26-Year-Old Dental Student Dies By Suicide At Ghaziabad Hostel: Cops

A 26-year-old dental student was found dead in her hostel room at Divya Jyoti Group of Institutions in Niwari area here on Saturday, police said.

According to police, MDS student Renuka Yadav, a native of Haryana's Rewari district, took her own life. She had recently moved into the hostel room and had not been feeling well.

"A suicide note was recovered from the room, indicating that Renuka was solely responsible for her decision," ACP Modinagar Gyan Praksh Rai said.

"On Friday, she had informed her teachers that she would attend classes, but when she didn't show up, her roommates were sent to check on her," he said.

Upon finding no response, the roommates alerted the hostel warden who informed the police. The police, along with a forensic team, broke into the room and found Renuka's body hanging from the ceiling fan.

The police are investigating all angles to ascertain the exact cause of death. A post-mortem examination will also be conducted.

While there were no visible signs of injury on the body, except for the mark on the neck, the police are examining all evidence, including Renuka's phone records, they said.

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

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कौन हैं रमाकांत अचरेकर? जिनके स्मारक का अनावरण करने आ रहे खुद सचिन तेंदुलकर

महान क्रिकेटर सचिन तेंदुलकर और राजनेता राज ठाकरे शिवाजी पार्क में पांच नंबर गेट पर बने रमाकांत विठ्ठल अचरेकर के स्मारक का अनावरण तीन दिसंबर को करेंगे. स्मारक को इस साल अगस्त में महाराष्ट्र सरकार से हरी झंडी मिल गई थी.

"Tipu Sultan Is Actually A Very Complex Figure In History": S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday attended the launch of Indian historian Vikram Sampath's book 'Tipu Sultan: The Saga of the Mysore Interregnum' at the Indian Habitat Centre here in Delhi. S Jaishankar described Tipu Sultan as a "very complex figure in history," highlighting both his resistance to British colonial control and the controversial aspects of his rule.

Speaking at the event, S Jaishankar said, "Tipu Sultan is actually a very, very complex figure in history. On the one hand, he has the reputation as a key figure who resisted the British colonial control over India, and it is a fact that his defeat and death can be considered a turning point when it came to the fate of peninsular India."

However, S Jaishankar also noted the "adverse" effects of Tipu Sultan's rule in the Mysore region. "At the same time, he evokes strong adverse sentiments even today in many regions, some in Mysore itself," he added.

S Jaishankar further emphasized that Indian history has focused more on Tipu Sultan's battles with the British, and "underplaying" or "neglecting" other aspects of his rule. "Contemporary history writing, certainly at the national level, has focused largely on the former, and underplaying, if not neglecting the later. Let's be honest, this was not an accident," he said.

Asserting that History is complicated, S Jaishankar said that "cherry-picking of facts" in the case of Tipu Sultan has led to the advancement of a "political narrative".

"History, in all societies, is complicated, and politics indulges in cherry-picking the facts. This has happened in the case of Tipu Sultan. By highlighting the Tipu-English binary, to the exclusion of a more complicated reality, a particular narrative has been advanced over the years," he said.

S Jaishankar reaffirmed that under PM Modi's government, India has seen the emergence of alternative perspectives.

"In the last 10 years, the changes in our political dispensation have led to the emergence of alternative perspectives. We are no longer prisoners of a vote bank, nor it is politically incorrect to bring out inconvenient truth," he added.

Speaking further about the book, S Jaishankar said, "As someone from the diplomatic world, I was really struck by info and insights which are provided in this volume on Tipu Sultan. We in India have tendered to mainly study post-independence foreign policy -- perhaps this too was a conscious choice. But the fact is that many of our kingdoms and states forayed into international affairs in previous centuries in pursuance of thier particular interests, and some, by the way, continued to do so even till independence. The interaction of Tipu's missionary with their French and English counterparts is really fascinating."

S Jaishankar concluded by saying that open-minded scholarship and genuine debate are central to India's evolution as a pluralistic society and vibrant democracy.

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

Broken Relationships Don't Amount To Abetment Of Suicide: Supreme Court

Broken relationships, while emotionally distressing, do not automatically amount to abetment of suicide in the absence of intention leading to the criminal offence, the Supreme Court on Friday said.

The observations came from a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Ujjal Bhuyan in a judgement, which overturned the conviction of one Kamaruddin Dastagir Sanadi by the Karnataka High Court for the offences of cheating and abetment of suicide under the IPC.

"This is a case of a broken relationship, not criminal conduct," the judgment said.

Sanadi was initially charged under Sections 417 (cheating), 306 (abetment of suicide), and 376 (rape) of the IPC.

While the trial court acquitted him of all the charges, the Karnataka High Court, on the state's appeal, convicted him of cheating and abetment of suicide, sentencing him to five years imprisonment and imposing Rs 25,000 in fine.

According to the FIR registered at the mother's instance, her 21-year-old daughter was in love with the accused for the past eight years and died by suicide in August, 2007, after he refused to keep his promise to marry.

Writing a 17-page judgement, Justice Mithal analysed the two dying declarations of the woman and noted that neither was there any allegation of a physical relationship between the couple nor there was any intentional act leading to the suicide.

The judgement therefore underlined broken relationships were emotionally distressing, but did not automatically amount to criminal offences.

"Even in cases where the victim dies by suicide, which may be as a result of cruelty meted out to her, the courts have always held that discord and differences in domestic life are quite common in society and that the commission of such an offence largely depends upon the mental state of the victim," said the top court.

The court further said, "Surely, until and unless some guilty intention on the part of the accused is established, it is ordinarily not possible to convict him for an offence under Section 306 IPC." The judgement said there was no evidence to suggest that the man instigated or provoked the woman to die by suicide and underscored a mere refusal to marry, even after a long relationship, did not constitute abetment.

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

भारत बनाम ऑस्ट्रेलिया प्राइम मिनिस्टर XI प्रैक्टिस मैच कितने बजे शुरू होगा ?

भारत और ऑस्ट्रेलिया प्राइम मिनिस्टर इलेवन के बीच प्रैक्टिस मैच 30 नवंबर से कैनबरा में खेला जाएगा. डे नाइट टेस्ट से पहले भारत के लिए अभ्यास का यह बेहतरीन मौका है. टीम इंडिया 6 दिसंबर से ऑस्ट्रेलिया से डे नाइट टेस्ट में भिड़ेगी. प्रैक्टिस मैच को भारत में टेलीविजन पर सीधा प्रसारण देखा जा सकेगा जबकि मोबाइल यूजर्स इस प्लेटफॉर्म पर लाइव मैच का लुत्फ उठा सकते हैं.

Vladimir Putin Issues Fresh Hypersonic Missile Threat To Ukraine

President Vladimir Putin on Thursday threatened to strike "decision-making centres" in Kyiv with Russia's new hypersonic missile, hours after Moscow pummelled Ukraine's energy grid in an attack that left a million people without power.

Russia fired more than 90 missiles and around 100 drones during the barrage, Kyiv said, in what the Kremlin chief called a "response" to Ukrainian strikes on his territory with Western missiles.

The nearly three-year war has seen a sharp escalation in recent days, with both sides deploying new weapons in a bid to gain the upper hand before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January.

"We do not rule out the use of Oreshnik against the military, military-industrial or decision-making centres, including in Kyiv," Putin told a press conference in the Kazakh capital Astana, referring to the hypersonic missile.

Kyiv's government district -- an area of the capital where multiple government buildings are located -- is protected with intense security, but fears for it have risen over the last week.

Russia last week tested its new Oreshnik ballistic missile on Ukraine, and Putin boasted on Thursday that firing several of the weapons at once would have the equivalent force of a nuclear strike, or a "meteorite" hit.

He earlier said the overnight barrage was a "response to continued attacks on our territory by (US) ATACMS missiles."

"As I have said repeatedly, there will always be a response from our side."

Putin also claimed Russia knew how many long-range weapons were given to Kyiv and where they were located.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Putin's threat to strike Kyiv was a "testament to weakness" and said the West would not be perturbed by his words.

DESPICABLE ESCALATION

The fresh strikes came as Ukrainians braced for a tough winter, with much of its energy infrastructure already damaged by almost three years of war, and as Russian troops advanced in eastern Ukraine.

Tensions have ratcheted up over the last few weeks as both sides look to secure an advantage on the battlefield ahead of Trump's January inauguration.

Putin suggested he had hopes for Trump's second term, describing the Republican on Thursday as an "intelligent person", capable of finding a "solution", without specifying what he was referring to.

The Russian leader spoke hours after the overnight barrage that left more than half a million subscribers in Ukraine's western Lviv region cut off from electricity.

Another 280,000 in the western Rivne region and 215,000 in the northwestern Volyn region also lost power, officials said.

Ukraine's emergency services said the Russian overnight strikes inflicted damage in 14 regions across the country, with the nation's West hard-hit.

Zelensky said that Russia had also fired "cluster munitions" during the attack, calling it a "very despicable escalation of Russian terrorist tactics."

AFP journalists in the capital Kyiv heard blasts ring out over the capital overnight as air defence systems targeted Russian drones and missiles, with locals crowding into the underground metro system for cover.

The energy ministry said it was the 11th massive Russian attack on Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure this year.

