"Horrible Scene": Suspected Gang's Wild Bash Leaves Airbnb In Ruins

A homeowner in a Colorado mountain town found her Airbnb rental in ruins after a chaotic party allegedly hosted by members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Karen Martiz, the owner of the property in Evergreen — around 48 km west of Denver — reported damages amounting to $16,000 (around Rs 13.45 lakh).

In the aftermath of the wild bash, Ms Martiz found a scene of utter disarray, with cigarette butts scattered about, chewing gum smeared across carpets, walls and ceilings, and hundreds of empty alcohol bottles alongside drug paraphernalia.

Ms Martiz is convinced the mess was the result of the Venezuelan prison gang's activities. The local law enforcement agency, the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office, supports this claim, saying they suspected members of Tren de Aragua were part of the large group of 80 to 100 individuals who partied at the Airbnb.

“I have put all my energy and love into this property to make it beautiful for my guests. It's a beautiful place. Everybody loved it. We have been hosting for two years and this was the first time that I showed up here and my house was completely destroyed. I couldn't believe it,” Ms Martiz told Fox News.

Martiz described entering her home after the guests' departure as a “horrible scene,” expressing disbelief over the level of destruction. “When I walked into my house, I couldn't believe I was actually living this. Because until you live it, you are like, ‘Is this even something that could happen to people?'” she said.

The Tren de Aragua gang's activities have been reported across states, including Aurora, Colorado, where they have taken control of multiple apartment complexes and committed violent crimes, according to the New York Post.

“It's very real, and this group of people (Tren de Aragua) are doing it to people like me,” Ms Martiz said.

The New York Post has, in the past, reported on the Tren de Aragua gang's infiltration into the Denver suburb, detailing how the gang took over multiple neglected apartment complexes, with their regional leader, known as ‘Cookie,' implicated in violent crimes.

The problem garnered national attention, notably from former President Donald Trump, who visited Aurora earlier in October for a rally. He announced his intention to invoke a 226-year-old law aimed at dismantling Tren de Aragua and deporting its members.

Trump told supporters at the rally, “I will rescue Aurora and every town that has been invaded and conquered,” emphasising his administration's commitment to either imprisoning or expelling these “vicious and bloodthirsty criminals.”

Ms Martiz agrees with Trump's assessment of the gang's menace to society. “Absolutely no exaggeration at all,” she said, adding, “These people are not here to do good. They have nothing to lose. They don't care. They're just coming in, destroying properties, people's lives like nothing.”

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US Elections 2024: Kamala Harris Promises A Protective Presidency

Democratic Party's presidential candidate Kamala Harris has said that although she was proud of being President Joe Biden's Vice President, her presidency will be different because the challenges are different.

Offering her campaign's closing argument on Tuesday from the Ellipse, a portion of the Capitol grounds that hosted President Donald Trump's rally of 2020 that led to a raid by his supporters on the US Congress, Harris presented herself as someone who feels protective about people who are treated unfairly and taken advantage of, saying that's something she got from her mother, the India-born Shyamala Gopalan Harris.

Harris also presented herself as an "uniter" in contrast to Trump, who, she said, is a "divider"; as a "champion of working people" compared to the former president who, she said, would "give tax breaks to the wealthy"; as "fierce protectors" of the security of the country, compared to the former president, who, she said, is "vulnerable to flattery and favours".

"I have been honoured to serve as Joe Biden's Vice President," Harris said, "but I will bring my own experiences and ideas to the Oval Office. My presidency will be different, because the challenges we face are different. Our top priority as a nation four years ago was to end the pandemic and rescue the economy. Now our biggest challenge is to lower costs, costs that were rising even before the pandemic, and that are still too high".

Trump and his campaign have sought Harris to the failures and shortcomings of the administration of Biden. Harris has struggled to distance herself from the President without looking disloyal. But her campaign has shown a readiness to put some distance between the two and, as a result, they have not appeared in joint rallies although Harris has done quite a few appearances with former President Barack Obama.

Harris acknowledged not many Americans would know her because of her long career outside Washington D.C. And recalling her career as a line prosecutor and then top law officer of the most populous state of the country -- California, she said, "I did this work because for as long as I can remember, I have always had an instinct to protect. There's something about people being treated unfairly or overlooked that, frankly, just gets to me. I don't like it. It's what my mother instilled in me, a drive to hold accountable those who use their wealth or power to take advantage of other people, the drive to protect hard-working Americans who aren't always seen or heard and deserve a voice. And I will tell you, that is the kind of President I will be."

In a speech lasting nearly 30 minutes, Harris stressed the contrast between herself and Trump on everything from basic values to vision for the country and foreign policy. "World leaders think that Donald Trump is an easy mark, easy to manipulate with flattery or favour, and you can believe that autocrats like (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong (Un) are rooting for him in this election. I will always uphold our security, advance our national interest, and ensure that the United States of America remains as we must forever be a champion of liberty around the world."

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

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J&J's $8.2 Billion Settlement Linked To Iconic Baby Powder Faces Court Test

The fate of Johnson & Johnson's latest push to use bankruptcy courts to end thousands of cancer lawsuits tied to its iconic baby powder now hinges on a high-stakes trial in January.

After months of wrangling, a federal judge in Houston early next year will decide whether J&J's bid to quickly settle the claims with an $8.2 billion payout can move ahead. A lead attorney for holdouts insists a vote by claimants in support of the deal was rigged, a charge that J&J denies.

J&J has struggled to end the 15-year-long litigation over its talc-based baby powder, which the company insists never caused cancer and is no longer available. After failing twice to resolve the claims by bankrupting a unit in New Jersey, the company is trying again through a fast-track process in Texas after saying in August that more than 75% of claimants voted for a sweetened offer. 

"J&J thinks it can get this done in months, but if the legitimacy of those votes is called into question, that timeline goes out the window," said Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond law professor who teaches about mass torts and is following the baby powder litigation saga. 

The company says it's set aside $12 billion to resolve all of its baby powder cases, including thousands of ovarian cancer claims in the settlement that US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez will rule on. J&J is now facing more 60,000 claims overall.

Careful Counting

Andy Birchfield, a lawyer representing thousands of alleged victims, this month accused another plaintiff's attorney of improperly changing votes. He also claimed the firm overseeing the process facilitated the switch at the behest of J&J.

"We view this so-called vote as another fraudulent effort by J&J to manipulate the bankruptcy process and minimize the legitimate claims of ovarian cancer victims," said Birchfield, an Alabama-based lawyer.

Birchfield's lawyers say EPIQ, a consulting firm hired by J&J to run the pre-bankruptcy vote, and another plaintiffs' lawyer, Allen Smith, improperly switched 11,434 votes from "reject to accept." Lopez will now have to determine whether the votes were wrongfully counted and should be switched back.

J&J's worldwide head of litigation Erik Haas said EPIQ's actions were consistent with the solicitation and voting rules, and that the company negotiated with Smith in good faith to get a faster resolution. 

"We are confident in the voting process, which showed that the proposed bankruptcy plan is indeed what claimants want to end this litigation in a fair and timely manner," Haas said in a statement. "The plan constitutes one of the largest settlements ever reached in a mass tort bankruptcy case."

Lawsuits and Infighting

Smith, a Mississippi-based lawyer who's notched several wins against J&J, was once part of Birchfield's inner circle. They jointly represent more than 11,000 clients. Smith changed the votes of those clients to support the deal after his former partner lodged them against the offer. 

Birchfield, who sued his former colleague in September over who had the power to cast the votes, argued Smith sold out the ex-baby powder users because he was facing $240 million in litigation-finance debt. Smith filed a countersuit denying the allegations. He didn't return calls seeking a comment.

In an August letter to colleagues, Smith said "continuing to fight against J&J is no longer justified." 

"As the attorney that started this litigation fifteen years ago and who has fought against J&J inside and outside the courtroom as vigorously as anyone in the country, I can finally say for the first time this revised plan provides adequate compensation for our clients," Smith wrote.

Changing Votes

Birchfield argues EPIQ violated J&J's ground rules for allowing the switch and should be removed from overseeing claims, which could generate millions in fees. EPIQ officials didn't return emails seeking comment. 

In court filings, EPIQ officials said they switched Birchfield's no votes after lawyers for J&J's unit told them to "incorporate the votes reflected on the Smith firm's master ballot, superseding the votes submitted" by his former colleague.

J&J counters Birchfield lodged questionable no votes, and says his firm should be removed from its leadership position in the case. The six firms opposing the settlement, including Birchfield's, haven't provided a meaningful alternative to it and have yet to recover any money for their clients, the company said.

Those lawyers also will benefit financially if the bankruptcy doesn't go through, J&J said. It agreed to pay $650 million to cover the cost of legal work done on behalf of all the plaintiffs as part of the settlement. They are now covered by a percentage of the money gained from each resolved case, which goes into a pool controlled by a select group of attorneys. The size of the pool without the bankruptcy could be substantially higher than the pre-set figure, depending on final figures. 

