Did Arvind Kejriwal Ignore Rahul Gandhi During Hemant Soren's Oath Ceremony?

Claim: The video shows Arvind Kejriwal ignoring and not shaking hands with Rahul Gandhi during Hemant Soren's swearing-in ceremony on November 28.

Fact: The claim is false. The viral video is clipped. The extended version shows Kejriwal shaking hands with Rahul.

Hyderabad: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Soren was sworn in as Jharkhand chief minister on November 28, following the INDIA bloc's resounding victory in the State Assembly elections. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Ranchi's Morabadi Ground, was attended by prominent leaders of the INDIA Opposition alliance.

Notable attendees included the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav.

A video of the ceremony has been making rounds on social media, showing Arvind Kejriwal shaking hands with Congress leader and Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, seated beside Rahul Gandhi. The claim alleges that Kejriwal deliberately avoided shaking hands or acknowledging Rahul Gandhi.

A user on X shared the video and wrote, "Kejriwal did not shake hands with Rahul Gandhi...It is clear that AAP is not in the mood to give Congress any importance in the Delhi elections."

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim was false as the video was clipped. The extended version shows Kejriwal shaking hands with Rahul before Shivakumar.

We conducted a keyword search on X and came across two clips shared by a user. The first clip does not show Kejriwal shaking hands with Rahul Gandhi, while the second clearly shows them greeting each other and shaking hands before Shivakumar. (Archive)

🚨MISLEADING Video.

A misleading video was shared by @ANI without context. The trimmed clip falsely suggests @ArvindKejriwal Ignored a handshake with Rahul Gandhi.

Clipped Video Vs Full Video pic.twitter.com/ThIjOYNhW5

— Manu🇮🇳🇮🇳 (@mshahi0024) November 29, 2024

Following this lead, we searched for the swearing-in ceremony video on YouTube and found a live stream over three hours long on Jharkhand's government channel on November 28. At the 2:53:00-hour timestamp, the video shows Kejriwal, accompanied by his wife Sunita Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Raghav Chadha, being welcomed to the event by Soren's wife, Kalpana Soren. At the 2:56:00 timestamp, Kejriwal is seen stepping onto the stage, and at 2:56:06, he shakes hands with Rahul Gandhi, followed by DK Shivakumar. He then greets Mallikarjun Kharge and Mamata Banerjee with folded hands.

We also came across the swearing-in ceremony video published by Live Hindustan on November 28. In this video, Kejriwal was seen shaking hands with Rahul Gandhi at the 49:28-minute timestamp.

Hence, we conclude that the viral video has been clipped to mislead the public. The claim that Kejriwal ignored Rahul during Soren's swearing-in ceremony is false.

Claim Review: The video shows Arvind Kejriwal ignoring and not shaking hands with Rahul Gandhi during Hemant Soren's
swearing-in ceremony on November 28.

Claimed By: X

Claim Reviewed By: NewsMeter

Claim Source: X users

Claim Fact Check: False

Fact: The claim is false. The viral video is clipped. The extended version shows Kejriwal shaking hands with Rahul.

(This story was originally published by NewsMeter, and republished by NDTV as part of the Shakti Collective)

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Viral: Pak Groom Flaunts 35-Foot Wedding Garland As Gift From Brother

A Pakistani groom received a unique 35-foot garland created with currency notes of different denominations from his brother in the country's Bhakkar area. To prepare the wedding accessory, the groom's brother used around 2,000 notes amounting to around PKR 1 lakh (roughly Rs 30,000), The Daily Guardian reported.

It was crafted with 200 notes of PKR 75 and 1,700 of PKR 50 in the Kotla Jam area of Pakistan's Punjab region. The wedding gift became a subject of discussion after a video went viral on social media. The clip opens with a group of people carrying the garland at the venue.

Besides the currency notes, it also included flowers and colourful ribbons. As the groom walked in, two people were seen cautiously placing the garland around his neck and then clicking photographs.

The viral video was shared by many on X and Instagram, drawing mixed reactions from social media users.

“Anything can happen in Pakistan,” wrote a person on Instagram, while another one quipped, "He's wearing the entire country's GDP”.

This was not the first time when the video of a man wearing a massive garland went viral. Earlier, a groom was seen wearing an impressive 30-foot garland also made entirely with currency notes.

The video was shared on Instagram from FHM Pakistan. The caption of the video read, "A Punjabi groom recently went viral for donning an impressive 30-foot garland made entirely of rupee notes worth Rs. 500,000 at his wedding".

In India, not too long ago, a groom was seen chasing a thief, who allegedly stole a currency note or two from his wedding garland. The UP groom even climbed a moving mini-truck to catch the thief.

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New Gen Honda Amaze Revealed Ahead Of Launch In Leaked Pics

Honda Cars India seems to be parading around the third-generation Amaze ahead of its launch. This is giving the enthusiasts an opportunity to take a look at the details of the upcoming compact sedan even before its official launch. To share this opportunity with others, they have been sharing pictures of the upcoming car on the internet. Credits to one such enthusiast Car Holic 14, we have got fresh pictures of the new-gen Amaze with camouflage revealing exterior as well as interior details.