A senior UN official, Rosemary DiCarlo, this month warned Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure may make this winter the "harshest since the start of the war".

PUTIN BOASTS OF NEW MISSILE

Since Moscow shocked the West and Kyiv by testing its new ballistic missile Oreshnik on the city of Dnipro last week, Russian officials have touted the arm's might.

In Astana, Putin said the Oreshnik could turn anything "into dust" and hit at a temperature comparable to "the surface of the sun."  

He said Russia was "forced" to "test (the weapon) in combat conditions" after Kyiv's first strike on Russian territory using ATACMS.

Putin said Thursday the Oreshnik could travel "around three kilometres per second" and that its elements could reach a temperature almost "like the surface of the sun."  

Russia also sentenced a lawyer, Dmitry Talantov, to seven years in prison for comparing Moscow's actions in Ukraine at the start of the invasion to "Nazi practises", a day after putting an invasion critic back on trial.

Ukraine, meanwhile, sentenced a woman in the eastern Donetsk region to 15 years in jail on high treason charges for passing sensitive military information to Russia.
 

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

The World's Easiest Places To Buy Citizenship, Here's What It Takes

Ever imagined trading your current passport for one that opens doors to exciting new adventures? While it might sound like a far-fetched dream, several countries offer citizenship programs that could make it a reality.

Although obtaining a citizenship or residency is not cheap, if it is a priority, the investment is worth it. But before that, let's establish the difference between citizenship and residency.

Citizenship guarantees you all the rights a person born in that country would enjoy, for instance - having a passport and the right to vote. However, residency differs in a few ways. While it gives you the freedom to travel freely across the country, work and get paid there, it does not offer all the rights it would a citizen.

Moreover, temporary residency lasts for a set period of time while permanent residency does not have a cap on time. 

Golden visas are offered by some countries and are a way to obtain residency - but not citizenship. These visas are usually given in exchange for an investment in a country's economy. People donate to government-sponsored programs or invest in properties to take advantage of this.

Portugal, Spain and Greece are some of the popular destinations offering golden visas. Spain had issued around 800 golden visas during 2024.

Apart from golden visas, there are Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP) that can get you a passport if you invest heavily or pay a fee for that country. 

In addition to the above, there is an interesting visa which allows folks to live and work in the country while still paying taxes to their country of origin, called digital nomad visa. Estonia, Germany and Norway are countries that provide such visas.

Caribbean nations like Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Dominica offer CIP programs with various options for investment. Cambodia, Singapore and Australia offer CIP programs too, with Cambodia being among the cheaper options, with investments starting at $245,000.

Singapore's program requires a $7 million investment for a two year residency program and Australia offers the program only to highly skilled individuals with a net worth exceeding $1 million. Countries like Turkey, Greece, Hungary and Brazil also offer golden visa programs.

Obtaining residency or citizenship in a foreign country can be a complex and costly process. However, with the right investment and guidance, it can also offer a world of opportunities and adventures. Whether you're looking for a golden visa, CIP, or digital nomad visa, there are several countries that offer relatively easy and affordable options.
 

22 Students Hospitalised Post-Lunch At Telangana School, Probe Underway

At least 22 students from a government school in Telangana's Narayanpet district were hospitalised on Tuesday after complaining of headaches and stomach aches. Officials are investigating whether the illness was linked to the lunch served at the school.

The affected students had also eaten snacks from nearby bakeries and shops, and samples have been collected for laboratory testing, according to the District Educational Officer (DEO), based on preliminary information.

Over 400 students, along with district authorities, the school headmaster, and teachers, had the mid-day meal at Zilla Parishad High School in Maganoor on Tuesday. However, 22 students began experiencing symptoms of headaches, stomach pain, and vomiting at 3.30 pm.

They were admitted to a hospital, where doctors confirmed they were safe after treatment, the official said. One student who vomited claimed the potatoes and brinjal were inadequately cooked, while another had a stomach ache.

It was alleged that the affected students fell ill after having lunch, though they had also eaten snacks from outside the school. District authorities are investigating the matter from all angles, said a senior official.

This incident follows a similar case on November 20, when 17 students from the same school were hospitalised after consuming a mid-day meal.

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

"He Was Out Buying Refined Oil": Brother Of Man Killed In Sambhal Violence

A father of four, who was the sole earning member of the family, was out to buy groceries when a bullet ripped into him during the violence that broke out during the survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal over the weekend. His family now says they fear for their lives as well. 

"He was going to take refined oil and 'maida,' when the violence broke out. He did not even know there was tension in the area. The police killed him," Tasleem, brother of Naeem, told NDTV. Police officials have dismissed the claim.

Naeem (35) was a resident of Kot Garvi area and ran a sweetshop. He is survived by two sons and two daughters.

"We are very worried, no action has been taken till now, we ourselves are not safe here," Naeem's brother, wearing a cap and seated in a plastic chair, added.

Superintendent of Police (Sambhal) Krishnan Bishnoi said around 20-22 police personnel were injured in the violence.

"Police only used pellet guns. The autopsy report of the three dead says that they died because of gunshot wounds from a .315 bore firearm," Mr Bishnoi said. 

Mohammed Ayan, 19, was also among three other people killed in the clashes.

"My mother woke him up and sent him to work at the hotel. When chaos erupted at the mosque, he was nearby. When he ran, a bullet pierced through his chest. I carried him," Ayan's brother, Kamil, told NDTV.

"Even after being shot, he was with me for 11 hours and he told me that the cops were firing," said Kamil.

The brother also claimed that Ayan's treatment was delayed at the hospital. 

"Even when I took my brother to the hospital, they first asked for Rs 500 and then gave him 2 injections. He was bleeding a lot. I said please help him, but people in the hospital said police action would be taken first," he claimed.

The first survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid was undertaken on November 19. A second survey four days later, which included taking photos and video of the mosque's features, triggered the violence.

On Sunday, a large group of people gathered near the 17th-century mosque and started shouting slogans as the survey team resumed its work. They then clashed with security personnel, torched vehicles, and threw stones.

Samajwadi Party MP Zia Ur Rehman Barq, accused of inciting violence during the mosque survey, has denied the allegations. Mr Barq stated that the charges against him were baseless, asserting that he was in Bengaluru attending a meeting of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board at the time of the violence.

Elon Musk Calls For US To Replace Fighter Jets With Drones

Billionaire Elon Musk, tapped by US President-elect Donald Trump to slash federal government spending, lashed out at modern fighter jets on Monday, saying that drones were the future of air combat.

"Manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed," said the head of SpaceX, Tesla and X, in a post on his social media platform.

Musk singled out the F-35 -- a next-generation fighter jet manufactured by US-based Lockheed Martin that entered service in 2015 -- for criticism.

"Meanwhile, some idiots are still building manned fighter jets like the F-35," he posted, alongside a video of hundreds of drones hovering in formation in the sky.

The F-35, the world's most advanced fighter, is stealth capable and can also be used to gather intelligence.

Germany, Poland, Finland and Romania have all recently signed deals for the aircraft.

Its development, however, has suffered from issues, notably in the design of its computer programs, and its very high operating costs are regularly criticized by its detractors.

"The F-35 design was broken at the requirements level, because it was required to be too many things to too many people," said Musk on Monday, calling it "an expensive (and) complex jack of all trades, master of none."

For Mauro Gilli, a researcher at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, "what makes the F-35... expensive is the software and the electronics, not the pilot per se."

This is significant "because a reusable drone would need to get all that flashy electronics of an F-35," he said on X.

He also pointed out that the existence of the F-35 had forced US rivals to develop their own aircraft and advanced radar to match it.

"By simply existing, the F-35 and the B-1 force Russia and China into strategic choices they would not have to make otherwise (i.e. budget allocations)," Gilli said, referring to B-1 heavy bomber aircraft.

"Even if Musk were right (and he is not), deleting the programs would relax these constraints on them."

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

भारत की बड़ी जीत पक्की! ऑस्ट्रेलिया को हार टालने के लिए चमत्कार की जरूरत

Ind vs Aus Live Score: भारतीय टीम पर्थ टेस्ट में ऑस्ट्रेलिया के खिलाफ बड़ी जीत के करीब है. मैच के तीसरे दिन यशस्वी जायसवाल और विराट कोहली के शतक के दम पर टीम ने 6 विकेट पर 487 रन बनाकर पारी घोषित की. ऑस्ट्रलिया के सामने जीत के लिए 534 रन का विशाल लक्ष्य है. खेल के तीसरे दिन दूसरी पारी में मेजबान टीम ने 12 रन पर 3 विकेट गंवा दिए थे.

किसके पास बचे सबसे ज्यादा रकम...आज कौन उतरेगा सबसे कम पैसों के साथ

IPL Auction 2025: आईपीएल ऑक्शन 2025 का आज दूसरा दिन (सोमवार) है. सउदी अरब के जेद्दा में आयोजित नीलामी के दूसरे और आखिरी दिन सभी 10 फ्रेंचाइजी कुल 173.55 करोड़ लेकर ऑक्शन टेबल पर बैठेंगी. 132 खिलाड़ियों के स्लॉट खाली हैं. पहले दिन विकेटकीपर ऋषभ पंत सबसे महंगे 27 करोड़ में बिके. यह आईपीएल इतिहास के अब तक की सबसे बड़ी बोली है.