Speedy Resolution 

Lopez - who denied Birchfield's request to send the bankruptcy back to New Jersey - said he plans to take a close look at the balloting, which was done without court supervision. "We have some hard decisions here," Lopez said during a September hearing.

The fact the case is in pro-business Texas at all has drawn the ire of some commentators and puts Lopez in the spotlight. The previous two cases were heard in Trenton, New Jersey, near J&J's home city of New Brunswick.

"Given a different federal court has twice thrown J&J out of bankruptcy court, allowing this new case to be rammed through without a full vetting of the issues would be a dereliction of judicial duty," said Robert Lawless, a University of Illinois professor who teaches about bankruptcy.

The judge agreed Oct. 21 to put all trials focused on whether J&J's talc-based baby powder caused ovarian cancer on hold while the bankruptcy plan is debated. The company still faces juries weighing whether powders tainted with asbestos caused cancer. Earlier this month, a Connecticut jury ordered J&J and some units to pay $15 million to a real estate developer who blamed his cancer on the product.

J&J is arguing the enhanced settlement and subsequent bankruptcy is the only way to fairly deal with future cancer lawsuits without decades of litigation. 

If approved, the accord would resolve nearly all talc cases against J&J in the US and bind everyone to the same terms - even those who voted against it and women who develop cancer in the future. A trust would be set up to deal with later-developing cancers.

"Sign-off on the settlement may lead to resolution of the talc litigation around year-end, though an appeal would be expected," wrote Larry Biegelsen, an analyst at Wells Fargo, in a note to clients.

The case is Red River Talc, 24-90505, US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas (Houston).

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

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This Country's Economy Boomed After Introducing 4-Day Workweek: Research

Iceland's experimental four-day workweek has proven "very successful", according to a study released Friday. The report offered insights into the program's trial which introduced a shorter workweek in Iceland with no loss of pay. Between 2020 and 2022, 51% of workers in the country accepted the offer of shorter working hours, including a four-day week. Following the trial, researchers found that Iceland's economy outperformed most European peers. It also discovered that its unemployment rate is one of the lowest in Europe, CNN reported citing the Autonomy Institute in the United Kingdom and Iceland's Association for Sustainability and Democracy (Alda). 

"This study shows a real success story: shorter working hours have become widespread in Iceland... and the economy is strong across a number of indicators," Gudmundur D. Haraldsson, a researcher at Alda, said in a statement, per the outlet. 

In two large trials conducted between 2015 and 2019, public sector employees in Iceland worked 35-36 hours per week, with no reduction in pay. Following the analysis of the trials, the researchers found that productivity stayed the same or improved in most workplaces, while workers' well-being increased "dramatically" in a range of measures, from perceived stress and burnout to health and work-life balance. 

"This is noteworthy as critics of the reduced hours initiative repeatedly claimed productivity would not increase in relation to reduced hours," the report stated, adding, "The economy has remained strong post reduction of working time." 

According to the study, Iceland's economy experienced a growth rate of approximately 4.1% in 2023. The same year, the unemployment rate stood at 3.6% - one of the lowest in Europe.

Also Read | Iceland's Volcanic Site Reopens For Visitors After Almost A Year, But, With A Warning

Moreover, the research also found that the change to a shorter workweek had significant results, with a large majority of Icelandic workers (78%) reporting that they were satisfied with their present working time.

Of those who saw their hours reduced, 62% reported being more satisfied with their working time. Only 4% of workers suggested being more dissatisfied. 

97% of workers also thought that the shorter workweek had made it easier to balance work with their private life, or it kept the balance the same as before. The study also discovered that 42% of those who had moved to shorter hours thought that it had decreased stress in their private life, versus 6% who felt it had increased. 

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Joe Biden Hosts Diwali Celebration At White House

US President Joe Biden on Monday hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House that was attended by more than 600 eminent Indian Americans, including Congressmen, officials, and corporate executives, from across the country.

“As President, I've been honoured to host the biggest Diwali receptions ever at the White House. To me, it means a great deal. As Senator, Vice President, and President; South Asian Americans have been key members of my staff. From Kamala to Dr. Murthy to so many of you here today, I'm proud that I kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America,” Biden said in a standing-only packed East Room of the White House.

Vice President Kamala Harris and First Lady Dr Jill Biden could not attend the event as they are on the campaign trail. Biden's remarks were preceded by Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy, US Surgeon General; Sunita Williams, Retired Navy Officer and NASA Astronaut who sent a recorded video message from the International Space Station and Shrusti Amula, Indian-American Youth Activist who introduced the president.

“In late November 2016, a dark cloud formed from hate and hostility toward immigrants, including South Asian Americans. We hear once again in 2024. It was then that Jill and I hosted the first Diwali reception and it was at the Vice President's residence. An Irish Catholic President, Vice President at the time, opened our home for holiday celebrations by Hindus, Buddhists, Jainists, Sikhs, and more. How America reminds us all of our power to be the light, all of us,” he said.

Biden, who lit the formal diya in the Blue Room of the White House, said the South Asian American community has enriched every part of American life. “That's the truth. That is among the fastest-growing, most engaged communities in the country you are now,” he said.

“On this day in America, we think about that journey of light. Early in our nation's founding, A generation before diya, in the shadow of suspicion, now in a time Diwali is celebrated openly and proudly here in the White House. We also know today we face an inflection point,” he said.

One of those rare moments that only come once every several generations, where the decisions we make today will determine the future to come for decades, literally. Every generation has been called to move us forward, to be the nation we say we are. But only once in every few generations, we are reminded not to take the idea of America for granted, because it's never guaranteed. That moment is now, Biden said.

“American democracy has never been easy. In a country as diverse as ours, we debate, we dissent as we forge a path forward through compromise and consensus. But the key is we never lose sight of how we got here and why. For me, 50 years of public service comes with the clarity of confidence in America. We're a nation with a heart, a soul that draws from old and new,” he said.

"In America, everything runs deep, especially the courage to serve and protect, to heal and to bear witness, to immigrate, to dare to dream. With my presidency, I've tried to channel that American spirit by bringing to bear all my experiences and wisdom gained from it, and to get us through one of the most difficult periods in our nation's recent history, and to be a bridge between generations, like in memory and imagination,” Biden said.

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

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Russian "Floating Bomb" Ship Carrying Explosives Allowed To Dock At UK Port

The MV Ruby, a Maltese-registered cargo ship, that had been drifting at sea for weeks, has finally been allowed to dock at the Norfolk port of Great Yarmouth in Britain. According to the BBC, the ship is carrying a staggering 20,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a chemical commonly used in agricultural fertilizers. Due to the dangerous nature of its cargo and damage to the vessel, no port in Europe had granted it entry because of safety concerns. Dubbed the "floating bomb", Ruby's journey to Great Yarmouth was marked by delays, as it was anchored off the coast of Margate in Kent, awaiting repairs to its damaged hull and propeller. 

When improperly stored or exposed to stressors like heat and pressure, ammonium nitrate can become highly unstable and explosive. Notably, ammonium nitrate was the same substance responsible for the catastrophic Beirut port explosion in August 2020 that claimed 200 lives, displaced 300,000 people, and inflicted 15 billion pounds in damage on the Lebanese capital. 

However, Serenity Ship Management, the vessel's management company, reassured the public that the explosive chemicals on board the Ruby pose "no risk to the surrounding area in its present state."

Port director Richard Goffin said, ''The Port of Great Yarmouth can handle hazardous materials and the discharge and transhipment of such materials and cargo is common practice across our port group. Our team is well-versed in implementing rigorous safety protocols and we strictly adhere to all UK safety regulations and international maritime standards. Our role is to ensure that the MV Ruby is able to safely discharge and continue with its onward journey."

Notably, the cargo ship departed from Kandalaksha, a northern Russian porta and was headed to Las Palmas in the Canary Islands when it suffered damage. Though the ship is managed by Serenity Shipping based in the UAE, its Russian cargo has raised suspicions. Its stalled journey had also sparked concerns among governments that it could be a Trojan horse aimed at sabotaging vital shipping and port infrastructure. After being denied repairs in Norway and Lithuania due to concerns over its explosive cargo, the MV Ruby ultimately anchored in the English Channel.

The ship had initially stopped at Tromso, Norway, in early September for repairs, but media speculation surrounding the risks posed by its cargo led to its departure. Similarly, a Lithuanian repair yard refused to accommodate the vessel. Now docked at Great Yarmouth, the MV Ruby will offload its cargo onto another vessel, enabling it to undergo necessary repairs in a dry dock. Notably, the ship's ability to dock in Great Yarmouth without violating sanctions against Russia stems from its non-Russian ownership. Once transferred, the second vessel will continue to the cargo's final destination, believed to be in Africa.

Peel Ports, which operates the port at Great Yarmouth, could not confirm when the transfer of ammonium nitrate would be completed. 

Ruby's owner and manager have said the fears about the "floating bomb," as it has been called by British media, are unfounded, Newsweek reported.

