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Monday, September 30, 2024

Ashneer Grover Severs All Ties With BharatPe Following Legal Settlement

Bharat Pe has officially settled its long-standing legal dispute with former co-founder Ashneer Grover in an agreement announced today, which states that Grover will no longer have any ties to BharatPe and neither will he hold any shares in the company.

Both parties were involved in a legal dispute since Mr Grover was removed from the position of Managing Director of BharatPe by the company's board in March 2022.

"Both parties have decided not to pursue the cases filed. We wish Mr Grover well. BharatPe continues to focus on delivering industry-leading solutions to its merchants and customers driving growth with profitability," said the Indian fintech company in a statement. 

This settlement comes amid allegations against Mr Grover and his family, including the arrest of Mr Grover's brother-in-law, Deepak Gupta, by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Delhi Police. They have been charged with claims of financial misconduct that reportedly cost BharatPe around Rs 81.3 crore. The company accused them of making improper payments to fake vendors and engaging in fraudulent activities.

In a statement after the settlement, Mr Grover took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and expressed his support for BharatPe's management and board. "I repose my faith in the management and board, who are doing great work in taking BharatPe forward in the right direction. I continue to remain aligned with the company's growth and success. I will no longer be associated with BharatPe in any capacity, nor be part of the capital table," he wrote. 

As part of the settlement, some of Grover's shares will be transferred to the Resilient Growth Trust for the benefit of BharatPe. A source close to the company said to Moneycontrol, that he will be transferring 1.4% of his holding to the BharatPe board, with the rest 3.5-3.7% going to a family trust. Both parties have also agreed to drop all ongoing legal cases against each other.



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Watch: Rohit Plucks One-Handed Scorcher, Team India Players In Disbelief

India captain Rohit Sharma produced an absolute stunner in the field on Day 4 of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. The match resumed after 2 days of non-action due to rain at the Green Park Stadium, with Jasprit Bumrah drawing the first blood for India. After Bumrah got rid of Mushfiqur Rahim, Mohamed Siraj got the better of star batter Litton Das to earn India their 5th wicket of the innings. But, Siraj's wicket might not have been possible had Rohit not managed to produce a one-handed stunner inside the 30-yard circle.

Litton advanced down the track, looking to clear the 30-yard circle and hit the ball for a boundary. But, Rohit timed his jump to perfection and grabbed a one-handed catch to send the Bangladesh star back to the pavilion. Siraj and other Team India stars could hardly believe what Rohit managed to pull off.

Rohit's own celebration proved how impressed he was by his catch. Shubman Gill, reacting to the catch, had hands on his head in disbelief. Siraj too looked stunned as he celebrated the wicket. Even Virat Kohli was amazed seeing Rohit's catch.

It was the first wicket of the match for Siraj, who seemed to have opened his account earlier but a DRS referral by Bangladesh saw the umpire's decision being overturned. But, when Rohit grabbed the stunner, there was no chance of the decision being overturned. 

India already have a 1-0 lead in the series, having won the opening Test in Chennai by 280 runs. But, with rain playing spoilsport on Day 2 and Day 3, there remain high chances of the match ending in a draw. In fact, the opening day also saw just 38 overs being possible.

Only an extraordinary all-round performance from the Indian team can get the match to produce a result in Kanpur. 



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Sunday, September 29, 2024

IIFA 2024: SRK-Rani Mukerji Win Big. Check Out Full List Of Winners

The IIFA 2024 Awards ceremony was a star-studded celebration of Indian cinema's finest talents. The event was held in Abu Dhabi on September 28. The night's top honour, Best Film, went to Animal, featuring Ranbir Kapoor. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and producer Bhushan Kumar accepted the award on behalf of the team. In the acting categories, Shah Rukh Khan won Best Actor for his role in Jawan, while Rani Mukerji was named Best Actress for her portrayal of a determined mother in Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway. Vidhu Vinod Chopra was awarded Best Director for 12th Fail, a biopic based on the inspiring journey of IPS officer Manoj Sharma (portrayed by Vikrant Massey).

Take a look at the winners list:

Best Picture: Animal (Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, Pranay Reddy Vanga)

Best Director: Vidhu Vinod Chopra - 12th Fail

Best Actor (Male): Shah Rukh Khan - Jawan

Best Actress (Female): Rani Mukerji - Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway

Best Supporting Actor (Male): Anil Kapoor - Animal

Best Supporting Actress (Female): Shabana Azmi - Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Best Performance in a Negative Role: Bobby Deol - Animal

Best Music Direction: Pritam, Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Jaani, Bhupinder Babbal, Ashim Kemson, Harshavardhan Rameshwar - Animal

Best Playback Singer (Male): Bhupinder Babbal - Arjan Vailly (Animal)

Best Playback Singer (Female): Shilpa Rao - Chaleya (Jawan)

Special Awards:

Outstanding Achievement in Indian Cinema: Hema Malini

Debutant of the Year: Alizeh Agnihotri

Best Story: Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, Sumit Roy - Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani

Best Lyrics: Siddharth Singh & Garima Wahal - Satranga (Animal)

ICYDK, IIFA 2024 is a three-day event (September 27 to September 29). Day 1, featuring the IIFA Utsavam honoured the South film industry. The main awards night was held on Day 2, followed by IIFA Rocks for the music industry on Day 3. IIFA Rocks will be hosted by Siddhant Chaturvedi and Abhishek Banerjee.



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Saturday, September 28, 2024

Motorola Razr 50 Review: Mostly Excellent

The Motorola Razr 50 is the less expensive of the two clamshell foldables that the Lenovo-owned company launched last month. Compared to the older model, it gets a larger outer display, a water resistance rating, and some other minor upgrades. If you’re coming from a Razr 40, the larger outer display alone might make it a worthy upgrade.

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Cars, Pedestrians Covered In Faeces After Sewage Pipes Burst In China

A newly installed sewage pipeline burst during a pressure test at a road construction site in China. A stomach-churning footage has surfaced on the internet which captured the moment human sewage erupted on a busy road drenching cars, pedestrians, and bikers in human waste. 

Footage captures a fountain of faeces erupting 10 meters (33 feet) into the air before showering down on unsuspecting commuters.

This shocking incident occurred when newly installed sewage pipes in Nanning, a city in southern China, unexpectedly burst.

Watch the video here:

The force of the explosion was so intense that it flipped a digger at the construction site and damaged nearby vehicles.

Within moments, those in the area were drenched in the disgusting brown waste.

Dash-cam footage reveals one car's windshield entirely covered as the wipers struggle futilely to clear it.

"I'm drenched in poo," one driver reportedly complained. "My car is splattered yellow. It's ruined."

No one was injured in the explosion, the New York Post reported.

Local media reported that the explosion likely occurred when construction workers attempted a pressure test on the newly laid pipes, authorities said.

Local authorities reported that the aftermath of the "poo-cano" was promptly addressed, and various measures to prevent future sewage explosions are currently under investigation.



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Court Questions Officials Over File Signed By Manmohan Singh On Jama Masjid

The Delhi High Court expressed its displeasure on Friday over the failure of authorities to produce before it a file containing the decision of then prime minister Manmohan Singh that the historic Mughal-era Jama Masjid in the national capital should not be declared a protected monument. A bench headed by Justice Prathiba M Singh observed that in spite of an earlier order, "loose sheets" and other documents were tendered to it instead of the record pertaining to the mosque's status as a monument, its current occupants, etc.

Granting a final opportunity, the court sought an affidavit in the matter from a competent officer of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as well as the original file on the next date of hearing in October.

It also asked the ASI director general to directly supervise the matter and hold a meeting with the central government's counsel -- lawyers Anil Soni and Manish Mohan -- to ensure that a comprehensive affidavit is filed.

The high court was hearing PILs that have sought directions to authorities to declare the Jama Masjid a protected monument and remove all encroachments in and around it.

On August 28, it had directed the Union Ministry of Culture and ASI to positively produce before it a file containing Mr Singh's decision that the Jama Masjid should not be declared a protected monument.

During Friday's hearing, the bench questioned the ASI official present in the court over his failure to comply with the order and said, "Who is not giving the file? We will call the secretary. There are clear instructions."

"A perusal of the notesheets will show that they (the documents produced) mostly relate to the writ petition and follow-up action in relation to the writ petition. Information relating to the Jamia Masjid's status as a monument, maintenance being undertaken by the ASI, the current occupants of the Jamia Masjid and the manner in which the revenue generated is utilised is not contained in the file," the bench, also comprising Justice Amit Sharma, said.