"Ladki Behen Yojana": The Scheme That Powered BJP-Mahayuti To Big Win

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti alliance secured a resounding victory in the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, winning 235 out of 288 seats.

The BJP alone clinched a historic 132 seats, propelled by the success of its flagship Mukhyamantri-Meri Ladki Behan Yojana, a women-centric scheme that emerged as a game-changer in this election.

Held on November 20, the single-phase election saw a direct battle between the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

The Mahayuti coalition, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawar's NCP, and smaller allies, managed to decisively retain power, while the MVA, led by Congress and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), struggled to make significant gains.

The Ladki Behan Yojana proved instrumental in winning over women voters. The scheme provides Rs 1,500 monthly financial aid to women, with three instalments already disbursed to over two crore beneficiaries in the state. In a bid to consolidate this support, the Mahayuti pledged to increase the amount to Rs 2,100 per month if re-elected, while Eknath Shinde further promised Rs 3,000 per month.

Women voters played a crucial role in the Mahayuti's success, with over 3.06 crore women participating in the elections. Their turnout was especially significant in 12 constituencies where they outnumbered male voters. The ruling coalition's targeted welfare schemes, including the Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana for education and skill development, resonated strongly with women, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

The opposition MVA countered with promises like Rs 3,000 monthly aid for women and free bus travel under the Mahalakshmi Scheme. However, these failed to match the credibility of the Mahayuti's schemes, with many women voters opting for the proven benefits of the Ladki Behan Yojana.

The scheme was not without controversy. A Public Interest Litigation in the Bombay High Court sought to challenge it, alleging political motivations. However, the court upheld the scheme, recognizing its adherence to due process. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde criticised the opposition for opposing the initiative initially and later incorporating similar promises into their agenda.

Manipur Cops Walk 3 Hours To Raze Poppy Farms, Face "90 Armed Miscreants"

A Manipur Police team that went to destroy illegal opium cultivation in the hills of Kangpokpi district were stopped by "80-90 armed miscreants" and forced to return without clearing the illegal farms, a police officer said in a first information report (FIR).

The police team had a mix of 25 personnel, and volunteers from the Liangmai Naga tribe and five drivers.

The team carried only three assault rifles as it is a physically demanding and difficult task to destroy poppy farms with farm tools while also carrying AK-type guns, a source who has first-hand information about the incident told NDTV.

"You can't hold a weapon and also destroy poppy efficiently in such a sensitive area. The authorities should have deployed other forces along with the police," the source said, requesting anonymity.

The small police team had no choice but to turn back when the armed miscreants tried to snatch the few guns the team had, the source said.

The area was remote and reinforcements would have taken a long time, so a decision was taken to ensure the safety of the joint team, the FIR stated.

While there is no official confirmation, there is a strong buzz in the security establishment in Manipur of a major operation involving central forces to clear new illegal opium poppy farms. The forces will retaliate if any armed miscreant threatens to stop the anti-poppy cultivation drive or fires at them, sources said.

The Kuki tribes in their demand for a separate administration carved out from Manipur often include Kangpokpi district in many unrecognised hand-drawn maps used for social media consumption.

Kangpokpi is also the turf of the insurgent group Kuki National Front (KNF), headed by ST Thangboi Kipgen, and this group is one of the over two dozen Kuki-Zo militant groups that have signed the controversial suspension of operations (SoO) agreement, which the Manipur government has been demanding to be scrapped. The SoO agreement's last renewal deadline was in February this year.

Civil society groups of the Meitei community have alleged the hand of Kuki insurgent groups in growing illegal opium poppy in areas dominated by them.

The Kangpokpi police chief in a flash message on November 18 ordered officers in charge of Kangpokpi and G Saparmeina police stations to destroy the illegal opium poppy farms in Makhan hill range, police sources told NDTV. The area of operation fell under the jurisdiction of the police in G Saparmeina, some 35 km north of the state capital Imphal.

READ | Exclusive: End Of Opium Poppy Cultivation In Manipur Soon? Satellite Imagery Data Shows...

"The team further proceeded by foot for about three hours and just before reaching the spot, some unknown armed miscreants numbering around 80-90 people blocked the team. The unknown miscreants were carrying guns, dagger and wooden cubs and threatened to even kill the team members if they proceeded for destroying the illegal poppy plantations," the incident details in the FIR stated.

"Considering the isolation of the location for reinforcement to reach in time and the number of miscreants with weapons and the safety and security of the life of the [poppy] destruction team, the joint team returned without destroying the illicit poppy plantations at 3 pm," the FIR stated.

The joint team which also included officers from the forest department and the executive magistrate had started out from G Saparmeina police station at 8.30 am.

The Makhan village authority in a statement said the government should clear the land encroachment by "opium poppy planters" and clear all the illegal cultivation from their area in four days, otherwise things would turn "repulsive and abominable".

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in an interview to NDTV on November 21 had said the authorities have found five villages in Kangpokpi that have been growing illegal opium poppy, while the security forces were busy monitoring other sensitive areas in the ethnic crisis-hit state, adding the farms would be destroyed in a few days.

यशस्वी-राहुल ने बाउंसर का कैसे दिया जवाब, कंगारुओं को दबोचा,7 तस्वीर में देखें

IND vs AUS: भारत और ऑस्ट्रेलिया के खिलाफ पर्थ टेस्ट का दूसरा दिन इतिहास में दर्ज हो गया है. यशस्वी जायसवाल और केएल राहुल ने शनिवार को जिस अंदाज में बैटिंग की, वह लंबे समय तक याद किया जाएगा. पर्थ की जिस पिच पर भारत की पहली पारी 4 घंटे में सिमट गई. ऑस्ट्रेलिया की पहली पारी भी 4 घंटे से ज्यादा नहीं चल पाई. भारत की दूसरी पारी में उसी पिच पर यशस्वी और राहुल ने ऑस्ट्रेलिया को एक भी विकेट नहीं लेने दिया. उन्होंने पूरे 4 घंटे बैटिंग की. दो सेशन तक डटे रहे. खेल खत्म होने पर नाबाद लौटे.

WI vs BAN: 2 बल्लेबाज शतक से चूके लेकिन इसने कर दिया कमाल, जड़ी सेंचुरी

बांग्लादेश और वेस्टइंडीज (Ban vs Wi) के बीच पहला टेस्ट एंटीगुआ में खेला जा रहा है. वेस्टइंडीज ने पहली पारी में शानदार बल्लेबाजी करते हुए 400 से अधिक रन बना दिए हैं. जस्टिन ग्रीव्स बेहतरीन बल्लेबाजी का प्रदर्शन कर रहे हैं.

Opinion: Congress' Troll Politics Leads To MVA's Downfall In Maharashtra

The Maharashtra mandate is a rare phenomenon and a powerful lesson, prompting political parties, analysts, and commentators to return to the drawing board. This paradigm shift will take time to fully comprehend - and what a shift it has been!

The state delivering a decisive majority to the NDA is stunningly historic. For the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), this marks a significant milestone, achieved through years of hard work to establish itself independently, without relying on the support of regional parties. While the ultimate goal is not yet fully realised, the BJP has taken a major step forward.

Maharashtra's voters, who have experienced coalition governments for over three decades, now seem to have opted for greater stability, while technically remaining in the years of coalition era. With the BJP securing 130+ seats, the party has positioned itself as a force less vulnerable to the pulls and pressures of running a coalition.

Much can be written about the factors that contributed to the BJP's success, but the essence is straightforward: the party has been quick to learn from its mistakes and failures, understood the pulse of the people, and executed a bold, high-stakes strategy under the Modi-Shah duo. Their unique brand of social engineering has yielded instant results, garnering both Maratha and non-Maratha votes. Achieving this level of finesse in such a short time offers a masterclass in political strategy - one that calls for admiration and study at the same time.

The BJP has also secured a larger share of OBC, SC, and ST votes across most of the six political regions. Women beneficiaries of the Ladki Behna scheme played a vital role, and the RSS lent its discipline machine more generously to bolster the already formidable and finely tuned BJP election machinery. The recent Haryana assembly election victory put a spring in their steps.

Let us shift focus to the MVA's dramatic collapse. From a position of strength, it fell apart in just five months - a stunning reversal after its strong performance in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections.

This debacle serves as a serious lesson in how to let opportunities slip away. The MVA lost an election it could have won with minimal effort, and just swept away in a political tsunami it failed to anticipate. It's a reminder of the need to stay connected with the ground and its 'janata' (people). Humility to at least acknowledge missteps and serious introspection are urgently recommended for them

I struggle to recall any of their political messages resonating with voters anywhere in the state. Not a single one. The MVA seemed stuck in a loop of recycled tape-vague schemes, half-hearted promises, and relentless negativity. Statements like 'Samvidhan khatre mein hai (The Constitution is in danger)', accusations against opponents, and calls for caste censuses dominated their narrative. Add to that a fair bit of conspiracy theories, and you have a situation where voters just switched them off. The endless barrage of negative sentiments alienated voters who had clearly moved on, leaving the MVA clueless about the big change underway in a matter of months.

Did the MVA offer even a single story to enthuse voters? I can recall none. Their campaign lacked focus, vision, and an inspiring message - some of the common elements find in parties that are ready to learn and not gloss over slips.

