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  • Khloé Kardashian’s ex French Montana takes major life decision: Source

    Khloé Kardashian’s ex French Montana takes major life decision: Source

    Khloé Kardashian’s ex French Montana takes major life decision: Source

    Khloé Kardashian’s ex, French Montana, is preparing to walk down the aisle with Dubai royalty.

    A representative for the 40-year-old artist confirmed to TMZ on Wednesday that he is engaged to Princess Sheikha Mahra Mohammed Rashed Al Maktoum after the pair became engaged in June.

    According to Daily Mail, the news came just weeks after Montana made his runway debut at Paris Fashion Week, walking in 3. Paradis’ Spring/Summer 2026 show. 

    Moreover, the couple has since been spotted together in Paris, Dubai, and Morocco, enjoying outings from desert camel rides to romantic strolls across the Pont des Arts.

    As per the publication, family members on both sides are said to be supportive of the union, though a wedding date has not yet been finalized.

    Montana was first linked to the princess in October 2024, a decade after his high-profile relationship with Khloé Kardashian. 

    Additionally, Sheikha Mahra announced her divorce from Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed Al Maktoum last year in a now-deleted Instagram post and shares a one-year-old daughter with her former husband.

    As per the outlet, the Unforgettable rapper, who recently dropped the single Pack U Up with Cash Cobain, has previously spoken about the challenges of dating women navigating divorce, calling it an “emotional and sensitive space.”

    Furthermore, this engagement marks a new chapter for both the Moroccan-born star and the Dubai royal, whose romance has quickly become one of the most high-profile celebrity-royal pairings in recent years.


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  • Philippines Pharma Major, Unilab, Selects TCS for Cloud-Led Enterprise Modernization

    Philippines Pharma Major, Unilab, Selects TCS for Cloud-Led Enterprise Modernization

    Through this partnership, TCS will help Unilab transition from its legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to a modern, cloud-based digital core


    Press release

    MUMBAI | MANILA, August 28, 2025: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) , a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has announced a partnership with Unilab, Inc., a leading pharmaceutical and healthcare company in the Philippines, to modernize its core business systems through a strategic cloud migration. This transformation will strengthen Unilab’s digital infrastructure, enhance operational agility, and drive long-term business growth.

    As part of this collaboration, TCS will help Unilab transition from its legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to a modern, cloud-based digital core. This shift will help Unilab unlock timely insights, simplify operations, and enable data-driven decision-making across business functions. This transformation will be delivered through SAP S/4HANA on RISE, providing Unilab with a scalable, intelligent enterprise platform. TCS will lead the end-to-end implementation, including strategy and design, project governance, system implementation, data migration, testing, and change management.

    Sebastian Frederick Baquiran, President and CEO of Unilab, Inc, said, “Unilab remains steadfast in its mission to deliver quality healthcare products and services with excellence and innovation. As we grow our product portfolio and reach new markets, this partnership with TCS, underpinned by SAP RISE and powered by AWS cloud, ensures we continue to future-proof our operations and create long-term value for all our stakeholders.”

    Unilab is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the Philippines, with a legacy spanning 80 years. It operates an extensive distribution network, managing thousands of trade customers. Unilab’s manufacturing plants are situated in multiple locations, and its products are distributed across 18 nations across a wide market. This engagement will focus on helping Unilab preserve existing process expertise while harmonizing operations and integrating intelligent analytics. The transformation is designed to create a flexible, scalable, and resilient digital foundation tailored to Unilab’s needs. By modernizing its core systems, Unilab is positioning itself to respond more swiftly to market demands, accelerate innovation, and deliver enhanced value to stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem. The organization is undertaking this modernization to streamline key business processes and better serve a growing network of healthcare providers, clinics, and pharmacies. The initiative also supports its goal of improving supply chain resilience and enhancing compliance through a unified cloud platform.

    Seema Mehra, Vice President & Business Head, ERU & LSHC – APAC, Middle East, and Africa, TCS, said, “We are honored to support Unilab in this important initiative. With SAP S/4HANA at the core, Unilab is reinforcing its position as a digital-first enterprise. This transformation will help them accelerate innovation and continue to deliver high-quality medicines and healthcare services for the communities they serve.”