"Let a short affidavit be filed by a competent officer of the ASI with respect to all aspects and the original file be produced on the next date of hearing. This will be undertaken directly in the supervision of the director general of the ASI," the bench added.

The court asked the ASI director general to depute a competent official who is aware of the facts.

The public interest litigation (PIL) matters, filed by Suhail Ahmed Khan and Ajay Gautam in 2014, have objected to the use of the title "Shahi Imam" by the Jama Masjid's imam, Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari, and the appointment of his son as the naib (deputy) imam.

The pleas have also questioned why the mosque is not under the ASI's management.

The Centre's counsel had earlier submitted that the Jama Masjid is a live monument where people offer prayers and there are a lot of restrictions.

The ASI had, in August 2015, told the court that Mr Singh had assured the Shahi Imam that the Jama Masjid would not be declared a protected monument.

The court was also informed that as the Jama Masjid is not a centrally-protected monument, it does not fall within the ASI's purview.

"In 2004, the issue of notifying the Jama Masjid as a centrally-protected monument was raised. However, former prime minister Manmohan Singh assured the Shahi Imam, vide his October 20, 2004 letter, that the Jama Masjid would not be declared as a centrally-protected monument," the ASI had said in its affidavit in the court. 

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



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Friday, September 27, 2024

KKR Announce Gautam Gambhir's Replacement, Rival IPL Fans Stunned

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) announced the appointment of Dwayne Bravo as the new mentor for the franchise, ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Bravo, a legend of the T20 format, announced his decision to retire from all forms of cricket after a bitter conclusion to his Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2024 season, due to an injury. Just hours after making retirement from the sport as a player public, Bravo signed for KKR as their new mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir.

"DJ Bravo joining us is a very exciting development. His deep desire to win wherever he plays, his extensive experience and knowledge will benefit the franchise and all players immensely. We are also pleased that he will be involved with all our franchises around the world - CPL, MLC and ILT20," KKR CEO Venky Mysore said in a statement. 

The fact that Bravo, who is a Chennai Super Kings legend, joined a rival IPL franchise as mentor, left many CSK fans stunned with the decision. 

Bravo also expressed his enthusiasm as he marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. He said: "I've been part of the Trinbago Knight Riders for the last 10 years in the CPL. Having played for and against the Knight Riders in various leagues, I have a lot of respect for how they operate.

"The owners' passion, the professionalism of the management, and the family-like environment make it a special place. This is the perfect platform for me as I transition from playing to mentoring and coaching the next generation of players."

The West Indies great had earlier retired from international cricket in 2021 and stepped away from IPL.

Bravo, who had already announced at the start of the ongoing CPL that it would be his last season, shared a post on Instagram, "Dear Cricket, today is the day I say goodbye to the game that has given me everything. From the age of five, I knew this was what I wanted to do- this was the sport I was destined to play. I had no interest in anything else, and dedicated my entire life to you. In return, you gave me the life I dreamed of for myself and my family. For that, I can't thank you enough."

Over the last 12 months, he has worked with both his IPL side Chennai Super Kings and was also appointed Afghanistan's bowling consultant for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA.

"Twenty-one years as a professional cricketer - it's been an incredible journey, filled with many highs and a few lows. Most importantly, I was able to live my dream because I gave you 100 (per cent) at every step. As much as l'd love to continue this relationship, it's time to face reality. My mind wants to keep going, but my body can no longer endure the pain, the breakdowns, and the strain. I can't put myself in a position where I might let down my teammates, my fans, or the teams I represent," the post read.

In an 18-year career, Bravo set the benchmark in T20 cricket, winning titles at the IPL, PSL and Big Bash, as well as becoming a two-time world champion with West Indies. He finishes with 631 wickets in the format from 582 appearances - second only to compatriot Kieron Pollard.

"So, with a heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the Champion bids farewell. Though this ending is bittersweet, I have no regrets about my career or this decision. Now, I look forward to my next chapter," the post concluded.

With IAN Inputs



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Xiaomi 14T, Xiaomi 14T Pro With MediaTek Dimensity SoCs, Leica Tuned Triple Cameras Launched: Price, Specifications

Xiaomi 14T and Xiaomi 14T Pro were announced at Xiaomi's global launch event in Berlin on Thursday (September 26). The Xiaomi 14T series feature 6.67-inch displays with up to 144Hz refresh rate and 4,000nits brightness. They're equipped with MediaTek Dimensity chipsets. The pair flaunts Leica-tuned triple rear cameras matching last year's Xiaomi 13T phones. The Xiaomi...

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Samsung Galaxy S24 FE With Exynos 2400e SoC, Galaxy AI Features Launched in India

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE was unveiled in India on Thursday. The phone has a similar design to the vanilla Galaxy S24 model. It is equipped with an Exynos 2400e chipset and houses a 4,700mAh battery. It is equipped with a 50-megapixel triple rear camera unit and a 10-megapixel selfie shooter. The phone comes with support for Galaxy AI features like Circle to Search and Li...

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Thursday, September 26, 2024

Opinion: Are We Already In An AI Bubble?

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I've been wrestling with a question that many are asking: are we already in an AI bubble? And if we are, what does that mean for India? To get a grip on where we stand, we first need to look at the global picture - because that's where the story of AI's present and future is being written.

Two pieces got me thinking. The first, from The Economist, highlights how the investor frenzy around AI might be cooling off. Some of the biggest AI companies have seen their stock prices dip by as much as 15% in the last month alone. And here's the real kicker: only about 4.8% of American companies currently use AI in their products or services, down from earlier this year. That's a shocking statistic, given all the hype.

Then there's the Goldman Sachs report titled, 'Gen AI: Too Much Spend, Too Little Benefit?'. In it, Jim Covello, the Head of Global Equity Research, points out something we should all be paying attention to: over $1 trillion is expected to be spent on AI infrastructure and development in the coming years. But will it be worth it?

Covello's not convinced. He argues that for AI to justify that level of spending, it has to tackle some really complex problems - ones it's not quite ready to solve. Developing and running AI isn't cheap. Unlike other tech shifts that helped cut costs, AI doesn't seem to be bringing down expenses.

So the big question is - will these massive investments ever pay off?

The High Price Of An AI Query

According to The Economist, training models like OpenAI's GPT-4 consume massive amounts of energy - enough to power 50 American homes for a century. Costs for training these models are skyrocketing: current estimates for the biggest models hit $100 million, with future generations potentially reaching $1 billion or even $10 billion. The operational costs - answering queries, for instance - can also balloon, costing up to $223,000 for tasks like summarising financial reports. This raises serious concerns for investors despite the $95 billion already poured into AI startups this year.

But here's where things get interesting.

Enter Entrepreneurial Optimism

Despite this scepticism, the entrepreneurial spirit around AI refuses to slow down. Just look at Mukesh Bansal, a veteran entrepreneur who recently launched Nurix.ai and secured $27 million in funding. Mukesh is no stranger to building successful ventures, and his leap into AI signals a strong belief in its potential.

This brings me to a broader observation: we might be on the cusp of a new wave of Indian AI startups ready to go global, much like the SaaS boom we witnessed a few years ago. These startups are not just riding a hype train; they aim to solve real-world problems and bring tangible value to businesses and consumers alike.

Moreover, this massive wave of AI tools and generative AI tech is hitting the market, putting powerful capabilities in the hands of everyday users. It's democratising intelligence like never before - people can now tap into tools that were once only accessible to experts or big corporations. So, while billions -maybe even trillions - are being sunk into AI infrastructure, there's never been a better time to explore and use these tools for yourself.

Finding A Middle Ground

So, where does this leave us? On the one hand, we have warnings of an AI bubble fueled by excessive spending with questionable returns. At the same time, we see relentless optimism from entrepreneurs and investors betting big on AI's future.

The truth lies somewhere in between. Yes, there may be overexuberance, but dismissing AI's transformative potential could mean missing out on significant innovations.

Do you believe we're in an AI bubble? Or do you think this is just the beginning of AI's true potential being realised?

(Pankaj Mishra is the AI Editor at NDTV)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author



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Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Opinion: AI Meets Art: How AI Helped 23 Artists Launch Their Own Business

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Himanshi Singh watched helplessly as Kamla, a master artisan with 25 years of leatherwork experience, was forced to walk barefoot back to her village a few years ago during the pandemic.

Kamla had spent decades perfecting her craft, but now she had nothing - no income, support, or future. 