Based on the most recent pictures, the 2025 Honda Amaze will have a completely new design. This consists of bold looking sleek headlamps complementing the grille of the vehicle which gets a 'H' badge and chrome up top. Adding to this, the car gets a newly designed bumper housing the newly designed fog lamp contributing to its contemporary appeal. Furthermore, the car seems to have a bit of muscular look on its clamshell bonnet.

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Along with this, the brand has added new alloy wheels to the mix with a shark fin antenna on the top. Meanwhile, the rear-end of the vehicle also gets a new appeal. This comes in the form of new design for the tail lamps which are reminiscent of the City. The brand seems to have slightly tweaked the rear bumper as well.

The brand has made revisions on the inside as well. This iteration of the Honda Amaze will have dual-tone interiors with a slightly different layout. The other elements on the dashboard are: a bigger 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system which might support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and a semi-digital instrument cluster. The brand is likely to offer rear AC vents, wireless phone charger, sunroof, and more.

Under the hood, the third-generation Honda Amaze is likely to carry forward its 1.2-litre petrol engine. This unit is tuned to produce 90 hp of power and 110 Nm of peak torque. This power is transferred to the wheels using either a 5-speed manual or a CV. Chances are, the brand might also introduce a CNG powered variant of the car.

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Honda Unveils Activa e and QC1 Electric Scooters In India

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India has introduced its first electric scooters in the Indian market: the Activa e: and QC1. The Activa: e uses a swappable battery setup, while the QC1 has a fixed battery setup and relies on a charging cable to gain power. These are the Japanese automaker's 12th and 13th electric vehicles in the global market and contribute to the manufacturer's goal of launching 30 EVs globally.

Earlier, the brand announced plans to achieve carbon neutrality in all of its products while simultaneously moving toward the same goal in corporate activities in 2050. To further this goal, the brand will also work on electrifying motorcycles. The introduction of Activa e: and QC1 are the first models in the country to achieve this goal. Here are all the details of the new electric scooters.

Honda Activa e

Honda Activa e comes as a completely new model carrying forward the name of the popular ICE scooter. It not only takes the name of the scooter but also the body and frame of its ICE counterpart. However, the styling of the EV is completely different, following a rather minimalistic approach. This can be seen in the form of a slightly different look for the apron of the EV housing the LED headlamp with turn indicators on either side. The brand has added an LED DRL on the head of the vehicle. It seems to have a small floorboard with a long seat. The rear end of the bike has the "Activa e:" badge integrated into the tail lamp unit.

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Under the seat, the Activa e: gets a swappable battery setup housing two 1.5 kWh batteries. The power from these units is transferred to a wheel-side electric motor, which is rated to have a power output of 4.2 kW (5.6 bhp) of power. This output can be increased to a maximum of 6.0 kW (8 bhp). All of this can contribute to offering a range of 102 km on a single charge. The brand is also offering three riding modes: Standard, Sport, and Econ.

Honda QC1

The QC1 will be launched exclusively for the Indian market in the spring of 2025. Designed for short-distance travel, the scooter has design similarities with the Activa e: this can be seen in the form of the apron and the side panels of the vehicle. However, the head of the scooter is different with the absence of LED DRL.

The list of differences between QC1 and Activa e: further extends in the form of the powertrain setup. The QC1 comes with a fixed 1.5 kWh battery pack. It gets a dedicated charger that can be connected to the scooter via a socket placed over the floorboard. The power from the batter is transferred to the compact in-wheel motor, which is rated to have a power output of 1.2 kW (1.6 bhp) and 1.8 kW (2.4 bhp). All of this makes the EV capable of offering a range of 80 km.

The QC1 gets a 5-inch LCD instrument panel, which helps the rider interact with the EV by displaying crucial information. The EV also offers features like under-seat storage, USB Type-C socket, and more.

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US Universities Alert International Students On Trump Immigration Crackdown

Universities in the United States reportedly urged international students and staff to return to campus before President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. Several higher education institutes in the US reported that international students and staff members are feeling uncertain about their future amid concerns over his plans for mass deportation of immigrants, according to a report by BBC. 

US President-elect Trump, during the election campaign, pledged to enact the largest deportation operation in history and even enlist the help of the US military to actualize the operation. The Republican leader, who is set to take office on January 20, attempted to end the Obama-era programme shielding over half a million migrants who came to the US as children from deportation during his first presidency. 

"Students are incredibly overwhelmed and stressed out right now as a result of the uncertainty around immigration," BBC report quoted professor Chloe East of the University of Colorado, Denver as saying. 

"A lot of students have concerns about their visas and whether they'll be allowed to continue their education."

The University of Massachusetts, on November 5, issued a travel advisory to its international students, faculty and staff, asking them to "strongly consider" returning to campus from winter break before Mr Trump's inaugural on January 5. 

"Given that a new presidential administration can enact new policies on their first day in office (January 20), and based on previous experience with travel bans that were enacted in the first Trump Administration in 2016, the Office of Global Affairs is making this advisory out of an abundance of caution to hopefully prevent any possible travel disruption to members of our international community," the advisory said. 

