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Toxic smog smothering India’s capital smashes WHO limit

Residents of India’s capital New Delhi choked in a blanketing toxic smog Wednesday as worsening air pollution surged past 50 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended daily maximum.

Many in the city cannot afford air filters, nor do they have homes they can effectively seal from the misery of foul-smelling air blamed for thousands of premature deaths.

Cooler temperatures and slow-moving winds trap deadly pollutants each winter, stretching from mid-October until at least January.

At dawn on Wednesday, “hazardous” pollutant levels in parts of the sprawling urban area of more than 30 million people topped 806 micrograms per cubic metre, according to monitoring firm IQAir.

That is more than 53 times the WHO-recommended daily maximum of fine particulate matter — dangerous cancer-causing microparticles known as PM2.5 pollutants that enter the bloodstream through the lungs.

By midday, when air usually is at its best, it eased to about 25-35 times above danger levels, depending on different districts.

The city is blanketed in acrid smog each year, primarily blamed on stubble burning by farmers in neighbouring regions to clear their fields for ploughing, as well as factories and traffic fumes.

‘Alarming’

But a report by The New York Times this month, based on air and soil samples it collected over five years, revealed the dangerous fumes also spewing from a power plant incinerating the city’s landfill garbage mountains.

Experts the newspaper spoke to said that the levels of heavy metals found were “alarming”.

Swirling white clouds of smog also delayed several flights across northern India.

The India Meteorological Department said that at least 18 regional airports had a visibility lower than 1,000 metres (1,093 yards) — dropping below 500m in Delhi.

Commuters drive amid dense smog in New Delhi on Nov 13, 2024. — Arun Sankar / AFP

India’s Supreme Court last month ruled that clean air was a fundamental human right, ordering both the central government and state-level authorities to take action.

But critics say arguments between rival politicians heading neighbouring states — as well as between central and state-level authorities — have compounded the problem.

Politicians are accused of not wanting to anger key figures in their constituencies, particularly powerful farming groups.

City authorities have launched several initiatives to tackle pollution, which have done little in practice.

Government trucks are regularly used to spray water to briefly dampen the pollution.

A new scheme unveiled earlier this month to use three small drones to spray water mist was derided by critics as another “band-aid” solution to a public health crisis.

The WHO says that air pollution can trigger strokes, heart disease, lung cancer and other respiratory diseases.

It is particularly punishing for babies, children and the elderly.

A study in The Lancet medical journal attributed 1.67m premature deaths to air pollution in the world’s most populous country in 2019.




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UK’s The Guardian stops posting on ‘toxic media platform’ X

Britain’s The Guardian newspaper announced Wednesday it would no longer post content from its official accounts on Elon Musk’s X, branding it a “toxic media platform” home to “often disturbing content”.

“We think that the benefits of being on X are now outweighed by the negatives,” the left-leaning newspaper, which has nearly 11 million followers on X, said on its website. It added that its “resources could be better used promoting our journalism elsewhere”.

“This is something we have been considering for a while given the often disturbing content promoted or found on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism,” the statement noted.

“The US presidential election campaign served only to underline what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform and that its owner, Elon Musk, has been able to use its influence to shape political discourse.”

The paper’s main X handle was still accessible Wednesday but a message on it advised “this account has been archived” while redirecting visitors to its website.

The Guardian noted that X users would still be able to share its articles and that it would still “occasionally embed content from X” within its articles given “the nature of live news reporting”.

It also said its reporters would still be able to use the site and other social networks on which the paper does not have an account.

“Social media can be an important tool for news organisations and help us to reach new audiences but, at this point, X now plays a diminished role in promoting our work,” The Guardian added.

Musk purchased X, formerly known as Twitter, for $44 billion in 2022 and has consistently courted controversy with his use of the platform, particularly during the recent US presidential election.

Musk endorsed Donald Trump and used his personal account boasting nearly 205 million followers to sway voters in favour of the Republican, with a slew of incendiary, misleading posts criticised for cranking up the political temperature.

Trump on Tuesday announced that the Tesla and SpaceX billionaire would lead a so-called Department of Government Efficiency in his incoming administration, alongside the entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.




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US govt employee indicted for leaking classified documents on Israel’s plans to strike Iran

A US government employee has been indicted for leaking classified national defence information, according to federal court records unsealed on Wednesday.

The indictment, charging Asif William Rahman with two counts of willfully transmitting classified information, does not provide details about the nature of the leak.

