Berlin, July 15 (IANS) Mikel Oyarzabal came off the bench and scored the winning goal in the
86th minute to help Spain beat England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final in the Olympia stadium here late on Sunday night.
England played it safe from the outset, defending deep from the kick-off, while the Spanish side dominated possession. However, Spain couldn’t find a way past England’s defence and missed a
few chances in the final third. There weren’t many goal-scoring opportunities in the first half.
John Stones blocked a promising effort from Nico Williams, while the first clear-cut chance fell to England when Phil Foden tested Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon from a tight angle in the dying seconds of the first half, reports Xinhua.
Alcaraz defends Wimbledon title with stunning victory over Djokovic
London, July 14 (IANS) Carlos Alcaraz successfully defended his
Wimbledon title, defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets to claim his fourth Grand Slam crown.
The 21-year-old Spaniard showcased his extraordinary talent and resilience, emerging victorious with a 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4) triumph at the iconic All England Club.
This victory marks Alcaraz’s back-
to-back Grand Slam success, following his French Open win last month. At just 21, Alcaraz now joins Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Djokovic in winning the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year.
The highly anticipated match was
Australian PM to welcome King Charles, Queen Camilla for official visit
July 15 (IANS) Britain’s King Charles III and Queen
Camilla will visit Australia in October, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed.
Albanese on Monday said he and Governor-General Sam Mostyn will welcome the king and queen to Australia in October for Charles III’s first visit to the country as sovereign.
It will mark the first visit to Australia by the reigning British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II visited Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth in 2011, Xinhua news agency reported. Prior to his coronation, King Charles visited Australia 15 times in an official capacity --
Washington, July 14 (IANS) A day after a failed assassination attempt, former US President Donald Trump said that he will remain “defiant” in the face of “wickedness”.
“We will fear not but instead remain resilient in our faith and defiant in the face of wickedness,”
Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, a social media platform he launched after he was banished from X.
“I truly love our country and love you all and look forward to speaking to our great nation this week from Wisconsin,” the former President said.
On Saturday, Trump was shot at an election rally in an assassination attempt just a day before the Republican Party is scheduled to begin its convention to formally declare him its
SC orders CM Kejriwal to be released on interim bail in ED case
New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) In a big relief to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered him to be released on interim bail in connection with the money laundering case linked to the excise policy case.
Pronouncing its verdict, a bench, headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, referred to a larger bench CM Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest and subsequent remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for an authoritative pronouncement on the questions of law involved. However, CM Kejriwal will not be able to walk out of jail since he was arrested by the CBI on June 26. The bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, on May 17, had reserved its verdict on CM Kejriwal’s petition contending that the ED is required to
IAS-PO Pooja Khedkar’s mom intimidates Pune farmer with pistol; probe sought
Pune (Maharashtra), July 12 (IANS) Spelling more trouble for the controversial Washim Assistant Collector and IAS-
Probationary Officer (PO) Pooja Dilip Khedkar, her mother allegedly threatened a Pune farmer with a pistol in a bid to force him to sell his land.
Videos of the incident, which happened around two months ago in Mulshi region, have surfaced now showing a menacing Manorama D Khedkar first flashing and then pointing a
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Wimbledon 2024: Krejcikova overcomes Paolini in three sets for first title at SW19
Spain stun England to claim record fourth Euro title
Continued from Page 1
The Spanish team started the second half on the front foot, with Daniel Carvajal passing to youngster Lamine Yamal before feeding Williams, who skillfully finished with a well-placed shot past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford just 69 seconds in.
Luis de la Fuente’s team increased the pressure and should have scored more goals to extend their lead, but Dani Olmo narrowly missed, while John Stones blocked another shot from Alvaro Morata before Williams also missed.
Gareth Southgate responded to Spain’s pressure by making two substitutions, bringing on Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins. The Three Lions made the most of
Spain’s wastefulness moments later as Palmer benefited from Jude Bellingham’s lay-up and fired the ball from 21 metres into the bottom left corner in the 73rd minute.
Despite the equalizer, England retreated and handed control to Spain, who set up their pass play and created chances.
In the 82nd minute, Pickford was on guard against Yamal, but he was helpless moments later. Marc Cucurella’s pinpoint low ball into the box allowed Oyarzabal to tap home the 2-1 winner. England pressed and almost leveled again in the dying minutes of the clash, but Simon and Olmo cleared on the goal line to avoid another late equalizer by the Three Lions.
As well as being the Euro record champions with the fourth title, Spain is the first team to win all seven tournament matches, beating Italy, Germany, France and England along the way.
“I am proud of my team. They gave it their all, but we weren’t good enough to win today.
Spain was better throughout the tournament and deserved to win the title. We didn’t have many chances to score, and we made a few mistakes at the end, which made a difference,” said England coach Southgate.
“Spain has won the Euro title for the fourth time. I couldn’t be happier. It is a good day for us. My team deserved to win the European Championship. I am so proud, prouder than I was a few days ago already,” said Spain coach De la Fuente.
Alcaraz defends Wimbledon title with stunning victory over Djokovic
Continued from Page 1
a rematch of last year’s marathon men’s singles final, where Alcaraz had narrowly edged out Djokovic in a thrilling five-set battle. This time, however, Alcaraz was in control from the outset. He dominated the first game and never looked back, delivering a performance for the ages against the seasoned Serbian.
Alcaraz’s brilliance was evident as he broke Djokovic’s serve twice in both the first and second sets. His consistency and precision were key, enabling him to maintain the upper hand throughout the match. The Spaniard’s
performance was a masterclass in tennis, marked by a series of classy winners and delightful touches at the net. His serve was impeccable, and his ability to stay composed under pressure was unparalleled.
The third set brought late drama as Alcaraz let three match points slip away while serving at 40-0.
Djokovic seized the opportunity to revive his hopes, pushing the set into a tense tie-breaker. However, Alcaraz, undeterred by the lapse, regained his focus and clinched the match in style. His two-hour, 27-minute victory made him just the second man in the Open Era
to win his first four Grand Slam finals, following in the footsteps of Roger Federer, who won his first seven.
Djokovic, who had undergone knee surgery in early June, made a remarkable comeback to reach his record-extending 37th major final at Wimbledon. Despite his efforts, he was unable to match the intensity and consistency of the inspired Alcaraz. The Serbian’s performance, though valiant, lacked the energy he is known for, and he struggled to find his rhythm against the relentless Spaniard.
Australian PM to welcome King Charles, Queen Camilla for official visit
Continued from Page 1
most recently in 2018 when the Commonwealth Games were held on the Gold Coast.
Albanese said in a statement that preparations are underway for the king and queen to visit the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.
“I am honoured to welcome the king and queen on their first royal visit to Australia later this
year. They are always welcome visitors,” he added.
To coincide with the announcement of the visit, the federal government on Monday released the official Australian portraits of the king and queen, in which King Charles wears the sovereign’s badge of the Order of Australia and Queen Camilla a brooch that was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II during her first visit
to Australia in 1954.
After visiting Australia, the king and queen will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement that the couple will not visit New Zealand due to health reasons after King Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier in 2024.
Van Der Vaart questions Declan Rice’s 100 mn price tag post Euro loss, calls him ‘useless’
Delhi,
were desperate to see the team end their 58-year-long wait for a major tournament victory, many players are now being criticised for their performance in the finals.
Former Spurs player Rafael Van Der Vaart has heavily lashed out at Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice questioning his heavy price tag and stating that is ‘useless.’
We will remain defiant
in face of wickedness: Donald Trump
Continued from Page 1 nominee for the White House.
The former President is recovering at his home in New Jersey, where he reached on Saturday from Butler, Pennsylvania.
President Joe Biden, who called the former president after the shooting, said there is no place in the US for this kind of violence.
“It’s sick. It’s sick. It’s one of the reasons why we have to unite this country. We cannot allow this to be happening. We cannot be like this,” the President said.
The FBI has identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks (20) was killed by snipers of the US Secret Service, which protects the previous and incumbent US
presidents and their immediate families. As per the media reports, Crooks was a registered Republican but had donated $15 to a liberal voter mobilisation group in 2021.
“In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand united, and show our true character as Americans, remaining strong and determined, and not allow evil to win,” Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social on Sunday morning. His campaign leaders Chris Lacivita and Susie Wile wrote in a memo to staff: “Please do not comment publicly on the occurrence of today. We condemn all forms of violence, and will not tolerate dangerous rhetoric on social media.”
IAS-PO Pooja Khedkar’s mom intimidates Pune farmer with pistol; probe sought
Continued from Page 1
pistol and indulging in a heated argument with a farmer over a land issue.
Accompanied by a professional team of male bouncers and female security personnel, Manorama Khedkar had a heated exchange with the farmer, all the while brandishing the weapon at him.
The aggrieved farmers of the area later claimed they were making efforts to lodge a complaint with the police on the incident, but were not entertained, reportedly owing to political pressure. However, now they have demanded a thorough investigation into that harrowing incident.
As per records of their assets, the Khedkar family owns over 25 acres of land in Pune and sought to augment their holdings there by compelling neighbouring tillers to sell off their lands, but most have resisted the efforts.
Incidentally, after a massive row erupted in the last few days, IASPO Pooja Khedkar was shunted from the Pune Collectorate to the Washim Collectorate as an Assistant Collector where she
took charge on July 11.
Following a campaign by RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar, eyepopping details of the affluence of the ‘aristocratic family’ comprising Dilip K Khedkar, Manorama D Khedkar and their daughter Pooja D Khedkar, have tumbled out. The Centre and state have already launched independent probes against Pooja D Khedkar for her various alleged actions as an IAS-PO, the documents pertaining to her OBC non-creamy layer certificate, medical records, traffic police data, etc.
Besides the government, the Pune Chaturshringi Traffic Police Department has also served her a notice seeking to probe her private Audi A4 car on which she had illegally affixed ‘Maharashtra Government’ stickers and also a beacon light, plus demanded other perks and privileges no IAS-PO is entitled to, till their name is published in a gazette. In another development, a team from the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) with two vans and a bulldozer was stationed outside Pooja Khedkar’s home, though the exact reasons were not immediately known.
SC orders CM Kejriwal to be released on interim bail in ED case
Continued from Page 1
“100M Euros for Declan Rice. What does he do? He comes to collect a ball only to pass it back to John Stones. He is useless. If you are truly worth 100M, then you should be able to play a ball forward,” said Rafael Van Der Vaart on Dutch TV outlet NOS. Rice has been one of the leading faces of English football in the past two years.
demonstrate the "necessity to arrest" on the "materials available" with a "reason to believe" that he has been guilty of an offence under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. During the hearing, the apex court had ordered the AAP supremo to be released on 21-day interim bail till June 1 in view of the Lok Sabha elections.
Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Tuesday took cognizance of the supplementary prosecution complaint filed by the ED against CM Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party
(AAP).Taking cognizance, special judge Kaveri Baweja issued a production warrant for CM Kejriwal for July 12.
Recently, the Delhi High Court stayed a trial court's order granting bail to CM Kejriwal in the money laundering case, saying that the documents and arguments were not appreciated by the trial court. CM Kejriwal's distinct petitions seeking bail and challenging his arrest by CBI in the corruption case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam are pending before the Delhi High Court.
New
July 16 (IANS) In what was yet another painful night for the English fans who
SC collegium recommends appointment of seven new HC Chief Justices
New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended to the Centre the appointment of Chief Justices of the High Courts of Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Madras and Meghalaya.
The SC Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, in a statement, said that there are existing vacancies in the office of Chief Justices in the High Courts of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Madras and Kerala and vacancies are likely to arise in the office of Chief Justices of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and Meghalaya.
Recommending Justice Manmohan to be appointed as Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, it noted that he is the Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi HC and ranks at serial No. 3 in the All India Seniority list of High Court Judges.
“Bearing in mind the Memorandum of Procedure, Mr Justice Manmohan can be appointed as the Chief Justice of his parent High Court, at this stage,” the Collegium said. It also recommended that Justice Rajiv Shakdher be appointed as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in the vacancy caused by the transfer of
Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao to the Jharkhand High Court.
“On the transfer of Mr Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao, Chief Justice of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jharkhand, consequent upon the retirement of Dr Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi on 19 July 2024, there would be a vacancy in the office of the Chief Justice of that High Court,” the Collegium said, noting that Justice Rajiv Shakdher ranks at serial No. 4 in the All India Seniority list of High Court Judges.
The SC Collegium resolved to recommend the appointment of Justice Suresh Kumar Kait as Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, consequent upon the elevation of incumbent Chief Justice N. Kotiswar Singh to the apex court.
“Mr Justice Suresh Kumar Kait is a senior Judge of the High Court of Delhi, who was appointed on 5 September 2008. He belongs to the Scheduled Caste category. Mr Justice Suresh Kumar Kait ranks at Sl No 5 in the All India Seniority list of High Court Judges, including Chief Justices. He is due to retire on 23 May 2025,” it said.
The apex court Collegium also recommended the appointment of Justice G.S. Sandhawalia as the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.
Justice Sandhawalia, the seniormost puisne Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, was appointed as a judge in September 2011.
“The High Court for the States of Punjab and Haryana is one of the largest High Courts in the country. Hence, it would be appropriate to appoint the seniormost puisne Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court
as a Chief Justice,” the Collegium said.
It also recommended that Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar be appointed as the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, after the retirement of Justice Ashish J. Desai on July 4.
“Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar is the seniormost puisne Judge of the High Court of Bombay. He was appointed as a Judge of the High Court on 23 January 2012. Bearing in mind that Mr Justice Nitin Madhukar Jamdar is the seniormost puisne Judge of the High Court of Bombay with experience on the judicial and administrative side, the Collegium recommends his appointment as Chief Justice of the High Court of Kerala.”
The SC Collegium also recommended the appointment of Justice Tashi Rabstan as the Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court, on the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice S. Vaidyanathan on August 16.
“Justice Tashi Rabstan is the seniormost puisne Judge of the High Court for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. He was appointed as a Judge on 8 March 2013 and is due to retire on 9 April 2025,” said the statement, adding that he would be the first Chief Justice from the region of Ladakh which has otherwise little or no representation among the Judges of the High Court and no representation at all so far in the office of Chief Justice.
The SC Collegium also recommended the appointment of Justice K.R. Shriram, the second seniormost puisne Judge of the Bombay HC, as Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.
A vacancy arose in the office of the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court consequent upon the retirement of Justice Sanjay V. Gangapurwala on May 23 this year.
Karnataka govt orders probe into MUDA land scam ahead of monsoon session
Bengaluru, July 15 (IANS) The Karnataka government has ordered a probe into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land case by a singlemember commission headed by retired Justice of the High Court P. N. Desai, allegedly involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, The government announcement has come ahead of the monsoon session which will begin from Monday and has asked the committee to submit its findings within six months after completing the probe.
The order said that the allegations regarding the allotment of sites have come to the government’s attention and have been reported by the media.
“The decision was made under Sub-rule 1 of the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952. The inquiry commission is empowered to investigate under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952, and the Code of Civil Procedure,” the government order reads.
The opposition has been demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and to handover the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). “The Urban Development Department and MUDA are directed to provide all documents and information to the commission and also to
Divorced Muslim woman can seek maintenance from husband: SC
New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that a divorced Muslim woman is eligible to maintain a petition under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) seeking maintenance from her estranged husband.
A bench headed by Justice B. V. Nagarathna was dealing with a special leave petition filed by a husband questioning the grant of interim maintenance of Rs 10,000
per month to the respondent wife.
The plea contended that in view of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, a divorced Muslim woman is not entitled to maintain a 125 CrPC petition and has to proceed under the provisions of the 1986 Act. It added that the 1986 Act was more beneficial to the Muslim woman as compared to Section 125 of the CrPC.
The husband pleaded the courts below did not consider the fact that the divorce certificate was issued in September 2017 in accordance with the personal laws and he was not obliged to pay maintenance on account of the divorce.
Suicide largest public health crisis facing India: Experts
New Delhi, July 11 (IANS) Even as the latest suicide case of a fatherson duo in Mumbai shocked us, experts on Thursday said that suicide is the largest public health crisis facing people, both young and old in India.
India has the dubious distinction of having the highest number of suicides in the world. According to a National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report released in April, 1.71 lakh people died by suicide in 2022 in India.
The suicide rate has increased to 12.4 per 1,00,000 -- the highest rate ever recorded in India.
But what is leading to the tragedy?
provide the services of technical, economic, and administrative experts,” the order reads It further underlines that the concerned officers attached to the Urban Development Department and MUDA must be present during the investigation and provide all documents, files, and other required materials, ensuring full cooperation.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has made an appeal to the legal fraternity to seek consent for the prosecution of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from Governor T.C. Gehlot in connection with the alleged irregularities in Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and the tribal welfare Board.
Health experts point out that the major reason is depression -- a mental illness that in some can be genetic and can be induced by some kinds of stressors.
“The most common underlying reason for suicide is depression which in layman’s language we say stress otherwise it can be due to impulsiveness or other factors also, but the majority are because of depression,” Rajiv Mehta, Vice Chairperson, Institute of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, told IANS.
The doctor noted that common stressors in life are related to work, finances, relationship issues, and health.
“These are the four common areas where the ups and downs in life can produce stress and slowly when stress becomes severe, it gets converted into anxiety and depression, which leads to
suicide,” he explained.
Studies also indicate that about 50 to 90 per cent of individuals who die by suicide also suffer from mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
“Today, suicide is the largest public health crisis facing India. It is the leading cause of death among youth. Suicide can occur impulsively during periods of extreme stress, and those who are vulnerable may struggle to cope with such stressors as financial difficulties, medical conditions, or personal loss. Loneliness and isolation are also significant risk factors,” Shyam Bhat, Psychiatrist and Chairperson, LiveLoveLaugh, told IANS.
“The rising trend of suicide in India is quite concerning and calls for attention,” added Shambhavi Jaiman, Consultant Psychiatrist, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.
In addition to mental health concerns or mental illnesses like depression, economic stress, unemployment, financial instability, huge amounts of debt for whatever reasons in their business, family conflicts, and marital discord all leading to hopelessness, are other contributing factors, the doctor told IANS.
Unfortunately, due to stigma and fear, discussions about suicide often happen in hushed tones, which only adds to its mystery. Shyam called for offering genuine support without judgement or unsolicited advice to people in distress and helping them seek guidance.
“If you notice someone feeling depressed or down, encourage them. Offer support in helping them connect with a mental health professional who can provide perspective and guidance,” he said.
PM Modi emerges as world’s most followed leader on X, crosses 100 million mark
New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the world leader with the largest following on the social media platform X, surpassing 100 million followers. It signifies that PM Modi’s “X Family” has expanded to 100 million members.
