In Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi Talks Of New Campaign To Honour Mothers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today resumed his monthly radio programme, 'Mann ki Baat', days after taking charge as the Prime Minister for a third consecutive term

PM Modi's last 'Mann Ki Baat' was aired on February 25, before the poll schedule was announced. The BJP-led NDA won 292 seats and prevailed over the Opposition alliance, INDIA, which bagged 232 seats.

In today's 'Mann ki Baat', PM Modi said the 2024 general election was the biggest election in the world. "Such a big election has never taken place in any country in the world. More than 65 crore people voted in the election," he said.

He also thanked voters for re-electing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the elections. "People reposed their unbreakable trust in the Constitution and democratic process in the Lok Sabha elections," he said.

The Lok Sabha elections were held from April 19 to June 1 in seven phases. The counting took place on June 4.

PM Modi talked about the Centre's new campaign - 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' - to honour mothers by planting a tree. "I have also planted a tree in the name of my mother and I have appealed to all the countrymen to plant a tree to honour their mothers," he said.

The Prime Minister also spoke about Indian athletes who will be competing in the Paris Olympics next month. He noted that Indian athletes have participated in more than 900 international competitions.

The country expects its players to put up an excellent performance in the Paris Olympics, he said while urging the people to use 'cheer4Bharat' hashtag to motivate them.

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Video: Israeli Driver Enters Palestine Territory, His Car Is Set On Fire

An Israeli citizen mistakenly entered the Palestinian town of Qalandiya, situated between Jerusalem and Ramallah, in West Bank and was soon met with aggression from local residents, leading to a violent confrontation.

Videos circulating on social media show a mob of Palestinians chasing the Israeli vehicle, hurling stones at it. The driver attempted to flee but ultimately lost control, crashing into a concrete divider near a military checkpoint, a Times of Israel report said. The man reportedly suffered minor injuries before being rescued and transported to Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek hospital.

היהודי הגיע פצוע למחסום קלנדיה, לאחר שנזרקו אבנים לרכבו, והתנגש בבטונדות של המעבר. כוחות מגב משטרה ומד״א הוקפצו לאירוע.
המשך לקלנדייה pic.twitter.com/IpGOuCn7Ig

— כל החדשות בזמן אמת ? (@Saher95755738) June 29, 2024

Other footage revealed that the vehicle was set ablaze by the Palestinian attackers.

The car of the Jew who accidentally entered Qalandia was set on fire. רכבו של היהודי שנכנס בטעות לקלנדיה, הוצת. pic.twitter.com/PAZkT3z9cY

— Rat Bastard (@RRespawned) June 29, 2024

This incident comes amid a backdrop of escalating violence in the West Bank, an area under Israeli occupation since 1967. Last week, the Israeli military reported the death of a soldier and serious injury to another during an operation in Jenin, a city known for its militant presence. The Israeli army frequently conducts raids in Jenin and its adjacent refugee camp as part of its ongoing security operations.

The West Bank has seen a significant surge in violence, especially following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza on October 7. Palestinian officials report that at least 553 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the conflict began. Meanwhile, attacks by Palestinians have resulted in the deaths of at least 15 Israelis, including soldiers, in the same period, according to news agency AFP.

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Cashless Payments Are Making People More Prone To Overspend, Finds Study

With digital payments becoming more and more common in developing and developed countries, the spending behaviour of people has significantly changed. A study conducted by a team from the University of Adelaide and the University of Melbourne in Australia has concluded that cashless payments are driving people to spend more than before. The researchers conducted the study by doing a meta-analysis of 71 previous papers and by observing the spending habits of people across 17 countries. They found that the convenience of spending has made people more prone to spending on luxurious items that are mostly unnecessary. 

"To prevent spending more than planned, we recommend consumers carry cash instead of cards whenever they can, as it acts as a self-control method," said marketing researcher Lachlan Schomburgk from the University of Adelaide, as per Science Alert. 

"When using cash, people physically count and hand over notes and coins, making the act of spending more salient. If nothing is physically handed over, it's easy to lose track of how much is spent," he added. 

In the study, researchers noted that the link between high spending and cashless payments has been visible for a long time. However, they added that it is the first time that the spending behaviour of people has been tracked at this scale. 

Also Read | Daily Multivitamin Supplements Do Not Help You Live Longer, Study Finds

The difference in spending was "small, but significant" the researchers said. It was greater for "conspicuous consumption" spending, which is buying items that signal status - so luxury clothing and jewellery, for example. The team also observed that digital payments do not affect tips or donations. People spend money on donations as much as they used to with cash, they added. 

"Against our expectations, we found that cashless payments do not necessarily lead to greater tips or donations, in comparison to cash," said Mr Schomburgk.

Further, the team of researchers found a link between more positive economic conditions and a greater cashless effect. They also found the cashless effect has gotten weaker over time, suggesting that as cashless payment methods have become more common, they have less impact on consumers. 

"The transition towards a cashless society seems almost inevitable. I believe this research is crucial because it shines a light on an overlooked aspect of this transition: how payment methods influence our spending behaviour," said Mr Schomburgk. "This understanding can help empower us to make more informed purchasing decisions," he added. 

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China's Xi Jinping Urges Global Unity Amid Economic And Security Disputes

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called for the building of "bridges" in the global economy, as Beijing grapples with economic and security disputes with its neighbours and trading partners around the world.

China will never leave the road of peaceful development, Xi said at a conference commemorating China's guiding principles for foreign affairs first formulated 70 years ago.

China will also not become a "strong" state that would try to dominate others, Xi told conference attendees that included former Myanmar President Thein Sein and former General Secretary of the Vietnamese Communist Party Nong Duc Manh.

"Facing the history of peace or war, prosperity or unity or confrontation, more than ever before, we need to carry forward the spirit and connotation of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence," Xi said.

The Five Principles first appeared in a 1952 pact reached with regional rival India over their Himalayan border. Even so, Indian officials were absent from the front row of the audience reserved for guests of honour.

Since the 1950s, China's ruling Communist Party has gone from not being recognised by the United Nations to boasting the biggest diplomatic footprint in the world and presiding over the second-biggest economy.

Beijing now signals a desire that other countries see it as a diplomatic heavyweight, even as other countries accuse it of economic coercion and unfair competition.

After China brokered an unexpected detente between Iran and Saudi Arabia last year, Wang Yi, China's top diplomat, said the country would continue to play a constructive role in handling global hotspot issues.

But Beijing's unwillingness to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine and pursuit of a "no-limits partnership" with Moscow present hurdles to that ambition and saw China skip a summit on a peace conference in Switzerland earlier this month.

Rising tensions between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea, where Vietnam also has claims, have also led U.S. officials to remind Beijing that the mutual defence treaty obligations it has with the Philippines are ironclad.

China's trade ties with the European Union have also come under strain as the 27-state bloc plans to impose additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, potentially opening up a new front in the West's tariff war with Beijing which began with Washington's initial import duties in 2018.

The EU accuses China of flooding its market with cheap EVs produced by Chinese automakers that have benefited from heavy state subsidies.

