Former Leeds and Cardiff defender Bamba dies aged 39

Former Cardiff City, Leeds United and Middlesbrough defender Sol Bamba has died aged 39.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/CDwH2ly

Read More

Explained: New US Guidelines For International STEM Students

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the updated policy guidelines for international students' eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. 

The revised guidelines, effective from August 27, offer clarity on rules concerning online study, school transfers, grace periods, and study abroad programmes. These will apply to all pending and future requests.

OPT duration extended for STEM students

As per USCIS, international students in STEM will now enjoy up to three years of OPT, compared to one year for the students of non-STEM fields. This will allow students to gain more work experience in the country.

Online Study Allowances

Eligible students will now be able to count one class or up to three credits per academic session towards their full course of study, without violating the F1 visa terms. It must be noted that the class is taken online or via distance learning, meaning that it does not require any physical attendance.

School Transfers

The new policy now grants permission to eligible students to transfer between Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) schools, certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), at the same educational level or even a switch between different educational levels.

Post-Completion OPT 

The new guidelines mention that students who have completed their associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree programmes are now eligible for the post-completion OPT.

OPT extensions

Students will now be able to apply for STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before the expiry of their current employment authorisation.

To be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, they will require a valid post-completion OPT period; a qualifying STEM degree from an accredited institution; and work with an employer enrolled in E-Verify.

60-Day Grace Period

Once they complete their OPT, students will have a 60-day grace period. During this time, they remain eligible to change their educational level, consider transferring to another SEVP-certified school, or apply for changing to a different nonimmigrant or immigrant status. 

During this period, the employers can also sponsor the student's H-1B visa.

Clarification on the application period

The revised manual corrects the timeline during which the students can apply for the STEM OPT extensions, besides other technical adjustments. This ensures that the students can submit their applications.

Guidelines for the Study Abroad Programme

Students, who are enrolled in SEVP-certified schools, will be able to maintain active status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) during the study abroad programmes if its duration is less than five months. For longer programmes, they will require a new Form I-20.

Students, who receive a STEM OPT extension, will be required to report any changes in their legal name, address, or employment details to the DSO within 10 days. Even in case there are no changes, still they will have to confirm their information every six months.
 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/l9o8WaX

Read More

UN agencies to start rollout of Gaza polio vaccines

The drive comes after the first confirmed case of the disease in 25 years was discovered in Gaza.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/rmuoAW6

Read More

Seven months pregnant para-archer Grinham secures Paris bronze

Para-archer Jodie Grinham beats Paralympics GB team-mate and reigning champion Phoebe Paterson Pine to win bronze in the women's individual compound.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/QRHYksK

Read More

Boy who smashed ancient Bronze Age jar returns to museum

The 3,500-year-old jar was in Haifa's Hecht Museum in Israel.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/UNsvHba

Read More

"Misleading Narrative": Foreign Ministry Blasts CNN Bangladesh Flood Report

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has once again trashed reports that the flooding in some areas of Bangladesh were caused by the opening of a dam on the Gumti River in Tripura.  The Centre said that the report is "factually not correct" and its "narrative is misleading", adding that it  "ignores the facts" issued by the Government of India.

"We have seen CNN report on flood situation in Bangladesh. Its narrative is misleading and suggests that India is somehow responsible for the floods. This is factually not correct and ignores the facts mentioned in the press releases issued by the Government of India clarifying the situation," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a presser today. Mr Jaiswal was responding to media queries that flooding in southeast Bangladesh were caused by the opening of a dam on the Gumti River in Tripura.

"They have also ignored that we have regular and timely exchange of data and critical information between the two countries through existing joint mechanisms for water resources management," he added.

Bangladesh is grappling with devastating floods due to relentless monsoon rain and overflowing rivers which has killed at least 23 people. Water has inundated 11 districts, and large swathes of the city of nearly 1.5 million people are now submerged. Amid this, reports in foreign media claimed that the flooding in Bangladesh has been caused by opening a dam in India's northeastern state, a claim denied by Centre twice.

What CNN Report Said?

A report published by CNN claimed that in people in Feni, a city in southeast Bangladesh, blame officials in India for the situation. According to the report, dozens in Feni -which is only a few miles from the India border- accused New Delhi of releasing water from the Dumbur dam in neighboring Tripura state with no warning.

Centre On Bangladesh Floods Claim

Centre has earlier clarified that flooding in eastern districts in the neighbouring country were not caused by the opening of a dam on the Gumti River in Tripura.

The MEA had acknowledged "the catchment areas of Gumti River that flows through India and Bangladesh witnessed heaviest rains of this year over the last few days", but said the floods in Bangladesh were mainly due to waters from downstream catchments areas.

ALSO READ | "Not Correct...": Government On Reports India Dam Caused Bangladesh Floods

"The Dumbur dam is located quite far from the border - over 120 km upstream of Bangladesh. It is a low height (about 30m) dam that generates power that feeds into a grid and from which Bangladesh also draws 40MW power from Tripura," the ministry had said.

"Heavy rainfall has been continuing since August 21 in the whole of Tripura and adjoining districts of Bangladesh. Data showing rising trend has been supplied to Bangladesh till 1500 on August 21. At 1800, due to flooding, there was power outage leading to problems of communication... we tried to maintain communication through other means..."

"As two countries sharing 54 common cross-border rivers, river water cooperation is an important part of our bilateral engagement. We remain committed to resolving issues and mutual concerns in water resources and river water management through bilateral consultations and technical discussions," the MEA said in a statement.

Floods on the common rivers between India and Bangladesh are a shared problem inflicting sufferings to people on both sides, and requires close mutual cooperation towards resolving them, it added. 

ALSO READ | Explained: The Farakka Barrage Pact Amid 'Fake News' On Bangladesh Floods

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/G9nSg02

Read More

Elon Musk's X suspended in Brazil after supreme court ruling

The social media giant says it refused to comply with a judge's order to appoint a legal representative.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/VIQxOLj

Read More

Indian Students Protest Against Canadian Government Over Deportation Fears

Hundreds of Indian student graduates have staged protests against a new federal policy in Canada that puts them at risk of getting deported from the country. 

Many international students, particularly those from India, dream of moving to the North American country in hopes of building a better life, but the announced immigration policy changes have left the future of more than 70,000 student graduates in uncertainty.

Indian students have camped in front of the legislative assembly in Canada's Prince Edward Island province, protesting the sudden policy change for more than three months. Similar demonstrations were also seen in the provinces of Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.

The new policies are aimed at reducing the number of permanent residency nominations by 25 per cent as well as limiting study permits.

The change comes as Canada saw rapid population growth over the last few years. Around 97 per cent of last year's population increase in Canada was driven by immigration, according to Federal data.

Representatives from student advocacy group Naujawan Support Network warned the graduates are at risk of being deported when their work permits expire at the end of this year.

"I spent the most crucial six years of my life taking many risks to come to Canada," Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student who is facing deportation, told Canadian news platform OMNI News.

"For the past six years, I studied, I worked, I paid taxes, I earned enough CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points but the government has just taken advantage of us," Mr Singh told OMNI News.