“A hundred million on. Happy to be on this vibrant medium and cherish the discussion, debate, insights, people’s blessings, constructive criticism and more,” PM Modi wrote on X.
PM Modi said that he is looking forward to an equally engaging time in the future as well.
In the realm of social media followings among Indian politicians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi clearly leads the pack. For instance, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi boasts 26.4 million followers, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal commands 27.5 million, and Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav has amassed 19.9 million followers.
Meanwhile, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has a significant
following of 7.4 million, followed by RJD’s Lalu Prasad Yadav with 6.3 million, Tejashwi Yadav with 5.2 million, and NCP Chief Sharad Pawar with 2.9 million followers. Put simply, PM Modi’s 100 million followers on X outnumber the combined followers of all leaders within the INDIA bloc, which total 95 million.
Another intriguing aspect of this achievement is that PM Modi’s total followers on X exceed the population of Canada by 2.5 times, the population of the UK by 1.4 times, the population of Germany by 1.2 times, the population of Italy by 2.5 times, the population of Australia by 3.7 times, and the population of New Zealand by 18 times.
PM Modi outpaces other global leaders in social media following, surpassing US President Joe Biden with 38.1 million followers, HH Sheikh Mohammed, the ruler of Dubai, with 11.2 million, Pope Francis with 18.5 million, Giorgia Meloni with 2.4 million, Justin Trudeau with 6.5 million, Andres Manuel with 10.9 million and Recep Tayyip Erdogan with 21.5 million.
PM Modi’s immense popularity on social media has drawn the attention of world leaders eager to engage with him, knowing that such interactions significantly enhance their own follower counts, engagements, views, and reposts. This trend has been evident recently in Italy and Austria.
Notably, PM Modi’s follower count exceeds that of several prominent global athletes and sports figures, including Virat Kohli with 64.1 million followers, Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr with 63.6 million, and American basketball player LeBron James with 52.9 million. He also surpasses celebrities like Taylor Swift with 95.3 million followers, Lady Gaga with 83.1 million, and Kim Kardashian with 75.2 million.Over the past three years alone, PM Modi’s presence on X has expanded remarkably by approximately 30 million users. His influence extends across other platforms like YouTube, where he boasts nearly 25 million subscribers, and Instagram, where his follower count exceeds 91 million. Since his platform debut in 2009, PM Modi has utilised it as a tool for meaningful engagement. Known for his active and personable approach, he regularly interacts with ordinary citizens, responds to messages, and notably, has never blocked anyone. PM Modi maintains a strictly organic presence on social media, eschewing paid promotions and artificial engagement tactics.
Through a mix of compelling and thought-provoking posts on X, the Prime Minister has captivated millions worldwide. His ascent in the digital realm highlights his impactful presence and underscores his ability to connect with a diverse and dynamic audience.
India needs stronger policy & infra to enable healthier food choices: Expert
New Delhi, July 14 (IANS)
India is ahead of neighbouring countries in the implementation of food environment policies, but needs stronger policies and infrastructure to enable healthier food choices to combat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases, according to an expert on Sunday.
In a recent study, an international team of researchers, including scientists from The George Institute for Global Health, mapped the food policies and supporting infrastructure in four South Asian countries including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
The team assessed the level of implementation of these policies and identified priority actions for the primary prevention of dietrelated NCDs.
Speaking to IANS, Elisa Pineda, Research Fellow at The George Institute for Global Health, UK, said, “India was generally better than neighbouring countries in terms of implementation of food environment policies and infrastructure support related to food and health”.
“But it still needs improvement to prevent the rising incidence of diet-related diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases,” she added.
The study, published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health - Southeast Asia, showed that NCDs are the leading cause of illness and death worldwide.
South Asians, in particular, face a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases compared to other populations. The prevalence of diabetes in South Asia is projected to be about 151 million by 2045, it noted.
While the causes of NCDs are complex, an unhealthy diet is a leading modifiable risk factor, Dr. Elisa said.
Punjab: Jailed Sikh preacher Amritpal’s brother held in drugs case
Chandigarh, July 12 (IANS) Harpreet Singh, brother of jailed radical Sikh preacher and Punjab’s Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, has been arrested on charges of possessing drugs, sources in the police said.
He was arrested by Jalandhar (Rural) Police from Phillaur for carrying five grams of ice drug (a
form of methamphetamine).
The police are investigating the case.
Sikh radical Amritpal Singh has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail. Last week, he along with Kashmiri leader Sheikh Abdul Rashid, took the oath as Lok Sabha MPs amid heavy security in and around the Parliament complex in Delhi after they were granted parole.
Thirty-one-year-old Sikh radical Amritpal Singh, head of Waris Punjab De, won the Khadoor Sahib seat by 197,120 votes over his nearest rival, Congress candidate Kulbir Singh Zira.
UP CM holds ‘Janata Darshan’, listens to grievances
Lucknow, July 12 (IANS) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Friday, held a ‘Janata Darshan’ at his official residence in Lucknow, where he addressed the grievances of hundreds of people from various districts.
Evidence suggests that improving food environments and implementing effective food-related policies are key to achieving healthier diets and reducing the prevalence of NCDs.
“India showed moderate progress in food labelling and taxation -- all packaged foods were labelled in line with Codex recommendations and the government has introduced health taxes and regulations on the content of salt, sugar, and fat in food products, fruits and vegetables are tax-free, and there is a “Fat Tax” on unhealthy foods,” the researcher said.
“However, other areas like food composition, provision, trade policies, and promotion remained weak.
“Although the promotion of foods high in fat, sugar, and salt was prohibited in schools, regulation of the promotion of unhealthy foods in other settings is required,” Elisa said.
Further, the study showed that in terms of infrastructure support for healthier food environments, India performed relatively well in leadership,
The chief minister instructed officials to carefully listen to complaints, communicate effectively with complainants, and take appropriate action.
The people presented a range of issues, including problems with the police, land encroachments, and transfer requests and the chief minister listened to each
complaint and assured the attendees that their concerns would be addressed promptly. He emphasised the importance of satisfying the victims in all valid cases.
Among the attendees was a teacher who requested a transfer due to personal issues.
The chief minister forwarded the application to the Directorate of Education for necessary action. Another petitioner sought a job under the deceased dependent quota, and CM Adityanath assured him that the application would be sent to the concerned department for relevant action.
The chief minister personally reached out to each victim, listened to their complaints, and handed over their applications to the officials for further action.
He also directed officials from the respective districts to take action on issues related to the police and land encroachments, reinforcing his commitment to addressing public grievances and ensuring their safety, prosperity, and happiness.
Assam slowly emerging out of flood crisis, two more deaths, 6 lakh people still affected
Guwahati, July 14 (IANS) With waters receding, the overall flood situation in Assam improved on Sunday even as two more deaths were reported from the Karimganj district and over 6 lakh people remain affected in 18, or over half, of the state’s 35 districts, Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) officials said.
According to ASDMA officials, with the two fresh deaths, as of Sunday, at least 93 people died due to the current flood in 23 districts and around 10 more people died due to landslides and other calamities after the monsoon rain started early last month.
The highest number of deaths (22) were reported from Cachar district in southern Assam.
According to the ASDMA officials, the number of flood-affected people has sharply come down from over 24.20 lakh in 30 districts as of July 5.
Flood water is still submerging 5,367 hectares of crop area in 1,342 villages in 18 districts while over 2.83 lakh domestic animals have also been badly affected.
Of the 18 flood-affected districts, Dhubri, Cachar, Dhemaji, Darrang, Goalpara, and Golaghat are still badly hit.
Odisha: ‘Ratna Bhandar’ of Jagannath Temple opened after 46 years
Bhubaneswar, July 14 (IANS) The Ratna Bhandar (treasure trove) of Jagannath Temple in Puri was finally opened after a gap of 46 years on Sunday.
The treasury of the 12th-century shrine opened in the presence of an 11-member team headed by retired Justice Biswanath Rath. Rath is the chairman of the high-level inspection committee formed by the state government to supervise the opening of Ratna Bhandar.
Speaking to media persons after returning from the Ratna Bhandar, Arabninda Padhee, the chief administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), said the team has carried out the task of opening the treasury as per the SOP issued by the state government.
“We entered the outer chamber of the Ratna Bhandar after opening
the locks with the keys kept with Gajapati Maharaj, the king of Puri, SJTA and the Bhandar Mekap servitor. The ornaments stored in the outer chamber have completely been shifted to the temporary strong room inside the temple premises and later it was sealed in the presence of a magistrate,” Padhee said. Padhi further added that it took a long time to make a record of the ornaments stored in the outer chamber.
“Later, the team reached the gate of the inner chamber but all the three locks on the gate could not be opened with the keys brought from the district treasury. As the SOP of the state government has also mandated that in case the locks don’t open with the keys then the locks shall be broken. The locks were broken with the help of the servitor members. Then the whole committee entered the inner chamber and found that whatever ornaments stored there have been kept in some Almirahs and chests,” added Padhee.
Justice Rath said the team managed to enter the inner chamber after cutting the locks
in the presence of the magistrate and others. He stated that videography was conducted inside the chamber after entering it.
He further added that more than four hours had elapsed by then.
“As seven to eight members of temple management are part of the team, they are busy as the Bahuda Yatra preparations have started, so we couldn’t get more time for further checking and shifting of the ornaments. So we decided to fix another date for the shifting of the ornaments and precious stones of the deities,” added Rath. Rath said it would not be possible to do the shifting of ornaments to the temporary strong room from the inner chamber keeping in view the Rath Yatra-related rituals and the presence of a huge number of devotees during the period. He said another day would be fixed after the deities return to their sanctum sanctorum on Friday for the opening and shifting of the ornaments from the inner chamber. He also rubbished several myths surrounding the Ratna Bhandar such as the presence of huge snakes inside the inner chamber.
New York-like city to be developed at Maheswaram:
Hyderabad, July 14 (IANS)
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said on Sunday that a new city at par with New York will be developed at Maheswaram near Hyderabad.
He also said the Rachakonda area, which is similar to Ooty, will also be developed as the hub of filmmaking Industry.
He made the announcement while launching the distribution of safety kits among toddy tappers in Abdullahpur on the city outskirts.
Revanth Reddy also stated that Hyderabad Metro Rail will be extended up to Hayat Nagar soon.
All plans have been prepared in this regard, he said.
The Chief Minister said that the Rangareddy district will soon witness huge development.
The government is planning to
Telangana CM
promote the district as a worldclass tourism destination.
He said the government envisaged plans to set up universities, a medical tourism hub and industries in the land acquired for pharma companies.
In a veiled jibe at his predecessor and BRS chief K. Chandrasekhar Rao, Revanth Reddy said that the leaders who lost elections and are resting in their farmhouses should be aware that the Outer Ring Road, the international airport, and Pharma City were developed in the Congress rule.
The previous government developed nothing except promoting drugs and ganja smuggling, he said.
“The leaders who said Congress was finished are now counting the number of leaders in their party. BRS MLAs are joining the Congress to support Telangana’s development,” he said
Alleging that rivals had conspired to topple his government, he exuded confidence that Congress will rule the state for 10 years.
“The previous BRS government landed the Telangana state into a debt trap. My government is solving every hurdle and moving forward,” he added.
Australia: Fire authority tackles polluted water after massive explosion in factory
Sydney, July 11 (IANS) Fire authority in the Australian state of Victoria is tackling polluted water after a massive chemical explosion triggered a “seventh alarm” blaze in Melbourne’s west.
“We are currently managing runoff of contaminated water as a result of the firefighting effort and contaminants in the building,” Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Deputy Commissioner Joshua Fischer said in a statement released on Thursday.
Fischer noted that a number of chemicals and dangerous goods were consumed in the fire while the exact quantity is yet to be known, Xinhua news agency reported.
At around 11.20 a.m. local time on Wednesday, emergency services rushed to Swann Drive in Derrimut in response to a significant factory fire sparked by a chemical explosion.
Shortly afterwards, a “Watch and Act” alert was issued for neighbouring regions, including Albion, Braybrook, Brooklyn, Derrimut, Laverton North, Sunshine, Sunshine West, Tottenham and Truganina.
Residents were urged to take shelter indoors immediately, as the wind was blowing “toxic smoke towards the East across Derrimut.”
At around 3.32 p.m. local time, the flame was deemed “under control” with the efforts of more than 180 firefighters and various specialist equipment, such as aerial appliances.
On Thursday morning, Fischer updated that nearby businesses would be allowed to return on a case-by-case basis thanks to successful firefighting endeavours.
“In excess of 3 million litres of water, 40,000 litres of foam has been used to suppress this fire,” said the deputy commissioner.
“We have got three appliances currently undertaking firefighting
operations to continue to suppress the fire, and we still have a further 11 appliances on scene supporting and in time going through a decontamination process,” he noted.
The “Watch and Act” warning has now been downgraded to the “Advice” level, as no threat remains to the local community, but people should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
“It is going to take some time to ascertain the exact cause, and we also need to gain access to the scene, which is an active fire area with lots of contaminants and structural integrity issues of the remaining building,” said Fischer.
“This is a challenging and dynamic environment. For FRV, this is our first seventh alarm, which is a significant incident,” he added.
There have been no reported major injuries. FRV, Victoria Police, and WorkSafe Victoria are leading a joint probe into the explosion and subsequent fire.
Australian man arrested for randomly pushing woman onto rail tracks
Sydney, July 4 (IANS) A man has been arrested in Melbourne after he pushed a female off the platform at one of the city’s most bustling train stations, Australian Police said on Thursday. According to a statement by Victoria Police, the incident took place at around 3.50 p.m. local time on Wednesday at Richmond
Railway Station, reported Xinhua news agency.
A 64-year-old woman was pushed onto the train tracks, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.
On Thursday morning, police arrested the 54-year-old male Werribee offender in Southbank, who is now assisting officers with inquiries.
Earlier, police confirmed to local media that the man fled the scene after the incident occurred, while the related parties are not known to each other.
Richmond Railway Station stands close to Melbourne’s central
business district, serving as a major transit hub for commuters connecting various lines.
The incident caused delays for passengers at Richmond and neighboring stations during the peak hours of Wednesday evening.
The chaos was further exacerbated at 5.00 p.m. local time, when local service provider Metro Trains reported that all lines across Melbourne were delayed up to 25 minutes after police removed a trespasser from the Flinders Street area.
The delays were cleared approximately two hours later.
Man dead, another rescued after boat capsizes in Australia
Sydney, July 13 (IANS) A man died and another was rescued after their boat capsized when crossing the Tweed River bar in far north of Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) state on Saturday.
At around 6.00 a.m. local time, emergency services were called to the north wall of the Tweed River, following reports of two people spotted clinging to the upturned hull of a 6.5-meter half-cabin runabout boat, Xinhua news agency reported.
NSW Police Force confirmed that one man was pulled out of the water before being rushed to a nearby hospital to be checked as a precaution.
A second man was winched from the rough sea by a rescue helicopter. Paramedics attempted to revive him at Duranbah Beach, but the man was declared deceased at the scene.
Police officers are currently working to formally identify the victim.
It is believed that the pair launched their watercraft from Kennedy Drive Boat Ramp in Tweed Heads a short time earlier, and they were heading out across the bar when the accident occurred.
Initial inquiries have suggested that neither of them was wearing a life jacket.
According to the NSW government, the Tweed River originates on the slopes of the nearby Mount Burrell, and flows for approximately 80 km to the ocean at Tweed Heads.
As coastal bars commonly feature shallow depths, shifting sandbanks, strong currents, and large breaking waves, the state government has made it clear to the public that crossing these bars can be very dangerous, even in calm conditions.
The latest forecast showed that a 1.5 to 2.5-meter swell is expected at the Tweed Heads coastal bar on Saturday.
South Korea vows to strengthen defence ties with Australia
Seoul, July 11 (IANS) South Korean Vice Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho on Thursday vowed to strengthen defence cooperation with Australia, his office said, amid growing arms industry ties between the two countries. Kim made the remark during a bilateral defence conference in Canberra, which discussed key threats in the Indo-Pacific region and ways to bolster cooperation between the militaries and defence industries of the two countries, Yonhap news agency reported. South Korean defence companies, including shipbuilders Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, also participated in the conference to feature their products.
“Amid a grave global security environment, (the conference) presented an opportunity to further strengthen relations between South Korea and Australia,” Kim said. “(We) will make further efforts to strengthen bilateral defence and arms industry cooperation.”
The two countries have bolstered defence ties in recent years, with Canberra signing major deals to purchase South Korean weapons systems, including the Redback infantry fighting vehicle and K9 howitzers. South Korea has sought closer security ties with Australia, with their top diplomats and defence chiefs discussing Seoul’s potential participation in part of the AUKUS security partnership in May. The United States, Britain and Australia launched a security pact known as AUKUS in 2021 to counter China’s
4 metre crocodile that killed Australian child shot dead
Canberra, July 10 (IANS) Authorities have shot dead a crocodile that killed a child in Australia’s Northern Territory (NT).
NT Police on Wednesday confirmed that the 4.2-metre saltwater crocodile that attacked a 12-year-old girl earlier in July has been located and destroyed, reports Xinhua news agency.
The girl was swimming with family in a creek near the small remote town of Palumpa more than 200 kilometres southwest of Darwin on July 2 when she disappeared.
Her remains were found on July 4 following a two-day search that involved aerial surveillance, police, park rangers and members of the local community.
Police said at the time that her injuries were consistent with a crocodile attack. It was the first lethal crocodile attack in the NT since 2018.
In a statement on Wednesday, NT Police said a 4.2-metre crocodile was shot by rangers on Sunday with the permission of local Indigenous traditional owners of the area.
The crocodile resurfaced on Tuesday, police said, when it was confirmed to be the animal that attacked the child.
4 metre crocodile that killed Australian child shot dead
Sydney, July 14 (IANS) A man was found dead alongside his vessel on a lake in Queensland state on Sunday, the second fatal boating incident in Australia.
The boat was reported missing in the morning. A search and rescue operation then kicked off at Lake Somerset, about 70 km northwest of Queensland state’s capital Brisbane, involving joint efforts by water police, specialist officers, aerial assets, and multiple other agencies, reported Xinhua news agency.
At 4.00 p.m. local time, police located the vessel in the water and the body of the 45-year-old man. Investigations into the circumstances of the incident are ongoing by Queensland Police.
The Somerset Lake incident occurred only a day after one man died and another survived while crossing the Tweed River bar in New South Wales’ far north.
At around 6.00 a.m. on Saturday, police attended the scene at the north wall of the Tweed River, where two people were seen clinging to the upturned hull of a 6.5-meter half-cabin runabout boat.
