Angelina Jolie: I do not, at this time, recognise my country

Posted on 22/09/2025 by admin

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie expressed deep concern about the current state of her country, stating that although she loves it, she does not recognize it during these challenging times.

Speaking at a press conference at the San Sebastian Film Festival on Sunday, the Los Angeles-born star, aged 50, addressed the issue of freedom of expression in the United States. Her comments come amid heightened tensions following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, as well as the controversy surrounding the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show over his remarks about reactions to Kirk’s death.

“I love my country but I don’t, at this time, recognize my country,” Jolie said. “I’ve always lived internationally. My family’s international, my friends, my life, my worldview is equal, united, international. So anything anywhere that divides or, of course, limits personal expressions and freedoms, and from anyone, I think is very dangerous.”

She continued, “And I think these are such serious times that we have to be careful not to say things casually. So I’ll be careful during a press conference, but to say that, of course, like all of you and everyone watching, these are very, very heavy times. We’re all living it together.”

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and ally of former US President Donald Trump, was recently assassinated. Trump has blamed the radical left for the killing and has threatened to take action against liberal organizations, donors, and media outlets he perceives as maligning or celebrating the incident. In response, ABC made the decision to pull “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” from its schedule, sparking widespread criticism from several Hollywood stars, including Ben Stiller and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Angelina Jolie attended the festival’s press conference to discuss her new film, *Couture*. The movie centers on three women, including Jolie’s character Maxine, who travels to Paris to direct a video for a fashion event and receives a serious medical diagnosis.

As the nation grapples with political divisions and ongoing debates about free speech, Jolie’s remarks emphasize the importance of unity and protecting personal freedoms during these turbulent times.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/world/angelina-jolie-i-do-not-at-this-time-recognise-my-country-1809528.html

His birthday, your birthday

Posted on 22/09/2025 by admin

The dread you have of being forgotten is of your own making. Your pride dissuaded you from stating the date of your birth on your social media accounts. That would have assured digital prompts to your followers to wish you. But you desire to be greeted without reminders, as a heartfelt expression of sentiments for you. This is why you don’t throw birthday parties—for the guests wouldn’t but remember greeting you.

You turn wistful on hearing that a prominent Delhi school has asked children to make e-cards and upload videos wishing the prime minister on his birthday. The school’s circular suggested they highlight, in their greetings, a reform introduced by Modi that has had a significant impact on the nation.

You are again reminded of your ordinariness, for you have never received a card appreciating the difference you made to a person’s life. You suddenly remember long queues outside banks in the aftermath of demonetisation and migrant labourers walking home during the COVID shutdown. Remembrance can, indeed, be manipulated. But you also know nothing can make you feel as lonely as your birthday being forgotten, for it establishes your sheer unimportance.

You belatedly remember you too have engaged in manipulation—promising your family a treat on your birthday. It’s a device for feeling special on a special day. This self-knowledge turns you forgiving as you leaf through newspapers dated September 17, 2025—pages after pages of advertisements wishing the prime minister on turning 75.

You note the names of those who issued them. You wonder: do they want to extract a benefit from Modi in return for remembering him? What makes them feel he’d be pleased? You think he’s perhaps no different from you, as much a child as you are in equating remembrance with worthiness and love.

Your expansive mood turns sullen as you check social media timelines. Dozens of celebrities remember the prime minister’s birthday! From film stars to cricketers to business tycoons to, obviously, politicians, they have sent messages to the prime minister. Some describe their fleeting moments with him or laud him for leading the nation to scale the peak of glory by 2047.

For sure, he can’t possibly share your fear of being forgotten.

But then you stumble upon chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand’s message, wherein he ecstatically describes how he was once treated to a delicious Gujarati thali by Modi. On re-reading the message, you notice it is addressed to Viswanathan Anand ji, not to Modi ji. He obviously forgot to substitute his name with the prime minister’s.

In the bitterness oozing out of your ordinariness, you now know that Anand was commandeered to send his greeting to the prime minister, with even the text written out for him.

The discovery of Anand’s message is your eureka moment. It’s so silly of you not to have a birthday bash only because you want your friends to wish you without a prompt or pretext. You realise you shouldn’t be so insecure as to compulsively gauge your importance to them every year. You resolve you will, from now on, be as unabashed as Modi is about celebrating his birthday.

But you discern a problem, for the celebration of Modi’s birthday involves organising blood donations and cleanliness drives. Ordinary mortals cut cakes, but Modi, on September 17, launched an initiative that will have the government organise 10 lakh health camps for women between September 17 and October 2.

His gesture impresses you—even though you wonder why the camps weren’t held at another time in the year.

