Pakistan: Who is Bushra Bibi, the mystical wife of Imran Khan?

Bushra Bibi, who married Khan in 2018, is given a 14 year prison sentence amid corruption allegations.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/bXgmv0d

Read More

Nottingham Forest 1-2 Arsenal: Gunners close gap on league leaders Liverpool

Second-half strikes from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus earn Arsenal a 2-1 victory after Nottingham Forest frustrated Mikel Arteta's side.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/OtzrGdT

Read More

All About Neel Acharya, The Indian Student Who Was Found Dead In US

Neel Acharya, an Indian student studying in the United States, was found dead on Sunday, following a report of his disappearance by his mother. The Tippecanoe County Coroner's Office received a distress call around 11:30 am on Sunday, leading officials to 500 Allison Road in West Lafayette, where they found the dead body of a "college-aged male" on Purdue University campus in Indiana.

Purdue University's interim Computer Science head Chris Clifton shared the tragic news of Neel Acharya's passing in an email announcement, stating, “It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our students, Neel Acharya, has passed away. My condolences go out to his friends, family, and all affected." Describing the impact on the community, Clifton stated that it was a shock and a significant loss. 

He further mentioned receiving confirmation from the Office of the Dean of Students, revealing that they had found a dead person matching Neel's description and carrying his ID. 

Who was Neel Acharya?

• Neel Acharya was a double major in computer science and data science at the John Martinson Honours College of Purdue University. He completed his schooling at St. Mary's School in Pune. 
• He was working as a Research Assistant at Purdue University.
• Neel Acharya possessed expertise in various areas, including research skills, Python programming, generative art, artificial intelligence (AI), data analysis, and computer vision. 
• He was a “driven individual and academically talented", according to Chris Clifton.
• Neel Acharya's friend and roommate described him as a "loving, charismatic soul.”

Neel Acharya's death comes just days after the brutal murder of another Indian student, Vivek Saini, in the US.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/19mEGCc

Read More

Viswanathan Anand Attends Lollapalooza, Sings Along With Legendary Sting

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand grabbed the limelight at Lollapalooza 2024 by enthusiastically singing along in the crowd during iconic singer Sting's performance on stage. He delivered classic lines from The Police's hit song "Roxanne," and a video capturing Mr Anand's joyous moment went viral, prompting widespread applause on the internet.

Mr Anand took to social media platform X to share his fanboy moment, he wrote, "When I was very young, songs like "Every Breath You Take" and "Roxanne" by The Police made a huge impression on me. Fast forward to now, and I can say I know most of their songs and Sting's solo albums as well. They've been a constant on my playlist over the years."

See the video here:

When I was very young, songs like "Every Breath You Take" and "Roxanne" by The Police made a huge impression on me. Fast forward to now, and I can say I know most of their songs and Sting's solo albums as well. They've been a constant on my playlist over the years. pic.twitter.com/uEMVPxzbar

— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) January 29, 2024

In a subsequent post, he shared a video of Sting's performance and wrote, "It was nice to catch Sting live in Mumbai, and it was a delight! What's on your playlist that keeps you inspired?"

The social media was thrilled to see this avatar of the chess legend. 

A user wrote, "Anand is just like the rest of us."

Another user commented, "Every Breath You Take is such a fabulous song. Too bad, I couldn't attend Sting's concert."

The third user wrote, "Be Still My Beating Heart, Secret Marriage, Lazarus Heart, English Man in New York, and a cracking cover of Little Wing. Nothing Like the Sun..."

"Lol...watching Vishy Anand sing was definitely not on my 2024 bingo card," the fourth user commented. 

"Wow. This is a side of Vishy that was unseen," the fifth user wrote. 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/UQl0iHr

Read More

Jordan base attack: What options does US have to respond?

Failure to act decisively risks sending a message of weakness - act too forcefully and things could escalate.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/IcQywE9

Read More

Disposable vapes to be banned over fears for children's health

Rishi Sunak announces the plan saying "we must act" to tackle a rise in vaping among children.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/yAXeMi3

Read More

2 Deputies From BJP, 6 Ministers Take Oath: Nitish Kumar's New Bihar Team

Bihar Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLC Samrat Choudhary took oath as Bihar Deputy Chief Minister along with Vijay Kumar Sinha at Raj Bhavan in Patna on Sunday.

Samrat Choudhary was on Sunday chosen as the leader of the BJP's legislature party, paving the way for him to become the Bihar Deputy Chief Minister.

BJP's Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and six other ministers including JDU's Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, JDU's Bijendra Prasad Yadav, BJP's Dr Prem Kumar, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) president Dr Santosh Kumar Suman, JDU's Shravan Kumar, Independent MLA from Chakai Sumit Kumar Singh took oath as ministers in the new Nitish Kumar-led government.

Meanwhile, the chants of "Modi-Modi" were raised inside the Raj Bhavan, in Patna.

Janata Dal-United chief Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar Chief Minister for the ninth time at Raj Bhavan on Sunday after snapping ties with "Mahagathbandhan".

After days of speculation, JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar resigned as the Chief Minister of Bihar on Sunday, his second volte face in less than 18 months. Snapping ties with the RJD and Congress, Nitish Kumat formed a government with BJP's support.

Samrat Choudhary who always wears a turban on his head, is known as a bold state BJP leader. Earlier in 2023 when asked about the turban, he had said that the turban would go off the moment Nitish Kumar is removed from the Chief Minister's post.

54-year-old Samrat Choudhary took over as the state BJP chief in March 2023. He joined the BJP six years ago and has also been the BJP leader of Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council.

Before joining BJP in 2018, he has remained associated with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) as well as Janata Dal (United).

In 2022, Samrat Choudhary was selected as the Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Legislative Council.

Samrat Choudhary is an OBC leader who belongs to the Koeri community.

He has also served as Minister for Urban Development and Housing, Health in 2014 in Jitan Ram Manjhi Ministry and Minister of Metrology and Horticulture in 1999 in Rabri Devi Ministry.

