Cannes 2024: Sobhita Adds Sparkle And Glam. See French Riviera Album

Sobhita Dhulipala turned heads at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. She attended an event on the sidelines of the Film Festival in the French Riviera on Thursday. Recently, Sobhita shared photos from the event on social media. The actress represented the brand Magnum at the Cannes Film Festival. Captioning the post on Instagram, Sobhita Dhulipala wrote, "Had such fun at last evening's @magnum party at the Cannes film festival, their theme was Euphoria, wonder, chill. The music was hard, the drag queens were burning it, the food was divine, and the vibes were hitting the spot. Life's giving, baby."

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At the Magnum Welcome To The Pleasure Express event, Sobhita Dhulipala dazzled in Namrata Joshipura's Cordelia Jumpsuit. This sleeveless ensemble, priced at ₹180,000 according to its official website, boasted a deep purple hue embellished with intricate sequin work, adding a touch of glamour. The cropped bodice featured a plunging V-neckline, accentuated by broad straps. Paired with wavy locks and subtle makeup, Sobhita looked elegant.

Sobhita chose a design previously worn by Athiya Shetty, albeit in a slightly different shade.

Joining her at Cannes this year will be actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shobita Dhulipala, Jacqueline Fernandes and Kiara Advani. Urvashi Rautela shared pictures from the French Riviera, while Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actress Deepti Sadhwani made her red carpet debut on Wednesday. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, on the other hand, walked the red carpet twice.

Aishwarya marked her second red carpet appearance on Friday. The actress opted for an ensemble that was both dramatic and stunning. She picked a silver outfit with fuschia green accents from the shelves of Falguni Shane Peacock. She left her tresses open in soft curls.

IPL Playoffs Scenario: How SRH vs GT Washout Impacts RCB, CSK, LSG, DC

IPL 2024 Playoffs Scenario: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 on Thursday got its third play-off-qualified team in SunRisers Hyderabad. The Pat Cummins-led side reached 15 points in 13 games after its match against Gujarat Titans got washed out due to rain in Hyderabad. It ensured that SRH will be among the top-four sides along with Kolkata Knight Riders (19 points in 13 matches) and Rajasthan Royals (16 points in 13 matches). SRH still have a game left against PBKS on Sunday.

With three spots already sealed, the fight is among three teams for the final playoff spot -  Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Lucknow Super Giants. Out of the three, the real fight is between CSK and RCB. LSG have only mathematical chance of advancing in all practical sense.

Here's the full details of the scenario for the four teams after SRH pocketed the third playoff spot.

Chennai Super Kings (14 points in 13 matches, NRR +0.528)

Matches remaining - 1 (vs RCB)

The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led team is best-placed to grab the fourth playoff spot. A win against RCB on Saturday will see them through. If RR and SRH lose their last matches against KKR and Punjab Kings respectively, CSK can dream of a top-two finish too, provided they have better Net Run-rate. 

They can also advance even if they lose to RCB. For that, the side must ensure that the losing margin is not big. That will see their NRR remain better than RCB and hence finish above the rivals in the final points table.   

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (12 points in 13 matches, NRR +0.387)

Matches remaining - 1 (vs CSK)

The Faf du Plessis-led side has to win the last game to have a shot for the last playoff spot. And not just win, they have to triumph by a handsome margin to ensure their run-rate remains above CSK. 

Lucknow Super Giants (12 points in 13 matches, NRR -0.787)

Matches remaining - 1 (vs MI)

The KL Rahul-led team is facing an improbable scenario. The only way they can qualify is to hope they win their last match by a very humongous margin on Friday. Then, RCB beat CSK but not by a big margin. That will see all three points ending on 14 points. The NRR will then decide which team advance. However, the scenario looks almost impossible and LSG's NRR is very poor.

Delhi Capitals (14 points in 14 matches, -0.377)

Matches remaining - 0

The side is out of the playoff race as it has no more matches left to improve their run-rate. They don't have any other matches left to improve it. One between RCB and CSK will end up with better run-rate (if not points also) than DC.

Man, 35, Kills 50-Year-Old Live-In Partner In Noida, Arrested: Police

A 35-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly killing his 50-year-old live-in partner here over suspicion that she was also involved with other men, police officials said on Wednesday.

Accused Gautam and victim Vineeta were staying together in Sector 42, the police said.

They were in a relationship for the last three years since the death of the woman's husband, they added.

"On Tuesday night, the duo had a heated argument after which the accused assaulted her to the extent that she fell unconscious. He then left the house," a senior police officer said.

"Later when the woman was taken to a hospital with the help of some locals, she was declared dead by doctors," the officer added.

An FIR in the matter was lodged under Indian Penal Code section 302 (murder) at the Sector 39 police station. A probe was launched, during which Gautam was traced and taken into custody, the officer said.

During interrogation, the accused told the police about their argument which escalated into a fight. He said he suspected Vineeta of involvement with some other men as well, he added.

The police said the body had been sent for post-mortem while the accused was produced in a local court which has sent him to judicial custody.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

द्रविड़ के बाद कौन होगा टीम इंडिया का कोच? रेस में 2 भारतीय और 1 विदेशी दिग्गज

Team India Next coach भारतीय टीम के मुख्य कोच राहुल द्रविड़ अगर पद के लिए दोबारा आवेदन नहीं करते हैं तो राष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट अकादमी के प्रमुख और भारत के पूर्व महान बल्लेबाज वीवीएस लक्ष्मण इस पद पर उनकी जगह लेने के लिये सर्वश्रेष्ठ विकल्प हो सकते हैं.

Pakistanis Own Properties Worth $12.5 Billion In Dubai: Report

With cash-strapped Pakistan running from pillar to post to get loan, its rich nationals own between 17,000 to 22,000 properties worth USD 12.5 billion in Dubai, according to the leaked data used by an international consortium of journalists to access details of properties in Dubai, it emerged on Tuesday.

According to Dawn.com, the leaked data provides a detailed overview of hundreds of thousands of properties in Dubai and information about their ownership or usage, largely from 2020 and 2022. It was obtained by the Centre for Advanced Defence Studies (C4ADS), a non-profit organisation based in Washington, D.C., that researches international crime and conflict.

The data was then shared with Norwegian financial outlet E24 and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which coordinated an investigative project with media outlets from around the world. Titled ‘Dubai Unlocked', the collaboration includes 74 partners from 58 countries.

The website reported that the details of “an astounding volume of leaked property data that includes over 17,000 properties listed as belonging to Pakistani nationals up to the spring of 2022” were known to journalists from scores of media outlets around the world.

It stated that while 17,000 Pakistani citizens are listed owners in the 2022 leak, academics using the data and additional sources put the actual number of Pakistani owners of residential property in Dubai at 22,000.

They further estimate that the apartments and villas may have been worth more than USD 10 billion at the start of 2022, but with the more than 25 per cent increase in property prices over the last two years, the real worth of Pakistanis' residential properties in Dubai could now be well above USD 12.5 billion.

"If we have the data you are talking about, as well as the information on residence status, we will make sure those who are eligible to pay tax in Pakistan on rental income or capital value are doing so," Malik Amjed Zubair Tiwana, chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), was quoted as saying by the news portal.

"It may be a sensitive matter, and perhaps the law will have to change, but with political will we will go all out against tax evaders. The government is prepared for this." He added that "citizenship has no importance in tax law" as taxation is linked to residence status. "We have been trying to get information from the immigration department of Dubai to determine tax status, but it has not materialised." Ali Rahim, tax lawyer and former Karachi Tax Bar Association president, said that the entire world income of resident Pakistanis is liable to be taxed in Pakistan, but they can get credit against their total tax payment for any taxes paid abroad.