"We are not able to speculate on what a travel ban will look like if enacted, nor can we speculate on what particular countries or regions of the world may or may not be affected," it added.

The Wesleyan University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have also reportedly issued travel advisories for international students and staff asking them to consider returning to the US before January 20.

At Yale University, a webinar was reportedly hosted by the Office of International Students and Scholars earlier this month to field concerns from students about potential immigration policy shifts. 

During his first week in the White House in 2017, he also signed an executive order banning nationals of several predominantly Muslim nations, as well as North Korea and Venezuela, from visiting the US. He also proposed several limitations on student visas.

An estimated 408,000 undocumented students are enrolled in US higher education, representing about 1.9 per cent of all postsecondary students, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.

Officials in Trump's incoming administration have reportedly indicated that they will build massive holding facilities for undocumented immigrants on the deportation list. The incoming President's Border Tsar Tom Homan has even said that the removal of violent criminals and national security threats from the US will take priority under the new administration. Mr Homan has, however, not allayed the concerns of immigrant students. 

According to Prof East, "uncertainty" is more in students from Asia, particularly China, in light of US-China relations under Mr Trump.

Talking to BBC, Aoi Maeda, an international student from Japan studying at Earlham College in Indiana, said, "I am planning to graduate in May 2026, but now that the administration is going to be a little bit more dangerous, I'm less hopeful about things going well."

"[Trump] claims that he is only interested in keeping illegal immigrants out of the country, but he also kind of tries to move the goal post a lot of times...I feel like us international students with a visa might get affected, and it'll become easier to deport us," Maeda continued.

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As nearly 500 players await their fate on Day 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 auction, some more twists and surprises are expected to be witnessed. The auction saw some big names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, etc. earn their deserved value while Venkatsh Iyer produced a big surprise as he was bought for Rs. 23.75 crore by Kolkata Knight Riders. Though not in the same category, some other players are also likely to turn heads when their names come on the auction table.

Which sets will begin action on Day 2 in IPL 2025 mega auction?

The second day's auction will begin with the Set 13 which would bring up capped batters for auction. Following the batters, the all-rounders (AL2), wicketkeeper (WK2), fast bowlers (FA2) and spinners (SP2), will be up for grabs. Then, player number 117 to 577 will be brough to the table in an accelerated auction.

What is Accelerated Auction?

In comparison to Day 1, the second day will see about 5 times the player being brought on the auction table. Hence, the speed with which the auction gets underway would need to be much faster. There would also be an accelerated phase where franchises will be told to pick 25 players whom they want to be named in the auction. Subsequently, franchises could be asked to prepare another similar list if they are to bring back any player who went unsold or wasn't named in the auction list until then.

Which top players can be bought on Day 2 of the auction?

Some of the top names yet to be brought into the auction include the likes of Faf du Plessis, Marco Jansen, Sam Curran, Deepak Chahar, Mustafizur Rahman, Krunal Pandya, Prithvi Shaw, Mukesh Kumar, Washington Sundar, etc.

How much money is left in the purses of each franchise?

Mumbai Indians: Rs. 26.1 crore
Kolkata Knight Riders: Rs. 10.5 crore
Chennai Super Kings: Rs. 15.6 crore
Rajasthan Royals: Rs. 17.35 crore
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rs. 30.65 crore
Delhi Capitals: Rs. 13.8 crore
Gujarat Titans: Rs. 17.5crore
Lucknow Super Giants: Rs. 14.85 crore
Punjab Kings: Rs. 22.5 crore
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Rs. 5.5 crore

What time will the Day 2 of the IPL mega auction start?

The second day's action will start at 3:30 PM IST in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

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Pam Bondi, Donald Trump Pick For Top Lawyer, Got Sued For "Stealing" A Dog

US President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, was once at the centre of a legal dispute over a dog named Tank, whose story continues to draw attention. The saga began in 2005 when Tank, a St. Bernard, was separated from his Louisiana owners, Steve and Dorreen Couture, during Hurricane Katrina. Tank was later taken to the Pinellas Humane Society in Florida, where Ms Bondi, a prominent animal rights advocate, adopted him and renamed him Noah.

Ms Bondi, who served as Florida's attorney general, was known for her active support of animal rights, even promoting causes like the 2018 Florida ballot measure to ban dog racing. But her involvement with Tank stirred controversy, especially when the dog's original owners tracked him down in 2006.

Ms Bondi argued that Tank had been seriously neglected by the Coutures, citing medical issues like heartworms that had severely affected the dog's health. “He was dying from heartworms. They had filled his heart,” she told The St. Petersburg Times. “I took a dog who was a walking skeleton. That's what was wrong with him before the hurricane.”

The Coutures denied these allegations, claiming that the heartworm condition was long-standing, and sought to reclaim their pet. In response, Ms Bondi insisted that she was providing a better environment for Tank. “If I thought I was sending him to a stable environment, where he would be cared for, as hard as it would be, I'd put him in my car and drive him back myself,” she said.