"In the era of economic globalisation, what we need is not to create chasms of division, but to build bridges of communication, and not raise the iron curtain of confrontation but to pave the way of cooperation," Xi 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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How An Ex President Helped Traffic Cocaine Worth $10 Billion Into US

Former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez was on Wednesday sentenced to 45 years in a United States prison and fined $8 million for his role in drug trafficking. US prosecutors accused him of running a "narco-state" that smuggled over 400 tons of South American cocaine to the US while he was president from 2014 to 2022.

US District Judge Kevin Castel said Hernandez provided police and military support and helped to send drugs worth $10 billion to the United States.

Hernandez, 55, was found guilty of federal drug and weapons charges in March. He was convicted in a US federal court on three counts, including cocaine importation and weapons offences. 

Prosecutors said he built his political career on bribes from traffickers and protected them from extradition and prosecution.

Early involvement

Juan Orlando Hernandez's involvement in the drug trade dates back to at least 2004, when he was a congressman in Honduras.

He allegedly accepted bribes from drug traffickers in Honduras, Mexico and beyond, in exchange for political favours and protection, stated a press release by the US Department of Justice.

Rise to power

As Hernandez's political career advanced, so did his involvement in the drug trade. He became the President of Honduras in 2014 and used his position to expand his drug empire. He allegedly worked with some of the world's largest drug traffickers, including the Sinaloa Cartel, to transport tons of cocaine through Honduras and into the US.

Abuse of power

Juan Orlando Hernandez presented himself as an advocate against drug trafficking in public, but in reality, he colluded with and protected the interests of drug traffickers who supported him.

He selectively upheld extraditions, allowing certain drug traffickers to remain in Honduras while others were extradited to the US. Hernandez also used Honduran institutions, including the police and military, to protect his drug trafficking operation, as per the press release.

Violence and murder

According to reports, Hernandez's drug empire was responsible for more than 130 murders, including the killings of rival traffickers and those who threatened his operation. His brother, Juan Antonio "Tony" Hernandez, was also involved in the drug trade and was convicted in the US for cocaine trafficking. Countless others disappeared or were tortured; their fates unknown. 

Sentence

Hernandez was convicted on three counts of importing cocaine into the US (10 years to life in prison), using machine guns and destructive devices in the drug trade (additional 30 years in prison) and conspiring to use and carry machine guns and destructive devices in the drug trade (up to life in prison). 

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Opinion: The Great Asian Reconciliation: Can India-China Find Common Ground?

London is known for its open intellectual climate, where no idea is off-limits. But even in this dynamic city - and indeed in Washington too - it's almost blasphemous to suggest that Russia and the West can be partners, or that the US and China can coexist as global powers. Recently, Nigel Farage, the Reform Party leader in the UK, faced a storm for urging the West to negotiate sensibly with Russia over Ukraine, calling the war a 'complete stalemate'. People accused him of "echoing Russian propaganda".

In India, we often hear that we don't cultivate a society where all ideas are welcome. But let's hope that suggesting a new chapter of "Hindi-Cheeni bhai-bhai" (India-China brotherhood) isn't seen as blasphemy. The strong anti-China sentiment after the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 seems to have subsided. We're buying more Chinese goods now than ever. In 2023, our bilateral trade hit over $136 billion. Hopefully, even those who burnt Chinese products in Gujarat and Delhi following the border skirmishes are more open to the idea now.

Sure, it might sound crazy to suggest that India and China should become trusted partners like the US and India, or Russia and China. But, it's not entirely out of the question.

Sure, it might sound crazy to suggest that India and China should become trusted partners like the US and India, or Russia and China. But, it's not entirely out of the question.

Major Geopolitical Shifts

India's rise to become a global power is unstoppable; even China knows that. Talking to Chinese academics and journalists, you get the sense that they're open to establishing long-term ties based on mutual respect. They like India, they want more people-to-people interactions, and one of them even wondered recently why India does not try to cast its spell over the dragon through its soft power of Bollywood  

Both countries have the responsibility to lift millions of their combined 2.8 billion people out of poverty. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to make India a developed country by 2047, which is a huge task. There are challenges, but if India and China team up and leverage each other's strengths, it could be a major geopolitical shift, with far-reaching implications for global politics. 

Read | Modi-Hasina Should Worry About China, But Not Too Much

The US and its allies might be shocked and deeply concerned by a close India-China partnership. The West has benefited from the rivalry between the two countries as it aligns with their strategy of counterbalancing China's rise. A partnership between these two Asian giants could undermine the West's strategic interests in the region. Kishore Mahbubani, former Singaporean ambassador to the UN, has often said that most of Asia would cheer if this were to happen.

So, can India and China find common ground despite tensions over their disputed border? Prof. Mahbubani believes that while the two may never be best friends, they can have a good working relationship. He even says the 21st century belongs to the CIA (China, India, and ASEAN) countries. With US power on the decline, these countries will drive the world's economic growth.

A Rollercoaster Ride

The idea of India and China being close friends isn't new. Historically, they've acted like quarrelsome neighbours who fight and make up repeatedly. They share a long history of cultural and economic exchange dating back over two millennia. The Silk Road facilitated trade, and Buddhism, which started in India, found a significant following in China. These ancient ties laid a foundation of mutual respect and cultural affinity. During the colonial era, both countries faced subjugation by Western powers, fostering a sense of shared struggle. 

After gaining independence from the British, India faced border issues with China, and they continue to strain their relationship. In the early 1950s, the relationship was marked by camaraderie, epitomised by the slogan "Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai". However, this period of cooperation was short-lived. The border dispute escalated into a full-scale war in 1962, leaving a lasting scar on bilateral relations. The disputed borders, particularly in the Aksai Chin and Arunachal Pradesh regions, remain contentious issues.

The rivalry between the US and China will continue, and India will remain under US pressure in its effort to manage China. However, India's strategic positioning between the US and China can work to its advantage.

Before the Galwan incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi naturally leaned towards engaging with China. As Gujarat's Chief Minister, he made four trips to the country to attract investment. As Prime Minister, he has visited China twice, and President Xi Jinping reciprocated with two visits to India. Both countries have emerged as major global economic powers, engaging in significant economic competition and areas of cooperation within multilateral frameworks like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Strategic Rivalry

Strategically, India and China view each other with suspicion. The latter's close ties with Pakistan, its infrastructure projects in South Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and its military presence in the Indian Ocean have heightened India's security concerns.

Conversely, India's growing partnership with the US and its participation in the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is viewed warily by China. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash exacerbated tensions and highlighted the fragility of the relationship. Despite several rounds of military and diplomatic talks, a comprehensive resolution to the border disputes remains elusive.

Mumbai's Shanghai Dreams

Many youth in India might not know that not too long ago, India used to compare itself with Pakistan in all spheres. This attitude changed around the turn of the millennium, when the Maharashtra government launched a mega project to revamp Mumbai in 2004, based on the "Vision Mumbai" report by Bombay First, an organisation comprising some of Mumbai's super-rich stakeholders. The report outlined strategies for transforming Mumbai into "another Shanghai". While the project to transform Mumbai is still a "work in progress", it marked the beginning of India's comparisons with China. Today, China sees India as its great rival, at least in Asia.