Like many international students, Mr Singh had spent his family's life savings on college tuition fees in the hopes of eventually gaining permanent residency.

Amid a local housing and jobs crisis, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is under pressure to reduce the number of temporary residents, which has seen a staggering growth in recent years. Mr Trudeau has been trailing in polls ahead of an election expected next year.

The Canadian government is also reducing the number of temporary foreign workers it brings in, reversing its decision to expand the programme in 2022. The programme allows immigrants to work in the country on a short-term basis, meant to fill labour shortages.

According to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), 183,820 temporary foreign worker permits were granted in 2023, a steep 88 per cent increase from 2019. The ESDC on Monday criticised employers for using the programme to "circumvent hiring talented workers in Canada".

Under the new changes, work permits will be denied in regions where the unemployment rate is at or above 6 per cent. The changes will exempt sectors like agriculture, food processing, construction and healthcare.

"We're looking at the various streams to make sure that as we move forward, Canada remains a place that is positive in its support for immigration, but also responsible in the way we integrate and make sure there's pathways to success for everyone who comes to Canada," Justin Trudeau told reporters on Monday.

The government has also promised more measures to reduce the temporary resident population to 5% of Canada's total population in three years.

The International Sikh Student Organization, an advocacy group, insisted that the prevailing employment and housing issues are rooted in broader policy failures rather than the migration of international students.

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

Read More

A nasty fall left me with a terrible snoring problem

Debbie Byers has snored "like a fog horn" since she fell on steps in Edinburgh earlier this year

from BBC News https://ift.tt/9Fd8loM

Read More

Sir Ben Ainslie robbed ahead of America's Cup race

The most successful Olympic sailor of all time was robbed of his Rolex in Barcelona, Spanish media report.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/xJ21S7M

Read More

Japan Is Offering Single Women Financial Support To Relocate From Tokyo

Japan is planning to launch a new initiative to encourage single women to move from Tokyo to rural areas to get married, aiming to address the declining female population in the countryside.

The government hopes this measure will help counter the trend of young women staying in Tokyo for education or work, which has resulted in fewer single women in rural areas compared to single men, exacerbating depopulation issues.

As reported by The Japan Times, the government will cover travel expenses for matchmaking events and provide additional financial incentives for those who relocate.

According to the 2020 national census, there were about 9.1 million single women aged 15 to 49 in 46 of Japan's 47 prefectures, excluding Tokyo. This is roughly 20% less than the 11.1 million single men in the same age group, with the gap reaching up to 30% in some areas.

In recent years, more women than men have moved to the greater Tokyo area, and they tend not to return to rural regions after relocating for education or work, leading to fewer single women in the countryside compared to single men.

The new initiative will expand an existing subsidy program, providing up to $7,000 to women who relocate from Tokyo's 23 wards to rural areas.

Japan is facing a major demographic challenge as its birth rate reached an all-time low, with only 727,277 births recorded last year and a fertility rate of 1.20, far below the 2.1 needed for a stable population.

To tackle the declining population and its effects on the workforce and economy, the government has introduced various initiatives, including financial incentives for couples to have children, expanded childcare facilities, and even a state-backed dating app in Tokyo that uses AI to match singles.

"If there are many individuals interested in marriage but unable to find a partner, we want to provide support," a Tokyo official told The Asahi Shimbun.

"We hope that this app, with its government association, will provide a sense of security and encourage those who have been hesitant to use traditional apps to take the first step in their search for a partner."

While some experts caution against fears of societal collapse, Japan is actively seeking to promote marriage and family growth to counter the demographic decline.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has called the falling birth rates the "gravest crisis our country faces."

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/jft3h5i

Read More

Telegram boss banned from leaving France in criminal probe

He has been placed under formal investigation as part of a probe into organised crime on the messaging app, French prosecutors say.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/kz40ACV

Read More

Starmer in Berlin to discuss new UK-Germany pact

The prime minister said the deal was part of a bid to "turn a corner on Brexit".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/vUOqIXp

Read More

Special counsel files reworked indictment against Trump

Special Counsel Jack Smith appears to have tailored the charges to work under the recent presidential immunity ruling.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/NkFORdI

Read More

Liverpool agree deal for Valencia keeper Mamardashvili

Liverpool agree to sign Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal worth up to £29m.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/jcp4iMq

Read More

Nostalgic Indians flock to cinemas to watch old hits

Dozens of Indian films, some made more than 20 years ago, are being released again in cinemas - why?

from BBC News https://ift.tt/z9v8RIB

Read More

Two Pacific Ocean hurricanes seen from space

Heavy rainfall from Hurricane Hone has eased potential wildfire warnings on some Hawaii islands.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/JKa2n0y

Read More

The Papers: Israel-Hezbollah clash 'not the end', and worries for winter fuel

The papers focus on rising Middle East tensions, and Labour facing pressure on winter fuel payments.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/xBYb5se

Read More

As Starliner Returns Without Sunita Williams, Boeing Faces $1 Billion Loss

NASA, on Saturday, announced that Boeing's Starliner capsule will return empty from the International Space Station (ISS), citing ongoing propulsion system problems. This latest development adds to Boeing's woes, with estimated losses in the Starliner program exceeding $1 billion, reported CNBC.

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will now return on Elon Musk's SpaceX's Crew-9 vehicle in February 2025, after a six-month extended stay on the ISS. The original nine-day test flight was delayed due to issues with Starliner's thrusters.

A "technical disagreement" between NASA and Boeing led to the decision, with NASA prioritising safety and choosing SpaceX for the return mission.

"Boeing has worked very hard with NASA to get the necessary data to make this decision," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said on Saturday. "We want to further understand the root causes and understand the design improvements so that the Boeing Starliner will serve as an important part of our assured crew access to the ISS." Mr Nelson stressed that test flights like the Starliner mission are "neither safe, nor routine."

Following the decision, NASA will conduct an additional phase of its Flight Readiness Review to determine the optimal time to bring the empty Starliner capsule back to Earth. 

Despite Boeing's assurances that Starliner was safe for emergency crew return, NASA disagreed. Mr Nelson expressed support for Boeing, stating he was "100% certain" that Starliner would launch with a crew again in the future. Boeing also reaffirmed its commitment to safety, saying it would execute the mission as determined by NASA and prepare for a safe uncrewed return. 

In a statement on X, Boeing said, "We continue to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft. We are executing the mission as determined by NASA, and we are preparing the spacecraft for a safe and successful uncrewed return."

Ken Bowersox, NASA associate administrator, said NASA officials were unanimous in their decision to choose SpaceX to bring the crew home. Meanwhile, SpaceX will bring two astronauts along on its Crew-9 vehicle - instead of the four who were originally planned to go - to make room for Wilmore and Williams.