However, it says the leak occurred on or about October 17.

That was around the time that a pro-Iranian Telegram account called “Middle East Spectator” published what appeared to be a pair of documents produced by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency which shared information about Israel’s preparations for an attack on Iran.

The intelligence in the documents was based on satellite imagery from Oct 15 to 16.

In a previous statement, the Middle East Spectator said it had received the documents through an anonymous source, and that it had no connection to the original leaker nor could it verify the authenticity of the documents.

The FBI in October confirmed it was investigating who had leaked the documents.

According to the indictment, which is dated November 7, investigators believe the leak took place in Cambodia.

Rahman was arrested in Cambodia on Nov 12, and is expected to make an initial court appearance in a federal court in Guam on Nov 14 before he is transferred to stand trial in the Eastern District of Virginia.




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Longleng District Observes World Pneumonia Day - Eastern Mirror

  1. Longleng District Observes World Pneumonia Day  Eastern Mirror
  2. Govt to equip dist hosps to cut child pneumonia deaths  The Times of India
  3. World Pneumonia Day: 7 natural ways to keep your lungs healthy  Health shots
  4. World Pneumonia Day: 9 foods to fight pneumonia  Firstpost
  5. World Pneumonia Day: Three young lives lost daily in Gujarat  Gujarat Samachar




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India To Play Intra Squad Match At WACA Ahead Of Australia Tests, Public Not Allowed: Report - News18

  1. India To Play Intra Squad Match At WACA Ahead Of Australia Tests, Public Not Allowed: Report  News18
  2. Black veil of secrecy: India begin training in privacy in Perth  ESPNcricinfo
  3. 'No request' from BCCI but Australian media report claims India wanted...  The Times of India
  4. Of Coffee Date And Fam-Jam: Anushka Sharma And Virat Kohli's Perth Diaries  NDTV Movies
  5. Batting time: India begin preparations in lockdown mode  Hindustan Times






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'Toxic media platform': Why 'The Guardian' quit X after US election results - The Times of India

  1. 'Toxic media platform': Why 'The Guardian' quit X after US election results  The Times of India
  2. Why the Guardian is no longer posting on X  The Guardian
  3. ‘Toxic’: Leading UK media house decides to stop posting on Elon Musk-led X  Hindustan Times
  4. A 200-year-old British media giant stops posting on X. Here's why  India Today
  5. UK's 'The Guardian' Quits X Citing "Disturbing Content" On Platform  NDTV




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Officers Carrying Out Illegal Demolitions Liable To Restore Properties At Personal Cost & Pay Damages:... - Live Law - Indian Legal News

  1. Officers Carrying Out Illegal Demolitions Liable To Restore Properties At Personal Cost & Pay Damages:...  Live Law - Indian Legal News
  2. How the Supreme Court clamped down on ‘bulldozer’ demolition drives | Explained  The Hindu
  3. Akhilsh Yadav`s `Parked In Garage` Jab At Yogi Govt After SC`s Bulldozer Verdict  Zee News
  4. SC parked bulldozer in garage forever: Akhilesh Yadav  Hindustan Times
  5. What's the message from Supreme Court's order on bulldozer action? Experts debate  India Today




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Particulate matter-induced epigenetic modifications and lung complications

Air pollution is one of the leading causes of early deaths worldwide, with particulate matter (PM) as an emerging factor contributing to this trend. PM is classified based on its physical size, which ranges from PM10 (diameter ≤10 μm) to PM2.5 (≤2.5 μm) and PM0.5 (≤0.5 μm). Smaller-sized PM can move freely through the air and readily infiltrate deep into the lungs, intensifying existing health issues and exacerbating complications. Lung complications are the most common issues arising from PM exposure due to the primary site of deposition in the respiratory system. Conditions such as asthma, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer and various lung infections are all susceptible to worsening due to PM exposure. PM can epigenetically modify specific target sites, further complicating its impact on these conditions. Understanding these epigenetic mechanisms holds promise for addressing these complications in cases of PM exposure. This involves studying the effect of PM on different gene expressions and regulation through epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs. Targeting and manipulating these epigenetic modifications and their mechanisms could be promising strategies for future treatments of lung complications. This review mainly focuses on different epigenetic modifications due to PM2.5 exposure in the various lung complications mentioned above.




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Predicting paediatric asthma exacerbations with machine learning: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Background

Asthma exacerbations in children pose a significant burden on healthcare systems and families. While traditional risk assessment tools exist, artificial intelligence (AI) offers the potential for enhanced prediction models.