One of them was taken to a nearby hospital for a precautionary examination, while the other could not be revived and was declared dead at Duranbah Beach.
World leaders congratulate Keir Starmer on ‘historic’ UK election win
New Delhi, July 5 (IANS) Several top world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday congratulated Keir Starmer as he gets ready to become the 58th Prime Minister of Britain following the Labour Party's resounding victory in the general election.
Starmer has been credited with pulling the Labour Party out of the political wilderness by ending 14 years of the Conservative Party's governance.
"Heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Keir Starmer on the remarkable victory in the UK general elections. I look forward to our positive and constructive collaboration to further strengthen the IndiaUK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in all areas, fostering mutual growth and prosperity," PM Modi said in his message posted on X.
French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Starmer on his election victory and emphasised maintaining close bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries.
"Congratulations, Sir Keir Starmer, on your victory. Pleased with our first discussion. We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate, and for AI," he said in a post on X.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also congratulated Starmer while at the same time expressing his "deepest appreciation and gratitude" to outgoing MP Rishi
Sunak for "his leadership and for standing with the Israeli people", especially during the "most difficult period".
"I send my warmest congratulations to Keir Starmer. As he prepares to enter Downing Street as Prime Minister, I look forward to working together with him and his new government to bring our hostages home, to build a better future for the region, and to deepen the close friendship between Israel and the United Kingdom," Herzog said.
Congratulating Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote: "Congratulations Keir Starmer on your electoral victory. I look forward to working with you in a constructive partnership to address common challenges and strengthen European security."
European Council President Charles Michel also congratulated Starmer in a post on X.
"The European Union and the UK are crucial partners, cooperating in all areas of mutual interest for our citizens. I look forward to working with you and your government in this new cycle for the UK," said Michel, adding that he is looking forward to seeing Starmer at the European Political Community meeting on common challenges.
Simon Harris, Prime Minister of Ireland, highlighted the close relationship with the UK, calling it "deep and consequential".
"I look forward to it going from strength to strength," he said while stressing the need to work closely to bring about a "major reset" of Anglo-Irish relations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also extended his best wishes to Starmer on his election win. Stressing the close bilateral relations between the
two countries, Zelenskyy said, "Ukraine and the United Kingdom have been and will continue to be reliable allies through thick and thin. We will continue to defend and advance our common values of life, freedom, and a rules-based international order."
"I wish the incoming government every success both in domestic affairs and in solidifying the UK's leadership on the world stage. I look forward to working closely together on strengthening the Ukraine-UK partnership and restoring international peace and security," he added.
He also thanked Rishi Sunak for maintaining close ties between the two nations.
"I am grateful to my good friend Rishi Sunak for the UK government's steadfast support under his leadership. Challenger tanks, Storm Shadow missiles, F-16 training for our pilots, and the first bilateral security cooperation agreement are just a few of our shared achievements that Ukraine will never forget. Thank you, Rishi," Zelenskyy said in another post on X.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, too, extended his wishes in a post on X.
"Congratulations, Keir Starmer, on your election victory. New Zealand and the UK are great friends and can do so much more together. I look forward to working on every opportunity together as Prime Minister," he wrote. Congratulating Starmer, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote, "Congratulations to my friend and new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on his resounding election victory - I look forward to working constructively with the incoming Labour Party Government."
Trump vows to stop outsourcing, if elected President
Washington, July 9 (IANS)
Former American President Donald Trump has promised to end outsourcing if re-elected, which should sound alarm bells across India's multi-billion-dollar outsourcing industry whose largest customer is the US, "Stop outsourcing, and turn the United States into a manufacturing superpower," said Trump’s 2024 Republican Party Platform released ahead of the party convention next week to anoint him as the party nominee for the White House, in his third
run. The platform is a list of 20 promises that articulate Trump’s "vision to Make America Great Again in a way that is concise and digestible for every voter", said Trump Campaign Senior Advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles.
"While Joe Biden and Democrats argue about who will be at the top of their ticket and have implemented policies that have raised prices on everyday families, opened the floodgates to migrant crime via wide-open borders, shackled American energy with red tape forced by Washington bureaucrats, and sewn chaos across the world through weak foreign policy, President Trump will Make America Great Again through these America First principles." The platform was a mix of the
‘Vande Mataram’ in Vienna as Austrian artists welcome PM Modi
New Delhi, July 10 (IANS) A special rendition of 'Vande Mataram' by Austrian artists greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the hotel Ritz-Carlton in Vienna, where he arrived after a highly successful two-day visit to Russia.
PM Modi arrived in Austria on Tuesday for a historic visit and he is the first Indian PM to visit the country in over 41 years.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi was welcomed by Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer at the airport.
The two leaders then proceeded to the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where he was welcomed with the special performance of 'Vande Mataram'.
The members of the Indian community also greeted the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister will call on Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen and later will hold talks with Chancellor Nehammer to discuss the bilateral ties between the two nations.
Earlier, Chancellor Nehammer hosted PM Modi for a private dinner engagement. Sharing a photo of the two leaders on X, the Chancellor wrote: "Welcome to Vienna, PM Narendra Modi! It is a pleasure and honour to welcome you to Austria. Austria and India are friends and partners. I look forward to our political and economic discussions during your visit!"
Expressing his gratitude, PM Modi thanked the Austrian Chancellor "for the warm welcome" and added, "I look forward to our discussions tomorrow as well. Our nations will continue working together to further global good."
Photos shared on social media showed a warm interaction between the two leaders, including a hug and a selfie taken by Nehammer with PM Modi.
In another post on X, PM Modi said: "Happy to meet you in Vienna, Chancellor Karl Nehammer. The India-Austria friendship is strong, and it will get even stronger in the times to come." During PM Modi's visit, India and Austria are set to explore ways to deepen their bilateral relationship and enhance cooperation on various geopolitical challenges.
Washington, July 15 (IANS) US President Joe Biden on Sunday announced an independent review of the security at the election rally at which a shooter made an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump who is also the putative Republican nominee for the White House.
The US President also said that he has ordered a continued heightened level of security for his Republican rival and a review of the security arrangements at the Republican party’s presidential convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
party’s conservative agenda and populist measures. They included promises to "seal the border", conduct the largest ever deportation programme, “prevent World War Three”, tax cuts for workers, end inflation, build the strongest military in the world, bring peace to Europe and West Asia, and retain the dollar as the world’s reserve currency.
The Indian government and businesses will be alarmed by the promise to end outsourcing, which will bring back memories of a slew of measures announced in Trump's first term to curb outsourcing and targeting of Indian companies that dominated the outsourcing industry in the US. The administration had targeted the H-1B visa programme that American companies use to make up for the shortage of manpower available locally for high-speciality jobs.
In a short speech after meeting top security officials in the Situation Room, Biden also said he spoke to Trump.
“An assassination attempt is contrary to everything we stand for as a nation, everything. It’s not who we are as a nation, it’s not America, and we cannot allow this to happen,” he said, adding: “Unity is the most elusive goal of all but nothing is important right now, Unity. We will debate and will disagree. It’s not that’s not going to change. But we’re gonna not lose sight of who we are as Americans”.
Biden said the shooter’s motive remains unclear and appealed to Americans to not speculate and wait for the FBI’s investigation.
The FBI is leading the probe into the shooting. He did not specify who or which agency will conduct the “independent review”, but
promised to share its findings.
While the FBI is leading the investigation into the shooting, the US Justice Department’s National Security Division is also involved in it, as Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.
This indicates the US is treating the assassination attempt as also a threat to national security.
While the shooter has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, officials have said nothing yet about his motivation. According to news reports, he was a registered Republican but had donated $15 to a liberal voter mobilisation group in 2021. The gunman used an AR-15 militarystyle assault rifle that has been the weapon of choice for most mass shooting perpetrators. New reports now suggest the shooter was carrying two explosive devices in the car and a possible third at his residence.
Earlier in the day, Trump struck a defiant note the morning after surviving the assassination attempt, writing on social media, “We will FEAR NOT”.
He also announced he would be speaking at the Republican party convention.
Trump is recovering at his home in New Jersey, where he reached last night from Butler, Pennsylvania when a 20-yearold white man opened fire on his election rally, wounding the former President and killing an attendee.
India to be world’s most populous nation despite decline after 2060s peak: UN expert
United Nations, June 12 (IANS)
India will continue to be the world’s most populous country into the next century, even though its population will peak in the mid-2060s and begin a slow decline, according to a population expert.
India is “currently the largest country in the world in terms of population, and it is projected to stay so throughout the century,” Senior Population Affairs Officer Clare Menozzi said on Thursday at the release of the UN World Population Prospects 2024 Summary.
India’s population is “supposed to peak around the 2060s in size and then it starts to slightly decline,” she said. “So by the end of the century, India is projected to be around 1.5 billion, but still the largest country in the world by a large margin.”
According to the data accompanying the report, India’s population is projected to grow from 1.45 billion now to a peak of 1.7 billion in 2064 when the decline begins, and register 1.5 billion in 2100, a 12 per cent drop.
The report noted that India is among the countries where the working-age population – 20 to 64 years – will grow through 2054,” offering a window of opportunity known as the demographic dividend.”
To capitalise on this opportunity, countries must invest in education, health, and
infrastructure, and implement reforms to create jobs and improve government efficiency, the report suggested.
Life expectancy for Indians is projected to grow from 72.24 years now to 83.3 years by 2100.
The total fertility rate for India, which is the number of children a woman has, will decline from the current 1.96 and start the next century at 1.69.
A total fertility rate of 2.2 is considered the replacement rate that will hold the population steady, and a dip below that signals a decline in population, although it could still be growing because of increasing life expectancy and because of the previous population growth that resulted in a large number of younger women who will be of child-bearing age.
In the next 30 years, Pakistan will become the world’s third-most populous country, according to the report’s projections, increasing its population from the current 251 million to 389 million in 2054, overtaking the United States and Indonesia.
That year, India is projected to have a population of 1.69 billion and China 1.21 billion.
For the world, the population will peak in the mid-2080s, growing over the next sixty years from 8.2 billion people now to around 10.3 billion in the mid-2080s, and then will slide to around 10.2 billion by the end of the century, according to Navid Hanif, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Development.
The report drew attention to the trend of an ageing population, where senior citizens will
outnumber children.
By the late 2070s, the global population aged 65 and older is projected to reach 2.2 billion, exceeding the number of children under 18, and by the mid-2030s, those aged 80 and over will outnumber infants reaching 265 million, it said.
The trend towards a preponderance of an ageing population is already happening in several countries
The report proposed that countries consider the use of technology to improve productivity at all ages and expand lifelong learning and retraining to extend working lives for those who can and want to continue working.
About the future of the globe with a burgeoning population and the stress on the environment, Population Division’s Director John Wilmoth said that the impact will be from behaviour, rather than the numbers.
“What the world is like in 60 years, will depend on a lot of choices that will be made between now and then, policies that will be implemented or not, and technological advances and so forth,” he said.
“All of these things will change the world that we’re living in. Population trends will be one part of that, but not necessarily the largest or the determining part,” he said. “What really matters is our behaviours and the choices that we make.”
(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @ arulouis)
IAF’s Sukhoi fighter jets set to roar Australian skies during Exercise Pitch Black
Darwin, July 11 (IANS) India’s Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets will be seen in action during Exercise Pitch Black -- Australia’s biggest international air combat training activity -- that begins at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases in Darwin and Tindal from Friday.
With approximately 140 aircraft and over 4000 personnel from 20 nations participating, this year’s iteration of Exercise Pitch Black is the largest participation in its 43year history, the RAAF announced on Thursday.
Held every two years, the exercise focuses on large-force employment missions involving large numbers of international aircraft.
The last edition of the exercise held in 2022 saw the participation
of an Indian Air Force contingent that included four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft.
The IAF contingent for this edition comprises of over 150 highly skilled air warriors including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers and other subject matter experts, who will be operating the formidable Su30 MKI multirole fighters, with the C-17 Globemaster and the IL78 Air-to-Air Refuelling aircraft in combat enabling roles.
“The exercise provides an excellent opportunity for strengthening the ability of the participating nations to deploy over large distances, support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region and building strong aviation associations in a highly challenging environment,” India’s Ministry of Defence said on Thursday.
The exercise will be focusing on Large Force Employment warfare aimed at strengthening international cooperation
US conveys concerns to India post PM Modi’s meeting with Putin
Washington, July 10 (IANS)
The United States on Tuesday reiterated its concerns over India's ties to Russia and said it has had conversations with New Delhi regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ongoing visit to Moscow but refused to divulge the contents of these.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin is being followed closely in Washington DC.
"We have had conversations with him in the past 24 hours and I think I'll keep the contents
of those private," US State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller said at a briefing, when asked if the US had conveyed to India its concerns since the India and Russia announced a slate of agreements after the PM Modi met President Putin.
Miller’s first response was the same as on Monday when he was asked about the Prime Minister’s visit - that the US has concerns about India’s ties with Russia and has conveyed it privately and directly.
The spokesman spoke of new conversations when asked especially if any conversations had taken place with India in the last 24 hours or after the announcements in Moscow.
Trump’s shooter identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks
Washington, July 14 (IANS)
Thomas Matthew Crooks (20) has been identified as the person suspected of shooting former US President Donald Trump in an attempted assassination, the FBI said in a statement.
“The suspected shooter was Thomas Matthew Crooks (20) of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania,” said
and shall facilitate experience enhancement with the IAF Su-30 MKI operating alongside the F-35, F-22, F-18, F-15, Gripen and Typhoon fighter aircraft.
For the first time, aircraft and personnel from the Philippines, Spain, Italy, and Papua New Guinea and embedded personnel from Fiji and Brunei will participate in the exercise.
In addition, aircraft from France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, United States; and embedded personnel from Canada and New Zealand will also participate.
Aircraft will operate from the RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal in the Northern Territory, with additional tanker and transport aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland.
“Exercise Pitch Black is our premier activity for international engagement, held every two years to build stronger ties with likeminded nations. Training with our partner nations
the FBI.
Crooks was killed on the spot by the security officials after he fired shots at the former US President, piercing through his ear, during a campaign rally in western Pennsylvania.
The FBI had earlier said that the shooting was being investigated as “an assassination attempt” on Trump.
The motive behind the assassination attempt, however, is yet to be revealed.
Trump, who is due to be anointed the Republican Party’s Presidential candidate, had a narrow escape on Saturday when shots aimed at him at a campaign rally grazed his right ear and killed two people at the event.
Change begins now, Labour Party ready to serve the country: Keir Starmer
London, July 5 (IANS) After securing resounding win in the UK general election, Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said that his party is ready to restore Britain to the service for working people.
Addressing his supporters at a reception to celebrate his win in the election, Starmer thanked the people for the amazing reception.
The 61-year-old leader said, "The work of change begins today.
Thank you so much for the amazing reception. We did it."
Amid huge public applause,
Starmer said, "You campaigned for it, you fought for it and you voted for it and now it has arrived. Change begins now..."
"It feels good, I have to be honest... Four-and-a-half-years of work... changing the party... This is what it is for... A changed Labour Party ready to serve our country, ready to restore Britain to the service of working people," he said.
The Labour Party has secured the win on over 390 seats and comfortably crossed the halfway mark of 326 seats in the 650-member Parliament, BBC reported.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau congratulated Starmer on the win.
His address comes after UK Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak conceded defeat in the polls.
From the editor’s desk India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph: A tale of excellence & resilience
India’s demographic conundrum:
A dual challenge of growth & aging
India’s demographic landscape is at a crossroads, presenting a complex interplay of burgeoning population growth in certain states and a rapidly aging populace nationwide. As the world’s second-most populous country, India grapples with significant regional disparities in population dynamics. While some states contribute disproportionately to the country’s population increase, others successfully control their growth. Compounding this issue is the imminent challenge of an aging population, which threatens to erode the demographic dividend that has been a cornerstone of India’s economic strategy.
The most populous states—Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh—are at the forefront of India’s demographic surge. Uttar Pradesh, with the largest population, and Bihar, boasting the highest growth rate, lead this expansion. Maharashtra’s vast urban centers and West Bengal’s high population density further contribute to this growth, while Madhya Pradesh’s rural areas experience notable increases. This uneven growth places immense pressure on local resources, infrastructure, and governance in these states, necessitating targeted interventions and robust population management strategies.
In stark contrast, 31 states and union territories have successfully curtailed their population growth through a mix of family planning programs, educational initiatives, and awareness campaigns. These efforts, bolstered by the National Programme for Family Planning initiated in the 1950s, reflect a concerted push to stabilize the population. The National Family Health Survey-5 indicates that many of these states have achieved fertility rates below the replacement level, signaling effective policy implementation and societal acceptance of smaller family norms.
Despite the national decline in fertility rates, the top five states still exceed the replacement level, highlighting the uneven progress and the need for continued focus on these regions. The disparity underscores the challenges faced by India in achieving uniform demographic stability across its diverse and populous landscape. Adding another layer of complexity is the comparison with China’s population control efforts. China’s stringent policies, such as the One Child Policy, have drastically reduced its population growth rate, presenting a stark contrast to India’s more moderate approach. While India’s policies have been less coercive, they have also been less effective in
certain regions, necessitating a reevaluation of strategies to achieve balanced population control without infringing on individual freedoms.
Amidst this backdrop of population growth, India faces the looming challenge of a rapidly aging society. Asia, and particularly India, is undergoing a significant demographic shift towards an aging population, driven by declining fertility rates and increased life expectancy. By 2041, the working-age population in India is expected to peak, comprising 59% of the total population. However, this period of demographic dividend is temporary, with the share of the elderly population set to nearly double from 8.6% in 2011 to 16% by 2041.
This swift aging process poses substantial economic and social challenges. As the proportion of elderly individuals rises, the burden on social security systems and healthcare infrastructure will intensify. Currently, a significant portion of India’s elderly population remains economically dependent, with inadequate social security and health insurance coverage. This economic vulnerability, coupled with low savings and high out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, exacerbates the plight of the aging populace.
The Economic Survey suggests several measures to address these challenges, including increased investment in healthcare, raising the retirement age, and expanding social security coverage. Preparing for this demographic shift requires proactive policy measures and substantial financial commitment. Failure to address these issues could lead to severe economic and social repercussions, mirroring the challenges faced by mature economies grappling with aging populations.
India can draw valuable lessons from countries like Taiwan and China, which have implemented forward-looking policies to manage their aging populations. These countries have prioritized healthcare services and social security systems, ensuring a dignified and secure life for their elderly citizens. Adopting similar measures, tailored to India’s unique socio-economic context, could mitigate the adverse effects of an aging population.