The dispute escalated into a legal battle, which lasted for 16 months and became widely covered by major news outlets.

The case ultimately settled before trial, with the details of the agreement remaining private. Ms Bondi eventually returned Tank to the Coutures, along with supplies of food and medication, but their relationship quickly soured. 

Doreen Couture was frustrated with the situation, particularly Ms Bondi's promises. “It was a burden, it really was,” she told The St. Petersburg Times in 2010. “Financially, emotionally, it was a really rough time.” She further criticised Ms Bondi, saying, “Why should I? She stole my dog… She has no compassion at all.”

Despite the settlement, Ms Bondi's reputation regarding the incident remained largely unaffected. In her successful 2010 campaign for Florida attorney general, she declared that the matter had been resolved and claimed she was widely supported by animal rights activists. 

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"100% Not True": Jeff Bezos' Response To Elon Musk's Big US Election Claim

Jeff Bezos has reacted to Elon Musk's claim that the Amazon founder had advised people to sell their Tesla and SpaceX stocks because he expected Donald Trump to lose the US election. Musk, who is the CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX, posted on Thursday that he "just learned that at Mar-a-Lago Jeff Bezos was telling everyone Donald Trump would lose for sure, so they should sell their Tesla and SpaceX stock". Hours later, Mr Bezos responded to the tweet, refuting the claim. 

"Nope. 100% not true," the billionaire, who also owns The Washington Post and aerospace giant Blue Origin, wrote. "Well, then, I stand corrected," Elon Musk replied with a laughing face emoji.

Well, then, I stand corrected 😂

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 21, 2024

Notably, Jeff Bezos' tweet is his first since November 6 when he broke his four-month silence on the microblogging platform to congratulate Donald Trump. "Big congratulations to our 45th and now 47th President on an extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory. No nation has bigger opportunities. Wishing @realDonaldTrump all success in leading and uniting the America we all love," he tweeted. 

Meanwhile, before this, Mr Bezos made headlines after The Washington Post decided to stop making presidential endorsements. According to Deadline, the publication had planned to endorse Kamala Harris. Mr Bezos said that the action was necessary to help restore trust in the media.

However, after facing criticism over non-endorsement, the Amazon boss explained in an op-ed article that presidential endorsements created the "perception of bias" and did not "tip the scales" of an election.

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"No undecided voters in Pennsylvania are going to say, 'I'm going with Newspaper A's endorsement'. None," Mr Bezos wrote. "What presidential endorsements actually do is create a perception of bias. A perception of non-independence. Ending them is a principled decision, and it's the right one," he added. 

Elon Musk, on the other hand, reportedly spent more than $100 million to boost Donald Trump's election bid. Now, Mr Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy have been appointed by the president-elect to lead an effort called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to remake the federal government and provide guidance for massive cuts.

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Canada rolled back its standard operating procedures for extra screening of travellers flying to India, days after the move was implemented "out of abundance of caution".

The revised measures, that come amid souring ties between India and Canada, mandating that travellers to India will not be subject to extra screening.

Canada's Transport Minister Anita Anand on Monday, had earlier said that the "temporary additional security screening measures" may cause passengers some delays.

The back-and-forth comes at a time a diplomatic crisis plagues India-Canada ties after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused "agents" of Delhi of being involved" in the killing of Khalistani terrorist and Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing in Vancouver in June last year. He claimed "credible information" had been shared with intelligence partners, including the US.

The Canadian government expelled Indian diplomats and in a tit-for-tat move, New Delhi expelled Canadian Charge d'Affaires Stewart Wheeler and five other diplomats.

"I think it is obvious the Government of India made a fundamental error in thinking they could engage in supporting criminal activity against Canadians, here on Canadian soil. Whether it be murders or extortion or other violent acts, it is absolutely unacceptable," Mr Trudeau said.

Nijjar - the mastermind behind banned terror outfit Khalistan Tiger Force - was on Delhi's list of 'most wanted' terrorists for multiple crimes, including the murder of Hindu priest in Punjab. Anti-terror agency NIA had offered a Rs 10 lakh reward for information leading to his capture.

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US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Linda McMahon, 76, a former professional wrestling executive, to lead the Education Department. The decision brings attention back to Trump's long-standing ties with Linda and her husband, Vince McMahon. In the late 1980s, Trump sponsored WWE WrestleMania IV and WrestleMania V, held at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, NJ.

One of his most memorable moments came during WrestleMania 23 in 2007. During their ‘Battle of Billionaires,' Trump shaved Vince McMahon's head after a staged feud. This spectacle was the culmination of a fabricated rivalry between the two, which played out dramatically on April 1, 2007.

The feud began in January 2007 when Trump, in true showmanship style, dropped thousands of dollars in cash on the audience during an episode of Raw.

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The animosity built up to the “Battle of the Billionaires” at WrestleMania 23 in Detroit. Each billionaire chose a professional wrestler to represent them — Trump selected Bobby Lashley while McMahon backed Umaga. The two men agreed the loser would have their head shaved in the ring.

