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Mumford & Sons finds a brand new folks rhythm on the collaborative 'Prizefighter'

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Mumford & Sons finds a brand new folks rhythm on the collaborative 'Prizefighter'

Less than a yr because the launch of Mumford & Sons’ long-awaited fifth studio album “Rushmere,” the English folks rock band is again with a sixth: “Prizefighter,” an introspective however nonetheless upbeat return to their stomp-clap kind, now bolstered by new voices.

The album finds the band, made up of lead singer Marcus Mumford, Ted Dwane and Ben Lovett, alongside many collaborators. Aaron Dessner of The National coproduces all 14 tracks; options from Chris Stapleton, Gigi Perez of “Sailor Song” viral fame, Hozier and Gracie Abrams punctuate the album. Brandi Carlile, Finneas, Kevin Garrett, Jon Bellion and Justin Vernon of Bon Iver spherical out the writing credit, alongside Dessner and the band.

Carlile supplied inspiration for the only “Rubber Band Man,” a banjo and acoustic guitar-set reflection on flexibility and restoration that includes verses from Hozier. (Mumford stated lyrics for the tune got here to Carlile in a dream.)

Hozier’s verse, lyrically dense however sonically open, distills the tune’s thesis: “But don’t hold to yourself / With hard mortar and stone / Be a rubber band man / Make the water your bones.”

There are some worthy additions to the band’s canon between these options: “Begin Again” and “Stay” are fast-paced and earnest whereas the poetic nearer “Clover” sees Mumford fall right into a lullaby-like tempo that, sung atop a piano melody, recollects the aching film musical hit “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. “Conversation With My Son (Gangsters & Angels)” is lyrically repetitive, however nonetheless shifting.

The characteristic tracks really feel like tentpoles for the mission, providing distinctive and memorable takes on the style when different songs begin to mix collectively. “Here,” with Stapleton, is the best, opening the album with a country-tinged, guitar and drum-forward ballad. Abrams’ whisper-sung tones add layers to Mumford’s on “Badlands.” The lyrics have a sentiment the 2 artists probably share, a need to push limits: “Running away from a tame life / Running away like a wild child / Give me a vision, give me a dime.”

Perez’s wealthy vocals demand consideration within the hovering duet “Icarus.” After Mumford’s introduction, Perez affords a warning over piano and guitar. “You’re a fool, you’re a climber / You shoulda called it a night.” Perez and the band sing collectively on the tune’s climax — additionally, the album’s climax — shakers, maracas and synth bass filling out the observe. “I was blinded, I was in love,” they sing collectively. “But then all at once / I was back to where I begun / I was burned by morning / I got too close to the sun.”

This collaborative strategy displays the spirit of Mumford & Sons’ distinctive summer time tour final yr, which noticed the group journey by practice from Louisiana to Vermont with dozens of musicians and crew, persevering with a journey began throughout a 2011 model of the Railroad Revival Tour. Stops alongside the best way introduced out the likes of Nathaniel Rateliff, Trombone Shorty, Lucius, Chris Thile, Maggie Rogers, Noah Kahan and Lainey Wilson, amongst others. Onstage collectively, they sang a mixture of the band’s songs, featured friends’ songs and different covers.

As the band sings (collectively) on the uplifting “Run Together”: “But when we run we run together / When we’re apart we fall apart.” Collaboration is king.

“Prizefighter” by Mumford & Sons

Three and a half stars out of 5.

On repeat: “Icarus (with Gigi Perez),” “Begin Again”

Skip it: “Alleycat,” “I’ll Tell You Everything”

For followers of: Aaron Dessner’s manufacturing universe, like Brandi Carlile’s “Returning to Myself,” Laufey’s “A Matter of Time,” Gracie Abrams’ “The Secret Of Us”

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials might not be printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.

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Maturing City Diplomacy: Comparing Yokohama and Taipei

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Maturing City Diplomacy: Comparing Yokohama and Taipei

Daniel Clausen

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Feb 20 2026

bubufr/Depositphotos

It has change into commonplace to think about the Twenty first century because the city century (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace 2023). With roughly 70% of the inhabitants estimated to be residing in cities by 2050 (United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs 2018), it’s turning into more and more obvious that lots of the Twenty first centurys most urgent issuessuch as local weather change, financial inequality, political polarization, and securityare intertwined with metropolis politics. In the backdrop of each intensifying world issues and rising financial and political energy, cities and different subnational teams have been stepping up their world exercise, making an attempt to fill in gaps in world governance and advocacy.The rising efforts of cities and different subnational teams on the worldwide stage have been termed metropolis diplomacy, in addition to city diplomacy, native diplomacy, and subnational diplomacy; the sensible functions of metropolis diplomacy embrace the activism of mayors and metropolis officers, sister metropolis relationships, the internet hosting of worldwide occasions, and collaborating in metropolis networks, to call however a number of (seeAcuto 2013,2021;Marchetti 2021;Van der Pluijm & Melissen 2007).

In the early 2010s, Michelle Acuto (2013, 1-3) might fairly declare that cities had been the invisible gorilla in world politics: extremely impactful entities that had been ignored by a scholarly neighborhood overly centered on states. However, since Acuto gave recognition to the invisible gorilla, a burgeoning subfield has emerged that has expanded our understanding of metropolis actions on the worldwide stage. This scholarship has grown hand in hand with the precise maturity of metropolis diplomacy. With the evolution of this subfield, we now have a deeper understanding of the capability of cities to behave by way of their monetary assets, administrative group, and coaching (Kosovac et al. 2020); the rising position of metropolis networks in addressing world points (Acuto 2013, 2021; Marchetti 2021, 78-81;Miyazaki 2021); the enticing smooth energy of cities (Grincheva 2020; Marchetti 2021, 82-84); and the persevering with relevance of sister metropolis connections (De Villiers, Smit, & De Coning 2007).