Boeing's Starliner capsule, 'Calypso', has been docked at the International Space Station since June, with its mission extended indefinitely due to ongoing thruster failures. The Starliner crew flight test, intended to be a final milestone for Boeing, has instead become a major setback. 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/kUgn8R9

Read More

Watch: Paralympic flame's journey under the sea to France

After being lit in Stoke Mandeville the Paralympic torch headed through the Channel Tunnel on its way to Paris.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/8VEtf1l

Read More

England showed they are not 'one-dimensional' - Pope

Stand-in captain Ollie Pope says England’s hard-fought win over Sri Lanka shows they are not a "one-dimensional" team.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/uwm8Tds

Read More

Congress Targets BJP After Its Request To Postpone Haryana Poll Day

The Haryana unit of the ruling BJP has written to the Election Commission requesting a brief postponement of the assembly poll slated for October 1, citing holidays before and after the election date that could lead to a lower voter turnout.

While the opposition Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) slammed the BJP, claiming that the ruling party was panicking as it could sense defeat, Abhay Chautala's INLD too sought the deferment of polls.

A Haryana BJP leader on Saturday said the letter was sent by the party's state unit chief Mohan Lal Badoli to the poll panel.

Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal confirmed that the commission received a copy of the communication on Friday over email.

"We have received the communication from state BJP and forwarded it to the Election Commission," Agarwal told PTI.

Varinder Garg, a member of the BJP's state election management committee, said, "We have reasoned that the Assembly election date of October 1 (Tuesday) is preceded by a weekend and followed by more holidays which might hit the voting percentage as people tend to go on vacation on long weekends." Varinder Garg said September 28-29 are Saturday and Sunday while October 1 is a poll holiday. It is followed by more holidays as Gandhi Jayanti falls on October 2 and Maharaja Agrasen Jayanti on October 3, he said.

"We have written to the Election Commission in this regard. For a better turnout, any new date once the string of holidays is over should be fine," Varinder Garg told PTI over the phone.

By taking a day's leave on September 30, people will have six holidays. Due to this long weekend, there is a strong possibility that several families might go on a vacation and give voting a miss, Mohan Lal Badoli said in his letter to the EC.

If it happens, the voting percentage would reduce drastically, he added.

Mohan Lal Badoli also said that on 'Asoj Amavasya' on October 2, several members of the Bishnoi community of Haryana will leave for Nokha tehsil of Bikaner in Rajasthan to participate in an annual fair held on the occasion.

This too can affect the voting percentage, he further said.

Mohan Lal Badoli wrote that it has been the continuous effort of the EC to ensure that the maximum number of people exercise their franchise to strengthen democracy.

Therefore, it would be appropriate that the date fixed for voting for the Haryana Assembly election be changed. While determining a fresh date for the election, it should be made certain that there is no holiday the previous or the following day, he wrote.

We believe that if the EC does this, more and more voters will be able to participate in the election, he wrote.

Mohan Lal Badoli, in his letter, also mentioned that in the past the date of polling has been changed by the EC. For example, the date declared for voting in Punjab Assembly elections -- February 14, 2022 -- was changed to February 20, 2022, due to Sant Ravidas Jayanti on February 16.

In 2022, the then Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, the BJP and its allies, and the BSP had urged the poll panel to postpone the date of voting as lakhs of followers of Guru Ravidas travel to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to celebrate the day.

However, Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the BJP's stand shows that it has already accepted defeat.

It has been more than a week since the Election Commission announced the poll date. The BJP wants the polls to be deferred as it has accepted defeat, Bhupinder Hooda, who is Leader of the Opposition and former chief minister of Haryana, said.

Polls should be held according to the date fixed by the EC... People of Haryana don't want to see the BJP government in power even for a day, he said.

Bhupinder Hooda's son and Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda while referring to Mohan Lal Badoli's letter, said, "It shows how scared the BJP is of the elections".

The BJP is staring at defeat and is therefore coming up with such childish arguments. It has no issues, work or achievements to show to the people and no candidates to distribute the tickets. This is why the BJP is conspiring to postpone the elections by giving an excuse for holidays, Deepender Hooda said in Hindi on X.

The voters of Haryana are aware. They will not go anywhere for a holiday, but will come to the polling booth in large numbers to vote out the BJP government, he added.

The AAP's Haryana unit said even before the elections took place, the ruling BJP had started looking for excuses as it could sense its impending defeat in the election.

In a post on X, the AAP said if the BJP had done work in the state, it would not have been seeking postponement of polls. This time the BJP's defeat is certain, it said.

Meanwhile, Indian National Lok Dal's (INLD) Chautala said the polling date should be postponed by one or two weeks.

Since people usually go on holidays on long weekends, it will adversely affect the voting percentage which is likely to decrease by 15 to 20 per cent, Chautala said.

The EC on August 16 announced that assembly polls in Haryana would be held in a single phase on October 1 and the results would be declared on October 4.

The BJP is eyeing a third consecutive term while the Congress is looking to wrest power from the ruling outfit.

The tenure of the current Haryana Vidhan Sabha ends on November 3.

(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/HbDMA7a

Read More

German police make second arrest over deadly stabbing attack

A man is detained at a refugee centre near the attack site in the western city of Solingen.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/eMsYVmP

Read More

Match of the Day

Gary Lineker presents highlights from the day’s seven Premier League matches.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/ItaPxcR

Read More

Will Donald Trump Help Ukraine If He Wins? See Zelensky's Response To NDTV

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has given a measured response on what he expects from Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump if the former President wins the election again.

Mr Zelensky, responding to a question by NDTV on whether he expects Mr Trump to support Ukraine's war effort, he said, "We will see in November."

The US election is scheduled in November. Mr Trump and the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris will get in the ring for the ultimate fight.

"But anyway I didn't get any signal from his (Mr Trump's) team or from him. We had one bilateral talk during this period of time, during wartime we had one phone call. I only had messages that he would support Ukraine, will do everything to stop the war, and to do everything for Ukraine to remain independent, European and free," Mr Zelensky said.

 "That is all the messages I have got from him directly. But anyway I can't prognosis, so we will see in November what will be," said the Ukrainian President whose country is fighting a war against Russia.

Mr Zelensky was speaking to reporters after meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kyiv. It was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Ukraine's independence in 1991.

PM Modi's visit to Kyiv was seen in many quarters as a diplomatic balancing act as his trip to Russia triggered anguish among some Western countries. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said PM Modi reiterated the need for "practical engagement" between all stakeholders to develop an innovative solution that will help build broad acceptability and contribute towards peace and stability.

During the bilateral talks, PM Modi had earlier told Mr Zelensky that both Ukraine and Russia should sit together without wasting time to find ways to end the war, and that India had been on the side of peace since the beginning of the conflict in February 2022.

"When you begin a strategic partnership, and you begin some dialogue, you don't need to lose time. That's why I think it will be good to meet together again, and if our meeting will be in India, I'll be happy," Mr Zelensky said.

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

Read More

Mourners told Southport victim Elsie filled life with 'love and joy'

Hundreds lined the streets to celebrate the life of seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/A58oz7S

Read More

Edinburgh backs introduction of new 'tourist tax'

Visitors would be charged an additional levy on top of their hotel bill to stay in the city if plans are approved.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/hEALXax

Read More

Is life getting easier for renters?