    TCS brings deep domain expertise in large-scale enterprise programs and has delivered several SAP transformations delivered globally. With over 25 years in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, TCS has enabled leading organizations worldwide to modernize operations and strengthen supply chain, compliance, and customer-facing processes.

    Shiju Varghese, Country Head, TCS Philippines, said, “Our collaboration with Unilab marks a significant milestone in advancing digital capabilities within the healthcare sector. With our extensive experience and industry insight, we are committed to delivering outcomes that support Unilab’s strategic ambitions and contribute to improved healthcare access for the Filipino people.”

    TCS has had a strong and growing presence in the Philippines since 2008. The organization supports customers across diverse sectors including, telecom, banking and finance, real estate, and airlines, driving their growth and transformation from the Philippines. TCS has also been recognised as a Top Employer in the Philippines from 2017 to 2024 by the Top Employers Institute.

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  • Google Launches Free Version of Browser-Based Video Editor Vids with AI Fea

    Google Launches Free Version of Browser-Based Video Editor Vids with AI Fea

    Tech giant launches consumer version of Vids while adding AI avatars and advanced features to paid tiers.

    Google has made its browser-based video editor, Google Vids, available to consumers for the first time with a free version that offers basic editing capabilities. The announcement, made Wednesday, comes alongside significant updates to the platform’s paid tiers, including new AI-powered features like avatars and image-to-video generation.

    The free consumer version will have basic edit controls along with access to Google’s template library, font collection, and stock media library, but it won’t offer AI features at this time.

    From Workspace-Only to Consumer Access

    Google Vids originally launched as part of the Google Workspace productivity suite in 2024, exclusively serving business customers. The browser-based app was only available as a paid add-on until this week’s expansion to free users.

    The move represents Google’s effort to compete in the increasingly crowded video editing market, challenging established players like Adobe Premiere and newer AI-powered competitors. By offering a free tier, Google aims to democratize video creation tools that were previously accessible only to paying enterprise customers.

    AI Features Drive Premium Experience

    While the free version focuses on basic editing functionality, Google is significantly enhancing its paid offerings with cutting-edge AI capabilities. The most notable addition is AI avatars, a feature that allows users to create videos without appearing on camera themselves.

    Users can post a script, select an avatar from a range of voices and personas, and create a video, similar to offerings from companies like Synthesia and D-ID in the business video space. Google announced the AI avatars feature at Google I/O in May and released it in beta. Now, the feature is hitting general availability.

    The platform has also integrated Google’s Veo 3 image-to-video technology, enabling users to transform static images into eight-second video clips. Google launched the image-to-video generation capability for Veo 3 in July and is now adding that feature to Vids.

    Smart Editing Features Address Common Pain Points

    Another significant addition is automatic transcript trimming, designed to streamline the video editing process. The feature automatically detects filler words like ‘um’ or ‘ah’ and long pauses. You can click on these words or pauses to remove them, and the editor will adjust the video accordingly.

    This functionality addresses a common challenge in video production, where removing filler words manually can be time-consuming and technically challenging for amateur editors.
     

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  • Key Trends Shaping Life Sciences IP Licensing – Licensing & Syndication

    Key Trends Shaping Life Sciences IP Licensing – Licensing & Syndication

    The life sciences industry continues to evolve rapidly, driven
    by technological advancements, shifting economic conditions, and
    global market dynamics. As companies navigate this complex
    landscape, several key trends are emerging that may have
    significant legal and business implications. This alert highlights
    four critical areas that industry participants should closely
    monitor when negotiating intellectual property licenses: artificial
    intelligence (AI), tariffs, financings, and manufacturing.

    Data and Artificial Intelligence

    Data and AI continue to play an increasingly prominent role in
    the life sciences sector, transforming research, development, and
    commercialization processes. As life sciences companies continue to
    create, develop, adapt, and apply data and AI platforms for drug
    discovery and other life sciences applications, data and AI are
    also becoming a focal point in licensing and other commercial
    contracting negotiations. For example, licensors and licensees are
    more focused on the ownership of data and the output generated by
    an AI platform, particularly any data that could become a valuable
    asset for training AI models. In some cases, a party can consider
    “use restrictions” that prohibit the use of the
    party’s data, proprietary models, and other intellectual
    property for training AI models by the other party. In other cases,
    a party may allow the use of its IP in connection with data and AI
    models, which may lead to further discussions about the ownership
    of any data, proprietary models, and other output from these
    models. These terms are often heavily negotiated to align with the
    applicable party’s needs. Parties are paying close attention to
    how AI can be used, shared, or further developed, making it
    essential to address these issues in any licensing or other
    commercial agreements.