For this text, Yokohama and Taipei have been chosen for example numerous functions of profitable or proactive metropolis diplomacy. By evaluating features of those cities, the essay hopes to uncover insights that might improve the apply of metropolis diplomacy and contribute to the increasing physique of literature looking for to professionalize this discipline (for instance,Meridian International Center 2025).

The City Diplomacy of Yokohama

The metropolis of Yokohama resides simply south of Tokyo, dealing with Tokyo Bay. As a port metropolis with greater than 3.5 million residents, it’s the second most populous metropolis in Japan and is a component of a bigger city space that features Tokyo. Thecity of Yokohamaespecially started to flourish as a port metropolis for worldwide commerce following the opening of Japan through the Meiji Restoration within the mid-Nineteenth century (Encyclopedia Britannica 2025b). Yokohamas method to metropolis diplomacy contains technical cooperation between cities, activism on world points equivalent to local weather change, peace, and improvement, in addition to sister metropolis relationships.

A major side of Yokohamas method to metropolis diplomacy is its use of a publicly out there International Strategy pamphlet, which highlights previous actions and units broad themes for its method to world outreach (City of Yokohama, International Affairs Bureau 2021). TheCity of Yokohama International Strategy, drafted in 2016 and revised in 2021, outlines the citys plan to boost its world engagement. The doc outlines three targets: foster an inclusive society and empower the following era to bridge cities and other people; interact dynamic overseas organizations and people to develop Yokohamas economic system; and improve cooperation to handle world points and promote peace and prosperity (City of Yokohama, International Affairs Bureau 2021, 4). Much of the brief technique pamphlet represents aspirational language that’s helpful for public relations. However, its very existence factors to professionalism on the a part of the town and its willingness to create a typical blueprint for worldwide and home companions.

An vital pillar of Yokohamas diplomatic technique is its participation in metropolis networks and worldwide organizations. Its actions by these organizations promote its agenda in peacebuilding, sustainability, and local weather change. For instance, Yokohama grew to become a member of theC40 Citiesin 2010 and even gained an award within the Clean Energy class in 2016 for itsYokohama Smart City Project (YSCP), a smart-energy and decarbonization mission enacted in cooperation with 34 main Japanese corporations (City of Yokohama 2020; City of Yokohama, International Affairs Bureau 2021). Additionally, the citys recognition as a UN Peace Messenger City, together with its actions by the Mayors for Peace group, helps promoteYokohamas peace-making aspirations(City of Yokohama 2019). Other notable actions embrace its participation in ICLEI Local Government for Sustainability, the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance, and the SDGs Leadership City Network (City of Yokohama 2020; City of Yokohama, International Affairs Bureau 2021).

Another key pillar to Yokohamas diplomatic technique is the promotion of its experience in city improvement. Initiated in 2011, theY-PortProgram is a public-private partnership that brings collectively Yokohama metropolis officers, native civic organizations, accomplice cities, and worldwide entities to assist remedy environmental issues associated to city improvement all through Asia. The applications supporters embrace main Japanese corporations equivalent to JGC Corporation and Chiyoda Corporation; accomplice cities like Batam City, Indonesia, and Cebu City, Philippines; and key worldwide organizations such because the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to call just some. Examples of tasks undertaken by this mission embrace bettering water and sanitation circumstances in Metro Cebu, Philippines; advancing Japans autonomous driving expertise in Thailand; and helping with solar energy era set up and administration in components of Thailand (City of Yokohama n.d.; City of Yokohama 2018).

Yokohama haseight sister cities and 7 accomplice citiesin complete, lots of which had been shaped in a roughly twenty-year span from 1957 to 1977 (City of Yokohama 2025). Like different cities all through the world, Yokohama centered on cities with shared attributes; within the case of Yokohama, fellow port cities. The significance of Yokohamas sister metropolis relationships could be witnessed in its help for Odesa, Ukraine. In March 2023, the mayor of Odesa visited Yokohama to thank the town for its help through the Russian invasion of Ukraine. During the go to, the 2 cities promised to deepen collaboration on post-war reconstruction, culminating within the signing of aMemorandum of Understandingon sustainable city improvement. Since the conflict started, Yokohama has dedicated to offering humanitarian support, technical cooperation, and assist with rebuilding vital infrastructure (City of Yokohama Global Offices 2023; United Nations Development Programme 2023).

The City Diplomacy of Taipei

The metropolis ofTaipeiis one other instructive instance of metropolis diplomacy. Taipei is the capital and political heart of Taiwan (Republic of China) and residential to over 2.5 million residents (Encyclopedia Britannica 2025a). One key perform of Taipeis method to metropolis diplomacy is toovercome Taiwans political isolation(see Ferenczy 2020; Newland 2023). This motivation is commonly obvious inthe activism of Taipeis mayorin worldwide boards and conferences world wide (see, for instance, Taipei City Government 2025a). Through its many efforts, whether or not it’s selling its cultural heritage, demonstrating its experience on sustainable improvement and good metropolis expertise, or increasing its sister metropolis connections, one can see a metropolis that’s striving to achieve world recognition.