Rents across the UK have soared in recent years. But new data shows that's changing.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/5Ikumz1

Read More

Why Japan's 7-Eleven is on a rival retailer's shopping list

The firm is deciding whether to remain in Japanese ownership or return to its Northern American roots.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/aVPvzGe

Read More

7 Dead, Thousands Affected Due To Flash Floods In Tripura

At least seven people have died in flash floods across Tripura after water levels of several rivers rose suddenly due to incessant rainfall for over 48 hours. Thousands of people have been affected by the sudden floods and more rains are predicted across Tripura for the next two days, according to the weather office.

Out of the seven people who have died, one was from Khowai district, one from Gomati district and five from South Tripura district. Two people are reportedly missing from Gomati and Khowai districts. Over 200 rescue teams, including SDRF, NDRF, Civil Defence Volunteers, Fire and Emergency Services and more are deployed to carry out relief and rescue ops.

A total of 183 relief camps have been set up across Tripura to provide shelter to 5,607 affected families. Out of these, 24 relief camps are in West Tripura District, 68 in Gomati District, 30 in South Tripura District, 39 in Khowai District and rest in remaining parts of the state.

Several areas in Tripura have witnessed significantly high level of rainfall since yesterday- Bagafa (375.8mm), Belonia(324.4mm), and Amarpur (307.1mm), resulting in rise of water levels in Howrah, Dhalai, Muhuri and Khowai rivers.

Chief Minister Manik Saha, who is in Delhi currently, has been taking stock of the situation regularly and will head a review meeting this evening on his return.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/R8y190P

Read More

Divers battle 10-minute dive window and debris in yacht search

Rescue operations continue for those still missing after the Bayesian yacht sank off the coast of Sicily.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/GdAHmru

Read More

Who makes Troy Deeney's first Premier League team of the week?

After every round of Premier League matches this season, Troy Deeney gives us his team of the week. Do you agree with his choices?

from BBC News https://ift.tt/XPMUqik

Read More

Brighton sign Rutter in £40m club record deal

Brighton complete the signing of forward Georginio Rutter for a club record fee of £40m from Leeds.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/vrQywl0

Read More

"They Were Men": Trump Again Slams Olympic Gold Medalists Amid Gender Row

Former US President Donald Trump once again sparked controversy by criticising two Olympic gold medalist female boxers, labelling them as men during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.

Trump's remarks, made in the context of his pledge to "keep men out of women's sports," have reignited debates over gender and sports.

Referring to the athletes at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, Trump stated, "They were men. They transitioned to women, and they were in the boxing," adding that it is "so demeaning to women."

Trump's comments follow a pattern of his rallies where he has frequently targeted transgender athletes.

The two Olympic gold medalist athletes in question, Lin Yu-ting of Taiwan and Imane Khelif of Algeria have been at the centre of global scrutiny due to misconceptions about their gender.

Both athletes were disqualified from last year's Women's World Championships by the now-banned International Boxing Association (IBA) over alleged failures in gender eligibility tests, despite both being born and raised as women.

Khelif and Lin, who were cleared to compete in women's boxing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, had been disqualified from the Women's World Championships in India due to elevated testosterone levels, according to the IBA.

The IBA's decision, which stripped both boxers of their medals and barred them from women's competition, was widely criticised for its lack of transparency and fairness.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is overseeing the boxing events in Paris, cleared both Lin and Khelif to compete in the Olympics, basing their eligibility on the athletes' passport gender.

The IOC condemned the harassment faced by Khelif, who has been subjected to online abuse and threats following the ruling by the IBA. Khelif spoke out against the bullying, warning of its potential to ruin lives.

Trump's repeated criticism of Khelif, including referring to her as a man, has drawn widespread condemnation from various quarters. His remarks come amidst ongoing debates about the inclusion of transgender athletes in sports, an issue that has polarised opinions across the globe.

The situation has highlighted the broader challenges faced by athletes like Khelif and Lin, who are caught in the crossfire of debates over gender, fairness, and the intersection of sports and identity.

(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/0YSmtze

Read More

Watch: Russian earthquake triggers volcanic eruption

Homes shook and ash covered the roads after an earthquake caused the Shiveluch volcano to erupt.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/L7wdzgs

Read More

Thar, Scorpio SUVs Inside Restricted Zone In Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Seized

Fourteen SUVs believed to be on an off-roading experience trip from five states were caught in Zone 8 - an area not open to public access via vehicles - of Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur, forest department officers said.

The vehicles came from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, the officers said.

The forest department has suspended two rangers for the lapse.

On August 15, at least 12 Mahindra Thar and two Scorpio SUVs managed to sneak into the ecologically fragile tiger reserve for a private safari led by a tour organiser called Adventure Tours.

When visuals of the SUVs inside the zone where personal vehicles were not allowed went viral on social media, the forest department swung into action. It was suspected some forest rangers had illegally allowed the private vehicles into the park.

"It is a matter of illegal entry. We have seized the vehicles. We are further investigating the matter," divisional forest officer Ramamnand Bhakkar told NDTV.

During monsoon, the wildlife park is shut for all safaris, which makes it all the more surprising that private vehicles were found inside the park, sources said.

A video of the vehicles inside the park also shows the visitors walking around in Zone 8. It appeared one of the vehicles got stuck. This video was taken by a local. It exposed the illegal entry of private SUVs inside the tiger reserve.

Off-roader and rally driver Rattan Dhillon also posted visuals of the incident on X.

Over 10 vehicles were seized after an adventure drive organized by the official Mahindra team in Tiger Zone 8 of Ranthambore.

The forest department is now pursuing legal action against Mahindra Adventure officials.

It's alarming that such an event could occur under the watch... pic.twitter.com/f24Kki1vl3

— Rattan Dhillon (@ShivrattanDhil1) August 17, 2024

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 violators could be fined up to Rs 1 lakh.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/O15m0I3

Read More

Sniper shot Trump gunman's weapon and delayed him - report

A police sniper potentially saved lives by shooting the rifle of the would-be assassin, a congressional report says.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/xfGIcV3

Read More

Bill Gates Escaped Tight Schedule By Visiting Warren Buffett: Book

Despite his busy work schedule, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates used his meetings with Warren Buffett as an escape from work pressure, a new book, written by New York Times correspondent Anupreeta Das, revealed. In her book, titled 'Billionaire, Nerd, Savior, King: Bill Gates and his Quest to Shape the World', Ms Das wrote that every moment of the 68-year-old billionaire's workday was meticulously planned. His schedule, even down to his free time, was broken down into five-minute increments. But despite his demanding work schedule of back-to-back meetings, there were days when Mr Gates visited Mr Buffet to escape his responsibilities. 

According to Business Insider, Ms Das in her book wrote that Mr Gates would take his private jet to Omaha just to visit Mr Buffett and get away from a "tightly scheduled life, including personal time, largely organised and arranged by" his then-wife Melinda French Gates. 

"When Buffett asked Gates why he couldn't control his life and live it in a way he wanted to, Gates would simply shrug. 'Bill likes to have a schedule; I don't,' Buffett said in an email," Ms Das wrote.