Objective

This study aims to systematically evaluate and quantify the performance of machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting the risk of hospitalisation and emergency department (ED) admission for acute asthma exacerbations in children.

Methods

We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The risk of bias and applicability for eligible studies was assessed according to the prediction model study risk of bias assessment tool (PROBAST). The protocol of our systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews.

Results

Our meta-analysis included seven articles encompassing a total of 17 ML-based prediction models. We found a pooled area under the curve (AUC) of 0.67 (95% CI 0.61–0.73; I2=99%; p<0.0001 for heterogeneity) for models predicting ED admission, indicating moderate accuracy. Notably, models predicting child hospitalisation demonstrated a higher pooled AUC of 0.79 (95% CI 0.76–0.82; I2=95%; p<0.0001 for heterogeneity), suggesting good discriminatory power.

Conclusion

This study provides the most comprehensive assessment of AI-based algorithms in predicting paediatric asthma exacerbations to date. While these models show promise and ML-based hospitalisation prediction models, in particular, demonstrate good accuracy, further external validation is needed before these models can be reliably implemented in real-life clinical practice.




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Rare genetic interstitial lung diseases: a pictorial essay

The main monogenic causes of pulmonary fibrosis in adults are mutations in telomere-related genes. These mutations may be associated with extrapulmonary signs (hepatic, haematological and dermatological) and typically present radiologically as usual interstitial pneumonia or unclassifiable fibrosis. In children, the monogenic causes of pulmonary fibrosis are dominated by mutations in surfactant-related genes. These mutations are not associated with extrapulmonary signs and often manifest radiologically as unclassifiable fibrosis with cysts that can lead to chest wall deformities in adults. This review discusses these mutations, along with most of the monogenic causes of interstitial lung disease, including interferon-related genes, mutations in genes causing cystic lung disease, Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, lysinuric protein intolerance and lysosomal storage disorders, and their pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations.




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Association between second-hand smoke exposure and lung cancer risk in never-smokers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Lung cancer ranks as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There is evidence that second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure is a risk factor for the development of lung cancer in never-smokers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to provide the most accurate quantification of the association between SHS exposure and lung cancer risk in never-smokers.

Materials and methods

Through the use of an innovative method to identify original publications, we conducted a systematic review of the literature, with corresponding meta-analysis, of all epidemiological studies evaluating the association between SHS exposure and lung cancer risk among never-smokers, published up to May 2023. Pooled relative risks were obtained using random-effects models. Dose–response relationships were derived using log-linear functions or cubic splines.

Results

Out of 126 identified eligible studies, 97 original articles were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled relative risk for lung cancer for overall exposure to SHS was 1.24 (95% CI 1.16–1.32, number of articles, n=82). Setting-specific relative risks were 1.20 (95% CI 1.12–1.28, n=67) for SHS exposure at home, 1.38 (95% CI 1.28–1.62, n=30) at a workplace, 1.37 (95% CI 1.22–1.53, n=28) at home or a workplace and 1.27 (95% CI 1.11–1.44, n=24) in nonspecified settings. The risk of lung cancer significantly increased with the duration, intensity and pack-years of SHS exposure.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis shows that exposure to SHS increases by more than 20% the risk of lung cancer among never-smokers, providing definitive evidence of the association between SHS exposure and lung cancer risk.




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Harmonising cellular conversations: decoding the vital roles of extracellular vesicles in respiratory system intercellular communications

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by various cells play crucial roles in intercellular communication within the respiratory system. This review explores the historical context and significance of research into extracellular vesicles. Categorised into exosomes (sized 30–150 nm), microvesicles (sized 50–1000 nm) and apoptotic bodies (sized 500–2000nm), based on their generation mechanisms, extracellular vesicles carry diverse cargoes of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. Respiratory ailments are the primary contributors to both mortality and morbidity across various populations globally, significantly impacting public health. Recent studies have underscored the pivotal role of extracellular vesicles, particularly their cargo content, in mediating intercellular communication between lung cells in respiratory diseases. This comprehensive review provides insights into extracellular vesicle mechanisms and emphasises their significance in major respiratory conditions, including acute lung injury, COPD, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma and lung cancer.




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Spencer: Xbox Working on Prototype Handhelds, Any Device is a Few Years Out

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer speaking with Bloomberg confirmed Xbox is working on prototypes for a handheld Xbox, however, any device is at least a few years away from release.

