Robert Mueller (file photo)

Former FBI Director Robert Mueller who led the high-level investigation into the alleged relationship between the two donald trump2016 campaign and Russia has died at the age of 81.“With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away last night,” his family said in a statement Saturday, requesting privacy, CNN reports. Mueller was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021.Mueller, who was a widely respected figure across all parties during his career, served as FBI director for 12 years after being appointed by George W. Bush in 2001 and later asked by Barack Obama to extend his tenure. That J. Became the longest serving FBI chief since Edgar Hoover.He was appointed as special counsel in 2017 to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 US election and possible ties to the Trump campaign. A 2019 report alleged multiple contacts between Trump associates and Russian officials, stating that the campaign “hoped it would lead to an electoral advantage” from information released through Russian efforts.However, Mueller did not establish any criminal conspiracy between the campaign and Russia. He also declined to charge Trump with obstruction of justice, citing Justice Department guidelines against convicting a sitting president. “If we believed that the President clearly committed no crime, we would say so,” Mueller said at the time.The investigation resulted in charges against 37 individuals and entities, including the indictment or conviction of several Trump associates, including Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn, and Michael Cohen. Nevertheless, the investigation became deeply polarizing, with Trump repeatedly calling it a “witch hunt.”Responding to Mueller’s death, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Robert Mueller just died. Well, I’m glad he’s dead. He can’t hurt innocent people anymore!”Beyond the Russia investigation, Mueller had a long career in public service. A decorated Marine veteran of the Vietnam War, he later rose through the Justice Department, overseeing major prosecutions including Manuel Noriega and John Gotti. He also played a key role in the investigation of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing.As FBI Director, Mueller led the bureau after the September 11 attacks, overseeing a major shift in counterterrorism direction and expanding surveillance powers under the Patriot Act.In later years, he warned that foreign election interference could become a persistent threat. “I hope this is not the new normal. But I fear it is,” he told Congress in 2019.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka said she was shocked when tournament organizers considered canceling her Miami Open match against Ann Li of the United States. He said he was asked to change courts to avoid delaying the scheduled night session of a high-profile match between Carlos Alcaraz and Joao Fonseca due to rain disruption.

Ultimately, organizers moved her match to a less prominent court rather than starting later in the main stadium, a decision Sabalenka described as unexpected, given her status as the top-ranked player and defending champion.

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He said it was the first time he had faced such a situation and expressed genuine surprise at the option of canceling or moving his match, before ultimately choosing the appropriate option.

Also read: French wildcard’s reaction to Djokovic’s DM after breaking Nadal’s feat: Best thing ever

“I was really surprised that they were even considering canceling my match. They gave me some options for stadiums, and I said, ‘But what’s the problem with Alcaraz and Fonseca starting later?’ Yesterday, the night session started at 9 pm, and Mira was playing then, so I was really surprised by the idea of ​​canceling my match,” Sabalenka told reporters.

Sabalenka, who recently won the Indian Wells Masters, ultimately decided to play on Friday, preferring a day off to prepare for her second match.

Sabalenka said, “I decided to play today so that if I won I would have a day off and time to prepare and freshen up. To be honest, I was surprised, but I’m glad they gave me options so I could choose what was best for me.”

How Sabalenka fought Ann Lee

Sabalenka earned a tight second-round victory over Ann Li, winning 76(5), 64 in a match that lasted nearly an hour and 42 minutes. She had to battle a tough tie-break in the first set before regaining control and maintaining her lead in the second set, winning in straight sets.

The defending champion showed resilience against Lee’s aggressive play and occasional break opportunities, ultimately relying on his experience and power to pull ahead.

With the win, Sabalenka extended her impressive run at WTA 1000 events and advanced to the third round, where she is set to face fellow American Katie McNally. There is no history of previous professional head-to-head between the two, which promises to be a fresh and interesting matchup in the early stages of the tournament.