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UK Teen Discovers Child Trust Fund Left With Just 12 Pounds After Surprise Fees

An 18-year-old was shocked to discover that his Child Trust Fund, initially valued at 300 pounds, was reduced to just 12.39 pounds due to a hidden fee. UK's Max Prince, gifted the fund at birth as part of a government initiative, recently found that a 30-pound annual administration fee eroded nearly all the savings his family expected to grow.

Columbia Threadneedle, the investment firm managing the account, charged a 30-pound annual administration fee starting in 2013, something Mr Prince's family was unaware of after they moved and didn't receive notifications.

“We'd been waiting 18 years for this,” Mr Prince told the BBC, “expecting to find at the very least 300 pounds or so, we instead saw the number 12.39 pounds.”

"It was certainly shocking, to say the least, and it's kind of outrageous as well,” he said. 

The fund was part of the Child Trust Fund (CTF) scheme, launched by then-Chancellor Gordon Brown in 2002 to encourage long-term savings for children born between September 2002 and January 2011. Each eligible child received at least 250 pounds from the government. However, after the family moved, they didn't receive letters detailing the new charges. 

Columbia Threadneedle explained that attempts to contact the family went unanswered, adding that returned mail meant they couldn't update Mr Prince's parents on the fee structure. “This is not the outcome we want for any of our customers,” the firm said. 

Statements reviewed show that by 2012, Mr Prince's account was worth over 300 pounds, but the introduction of the 30 pounds fee, which started in 2013, slowly depleted it. By the time it matured this year, nearly the entire amount was absorbed by charges, significantly exceeding the programme's 1.5 per cent cap on annual fees. The BBC calculated that Mr Prince's fund faced an effective fee rate of over 10 per cent annually.

Columbia Threadneedle explained that Mr Prince's CTF Shares account was subject to a specific fee model, including a 25 pounds plus VAT charge annually for administration. The firm noted that the account required the family to “actively make investment decisions,” adding that it couldn't adjust fees without direct communication from customers.

Mr Prince's family, who now lives in Cambridge, argued they updated their information with the postal service and set up mail forwarding but did not receive any notifications. They are now considering a complaint, calling the fee structure “unreasonable.”

In response to the case, Columbia Threadneedle said it would review similar accounts to identify other customers potentially affected. “As we assess our Child Trust Funds, we will place a specific focus on identifying other similar situations to assess, as appropriate, what action we can take,” the firm added.

“Our ongoing duty to the consumer is important to us.”

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18-Year-Old Conquered World's 14 Highest Peaks. This Is His Next challenge

At just 18 years old, Nepal's Nima Rinji Sherpa has achieved a milestone few have accomplished, becoming the youngest climber to reach all 14 of the world's tallest mountains, known as the "eight-thousanders." Mr Rinji's journey culminated on October 9 with the summit of Shishapangma, Nepal's 8,027-metre peak, alongside climbing partner Pasang Nurbu Sherpa.

Reflecting on his latest feat, Mr Rinji described reaching the summit as "pure joy." His passion, he said, is inspired by his family, a lineage of accomplished mountaineers, including his father, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, and uncle, Mingma Sherpa, both renowned in Nepal's climbing community.

"My uncles and my father... came from a very small village. To even dream about being this successful, for them it was really hard," he told CNN. "I have the privilege that they didn't have."

Mr Rinji's next goal is equally daring: a winter ascent of Manaslu without supplemental oxygen or fixed ropes, in collaboration with Italian climber Simone Moro. "That means we're climbing an 8,000-metre mountain in winter... there is no support for us. So, it's like pure human endurance," he said. "It has never been done in the history of mountaineering."

This recent accomplishment did not attract major sponsors; he relied on his father's 14 Peaks Expedition for funding. Despite the lack of support, he remains hopeful about inspiring young Sherpa climbers. "Hopefully I become the face of a big brand," he said, adding that he hopes to redefine the perception of Sherpa climbers as "support staff" only.

Over the past two years, Mr Rinji has tackled Everest, K2, and five peaks in less than five weeks. Among his climbs, Annapurna remains a personal favourite. "For a teenager of 17 years to do something without using oxygen, you know, normally it's not recommended," he said, recalling the challenges he faced.

Summiting the eight-thousanders requires navigating the perilous "death zone," where oxygen levels are critically low and temperatures are extreme. Nima Rinji noted the harsh reality of life at such altitudes: "Your body starts to shut down... Maybe I like suffering," he joked.

Mr Rinji envisions a sustainable future for Nepal's mountaineering industry and hopes his achievements will inspire a new generation of Nepali climbers. "Hopefully, the younger generation... we will try to mobilise this industry and make it more sustainable for the upcoming generations," he said.

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Hezbollah Operative Behind 1992, 1994 Bombings In Argentina Identified

In 1992, the Israeli embassy in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 29 and injuring over 240. Two years later, a Jewish community centre in the capital was bombed, killing 86 and injuring over 300. Now over three decades later, the alleged mastermind behind the attacks has been identified as Hussein Ahmad Karaki, a notorious Hezbollah operative. 

Long known to law enforcement as a shadowy figure operating under numerous aliases, Karaki has evaded capture for decades, thanks in part to an extensive network and forged documentation allegedly supplied by Venezuela. 

On Saturday, Argentina's Defence Minister Patricia Bullrich shared new details about Karaki's alleged role as the head of Hezbollah operations in Latin America. According to Ms Bullrich, Karaki was not only responsible for the planning and execution of the two infamous Argentine bombings but also remains active in the region, with evidence linking him to a series of thwarted terrorist attempts across Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.

QUEREMOS QUE EL PUEBLO ARGENTINO SEPA QUIÉN ESTUVO DETRÁS DE LOS ATENTADOS A LA EMBAJADA DE ISRAEL Y LA AMIA: NO PERMITIREMOS QUE CON SU RED VUELVA A GOLPEAR

Hoy le ponemos nombre, apellido y cara al cerebro y jefe de Hezbollah en América Latina: Hussein Ahmad Karaki. Uno de los… pic.twitter.com/WhPVctgbue

— Patricia Bullrich (@PatoBullrich) October 25, 2024

Karaki was responsible for overseeing the logistics behind the 1992 and 1994 attacks in Argentina, Ms Bullrich said, adding that he was operating under the alias "David Assi." "We want the Argentine people to know the identity of the person responsible for these heinous acts," she stated. Bullrich further described Karaki as a "ghost," one who has effectively evaded detection for years, thanks to sophisticated tactics.

Ms Bullrich alleged Hezbollah's growing relationship with Brazilian cartels, notably Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and Comando Vermelho, both known for controlling vast swathes of Brazil's drug trade.

According to Ms Bullrich, Hezbollah has transformed these cartels into hybrid narco-terrorist entities, with PCC's illicit earnings reportedly funnelled to fund Hezbollah's arsenal and attacks against Israel. 

The relationship reportedly extends to a vast drug-smuggling operation: PCC drug boats cross the mid-Atlantic, where they rendezvous with vessels linked to the Calabrian or Balkan mafia. South American cocaine is traded for Lebanese hashish, and the boats return to their respective ports to complete the cycle. 

The attacks on the Israeli Embassy and the Jewish community centre have long been suspected of having Iranian backing. Recent rulings by Argentina's judiciary further implicate Iran's role in planning, financing, and supporting Hezbollah's operations in Argentina. 

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Opinion: Women-Led Businesses To Social Events, The Surprise That Is New Saudi

Saudi Arabia is changing. You have to see it to believe it. The Saudi Arabia with strict gender segregation, tough Islamic laws, and dress codes, no longer exists. It's a new country that is open, just, welcoming and rising. With Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman's Vision 2023 as its compass, the kingdom is making great strides and is dropping the shackles of the past, very fast. Roam around Riyadh, the capital, and you see it buzzing with young and aspirational Saudis making the most of the newfound freedoms and opportunities. According to the 2022 census, 63% of Saudis are under the age of 30. And the regime's policy changes are guided with this key statistic in mind. The biggest beneficiaries of the new openness are the Saudi women, who never had it so good.

Women-Led Transformation

The Kingdom's inclusive Vision 2030 aims to diversify and strengthen the nation's economy. According to a World Bank report, Saudi Arabia is now ranked at the top in terms of economic and social progress for women out of 190 economies. The country's women are now truly in the driver's seat. The lifting of restrictions on their movement and choices has meant that Saudi women are steering the social, cultural and economic transformation of their country. Till a few years ago, they had to look to their fathers, husbands and brothers for even the basics like permission to travel or work.

With Vision 2030, female workforce participation has gone up to nearly 40% now compared to about 15% a few years ago. This progress is evident in the increasing number of women receiving advanced degrees, enrolling in STEM fields, and owning 40% of small and medium-sized startups. Right from the moment you land in Riyadh, you see women taking up key jobs. From immigration counters to shopping malls to government offices, Saudi women are everywhere. I saw women making presentations at key government events, doing camera work, running stalls at local markets. The presence of women in the workforce has also meant increased intermingling of genders and rewriting of many social norms and gender behaviours. 