Spencer wants the Xbox hardware team to analyze the handheld market, which includes the Nintendo Switch, the Steam Deck, and more. He wants the team to "develop its vision based on what it learns."

In the short term, Spencer wants Xbox to focus on making its app work better on current portable devices and to partner with hardware manufacturers to ensure Xbox products sync.

"Longer term, I love us building devices," he said. "And I think our team could do some real innovative work, but we want to be informed by learning and what’s happening now."

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463056/spencer-xbox-working-on-prototype-handhelds-any-device-is-a-few-years-out/




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PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics for November 2024 Announced

Sony Interactive Entertainment on the PlayStation Blog has revealed the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog games for November 2024.

The PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium Game Catalog and Classics will be available from Tuesday, November 19.

The PlayStation Plus monthly games for November 2024 are currently available and includes Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged for the PS5 and PS4, Ghostwire: Tokyo for the PS5, and Death Note Killer Within for the PS5 and PS4.

Check out the latest information below:

PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium | Game Catalog

Grand Theft Auto V* | PS4, PS5

When a young street hustler, a retired bank robber and a terrifying psychopath find themselves entangled with some of the most frightening and deranged elements of the criminal underworld, the U.S. government and the entertainment industry, they must pull off a series of dangerous heists to survive in a ruthless city in which they can trust nobody, least of all each other. Experience the interwoven stories of Franklin, Michael and Trevor in the sprawling open world of Los Santos and Blaine County.

*PlayStation Plus re-release.

Dying Light 2: Stay Human | PS4, PS5

In Dying Light 2, survival meets action adventure as you attempt to endure a hostile, post-apocalyptic world. Rival factions across The City aren’t the only enemy – a virus has turned a vast majority of the human population into monsters. Take on the role of Aiden Caldwell, a wanderer with the power to change the fate of The City, but your exceptional abilities come at a price. Haunted by memories you cannot decipher, you set out to learn the truth – and find yourself in a combat zone. Hone your skills to defeat your enemies and make allies. Unravel the dark secrets behind those that wield power, choose sides and decide your destiny. But wherever your actions take you, there’s one thing you must do – stay human.

Like a Dragon: Ishin | PS4, PS5

1860’s Kyo is plagued by widespread inequality, and one samurai will change the course of history in his search for justice. Take up the sword as Sakamoto Ryoma and venture to Kyoto to find your father’s killer, clear yourself of a framed murder, and restore your honor. In doing so, you will bring an end to the samurai era and forever change the future of Japan. Draw your blade, load your revolver, and join the revolution in this heated historical adventure that only the creators of Yakuza: Like a Dragon could produce.

MotoGP 24 | PS4, PS5

As a new season dawns, the winds of change are sweeping through the pit crews. Embark on your quest to become a MotoGP legend and shape your own epic saga. Challenge your abilities and immerse yourself in the exhilarating journey of the 2024 campaign. From humble beginnings to triumphant heights, the path is yours to forge. Engage in thrilling rivalries, build your reputation, and leave your mark on the history of your beloved team.

The Sims 4 Island Living* (Add-on only) | PS4

Welcome to Sulani, where the sun shines bright and the nights are totally chill. Escape the ordinary and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by beaches in The Sims 4 Island Living. Explore a breezy world drenched in sun, sand, and endless fun as your Sims make their own paradise. Set sail on the glistening water in your island canoe, swim to your heart’s content, and explore the scenery on a watercraft. Everything is chill (except for the occasional sunburn) when it’s Island Living.

*Requires the original game The Sims 4. 

Digimon Survive | PS4

After getting lost on a school trip, Takuma Momozuka finds himself transported to a world inhabited by ferocious foes and new allies. Join Takuma and his friends as they fight their way back home. Digimon Survive is a hybrid visual novel and tactical RPG set in a mysterious world filled with dangerous monsters and deadly battles that will test your ability to survive. Persuade your opponents to join your team and evolve them to fight alongside you in thrilling turn-based battles. Unfold a dark tale about friendship and survival that is jam-packed with exciting drama, a unique cast of characters, and potentially grim choices.

Overcooked! All You Can Eat | PS4, PS5

Hold onto your chef hats and prepare your appetite for an XXL portion of Overcooked magic. Overcooked!, Overcooked! 2 and all additional content are blended together and remastered in this delicious definitive edition! Enjoy hundreds of levels of cooperative cooking chaos across increasingly perilous and obscure kitchens. 