Though the heavy lifting in the ring was done by the wrestlers, Trump and McMahon, both in their sixties at the time, engaged in some physical antics of their own. Lashley secured the win for Trump, and Vince McMahon had to get his hair shaved by the man who would eventually become US President.

Watch the video here:

The dramatic showdown wasn't just a wrestling spectacle - it was a moment that strengthened Trump's entertainment persona, eventually earning him a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame.

The Trump-McMahon showdown was a highlight of the 23rd edition of the WWE extravaganza, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 80,103 fans at Ford Field, surpassing the then-previous record of 78,129 set during the 2003 college BasketBowl between Michigan State and Kentucky.

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Gavaskar Says Rishabh Pant Left DC Due To Money, He Gives Fiery Response

Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, arguably the most sought-after name in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, has confirmed that he didn't leave Delhi Capitals because of a disagreement with the franchise over his retention fee. Pant's reaction came after India batting great Sunil Gavaskar suggested that the wicket-keeper batter likely left the franchise due to a disagreement over his retention fee. But, Pant confirmed that it wasn't the case.

In a video shared by Star Sports ahead of the IPL 2025 auction, Gavaskar stressed that top players sometimes decide to leave their franchises to understand their true value in the auction. Suggesting that Pant's case was the same, Gavaskar expects the stumper to be targeted by Delhi once again in the auction.

"Delhi would certainly want Rishabh Pant back in the squad. Sometimes when a player is to be retained, there is talk between the player and franchise about the fees that is expected. As you can see, some of the players who have been retained by the franchise, they've gone for more than what the No. 1 retention fee would've been. Maybe there was some disagreement over there (fees).

"My feeling is Delhi would definitely want Pant back because they need a captain as well. If Rishabh Pant is not in their squad then they have to look for a new captain," the Indian cricket legend said in the video.

My retention wasn't about the money for sure that I can say

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) November 19, 2024

Reacting to the video, Pant said his departure from the franchise wasn't about money.

"My retention wasn't about the money for sure that I can say," Rishabh Pant said in his reply to the post on X, formerly Twitter.

Pant is expected to have all 10 franchises after him. However, the purse balance of franchises suggests that he is likely to join one of Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants or Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Even a return to DC can't be ruled out yet.

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Vivo S20 Series Pre-Reservations Begin as Vivo S20 With Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 Surfaces on Geekbench

Vivo has opened pre-orders for the new S series via its official online store in China. The online listing confirms the rear design of the Vivo S20 family. The lineup is expected to include the base Vivo S20 and Vivo S20 Pro models, as a successor to the Vivo S19 and Vivo S19 Pro, respectively. Meanwhile, the vanilla Vivo S20 has been spotted on Geekbench benchmarking...

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Asus ROG Phone 9 Achieves Highest AnTuTu Benchmark Score to Date Ahead of Global Launch

Asus ROG Phone 9 series is set for its global launch today (Tuesday), nearly a month after being officially announced. Ahead of its imminent debut, the AnTuTu benchmark scores of the ROG Phone 9 have been revealed and it is claimed to have achieved the highest numbers of any smartphone to date. It also details information about the ROG Phone 9’s various specificatio...

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Explained: Why Saudi Arabia Executed Over 100 Foreigners This Year

Saudi Arabia executed 101 foreigners in 2024, the largest number of people put to death in a single year in the kingdom's history. The figure represents nearly three times the number of foreigners executed in 2023 and 2022 (34 each year).

Human rights organisations have accused the kingdom of an unprecedented escalation in its use of the death penalty.

Drug-related offences drove many of these deaths. Of the 92 executions linked to drug crimes this year, 69 involved foreign nationals.

"Foreigners are the most vulnerable group," Taha al-Hajji, the legal director of the European-Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR), was quoted as saying by the news agency AFP. "They are often victims of major drug dealers and subjected to a series of violations from the moment of their arrest until their execution."

As the number of executions continues to rise, families of those on death row are left in constant fear.

"Families of foreign nationals on death row are understandably terrified that their loved one will be next," said Jeed Basyouni from the anti-death penalty group Reprieve.

He called the situation an "unprecedented execution crisis."

According to AFP, foreigners executed this year included 21 from Pakistan, 20 from Yemen, 14 from Syria, 10 from Nigeria, nine from Egypt, eight from Jordan and seven from Ethiopia. There were also three each from Sudan, India and Afghanistan, and one each from Sri Lanka, Eritrea and the Philippines.

The kingdom has been under increasing scrutiny for its use of the death penalty, with international organisations such as Amnesty International citing Saudi Arabia as the third-largest executor of prisoners worldwide, behind China and Iran.

The high number of executions this year contradicts claims of Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who, in a 2022 interview with The Atlantic, said the kingdom had abolished the death penalty, except for cases involving murder or individuals posing a threat to many lives.

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Redmi K80 Pro Spotted on Geekbench With Snapdragon 8 Elite Chipset; Full Specifications Leak

Redmi K80 series is rumoured to launch in China soon. Ahead of its anticipated debut, a new listing on a benchmarking platform suggests that the purported Pro model could be powered by Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon processor.