Saudi For All

A big focus of Vision 2030 is also the cultural and social integration of all those living and working in Saudi Arabia. The Media Ministry's Global Harmony project is aimed at enhancing understanding and collaborations between diverse groups that call Saudi home. According to the Saudi Deputy Minister of Media, Dr Khaled Bin Abdulqader al Ghamdi, the Global Harmony project aims to make expats feel more at home. But more than that, it aspires to make local Saudis understand better the various communities that live among them. So, during the Riyadh Season, which starts in September and continues till February-March, you see a host of public cultural and social events to bring communities together.  It's a true celebration and appreciation of diversity.

Indians Are Special And Loved

Even among the expats, special attention is on Indians, who are the largest expat group in Saudi Arabia. At present, 2.6 million Indians live in the Kingdom, working in the domestic sector as well as private jobs, and running both start-ups as well as big companies. Recognising the role of India, Dr Khaled calls the community “an integral part of the Saudi story”. This year, the Media Ministry dedicated the Suwaidi Park festival exclusively to India. The 10-day festival saw a celebration of Indian culture, food, music and art. People from all communities streamed into the vast Suwaidi Park to savour a slice of India. The Global Harmony project attempts to present Saudi as an inclusive and harmonious society where people from all backgrounds live and celebrate their own cultures, traditions and festivals. And, it's not some civil society gig. It's a government policy initiative with clear objectives and plans. That makes it an attempt worth emulating for many countries that are facing social fissures due to their diversity.

Looking Back To The Future

As Saudi strides into modernity, it is also conscious of its history and heritage. It's encouraging studies and excavations at heritage sites, such as at al Ula, and is promoting its pre-Islamic history too. Nouf Marwaai, a yoga instructor and also a consultant with the Saudi government, gave us a presentation on the historical and social similarities between India and Saudi Arabia. In her talk, she went back to 6000 BCE to trace the Almagar Civilisation.

Clearly, the new Saudi Arabia projects itself as an old civilisation, and not just as a society defined by the advent of Islam 1,400 years ago. That is now portrayed as only an important event, not the sole marker of the civilisational identity. The Kingdom is also promoting its historical sites. The Diriyah town, just outside Riyadh, is one such heritage site that has a UNESCO tag. It was the home of the Saudi royal family and also served as the capital of the Emirate of Diriyah under the first Saudi dynasty from 1744 to 1818. Today, Diriyah is one of the foremost cultural hubs and the centre of many sports and adventure activities in the Kingdom. Even so, its historical character has been maintained all along. On the one hand, you have mega infrastructural projects, new businesses and modern wave sweeping Saudi, and on the other, there is a renewed focus on its over 1,400-year-old history.

Music Connects

Coming back to the India connect: wherever there are Indians, there is music. Indian film music has been a great brand ambassador and unifier across the world. Saudi Arabia is no different. My local support, Abdulwahab al Ghamdi, a young, peppy guy in his late 20s, played Hindi songs for me in the car while we drove around Riyadh. He told me that he and his friends dance to Punjabi numbers at their parties. And how he loved Shah Rukh Khan and Indian film music. He also showed me a video of a Saudi artist singing a popular Hindi film song at a Saudi talent show.

The new Saudi Arabia is truly a surprise, and a pleasant one.

[Mohd Asim is a Senior Editor with NDTV 24X7. He visited Saudi Arabia from October 15 to October 20 on the invite of the Ministry Of Media]

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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11-Year-Old Plays Dead To Escape Brother's Shooting Spree That Killed Five

Shot in her hand and neck as her brother went on a shooting spree, an 11-year-old girl in Washington escape death by playing dead as he inspected the bodies of their family members.

The mass shooting left five members of a Washington state family dead early Monday morning.

The 15-year-old brother, charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, allegedly targeted their family in a sequence of violent events. According to the girl's testimony, she woke up to gunshots and discovered a nightmarish scene. She saw her father Mark Humiston and her nine-year-old brother bloody and lifeless in the hallway. Her seven-year-old sister, who walked out of their shared bedroom, was shot moments later, CNN reported.

Despite her injuries, the girl told investigators she recognised both the shooter – her older brother – and the weapon, a silver Glock handgun that belonged to their father. Court documents said that the girl, wounded in her neck and hand, pretended to be dead as her brother examined the bodies. When he eventually left the room, she escaped through a fire window and ran to a nearby house, where neighbours dialled 911 shortly after 5 am.

Minutes earlier, the 15-year-old had made his own 911 call, claiming he was hiding in a bathroom and alleging his 13-year-old brother had committed the shooting before taking his own life. He suggested that his younger brother's recent trouble over online content might have driven the incident.

Prosecutors are pushing to transfer the case to adult court, where he could face a life sentence if convicted. His attorney, Amy Parker, reminded the public that “these are not proven facts, merely allegations,” noting, “the law presumes our client is innocent of these charges.”

Court documents reveal that investigators believe the accused “systematically” killed his parents, two brothers and sister, then staged the crime scene before first responders arrived. The 11-year-old survivor reportedly indicated that he was the only sibling who knew the lockbox combination for their father's firearm.

Following medical treatment, the girl has been discharged and is now in the care of a family member, while her brother remains in custody under a court order, barring him from contacting his surviving sister.

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This $50 Billion Saudi Megastructure Can Hold 20 Empire State Buildings

Saudi Arabia has begun work on a monumental $50-billion megastructure in Riyadh, aiming to construct what could be the largest building in the world. The megastructure, called ‘The Mukaab,' is a proposed cubical structure set to rise 1,300 feet high and span 1,200 feet wide upon completion — capable of fitting 20 Empire State Buildings within its boundaries, according to a report in The Sun.

Envisioned as a futuristic city within a single building, the Mukaab will span 2 million square metres of floor space and is part of Saudi Arabia's expansive development drive to reshape its urban landscape. It will house residential units, hotels, office spaces and a variety of retail, dining and leisure facilities. 

The Mukaab's design and features are part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's ‘Saudi Vision 2030' – an ambitious programme aimed at reducing the Kingdom's dependence on oil by boosting non-oil GDP by $51 billion and creating 3.34 lakh jobs.

The project's developers also plan to implement immersive, AI-driven technology to enhance visitor experiences. This will include massive screens around the building's exterior, similar to the Las Vegas Sphere.

The Mukaab's architectural inspiration is drawn from Saudi Arabia's traditional and natural heritage. The exterior's cube shape pays homage to the Najdi architectural style, characterised by mud-brick structures and geometric window designs, while the surrounding area will replicate the look of desert wadis — dry riverbeds common in the region. 

A video released by Saudi authorities offers a preview of the cityscape where the tower will be constructed. The modern district is planned to include over 1.04 lakh residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, high-end retail outlets, office spaces as well as dedicated areas for leisure activities and community facilities.

The report also stated that the project has sparked controversy, with some critics noting its resemblance to the Kaaba in Mecca, Islam's most sacred site. In addition, human rights organisations have voiced concerns, highlighting the potential for migrant labour exploitation and the possibility of displacement for local residents due to the scale of the construction.

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3 Journalists Killed In Israeli Strike, Says Lebanese State Media

Lebanese state media said Friday that separate Israeli air strikes killed three journalists in eastern Lebanon and flattened buildings in southern suburbs of Beirut.

"Our correspondent in Zahle reported the death of three journalists in an Israeli raid on Hasbaya," Lebanon's official National News Agency (NNA) said, adding that Israeli military planes struck at 3:30 am (0030 GMT) near the Syrian border.

Local media reported that the air raid hit a hotel in Hasbaya, around 50 kilometres south of the Lebanese capital.

Separately, in Beirut's southern Choueifat Al-Amrousieh area, Israeli warplanes "destroyed two buildings and ignited a large fire, and black smoke covered the area," according to NNA.

"The raid that targeted the Saint Therese area also caused the collapse of two buildings near the Constitutional Council."

The NNA report of the strikes on Beirut's south on Thursday came about half an hour after Israel issued evacuation warnings for the Hezbollah bastion following intense assaults the night before.

"You are located near facilities and sites belonging to Hezbollah, which the Israeli Defense Forces will be targeting in the near future," said the Israeli army's Arabic-language spokesman Avichay Adraee in a post on X that included maps of the locations.

AFPTV footage showed plumes of smoke rising from Beirut's south following the strikes and AFP correspondents in the capital heard loud bangs.

"Israeli warplanes launched a new strike a short while ago on the Choueifat" area of south Beirut, NNA said, adding later that Haret Hreik and Hadath were also targeted.

On Wednesday evening, Israeli strikes levelled six buildings in south Beirut, state media and AFP footage showed, with Israel's army saying it had hit Hezbollah weapons production facilities "under and inside civilian buildings".

On September 23, Israel launched an intense air campaign in Lebanon and later announced ground incursions, following a year of limited cross-border clashes with Iran-backed Hezbollah over the Gaza war.