Read | China Is Revamping Its Military, And India Must Not Take It Lightly

Projections show that the Indian economy will surpass Germany and Japan's to become the world's third-largest one by 2027. Currently, however, India's economy is only 19% the size of China's, even though it feeds nearly the same number of people. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India's nominal GDP in 2023 stood at $3.5 trillion, compared to China's $18.2 trillion. India's per capita income was $2,411, while China's was $12,720. China's exports last year exceeded $3.38 trillion, while India's exports were $778 billion.

Collaboration Possibilities

Since China opened its economy in 1978, it has lifted 800 million people out of poverty - a feat that hasn't been matched by any regime in history. India has also succeeded in reducing poverty significantly. Both nations have many more millions to help. Collaborating in economic development, technology, infrastructure, environmental initiatives, healthcare, cultural exchange, and geopolitical stability can benefit both countries and the world. Overcoming historical tensions and building trust through consistent dialogue will be crucial.

The intense rivalry between the US and China will continue, and India will remain under pressure from the US to stay a reliable partner in its effort to manage China. However, India's strategic positioning between the US and China can work to its advantage. Ultimately, New Delhi's strategic interests are best served by a balanced approach that navigates the complex dynamics of US-China relations while advancing its own national objectives. 

India knows that neighbours with shared borders may fight at times, but they can still continue to believe in the 'love thy neighbour' dictum.

(Syed Zubair Ahmed is a London-based senior Indian journalist with three decades of experience with the Western media)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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How Tech Firm Employee Planned And Executed Murder Of His Ex-Boss In US

Tyrese Haspil, a former assistant of tech mogul Fahim Saleh, has been convicted of murdering his former boss in his Manhattan apartment back in 2020. Prosecutors said that Tyrese Haspil killed his former boss to cover up his theft of $400,000 from the 33-year-old businessman.

Mr Saleh was a successful tech entrepreneur and the CEO of Gokada, a Nigeria-based scooter startup. 

The 25-year-old was found guilty of multiple charges, including murder in the first degree, grand larceny, burglary, tampering with physical evidence and concealment of a human corpse. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison and will be sentenced on September 10. 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, “Tyrese Haspil tragically cut Mr Saleh's life short – a man who came from a close-knit immigrant family and followed his passions to become a successful entrepreneur. I hope the accountability delivered by today's verdict can provide a measure of comfort to Mr Saleh's loved ones as they continue to mourn his loss.”

Mr Saleh was found murdered in his $2.4 million 7th-floor high-rise condo on East Houston Street, reported the NY Post.

Planning the murder

Tyrese Haspil's scheme to steal from his former boss, Fahim Saleh, began in 2018, but it wasn't until July 2020 that his plan turned deadly. He embezzled money from Mr Saleh's companies to purchase lavish gifts for his girlfriend, The NYT reported.

Haspil created a bogus corporate entity and bank account to funnel the stolen money. When Mr Saleh discovered the theft in January 2020, Haspil agreed to a repayment plan but continued to steal more money through a fraudulent PayPal account.

Concerned that Mr Saleh would discover the more lucrative theft, Haspil began plotting to kill him. 

Tyrese Haspil's online activity showed that he searched for "Fahim Saleh" and "murder of tech CEO in New York", as well as "dismembered body" and "anatomy of the human neck". He also looked up building plans and searched for contractor-grade trash bags, weapons and cleaning supplies, as per the NYT.

Haspil also tracked Mr Saleh's whereabouts on social media and purchased clothes to conceal his identity. 

Execution of the murder

On July 13, 2020, Tyrese Haspil entered an elevator with Mr Saleh in the latter's apartment building wearing a dark plastic face shield, a baseball cap and sunglasses. Mr Saleh, unaware of the impending danger, joked with Haspil about taking Covid precautions seriously. However, as soon as the elevator doors opened, Haspil's demeanour turned deadly. 

According to his testimony, Tyrese Haspil tased Fahim Saleh in the back, rendering him immobile, and then pulled out a knife. With a targeted strike, Haspil aimed for Mr Saleh's neck, delivering a fatal blow, reported the NYT. 

He then left the apartment and returned the next day to dismember Mr Saleh's body with an electric saw. He stuffed the body parts in plastic bags, which were later found strewn across the apartment.

However, before completing the task, he left again to purchase a battery charger, and it was during this time that Fahim Saleh's cousin discovered the scene when he went to check up on him. 

Tyrese Haspil was arrested four days later at an Airbnb he booked for his girlfriend's birthday celebration. 

His public defenders argued that he murdered his ex-boss due to “extreme emotional disturbance” and “unconditional love” for his girlfriend. He feared she would leave him if she found out he had been embezzling money from his boss, as per reports. 

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Woman Stumbles Off Treadmill, Falls Out Of Gym Window In Indonesia

In a freak accident, a young woman died after stumbling off a treadmill and falling out of a window on the third floor of a gym in Indonesia. The incident occurred at about 1 pm on Tuesday, June 18 in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. A video of the incident that has surfaced online shows the 22-year-old running on a treadmill before she stopped to wipe her face with a towel. However, she quickly lost her balance, tripped backwards and tumbled out of the window that was left open, the New York Post reported. 

She desperately attempted to grab onto the window frame before plummeting down three stories. She was rushed to hospital with serious head injuries, but doctors were unable to save her life. An autopsy revealed that she had suffered extensive bruising and lacerations to her head.

NEW: Woman steps off the back of a treadmill and fatally falls out of a three-story window.

Devastating...

The incident happened in Pontianak, Indonesia while the woman was working out.

The 22-year-old victim had reportedly been exercising for about 30 minutes when she… pic.twitter.com/zt0OpCrrTr

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) June 24, 2024

The unnamed victim came to the gym with her boyfriend who was exercising on the second floor when the tragedy unfolded, local media reported. 

An investigation revealed that the distance between the treadmill and the window from which she fell was only 60 cm. Police noted that the position of the treadmill created a ''dangerous'' situation.

''It's very easy for someone to fall off the treadmill and then fall down,'' Pontianak Police Commissioner Antonius Trias Kuncurojati said. 

Though the gym had put warning stickers telling gymgoers not to open windows, the sticker was reportedly damaged. When the gym owner was questioned, he said the treadmills' backs were facing the windows because he didn't want to block the view. While there are personal trainers who are tasked to close open windows, one was taking a break when the incident occurred. The gym was subsequently closed for three days.

The gym is now under investigation for alleged negligence and its operating permit will also be re-examined, the authorities said. The cops are also questioning several witnesses and seeking expert opinion.

The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for stricter safety measures in gyms across the region.

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US Woman Vanishes In Bahamas While Attending Yoga Retreat

A 41-year-old US woman has been missing since last week after she travelled to the Bahamas to attend a yoga retreat. According to NBC News, Taylor Casey was last seen on Wednesday around Paradise Island. She travelled to the Caribbean country for the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat before she "mysteriously vanished". In a statement, her family members said that they are "deeply concerned" for Ms Casey's safety and well-being. They believe that the 41-year-old is in "danger" as she "would never disappear like this". 

"We are deeply concerned for Taylor's safety and well-being. I believe Taylor is in danger because she was eager to share her yoga retreat experience with others upon her return," the worried mother said as the family urged anyone with information to come forward, as per the outlet. "Taylor would never disappear like this," she added.