The Congress needs to understand that its de facto leader Rahul Gandhi has failed to deliver thus far. His personal obsessions get the better of him most of the time, preventing him from crafting the broad political platform India expects from a national opposition party. Uddhav Thackeray fell into the same trap. Only Sharad Pawar offered a narrative that resonated with voters, but the noise generated by Gandhi and Thackeray overshadowed any meaningful messaging.

Gandhi and Thackeray, for reasons best known to them, focused their campaign on Dharavi, as if they were contesting a municipal ward election or campaigning for a single assembly constituency, rather than addressing the other 287 seats in the large and very important state of Maharashtra. They failed to recognise that voters in the state are attuned to the larger national picture and eager to reclaim Maharashtra's prime position among India's galloping states.

It's puzzling why Rahul Gandhi harbours a personal obsession with targeting a first-generation entrepreneur, especially when such posturing fails to translate into votes for his party. He must also know that 62 percent of even MVA voters want their Dharavi to become the pride of place it has the potential to become.

His anti-business stance was rejected by Maharashtra voters, who see it as part of a broader agenda-perhaps influenced by corporate rivalries or external forces jealous of India's accelerated ascent now. This perception has damaged Gandhi's credibility, as voters increasingly see his actions as not very conducive to the kind of India it is getting ready to become.

Indians have consistently demonstrated their desire for a robust democracy, which includes a strong opposition to keep the ruling party in check. The outcome of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections exhibited that democratic instinct. However, the risk to democracy doesn't come from Narendra Modi, the BJP, or the RSS - it stems from the Congress's inability to effectively play its role as a responsible opposition party. Regional parties, to some extent, are playing this role more effectively. And they are winning elections too, and for years.

The Maharashtra results have further diminished any lingering hope that the Congress can rise to the challenges. The party suffers too much from cynicism, conspiracy theories, and a total disconnect from the aspirations of growing India.

Can the Congress finally make a comeback and surprise us all? If they are really serious about India's democracy, they owe at least that much to all of us.

(Sanjay Pugalia is the CEO & Editor-in-Chief, AMG Media Network)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the authors

Cloud Seeding Not Feasible: Pollution Control Board Amid Delhi's Smog Crisis

The Central Pollution Control Board has said the feasibility of cloud seeding as an emergency measure to battle winter pollution in northern India will be limited, citing insufficient moisture and reliance on pre-existing clouds, an RTI query has revealed.

The CPCB shared its observations on a cloud seeding proposal by IIT Kanpur, which aims to combat Delhi's severe air pollution crisis through artificial rainfall.

The information was shared in response to a Right to Information query filed by activist Amit Gupta on October 24.

According to the CPCB, cloud seeding faces significant challenges due to insufficient moisture in the air and the dependency on pre-existing clouds influenced by Western Disturbances.

"As per IIT Kanpur (proponent), the mandatory requirement of successful cloud seeding is the availability of appropriate clouds with enough moisture content (clouds having 50 per cent or higher moisture content).

"In northern India, winter clouds are often influenced by Western Disturbances, and the moisture content in the air remains low, limiting the scope of successful operations," the CPCB stated in its reply.

The board's comment comes against the backdrop of the Delhi government seeking emergency measures to combat a sharp rise in the city's pollution.

Reportedly, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has written to his Union counterpart Bhupender Yadav four times, urging the Centre to consider cloud seeding as a potential solution and convene a meeting on the matter.

Meanwhile, CPCB said the estimated cost of the proposed experiment will be approximately Rs 3 crore. The proposal includes a minimum coverage area of 100 sqkm and involves five sorties (cloud seeding attempts).

As part of the proposal, a presentation was made by Dr Manindra Agrawal and his team from IIT Kanpur to the Delhi government on November 8, 2023.

The presentation outlined the involvement of 12 key agencies, including Defence, Home, and Environment.

IIT Kanpur conducted cloud seeding trials during the summer of 2017, reportedly achieving successful precipitation in six out of seven attempts.

The trials primarily aimed at developing a cost-effective strategy for cloud seeding by optimising both seeding agents and flying platforms. While the experiments resulted in successful precipitation, the type and intensity of rainfall remained difficult to control.

The proposed trials in Delhi aim to build on the findings of those trials.

A recent report said that light-intensity rains (2.5-15.5 mm) in Delhi on three days in November last year brought the PM2.5 concentrations from 315 micrograms per cubic metre air to 95 micrograms per cubic metre air during the period.

PM10 levels too reduced from 501 micrograms per cubic metre air to 167 micrograms per cubic metre air over the same period.

All the same, the cloud seeding proposal has sparked mixed reactions among environmental activists.

Amit Gupta, who filed the RTI, urged the government to conduct the trials without delay.

"It's high time we tried this measure because nothing else seems to be working for Delhi's pollution crisis. If IIT Kanpur has achieved success with cloud seeding, our government should too. The central government must provide the necessary clearances for the experiment," he said.

On the other hand, environmentalist Verhaen Khanna dismissed the experiment as an ineffective and potentially harmful solution.

"The better option is to stop producing pollution in the first place and prevent tree-cutting in Delhi. Today, hundreds of trees are being felled, which would otherwise help reduce pollution," he said.

Khanna also raised concerns about the use of silver iodide, the chemical used in cloud seeding, warning of its harmful effects on humans.

"Whoever is promoting cloud seeding should first make a video of themselves consuming silver iodide - the same chemical that will be sprayed into clouds. This chemical could cause nausea, diarrhoea, skin burns, and even cancer, especially in children and senior citizens exposed to it through food, skin, or the environment," he said.

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

Putin Orders Mass Production Of Hypersonic Missiles For Use In Ukraine War

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscow would carry out more tests of the hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in "combat conditions," a day after firing one on Ukraine.

"We will continue these tests, including in combat conditions, depending on the situation and character of the security threats posted to Russia," Putin said in a televised meeting with military chiefs.

Russia fired the new-generation missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro early on Thursday in a major escalation of the weaponry being deployed in the nearly three-year conflict.

The Kremlin boss also ordered the missile, which flies at speeds of Mach 10 -- 10 times the speed of sound -- to be put into serial production (mass production). Russia is developing similar advanced systems, he added.

"We need to begin serial production. The decision... has in effect been taken," Putin said, praising the "particular strength of this weapon and its power.

"The weapon system that was tested yesterday is another faithful guarantee of Russia's territorial integrity and sovereignty," he added.

Putin claimed no other countries in the world had such missile technology. While he conceded other states would soon develop them, he said: "That will be tomorrow, after a year or two. But we have this system now. That's important."

His choreographed meeting with the defence minister and those in charge of developing the missile came at the end of a week that has seen the Ukraine conflict escalate rapidly.

Putin said the firing of the Oreshnik missile was a direct response to Kyiv's forces using US- and UK-supplied missiles on Russian territory for the first time.

In an address to the nation on Thursday, Putin said Russia reserved the right to fire missiles at military facilities in countries whose weapons are being used by Ukraine -- specifically the United States and Britain.
 

What Is Impoundment? Trumps New Plan To Control Spending In Second Term

US President-elect Donald Trump is planning to cut federal spending, and one of the methods he may use is impoundment. This little-known presidential power allows the leader to refuse spending funds appropriated by Congress. In line with his recent threat to use recess appointments to bypass Senate approval for his controversial cabinet positions, Trump has a plan to circumvent federal spending as well. If Congress continues to allocate funds to projects, agencies, or departments he opposes, he may use impoundment to withhold those funds.

What is impoundment?

Impoundment, simply put, occurs when the president declines to spend funds that Congress has appropriated. The practice has a long history in US politics, beginning with President Thomas Jefferson in 1803, who chose not to spend money allocated for gunboats to patrol the Mississippi amid negotiations with France for the Louisiana Purchase.

Impoundment became a controversial issue during Richard Nixon's presidency. After his reelection in 1972, Nixon sought to use impoundment to reduce federal spending, halt housing programmes and cut disaster aid. When Congress overrode his veto of the Clean Water Act, he withheld a large portion of the $24 billion allocated to clean municipal sewage systems. These clashes led to the passage of the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, limiting a president's ability to withhold funds for policy reasons. It also led to the creation of the Congressional Budget Office.

Even during his first term, Trump attempted impoundment when he withheld military aid to Ukraine in 2019, using it as leverage to press President Volodymyr Zelensky for an investigation into Joe Biden. This eventually led to Trump's first impeachment. Despite the controversy, the funds were released, and the Government Accountability Office ruled Trump's step as illegal.

Before his reelection, Trump said that reclaiming the power of impoundment would be a priority for his second term, either through legal challenges or by persuading Congress to relinquish some of its spending power. In one video, Trump criticised the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, calling it “not a very good act” and “a blatant violation of the separation of powers.” He vowed to use impoundment to “squeeze the bloated federal bureaucracy for massive savings.”

Trump says in a second term he will seek to repeal the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 so that he will have unilateral power as president to seize funds appropriated by Congress for govt agencies and programs and use that money to give out tax cuts. pic.twitter.com/AFMiHV80lK

— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 20, 2023

While Trump may face opposition, even from fellow Republicans, in efforts to cede more power to the executive, he may look to the Supreme Court for support. With the current conservative majority, the Court has recently curtailed the powers of federal agencies, offering a possible opening for Trump to challenge impoundment limits.