The author also revealed that Mr Buffet, the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, would even pick Mr Gates up from the airport sometimes, and the pair would have "freewheeling conversations". And when Mr Gates couldn't make it to Omaha, they'd play bridge together online, the book said. 

Mr Buffett resigned from the Gates Foundation in 2021 and since then their friendship has cooled over the years. In May, the 68-year-old praised Mr Buffett's more relaxed approach to scheduling. 

Also Read | "Shoddy And Lousy": Kenyan Town Removes Athlete Statues After Uproar Online

"It took far too long for me to realize that you don't have to fill every second of your schedule to be successful," Mr Gates wrote in a Threads post. "In hindsight, it's a lesson I could have learned a lot sooner had I taken more peeks at Warren Buffett's intentionally light calendar," he added. 

Notably, the friendship between the two began in 1991, when Bill Gates' mother, Mary Gates, invited him to spend the Fourth of July at their family retreat, the New York Times reported. Among the guests was Mr Buffett, whom Mr Gates initially dismissed as just a "stockbroker". However, once, they sat down, they connected instantly. This marked the beginning of their friendship that has lasted decades despite their very different personalities. 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/7CMFyBv

Read More

Labour under fire for giving top civil service role to woman from donor firm

The Conservatives are accusing the Labour government of undermining civil service impartiality.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/2TtpNqe

Read More

Fight Between Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed For India Tests vs Bangladesh

Jasprit Bumrah is expected to make a comeback for the three-Test series against New Zealand starting on October 16 after well-deserved break following India's T20 World Cup victory, but the pace spearhead could continue to be on rest for the two Tests against Bangladesh in September. It is understood that the Indian team management and selectors are looking to bring in more variations into the pace attack and hence a left-arm seam and swing bowler could be added to the bouquet of pacers who are vying for a Test cap.

In terms of exposure and experience, the selectors have two choices in Arshdeep Singh, who is a regular in T20 format and the injury prone and slightly erratic Khaleel Ahmed, who is rated very highly in some circles.

"In case of Bumrah, he knows his body the best and it will be up to him if he wants to play in the Tests against Bangladesh. The team management and selectors are very clear that India needs a 120 per cent fit Jasprit Bumrah for all five Tests against Australia Down Under. Before that, there is New Zealand in India, where he will probably play and get ready for the sterner tests," a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

In case of Arshdeep, his initiation into red ball cricket was in fact in Rahul Dravid's plans as well and accordingly he was sent to Kent last year to play some County games.

Khaleel is a much improved bowler but has a tendency to be erratic. The other choice for a left-arm seamer is Yash Dayal, but he is behind Khaleel and Arshdeep in this race.

Ajay Ratra in line to become North Zone national selector

It is understood that Salil Ankola's term has finally ended and he has been intimated that the selection meeting for tour of Sri Lanka was his last.

Former India wicketkeeper Ajay Ratra, who once scored a Test hundred in the West Indies, is favourite to take up the fifth slot which by convention goes to a North Zone candidate.

The position became vacant after former chairman of selectors Chetan Sharma got the boot for his loose talk during a sting operation of a private channel.

Ratra, along with Ajay Mehra, Shakti Singh and RS Sodhi have been interviewed by CAC for the post.

The 42-year-old Ratra, who is also among the pool of coaches in the NCA, is currently in Australia as a part of the support staff of India A women's team that is on a limited-overs tour.

Once Ratra is back, it is expected that his appointment will be formally confirmed.

(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/A30kzv4

Read More

Ed Sheeran joins Taylor Swift for Eras Tour return

Swift closes the European leg of her tour with five record-breaking performances at Wembley Stadium.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/dFxJ2w6

Read More

"Inhumane": After Vinesh's Appeal Gets Rejected, IOA Explores Legal Option

In a massive heart-break for India, Vinesh Phogat's petition for a joint Olympic silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday. Vinesh had entered the final of the women's 50kg wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024 after some great bouts, which included win against Japanese world champions Yui Susaki. However, on the morning of her final, Vinesh was found to be 100 gram overweight than the permissible limit, and hence she was disqualified. 

After the CAS's verdict on Wednesday, which said, "The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August 2024 is dismissed", the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reacted in a strong way saying they were exploring all possible options. 

IOA president PT Usha has expressed her shock and disappointment. "The operative part of the August 14 decision, which dismisses Vinesh's application to be awarded a shared silver medal women's 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large," the IOA said in a statement.
 
"The marginal discrepancy of a 100 grams and the resultant consequences has profound impact, not only in terms of Vinesh's career but also raises serious questions about ambiguous rules and their interpretation. 

"The IOA firmly believes that the total disqualification of an athlete for such a weight infraction on the second of two days warrants a deeper examination. Our legal representatives had duly brought this out in their submissions before the Sole Arbitrator."

The IOA called for a change in the rule to take into account player's well-being. It added that further legal options were being explored.

"The matter involving Vinesh highlights the stringent and, arguably, inhumane regulations that fail to account for the physiological and psychological stresses athletes, particularly female athletes, undergo. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritize athletes' well-being," the IOA said.
 
"In light of the order of the CAS, the IOA continues to stand in full support of Ms. Phogat and is exploring further legal options. The IOA is committed to ensuring that Vinesh's case is heard. It will continue to advocate justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone in the sports fold are upheld at all times.
 
"We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public."

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/u9xj4nB

Read More

Key questions that remain about Nottingham killer's care

Valdo Calocane often stopped taking his medication and was becoming increasingly violent, assessments before the attack show - yet his care did not change.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/WpofliU

Read More

Auto Workers' Body Files Charges Against Trump, Musk. Here's Why

The United Auto Workers Union said on Tuesday it has filed federal labour charges against Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk over attempts to threaten and intimidate workers.

The action came after Musk and Trump held a two-hour conversation on social media platform X Monday night, during which the two discussed workers walking off the job to go on strike.

"You're the greatest cutter," Trump said during the conversation. "I mean, I look at what you do. You walk in, you just say: 'You want to quit?' They go on strike - I won't mention the name of the company - but they go on strike. And you say: 'That's okay, you're all gone.'"

Under federal law, workers cannot be fired for going on strike, and threatening to do so is illegal under the National Labor Relations Act, the UAW said in its statement.

The UAW has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in her bid for U.S. president. She met with union officials and workers last week near Detroit.

(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/iWnpyFw

Read More

Bicep's Matt McBriar reveals brain tumour surgery

The Belfast-born music producer said a "large and pretty rare" tumour had been found earlier this year.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/mGaAC6P

Read More

Baby twins killed in Gaza as father registered births

The twins were just four days old when their home was bombed in an Israeli air strike.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/AaKsX9D

Read More

Confusion may have led to Costa allergy death, inquest told

Hannah Jacobs died within hours of sipping a Costa Coffee hot chocolate made with cows' milk.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/c5Qe8EN

Read More

Trump campaign says its internal messages hacked by Iran

The FBI said it is investigating the allegation, which came in the wake of a Microsoft report into Iranian hacking.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/32DS59J

Read More

13-Year-Old Chinese Girl Performs 'Arangetram' In China, Scripts History

A 13-year-old Chinese girl scripted history when she performed Bharatanatyam "Arangetram" in China, a landmark in the journey of the ancient Indian dance form that is gaining popularity in the neighbouring country.