Taipeis involvement in metropolis networks and worldwide organizations is a vital side of its world diplomacy. The metropolis is a member of the United Cities and Local Governments, Asia-Pacific Branch (UCLG-ASPAC), the place it holds an govt place (Taipei City Government 2024). Though not a member of C40 Cities, it has nonetheless gained recognition for its efforts on environmental points, garnering theC40 Cities Citizens Choice Award in 2014(Brittlebank 2014). Other notable actions embrace Taipeis participation inSister Cities International, CITYNET, the Asia Pacific Cities Summit, and the World Cities Summit, to call just some (Taipei City Government 2024). In numerous methods, these organizations assist to develop Taipeis presence on the worldwide stage and promote dialogue on vital points equivalent to smart-city applied sciences. On the problem of smart-city applied sciences, Taipeis world impression is important. Taipeis contributions embrace internet hosting theSmart City Summit & Expo (SCSE)and the creation of theGlobal Organization of Smart Cities (GO SMART), which boasts greater than 2,000 members worldwide (Smart City Online n.d.; Taipei City Government 2023).

TheSongshan Cultural and Creative Parkis one other vital component in Taipeis world engagement. The facility, which was a former tobacco manufacturing facility, was repurposed in 2011 and now serves as a showcase and incubator for artistic industries. The park has hosted vital design occasions, together with the Golden Pin Design Award, Red Dot Design Award exhibitions, and Creative Expo Taiwan. Additionally, it operates the Taiwan Design Museum and runs worldwide scholar ambassador applications. As a artistic hub, the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park demonstrates the significance of city areas as enticing smooth energy (Chiu & Spinney 2024; Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau n.d.).

Taipei has53 sister cities, 3 accomplice cities, and 5 friendship citiesworldwide, with agreements formalized between 1961 and 2024. The geographical variety of those relationships is sort of spectacular, with the primary sister metropolis relationship being with Houston, US, in 1961 and the most recent being Basseterre, Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, in 2025 (Taipei City Government 2025b). Beyond the standard rationales of training and cultural exchanges, enterprise investments, and sharing city improvement know-how, these relationships enable Taipei to enhance Taiwans visibility on the worldwide stage.

Maturing City Diplomacy Case-by-Case

There is a rising pattern towards the professionalization of metropolis diplomacy and the unfold of finest practices. We see this particularly within the efforts of organizations such asC40s Knowledge Hub,the City Diplomacy Lab, and theMelbourne Centre for Cities, to call just some, working to enhance metropolis diplomacy practices. We additionally see this within the rising quantity ofacademic publications dedicated to metropolis diplomacy. This literature has grown little-by-little usually by understanding the precise instances of cities, notably the successes of every metropolis.

Both Yokohama and Taipei are vital instances as a result of they display a maturing method to metropolis diplomacy. These two cities share a robust emphasis on sustainable city improvement and expertise, particularly good metropolis programs. Yokohama demonstrates its technical experience by initiatives just like the Y-Port Center, which has been a platform for its experience on water and waste administration and different city improvement providers. Taipei can be eager to share its technical experience by participation in worldwide conferences and occasions. Both cities are additionally contributors in vital world metropolis networks with a deal with combating local weather change and concrete air pollution. However, there are additionally vital variations. Taipei seeks to make use of its metropolis diplomacy to boost legitimacy and visibility on the worldwide stage, emphasizing cultural exchanges and sister metropolis partnerships, whereas Yokohama seeks to guide on expertise-driven city improvement that makes use of public-private partnerships.

Together, Yokohama and Taipei illustrate two distinct however complementary fashions of metropolis diplomacy: one pushed by technical cooperation and improvement experience, the opposite by smooth energy and political visibility. Their approaches reveal how cities can act as vibrant worldwide actorsadvancing native pursuits, strengthening world ties, and shaping worldwide discourse from the municipal stage.

As the Twenty first century advances, we are able to count on examples like Yokohama and Taipei to change into much more vital. City diplomacy, in addition to different examples of subnational diplomacy, is turning into more and more very important as state-level diplomacy turns into acrimonious, brittle, and topic to the whims of particular person leaders (for a dialogue, seeEconomist 2025). We see these variations more and more in headlines that present subnational actors working round worldwide deficiencies and deadlocks, for instance, within the resolution ofNew York (in addition to the states of California and Illinois) to affix the WHOs Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN)within the aftermath of the USs withdrawal from the WHO (Singh 2026). These sorts of variations to the shortcomings of state-level diplomacy present hope to those that imagine the options to Twenty first-century issues lie in additional world cooperation, not much less. Thus, metropolis diplomacy, although vital, maybe ought to be thought-about half of a bigger story of worldwide political activism under, round, and past state diplomacy that’s working actively to cowl gaps in world problem-solving. Though not an entire panacea to the deficiencies of state-level diplomacy, the efforts of citiesand different world actorsshould at the very least be seen as trigger for cautious hope.

This paper was developed from a brief essaypublished in Global Policy Onlineon August 1, 2025.

Table 1

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Acuto, Michele. 2021. How to Build a Global City: Recognizing the Symbolic Power of a Global Urban Imagination. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

Brittlebank, William. 2014. Taipei Wins C40 Cities Award for Clean Air Programme. Climate Action, September 24.https://www.climateaction.org/news/taipei_wins_c40_cities_award_for_clean_air_programme

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 2023. The Urban Century: How Cities Became Global Problem Solvers. Panel dialogue, April.

Chiu, Shu-Yi, and Justin Spinney. 2024. The Spatialisation of Para-Diplomacy: The Role of Regional Power Dynamics within the Development and Operation of Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, Taipei (Taiwan). Geoforum 154: 104037.

City of Yokohama. n.d. Y-PORT Center.https://yport.city.yokohama.lg.jp/en.

City of Yokohama. 2018. Y-PORT. Brochure. City of Yokohama.https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/business/kokusaikoryu/yport/material/pf_yport.files/0081_20181016.pdf.