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उत्तर प्रदेश के लखीमपुर खीरी जिले की कस्ता विधानसभा से विधायक सौरभ सिंह ने अपने कार्यकाल के दौरान हुए विकास कार्यों को लेकर बड़ा दावा किया है. उन्होंने कहा कि पिछले कुछ वर्षों में राज्य में बड़ा बदलाव आया है और उनकी विधानसभा में स्वास्थ्य, शिक्षा और सड़क के क्षेत्र में कई महत्वपूर्ण काम हुए हैं. दैनिक भास्कर से खास बातचीत में उन्होंने कहा कि वह लगातार लोगों के बीच रहते हैं और उनकी समस्याओं को प्राथमिकता से हल करने का प्रयास करते हैं।

खुद को पूरे अंक दिए, कारण बताया
जब उनसे पूछा गया कि अगर उन्हें खुद को देना पड़े तो कितने अंक देंगे, तो उन्होंने कहा कि यह जनता का काम है. लेकिन अगर उन्हें खुद देना होता तो वे खुद को 10 में से 10 नंबर देते. उन्होंने कहा कि वह 24 घंटे जनता के बीच रहते हैं और हर समस्या को गंभीरता से लेते हैं, यही उनके आत्मविश्वास का आधार है.

स्वास्थ्य सेवाओं में सुधार का दावा
विधायक ने कहा कि पहले प्रदेश को बीमारू कहा जाता था, लेकिन योगी आदित्यनाथ के नेतृत्व में स्थिति बदल गई है। उन्होंने बताया कि उनके निर्वाचन क्षेत्र में अस्पतालों में बिस्तर बढ़ाए गए हैं, नए उपकरण लगाए गए हैं और कैमहरा बनखे इलाके में एक नया सीएचसी (सामुदायिक स्वास्थ्य केंद्र) बनाया जा रहा है. इससे लोगों को बेहतर स्वास्थ्य सुविधाएं मिल रही हैं।

शिक्षा और सड़क विकास के कई बड़े काम
सौरभ सिंह ने कहा कि उनकी विधानसभा में 25 करोड़ रुपये की लागत से मुख्यमंत्री मॉडल स्कूल का निर्माण कराया जा रहा है. कस्तूरबा गांधी विद्यालय का विस्तार किया जा रहा है. इसके अलावा मैगलगंज के मदिया घाट पर एक बड़ा पुल बनाया गया है, जिससे लखीमपुर और हरदोई के बीच की दूरी कम हो गई है। शिक्षा के क्षेत्र में मितौली में राजकीय इण्टर कालेज एवं रजिस्ट्री कार्यालय की स्थापना प्रारम्भ की गयी है। साथ ही हर साल 80 से 100 करोड़ रुपये की लागत से सड़कें भी बन रही हैं.

2027 के चुनाव को लेकर जताया भरोसा
2027 के चुनाव को लेकर विधायक ने कहा कि वह फिर से टिकट की दावेदारी करेंगे. उन्होंने भरोसा जताया कि पार्टी उन्हें एक और मौका देगी और जनता का समर्थन उनके साथ है. उन्होंने कहा कि जिस तरह पहली दो बार पूर्ण बहुमत की सरकार बनी, उसी तरह तीसरी बार भी हमें जीत मिलेगी.

Ambekar framed the RSS’s approach to caste through social harmony rather than structural confrontation (file photo)