Lei Muzi made her solo dance debut here on Sunday in front of the celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer Leela Samson, Indian diplomats and a large audience of Chinese fans.

For ardent Chinese fans of Indian classical art and dance forms who devoted their lives to learning and performing them for decades, her debut was a moment of history and a milestone as it was the first-ever "Arangetram" -- Bharatnatyam's graduation ceremony -- in China.

For the performers of the ancient dance from South India, Arangetram, as it is called in Tamil, is their debut performance on stage in front of teachers and experts besides the audience.

Only after Arangetram are the students allowed to perform on their own or train aspiring dancers.

"This is the first-ever Arangetram by a student fully trained in China and performed in China," said T S Vivekanand, the First Secretary of the Indian Embassy in charge of culture who attended the event.

It was a properly done Arangetram in a very traditional way, he told PTI here.

"Lei's Arangetram is the first time that Chinese students trained by a Chinese teacher have completed in China, which is a landmark in the history of Bharatanatyam inheritance," noted Chinese Bharatanatyam dancer Jin Shan Shan, who trained Lei, said.

Shruti Rawat, the wife of Indian Ambassador Pradeep Rawat, was the chief guest at Lei's Arangetram.

The event was attended by a large crowd of fans who cheered her over the two-hour-long performance during which she danced to several classical numbers.

Besides Leela Sampson, a team of musicians who were flown in from Chennai sang the classical numbers for Lei to perform.

She is due to perform in Chennai later this month.

Lei was trained for over 10 years at the Bharatanatyam school run by Jin, who herself was the first accomplished Bharatanatyam dancer to have held her Arangetram in 1999 in New Delhi.

Jin was one of the numerous Chinese students who were trained by eminent Chinese dancer Zhang Jun.

Lei, also known as Dudu, says she fell in love with Bharatanatyam since she joined Jin's school in 2014.

"I completely fell in love with it. I kept dancing till now. For me, Bharatanatyam is not only a beautiful art and dance form but also the embodiment of Indian culture," she told PTI.

"This fascinates me greatly, as well as the gorgeous and graceful movements during a dance item. Overall, I extremely love Bharatanatyam. For me, it is already a daily activity to do, and I am truly interested in the culture of India," she said.

Jin, who is widely known in China and India and has held numerous performances, said she is proud to see one of her students complete her Arangetram.

"Bharatanatyam has brought us close together. For ten years, Lei has come to my home every weekend to attend classes, which not only let me witness her growth but also made us family," she said.

"It reminds me of how my guru, Leela Samson, taught me when I did my Arangetram," she said.

Sunday's Arangetram is a festival for us, Jin said.

(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/aW9jqiT

Read More

4.4 magnitude earthquake hits Los Angeles area

The epicentre hit near Highland Park, a neighbourhood in Los Angeles County not far from the famous Hollywood sign.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/HeFpNtU

Read More

John Lewis-based flooring firm enters administration

The Floor Room, which trades out of 34 John Lewis stores, appointed administrators leading to 196 job losses.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/pPyRKZB

Read More

YouTuber Faces Police Case For "Peacock Curry" Video

A YouTuber in Telangana faces a police case for making a video featuring a recipe for "traditional peacock curry", said police.

Peacock is India's national bird and, according to laws, it is illegal to own or capture peacocks. Any violation invites strict penalties.

The police have launched a manhunt for Kodam Pranay Kumar, a resident of Tangallapalli in the Siricilla district, for allegedly endorsing the unlawful killing of the national bird.

"A case has been registered under concerned law and strictest action would be taken against him and anyone else doing such activities," Akhil Mahajan, SP Rajanna Siricilla district, wrote on X.

"He (Kumar) will be sent to remand as well," he added in a separate post.

Despite the removal of the video, animal rights activists are demanding stringent measures against Kumar.

In earlier videos, Kumar showcased the preparation of wild boar curry, among others.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/fu5JQtw

Read More

Ten viral moments from the Paris Olympics

From an unexpected swimmer at La Defense Arena to a casual Turkish shooter, here is a look at 10 viral moments from the Paris Olympics.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/g1GERwV

Read More

Seven taken to hospital after festival crowd surge

One woman, who was at the festival with her daughter, says the surge was "terrifying".

from BBC News https://ift.tt/qay6Ohi

Read More

Uddhav Thackeray's Convoy Attacked With Coconuts, Cow Dung

A day after Raj Thackeray's convoy was attacked with betel nuts, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers hurled coconuts and cow dung at Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's convoy on Saturday.

MNS workers claim that it's in response to the incident on Friday where MNS chief Raj Thackeray's car was attacked with betel nuts and tomatoes.

Police have confirmed the incident and have detained over 20 people.

A formal case registration is under process, according to a senior police official of Thane police,

Earlier on Friday, betel nuts and tomatoes were thrown at the convoy of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray on Friday afternoon.

Raj Thackeray, the estranged cousin of Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, was on a tour of the central Maharashtra region.

Further details are awaited in the matter.

(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/kCsOLeU

Read More

Lin follows Khelif by winning gold amid controversy

Lin Yu-ting becomes the second boxer in 24 hours to win Olympic gold, despite the ongoing row over her gender eligibility.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/I94q3Qk

Read More

Johnson-Thompson ends Olympic medal wait with silver

Great Britain's Katarina Johnson-Thompson ends her long wait for an Olympic medal but narrowly misses out on gold at Paris 2024.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/L8a5chO

Read More

Welcome to Wrexham star dies aged 100

Wrexham AFC paid tribute to its oldest fan after his death was announced online.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/NYlqGhO

Read More

Pak's ISI Fuelling Unrest In Bangladesh, Claims Sheikh Hasina's Son

Sheikh Hasina, who quit as prime minister and fled Bangladesh, will be back in the country as soon as democracy is restored, his son Sajeeb Wazed Joy said on Thursday and blamed Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI, for fuelling the ongoing unrest in the country.

In an interview with PTI, Mr Joy said that although 76-year-old Sheikh Hasina would return to Bangladesh, it has not yet been decided whether she will be back as a "retired or active" politician.

He also asserted that the members of the Sheikh Mujib (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) family will neither abandon its people nor leave the beleaguered Awami League in the lurch.

He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government for protecting his mother and appealed to India to help build international opinion and exert pressure to restore democracy in Bangladesh.

"Yes, it is true that I had said she wouldn't return to Bangladesh. But a lot has changed in the last two days following continuous attacks on our leaders and party workers across the country. Now we are going to do whatever it takes to keep our people safe; we are not going to leave them alone." 

"Awami League is the largest and oldest political party in Bangladesh, so we cannot just walk away from our people. She will definitely return to Bangladesh once democracy is restored," he told PTI over the phone.