Pakistani residents (those in the country for more than 183 days per year) with assets abroad have to value them at the current exchange rate and pay one per cent tax on that if the value of the asset is more than Rs 100 million. This law is being challenged in the high courts and the Supreme Court.

Non-resident or overseas Pakistanis are only liable to pay tax on income generated in Pakistan. They are not required to file a wealth statement or declare overseas assets.

Dawn also clarified that a mere mention of someone in the data is not evidence in itself of financial crime or tax fraud. Nor does the data contain information such as residence status, sources of income, tax declarations of rental income or capital gains. In fact, several of those approached for comment on their properties said they were declared to the tax authorities.

"But it does paint an astonishing picture of contrasts. Pakistan, a developing country teetering on the edge of economic collapse, begging international lenders and friendly countries for lifelines in single digit billions, features prominently in the data,” according to the website. PTI SH ZH ZH

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

Passenger Gets Into Argument With Lufthansa Staff In Delhi, Airline Reacts

A viral video of a heated argument between a passenger and Lufthansa staff at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport has prompted the airlines to open an investigation into the matter. The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user 'Ghar Ke Kalesh', shows the passenger repeatedly asking the ground staff why she was denied boarding the plane. It also shows a Lufthansa ground staff member leaving her cubicle and asking a fellow staff member to call security. 

Notably, the specific reason for the passenger's denied boarding remains unclear, however, the video has received significant attention online and has even caught the attention of Lufthansa Airline. "Kalesh b/w Air lufthansa crew & a passenger for Delhi - Munich - Toronto flights with return ticket (Full context in Clip)," the X user wrote while sharing the video, which has accumulated more than 620,000 views. 

Take a look below: 

Kalesh b/w Air lufthansa crew & a passenger for Delhi - Munich - Toronto flights with return ticket (Full context in Clip) pic.twitter.com/BO4szehD10

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) May 8, 2024

In the video, a ground staff member is seen leaving her cubicle and asking a fellow staff member to call security. The passenger, while recording the confrontation on camera, then asks the staff to answer her query. "I am telling you very politely. I am calling the security," the staff tells the passenger. "What you are doing, that is anyway not allowed. You cannot take the direct flight. If you want to know the rules, go to the German embassy," the staff says as the passenger continues to film her.

The clip ends with the ground staff calling security and asking the passenger to tone it down. "I have already called security. Ma'am, please wait, you won't travel," the staff says. 

The clip was shared on the microblogging site last week. In the comments section, when one user tagged Lufthansa India, the airline responded saying they are investigating the case and are in contact with the people involved. 

Hi Harpreet, we are investigating this case and are in contact with the people involved. /Aria

— Lufthansa India (@Lufthansa_India) May 8, 2024

Meanwhile, numerous people also flocked to the comments section to share their reactions. 

"There could be a genuine reason to deny boarding to this passenger. But the way she pointed finger on the passenger and using that tone was not at all cool. Imagine you have paid 75k for your ticket and at the airport you are being treated this way. As if she is not calling the security, but a gang of hooligans to scare that person," wrote one user. 

Also read | CBSE Board Results 2024 Spark Meme Fest On Social Media

"@lufthansa @DGCAIndia - seriously what sort of training are the airlines giving their customers. If this is polite way then god knows what impolite means. Can't explain her the issue instead want embassy to explain? Is it intentional coz then they won't refund the tickets also!" said another. 

"How arrogantly she was talking to customer because actually they don't care, even if customer was wrong but she should have behave politely. I too had faced similar arrogance, so @lufthansa must think to change the staffing agency before it gets too late..." shared a third user. 

"@lufthansa @Lufthansa_India What is harm to guide a customer with proper reason instead of harassing customers.What if someday you will be waiting for customers and customers opt your competitors.Please treat the customers very politely as future is going to be too competitive," expressed one X user. 

टी20 विश्व कप के बाद टीम इंडिया को मिलेगा नया कोच, BCCI ने किया पक्का

भारतीय टीम को राहुल द्रविड़ ने अपनी कोचिंग में पिछले साल भारत में खेले गए वनडे वर्ल्ड कप के फाइनल में पहुंचाया था. टीम को ऑस्ट्रेलिया के खिलाफ निराशाजनक हार का सामना करना पड़ा था. टीम इंडिया की इस हार के साथ ही मुख्य कोच राहुल द्रविड़ का कार्यकाल भी खत्म हो गया था. बीसीसीआई की तरफ से बाद में उनको टी20 विश्व कप तक कोच बनाए रखने की घोषणा की गई थी.

IPL 2024 Points Table: How Can RCB Reach Playoffs After Crucial Win vs DC

Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered their fifth consecutive victory to keep their IPL 2024 playoff dreams alive as the Faf Du Plessis-led side defeated Delhi Capitals by 47 runs on Sunday. The win means that RCB now have 12 points from 13 matches and their final league match against Chennai Super Kings can decide the fate for both teams. RCB will reach 14 points if they can beat CSK and that will put them in a good position to end up in the Top 4. CSK earlier defeated Rajasthan Royals and as a result, RCB will have to win by a good margin in order to end up with a superior Net Run Rate (NRR).

Lucknow Super Giants are also in the race for the playoffs and they need to lose one of their remaining two matches for RCB to qualify. DC and Gujarat Titans can also reach the 14-point mark but considering their disappointing NRRs, it seems unlikely that they will be able to qualify for the next stage.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowled and fielded brilliantly to beat Delhi Capitals by 47 runs.

Having managed only 187 for 9 after a blazing half-century by in-form Rajat Patidar, RCB bowled out lackluster DC for 140 in 19.1 overs. Patidar (52 off 32 balls) and Will Jacks (41 off 28 balls) added 88 for the third wicket in little under nine overs.

But Yash Dayal (3/20) and Cameron Green (1/19) were brilliant with their lengths as none of the Delhi batters save stand-in skipper Axar Patel (57 off 39 balls) made a mark.

DC stand-in skipper Axar Patel decoded the factor that led to their defeat.

"Dropped catches hurt us. Could've restricted them to 150. When you lose four wickets in powerplay, you're always chasing the game. 160-170 would've been a par score. Pitch was two-paced. Some were skidding, some were holding. When your main players are run out and you lose four in powerplay, you're chasing the game. Anything can happen, but haven't thought that far ahead," he said after the match.

(With PTI inputs)

'400 Paar' Push, BJP's Governance Model: PM Modi Exclusive On NDTV. Full Transcript

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke exclusively to NDTV during a roadshow on Sunday and predicted a clean sweep for the alliance in Bihar. He said the BJP will expand its footprint hugely in eastern India this time, which would take the NDA easily over the 400-seat mark.

Here is the full transcript of the exclusive interview:

NDTV: The tallest mass leader that India has seen in many decades, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is today in Patliputra and in this epic battle and has decided to give us time from his busy schedule.

Thank you very much for speaking to the viewers of NDTV. The viewers of our six channels are watching you right now. You have done programmes across the country. Is Patna's vibe a bit different?

PM Modi: I have visited almost all the states of India. And I can say that Bihar has added many colours to the BJP and NDA's resolution of '400 paar'. The atmosphere in Bihar is the same as that of the entire country.

NDTV: Many people are speculating that there is a BJP upswing in east India, whether you talk about Bengal or Odisha, even in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. What is your assessment?

