several hundred protesters stayed on the road where the race was supposed to pass by. Anti-Israel banners were also hung from nearby buildings. The protests continued well into the evening in Madrid, most of them peaceful.

    Earlier, protesters threw objects at police and officers used teargas to try to disperse the crowds. Spanish media reported that authorities said 20 people were injured and at least two people were detained.

    The race had resumed briefly Sunday after riders were originally told by race organizers to stop because of the protests, but they eventually had to stop again as authorities and organizers discussed the situation.

    Pro-Palestinian protesters can be seen before the start of Stage 20 of the Spanish Vuelta, in Robledo de Chavela, Spain, Sept. 13, 2025. Photo by Ana Beltran/Reuters

    Police escorted the riders as they left the track.

    Protesters carrying Palestine flags jeered when the teams’ support cars passed by them along the route.

    Police in riot gear had confronted protesters at different points along the route. More than 1,500 police officers had been deployed ahead of the last stage.

    There had been no major incidents as the riders set off on the 103.6-kilometer (64.3-mile) final stage starting in nearby Alalpardo.

    Spanish media said tens of thousands of protesters participated. Some 50,000 fans had been expected in the Spanish capital.

    Diplomatic battleground

    The Grand Tour event turned into a diplomatic battleground and was largely disrupted by protesters against the presence of Israeli-owned team Premier Tech, which earlier in the race removed the team name from its uniforms.

    Israel Premier Tech rider Matthew Riccitello finished fifth overall and ended with the white jersey for best youngest finisher overall.

    Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez joined Ireland and Norway in recognizing a Palestinian state last year, and Spain became the first European country to ask a U.N. court for permission to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide. Before the protests on Sunday, he called for respect for the athletes but expressed his admiration for those mobilizing for such causes.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar later Sunday on X criticized Sánchez for what he said was encouragement for the protesters.

    Madrid mayor José Luis Martínez-Almeida also criticized Sánchez and called Sunday a sad day for the Spanish capital.

    Israel strongly denies accusations of genocide in Gaza and has defended its military actions, which were launched in response to Hamas’ deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. That attack killed around 1,200 people, while Israel’s offensive has killed at least 64,871 people in the Gaza Strip, according to the territory’s health ministry.

    Seven of the last 11 days of racing were either cut short or interrupted, with more than 20 people detained by police. During one stage, a protester carrying a Palestine flag tried to run on to the road ahead of riders, causing two of them to crash. They continued but one of them had to eventually pull out of the race.

    The route of the final stage was cut short by 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) over traffic concerns.

    Previous stages were altered because of safety concerns over the protests.

    Authorities had said the heavy police presence would be deployed for the finale in Madrid to add to the 130 officers already traveling with the race. Military-type trucks, officers in riot gear and horse-riding police were seen near the route in Madrid.

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  • Herbs hit the sweet spot to extend shelf life of popular global drink – News and events

    Herbs hit the sweet spot to extend shelf life of popular global drink – News and events


    15 September 2025

    Sugarcane juice is one of the world’s most popular beverages.

    A team of food scientists from Australia and Pakistan has discovered a natural way to significantly extend the shelf life of sugarcane juice, one of the world’s most popular, but highly perishable, beverages.

    By adding microwave-dried extracts of mint and coriander to the juice in the production process, its shelf life can be extended from three days up to 14 days, researchers claim in a new paper published in Food Safety and Health.

    Sugarcane juice is widely consumed in Southeast Asia, Africa and Brazil, and more recently in North America and parts of Europe, driven by a growing consumer interest in natural, unprocessed beverages with perceived health benefits.

    However, it has a short shelf life due to its high sugar and water content, and rapid fermentation once it is exposed to air. Normally, synthetic preservatives are added to slow this process, but they are falling out of favour due to their carcinogenic links.

    Lead researcher University of South Australia (UniSA) PhD candidate Zarnab Asif, who undertook this Masters research at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), says that mint and coriander are safe, natural alternatives.

    “Not only are they natural antioxidants; they also extend the shelf life of sugarcane juice for up to a fortnight. This has huge implications for the global juice industry, particularly in tropical regions where sugarcane juice is often produced and sold fresh on the street,” Asif says.

    “We have shown that natural antioxidants from mint and coriander, extracted using microwave drying, can slow microbial growth and prevent the juice from turning dark or developing off-flavours. This is a simple, low-cost solution for the juice and beverage industry.”

    Zarnab Asif_500x500.jpg
    UniSA PhD candidate Zarnab Asif, who undertook the research for her thesis.