On Tuesday, the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas also confirmed Ms Casey's disappearance and said that it had asked police to investigate. According to the retreat, the 41-year-old didn't attend morning classes on Thursday after she was last seen the evening before. "The Ashram is asking anyone with information on Ms. Casey to contact the local police. In the interim it is collaborating with the authorities on their investigation," the retreat centre said, per CBS News. 

Also Read | "Not Many Know The Struggles": Entrepreneur On How He Got US Green Card After 15 Years

Ms Casey's family is now expected to travel to the Caribbean country this week to assist in the search. Her loved ones have described her as a Black American with light skin and a thin appearance, standing 5 feet, 10 inches, with natural, often-covered hair. She is an "intelligent, deeply caring, thoughtful and joyful person," who has been practising yoga for 15 years, the family members said. 

Notably, Ms Casey's disappearance comes as the US State Department warned travellers earlier this year to exercise increased caution in the Bahamas, including in Nassau, because of crime. "Violent crime, such as burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas," officials warned. 

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Elderly Waste Collector Dies By Suicide In Rajasthan Over His Viral Videos

An elderly waste collector in a Rajasthan village died by suicide after his videos went viral on social media, the police said.

The man used to collect plastic bottles and other waste material and sell it for a living. He had a handcart on which he would keep all the stuff.

Police said he was being mocked by some youngsters of the Lohawat village who also made his videos and shared them on social media.

"Do you want to buy some waste," the troubled man would ask them every time they made his videos.

A video shared on X - earlier known as Twitter - shows some men making his video and mocking him as he passes through the area with his handcart. 

As the videos went viral, more people started recognising him. Irked over the viral videos and unwanted fame, officials said, Pratab Singh later died by suicide.

"His body was found hanging from a tree near the highway. A case has been registered and investigation is on," they said.

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Solar System May Soon Have A Ninth Planet. Courtesy: An Advanced Telescope

For almost a decade, astronomers have been searching the outer solar system, looking for signs of a ninth planet. Their search may soon come to an end, courtesy of a state-of-the-art telescope, which will begin scanning the sky next year.

The Vera C Rubin Observatory in Chile, which is set to open in 2025, may finally help scientists find Planet Nine within the next few years, experts told Live Science.

Over the past few years, astronomers have proposed that a ninth world, nicknamed “Planet Nine”, could be hiding in the far reaches of our cosmic neighbourhood.

Planet Nine is sometimes called Planet X. About Planet X, scientists believe it is a gas or ice giant billions of miles away from the rest of the planets.

With the help of the state-of-the-art telescope, Planet Nine could be found within the next two years, Mike Brown, an astronomer who proposed the Planet Nine hypothesis along with a colleague, told Live Science.

The size of a small car and weighing 2.8 metric tons, the sophisticated piece of equipment will reveal views of the cosmos as never before. 

The $800 million camera will snap its first photos beginning in early 2025 and the machine will sweep the sky every three days, allowing scientists to reach new heights in their galactic analyses.

ALSO READ | There's A 72% Chance That An Asteroid May Hit Earth On This Exact Day

According to NASA, the composition of Planet X is like Neptune, but its mass could be 10 times that of Earth.

The US space agency also claimed that Planet X “may take between 10,000 and 20,000 Earth years” to complete an orbit around the sun.

This hypothetical Neptune-sized planet orbits the Sun in a highly elongated orbit far beyond Pluto, the report said.

Jim Green, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, said that the possibility of a new planet is an exciting one for science.

"This is not, however, the detection or discovery of a new planet. It's too early to say with certainty there's a so-called Planet X," Mr Green said, adding it is an early prediction based on modelling from limited observations.

"It's the start of a process that could lead to an exciting result," he further said.

The solar system currently consists of eight planets — Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

Pluto was the ninth planet of the solar system before it was demoted from full planetary status to “dwarf planet” in 2006.

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Pakistan Man Tortured, Burnt Alive Over Quran Desecration, 27 Arrested

In a shocking incident that took place in Pakistan's Swat, a mob allegedly tortured a man to death by burning him alive over alleged desecration of the Holy Quran.

Meanwhile, police have arrested 27 suspects including two brothers, ARY News reported on Sunday.

The incident occurred on June 20 in Madyan, a town in the Swat district, a popular tourist spot located 340 km from the capital city of Islamabad.

According to Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Zahidullah Khan, the police had moved the suspect of the alleged desecration incident to the police station but a charged mob "attacked the police station and took the suspect away".

"People set fire to the police station and a mobile vehicle," the DPO said, adding that the suspect was "torched".

Videos making the rounds on social media show a mob circling a body on fire in the middle of the road, along with a large number of people outside a police station. Dawn.com's correspondent has reached out to the police for confirmation of the footage, Dawn reported.

DPO Khan said a heavy police force was deployed in Madyan and was trying to control the tense situation.

Furthermore, the police teams are conducting raids for more arrests in the Madyan incident.

Earlier, Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal condemned the lynching incident in Swat and called to stop this 'street justice'.

Ahsan Iqbal during the budget debate in the National Assembly, called the incident horrific.

Ahsan said that parliament had to take stern notice of "mob justice", as it had brought Pakistan "to the brink of destruction".

"We must take notice of this incident. We have now reached to a point where religion being used to justify mob violence and street justice, flagrantly violating the Constitution, the law and the state," he lamented.

At least 2,120 people are reported to have been accused of committing blasphemy between 1987 and 2022, as per Dawn.

Last month, police saved a Christian man from enraged people in Sargodha on allegations of desecration of the Holy Quran, He died nine days later due to his injuries.

In 2022, a middle-aged man was stoned to death by a mob over alleged desecration in a remote village of Khanewal district.

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

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Big Find In Chhattisgarh Op: Maoists Printing Fake Notes, Using In Markets

An anti-Maoist operation in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district has led to a striking discovery that may have severe implications for the local economy. For the first time, security forces have found in Maoist camps equipment used to print fake currency.

While this indicates that extensive security operations in the region have crippled the rebels' cash flow, use and circulation of such fake currency in local markets may create a massive problem.

The startling find was made during a joint search operation by Sukma Police, District Reserve Guard and the CRPF in the forests of Korajguda yesterday.

District police chief Kiran Chavan told NDTV that they launched the search based on intelligence inputs about Maoists printing counterfeit currency in the forest. While the rebels managed to flee, the forces found currency printing machines, ink, templates and fake notes of several denominations -- Rs 50, Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 500 at their hideout. Several other items, including a gun, a wireless set and a large quantity of explosives, were also seized.

"The way they are printing notes, it is understood that the Naxalite organization is facing a shortage of money. The ongoing operations in the interior areas have significantly reduced their funding, prompting them to resort to printing counterfeit currency," the senior officer said.

Maoists are known to buy supplies from weekly village markets. Their use of fake currency in these transactions can potentially destabilise the local economy. To counter this, local authorities and security forces are launching awareness campaigns in villages and asking residents to be vigilant and reject any suspicious currency.

Traders and hawkers, especially those in remote areas, are being advised to thoroughly check notes before accepting them.

According to sources, Maoists adopted a new tactic since 2022 to print fake currency and address the organisation's cash crunch. At least one member from each area committee was trained to fake notes. This currency was then used in local markets and entered the cash system.

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"Lady Don" Who Honey-Trapped Burger King Victim Spotted At Rail Station

The woman, who had allegedly honey-trapped the 26-year-old man killed in a shooting spree at a Delhi's Burger King outlet, was spotted at the Katra Railway Station on Thursday.