    Additionally, any transactions that involve transferring data
    also need to consider the newly implemented Department of Justice
    (DOJ) guidance effective April 8, 2025, which restricts the
    transfer of sensitive personal data and U.S. government data to
    “countries of concern” or “covered persons.”
    This Bulk Data Rule defines “bulk” as data exceeding
    defined thresholds within certain categories, including genomic
    data, biometric identifiers, geolocation data, personal health
    data, financial data, and personal identifiers; “countries of
    concern,” such as China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and
    Venezuela; and “covered persons” as certain foreign
    persons that are controlled by a country of concern. Licensors and
    licensees are paying closer attention to the transfer of data to
    ensure compliance with the new Bulk Data Rule.

    Tariffs and Cross-Border Transactions

    Globalization has made cross-border transactions a routine
    aspect of life sciences operations, but recent changes and
    uncertainty in U.S. federal policy have heightened focus on import
    costs. For example, recent changes in tariff policy and federal
    funding programs have been primary drivers of this uncertainty.
    When licensed materials or products are sourced from outside the
    United States, parties are increasingly concerned with the
    allocation of risks and costs associated with importation into the
    United States. Negotiations now frequently address which party is
    responsible for obtaining necessary permits and who bears the
    financial burden of tariffs and other import-related expenses,
    which may change over the course of the relationship. Parties may
    also want to consider each party’s rights in the event of a
    force majeure and whether the tariff risk is an appropriate event
    of force majeure that should excuse performance.

    Financings

    Capital raising remains a critical activity for emerging
    companies in the life sciences industry, but the environment has
    become more challenging. While financings are still occurring, the
    availability of capital has tightened due to macroeconomic
    pressures, including inflation, fluctuating tariffs, labor market
    uncertainties, and stock market volatility. These factors have led
    to more cautious investment behavior, particularly in early-stage
    companies. As a result, companies seeking funding must be prepared
    for more rigorous due diligence and potentially more aggressive
    deal terms. Licensing, collaboration, and other commercial
    agreements can offer alternative sources of revenue for emerging
    life science companies, provided that the financial, IP ownership
    and restrictive covenant terms, among other terms, are carefully
    considered, including in light of any future deal or capital
    raising the company may pursue.

    Manufacturing

    Manufacturing has moved increasingly to the forefront of
    business and legal discussions in the life sciences industry.
    Previously considered a secondary issue, manufacturing is now
    recognized as a critical factor in bringing life sciences products
    to market. Sophisticated parties understand that innovative and
    proprietary manufacturing processes and systems are essential for
    success, prompting a greater focus on manufacturing-related
    innovation and innovation from the outset. This trend is leading to
    more detailed negotiations around manufacturing capabilities,
    quality control, and scalability.

    Conclusion

    The life sciences industry is experiencing significant shifts in
    how companies approach technology, global trade, financing, and
    manufacturing. Staying informed about these trends and proactively
    addressing them in business and legal strategies will be essential
    for industry participants seeking to navigate the evolving and
    innovative landscape and achieve long-term success.

    The content of this article is intended to provide a general
    guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
    about your specific circumstances.

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  • The oldest known ‘black hole’ identified by the James Webb Space Telescope: A glimpse into the early universe |

    The oldest known ‘black hole’ identified by the James Webb Space Telescope: A glimpse into the early universe |

    Astronomers have discovered the oldest and most distant black hole ever observed, transforming our understanding of the early universe. Detailed in a study published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, the finding was made using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The black hole, located in galaxy CAPERS-LRD-z9, dates back 13.3 billion years, just 500 million years after the Big Bang. Estimated to be up to 300 million times the mass of our Sun, it challenges current theories of black hole growth. This breakthrough offers new insights into galaxy formation and the rapid evolution of supermassive black holes in the infant cosmos.

