Lille, May 14 (IANS) Canadian striker Jonathan David has announced his decision to leave Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille at the end of the season through an emotional post on Instagram. The 25-year-old will leave as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract.This decision follows after the striker has been linked with Serie A clubs Juventus and Napoli, while FC Barcelona and Newcastle are also interested.“I wanted to tell you myself that after so many years at the club, it’s finally time to say goodbye. I’ve had five wonderful seasons here, and I know it hasn’t always been easy, but I hope that with my goals and my celebrations, I have managed to bring you some joy. Notably, the French Championship and the League championship trophy. I think that with these two trophies, we have brought a lot of pleasure and joy,” said David in the video.David will be leaving LOSC five years after joining from KAA Gent for a 27 million Euro fee. Over the course of his stay at the French club, he has won a Ligue 1 title and a Trophee des Champions, whilst he has also netted 109 times in 231 games. This season, he has 25 goals in 48 games in all competitions. His last game for Les Dogues will be against Stade de Reims on Saturday.“I would like to thank all of my teammates, all the coaches, the staff, the medical teams, and the managers. Everyone I have met and spent months with at the club, thank you very much for everything you have given me personally over the years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.“And finally, to the supporters, I know I did not have the easiest start, but you have always been behind me. You have supported me through all the difficult times, and for that, I truly hold you in my heart. Thank you for all the beautiful moments we have shared. You were behind the team, behind me, encouraging us, allowing us to experience seasons like the ones we had. Thank you,” he added.At just 25 years of age, David is already the top international goal scorer in Canada’s history with 32 goals to his name, followed by Cyle Larin with 30 goals.–IANSaaa/bsk/

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday met Peyush Bansal, Co-founder and CEO of Lenskart, and discussed how India can become a global manufacturing and export hub for the eyewear sector.In a post on social media platform X, the Union Minister said he was “pleased to learn” about the company’s impactful social initiatives.“Met Peyush Bansal, Co-founder and CEO of Lenskart, and discussed how India can become a global manufacturing and export hub for eyewear,” said Goyal.“I was pleased to learn about the company’s impactful social initiatives to expand access to vision care across the country,” he added.In March this year, the eyewear maker laid the foundation stone for its manufacturing facility near Hyderabad. It would be one of the largest eyewear manufacturing facilities globally.The facility will utilise cutting-edge technology to produce eyewear and related products, setting new standards for quality and innovation in the eyewear manufacturing sector, according to the company.Meanwhile, the Commerce Minister held a comprehensive review of Invest India at a meeting held at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. The minister emphasised on enhancing the performance, effectiveness and efficiency of Invest India to facilitate greater investments into India.He also discussed avenues for further strengthening investor engagement, empowering MSMEs and boosting manufacturing in the country.Invest India is the national investment promotion and facilitation agency of the Government of India and helps to expedite approvals for the setting up of manufacturing enterprises by speeding up clearances that are required, such as those for the allotment of land.India’s manufacturing sector is a significant part of the country’s economy, contributing about 17 per cent to the GDP and employing over 27.3 million workers. The government aims to increase its share to 25 per cent by 2025, driven by initiatives like the Make in India policy and Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.–IANSna/uk

Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has issued a warning to investors regarding Strata, a commercial real estate platform founded by Sudarshan Lodha and Priyanka Rathore, after the company surrendered its licence as a small and medium real estate investment trust (SM REIT) due to a legal controversy. “Pursuant to certain news reports and review of certain legal proceedings against the promoter of SM REIT, SEBI engaged with Strata SM REIT, its independent director, compliance and other officers and the trustee. After the engagement and discussions, Strata SM REIT has surrendered its certificate of registration as an SM REIT and will not hold out or represent itself as a SEBI-regulated intermediary,” SEBI said in a statement.“This communication is being issued in the interest of investors advising them to exercise caution while dealing with the entity,” SEBI said.Strata had registered as a Small and Medium Real Estate Investment Trust (SM REIT), a new framework introduced by Sebi for fractional ownership platforms to offer real estate investment products. However, following certain concerns and discussions with Sebi, Strata has surrendered its registration.Strata received Sebi approval in January and had planned to launch six schemes during the current financial year. So far, it has not yet launched any SM REIT schemes nor migrated any pre-existing fractional real estate entities to the SM REIT framework, the SEBI statement added.The legal dispute involving SM REIT arose with a Tamil Nadu-based real estate firm engaged in acquiring and developing land for industrial and warehousing projects.According to the anticipatory bail order of the Madras High Court, a case was filed against Lodha for allegedly seeking information by impersonating as a SEBI official and creating a fake email ID under her name.However, Lodha’s counsels denied the allegations and argued that as the complainant did not succeed in arbitration and other civil proceedings, it filed a ‘false complaint’ in order to ‘arm-twist and give a criminal colour to the dispute.’“In light of the ongoing matter, we have voluntarily surrendered our SM Reit licence without admitting or denying any wrongdoing, as a measure of abundant caution. Upon conclusion of the current litigation, we intend to apply for a fresh licence at a future date. This matter does not affect the existing investments with Everstrat,” Strata said in a statement on Wednesday.–IANSsps/uk