Since then, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed at least 1,580 people, according to an AFP tally of Lebanese health ministry figures, though the real number is likely to be higher due to gaps in the data.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has documented at least 128 journalists and media workers killed in Gaza, the West Bank, Israel and Lebanon since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023.

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

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Rapper Diddy's Employees Allegedly Made To Carry Pink Cocaine

A complaint filed against Sean "Diddy" Combs earlier this year alleged that his employees were required to carry pink cocaine also known as "Tuci," a drug that was also found in Liam Payne's system after his death, according to People.

READ | What Is Pink Cocaine? The "Unpredictable" Party Drug Linked To Liam Payne's Death

The complaint was filed by Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones, a former videographer and producer for Combs, who sued him in February, accusing him of sexual harassment and claiming that drug use was widespread within Combs' business operations.

Jones stated that employees, including housekeepers, chefs, and butlers, were forced to carry illegal substances like cocaine, GHB, ecstasy, marijuana gummies, and Tuci.

Jones' complaint was filed months after a string of legal actions against Combs, including a lawsuit by his ex, Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, accusing him of sexual abuse. In response to the allegations, Combs' legal team denied the claims, stating that Jones was trying to get an "undeserved payday."

"Mr. Jones is nothing more than a con man, shamelessly looking for an easy and wholly undeserved payday," Combs' attorney said in a statement. "We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies."

The case follows Combs' arrest after raids at his homes in Los Angeles and Miami, where he faces federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, as per People.

Prosecutors allege that Combs was involved in orchestrating drug-fueled parties, known as "freak offs," which involved coerced participants and lasted for days.

READ | Liam Payne Had "Multiple" Drugs In His System At The Time Of Death: Report

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

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Odisha, Bengal Brace For Cyclone Dana: Schools Shut, 150 Trains Cancelled

Schools have been shut and over 150 trains cancelled as Odisha and West Bengal brace for Cyclone "Dana", which is likely to cross the coasts between Puri and Sagar Island in the early hours of October 25 with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) this morning said that a deep depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm 'Dana'.

At 5.30 am today, the system lay 560 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha) and 630 km south-southeast of Sagar Island (West Bengal), it said.

It is very likely to move in a northwestward direction and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal by Thursday morning, the premier weather agency said.

Subject: Cyclonic storm over eastcentral Bay of Bengal (Cyclone Alert for Odisha and West Bengal coasts)

Yesterday's deep depression over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal moved west-northwestwards with a speed of 18 kmph during past 6 hours intensified into a cyclonic storm “DANA”… pic.twitter.com/erbYsIBmaw

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) October 23, 2024

The Met department advised fishermen not to venture into the sea till October 25.

Cyclone Dana Shuts Schools In Odisha

In Odisha, all educational institutions including schools, colleges and universities have been shut in 14 districts till October 25 ahead of Cyclone Dana's landfall.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi-led Odisha government has cancelled leave for its employees and placed all coastal districts on high alert.

The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire service personnel have also been put on standby, with particular attention to the districts of Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Balasore, Bhadrak, Ganjam and Khorda.

Bengal Braces For Cyclone Dana

In West Bengal, schools in seven districts will remain closed till October 26 in view of Cyclone Dana. The districts likely to be impacted most include South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur, along with coastal areas and neighbouring districts like Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Jhargram, and Hooghly.

"We do not want to take any risk. Schools and colleges are sometimes used as shelters for people," Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, adding her government is ready to face the cyclone.

More than 150 express/passenger trains running through South Eastern Railway (SER) jurisdiction have been cancelled.

The Kolkata-headquartered SER zone is spread over West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.

The trains cancelled include Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express, Kamakhya-Yesvantpur AC Express, Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Shatabdi Express and Howrah-Yesvantpur Express.

An official said the trains cancelled were scheduled to depart their originating stations between October 23 and 25.

More trains running through the SER zone may be cancelled if the situation demands, the official said.

Cyclone Dana Was Named By Qatar

As per the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Cyclone Dana's name was suggested by Qatar. It means "generosity" in Arabic.

The WMO says that assigning names to tropical cyclones makes tracking and discussing specific storms more "straightforward, especially when multiple storms are active simultaneously."

"Naming also helps to avoid confusion among meteorologists, media, emergency management agencies and the public. Additionally, naming tropical cyclones can aid historical record-keeping and research on storm behaviour and impacts," the WMO says.

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Al Jassasiya: Qatar's Largest Rock Art Site Which Has 900 Ancient Carvings

In the northeastern corner of Qatar, lies Al Jassasiya, the country's largest and most significant rock art site. This barren desert landscape is home to approximately 900 ancient rock carvings, or petroglyphs, created centuries ago.

The carvings, mostly enigmatic cup marks arranged in various patterns, also feature sailing ships, symbols and signs. “Some of the carvings in Al Jassasiya are unique and cannot be found anywhere else,” Ferhan Sakal, head of excavation and site management at Qatar Museums told CNN. He highlighted the petroglyphs of ships seen from a bird's-eye view, demonstrating “a high degree of creativity and observation skills” by the artists.

Some researchers suggest these marks may have been used for playing the board game Mancala, while others cite their use in rituals or for sorting pearls.

“It is very difficult to answer,” Mr Sakal acknowledged regarding the purpose of the cup marks. “We have no direct clues about the motifs used in Al Jassasiya,” he said.

The age of the carvings remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from Neolithic to late Islamic times. Mr Sakal said, “Petroglyphs – and rock art, in general – are very challenging to date.” 

A previous study found no evidence of the carvings being more than a few hundred years old, but further research is needed.

The ship carvings at Al Jassasiya provide important insights into Qatar's fishing and pearling industries. These vessels typically feature pointed stern and detailed designs, with some anchors indicating traditional maritime practices.

Experts speculate on the significance of the high concentration of ship carvings at Al Jassasiya, with references to ancient beliefs surrounding boats as symbols of transition to the afterlife.

Visitors to Al Jassasiya are advised to take water and wear sun protection, as the site lacks shaded areas. The best times to visit are at sunrise and sunset, and the site is located near Azerbaijani Beach.

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Japan's Ishiba Fighting Uphill Battle In Elections, Here's What's At Stake

Japan's general election on Sunday will be a test for new prime minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is seeking to solidify his position atop a scandal-plagued party.

His gamble to call a snap election after winning a close-fought contest last month to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) could backfire in a fluid election, however, as opinion polls show the party could cede seats to the opposition.

Here are some key factors to watch:

What's at stake? 

Ishiba inherited a fractured party struggling to shake off a scandal over undocumented funds after predecessor Fumio Kishida cleared out tainted ministers, disbanded influential factions and stepped down himself, in a bid to regain public trust.

But Ishiba still appears to be fighting an uphill battle.

While some polls project the LDP and its coalition partner Komeito will maintain their majority, a weekend poll by the Asahi newspaper showed they may struggle, with the LDP potentially losing 50 of the 247 seats it now has.

If Ishiba misses his own target of retaining a majority for the ruling coalition, questions are likely to be asked about his capability as premier at a time of economic uncertainty and increasing tension with neighbours China, Russia and North Korea.

Who are the main parties?

The LDP has ruled Japan for almost all of the post-war era, and holds a majority in the 465-seat lower house. Its long-time coalition partner is Komeito, a party backed by a large Buddhist lay group that has often lent crucial campaign support to the LDP.

Although the LDP's popularity hit a low of 25.5% in June - the lowest since it regained power in 2012 - it remains the most popular party in a fragmented political landscape, with backing from 35.1% of respondents in a mid-October poll by public broadcaster NHK.

While the LDP still has strong support, the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) is making inroads. The Asahi poll estimated the CDPJ could grab as many as 140 seats in the election, up from 98.

What are the top issues?

The economy and inflation are critical for voters, the NHK poll showed, with the slush fund scandal also a concern.

In a sign of the pain of rising living costs, food and daily necessities topped the list of items on which the respondents said they increased spending from a year ago, a quarterly survey by the Bank of Japan showed in early October.

Ishiba has told ministers to draw up a fresh economic package to cushion the blow to households from the rising costs of living.

The opposition CDPJ has announced plans to increase welfare spending, including free university education.

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

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Sundar Pichai On Why Google Invests So Heavily On Free Meals To Employees

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has revealed why the company invests so heavily in its famous free meal policy. Contrary to popular belief, Mr Pichai explained these meals were not just perks, adding they served a deeper purpose.

"I can recall several times, when I was working at Google early on, being in cafes, meeting someone else, talking and getting excited about something. So, it sparks creativity," Mr Pichai shared in an interview on Bloomberg's The David Rubenstein Show.

Sundar Pichai, who started working at Google as a Product Manager in 2004, said that some of the most brilliant ideas emerge during these communal meals.

Read | Google Employee Gives A Glimpse Into Her Daily Work Meal In Viral Video

The CEO added that this collaborative environment, where employees gather over food, helps foster innovation. "The benefit that comes out of it dwarfs the cost," Mr Pichai remarked, saying the free meals weren't a financial burden but a long-term investment in creativity and community building.