He was elected for the second term as MLC in 2020 after his first term ended in 2019.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/wAZCP0M

Read More

Watch: Escaped monkey spotted in Highland village

The Japanese macaque was filmed helping himself from a bird feeder in Kincraig.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/nkpQqim

Read More

Dutch Darts Masters: Michael van Gerwen beats Luke Littler 8-6 in final

Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen beats teenager Luke Littler 8-6 to win the Dutch Darts Masters.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/V4Pfsmp

Read More

Xavi: Barcelona manager to leave at end of season

Barcelona manager Xavi says he will step down at the end of the season.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/zK4PCno

Read More

Dragons' Den episode edited after ear seed complaints

Campaigners say the programme featured "unfounded" health claims about the wellness product.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/7ryiuEC

Read More

The Traitors reveal themselves in reality TV final

Viewers found out in Friday's final whether the traitors or the faithful had won the £95,000 prize.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/aOJ6ARp

Read More

Government announces second probe of Telegraph sale

The investigation comes after the UAE-backed bidder made last minute changes.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/CHdl0YZ

Read More

Hamas attack: US pauses UNRWA funding over claims of staff involvement

US pauses funding to UNRWA after Israel accuses 12 workers of being part of 7 October outrage.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/LBYPEKZ

Read More

Ukrainian intelligence does not rule out PoWs on downed Russian plane

Intelligence officer says he cannot exclude possibility, but adds that Russia has provided no proof.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/ZDhtIal

Read More

Republic Day 2024: Difference Between Unfurling And Hoisting National Flag

As India prepares to celebrate Republic Day, this year holds special significance, marking 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution. Republic Day in India is celebrated with grand parades, colourful state tableaus, and diverse cultural displays. But did you know that on this day, the Indian flag is unfurled, not hoisted? While the terms 'flag hoisting' and 'flag unfurling' are commonly interchanged, they represent different techniques in presenting the national flag.

Let's look at the subtle yet significant differences in how the flag is presented on Republic Day and Independence Day in India.

What is the difference between unfurling and hoisting the flag?

The crucial distinction lies in the placement of the flag during these ceremonies. The process of unfurling involves unveiling a folded or rolled-up flag attached to a rope while hoisting is the act of raising a flag up a pole using a halyard.

Why is the Indian flag unfurled on Republic Day but hoisted on Independence Day?

On Republic Day, the flag is unfurled by the President of India, and it remains closed and tied at the top of the flagpole. The flag is unfolded by the President without pulling it up. Republic Day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. The flag is unfurled as a symbolic gesture to renew the commitment to the principles laid down in the Constitution, highlighting the shift from colonial rule to a sovereign, democratic republic.

This is different from Independence Day, where the Prime Minister hoists the flag from the bottom of the pole. Flag hoisting during Independence Day often includes a ceremonial event with a military or civilian honour guard raising the flag while the national anthem is played. The hoisting on Independence Day symbolises the rise of a new nation, patriotism, and freedom from colonial rule.

Both ceremonies, although differing in execution, hold immense significance in commemorating India's journey toward freedom and its evolution as a sovereign nation.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/bPTLVZc

Read More

Harrison Ford's Star Wars script goes to auction

The script was left by Harrison Ford in a flat he rented in Notting Hill, west London.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/RPJGgqz

Read More

Investigator still believes cleared sub-postmaster was guilty

Raymond Grant told the inquiry he still thought the branch manager he investigated had stolen money.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/H8qteyu

Read More

Turkey parliament backs Sweden's Nato membership

Sweden applied to join Nato in 2022 after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/UROfdxJ

Read More

Man held for murder over South Africa building fire

The man told a public inquiry he started a Johannesburg building fire that killed 77 people last August.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/OKMdxYh

Read More

Norman Jewison: Renowned Canadian film director dies at 97

A versatile storyteller, Norman Jewison tackled issues such as racism and civil rights.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/hJI73lQ

Read More

Bath University makes students resit exam after giving answers

A university accidentally printed the answers on one of their exams and is making students resit.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/6jIYnxK

Read More

Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool: A 'winning machine' - Danny Murphy analysis on why Liverpool did not miss stars

MOTD2 pundit and ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy says the Reds showed against Bournemouth that they can fill the void left by Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/1NwRSCd

Read More

Gut health: Goat milk firm's poo post-box tests microbiome

The company sends stool samples to the University of Cambridge for microbiome analysis.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/5p0MICt

Read More

Great Yarmouth: Murder charge after woman's body found

Further tests are being carried out into the cause of death, Norfolk Police say.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/fCLUqFr

Read More

Red Sea 'scary' for ships' crews, says captain

The captain of a vessel in the Red Sea shares his concerns about the Houthi attacks on shipping.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/akTOR0E

Read More

Cancer survivors empowered by posing nude for calendar

The women started off petrified but ended up like goddesses, the photographer says.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/JiY6S71

Read More

Ex-CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch 'vehemently denies' sex trafficking allegations

Mike Jeffries claims the allegations fall outside statute of limitations, and are "meritless".

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/YkVzGK7

Read More

Russia: Cat thrown off train into snow found dead

Russia's state rail company apologises after its conductor dumped the feline in freezing temperatures.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/aGrJP0D

Read More

Trudeau balancing act on Israel-Gaza annoys both sides of debate

Canada's prime minister has been criticised for failing to define his country's stance on the war.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/8YmMFxK

Read More

Severe Cold To Persist In Delhi, Orange Alert Issued Amid Dense Fog

The weather department has issued an "orange alert" for dense fog on Saturday in the national capital and adjoining areas, officials on Friday said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast mainly clear skies with dense to very dense fog during the early hours.

There will be cold to severe cold day condition at isolated places in Delhi, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to settle around 15 and 7 degrees Celsius, respectively, they said.

Kuldeep Srivastava, scientist and head of the Regional Weather Forecasting Centre, said there will be a marginal increase in the maximum temperature next week.

"Mornings and evenings in Delhi will be cold. However, there will be relief during the daytime due to sunlight," he said.

He added there will be no significant change in Delhi's weather conditions in the month of January so far.

The national capital is continuously experiencing a foggy and cold week, with the maximum temperature on Friday settling at 14.2 degrees Celsius, five notches below the season's average.

On Friday, cold to severe cold conditions were observed across Delhi.

The minimum temperature settled at 7.1 degrees Celsius in Delhi, with a thick layer of fog enveloping several parts of the city, affecting rail, runway and road traffic.

The visibility at the Indira Gandhi International Airport was recorded at 500 meters at 8.30 am, as per the IMD.

Due to foggy conditions, at least 22 Delhi-bound trains or those having a route through the national capital were running late as on January 19, according to railway officials.