Mumbai, May 14 (IANS) The trial run of Phase-1 of Metro Line-9 commenced on Wednesday, marking the first-ever metro line in Thane district. It was flagged off by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister & Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) Chairman Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

A technical inspection was also carried out in their presence. Metro Line-9 is part of Mumbai’s pioneering double-decker infrastructure project, where both metro and vehicular flyovers share a common viaduct. Phase 1 spans 4.4 km from Dahisar (East) to Kashigaon, with stations at Dahisar (East), Pandurangwadi, Miragaon, and Kashigaon.According to MMRDA, the Metro Line-9 will transform travel for Mira-Bhayandar residents by connecting directly to CSMIA Airport via Lines 7, 7A, and Andheri (West) via Line 2B, Ghatkopar via Lines 7 and 1, Link Road through Metro Line-2A at Dahisar (East), Thane via Line-10 at Miragaon ( in Future) and Vasai-Virar via the upcoming Line-13. “The implementation of this corridor is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion, especially near Dahisar Toll Naka, lower vehicular emissions and promote eco-friendly commuting, introduce energy-efficient systems like regenerative braking and employ green construction practices with reduced environmental impact,” said the MMRDA in a release.Chief Minister Fadnavis said: “Technical testing for this phase has begun. This stretch offers seamless connectivity along the Western Express Highway and will act as a major decongestion solution. It is the first time in the MMR that a double-decker structure combining a metro and a flyover has been constructed. Mira-Bhayandar will immensely benefit from this integration, and we are committed to completing 50 km of metro this year, followed by 62 km next year and 60 km in the year after. By 2027, metro travel will expand considerably, alleviating the load on our arterial roads.”In his speech, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said: “The proposed extension up to Virar will ensure connectivity across Thane, Palghar, and Raigad districts. Under MMRDA’s leadership, we are working towards a 337 km-long metro network for Mumbai. Our goal is to commission 50–60 km of metro each year, thereby offering complete last-mile and end-to-end connectivity. This will bring down the number of vehicles on the roads and reduce pollution levels significantly.”Further, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said: “Metro Line-9 is a testimony to our commitment to fast-tracking infrastructure projects that benefit the common man. With reduced travel times and enhanced intermodal connectivity, this corridor will improve the ease of commuting and contribute positively to the regional economy.”MMRDA Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee asserted that Metro Line-9 is a strategic connector that integrates Mira-Bhayandar with the wider Mumbai Metropolitan Region. “With seamless interchanges to key metro lines including Line-2A, Line-7, Line-1, and the upcoming Lines 10 and 13, this corridor creates a continuous, end-to-end travel experience from Mira-Bhayandar to Andheri, Ghatkopar, Thane, and even Vasai-Virar. It exemplifies our vision of ‘Mumbai in Minutes’—where time, distance, and congestion no longer constrain opportunity, mobility, or growth,” he remarked.–IANSsj/dan

Quetta, May 14 (IANS) The Baloch Women Forum (BWF) on Wednesday strongly condemned a rocket attack on the residence of a civilian, Jangiyan Baloch, in the Balicha area of Tump Tehsil in Balochistan. The forum alleged that locally active armed groups, termed as “death squads”, allegedly operating under the payroll of law enforcement agencies of Pakistan, carried out the attack a few days ago, injuring three members of Jangiyan Baloch’s family — his son Nawaz Jangiyan, daughter-in-law Ayesha Mulla Raza, and wife Modho Naik Bakht.The forum stated that the death squad members are given free rein to distort the societal stability of the Baloch and are involved in every sort of evil, including targetted killings, attacks, and enforced disappearances of civilians in the province of Balochistan.”We, the BWF, denounce the ugly attack of rocket launchers on the home of a civilian, Jangiyan Baloch, in district Kech’s Balicha in the strongest possible terms and deem it an attack on the societal order and organisation of the Baloch,” said the statement.”The attackers are commonly and openly functioning under the payroll of the law enforcement agencies who are given a free hand to distort the societal stability of the Baloch. We want to clarify it that Tump region has been one of the most affected areas where the death squad members are given a free hand to involve themselves in every sort of evil, including targetted killings, attacks and enforced disappearances of the civilians,” the statement added.Highlighting the atrocities, the forum stated that this group also terms themselves the “laws and the violators” openly and are held accountable for nothing because they have the backing of law enforcement agencies. “It has given birth to the state of lawlessness in the region, infringing the fundamental rights of the citizens,” read a statement issued by the forum.Condemning the act, BWF demanded an end to such illegal privileges of the local militias or the “death squads”, permanent culmination of human rights violations in Tump in particular, Balochistan in general, an impartial inquiry on the case of attack on Jangiyan’s home and accountability for the culprits as per law, and medical and financial assistance to the grieving family.–IANSint/scor/as