The dual challenge of managing population growth in certain regions while addressing the needs of an aging society necessitates a multi-faceted approach. It requires the concerted efforts of the government, private sector, and civil society to implement comprehensive policies and programs.
In the heart of every cricketloving Indian, a World Cup victory reverberates with unmatched pride and jubilation. The T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 was no exception, as India emerged triumphant, showcasing not just their cricketing prowess but also a spirit of resilience and strategic brilliance.
The path to glory: Preparation & performance
Led by Captain Rohit Sharma, India’s journey to the T20 World Cup victory was a testament to meticulous planning and unwavering determination. Under the guidance of Coach Rahul Dravid, known for his methodical approach and emphasis on skill development, the team blended seasoned veterans like Virat Kohli with rising stars such as Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill. The tournament kicked off with intense group stage battles, where each match was a test of nerves and tactical acumen. India’s ability to adapt to diverse conditions and opposition tactics was evident early on, setting the stage for a compelling campaign. Key victories over formidable opponents bolstered India’s confidence and solidified their position as contenders for the title.
The final showdown: India vs. South Africa
The climactic final against South Africa was a nerve-wracking affair, played out in front of a roaring crowd. South Africa, known for their powerhouse batting and clinical bowling, posed a formidable challenge. They set a competitive target with a display of aggressive batting, testing India’s bowling unit led by the ever-dependable Jasprit Bumrah. India’s response was led by Rohit Sharma’s masterful batting at the top, ably supported by KL Rahul’s aggressive stroke play. Virat Kohli’s composed innings in the middle overs anchored India’s chase, showcasing his ability to control
the game’s tempo under pressure. Hardik Pandya’s resurgence with crucial contributions in the final overs highlighted India’s depth in all-round talent.
Captaincy of Rohit Sharma: Leading from the front Rohit Sharma’s captaincy was pivotal throughout the tournament. Known for his calm demeanour and strategic acumen, Rohit led by example, marshalling resources effectively and making bold decisions under pressure. His leadership not only inspired confidence but also nurtured a cohesive team spirit essential for success in high-stakes matches.
Coaching by Rahul Dravid: Shaping a winning strategy Under Rahul Dravid’s guidance, India’s approach was marked by meticulous planning and attention to detail. Dravid’s focus on skill development and situational awareness empowered players to execute game plans with precision. His coaching philosophy instilled discipline and a growth mindset, crucial in navigating the complexities of tournament cricket.
Jasprit Bumrah: The X-factor
In critical moments, Jasprit Bumrah emerged as India’s savior with his impeccable bowling. His ability to bowl yorkers at will and deliver under pressure made him a match-winner throughout the tournament. Bumrah’s mastery over death bowling ensured that India maintained control in tight situations, earning him accolades as one of the best in the world in his craft.
Nerve control in Finals: India’s growing confidence India’s ability to control nerves in finals was evident in their composed performances throughout the tournament. The team’s collective belief in their abilities, fostered by rigorous preparation and strategic guidance, enabled them to execute game plans with precision during critical moments. This mental fortitude
proved decisive in clinching crucial matches, including the high-stakes final against South Africa.
Controversy over Suryakumar Yadav’s catch: A talking point Amidst the triumph, controversy brewed over a spectacular catch by Suryakumar Yadav, hailed as one of the tournament’s highlights. The contentious decision stirred debate among pundits and fans alike, underscoring the scrutiny faced by match officials in adjudicating crucial moments. Despite the controversy, Yadav’s athleticism and sportsmanship shone through, reflecting the spirit of fair play and competitive spirit central to cricket.
Future prospects: Building on success
Looking ahead, India’s T20 World Cup triumph lays a robust foundation for future endeavors. The victory not only cemented India’s status as a cricketing powerhouse but also galvanized efforts to sustain success across formats. Investments in grassroots cricket, continued emphasis on talent development, and strategic planning will be pivotal in maintaining India’s competitive edge on the global stage.
India’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2024 triumph transcends the boundaries of sport, embodying national pride, unity, and the spirit of excellence. It celebrates the collective efforts of players, coaches, and supporters who stood united in pursuit of a common goal. As India revels in the glory of this historic victory, the journey from preparation to triumph serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of cricket in shaping cultural identity and fostering camaraderie among diverse communities.
In the end, India’s T20 World Cup victory is not just about cricket; it is a celebration of resilience, leadership, and the unwavering belief in the pursuit of greatness.
Labour Party’s UK election win sparks optimism for stronger India-UK relations
With the Labour Party’s recent victory in the UK elections, there’s growing interest in how their policies will impact relations with India.
Labour’s expressed interest in negotiating a free trade agreement (FTA) with India signals a potential boost in economic collaboration. Such an agreement could streamline trade processes, lower tariffs, and open new avenues for investments, particularly benefiting sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, and textiles in India. This move could significantly bolster economic growth and create job opportunities, marking a positive
step forward in bilateral relations.
On immigration, Labour is anticipated to adopt a more inclusive approach compared to the previous administration. This might include reforms aimed at easing visa restrictions, enhancing post-study work opportunities, and addressing skill shortages in key sectors. These changes could facilitate greater mobility for Indian students, professionals, and entrepreneurs seeking prospects in the UK, thereby strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two countries. Addressing sensitive issues such
as pro-Khalistan sentiments in the UK, Labour is likely to uphold UK laws while promoting dialogue and social cohesion within the affected communities. Emphasizing multiculturalism, the party aims to mitigate divisions through peaceful means, fostering integration and understanding.
Regarding Kashmir and terrorism, Labour’s stance is expected to align with international norms, advocating for diplomatic solutions and respecting India’s sovereignty. While expressing concerns over
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Curbing population growth: Challenges and expectations from Modi govt
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made a provision in this year’s interim budget to constitute a High Power Committee to comprehensively consider the challenges arising from rapidly increasing population and demographic changes. Probably this is the result of the continuous voice being raised for population control across the country.
This is why on August 15, 2019, on the occasion of the first Independence Day after the formation of his second government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort for population control to strive for a good future for their next generation by becoming responsible parents.
Before making any kind of policy regarding population control, it was necessary to abolish different personal laws and implement a uniform civil code for all communities. It was started by the Uttarakhand government of Pushkar Singh Dhami with the formation of an expert committee to prepare the draft of the Uniform Civil Code in the year 2022. After long discussions with the people of Uttarakhand and stakeholders, the draft of the Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand, 2024, submitted by the Expert Committee to the Government of Uttarakhand, was passed by the Uttarakhand Assembly on
February 7, 2024. At present, the work of preparing its rules and regulations is being done by another committee. Soon after the rules are prepared, the Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in Uttarakhand.
Many other states and central governments are also waiting for the same. Now the eyes of the country are on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from the ramparts of the Red Fort on August 15, 2024, on the occasion of the first Independence Day after the formation of his third government, whether he will be able to make laws like Uniform Civil Code and Population Control in the country during his tenure of this coalition government?
To fulfil his dream of One Nation
One Election, it is also necessary that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should quickly complete the census which has been postponed since 2021 and constitute a Delimitation Commission.
Demographic changes also affect Indian politics.
In some Lok Sabha, MPs are elected with less than one lakh votes and in others with more than 20 lakh votes.
Demographic change will also be a big challenge for the new delimitation. Probably, keeping this demographic change in mind, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced the formation of a High Power
Committee. But no information about the formation of that committee is available yet. Is this because the government is not with full majority this time? Will this topic be put on the back burner again? The idea of forming such a committee would undoubtedly be with a vision of a bright future for the country by addressing the challenges arising from the rapidly increasing population and demographic changes.
But due to political constraints, our country, which was the first in the world to initiate family planning, has today become the most populous country in the world. Will the efforts being made by the Central Government on this subject again fall prey to political compulsions? If the Central Government wants to realise its Nation First sentiment in the real sense, then it should not stop its efforts in this direction, leaving aside the compulsions of the coalition government.
The recent incident in Hathras has shocked all the countrymen. While all the political parties are accusing the government of not making proper arrangements, they must also consider how the people of our country get trapped in the trap of blind devotion and fall prey to the sorceries of fake babas. Just think that those people who do not understand what is
FairPoint: LoP is not about reel-making
New Delhi, July 7 (IANS) When Rahul Gandhi debuted as the Leader of Opposition (LoP), everyone presumed that the seriousness of the post would be understood and followed accordingly. But, his performance in the first session of the 18th Lok Sabha has raised more questions and doubts.
On July 3, the happenings in the Lok Sabha during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s Address were something that were, perhaps, unseen in the parliamentary history. It was a rare occasion in the Lok Sabha proceedings when the Speaker named and reprimanded the LoP, accusing him of inciting Opposition members to troop to the Well of the House and protest while the Prime Minister was replying to the vote of thanks.
The videos emanating from inside the House revealed the conduct of the LoP, Rahul Gandhi, who was seen signalling the MPs (Opposition) to step down into the
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human rights issues, Labour may prioritize stability and security in regions affected by terrorism, emphasizing dialogue and cooperation as key to resolving conflicts.
Well of the House when the PM began his speech. His animated instructions were clearly visible and he was enjoying the heckling that the PM was being subjected to.
The agitating opposition MPs repeatedly ignored warnings from Speaker Om Birla and continued with their high-pitched sloganeering and heckling. At the end of the proceedings, the Speaker was compelled to note and say: “It is unbecoming of you as Leader of the Opposition... I have seen you asking members to troop to the Well. Such behaviour is unwarranted on your part…”
One wonders what was going on in the mind of the LoP when he directed his party MPs to disturb PM Modi’s speech by assembling and making a din while standing adjacent to the PM’s chair. Whatever the intention, the PM braved the continuous heckling by Congress MPs and went on to speak for two hours and 15 minutes, breaking his own previous record of 2 hours and 13
minutes in 2023 during a reply to a no-confidence motion. Despite the grave efforts of Rahul’s shouting brigade the PM stood his ground unnerved and cornered the LoP and the Congress on several fronts.
While the Opposition was shouting continuously, it was another rare occasion to see the treasury bench remain silent, not confront the protesting MPs and sit solidly behind their leader. The scene will remain etched in the memory of people for a long time.
Even the act of Rahul Gandhi to flaunt religious pictures -- Lord Shiva repeatedly, Jesus Christ and Guru Nanak -- to prove a point was unbecoming of the LoP. By doing this, Rahul Gandhi deliberately flouted rules and the Speaker reminded him by saying: “Rules don’t allow the display of placards’, and urged the LoP to adhere to parliamentary protocols.
An advisory issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat in 2022 says very clearly: “As per established
As Labour shapes its policy agenda, India will closely monitor developments to assess potential opportunities and challenges in bilateral ties. The prospect of an FTA holds promise for economic synergies, while progressive immigration policies could facilitate greater collaboration and exchange between the two nations. Navigating these issues with diplomacy and mutual respect will be crucial for building a constructive and mutually beneficial relationship under Labour’s leadership in the UK.
right and what is wrong for their and their children’s future and those who are unable to make the right decisions for their family properly, they are the ones who elect the leaders to run the country.
Prime Minister Modi also said in his address on August 15, 2019, that the number of children in the family should be according to one’s resources and the same applies to the country as well. The country, which has about 2.4 per cent of the world’s land area and only 4 per cent of water, is home to about 18 per cent of the world’s population. The main reason for many problems spreading in India like unemployment, poverty, hunger, pollution, and illiteracy is the population of the country not being commensurate with the resources. Those who point to India’s population as the biggest reason for it becoming the world’s third-largest economy must look at the resources and population of the developed countries of the world.
Today, while most of the edible foods in our country are not pure, the potable water and the air to breathe have also become polluted. Due to these reasons, today our country has become the capital of diseases like cancer and problems like pollution in the world. Due to the increasing population in India, the cultivable land is continuously decreasing
convention, no literature, questionnaire, pamphlets, press notes, leaflets or any matter printed or otherwise should be distributed without the prior permission of Honourable Speaker within the precincts of the House. Placards are also strictly prohibited inside the Parliament House Complex.” So, when the rules are clear, then why should Rahul Gandhi, who is the LoP now, do everything against the norms?
He may believe that by being disruptive, dividends may get him closer to the power chair. But, in the process, he is creating more controversies.
Another controversy erupted over his visit to the New Delhi Railway Station to meet the loco pilots. The meeting was disputed by the Northern Railway CPRO, who said that the loco pilots were not from the local lobby and that Rahul Gandhi was accompanied by around seven to eight cameramen.
In a parliamentary democracy, it is vital for the Opposition to be strong and the designated leader in the Lower House to be asking questions. But, telling lies and mouthing shocking statements in and outside Parliament are just not the qualities of a conscientious Parliamentarian. His claims on the Agnipath scheme and compensation to martyrs were trashed by the Army when they submitted the proof. Similarly, his remarks related to
and due to family partitions, the size of the fields is becoming smaller. This is the biggest reason for the problems of farmers in the country.
But our leaders are busy only treating the symptoms instead of treating the underlying disease. Every political party is busy distributing taxpayers’ money in the name of getting votes. An example of which we have clearly seen in the lines to take Rs 8,500 after the results of this Lok Sabha election. There is a need for the intellectuals of the country to stop only earning money for their future generations and start putting pressure on all political parties and their leaders to enact population control laws, otherwise, in the future, their children will not be able to use the money earned by them. Now it is up to the intellectuals and taxpayers of the country to think about what kind of India they want to leave behind for their children. Today, every intellectual, taxpayer, woman and youth of the country is looking towards Prime Minister Modi with hopeful eyes to see what he has to say on the occasion of this Independence Day on the subject of the challenges arising from the rapidly increasing population and demographic change.
(Manu Gaur is a population expert and Member, Expert Committee, Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand)
Hindus during his debut speech as LoP were later expunged. Rahul’s first-day speech as the LoP may go down as one of the most controversial in the recent history of Parliament, portions of which had to be expunged. Like the present-day trend of producing shock reels to attract more audiences, Rahul seems to be on a similar path.
Since the day he assumed the role of the LoP, he has been hopping from one place to another accompanied by his group of cameramen to highlight the ‘pain and the suffering’ of the masses. While there is nothing wrong with the activism, he appears to be selective in picking up case studies and topics. Around 60 people died in the Tamil Nadu hooch tragedy, women were abused and publicly flogged in West Bengal, a Shiv Sena leader was brutally attacked in full public view in Punjab, and several other incidents have happened in INDIA bloc-held states. However, they have not found a response from the LoP.
The LoP’s lopsided view of issues is too stark to go unnoticed. The LoP in the Lok Sabha is a Constitutional post and its dignity needs to be maintained. Rahul Gandhi may be jumping on issues in the hope of attacking PM Modi, but in the process, is also exposing himself.
(Deepika Bhan can be contacted at deepika.b@ians.in)
India, Russia set $100 billion trade target by 2030, to move forward on FTA: Foreign Secretary
Moscow, July 9 (IANS) India and Russia have set a new target of $100 billion in trade between the two nations by 2030, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed larger space of economic engagement, covering trade, capital linkages, energy, science and technology cooperation, and defence and security.
Trade between India and Russia stood at $65.7 billion in the financial year ending March 2024, a 33 per cent rise over the
previous year.
In a media briefing, Kwatra said that a significant component of the bilateral meetings was to how the partnership between India and Russia can also give a fillip to ‘Make in India’ and other manufacturing partnerships across a whole range of economic domains.
"PM Modi took up the need to broaden the trade basket between the two countries and in this regard, spoke about a greater market access for Indian goods, both in the agriculture and the industrial sector," he said.
The two leaders also spoke about the need to move forward on the free trade agreement (FTA) with the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU).
"We have had one round of discussions between the two countries and it is expected that
this would be expedited in the months ahead," said Kwatra. The two sides have signed nine documents, principally in the economic space. The two leaders also spoke about the new proposed corridor -- the Chennai-Vladivostok Eastern Maritime Corridor. They also focused on important areas in the economic domain, particularly fertiliser supply from Russia to India which is directly linked to the crop production and the farmers’ yield in India.
In the nuclear energy field, the continuing cooperation on the economical nuclear power projects was discussed between the two leaders. Earlier, PM Modi was conferred the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle the FirstCalled, Russia's highest civilian award.
‘Workforce growth in Indian online gaming industry rose 20 times from 2018 to 2023’
New Delhi, July 9 (IANS)
Workforce growth in the Indian online gaming industry has increased 20 times from 2018 to 2023, with a remarkable 97.56 per cent CAGR (compound annual growth rate) over the same period, underscoring the sector’s vital role in job creation, a new report showed on Tuesday.
According to the report released by the Foundation for Economic Growth and Welfare (EGROW Foundation), in collaboration with Primus Partners, the online gaming industry is growing to become one of the key employment-generating industries in the next few years. Notably, the female workforce within the industry has surged, with a 103.15 per cent CAGR from
2018 to 2023.
"The Indian online gaming industry is a significant contributor to our economy and a vital source of employment and innovation. With 455 million gamers in 2023, India boasts the second-largest gaming community globally after China," said Dr Charan Singh, CEO & Founder Director of EGROW Foundation.
Moreover, the report highlighted several key issues hindering the growth of the online gaming sector.
The most prominent was regulatory uncertainty in the sector, exacerbated by delays in establishing Self-Regulatory Bodies under the IT Rules, which is negatively impacting business operations and allowing offshore operators to gain market share.
Another persisting concern was the recent amendment imposing a 28 per cent tax on deposits, due to which some firms are seeking a
lower tax rate and a return to the earlier valuation method based on gross gaming revenue to foster growth and attract investment, the report said.
"Overall, the Indian online gaming industry offers a vibrant and promising landscape, full of potential for economic growth and job creation. However, navigating the recent changes in the GST framework will be crucial for online gaming platforms to maintain their growth trajectory," said Nilaya Varma, Co-Founder & CEO of Primus Partners.
In addition, the report mentioned that the online gaming sector’s contribution to the M&E (Media & Entertainment) industry is projected to rise from 3.4 per cent in 2019 to 10.5 per cent in 2024 and 12.6 per cent by 2026. The sector’s contribution to the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comic) industry is projected to rise from 41 per cent in 2019 to a staggering 68 per cent by 2026.
EV adoption could save $10 bn, create millions of jobs by 2030: Amitabh Kant
New Delhi, July 9 (IANS)
Highlighting the need to create a new overarching strategy for road transport that can boost transition to Electric Vehicles (EV), G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO, Amitabh Kant on Tuesday said that EV adoption could save $10 billion and create millions of jobs by 2030.
"There is a need to develop a new overarching strategy for road transport that can accelerate the EV transition by 2030," Kant wrote in a post on X.
He also mentioned that this transition should focus on fully electrifying India's 50 most polluted cities by 2030.
