New Delhi: The annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir will begin on July 3 and end on August 28, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced that this year’s pilgrimage will last for 57 days.The schedule was finalized at a meeting of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) chaired by Sinha. He told reporters that the pilgrimage would end with the holy month of Ramadan. “The pilgrimage will begin on July 3 and end with Rakshabandhan on August 28… will last for 57 days. Pratham Puja will be held on Jyeshtha Purnima,” he said.Registration for the Yatra will begin on April 15 and is mandatory. Pilgrims between the ages of 13 and 70 will be eligible for the journey. Advance registration will be conducted both online and offline, with facilities available at over 550 designated bank branches across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir Bank, State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Yes Bank.Sinha said there has been a steady increase in the number of participants in the pilgrimage in recent years, indicating improvements in infrastructure and facilities. To improve security, RFID cards will be made compulsory for all pilgrims and group accident insurance has been doubled from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.He also outlined key infrastructure upgrades, including widening tracks along the Baltal and Nouwan routes, improving bridges and strengthening disaster response systems through the deployment of mountain rescue teams and security personnel.The pilgrimage will be conducted along the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, and authorities are preparing for a large number of devotees to participate in the pilgrimage this year.
Nancy Guthrie case: ‘Today’ show plans revealed In case big updates come with ‘Savannah,’ ‘We’ll pull…’
in search Nancy GuthrieNBC has reportedly developed a plan for her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, in case news about her mother is broadcast live while her mother is on the air. This includes a three-word phrase.
A TODAY insider told MailOnline that if there were significant developments in the case while Savannah aired, producers would tell the host she “needs to leave the set.” Savannah reportedly knew the code well.
“We’d pull her out of the way immediately if necessary,” a source told the outlet. “She knows if a producer tells her she ‘needs to be offset,’ that means there’s progress.”
The insider added, “She will understand there is news about her mom and we will bring her into the office to tell her while another anchor will report it as a breaking story.”
The insider also stressed that the news program would “not in a million years” let Savannah cover anything about her mother’s disappearance unless she specifically wanted to.
“Savannah knows she has a public that is very interested in Nancy’s story and understands we don’t necessarily have to wait for her to know before we report it,” the source said.
How Savannah Guthrie’s Return to ‘Today’ Will Impact Nancy Guthrie’s Kidnapper
A former FBI agent recently revealed why Savannah returned to the U.S. “Today Show” Nancy’s kidnappers probably wouldn’t like this. Savannah’s ‘walls are closing in’ on kidnappers as she returns to show as her ‘national platform’ will help keep everyone’s attention on the case, Jason Parker told Page Six.
Learn more | What is unusual about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance? Explain how this case differs from other missing persons cases
“It’s stressful every day. It’s exhausting to keep a secret like this…and it’s made even more difficult every morning with Savannah Guthrie sitting behind the anchor’s desk,” he said.
“In cases like this, most criminals look to the media for continued coverage,” Parker added. “They’re counting on the family disappearing from public view. They’re counting on people forgetting. This case is different. Savannah has a national platform that she appears on every day. Every time viewers see her face, they’re reminded of her mother.”
The more attention a case receives, “the more pressure there is on those responsible,” Parker said.
“Add to that a reward of over a million dollars and the full resources of the FBI, and you have a situation where not only does the wall close, it closes from all directions at the same time,” he said.