Stick Fight: The Game | PS4

Stick Fight is a physics-based couch/online fighting game where you battle it out as the iconic stick figures from the golden age of the internet. Fight it out against your friends or find random sticks from around the world!

Clash: Artifacts of Chaos | PS4, PS5

Drawing upon both surreal and punk fantasy influences, the world and civilisations of Zenozoik are brimming with fascinating characters, creatures and landscapes. You play as Pseudo, a master of martial arts who lives as a recluse in the strange land of Zenozoik. When you cross paths with the Boy, a small creature whose mysterious powers have attracted the attention of Gemini, the Mistress of the Artifacts, you decide to protect him, unaware that much greater forces are involved. Roam this intriguing land and discover its paths, inhabitants and ancient secrets.

Killer Frequency | PS4, PS5

The year is 1987, and as the clock strikes midnight in small-town Gallows Creek, USA, former big city radio DJ Forrest Nash is live on air in what will turn out to be the graveyard shift of a lifetime… In this horror comedy, you must solve puzzles to save callers from being hunted down by a mysterious killer. Where every call is life and death, can you save the inhabitants of Gallows Creek? Step into the shoes of a late-night radio talk-show host – new in town and fallen from grace. The Sheriff is dead, so the townsfolk turn to you for help. You, Forrest Nash, are the only person in town who can run a phone line.

Hungry Shark World | PS4

Become a shark and spread terror on the beach! Fight man, machine and beast as you explore tropical islands, sunken temples, vast cities and frozen icebergs. Enjoy discovering expansive levels with their own distinctive enemies, hidden treasures and unique missions. Take on everything the sea throws at you, from gruesome goblin sharks and the adorable porbeagle, to prehistoric monsters and giant submarines. With rebalanced enemies and pacing, there’s a challenge around every corner!

Chivalry 2 | PS4, PS5

Return to the ultimate medieval battlefield. Chivalry 2 is a multiplayer first person slasher inspired by epic medieval movie battles. Players are thrust into the action of every iconic moment of the era – from clashing swords, to storms of flaming arrows, to sprawling castle sieges and more. Charge headfirst into stunning 64-Player cinematic battles inspired by epic medieval action films. Pick your playstyle with 4 classes and 12 subclasses, each with their own unique weapons and abilities.

PlayStation Plus Premium

Synapse | PS VR2

Dual-wield brutal firepower and surging telekinesis in the ultimate mind-breaking VR action shooter. Unleash your inner anti-hero and invade the twisted subconscious of a notorious enemy of the state. Become a mind-breaking operative and wreak havoc on the enemy’s mind with deadly weaponry in one hand and expressive telekinetic abilities in the other. Combine your powers to overcome formidable defences and delve deeper into a hostile mindscape.

Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain | PS4, PS5

Ready yourself for next month’s launch of Soul Reaver 1 & 2 Remastered by discovering the origins of this dark gothic fantasy franchise with the original PlayStation title Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain. In this top-down action adventure, embark on an epic quest through a vampire kingdom fraught with murder, magic and vengeance. Journey through an expansive world containing more than 100 hours of intense, blood-sucking, spell-casting gameplay, and enjoy cinema-quality voice-overs, dynamic lighting effects and more than 25 minutes of full-motion-video footage. 

Blood Omen 2 | PS4, PS5

Fierce attacks and brutal combos await in this action adventure, originally released on PS2 in 2002, after Soul Reaver 2’s launch the year previous. Blood Omen 2 will take you back to an alternate timeline set between the events of the first Blood Omen and Soul Reaver. Cast down from power by a mysterious warlord centuries ago, Kain reawakens in a world he barely recognizes. His armies slain, his vampire brethren nearly extinct, Kain is one of the last of his kind. With an agenda of vengeance, Kain shall unleash a wicked wrath to uncover the plot that threatens the land he seeks to conquer.

Resistance: Fall of Man

Epic military action and unnerving tension blend together in PS3’s 2006 first-person shooter Resistance: Fall of Man. Humanity faces annihilation as a relentless alien force known as the Chimera ravages Europe. Amidst the chaos, Nathan Hale emerges an unlikely hero, confronting unimaginable horrors while uncovering secrets that could change the course of the war. 