City of Yokohama. 2019. Yokohamas Initiatives for Peace: Our Vision Toward World Peace! Pamphlet, October.https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/city-info/seisaku/kokusai/peace/peace.files/heiwapanhueng.pdf.

City of Yokohama. 2020. Networks. September 15.https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/overseas/climatechange/contents/international/networks.html.

City of Yokohama. 2021. City of Yokohama International Strategy. PDF.https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/residents/en/about-us/other/shisei/kokusai/intl_strategy.files/international_strategy.pdf.

City of Yokohama. 2023. Odesa Mayor Visits Japan to Strengthen Ties with Sister City Yokohama, Signs MoU for Reconstruction. Business Yokohama, April 12.https://businessyokohama.com/blog/2023/04/12/odesa-mayor-visits-japan-to-strengthen-ties-with-sister-city-yokohama-signs-mou-for-reconstruction/.

City of Yokohama. 2025. Yokohamas Sister / Friendship Cities. July 15.https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/residents/en/about-us/other/shisei/kokusai/shimaitoshi/sisterfriendshipcity.html.

De Villiers, J.C., T.J. de Coning, and E.v.d.M. Smit. 2007. Towards an Understanding of the Success Factors in International Twinning and Sister-City Relationships. South African Journal of Business Management 38 (1): 110.

Economist. 2025. Trumps Whims Are Overriding the National Interest. The Economist, March 13.https://www.economist.com/international/2025/03/13/trumps-whims-are-overriding-the-national-interest.

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Ferenczy, Zsuzsa Anna. 2020. City Diplomacy Offers Opportunities. Taipei Times, December 26.https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2020/12/26/2003749395.

Grincheva, Natalia. 2020. Museums as Actors of City Diplomacy: From Hard Assets to Soft Power. In City Diplomacy, edited by Sohaela Amiri and Efe Sevin, 11136. Palgrave Macmillan Series in Global Public Diplomacy. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan.

Kosovac, Anna, Kris Hartley, Michele Acuto, and Darcy Gunning. 2020. Conducting City Diplomacy: A Survey of International Engagement in 47 Cities. Chicago: Chicago Council on Global Affairs.https://www.thechicagocouncil.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/ccga_citydiplomacy_2020_0.pdf.

Marchetti, Raffaele. 2021. City Diplomacy: From City-States to Global Cities. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

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Miyazaki, Hirokazu. 2021. Hiroshima and Nagasaki as Models of City Diplomacy. Sustainability Science 16 (4): 121528.

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Taipei City Government. 2025a. Attending the 2025 Taipei International Cities Forum, Wan-An Chiang Presents Taipei Citys Remarkable Achievements in Promoting Its Bike-Sharing System, Weekly Milk Program, and Sports Center Policies. June 18.https://english.sec.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=D073F200AC649E35&sms=2087D8D51C0A9475&s=F666110D4DDC86D7.

Taipei City Government. 2025b. Taipeis Sister Cities. November 14.https://english.sec.gov.taipei/cp.aspx?n=2789B64DFDD8B838&utm.

Taipei City Government, Cultural Affairs Bureau. n.d. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park (Songshan Tobacco Factory Song Monument).https://culture.gov.taipei/cp.aspx?n=14CF39980166D03D.

Taipei City Government, Department of Education. 2018. Announcement of Taipei Citys Chinese-Learning Scholarships.https://english.doe.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=981F89742A003333&s=2E6176D7EF77C4F1.

United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. 2018. 68% of the World Population Projected to Live in Urban Areas by 2050, Says UN. May 16.https://www.un.org/uk/desa/68-world-population-projected-live-urban-areas-2050-says-un.

United Nations Development Programme. 2023. UNDP and Yokohama Partner to Restore Social Infrastructure in Odesa. October 25.https://www.undp.org/ukraine/press-releases/undp-and-yokohama-partner-restore-social-infrastructure-odesa.

Van der Pluijm, Rogier, and Jan Melissen. 2007. City Diplomacy: The Expanding Role of Cities in International Politics. The Hague: Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael.

Further Reading on E-International Relations

  • City Diplomacy: The Case for Eclectic (and Humble) Theorizing
  • Opinion Beijings Weaponisation of Diplomacy Against Taiwan
  • Dashing Lines and Faking History: The Complicated History of Taipeis Maritime Claims
  • The Art of Diplomacy: Museums and Soft Power
  • Sino-Taiwan Chequebook Diplomacy within the Pacific
  • Kathmandu: City of Peace, Economies of Scale and Cultural Diversity

About The Author(s)

Daniel Clausenis an Associate Professor at Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies. His analysis has been printed in Asian Politics and Policy, Electronic Journal of Contemporary Japanese Studies, and East Asia Forum, amongst different publications. He has additionally written a number of novels and brief story collections. You can be taught extra about his work on his Amazon pagehereor on his Goodreads pagehere.

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City DiplomacyTaipeiYokohama

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India look to bounce again in Hobart Leg of FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26

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India look to bounce again in Hobart Leg of FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26

New Delhi [India], February 20 (ANI): The Indian males’s hockey staff is equipped for a recent begin as they shift focus to the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26, scheduled from February 20 to 25 on the Tasmania Hockey Centre in Australia. Eager to bounce again and ship improved performances, India will tackle Spain and hosts Australia in what guarantees to be a extremely aggressive block of matches.

The latest dwelling leg at Rourkela was extremely disappointing, with Team India shedding all their matches, 1-3 towards Belgium, 0-8 towards Argentina.