    James Webb Space Telescope discovers a black hole formed 500 million years after the Big Bang

    The confirmed black hole resides in a galaxy called CAPERS-LRD-z9 and is estimated to have formed 13.3 billion years ago, making it the most ancient black hole discovered to date.According to the study, this supermassive black hole likely appeared when the universe was in its earliest stage, about 500 million years after the Big Bang. Researchers estimate it could be between 38 million and 300 million times the mass of our Sun, an extraordinary size for such an early era.

    The study behind the discovery

    The research was carried out under the CANDELS-Area Prism Epoch of Reionization Survey (CAPERS) project, part of JWST’s mission to explore the farthest reaches of the universe. The team, led by scientists from the University of Texas at Austin’s Cosmic Frontier Center, used JWST’s spectroscopic analysis to examine the light emitted by CAPERS-LRD-z9.The findings provided strong evidence that this galaxy hosts the earliest confirmed supermassive black hole ever observed.

    How was the black hole detected

    JWST’s infrared instruments allow astronomers to observe light that has been travelling across space for over 13 billion years. When scientists focused on mysterious objects known as Little Red Dots (LRDs), tiny red spots appearing in distant galaxy images, they discovered something unusual.By studying the light signature from CAPERS-LRD-z9, the researchers detected gas swirling at thousands of kilometres per second, a hallmark of material feeding a black hole through an accretion disk. This was the “smoking gun” evidence the team needed to confirm the black hole’s presence.

    Why is it called a Little Red Dot

    The term Little Red Dot refers to the appearance of these ancient galaxies in telescope images: small, bright red points of light. Two main factors cause this colour:Cosmic Redshift: As the universe expands, light from distant objects stretches into longer, redder wavelengths.Gas and Dust Clouds: The black hole is likely shrouded in dense gas, blocking blue light and giving the galaxy its vivid red hue.Computer models confirm that such gas clouds can explain the distinctive light pattern observed by JWST.

    How big is the black hole

    This early black hole is supermassive in every sense. The research suggests:Initial estimates: Around 38 million times the mass of the Sun.Newer models: Possibly up to 300 million times the Sun’s mass, making it one of the most massive black holes discovered in the early universe.Such rapid growth challenges long-standing theories about how black holes form and evolve.

    The significance of the discovery

    This finding raises fundamental questions about the early universe. Scientists now consider two possibilities:Rapid Growth Hypothesis: Black holes in the early universe grew much faster than previously thought.Massive Seed Theory: These black holes may have formed from unusually large initial masses, contradicting existing models.The research team plans to conduct more high-resolution observations with JWST to study other Little Red Dots. These efforts could reveal more ancient black holes, further unlocking the mysteries of the early cosmos.As study co-author Steven Finkelstein, director of the Cosmic Frontier Center, explains, “The discovery of Little Red Dots was a major surprise from early JWST data. Now we’re figuring out what they’re like and how they came to be.”Also read | NASA’s James Webb Telescope discovers a new moon around Uranus


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  • Irritant Contact Dermatitis Induced by Compound Clobetasol Propionate

    Irritant Contact Dermatitis Induced by Compound Clobetasol Propionate

    Introduction

    Contact dermatitis (CD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition characterized by erythema, edema, and vesicular lesions, resulting from exposure to irritants or allergens. It is classified into two main types: irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). ICD is often triggered by direct damage to the skin barrier from irritants, while ACD results from a sensitization process involving the immune system. Common irritants include soaps, detergents, and topical medications, with glucocorticoids being notable for their potential to induce skin reactions when misused.1

    Diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is associated with various skin complications due to impaired wound healing and increased susceptibility to infections. Patients with diabetes often experience skin changes, including xerosis, pruritus, and infections, which can complicate the management of dermatological conditions.2 The use of topical medications in diabetic patients requires careful consideration, as the compromised skin barrier may lead to exacerbated reactions or delayed healing. The interaction between diabetes and skin conditions underscores the importance of monitoring and managing skin health in this population.3

    The main ingredients of Compound Clobetasol Propionate Ointment are 0.05% clobetasol propionate and 0.025% all-trans retinoic acid.4 Clobetasol propionate is a synthetic corticosteroid (specifically, a superpotent class I topical glucocorticoid).5 All-Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) is a retinoid with keratolytic properties. Among them, retinoic acid has the effects of exfoliating, anti-proliferation, and strengthening epidermal cells. At the same time, 0.025% all-trans retinoic acid can enhance the absorption and permeability of clobetasol propionate, helping to control disease symptoms and improve therapeutic outcomes in a short period.