As per the data by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) at 4 pm stood at 348 under 'very poor' category.

An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/B9M7zg8

Read More

Universal Credit claims no longer paused while AI fraud checks carried out

The government has stopped suspending claims flagged as suspicious by an AI fraud detection tool.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/tLwgAD8

Read More

Théo Luhaka: French police officers given suspended sentences for brutal assault

Théo Luhaka suffered severe injuries from a police baton in a case which triggered days of protests.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/wGs5KJk

Read More

"We Were Such...": Konkona On Working With Team Wake Up Sid After 15 Years

Konkona Sen Sharma, who is winning hearts with her portrayal of Swathi in Killer Soup, was recently asked about her ad shoot with the cast of Wake Up 2. On being asked about her experience of shooting with the team of Wake Up Sid after almost 15 years, Konkona Sen Sharma told Hindustan Times, "So lovely!. Actually, its mainly the actors! You know, Ranbir (Kapoor), Namit (Das), Shikha (Talsania)… four of us were working again, and we were like, ‘Oh my god! We were such babies back in the day! (smiles) Ranbir had just Saawariya I think, so he was also a baby you know! And I was working with Ranbir after Animal and he has become such a big star. Even Namit and Shikha, they have all done such great work. We were meeting after such a long time, and it was a great reunion of sorts. We missed Ayan (Mukerji, the director), but we had the wonderful Shakun Batra, with whom I have been wanting to work with. He is a wonderful director, so I was so lucky! I was so surprised when they approached me for the ad, I was like, ‘Really, Wake Up Sid 2 ka ad you are doing?' But, I did not anticipate that it would be so popular and so many people would want a sequel."

A few days back, a video featuring the cast of Wake Up Sid, Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma, went crazy viral on social media, giving rise to speculations about a possible sequel of the 2009 film. The speculations were later put to rest when filmmaker Karan Johar shared a video from the same shoot, confirming that it is an advertisement. On Tuesday, two behind the scenes pictures of the cast of Wake Up Sid, who also featured in an advertisement, were shared by a fan page. In the pictures shared, we can see Ranbir Kapoor, Konkona Sen, Shikha Talsania and Namit Das posing adorably while sharing a laugh. In the picture, all four can be seen dressed in their casual best. For the unversed, Ranbir played the role of Sid in Wake Up Sid. His love interest Ayesha in the film was played by Konkona while Shikha and Namit played Sid's best friends Laxmi and Rishi respectively.

Take a look at the picture we are talking about:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ranbir Kapoor Universe (@ranbirkapooruniverse)

The video, which first went viral on a Reddit page dedicated to Bollywood, features a montage of clips and pictures where both Ranbir and Konkona can be seen dressed in blue and white outfits.

Ranbir Kapoor and konkana shot for something recently
byu/Glad-Ad5911 inBollyBlindsNGossip

While this may be just an ad, both Konkona and Ranbir have several exciting projects lined up, independently. On the work front, Konkona Sen Sharma  can be seen in the Netflix project Killer Soup, and Ranbir Kapoor will be entertaining movie buffs with Ramayana and Animal Park.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/igE1DBU

Read More

Biden says air strikes against Yemen's Houthis will continue

The remarks come as the US confirmed a fifth round of strikes on Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/WeZpVMc

Read More

Yemen strikes: Houthis to be re-designated as terror group by US

It forces US financial institutions to freeze funds belonging to the group and bars members from the US.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/OBuReok

Read More

What Is Disease X? How Scientists Are Preparing For The Next Pandemic

It sounds like something Elon Musk might have cooked up: "Disease X." In fact, the term was coined years ago as a way of getting scientists to work on medical countermeasures for unknown infectious threats - novel coronaviruses like the one that causes Covid-19, for example - instead of just known ones, like the Ebola virus. The idea was to encourage the development of platform technologies, including vaccines, drug therapies and diagnostic tests, that could be rapidly adapted and deployed in response to an array of future outbreaks with epidemic or pandemic potential. 

1. What is 'Disease X?'

It's the somewhat mysterious name for an illness caused by a currently unknown, yet serious microbial threat. The World Health Organization added Disease X in 2017 to a short list of pathogens deemed a top priority for research, alongside known killers like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Ebola. The issue made it onto the agenda of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, with WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus joining other health officials to discuss it. 

Covid-19, caused by a novel coronavirus, was an example of a Disease X when it touched off the pandemic at the end of 2019. The vast reservoir of viruses circulating in wildlife are seen as a likely source of more such diseases. That's because of their potential to spill over and infect other species, including humans, giving rise to an infection against which people will have no immunity.

2. What's the point of studying Disease X?

As the WHO puts it, it's to "enable early cross-cutting R&D preparedness that is also relevant" for an unknown disease. The humanitarian crisis sparked by the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa was a wake up call. Despite decades of research, there were no products ready to deploy in time to save more than 11,000 lives. In response, the WHO created an R&D Blueprint to accelerate development of a range of tools for "priority diseases." The current list includes:

• Covid-19,
• Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever,
• Ebola virus disease and Marburg virus disease,
• Lassa fever,
• Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) and SARS,
• Nipah and henipaviral diseases,
• Rift Valley fever,
• Zika,
• Disease X

3. How's the research for the next pandemic going?

It took just 326 days from the release of the genetic sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the authorization of the first Covid vaccine, thanks in part to the work done since 2017 in preparation for Disease X. Now groups like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, or CEPI, are supporting rapid response vaccine platforms that could develop new immunizations within 100 days of a virus with pandemic potential emerging under a $3.5 billion plan. Other efforts underway include:

• Updating the International Health Regulations and developing a new global agreement to protect the world from future emergencies.
• A new fund, approved by the World Bank, for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.
• A WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence in Berlin that aims to speed access to key data, and develop analytic tools and predictive models to assess potential threats.
• The Global Virome Project that aims to discover zoonotic viral threats and stop future pandemics.
• A $5 billion US government initiative to develop next-generation vaccines and treatments for Covid-19, called Project NextGen.
• $262.5 million in funding for a US national network for detecting and responding more efficiently to public health emergencies.
• Establishment of global center for pandemic therapeutics.