PM Modi: If I talk beyond politics, there is a 2013 speech by me. I was not even the PM candidate then. So, if we want to develop India, we will have to develop east India. Eastern India should be made a growth engine. In the last ten years, I have laid emphasis on infrastructure, education, health and many such projects in eastern India. As far as this election is concerned, there is a huge storm that will sweep north, south, east and west. In the east, this time the results will be better than before and I believe that these will be surprising for the people of the country. One example for that would be Telangana. In Telangana, you won't be able to imagine the results. You will get the same results in Andhra, you will get the same results in Odisha, Bengal. You will get the same results in eastern India, be it Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam. So, in a way, I can see that the the Bharatiya Janata Party will be adding more areas to its tally.

NDTV: You are talking about these catchment areas. Please assess Bihar. What do you think will happen in Bihar?

PM Modi: In Bihar, I spoke to our colleagues that we had lost one seat earlier, perhaps this time we will not lose any.

NDTV: We are near Charkha samiti right now. Tell me what comes to your mind when you come to Bihar.

PM Modi: Well, I have come here a lot for organisational work and I have been to many areas. I am connected with many old things here.

NDTV: Do you see this election as a referendum or as a governance model fight?

PM Modi: The Bharatiya Janata Party has given a model of governance to the country. The country has seen the model of Congress, the country has seen the model of the Left, the country has seen the model of coalition governments and the country has seen the model of BJP and NDA full majority and it has seen a dynamic government and a decisive government, a risk-taking government. And on the basis of that we have been moving ahead.

NDTV: The number of women is very high here. You have created a constituency for yourself because whatever you have done, Ujjwala scheme, many states also have women-centric schemes, so do you think that women voters are with you?

PM Modi: Empowerment of women is my commitment and I have taken lead in G-20 summit on women-led development and for this we should give opportunities to women. Women should rise above the traditional things that we have. Like we initiated drone didi (scheme) in the villages, like we opened the doors of the Army, when we made them pilots in the Air Force, we sent our daughters to the border, our daughters are going to Siachen and protecting the country. So I have succeeded in bringing in a psychological change. And the power of women will become an additional force in the country's development journey and will accelerate the results.

NDTV: Thank you very much for talking to us.

मुंबई इंडियंस को हराकर KKR बनी प्लेऑफ के लिए क्वालिफाई करने वाली पहली टीम

कोलकाता नाइट राइडर्स ने शनिवार को कोलकाता में बारिश से प्रभावित आईपीएल मैच में मुंबई इंडियंस को 18 रन से हराकर प्लेऑफ के लिए क्वालिफाई कर लिया. इस सीजन में केकेआर प्लेऑफ के लिए क्वालिफाई करने वाली पहली टीम है.

After PM's 'Name Districts' Dare, Naveen Patnaik Reminds Him Of Promises

Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi dared Naveen Patnaik to name all the districts of Odisha and their district headquarters without referring to any notes as a test of his knowledge of a state he has governed since 2000, the chief minister has hit back and reminded the PM of all his forgotten promises.

The Biju Janata Dal chief - who was seen as close to PM Modi, had supported the BJP in crucial votes in Parliament, and was reportedly also in talks for an alliance with the party - also accused the PM of ignoring the "brave sons of Odisha" for the Bharat Ratna, including his father and former chief minister Biju Patnaik, as well as the Odia language.

In a video statement on Saturday, Mr Patnaik said he was asked how much he knew about Odisha and then turned the question on its head and asked the Prime Minister how much he remembered about the state and the promises he had made to it. 

"Even though Odia is a classical language, you forgot about it. You allotted Rs 1,000 crore to Sanskrit but zero to Odia. You have forgotten about Odissi music too. I sent two proposals to grant classical status to Odissi music, but you rejected both of them. There are so many brave sons of Odisha, some of whom you spoke about today. Don't any of them deserve the Bharat Ratna, including the great son of Odisha, Biju Patnaik," he asked.

The chief minister accused the Prime Minister of forgetting his promise to the farmers of the state to double the minimum support price and said he should have kept the people of Odisha in mind and built the coastal highway - which has been in the works for a while - but forgot about that too. 

Coal is Odisha's natural wealth, Mr Patnaik said, and claimed the PM had "forgotten" to increase the royalty paid for that in 10 years.

"Remembering Odisha only during elections will not help. Do you remember the promises you had made in 2014 and 2019? The people of Odisha remember your promise to reduce prices of LPG, petrol and diesel, to create 2 crore jobs, to provide mobile connectivity to all, to reduce and waive GST. The people of the state have not forgotten any of these," he said.

Reacting to the PM's claim that Odisha, where Assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections will begin on Monday, will get a BJP chief minister on June 10, the BJD chief said nothing would happen on that date or even in 10 years. 

"The BJP can't win the hearts of the people of Odisha. With Lord Jagannath's blessings and the love of the people of Odisha, the BJD will form the government in Odisha for the sixth time," he said. 

Addressing a rally in Odisha's Kandhamal earlier in the day, the PM had issued the dare and also said he has a strong emotional connection with the state.

"I want to challenge 'Naveen Babu' as he has been the Chief Minister for so long. Can he name the districts of Odisha and their respective capitals without seeing them on paper. If the chief minister cannot name the districts of the state, will he know your pain," the Prime Minister asked. 

"Odisha offers me immense love and support. I will repay every ounce of your trust by selflessly serving the country," he said.

"At Least Don't Fight In Ramadan": PM Says He Sent Special Envoy To Israel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that India sent a special envoy to Israel during its war with the Hamas terror group, to urge them to maintain peace rather than engage in combat during the month of Ramadan.

In an interview with Republic TV, PM Modi stressed on Friday that Israel should not fight, at least during the auspicious month of Ramadan.

"The time when Israel and Hamas were at war. I sent my special envoy to Israel to explain that Ramadan is going on. At least don't fight in Ramadan, don't attack anyone," PM Modi said.

"Secondly, I said that during the month of Ramadan, whatever the people need, India wants to send them, there should not be any hindrance. So this is our character and when we do this, we don't brag about it. Sometimes we get success, sometimes we don't. But we are doing it," he said.

Earlier in March, responding to international pressure for a cease-fire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the idea of a pause for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, saying while he would "like to see another hostage release," he didn't see any "breakthrough in the negotiations ... Without a release, there's not going to be a pause in the fighting."

On March 7, a Hamas delegation concluded talks in Cairo without a clear breakthrough. Israel has issued a warning that if hostages in Gaza are not released before Ramadan, they will launch a military offensive in Rafah, where over a million displaced people are taking refuge.

The conflict in Gaza escalated after the Hamas terror group attacked Israel on October 7, when about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages.

Israel has since, characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas' infrastructure with the goal of eliminating the entire terror group while making efforts to minimise civilian casualties.

While speaking regarding the Israel-Hamas war, PM Modi stated that when the world is choosing sides, we maintain a clear stance, India stands for peace.

"All the groups in the world. The community is formed. Almost all the communities want India's presence in some form or another. So, India is in a good position. As far as the issue of conflict is concerned, the world is taking the position," he said.

However, adding, "We are the only ones who have a clear stand, we are not on the side of anyone. We are on the side of peace," PM Modi emphasised.

"And because of this, the world has developed trust in us that these are the only people who do not talk about giving arms (weapons) to anyone and do not talk about fighting anyone," he stated

Amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, PM Modi also shared an instance, when he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and stated, "I had the courage to sit with President Putin and tell him this is not the time for war. And we are in favour of peace."

"We are not ready to leave the country's values. We are going to the world with our country, our values, and our traditions," he added.

In response to the question about Narendra Modi's role as an acceptable global mediator in global conflict, he is being invited by the Western Block to the Ukraine peace summit, the G7 summit, and the annual summit with Russia.

PM Modi replied, "The world knows what the election results will be and because of that, I have been extended invitations for June, August, October and September.