Beyond the free meals, Mr Pichai noted that Google's employee-friendly initiatives positively impacted workplace dynamics. With over 1,82,000 employees globally, the tech giant attracts top talent, with approximately 90 per cent of job candidates accepting offers.

Discussing what Google looks for in potential hires, Mr Pichai said that criteria vary depending on the role. For engineering positions, he said, it was important to find skilled programmers who can adapt to new challenges. "We are really looking for 'superstar software engineers," he added.

Apart from complimentary meals, Google offers extensive health insurance, flexible remote work options, paid time off and wellness programmes, making it one of the most attractive workplaces in the industry.

However, despite the benefits, Sundar Pichai acknowledged that not all of Google's perks have remained intact in recent years. In 2023, the company announced plans to streamline its offerings, including reducing the hours of some office cafes and consolidating micro kitchens. However, he noted that Google's benefits still rank among the most generous in Silicon Valley, influencing other companies to adopt similar initiatives.

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Sunil Bharti Mittal Heard Own AI Voice. It Asked For Large Fund Transfer

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will shape the future of the global economy and geopolitics, said Bharti Enterprises chairman, Sunil Mittal, at the NDTV World Summit, adding that AI has its risks, particularly the potential for misuse. Mr Mittal, who heads India's second-largest telecom firm, Bharti Airtel, recounted a personal experience illustrating AI's potential dangers. 

He described an incident where a senior finance official in Dubai received a fraudulent call that mimicked his voice, directing a large fund transfer. But the vigilant official detected the fraud in time. Upon hearing the voice recording himself, Mr Mittal admitted he was "stunned" by the accuracy, warning that future misuse could extend to digital signatures and even visual impersonation on video calls.

"And anyone who would not have been vigilant may have done something about it," Mr Mittal said. "We'll have to protect our societies from the evils of AI, and yet we have to use the goodness of AI because those companies, and nations that will not adopt AI will be left behind. So this is a conundrum for every time you get a new technology into place, there are pluses and minuses. I remain very optimistic about the benefit of AI that the human race will achieve and be able to do jobs which are otherwise very difficult to perform."

Mr Mittal said that AI is already transforming operations within Bharti Airtel. Routine and repetitive tasks, such as those in call centres and workforce management, are being replaced by AI, leading to greater efficiency but also reducing traditional jobs. 

"Just 10 years back, every time a customer had to be onboarded onto a mobile phone, there was a physical form to be filled out. There were runners on scooters and more bikes who would take those forms to a different centre. From there, they would fax it to another place...in 10 years' time, it seems like a joke today," Mr Mittal said. 

The Barti Group chief said that rapid advancements in AI will impact everything from global economies to geopolitics. 

"AI will be one of the most important drivers of economy, politics, and geopolitics. But there will be misuse as well, and we will need to be more vigilant," Mr Mittal said. "Nation states will have to come up with guardrails. One will have to be vigilant, society will have to be protected from the evils of AI. I remain very optimistic of the various use of AI." 

 

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"In Industry 4.0, This is India's Time": PM Modi at NDTV World Summit

India is a beacon of hope amid global crises over economic growth, unemployment, health, and geopolitical tension over disruptions caused by COVID-19 and military conflict, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday at the NDTV World Summit. "In this summit you will discuss numerous topics but, if we look at the last four or five years... one thing is common - stress about the future."

"During the coronavirus pandemic people were stressed about dealing with the virus. When that was controlled then people were worried about the economy... then climate change, the wars (in Ukraine and West Asia), global supply chains (for industries) ... these have become global worries."

"There are the challenges in front of India, but we feel a sense of positivity and that is why are here today - to discuss the 'India century'," the Prime Minister said as he delivered the inaugural address and welcomed speakers - including global heads of state - at the NDTV World Summit.

Referring to the strides India has made, the Prime Minister - who began a third term in June, after the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance won the April-June general election - called the speed and scale of that development "unprecedented".

He also listed welfare and infrastructural schemes - three crore new homes for the poor, Rs 9 lakh crore in infra projects, Rs 2 lakh crore for jobs for young people - announced by his government.

Mr Modi also pointed to a stock market that has soared seven per cent in his third term and to the country's forex reserves, which he said had now crossed the $700 billion mark.

"A lot is happening in India... India has picked up growth in our third term and global financial ratings companies have increased India's growth outlook," the Prime Minister said, as he also claimed dissatisfaction with the progress so far. "People ask me... 'Why are you working so hard? India is doing well.' Many people ask me this... but for the goals we have, we cannot be at rest."

"So, is this (what India has achieved so far) enough? My answer is no. It is not. India is a country with a young population and we have a lot to do," the PM said, haling a "change in India's vision".

In his speech the PM also seemed to take a swipe at his political opposition.

"There is a tradition... every government compares its work to the previous. We used to walk this path but, from now on, we cannot compare past and present and be happy. The metric of success from now on will be what we want to achieve... and that is a 'developed India' by 2047," he said.

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Boss Fires Woman After She Comes Back From Maternity Leave Pregnant Again

A woman in the UK who was fired from her job when she came back from maternity leave pregnant again, has been awarded 28,000 pounds by an employment tribunal. Nikita Twitchen, a former admin assistant at First Grade Projects in Pontypridd launched an unfair dismissal claim, alleging her pregnancy was the reason for her termination, Metro reported. During her back-to-work meeting with Managing Director Jeremy Morgan in early 2022, Ms Twitchen revealed she was expecting another child, which she claims caught her boss off guard.

Initially, the meeting seemed positive, with Mr Morgan expressing enthusiasm for her return. However, Ms Twitchen testified that the tone shifted dramatically upon disclosing her pregnancy, leading her to believe her job loss was directly linked to her pregnancy.

The woman said that when her maternity leave ended in March 2022, her company didn't reach out to discuss her return. She then emailed her boss on April 4 about holiday entitlement, but he didn't respond, which was unusual. Ms Twitchen followed up on April 11 and 18. Later that day, Mr Morgan called her to say she was being made redundant due to financial struggles and delays in some payments to the business.

He later claimed new software was being installed which meant her role ''would no longer exist.''

However, the tribunal ruled in Ms Twitchen's favour, finding First Grade Projects liable for unfair dismissal and awarding her 28,000 pounds in compensation. Judge Robin Harvard pointed out a significant inconsistency in Jeremy Morgan's reasoning for making her redundant. During their February meeting, Mr Morgan had claimed the business was doing well and made no mention of financial difficulties. He also didn't mention the new software that supposedly made Ms Twitchen's role obsolete, even during their April phone call. 

The judge criticised First Grade's failure to ''produce any evidence of the alleged financial difficulties or the new software'' during the court case. He also pointed out that at no stage did Ms Twitchen receive a written statement setting out the reasons for her dismissal. Judge Havard ruled that Ms Twitchen was dismissed because she was pregnant.

He said that her dismissal was "unfair, discriminatory, and caused significant emotional distress." He emphasised that being fired while pregnant and losing financial stability had a profound impact on her, particularly given her family responsibilities.

First Grade Projects told WalesOnline in a statement: "We are extremely disappointed with the outcome of the tribunal. We are actively reviewing all relevant information and considering all available options. At this point in time we are unable to provide any further comment."

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Sarfaraz "Giving Finger To Mumbai Batting School": Tendulkar's Ex-Teammate

Sarfaraz Khan ended a long wait in his inspiring cricket journey on Saturday as the Mumbai player slammed his maiden Test ton for Indian cricket team at a crucial juncture in the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Sarfaraz played a counter-attacking knock, sometimes with brazen disregard for the rival bowlers, as he scored the ton in just 110 balls. Courtesy his ton and Rishabh Pant's half-century, India are on course to give New Zealand a decent enough target in the fourth innings. 

Former Indian cricket team star Sanjay Manjrekar had an interesting thing to say about Sarfaraz Khan's innings. "Love how Sarfaraz Khan is giving the finger to the ‘Mumbai school of batting' Finally, it's all about runs & boy he knows how to get those! #INDvNZ," Manjrekar wrote on X. Interestingly Manjrekar, just like Sachin Tendulkar, played cricket for Mumbai at the national level. 

Love how Sarfaraz Khan is giving the finger to the 'Mumbai school of batting'
Finally, it's all about runs & boy he knows how to get those! #INDvNZ

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 19, 2024

Earlier, Manjrekar had predicted a strong comeback by India despite being all out for 46 in the first innings.

"If I were NZ, I would be slightly worried with India's strong reply. This Indian team has a great knack of coming back. Only recently SA needed 30 off 30 balls in the WT20 finals, remember that comeback? #INDvNZ", Majrekar wrote on X on Friday. 

If I were NZ, I would be slightly worried with India's strong reply. This Indian team has a great knack of coming back. Only recently SA needed 30 off 30 balls in the WT20 finals, remember that comeback? #INDvNZ

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 18, 2024

Meanwhile, top-order batter Rachin Ravindra was relieved after New Zealand managed to bag the big wicket of Virat Kohli off the final ball of the third day, and hoped the bowlers will keep piling pressure on India on Saturday.