"If someone like Kamla can lose everything, what chance do others have?" Himanshi asked herself then. Kamla had returned from Delhi to her village, Achrol, in Rajasthan. This question inspired Himanshi to build Bare Craft, a platform that uses AI as a tool and a lifeline for artisans like Kamla.

Over 5,500 verified artisans are on the Bare Craft platform, each rooted in traditional crafts like block printing, Chikankari embroidery, and Kantha work. "We wanted to solve problems like transparency in supply chains, fair wages, and sustainable production," Himanshi explains.

The platform's AI matches the right artisans with suitable projects, making it easier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to source high-quality crafts. Himanshi, the founding member, works pro bono to support the platform's growth and market connections, while her mother, Kiran Singh, oversees its operations with the artisan communities. This arrangement allows Himanshi to continue her professional work with other nonprofits.

AI Meets Artisans

One such artisan is Monu Saini, a block printing artisan based near Achrol in Rajasthan, who has dedicated over a decade to his craft. Through the Bare Craft initiative, Monu refined his skills and trained 25 women in block printing, empowering them to pursue financial independence.

"Hand block printing doesn't involve any chemicals and is good for the environment," Monu says. His passion for sustainability and community-building has allowed him to collaborate with international designers. Recently, he began working with US-based designers to blend traditional techniques with modern designs. "Through Bare Craft, I've connected with small retailers and individual buyers," Monu says. "This has helped me broaden the reach of my creations while preserving the rich heritage of block printing."

Bare Craft's AI system has shown impressive results. "We've seen a 10% increase in revenue for artisans and SMEs, with a 50% reduction in production costs," says Himanshi.

AI might seem an unlikely ally for traditional artisans, but it's the engine driving Bare Craft. "It's not just a catalogue," Himanshi says. "AI helps us recommend raw materials, cuts down on production time, and ensures that artisans get paid fairly, all while minimising costs for buyers."

One of the platform's first successes was a designer dress that combined block printing, chikankari embroidery, and kantha work - three distinct crafts, each completed by artisans in different cities. The final product directly supported six artisans.

"We've empowered over 150 artisans with training, helping them adapt to a changing market," Himanshi says. Additionally, 82% of the artisans on the platform have successfully connected to new markets, and 23 have launched independent businesses.

And it's not just fashion. Bare Craft is helping artisans turn waste into treasure, like converting hosiery waste into cotton stationery, a completely sustainable solution. An example is when an SME buyer started looking at textile waste as a raw material to produce their products - an option not easily available earlier. The system removed the pressure of visiting different sites, sorting the waste, and making it ready to use.

Scaling Art

Bare Craft plans to scale its artisan training program to reach 1,00,000 artisans and achieve a 99% market linkage rate. "We're also expanding to connect 100 SMEs with artisans to create more collaborations that benefit both sides," Himanshi says. Her AI application also optimises raw material selection and streamlines logistics, ensuring that every step of the process, from production to delivery, is smooth and cost-effective.

Looking ahead, Bare Craft plans to introduce digital passports for products. This will help buyers see the entire journey of their purchase, from raw material to finished product."This isn't just about selling crafts, it's about making people understand the impact of their purchase," Himanshi says.

(The author is AI Editor, NDTV)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author



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Lenovo Tab K11 Enhanced Edition With 11-Inch Display, MediaTek Helio G88 SoC Launched in India

Lenovo Tab K11 Enhanced Edition was launched in India on Tuesday. The latest version is said to be an upgraded version of the Lenovo K11 tablet that was unveiled in the country in May. However, the newer enhanced model shares several specifications with the standard model. It comes with an octa-core MediaTek Helio G88 SoC paired with 8GB of LPDDR4X RAM and packs a 7,...

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Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Gunman Wrote Chilling Letter Months Ago About Assassination Bid On Trump

The gunman suspected of planning to kill Donald Trump wrote a chilling letter months ago about an  "assassination attempt" on the former president, US prosecutors said on Monday.

The correspondence emerged as Ryan Routh, 58, was due in court in southern Florida charged with two firearms offenses after he was arrested allegedly fleeing Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach on September 15.

Prosecutors say a Secret Service agent fired at Routh after spotting a rifle poking out of the tree line several holes ahead of Trump, and that Routh was spotted by a witness who saw him escaping in a car.

Federal prosecutors said in Monday's filing Routh had dropped off a box at an unidentified person's home "several months" beforehand, containing ammunition, a metal pipe, building materials, phones "and various letters."

After learning of the apparent assassination bid, the witness apparently opened the box and discovered a letter addressed to "The World."

"This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you," it said.

"I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; and I will offer $150,000 to whomever can complete the job."

It was not clear if he was referring to a separate, earlier attempt on the life of Trump or the one at the golf course.

Detectives believe Routh may have been lying in wait for Trump for nearly 12 hours at the Florida course. He was arrested after police spotted his car driving on a nearby highway.

The government says Routh traveled to Florida a month before his arrest and began casing the golf course and drove by Trump's oceanfront home.

In online posts Routh said he voted for Trump in 2016 but that the president had become a disappointment.

"Everyone across the globe from the youngest to the oldest know that Trump is unfit to be anything, much less a US president," said Routh's letter, the front page of which appeared in a photograph included with the court papers.

"US presidents must at bare minimum embody the moral fabric that is America, and be kind, caring and selfless and always stand for humanity. Trump fails to understand any of (that)."

Routh is accused of possessing a gun with a scratched-out serial number and with possessing a gun illegally as a felon, although more serious charges may come after prosecutors put the case before a federal grand jury.

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



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Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Unboxing Video Leaked With Purported Exynos 2400e SoC and 4,700mAh Battery

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE will be unveiled on September 26, if recent leaks are to be believed. Samsung is yet to confirm the launch date, but in the meantime, the handset appeared in a newly leaked unboxing video. The alleged promotional video offers a detailed look at the phone from all angles and its key specifications.

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Monday, September 23, 2024

Updated WTC Points Table After Sri Lanka Stun New Zealand In 1st Test

India tightened their grip on the top spot of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle with a comprehensive 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, while Sri Lanka boosted their chances of making the final by outclassing New Zealand in Galle. Both teams secured crucial points, adding intrigue to the race for the final two spots in next year's WTC finale at Lord's. India's latest triumph extended their lead at the top of the table, reaching a percentage of 71.67%.

Ravichandran Ashwin led the charge, claiming Player of the Match honours for his all-round brilliance; a century in the first innings and a six-wicket haul in the second. His efforts helped India bowl out Bangladesh for 234, sealing the match on the fourth day.

Starting the day at 158/4 and chasing a mammoth target of 515, Bangladesh's hopes rested on captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.

However, India's spin duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja quickly dismantled the lower order, securing 12 crucial WTC points.

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Bangladesh's defeat pushed them down to sixth in the standings, holding a percentage of 39.29%, trailing behind Sri Lanka and England.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, capitalised on their victory over New Zealand in Galle to leapfrog into third place in the WTC standings. Dhananjaya de Silva's side now boasts a 50% win rate, putting them in a strong position to challenge the top teams for a place in the final.

Sri Lanka's 63-run victory over the BlackCaps came in a thrilling five days, with Prabath Jayasuriya emerging as the hero, finishing with match figures of 9-204 and securing the Player of the Match award.

Sri Lanka's decision to hold off bowling New Zealand out on the fourth day proved tactical brilliance, allowing their bowlers to come back fresh on the final day. Jayasuriya struck early to remove Rachin Ravindra, who could only add one to his overnight score of 91, and the Kiwi tail folded quickly in pursuit of the 275-run target.

Sri Lanka's win make them as strong contenders for a spot in the WTC final. With a potential maximum percentage of 69.23%, they will now need a clean sweep against South Africa, followed by a 2-0 series win over Australia at home, to secure their place in the final.

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



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Samsung Galaxy S24 FE Price Leaked; Tipped to Be More Expensive Than Galaxy S23 FE

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is expected to launch soon as a successor to the Galaxy S23 FE, which was unveiled in October 2023. Previously, design leaks of the purported Fan Edition phone had surfaced online. Several key features of the smartphone including chipset and display have also been leaked. A new report claims that phone's price will see a hike in the US compared...

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Sunday, September 22, 2024

PM Modi's Silver Train Model, Pashmina Shawl Gifts To Joe And Jill Biden

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today gifted an antique silver hand-engraved train model to US President Joe Biden. The Prime Minister, who is in the US for a three-day trip, met Mr Biden in his hometown Wilmington, Delaware, ahead of the Quad Leaders' Summit.