    Case Presentation

    A 56-year-old male presented with a 20-day history of erythema, erosions, and ulceration in the right inguinal region. The patient reported applying Compound Clobetasol Propionate Ointment (containing 0.05% clobetasol propionate and 0.025% all-trans retinoic acid) twice daily to alleviate localized dermatitis. Within one day of use, the affected area developed progressive erythema, erosions, and painful ulceration, prompting medical attention (Figure 1). The patient denied prior diabetes history. Laboratory investigations revealed elevated blood glucose (8.97 mmol/L on 2025–04-05; 9.83 mmol/L on 2025–04-10) and hemoglobin A1c (9.5%, reference: <6.5%), confirming a concurrent diagnosis of T2DM. No signs of bacterial or fungal infection were detected via microbial culture. A diagnosis of ICD secondary to compound clobetasol propionate ointment misuse and T2DM was established. The patient was initiated on a comprehensive treatment regimen. This included topical application of Radix Lithospermi oil (purple sage oil) twice daily, and multidisciplinary management with endocrinology consultation for glycemic control (fasting glucose: 6.2 mmol/L). After two weeks of targeted therapy, the inguinal lesions demonstrated marked improvement, with significant resolution of erythema and progressive epithelialization of ulcerations. Concurrently, the patient’s blood glucose levels stabilized. The patient was discharged with detailed counseling on appropriate topical corticosteroid use, diabetic skincare precautions, and long-term glycemic monitoring to prevent recurrence.

    Figure 1 Clinical presentation of skin lesions.

    Discussion

    This case of a 56-year-old male presenting with erythema, erosions, and ulceration in the right inguinal region underscores the complexities involved in diagnosing and managing (ICD, particularly in the context of concurrent T2DM. The patient’s history of applying a compound clobetasol propionate ointment, initially intended to alleviate localized dermatitis, resulted in a worsening of his symptoms within a short time frame. This highlights a critical aspect of patient education regarding the use of potent topical corticosteroids, as misuse can lead to exacerbation of skin conditions rather than resolution. Previous studies have demonstrated that diabetic patients are predisposed to various skin disorders, and their skin may respond differently to topical treatments due to altered skin barrier function and immune response.6 Meanwhile, Compound Clobetasol Propionate Ointment also played an important role in the course of this disease. The ointment contains two active ingredients: Clobetasol Propionate and All-Trans Retinoic Acid. Prolonged application of Clobetasol Propionate in intertriginous areas can lead to epidermal atrophy, compromise skin barrier function, and heighten susceptibility to irritants. ATRA enhances epidermal turnover but disrupts stratum corneum integrity. The groin’s thin epidermis and occluded environment enhance percutaneous absorption of topical agents, amplifying irritant effects. Synergistic irritation from ATRA and corticosteroid-induced skin atrophy likely precipitated ICD.7 Hyperglycemia disrupts keratinocyte differentiation and delays wound healing. Individuals previously diagnosed with dermatitis are considered to face an elevated risk of developing irritant contact dermatitis, primarily attributed to compromised epidermal barrier function, increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and enhanced susceptibility to allergen and irritant penetration through the skin when compared to individuals with healthy, non-dermatitic skin.8

    Conclusion

    This case is important as it highlights the risks of unsupervised use of potent topical corticosteroids, especially in sensitive areas like the groin, and the compounding effect of undiagnosed T2DM on skin integrity and healing.

    Ethics Approval

    The publication of case report does not require ethical approval. We confirm that no institutional approval was required for publishing the case details.

    Consent for Publication

    Informed consent was obtained for the publication of the case. This article adheres to the applicable CAse REport (CARE) guidelines.

    Informed Consent for Publication

    The patient had signed informed consent and provided informed consent for the publication of the case details and any accompanying images.

    Funding

    This research was supported by the Provincial Eminent Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner Heritage Studio Construction Project (Numbers:51000024T000011946310-2024-23).