You then remember your grandfather, who’d give you money when you’d wish him on his birthday. Patriarchs have a keen sense of what makes love and loyalty work.

Your problem is your family and friends would baulk if you were to celebrate your birthday by inviting them to, say, donate blood.

Just as poet Sahir Ludhianvi thought that by building the Taj Mahal for his beloved, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan mocked the love of the poor, you too think ordinary birthday desires are caricatured every September 17.

Fear, like love, has many expressions.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/his-birthday-your-birthday-23595142

Security Bank to raise P5B from bond market

Posted on 22/09/2025 by admin

MANILA, Philippines – Security Bank Corp. will raise at least P5 billion from the debt market to support its lending activities and expand its funding base.

In a regulatory filing on Monday, the bank announced that the five-year fixed-rate peso bond offer would have a yield of 6 percent per year.

The offer period will run soon, as the bank moves to strengthen its financial position and provide more lending capacity.

https://business.inquirer.net/548337/security-bank-to-raise-p5b-from-bond-market

Nanotech, AI, Robotics Shaping Up Healthcare As Much As Space Exploration: ISRO Chairman

Posted on 22/09/2025 by admin

Advanced technologies such as nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and robotics are playing a pivotal role in shaping both healthcare and space exploration, said ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan.

Speaking at the IADR Asia Pacific Regional & 35th ISDR Annual Conference 2025, Dr. Narayanan elaborated on ISRO’s advancements in the field of space. As Chairman of the Space Commission and Secretary of the Department of Space (ISRO), he highlighted India’s rise on the global stage and the importance of scientific convergence.

“India has put itself firmly on the global map. Chandrayaan made us the only country to achieve a successful soft landing. Engineering and medicine cannot remain apart,” he said. “Nanotechnology, AI, and robotics are transforming healthcare as much as they are shaping space exploration,” he added.

The noted cryogenic engineer and rocket scientist also shared a personal insight about his hobby of reading medical books. He emphasized the value of collaboration between ISRO and medical institutes to drive innovation forward. “Reading medical books has always been my hobby, and I strongly believe that collaboration between ISRO and medical institutes will take innovation further,” Narayanan said.

He further lauded medical science for increasing human longevity. “Today, India’s literacy has reached 79 per cent, and the average healthy lifespan of Indians has increased because of medical progress. We have made significant advances across all fields,” he added.

At the event, Prof. Abhijat Sheth, Chairman of the National Medical Commission, stressed the need to strengthen the foundations of medical education. “Two critical areas often overlooked in medical training are clinical research and communication. These must be made an integral part of the basic curriculum,” Sheth stated. “Embedding them early will help nurture a culture of research, innovation, and discovery,” he added.

The three-day conclave attracted more than 600 delegates, including 150 international participants from 20 countries.

*Disclaimer: This story is from the syndicated feed. Nothing has changed except the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/tech/nanotech-ai-robotics-shaping-up-healthcare-as-much-as-space-exploration-isro-chairman

Mikoshi Splashes into Sea in Wakayama Festival

Posted on 22/09/2025 by admin

The festival began with a lively parade through the port town, setting an energetic tone for the day’s events. Participants then moved into the sea, where they offered prayers for a bountiful catch and safe voyages, honoring the traditions of their community.

Following the prayers, the mikoshi—a sacred portable shrine—was carefully placed onto a boat. Young men took on the responsibility of rowing the mikoshi back to the shrine, demonstrating strength and unity.

At the port, another small boat crewed by young men awaited the arrival of the mikoshi. The celebration reached its climax as the mikoshi arrived at the pier and was plunged into the sea. This dramatic splash elicited loud cheers from spectators, marking a memorable and spirited conclusion to the festival.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/146963.php

Rome: Fiumicino Airport opens dog-friendly hotel for stress-free travel

Posted on 22/09/2025 by admin

Dog owners often face a dilemma before travelling: should they leave their beloved pet with a sitter or at a kennel? Both options require considerable planning and logistics, which can be stressful and time-consuming for fur parents.

In an effort to streamline this process, Rome’s Fiumicino International Airport has opened one of the first on-site dog hotels at a major European airport, following a similar initiative in Frankfurt. The Dog Relais staff even retrieve pups directly from the terminal, allowing travellers to proceed straight to their flights without worry.

Basic rooms at the dog hotel cost about $47 and feature temperature-controlled floors and private gardens. At night, ambient music tuned to a low, soft 432 hertz frequency—designed to promote relaxation—is played through the room’s speakers to help soothe the dogs.

There are also several optional extras available. These range from the usual grooming, bathing, and teeth cleaning services to more indulgent treatments such as aromatherapy with lavender or peppermint scents to help induce calm. Additionally, arnica cream can be applied to aching muscles and joints for extra comfort.