‘Hold on’: Usman Tariq reacts after Ashwin backs PSL batsman to walk away
Pakistan spinner Usman Tariq has reacted after Ravichandran Ashwin backed Daryl Mitchell’s strategy against his bowling action in PSL 2026, while the debate over Pakistan spinner’s run-up and action continues.Tarik’s movement, characterized by stops and pauses and side-arm releases, has attracted attention of late. Discussions surrounding his actions have intensified during the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, with people divided over its legality and impact.Before India’s match against Pakistan in that match, Ashwin had suggested that as per the rules of the game, batsmen can leave their stance when Tariq pauses in the run-up. While this method was not used in that match, Daryl Mitchell used it during the Pakistan Super League 2026 match between Quetta Gladiators and Piniz on Friday in Karachi.Mitchell’s move sparked discussions and Ashwin also expressed his support.“It is now up to the umpire and the match umpire to decide the duration of the pause for his delivery. If the pause is inconsistent, then the batsman has every right to walk away. The captain and the opposing batsmen should raise this issue with the umpire and match umpire before the match begins. Well done, Mitchell,” Ashwin wrote on X.Tariq later responded on social media, referring to laws related to unfair competition.“Unsportsmanlike conduct (foul): If a batsman does this continuously with the intention of deliberately distracting the bowler or wasting time, it may be considered an unfair play. The umpire has the discretion to warn the batsman and impose a penalty (usually 5 runs to the fielding side) if this continues to occur.”“Good to hear the five-point penalty. Keep it up,” he added in his comments.It is worth noting that Ashwin has also tried to pause his bowling action from time to time throughout his career.
Saudi Railways: Saudi Arabia opens 5 railway lines to reduce freight time and costs, connect Gulf ports faster | World News
Saudi Arabia A major step has been taken in reshaping regional trade with the launch of five new rail logistics routes that promise to speed up the movement of goods and reduce transport costs. The move aims to strengthen connections between Gulf ports and the Kingdom’s main economic centers, making supply chains more efficient and reliable. The initiative positions Saudi Arabia as a vital link between sea lanes and inland markets as global trade competition intensifies.Saudi Railways announced the new corridor as part of a wider drive to modernize logistics under Vision 2030. By shifting goods transport from road to rail, authorities aim to reduce congestion, shorten delivery times and lower costs for businesses and consumers.
Saudi Arabia’s new railway logistics route
The five routes are designed to directly connect the main ports in the Gulf with inland dry ports, industrial areas and commercial centers such as Riyadh. This integrated network allows goods to be moved seamlessly from ships to trains and then into domestic markets without lengthy delays.According to Saudi Railways, the lines enhance connectivity between ports and economic centers, ensuring smoother movement of goods across the kingdom. The focus is on building a unified logistics ecosystem that allows ocean and rail operations to work together, reducing reliance on long-distance trucking and making freight more predictable.
Benefits to trade and consumers
One of the biggest advantages of new rail corridors is the potential to significantly reduce transit times. Rail transport offers a more consistent and efficient alternative to road freight, especially for large quantities. As turnaround speeds increase from port to city, businesses can expect improved supply chain performance and lower operating costs.Saudi Railways said in an official post on The shift is also expected to ease highway congestion and reduce emissions, in line with sustainable development goals.For consumers, the impact can be indirect but meaningful: faster logistics and lower transportation costs often translate into more stable prices and faster availability of goods on the market.
5 railway lines may be launched
While Saudi Railways has not yet publicly detailed the specific breakdown of all five routes, the launch is expected to be consistent with Saudi Arabia’s existing and expanding freight rail network. Industry models suggest these corridors could connect the Gulf’s major ports with inland logistics hubs such as Riyadh and Dammam, as well as key industrial areas in the Eastern Province.Given the kingdom’s current rail infrastructure, the route is likely to integrate port connections in the Arabian Gulf into the Saudi Land Bridge project, which aims to connect the east and west coasts. This will enable goods arriving at Gulf ports to be transported efficiently across the country and potentially to Red Sea ports, creating a seamless transnational trade corridor.The rollout is also expected to prioritize high-capacity freight corridors, where moving freight from road to rail can deliver the greatest gains in speed and cost efficiency. Over time, these routes are likely to be further expanded to support cross-border connectivity across the GCC, thereby strengthening Saudi Arabia’s role as a central logistics hub under Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Strategy
The launch of these routes reflects Saudi Arabia’s long-term ambition to become a global logistics hub under Vision 2030. The country has been investing heavily in transport infrastructure, including railways, ports and logistics zones, as it seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil.Saudi Railways continues to play a central role in this transformation by expanding freight capacity and improving intermodal transport. By connecting Gulf ports with inland economic centers, the new route strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a bridge between Asia, Europe and the wider Middle East.As these corridors become fully operational, they are expected to improve trade efficiency and deepen regional integration across the Gulf, creating a faster and more connected logistics network for the future.