    The research team tested both traditional methods of methanol extraction and a new microwave-assisted drying extraction method. By heating the leaves, microwaves release extracts containing antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids and vitamin C more efficiently, while avoiding damage to heat-sensitive compounds.

    Co-author Dr Tayyaba Alvi from Green International University in Lahore says that the microwave-derived mint extracts displayed antioxidant activity of 74%, higher than both methanol extracts and fresh leaves. Coriander extracts also performed strongly, though slightly less effective than mint.

    “When added to sugarcane juice and refrigerated, the microwave extracts kept the juice fresh for two weeks, with minimal changes to colour or flavour,” according to Dr Alvi. “By contrast, juice treated with methanol extracts deteriorated within a few days.”

    The research also supports growing consumer demands for natural products.

    “People are becoming more cautious about synthetic additives, some of which are linked to health risks,” according to the principal investigator Dr Kashif Khan from UAF.

    “Herbal extracts provide a safer, plant-based option that not only preserves juice, but may also add nutritional benefits,” Dr Khan says.

    Microwave-assisted drying is also a more sustainable option than methanol extraction, requiring less time, solvent and energy than conventional methods, making it suitable for large-scale applications.

    “Because this technology is simple and low cost, it could be adopted by small and medium-sized juice producers in developing countries.”

    Future work will explore combining herbal extracts with other preservation methods, such as pasteurisation or innovative packaging, to further extend shelf life.

    The study, ‘Shelf-Life Enhancement of Sugarcane Juice with Herbal Extracts: Extracted Through Novel Microwave-Assisted Technique,’ is authored by Zarnab Asif, Tayyaba Alvi, Muhammad Kashif Iqbal Khan and Arslan Kareem.

     

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Researcher contact: Zarnab Asif E: zarnab.asif@mymail.unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

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  • A week of pampering and indulgence – BBNaija

    A week of pampering and indulgence – BBNaija

    After the harsh reality of Week 6’s “Bare Minimum” phase where luxuries were stripped away and housemates were forced to cook and sleep outdoors, Biggie flipped the script. The house was transformed into a bubble of indulgence, self-care, and stress-free enjoyment.

    The result? A week of pampering, surprise treats, heartfelt gestures, and just enough drama to keep viewers hooked.

    A feast of spontaneous treats

    Biggie opened the week with generosity, flooding the house with surprise food deliveries – piping-hot pizzas, juicy shawarmas, chilled drinks, cupcakes and grilled delicacies. Each delivery sparked laughter, excitement, and spontaneous celebrations, a far cry from the week before when housemates battled outdoor cooking.

    And when Dede and Joanna made their shocking return from “vacation,” they walked in holding plates of shawarma, turning their comeback into an instant feast and setting the tone for the indulgent days that followed.

    The grand return: Dede, Joanna, and Rooboy

    In true Biggie fashion, the week’s biggest twist came mid-way. Dede, Joanna, and Rooboy who had vanished earlier after the dreaded red telephone calls—suddenly reappeared through the storeroom and eye door.

    Their re-entry set the house buzzing. Rooboy was practically tackled with hugs, Joanna basked in love from Faith, and Dede slipped seamlessly into her pampered new reality. With the trio also enjoying immunity, their dramatic return was met with equal parts excitement and envy.

    Glow-ups and self-care rituals

    Beyond the feasting and reunions, Soft Life Week was about wellness and self-care. Biggie even installed a massage chair, ensuring housemates could unwind without lifting a finger.

    Thelma Lawson, the current Head of House, embodied the theme, earning her title as the “Queen of glowing skin” thanks to her carefully kept beauty rituals. Mensan took charge of grooming, offering smooth haircuts and keeping the house looking sharp. With routines of skincare, pampering, and relaxation, the housemates glowed both inside and out.

    Party vibes and shared indulgences

    The Thursday pool party was a standout moment because Biggie ensured housemates were catered to, they had a goat barbecue specially prepared for them instead of doing the hard work themselves

    Even the little things reflected the soft life spirit: Kola ironing Dede’s outfits, Faith massaging Joanna’s feet, and others exchanging small gestures of care and comfort. And with immunity shielding Thelma Lawson, Kaybobo, and the returning trio, those housemates floated through the week completely stress-free.

    A reset before the storm

    Soft Life Week reminded everyone, housemates and fans alike, that Big Brother Naija isn’t only about survival. It’s also about thriving, basking in comfort, and enjoying moments of ease in the midst of competition.

    As eviction night looms, the pampering may give way to fresh tensions and strategy shifts. But one thing is certain: this was Biggie at his finest, turning the house into a paradise of indulgence just before the storm hits.