The train model was customised by inscribing "DELHI-DELAWARE" on the sides of the main carriage and "INDIAN RAILWAYS" on the sides of the engine in English and Hindi based on the standard format used on passenger trains in India.

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Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

Crafted by artisans from Maharashtra, which is renowned for its rich heritage in silver craftsmanship, the model is made of 92.5% silver, officials said.

PM Modi also gifted a Kashmiri pashmina shawl to First Lady Jill Biden.

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Earlier in the day, PM Modi said he held an "extremely fruitful" meeting with Mr Biden during which the two leaders discussed ways to further enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on global and regional issues including the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

PM Modi was welcomed by Mr Biden at his residence in Greenville, Delaware, where the two leaders hugged each other. The US President held PM Modi's hand as he led him into the house where the bilateral talks took place.

"I thank President Biden for hosting me at his residence in Greenville, Delaware. Our talks were extremely fruitful. We had the opportunity to discuss regional and global issues during the meeting," PM Modi posted on X after the meeting which lasted more than an hour.

Mr Biden also took to X and said the United States' partnership with India is "stronger, closer, and more dynamic than any time in history".

"Prime Minister Modi, each time we sit down, I'm struck by our ability to find new areas of cooperation. Today was no different," he wrote.

A joint statement issued after the bilateral meeting said the India-US partnership is "decisively delivering on an ambitious agenda that serves the global good", calling it the "defining partnership of the 21st century".



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Saturday, September 21, 2024

Infinix Zero Flip 5G Key Specifications, Colour Options and Price Range in India Leaked Ahead of Anticipated Debut

Infinix Zero Flip 5G specifications, price range in India and colour options have been leaked by a tipster, ahead of the launch of the smartphone in India. The company's first clamshell-style foldable phone is expected to launch soon, and has already been teased by Infinix earlier this month.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Tab S10 Series Could Launch on September 26

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and Galaxy Tab S10 series could be launched soon. Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE and Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 series are expected to arrive with support for the company's Galaxy AI features. The company recently opened reservations for its next generation of tablets in India, but an official launch date is still awaited.

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"Funny Dismissals...": Shastri's Blunt Take As Kohli Falls Cheaply Again

Virat Kohli has not been having a great time in Test cricket of late. In both innings of the first Test against Bangladesh, Kohli delivered poor scores of 6 and 17. While in the first innings, he chased an outside off stump delivery by Hasan Mahmud, in the second innings, he fell victim to a wrong leg-before-wicket decision. Having chosen to not review it, the Ultraedge discovered the bat making contact with the ball, which would have ruled Virat not out had he opted for a review.

Virat is having a poor run of form across all formats this year. In 15 matches and 17 innings this year, he has scored just 319 runs at a sub-par average of 18.76, with just one half-century to his name and a best score of 76 made during the T20 World Cup final against South Africa.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri gave an interesting take on his dismissals.

"He has [gotten out to spinners] especially in the last 2-3 years. But he has scored a lot of runs too. What you want to see him do more is use his feet. Get to the pitch of the ball, probably employ the sweep. You've got to move with the times, don't be afraid to go over the top when the field is up. You could try and do things to unsettle the spinners rather than allowing him to keep bowling at you. It's what he did a lot when he scored a lot of runs," Shastri said after Kohli's dismissal.

"Also some of the tracks that India have played on. It's not been easy. Plus I know a few dismissals where like Shubman Gill in the first innings, he's gotten caught down leg wide. Funny dismissals. He'll be aware of it. That's for sure. There is no batter who doesn't remember. Obviously you find a method of finding a solution. Find out what works for you and stick with that."

With ANI inputs 



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Friday, September 20, 2024

Opinion: One Nation One Election (ONOE) Is Oh Noe!

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Some people on Twitter say it like no other. "It's rather amusing that One Nation, One Election abbreviates to ONOE - oh noe!".

After the Union Cabinet cleared the One Nation One Election (ONOE) proposal, legacy television channels, dutifully, complied with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) playbook. Distract from the real issues: unemployment, inflation, anti-federal policies, Manipur, a plummeting rupee, fuel prices not being cut despite a decline in global crude oil prices, and more.

Just Like The Women's Reservation Bill

This is very similar to when the Women's Reservation Bill was passed last year. The news stayed on primetime, tucking away the government's ineffectual handling of the Manipur crisis. These con jobs have a pattern. The Women's Reservation Bill can only come into effect after the Census and delimitation exercise have been completed. So, the earliest that it can happen is 2034. The ONOE is another 'Weapon of Mass Distraction'!

As my colleague in Rajya Sabha and eminent jurist P. Chidambaram pointed out, "ONOE would require at least five constitutional amendments". The High Level Committee (HLC) on ONOE, headed by a former President, recommended 18 amendments to the Constitution and other statutes of Union Territories having Legislative Assemblies. This would require a Constitution Amendment Bill to be passed in Parliament, with a special majority (a majority of the total membership of the House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of the House present and voting). Daydreaming is a popular hobby.

Under Article 368(2) of the Constitution of India, ratification by not less than half of the states will be required to carry out amendments to Article 324A to facilitate simultaneous elections of Panchayats and Municipalities. Similarly, in order to have a Single Electoral Roll, an amendment to Article 325 is required. To implement this amendment, ratification by not less than half of the States would be required.

Here are six reasons why ONOE is antithetical to federalism:

  • In March 1994, the S.R. Bommai v. Union of India case, a landmark in safeguarding Indian federalism, strengthened the autonomy of states within the Indian polity. Thirty years later, in March 2024, the HLC submitted its report on simultaneous elections. However, the committee's composition failed to reflect the federal nature of the Constitution, as it did not include a single Chief Minister or representative of states.
  • The Terms of Reference (ToR) of the HLC are, in themselves, conclusive proof of the government's blatant disregard for federalism. The second ToR tasks the committee with the dubious mandate to "examine and recommend if amendments to the Constitution would require ratification by states". Any constitutional amendment to implement simultaneous polls would directly impact the tenure of state assemblies and governments. Even the Law Commission in 2018 had suggested that while such amendments might not fall strictly under the proviso to Article 368(2), the government should still seek ratification from at least half of the states as a matter of abundant caution.
  • A study conducted by IDFC Institute showed that there is a 77% possibility of voters voting for the same party at centre and states if simultaneous elections take place. The study analysed voting behaviour for four rounds of Lok Sabha elections (1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014) in states where the assembly elections coincided with the Lok Sabha elections.
  • The BJP government, predictably, seeks to homogenise electoral opinion across all facets of political and personal life. As the 1960s, particularly 1962, demonstrated, simultaneous elections can sway voting behaviour and sideline regional aspirations and state-level issues. In the 1962 General Elections, the party that won at the Union swept the simultaneous State Assembly polls in Madras, Gujarat, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Assam.
  • The Election Commission has struggled with the logistical complexities of conducting multi-phase elections. The 2019 Jharkhand Assembly Elections were held in five phases and the 2021 West Bengal Assembly Elections were held in eight phases. Lok Sabha elections across three states were held in seven phases, and even then, it took 11 days just to release the voter turnout data for Phase 1. And you are talking about conducting simultaneous polls!
  • Why were the Maharashtra elections not announced along with elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir? Here's why. The Maharashtra government announced the Ladki Bahin scheme in the budget this June. The first tranche reached the bank accounts of women in August and second tranche will reach beneficiaries mid-October.

More questions. The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, in a detailed letter to the HLC in January 2024, asked how many state assemblies' terms would need to be curtailed or extended before implementation of ONOE? And once implemented, what would happen if a state assembly or the Lok Sabha is dissolved before its five-year term? So, fresh elections will be held for the remainder of the term. This in itself is contrary to the very idea of ONOE. Oh Noe!

(Derek O'Brien, MP, leads the Trinamool Congress in the Rajya Sabha)

Additional research: Anagha, Ayashman Dey.

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author



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Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024), MatePad 12 X With 10,100mAh Battery, 13-Megapixel Rear Camera Launched

Huawei MatePad Pro 12.2 (2024) and Huawei MatePad 12 X have been unveiled in select global markets. The tablets are available in a PaperMatte screen variant that offers a paper-like experience while writing. They are equipped with a 10,100mAh battery with support for 66W wired fast charging.

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Xiaomi Mix Flip Will Launch Globally in September, CEO Lei Jun Confirms

Xiaomi Mix Flip — Xiaomi's first clamshell foldable phone — will soon be released globally. Lei Jun, founder and CEO of Xiaomi, officially confirmed the arrival of the handset to markets outside China. The Xiaomi Mix Flip was launched in China in July with a 4.01-inch cover display and a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. It carries a 4,780mAh battery with support for 67...