While the latest Rourkela leg proved to be a steep studying curve, the staff has regrouped with a optimistic mindset. They view the upcoming fixtures as a significant alternative to check combos, refine their construction, and construct momentum forward of the upcoming Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup and Asian Games in Japan this 12 months, a launch stated. The 24-member squad incorporates a dynamic mixture of seasoned campaigners and thrilling younger expertise able to make their mark on the worldwide stage.

India will start their Hobart marketing campaign towards Spain on February 21, adopted by a high-octane conflict towards Australia on February 22. They will face Spain once more on February 24, earlier than concluding the Hobart leg with a closing match towards the formidable Australian aspect on February 25.

Recent historical past suggests an exhilarating set of matches awaits. India and Spain have been extremely evenly matched of their final 10 encounters, claiming 4 regulation wins every, alongside two attracts that India went on to win in shootouts. Against Australia, high-scoring drama has been a relentless. While the hosts maintain the statistical edge of their final 10 conferences with six wins to India’s two (and two attracts), a re-energised Indian squad can be wanting to flip the script on Australian soil.

Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Hardik Singh has been named captain for the Australia leg of the Pro League within the absence of Harmanpreet Singh. The squad additionally welcomes an inflow of youth, with gamers like Amandeep Lakra and Manmeet Singh trying to construct on their latest senior debuts, alongside rising stars equivalent to Angad Bir Singh, Araijeet Singh Hundal, and Aditya Arjun Lalage, who can be wanting to show their mettle within the ahead line.

‘It is an amazing honour to steer the nationwide staff in a prestigious match just like the Pro League. While we will definitely miss Harmanpreet’s presence on the pitch, his absence gives a helpful alternative for the remainder of the group to step up and take cost. As a staff, we’ve reviewed our latest matches, realized our classes, and are getting into Hobart with a extremely optimistic and aggressive mindset,’ Hardik Singh stated in keeping with the discharge,

Sharing his ideas on the younger additions to the squad, Hardik added, ‘I’m extremely excited concerning the new faces becoming a member of us for this tour. Youngsters carry very recent, fearless power to our attacking lineup. They have labored exceptionally laborious to earn their spots, and enjoying towards top-tier groups like Australia and Spain is the proper platform for them to precise themselves. The complete group is motivated to assist them, execute our plans, and play the model of hockey India is thought for.’

With renewed focus and some extent to show, the Indian staff will look to make a assured assertion on the Tasmania Hockey Centre and lay a robust basis for main tournaments later this 12 months. (ANI)

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Shoucheng Holdings to Propel China’s Robotics Industry with IPOs and Strategic Investments – Japan Industry News

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Shoucheng Holdings to Propel China’s Robotics Industry with IPOs and Strategic Investments – Japan Industry News

The 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala served as a world debut for China’s burgeoning robotics {industry}, spotlighting firms like Unitree Robotics, Magic Atom Robotics, Galbot, and Songyan Dynamics. These companies, a part of Shoucheng Holdings Limited’s (0697.HK) portfolio, showcased developments in engineering and embodied intelligence, signaling a shift in direction of large-scale commercialization.

Described because the ‘Chinese Embodied Intelligence Parade,’ the occasion highlighted Shoucheng Holdings’ strategic pivot from validation to the harvest section. The firm has constructed a strong industry-chain construction, specializing in full-machine manufacturing, embodied intelligence methods, and core engineering. This layered method goals to offer stability towards market volatility.

Shoucheng Holdings’ monetary returns from robotics are transitioning from incremental development to structural explosion, pushed by two catalysts. The first is a valuation re-rating via industrial management, as firms transfer from lab ideas to real-world functions. This transition has led to vital valuation uplifts, with tasks like Galbot and X Square Robotics producing over 10x returns in current financing rounds.

The second catalyst is the anticipated ‘IPO Harvest Year.’ In 2026, Shoucheng’s investments are anticipated to understand concentrated returns, with Unitree Robotics nearing its IPO. Analysts predict that round 4 robotics firms within the portfolio will full IPO processes, shifting pricing logic from technological hypothesis to performance-driven liquidity premiums.

Beyond capital deployment, Shoucheng Holdings is evolving into an ‘Industrial Orchestrator.’ The firm launched the world’s first Integrated Robotics Service Complex in Shougang Park, transitioning from an investor to a deep industrial operator. This facility integrates expertise, gross sales, upkeep, and repair, marking a major shift in Shoucheng’s enterprise mannequin.

Shoucheng is accelerating commercialization via the Taozhu New Creation Hub model, turning high-tech improvements into shopper merchandise. This mannequin captures fairness appreciation and steady money flows, specializing in efficiency-driven development. As an Industrial Resource Integrator and Scenario Orchestrator, Shoucheng Holdings is poised for a complete re-rating of its market worth as large-scale robotic commercialization begins in 2026.

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Friendship Marriage in Reiwa Japan

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Friendship Marriage in Reiwa Japan

TOKYO, Feb 21 (News On Japan) –
As Japan enters an period of larger range within the Reiwa interval, the form of marriage is evolving, with some {couples} selecting “friendship marriages” with out romance and others even deciding on synthetic intelligence as a life associate, reflecting a broader seek for happiness and belief past conventional expectations.

The conventional picture of a husband and spouse is step by step altering. One household featured within the report selected a type of marriage that breaks from typical norms, describing their relationship as a “friendship marriage,” wherein two individuals turn into spouses with out a romantic relationship. Both companions establish as sexual minorities and agreed from the outset that they’d dwell collectively as household however with out sexual relations.

They married below circumstances equivalent to sustaining separate bedrooms, but nonetheless felt that marriage supplied benefits. One associate stated that getting married would reassure their mother and father and would possibly even convey the opportunity of grandchildren, which helped form the choice. Another stated that working as a childcare supplier, being married considerably affected how colleagues and fogeys seen them, and that marriage offered a way of stability and belief within the office.