Kohli (70) and Sarfaraz Khan (70 not out) added 136 runs for the third wicket to take India to 231 for three at stumps in the opening Test.

But the former Indian skipper fell to Glenn Phillips, edging him to stumper Tom Blundell to bring some respite to the visitors.

"It's pretty hard to crystal-ball gaze into the future. It's a quality batting line-up on a wicket that's not doing too much, so it's important for us to hold our lines and lengths and do that for long periods. But I think Kohli's wicket at the end was very important," Ravindra told reporters during the post-day press meet.

"Obviously, he's a guy who has scored 9,000-plus Test runs, which is pretty mind-blowing, but for us it was a huge wicket. We know things happen quickly in this part of the world, so, hopefully, we can stick at it and get a few wickets in the morning," he added.

With PTI inputs 

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Record High Colombian Cocaine Production In 2023: UN

Colombia, the world's biggest cocaine exporter, set a new record last year for production of the drug and cultivation of the coca leaf it is made from, a United Nations report said Friday.

Coca leaf cultivation was 10 percent higher last year than in 2022, while cocaine production rose 53 percent from 1,738 tonnes to 2,600, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

These were the highest numbers since the UN started monitoring in 2001. Most Colombian cocaine is destined for the United States and Europe.

Coca leaf production now spreads over 253,000 hectares (625,100 acres) in the country.

The trend has been upward since 2014 despite a US-based war on drugs worth millions of dollars.

The areas of Colombia with the biggest increase in 2023 were the Cauca and Narino departments, both bastions of dissidents groups of the FARC guerrilla army that disbanded in 2017.

Some 20 percent of the total area under coca cultivation in Colombia is on land belonging to communities of African descent, 10 percent on Indigenous reserves and 18 percent in protected forest areas.

The Colombian city of Cali will host the COP16 global summit on biodiversity for two weeks starting Monday.

Colombia's first-ever leftist President Gustavo Petro has accused US anti-drug policies of causing a "genocide" of Latin Americans for focusing on "repression" rather than prevention and public health.

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

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"War Can End Tomorrow If...": Netanyahu's Message After Killing Of Yahya Sinwar

Hours after Israel confirmed the killing of Hamas chief and mastermind of October 7 attacks, Yahya Sinwar, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the people of Gaza, saying the war can end as soon as tomorrow, if Hamas agrees to lay down its arms and return the hostages.

Sharing a video on X, Netanyahu said, "Yahya Sinwar is dead. He was killed in Rafah by the brave soldiers of the Israeli defence forces. While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it's the beginning of the end. To the people of Gaza, I have a simple message - this war can end tomorrow. It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages."

Yahya Sinwar is dead.

He was killed in Rafah by the brave soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces.

While this is not the end of the war in Gaza, it's the beginning of the end. pic.twitter.com/C6wAaLH1YW

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 17, 2024

The Israel Defence Forces revealed on Thursday that Sinwar, along with two other terrorists have been eliminated by Israel.

READ | Drone Footage Of Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar's Last Moments Released By Israel

Netanyahu revealed that Hamas is currently holding 101 hostages in Gaza, comprising citizens from 23 different countries, including Israel.

"Hamas is holding 101 hostages in Gaza who are citizens of 23 countries, citizens of Israel, but citizens of many other countries. Israel is committed to doing everything in our power to bring all of them home. Israel will guarantee the safety of all those who return our hostages," he said.

The Israeli PM issued a stern warning to those holding Israeli hostages, vowing that Israel will relentlessly pursue and bring them to justice.

"But to those who would harm our hostages, I have another message - Israel will hunt you down and bring you to justice. But to those who would harm our hostages, I have another message - Israel will hunt you down and bring you to justice. I also have a message of hope to the people of the region - the axis of terror that was built by Iran is collapsing before our eyes," he said.

READ | Hezbollah To Escalate War With Israel After Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Killed

Netanyahu in his message also highlighted the elimination of key Hezbollah leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah, and asserted that the reign of terror imposed by the Iranian regime on its own people and those in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen will "come to an end."

"Nasrallah is gone, his deputy Mohsen is gone, Haniyeh is gone, Deif is gone, Sinwar is gone. The reign of terror that the Iranian regime has imposed on its own people and on the peoples of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, too will come to an end," Netanyahu said.

He added, "All those who seek a future of prosperity and peace in the Middle East should unite to build a better future. Together, we can push back the forces of darkness and create a future of light and hope for all of us."

Hamas launched a horrific terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. About 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, killing more than 1200 people, including citizens of more than 30 countries, and also took over 250 people as hostages.

In response, Israel launched a strong counter-offensive in the Gaza Strip, while vowing to "completely eliminate" Hamas.

However, the mounting civilian toll has raised global concerns over humanitarian situation in the Strip. United Nations and other big nations have repeatedly called for a ceasefire, return of hostages and increased assistance for the civilian population in Gaza.

READ | How Israeli Military Tracked And Killed Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar In Gaza

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North Korean Hackers Steal $3 Billion In Crypto To Fund Nuclear Programme

North Korean hackers have stolen an estimated $3 billion worth of cryptocurrency since 2017, using the funds to support the regime's nuclear and missile programmes, a Microsoft report showed on Thursday.

Of that amount, between $600 million and $1 billion was stolen just last year, based on Microsoft's ‘Digital Defence Report for 2024'.

The report highlights that these stolen funds have financed over half of Pyongyang's nuclear development efforts, reports Yonhap news agency.

Since last year, Microsoft has identified several new North Korean hacking groups -- Moonstone Sleet, Jade Sleet, Sapphire Sleet and Citrine Sleet, which have been targeting cryptocurrency organisations.

In particular, Moonstone Sleet has developed a custom ransomware variant and deployed it against unidentified entities in the aerospace and defence sectors for both intelligence gathering and financial gain.

Microsoft analysts said the emergence of new hacking groups suggests that the North Korean regime is expanding its involvement in ransomware activities, increasing the use of cybercriminal tools to bolster the regime's financial resources and advance its strategic interests.

"Nation-states are becoming more aggressive in the cyber domain, with ever-growing levels of technical sophistication that reflect increased investment in resources and training," said Tom Burt, Microsoft's vice president of customer security and trust.

Microsoft also warned of rising cyber threats by state-backed actors, especially those related to Russia, China and Iran, ahead of the U.S. presidential election and amid persistent geopolitical conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.

Meanwhile, South Korea, the US and Japan recently agreed to bolster joint efforts to combat North Korea's illegal cyber activities, which are increasingly targeting the virtual currency industry.

The three sides stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with the private sector, particularly with cryptocurrency service providers, to raise awareness of Pyongyang's cyber threats.

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

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Donald Trump's Cryptocurrency Platform Falters On First Day Of Sales

Former US president Donald Trump's cryptocurrency platform had a faltering sales launch Tuesday, with only a fraction of its digital tokens that went on the market finding a buyer.

The Republican candidate announced in mid-September that he, along with his sons and entrepreneurs, would launch the platform named World Liberty Financial.

Some 20 billion digital tokens, priced at 1.5 cents each, were offered by the company -- a total value of $300 million -- but just three percent had been purchased by Tuesday evening.

The tokens can be used as cryptocurrencies and give buyers a vote on the platform's governance.

Many observers blamed the low sales on technical problems, as the company's website suffered outages earlier in the day.

World Liberty Financial will enable users to lend or borrow cryptocurrencies to or from one another, a service already offered by many platforms, one of the best-known of which is Aave.

During his presidency Trump referred to cryptocurrencies as a scam, but has since radically changed his position, presenting himself as a "pro-bitcoin president" if elected in November.

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

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Canada Marine Protection Plan Aims To Serve As Global Model

Viewed from above, Canada's newest Marine Protected Area (MPA) is deceptively simple: stretches of blue Pacific Ocean waters and a few patches of green forest.

But beneath the surface of the area known as the Great Bear Sea, off Vancouver Island, lies an area so rich in biodiversity it has been dubbed the "Galapagos of the North." It may also serve as a model for how to protect marine life elsewhere.

In July, the federal government took an unprecedented step, designating an area roughly as large as Greece an MPA. Previously, protected areas were significantly smaller in size.

The step followed years of consultation and aimed to pioneer a new model of holistic protection, which would see marine populations shielded from a variety of harmful activities across an enormous stretch of ocean, hopefully allowing them to replenish and thrive.

Crucially, the talks also involved a new approach to collaboration.

In addition to the government, fishing industry representatives and the indigenous communities who rely on the area's resources for their livelihoods worked together to develop a protection scheme that balances various interests.

"I am optimistic that we are going to be able to be a model for any future initiatives" on marine protection, said Danielle Shaw, chief of the Wuikinuxv nation, one of the indigenous communities in the area.

The UN COP Biodiversity Conference known as COP-16 opens in Cali, Colombia next week.