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Thursday, September 19, 2024

Man Fatally Stabs Himself While Trying To Separate Frozen Burgers With Knife

A UK man accidentally fatally stabbed himself while trying to separate two frozen burgers with a knife, in a freak accident that initially puzzled police, a court heard. Barry Griffiths, 57, died after accidentally plunging the blade into his abdomen at his home in Powys, Wales, in July last year, according to the report by Western Telegraph

Mr Griffiths, who lived alone and was described as "very private", had been dead for several days before a welfare check led police to discover his body, with blood splattered throughout his kitchen and bedroom. 

His phone, wallet, and computer were left untouched, and there were no signs of a struggle in his apartment. 

Police found Mr Griffiths fully clothed on his bed with no evidence of an assault. It was only after discovering uncooked burger patties that detectives pieced together what had occurred, the court was told. 

"The bottom drawer of the freezer had been left open and pulled forward in a position to access food items," Detective Chief Inspector Jonathan Rees said.

"On the work surface in the kitchen adjacent to the fridge freezer were two uncooked burgers, a knife and a tea towel," he continued.

"The wound to the abdomen would have been approximately the height of the work surface. My hypothesis at that stage was that Mr Griffiths was attempting to separate frozen burgers using a knife."

A medical examiner concluded that Mr Griffiths- who had limited use of one arm due to a stroke- most likely died from an accident injury rather than suicide. 



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Moto G75 5G Leaked Renders Suggest Design, Colour Options and Key Specifications

Motorola could be ready to unveil a new G series phone soon. Design renders and specifications for a Moto G75 5G have surfaced online. The renders suggest the colour options and key features of the phone including build, camera and display details. The upcoming G series phone is tipped to launch as a mid-range offering.

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Wednesday, September 18, 2024

New Chinese Heliport Puts Pressure On Remote Frontier In Eastern Arunachal

A new Chinese heliport being constructed 20 kilometres east of the Line of Actual Control near the sensitive 'Fishtails' region of Arunachal Pradesh, may give Chinese armed forces the ability to speedily move in military resources into an under-developed, remote area along the Indo-Chinese frontier.

The heliport, images of which appear in this report, lies along the banks of the Gongrigabu Qu river in the Nyingchi Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region. This is within Chinese territory that India does not dispute.

Open-source satellite imagery available on EOS Data Analytics shows that till December 1, 2023, there was no construction at the site where the heliport is being constructed. A subsequent satellite image dated December 31, shows land being cleared for construction. The latest Maxar-sourced high-resolution images, shot on September 16, indicate that the facility is in an advanced state of construction.

Geospatial intelligence experts such as Damien Symon who first highlighted the existence of the heliport point out that "this new heliport will allow the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to intensify intelligence-gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities." This closes logistical challenges in the densely forested region which features rugged mountains that make military movement cumbersome. The construction of the heliport "enables rapid troop deployment to distant areas, strengthening patrol efficiency and augmenting China's overall military footprint in these strategically important, remote locations."

Click here for high-res

The heliport also features at least three hangars, a sizeable apron area for helicopters to be positioned, an air traffic control facility and associated buildings and structures. Click here for high-res

Military sources who are monitoring the construction of the heliport add that while "this is definitely military infrastructure being constructed," the new facility may also have a dual-use function to enable the movement of civilians into the remote area. The heliport, they add, enhances Chinese "defensive and offensive operations [and] their reaction capabilities increase." This enables a speedy build-up of troops during a contingency.

The Fishtails area of Arunachal Pradesh, named after the distinctive shape of the boundary-line in this area, is comprised of Fishtail 1 and Fishtail 2. While Fishtail 1 lies in the Dibang Valley, Fishtail 2 is partly in the Anjaw district of the state. Both areas are considered 'sensitive', in other words, zones where China and India have differing perceptions of the Line of Actual Control.

"This heliport will be a threat to key areas which are considered 'sensitive' here," says Lt General Pravin Bakshi (retired), who headed the Eastern Command of the Indian Army. "I would take serious note and look to orchestrate a suitable response, if ever required, in concern with the Indian Air Force so as to prevent any 'grey-zone' warfare being efficiently prosecuted by the Chinese here." Grey-Zone warfare refers to a form of conflict which falls below the threshold of conventional war while still threatening boundary lines through coercive means that threaten stability.

The heliport under construction features a 600-metre runway which can be used for rolling take-offs of helicopters, a technique used in high-altitude areas where there is less power available for helicopters to use. Despite this runway, the new heliport is situated in an area where the altitude is substantially lower than large tracts of the Tibetan plateau. This benefits helicopter operations. "While the rest of the plateau has a disadvantage because of altitude, the general altitude in this area is in the 1500 metre (approximately 5000 feet) range which allows greater payload to be carried by choppers and aircraft."

Click here for high-res

The heliport under construction features a 600-metre runway which can be used for rolling take-offs of helicopters. Click here for high-res

The heliport also features at least three hangars, a sizeable apron area for helicopters to be positioned, an air traffic control facility and associated buildings and structures.

China's construction of the new heliport comes at a time when Beijing is in the process of constructing hundreds of 'Xiaokang' or dual-use villages along the frontier with India. These villages are a tool for China to assert its claims in disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control. By constructing these villages and changing facts of the ground, China has been involved in what India's late Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat referred to as "salami slicing" of territory. This has been particularly evident in the Kingdom of Bhutan, where undefended parts of its border regions, including ancestral lands of its royal family, have been physically taken over by the Chinese, who have built townships connected by an extensive road-network.

"This illustrates how China is quietly creating new facts on the ground," says Brahma Chellaney, a leading strategic affairs expert who focusses closely on China. "The current efforts to defuse the military standoff raise the question as to what a possible deal can accomplish, given the new military realities China has created along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 2020."

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

India, which has engaged China in protracted talks after the violent skirmishes of 2020 in Ladakh, has begun countering China's border strategy by launching the 'Vibrant Villages' development project that covers 3,000 villages in four Northeastern border states, including Arunachal Pradesh. Rs 4,800 crore has been allotted for the first phase of the project. Separately, a 2,400-kilometre trans-Arunachal highway is being completed that drastically reduces travel time, particularly in Eastern Arunachal Pradesh. The highway, along with separate road projects in the state, enable connectivity to frontline Army posts as well.

Shifting pressure to the east of Arunachal Pradesh through the construction of the new heliport, however, "opens up a new vista," says Lt General Bakshi. Despite the rapid build-up of infrastructure along the frontier, "This area remains the least developed in our area of responsibility."

With inputs from Divyam Sharma



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Inside Lebanon Politics: Hezbollah, Iran And A Larger Battle For Hegemony

Lebanon's political system is deeply entrenched in sectarian divisions. The country is a confessional democracy, meaning that key political and military positions are reserved for representatives of specific religious sects.

The President must always be a Maronite Catholic, the Prime Minister a Sunni Muslim, and the Speaker of the Parliament a Shia Muslim. While the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and the Deputy Prime Minister are always Greek Orthodox Christians, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces is always a Druze. This delicate balancing act extends to the composition of the Lebanese Parliament, which maintains a ratio of 6:5 in favour of Christians to Muslims (including Druze).

The current political system was largely imposed by France in 1920 when it was the colonial power in the Levant region. Ironically, France, one of the most secular nations in Europe, created a state system in Lebanon that is wholly dependent on religious identities, said  

The roots of this system lie in a proposal from the Maronite Church, as Muslims, particularly the Sunnis, initially refused to accept the creation of a separate Lebanese entity and preferred instead to merge with Syria. Thus, the state that emerged lacked solid foundations, setting the stage for its current troubles.

Today, Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, has emerged as the de facto ruler of Lebanon, operating with more power and influence than the official government and threatening all-out war with Israel.

On Tuesday, a series of explosions from pagers used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon resulted in at least nine deaths and approximately 2,800 injuries. The Iran-backed group attributed the blasts to Israel. While Israel has not commented, the operation's sophistication has led many to suspect the involvement of its intelligence agency, Mossad.

Inside Lebanese Politics

"Lebanon is an illiberal democracy. That is, the Lebanese do go to the polls fairly regularly, but they are expected to choose from a set of pre-determined ideas that do not interfere with the existing structure as was designed by the oligarchs, and now taken over by Hezbollah," said Hussain Abdul-Hussain, veteran journalist, Middle East expert and research fellow at the Foundation For Defense of Democracy in Washington DC, told NDTV.