Still, numerous challenges threaten to undermine these efforts, including depleted and weakened health systems, a growing anti-science movement that has increased vaccine hesitancy, and the potential for governments to eventually deprioritize funding for outbreak detection and preparedness as perceived risks dissipate

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/CPDuRXe

Read More

Ethiopia hunger: About 225 starve to death in Tigray - officials

There are fears that a famine is looming in the drought-hit and war-scarred Ethiopian region.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/xnVukqy

Read More

Iran sentences Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi to additional prison term

Narges Mohammadi is serving multiple sentences and has been in jail almost continuously since 2010.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/5ifkLP7

Read More

Man Visiting China Shares Machines Speaking In Hindi On Detecting Passport

An engineer visiting China recently shared on X that the machines in the Asian country can speak Hindi after they detect an Indian passport. Shantanu Goel shared pictures on his social media account and it soon went viral on the internet. 

The first picture shows the machines at the Foreigner Fingerprint Self-Collection Area and the second picture shows instructions written in Hindi as well as Mandarin. 

The caption of the post reads, "Landed in China These machines speak in Hindi on detecting my Indian passport."

See the post here:

Landed in #China These machines speak in Hindi on detecting my Indian passport :o pic.twitter.com/RgtyBTVVj9

— Shantanu Goel (@shantanugoel) January 14, 2024

Since being posted, the post has gone viral on X. Commenting on the viral post, a user asked, "Only Hindi or did it have other languages."

Responding to the curious user, Mr Goel wrote, "Was using the language of the country (eg Spanish, German, french etc). For India, defaulted to Hindi. Not sure if other languages were an option, didn't see a choice in the interface."

Another user commented, "That's how you make tourists and business travellers feel welcome. This is one of the secrets of China's success."

A user shared that China has been doing this for at least 4 years. 

"It was the case in Shanghai airport from 2019 itself, not at independent kiosks but at the fingerprint collection equipment at the immigration point," a user commented. 

"These machines are also present everywhere in China, even if you enter by road in China same machines are present nearest example is by road to China from Nepal," shared another user. 

 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/758Bt4y

Read More

Renowned Urdu Poet Munawwar Rana Dies At 71

Renowned poet Munawwar Rana passed away at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences here on Sunday. He was 71 years old.

He was suffering from throat cancer for a long time.

Munawwar Rana's daughter Sumaiya Rana told PTI that her father died at the hospital late on Sunday night and will be laid to rest on Monday.

The poet is survived by his wife, four daughters and a son.

"He was hospitalised for 14 to 15 days due to illness. He was first admitted to Medanta in Lucknow and then to SGPGI where he breathed his last around 11 pm today," Munawwar Rana's son His son Tabrez Rana told PTI.

Munawwar Rana's poem 'Maa', which is considered one of his most famous poems, has a different place in the world of Urdu literature.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/eZMNPsJ

Read More

David Cameron denies £10m payment from Greensill Capital

The foreign secretary says he was a "private citizen" while working for the collapsed finance firm.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/HfFWwiA

Read More

My brain cancer diagnosis was a total shock

BBC Scotland's political editor says the discovery of a tumour was devastating - but that he's been lucky.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/SIUeW1r

Read More

Donald Trump asked to pay NY Times nearly $400,000 in legal costs

The expenses are for a failed lawsuit the former president filed against the paper and its reporters.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/kgCt4wF

Read More

South Africa's genocide case against Israel: Both sides play heavy on emotion in ICJ hearing

After two days of legal argument, judges must now rule on whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/x6R43NB

Read More

"Nose Cover": All About The New Gen Z Trend Taking Over Internet

From millennial pout to the peace sign, there have been several poses that have hung around for decades. However, now the "nose cover" pose has left a lot of adults scratching their heads over what it might mean. Gen Z children everywhere seem to be hopping on this trend, including Tyson Fury's 14-year-old daughter Venezuela, who has been seen covering her face in a family picture posted on mum Paris Fury's Instagram along with Paris' niece Valentino.

In her Instagram story Boxer Tyson Fury's wife, Paris shared a photo as she celebrated her niece's 13th birthday. Ms Paris posted a family photo to mark the occasion but her niece Valentino, and her eldest daughter Venezuela hid their faces behind their hands with the "nose cover". 

Now, according to the New York Post, parents have been left baffled by this latest trend with many asking if it's a secret sign or a "traveller thing". One parent, Michelle Harris, infuriated by the family photos at Christmas being ruined by her teenage son using the 'nose pose' even decided to confront him. "Is everything OK? Why won't you show up in family photos for the handsome boy that you are anymore?' Are you being bullied?" she asked her son, as per the outlet. 

But her son's response was a "surprise", Ms Harris recalled. "'No, but I will be if you post pictures of me online without my consent!'" her son told her. 

The outlet explained that teenagers nowadays are active online and often seek out embarrassing photos of each other on social media to "roast" them. Covering their faces, then, is a way to potentially evade teasing, the Post reported. 

"As parents, we want to capture it all," Ms Harris said. "Their first step, every tooth, the braces, the spots and then we proudly post in our online social circles mindlessly without stopping to think how damaging this can be to our youngsters within their own online social groups," she continued. 

Also Read | Pics: Once Asia's Most Eligible Bachelor, Brunei Prince Marries A Commoner

Separately, speaking to The Sun, parenting expert Amanda Jenner also attributed the budding trend to teenagers' acne-riddled awkward phase. "It's important to remember that this phase is a normal part of growing up, where seeking independence and establishing personal boundaries are key developmental milestones," she explained. 

However, Ms Jenner also said that the online landscape can be "hard" for teens especially when unfiltered or unedited photos of them are plastered on a parent's Facebook feed. Therefore, the "nose cover" trend allows Gen Z to be in a photo to make their parents happy while still maintaining harmony. "It's very sad that we can't share and be proud of family photos, but unfortunately this is the way it is today," Ms Jenner said.

Now, going forward, Ms Harris said that she aims to be more mindful of the content she shares online and urges other parents to ask for consent before sharing a seemingly innocent photo.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/X96rBWs

Read More

Viking History To A Crownless King: 5 Things To Know About Danish Monarchy

After 52 years on the throne, Denmark's Queen Margrethe II will abdicate on Sunday, handing over power to her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik, who will take the name Frederik X.

Here are five things to know about the Danish monarchy:

Viking heritage

This is only the second time that a Danish sovereign has abdicated -- the last being Erik III almost nine centuries ago in 1146.

Since the death of Britain's Elizabeth II, Margrethe has been the longest-reigning monarch in Europe, as well as the only woman monarch who did not get her title through marriage.