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No Communication From Gambhir? India Star Breaks Silence On Australia Snub

With the highly anticipated five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia set to commence on November 22 at Perth, Indian cricketer Shardul Thakur has expressed confidence in Virat Kohli's ability to deliver in the series despite recent struggles. Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have faced scrutiny for their inconsistent form during the New Zealand tour, managing a combined 184 runs across six innings. As fans and experts debate their place in the Test side, Thakur believes Kohli's stellar record and experience in Australia will prove invaluable.

Thakur shed light on the immense pressure that Kohli faces, emphasising the high expectations surrounding the star batter. "With playing, criticism will always come. When Virat bats, we tend to expect him to score a century every time. So, even if he scores 70 runs, it feels like he has failed, but the reality is, he has still scored 70 runs. He has made so many centuries; after Sachin Tendulkar, he is the one with the most centuries in the world," Thakur told IANS after finishing the third day's play in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Services at the Air Force ground at Palam here on Friday.

Thakur further highlighted Kohli's outstanding performances in Australia over the years, where the former Indian captain has accumulated over 600 runs in 13 Tests at an average exceeding 50.

“Everyone knows, deep down, how well Virat plays in Australia. He has everything — whether it's technique or the right approach — to succeed on the Australian tour. He has proven it time and again whenever he has toured Australia, and I am confident he will do it again this time. He will be back don't worry,” Thakur asserted confidently.

Thakur himself has been on a determined journey of recovery and improvement. Returning from surgery, Shardul delivered a match-winning performance in Mumbai's Elite Group A clash against Services. He picked up a total of seven wickets across both innings, with standout figures of 12-0-39-3 in the third day's play. His early strikes had Services reeling at 60/3 by lunch, and Mumbai closed in on a potential outright victory, bolstered by Thakur's efforts.

Reflecting on his comeback, Thakur admitted to initial hesitation after his surgery. "In the initial one or two matches, I had a bit of hesitation while starting, but as I kept playing matches post-surgery, my confidence gradually developed. Now, I have achieved 100% fitness, and it's reflected in my bowling as well. In the past three or four matches, I have been bowling in full rhythm.

"Although quite a few catches were dropped, so the wickets aren't reflecting on the board. If those catches were taken, I would have had around 20 wickets in five matches. But that's part and parcel of the game. Overall, I'm feeling quite good in terms of fitness and bowling. It's a satisfying feeling, I would say," said Thakur.

Despite his impressive domestic performance, Thakur was overlooked for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. However, he remains optimistic about future opportunities, particularly with a packed schedule that includes Australia's tour, England's white-ball matches in India, and the Champions Trophy.

"I haven't had any communication yet. But right now, I have just returned from surgery, so it's obvious that's the reason I am not on the team at the moment. However, my fitness is in great shape now, and since the Australia tour is a long one, opportunities can come anytime.

"Following that, the England team is also coming to India for white-ball matches, then there's the Champions Trophy, so there's a lot of cricket ahead. So, there will surely be chances somewhere down the line. My only focus at the moment is to further improve my fitness, work harder on my bowling, and always give 100% when I step onto the ground," said Thakur.

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

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In Karnataka Horror, Woman Accused Of Sex Work, Beaten By Neighbours

A woman and a young girl were allegedly assaulted by their neighbours in Karnataka's Belagavi and her clothes were torn on suspicion that they were into prostitution. The incident was reported from Vaddarawadi. According to the police complaint, the girl had been living in the locality for four years.

A family living nearby has alleged that the girl's family indulged in prostitution. The accused had barged inside her residence, dragged her and a young girl outside, and assaulted them.

The attackers claimed that strangers frequented their house, police stated.

The neighbours, while assaulting the two, had torn the clothes of the woman in public and recorded it on mobile phones.

When the woman approached the police station, officials allegedly refused to take her complaint for two days. She then approached the Belagavi Police Commissioner and demanded security citing threat to her life.

Following the instruction from the Police Commissioner, the local police lodged a case against three persons on Friday night. The police have started the investigation and are preparing to question the accused.

A similar incident was reported from Belagavi last December. On December 10, 2023, a 42-year-old woman was dragged outside her home, stripped naked, and paraded. She was then tied to an electric pole and assaulted, reportedly because her son had eloped with a girl from the village.

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Woman Abuses Bengaluru Auto Driver Over Ride Cancellation, Cops React

A video of a heated argument between a female passenger and an auto driver in Bengaluru has sparked a debate online. The clip, going viral on X, shows the auto driver confronting the woman after she allegedly booked two autos simultaneously on different apps and cancelled one at the last minute. The woman, however, denies the allegation, leading to a dramatic exchange between the two. She seems agitated and resorts to using abusive language. At one point, she even tries to throw a punch at the auto driver, asking him to leave. 

The whole incident was captured on camera by the autorickshaw driver. The video shows the auto driver asking the woman why she booked two autos simultaneously on two different apps. "I have been waiting here for a long time and you have now cancelled and got into another auto. What are you doing with auto drivers?" he is heard asking. 