The power-sharing arrangement that forms the bedrock of Lebanon's government is not just an outdated relic; it is a carefully maintained system designed to preserve the status quo. The shadow state within the official state has now become the norm, with the real power held not by elected officials but by Hezbollah and its allies. The militia group, which pledges allegiance to Iran's Supreme Leader, operates outside of the traditional state structures but holds ultimate authority.

Lebanons capital Beirut during the 1982 war.

Lebanon's capital Beirut during the 1982 war.
Photo Credit: Getty

"Suppose you want to run on a platform that demands unconditional and immediate peace with Israel, you will either be disqualified or suffer violence by non-state actors (Hezbollah). Even though the country has a hybrid presidential/parliamentary system, its rulers have been pretty much the same people over the past 40 or more years," Mr Abdul-Hussain added.

The political elites who drafted Lebanon's constitution in 1926, mainly Christian business leaders, ensured that state powers were decentralised, effectively granting various religious sects immunity from state prosecution and accountability.

This arrangement created a system where the political and business elite thrived while national identity and state institutions remained weak. The sectarian affiliation has, for decades, overridden national identity, resulting in a fractured society and a government that struggles to maintain order.

Hezbollah: From Militia To De Facto Ruler

Hezbollah's journey from a militia group to Lebanon's most powerful political and military entity started in 1982 following Israel's invasion of the country. Initially perceived as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation, Hezbollah has since transformed into a big game player in Lebanese politics. Today, it is not just a political party but a state within a state - a powerful armed militia that supersedes the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in strength and authority.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah during one of his televised speeches.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah during one of his televised speeches.
Photo Credit: Getty

"Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah does not hold any public office, but he is the de facto ruler of Lebanon. He rules by televised speech. The rest of the state (even when there was a president and prime minister), learn the fate of their country and tailor their policies in accordance with what they hear Nasrallah saying," Mr Abdul-Hussain told NDTV.

Hezbollah's Role In Lebanese Government

The group has successfully infiltrated various branches of the Lebanese government and security apparatus, ensuring its interests are safeguarded.

"Hezbollah started in 1982 during Israel's occupation of Beirut, splitting from the original Shia militia, Amal, which was more secular. Amal and Hezbollah fought for turf but ultimately came to a living arrangement since both of them were pro-Syria," said Nizar Farsakh, lecturer at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University in Washington DC, told NDTV.

"While both were active in the resistance, having been part of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) militias before getting formed, Hezbollah took on most of the resistance, effectively monopolising it by the end of the 1990s," he added.

Israeli forces invade Lebanon in 1982.

Israeli forces invaded Lebanon in 1982.
Photo Credit: Getty

Hezbollah gained widespread recognition in the 2000s when Israel unilaterally withdrew from Lebanon after years of resistance. This victory was historic, marking the first time an Arab military force successfully forced Israel out of occupied territory, unlike Egypt's success, which came through diplomacy rather than combat. The triumph elevated Hezbollah's status not only in Lebanon but across the Arab and Muslim worlds, where it became a symbol of resistance against Israeli aggression.

"Coupled with very strong relations with Iran and Syria, it got flooded with weapons and got extensive training in addition to creating a very well-oiled political movement that was theocratically totalitarian," Mr Farsakh explained.

The 2006 Lebanon War further solidified Hezbollah's role as a key player in the region. Although Israel inflicted severe damage on Lebanon's infrastructure, Hezbollah's ability to hold off the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for over a month was seen as a success by many in the Arab world.

Hezbollah's power was again demonstrated in 2008 when the anti-Syrian camp in Lebanon attempted to dismantle its separate telecommunications network, sparking a brief conflict. Hezbollah quickly asserted its dominance, establishing itself as the de facto military power in Lebanon. This marked a turning point, showing that no force in Lebanon could challenge Hezbollah's authority.

"Some Hezbollah members are MPs and some are cabinet ministers.  And while Lebanon has a mostly non-sectarian professional army, it does not challenge Syria nor Hezbollah, and the two coordinate to ensure they co-exist without clashes. Some Lebanese feel that even the army is controlled by Hezbollah. Therefore, nothing happens in Lebanon that Hezbollah is not on board with," Mr Farsakh told NDTV.

Hezbollah vs Lebanese Armed Forces

The last Lebanese security official who dared to defy Hezbollah, Brigadier General Wissam al-Hassan, was assassinated after exposing the armed group's role in the 2005 assassination of Prime Minister Rafic Hariri. al-Hassan was the chief of Lebanon's intelligence agency and a leading Sunni figure in the country. In 2012, al-Hassan was killed along with seven others in a massive car bombing that also injured 80 others.

Former Lebanon Prime Minister Rafic hariri with ex US President George Bush at the White House.

Former Lebanon Prime Minister Rafic hariri with ex US President George Bush at the White House.
Photo Credit: Getty

The Lebanese security agencies, riddled with Hezbollah loyalists, are often seen as mere extensions of Hezbollah's influence rather than independent state bodies.

"Hezbollah is multifold and more powerful than the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Hezbollah also infiltrates the LAF and other security agencies by planting its loyalists at high levels. These security agencies do Hezbollah's bidding, and never go against it," said Mr Abdul-Hussain.

Since the 1989 Taif Agreement, which ended the Lebanese civil war, the LAF's role has increasingly been to counter Hezbollah's narrative that it alone can defend Lebanon against external threats. This is particularly evident in the context of US military aid to the LAF, which has totalled over $2.29 billion since 2005.

Political Stalemate: A Vacant Presidency

Currently, Lebanon's presidential post is vacant, which is emblematic of the country's political paralysis. The two main contenders for the presidency - Gebran Bassil and Suleiman Frangieh - are both allied with Hezbollah, but the group has refrained from endorsing either candidate to avoid alienating one faction of its support base.

"The anti-Hezbollah parliamentary opposition has its own candidates, but even if it manages to get the majority of the vote, Hezbollah breaks the session midway. The speaker of the Lebanese assembly, Nabih Berri, is Shia like Hezbollah and heads the Amal movement, a Hezbollah ally," said Mr Abdul-Hussain.

Lebanon's government is thus paralysed, unable to elect a president or move forward on critical national issues. This paralysis is compounded by an economic crisis that has seen the country's currency collapse and basic services like electricity and water cut off for weeks at a time. Yet Hezbollah, impervious to the country's plight, continues to prepare for potential conflicts, such as a war with Israel, as seen in its support for Hamas during recent regional tensions.

"Iran has replicated its model in Lebanon in which two states are expected to coexist: A weak official state, usually elected, and a strong shadow state, unelected but holding the reigns of power through non-state militias that report to a cleric Supreme Leader. In Iran, the shadow state dictates routine elections. In Lebanon, Hezbollah always balances out the degree of dictation and the will of its oligarch allies. Since Hezbollah is allied with many oligarchs, and since many of them have competing interests, whenever there is a deadlock, the Iran-backed militia refrains from intervening," Mr Abdul-Hussain explained.

Main Drivers Of Conflict

Hezbollah's position as the dominant force in Lebanese politics shows no signs of weakening, despite economic pressures and dwindling financial resources due to cuts in Iranian funds and US sanctions. The U.S. considers Hezbollah not only a regional threat but a global one, labelling it a transnational criminal organization due to its extensive network of sleeper cells across continents.

However, the idea that Lebanon could see a significant shift away from Hezbollah's control seems unlikely. Mr Abdul-Hussain argues that the chances of a full-blown conflict between the LAF and Hezbollah are slim, as the army command has already ruled out initiating such a conflict due to the heavy human and political toll it would take. Instead, the focus remains on containing Hezbollah's influence within Lebanon through economic and political pressure.

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV 

"Two trends have been competing in Lebanon since its independence in 1948. The Christian-led bloc demands Lebanese regional neutrality and openness to the West. The Muslim-led bloc insists that Lebanon should be involved in regional conflicts, such as fighting for the liberation of Palestine. This fault line caused a civil war in 1975, which only ended when Muslims committed that Lebanon would become neutral. Hezbollah never agreed to this arrangement and as it took over the country in 2008, has proven it," Mr Abdul-Hussain said.

Potential Full-Blown War With Israel

Ever since Hezbollah, and Iran, entered Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, frequent skirmishes along the Israel-Lebanon border have resulted in multiple deaths on both sides.

On August 25, Hezbollah and Israel both announced large-scale military operations against each other today. According to a statement from Hezbollah, "more than 320" Katyusha rockets were launched, targeting key Israeli military sites.