Denmark's monarchy is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to the Viking Age.

It has been a kingdom since the reign of Gorm the Old, who died around 958 and was succeeded by his son Harald Bluetooth, whose name was borrowed for the bluetooth wireless technology -- with the symbol being a merger of the runes for his initials.

However, Margrethe II's lineage is from the House of Glucksburg, a branch of the German House of Oldenburg, which has ruled Denmark since 1448.

She would not have been queen if the rules of succession had not been changed in 1953 -- when she was 13 -- to allow women to take the throne.

A king without a crown

Fredrik X will become king by proclamation and will not wear the crown of Denmark, which is on display at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen.

The full coronation was substituted for an anointing in the 17th century when the monarchy became hereditary, but the ritual was then abolished in 1849 with the adoption of the Danish constitution.

Contrary to traditions of other European monarchies, the Danish sovereign does not take an oath and there is no ceremony bringing together heads of state and foreign crowned heads.

Minimalism

Margrethe II has been credited with modernising the image of the monarchy during her 52-year reign, but she has also tightened it up.

Last year, she sparked a public spat within her own family when she stripped her youngest son's four children of royal titles, in order for them "to be able to shape their own existence without being limited by... a formal affiliation with the Royal House."

The children of the new sovereign couple will retain their titles, but when they reach adulthood only the eldest will keep theirs.

Popularity

Margrethe II was able to win the hearts of Danes and unite them behind the monarchy.

When she ascended the throne in 1972, only 45 percent supported the monarchy, with the remainder believing that royal dynasties were unsuited to a modern democracy.

Today, the proportion of monarchists has risen to over 80 percent, and over 80 percent of Danes also believe that her abdication was the right decision.

Four out of five Danes believe that the new monarch, famous for his passion for sports and championing the environment, will be a good king.

Modest cost

Despite having mostly symbolic powers, the Danish monarch is also the head of state. And every year the government allocates money to run the royal court.

The purse is now set at 121.4 million kroner ($17.8 million), but experts believe the cost of the royal family is at least three times this when the upkeep of residences and the royal yacht Dannebrog is taken into account.

Which would mean the cost of the royal household could be around nine euros a year to each and every Dane.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/ZvMLj7S

Read More

eBay pays $3m fine in blogger harassment case

Executives sent live spiders and cockroaches to a US couple who criticised the firm, court papers show.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/T40sitH

Read More

Video shows cars driving through sea foam after storm

The foam was left behind after flood waters receded after a storm on the coast of New Hampshire.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/kUwueZE

Read More

How Ecuador descended into gang violence

A closer look at what is behind the wave of violence which has engulfed once-peaceful Ecuador.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/s2U0gwf

Read More

Swedish alarm after defence chiefs' war warning

A warning to Swedes to prepare for war from two top defence officials prompts accusations of alarmism.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/iOKYE5l

Read More

Full House At Merry Christmas Screening: Katrina-Vicky, Ananya And Others

It was a star-studded night on Wednesday as actors across the film fraternity assembled under one roof to attend the screening of the much-awaited thriller Merry Christmas. Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi, who will be paired opposite each other for the first time attended the screening in style. Vijay Sethupathi was spotted in his casual best while Katrina looked lovely in a black dress. Katrina Kaif's biggest cheerleader, her husband Vciky Kaushal was also spotted at the screening as he posed with his wife for pictures. Talking of cheer squad, actor Sanjay Kapoor's wife Maheep, daughter Shanaya and son Jahaan Kapoor also turned up for the event to cheer for Sanjay Kapoor.

Take a look at some pictures from the night:

Other stars attending the screening night included Aditi Rao Hydari, Radhika Madan, Mrunal Thakur, Sobhita Dhulipala etc.

Rumoured couple Ananya Panday and Aditya Roy Kapoor were also spotted attending the screening although they came separately. Aditya looked lovely in a traditional outfit while Aditya kept it simple in a shirt and jeans.

The Archies stars Khushi Kapoor, Vedang Raina and Agastya Nanda were among the others who marked their presence for the big night.

The trailer of Merry Christmas was shared by Katrina Kaif on her Instagram feed last month alongside the caption which read, "Presenting the #MerryChristmasTrailer - Tamil. In cinemas on 12th Jan." Watch the trailer below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tips Films (@tipsfilmsofficial)

Merry Christmas has been filmed in both Hindi and Tamil and marks Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupathi's first project together. Produced by Ramesh Taurani, Sanjay Routray, Jaya Taurani & Kewal Garg, and directed by Sriram Raghavan, Merry Christmas will be released on January 12.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/a5dtACK

Read More

After Kangana Ranaut Requests Stay On Defamation Case, Javed Akhtar Says...

Actor Kangana Ranaut's petition for a stay on proceedings of a defamation complaint filed against her was only a delaying tactic, lyricist and complainant Javed Akhtar submitted to the Bombay High Court on Tuesday.

Javed Akhtar urged the high court to dismiss the petition filed by the Queen actor.

Earlier this month, Kangana Ranaut approached the high court for a stay on Javed Akhtar's criminal defamation complaint filed against her in 2020. She urged the High Court to hear the case along with a cross-complaint filed by her against Javed Akhtar.

The defamation case against Kangana Ranaut is in the magistrate's court in Andheri. A sessions court had stayed Kangana's complaint against Javed Akhtar.

In her petition before the High Court, Kangana Ranaut stated that both cases should be tried together as they had genesis in a meeting (between Kangana Ranaut and Javed Akhtar) in 2016.

Javed Akhtar submitted an affidavit through his advocate Jay Bharadwaj stating Kangana Ranaut has not challenged any order passed by the magistrate's court, and without any basis, has sought a stay on the proceedings of the defamation complaint.

This was nothing but an attempt to delay the proceedings, Javed Akhtar stated.

"Kangana Ranaut is not challenging any judicial order passed by the lower court but has based the entire writ petition on assumptions and presumptions coupled with an unwarranted optimism of the proceedings pending in courts below", the affidavit said.

On Tuesday, when Kangana Ranaut's plea came up for hearing before a division bench headed by Justice Revati Mohite Dere, the High Court said the assignment to hearing such petitions is with a single bench, and not with a division bench.

It directed the high court registry to verify the same and place the petition before the appropriate bench for a hearing.