At the last conference, COP-15 held in Montreal in 2022, nations agreed to protect 30 percent of the seas by 2030, but there was no clear definition of what amounts to a protected area -- an uncertainty the Canadian model aims to help address.

'Species at risk'

Around the Great Bear Sea, overfishing, pollution and warming waters caused by climate change have altered the area substantially.

Shaw told AFP that "recently there's been some years where we've had to close (fishing) all together for our own people," in order to protect vulnerable fish populations.

That is devastating for the remote community as it means "people haven't been able to stock up their shelves and their freezers for the winter," she said.

The area newly designated for official protection includes 64 species of fish, 70 seabird species, as well as whales, bears, wolves and ancient cedar forest. The seafloor also counts more than 47 underwater mountains, or seamounts.

"It's home to really unique ecosystems and species, but also there are species that are at risk," said Kate MacMillan, conservation director for the ocean program at the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society - British Columbia.

Federal MPA guidelines aim to put a variety of new restrictions on the activities allowed across a vast marine area, including prohibitions on oil and gas exploration, mineral exploitation, waste disposal and the use of dredging gear, among others.

MacMillan described the MPA model as "an important tool," but warned it is not "a silver bullet."

"They don't stop everything. They won't solve every threat," she said.

Those threats are set to persist, especially with the region of British Columbia surrounding the MPA seeing an increase of maritime traffic, including shipments of liquefied natural gas.

Enforcement remains a challenge and the Canadian model aims to involve First Nations in monitoring potential violations, even if they won't have enforcement power.

'We have no choice'

Bo Owadi, a member of the Wuikinuxv nation, said she spends most of her days on the water and is among those who will be working with police and researchers to document misconduct to assess the health of marine life.

She said her generation has "an ingrained sense of responsibility to take care of the land," and that joining forces with the government and others was inevitable.

"We have to come together," she told AFP. "We have no choice."

Chief Shaw agreed that collaborating on protection efforts, including by weighing the economic considerations of the fishing industry, could help foster more durable support.

"The hope is, in the long term, a stronger ecosystem means more food sources for humans and also the stronger economy," she said.

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Royal Enfield Interceptor Bear 650 Design Leaked; India Launch In November 2024

It is no secret that the one of the next launches from Royal Enfield will be the Interceptor Bear 650, a scrambler based on the Interceptor 650 roadster. And barely weeks before its official reveal at EICMA 2024, the motorcycle has been fully revealed with all the details, in what seems to be a company presentation. The motorcycle does look good and stays true to the scrambler design. Now, it will have the same 648 cc parallel-twin engine which is oil/air-cooled and is likely to have the same power and torque output which is 47 bhp and 52.3 Nm.

Also Read: Royal Enfield Classic 650 Spotted; India Launch Soon

The engine will be paired to a 6-speed gearbox and instead of the twin exhausts on the Interceptor 650, the Bear 650 will have a two-in-one exhaust. Expect RE to tweak the ratios of the gearbox to offer more torque at the bottom end and mid-range.

In terms of distinguishing features, the images reveal that the Bear 650 will have a different seat and grab-rail along with a number badge on the side, which is a trademark scrambler design element and has Interceptor Bear 650 written on it. From the photos, the handlebar seems to be the same as that of the Interceptor and what we suspect, increased suspension travel with USD fork up front, which will distinguish it as a scrambler, from the roadster that the Interceptor 650 is. What we also see is the motorcycle gets dual-sport tyres with spoked rims - an 18-inch unit up front and a 17-inch unit at the rear.

The image also shows that the motorcycle gets a circular instrument console, which may or may not be a TFT, depending on the variant and we expect it to get switchable ABS, similar to what the Himalayan 450 offers. Royal Enfield is likely to position it above the Interceptor and Continental GT 650, which means an asking price of about Rs. 3.4 to 3.5 lakh (ex-showroom). The motorcycle will make its official debut at EICMA 2024 and will

Source: Grippedia YouTube

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"Deeply Sorry": Italy Bank Apologises For Security Breach Involving Meloni

Italy's biggest bank Intesa Sanpaolo apologised on Sunday for an embarrassing security breach that reportedly targeted Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other high-profile figures.

Newspaper Domani on Thursday reported that an Intesa employee had been fired after it was discovered he had spied on the bank accounts of thousands of customers, including Meloni.

"As made public, a disloyal employee of our bank, through conduct that gravely violated laws, regulations, and internal procedures, unjustifiably accessed data and information concerning some clients," Intesa said in a statement.

"We notified the Data Protection Authority, dismissed the disloyal employee, and filed a complaint as an injured party. We are deeply sorry for what has occurred and we apologize. This must never happen again," it added.

Meloni acknowledged the reported incident in a Saturday interview with news programme TG5, saying she expected the judiciary to investigate what happened and any possible conspiracy behind it.

"I think that there are public and private sector employees who illegally take information and sell it on ... who are they selling it to? This is the answer we are waiting for, presumably there are interests behind this," she said.

On Saturday, sources at Intesa said the bank would appoint a retired top official from the Carabinieri police force, Antonio De Vita, to oversee the company's cybersecurity and security services.

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Babar Azam Dropped From Pakistan's 2nd Test Squad Against England: Report

After Pakistan's humiliating defeat to England in the first Test at Multan, former skipper Babar Azam has been dropped from the report, a report has confirmed. Babar has been in woeful form over the last few months, across formats. He only scored 30 and 5 across the two innings against England in the first Test, despite the pitch being an absolute belter for batters. Hours after Pakistan's defeat in the Multan Test, the Pakistan Cricket Board constituted a new selection committee, which has reportedly decided to exclude Babar from the second Test squad. 

According to a report in ESPNCricinfo, the selection committee, consisting of Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, and Azhar Ali have decided to leave out Babar, Pakistan's former captain, from the squad, owing to his barren run with the bat. 

The selection committee reportedly met PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, as well as the five mentors appointed by the PCB on three-year deals, on Saturday, and finalised the squad. 

The development comes despite the fact that Pakistan captain Shan Massood had labelled Babar the team's best batter. 

"We want to build a squad mentality. We don't play a lot of Test cricket. Especially as a batter, it is not easy. You have to give a lot of opportunities, and there is no doubt that Babar Azam is Pakistan's best batter. You always have to keep in mind that your best batter is just one game away. We will reflect and see the conditions that will be on offer. We will try to put the best team on the side," Masood had said in the post-match press conference after the first Test.

The selectors traveled to Multan on Saturday to meet with the captain Masood and coach Jason Gillespie. They also held a meeting with the PCB curator Tony Hemming after Multan wicket came in the line of fire over its extremely batting-friendly conditions.

The report claimed that some of the mentors in the PCB-appointed committee were in favour of keeping Babar in the squad, but the majority verdict was against his continuity.

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Thousands Trapped In Gaza's Jabalia Camp As Israel Continues Deadly Attacks

Thousands of people are trapped in Gaza's Jabalia camp as Israeli forces attack the area, Médecins Sans Frontières(Doctors Without Borders) said on Friday, a week after Israel launched an offensive there which it says is aimed at stopping Hamas regrouping.

At least 20 Palestinians were killed and dozens more were wounded late on Friday by Israeli strikes in Jabalia, which also damaged four nearby homes, medics told Reuters. The death toll is likely to rise, they added.

Israeli military strikes killed at least 61 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Friday, the medics added. Nearly half of the fatalities, including the 20 killed at the home, occurred in Jabalia, the northern district which is the largest of Gaza's historic refugee camps.

The Israeli military says it has killed dozens of militants in Jabalia, though it remains unclear how many of the dead were civilians rather than fighters.

"Nobody is allowed to get in or out; anyone who tries is getting shot," MSF project coordinator Sarah Vuylsteke said on X.

Five MSF staff were trapped in Jabalia, she said.

"I don't know what to do; at any moment we could die. People are starving. I am afraid to stay, and I am also afraid to leave," she quoted Haydar, an MSF driver, as saying.

At least 15 of the fatalities in Jabalia since dawn were due to Israeli strikes targeting various areas, including a school sheltering displaced individuals, the official Palestinian news agency Wafa said, citing medical sources.

Gaza's Civil Defence said dozens were wounded by Israeli quadcopter drone fire at the same school.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which has previously said Gaza's militants use such shelters for cover. Hamas has denied this.

The Israeli military has sent troops into the nearby towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya as well as Jabalia. Hamas has said it will keep fighting Israeli forces.

Palestinian health officials have reported at least 130 deaths in the operation so far, while the military has told residents to evacuate areas where the UN estimates over 400,000 people are trapped.

United Nations officials expressed concern that the ongoing Israeli offensive and evacuation orders in northern Gaza could disrupt the second phase of its polio vaccination campaign set to begin next week.

Healthcare officials have reported that dozens of facilities in Gaza are under evacuation orders from the Israeli military, complicating humanitarian efforts amid the conflict.

Aid groups carried out an initial round of vaccinations last month after a baby was partially paralyzed by the type 2 poliovirus in August, the first such case in the territory in 25 years.

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

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