"This could save $10 billion by 2030 and generate millions of jobs, positioning India as a global EV manufacturing leader," the G20 Sherpa mentioned.
Kant also shared an article written by him along with the post, in which he mentioned that the first step should be to electrify two-
Tech Mahindra, Microsoft join hands to modernise workplace experiences with GenAI
New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) Tech Mahindra on Tuesday announced a collaboration with Microsoft to modernise workplace experiences with Copilot for Microsoft 365.
This will benefit their over 1,200 customers and an initial over 10,000 employees across 15 locations.
Tech Mahindra will improve workforce efficiency and streamline processes, ushering in a new era of modern workplace experiences by leveraging Microsoft’s Cloud platform and GenAI capabilities.
Additionally, the company is deploying GitHub Copilot for 5,000 developers which is expected to increase developer productivity by 35 per cent to 40 per cent within the organisation by democratising access to AI capabilities.
"The collaboration with Microsoft and the introduction of Copilot
for Microsoft 365 and GitHub Copilot also marks a significant stride in Tech Mahindra's commitment to making AI accessible to everyone," Mohit Joshi, CEO and MD, Tech Mahindra, said in a statement.
As part of this partnership, Tech Mahindra has launched a dedicated Copilot practice focused on helping customers unlock the full potential of AI tools.
The practice will include workforce training to help customers with assessment and preparation, which are critical for successfully integrating AI across every area and every function in an organisation.
"Our collaboration with Tech Mahindra will empower its employees with new generative AI capabilities to enhance workplace experiences and increase developer productivity through the adoption of Copilot for Microsoft 365 and GitHub Copilot," said Judson Althoff, Executive VP and Chief Commercial Officer at Microsoft. In addition, Tech Mahindra will offer comprehensive solutions to help customers prepare, pilot, and adopt business solutions that utilise Copilot for Microsoft 365.
Indian companies keen to explore investment opportunities in Austria: Industry
cooperation opportunities in renewable energy, smart cities, audio-visual and films, tourism and other sectors.
Sanjiv Puri, President, CII, said we must encourage two-way cooperation in sustainable agriculture, water treatment and food processing.
wheelers, three-wheelers, light commercial vehicles, and buses, as they are key contributors to tailpipe emissions.
"These cities alone account for over 40 per cent of the nation’s vehicle registrations. If these cities achieve 100 per cent electrification in new vehicle sales by 2030, India will be well on its way to sharply reducing its oil needs," he said.
As per the World Air Quality Report 2023, India ranked among the top three countries with the highest PM2.5 levels and is home to 42 cities among the top 50 with the worst air quality.
Vienna, July 11 (IANS) Indian companies are keen to explore investment opportunities in Austria across areas such as Research and Development, artificial intelligence (AI) and software in sustainability areas for addressing the European market, industry experts as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his historic visit to the country.
Speaking at the India-Austria Business Forum in Vienna, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) with Austrian Federal Economic Chamber and Federation of Austrian Industries in conjunction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Austria, Martin Kocher, Minister of Labour and Economy, Austria stressed that we value the Indian startup ecosystem as one of the most vibrant in the world. He added that there are
“In critical areas in sustainability cooperation of circularity, adaptation to weather disruptions and biodiversity, Austrian technology partnerships can help India in these areas through AI, advanced sensors and other new tech instruments,” said Puri.
Talking about India-Austria trade relations, R. K. Singh, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Investments and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry said that the two-way trade between India and Austria is worth about $2 billion which is relatively well balanced.
“Most MNCs who have invested in India, including many European ones who have stayed the course have reaped rich dividends in terms of outshining their parents, both in terms of topline and bottom-line expansion, profitability as well as enterprise value,” said Singh.
A taste of South India arrives down under
Brisbane, June 27 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The grand opening of Hotel Saravana Bhavan in Brisbane, recently, marked a new milestone for this globally renowned vegetarian restaurant chain.
Originally from Chennai, Hotel Saravana Bhavan has become a symbol of authentic South Indian
cuisine with its signature dishes like Masala Dosa, Rava Kesari, Filter Coffee, Medu Vada, and Pongal.
This new branch adds to the brand’s impressive international presence, with outlets spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The expansion into Australia and New Zealand
has been particularly notable, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Shekar Mani. A passionate foodie with an academic background from IIM Calcutta and Stanford University, Mani’s vision and drive have been instrumental in the brand’s success in this region.
The opening event was a starstudded affair attended by Consul
General of India in Brisbane Neetu Bhagotia, MPs Corrine McMillan (Mansfield) and Peter Russo (Sunny Bank), and LNP’s Pinky Singh (Mansfield), alongside other Indian and multicultural leaders. Their presence highlighted the cultural significance and wide appeal of Hotel Saravana Bhavan.
With its new Brisbane location, Hotel Saravana Bhavan continues to share the rich flavours of South Indian cuisine with food enthusiasts around the world, further solidifying its place as a beloved global brand.
AII CEO launches booking celebrating diversity & culture
Melbourne, July 12 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute (AII), recently launched Aarti Betigeri’s new book, ‘Growing Up Indian in Australia’. The book celebrates Australia’s vibrant diversity and features contributions from Australian-Indian writers from
various backgrounds, religions, and experiences.
The launch event included a powerful panel discussion moderated by Singh and featuring Aarti Betigeri, Tasneem Chopra, Shreya Tekumalla, and Preeti Maharaj. The panel explored the significance of diaspora voices in shaping national identity.
‘Growing Up Indian in Australia’ is a colourful and energetic collection of stories reflecting on identity, culture, family, food, and expectations. These narratives delve into the deep truths of the Australian and Indian identity, offering insights that inspire, challenge, and broaden our understanding of the diverse cultures that shape our world.
Medtech opportunities in India discussed
Perth, July 9, 2024 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Professor Kevin Fynn of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Curtin University and David Izzard, Corporate Advisor at Rockford Partners, recently met with the Consul General (CG) Amrajeet Singh Takhi to discuss emerging opportunities in the medtech sector in India.
During the meeting, held at the Consulate in Perth, the trio explored potential collaborations and investments aimed at leveraging technological advancements to address
healthcare challenges in India. Professor Fynn highlighted Curtin University’s cutting-edge research and innovation capabilities in medical technology, while Izzard emphasized Rockford Partners’ expertise in corporate advisory and strategic investments.
The Consul General expressed keen interest in fostering partnerships that could bring innovative medtech solutions to the Indian market. He noted the significant demand for advanced medical technologies in India and the potential for Australian institutions and companies to contribute to this burgeoning sector.
CG inaugurates expo on Indian weddings at Curzon Hall
Sydney, July 12 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General (CG) Dr S Janakiraman inaugurated the much-anticipated ‘Grand Indian Wedding Experience’ on July 9 at Curzon Hall in Marsfield. This exclusive expo was designed to celebrate and showcase the
grandeur and cultural richness of Indian weddings. Attendees from various cultural backgrounds gathered to watch the vibrant tapestry of traditions and festivities.
The event featured a plethora of attractions, including traditional Indian music performances, lively
entertainment showcasing dance forms like Bollywood and classical dances, and a rich array of authentic Indian cuisine. Guests were also treated to intricate mehndi designs, showcasing the artistry of henna application, and had the opportunity to explore traditional clothing and jewellery displays.
The ‘Grand Indian Wedding Experience’ served not only as an exposition of Indian wedding customs but also as a platform for cultural education and celebration. Participants had the chance to learn about the intricate rituals and decorations that characterize Indian weddings, gaining deeper insights
into the cultural fabric of India. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in interactive displays and demonstrations, further enriching their understanding of Indian traditions and enhancing their appreciation for the elaborate preparations that go into Indian weddings.
Seminar highlights India’s tourism versatility
Sydney, July 11 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Consulate General of India, Sydney in collaboration with Australia-India Travel and
Tourism Council and Australia India Business Council organized a seminar and panel discussions on ‘Tourism in India’ on 10 July at the Consulate. Discussions were
focused on India’s versatility in the tourism sector from heritage, eco-tourism, wildlife, culinary, health and medical, adventure sports to cricket tourism.
Air India showcased its recent developments and future offerings while connecting Australia to India. Australian travel companies showcased their varied tour concepts in India and upcoming trends in the Indian tourism market.
During the panel discussion, emerging tourism opportunities in India, initiatives and future avenues to further grow the Indian tourism market was discussed.
The South Asian Genes and Health in Australia (SAGHA) study
Brisbane’s Rath Yatra festival thrills thousands
Brisbane, June 30 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple celebrated the Rath Yatra on June 30at Pallara Park. This event drew a lively crowd of devotees, community leaders, and cultural enthusiasts. Symbolizing the journey of chariots to promote goodness and harmony, the Rath Yatra was a joyful and spiritually uplifting success. At 2:00 PM, the beautifully adorned chariots began their ceremonial procession,
accompanied by traditional music and devotional songs. About 3,000 attendees participated enthusiastically, creating an electric atmosphere.
BAPS priests and notable figures attended the event, including Minister Leanen Enoch MP, James Martin MP, Mayor Jon Rovan, Consul General Neetu Bhagotia, Cr. Emily Kim, Swami Atmeshanand, and Dr Priti Suraj. These distinguished guests were warmly welcomed, and they actively participated, enhancing
the overall experience.
The Rath Yatra featured captivating cultural performances, including traditional dances, devotional singing, and spiritual hymns. Both children and adults enjoyed pulling the chariots and offering their prayers.
Speeches from community leaders highlighted Rath Yatra’s role in fostering community spirit and preserving traditions. The event also included food stalls offering delicious traditional
Indian cuisine, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The chariots, magnificently adorned, carried deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, while another chariot was dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Guru Parampara. This blend of traditions showcased the festival’s universal appeal.
Rath Yatra 2024 was a remarkable event, reflecting the community’s strong cultural roots and collective spirit.
Perth also celebrates Lord Jagannath’s Rath Yatra
Perth, July 8 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was organized in the southern suburb of Perth by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, recently.
This was the first time that Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath was organized in the southern suburb of Perth by BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. The Ratha Yatra started from Harrisdale
Pavilion and culminated in Piara Waters Pavilion. Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi joined the community in experiencing the divine unity of Jagannath Rath Yatra in Perth.
He was accompanied by Senator Varun Ghosh, Sam Lim MP, Yaz Mubarakai MLA, Dr Jags MLA, Mayor Logan K Howlett of City of Cockburn and local Councillors, and Pujya Swamiji. Over 3000 people from all walks of life came out enthusiastically to participate in this auspicious event.
Chef Manish Bhalla opens authentic Indian restaurant at York
Perth, July 10 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Chef and food entrepreneur
Manish Bhalla has unveiled a culinary gem with the launch of his new Indian restaurant at York’s iconic Imperial Homestead, recently. This new establishment promises to introduce the vibrant
flavors of India to the heart of regional Western Australia.
The grand opening was a notable event, graced by the presence of Consul General Amarjeet Singh Takhi, Mia Davies MLA representing the Central Wheatbelt region, and Chris Linnell, CEO of the Shire of York.
Together, they participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, emphasizing the cultural and culinary diversity that enriches Western Australia’s regional landscape.
Bhalla’s latest venture is set to become a cornerstone of York’s dining scene, offering both locals
and visitors an authentic taste of Indian cuisine. The restaurant’s location within the historic Imperial Homestead adds a distinctive charm, blending York’s rich heritage with the exotic flavors synonymous with Indian gastronomy.
Consul General Takhi expressed
his enthusiasm for the new establishment, recognizing its potential to enhance the cultural fabric of the region. Mia Davies MLA and Chris Linnell echoed these sentiments, highlighting the positive impact on local tourism and economic growth that Bhalla’s initiative is expected to bring.
Business lounge services launched at Sydney Consulate
Sydney, July 5 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
Consul General of India in Sydney Dr S Janakiraman inaugurated a business lounge and concierge services facility at the Consulate on July 3. It is a significant step by the Consulate on the continuous effort to facilitate and promote businesses between Australia and India, in particular with the states of New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia.
During the event, the Consul General presented the Australian company registration certificate to Rajeev Koundinya, the representative of Mede Focus
Aus Pty Ltd, an Australian branch of an Indian medical equipment and healthcare sector manufacturer based in Chennai. Warren Kirby Kirby MP, Co-Chair of NSW Parliamentary Friends of India, a strong supporter of bilateral trade and investments,
as well as Irfan Malik, National Associate Chair and president of AIBC-NSW Australia joined the Consul General in felicitating the company and soft inauguration of the lounge.
According to a Facebook post by the Sydney Consulate, interested business persons have an opportunity to directly interact with the trade and commerce team of the Consulate to seek guidance, share views, provide
feedback on the website, and so on. They can access important databases of importers, exporters, companies’ reports, etc. The lounge is centrally located in Sydney (CBD) well connected to public transport by train, bus, and light rail, and is approximately 30 minutes from the airport. The lounge is equipped with workstations, video conferencing set up and systems, including computers and printers with internet access so
as to facilitate smooth operation of productive business meetings, both online and in person meetings, and provides a focused and private environment. The business lounge can be availed of during any of the working days from Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on prior appointment/ registration. Business visitors are free to use the facility with no cost, says India’s Sydney Consulate Facebook post.
Digamber Jain Sansthan Melbourne’s celebration
recently. Consul General
The
The event included performances to celebrate vibrant culture and values aimed to promote nonviolence and bring social harmony and cohesion. DJSM is establishing its first meditation
and spiritual centre in Rowville to promote spirituality, mental health and wellbeing of multicultural communities in Victoria.
Melbourne, July 5 (Australia India News Newsdesk)
annual celebration of Digamber Jain Sansthan Melbourne (DJSM) was organized
Dr Sushil Kumar joined Chairperson of Victoria Multicultural Commission Vivienne Nguyen in celebrating the event.
Brett Lee hails Bumrah as best bowler of all three formats for exceptional T20 World Cup performance
Northampton (England), July 10 (IANS) One of the fiercest fast bowlers of his generation, Australia’s Brett Lee has heaped praises on Indian star ace Jasprit Bumrah claiming he is the ‘best’ bowler in all three formats at the moment. “Their batting order, which includes players who can dominate at every position from top to bottom, speaks volumes. Their middle-order is loaded with power and they have hitters who can put runs on the board quickly. In my opinion, Jasprit Bumrah is simply exceptional,” said Lee.
Bumrah’s performance at the
2024 T20 World Cup further cemented his bid to be one of the best bowlers in all three formats of the game. The 30-year-old was named as Player of the Tournament for his amazing effort throughout the campaign which saw him collect 15 wickets at an average of 8.26. Bumrah finished with an economy of just 4.17.
“He is the best bowler in all formats right now and leads the attack. Bumrah can keep up an amazing pace while shaping the new ball away.
His tournament performance demonstrated his leadership abilities, taking about 15 wickets with remarkable economy. He is absolutely exceptional, and India is deserving of praise for their accomplishments,” added the former Aussie pacer.
Lee is currently at the World Championship of Legends and is
captain of the Australia Legends squad.
After a thrilling victory over India in the World Championship’s first season, the Australian Legends will now advance to the semifinals. It is enough to say that the Australia Champions are one of the most formidable teams right now because of the involvement of legends like Dan Christian and Brett Lee who have driven the team and seized every opportunity along the way.
Taking time from his busy practice schedule, the former Australian pace bowler Brett Lee added props for his country’s team’s performance after their first loss against Pakistan.
“It’s obviously been a wonderful week for us. After our loss against Pakistan and then to have three wins in the tournament is fantastic. So, we are starting to find some form,” he said.
Wimbledon 2024: Krejcikova overcomes
Paolini in three sets for first title at SW19
London, July 13 (IANS) Barbora Krejcikova overcame a secondset loss to beat Jasmine Paolini of Italy in the women’s singles final, claiming her first Wimbledon title and second Grand Slam crown on Saturday. Krejcikova, the No. 31 seed, from the Czech Republic, defeated Paolini 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in a well-contested maiden final for both at Wimbledon.
Three years ago, Krejcikova won the French Open title. Thirteen major events have passed since,
marking the largest gap between Grand Slam titles since Karolina Pliskova’s 18-event gap between the US Open 2016 and Wimbledon 2021.
Krejcikova’s victory at Wimbledon adds to her growing resume, having also been a quarterfinalist in doubles at this year’s event.
At 28, Krejcikova is the oldest player to win her first Wimbledon title since Angelique Kerber six years ago. She is the fifth Czech player to reach the women’s singles finals at Wimbledon in the Open Era, following Jana Novotna, Petra Kvitova, Karolina Pliskova, and Marketa Vondrousova.
On Saturday, Krejcikova also became the first Czech player in the Open Era to secure women’s singles Grand Slam titles at different events.
In the final, Krejcikova won 10 of the first 11 points, breaking Paolini’s serve to open the match
with a smooth forehand winner. She broke the Italian’s serve twice in the 35-minute first set and did not face a break point herself. The Czech star had 10 winners against Paolini’s 10 unforced errors.
The way she started the first set, it looked like Krejcikova would cruise to a straight-set victory. But Paolini had other thoughts as she converted her first break point of the match to take a 2-0 lead and would break Krejcikova twice. Paolini had eight winners to Krejcikova’s 14 unforced errors.
But in the third set, the two players settled into a rhythm and played their most consistent tennis. With Paolini serving at 3-all, Krejcikova forged the first advantage. She converted her second break point of the game when Paolini hit a nervous double fault. It was a lead she would not relinquish and rode to a welldeserved victory.
Copa America: Messi-less Argentina beat Colombia to clinch record-breaking 16th title
Colombia in the finals of
the tournament at the Hard Rock Stadium to win the coveted title for record-breaking 16th time and its fourth in a row.
In a game where Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi injured his ankle and had to be subbed off in the second half of the game, La Albiceleste dug deep and held off their feisty opponents until extra-time where Golden Boot winner Lautaro Martinez scored his fifth and most important goal of the season to hand his side the victory.
This was Argentina’s third Major tournament trophy in a row (2021 Copa America, 2022 FIFA World Cup) making them the first South American side to achieve this feat.
Siniakova and Townsend bag Wimbledon
women’s doubles title
London, July 14 (IANS) No. 4 seed Czech-American duo of Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend battled past No.2 seeds Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe to clinch Wimbledon women’s doubles title.
Under a closed roof in the late evening, Siniakova and Townsend came back from two set points down in the first set before beating the reigning US Open champions 7-6(5), 7-6(1) in 2 hours and 4 minutes to wrap up a memorable result. The victors wrapped up the win just before 10:30 pm London time.
This is the duo’s first title together as a pair in only their third tournament alongside one another.