Swami Vivekananda monument installed in downtown Seattle
Swami Vivekananda monument installed in downtown Seattle
In another historic first, the Indian Consulate in Seattle said the city of Seattle has become the first municipal government in the United States to install a life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda in Westlake Plaza in downtown Seattle.The life-size bronze statue was unveiled by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Indian Consul General in Seattle Prakash Gupta.“Notably, this monument is Swami Vivekananda’s first city-sponsored installation anywhere in the United States,” the consulate said in a statement. “It is located in downtown Seattle’s famous ‘Westlake Plaza,’ a unique melting point in the heart of the city with more than 400,000 daily visits, millions of visitors monthly, and within walking distance of the Spheres (Amazon headquarters), the Seattle Convention Center, and the Seattle Center Monorail.”According to the Consulate General, Kent Mayor Dana Ralph, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Tukwila Mayor Tom McLeod, Normandy Park Mayor Eric Zimmerman, Kirkland Mayor Kelly Curtis and other dignitaries from the Greater Seattle area attended the unveiling ceremony. The ceremony was also attended by a large number of community leaders from across the Indian-American diaspora, as well as members of the Bellevue, Bothell, Dupont and Redmond city councils.In his speech, Wilson emphasized that the establishment of the Swami Vivekananda Monument (SVM) in Seattle reflects the city’s spirit of inclusion and further strengthens cultural ties between India and the diverse metropolitan technology center of the Pacific Northwest of the United States.The Consulate said in a press statement that the Swami Vivekananda Memorial is a gift from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the City of Seattle in recognition of the city’s rich multicultural identity and spirit of tolerance, so it is appropriate to host the event on the occasion of ICCR Day.“The installation of the SVM is part of India’s broader cultural diplomacy initiative, promoted through the ICCR, to strengthen people-to-people ties between India and the U.S. Pacific Northwest,” the report said.
Badminton Asian Championship final live score: Indian giant killer Ayush Shetty VS world No. 2 Shi Yuqi
The 20-year-old has become a budding star in the tournament, racking up impressive results against the best players in the world. Now, just one win away from him would clinch a landmark title that would mark a defining moment in his young career and a major milestone for Indian badminton.
Semi-final heroics: Shetty beats world no.
Shetty put in a stellar performance in the semi-finals, defeating reigning world No. 1 Kunlavut Vittisane in a gripping three-game set. After a one-sided game in the first game, the Indians showed resilience and mature tactics in counterattack, turning the game around with aggressive shooting and improved control in the attack.
Shi Yuqi reaches the final
In comparison, Shi Yuqi’s process of reaching the finals was much simpler. The Chinese star showed dominance in the semi-finals, winning three consecutive games to gain authority. His control of the faceoff, sharp attack at the net and ability to dictate the tempo ensured that he rarely allowed his opponents to gain a foothold in the game.
On Saturday, 20-year-old Ayush defeated Kunwarut 10-21, 21-19, 21-17 in the semi-finals of the Asian Badminton Championships, while world number two Shi defeated Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien-chen 21-9, 21-13.
Where and when to watch live
Date: Sunday, April 12, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM (US Standard Time)
Live broadcast: available to watch on Badminton Asia’s official Facebook and YouTube channels
Telecast: No live coverage in India
China’s Shi Yuqi led India’s Ayush Shetty 2-0. The two badminton players are scheduled to meet for the third time today. While Shi Yuqi had won both of their previous meetings, their last meeting at the Malaysian Open in January was a tight three-game slugfest that suggested Shetty was closing the gap.
Head-to-head confrontations and challenges
Shi Yuqi currently leads the head-to-head 2-0, but their most recent meeting at the Malaysia Open earlier this year was a tight three-game clash. That game showed that Shetty is steadily closing the gap on one of the best players in the world.