    Disclosure

    The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

    References

    1. Patel K, Nixon R. Irritant contact dermatitis – a review. Curr Dermatol Rep. 2022;11(2):41–51.

    2. Haris B, Saraswathi S, Al-Khawaga S, et al. Epidemiology, genetic landscape and classification of childhood diabetes mellitus in the State of Qatar. J Diabetes Investig. 2021;12(12):2141–2148. doi:10.1111/jdi.13610

    3. Khan J, Yadav S, Bhardwaj D, Kumar A, Okanlawon MU. Flavonoids as potential natural compounds for the prevention and treatment of Eczema. Antiinflamm Antiallergy Agents Med Chem. 2024;23(2):71–84. doi:10.2174/0118715230299752240310171954

    4. Sun H. Effect of compound clobetasol propionate ointment encapsulation in the treatment of eczema chapped hands and feet. Chin J Integrat Trad Western Med Dermatovenerol. 2021;21(04):328–329.

    5. Pels R, Sterry W, Lademann J. Clobetasol propionate–where, when, why? Drugs Today. 2008;44(7):547–557. doi:10.1358/dot.2008.44.7.1122221

    6. Awad SF, Al-Mawali A, Al-Lawati JA, Morsi M, Critchley JA, Abu-Raddad LJ. Forecasting the type 2 diabetes mellitus epidemic and the role of key risk factors in Oman up to 2050: mathematical modeling analyses. J Diabetes Investig. 2021;12(7):1162–1174. doi:10.1111/jdi.13452

    7. Lee A, Nixon R. Irritant contact dermatitis: a review. Australas J Dermatol. 2022;63(3):299–305.

    8. Gittler J, Kreuger J, Guttman-Yassky E. Atopic dermatits results in intrinsic barrier and immune abnormalities: implications for contact dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;131:300–313. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2012.06.048

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  • iPhone 17 Launch May Sound The Death Knell For These iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods

    iPhone 17 Launch May Sound The Death Knell For These iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods

    Good news first: Come Sept. 9, Apple will introduce an all-new iPhone lineup. The upcoming iPhone 17 series is set to include the base iPhone 17, the all-new, light and thin iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and Apple’s flagship device, the iPhone 17 Pro Max. The tech major may also launch new models of the Apple Watch along with AirPods Pro 3.

    Now for the bad: What the launch of new iPhone 17 devices also means is that some older iPhones will see their last days, along with some models of Apple watches and AirPods.

    Historically, Apple keeps its two non-Pro models from the previous year, offering them at a discount. This indicates that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus might still be available on the market, with likely a price cut of $100 (approximately Rs 8,800). It also means the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus from 2023 are likely to be phased out, although they might be available till the stocks last.

    In the case of Pro models, the Cupertino major generally phases out the previous year’s high-end variants to make way for the latest models. As a result, when the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max hit the shelves, Apple might put the brakes on the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

    Furthermore, if Apple introduces the Watch Series 11 and Watch Ultra 3, the existing Watch Series 10 and Watch Ultra 2 may also be phased out.

    Finally, the AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) are anticipated to be discontinued as well. They will be succeeded by the AirPods Pro (3rd Generation).

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  • India faces world football ban for second time in three years

    India faces world football ban for second time in three years


    NEW DELHI:

    India could be banned from world football for the second time in three years after FIFA and the Asian governing body demanded it implement a new constitution by October 30 or risk suspension.

    World governing body FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) sent a joint letter to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey expressing “profound concern” at the continued failure to finalise and adopt the constitution.

    “Failure to meet this schedule will leave us with no alternative but to refer the matter to the relevant FIFA decision-making body for consideration and decision,” said the letter, seen by AFP.

    “AIFF must regard this communication as binding and requiring immediate compliance in order to safeguard its rights as a member of FIFA and the AFC,” it added.

    The AIFF constitution has been in India’s Supreme Court awaiting a decision since 2017.

    A suspension would mean India national teams and clubs being barred from all international competitions.

    FIFA previously suspended India in August 2022 for third-party influence after the Supreme Court appointed a committee of administrators to run the AIFF.

    The ban was lifted a few days later, paving the way for the AIFF to elect Chaubey.

    India’s top-flight club football is currently in disarray.

    The Indian Super League (ISL) could fold over a dispute between the AIFF and its commercial partner.

    This season’s ISL kickoff has been delayed with thousands of players and staff in danger of losing their jobs.

    A rights agreement between the AIFF and the company that runs the ISL, Football Sports Development Limited, ends on December 8 and is yet to be renewed. 