Moreover, it is Siniakova’s third Wimbledon doubles trophy and a ninth major overall while Townsend tasted a Grand Slam success for the first time having
finished runner-up in doubles finals at both the US Open and Roland-Garros in the past.
“I feel great. I got 500 text messages. I didn’t know that many people had my number. That’s going to take a while to go through,” Townsend said after the match.
“This is my first one, my first Grand Slam title. I’ve been close two other times. To get over the finish line the way that we did, I think we played so well. We were just locked in, in control. We played our way. It felt good the way we did it,” she added.
The result completed a remarkable couple of months for Siniakova who makes it backto-back majors on two different surfaces - with two different partners - after landing the Roland-Garros title in June with Coco Gauff.
“I agree with Taylor, I think it was a really tough match. “We played amazing. I think we stick together. That’s what makes the team even stronger. So I’m really proud of ourselves. Even if it’s nine (Slams), I’m every time happy. It feels every time different, every time good,” Siniakova said.
‘Captaincy brings out the best in me’, says Gill after series win over Zimbabwe
Harare, July 15 (IANS) After leading India to a 4-1 series win over Zimbabwe, Shubman Gill believes that captaincy “brings out the best in him” as he discovered the side of him that he really ejoyed on the field.
because I look to be involved in the game. It is something that really brings out the side of me which I enjoy being on the field,” said Gill. “There was pressure, I wouldn’t say extra pressure but obviously, even when you are playing just as a batter when you don’t perform there is a certain kind of pressure that comes along with it.
This was a special win for Argentina as one of its most loyal servants Angel Di Maria has now officially retired from international football and was ecstatic to be bowing out in such a manner.
“It was written, it was this way. I dreamed it, I dreamed that I retired like this,” he said. “I have so many beautiful feelings. I am eternally grateful to this generation that made me achieve what I sought so much,” said an emotional Di Maria in the postgame conference. Lionel Messi took yet another step towards greatness as it was his 45th team accolade making him the most decorated player in football.
Gill, who narrowly missed selection for the T20 World Cup, was one of India’s standout performers in their 4-1 series triumph over Zimbabwe, which concluded in Harare on Sunday. As opener and captain, the righthander amassed a series-best 170 runs at an average of 42.50, performing admirably in both roles.
The Zimababwe series marked Gill’s first time captaining India at the senior level, and the 24-yearold acknowledged he enjoyed the experience. As the search for Rohit’s successor as skipper continues, Gill’s leadership will be under consideration ahead of India’s white-ball series in Sri Lanka later this month and the three home matches against Bangladesh later in the year.
“It is something that I definitely enjoy. I think it brings out the best in me when I am out there
“But I think that’s the fun part of it. You kind of feel so many different emotions. Pressure is one of them. And when you get out of that, the satisfaction that you feel is immense,” he added.
Gill further said he learned plenty from playing under Rohit in recent times, but also picked up leadership qualities from a host of other India players as he seeks to become a permanent fixture in all three formats for his country.
“You can take qualities from Rohit bhai or even Mahi (MS Dhoni) bhai, Virat bhai, Hardik (Pandya) bhai, all of them. All of them have great qualities. I have played the most under Rohit bhai, so he is someone who I look up to and really enjoy playing under,” said Gill.
Gill wasn’t the only India batter to perform well against Zimbabwe, with fellow young gun Yashasvi Jaiswal (141 runs) and the likes of Ruturaj Gaikwad (133) and Abhishek Sharma (124) all managing scores in excess of 50 during the series.
Miami, July 15 (IANS) Argentina have successfully defended their Copa America trophy with a 1-0 win over
A Journey to Tirupati: A Personal Pilgrimage
By Dr Ram Mohan, Chairman, Australia India News
My recent two-week trip to India was nothing short of extraordinary. Filled with memorable moments and quality time spent with my extended family and friends, the visit also served a dual purpose as I was involved in promoting Australian Premium Solar in Tamil Nadu. Amidst all these activities, one experience stood out – our trip to Tirupati.
The journey began with a heartwarming reunion with my mother and extended family. After a long time apart, the joy of being together was palpable. We shared gifts, laughter, and stories from our lives, making the reunion even more special. My mother’s eyes sparkled with happiness as she received presents from her children and grandchildren, while she, in turn, handed out lovingly prepared gifts.
We decided to embark on a family
pilgrimage to Tirupati, a sacred site that had always been on our travel list. My mother, despite her age, was determined to make the trip, and her enthusiasm was infectious. We set off early one morning from Chennai, the drive filled with conversations and anticipation. The scenic route to Tirupati, with its lush green fields and rolling hills, provided a beautiful backdrop for our journey.
Upon arrival in Tirupati, the sight of the Sri Venkateswara Temple perched on the Tirumala hills was awe-inspiring. The temple’s grandeur, with its intricate carvings and towering gopuram, left us spellbound. Despite the throngs of devotees, there was a palpable sense of calm and devotion.
Climbing the sacred hill was a physically demanding but spiritually uplifting experience.
My mother’s unwavering faith and strength were truly
inspiring as she led the way, her determination evident in every step. We took breaks along the way, enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys, and sharing snacks and water to keep our energy up. At the temple, we joined the long queue of pilgrims. The wait was long, but the anticipation and collective devotion of the people around us made it bearable. Inside, the sight of Lord Venkateswara, adorned with jewels and flowers, was a moment of profound peace and gratitude. The brief darshan felt like a culmination of our faith and effort.
After the darshan, we explored the temple complex, visiting the smaller shrines and soaking in the spiritual ambiance. The prasadam, a delicious offering of laddu, was a sweet reminder of the divine blessings we had received.
Back in Chennai, our days were
filled with family gatherings and feasts. We rejoiced in each other’s company, savoring delicious meals of Tamil Nadu cuisine in local restaurants. The flavors of dosas, idlis, sambars, and various chutneys were a treat for our taste buds, making each meal a celebration. My mother and I, dressed in traditional Tamil Nadu attire, stood amidst the natural beauty of the region, creating memories that we would cherish forever.
One particular evening stands out in my memory – a dinner at a renowned restaurant, where we relished an elaborate South Indian thali. The assortment of dishes, served on a banana leaf, was a feast for the senses. From spicy curries to sweet desserts, every bite was a taste of tradition and love.
We also spent time visiting local attractions, walking through markets, and enjoying the natural beauty of Tamil Nadu. Standing
amidst lush green fields and serene landscapes in traditional attire, I felt a deep connection to my roots.
The return journey from Tirupati was filled with conversations about the temple, our experiences, and plans for future visits. We felt rejuvenated, both spiritually and emotionally. This trip was a blend of devotion, family, and personal growth. Our visit to Tirupati wasn’t just about the temple. It was also about the journey, the time spent with family, and the shared experiences that brought us closer. The trip allowed us to reflect on our lives, express our gratitude, and strengthen our bonds with each other.
My trip to India was undoubtedly marked by various memorable moments, but the visit to Tirupati with my mother and family was the highlight. It was an experience that blended spirituality with the joys of family bonding, leaving us with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Spectacular getaways to visit this Summer Exploring UNESCO Heritage Sites in Turkiye
As the summer temperatures continue to soar in India, you can start planning a unique vacation filled with new experiences that promise to remain etched in your memory. Whether you’re traveling with family or seeking a romantic escape, here’s a guide to bespoke getaways across the world that bring to you, a variety of immersive journeys, rare experiences and exceptional cuisine.
Soneva Jani, Maldives
Amankora offers a number of enriching journeys through Bhutan’s spectacular central and western valleys, Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang. Five distinct lodges offer a circuit of Himalayan sanctuaries, inviting you to embark on a multidestination itinerary with the opportunity to experience the Kingdom of Bhutan's remarkable landscape and rich cultural heritage. Between March-May, the season of renewal sees Bhutan at its most beautiful as
Make a splash this summer in Soneva Jani’s turquoise lagoon, where luxurious overwater residences and unparalleled marine experiences await. Enjoy intimate dinners with visiting Michelin-starred chefs, reach new fitness goals or unlock the secrets to integrative wellness at Soneva Soul. Personalised secret experience, ‘The Secret Day at Soneva Jani’ and culinary experience inspired by the movie ‘The Hundred-Foot Journey’ will both be available at Soneva Jani. Amankora, Bhutan
the Himalayan landscape comes alive with colour. Hikes around Gangtey are enlivened by forests of resplendent rhododendrous, while the jacaranda trees surrounding Punakha Dzong erupt into mauve clouds of blossom. The pleasant air is perfect for picnics and the rivers around Punakha offer perfect conditions for Whitewater rafting.
Amanoi, Vietnam
Amanoi’s programme of craft activities include traditional coconut-leaf weaving – the
intricate but easy-to-learn process by which the region’s children make their own toys.
At the Beach Club, the Amanoi activity team celebrate the art of sand sculpture, incorporating shells, stones and driftwood into grand sandcastles and other creations. At night, the library can transform into a screening room, with a selection of family films on offer – accompanied by popcorn and cookies. This year, Amanoi’s residency programme draws an international roster of holistic health experts and wellbeing practitioners who curate limitededition retreats and experiences, including:
Rajeshwari Nerurkar, 1-31 May – Master of her craft since 2004, Rajeshwari focuses on energy healing to treats the cause of physical symptoms.
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort Immerse yourself in a transformative journey of wellness as you cleanse and balance the seven chakras under the guidance of a Balinese High Priestess. Experience the restorative powers of ancient healing practices in one of the most inspirational settings imaginable. Located on the southern tip of the Island of the Gods, Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is an all-suite-andvilla cliffside paradise boasting innovative architecture and untamed natural beauty.
Atreasure located in one of the world's most essential geographies, where the history of civilisation was written and shaped, Turkiye is an open-air museum of ancient sites. The country offers a rich wealth of history with 21 World Heritage Sites listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, and 79 on the Tentative List.
Let's look at some of Türkiye’s lesser-known archaeological treasures to inspire your next adventure!
Treasure of the Inner Aegean: Aizanoi
ride from Dalyan. The Kaunos rock tombs, which can also be seen from Dalyan, were produced in the fourth century BC and used during the Roman period.
Don't miss: Tour boats can bring you to İztuzu Beach, a true natural wonder where you can observe the Caretta caretta sea turtles. During the incubation and spawning periods of the Caretta carettas, human visitors are prohibited from the beach from evening to morning, as the beaches are reserved exclusively for sea turtles during this critical time.
Aizanoi, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is a remarkable ancient site in Kütahya, in the Inner Aegean. As the principal settlement centre of the Aizanitis living in ancient Phrygia, Aizanoi became a wealthy and prominent city during the Roman period due to grain cultivation and wine and wool production. Aizanoi is home to the world’s first trade exchange building, the Macellum, and Anatolia’s best-preserved Temple of Zeus.
Don't miss: In Kütahya, a part of the Phrygian Valley, there are numerous open-air temples and altars dedicated to the mother goddess Cybele, as well as rockcarved tombs. Visit these fantastic structures while you're in the region.
Kaunos and its rock tombs
Kaunos, an important port city of the ancient world, is among Turkiye’s most exciting ruins, with its rock tombs. On the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, Kaunos lost its port as silt filled the sea over time. Like Stratonikeia, Kaunos is in the Muğla province and accessible via a 10-minute boat
Located in Burdur, the geography of ancient civilisations, Kibyra is among the region’s most important ancient cities, along with Sagalassos. Since 2016, the structures in Kibyra, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, have been planned symmetrically to offer unobstructed views. In addition, following a comprehensive restoration, Kibyra’s lovely 2,000-year-old monumental fountain once again flows with potable water. The city’s peak occurred during the Roman period. Its other noteworthy structures include a stadium with about 10,000 people, where gladiator fights occurred, and the Odeon, which features a unique Medusa mosaic.
Don't miss: Sagalassos is another stunning ancient city in Burdur, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. It is well worth a visit to bask in its 5,000 years of history and see the Antonine Fountain. Also worth visiting is Salda Lake, a natural wonder of the province with a white sandy beach.
Kibyra, with water flowing from an Ancient Fountain
Ola CEO calls for 70 hours work week, doctor warns of diseases, premature death risk
New Delhi, July 12 (IANS) After Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal backed Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s 70-hour work-week advice, a top neurologist on Friday warned that it could increase the risk of several serious diseases and even premature death.
Murthy had, in 2023, said that if India wants to compete with developed economies that have made remarkable progress in recent decades, youngsters should work for 70 hours a week.
In a recent podcast, Bhavish
reignited the debate on the 70hour work week, saying that he is “fully in sync” with his advice.
“Working long hours is associated with increased risk of multiple serious diseases and even premature death,” said Sudhir Kumar, from Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, in a post on social media platform X.com.
Citing several scientific studies the doctor said that “working 55 or more hours per week is associated with a 35 per cent higher risk of a stroke and a 17 per cent higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease, compared to working 35-40 hours a week”.
Further, working for more than 55 hours a week kills more than 8,00,000 people every year, he said.
Long working hours also raise
the risk of being overweight, prediabetes, and Type 2 diabetes -- a precursor to many diseases and early death.
“People working 69 or more hours a week are more likely to have moderate to severe depressive symptoms than those working 40 hours a week,” he said.
“CEOs are inclined to recommend long working hours for their employees to improve their company’s profits and their own net worth,” the neurologist said.
He added that in the case “where employees fall sick, they can be easily substituted”.
“It is in your best interest to choose an organisation that cares for employees and recommends reasonable working hoursto ensure a better work-life balance,” he said.
Indian scientists make breakthrough in quantum-based data encryption
Bengaluru, July 12 (IANS) In a major breakthrough, a team of Indian scientists has created a user-friendly way to generate unpredictable random numbers crucial for stronger data encryption and provide robust cybersecurity, the Ministry of Science & Technology has said.
The Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru, which is an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), performed a photonic experiment to demonstrate a violation of what is called the Leggett Garg Inequalities (LGI) -- a litmus test for “quantumness” in a system in a loophole-free manner.
The team carried out extensive research in collaboration with researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, IISERThiruvananthapuram and the Bose Institute, Kolkata to use
such LGI violation in a completely unexplored domain -- truly unpredictable random number generation, secure against device tampering and imperfections.
These numbers are crucial in applications like cryptographic key generation, secure password creation and digital signatures, among others.
With further engineering interventions and innovations, devices adopting this method could find powerful applications not only in cybersecurity and data encryption but also in diverse areas like economic surveys and drug designing/testing.
“We have successfully generated random numbers using temporal correlations certified by the violation of the Leggett Garg Inequality (LGI),” said Professor Urbasi Sinha, faculty at the QuIC lab at Raman Research Institute, and the corresponding author of the paper published in the Physical Review Letters.
“Our experimental setup ensures a loophole-free violation of LGI, providing an additional advantage
of generating loophole-free randomness,” Professor Sinha added.
According to the researchers, this new method offers the enhanced protection “we all need in our daily lives, by using truly random numbers to generate keys that will be used to encrypt the passwords”.
There are several advantages to generating certified random numbers using this method.
“These include the creation of strongly protected passwords, enhanced account security by resisting brute-force attacks, ensuring uniqueness, integrity thereby preventing forgery and token generation with multi-factor authentication, adding a crucial security layer in this vulnerable cyber world,” explained Dr Debashis Saha, IISER Thiruvananthapuram faculty and co-author of the study.
The experiment generated over 9,00,000 random bits at a rapid rate of nearly 4,000 bits/second.
India can do to AI what China did to manufacturing: Bhavish Aggarwal
Founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal on Sunday said that with the kind of talent India has, it will become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) the way China became in manufacturing. In a post on social media platform X, Aggarwal said it will not “automatically happen unless we make it happen”.
India has the largest number of developers in the world.
“It also has largest number of silicon designers in the world, largest amount of data in the world and largest IT services industry in the world,” said Ola
‘Shocked’ Big Tech CEOs condemn assassination attempt on Trump
San Francisco, July 14 (IANS)
Big Tech leaders on Sunday condemned an assassination attempt aimed at former US President Donald Trump during an election rally, stressing that political violence is intolerable.
The CEOs of Apple, Google, Microsoft and Meta posted comments on X social media platform, wishing for Trump’s speedy recovery while criticising the use of violence.
“I pray for President Trump’s rapid recovery. My thoughts are with him, the other victims and the Trump family. I strongly condemn this violence,” said Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai wished President Trump a speedy recovery.
“I’m shocked by the shooting and loss of life. Political violence is intolerable, and we must all come together to strongly oppose it,” Pichai posted on X.
Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella said, “There is simply no place for any type of
violence in our society.”
“Sending my best wishes to President Trump for a speedy recovery and to all those impacted by today’s horrific event,” Nadella said.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta Founder and CEO, also prayed for a quick recovery for the US Presidential candidate.
“This is such a sad day for our country. Political violence undermines democracy and must always be condemned,” he posted on Threads social media platform.
Trump thanked the United States Secret Service and law enforcement for their prompt response after the assassination attempt on him.
“I want to thank the United States Secret Service and all of law enforcement for their rapid response to the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the former President wrote on his own social media platform ‘Truth Social’.
“Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured,” he said.
The shooter, who remains unidentified, was shot dead. Local authorities said he was in a low-rise building outside the rally venue.
A member of the audience was also dead, while another person was grievously wounded.
Human-centric, responsible mobile AI is the future: Experts
Paris, July 13 (IANS) Humancentric mobile artificial intelligence (AI) is the future and open collaboration among the industry and a distinct approach to hybrid AI is the only way to achieve the best possible mobile AI experience for users, experts said here on Saturday.
Electric CEO.
The India AI Mission has been approved with an outlay of Rs 10,372 crore and out of this, Rs 2,000 crore would be utilised towards supporting the Indian startup ecosystem to develop indigenous AI-based solutions. According to the latest IDC report, the spending on AI and Generative AI (GenAI) in India is projected to reach $6 billion by 2027, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.7 per cent.
It’s not enough just to innovate for good but it is equally essential to do so responsibly, they added during an AI session.
“Within months, we have democratised Galaxy AI, extending access to more models and form factors. It’s a feat only possible through close collaboration with our industry partners and our distinct approach to hybrid AI to bring our users the most practical, reliable and versatile mobile AI experience possible,” said Won-Joon Choi, EVP and Head of Mobile R&D Office, Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung.
According to Dr Chris Brauer, Goldsmiths, University of London, it is the first stage of exploring and understanding the relationship between AI and indicators we know correlate to a person’s life quality.
“The key indicators we looked at were creativity, productivity, physical health and social relationships. What we discovered gives a very clear indication of the immense potential that lies ahead for AI users,” said Brauer at the session.