Shetty will also draw inspiration from fellow Indian Lakshya Sen, who defeated Shi Yuqi at last month’s All England Championship, a result that proved the Chinese star can be beaten.
Iran, US to hold talks in Islamabad through indirect and direct channels: sources
ISLAMABAD: Iran-US peace talks first took place indirectly through Pakistan and later through direct negotiations between the two sides, official sources said on Sunday.
Pakistan remains involved in every stage of the process, with talks starting with separate meetings between U.S. and Iranian delegations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday.
Sources said information was then exchanged between the two sides through their Pakistani interlocutors.
The Iranian delegation was led by Speaker Mohammad Baqir Ghalibaf, and the U.S. delegation was led by Vice President Vance.
According to sources, the talks then shifted to direct talks between the visiting delegations, which lasted for about two-and-a-half hours in the presence of Pakistani officials.
In the next phase, a one-hour break, the parties held expert discussions on the technical aspects of the demands made by both parties. The exchange of technical information continued late into the night.
By Sunday morning, however, it was clear that the differences could not be bridged, leading US Vice President Vance to announce at a brief press conference that negotiations were over without an agreement.
Sources said Pakistan remained hopeful of further talks but so far no date or venue had been set.
The Pakistani government earlier said it would continue to play the role of mediator and expressed hope that the talks would be a step towards resolving the dispute.
The Iranian delegation arrived in Islamabad on Friday night, and the U.S. delegation arrived on Saturday morning.
The U.S. side also includes President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Vitkov, while the Iranian side is also represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior leaders.
The two sides traveled to Islamabad just days after Iran and the United States announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8. This is the first direct, high-level contact between Iran and the United States since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The two sides failed to reach an agreement after face-to-face talks, raising doubts about the effectiveness of a fragile two-week ceasefire between the two countries and the prospects of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to stabilize global energy markets.
This article was generated from automated news agency feeds without modifications to the text.
Tamil Nadu Assembly polls: Udayanidhi Stalin launches campaign in Mannargudi
New Delhi: Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister on Sunday launched campaign in Mannargudi assembly constituency of Tiruvallur district, endorsing DMK candidate TRB Rajaa as the party intensifies its campaign ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections.Addressing a rally during the election campaign, Udayanidhi Stalin lashed out at unnamed critics, saying: “Some people say I am not from the Delta region. But today I say I am an original Deltan. The truth is, they are not the original Delhiites.”He also framed the election as a political fight between rival groups and criticized the AIADMK saying: “This election is between Team Delhi and Team Tamil Nadu. Our leader is the captain and we will win. The AIADMK-led NDA alliance is a slave team. The NEET exam was implemented during the AIADMK regime led by him. He (Edappadi Palaniswami) failed to speak for the welfare of Tamil Nadu. He obeys the central government. “Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin continued his campaign in Palamakudy area of Korattur constituency and interacted with the public during his morning walk. He alleged that the BJP was trying to enter Tamil Nadu through the AIADMK and said: “The fact is that the BJP is entering Tamil Nadu wearing the mask of the AIADMK.”Stalin also visited a roadside tea stall and later met members of the weaving community, an important demographic in the area.Udhayanidhi Stalin, during his campaign event in Manachanallur earlier on Saturday, also reiterated welfare promises including financial assistance to women, housing expansion under the Kalaignar Housing Plan and educational support to students, news agency ANI reported.The Tamil Nadu assembly elections will be held in one phase on April 23, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
China to resume flights and ease trade restrictions with Taiwan amid outreach
China on Sunday announced plans to resume partially suspended relations with Taiwan, including direct flights to more mainland cities and the resumption of imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products.The announcement came amid talks between senior leaders of China’s ruling Communist Party and Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang, signaling a possible thaw in limited areas of contact.According to the Associated Press, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office said it would explore establishing a “long-term communication mechanism” with the Kuomintang and facilitate the import of Taiwanese aquaculture products that have been restricted in recent years.The move follows high-level meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Kuomintang leader Cheng Li-wen, with both sides calling for peace but without outlining specific steps.As part of these measures, Beijing has said it plans to resume direct flights between Taiwan and other mainland cities such as Xi’an and Urumqi, but implementation details remain unclear. China has earlier restricted travel, including banning individual tourists from traveling to Taiwan in 2019.Trade restrictions will also be relaxed. Since 2021, China has imposed bans on a range of Taiwanese agricultural and seafood products, including pineapples, grouper, squid and tuna. The latest announcements indicate that these restrictions will be partially lifted.Beijing also reiterated plans to advance infrastructure such as a bridge linking mainland China with the Taiwan-controlled islands of Matsu and Kinmen, a project previously proposed by Chinese authorities.Cross-strait relations have been tense since Taiwan elected Tsai Ing-wen to join the party in 2016, after which Beijing suspended most official dialogue and increased military activity around Taiwan.In response to the development, Taiwan said it would continue its efforts to help farmers and companies diversify their export markets to reduce dependence on China.