Terming Awami League an "all-weather ally of India", he said India must ensure the security of Awami League leaders in Bangladesh by building international pressure.

Mr Joy also urged the interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus, to restore law and order, noting that "the country is turning into a state of anarchy and becoming a second Afghanistan in the region." He said he also expects the interim government to create a level playing field whenever democracy is restored and fresh elections are held.

"You cannot exclude the Awami League and have a representative democracy in Bangladesh ever. Whatever his (Mohammed Yunus) personal views are, he has said that he wants a government of unity and wants to move forward and not let the mistakes of the past cloud over the future. I hope he stays true to his word," he asserted.

Prof Yunus took oath as the head of Bangladesh's interim government on Thursday and was administered the oath of office by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at a ceremony in Dhaka.

Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country following violent protests against her government over a controversial quota system in jobs. She flew to the Hindon air base, near Delhi, in a Bangladesh military aircraft on Monday.

Mr Joy mentioned that once democracy is restored, either the Awami League or BNP will come to power, and the "Mujib family and Sheikh Hasina will be around." "She has been in touch with all our party leaders for the last two days. My mother was going to retire anytime soon, so we thought now that she is gone, they (rioters) would leave our party people alone, but that did not happen. Instead, they started attacking," he said.

Declining to comment directly on whether he and his sister Saima Wazed, who is currently the South East Asian regional director for the World Health Organization, would enter politics, Joy said he would do whatever it takes to protect Bangladesh from total anarchy.

"I can't give a definite reply to this question. But I will do whatever it takes to save Bangladesh and protect the Awami League. The Mujib family would not leave them in a lurch," said Joy, the former Information and Communication Technology Advisor to Hasina.

Blaming Pakistan for fueling the unrest in Bangladesh, Joy said there is circumstantial evidence suggesting foreign interference and alleged involvement of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency.

"I am quite certain given the circumstantial evidence; I suspect Pakistan ISI's involvement. The attacks and protests were very coordinated, meticulously planned, and intentional efforts to keep inflaming the situation through social media. No matter what the government did to control the situation, they kept trying to worsen it," he said.

He also pointed out that the rioters attacked police with guns which could only be provided by terror outfits and foreign powers.

On reports of involvement of a US intelligence agency like the CIA, Joy said he had no evidence but added, "maybe, they are". He dismissed any Chinese involvement when asked about it.

Dismissing reports of Hasina seeking asylum in the UK or any other country as "rumours", Joy said the reports of her US Visa being revoked are also untrue.

"Nothing of this sort has been planned (seeking asylum). Sooner or later, there has to be a restoration of democracy in Bangladesh and hopefully, that will be between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Awami League. Then Sheikh Hasina will be back." "At this point, she wants to go back to Bangladesh. It's a question of when rather than if," he said, hinting that the ousted Bangladesh PM will be staying at an undisclosed location in India for now.

Joy, who spent much of his childhood studying in India, appealed to the Indian government to ensure the quick restoration of democracy for stability in the region.

"I want to thank the Indian government for protecting my mother. I owe my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi. If India wants stability in its eastern backyard, then they have to pressure the international community and take the lead to ensure the quick restoration of democracy," he said.

Speaking on the 'INDIA-out' campaign in Bangladesh, he said, "the anti-India forces are already very active, and with Awami League out of power, the ISI is now free to supply as many weapons as it wants to the anti-India forces." Joy said India must act fast before anti-India forces gain more ground.

Refuting claims that Ms Hasina ran away to save her own life, he said the family insisted on stopping the bloodshed.

"She was not willing to leave the country. The Prime Minister's security was ready to protect her till the end. But that would have led to hundreds of deaths of protestors who were marching towards the PM's residence. We convinced her for the sake of Bangladesh, we cannot let her get killed," he said.

"Our government was not weak, but my mother did not want to harm the students. Even after her leaving the country, the bloodshed has not stopped. The people will now understand the difference with and without Sheikh Hasina," he said.

The death toll in the anti-government protests in Bangladesh climbed to 440 on Wednesday, with the recovery of 29 more bodies of Hasina's Awami League party members across the country through Tuesday, taking the overall death toll to 469 in nearly three weeks since the protests began in July"Asatya Not J: When Amit Shah Helped Out Kiren Rijiju In Parliament

(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/dHe3ck6

Read More

Johnson-Thompson leads Olympic heptathlon

Great Britain's Katarina Johnson-Thompson leads the heptathlon after four events as the two-time world champion pursues a first Olympic medal.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/mkvph6o

Read More

Why has Ukraine launched a cross-border attack on Russia?

Vladimir Putin called the attack a "provocation", but Kyiv's objectives are not immediately clear.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/XdG8VIE

Read More

Khelif wins again to reach final amid eligibility row

Imane Khelif will fight for Olympic gold on Friday after putting aside the controversy surrounding her gender eligibility.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/hGdKZJo

Read More

Drinking Water From Plastic Bottles Can Increase Blood Pressure, Says Study

Our planet has been polluted by a number of things. One of them is microplastics - small particles of plastic found in the vast majority of our food and water supply. These have been dubbed as one of the most harmful substances for humans, affecting our health adversely. Now, a study published in the journal Microplastics has found that drinking from plastic bottles may increase blood pressure as a result of microplastics entering the bloodstream, according to New York Post. These have already been linked to heart health, hormone imbalance and even cancer.

The new study has been carried out by the Department of Medicine at Danube Private University in Austria, and published in the journal Microplastics. The team of researchers there a group of participants fluid that was not in a plastic bottle and found that their blood pressure decreases significantly.

"Remarkable trends were observed. The results of the study suggest, for the first time, that a reduction in plastic use could potentially lower blood pressure, probably due to the reduced volume of plastic particles in the bloodstream," the team wrote in the study, as per the Post report.

"Based on the findings, indicating a reduction in blood pressure with decreased plastic consumption, we hypothesize that plastic particles present in the bloodstream might contribute to elevated blood pressure," they further said.

They concluded that beverages packed in plastic bottles should be avoided.

A few years ago, scientists found that 5 grams of microplastics enters the blood stream of humans every week through fluids packaged in bottles.

Among the ways described to prevent microplastics from entering the body are boiling and filtering the tap water. These ways can reduce the presence of microplastics (and nanoplastics) by nearly 90 per cent.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/X3VMfkb

Read More

PM says communities 'will be safe' in face of riots

The prime minister said the government was doing "everything we can" to ensure police can respond wherever potential disorder occurs.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/Dk79Ttj

Read More

Euphoria in Bangladesh after PM Sheikh Hasina flees country

President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the release of a jailed former prime minister.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/FlZiYoI

Read More

Euphoria in Bangladesh after PM Sheikh Hasina flees country

President Mohammed Shahabuddin ordered the release of a jailed former prime minister.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/FlZiYoI

Read More

"Politician Mamata Banerjee Not My Cup Of Tea": Bengal Governor

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Sunday said he respects Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as an individual and has professional relations with her but the "politician Mamata Banerjee" is "not my cup of tea".

In an interview with PTI, the West Bengal Governor, who has often been at loggerheads with Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress Government, spoke candidly about their differences.