    Watch BB Naija season 10 live 24/7, on DStv Channel 198, GOtv Channel 49, and on Showmax. Follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for all the gist. BBNaija season 10 is proudly brought to you by our Gold sponsor, Guinness Nigeria.


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  • Sewerage system survives flood

    Sewerage system survives flood


    MULTAN:

    The Water and Sanitation Authority (WASA) kept the sewerage system in Multan operational for 12 consecutive days during the recent severe flooding of River Chenab.

    According to a statement, the efforts were led by Managing Director Khalid Raza Khan at the Suraj Miani Wastewater Treatment Plant when floodwaters advanced on September 2, triggering a sewerage emergency.

    Despite the closure of outfall points, the plant stored water continuously, ensuring smooth drainage and preventing sewage overflow.

    The MD praised the engineers and staff who had protected the 184-acre plant, closely monitored the 11-kilometre sludge carrier.

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  • Use of a Vertical Traction Device in the Management of an Open Abdomen: A Case Report

    Use of a Vertical Traction Device in the Management of an Open Abdomen: A Case Report


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  • ANZ agrees to pay $240m fine after bond trading, retail failures

    ANZ agrees to pay $240m fine after bond trading, retail failures

    ANZ will pay a fine of $240 million to settle a case brought by the corporate regulator, in which it has admitted to engaging in unconscionable conduct in incorrectly reporting bond trading data to the federal government, as well as widespread misconduct at its retail bank affecting tens of thousands of customers.

    ANZ and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission will ask the Federal Court to impose penalties of $240 million relating to four separate proceedings across its retail and institutional banking divisions.

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  • ANZ admits 'unconscionable conduct' in bond trading, agrees to A$240 million penalty – Reuters

    1. ANZ admits ‘unconscionable conduct’ in bond trading, agrees to A$240 million penalty  Reuters
    2. ANZ to pay $3.25 million for overcharging customers on unarranged overdrafts  ThePost.co.nz
    3. ANZ defiant after $240m fine over ‘betrayal of trust’  The Australian
    4. Major bank admits ‘widespread misconduct’  News.com.au
    5. Breaking: ANZ faces record penalty for ripping off customers and government  Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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  • A Planet Crossing Starspots Reveals The Detailed Architecture Of The TOI-3884 System – Eurasia Review

    A Planet Crossing Starspots Reveals The Detailed Architecture Of The TOI-3884 System – Eurasia Review

    To capture the spot-crossing transits, the team used the multicolor MuSCAT3 and MuSCAT4 instruments mounted on the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) 2-meter telescopes. Between February and March 2024, they observed three transits and successfully detected clear spot-crossing signals. The color dependence of the signal provides critical information about starspot temperature.

    Light curve analysis revealed that the starspots are about 200 K cooler than the stellar surface (3150 K) and cover roughly 15% of the visible stellar disk. Also, the three transit light curves show changes in the shape of the spot-crossing signal. Because these variations occurred over a short timescale, they are more likely caused by stellar rotation than by spot evolution.

    To confirm this, the team carried out a photometric monitoring campaign using the global network of LCO 1-meter telescopes. From December 2024 to March 2025, they measured the star’s brightness variations several times per night and detected clear periodic fluctuations. This revealed, for the first time, that the stellar rotation period is 11.05 days.

    The measured rotation period was consistent with the spot position shifts inferred from the transit observations, enabling the team to obtain a unique solution for the system geometry. They found that the stellar spin axis and the planet’s orbital axis are misaligned by about 62°, revealing that TOI-3884 is a highly tilted planetary system. Such large tilts are typically attributed to past gravitational interactions with massive planets or stellar companions—yet no such companions are known to exist, making this system particularly intriguing.

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  • Takeaways From Barcelona’s 6–0 Win vs. Valencia

    Takeaways From Barcelona’s 6–0 Win vs. Valencia

    Barcelona dominated from start to finish and destroyed Valencia 6–0 in their home debut in front of 6,000 fans at the Estadi Johan Cruyff.

    With braces from Fermín López, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona cruised to victory against a very disappointing Valencia side that completely collapsed in the second half. Hansi Flick’s men overwhelmed the visitors, outshooting them by 24 to two, with Joan García facing just one shot on target all night.

    After three unconvincing performances to start the season, Barcelona’s title defense is up and running. Flick’s side finally looked like the team that dominated Spanish soccer a season ago and will now aim to build on this performance with their 2025–26 Champions League debut up next.

    Here’s three takeaways from Barcelona’s emphatic victory.

    Fermin Lopez

    Fermín López was Barcelona’s best player against Valencia. / Alex Caparros/Getty Images

    There was a lot of talk of Fermín López possibly leaving Barcelona to join Chelsea near the end of the summer transfer window. Today, the Masia graduate showcased why letting him go would’ve been a terrible mistake.