Resistance 2

Initially released in 2008 on PS3, Resistance 2 is the continuation of Insomniac Games’ science-fiction FPS saga. Now on American soil, the alien Chimera threatens Hale’s humanity in a gripping race against time to put a stop to the invasion. Once again at the forefront of humanity’s fight for survival, Nathan Hale must lead his squad through desperate missions, as new weapons and giant boss encounters increase the scale of the conflict to new heights.

A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012 and taking over the hardware estimates in 2017. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel. You can contact the author on Twitter @TrunksWD.

Full Article - https://www.vgchartz.com/article/463059/playstation-plus-game-catalog-and-classics-for-november-2024-announced/




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New weight loss drug target reduces appetite and burns calories without sickness

The discovery could lead to a new treatment for millions of people with obesity and type 2 diabetes who do not respond well to current treatments.




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Canada’s first human bird flu case: Teen in critical condition; dangers of H5N1 in kids and young - The Times of India

  1. Canada’s first human bird flu case: Teen in critical condition; dangers of H5N1 in kids and young  The Times of India
  2. Teenager in critical condition with Canada’s first human case of bird flu  The Guardian
  3. B.C. teen in critical condition in hospital with Canada’s 1st presumptive human case of bird flu  Global News Toronto
  4. Bird flu alert in Canada as teen tests positive; officials launch investigation  Business Insider India
  5. All you need to know about H5N1 avian influenza  CTV News
















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'Massive downsizing': Vivek Ramaswamy reveals how he will ensure government efficiency under Trump - The Times of India

  1. 'Massive downsizing': Vivek Ramaswamy reveals how he will ensure government efficiency under Trump  The Times of India
  2. DOGE days are coming for the US under Trump's two Musketeers  The Times of India
  3. Trump picks Musk, Ramaswamy to run new dept of govt efficiency  Hindustan Times
  4. When Vivek Ramaswamy was 18: School speech emerges as he readies for DOGE role  India Today
  5. Explained: How Musk's US Government Efficiency Panel Might Work  NDTV







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‘Emilia Pérez’ interview: Director Jacques Audiard on Karla Sofía Gascón and the operatic influences of writing a musical

Following its Cannes-winning run, French director Jacques Audiard talks about how ‘Emilia Pérez’ reshapes the musical genre, with its lead star’s dazzling spectacle of contradiction and rebirth




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‘Mahavatar’: Vicky Kaushal looks fierce as Parashurama in Amar Kaushik’s next

Produced by Maddock Films, the action epic will release in theatres on Christmas, 2026 




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Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath remembers Nicholas Roerich with exhibition on till November 18

Roerich was an artist whose life and art bridged Russian and Indian cultural traditions.




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Hyderabad gears up for Comic Con 2024

Spread over three days, Hyderabad Comic Con 2024 will deep dive into fun with retro games and Indian creators




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‘Emilia Pérez’ movie review: Karla Sofia Gascón, Zoe Saldaña’s narco-musical melange is an acquired taste

The feverish Cannes-winning spectacle dazzles with audacity but stumbles under the weight of its own ambition




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Alison Hammond produces ‘TV gold’ with dramatic fall on Great British Bake Off

Noel Fielding called the moment ‘the best thing I’ve ever seen’




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The Voice US contestant shares cryptic response after suddenly quitting show

Singer was one of the early favourites to win the talent show




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Dick Van Dyke, 98, makes dark joke about Trump’s second term

Earlier this month, the ‘Marry Poppins’ star, 98, endorsed Kamala Harris while reciting a speech he once read alongside Martin Luther King Jr




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15 arrested in multi-agency raid on Joo Chiat public entertainment outlets

12 men and three women, aged between 19 and 63, were arrested for various offences during a multi-agency enforcement operation against errant public entertainment outlets on Friday (Nov 8) night. The offences include working without a valid work permit, suspected drink driving, driving without a valid license and insurance, suspected consumption and possession of controlled drugs, and the possession of scheduled weapons.  Members of the media, including AsiaOne, were invited to observe the enforcement operations, led by Bedok Police Division, in Joo Chiat on Friday night.  The enforcement operation is part of their ongoing efforts to clamp down on illicit activities and regulatory offences in the area, said the police in a statement on Wednesday. Upon arriving at the scene just after midnight on Saturday, members of the media were led to the second floor of the first KTV outlet. 