For owners seeking a premium experience, a $70 room option is available. These rooms are equipped with a screen that enables round-the-clock video calls, allowing owners to check in on their pets anytime.

The facility not only serves travellers but also caters to dog owners who need daycare services. This innovative approach offers peace of mind and convenience to pet parents on the go.

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or accuracy of the content. Mid-day management and mid-day.com reserve the sole right to alter, delete, or remove content without notice at their absolute discretion.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/rome-fiumicino-airport-opens-dog-friendly-hotel-for-stress-free-travel-23595148

3 exercises that can rewire the brain and improve cognitive function

Posted on 21/09/2025 by admin

Research indicates that activities like dance, martial arts, and team sports significantly enhance cognitive function beyond traditional workouts. These complex movements stimulate the brain, improving memory, attention, and decision-making skills. Studies reveal measurable brain changes, including increased gray matter and improved executive functions, highlighting the potential for lifelong brain development through enriched physical activity.

What is increasingly becoming popular is the understanding that certain types of movement not only shape the body but also reshape the brain. Over the past few decades, researchers and practitioners have studied how activities such as dance, martial arts, and team sports influence cognitive performance, boost mood, and promote overall health.

### Beyond Traditional Workouts

While conventional workouts like jogging and lifting weights improve cardiovascular health and promote muscular fitness, they often lack the cognitive and social complexity that drives deeper brain engagement. Team sports, martial arts, and dance integrate learning with memory and enhanced decision-making. This combination of physical and mental challenge stimulates the brain in powerful ways, enhancing focus, mental flexibility, and even structural brain changes over time.

### Why Complexity Matters in Movement

Any activity that combines physical, cognitive, and emotional demands seems to activate the brain in ways that pure aerobic or resistance training does not. The exercises mentioned above—dance, martial arts, and team sports—often involve:

– Constant decision-making
– Timing and rhythm (pace)
– Interaction with other people
– Learning new techniques
– Unpredictable movements

This unique blend creates what some researchers call an “enriched environment” for the brain.

### What the Research Says

#### Dance: Movement with Cognitive Demand

Dance is fun, mood-lifting, and now recognized as brain-healthy—all in one. It is one of the most widely studied activities related to brain health. Both young and adult brains have shown improvements in memory, attention, and balance due to dance.

A systematic review published in *Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews* found that dance led to measurable brain changes in older adults. Participants showed increased gray matter in areas involved in motor coordination, memory, and spatial navigation. Remarkably, some changes occurred after just six months of training.

The study also found that a simple dance program can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule that supports cognitive flexibility and attention.

#### Martial Arts: Cognitive and Emotional Benefits

Martial arts like Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo blend physical exertion, discipline, and focus. Unlike repetitive workouts, martial arts require real-time adaptation, energy, and precision. They also cultivate emotional regulation through practices such as breath control and focused attention.

One recent study using functional near-infrared spectroscopy measured brain activation in children practicing martial arts. These children performed better on tasks involving working memory and inhibition compared to control groups.

#### Team Sports: The Power of Collective Intelligence

Recent studies show that participation in team sports during adolescence correlates with better performance on tasks involving attention, reaction time, and cognitive flexibility.

One research study assessed 880 children aged 5 to 11 years (53% female). Physical activity and sports participation were self or parent-reported, while executive function was assessed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function. It was found that team sports requiring tactical thinking, coordination with teammates, and adaptive decision-making produced the strongest improvements in executive function.

Exercise boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key growth hormone in brain function, which supports learning, memory, and flexible thinking.

### How Do These Activities Enhance Brain Function?

– Repeated motor-cognitive activity strengthens white matter integrity and functional connectivity between brain regions.
– These activities improve spatial awareness, balance, and attention.
– Studies on dance and martial arts show increased cortical thickness, better balance, and improved attention control.

### Limitations

– **Duration and dose:** It is still unclear how long these cognitive benefits last after training stops.
– **Individual differences:** Different martial arts, dance styles, or team sports may yield varying effects depending on how they are taught or practiced.
– **Biomarker diversity:** Most research has focused on BDNF, but other neurochemicals and inflammatory markers may also play significant roles.

### Practical Implications

To maximize the brain benefits of movement, consider adding complexity to your physical activity. Educators and healthcare providers should promote these forms of movement not only for physical health but also as vital tools for lifelong brain development.