Anu, also known as "Lady Don" among her gang members, was seen carrying her luggage at the Katra railway station on Thursday in a security camera footage. She had covered her face with a scarf.

Sources say she boarded a train bound for Mumbai at around 10 am on Thursday.

Police sources say the woman - a close aide of fugitive gangster Himanshu Bhau - was part of the trap set up to lure Aman Joon to the Burger King outlet in Rajouri Garden where he was murdered.

Anu belongs to Haryana's Rohtak and has a criminal record. "Attempts are being made to track her down," police said.

As many as 38 bullets of three different makes were fired at Aman Joon inside the fast food outlet, the FIR says. The different bullets suggest that more than two weapons were used by the two shooters.

In another security camera footage, which was released earlier, Anu was seen sitting with Aman when the gunmen opened fire.

CCTV footage has shown that Anu took a train from GTB Nagar Metro Station to reach Rajouri Garden and after the murder, she took the metro from Rajouri Garden to Shakurpur Metro Station

Aman's body was found behind the billing counter, indicating that he tried to flee when the killers opened fire.

Himanshu Bhau, suspected to be in Portugal now, has claimed responsibility for the murder in a social media post, calling it a "revenge killing".

Himanshu Bhau, whose gang operates across Delhi and Haryana, is notorious for extortion, the police officer said. Bhau, an associate of jailed gangster Neeraj Bawana, fled the country in 2022.

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Video: Residents, Guards Clash At Posh Gurugram Apartment Over Liquor

A clash broke out between residents and security guards at a posh housing society in Gurugram on Thursday after an argument over liquor consumption, the police said.

The incident was reported on Thursday after a security guard objected to a group of residents having liquor at the complex area of ROF Ananda Society in Gurugram's Sector 95.

The conversation soon led to a heated argument and the residents started thrashing the security guard. He then alerted the Quick Response Team (QRT) team.

The video of the incident shows, residents hitting a QRT personnel as the team arrives. Another security personnel tries to rescue his colleague and hits a resident with a stick. But the group snatches the stick from him and thrashes him instead.

As the clash intensified, one QRT personnel ran away to escape the chaotic scene, while the other one got out of the apartment in his vehicle. A biker was hit as the security personnel reversed his vehicle, the video shows.

Police said they are examining the security camera footage and investigation is on.

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Opinion: Yoga: Teachers, Tough Love, And The Twinning Of Mind And Body

My yoga class is a microcosm of modern society. A group of individuals coming together in a spatio-temporal context to achieve different goals. It is also a study in efficiency or its lack; efficiency of not just the body, trying to twist and turn, but also of the belief system. 

It is difficult to adopt any ancient art, craft, belief system or even word without navigating a landmine of sensibilities. For example, it is not easy to assert that hatha yoga or the physical practice of postures (asanas), is not the pure form of yoga. Even though it is seen as the most central yogic practice, this is probably not how yoga originated. And I'm not even referring to the pop styles of yoga practices that have emerged across the world purely thanks to laissez-faire.

Understanding The Yoga Practice

These days, a good deal of breath is wasted, quite literally, on decoding whether yoga practice is geared toward an "inward-oriented detachment from material outcomes and desires", or if it's merely another fitness routine. If it's just the latter, why do some yoga teachers insist on following a puritanical pedagogical system of surrendering one's self? 

Opinion | PM Modi Leads Yoga Session In Srinagar To Mark 10th International Yoga Day

The large-scale export of yoga from the Indian subcontinent to the world began in the early twentieth century when different Indian yogis were evangelising about this Indian knowledge system taking different routes. Swami Vivekananda, for example, may be seen as largely dismissive of yoga's bodily practices and presented it as more of a spiritual system. Ramana Maharshi saw yoga as facilitating a state called self-realisation: "simply being oneself, not knowing anything or becoming anything". Sivananda Saraswati and Tirumalai Krishnamacharya focused on the corporeality of the yoga practice, saw it as a physical fitness regime and even developed new postural systems. Krishnamacharya's student BKS Iyengar went a step ahead and insisted on absolute precision and bodily alignment.

Starting from Vivekananda, all these yogis relied selectively on texts like Patanjali's Yogasutras and the Bhagavad Gita. While some sought to link their postural systems to these spiritual texts, others saw them as merely guiding lights. A practice session of Iyengar Yoga, for example, begins with an invocation to Patanjali. However, Iyengar is not known to have ever compelled his students to adopt any form of Hindu set of beliefs. 

Yoga And Pride

Now, what is a modern yogi or yogini ought to look for before even embarking on this journey? As a regular practitioner now, all I can say is the possibility of annihilation of ego is a good goal to begin with. Once you are on the yoga mat, all your accomplishments and the underlying pride ought to leave the room. If that does not happen after practising for a while, maybe yoga is not for you. Pride, and prejudice, block our path to recovery and healing. It is helpful to think of the practice of yoga as psychotherapy.

Opinion | "Global Leaders Discuss Yoga With Me": PM Modi At Srinagar Mass Yoga Event

I have many vices, but pride is not one of them. So what have I gained on the yoga mat? Looking back at my brief journey, I can confirm that yoga has given me the patience to deal with other people's pride. I have learnt to remove myself from situations and contexts where pride overran. I also realised that relying on your innate virtues is not very helpful in any situation: intent must be followed by action, or it is pointless. Yoga practice has also made me more fearless in terms of expressing myself. The reason is simple. Once you are on the mat, you are aware of every tissue of your body. What it is capable of and what must wait. Hypocrisy on the yoga mat is the gateway to a hospital bed.

I may not be the fittest person around, thanks to my Covid-ravaged body, but yoga has encouraged me to look out for myself. It has allowed me to differentiate between vacuous, gentle words and harsh, painful instructions. While my heart may crave the former, I understand the importance of the bitter verbal pill.

Improving The Body - And Mind

I've stuck to my yoga teacher for a while now, despite her not-so-affable demeanour, because it's clear to me what her pedagogy is. Tough love. Most people use "tough love" to mask their cruelty and lack of empathy. It is a much-maligned phrase today with its history of hiding abuse. To some, my teacher's words may come across as abuse (they surely are not gentle!). I have seen many of them deregistering from the programmes. 

Watch | Indian Navy personnel Perform Yoga Asanas Onboard INS Teg

Lest this essay be seen as an apology for my teacher's pedagogy, let me iterate, that we are not close in personal life. Our interactions are strictly in the space and context of the yoga practice. I am not striving to be either the best or a favourite student. What defines this relationship, however, is her doggedness to make my body - and therefore, mind - the best that it can be and my often frustrated attempts to do the same. Neither is giving up. 

(Nishtha Gautam is a Delhi-based author and academic.)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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Blog: Mardini Sisters And Eriksen: Two Stories That Prove Miracles Happen, All The Time

Exactly three years ago, The Guardian published a story with this headline: "The day Denmark stood still: Christian Eriksen's collapse and the heroes who saved him." 