Javed Akhtar had claimed that Kangana Ranaut defamed and damaged his "immaculate reputation" by dragging his name into actor Sushant Singh Rajput's death in her interview with a news channel in July 2020.

In 2021, Kangana Ranaut hit back by filing a counter-complaint against Javed Akhtar before a magistrate's court, alleging criminal intimidation and insult to modesty.

She had claimed that during her meeting with Javed Akhtar at his residence in 2016, he criminally intimidated her, demanding that she apologise to a co-star.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/FYlNh1G

Read More

Hollesley Bay prisoner serving robbery sentence absconds

Police want help finding Matthew Smith, 29, who is an inmate at HMP Hollesley Bay in Suffolk.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/uEhr9IO

Read More

Boeing 737 Max 9: United Airlines finds loose bolts during inspections

The airline finds installation issues, including bolts in need of "tightening", during checks of Boeing planes.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/qozUyAE

Read More

Franz Beckenbauer: German legend was one of football's most important figures

Franz Beckenbauer, who has died aged 78, was the friend of Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and Pele and one of football's most important figures.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/Q3dOniL

Read More

3 Tamil Nadu Girls Left For South Korea To Meet BTS, What Happened Next

Never in their wildest dreams, three school girls of a village, tucked away in a sleepy region of Karur district had imagined that their passion for music and dance would one day goad them to take the path unknown; of attempting to travel to a foreign country with little money and without passports.

Passionate fans of BTS, the hugely popular Korean pop band, the girls, all aged 13 and students of Class 8 in a state-run school, decided to go all the way to Seoul, the South Korean capital, to meet their loved stars.

"They took a firm decision to somehow meet the BTS stars and shortlisted the seaports of Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu and Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh to take a ship to South Korea and they eventually chose Visakhapatnam," a Child Welfare Committee official told PTI.

The girls quietly stepped out of their homes on January 4 and reached Chennai after taking a train from Erode, which is near Karur.

Since the girls did not return home, their parents lodged a complaint with Karur police, who alerted authorities state-wide and began searches.

Though the teenagers together had just about Rs 14,000 with them, their savings, they naively believed that they could still make it. After much difficulty, they got a room in a Chennai hotel on Thursday night and were under the impression that they could take a ship to Seoul without passports.

On Friday, their desperate attempts to go ahead dragged them from pillar to post and they lost all energy. Left with no choice, they boarded a train from Chennai to reach their homes.

"At Katpadi railway station, when they got down at mid night to buy food, they missed the train. Police personnel spoke to the children and Child Line authorities and we were alerted," P Vedanayagam, head of Vellore District Child Welfare Committee said.

They were accommodated in a state-run facility in Vellore district and their parents were summoned and counselling sessions were held for the children and their parents.

"We learnt that the girls knew the minutest details about the BTS band and the stars, the way they dressed and what not; they had bought shoes similar to the ones used by the pop band stars." The BTS stars were their inspiration and unhindered access to smartphones led to obsession. "It was very clear to us that they yearned for a life of dance and music." However, their decision 'to go abroad' to chase their dreams was a terrible mistake and this was conveyed to them politely.

The official said the children were encouraged to focus only on studies which would help them realise their dreams, whatever it may be.

"We told the children about the importance of education and its value and advised the parents to keep an eye on what their children do." The teens were told that smartphones and the internet, though useful in everyday life, should be utilised primarily for education related purposes.

"The family background of the children too cannot be ignored. In the case of one girl, it was a single parent. Another girl's father is mentally challenged. The mothers of these girls work as farm labourers. They have little or no time to monitor what their children do and what they want." The parents were requested to make suitable arrangements to take care of their children to ensure that they get support and guidance. After counselling, the children were sent to their home district with their parents and they took a train on January 6 night. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/tXj2RSG

Read More

Heavy Rain In Chennai Causes Traffic Jams, More Showers Expected Ahead

 Traffic moved at a snail's pace, and commuters faced severe road jams as rains lashed parts of the Chennai district on Sunday evening.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecasted rains over various districts in Tamil Nadu for the next seven days.

The RMC also predicted heavy rains at isolated places over ten districts of the state for Sunday.

"Heavy rain is likely to occur at isolated places over Villupuram, Tiruvannamalai, Ranipet, Vellore, Tiruvallur, Chennai, Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, and Tirunelveli districts and Puducherry," it said.

Earlier on Saturday, heavy rainfall in the Western Ghats caused a flash flood at the Old Courtallam Falls at the foothills of the mountain range in Tamil Nadu's Tenkasi.

Due to this flooding, tourists are prohibited from bathing near the waterbodies adjacent to the Old Courtallam Falls, which is a major tourist attraction in the district, an official said.

Several tourists visited the waterfalls, but many said they were disappointed to find out that they were not allowed to bathe in the water body since Saturday is a weekend.

Tamil Nadu has witnessed unprecedented rains in the recent past.

At first, Cyclone Michaung brought heavy rains to Chennai and surrounding districts, leaving a destruction trail.

Recently, Tamil Nadu's southern districts witnessed heavy rainfalls.

Due to the rains, the state has incurred heavy losses of public and private property, running into crores.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin sought Rs 12,000 crore in central assistance and Rs 7,300 crore of immediate relief for the damages in the flood.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/UuQ7BdC

Read More

Kevin de Bruyne: Man City boss Pep Guardiola says 'the people love him' as midfielder returns

Manchester City made a routine start to their FA Cup defence against Huddersfield, but it was the sight of a returning Kevin de Bruyne that proved the real highlight for the home fans.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/fN6t4kU

Read More

Boeing 737 Max 9: Jets to stay grounded as inspections continue

The US aviation regulator says 171 Boeing planes will remain grounded until it is satisfied they are safe.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/crN2WDK

Read More

Ex-India Stars Come Up With Memes As Wait For AFG T20Is Squad Continues

The wait continues for India's squad announcement for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan which is starting from January 11. Reports claimed that the selectors were going to announce the squad on Friday but there was no official reports from the BCCI. Former Indian cricket team stars Aakash Chopra and Parthiv Patel took to social media to express their feelings about the wait and the memes posted by them on X (formerly called Twitter) has already gone viral.

According to a report, the national selectors are not finding it easy to pick just one among Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for the upcoming Afghanistan series.