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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/3-exercises-that-can-rewire-the-brain-and-improve-cognitive-function/articleshow/124036749.cms

Madhya Pradesh Legal Team, OBC Mahasabha Gear Up For 27% Quota Fight

Posted on 21/09/2025 by admin

**Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Preparations Intensify Ahead of Supreme Court Hearing on 27% OBC Reservation**

With the Supreme Court scheduled to resume hearings on the 27% Other Backward Classes (OBC) reservation case from September 24, the Madhya Pradesh government and the OBC Mahasabha have stepped up their legal preparations.

A strategic meeting was held in Delhi on Sunday, bringing together senior legal officers of the state and key representatives of the OBC Mahasabha to finalize arguments and action plans. The meeting lasted over two and a half hours and focused on how to remove the existing 13% cap on OBC-reserved posts and push for full implementation of the 27% reservation in the state.

The discussion was led by senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General of India, P. Wilson, who worked closely with Madhya Pradesh’s legal team to align strategies for the upcoming hearings.

This high-level meeting was organized with the approval and involvement of the OBC Mahasabha and included in-depth deliberations on legal tactics and constitutional positioning. Participants comprised Additional Advocate Generals Nilesh Yadav and Dhirendra Parmar, Standing Counsel Mrinal Elkar, and Deputy Advocate General Harmeet Rooprah.

Lokendra Gurjar, national core committee member of the OBC Mahasabha, told Free Press that the meeting was crucial in shaping the legal approach ahead of the Supreme Court proceedings. He added that Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta will represent the Madhya Pradesh government in court, while former ASG P. Wilson will argue on behalf of the OBC Mahasabha.

Gurjar also reiterated the Mahasabha’s firm stance that full 27% reservation for OBCs is a constitutional right and must be enforced in both letter and spirit.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/madhya-pradesh-legal-team-obc-mahasabha-gear-up-for-27-quota-fight

Record breaking para-athlete launches new stage at boat show

Posted on 21/09/2025 by admin

A para-athlete has launched a new stage at a recent boat show.

This exciting development highlights innovation and inclusivity within the boating community. Attendees were thrilled to witness the unveiling, which promises to bring fresh energy and new opportunities to the event.

Stay tuned for more updates on this inspiring initiative and how it is set to impact the world of boating.
https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25483420.record-breaker-jazz-turner-opens-new-stage-boat-show/?ref=rss

Quebec premier promises new legislation inspired by federal major projects law

Posted on 21/09/2025 by admin

**Quebec Premier Legault to Introduce New Legislation to Speed Up Environmental Approvals**

*MONTREAL* — Quebec Premier François Legault announced plans to table new legislation aimed at expediting environmental approvals, modeled on the federal major projects law. Speaking on the popular Quebec talk show *Tout le monde en parle* on Sunday evening, Legault said the Quebec bill will be “equivalent” to Bill C-5, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s signature legislation designed to fast-track projects considered to be in the national interest.

“Currently, it takes years to get environmental permits,” Legault said. “We can’t afford that.”

The new Quebec legislation, informally known within the government as “Q-5,” references the federal law and aims to accelerate the development of large projects to create new jobs in the province. Despite the focus on speed, Legault insisted that environmental protections would not be compromised.

However, the premier has recently hinted at the possibility of “taking a pause” on some environmental policies. In an earlier interview with Radio-Canada this month, he expressed concerns that Quebec “cannot be the only state in North America making an effort” to combat climate change.

Legault’s governing party, the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), has been struggling in the polls for several months and faces the risk of complete defeat in the next provincial election scheduled for October 2026. According to polling aggregator Qc125.com, the CAQ could lose all of its 83 seats if an election were held today.

Adding to the party’s challenges, one of Legault’s former ministers, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, resigned from the caucus last week after being removed from the cabinet earlier this month. She stated she had lost faith in Legault and suggested he should reconsider his future as party leader.

On Sunday, however, Legault maintained that he still enjoys the support of “the vast majority” of his caucus and implied that Blanchette Vézina’s resignation stemmed from personal disappointment over her cabinet ousting.

The premier also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening secularism rules in Quebec. Last month, Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge announced plans to introduce a bill to ban prayer in public places.

“The majority of Quebecers do not like to see people on their knees in our streets,” Legault said during the interview, specifically referring to Muslim prayers held during pro-Palestinian demonstrations outside the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, which have stirred controversy across the province.

“What’s happening in Gaza is unacceptable,” he added. “But is this our fight?”

Originally, Quebec’s National Assembly was set to resume sitting on September 16, but Legault decided to prorogue the legislature until September 30 amid a cabinet shuffle.

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*This report was first published on September 21, 2025, by The Canadian Press.*

*Maura Forrest, The Canadian Press*
https://www.sudbury.com/national/quebec-premier-promises-new-legislation-inspired-by-federal-major-projects-law-11243515