    The AIFF has been unable to come up with a revival plan for the ISL, which is usually played between September and April.

    Players union FIFPRO Asia/Oceania raised the issue with FIFA last week.

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  • Have your say on the EU’s Electrification Action Plan and the Heating and Cooling Strategy

    Have your say on the EU’s Electrification Action Plan and the Heating and Cooling Strategy

    The Commission is collecting input on 2 key initiatives: the EU Electrification Action Plan and the EU Heating and Cooling Strategy.

    Interested parties and citizens are invited to contribute to the call for evidence and open public consultation on the EU Electrification Action Plan and to the call for evidence and open public consultation on the EU Heating and Cooling Strategy, via the links provided.

    The calls for evidence and the public consultations will continue until 20 November 2025. The feedback received will feed into the Commission’s work on these initiatives, planned for publication in the first quarter of 2026. 

    Both initiatives were announced in the Clean Industrial Deal and the Action Plan for Affordable Energy to further support the EU’s energy affordability and competitiveness, reinforcing energy security, while advancing towards the achievement of our energy and climate targets. The initiatives are closely interlinked and seek to ensure progress towards a decarbonised energy system based on electrification and energy efficiency, driven by a substantial increase in homegrown clean energy.

    Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, said: 

    ‘For Europe to move towards a net-zero economy, our energy system must be powered by more secure home-grown clean electricity. Our plans to boost electrification and decarbonise heating and cooling will support industry, the buildings and mobility sectors in replacing the use of dirty fossil fuels with decarbonised energy at competitive prices. This is a win-win for the economy, and for the climate.’

    EU Electrification Action Plan

    While the decarbonisation of the EU’s electricity system is making steady progress, electricity represents less than 25% of final energy consumption. To meet the EU’s climate targets, reinforce the efficiency of the energy system, and benefit consumers, more energy demand needs to shift from fossil fuels to clean electricity. 

    The Electrification Action Plan will aim to promote this transition by addressing key barriers and identifying priority policy actions to accelerate the cost-effective and system-friendly electrification of the EU’s energy consumption, accompanied by continuous investments in clean energy and flexibility. 

    The consultation aims to collect feedback on the role of electrification in the transport sector, industry and buildings.

    EU Heating and Cooling Strategy

    Heating and cooling constitute around half of the EU’s energy consumption, with 70% still reliant on fossil fuels, mainly gas. The share of renewable energy in the sector is growing slowly. A significant portion of heat is lost, with waste heat estimated to represent nearly 30% of total EU energy use, or almost half of the EU’s fossil fuel consumption. Improving energy efficiency and advancing cost-effective decarbonisation of heating and cooling are therefore critical to achieving the EU’s goals for energy security, competitiveness and affordability.

    The EU Heating and Cooling Strategy will pursue those objectives, building on the 2016 EU Heating and Cooling Strategy, the Energy System Integration Strategy, and existing EU legislation. The strategy will support the implementation of current legislation and suggest ways to improve efficiency in areas such as planning of energy infrastructure, district heating, and waste heat recovery. It will address both supply and demand by, respectively, accelerating the deployment of clean heating and cooling and encouraging their use in important sectors like buildings and industry.

    The consultation aims to gather feedback on the scope and content of the strategy, with a particular focus on identifying persistent barriers to the effective implementation of EU legislation, and on areas where further guidance, streamlining, or support is needed. 

    Related links

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  • Pamphlets distributed among people to raise awareness regarding dengue

    Pamphlets distributed among people to raise awareness regarding dengue

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    MURREE, Aug 28 (APP):On the instruction of Deputy Commissioner, Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi ,the Health and other relevant departments on Thursday distributed pamphlets to raise awareness about dengue fever among the people in the district.

    The officials of Rescue 1122, Suthra Punjab, Agriculture, Forest, Punjab Food Authority (PFA) and other concerned department continued anti-dengue drive in the district.

    The official sources said 63 dengue patients had been registered in Tehsils, Murree and Kotli Sattian till date.

    The authorities sealed two places for violating anti-dengue Standard Operation Procedures  ( SOPs),  challan 13 persons and issued notices to the 19 people.

    Additional Deputy Secretary (Technical) , Zohaib along District Health Officer (DHO), Azhar Mahmood Abbasi visited dengue ward, Tehsil Headquarter Hospital (THQ).

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