Asked about his relationship with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bose said, "Which Mamata Banerjee? There are three Mamata Banerjees in front of me." "One is the individual Mamata Banerjee. I have a very good relationship with her. Second is the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. I have professional relations with her. Third is the politician Mamata Banerjee, that's not my cup of tea," he said.

"During elections, she mixed up the issues. The chief minister merged with the politician, made certain statements. I also became an individual, not the governor. I sued her for damages, for defamation. That is the complexity of the relationship," he said.

"Otherwise, Mamata Banerjee is my friend. The chief minister is my colleague and I am not a politician," he said.

"Politicians play certain roles in their own way. I won't allow that to interfere with my self-respect. There the relationship stands," he said.

Allegations of sexual harassment were made against the governor by a contractual employee of Raj Bhavan. An in-house preliminary inquiry report by a Raj Bhavan panel has dismissed the charges.

Amid attacks by Banerjee and TMC leaders over the charges, Bose had moved a defamation suit against Banerjee and some other TMC leaders, following which Calcutta High Court restrained them from making any defamatory or incorrect statement against the Governor in an interim order till August 14.

With the West Bengal government moving the Supreme Court against the Governor for allegedly withholding assent on eight bills, he said there are no bills pending with his office.

"If I go into the lighter vein, only bill which is pending in the Bengal Raj Bhavan are the fuel bills. No bill of the government which is sent by the Assembly is pending there," he claimed.

"There is a case that eight bills are pending with the Governor. Six bills have been reserved for the President. One bill is kept for discussion with the offices of the Government on certain clarifications," he said.

"Once they come for clarification, those bills will be cleared or action will be taken this way or that way. One bill is sub-judice.

"Otherwise, there is no bill passed by the Assembly among the eight bills that they have pointed out pending with the Governor," he said.

The governor, who has asked the state government to come up with a White Paper on the state's finances, alleged that financial management in the state is "tardy", adding that depending on the white paper he will make up his mind about taking "action" as per the Constitution.

"In many respects, financial management is very tardy, very poor and lopsided in Bengal. I could also come to the conclusion that, in many respects, the budget or the finance is seeing a breakdown," he said.

"There is a meltdown, rather, if I may say so, in Bengal.

"But instead of imposing my views on the government, I asked them to give a White Paper, their own assessment of the factual situation in the field. The White Paper will enable them to have a reality check," he said.

He said it's his constitutional duty to uphold the Constitution and ensure the well-being of the people of West Bengal.

"If that is not there, action has to be taken. What is the action that can be taken? It is also spelt out very clearly in the Constitution. I have not made up my mind on that," he said.

"I will make up my mind, depending on the White Paper. Whenever it comes, I am willing to wait. Because my intention is to correct, not to accuse anybody," he said.

Asked what kind of action may be taken, he said, "The Constitution lays down clearly. If there is a breakdown, or aberrations in the financial management of a state, there are certain constitutional provisions that are very evident." "As Governor, I am not spelling it out because I have yet to make up my mind whether I should proceed in those directions," he added. 

(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/fcZ7vFd

Read More

Error and fraud in business tax schemes cost the UK £4.1bn

HMRC says billions have been lost through tax schemes designed to encourage research and development.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/YzNVkRC

Read More

The year of Ulster's football domination

In 2024, counties and teams from Ulster have dominated men's Gaelic football

from BBC News https://ift.tt/T2yKvXj

Read More

Man Stabs Father To Death In Delhi. Was Upset He Helped Brother Buy Property

A retired 72-year-old man MTNL mechanic was allegedly stabbed to death by his son following a property dispute at his residence in east Delhi's New Ashok Nagar area on Saturday morning, police said.

Mahesh Thakur, the younger son of Gautam Thakur, was allegedly upset about his father helping his elder brother with buying a property, they said.

During interrogation, Mahesh said that he discovered that his father was planning to sell the house where the family currently resided. This he said his father was planning with the elder son while keeping it a secret from him, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Apurva Gupta said.

His father had also sold some property two years ago and used the proceeds he helped his elder son purchase a property in New Ashok Nagar, but he received nothing, Mahesh told police.

Feeling betrayed, Mahesh planned and executed his father's murder while the rest of the family was asleep, Gupta said.

Gupta said the police team that responded to the PCR call regarding the stabbing found Gautam Thakur dead on the bed in his room on the first floor of the house.

He had stab injuries in his abdomen, she said, adding that the PCR call was made by Mahesh.

Following his confession, Mahesh was arrested. He also showed the alleged crime weapon, a large kitchen knife, which was recovered from a water tank on the roof of an adjacent house, where he had disposed it, police said.

Gautam, who retired from MTNL in 2012, was living with his two sons and their families on the first floor of the house, police said.

It was found during the course of investigations that all the family members were present in the house when the incident took place, Gupta said.

Mahesh initially revealed that he saw two men going out of the house soon after the incident but it is being verified, she said.

The DCP said during initial investigation, several inconsistencies were found in Mahesh's narration and discrepancies in his story.

(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/rzP9ZE4

Read More

Finding empowerment through drag after cancer

After facing years of treatment as a child, performing in drag helps Teifi Rowlands process trauma.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/dNZ5DoW

Read More

Snoop Dogg: America's cheerleader at the Olympics

NBC hired Snoop Dogg as a special correspondent, but he has shown up for US athletes at the Olympics.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/DKqAlXT

Read More

Who are the US citizens still being held abroad?

The US government and rights groups believe dozens of Americans are being 'unjustly' held overseas.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/KvFb8dV

Read More

India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: Ind vs SL Match Ends In A Dramatic Tie

India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI Highlights: India and Sri Lanka were engaged in a thrilling tie in the first ODI of the three-match series in Colombo on Friday. Composed fifties by Dunith Wellalage and Pathum Nissanka helped Sri Lanka reach a decent 230 for 8 after opting to bat. The total was better than what it looked on the board due to conditions which are heavily loaded in favour of slow bowlers. Wellalage's 67 not out off 65 balls had seven fours and two sixes in it. Nissanka made 56 off 75 balls. Left-arm orthodox spinner Axar Patel (2/33 in 10 overs) and wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (1/33 in 10 overs) were economical while seamers Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj also chipped in with a wicket apiece. In last 20 overs, 118 runs were scored. Chasing, skipper Rohit Sharma made 58 off 47 balls, while Axar Patel (33) and KL Rahul (31) also chipped in with contributions but couldn't finish off the game. Charith Asalanka (3/30) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/58) were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts. (Scorecard)

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

Read More

Freed Russian dissidents refused to sign plea for mercy from Putin

Both also conveyed gratitude to the countries who worked to free them.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/0uM8Rid

Read More

The moment Murray's tennis career came to an end

Watch the moment Andy Murray's tennis career ends as he and Dan Evans are beaten by USA's Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz in the men's doubles on day six of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/1VxnNuj

Read More

Mum's anger over Game of Thrones passport mix-up

The family are still hoping to go on their dream holiday later this year.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/kWLZ2Tg

Read More