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) The Himalyan Apple Growers Society has demanded an immediate ban…

Beirut, May 14 (IANS) An Israeli drone strike killed a Hezbollah member in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, targetting a vehicle near Qaaqaait al-Jisr in the Wadi al-Hujayr area, Lebanese security and official sources said.Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that “an enemy drone targeted a car at the entrance of Wadi al-Hujayr near Qaaqaait al-Jisr in the Nabatieh district this morning.”The Lebanese Ministry of Health’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center confirmed one fatality in the strike. Civil Defence officials said the vehicle caught fire, and the body was transported to a hospital in Nabatieh.A Lebanese security source told Xinhua that the deceased was identified as Hussein Nehmeh Milhem Shomran, a Hezbollah member from Qaaqaait al-Jisr.Also on Wednesday, the Israeli military said it had carried out the strike, describing the target as a senior Hezbollah figure.”Israeli Defense Forces aircraft carried out an attack in the area of Qaaqaait al-Jisr in southern Lebanon, eliminating a member of the Hezbollah terrorist organization who held the position of commander of the Qabrikha compound,” Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on social media platform X.In a separate incident, the NNA reported that an Israeli drone crashed due to a technical malfunction and exploded inside a home in the town of Shebaa, in the Hasbaya district. No casualties were reported, though material damage was sustained.The cross-border strikes come despite a ceasefire agreement reached on November 27, 2024, intended to halt more than a year of hostilities tied to the war in Gaza. The truce, mediated by the US and France, had largely held, though sporadic flare-ups have continued.Israel has said its strikes are intended to neutralize Hezbollah threats. However, the Lebanese government and several Arab states have accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire agreement. Despite the truce’s provision requiring a full Israeli withdrawal, Israeli forces continue to hold several strategically important positions in southern Lebanon.–IANSint/as

Patna, May 14 (IANS) Grief and pride have enveloped Uttarthu village in Bihar’s Nalanda district, as news broke of the martyrdom of Sikandar Raut, a soldier posted in Kupwara, Jammu & Kashmir, who laid down his life for the nation on May 13.

Sikandar, who had joined the Indian Army in 2011, was serving with the 47 Rashtriya Rifles. He had earlier been posted in Meerut, Delhi, and Ranchi, but was recently transferred to the conflict-prone Kupwara region amid rising India-Pakistan tensions.Back in Uttarthu, a pall of sorrow hangs over the home of the 35-year-old martyr.His aged father, Pratap Raut, stood silently with tears in his eyes and a trembling stick in his hand. Yet even in his deep loss, his voice carried pride.“God took away my third son, but I am proud that my son served the country. My son sacrificed his life for Mother India — who can be a more fortunate father than me?” Pratap Raut said, choking on emotion.Sikandar is survived by his wife and two young sons, aged 8 and 4. He had returned home on leave just a month ago. He was the youngest of four siblings, with one elder brother and two sisters. Sikandar’s cousin, Sanjeet Kumar, remembered him as a simple and friendly man, driven by patriotism from a young age.“It was his dream to join the army, which he fulfilled. He was posted in Kupwara with 47 RR. He came home last month. His sacrifice has made our entire village proud,” Sanjeet said.As the news spread on Wednesday, villagers gathered at the Raut household, offering condolences and paying tribute to the braveheart. Local police officials also visited to express solidarity with the grieving family. Sikandar’s martyrdom has left an indelible mark on his village and the state.He not only fulfilled his childhood dream of donning the uniform but also upheld the highest tradition of valour and duty.–IANSajk/dan