Jenny Blackburn, VP of User Experience for Gemini Experiences and Google Assistant, Google, said that without cutting-edge mobile devices from partners like Samsung, “capabilities of our world-class platforms would be underutilised”.
The industry experts also deliberated upon to create responsible AI experiences.
“AI Policy Observatory will ensure informed decisions and help policymakers to keep up with developments. We work directly with leaders in government and major tech companies alike,” said Lucia Russo, economist and policy analyst in AI unit, OECD Digital Economy Policy Division.
New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) Ola
Women more likely to suffer anxiety, depression post-cardiac arrest: Study
New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) Women who survive cardiac arrest are more likely to experience greater rates of anxiety and depression than men, according to a study on Tuesday.
The research group from Amsterdam University Medical Centre in the Netherlands analysed the five-year socioeconomic data of 1,250 individuals, with an average age of 53, who had survived an outof-hospital cardiac arrest in the country.
They looked at many factors to determine the five-year consequences of a cardiac arrest.
The results, published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality & Outcomes, showed a 50 per cent rise in antidepressant prescription in the first year among women that was not mirrored in men.
"This rise then tapered off to around a 20 per cent increase in prescriptions after five years," said Robin Smits, a researcher at Amsterdam Public Health.
While more research is needed "we can already say that it shows that particularly women are not adequately supported after a cardiac arrest," Smits added.
Besides anxiety and depression, the research also saw the
employment trends that also affect the general population as they age through their 50s. There was also a change in 'primary earner status' -meaning that the member of a household who had the highest earnings frequently changed after a cardiac arrest, suggesting it was difficult for individuals to return to the labour market, Smits said.
A previous study on the survival rates of cardiac arrest showed that women lived longer than men after a cardiac arrest.
Combining the findings, "we see that the consequences of cardiac arrest differ depending on your sex. While women may be more likely to survive and live longer, they are also more likely to be affected by mental health issues after a cardiac arrest," Smits said.
Study shows how to protect diabetics from heart & kidney disease
New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) Using a combination of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) is likely to offer additional protection against heart and kidney disease in patients with diabetes, according to a study.
SGLT2is, also called gliflozins, are a class of drugs that lower blood glucose by increasing its excretion in the urine, while GLP-1RAs, such as Ozempic, work by enhancing insulin release and sensitivity.
Impaired glucose control in patients with diabetes is known to cause damage to blood vessels in the heart and kidneys.
According to lead author Brendon Neuen, Clinical Associate Professor from The George Institute for Global Health, "the rapidly expanding indications for the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, makes it important to look at their effects with SGLT2 inhibitors".
The new findings, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, are based on a meta-analysis of 12 large-scale, placebo-controlled trials of SGLT2is involving 73,238 patients with diabetes, 3,065 of whom were
already receiving GLP1-RAs.
The results showed that SGLT2is reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death by 11 per cent, independent of GLP1-RAs.
It also decreased hospitalisation for heart failure or cardiovascular death by 23 per cent versus placebo, even when added to GLP1-RAs.
Further, the drug SGLT2is also reduced the risk of chronic kidney disease progression by 33 per cent when added to GLP1-RAs and slowed the annual loss of kidney function by almost 60 per cent when added to GLP-1RAs.
Importantly, no new safety concerns were identified when SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs were used in combination, the team said. Both classes of medicines work independently of each other -- SGLT2 inhibitors against heart failure and chronic kidney disease; GLP-1 receptor agonists against heart attack, stroke, and also kidney disease, Neuen said.
Cut down smoking to avoid cognitive ageing: Study
Delhi, July 6 (IANS) Want to maintain sharp memory skills and cognitive function as you age? Cutting down on smoking suggests a large study that found it to be a key lifestyle factor linked to cognitive decline.
The study, published in Nature Communications, is based on a 10-year survey of 32,000 adults aged 50 or over from 14 countries in Europe.
The team led by researchers from the University College London, UK showed that cognitive decline was faster for lifestyles that included smoking.
People who smoked had cognitive scores that declined up to 85 per cent more over 10 years than those who did not.
Lead author Mikaela Bloomberg (UCL Behavioural Science & Health) said the study "is observational; it cannot definitively establish cause and effect, but it suggests smoking might be a particularly important factor influencing the rate of cognitive ageing".
New tool to predict nerve damage from breast cancer treatment
New Delhi, July 9 (IANS) Swedish researchers have developed a novel tool that can predict the risk level of nerve damage in each individual from breast cancer treatment.
While once deadly cancer is becoming treatable, many women treated for breast cancer using taxanes -- a chemotherapy drug used to prevent breast cancer recurrence -- often experience side effects in the nervous system.
The new tool, by researchers at Linkoping University in Sweden, could help doctors adapt treatment to avoid persistent side effects in those at the greatest risk.
Kristina Engvall from the varsity noted that nerve damage is a very common side effect after treatment with taxanes for breast cancer. They often persist for several years.
“For those affected, it is extremely stressful, and it has a major impact on quality of life,” she added.
For the study, published in the journal npj Precision Oncology, the team surveyed side effects in 337 patients treated for breast cancer with either docetaxel or paclitaxel -- the two most common taxane drugs.
Between two and six years, more than one in four patients reported cramps in the feet as the most common side effect of nerve damage, or peripheral neuropathy. Difficulty opening a jar, numbness in feet, tingling in feet, and difficulty climbing stairs were the other side effects.
To develop the prediction model, the researchers sequenced the patients' genes and then built models that link genetic characteristics to various side effects of the taxane treatment.
The researchers succeeded in modelling the risk of persistent numbness and tingling in feet using machine learning.
The two models separated the patients into two sets: one with a high risk of persistent side effects, and one that corresponded to the frequency of peripheral neuropathy in the normal population.
Kristina noted that the new tool can help personalise treatment.
High-intensity interval exercise by elderly can boost brain function for years
New Delhi, July 10 (IANS)
As per previous studies, people who engaged in more healthy behaviours like regular exercise, and moderate alcohol intake have slower cognitive decline. However, it did not specify whether all behaviours contributed equally to cognitive decline.
However, the new study showed that among the healthy behaviours, "not smoking may be the most important in terms of maintaining cognitive function". Among those unable to stop smoking, the study suggests engaging in other healthy behaviours such as regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, and remaining socially active "to offset adverse cognitive effects", Mikaela said.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) like cycling, push-ups, burpees, squats, and lunges may not just delay cognitive decline in the elderly but also boost brain function that can last for years, according to a study on Wednesday.
The study by the University of Queensland in Australia found that six months of high-intensity interval training can boost important brain functions such as hippocampal-based learning and memory in older adults for up to five years.
In the study, 151 participants aged 65-85 with no cognitive deficits were randomly assigned to one of three exercise interventions (low (LIT) - - predominantly motor function, balance, and stretching; medium (MIT) -- brisk walking on a treadmill; and HIIT -- four
cycles running on a treadmill at near maximum exertion.
Each participant attended 72 supervised exercise sessions for six months.
The results, published in Aging and Disease, showed that only the HIIT exercise led to cognitive improvement retained for up to 5 years.
High-resolution MRI scans showed that only the HIIT exercise group had structural and connectivity changes in the hippocampus -- the area responsible for learning and memory.
Researcher Dr. Daniel Blackmore, from the varsity’s Queensland Brain Institute, said they also displayed “blood biomarkers that changed in correlation to improvements in cognition.”
With 1 in 3 people aged 85 years likely to develop dementia, he noted that the impact of the research was far-reaching.
Even as ageing is one of the biggest risks for dementia, “keeping people cognitively healthier for longer with a simple intervention like exercise, we can potentially save our community from the enormous personal, economic and social costs associated with dementia,” said Professor Perry Bartlett from the varsity.
New
5 ways to use rose water for skin
Rose water has long been used as a beauty remedy. It is made from the aromatic petals of the rose flower. With several advantages for all skin types, its natural qualities make it a flexible component for skincare products.
Unlock the potential of rose water for healthy, glowing skin with this in-depth guide, Deepali Bansal, CEO and Founder of Suroskie shares with IANSlife five ways to add it into your skincare routine.
Hydrating Toner: As a hydrating toner, rose water is one of the most widely used and traditional applications. Rich in antiinflammatory and antioxidant qualities, it calms, hydrates, and refreshes the skin. Rose water toner is suitable for all skin types because it balances the pH of the skin. The delicate scent also offers a pleasant sensory experience. To use, just cleanse your face, put a small bit on a cotton pad, and gently swipe it across.
DIY Face Masks: Make your own healthy face masks by combining various all-natural ingredients with rose water. Rose water helps to brighten and revitalise
your skin by lowering redness and inflammation. Below we are sharing 2 DIY masks for a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. Mix aloe vera gel, honey, and rose water for a revitalising and hydrating mask. This mixture can calm sensitive skin, lessen swelling, and give your face a refreshed appearance. Let the mask sit for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water.
For the second face mask mix two tablespoons of rose water and one spoonful of honey. The skin is cleansed and moisturised by the natural antibacterial qualities of honey and the calming benefits of rose water. Evenly apply the mixture to your face, let it remain for ten to fifteen minutes, and then rinse with warm water.
Aromatherapy for Stress
Reduction: The fragrant scent of rose water has healing properties for the mind and emotions in addition to its physical advantages. The soft scent of rose water calms the senses and encourages relaxation, which releases tension from the day.
Take a moment to inhale deeply as you apply the rose water to your skin, letting the natural essence surround you. Your sense of smell is stimulated by the delicate flower scent, which promotes calmness.
The Anti-Acne Remedy: To calm and cure imperfections, add rose water to your anti-acne regimen. Because of its inherent anti-inflammatory qualities, it relieves inflamed skin and lessens the redness and swelling that come with acne. Its antimicrobial qualities fight bacteria that cause acne and stop new breakouts. Rose water's moisturising qualities also aid in preserving the proper moisture balance of the skin, avoiding extreme dryness.Use a cotton pad or mist to apply rose water to clean skin in order to utilise this cure. Relief from Sunburn: Rose water is a great treatment for sunburned skin because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities. Its inherent antiinflammatory qualities aid in lowering sun-induced redness and inflammation. Using a cotton pad or spray, gently apply cold rose water to the afflicted regions. Rose water is an all-natural skincare solution that works on many different skin issues. Rose water has several uses, including as a toner, moisturising mask, face spray, and focused treatment for acne and the eyes. Uncover the secrets of its timeless beauty by including this flowery elixir into your skincare routine on a regular basis.
Vitamin E for winter hair resilience
By Shikha Dwivedi
As the winter season unfolds, encompassing cooler temperatures across India, a prevalent yet often-overlooked concern surfaces—noticeable increased hair fall. The colder climate accentuates this issue, shining a light on a pivotal factor: the scarcity of vital nutrients, prominently Vitamin E. This nutrient deficiency emerges as a crucial aspect within the spectrum of diverse hair care practices observed across India. Recognising the indispensable role of Vitamin E in addressing this seasonal challenge becomes imperative to safeguard and bolster hair vitality during the winter months, seamlessly woven into the tapestry of traditional Indian hair care routines.
Vitamin E stands tall as a cornerstone in Indian hair care traditions, esteemed for its remarkable hair-boosting prowess. Its potent antioxidant properties serve as pillars,
fortifying cells and stimulating hair growth, qualities highly cherished within India's multifaceted hair care practices. Therefore, understanding the pivotal role of Vitamin E in addressing this seasonal challenge becomes imperative to preserve and fortify hair vitality during the winter months.
Understanding Vitamin E's HairBoosting Powers:
Vitamin E emerges as a stalwart in the domain of hair care, harnessing potent antioxidant properties that not only fortify cells but also invigorate hair growth. Its pivotal role in reducing cell damage and supporting hair follicles becomes instrumental in countering oxidative stress, effectively combating the detrimental impact of free radicals that often lead to hair follicle breakdown.
Foods Rich In Vitamin E:
Your Vitamin E requirements can be met from a wide range of food products that include seeds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, and almonds. Other sources include vegetable oils like sunflower oil, leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, and fruits like mangoes, papayas, and kiwis, which are all very rich in Vitamin E. Moreover,
Tips to avoid dry skin during the winter
By Dr Jyoti Aneja
During the winter months, many individuals experience the discomfort of dry skin. The combination of cold wind, low humidity, and indoor heating can strip our skin of its natural moisture, leaving it dry, tight, and flaky. However, there are often overlooked factors that may exacerbate this issue, as well as simple steps that can be taken to alleviate it.
Avoid hot showers and baths While hot showers might feel heavenly during the chilly winter days, they contribute to dry skin. Hot water strips away the natural oils from the skin, leading to moisture loss and increased dryness. Switch to lukewarm water and limit your shower or bath time to retain the skin's natural moisture.
Moisturization is key
incorporating a diet rich in brown rice, and barley may also be good for matching your Vitamin E requirements.
Using Hair Vitamin Supplements To Address Nutritional Deficiencies:
Addressing this nutritional gap during winter necessitates, trying certified clean supplements fortified with Vitamin E. Consider, for instance, 100% natural capsules delivering 480 IU of plant-based Vitamin E. These capsules, offering 2X better absorption than their synthetic counterparts, deeply nourish the skin and fortify hair. Their unique blend encompasses Argan oil, contributing to skin radiance and acne prevention; Aloe Vera, renowned for its antiageing effects; and Sunflower Oil, aiding in stimulating hair growth and controlling hair fall. When consumed orally, these capsules provide sustained benefits, shielding the skin from oxidative damage and ensuring resilient hair amidst the rigors of winter. Additionally, nutrientrich supplements free of gluten, GMO, artificial sweeteners, added sugar and ingredients replenish dietary deficiencies and support good health.
A good moisturizer is essential in combating dry skin. Choose a hydrating product that contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramide, and glycerin, which help attract and retain moisture in the skin. Apply your moisturizer immediately after showering or washing your face to lock in hydration. Additionally, take advantage of the overnight hours. Before going to bed, apply a thick layer of moisturizing lotion or body butter to your skin. This will allow the product's hydrating ingredients to penetrate deeply into your skin while you sleep, resulting in soft, moisturized skin in the morning.
Exfoliation to remove dead skin cells
Exfoliating regularly is essential for removing dead skin cells that can accumulate on the surface, leading to a dull and flaky complexion. However, it's crucial to choose a gentle exfoliator, especially during winter when your skin is more sensitive. A physical exfoliant with fine particles or a chemical exfoliant like salicylic acid can effectively slough away dead skin and reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion.
Vitamin C and retinol for the boost
Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties, serves as a potent defender against free radicals while promoting collagen synthesis. This dual
action not only revitalizes the skin but also imparts a natural radiance. On the other hand, retinol, derived from Vitamin A, addresses dryness at its roots by promoting cellular turnover, unclogging pores, and stimulating collagen production. Adding a retinol product to your nighttime routine can help fight dryness while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Also, pampering your skin to masks weekly or bi-weekly, with ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, aloe vera, and honey, provides a potent moisture boost.
Humidify your living space
Indoor heating can contribute to dry air, which further dehydrates your skin. Invest in a humidifier to add moisture back into the air inside your home. This will help prevent excessive drying of your skin, keeping it hydrated and healthy. Place the humidifier in your bedroom or living room to provide maximum benefits while you sleep or spend time indoors. Protect your skin from harsh weather
When venturing outdoors in the winter, protect your skin from harsh weather conditions. Wear a scarf, hat, and gloves to shield your face, head, and hands from the cold wind and low humidity. Also, consider using a moisturizing lip balm to prevent chapped lips, which can worsen dryness and discomfort.
Hydrate from within
Maintaining well-hydrated skin is a year-round essential, with water consumption playing a pivotal role in achieving this goal. Although you might not feel as thirsty during winter as you do in the warmer months, it's crucial to stay adequately hydrated. Water helps nourish your skin from within, keeping it plump and reducing the risk of dryness and flakiness.
A balanced diet
Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables will contribute towards overall skin health. Include foods with omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, flaxseeds, and nuts, and lots of colorful fruits and veggies full of vitamins A, C, and E such as grapefruit, lime, avocado, carrot, pumpkin, red pepper, cucumber etc.
Pantsuits, dresses, lehengas: Wearable fashion takes spotlight on catwalk
By Durga Chakravarty
Fashion is all about freedom of artistic expression, and sometimes, one might think twice before sashaying it in daily life. However, this time, it was different at Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI, as the runway was undeniably influenced by the concept of wearable fashion, said ace designers.
From Ranna Gill’s collection 'Urban Prairie', which saw an array of pantsuits, skirts, jumpsuits and evening dresses all out of a fairytale, to Varun Chakkilam and Sakshi Bhati’s luxurious spin to lehengas or even Rajesh Pratap Singh’s royal spin to polo wear – is all that can be worn by fashionistas away from the runway.
Talking to IANS, Ranna Gill said: “This season's runway was undeniably influenced by the concept of wearable fashion, and it's a trend that resonates deeply with the essence of my 'Urban Prairie' collection.”
She added: “In a world where practicality meets style, wearable fashion takes centre stage, offering garments that seamlessly blend into urban life exuding an air of sophistication. The collection embodies this ethos, with each piece carefully crafted to not only dazzle on the runway
Triptii
lifts
but to also effortlessly transition into the wardrobes of modern individuals.”
She said that from elevated evening dresses to the impeccably tailored pantsuits and jackets, every garment is designed to be not just a statement piece, but a versatile staple that can be worn with ease and confidence.
“In a world where practicality and style go hand in hand, wearable fashion becomes a reflection of our ever-evolving lifestyles,” Gill added.
Designer Varun Chakkilam said that in 2024 Lakme Fashion Week, he showcased an array of wearable fashion, “marking a notable trend towards functional and versatile clothing options.”
He sees the shift as practical. Chakkilam added: “This shift reflects a growing preference for garments that seamlessly blend style with practicality, allowing individuals to effortlessly transition between various activities and settings.”
The designer, who has styled the likes of Virat Kohli, Pooja Hegde, Vijay Devarakonda and Nagarjuna among many others, said that the emphasis on wearable fashion “underscores a broader societal shift towards comfort, convenience, and sustainability
in clothing choices, highlighting its significance in contemporary style.”
Designer Prreeti Jaiin for label Nirmooha agrees that wearable fashion took the spotlight this season with a focus on comfort, versatility, and inclusivity.
“Designers showcased layering outfits, flared bottoms, practical details, and sustainable options, offering a blend of casual elegance and functionality suitable for diverse body types and occasions,” Jaiin told IANS.
For Nishit Gupta, Director at label Kalki, it is inspiring to witness a shift towards practical yet stylish and traditional designs, reflecting the taste of today's fashion enthusiasts.