Some Republican figures such as Vivek Ramaswamy have proposed the repeal of the Impoundment Control Act entirely. Ramaswamy, who has been tapped by Trump to lead the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), advocates for a radical downsizing of the federal government. 

Ramaswamy has suggested that a president could reinterpret existing laws to drastically reduce the size of the federal workforce, potentially firing up to 75 per cent of federal employees within four years. 

This Asian City Is Emerging As Sex Tourism Hub. It's Not Where You Think

In the golden years, this city witnessed a significant economic boom. It remains one of the most liveable cities in the world, a financial power hub and also an emerging city for sex tourism, with men wandering on the streets, looking for women.

The city is not where you are thinking. Apart from Bangkok in Thailand, Tokyo is emerging as a hotbed for sex tourism, with multiple factors driving the interest among foreign tourists, one of them being the weakening of the Japanese Yen against other currencies and robust inbound tourism.

The Star reported quoting, Yoshihide Tanaka, secretary general of the Liaison Council Protecting Youths (Seiboren), that "Japan has become a poor country." Adding, that a park next to his organisation has become synonymous with the city's sex trade. He said they had noticed an increasing number of foreigners frequenting the park as soon as pandemic-era travel restrictions were dropped.

"Now we are seeing a lot more foreign men," he said. "They come from many countries. They are white, Asian, black - but the majority are Chinese," he said. This influx has coincided with a troubling rise in teenagers and women in their early twenties turning to the sex industry to survive, Tanaka said.

"The reality is that Japan has become a country where foreign men can obtain young women and essentially buy sexual services," Japan Times reported quoting Kazunori Yamanoi of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the country's main opposition party. "This is no longer just a domestic issue," he said. "It's a very serious problem regarding how Japanese women are perceived in the international community."

The cops have been cracking down on such activities. Earlier this week, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested five people on suspicion of violating Japan's Employment Security Act. They were allegedly running an operation to recruit women through social media to work in the sex industry. According to police, the suspects' group signed contracts with about 350 shops nationwide and recruited women through social media.

Financial distress suffered by women during Covid-19 is a major factor pushing them into the sex trade, with many wanting to pay off their debts. Some simply want to spend money at host clubs. 

Japan Times earlier reported that establishments, where men flirt with women over food and drink, like host clubs, put women in an endless cycle of debt through malicious schemes. These clubs have been linked to an increase in sex work, including illegal operations overseas and street solicitors, the report said.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), around 43% of women arrested while working the street in 2023 said they started selling their bodies to pay for host clubs and underground male idols. About 80% of those arrested were in their 20s, while three were 19 or younger.

The loopholes in the law and poor implementation of the existing ones have put women in vulnerable positions, often exposing them to physical violence and sexually transmitted diseases. In countries like The Netherlands, prostitution is legal but the industry is highly regulated to ensure the protection of women with increased vigilance in combating human trafficking and other forms of criminal activity, but sex trafficking still remains a pressing issue in the country. 

2 Arrested In Odisha For Killing Leopard, Eating Its Meat

Two persons in Odisha's Nuapada district allegedly killed a leopard and ate its meat, officials said on Wednesday.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Susanta Nanda said people who kill leopard and consume its meat should be ostracised.

The forest officials of Komna forest range on Tuesday seized the severed leopard head, skins and meat and arrested two persons from the spot.

The two and their associates laid a trap to hunt wild boars near the forest in Deodhara village. However, a leopard fell into the trap. "They killed the leopard and consumed its meat", the PCCF said.

Condemning the eating of leopard meat, Susanta Nanda said such behaviour has no place in a civilised society and people who kill leopard and consume its meat should be ostracised.

"This kind of people should be socially ostracised. The people should be aware that this is not acceptable in a civil society" he said .

Describing the eating of leopard meat by the two persons as "barbaric", Susanta Nanda said, "In my long career as a forest department officer, I have never heard a human being eating meat of leopard or tiger. It is common that tigers kill humans and eat their flesh. This is a unique incident in the state".

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

AR Rahman's Wife Saira Announces Separation After 29 Years Of Marriage

Oscar winning composer AR Rahman and his wife Saira, after nearly 30 years of marriage, today jointly announced through their lawyer that they have "made the difficult decision to separate" from each other.

"After many years of marriage, Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman have made the difficult decision to separate from each other," read a statement from Vandana Shah and Associates, their lawyer.

The decision, said the lawyer, "comes after significant emotional strain in their relationship".

"Despite their deep love for each other, the couple has found that the tensions and difficulties have created an insurmountable gap between them, one that neither party feels able to bridge at this time," the statement said, underscoring that the "decision comes out of pain and agony".

"Mrs. Saira and her husband Mr. A R. Rahman request privacy and understanding from the public during this challenging time, as they navigate this difficult chapter in their life," the statement further added.

The couple married in 1995 and are parents to three children: Khatija, Raheema and Ameen.

In his Instagram Stories, their son Ameen wrote, "We kindly request everyone to respect our privacy during this time. Thank you for your understanding."

AR Rahman, who won the Oscar for his work on Slumdog Millionaire, was once dubbed "the Mozart of Madras" by Time magazine.

The musician, who started playing music at the age of five, got his first break with the 1992 movie Roja. It was a hit, and Rahman's soundtrack led to him winning the national award for best music composer.

"How come you opted for an arranged marriage?" Simi Garewal asked the ace composer in 2012 on her popular chart show 'Rendezvous with Simi Garewal'.

"To be honest I didn't have the time to go and search for a bride," said a smiling Rahman, eliciting a chuckle from the host. 

"I was doing all those films - Rangeela , Bombay and all that stuff. Was so busy in that, but I knew that was the right time for me to get married. I was 29. And I told my mother. I said find me a bride," said Rahman 

"Did you have any specifications?" asked Ms Garewal      

"I want a simple wife. The one who won't give me much trouble. So I could carry on doing my music," Rahman answered. 

Ms Garewal then reminded Rahman that he had asked his mother to find her a bride with "some education, some beauty and loads of humility". 

Rahman smiled and nodded in the affirmative. 

Asked how they met, Rahman also revealed that his mother found Saira's sister near a Sufi shrine and one thing led to another and soon they were married.

  

He Broke Into Homes To Hit Sleeping Women On Head. Cops Explain Why

A 30-year-old man, who was arrested for allegedly breaking into homes at night and hitting sleeping women on the head in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur, has told police that he held a grudge against women and sought to take revenge after he was imprisoned in a 2022 child abuse case.

At a press briefing at the White House at Gorakhpur Police Line on Sunday, Gorakhpur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gaurav Grover said the accused, Ajay Nishad, was involved in five such attacks on women, one of whom even succumbed to injuries. He would also speak to his girlfriend over the phone after committing each assault, police said.

"He always wore black clothes and remained barefoot as he broke into homes and hit women on the head with sticks or rods. He liked hitting the head of his women inmates in jail and that is why he carried out such assaults once he was released," SSP Grover said.

The police earlier said that Nishad was in prison for six months in a 2022 child abuse case. Out on bail, he lived in Surat for a while before returning to Gorakhpur. He carried out his first attack on the night of July 30, when he entered a house and hit a woman on the head, before fleeing away with some jewellery.

The police said that Nishad's role in the crime was established on the basis of CCTV footage of the localities he struck in.

They added that tracing the accused was a "challenging" task. Several teams were formed and a prize of Rs 100,000 was also announced for the team that would arrest the accused.

The police have recovered several blunt objects, including an iron rod and a bed leg, suspected to have been used in the attacks. They said they would put the matter before a fast-track court and ensure strict punishment for Nishad.

टीम इंडिया ने हल्के में ले लिया था, न्यूजीलैंड के खिलाफ कीमत चुकाई: शास्त्री

भारतीय क्रिकेट टीम के पूर्व मुख्य कोच रवि शास्त्री ने कहा कि न्यूजीलैंड के खिलाफ टीम इंडिया संतुष्ट हो गई थी और इसी की कीमत उसको चुनानी पड़ी. उस हार के भुलाकर आगे बढ़ना भारत के लिए ऑस्ट्रेलिया दौरे पर मुश्किल होगा. टीम को अच्छी शुरुआत करनी होगी.

Why Peace In The Middle East Might Be Beyond Trump's Deal-Making Skills

Donald Trump's re-election as the US president last week comes at a time of extreme volatility in the Middle East.

The president-elect has promised to end all wars. In his usual impulsive and unpredictable manner, he has pledged to resolve the Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office and help Israel finish its Gaza and Lebanon operations quickly.

Yet the Middle East is a complex place. Trump will have much difficulty balancing his ardent support of Israel and his other ambitions in the region, especially given the changing dynamics between Iran and its rival, Saudi Arabia.

Here's what Trump can expect when he takes office in a few months.

Collapse of talks between Israel and Hamas

Overshadowed by the US election was Qatar's announcement that it has paused its role as a ceasefire mediator between Israel and Hamas.

The tiny, oil-rich emirate has worked hard over the past year to try to reach a deal to end the war. In the process, it made good use of its close relations with the United States, which has its largest Middle East military base in Qatar, and with Hamas, whose political leadership and office have been based in Doha. This, Qatar believed, would help it gain the confidence of the warring parties.