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

Did Not Permit Research By Chinese Vessel In Our Waters: Maldives Minister

Emphasising that "peace and security" of the Indian Ocean is important for countries in the neighbourhood including India, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer on Thursday said that his government has "not permitted the Chinese vessel" for research purposes in the Maldivian waters.

The statement by the Maldivian Foreign Minister came in the wake of the Chinese marine research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 returning to Maldivian waters, marking its second visit to the archipelago nation within two months.

"The peace and security of the Indian Ocean is important for both India and Maldives and Sri Lanka and the rest of the countries that we have in the neighbourhood. So, we will continue to work together as I said earlier," he said.

Elaborating on the port call for Chinese vessels, he said, "Our government issued personal rotation and friendly portable permits, and diplomatic clearances came from the Chinese side, which is very common in Maldives."

"So that's how it has happened we as a peaceful country, welcome those vessels which come for peaceful purposes. But they didn't come for research in the Maldivian waters, we have not permitted the Chinese vessel for research in the Maldivian waters," Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer said while maintaining that research vessels are not welcome in the Maldivian waters.

On April 27, Chinese marine research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3 returned to Maldivian waters, marking its second visit to the archipelago nation within two months after Pro-China Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's ruling People's National Congress (PNC) won the Parliamentary elections, as reported by Adhadhu news on Friday.

It is pertinent to note that Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon last month told the Maldivian Parliament that the Chinese vessel would not conduct any research despite sailing inside and near Maldivian waters. 

"There was no permission given to conduct any research in the Maldives territory. After docking in Male' and buying food, they did a crew change. People who came on an airplane went board the boat and those on the boat left via the airplane. That was the permission that was given," Adhadhu quoted Mr Maumoon as saying on March 25.

Relations between India and the Maldives have been strained since President Muizzu took office in November, shifting the government's focus towards China.

Tamil Nadu Man Crashes His New Car Into Temple Pillar Minutes After 'Puja'

A man unintentionally crashed his newly purchased car into a temple pillar in Tamil Nadu's Cuddalore after a blessing ceremony. A video of the incident has now surfaced on social media. Notably, the owner of the car, identified as Sudhakar recently bought a new car and decided to take part in a customary 'puja' at a nearby temple. After the traditional rituals were completed, Sudhakar, who is an experienced driver, started the car to mark his first drive.

However, he lost control and accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake and collided with a pillar-like structure within the temple premises. Another person who was talking to Sudhakar through the window was seen clinging to the car, while a third man was seen running after the vehicle. 

What happened inside the temple has not been captured on camera, but it has been said that the car hit a structure and stopped. The man did not sustain any injury in the accident and escaped unharmed, but his brand-new vehicle suffered some minor damage. 

''A man inadvertently crashed his newly purchased car into a pillar-like structure after a blessing ceremony at a temple in the #Srimushnam area of #Cuddalore district of #TamilNadu,'' the caption of the video shared on X reads.

Watch the video here:

A man inadvertently crashed his newly purchased car into a pillar-like structure after a blessing ceremony at a temple in the #Srimushnam area of #Cuddalore district of #TamilNadu. pic.twitter.com/omC6ppCR8h

— Hate Detector 🔍 (@HateDetectors) May 8, 2024

The video of the incident is now going viral on social media and garnering mixed reactions. While some expressed concern for the driver, some were amused by the embarrassing turn of events. 

One user wrote, ''The driver was excited for off-roading.''

Another commented, ''He risked his life to try to stop his newly bought car. Emotions..''

A third wrote, ''Vehicle take heartiest blessings Frome God.'' A fourth added, ''Insurance claim on 1st day of purchase lol.''

Muslims Can't Claim Rights In Live-In Relationship When Having Spouse: Court

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday said that Muslims cannot claim rights in a live-in relationship when they have a living spouse, as such a relationship is not permitted under the tenets of Islam.

A bench of justices AR Masoodi and AK Srivastava-I made the observations while hearing a writ petition by Sneha Devi and Mohd Shadab Khan, who were seeking protection from police action after the woman's parents filed a kidnapping case against Khan, and directed that Sneha Devi be sent to her parents under security.

The petitioners claimed that they were in a live-in relationship but the woman's parents lodged a police complaint accusing Khan of kidnapping and inducing her to marry him.

They also sought protection of their lives and liberty, saying they were adults and as per the top court, they were free to reside together in a live-in relationship.

"Islamic tenets do not permit live-in relationships during the subsisting marriage. The position may be different if the two persons are unmarried and the parties being major choose to lead their lives in a way of their own," the bench said while declining to pass an order on the issue of protection of life and liberty.

On an inquiry, the bench came to know that Khan was married to Farida Khatoon in 2020 and the couple had a baby.

The court observed that constitutional morality and social morality in the matter of marriage institutions required to be balanced, failing which social coherence for achieving the object of peace and tranquillity in the society would fade and disappear. It also directed the police that petitioner Sneha Devi be sent to her parents under security.

While the couple sought protection under Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty), the court observed, "The constitutional morality may come to the rescue of such a couple and the social morality settled through the customs and usages over ages may give way to the constitutional morality and protection under Article 21 of the Constitution of India may step in to protect the cause. The case before us is, however, different." "The constitutional protection under Article 21 of the Constitution of India would not lend an un-canalised support to such a right, once the usages and customs prohibit such a relationship between the two individuals of different faiths," the bench added. 

US Police Arrest Dozens From Pro-Palestinian University Encampment: Report

Washington police cleared an encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters at George Washington University on Wednesday, authorities said, making several pre-dawn arrests.

Just after 4:00 am (0800), hundreds of officers moved in on a university quad, making arrests and using pepper spray, the student-run GW Hatchet newspaper reported. CNN said around three dozen people were arrested.

Police remained on the scene around 10:00 am, an AFP reporter saw, as tents were being dragged toward a garbage truck and a student held a poster reading "Free Palestine" on the sidewalk.

The arrests came as the mayor and police chief from the nation's capital were expected to testify in front of Congress later in the day about why the encampment -- which had entered its second week -- had taken so long to clear.

However, after the encampment was cleared, Republicans who control the House Oversight Committee said they were canceling the hearing.

"It was unfortunate the situation at GW forced the Oversight Committee to act; however it was apparent that the DC police force was not going to do their job," Representative James Comer said in a statement.

The police department said in a statement that it had tried to "deescalate tensions" without arrests, but that based on "incidents and information, there has been a gradual escalation in the volatility of the protest."

Campus protests have sprung up across the country in recent weeks, with students demonstrating against the war in Gaza and calling on universities to cut direct or indirect financial ties with US weapons manufacturers and Israeli institutions.

The at-times raucous rallies have rocked colleges. Some Jewish students have reported threats and anti-Semitism, while pro-Israel counter-protesters at the University of California, Los Angeles, physically attacked demonstrators at an encampment.

Both President Joe Biden and universities have tried to walk a fine line between free speech rights and concerns about intimidation.

On Tuesday, Biden condemned a "ferocious surge" in anti-Semitism in a speech at the Capitol, saying "there's no place on any campus in America -- any place in America -- for anti-Semitism or hate speech or threats of violence of any kind."

Demonstrators -- including some Jewish student organizers -- have said they denounced acts of anti-Semitism, and accuse their detractors of conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism.

They've also criticized what they say is a heavy handed police response -- with more than 2,000 students arrested nationwide -- and said harassment of Muslims, Palestinians and Jewish students opposed to the war are being ignored.

The unrest has continued into spring graduation ceremonies, where at the University of Michigan students unfurled Palestinian flags and launched into chants.