He added: “Our collection embodies this ethos, offering chic and versatile pieces in signature ethnic designs that are perfect both for casual cocktail soirees as well as red carpet events or wedding celebratory events, ensuring that our customers feel confident and fashionable in every aspect of their lives.”
Designer Sakshi Bhati told IANS that witnessing and showcasing wearable fashion take the spotlight felt like a validation of her personal style.
She added: “It was refreshing to see my contemporaries prioritising practicality and versatility, catering perfectly to the demands of our modern lifestyle. The emphasis on comfortable silhouettes and functional accessories resonated deeply with me, as did the focus on sustainability and durability in fabric choices."
She added: “Here's to embracing stylish yet accessible fashion choices that effortlessly complement our daily lives."
glam quotient in Shantnu and Nikhil’s ode to ‘strong women’
crush Triptii Dimri did not fail at winning hearts once again, but this time it was as a showstopper for the ace couturiers Shantnu And Nikhil at the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI. Triptii brought the curtains down as she strutted the runway on the fourth day of the fashion extravaganza, where the designer duo brought the curtains down
with their latest Spring Summer collection christened ‘You’, an ode to strong women.
Shantnu said: “The idea was to pivot from who we are as a brand and we have always believed that there is a very strong voice of femininity but it is surrounded by the overtones of masculinity that we are known for."
"The idea was to bring in more sartorial experience and move away from the conventional thought process of what couture is. It was all about strong women and an ode to our mother, who always played that role as a strong woman,” he added.
Dressed in a corseted bodice and a fitted sequinned skirt, Triptii made a dramatic entry on the runway in a car. Looking every-inch-stunning, the actress completed her look with
Shraddha Kapoor looks stunning in a saree, radiating poise
Sarees have traditionally represented elegance and grace in Indian fashion, and Bollywood superstars such as Shraddha Kapoor have been spotted wearing exquisite saree ensembles that inspire millions. With her impeccable style and flair, Shraddha effortlessly carries off sarees with poise and charm. Check out the top five saree styles of the actress from the film 'Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar' that you may replicate to add a touch of Bollywood glitter to your wardrobe.
Traditional Elegance: Shraddha Kapoor's traditional saree looks often feature timeless elegance and grace. She has been spotted in classic silk sarees adorned with intricate embroidery or rich zari work. To recreate this look, opt for a silk saree in vibrant colors
lace gloves, smokey eyes and a voluminous blowout. Triptii said that she was truly honoured to be a part of the collection by Shantnu and Nikhil, which stands for women and women being confident. “Being confident and being inherently powerful in their own beautiful version. I have said this several times and I am going to say it again that there is nothing more beautiful than a confident woman.” Staying true to the label’s ideologies, the collection was all about luxury, shimmery sequins, bedazzling metals and classic lace. Nikhil from the duo said: “Our parents brought us up like a team and I remember since we were kids, Shantnu and I have always been together, doing almost everything together and that's all ode to our parents."
like red, green, or royal blue. Pair it with traditional jewelry such as jhumkas, bangles, and a statement necklace to complete the regal ensemble.
Contemporary Chic: Shraddha Kapoor also embraces contemporary saree styles with panache. She experiments with modern silhouettes, unique drapes, and unconventional fabrics. To channel her contemporary chic vibe, try a predraped saree or a saree gown in soft pastel hues or monochrome tones. Accessorize with sleek accessories and minimalist jewelry for a sophisticated yet trendy look.
Floral Fantasy: Floral sarees are a favorite among Bollywood celebrities, and Shraddha Kapoor is no exception. She often opts for sarees featuring delicate floral prints or intricate floral embroidery. To recreate her floral fantasy look, choose a
feminine and romantic vibe.
Fusion: Shraddha Kapoor effortlessly blends Indian and Western elements to create fusion saree looks that are both stylish and unconventional. She has been seen pairing sarees with crop tops, blazers, or even denim jackets for a contemporary twist. Minimalistic Magic: Sometimes, less is more, and Shraddha Kapoor's minimalistic saree looks are a testament to that. She opts for simple yet elegant sarees in muted tones like ivory, beige, or blush pink. To recreate her minimalistic magic, choose a lightweight saree with clean lines
and subtle embellishments. Pair it with dainty jewelry, a sleek bun, and a subtle makeup look for understated sophistication.
National
lightweight georgette or chiffon saree or a saree made of a Liva Fabric adorned with floral motifs. Pair it with subtle makeup, soft curls, and floral accessories for a
New Delhi: Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on Saturday, July 06, 2024.
Puri: President Droupadi Murmu with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and others during the Gundicha Jatra (Car Festival) of Lord Jagannath, in Puri on Sunday, July 07,2024.
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das during a meeting, in New Delhi, Saturday, July 06, 2024.
Astana: External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar delivered India’s statement at the Summit of SCO Council of Heads of States on behalf of PM Modi in Astana, Kazakhstan, Thursday, July 04, 2024
Britain’s Labour Party Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks to the media and supporters supporters in London, Friday, July 5, 2024. Labour leader Stammer won the general election on July 4, and was appointed Prime Minster by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, after the party won a landslide victory
SCO Secretary-General Zhang Ming, Iranian Interim President Mohammad Mokhber, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) executive committee Ruslan Mirzayev pose for a photo at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) states leaders’ summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Puri: Servitors perform ‘Pahandi Bije’ of Lord Jagannatha during the ‘Bahuda Yatra’ in Puri on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Harare: Players of India pose with the trophy after winning the fifth and final T20 cricket match against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, in Harare on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
Puri: Hundreds and thousands of devotees gather to take part in the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, in Puri on Sunday, July 07, 2024.
Mumbai: Actor Salman Khan with former cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni during his birthday celebrations, Mumbai, Sunday, July 07, 2024.
New Delhi : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, July 15, 2024.
Moscow : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Moscow : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
STREE2
RELEASE DATE: 15 August 2024
LANGUAGE: Hindi (With English Subtitles)
PRODUCER: Jio Studios, Maddock Films, Zeal Z Entertainment
Akshay recalls how Radhikka Madan attended classes to learn to speak Marathi for ‘Sarfira’
Actor Akshay Kumar has praised his 'Sarfira' co-star Radhikka Madan for pushing the envelope to portray a Maharashtrian girl in the upcoming film.
In 'Sarfira', Radhikka plays Rani, a spirited and resilient Maharashtrian girl who faces numerous challenges with
unwavering determination. She adopted the nuances of Marathi culture, adding depth and authenticity to her portrayal, according to a statement.
Akshay praised Radhikka’s performance and said: "This is the best performance I have ever seen. I don't know what you all think about her. She is not
Maharashtrian, but she has acted like one. She is very well-spoken."
"Her language was very good, and she has gone through whole classes to learn how to speak Marathi and what to say. That is what she has done."
On July 4, the makers of the film released the song 'Chaawat', which showcases a traditional Maharashtrian wedding.
Penned by Manoj Muntashir Shukla, the lyrics of 'Chaawat' are composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar. It is sung by Shreya Ghoshal. 'Sarfira' traces the journey of Veer Mhatre, whose main goal is to introduce low-cost aviation carriers. It is inspired by the life of G. R. Gopinath, the founder of the Indian low-cost airline Simplifly Deccan.
'Sarfira' is a remake of the Tamil hit film 'Soorarai Pottru' starring Suriya.
The film is set to release on July 12.
Aahana Kumra is joined by Anushka Ranjan in upcoming action thriller series ‘Mixture’
crime and suspense.
'Mixture' is a gripping series that delves deep into the world of
Anushka said: "I am absolutely thrilled to join the cast of 'Mixture' and delve into this exhilarating action thriller. This project has pushed me to new heights as an actress with its
intricate storyline and intense character dynamics."
Produced by Pinaka Entertainment, 'Mixture', which is set to release later this year, unfolds against the scenic backdrops of Goa and the bustling streets of Mumbai, promising viewers an edge-of-the-seat experience with its intricate plot and dynamic action sequences.
Anushka added: “The twists and turns in the script kept me constantly engaged, and shooting against the vibrant backdrops of Goa and Mumbai added an extra layer of excitement to the experience."
"I'm eagerly looking forward to sharing this thrilling journey with the audience and am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented team," she said.
A source close to the production added, "Anushka brings a unique intensity to her role that perfectly complements the fast-paced and gripping narrative of 'Mixture.' Her dedication and enthusiasm have been a driving force behind the energy of the series."
Sharon Stone had ‘zero money’ when she lost $18 million in savings after 2001 stroke
Actress Sharon Stone has revealed that she lost a lot of money that she had saved in her bank account following her stroke in 2001.
The 'Basic Instinct' star talked about how the stroke, which led to a nine-day brain bleed, made her step away from Hollywood.
“A Buddhist monk told me that I had been reincarnated into my same body,” Stone recalled in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
The actress said that she “had a death experience, and then they brought me back.”
“I bled into my brain for nine days, so my brain was shoved to the front of my face. It wasn’t positioned in my head where it was before.”
She added: “And while that was happening, everything changed. My sense of smell, my sight, and my touch. I couldn’t read for a couple of years. Things were stretched, and I was seeing colour patterns. A lot of people thought I was going to die.”
Stone said that this also led to people taking "advantage" of her "over that time", and she lost millions of dollars she had saved in her account, along with other personal items.
“I had $18 million saved because of all my success, but when I got back into my bank account, it was all gone. My refrigerator, my phone -- everything was in other people’s names,” Stone shared.
“I had zero money," she said. Instead of feeling "bitter" about all the negative things she experienced, Stone said she chooses to focus on the positive, reports people.com.
“I decided to stay present and let go,” she said.
“I decided not to hang on to being sick or to any bitterness or anger. If you bite into the seed of bitterness, it never leaves you. But if you hold faith, even if that faith is the size of a mustard seed, you will survive.”
“So, I live for joy now. I live for a purpose.”
Kumar Sanu pitches for the ‘flavour of 90s music’ to be brought back to Hindi cinema
Singer Kumar Sanu, renowned for his enchanting voice and distinctive style imbued with smoothness and emotional depth, passionately advocates for reviving the flavour of 90s music in today's era.
Kumar Sanu said that those years encapsulated a magical essence that deserves to be rediscovered and cherished, offering timeless melodies that continue to inspire and uplift souls even today.
The singer, who has lent his melodious voice to over 22,000 songs, has returned with yet another enchanting melody titled 'Mera Dil Tera Hone Laga', a duet with Aakanksha Sharma.
In a candid conversation, Kumar Sanu reflected on his affinity for romantic tunes, remarking, "I am known for melodious and romantic songs."
Speaking of the new track, he praised composer Sanjeev Chaturvedi's work, stating" "'Mera
Dil Tera Hone Laga' embodies the melodious essence reminiscent of the 90s."
He enthusiastically described it as a "fantastic composition" that transports listeners back to the golden era of music, promising a nostalgic journey through its timeless melody.
Reflecting on the enduring appeal of 90s music, the singer passionately expressed, "I feel the flavour of 90s music should be brought back. Composers like
Anu Malik and Nadeem Shravan should come forward. People still cherish those melodies to this day. It's unfortunate that today we aren't creating such timeless melodies."
Kumar Sanu went on to reminisce, "The 90s was truly the golden era of the music industry."
'Mera Dil Tera Hone Laga' is sung by Kumar Sanu and Aakanksha Sharma.
Actress Anushka Ranjan will be joining Aahana Kumra in the upcoming action thriller series titled 'Mixture', directed by Hanish Kalia.
IFFM
2024 Nominations: SRK, Ranveer, Mammootty
for Best Actor; ‘Jawan’, ‘12th Fail’ in Best Film race
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, and Diljit Dosanjh have been named in the Best Actor category, while films like 'Jawan' and '12th Fail', among many others, are nominated for Best Film at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024.
The festival is all set to celebrate its 15th edition from August 15 to 25.
The nominations for Best Actor, Best Film, Best Film Critics' Choice, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best OTT Actors and Actresses, among many other
categories, have been announced. '12th Fail', 'Amar Singh Chamkila', 'Chandu Champion', 'Dunki', 'Jawan', the Tamil movie 'Maharaja', the Malayalam film 'Premalu', and 'Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani' are competing in the Best Film category.
Ten actors, including Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, Fahadh Faasil, Kartik Aaryan, Mammootty, Mithun Chakraborty, Ranveer Singh, Sparsh Shrivastava, Vicky Kaushal, and Vikrant Massey, are in the Best Actor category.
Nominees for Best Actress include
Alia Bhatt, Alizeh Agnihotri, Beena R Chandran, Jyothika, Nitanshi Goel, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Pratibha Ranta, Preeti Panigrahi, Sanya Malhotra, and Swathi Reddy.
For the Best Director category, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Karan Johar, Nithilan Saminathan, Rahul Sadasivan, Rajkumar Hirani, and Vidhu Vinod Chopra have been selected.
The Best Actor in the OTT category include Arjun Mathur, Babil Khan, Gulshan Devaiah, Jitendra Kumar, Naveen Chandra, R. Madhavan, Roshan Mathew, and Suvinder Vicky.
Actresses in the same category include Harleen Sethi, Karishma Tanna, Neena Gupta, Nimisha Sajayan, Parvathy Thiruvothu, Shriya Pilgaonkar, and Sobhita Dhulipala.
IFFM, which is backed and presented by the Victorian Government in Australia, is an annual celebration of Indian cinema, showcasing the best films, digital series, and talents from India.
It aims to promote cultural exchange and celebrate the diversity of Indian cinema on an international stage.
The winners of the prestigious IFFM 2024 Awards will be announced during the festival at their annual gala night on August 16 and will be hosted at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne.
Shreya Jain: Working on ‘Udaariyaan’ wedding sequence has been incredibly fulfilling
Taylor Swift’s piano malfunctions during Milan Eras tour
Pop icon Taylor Swift, who recently performed her second Eras Tour show in Milan, experienced a minor glitch with her piano.
The singer-songwriter treated her fans to two surprise mashups during the secret song segment of the concert, reports ‘People’ magazine.
The mishap occurred after she performed a guitar mashup of the Fearless (Taylor’s Version) vault track ‘Mr. Perfectly Fine’ and ‘Red’ from Red (TV). Things took an unexpected turn when she moved to the piano.
According to ‘People’, the 14-time Grammy winner began a mashup of Reputation’s ‘Getaway Car’ and ‘Out of the Woods’, but could barely get past the opening lines when her piano, painted with colourful flowers, malfunctioned.
Actress Shreya Jain, who is currently portraying the role of Meher in the popular romantic drama ‘Udaariyaan’, is on cloud nine after shooting the wedding sequence in the television show. Talking about the wedding scenes, Shreya, who joined the show after a 15-year leap, said: “Working on the wedding sequence has been incredibly fulfilling.” “The atmosphere on set is buzzing with excitement and creativity. It’s a joy to see everyone come together to bring this special moment to life,” added the actress, who hails from Jaipur, Rajasthan. Shreya talked about how the wedding sequences, which have the essence of “love and traditions,” make them relatable to the audience. “It resonates deeply with viewers because it captures the essence of love, tradition, and human connections. It’s a universal experience that allows audiences to connect emotionally with the characters and their journey,” she said. When asked about her dream wedding, Shreya revealed: “My dream wedding would be a celebration filled with love, surrounded by family and friends in a picturesque setting. It would be personal, heartfelt, and unforgettable.”
“We have finally broken this thing,” Swift told the crowd as she peeked beneath the piano’s lid,
as seen in a fan video shared on TikTok.
A crew member can also be seen trying to fix the instrument.
Another fan’s video on X shows the moment after the piano was fixed. Swift closed the lid and said, “Oh, I did it.”
Swift has played ‘Getaway Car’ three other times on the Eras Tour, most memorably performing it with frequent collaborator Jack Antonoff in East Rutherford, N.J.
Before her Milan tour stop, Swift performed two shows in Switzerland, her first time in the “stunningly beautiful” country, as she called it on Instagram.
She also treated the crowd to her favourite songs to celebrate the 113th concert on the Eras Tour during the secret songs segment.
The singer kicked off the set with the evermore track ‘Right Where You Left Me’ and the 1989 song ‘All You Had To Do Was Stay’.
Left’s ideology never ceases to amaze me: Kangana Ranaut on Trump’s assassination
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut, who is gearing up for her upcoming film ‘Emergency’, reacted to the assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump, saying that Left’s ideology never ceases to amaze her.
The actress took to the Stories section of her Instagram and
attempt
shared two pictures of the Pennsylvania rally where Trump was shot.
In the pictures, Trump could be seen wounded with blood dripping from his ear.
“Trump was shot in his rally, he survived this assassination attempt but leftists are clearly getting desperate... everyone needs to be careful,” the actress wrote. She then pointed the gun at the followers of the left ideology, saying: “This man almost 80, after taking several bullets gets up punching fist screams ‘Hail America’ will win this election. That’s right-wing, never start a fight but be the one to close it.” “For America he took a bullet on his chest, if he was not wearing a bullet proof jacket he would have not survived this assassination attack.
Buyers L ike What They See at Brookwater.
Your minute neighb ourhood:
Just 35 minutes away from Brisbane CBD, the interest among buyers has been at a record level, according to Narendran Sinnathamby, the General Manager of Brookwater Residential. Brookwater ’ s current land release, The Dress Circle, is situated around the first nine holes of the championship golf course designed by Greg Norman. It is the only integrated golf community near Brisbane. “Discerning buyers are recognising that Brookwater is a premium lifestyle destination,’’Mr Sinnathamby said.
“ The Dress Circle, Brookwater is situated within Springfield City, one of Australia’s fastestgrowing regions. Springfield City sets the standard for world-class master-planned urban environments in the 21st centur y and has become a blueprint for nation-building,” he added.
“ The area boasts outstanding schools, and state-of-the-ar t health facilities, and is now home to the Brisbane Lions AFL Club Ever y thing you need is within reach ”
Within the Springfield City area, there are 12 schools, 22 childcare facilities, and the University of Southern Queensland providing a remarkable array of options for both private and public amenities, making it an ideal choice for growing families.
Springfield City is positioned as the gateway to the western corridor of Southeast Queensland. With an expansive area of 2,860 hectares, it is Australia’s largest master-planned city and the first of its kind since Canberra.
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SOURCE: ECONISIS
- The wider Springfield Grow th Corridor including Springfield and Greater Springfield is currently home to 145,300 people.
- This is expected to grow rapidly to almost 200,000 people in 2026 and over 435,000 in 2041.
- Represents an annual grow th rate of 5.6% over the 20 years to 2041.
Prep to Year 12 Christian co-education.
Health City Springfield Central – home to Mater Private Hospital Springfield, Aveo Springfield and Quest Apar tment Hotel. major retail shops, restaurants, a movie theatre and food court.