ಪ್ರಯಾಣಿಕರು ಚಾಲಕನಿಗೆ ಈ ರೀತಿಯಾಗಿ ಅಸಭ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಅವಾಚ್ಯ ಪದಗಳನ್ನು ಕಾನೂನಾತ್ಮಕವಾಗಿ ಬಳಸುವುದು ಎಷ್ಟು ಸರಿ.??@BlrCityPolice @blrcitytraffic @ITBTGoK @PMOIndia @tdkarnataka @tv9kannada @CMofKarnataka @DCPNEBCP @DgpKarnataka @prajavani @DgpKarnataka @News18Kannada @NewsFirstKan @PoliceBangalore pic.twitter.com/0WqtdpRYEy

— pavan kumar (@pavanku51441725) November 14, 2024

In response, the woman denies booking his auto via Ola. She insists that she only booked one auto after comparing prices on different apps. The driver, however, claims that she had booked his auto via Ola and then cancelled it in favour of a Rapido ride. The woman then uses abusive language and tries throwing a punch at the auto driver, while asking the other driver to start the ride. 

"I did not book two autos. Why are you harassing me? I just checked prices in two different autos and booked one. If you get a call, then it is an app problem. Please leave and do not harass me," the woman says. 

Also Read | Watch: Scammer Pretending To Be Mumbai Police Officer Calls Real Cop, This Happens Next

The incident prompted Bengaluru City Police to react. Commenting on the post, the cops asked for the location of the incident. "Please DM your contact number and mention place of incident," Bengaluru City Police said. 

Please DM your contact number and mention place of incident.

— ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು ನಗರ ಪೊಲೀಸ್‌ BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) November 14, 2024

Meanwhile, the video has gone viral on X. Reacting to the clip, one user wrote, "When a company gives a cancellation feature in its app, why blame customers for using that? Blame drivers, too, when they cancel. Or let the company collect booking charges and give them to the other party. If auto guys were listening to customers, Ola/Uber would not have flourished."

"While canceling an auto ride is not an offense, using such words and hitting someone is. I hope the police investigate this and take appropriate action soon," commented another. 

"The app has cancellation feature. Every rider has right to cancel rides. The auto driver has any issues , he can check with the service provider. The driver can delete the app as a protest . Confronting a non-Kannad girl in the middle of the road is not ethical," expressed a third user.

"This is a common practice in bangalore. People start booking on multiple apps because either there are no drivers or drivers cancel. They get cancelation fee. Take it and move on to the next ride. No reason to harass anyone," said another. 

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In Haryana, 1,500 Kg Buffalo Eats 20 Eggs A Day. It Is Worth Rs 23 Crore

A buffalo in Haryana, valued at Rs 23 crore, is making waves at agricultural fairs across India. The buffalo, named Anmol, weighs 1,500 kg and has been the centre of attention at events such as the Pushkar Mela and the All-India Farmers' Fair in Meerut, according to a Times Of India report. Known for its size, pedigree, and breeding potential, Anmol has become a social media sensation as well.

Anmol's luxurious lifestyle comes at a high cost. Its owner, Gill, spends around Rs 1,500 daily on the buffalo's diet, which includes a mix of dry fruits and high-calorie foods to maintain Anmol's health and strength. The menu has 250 grams of almonds, 30 bananas, 4 kg of pomegranates, 5 kg of milk and 20 eggs. It also enjoys oil cake, green fodder, ghee, soybeans and corn. This specialised diet ensures that Anmol is always prepared for exhibitions and breeding.

Anmol's health is also maintained through daily grooming. The buffalo is bathed twice a day. A special mixture of almond and mustard oil keeps its coat glossy and healthy. Despite the considerable expense, Gill is dedicated to providing the best care for Anmol, even if it meant selling the buffalo's mother and sister in the past to cover the costs. Anmol's mother was known for producing 25 litres of milk per day.

While Anmol's impressive size and diet play a big part in its value, it is the buffalo's role in cattle breeding that truly drives its worth. Anmol's semen, collected twice a week, is in high demand among breeders. Each extraction is valued at Rs 250 and can be used to breed hundreds of cattle. The steady income from semen sales generates Rs 4-5 lakh monthly, helping Gill manage the significant expenses of maintaining the buffalo.

Despite several lucrative offers to sell Anmol at its Rs 23 crore valuation, Gill sees Anmol as a family member and has no intention of parting with it.

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HMD Pulse 2 Pro Render, Specifications Leak Ahead of Launch; May Sport Unisoc T612 SoC, 5,000mAh Battery

HMD's Pulse 2 Pro could be inching towards the launch as its key specifications and render have surfaced online. The alleged official render shows the handset in green with a square-shaped camera island at the rear. The upcoming handset is tipped to feature Unisoc T612 SoC under the hood and could pack a 5,000mAh battery with 20W fast charging support.