    Fermín was at the heart of everything that went right for Barcelona against Valencia. He opened the scoring with a perfectly curled shot into the far corner and then completed his brace in the second half with a weak-foot missile from distance. Apart from the goals, he pulled the strings of Barça’s attack, leading the team in dribbles and creating two dangerous chances—one of which ended in Raphinha’s second goal of the game.

    The 22-year-old continues to be routinely picked ahead of Dani Olmo in the lineup. His quality on the ball is matched by his tenacity and tireless pressing that meshes perfectly with Flick’s aggressive style. Simply put, he’s maturing into an elite, well-rounded attacking midfielder.

    “I never had any doubts about staying at Barcelona,” Fermín said after the game. “There were speculations, but in the end I always wanted to stay here and I will fight to stay here for many years.”

    Barcelona

    Marcus Rashford (right) tallied his first assist as a Barcelona player. / LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images

    Lamine Yamal couldn’t feature against Valencia because of an injury he suffered whilst representing Spain last week. A season ago, this might’ve been a devastating blow, but today, Barcelona showed they are much better equipped to handle their superstar’s absence.

    Roony Bardghji made his Barcelona debut starting in Yamal’s usual spot in the right wing. Although the 19-year-old couldn’t make a significant impact, he showed flashes and at the very least proved he can operate in that position when Yamal needs rest.

    But it’s the presence of Marcus Rashford that truly stood out. The England international didn’t have an otherworldly performance, but it was his best since joining the club and crowned it by getting his first assist for the Catalans.

    The biggest benefit of having Rashford is that he makes Barça more flexible. With the Manchester United loanee on the left, Flick was able to deploy Raphinha on the right wing—his natural position. The Brazilian was brilliant in the second half, scoring a brace from Yamal’s usual spot.

    The two Barça summer signings might not be the flashiest acquisitions, but they’ll play a pivotal role in offering depth and cover at positions the team didn’t have last term. Today, it became abundantly clear that Barcelona are now a more complete team, better capable of withstanding the marathon season.

    Marc Bernal

    Marc Bernal (right) played his first minutes since Aug. 2024. / David Ramos/Getty Images

    On a night when Barcelona scored goals for fun and delivered their best performance of the young season, arguably the biggest positive from the game was the re-introduction of La Masia youngster Marc Bernal.

    Exactly 383 days after tearing his ACL in Barcelona’s third game of the 2024–25 season, Bernal returned to the pitch with 10 minutes to go against Valencia. Five minutes later, he bagged his first career assist when he set up Barcelona’s sixth.

    The 18-year-old started Barcelona’s first three games a season ago and was expected to partner Pedri in midfield during the opening months of the term before his injury. Bernal captained the Masia teams of Yamal and Pau Cubarsí’s generation and is touted by many to be Sergio Busquets’s heir in Barça’s midfield.

    Flick will likely be cautious with Bernal’s minutes moving forward, but the teenager has the quality and potential to play a significant role come the season’s climax.

    READ THE LATEST BARCELONA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND MORE

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  • Upgrade your PC to Windows 11 Pro for just $13

    Upgrade your PC to Windows 11 Pro for just $13

    TL;DR: Give your PC a serious refresh with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license, now just $12.97 (reg. $199) until Oct. 5.

    Want to make your old PC feel new again? It can be as easy as loading a new operating system, like Microsoft Windows 11 Pro. Right now, you can give your device this revamp for just $12.97 (reg. $199), but you’ll want to act fast. This sale only runs through Oct. 5.

    If you want your PC to feel new and exciting again, all you need to do is install a new operating system. Windows 11 Pro brings your old device into 2025, offering new perks and features that were designed with the modern professional in mind to help you work and play more efficiently.

    SEE ALSO:

    The 7 best Windows laptops of 2025 to make Apple fans jealous

    For just $13, you can enjoy a seamless interface, snap layouts, improved voice typing, a more powerful search experience, and access to Copilot, your own AI-powered assistant. The addition of DirectX 12 can take your gaming to the next level. And when it’s time to get back to work, you also get access to helpful apps like Microsoft Teams, Azure AD, Hyper-V, and Windows Sandbox.

    Windows 11 Pro has your personal security in mind, with improved cybersecurity features like biometric logins, encrypted authentication, and enhanced antivirus protection. And if you want to ditch your mouse and keyboard, Windows 11 Pro also supports touchscreen functionality.

    Mashable Deals

    Upgrade your computer with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro license for only $12.97 (reg. $199) until Oct. 5.

    StackSocial prices subject to change.

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