On June 12, 2021, Denmark faced Finland in a match in the 2020 Euro tournament. In the 43rd minute, the world witnessed a shock as Denmark's midfielder collapsed on the pitch for reasons then unknown. Realising something was terribly wrong, fellow players rushed to ensure that his airway remained open. The team doctor feared the worst - Eriksen had suffered a heart attack on the pitch.
He lay on the pitch for a tense 13 minutes before somehow regaining consciousness on the way to the nearby hospital. Reportedly, one of his first requests after regaining consciousness was to have his boots removed, as he believed he might never need them again.

Exactly three years later, on June 16, Christian Eriksen returned to play in the ongoing edition of the Euro Football tournament, donning the national jersey once more. In the 17th minute, a miracle happened as Eriksen scored the first goal for his team, reportedly wearing the same boots from that fateful day. It was like a fairytale we expect to happen all the time.

If this isn't a miracle, what is? These are the moments that give us hope, showing that bouncing back from the brink is always possible.

Hoping Through Dark Times

I felt the same sense of awe while watching the Netflix movie The Swimmers, based on the true story of two Syrian girls, Yusra Mardini and her elder sister, Sara Mardini. Residents of Damascus, the sisters dreamt of representing their country in the Olympics. But Syria's civil war made it nearly impossible. Their push came when a bomb hit a venue where they were competing in a swimming competition. With no choice but to seek asylum as refugees in Germany, they embarked on a daunting journey without knowing how to reach their destination.

Undeterred by the challenges ahead, the sisters, along with a relative, embarked on a journey as nerve-wracking as it could be. While their flight to Turkey was smooth, what followed tested even the toughest nerves. Local guides facilitating illegal migration suggested they take a boat to Greece, the shortest route to mainland Europe. During the perilous sea crossing from Turkey, their dinghy's engine failed. The sisters were among those who jumped into the water, guiding the overcrowded boat to safety and saving all on board, as documented in a Time article.   

Just imagine: two little girls in an overcrowded dinghy on the verge of sinking in the middle of the sea. Darkness surrounded them, with no clue how far the shore lay. Who could muster the courage to jump into the sea, swim for three and a half hours, and guide the boat to safety? Most would have fainted. But not the Mardini sisters. They were fully aware that reaching shore didn't guarantee safety; as illegal refugees, they risked detention at any moment. Yet, driven by their Olympic dreams, they endured all and were prepared to face more.

Their long and arduous journey eventually led them to Germany. As they say, the rest is history. Within a year of arriving in Germany, Yusra, the younger and the more passionate one about swimming, qualified for the Rio Olympics as part of the refugee team. Now retired, she serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and will be in Paris, cheering on refugees from around the world when the city hosts the Summer Olympics.

What do the stories of Eriksen and Yusra have in common? Perhaps it's the determination to succeed against all odds. They possessed strength of character and found their way through the most challenging circumstances.

In my own experience, when faced with adversity, saviours often emerge from unexpected places. For Yusra, it was a German swimming coach who helped her realise her Olympic dream. For Eriksen, it was the immediate support from his teammates.

Throughout my life, I've had many saviours who helped me navigate difficult times. My humble advice to all of you is to never give up. Keep moving forward. Miracles do happen - and they happen all the time.

(Mayank Mishra is Consulting Editor at NDTV)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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Why Junes Full Moon Is Known As The Strawberry Moon

Skywatchers will see a full moon on Friday, June 21, known as the Strawberry Moon, which will coincide with the summer solstice. This event offers a special opportunity for stargazers and astronomy fans.

The strawberry moon will appear full for three days, according to NASA, providing plenty of time to observe it. The moon will look larger, more colourful and possibly brighter than usual.

The strawberry moon will be visible in India from 7:08 pm.

Why the June full moon called strawberry moon

The name "strawberry moon" has roots in various cultural traditions, including those of Native American, Colonial American and European origins, as documented by The Old Farmer's Almanac. 

Historically, full moon names were used to track the seasons. June's full moon, often the last of spring or the first of summer, is traditionally called the strawberry moon. 

This name originates from the Native American tribes of the northeastern United States. It marks the ripening season of "June-bearing" strawberries, which are ready for harvest at this time. The tribal people also refer to it as the Berries Ripen Moon, for this being the time when flowers bloom and fruits ripen.

However, the name has no connection to the moon's colour. The moon often looks reddish at this time as it gets close to the horizon and its light passes through the densest layers of the atmosphere. But this effect is not related to the name "strawberry moon."

Tips to view the strawberry moon

For those eager to witness the strawberry moon on June 21, it is best to find a spot away from city lights and pollution, such as a rural area or open field. This will provide a clear view of the sky, perfect for capturing the moon's beauty with a DSLR camera. Bringing a tripod can help stabilise your shots. 

Choose a comfortable place. For a closer look, consider using binoculars or a telescope to make the experience even more enjoyable. 

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"Silent Killer": US Weather Expert Warns Amid Record-Breaking Temperature

A severe heatwave has swept central to eastern parts of the United States, with several cities recording their highest temperatures in decades, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Experts warn that this heat wave could turn into a deadly weather event, labelling it the “silent killer.” 

Kristie Ebi, a public health scientist at the University of Washington who contributed to a United Nations special report on extreme weather, told PBS that in recent years, the heat “seems like it is coming faster and more severe than we expected.”

Heat dome effect

The heat wave sweeping across much of the US is driven by what meteorologists call a "heat dome." This phenomenon involves a high-pressure system in the atmosphere that causes hot air to sink and compress, resulting in soaring temperatures at ground level. 

Areas affected

Approximately 80 million people across the US are experiencing sweltering conditions, with heat advisories or excessive heat warnings in place. Residents are urged to take precautions, stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat.

The heat wave is affecting areas from Ohio to Maine, including Boston, Cleveland, Buffalo and Caribou. This prolonged heat wave will continue to scorch the Midwest, Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions throughout the weekend.

Record-breaking temperatures

The NWS said the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast will be the worst affected this week, with possible record-breaking temperatures. Chicago broke its June 17 temperature record on Monday, reaching 97 degree F (36.1 degree C), slightly above the 1957 record of 96 degree F (35.6 degree C). Other cities experiencing extreme heat include New York, Philadelphia and Washington. 

Syracuse, recently, hit 94 degree F (34.4 degree C), breaking a 1994 record. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said this was a "deadly event" which was "likely to cause more deaths." She has activated the state's Emergency Operations Centre to address the extreme temperatures, which are expected to go on through the weekend, according to Reuters.

Deaths projected

In 2023, more than 2,300 people in the US died due to excessive heat, the highest in 45 years, AP reported. However, heat conditions are already worse in 2024 across the US, leading experts to believe the numbers could be even higher this year.

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Justin Timberlake Was "Wasted" Before Drink Driving Arrest, Say Witnesses

Pop star Justin Timberlake was arrested early Tuesday morning in the Hamptons on charges of driving while intoxicated or impaired (DWI). Despite Timberlake's claim that he only had "one martini" during his night out, sources suggest he was actually “wasted”. 

Later, the star was produced before the court on one charge of DWI and released from police custody in New York, CNN reported.  

According to the arrest report, officers detected a "strong odour of an alcoholic beverage". The pop star-turned-actor also received citations for running a stop sign and failing to stay in his lane.

Timberlake refused three attempts at a breathalyser test during the incident, reported Page Six. 