However, its efforts did not produce anything more than a brief ceasefire last year, which resulted in the release of more than 100 Israeli hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Lebanon Ceasefire: Israel and Lebanon are reportedly “in advanced stages” of reaching a ceasefire agreement. This deal appears to attempt to more successfully implement UNSCR 1701, which prohibits Lebanese Hezbollah military activity in southern Lebanon. https://t.co/lV2KCHvNcj pic.twitter.com/Qq9Gb20icw

— Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) October 30, 2024

There are several reasons for this.

For one, the two sides cannot get past a couple of main sticking points. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has resolved to eliminate Hamas completely, ruling out a temporary truce. Hamas is demanding a complete end to the fighting and total Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

Meanwhile, Washington has failed to play a meaningful role in the talks. While repeatedly emphasising its desire for a ceasefire, the Biden administration did not at any point put tangible pressure on Israel beyond diplomatic rhetoric.

It has also refused to cut off military aid to Israel. Instead, it approved a US$20 billion (A$30 billion) arms sale to Israel in August. This means Netanyahu has had no compelling reason to divert from his mission.

A possible ceasefire in Lebanon

As the chances of a Gaza ceasefire have faded, hopes have been raised about a Lebanon ceasefire.

Washington has reportedly engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts to get Israel and Hezbollah to reach a common ground to end the fighting there.

Israel wants Hezbollah to be disarmed and pushed back at least beyond the Litani River in southern Lebanon – about 30km north of the Israeli border – with a security zone to be established between the two. Israel wants to maintain the right to strike Hezbollah if necessary, which Lebanese authorities are likely to reject.

Israel has considerably weakened Hezbollah in its bombing and ground invasion of southern Lebanon at the expense of massive civilian casualties.

However, just as Israel has not been able to wipe out Hamas, it has so far not succeeded in crippling Hezbollah to the extent it would be forced to accept a ceasefire on Israel's terms. The militant group continues to possess sufficient political and military prowess to remain resilient.

Changing regional dynamics

Now, Trump re-enters the scene.

His electoral triumph has comforted Netanyahu's government to the extent that his finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has asked the relevant authorities to prepare for the formal annexation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Trump has been a committed supporter of Israel for a long time. During his first presidency he recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and ordered the US embassy to move there. He also recognised Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which Israel seized from Syria in 1967.

He castigated Iran as the real villain in the region and withdrew the US from the multilateral Iran nuclear agreement. He also instigated the Abraham Accords, in which several Arab states normalised relations with Israel.

However, the Gaza and Lebanon wars, as well as the direct military exchanges between Israel and Iran over the past year, have changed the regional texture.

Trump has voiced unwavering backing of Israel against Hamas and Hezbollah, and is likely to resuscitate his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. This could involve strangling Tehran with stringent sanctions and blocking its oil exports, while seeking to isolate it internationally.

President-elect Donald Trump plans to drastically increase sanctions on Iran and throttle its oil sales, according to people briefed on his early plans https://t.co/43wvCXt5NH

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) November 9, 2024

Meanwhile, as a transactional leader, Trump also wants to strengthen America's lucrative economic and trade ties with the Arab governments of the region.

However, these countries have been shaken by the scale of Israel's Gaza and Lebanon operations. Their populations are boiling over with frustration at their leaders' inability to counter Israel's actions. This is nowhere more evident than in Jordan.

As a result, Saudi Arabia – America's richest and most consequential Arab ally in the region – has lately taken the lead in voicing strong opposition to Israel. Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has also made a path toward an independent Palestinian state a condition of normalising relations with Israel.

Further, Riyadh is strengthening its more than year-long rapprochement with its arch rival, Iran. The two countries' defence ministers met last weekend, following a joint military exercise involving their navies.

In addition, Bin Salman has just convened a meeting of Arab and Muslim leaders in Riyadh to forge a consensual position in dealing with Israel and the incoming Trump administration.

Gulf states wary of return to Trump's ‘maximum pressure' against Iran https://t.co/CogsazuGbf

— Financial Times (@FT) November 12, 2024

Where is it all heading?

Trump will need to find a balance between his commitment to Israel and upholding America's close relations with its traditional Arab allies. This will be crucial to ending the Middle East wars and rebuffing Iran.

Tehran is no longer as vulnerable to Trump's venom as it may have been in the past. It is more powerful militarily and enjoys strong strategic relations with Russia, China and North Korea, as well as improved relations with regional Arab states.

Given the absence of a Gaza ceasefire, the thin hope of a halt to the Lebanon fighting, Netanyahu's intransigence and Trump's pursuance of an “Israel first” policy, the Middle East's volatility is likely to persist.

It may prove to be as much of a headache for Trump as it was for Joe Biden in a very polarised and unpredictable world.

(Author: Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies, Australian National University)

(Disclosure Statement: Amin Saikal does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.)

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
 

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

On LSG Releasing KL Rahul, Ganguly Gives Blunt 'Look In The Mirror' Verdict

Former Indian cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly feels KL Rahul needs some course correction after the wicketkeeper-batter was released by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction. Rahul led LSG in the franchise's first three IPL seasons, having been drafted to the squad ahead of the 2022 season. However, following the aftermath of his intense discussion with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka last season, Rahul was let go by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction. Ganguly suggested Rahul needs some self assessment and decide how he wants to prolong his career.

"Yeah, confidence. He has to speak to himself. He has to speak to himself and say, just put everything behind. Ups and downs are part and parcel of sports. Confidence will go up and down. You have to bring it back by working hard in the nets. I know he has gone through a lot. Lucknow Super Giants have released him. I do not know whether they will buy him back in the auction. I am sure he will find a good team and get his worth in the IPL. But these things put pressure on players," Ganguly told RevSportz.

Ganguly added that Rahul needs to look in the mirror and reflect on what went wrong. He also advised him to add a fresh approach to his game, especially with the young players taking their game to a next level, especially in T20Is.

"So, I think he has got to sit with himself and get away from everything, all his friends and family, team and IPL owners, auctions and self discover. Look at the mirror and say, I need to play differently. I need to get tough inside and fight this period. He has got a fantastic 100 in South Africa last time round. He can score hundreds in these conditions. But the mind has to believe that and the fight has to be there," he added.

"In and out of the team, he is seeing young players play well in T20s. You see what they have done in South Africa. He has to change and cannot keep playing the same way and expect to be picked all the time, because somebody else will come and get picked," said Ganguly.

"Does She...?": Kabir Bedi's First Wife On His Affair With Parveen Babi

Kabir Bedi's personal life is no less than cinema. The Kurbaan actor, who always defied societal norms, talked about his affair and break-up with Parveen Babi in an interview with Digital Commentary. Kabir said in the interview he didn't leave Parveen Babi but the actress left him in the fear that he would pressurize her to undergo a treatment for her mental illness. In this context, Kabir Bedi's anecdotes from his autobiography Stories I Must Tell: The Emotional Journey Of An Actor gained the limelight. In the book, he wrote about his marriage to Odissi dancer Protima Bedi and how he broke the news of his affair with Parveen Babi in front of Protima.

Describing his troubled marriage to Protima, Kabir Bedi wrote in the book, "It had led to a lack of intimacy between us. I didn't feel the love that I wanted, the caring and sharing I needed. Nor was I able to give it. The old magic had gone. I was feeling alone, empty and dejected." Getting candid about how he revealed his affair to his wife, he wrote, "There was no easy way to break the news to Protima. 'I'm going over to Parveen's tonight,' I said softly when she came in. 'Parveen's!' she repeated in surprise. I could see her computing what must have happened. 'But I've only just arrived. Can't you stay tonight at least?' I shook my head. 'No, I have to be with her tonight ... and every night.' In that moment, she realised that our relationship had changed forever."

Kabir Bedi also wrote in vivid details how his wife reacted to his affair with Parveen Babi. "She let out a deep breath and looked at me. 'Do you love her?' I nodded, not without sadness. 'Does she love you?' she asked, her voice a notch higher. 'Yes,' I said gruffly, wanting to cry. I knew I was ending a relationship where we'd shared life-changing experiences together, happy and unhappy, moral and immoral, for six tumultuous years. But I didn't want to show vulnerability. I had to be strong to end it. I held her by the shoulders to embrace her goodbye. She clung to me and burst out crying. Then she sat down on the bed and sighed deeply before she spoke. 'Please leave me alone now,' she said in a firm voice as tears welled in her eyes. 'Leave me alone. Please go!' Our 'open marriage' was over."

In addition to his work in films like Kurbaan, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy, and Dilwale, Kabir Bedi has also appeared in many international projects, including The Archer: Fugitive from the Empire, La tigre e ancora viva: Sandokan alla riscossa! and The Thief of Baghdad.

Madhya Pradesh Official Gets Show Cause Notice For Laughing During Hearing

A government official received a show cause notice for allegedly laughing in the presence of his senior colleagues during a public hearing in Madhya Pradesh's Chhatarpur district.

The show cause notice, issued on October 30, surfaced on social media on Saturday evening.

The notice was purportedly issued by additional collector Milind Nagdev to KK Tiwari, the assistant manager of e-governance at the district collector's office.

The notice stated that Tiwari was found laughing during the public hearing on October 29 in the presence of senior officials, which amounted to indiscipline and carelessness towards duty.