Columbia, the epicenter of the demonstrations, on Monday canceled its main graduation ceremony.

The Ivy League school in New York, where at least 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested last week, cited security concerns.

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

Assam Congress's X Account Hacked, Profile Name Changed To 'Tesla Event'

The official X account of Assam Congress was allegedly hacked on Wednesday with the profile name changed to 'Tesla Event' and the profile picture to American electric carmaker Tesla's logo.

The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee lodged a police complaint and demanded the arrest of the culprit.

"We would like to inform you that our official Twitter (sic) handle, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee, was hacked but has now been restored and is currently under review to ensure full security," APCC said in a post on X in the afternoon.

"This attempted silencing by the government will not deter us. We remain committed to our principles and will continue our fight to speak the truth. Thank you for your unwavering support. Stay strong, we will not be silenced," APCC said.

In the complaint filed at Bhangagarh police station in Guwahati, APCC Social Media & IT Chairman Ratul Kalita said that the account was hacked around 4 am on Wednesday.

"This Twitter (sic) handle has many data of our party through which we have reached out to lakhs of people. I demand that the culprit be arrested for this... malicious intention," he added. 

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

Manipur Tribal Group With Alleged Links To Khalistanis Holds US Event

Nearly two weeks after India trashed a report by the US State Department alleging human rights abuse in ethnic violence-hit Manipur, a group of people from the Kuki tribes settled in the US held a "congressional briefing", and took swipes at India.

In the event organised by the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA), which allegedly maintains ties with Canada-based Khalistani separatists, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) commissioner David Curry alleged that violations of religious freedom in India has been growing unchecked.

Mr Curry, who is also the chief of the religious advocacy group Global Christian Relief, connected the alleged "atrocities on the Kuki minority Christians to the broader issues prevalent nationwide."

"Unfortunately, these instances in Manipur mark a broader, widespread pattern of deteriorating religious freedom conditions throughout India," Mr Curry alleged.

NAMTA in a statement on Monday said its Canada chapter head Lien Gangte criticised the "Indian government for failing to fulfil its constitutional obligations."

Mr Gangte was seen in August 2023 giving a speech at the same gurdwara in Canada's Surrey, whose chief and Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar was shot dead in June that year. In his address then, he had condemned what he called "attacks on minorities in India" and asked Canada for "all possible help".

North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA) Canada chief Lien Gangte in Surrey in August 2023

Sources on Tuesday said NAMTA's handles of its US, Canada, and India chapters on the microblogging website X were blocked in India last year after intelligence agencies started monitoring NAMTA's activities and the group's alleged links with Khalistanis.

The development in August 2023 had alarmed intelligence agencies.

"The NAMTA members have been repeatedly defaming India and maligning the country's image on the world stage. They have become more aggressive, coincidentally, when the Lok Sabha elections are going on," a senior official in India said, requesting anonymity. "We have been monitoring them. Their activities are getting closer to groups that work to sabotage India's standing in the world," the official said.

India on April 25 had termed the US State Department report alleging "significant human rights abuses" in Manipur as "deeply biased" and reflecting "a poor understanding of the country".

"This report is deeply biased and reflects a very poor understanding of India. We attach no value to it and urge you also to do the same," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said.

The ethnic clashes between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo tribes began over cataclysmic disagreements on sharing land, resources, affirmative action policies, and political representation, mainly with the 'general' category Meiteis seeking to be included under the Scheduled Tribes category. A top factor the state government says led to the crisis was its 'war on drugs' campaign.

"The slow but steady decline in opium cultivation due to the 'war on drugs' campaign would have been a kick in the gut of powerful drug cartels. The Kuki insurgents, too, have been demanding a separate land for a long time. It was a dangerous combination," a senior officer in the Narcotics and Affairs of Border (NAB) had told NDTV on April 30, requesting anonymity.

"The idea of a separate administration did not just fall from a tree after May 2023. The idea was always there," the officer added.

TikTok Sues To Block US Law Seeking Sale Or Ban Of App

TikTok and its Chinese parent company ByteDance sued in U.S. federal court on Tuesday seeking to block a law signed by President Joe Biden that would force the divestiture of the short video app used by 170 million Americans or ban its use.

The companies filed their lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, arguing that the law violates the U.S. Constitution on a number of grounds including running afoul of First Amendment free speech protections. The law, signed by Biden on April 24, gives ByteDance until Jan. 19 to sell TikTok or face a ban.

"For the first time in history, Congress has enacted a law that subjects a single, named speech platform to a permanent, nationwide ban," the companies said in the lawsuit.

The White House and U.S. Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The lawsuit said the divestiture "is simply not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally. ... There is no question: the Act (law) will force a shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025, silencing the 170 million Americans who use the platform to communicate in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere."

The lawsuit is the latest move by TikTok to keep ahead of efforts to shut it down in the United States as companies such as Snap and Meta look to capitalize on TikTok's political uncertainty to take away advertising dollars from their rival.

Driven by worries among U.S. lawmakers that China could access data on Americans or spy on them with the app, the measure was passed overwhelmingly in Congress just weeks after being introduced. TikTok has denied that it has or ever would share U.S. user data, accusing American lawmakers in the lawsuit of advancing "speculative" concerns

The law prohibits app stores from offering TikTok and bars internet hosting services from supporting TikTok unless ByteDance divests TikTok by Jan. 19.

The suit said the Chinese government "has made clear that it would not permit a divestment of the recommendation engine that is a key to the success of TikTok in the United States." The companies asked the D.C. Circuit to block U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland from enforcing the law and says "prospective injunctive relief" is warranted.

TikTok has spent $2 billion to implement measures to protect the data of U.S. users and made additional commitments in a 90-page draft National Security Agreement developed through negotiations with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), according to the lawsuit.

That pact included TikTok agreeing to a "shut-down option" that would give the U.S. government the authority to suspend TikTok in the United States if it violates some obligations, according to the suit.

In August 2022, according to the lawsuit, CFIUS stopped engaging in meaningful discussions about the agreement, and in March 2023 CFIUS "insisted that ByteDance would be required to divest the U.S. TikTok business." CFIUS is an interagency committee, chaired by the U.S. Treasury Department, that reviews foreign investments in American businesses and real estate that implicate national security concerns.

Biden could extend the Jan. 19 deadline by three months if he determines ByteDance is making progress.

In 2020, then-President Donald Trump was blocked by the courts in his bid to ban TikTok and Chinese-owned WeChat, a unit of Tencent, in the United States. Trump, the Republican candidate challenging the Democrat Biden in the Nov. 5 U.S. election, has since reversed course, saying he does not support a ban but that security concerns need to be addressed.

Many experts have questioned whether any potential buyer possesses the financial resources to buy TikTok and if China and U.S. government agencies would approve a sale.

To move the TikTok source code to the United States "would take years for an entirely new set of engineers to gain sufficient familiarity," according to the lawsuit.

The four-year battle over TikTok is a significant front in the ongoing conflict over the internet and technology between the United States and China. In April, Apple said China had ordered it to remove Meta Platforms' WhatsApp and Threads from its App Store in China over Chinese national security concerns.

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

IPL 2024 Points Table: MI Out Of Playoff Race? Win vs SRH Takes Them To...

Mumbai Indians kept their IPL 2024 playoff dreams alive with a crucial victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. The win took Mumbai Indians to the ninth spot with 8 points from 12 matches with a Net Run Rate (NRR) of -0.212. Although the chances of MI reaching the playoffs remain slim, the win means that victories in the remaining two matches will give them a chance to end up in the Top 4. Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, remain fourth with 12 points from 11 matches.