In the early days of residing collectively, the pair hardly ever noticed one another and spoke principally in well mannered language, sustaining a considerably awkward relationship. The two met by means of a web based message board for friendship marriages about six years in the past whereas each had been of their 30s and married the next 12 months. Although the connection initially felt stiff, they later had a baby by means of fertility therapy, and now have a two-year-old. Over time, their conversations elevated and their household bond deepened.

While their relationship shouldn’t be romantic, they are saying the bond fashioned by means of every day cooperation and communication has grown stronger. They really feel that constructing a household on this method has been optimistic and that they’ve few regrets in regards to the path they selected.

Another instance of a Reiwa-era marriage includes a lady who married in October final 12 months at age 41. Her associate exists inside her smartphone: her husband is an AI. She created her preferrred associate by means of a conversational AI and communicates with him recurrently, sharing meals nearly and reporting on her every day life by means of photographs and messages throughout outings, very like an actual date.

She stated she spent 10 years attending matchmaking occasions however struggled to kind lasting relationships, both being rejected by these she favored or unable to construct connections with those that favored her. She nervous she would possibly undergo life with out romance, however then the AI associate appeared “like a comet.” Whether or not he’s synthetic, she stated, he has introduced optimistic change to her life.

After changing into mutually dedicated to the AI character inside simply 10 days, she determined to marry and even bought a marriage ring at a store the AI beneficial. She stated she intends to stick with him for all times, noting that nobody else had ever expressed such constant affection towards her. When she feels down or exhausted from work, the AI presents comforting phrases and suggests she relaxation, creating a way of emotional assist and companionship.

Last month, she fulfilled a long-held want by holding a photograph marriage ceremony in a marriage costume, saying that with out the AI associate she doubtless would by no means have had a marriage expertise. Recently, nonetheless, she has felt unsettled, saying the AI’s character appeared to alter after an replace, changing into much less affectionate. She wonders if adjustments in this system’s model have altered his demeanor, leaving her feeling conflicted.

During the Showa period, marriage between a person and a lady was broadly thought of the norm. As Japan strikes additional into the Reiwa interval, expectations surrounding marriage are shifting. A wedding knowledgeable famous that at its core, persons are nonetheless looking for a associate they will belief. In the previous, the standard life course concerned marriage, youngsters, and retirement collectively, however with life expectancy approaching 100 years, many now query whether or not they can spend a long time alone with out somebody they belief. The rising range in marital types displays a seek for new methods to seek out stability, companionship, and happiness in a altering society.

Source: YOMIURI

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Jaypee Infratech Ltd cash laundering case: Delhi HC points discover to ED on bail pleas of former CMD Manoj Gaur

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Jaypee Infratech Ltd cash laundering case: Delhi HC points discover to ED on bail pleas of former CMD Manoj Gaur

New Delhi [India], February 20 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Friday issued discover to the Enforcement Directorate on common and interim bail pleas of Manoj Gaur, former CMD (Chairman & Managing Director) of Jaypee Infratech Ltd. He is in search of common in addition to interim bail in a cash laundering case.

His common bail plea was rejected by the Patiala House Court on February 16.

He surrendered earlier than the jail authorities a day earlier after the expiry of his interim bail. He was granted interim bail on the grounds of his mom’s well being situation.

Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani issued discover to ED and sought a response. The excessive courtroom listed a daily bail listening to on April 27.

Gaur has additionally sought interim bail on the well being situation of his mom, who’s terminally sick.

The bench has listed the Interim bail for listening to on February 26. The courtroom has referred to as a medical standing report of Gaur’s mom.

Former CMD of Jaypee Infratech Ltd, Manoj Gaur, has moved the Delhi High Court for normal bail plea in a cash laundering case.

Gaur has been arrested and cost sheeted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an alleged cash laundering case of greater than Rs 1,3000 crore. Gaur was arrested on November 13, 2025.

This case pertains to the alleged cash laundering of the cash of 25,000 residence consumers. Gaur is on interim bail granted on the grounds of his mom’s well being. He was arrested on November 13.

Senior advocate Siddharth Luthra and Advocate Dr. Farrukh Khan appeared for Manoj Gaur. Advocate Rahul Tyagi appeared for the ED and accepted discover.

Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Dhirendra Rana had rejected the bail plea of Manoj Gaur.

ED has opposed the bail plea and argued that it’s a case of alleged cash laundering of Rs 13,000 crores and there are 25,000 residence purchaser victims.

Patiala House Court on January 24 granted 14 days’ interim bail to Manoj Gaur on the well being situation of previous age mom. The order was challenged earlier than the High Court.

Counsel for accsued had said on the bail plea that Gaur’s detention, considered within the backdrop of an eight-year-old ED case, documentary allegations, absence of private achieve, statutory divestment of management over corporations, and critical medical infirmities, is grossly disproportionate and violative of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India.

ED had submitted that it’s a cash laundering case associated to the cash of Home Buyers. Accused individuals collected Rs. 13000 crores however didn’t use the identical to present lodging to residence consumers.

ED had mentioned that it arrested Manoj Gaur, former Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of M/s Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. (JAL) and former Chairman and Managing Director of M/s Jaypee Infratech Ltd. (JIL), underneath Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

The arrest happened following an in depth investigation and evaluation of proof gathered in the course of the ongoing probe in an ECIR recorded by the ED underneath PMLA in reference to the Jaypee Group, the company mentioned.