New Delhi, May 14 (IANS) The National Statistics Office (NSO) announced on Wednesday that the sampling design of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) has been revamped from January 2025 to address the requirement of high-frequency labour market indicators with enhanced coverage to include the rural areas as well.The revamped PLFS is envisaged to estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators comprising Labour Force Participation Rate, Worker Population Ratio and Unemployment Rate, on a monthly basis for rural and urban areas at the all-India level in the Current Weekly Status (CWS).Usual Status and Current Weekly Status (CWS) refers to frameworks for determining the activity status of persons surveyed based on reference periods of the last 365 days and the last seven days preceding the date of survey, respectively.The revamped PLFS sample design will enable generation of the monthly estimates of key labour market indicators– Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR) and Unemployment Rate (UR) at the all-India level following the Current Weekly Status (CWS) approach. The monthly estimates will help in timely policy interventions. The first monthly bulletin of PLFS for the month of April 2025 is scheduled to be released in May 2025, according to the NSO statementAt present, PLFS provides quarterly labour market indicators for the urban areas only. With the update in the PLFS sample design, quarterly estimates of employment-unemployment indicators will be available for both rural and urban areas and hence for the entire country. The first quarterly bulletin of PLFS covering both rural and urban areas for the quarter April-June, 2025, is slated to be released in August 2025, the statement said.From the year 2025, the annual PLFS results will be brought out based on the calendar year, i.e. survey period of January – December of a specific year (e.g. January 2025 – December 2025). This change in disseminating the PLFS annual results and unit-level data will facilitate comprehensive analysis of labour market performance through review of key employment-unemployment indicators and also assist in the timely updation of India’s labour market statistics in the databases maintained by the international agencies.The sampling methodology encompassing various aspects of the PLFS sampling design has been revamped to realise the objective of releasing the high-frequency labour force indicators from PLFS.In the revamped PLFS sample design, a larger total sample size of 22,692 FSUs is planned to be surveyed (12,504 FSUs in the rural areas and 10,188 in the urban areas) in each year of the two-year panel, with a first visit schedule as compared to 12,800 FSUs surveyed in PLFS up to December 2024.A total of 12 households will be surveyed from each of the selected FSUs, which implies an overall sample size of around (22,692 x 12) = 2,72,304 households. This marks a 2.65 time increase in sample households to be covered in PLFS as compared to the number of sample households covered up to December 2024 (which was around 1,02,400). The enhanced sample size is expected to provide reliable estimates of labour market indicators with improved precision.In the revamped PLFS sample design, the district has been made the primary geographical unit, called basic stratum, within a state/UT separately for rural and urban sectors for selecting FSUs for most of the geography covered. In the remaining parts, the NSS region has been made the basic stratum. This will ensure the presence of sample observations from most of the districts in the PLFS sample, which will improve the representativeness of the estimates generated.For rural areas, provision for stratification has been made within the district/NSS region (as the case may be) based on the distance of the villages within 5 km from the district headquarters or from a city/town with more than 5 lakh population. In the case of urban areas, million-plus cities within the district/NSS region have been formed as a stratum. This will also improve the reliability of the estimates by incorporating sample observations from spatial segments having different nature of labour market dynamics, the statement added.–IANSsps/uk

Patna, May 14 (IANS) An emotional and proud moment unfolded on Wednesday in Narayanpur village, located in Jalal Basant Panchayat of Garkha block, as Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan visited the home of BSF Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiaz and paid tribute to him.

He was recently martyred in Jammu and Kashmir while on duty. The Governor paid floral tribute to the oil painting of the martyr and saluted his supreme sacrifice for the nation, creating a deeply moving scene witnessed by villagers, family members, and officials.Addressing the grieving family, Governor Khan expressed heartfelt condolences and assured them that the nation stands with them.“We are all proud of brave sons like Mohammad Imtiaz, who gave their lives defending the country. Their sacrifice is eternal and inspires us all,” he said, as villagers gathered in solemn respect.His visit created an atmosphere of honour and sorrow, with residents moved by the high-level recognition of their son’s martyrdom.Earlier, on Tuesday, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav had also visited the martyr’s family residence in Chappra.CM Kumar announced Rs 50 lakh compensation and a government job for a family member.Tejashwi Yadav also assured the family of complete support, calling Imtiaz’s sacrifice a source of pride for all of Bihar and the nation. In recognition of Sub-Inspector Imtiaz’s sacrifice, the government has announced several measures to honour his legacy.The 2 km rural road from Chintamanganj bridge to Rahmpur market will be renamed after him.A Shaheed Dwar (Martyr’s Gate) will be constructed at the entrance of his village. A new health sub-centre will be established in Narayanpur village, and a memorial dedicated to Shaheed Imtiaz will be built in his name.Sub-Inspector Mohammad Imtiaz’s martyrdom has stirred deep emotions across the state.His name is now etched into the heart of Bihar’s history, not just as a martyr, but as a symbol of courage and patriotism.As villagers came forward to offer condolences and show their respect, one sentiment was echoed across Narayanpur: “Shaheed Imtiaz will never be forgotten. His sacrifice will forever inspire generations to come.”–IANSajk/dan