Coming to the match, Suryakumar Yadav scored a sensational century after brilliant bowling performances from Hardik Pandya and Piyush Chawla as MI defeated SRH by 7 wickets.

Here's a look at the three conditions that can lead to MI reaching the IPL Playoffs -

Condition 1: First and foremost, the Hardik Pandya-led side has to win all of its remaining two matches in the IPL 2024 league campaign. MI are scheduled to take on Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants next.

Condition 2: Hope that no other team crosses the 12-point mark in IPL 2024 standings. At present, SRH, LSG and CSK already have 12 points to their name. Hence, at least two of these franchises will have to lose their remaining matches in the league campaign. With KKR and RR already sitting at the No. 1 and No. 2 spots respectively with 16 points each, it is impossible for Mumbai Indians to topple them. In fact, big wins against other teams for KKR and RR would only benefit MI.

Condition 3: Mumbai Indians have a Net Run Rate of -0.212 at present. Even if MI win all of their remaining matches, they will need to do that by big margins in order to get into a positive NRR.

But, that might not be enough if the NRR of other teams at 12 points is better than MI. Though you never say never in a sport like cricket, it's fair to assert that Mumbai Indians' chances of IPL 2024 playoffs qualification don't instill much hope in the hearts of their fans.

Will Not Allow Anyone To Play With The Constitution, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that he will not allow anyone to play with the Constitution, especially when it comes to the issue of reservation based on religion.

"The Constitution does not allow reservation on the basis of religion but the INDIA bloc, as part of its appeasement policy, is planning to give the share of reservation of SC/ST, OBC to Muslims. They also have an eye on your 'mangalsutra', your field, your property because even former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said that Muslims have the first right on resources. The Congress wants to implement the Karnataka model of reservation in the country," PM Modi said while addressing a rally in Dhaurahra.

PM Modi also slammed the Congress and the INDIA bloc, accusing them of planning to redistribute the country's wealth to their vote bank.

"I will stand like a wall against them if they attempt to do this. They also say that they will bring back Article 370 in Kashmir but I will not allow that to happen," PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister also said that the opposition bloc is also claiming to end the free ration scheme, stop free healthcare schemes for the poor, and remove Vande Bharat trains, if they come to power.

"Will they also convert Ram Mandir into a hospital or try to bulldoze the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor? To stop this, you will have to vote for BJP. Each vote that you cast for BJP will come to me. I have come to seek your blessings because I have much more work to do," PM Modi said.

He said that the erstwhile Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh has added bitterness to the lives of sugarcane farmers while the current Yogi Adityanath-led government has removed all the shortcomings.

"Yogi Adityanath has given the same amount of money to sugarcane farmers in seven years that Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party did not give in 10 years of their rule," said PM Modi, adding that the state government is also working on making the Dhaurahra area a hub for banana farming.

Referring to Nighasan-Dhaurahara and Gola-Shahjahanpur roads, PM Modi said that the people of Sitapur and Lakhimpur can be proud of the development that is taking place in their area.

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

"Titanic", "Lord Of The Rings" Actor Bernard Hill Dies Aged 79

British actor Bernard Hill, best known for his supporting roles in "Titanic" and "The Lord Of The Rings" trilogy, died on Sunday aged 79, his agent announced.

He played Captain Edward Smith in the Oscar-winning 1997 epic romance "Titanic", and earned worldwide recognition playing Theoden, King of Rohan, in two of the three "The Lord Of The Rings" films directed by Peter Jackson.

His agent Lou Coulson confirmed his death in the early hours of Sunday to British media outlets.

Early in his career, Hill featured in the BBC's 1982 acclaimed drama "Boys from the Blackstuff", which won numerous awards and is still lauded as one of the finest examples of its genre from the era. 

He was set to return to television screens in series two of a contemporary BBC drama, "The Responder", starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing in the UK later on Sunday.

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

Monitor ICU Brain Deaths For Better Organ Donation Rate: Centre To States

The Centre has asked states to monitor cases of brain stem deaths in ICU patients, saying poor identification and certification of such cases is keeping the organ donations rate at low levels in the country.

The advisory to the states is aimed at augmenting the organ donation rate in the country which is less than one donor per million population.

"The organ donation rate in India continues to be low (less than one donor per million population in a year). One of the key challenges identified in this is poor identification and certification of brain stem death (BSD) cases despite availability of many such potential cases," Director of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) Dr Anil Kumar stated in the letter to the states.

As per provisions of "The Transplantation of Human Organs Tissues Act, 1994", it is required to identify potential brain stem death cases in the ICU.

Further, it is mandatory to enquire whether such potential donors had pledged for organ donation and if not to make the family members aware of the opportunity to donate organs before the heart stops under the law, he said.

The doctor on duty, with the help of transplant coordinator, is required to make the above-mentioned inquiry after certification of such BSD cases, Dr Anil Kumar said in the letter sent to all states and UTs and directors of regional and state organ and tissue transplant organisation (ROTTOs and SOTTOs) last month.

Dr Anil Kumar said every institution is requested to facilitate and monitor the certification of BSD cases to ensure compliance of provisions of the Act and Rules.

In his letter, the official attached a template of 'required request display board' that is to be placed outside ICUs, emergency or any other strategic location in the hospital. He also attached a list of information to be collected from the hospitals on a regular monthly basis.

The head of the institution and respective SOTTO should analyse the collected information and the corrective actions must be taken with the aim to maximise organ donation from all potential donors, he said.

Further, all SOTTOs are requested to collect such information as per the list from each registered hospital and send it to the NOTTO by the seventh of every subsequent month, the letter said.

"I seek your cooperation and support for augmenting the organ donation rate in the country so as to achieve self-sufficiency in the field of dead organ donation," the letter added.

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

IPL से बाहर होने वाली तीसरी टीम हुई पक्की, प्लेऑफ में पहुंचना मुश्किल

IPL playoffs scenario टूर्नामेंट से बाहर होने वाली टीमों में एक नाम और जुड़ चुका है. पूर्व चैंपियन टीम को रॉयल चैलेंजर्स बैंगलोर की टीम ने मात देकर उसकी मुश्किलें बढ़ा दी. शनिवार को खेले गए मुकाबले में गुजरात टाइटंस की टीम को 147 रन पर रोकने के बाद टीम ने 13.4 ओवर में 6 विकेट के नुकसान पर जीत का लक्ष्य हासिल किया. हालांकि इस जीत के बाद भी आरसीबी की प्लेऑफ में पहुंचना मुश्किल ही है.

After US, Pro-Palestinian Student Protests Spread To More Countries

Student protests against the Israeli military assault on Gaza following the unprecedented October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel have spread to several countries.

Here is a round-up of the main campaigns.

United States

Demonstrators have gathered on at least 40 US university campuses since April 17, often erecting tent camps to protest against the soaring death count in the Gaza Strip. 

Nearly 2,000 people have been detained, according to US media, in demonstrations reminiscent of protests against the Vietnam War.

Students during a Pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Michigan's spring commencement ceremony
Photo Credit: AFP

In recent days, police have forcibly dismantled several student sit-ins, including one at New York University at the request of its administrators. 

Demonstrators barricaded inside Columbia University, the epicentre in New York of the student protests, complained of police brutality when officers cleared the faculty. 

At the University of California, Los Angeles, hundreds of police emptied a camp, tearing down barriers and detaining more than 200 protesters.

Dozens of police in riot gear used chemical sprays to break up a pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Virginia, student paper The Cavalier Daily reported.

Officers ripped away umbrellas some of the protesters wielded as shields, scuffled with a few, and tore down tents, according to a video posted by the newspaper.