The 43-year-old was dining and drinking at The American Hotel, according to NBC News. The hotel offers a wide range of beverages, including single malt Scotch whiskies and Armagnacs, with some bottles priced up to $5,100.

"At one point, just before closing, somebody got up to go to the bathroom and left his drink on the table. When the guy came back, Justin was drinking his drink," an insider told The NY Post. "The guy goes, 'Justin, that's my drink!'"

It remains unclear what exactly the singer was drinking or what he accidentally sipped from the other person's drink. 

Timberlake was reportedly visiting the hotel "with a bunch of friends."

“There were cops stationed outside where he was having dinner" and they "pulled out and they pulled him over for a traffic violation," said the outlet.

The police officer, who pulled him over, reportedly did not recognise the former boy band star. "His friends were telling the police, 'Let him go, let him go,'" a source said, as Timberlake reportedly muttered, “This is going to ruin the tour.”

The cop, who allegedly "didn't even know" the Grammy winner, replied, "What tour?" Timberlake answered, "The world tour."

Justin Timberlake's ‘The Forget Tomorrow' world tour started on April 29. 

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Sidhartha Mallya To Get Married This Week: Who Is His Fiancee Jasmine?

Sidhartha Mallya, the son of Businessman Vijay Mallya, will marry his girlfriend Jasmine this week. The 37-year-old posted a picture with his fiancée Jasmine and wrote, “Wedding week has commenced.” The announcement was met with wishes and congratulations from friends and followers.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sid (@sidmallya)

Who is Sidhartha Mallya's fiancée, Jasmine?

1. Jasmine, who has been living in the United States, frequently shares her travel adventures and love for nature on her Instagram feed, showing beautiful destinations and outdoor activities. 

2. She has two dogs -- a husky and a golden retriever -- who often featured in her posts.

3. Jasmine and Sidhartha got engaged in October 2023. The couple has been dating for over a year. Their wedding celebrations kicked off this week.

4. A dedicated fan of the Harry Potter series, Jasmine and her fiancé have matching Harry Potter-themed tattoos.

5. Jasmine supports the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights, an initiative focused on civilian rights and humanitarian law. She also donates to abortion funds, supporting access to services in US states where it is banned.

Mr Mallya was born in Los Angeles, California, and spent his childhood in England and the UAE. His father, Vijay Mallya, was the chairman of the UB Group and the owner of the now-defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Mr Mallya studied at Wellington College and Queen Mary University of London. Later, he attended the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, launching his career in modelling and acting.

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UK Man Sues Apple After Wife Discovers "Deleted" Messages With Sex Worker

A businessman from England is suing Apple after his wife found out "deleted" messages he sent to sex workers on their family iMac. The messages, which he believed were "deleted permanently" from his iPhone, led to his wife filing for divorce, reported The Times. 

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, had been using iMessage to communicate with sex workers, claiming he had deleted the evidence from his iPhone. However, the messages were still accessible on the iMac due to the synchronisation of the family's devices with the same Apple ID.

He claimed that Apple did not inform users that deleting a message on one device does not remove it from all linked devices. "If you are told a message is deleted, you are entitled to believe it's deleted," he told the outlet.

The man's wife found the messages and filed for a divorce, a move that has cost him over 5 million pounds, said The Times. He described the divorce as "painful and raw," stating that a more rational conversation could have saved his marriage if the messages hadn't been discovered so brutally.

"If I had been able to talk to her rationally and she had not had such a brutal realisation of it, I might still be married," he explained. "It was a very brutal way of finding out [for my wife]," he said.

The man is now suing Apple for 5 million pounds and is seeking to turn his lawsuit into a class-action suit for others who might have faced similar situations.

He explained that the lack of clarity from Apple about how message deletion works led to this situation. "In my opinion, it's all because Apple told me my messages were deleted when they weren't. If the message had said, 'These messages are deleted on this device', that would have been a clue, or 'These messages are deleted on this device only' that would have been even better."

His lawyer, Simon Walton told The Telegraph, “Apple had not been clear with users as to what happens to messages they send and receive and, importantly, delete.” 

Mr Walton said that in many cases, the iPhone informs the user that "messages have been deleted" which he claims wasn't true and was "misleading because they are still found on other linked devices - something Apple doesn't tell its users." He said he was "eager to hear from other Apple customers who have experienced similar issues."

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Caught On CCTV: Kolhapur Crash Sets Off 'Ghost Auto' Run, Five Injured

Five people suffered minor injuries after a bike crashed into an auto-rickshaw in Kolhapur. The auto-rickshaw driver was thrown off, but the driverless three-wheeler remained on the move, sending pedestrians running around before it came to a stop.

Dramatic visuals captured by a CCTV camera show the area near Patki Hospital in Shahupuri. An auto-rickshaw is seen taking a U-turn when a bike crashes into it. The auto-rickshaw driver is thrown out due to the impact, but the three-wheeler continues to move in a circle. A man and a woman are seen trying to move out of the way, but the auto-rickshaw hits them before others bring it to a halt.

This comes weeks after a chilling accident in Kolhapur that left three people dead. A car driven by a 72-year-old man hit two two-wheelers at a busy intersection in the city on June 3.

Vasant Chavan, who was behind the will, died after the crash, reportedly due to a heart attack. Two others, who were on bikes, were killed in the accident. Three others were injured.

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Video: Indian Jeweller In US Emptied In Minutes In Smash-And-Grab Attack

In what appeared like scenes from a heist film, twenty masked men stormed into a Pune-headquartered jewellery store in the US and emptied it.

CCTV cameras at PNG Jewellers' store in California's Sunnyvale show the robbers, all of them masked and some in hoodies, rushing inside the store after breaking down the glass doors. The footage of the smash-and-grab robbery has been shared widely on social media.

A lone security guard was easily overpowered.

Once inside, the robbers are seen spreading out across the store and breaking all the desks where the jewelleries are kept.

Every desk appeared to have a robber pre-assigned as they went about breaking the glass and putting the loot inside backpacks.

The entire act lasted less than three minutes, per the CCTV footage. Their method indicated they were familiar with the floor's layout as they may have closely surveyed the store before launching the hit, according to local media.

Raw video: Smash & grab robbery at Bay Area jewelry store.

Shocking video of a smash and grab robbery involving hammers and tools at Sunnyvale's PNG Jewelers USA. Police say they've made five arrests and are looking for more suspects. pic.twitter.com/VauMk16Vge

— AppleSeed (@AppleSeedTX) June 15, 2024

Five suspects have been arrested, local media said.

The Pune-based jeweller on its website says from a single store in a small town to a chain of stores with a global footprint, the group got its name from the late businessman Purshottam Narayan Gadgil.

PNG Jewellers has 35 stores across India, the US, and Dubai, it says on its website.

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Shoes Melted Due To Heat, 52-Year-Old Woman Runs 1,000 Km In 12 Days

A 52-year-old ultramarathoner named Natalie Dau recently achieved a remarkable feat by running 1,000 kilometres across Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in just 12 days. Despite facing extreme heat and a serious hip injury, Ms Dau persevered, running the equivalent of two marathons each day. Her journey concluded in Singapore on June 5.

This extraordinary accomplishment earned Ms Dau the Singapore record for the "Fastest 1,000km Thailand-Singapore Ultramarathon." Additionally, she awaits certification from Guinness World Records for the "Fastest Crossing of Peninsular Malaysia on Foot." 