In response to the threat, the Israeli military initiated pre-emptive strikes on targets in Lebanon. The IDF announced these strikes early Sunday, stating that they had detected preparations by Hezbollah for "large-scale" attacks on Israeli territory. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were deployed to neutralise these threats, focusing on Hezbollah positions that posed an immediate danger to Israeli civilians.

But is Hezbollah, backed by Iran, ready for a full-scale battle with Israel, backed by the US?

"Lebanon will be destroyed and Iran will not enter the war. Iran will only fight if Israel goes after the Iranian nuclear facilities," Mr Abdul-Hussain claimed.

Mr Farsakh believes that the general Israeli population fears any escalation with Hezbollah given how the Israeli military is fighting Hamas, considering it is a group that is ten times smaller than Hezbollah in both personnel and equipment.

"Literally no one but Benjamin Netanyahu and his coalition want a regional war. Iran, Hezbollah, and the US are all doing their best to avert any escalation," he claimed. "But Netanyahu has been provoking both by killing very senior military and political figures in Iran and Lebanon. Particularly, military commanders with battle experience fighting in Syria. By eliminating enough of them, Israel would weaken Hezbollah's command and control structure as well as strategic capacity. Making a land invasion a bit less difficult for Israel. Netanyahu is trying to soften them up as much as possible before the inevitable ground war." 



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US Rappers' Trusted Aide Linked To Sex Trafficking In Ongoing Investigation

Hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy' Combs' chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, who was once described as his “right hand”, is now considered a “manipulator in chief”, sources close to the federal sex trafficking investigation have said.

Combs, 54, was indicted on Tuesday on three federal counts: sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Despite pleading not guilty, Combs remains in custody after a judge rejected his $50 million bail request, reported the NY Post.

The federal indictment accuses Combs of orchestrating a sex trafficking operation with the help of “certain employees”, including high-ranking supervisors. These employees allegedly facilitated sexual performances, referred to as “Freak Offs,” that involved sex workers and were organised to include “controlled substances, baby oil lubricant, extra linens, and lighting.” 

While the indictment does not name specific individuals, sources suggest Kristina Khorram, who has not been charged with any crime, may hold vital information about the operation. "If anybody is the gatekeeper, Kristina would know everything," a source told the NY Post. 

Earlier this year, federal raids at Combs' mansions uncovered narcotics and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. Investigators have reportedly obtained key evidence, including text messages and recordings, some allegedly implicating Khorram.

In 2021, Diddy publicly praised Khorram, posting on Facebook that the 37-year-old has been his “right hand for the last 8 years” and has “consistently proven to execute and get s**t done”. “Don't know how I'd function without her,” he wrote.

However, allegations against Kristina Khorram have surfaced in a separate lawsuit filed by rapper Lil Rod (real name Rodney Jones) in February 2024. In his suit, Khorram is compared to Ghislaine Maxwell, the notorious aide of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and is accused of “ordering sex workers and prostitutes” for Combs.

The lawsuit also claims Khorram required Combs' household staff to carry a “fanny pack” filled with various drugs, including cocaine, GHB and ecstasy, to satisfy the hip-hop star's drug habits.

Lil Rod's lawsuit also states that Khorram “knowingly and intentionally participated in, perpetrated, assisted and facilitated a sex-trafficking venture,” and alleges she was instrumental in organising Combs' alleged “Freak Off” events. According to the suit, another employee, Stevie J, was recruited to help find sex workers for these parties.

Diddy's legal team has denied all allegations, dismissing Lil Rod's claims as fabrications. A source suggested that Khorram might choose to cooperate with federal authorities. “At least if she's smart, she will be,” the source added. 



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Gambhir Presser Live: India Coach's Big Take On "Best Bowler" Bumrah

India vs Bangladesh 1st Test, Gautam Gambhir Pre-Match Press Conference, Live Updates: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has hinted that youngsters like Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan are unlikely to be picked for the 1st Test against Bangladesh. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Gambhir insisted that the two might have to wait a bit for playing time in the Test team. Gambhir also highlighted the importance of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who according to him is the best bowler in the world. As a cricket crazy nation, India has been obsessed with batters for too long, felt Gambhir. However, Gambhir expressed his delight over the fact that the people have started appreciating bowlers too.

Here are the Live Updates of Gautam Gambhir's pre-match press conference, straight from Chennai:



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Tuesday, September 17, 2024

US Boy, 11, Arrested After Bragging About His Weapons And "Kill List"

An 11-year-old boy in the US who allegedly bragged about his massive cache of weapons and plans to execute a "kill list" at two different schools has been arrested. In a Facebook post on Monday, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said that deputies seized a bunch of airsoft rifles, pistols and fake ammunition along with knives, swords and other weapons after the 11-year-old, identified as Carlo "Kingston" Dorelli, showed a video of his armoury to classmates and threatened violence. "He had written a list of names and targets. He says it was all a joke," Mr Chitwood wrote.

For his actions, the sheriff slapped the 11-year-old with a felony charge for a written threat of mass shooting. The sheriff's department shared a video of officers leading the boy into the jailhouse with handcuffs on his wrists and ankles. It also shared his mugshot along with a photo of replica rifles, samurai swords and throwing stars displayed on a table, drug-bust style.

"I can and will release the names and photos of juveniles who are committing these felonies, threatening our students, disrupting our schools and consuming law enforcement resources," Mr Chitwood wrote on Facebook. 

Take a look at the post below:

According to the New York Post, Dorelli's arrest comes days after the Sheriff vowed to "perp-walk" kids who make prank threats amid a flood of bogus tips in the wake of the deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia that left four dead.

"Every time we make an arrest, your kid's photo is going to be put out there...We're gonna come and get you. We're going to put you out for public embarrassment." Mr Chitwood said in a press conference last week. 

Also Read | Amazon Tells Staff To Be Back In The Office Five Days A Week

Notably, a 14-year-old boy has been charged with shooting four people dead at Apalachee High School in the southern state of Georgia earlier this month. This incident prompted US President Joe Biden to call for a complete ban on assault weapons.

Speaking at an event, Mr Biden said, "I'd like to say a few words about the school shooting yesterday. As a nation, we cannot continue to accept the carnage of gun violence. I'm a gun owner. I believe strongly in the amendment. We need more than thoughts and prayers," CNN quoted the president as saying.



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Monday, September 16, 2024

Opinion: BJP Faces Three Big Challenges In Haryana

Latest and Breaking News on NDTV

With the final date for nominations closing in Haryana, frenzied campaigning has begun in the state, which will vote on October 5. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is grappling with a triple anti-incumbency situation and is fighting an uphill battle in an election where the Congress is considered the favourite to win.

Although trends in both Lok Sabha and assembly elections are not favourable for the BJP, the 2024 general elections demonstrate that no election in India is a foregone conclusion until the last vote is counted.

As of September 12, there were 1,745 candidates in the fray - about 20 per seat - with the final date for withdrawal set for September 16. The ticket distribution has sparked rebellion, particularly within the BJP, while the Congress has faced less dissent. Many candidates who were denied tickets have filed nominations as independents. The BJP has replaced 15 MLAs, while Congress has not re-nominated three.

With five main parties contesting - Congress, BJP, Indian National Lok Dal-Bahujan Samaj Party, Jannayak Janta Party-Azad Samaj Party, and Aam Aadmi Party-approximately 15 candidates from smaller parties and independents have filed their papers. Over the next few days, parties will attempt to persuade rebels to withdraw their nominations.

Haryana is experiencing several competing and parallel trends. No party has won a third consecutive term in the state since its inception in 1966. However, the BJP, which replaced its Chief Minister just before the general elections, has never lost an election when employing this strategy - evident in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Tripura.

The BJP faces anti-incumbency on three fronts: the central government, the state government and Chief Minister, and local MLAs.

The first level of anti-incumbency partially manifested in the general elections. Discontent among voters arose from the mishandling of farmers' protests. 61% of farmers (up 20 percentage points, or pp) supported the INDIA bloc, with many belonging to the influential Jat community, exacerbating the party's troubles.

Women were displeased with the BJP's inaction against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh despite sexual harassment charges by wrestlers. As many as 49% of women (up 20 pp) voted against the BJP. Notably, 20% of the Olympic team representing India in Paris hailed from Haryana.

Youth protests against the new Agniveer Scheme of the armed forces went unaddressed by the BJP. 11% of soldiers in the Indian army come from Haryana, and 47% of voters aged 18-25 years supported the INDIA bloc.