Brown University in Rhode Island reached an agreement with students to remove their camp from the grounds in exchange for it considering divesting from "companies enabling and profiting from the genocide in Gaza".

President Joe Biden broke his silence on the protests on Thursday, insisting "order must prevail".

France

Police on Friday forcibly evacuated protesters from a pro-Gaza sit-in at Sciences Po in Paris, the country's top political science school. 

Officials said 91 people were arrested. 

Sciences Po interim administrator Jean Basseres rejected a student demand to examine the institution's links with Israeli universities.

A protester waves a Palestinian flag during a demonstration in front of the Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po Paris) occupied by students
Photo Credit: AFP

Outside the nearby Sorbonne University, the Union of Jewish Students in France set up a "dialogue table" on Friday. 

"Jewish students have their place in this dialogue," said Joann Sfar, a comic-book artist invited as a guest speaker. 

He said he understood why students were "outraged by what's going on in the Middle East". 

At Paris-Dauphine University, administrators banned a conference involving Rima Hassan, a Franco-Palestinian expert in international law who has been vocal in condemning "genocide" in Gaza. 

The ban, introduced on the grounds there was a risk of public disorder, has been overturned by the judicial authorities.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday condemned the university blockades at Sciences Po and other French universities that "prevented debate".

Germany

Police intervened on Friday to evacuate protesters outside Humboldt University in central Berlin. 

A number of demonstrators were "forcibly" removed after refusing to decamp to another location, police said.

Berlin mayor Kai Wegner criticised the protest, saying on X, formerly Twitter, that the city didn't want to see events like those in the United States or France.

Canada

Students have protested against the war in Gaza in several cities, including Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators at an encampment on the University of Toronto campus
Photo Credit: AFP

Hundreds of demonstrators have joined the first and largest camp, at Montreal's McGill University, in the face of threats of police clearance.

They have vowed to remain there until McGill cuts all financial and academic ties with Israel. 

University administrators said on Wednesday they wanted the camp removed immediately, alleging that certain protesters were not members of the student body. 

Australia

Hundreds of rival supporters of Gaza and Israel faced off at Sydney University on Friday, shouting slogans and waving flags. 

Except for a few heated exchanges, the protest and counter-protest passed off peacefully.  

Pro-ceasefire demonstrators have been camped for 10 days on a green lawn in front of the university. They want it to cut ties with Israeli institutions and reject funding from arms companies. 

Pro-Palestinian Protests In Ireland

Students at Trinity College Dublin University began a sit-in on Friday, describing the protest as a "solidarity encampment with Palestine".

Mexico

Dozens of students from the country's largest university, UNAM, set up a camp in the capital on Thursday, chanting "Free Palestine" and "From the river to the sea, Palestine will overcome".

Activists from the Interuniversity and Popular Assembly in Solidarity with the People of Palestine erect a tent in front of the rectory building of the Autonomous University of Mexico as part of a camp to protest Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip
Photo Credit: AFP

They want the Mexican government to sever all ties with Israel.

Switzerland

About 100 students have since Thursday been occupying the entrance of a building at Lausanne University, calling for an academic boycott of Israel and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. 

The peaceful sit-in is due to continue until Monday. 

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

रोहित शर्मा का 1 टी20 विश्व कप का रिकॉर्ड, विराट कोहली के लिए तोड़ना नामुमकिन

टीम इंडिया की कमान टी20 विश्व कप में रोहित शर्मा के हाथों में दी गई है. टॉप फॉर्म में चल रहे अनुभवी बैटर विराट कोहली को भी चयनकर्ताओं ने टीम में शामिल किया है. कप्तान रोहित शर्मा और विराट का यह आखिरी टी20 विश्व कप माना जा रहा है. इस टूर्नामेंट के दौरान एक ऐसा रिकॉर्ड है जो अब तक कोई भी नहीं तोड़ पाया यह किसी और का नहीं बल्कि रोहित शर्मा का ही है.

"Absent From Contest": BJP's Abhijit Gangopadhyay's Swipe At Opposition

After filing his nomination from the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat, BJP candidate and former Calcutta High Court judge, Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay, on Saturday said that he has respect for the opposition but it seems they are not very active or present in the current election race.

"I do not underestimate them (opposition), but I find that they are not on the ground. They are absent from the contest," he said.

BJP has fielded Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay from Tamluk while TMC has fielded Debangshu Bhattacharya from the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat.

TMC's Adhikari Dibyendu won from the Tamluk garnering 724433 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. TMC defeated BJP Sidharthashankar Naskar who got 534268 votes. The TMC secured 50 percent.

Voting in the Tamluk Lok Sabha seat will be conducted on June 25 in Phase 6. West Bengal, which sends 42 MPs, to Parliament, is voting in all seven phases. Polling for six Lok Sabha seats in Bengal was held across the first two phases on April 19 and 26.

Polling for the remaining parliamentary seats will be held on May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1.

In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the TMC won 34 seats in the state, while the BJP had to settle for just 2. The CPI (M) won 2 seats, while the Congress bagged 4.

In the 2019 general elections, the TMC dropped to 22 seats, while the BJP saw the lotus bloom in 18 seats. The Congress brought up the rear, winning just 2 seats.

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

Ex-Ranji Top Run-Getter To Play vs India In T20 World Cup For This Team

Former Delhi batter and 2018-19 Ranji Trophy top run-getter Milind Kumar found a place in the United States of America squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, starting June 1. The USA, a co-host of the event alongside the West Indies, announced its 15-member squad to be led by Gujarat-born Monank Patel. Right-handed batter Milind, who scored 1331 runs in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy season, had before that played seven seasons for Delhi and then migrated to the USA in search of better opportunities.

Milind, a Delhi-born cricketer, played for the state, Sikkim and Tripura in the Indian domestic before migrating to the US.

The 33-year-old batter also played for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

During the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy, he finished as the highest run-scorer for the season playing for Sikkim before making his cricketing debut in the US in 2021 with The Philadelphians in the Minor Cricket League.

Former Mumbai left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh has also made it to the side.

The 31-year-old Mumbai-born featured for the Indian team during the 2012 U-19 World Cup, besides playing for Rajasthan Royals in 2013 and state cricket for Tripura.

He made his US cricketing debut in 2021, leading Seattle Thunderbolts in the Minor League Cricket.

Saurabh Nethravalkar, another Mumbai-born pacer, played in the 2010 U19 World Cup, the batch that saw stars like KL Rahul, Jaydev Unadkat and Mayank Agarwal going on to represent the senior Indian team.

However, a couple of renowned Indians and members of the 2012 U-19 World Cup-winning team -- Unmukt Chand (skipper) and Smit Patel (wicketkeeper) -- failed to find a spot in the squad.

Another well-known face in the squad is Corey Anderson, a former New Zealand all-rounder who represented the Black Caps in the 2015 ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cups in 2014 and 2016.

He moved to the US in 2023 and made his debut with the side last month in a T20I against Canada.

Pakistan-born pacer Ali Khan is also an inclusion in the squad, who was recruited by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2020.

USA will start their campaign against neighbours Canada here on the opening day, having also been clubbed alongside India, Pakistan and Ireland in Group A.

USA squad for T20 World Cup: Monank Patel (c & wk), Aaron Jones (vc), Andries Gous, Corey Anderson, Ali Khan, Harmeet Singh, Jessy Singh, Milind Kumar, Nisarg Patel, Nitish Kumar, Noshtush Kenjige, Saurabh Netravalkar, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Steven Taylor and Shayan Jahangir. 

Ruchir Sharma's Warning To West: Beware Of Bigger Governments You Wish For

The 'New York Times'-listed bestselling author and head of the Rockefeller Capital Management's international business, Ruchir Sharma, will be out with his new book, 'What Went Wrong With Capitalism', on June 16.