New Delhi: Drawing a line between politics over welfare and caste data, RSS national publicity chief Sunil Ambekar said the Sangh supports the caste census but opposes its use to “divide the society”, even as he outlined the organisation’s position on key debates ranging from caste reforms and women’s participation to equation with the BJP.In a conversation with TOI, Ambekar framed the RSS’s approach towards caste as one through social harmony rather than structural confrontation. He said, “If mutual affection increases and discrimination ends, even big issues can be resolved. Without harmony, even small issues become big fights.”He said access to temples, cremation grounds, water sources and public places should be open to all, adding that RSS volunteers are engaged at the local level to address such concerns. Pointing to institutions such as Vidya Bharati, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, Ekal Vidyalaya and Seva Bharati as part of a broader outreach network, he said leadership is increasingly emerging from marginalized communities, including women.On women’s participation, Ambekar defended the parallel structure of the Rashtriya Sevika Samiti, saying that it reflected the RSS shakha model. At the same time, they acknowledged the need to expand the role of women, noting that participation in decision-making and outreach is increasing through a coordination mechanism called “women’s relations.” He also flagged off the centenary theme of “Kutumba Prabodhan”, which aims to encourage families to support women’s participation in public life.On caste census, he reiterated that RSS supports it for welfare, but opposes political misuse. “Democracy requires representation, but politics should not pit one community against another,” he said, arguing that social unity could counter divisive mobilization. Despite perceptions of polarization, he said, “on the ground we see unity”, citing gatherings such as the Kumbh and Ram Mandir Abhishek.Addressing the RSS-BJP equation, Ambekar said the Sangh remains a social organization focused on “man-building”, with volunteers working in all fields, including politics. He stressed that the organizations work independently, while describing India’s structure as “society-centric” in contrast to the Western state-centric model. He said that while political parties work within electoral cycles, the RSS works on a long civilizational horizon through “Lokmat Jagran”.On criticism linking Hindu nationalism to democratic backsliding, Ambekar rejected this premise, describing Hindu culture as “united” and rooted in ideas such as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”. He argued that India’s civilizational ethos enables co-existence and strengthens democracy in a diverse society.On concerns over discrimination against people from the North-East, he said the term “racial discrimination” is incorrect, blaming historical distortions and limited dialogue for past tensions. He said the exchange programs have reduced misunderstandings and called for handling such issues sensitively.On global conflicts, Ambekar said India should be guided by peace and principles, with the government taking decisions based on strategic assessment.

Bhubaneswar: CM Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said forests are the foundation of life and livelihood, stressing the need to protect and expand green cover while maintaining a balance between environment and industrialization.Addressing the state-level International Forest Day-2026 function here, Majhi said the aim was to increase public awareness about the importance of forests, conservation and climate change.He said Odisha has emerged as a leading state in forest conservation and green belt creation through effective forest management, large-scale plantation drives and public participation. The Chief Minister said that an increase of 558 sq km has been recorded in the forest and tree area in the state in the last two years.According to him, forests and trees are now spread over 58,597 square kilometres, which is 37.63 per cent of the total geographical area of ​​Odisha. He said that under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, more than 1.49 crore saplings were planted in a single day, while more than 8 crore saplings were planted in a year.Majhi said advances in science and technology have made it possible to pursue industrialization in less space and without harming the environment. He said that environment and industrial development can complement each other if managed with the right balance.Referring to this year’s theme, “Forests and Economy”, the CM said that forests are important not only for ecological security but also for the development of the state and the country. He said Odisha has launched extensive programs to transform forests into a major source of livelihood and called for collective support to strengthen these efforts.Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia said the Center has consistently emphasized on the development of rural and forest-dwelling communities. He said that the department is working to improve the lives and livelihood of people living near forests and creating alternative livelihood opportunities in tribal dominated districts.Chief Secretary Anu Garg said Odisha has set major targets for 2036 and 2047 and aims at economic growth as well as large-scale employment generation. He said the state planned to generate 25 lakh jobs in the tourism sector, in which the forest department was expected to play an important role. He said that forests should be developed not only as an ecological asset but also as an economic asset, with greater focus on green economy.