"Today is the first time in four days I have questioned if I would actually finish this thing. I love the challenge of the sport, love the rawness of it all, but hate these low points. And they come often," she told BBC.

Ms Dau's run raised over $50,000 for the global charity GRLS, which supports women and girls through sports, aiming to develop their leadership skills.

"Whether you come in first or last, it doesn't matter. You've done something almost superhuman, something that 0.05% of the world's population will never do," she said.

The Race

Ms Dau's journey was far from easy. Running in temperatures as high as 35 degrees Celsius, her shoes melted, and she battled a hip injury from the very first day, reports The Strait Times. By Day 3, she developed a urinary tract infection. However, Dau's saw through these challenges. Each day, she covered at least 84 kilometres.

Throughout the run, Ms Dau kept her supporters updated through nightly voice messages, sharing both her triumphs and her struggles. Her team, instrumental in the success, provided essential support, ensuring safety and logistics were meticulously planned.

Dau's accomplishment extends beyond personal achievement. She hopes her journey will inspire others, particularly women and older individuals, to challenge their own limits. "Whether you come in first or last, it doesn't matter. You've done something almost superhuman, something that 0.05% of the world's population will never do," she said 

The physical toll of the run was immense. Ms Dau described waking up each day as the "scariest" part, fearing she might not be able to continue. Yet, despite the exhaustion, blistered toes, and the overwhelming urge to see her family, she pressed on. "The finish line is so far away, you can't envisage it," she said.

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Opinion: How Prime Ministers Have Fared in Their Home Constituencies In Past

The seats from which Prime Ministers and Prime Ministerial candidates have contested have attracted significant attention. The margin of their victories has been a topic of debate. Given the sharp rise in the number of voters per constituency over the last seven decades, it may be useful to look at the percentage of votes that Prime Ministerial candidates secured in the seats they contested.

A review from 1952 to 2024 reveals there are 21 relevant contests. These include elections where sitting Prime Ministers contested or individuals became Prime Ministers soon after the elections. There are 15 instances of sitting Prime Ministers contesting elections: they won on 14 occasions and only one sitting Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, lost her seat, Raebareli, in 1977. In six other instances, we examine the Lok Sabha seat won by a candidate who went on to become the Prime Minister immediately after the elections.

Two caveats are necessary.

• First, two individuals who became Prime Minister after the elections contested from two seats. They won both seats and the seat they retained is considered. Indira Gandhi won from Raebareli and Medak in 1980 and retained the latter. Narendra Modi won from Vadodara and Varanasi in 2014 and retained Varanasi. One sitting Prime Minister, Narasimha Rao, contested from two seats in 1996, Nandyal and Berhampur. He won both and retained Berhampur, so that seat is considered.
• Second, in the elections of 1952 and 1957, Jawaharlal Nehru won from a double-member constituency, where voters had two votes. This factor is considered while calculating the percentage of votes he secured.

There are 15 instances of sitting Prime Ministers contesting Lok Sabha elections. In 11 cases, sitting Prime Ministers returned to the position after the election. In six cases, sitting Prime Ministers left office as their party/alliance was unable to secure a majority. Notably, in three of the 21 examples where the candidates secured less than 50% of the votes, they were sitting Prime Ministers. One returned to power, while two had to relinquish office as their party/alliance lost a majority.

When PMs Won Majority Of Votes

There are 18 cases where the sitting Prime Minister or prospective Prime Minister won by a majority of votes in their constituency. Twelve of them were sitting Prime Ministers: eight returned to power after the election, while four resigned as Prime Minister as their party/alliance lost. In the remaining six cases, they became Prime Ministers immediately after the elections as their party/alliance secured a majority and they were elected its leader.

On all three occasions when Jawaharlal Nehru won as a sitting Prime Minister, he secured a majority of votes in his constituency. Narendra Modi, who won two elections as a sitting Prime Minister and one as his party's Prime Ministerial candidate, also secured a majority of the votes on each occasion. Indira Gandhi appears in the list four times. She contested three times as a sitting Prime Minister, returning to power twice and being defeated once in her own seat, coinciding with her party's loss in the 1977 election. On another occasion, she won the election and helped the Congress return to power after three years in the opposition.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee also appears four times. Twice he was a sitting Prime Minister. On one of these occasions, he returned to power (1999), and on the other, his party was voted out (2004). Twice he became Prime Minister after winning Lok Sabha elections from his constituency (1996, 1998). Notably, most Prime Ministers listed below did not change their constituencies, except Indira Gandhi, who retained Medak and relinquished Raebareli in 1980.

It is also relevant to note that except in three cases (Narasimha Rao from Berhampur, Indira Gandhi from Medak, and Morarji Desai from Surat), all sitting Prime Ministers and prospective Prime Ministers in the table won from Uttar Pradesh. In his third victory, Narendra Modi saw a nine-percentage-point decline in his vote share in Varanasi. Jawaharlal Nehru experienced an eleven-percentage-point decline in vote share in his third election from Phulpur. The Lok Sabha constituencies of sitting and prospective Prime Ministers have always been prestige battles. There has been only one defeat, and in more than three-fourths of the cases, they have polled more than 50% of the vote.

Prime Ministers and Lok Sabha Elections

Sitting Prime Ministers contesting Lok Sabha polls and individuals who contested Lok Sabha Polls and became Prime Minister (in decreasing order of percentage of votes polled by candidate)

Year	Individual	Constituency	Sitting PM/ Post Election PM	Votes Polled (Percentage)
1984	Rajiv Gandhi	Amethi	Sitting PM	83.67
1952	Jawaharlal Nehru	Phulpur	Sitting PM	77.56
1957	Jawaharlal Nehru	Phulpur	Sitting PM	73.74
1980	Indira Gandhi	Medak	Post Election PM	67.90
1989	Rajiv Gandhi	Amethi	Sitting PM	67.43
1971	Indira Gandhi	Raebareli	Sitting PM	66.35
1980	Charan Singh	Baghpat	Sitting PM	65.2
2019	Narendra Modi	Varanasi	Sitting PM	63.62
1996	P.V. N. Rao	Berhampur	Sitting PM	62.60
1962	Jawaharlal Nehru	Phulpur	Sitting PM	62.00
1998	A.B. Vajpayee	Lucknow	Post Election PM	57.82
2014	Narendra Modi	Varanasi	Post Election PM	56.37
1989	V.P. Singh	Fatehpur	Post Election PM	56.18
2004	A.B. Vajpayee	Lucknow	Sitting PM	56.12
1967	Indira Gandhi	Raebareli	Sitting PM	55.20
2024	Narendra Modi	Varanasi	Sitting PM	54.24
1977	Morarji Desai	Surat	Post Election PM	52.46
1996	A.B. Vajpayee	Lucknow	Post Election PM	52.25
1999	A.B. Vajpayee	Lucknow	Sitting PM	48.11
1991	Chandra Shekhar	Ballia	Sitting PM	46.52
1977	Indira Gandhi	Raebareli	Sitting PM	36.89 (Defeated)

(Dr. Sandeep Shastri is the National Coordinator of the Lokniti Network)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

from NDTV News- Topstories https://ift.tt/bIC59jx