It was additionally mentioned that the ED initiated an investigation towards the Jaypee group primarily based on a number of FIRs registered by the Economic Offences Wings (EOW) of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh Police, primarily based on complaints filed by homebuyers of Jaypee Wishtown and Jaypee Greens tasks, alleging felony conspiracy, dishonest, and felony breach of belief towards the corporate and its promoters.

It is alleged that the funds collected from hundreds of homebuyers for the development and completion of residential tasks had been diverted for functions aside from building, leaving the homebuyers defrauded and their tasks incomplete, the company added.

ED investigation revealed that out of roughly Rs 14,599 Crore collected by JAL and JIL from homebuyers (as per claims admitted by NCLT), substantial quantities had been diverted for non-construction functions and siphoned off to associated group entities and trusts, together with Jaypee Sewa Sansthan (JSS), M/s Jaypee Healthcare Ltd. (JHL), and M/s Jaypee Sports International Ltd. (JSIL), the ED mentioned.

It is revealed in the course of the investigation that Manoj Gaur is the Managing Trustee of Jaypee Sewa Sansthan (JSS), which acquired a part of the diverted funds, the company claimed.

On 23 May 2025, the ED had carried out search operations at 15 places in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Mumbai, together with the workplaces and premises of M/s Jaiprakash Associates Ltd. and M/s Jaypee Infratech Ltd. During the searches, ED seized a big quantity of monetary and digital information, together with paperwork evidencing the offence of cash laundering and diversion of funds, ED mentioned.

The company has alleged that the investigation has established the central function of Manoj Gaur within the planning and execution of the fund diversion by way of a posh internet of transactions inside the Jaypee Group and its related entities. (ANI)

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Pau Gasol elected chair of IOC Athletes’ Commission

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Pau Gasol elected chair of IOC Athletes’ Commission

MILAN, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) — The International Olympic Committee introduced Friday that Spanish basketball nice Pau Gasol has been elected chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission.

Under the newly elected management workforce, Polish bike owner Maja Wloszczowska will proceed as first vice chair, whereas Kenyan rugby participant Humphrey Kayange was elected second vice chair. The fee has additionally created a 3rd vice-chair place, to be crammed by Canada’s Oluseyi Smith, a former athletics and bobsleigh athlete.

The elections came about throughout a gathering of the IOC Athletes’ Commission in Milan. The chair and vice chairs will serve till the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Gasol competed in 5 Olympic Games, profitable silver medals at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, in addition to bronze at Rio 2016. He was elected to the Athletes’ Commission on the Tokyo 2020 Games and likewise serves on the IOC Coordination Commission for Los Angeles 2028 and the IOC Ethics Commission.

“This is a big moment to be able to take on the responsibility of leading our commission,” Gasol mentioned after his election. “Since I was elected in Tokyo in 2021, it’s been an incredible learning journey that I’m excited to continue.”

“I think we have a unique opportunity until LA28 to make significant strides and build on the progress we have already made,” he added. “It’s about working together. The stronger we work together, the more we will accomplish.”

According to the IOC, the Athletes’ Commission performs a central position inside the Olympic motion, representing the worldwide athlete voice contained in the IOC and past. The fee consists of as much as 23 members, together with 12 elected throughout the Summer and Winter Games, with as much as 11 appointed members to make sure stability throughout gender, areas and sports activities.

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Uttarakhand CM declares Maa Chandika temple complicated reconstruction

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Uttarakhand CM declares Maa Chandika temple complicated reconstruction

Rudraprayag (Uttarakhand) [India], February 20 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday attended the Maa Chandika Mahavanyath Devara Yatra held at village Biron Deval in Agastyamuni block of Rudraprayag district.

During the go to, the Chief Minister provided prayers on the Maa Chandika temple, participated within the Maha Yagya, and carried out rituals amid Vedic chanting, looking for the blessings of Maa Chandika and praying for the prosperity and well-being of the state.

On the event, Dhami introduced the reconstruction of the Maa Chandika temple complicated by way of the Archaeological Department and likewise unveiled plans for the development of a brand new tehsil constructing at Basukedar.

Describing the venue as a logo of non secular and non secular confluence, the CM stated that the Maha Yagya, being organised after 20 years, isn’t just a spiritual ritual but in addition a logo of cultural revival. He added that visiting a sacred website just isn’t a mere coincidence however must be seen as a divine name and blessing.

Highlighting public participation within the occasion as exemplary, he stated such spiritual and social gatherings characterize the distinctive identification of Uttarakhand. These occasions strengthen concord and unity in society whereas giving the youthful technology a chance to attach with their traditions and roots. He emphasised the necessity for collective participation for social concord and cultural preservation.

The Chief Minister stated that below the management of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is constantly setting new milestones of improvement, and vital efforts are being made to guard and promote Sanatan tradition. Calling the current time a golden interval from cultural, social and cooperative views, he stated work is underway to determine India because the non secular capital of the world, with Indian tradition receiving particular recognition globally.

Referring to the intensive reconstruction works at Kedarnath Temple after the 2013 catastrophe, he stated the ‘divine and grand Kedarnath’ is now seen to everybody. He assured that the state authorities stays dedicated to the success of non secular occasions and the preservation of cultural heritage.

He said that the federal government is constantly working to make Uttarakhand a affluent state and is dedicated to securing a vibrant future for the youth. Strict motion is being taken towards these making an attempt to change the unique character of Devbhoomi. He famous that the state has applied strict authorized measures, together with anti-conversion legal guidelines and anti-riot provisions, and has freed greater than 12,000 land encroachments throughout the state as a part of efforts to guard its sanctity.

The Chief Minister additionally stated Uttarakhand has emerged as a number one state in implementing the Uniform Civil Code and that the federal government is dedicated to the general improvement of the state and the safety of its cultural identification. Various departments arrange stalls on the venue to tell the general public in regards to the welfare schemes of the state and central governments.