Public hearings are organised at select government offices on Tuesdays across the state.

In the notice, the additional collector stated that this was serious misconduct under the MP Civil Services Conduct Rules 1965 and punishable under MP Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules 1966.

Talking to reporters, the additional collector claimed he was unaware of how the show cause notice was issued and that he would inquire at his office.

Tiwari, however, said he had already submitted his reply to the notice.

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

Family Claims Dead Man's Eye Taken Out In Bihar Hospital, Doctors Blame Rats

As the family of a man who died of a bullet injury while undergoing treatment in a Patna hospital was grieving, another shock awaited them - his left eye went missing hours after his death. While the family has alleged that the eye was taken out by doctors as part of a "business", the hospital administration has pinned the blame on rats. 

The man, Fantus Kumar, was admitted to Patna's second-largest hospital, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH), on Thursday after being shot in his abdomen in Nalanda. Kumar was admitted to the ICU but was declared dead at 8:55 pm on Friday. The family was with him in the hospital till 1 am on Saturday and when they returned a few hours later, they found his left eye missing.

The man's brother-in-law claimed that someone from the hospital had removed the eye. "How can they be so negligent? Either someone from the hospital conspired with the people who shot him or the hospital is involved in some business of taking people's eyes out," he said. 

"If we can't trust such a big facility, who can we trust? Someone took his eye out in the ICU and the hospital is saying it doesn't know what has happened. This is very unfortunate," he added. 

Police officials said CCTV footage is being examined.

 "The man's family has alleged that his eye has been taken out. It is clear the body has been tampered with. The doctors have said rats could have bitten off the eye, and we are investigating," said an official. 

NMCH Medical Superintendent Dr Vinod Kumar Singh said rats could be responsible and that a thorough investigation is being conducted. 

"Fantus Kumar was admitted to the ICU after suffering a firearm injury. He was operated upon and the bullet was removed, but he died at 8:55 pm on Friday. His family was with him till 1 am and they informed us at 5 am that his left eye was missing. We are trying to look into what has happened. An FIR has been filed," he said. 

"The possibility of rats biting off the eye cannot be ignored. We will have to wait for a post-mortem. This is not acceptable, and anyone found guilty of negligence will be punished," he added.

Mr Singh also argued that removing an eye, which can only be used for a corneal transplant, won't make much sense in Kumar's case because he was dead for at least four hours before it went missing. 

"The patient died at 8.55 pm and the incident happened after 1.00 am. The eye, even if someone took it out, won't be of much use. An eye can only be used if it is surgically removed within four to six hours of the death," he said.

इंडिया के बाहर दूसरी बार होगा IPL ऑक्शन, खिलाड़ियों पर कितने बजे लगेगी बोली

IPL Mega Auction: आईपीएल ऑक्शन 2025 में कौन कौन से खिलाड़ी भाग लेंगे, इसका ऐलान हो गया है. फैंस को अब 24 और 25 नवंबर का इंतजार है जब दुनिया के एक से बढ़कर एक क्रिकेटर्स ऑक्शन में बोली लगेगी. इस बार ऑक्शन के लिए 574 खिलाड़ियों को शॉर्ट लिस्ट किया गया है. लोग जानना चाहते हैं कि दूसरी बार इंडिया से बाहर हो रहे ऑक्शन की शुरुआत भारत के समय के मुताबिक दिन में कितने बजे से होगी.

Video: Man Finds Insects In Sambhar On Vande Bharat Train, Railways Reacts

A passenger's Vande Bharat train journey turned unsavoury when he found insects in the meal served to him. Visuals shared on social media showed black insects floating in sambhar served in an aluminium container.

Several passengers on the same train - travelling from Tirunelveli to Chennai - complained that even though the train service was good, the food provided was not satisfactory.

Congress MP Manickam Tagore shared one such video and sought to know what steps were being taken to address the issue.

"Passengers have raised concerns over hygiene and IRCTC's accountability. What steps are being taken to address this and ensure food safety on premium trains?" he posted on X.

Dear @AshwiniVaishnaw ji ,live insects 🦟 were found in the food served on the Tirunelveli-Chennai #VandeBharatExpress

Passengers have raised concerns over hygiene and IRCTC's accountability.
What steps are being taken to address this and ensure food safety on premium trains? pic.twitter.com/auR2bqtmip

— Manickam Tagore .B🇮🇳மாணிக்கம் தாகூர்.ப (@manickamtagore) November 16, 2024

The railways responded to the complaint and said that an "immediate investigation was conducted" and the food package was handed over to a health inspector at Dindigul station.

The investigation found that the insect was stuck on the lid of the food package, the railways said.

It also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the service provider for this incident.

Railways is committed to ensuring the quality of food and passenger complaints are being resolved promptly, it said.

This is not the first such instance reported from a Vande Bharat train. A few months ago, a man claimed on social media that he found a cockroach in his meal.

Vande Bharat trains - a medium-distance superfast express service - are a part of the 'Make in India' initiative by the government. High Speed, enhanced Safety standards and world-class Service are the hallmarks of this train, according to the Ministry of Railways.

Road Rage Escalates To Stabbing, Stone-Throwing In UP, 2 Cops Injured

A man returning home on his bike in Uttar Pradesh collided with another rider at an intersection, setting off an argument and a huge fight resulting in a stabbing, said the police.

The incident, which took place late on Friday night, was reported from Ghosi in Mau town, some 300 km from state capital Lucknow.

On a bike with his wife and child, Sukhu Rajbhar's vehicle, while taking a turn, had brushed against Shoaib's bike. An argument turned into stabbing.

"He did not use the indicator as he appeared in a hurry. When I told him to use the indicator, he shouted abuses at me. I also abused him. Then a fight followed. Whether he hit me with a key or a knife, I can't tell. I also hit him back. I was alone," said Shoaib, the man whose bike was hit by Rajbhar.

Rajbhar's family had a different version of the event.

"Upon returning from shopping and while entering the lane near his home, he (Rajbhar) was surrounded by bikes on both sides. They abused him and upon protesting, they stabbed him with knives," said a relative of Rajbhar.

The cops arrived on the scene and took the two men to a community health centre.

"Two bikes had collided with each other. An altercation started following the collision. People on both sides sustained injuries. They were admitted to a hospital," said Mau Assistant Superintendent of Police, Mahesh Singh Attri.

As news spread, a crowd gathered outside the health centre and people started throwing stones. Cops, dressed in full riot gear, tried their best to control the situation. Two policemen were injured in the incident.

"A few people pelted stones there as well. When they were removed from the spot, a few of them blocked roads...We spoke with people, they said that they are vacating the road. Further action will be taken as per the complaint...Circle Officer Ghosi and Station House Officer sustained injuries in the stone pelting. 2-3 vehicles were damaged," said the senior police officer.

(With inputs from Rahul Singh)

This Creature Could Take Over Earth If Humanity Disappears, Scientists Warn

The human race lives with myriad existential threats that can come at us from all sides, from the immediate threat of artificial intelligence entering every aspect of life to the terrible consequences of climate change and out of sight but inevitable eternal Earth demise. As we live with these, some scientists have pondered a fascinating question: If humans were to become extinct, which species might rise to dominance?

One of the most interesting candidates could be the octopus, which is known for its intelligence and versatility. This marine animal, highly adaptable, has a unique set of abilities that may make it well-equipped to survive and thrive on Earth in the post-human era-a complex nervous system, problem-solving ability, and capacity for learning and innovation, making them different from all other animals.

Professor Tim Coulson of the University of Oxford said octopuses are supremely intelligent' and have the 'dexterity, curiosity, and ability to communicate with each other." This puts them in a 'pole position' to take over the world one day.

"Octopuses are among the most intelligent, adaptable, and resourceful creatures on Earth," he told The European.

"Octopuses are capable of distinguishing between real and virtual objects, solving puzzles, interacting with their environment, handling intricate tools with their thumb-like tentacles, and thriving in a wide variety of habitats, from deep-sea trenches to coastal regions," he said.

This idea has sparked lively discussions among scientists, who have explored the potential of various species to fill the void left by humanity. The octopus, with its remarkable capabilities, has emerged as a strong contender for this role. Its ability to camouflage, its dexterous limbs, and its advanced cognitive functions make it a formidable creature, capable of overcoming challenges and adapting to changing environments.

Opinion: Tribal Society And Pride Of Birsa Munda: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Writes For NDTV

The tribal society of India is rich in history, culture, and valour, with a legacy marked by struggle for identity, freedom, and dignity. This society has been fighting for its rights and freedom for centuries. The symbol of this wonderful heritage is Bhagwan Birsa Munda, who raised his voice against the exploitation of the tribal society.

Born in Ulihatu (now in Jharkhand) in 1875, Birsa Munda's life, struggle, and sacrifices for the preservation of tribal autonomy and culture are etched in the history of India. The struggle (Ulgulan) to save the tribal identity, autonomy and culture is unforgettable. Due to his contribution and sacrifice for the tribals, Birsa Munda is fondly called as "Dharti Aaba" (God on Earth), a symbol of respect and reverence towards him by the tribal community.

Bhagwan Birsa Munda dreamt of an exploitation-free, egalitarian society. Following his ideals, the state of Chhattisgarh is constantly striving for the all-round development of the tribal society.