As of now, there are chances that both the stalwarts will be kept in the squad but possibly with a rider that form during the IPL will be the main parameter for selection in the T20 World Cup team.

pic.twitter.com/0a47NWPtOG

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 6, 2024

Another round of discussions could take place, and it could be the BCCI bigwigs taking the final call.

Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar had flown into South Africa during the second Test to talk to the two veterans, and both have made themselves available. But there are too many external factors, and eventually, the BCCI's all-powerful secretary Jay Shah might be required to take a decision.

#INDvAFG pic.twitter.com/DDgwzNbeEk

— parthiv patel (@parthiv9) January 6, 2024

There are only five days to go for the first T20I against the visiting Afghanistan and the BCCI is yet to announce the squad for the three-match series starting January 11.

Agarkar has left for India and possibly the squad will be announced once he is back, in next 24 to 48 hours. It is understood that the team's balance could be an issue if both Rohit and Kohli are included in the playing XI.

"If you have Rohit, Shubman Gill, Virat, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik constituting your top five then where is your left-hander? Now, let's assume you drop Kohli and play Gill at No.3 with Yashasvi Jaiswal opening with Rohit. Can Ajit take that bold call," a former national selector told PTI on the condition of anonymity.

(With PTI inputs)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a press release)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/RQdh19g

Read More

Ukraine-Russia war: missiles kill 11, including children, Ukrainian official says

Five children are among those killed in a missile strike in the east, the local governor says.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/NXuSJH4

Read More

Delhi Withdraws Order Extending Winter Vacations In Schools

Delhi's Directorate of Education Saturday night withdrew an order extending winter vacation in schools in the national capital, officials said.

Earlier on Saturday, the directorate stated that the winter vacation in all government and private schools in the national capital has been extended till January 10 due to cold weather conditions.

A Delhi government official said that there was some error in the order.

"The order extending winter break was incorrectly issued. The order has been withdrawn immediately. Decision on the same will be taken tomorrow morning," the official said.

The vacation is scheduled to end on Saturday and classes are to resume Monday.

Delhi is experiencing extreme cold waves and the India Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert due to dense fog, light rainfall and drop in temperature for the next few days. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/XxqHMTl

Read More

Hamas command in north Gaza destroyed, Israel says

Three months into the Gaza war, the militants are "without commanders" in the area, the IDF say.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/NtaKF8o

Read More

Speed Racer actor Christian Oliver and daughters die in plane crash

Christian Oliver was travelling with his daughters, ages 10 and 12, when they crashed in the Caribbean.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/FvkC5mf

Read More

Ruth Perry: Ofsted chief promises sister minute's silence

Sir Martyn Oliver said that inspectors will pause training on the anniversary of Ruth Perry's death.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/vKTqj4l

Read More

Luke Littler: 16-year-old says he's 'not bothered' about age jokes

Darts sensation Luke Littler speaks to BBC Sport's Matt Graveling about the final of the World Darts Championship as well as people joking about his age.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/OUxlZsI

Read More

London Zoo tots up tigers, tallies tortoises and polls penguins

London Zoo conducts its annual count of residents - who take advantage of the photo opportunity.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/hAvy05e

Read More

Arvind Kejriwal To Be Arrested Today? AAP Leaders Raise Alarm

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal could be arrested in the morning following a raid at his home, leaders of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party tweeted hours after he refused to appear for questioning in the alleged Delhi liquor scam. Party sources said they are ready for any eventuality. Sources in the Enforcement Directorate – the central agency probing the money laundering angle, which has called Mr Kejriwal for questioning several times -- have said they have no such information.

"News coming in that ED is going to raid @ArvindKejriwal's residence tmrw morning. Arrest likely," posted senior party leader and Delhi minister Aatishi on X, formerly Twitter.

News coming in that ED is going to raid @ArvindKejriwal's residence tmrw morning. Arrest likely.

— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) January 3, 2024

Similar posts were seen on the handles of senior party leaders Saurabh Bhardwaj, Jasmine Shah and Sandeep Pathak.

सुनने में आ रहा है कल सुबह मुख्यमंत्री केजरीवाल जी के घर ED पहुँच कर उन्हें गिरफ़्तार करने वाली है ।

— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) January 3, 2024

BREAKING

Sources confirm that ED is going to raid the residence of CM Arvind Kejriwal tomorrow morning.

He is likely to be arrested.

— Jasmine Shah (@Jasmine441) January 3, 2024

Mr Kejriwal has skipped summons for questioning thrice. The last time he refused to appear was today. He had also refused to appear before the probe agency on November 2 and December 21. Under the rules, a non-bailable warrant can be issued against him any time and he can be arrested.

In April, he was questioned for nine hours by the Central Bureau of Investigation. He has not been named as an accused in the case.

Mr Kejriwal insists that the summons are "motivated" and says it is not clear whether he is being called as a witness or a suspect in the case.His party said it was a plan to stop him from campaigning in the national election due later this year.

With three of its leaders -- Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh and Satyendra Jain -- behind the bars, AAP has long been anticipating the eventuality and has discussed the possible courses of action.  They even want Mr Kejriwal to remain the Chief Minister and do his job from jail.

The CBI contends that liquor companies were involved in framing the excise policy, which would have brought them a 12 per cent profit. A liquor lobby it dubbed the "South Group" had paid kickbacks, part of which was routed to public servants. The Enforcement Directorate alleged laundering of the kickbacks.

The BJP has alleged that the proceeds of the alleged scam were used by the AAP to fund its large-scale campaign in Gujarat, in which it got a 12.91 per cent votes and established itself as a national party.

The party has also taken a swipe at the Delhi Chief Minister, saying he is "shaking in fear" and is not appearing before the agency because he knows that he is the "kingpin" of the alleged liquor policy scam.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/dv1alkU

Read More

Luke Littler beats Rob Cross to reach World Darts Championship final

Teenager Luke Littler beats 2018 champion Rob Cross to storm into the final of PDC World Darts Championship.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/mhPsL9T

Read More

Who was Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri killed in Beirut?

The 57-year-old was deputy head of Hamas's political bureau and helped establish the group's military wing.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/KMnASQy

Read More

"Getting Paid Truckload...": Khawaja On Picking T20 Over Test Cricket

Australia batter Usman Khawaja has admitted that he would have stopped playing Test cricket by now, had he been asked to play for inferior wages by the board of any other cricketing nation. Ever since South Africa announced their squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, several former cricketers have raised concerns over the future of the 'purest format of the game'. For context, Proteas have named a second string squad for the two match Test series against the Kiwis. Uncapped batter Neil Brand is set to lead out the South African team, consisting of just three players from the ongoing Test series against India.