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SAF's training area in Australia now 5 times Singapore's size, marking a 'historic milestone': Heng Chee How

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia - The expansion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA) in Queensland has been completed after eight years of development. With the expanded training area now five times the size of Singapore, this means that the scale and complexity of overseas exercises involving the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) can be increased in the future, Senior Minister of State for Defence Heng Chee How said on Wednesday (Nov 13). Heng was speaking to reporters after witnessing Singaporean and Australian soldiers being put through their paces during a simulated beach landing as part of Exercise Trident. He also flew on a CH-47F chinook to view the new facilities within the expanded SWBTA and interacted with SAF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) soldiers who participated in the bilateral exercise. Jointly developed by Australia and Singapore since 2016, the expansion of the overall training area was set out in a treaty between the two countries in 2020. State-of-the-art facilities such as the combined arms air-land ranges and urban operations live-firing facilities have been included in the expansion.




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Ex-Philippine President Duterte says ICC should 'hurry up' on drug war investigation

MANILA — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said the International Criminal Court (ICC) should 'hurry up' with its probe of his war on drugs, remaining firm in his defence of the brutal campaign as he said the investigation should start immediately."I'm asking the ICC to hurry up, and if possible, they can come here and start the investigation tomorrow," Duterte said in a congressional inquiry on his war on drugs. "If I am found guilty, I will go to prison." According to police data, more than 6,200 people died in anti-drug operations under Duterte's presidency, during which police typically said they had killed suspects in self-defence. Human rights groups believe the real toll to be far greater, with thousands more users and small-time peddlers killed in mysterious circumstances by unknown assailants. "I assume full responsibility for whatever happened in the actions taken by law enforcement agencies of this country to... stop the serious problem of drugs affecting our people," Duterte said. The ICC last year cleared the way for an investigation to into the thousands of deaths and other suspected rights abuses.




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Airlines cancel Bali flights due to volcanic ash

DENPASAR, Indonesia — Several international airlines cancelled flights to and from Indonesia's resort island of Bali on Wednesday (Nov 13), after further eruptions of a volcano that has spewed ash clouds as high as 10km and forced thousands to evacuate. Jetstar and Qantas said they had stopped flights to Bali on Wednesday for safety reasons because of volcanic ash, while plane tracking website Flightradar24 showed flights to the island by AirAsia and Virgin were also cancelled. Bali is Indonesia's top tourist hotspot and is a popular destination for Australian visitors. The first eruption of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki on Nov 3 in the East Nusa Tenggara province, about 800 km from Bali, killed at least nine people. It has since erupted repeatedly, including multiple times on Tuesday. From Nov 4 to Nov 12, 80 flights in Bali were cancelled, including from Singapore, Hong Kong, and several Australian cities, said Ahmad Syaugi Shahab, general manager of Bali's Ngurah Rai airport. Indonesia has close to 130 active volcanoes and sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", an area of high seismic activity atop various tectonic plates.




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Sri Lanka's first transgender candidate hopes to break political, social barriers

COLOMBO — Chanu Nimesha is contesting Sri Lanka's parliamentary election on Thursday (Nov 14) as the first openly transgender candidate, hoping to forge a more inclusive and tolerant political culture on the South Asian island. Transgender people are estimated to make up about one per cent of Sri Lanka's 22 million people, according to Equal Ground, a local civil society group. They frequently face social rejection, lack legal protection and have almost no representation in political parties. Nimesha, who is contesting from Kegalle — about 80km east of Colombo — said she was the first transgender person to run for a seat in the 225-strong parliament and that her message of social justice had been well received. "I'm not concerned about winning or losing," she said, sitting in her one-bedroom flat. "But it is important for me to be present in this space, to be seen, to inspire others like me. I want to help everyone, not just my community."




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Indian political parties woo women voters with cash handouts amid economic woes

NEW DELHI — Indian political parties are increasingly targeting women voters with fiscally draining handouts of cash around the time of elections to counter wider worries about inflation and the lack of jobs, analysts say. A greater turnout of women voters in the past decade has reversed a trend of men easily outnumbering women. Political parties have competed to attract them, even as inflation hit a 14-month peak in October and unemployment stays high, at 8.9 per cent. Regional governments run by both Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party and the opposition are offering or planning such efforts to lure about a fifth of India's estimated 670 million women, the economic research division of Axis Bank says. "This is a substantial burden on the exchequer," its chief economist, Neelkanth Mishra, said in a report. "Where is the funding coming from? Some from higher deficits." Budgeted deficits for the current fiscal year for nearly all Indian states unveiling handouts for women were higher than five years ago, with many cutting capital expenditure to fund the populist measures.