इंडियन एकेडमी ऑफ पीडियाट्रिक्स के उत्तराखंड सचिव और बाल रोग विशेषज्ञ डॉ. राकेश कुमार का कहना है कि डाउन सिंड्रोम से प्रभावित बच्चे सामान्य बच्चों की तुलना में थोड़ा धीमी गति से सीखते हैं, लेकिन उचित मार्गदर्शन और प्रशिक्षण के साथ वे चलना, बोलना और पढ़ना-लिखना सीखते हैं। इनका स्वभाव अक्सर बहुत स्नेही और मिलनसार होता है, जिसके कारण ये परिवार और समाज में आसानी से घुल-मिल जाते हैं।

डॉ. राकेश ने कहा कि ऐसे बच्चों में हृदय रोग, थायरॉइड और सुनने संबंधी समस्याओं का खतरा अधिक होता है, इसलिए नियमित स्वास्थ्य जांच और देखभाल जरूरी है। अच्छी बात यह है कि आधुनिक चिकित्सा सुविधाओं और बेहतर देखभाल के कारण अब उनकी जीवन प्रत्याशा बढ़कर 50-60 वर्ष या उससे भी अधिक हो गई है। यद्यपि कोई स्थायी इलाज नहीं है, फिजियोथेरेपी, स्पीच थेरेपी और व्यावसायिक थेरेपी जैसे शुरुआती हस्तक्षेप, विशेष रूप से जीवन के पहले छह वर्षों में, विकास में काफी सुधार कर सकते हैं। ये बच्चे सीखने में सक्षम हैं और उचित प्रशिक्षण के बाद साधारण कार्य, सेवा क्षेत्र या यहां तक ​​कि स्वरोजगार में भी योगदान दे सकते हैं, जिससे वे आंशिक या पूर्ण रूप से आत्मनिर्भर जीवन जी सकते हैं।

डाउन सिंड्रोम क्या है?

डॉ. राकेश बताते हैं कि डाउन सिंड्रोम एक आनुवंशिक स्थिति है जो सामान्य 46 के बजाय क्रोमोसोम 21 की एक अतिरिक्त प्रतिलिपि के कारण होती है। यह बच्चे के शारीरिक और मानसिक विकास को प्रभावित करता है, जिससे सीखने में देरी, बौद्धिक विकलांगता और विशिष्ट शारीरिक विशेषताएं (जैसे सपाट चेहरा, झुकी हुई आंखें) होती हैं।

ये भी पढ़ें…उत्तराखंड: चार साल के लंबे इंतजार के बाद कैबिनेट विस्तार, 2027 की रणनीति साफ, मुख्यमंत्री धामी ही एकमात्र चेहरा.

गर्भावस्था के दौरान जांच जरूरी

डॉ. राकेश का कहना है कि पहली तिमाही स्क्रीनिंग, क्वाड्रपल मार्कर टेस्ट और नॉन-इनवेसिव प्रीनेटल स्क्रीनिंग जैसे आधुनिक परीक्षणों के माध्यम से गर्भावस्था के दौरान ही समय रहते इसका आकलन किया जा सकता है। जरूरत पड़ने पर एमनियोसेंटेसिस जैसे टेस्ट के जरिए भी इसकी पुष्टि की जा सकती है।

Jammu: The Vice Chancellor of Jammu University has constituted a high-level committee to examine the syllabus of the Political Science postgraduate course after it was involved in a major controversy over the inclusion of a chapter on the political thought of Pakistan founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah.According to an order issued by the office of the Dean of Academic Affairs, the committee has been tasked to “thoroughly review the issue and submit its report at the earliest”. The panel will be led by Professor Naresh Padha, Department of Physics, and will include heads of the departments of Philosophy, History and Sociology, and directors of the Department of Strategic and Area Studies. Assistant Registrar (Academic Affairs) will function as Member Secretary.ABVP workers had protested in the university on Friday demanding withdrawal of the chapter on Jinnah. The protesters, led by ABVP Jammu and Kashmir secretary Sannak Shrivatsa, raised slogans against the administration and warned that if the material was not taken back they would be “forced to launch a strong democratic movement throughout Jammu and Kashmir”.“Our government should take note that the Department of Political Science at Jammu University has released its syllabus for 2026-2028… and some individuals are being presented as representatives of minorities, including Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Mohammad Ali Jinnah,” Srivatsa said. These are the same individuals who propounded the two-nation theory and played a role in Partition and “teaching about them raises serious concerns”, he said.Srivatsa further said, “We will wait and see what the committee suggests. The university authorities should understand that academic freedom does not mean neglect of national sentiments.”Professor Baljit Singh Mann, head of the department of political science, had on Friday defended the curriculum, saying the inclusion of Jinnah and others is “purely academic” and in line with the curriculum followed by universities across the country as well as UGC norms. He said, “Our aim is to present different viewpoints so that students can assess the merits and demerits and distinguish between right and wrong. This is an academic exercise, not advocacy.”When asked by media persons on Saturday, he said that he had already made his stand clear and stood by what he had said a day earlier.