Khawaja, on the feedback of colleagues from other teams, has admitted that some of the countries pay less to Test cricketers. 

"In my personal opinion, unfortunately the issue is that some of the other countries aren't getting paid as well for playing international cricket. That's just the raw facts. I know this because I've talked to players from other nations, I've asked them what their average salary is, what their match contracts are for their countries," Khawaja told Fox Cricket, as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.

Khawaja also confessed that he would've picked franchise over Test cricket, had he been playing cricket for countries offering less wages. He added that the players pick franchise cricket to secure the future of their family, and the decision has nothing to do with passion.

"If I was a player from another nation and getting paid ok to play international cricket, I'm getting paid a truckload more to play T20 cricket, I'm sorry but I'm going to be playing the T20 cricket. Not because it doesn't mean anything - I love playing for my country, but it is also a case of looking after your family, doing things right. If two people get paid to do the same job and you're getting paid twice as much at one firm and half at the other firm, you're going to pick the one you're getting paid [more] for," he added.

In order to save Test cricket, former Australia captain Steve Waugh has vouched for a universal match fee for all players taking part in Test cricket.

Khawaja echoed Waugh's sentiments, but felt that would be possible only if the cricket boards provide more "transparency", as far as the cashflow is concerned

"We've got to figure out a way for them [other countries] to be incentivised to play international and particularly Test cricket. That requires transparency from all cricket boards around the world to try to figure out how to pay the players the best way they can," he concluded.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/tpndTJf

Read More

Kids Company founder Camila Batmanghelidjh dies

The social justice campaigner died on her birthday, aged 61, after being ill for sometime.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/TqBsxaM

Read More

Newspaper headlines: Cost of Red Sea attacks and 'virtual rape' investigated

The i reports on fears Red Sea attacks on ships will have a knock-on effect on key supplies to the UK.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/1Thrpmy

Read More

Working Towards Closing Down 1,000 Private Madrassas: Assam Chief Minister

The Assam government is trying to negotiate with private madrassas for their closure and conversion to general schools, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on New Year's day. This comes after his government has already shut down all government-run madrassas in the state and converted them to general schools.

"Private madrassas are protected by the constitutions of India as it is written that the government cannot touch minority-run educational institutes. They don't even fall under the RTE Act. But having said that, the Assam police and education department are working together so we can reduce at least 1000 private madrassas. From three thousand, it will come down to two thousand and we are negotiating this with the private madrassa bodies," he said.

"There are five distinct communities who are known as Assamese Muslim communities, we have approved the census and we are verifying the villages where the Assamese Muslim communities live, also wards in municipal areas where Assamese Muslims live are being earmarked and by the end of 2024, we will complete this census," Mr Sarma added.

The Assam Chief Minister also added that his government will complete a fresh census of Assamese Muslims by the end of this year.

Significantly, Mr Sarma said that at least two more districts of Assam will see a rollback of AFSPA this year.

"The Assam government has now recommended a total withdrawal but the Government has advised us that we need to be a little cautious so AFSPA is now restricted to four districts. I think in the next review, we will roll back AFSPA from two other districts, The Centre does not want to withdraw AFSPA from the triangle area of the borders between Assam, Nagaland and Arunachal. It's a matter of time, at some point in time AFSPA will totally be rolled back," he said.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/PQZMEU5

Read More

Janhvi Name-Checks Rumoured Boyfriend Shikhar On The Koffee Couch

The newest guests on the Koffee couch is sister duo Janhvi Kapoor and Khushi Kapoor. The chat show host Karan Johar on Monday dropped the latest promo of Koffee With Karan and lets just say its all kinds of fun. From addressing dating rumours to mimicking Anil Kapoor, the sisters were on fire. Our favourite part of the promo was however when Janhvi mentioned her rumoured boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya AKA "shiku" as one of the three people on her speed-dial list. It so happened that Karan Johar asked Janhvi Kapoor,"Name three people on your speed-dial list.” Janhvi promptly replied, “Papa, Khushu and Shiku," immediately realising the oopsie she made.  During the same game, Karan asked Khushi about Janhvi's past relationships. Janhvi said to Khushi, “I have only dated three boys and we stick to that.”

At the start of the promo, Janhvi Kapoor can be heard saying, “Yesterday night at the party I was just going around asking people to ask me rapid-fire questions. Navya (Naveli Nanda) thinks I am not ready. She said, ‘Don't go.”

Now, Take a look at the video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Karan Johar (@karanjohar)

Shikhar Pahariya is the grandchild of the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra Sushilkumar Shinde. Janhvi Kapoor and Shikhar Pahariya are often spotted at restaurants, pubs, parties. They have however not confirmed their relationship status yet. In a video that went viral some months back, Janhvi Kapoor can be seen dancing her heart out on the streets of Mumbai at the Ganesh Visarjan of the Ambanis'. Janhvi was accompanied by her rumoured boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya. In the video, Shikhar can be seen showing a dance step to Janhvi which she follows. Take a look:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hindi bollywoodshaadis (@bollywoodshaadishindi)

In August, the Roohi star visited Tirumala Swami Temple at Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh. Several videos from their visit were shared on social media. In the viral videos, we can see Janhvi, dressed in a violet saree, touching the temple ground with her head. Janhvi was accompanied by Shikhar Pahariya who can be seen dressed in traditional wear. Take a look:

Seeking the blessings of god, #JanhviKapoor was spotted in #Tirumala 's Shri Venkateshwar Swami Temple!!🙏🏻

She looked gorgeous in the indian attire!!🫶🏻pic.twitter.com/R3P9kscR99

— Nisha Rose🌹 (@JustAFierceSoul) August 28, 2023

Janhvi was last seen in Bawaal opposite Varun Dhawan. Janhvi Kapoor will next be seen in Mr And Mrs Mahi alongside Rajkummar Rao. Janhvi will also make her Telugu debut in Devara alongside Jr NTR and Saif Ali Khan.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/Wru67DA

Read More

Teenager killed in three-car collision on New Year's Day

An 18-year-old passenger was killed and three other people injured in the crash on New Year's Day.

from BBC News - Home https://ift.tt/UjHzwsT

Read More