It will be the 'Financial Times' columnist's fifth book after 'The 10 Rules of Successful Nations', published in 2020.

Making the announcement, the publishing house, Penguin Random House UK, said that in the upcoming book, Sharma "rewrites the standard histories, which trace today's popular anger to the anti-government rebellion that began under Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan."

A book that promises to help us understand the growing popular anger in the capitalist world (at the moment expressing itself in the protests raging across US campuses), its fundamental argument, according to the press statement from the publisher, can be summed up in this statement: "Four decades of downsizing government -- cutting taxes, spending, and regulations -- left the financial markets free to run wild, fuelling inequality, slowing growth -- and alienating much of the population."

Sharma, a Shri Ram College of Commerce alumnus, first drew attention to the breadth of his vision with his debut book, Breakout Nations (2012), which made the journal 'Foreign Policy' rank him as one of the top global thinkers.

In his upcoming book, Sharma, according to the publisher's press statement, "exposes the story of a shrinking government as a myth". The statement adds: "With a historical and global sweep, [Sharma] shows that the government has expanded steadily as a regulator, borrower, spender, and micro-manager of the business cycle for a century. Working with central banks, particularly in the last two decades, governments created a culture of easy money and bailouts that is making the rich richer, and big companies bigger."

In an observation that may explain the appeal of the left-of-centre US Senator Bernie Sanders among young Americans, Sharma says "progressive youth are partly right that capitalism has morphed into 'socialism for the very rich'."

Sharma notes: "The broader issue, however, is socialised risk for the poor, the middle class and the rich; the government is trying to guarantee that no one ever suffers economic pain by borrowing heavily to prevent recessions, extend recoveries, and generate endless growth."

"The result," he adds, "is rapidly rising debt and declining competition -- exactly the environment in which oligopolies and billionaires do best."

Says the book's blurb, "This rare capitalist critique of capitalism offers a timely warning. To a surprising degree, politicians on both the right and left now assume that popular anger with capitalism arose in a period of shrinking government, and so offer answers that involve more government -- more spending, or regulation, or walls and barriers."

The blurb goes on to note, "If their historical assumptions are incorrect, their proposed fixes are likely to double down on what went wrong in the first place. There is no returning to the 19th century when the government did little more than deliver mail, but the balance has shifted too far towards state control, leaving too little room for economic competition."

No matter whether your politics are progressive or conservative, Sharma argues, the answer has to be less government and more cautious central banks.

Commenting on his "most ambitious book yet", Sharma says, "This book is a pandemic baby, conceived in that dark period when governments were both locking down businesses and spending trillions to support people shut in at home.

"Though many saw this crisis as entirely novel, what I saw was the logical culmination of all that has gone wrong with capitalism, namely, decades of increasingly interventionist government, narrowing the scope of individual freedom and initiative and economic freedom."

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Rohit's Mocking Smile Says It All Over Kohli Poor SR Query. BCCI Says This

Two days after the T20 World Cup squad announcement, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma and BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar addressed journalists on the chosen members. Rinku Singh, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill were the most notable absentees from the 15-member squad and Agarkar opened up on the subject.  The exclusion of Rinku, who has scored 356 runs at an average of 89 and strike rate of 176.24 in T20Is for India, became a major talking point since the Indian team's announcement two days ago and has caused a massive furore on social media.

"It (not picking Rinku) is probably the toughest thing we have had to discuss. He has done nothing wrong, not even Shubman Gill for that matter. It is not his fault that he missed out. It's about combinations," Agarkar said during a press conference.

"A couple of wrist spinners were included to give Rohit (Sharma) more options. There are two keepers, we needed an extra bowler. It's just unfortunate. He's in the reserves, so that tells you how close he came into being in the 15. But at the end of the day, you can only pick 15 players in the squad.".

Rinku, who is not having a great IPL season as he is not getting to face enough balls, though made it to the list of reserves. Rinku had been fast-tracked into the Indian T20I team after a fantastic run in the IPL last year but this season, he has managed just 123 runs in nine matches with a strike rate of 150.00.

There were also questions on Virat Kohli's strike-rate. Rohit started laughing when the question was asked. 

 "We haven't been discussing Kohli's strike-rate. There is a difference between IPL and international cricket. You need experience. We have got enough balance and power in the team. You look and try take positives from what is happening in IPL. Pressure of a World Cup game is different," Ajit Agarkar played down Virat Kohli strike-rate criticism. 

Kohli started smiling when he was asked Rohit Sharma's form in T20I during the World Cup in 2021 Rohit started smiling when he was asked Virat Kohli's strike rate today.

- Two Best mates in the field forever..!!!! pic.twitter.com/oxGztG87cj

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 2, 2024

In 2021 T20 WC - Virat Kohli smiling and his reactions was says it all when journalists asked about Rohit Sharma's form.

In 2024 T20 WC - Rohit Sharma smiling & his reactions says it all when journalists asked about Virat Kohli's strike rate.

- THE BOND OF TWO BROTHERS. pic.twitter.com/jEXFzo0zeH

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) May 2, 2024

The Indian skipper also explained the reason behind not having a specialist off-spinner citing that Washington Sundar has not been getting opportunities lately.

“Unfortunately Washy (Washington Sundar) has not been getting opportunities lately. Then it was between Ash (Ravichandran Ashwin) and Axar, we thought having two left-arm spinners who are playing and doing well, and Ashwin has not played the format for a long time.

“Axar was just in real good form from (post) the 50-overs World Cup onwards when he played the five-match series against Australia, he was the man of the series if I am not wrong. We also considered that it gives us that left-handed option if we have to send in the middle order to do something different,” he concluded. 

Comedian Shyam Rangeela Announces Will Contest Against PM In Varanasi

Comedian Shyam Rangeela, who made his name mimicking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced on Wednesday that he will contest the Lok Sabha elections against PM Modi from Varanasi.

In a post on X, Rangeela said, "I am excited by the love I am receiving from all of you after the announcement to contest elections from Varanasi. I will soon present my views to you on my nomination and contesting the elections through a video message after reaching Varanasi."

In an earlier post, Rangeela said, "I will contest elections from Varanasi because nowadays no one is sure who will withdraw the nomination."

Speaking to the media, he said, "In 2014, I was a follower of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I shared many videos supporting the Prime Minister. Videos were also shared against Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal. Seeing them, one could say that I will vote only for the Bharatiya Janata Party for the next 70 years. But the situation has changed in the last 10 years... I will now contest against the Prime Minister in the Lok Sabha polls as an Independent candidate."

वाराणसी मैं आ रहा हूँ…#ShyamRangeelaForVaranasi pic.twitter.com/8BOFx4nnjn

— Shyam Rangeela (@ShyamRangeela) May 1, 2024

He added: "My candidature will give the people of Varanasi an option while voting, unlike in Surat and Indore. So, I will go to Varanasi this week and file my nomination against Prime Minister Narendra Modi."

On April 25, Rangeela asked his followers on social media whether he should file the nomination as an Independent candidate from Varanasi.

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

32-Year-Old Man Dies After Fainting At Varanasi Gym

A 32-year-old man died after apparently experiencing a severe headache at a gym in Varanasi today. CCTV footage captured the distressing moments as the man sat with his head in his hands before falling to the ground.

People rushed to assist him, helping him sit up and providing water. He was seen shaking as others massaged his back and head.

Deepak Gupta, a regular at the gym for the past ten years and an active participant in various fitness competitions, was rushed to a hospital where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

The exact cause of his death will be known after the medical report.