उत्तर प्रदेश के बिजनौर जिले के सियोहारा इलाके में स्थित शेखों की 300 साल पुरानी हवेली आज एक खास पहचान बना चुकी है। यह हवेली अब इंसानों से ज्यादा पक्षियों के लिए जानी जाती है और ‘गौरैया वाली हवेली’ के नाम से मशहूर हो गई है। यहां करीब ढाई हजार गौरैया ने अपना बसेरा बना लिया है। ऐसे समय में जब गौरैया विलुप्त होने की कगार पर है, यह हवेली उनके लिए सुरक्षित आश्रय बनकर उभरी है।

पक्षियों के प्रति जिम्मेदारी विरासत में मिली
इस हवेली के मालिक स्वर्गीय अकबर शेख ने इस हवेली को अपने बेटे जमाल शेख को सौंप दिया था। साथ ही हजारों गौरैया की देखभाल की जिम्मेदारी भी दी गई। परिवार में पीढ़ियों से पशु-पक्षियों के प्रति विशेष प्रेम रहा है, जिसका पालन आज भी पूरी ईमानदारी से किया जा रहा है।

परिवार मिलकर देखभाल करता है
आज इस हवेली में फ़राज़ शेख, नौमान शेख और अफसर चौधरी मिलकर गौरैया की देखभाल करते हैं। परिवार ने अपनी दिनचर्या इस तरह तय की है कि कम से कम एक सदस्य हमेशा घर में मौजूद रहे, ताकि पक्षियों को समय पर भोजन और पानी मिल सके।

मौसम के अनुसार सुविधाएं उपलब्ध हैं
परिवार गौरैया के खाने-पीने का खास ख्याल रखता है। उन्हें मौसम के अनुसार उपयुक्त भोजन और पानी दिया जाता है। यही कारण है कि हजारों गौरैया यहां सुरक्षित वातावरण में रह रही हैं और उनकी संख्या भी स्थिर बनी हुई है।

हवेली की बनावट भी अनुकूल है
हवेली के पुराने ढांचे में कोई बदलाव नहीं किया गया है. आंगन में कोई तेज़ रोशनी नहीं है और शोर से बचा जाता है। छत पर लोगों की आवाजाही सीमित है। साथ ही झाड़ियों, घास और तिनके को इस तरह से व्यवस्थित किया गया है कि गौरैया आसानी से अपना घोंसला बना सकें।

गौरैया दिवस पर विशेष आयोजन
हर साल गौरैया दिवस के मौके पर यहां विशेष कार्यक्रम का आयोजन किया जाता है। शाम के समय स्थानीय लोग पक्षियों की चहचहाहट सुनने के लिए एकत्रित होते हैं। इस दिन केक काटकर गौरैया का ‘जन्मदिन’ मनाया जाता है और केक का एक हिस्सा गौरैया के लिए भी रखा जाता है।

हवेली नहीं बेचेंगे, संरक्षण जारी रहेगा
परिवार का कहना है कि यह हवेली उनके बुजुर्गों की अमानत है। वे इसे कभी नहीं बेचेंगे और न ही गौरैया के इस आशियाने को उजड़ने देंगे। उन्होंने सरकार से भी सहयोग की अपील की है, ताकि इस संरक्षण कार्य को और आगे बढ़ाया जा सके.