These issues led to significant losses for the BJP in Haryana. The party, which won all 10 seats in 2019, saw its tally dropping to five seats in 2024, with the Congress winning the other five. The BJP's vote share decreased by 12 pp, while Congress gained 16 pp. The BJP led in 44 assembly segments (down 35 from 2019), while the INDIA bloc led in 46 (up 36).

State Level Anti-Incumbency

The second level of anti-incumbency is directed at the Chief Minister and state government. The BJP replaced Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar just six months before the state polls. Khattar was the face of the BJP's anti-dominant caste politics strategy, which had previously succeeded in Maharashtra and Jharkhand after the 2014 victory.

However, the party nominated OBC Nayab Singh Saini instead of someone from the Jat community, failing to placate the influential caste. Haryana has one of the highest unemployment rates in India, according to CMIE, and an inflation rate of 4.12% for August 2024, compared to the all-India average of 3.65%. Unemployment and price rises were top issues in the 2024 general elections.

The Congress has criticised the BJP government for a significant rise in crime. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report for 2022 shows a troubling 17.6% increase in criminal cases, totalling 2.43 lakh cases. Haryana, after Delhi, has the second-highest number of crimes against women in the country.

Local MLA Anti-Incumbency

The third level of anti-incumbency is against the local MLAs. In state elections, the local candidate is crucial, as 36% of voters considered this the primary factor in the 2014 state polls, according to a CSDS post-poll study.

To address this, the BJP has dropped 15 MLAs and changed the seats for three others, including the Chief Minister, resulting in a 37% denial/replacement ratio. New candidates have been fielded in 57 seats, nearly two-thirds of the assembly, to dilute local anti-incumbency.

Haryana has a history of punishing incumbent MLAs. In the 2019 state elections, the BJP repeated 34 of its 47 sitting MLAs, and half of them lost. The Congress repeated all its MLAs, with half also losing. Out of the 49 repeated MLAs by Congress and BJP, half lost their elections.

Another worrisome trend for the BJP is its tendency to lose seats and vote share in state elections held after general elections. In Haryana, BJP led in 52 assembly segments in the 2014 general elections, which dropped to 47 in the state polls held six months later. In 2019, the party led in 79 assembly segments, which fell to 40 in the state polls. Its Lok Sabha vote share of 58% reduced to 37% in state polls.

The Congress is currently favoured to win Haryana according to initial surveys. However, with elections becoming increasingly complex and pollsters having struggled in both the 2023 state and 2024 general elections, no election in India is a sure thing until the last vote is counted. BJP supporters hope for an upset similar to the 2023 results in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh or a hung verdict due to smaller parties' influence. A fascinating contest is on the horizon.

(Amitabh Tiwari is a political strategist and commentator. In his earlier avatar, he was a corporate and investment banker.)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author



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Sunday, September 15, 2024

"Women Judges Need To Be Tougher Because...": Justice Hima Kohli To NDTV

Justice Hima Kohli (retired), who has always been vocal about women's rights and is considered a tough judge, recently retired from the Supreme Court. In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Justice Kohli spoke on a range of issues from her long experience in the legal profession.

"Women judges need to be tougher because they face more difficulties in the judiciary. It was very difficult to become a woman judge back in the 1980s. Women also face many difficulties in advocacy," Justice Kohli told NDTV.

She was the ninth woman judge in the history of the Supreme Court, and the first woman judge in the Delhi High Court.

Justice Kohli has been known as a tough judge, and has been part of many historic decisions, with a focus on women's rights.

Explaining some of the difficulties that women face, Justice Kohli said first and foremost they have to take care of family and children. "Why should only women judges run family courts, child welfare, etc? Women judges should get jurisdiction in other areas too... Gender bias as far as bench composition is concerned is absolutely abhorrent. They face problems in working on criminal cases... First-generation lawyers face the biggest challenge as they do not have any resources, office or anyone to handle files," she said.

"A woman choosing to be a lawyer was difficult in itself. While judicial officers had it easier to make it to the bench, going to the bench from the bar was more difficult for a woman lawyer," Justice Kohli told NDTV.

"How well you handle any situation could determine if you reach there. As a judge, I never had a problem with my colleagues. Senior peers were quite supportive," she said.

She asked the public to keep their trust in the Supreme Court as judges listen to their conscience. Though there have been controversial cases, it is only natural for judges to make mistakes sometimes as they are also human, Justice Kohli said.

She praised the use of virtual hearings as it has enabled justice to reach the homes of the common people directly.

On professionalism, Justice Kohli said it is important for judges to see everyone equally. "Whatever kind of relationship you have with someone outside, you should not cross the line. Mutual relations should not come in the way of work. As judges, we have to look only at the merit of the case and not the face," Justice Kohli said.
 
She pointed at the need for judges to be aware of what's happening in today's world and not to stay disconnected. "Judges should know the problems of the common people. While judges are not on social media, it is important to be aware of what's happening online," Justice Kohli said.

She said her advice to young lawyers would be to sit in court in their free time, or head to the library and not the canteen. "If there is no case, do not sit at home," she said.

Justice Kohli said she was fond of writing poetry, but had to keep some things on the backburner after becoming a judge, which she served for 18 years, as she had to spend a lot of time writing judgments.

She learnt gardening from her sister, and has been an avid music listener, but that gradually faded away after becoming a judge due to workload, Justice Kohli said, adding listening to music in the car was a rarity.



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Another Hit-And-Run In Mumbai, Teen Dead After Speeding Car Rams Bike

A 17-year-old boy died and another teenager was injured after a speeding car hit a bike from behind in Mumbai suburb Dahisar Friday evening. Police have registered a case under multiple sections of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, including causing death by negligence, and the Motor Vehicles Act. A search is on for the car that hit the bike.

The past few months have seen several deaths due to hit-and-run in the Maximum City and other cities in Maharashtra. Many of them turned out to be high-profile cases involving relatives of political leaders or businessmen, and luxury cars such as BMW or Porsche.

In the latest incident, Karan Rajput and his friend Aditya were riding from Dahisar to Kandivli on a two-wheeler. A speeding car hit the bike from behind, leaving the two teenagers seriously injured. They were rushed to a hospital, where Aditya died during treatment. Karan's condition is critical and he is being treated.

Police have registered a case under sections of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. The charges include death due to negligent act, putting human life at risk, and rash driving.

Police are now scanning footage of CCTV cameras on the route to identify the vehicle and track it down. A special team has been formed to handle the case.

According to preliminary information, the speeding car hit the bike from behind while overtaking. According to an official, the two teenagers were thrown off in opposite directions and crashed high on the ground. The victim, Aditya, suffered head injuries and was heavily bleeding when he was rushed to the hospital. He died soon after.



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"Tu Suicide Kar Le": Paralympian Navdeep Singh Shares Heartbreaking Tale

Competing in the men's javelin throw F41 category, India's Navdeep Singh clinched the gold medal in the Paris Paralympic Games. Once taunted for his condition (Dwarfism), Navdeep earned India its first-ever Paralympics medal in the F41 men's javelin throw category. Back home after his heroics in Paris, Navdeep has emerged as a celebrated figure, with even Prime Minister Narendra Modi singing his praises. In an interview, however, Navdeep shared a heartbreaking tale when asked about the motivation behind his performances.

Navdeep revealed that he was asked to commit suicide as he would not be able to do anything in life, because of his condition.

"Aapko kya lagta hai hume hausla kaha se aata hai? Jab wo bolte hain ki tu kuch nahi kar sakta. Isse acha to tu suicide kar le. Ye kya jeewan hai tera [Where do you think we get our courage from? When they say you can't do anything. It's better if you just commit suicide. What kind of life is this for you?]," Navdeep recalled, during Shubhankar Mishra's podcast.

Navdeep also paid tribute to his father who stood by him at every step, and motivated him to do well in life despite the challenges that he encountered.

"Shuruwat unhone karwai thi. Har jagah saath they [He was the one who got me started. He was with me every step of the way]," Navdeep said about his father, who sadly passed away before he could see his son make history on the global stage.

Navdeep was one of India's top performers in the Paris Paralympics, producing a distance of 47.32 meters in the final, that also had its share of controversy over the Iranian athlete's gesture.

Navdeep's gold medal performance isn't just an achievement for him and the country, but also a lesson for those who doubted his ability to succeed almost his entire life and pulled him down rather than giving him the courage to push for bigger things.

Helplines
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TISS iCall 022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)
(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.)


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