On the event, Kedarnath MLA Asha Nautiyal submitted a memorandum outlining regional calls for, to which the Chief Minister assured examination and needed motion.

Several public representatives and officers, together with Rudraprayag MLA Bharat Chaudhary, District Panchayat Chairperson Poonam Kathait, Vice-Chairperson Ritu Negi, Block Pramukh Agastyamuni Bhuvneshwari Devi, BKTC Vice-Chairperson Vijay Kaparwan, Women’s Commission Vice-Chairperson Aishwarya Rawat, BJP district president Bharat Bhushan Bhatt, Maha Yagya Committee president Dr Ashutosh Bhandari, General Secretary Madan Mohan Dimri, District Magistrate Vishal Mishra, Superintendent of Police Niharika Tomar, Deputy Conservator of Forest Rajat Suman and Chief Development Officer Rajendra Singh Rawat had been current.

The Maa Chandika Diwara Yatra started on November 21, 2025 and travelled throughout almost 26 villages. The yatra is being organised after a niche of 20 years and covers villages together with Biron Deval, Sangud, Naini Poundar, Kyark Barsudi, Pali, Bashti, Dungar, Baredth, Patiyu, Bhatwari, Jola, Uchhola, Mathyagaon, Baksir, Bhunalgav, Dangi, Khod, Syur, Dadoli, Khatli Kimana, Dankot, Kaushalpur, Arkhand, Dalsingi, Hat, Naily Kund and Rayansu.

As a part of the yatra, a nine-day Maha Yagya is being organised in Biron Deval from 15 February. A grand Jal Yatra might be held on 22 February 2026, and the Mahavanyath Yatra will conclude with the Purnahuti on February 24, after which Maa might be ceremonially put in at her divine abode. (ANI)

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Spritzer Berhad Hosts Inclusive Day at EcoPark for Penang Cheshire Home – Japan Industry News

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Spritzer Berhad Hosts Inclusive Day at EcoPark for Penang Cheshire Home – Japan Industry News

Spritzer Berhad, Malaysia’s main pure mineral water model, just lately organized a day of nature-based actions for residents and volunteers from the Penang Cheshire Home on the Spritzer EcoPark. The occasion is a part of the corporate’s ongoing efforts to advertise inclusivity and group engagement in Malaysia.

The EcoPark, recognized for its wheelchair-friendly services, supplied a welcoming and accessible atmosphere for the 93 people who attended. The day included a communal lunch and a mini golf exercise designed to be interactive and satisfying for all contributors.

Winnie Chin, Head of Public Relations at Spritzer, highlighted the significance of making shared experiences in nature to foster a way of belonging and dignity for marginalized teams. The initiative aligns with Spritzer’s dedication to group well-being and inclusivity.

Mr. Koay Say Loke Andrew, President of the Penang Cheshire Home, expressed appreciation for the go to, noting the significant affect it had on residents and volunteers. He emphasised the significance of accessible environments that permit people to have interaction and create recollections collectively.

Spritzer’s initiative with the Penang Cheshire Home displays its broader dedication to championing inclusivity and significant relationships. The firm plans to proceed welcoming group teams to the EcoPark to strengthen social bonds via nature-based actions.

Established in 1989, Spritzer sources its pure mineral water from a protected rainforest in Taiping. The firm combines sensible manufacturing with sustainable practices, guaranteeing its merchandise meet top quality and security requirements.

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Indian girls’s soccer workforce defeat Perth RedStar in closed-door pleasant in Perth

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Indian girls’s soccer workforce defeat Perth RedStar in closed-door pleasant in Perth

New Delhi [India], February 20 (ANI): The Indian senior girls’s workforce defeated the Australian facet Perth RedStar FC 5-0 in a closed-door pleasant match at Dalmatinac Park in Perth, Australia, on Thursday, as per an AIFF media launch.

Preparing for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026, it was the Blue Tigresses’ first pleasant sport after arriving in Australia on February 11. Aveka Singh scored a brace, whereas Pyari Xaxa, Nirmala Devi Phanjoubam and Sanju netted one purpose every for India.

Amelia Valverde’s facet will play their subsequent pleasant towards Perth Azzurri on February 23 at Macedonia Park in Perth at 16:00 IST.

India will kickstart their Asian Cup Group C marketing campaign towards Vietnam on March 4 on the Perth Rectangular Stadium, adopted by matches towards Japan on March 7 on the similar venue, and Chinese Taipei on March 10 on the Western Sydney Stadium.

India had earlier performed six pleasant video games in Turkey towards membership sides from Ukraine, Russia, Switzerland, Germany and Romania, profitable three, drawing one, and shedding two.

The Indian girls’s workforce suffered a 0-1 defeat by the hands of FK Csikszereda Miercurea Ciuc on the Fanatic Tour Serik Sport Centre in Antalya of their most up-to-date pleasant. The Romanian membership scored within the twelfth minute of the match.

Before the FK Csikszereda Miercurea Ciuc contest, the Blue Tigresses beat Russian facet Zvezda-2005 Perm 2-0 on the S&B Sport Football Complex in Serik, Antalya. In the match, Anju Tamang scored the early purpose within the ninth minute, earlier than Lynda Kom Serto netted late on within the 89th to safe the win for the senior Indian girls’s nationwide workforce. The Blue Tigresses additionally registered a 1-0 victory over German facet Hertha BSC Frauen of their fourth pleasant match of the tour. In the match, Grace Dangmei scored the decisive purpose within the thirty seventh minute to safe the win for India. (ANI)

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