Who is Amanda Barbosa? What we know about illegal Brazilian nanny Eric Swalwell paid with campaign funds
Democratic House of Representatives Eric Swalwellwho is the leader california The gubernatorial candidate is accused of violating immigration and employment laws by keeping his Brazilian nanny in the country illegally, according to two recently filed complaints, the New York Post reports. The maid was identified as Amanda Barbosa, who worked for them.
A complaint filed with the Department of Labor on Tuesday alleges that Swalwell and his wife, Brittany, lied to the federal government to get Barbosa to work for them when their temporary work authorization as a nanny in South America was set to expire in 2022. A separate complaint filed with the Department of Homeland Security in February alleges that Swalwell secretly paid Barbosa with campaign funds for two years without holding a valid work authorization.
“During 2023 and 2024, Barbosa appeared in numerous social media photos with the Swalwell family, indicating that Barbosa maintained close ties and had ongoing childcare responsibilities despite no known legal work authorization,” Complain to the Department of Homeland Securitydated February 16, allegedly.
Who is Amanda Barbosa?
Swalwell first hired Barbosa, 33, in the fall of 2021. She was hired to care for the embattled California gubernatorial candidate’s three children.
In January 2021, Barbosa came to the United States from the United States rio de janeiro Hold an Au Pair visa. That same year, she received $3,914 in campaign funds,
That’s according to a New York Post analysis of Federal Election Commission data.
Barbosa continued working as a live-in nanny for Swalwell the next year and received $46,930 in campaign funds in 2022, according to Federal Election Commission records.
Swalwell began sponsoring Barbosa for a green card when her au pair visa was set to expire in December 2022, according to a permanent labor certification application reviewed by the outlet.
Barbosa’s LinkedIn shows that as the lengthy process concluded, she enrolled in community college. Under student visa regulations, she is not allowed to work off campus.
Over the next few years, Barbosa was seen caring for Swalwell’s children at various family events. Photos on social media even show her attending the annual White House picnic in 2023 and 2024. On Halloween 2024, she was also pictured trick-or-treating children while wearing a Brazilian soccer jersey.
After the allegations came to light, her LinkedIn page was deleted. The company said she has worked as a private child care provider from 2021 to the present, according to screenshots included in the complaint.
Direct campaign payments to Barbosa have stopped on paper. However, Swalwell himself wrote off $52,262 in “child care” campaign expenses, according to FEC records. According to the complaint, this was simply a fraudulent workaround to try to keep her from being listed even though she was not authorized to work in the United States.
“This is a blatant disregard for the law. He is harboring and employing illegal immigrants,” said Joel Gilbert, a California filmmaker and activist who filed the complaint.
The Labor Department confirmed to the New York Post that the Labor Department. Barbosa will receive another $38,905 in campaign funds from Swalwell next year, FEC data shows.
Swalwell is a defender of illegal immigrants. As part of his stance on immigration, he has advocated in the past for “reforms that would bring undocumented workers out of the shadows.”
Swalwell is under investigation by the FEC for spending more than $200,000 in campaign funds on personal nannies. He has also been accused of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior by four women. Swalwell has denied the sexual assault allegations.
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