Since the BJP government came to power at the Centre, significant steps have been taken towards the empowerment of the tribal community. Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, states like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand were formed so that tribal-dominated areas could be developed and their identity could be respected.

This decision provided the tribal community an opportunity to preserve its traditions and cultural heritage. The ST Commission was made independent and empowered to bring the tribal community into the mainstream so that their voice could be heard effectively.

On his 150th birth anniversary, it is a moment of immense pride that both the central and state governments are working relentlessly to turn his dreams into reality.

Birsa Munda aimed at empowering tribal communities. In line with this vision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched several initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Gaurav Yojana and the PM PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) Vikas Mission to ensure the all-round development of tribal society. These schemes have been created to realise the overall development and self-reliance of the tribal society.

In recognition of the invaluable contributions of tribal heroes across the country, Prime Minister Modi declared November 15 as "Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas".

Prime Minister Modi's special dedication towards the tribal society is playing an important role in the development of Chhattisgarh. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, various schemes have been introduced to uplift the tribal society, with special emphasis on the development of Chhattisgarh. The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Unnat Gram Abhiyan, which aims to empower five crore tribal people across 63,000 villages, is a transformative step in improving the lives of tribal families in the state. These programmes focus on providing basic infrastructure like roads, telecom connectivity, electricity, housing, health services, and education in remote tribal areas.

The government of Chhattisgarh is committed to the overall development of tribal regions, which constitute nearly 30 per cent of the state's population. Special schemes have been launched to elevate their standard of living. For instance, under the Niyad Nella Nar Yojana, crucial facilities like housing, healthcare, and education are being provided to 96 villages in Maoist-affected areas, significantly improving the quality of life for these communities. Additionally, the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Special Health Assistance Scheme is providing financial assistance of up to Rs 20 lakh for the treatment of serious diseases in poor tribal families.

The state government has also allocated Rs 1.52 lakh crore for agriculture and rural development, with a special focus on tribal areas.

In the field of education, Chhattisgarh is setting new standards with the establishment of 75 Eklavya Adarsh Residential Schools and 15 Prayas Residential Schools in Maoist-affected regions. These institutions aim to provide tribal children with quality education and opportunities to compete at higher levels. Textbooks in 18 local languages have been introduced to facilitate learning in mother tongues, and the state is also developing 263 schools as model institutions under the PM Shri scheme.

To improve road connectivity, the Bharatmala Project is constructing an economic corridor connecting Raipur to Visakhapatnam, which will benefit the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh. This project will boost trade, create employment opportunities, and bring tribal communities into the economic mainstream.

The forest resources of Chhattisgarh are a key part of tribal life. In a bid to ensure fair pricing for forest products, the government has increased the rate for the collection of tendu leaves from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,500, benefiting more than 12 lakh families. Alongside this, 10,000 bio-input resource centres are being established to promote organic farming and sustainable practices.

Our government has introduced various incentive schemes under the new industrial policy to economically empower the people of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes categories and increase their participation in the industrial sector.

To empower the communities living in the forest area of ​​the state, homestays and tourism are being promoted in tribal dominated areas like Bastar and Surguja, as well as local sports activities like Bastar Olympics are being enriched. This step will not only preserve the cultural identity of the state but will also provide employment and economic independence to the local people.

A large part of Chhattisgarh has been affected by Naxalism.

Under the new industrial policy, special incentive packages have been prepared for those Naxalites who want to surrender and return to the mainstream. Under this, surrendered Naxalites will be encouraged for entrepreneurship. They will be given vocational training as well as financial assistance, so that they can give a new direction to their lives and lead a respectable life in the society.

Special provisions have been made in Chhattisgarh's new industrial policy for the development of tribal society and employment generation. The policy will provide concessions on setting up industries in tribal-dominated areas, which will increase economic opportunities in these areas. Along with this, special schemes have been made to promote traditional tribal art, handicrafts, and forest product processing. The government wants the tribal society to become self-reliant by taking advantage of these opportunities.

Thanks to the efforts of the central government, especially under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, tribal communities are experiencing a new era of hope, pride, and self-respect.

As we commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, we are reminded of his vision of a self-reliant, prosperous, and respected tribal society. Inspired by his ideals, the government of Chhattisgarh is committed to ensuring that every tribal citizen of the state receives their rightful share of development, dignity, and prosperity.

Our government will continue to make continuous efforts in this direction and together we will build a self-reliant and prosperous tribal society.

(This article is written by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh, on the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda and "Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas")

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author.

Asaduddin Owaisi In Fray For 16 Maharashtra Seats, Hopes To Fare Better

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen or AIMIM has joined the battle for Maharashtra, hoping to expand its niche in the western state. With eye on Muslim and Dalit votes, the party is contesting on 16 seats. Though it won only two seats in 2014 and 2019, its effect had extended to cutting into the non-BJP votes from the Congress, triggering Maha Vikas Aghadi's allegation that it is the "B Team" of the BJP. 

AIMIM won Malegaon Central and Dhule in 2019 after contesting on 44 seats, but spoiled the chances of the Congress and Sharad Pawar's undivided NCP on a dozen seats.

This time, the party has fielded four Dalit and 12 Muslim candidates in Aurangabad Central, Aurangabad East, Mumbra-Kalwa (Thane), Malegaon Central, Dhule, Solapur, Nanded South, Mankhurd Shivaji Nagar, Bhiwandi West, Karanja, Nagpur North, Byculla, Versova (Mumbai), Murtizapur (Akola), Kurla and Miraj (Sangli). 

Most of these seats are around Mumbai. On almost all seats, there are strong candidates of the Congress, NCP (SP) and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT). 

The campaign is being spearheaded by party chief Asaduddin Owaisi and his brother Akbaruddin Owaisi, with the slogan "Jai Bhim, Jai MIM". 

Mr Owaisi's hurdles have been multiplied by the Ulema Board, which has supported the MVA with 17 conditions. 

The main demands of the board include a ban on Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological mentor of the BJP, and opposition to the Waqf Bill.

Mr Owaisi feels this move of the board may lead to a division in his Muslim votebank. But such a split will hit the MVA worse.

"Combining Indian Hospitality With Swiss Quality": CEO On New Noida Airport

The National Capital Region is set to get its second major airport in April next year and with the first trial flights scheduled a few days from now at the Noida International Airport - also known as the Jewar airport - NDTV has got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the frenetic construction activity at the project site as well as details of its design, connectivity and projected passenger numbers. 

NDTV also spoke exclusively to Noida International Airport CEO Christoph Schnellmann, who said their aim is to provide a passenger experience that combines Indian warmth and hospitality with Swiss quality and efficiency. 

The airport is being developed by the Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, a subsidiary of Swiss firm Zurich Airport International AG, in association with the Noida International Airport Limited, which is the implementing agency on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government. 

Located in Jewar in Western UP's Gautam Buddha Nagar district, the airport is scheduled to see its first trial flights taking off and touching down in a few days, which will be an important milestone not only in the airport's development schedule but also in the story of the growth of Indian aviation. The airport was necessary given that the Indian aviation market has seen a compounded annual growth rate of 8.9% in the decade between 2013 and 2023 and because the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has reached its growth potential.

Design Influences

Mr Schnellmann said design has been a key focus for the company since the project began around five years ago. Local materials have been used and one of the standout design choices is the flight of steps at the terminal's forecourt, which will resemble the ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar. Reflecting a focus on a climate change-friendly approach, the airport will also use natural lighting and ventilation to reduce its environmental footprint and energy costs.

"We are incredibly excited about the experience we are going to be able to offer our passengers. We talk about combining Indian warmth and hospitality with Swiss quality and efficiency. I think we have been very deliberate about designing the terminal (by) picking up elements of the rich architectural heritage of the region... An airport that is very much at home in north India, in Western UP. The commercial space will feature a large open-air courtyard reminiscent of some of the 'havelis' (traditional houses) found in the region," the CEO said. 

The airport has also been planned as a gateway to tourist destinations in North India, including the Taj Mahal, and for Hindu pilgrimages like the Chardham Yatra, Kumbh Mela, Mathura and Vrindavan as well as the Buddhist circuit of Sravasti, Kapilavastu and Kushinagar.

Number-Crunching

The total area of the project is 1,334 hectares and, in its first phase, 1.2 crore passengers are expected to use the airport every year. The number is projected to increase to 3 crore by the end of the decade and 7 crore a few years after that. 

One runway will be operational initially and, when it opens, the terminal will have 10 aerobridges and three bus gates. There will eventually be two operational runways and while the airport will have 28 spots for aircraft in the apron area initially, this will expand to 200 as the flights and passenger count increase. 

Mr Schnellmann said that the terminal is being built keeping this expansion in mind. 

"The pier can expand to the west to provide further passenger capacity. The building has also been designed in such a manner that it can be mirrored to the east," he said. 

Road, Rail Links

The airport is connected to Greater Noida, Noida and Delhi via the signal-free Yamuna Expressway. Leaving from Saket at 11 am on Tuesday, it took about an hour and 45 minutes to reach the airport by road. Once an interchange is built from the airport to the expressway, it will take approximately 45 minutes from Noida and 25 minutes from Greater Noida, according to Mr Schnellmann.

The CEO said the UP government is also planning a rail link directly to the airport, construction on which will begin in a year or so.