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"Hot, Hot, Hot Candidate": Ex-Pak Star Picks Gambhir's Successor As Ind Coach

Former Pakistan cricket team star Basit Ali believes that VVS Laxman has established himself as a 'hot' contender to become the next India coach following the win over South Africa in the third T20I encounter on Wednesday. Laxman is currently the coach for the side in South Africa as Gautam Gambhir has travelled to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The team management decided to send Tilak Varma to bat at No.3 in the place of Suryakumar Yadav in the third T20I and the decision proved to be a good one as the youngster slammed a century. Basit Ali said that these decisions attract a lot of attention and it has now placed Laxman in a good position to succeed Gambhir.

"VVS (Laxman) taught me a thing today. He is the next hot, hot, hot candidate for coaching. He did not send Suryakumar to bat at No. 3 as he wanted to maintain the left-right combination. If Australia tour does not go well for Gambhir, VVS has emerged as a strong option. The decision to not send Surya at No. 3 is one of those calls that attract attention and end up changing matches," he said on YouTube.

Coming to the match, Tilak Varma's spectacular maiden century stayed above Marco Jansen's stunning late assault as India notched a thrilling 11-run win over South Africa in the third T20I.

India now lead the four-match series 2-1. Tilak's brilliant effort (107, 56b, 8x4, 7x6) carried India to 219 for six but Jansen (54, 17b, 4x4, 5x6) made runs at a strike-rate of 317 to nearly trump the Indian batter's knock.

South Africa ended up at 208 for seven.

But the contest looked set for a lop-sided finish once the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen (41) fell with 53 runs needed off the last 14 balls in the chase of 220.

But Jansen's first T20I fifty brought South Africa to the brink of turning the tables on India.

However, Arshdeep Singh (3/37) trapped Jansen leg-before with three balls left in the game to seal the fate in favour of India.

Jansen's late charge and Klaasen's 22-ball blitz were the only bright spots in South Africa's reply after Verma's sensational unbeaten 107 powered India after being invited to bat.

(With PTI inputs)

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Pakistan Government Takes Firm Stance On Champions Trophy, PCB Told To...

The impasse over the ICC Champions Trophy's model continues after the Pakistan government has reportedly asked the board not to shift any game outside the country. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently informed the International Cricket Council (ICC) of the Indian government's decision to not send its team across the border. However, Pakistan also remained determined to not let a single match go outside the country, having won the rights to organise the entire tournament at home.

The PCB had sought assistance from the Pakistan government on the matter. A report in Indian Express has now claimed that the Pakistan government has refused to allow a single game to be taken outside the country.

"We have been told by our government not to move any game out of Pakistan, and that will be our stand when the time comes. Right now, the ICC has just informed us about India's decision. We have the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy so there is no way we can move the games outside Pakistan," a PCB official told the paper on condition of anonymity.

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali also confirmed the same during a video on his YouTube channel, saying the country's government has barred PCB from accepting the hybrid model.

With Pakistan keen on hosting the entire event at home and India not willing to cross the border over security concerns, the Champions Trophy sees its fate hanging in balance.

A report had earlier claimed that the tournament could also be shifted to South Africa if no common ground is achieved by the PCB and BCCI. If that happens, Pakistan is unlikely to participate in the event.

Some suggestions also indicate that the tournament could be held without either of the two teams, but such a compromise would have a huge financial impact on ICC and its revenues.

India vs Pakistan cricket games don't just drive money for the two teams' boards but also give ICC, and in the process other teams, a healthy revenue-generating system.

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Google Is Reportedly Upgrading Gemini Live to Support Files Uploaded by Users

Google is reportedly working on adding another new functionality to its Gemini chatbot. The new artificial intelligence (AI) feature is said to be coming to Gemini Live, the two-way verbal conversation feature which lets offers a hands-free experience of the chatbot. As per the report, the Mountain View-based tech giant is working on adding Gemini Live support to file...

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Odisha College Student Trishna Ray Crowned Miss Teen Universe 2024

Trishna Ray, a student of KIIT University in Bhubaneswar, has been crowned Miss Teen Universe 2024. Ms Ray was given the coveted crown at the pageant held in South Africa's Kimberley, and its photos and videos have been posted by the event organisers on Instagram. The event was held from November 1 to 9; the 10 finalists came from countries including Peru, South Africa, Brazil, Kenya, Portugal, and Netherlands but Ms Ray beat all of them to become Miss Teen Universe 2024.

Peru's Anne Thorsen and Namibia's Precious Andre were first and second runner-up.

Watch the video of Trishna Ray's win:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Miss Teen Universe (@orgmissteenuniverse)

According to Kalinga TV, she is the daughter of Colonel Dillip Kumar Ray and Rajashree Ray and studies fashion technology at KIIT.

The institute's founder Dr Achyuta Samanta congratulated the 19-year-old.

Congratulatory messages poured in on social media too.

"It was your time," said one user on Instagram. "India came, India shined, India conquered. Trishna Ray thank you for bringing this honour for the nation," said fashion designer Shaine Soni.

"We now have the golden and the pink crowns both the first time for India. What a year. What an ND. What girls," a third user commented.

Miss Ray won the Miss Teen Universe India pageant on April 13 last year. 

Her institute posted the news of her win on its website, which talks about her struggles and setbacks. It said that the win is special since Miss Ray had missed competitions in Colombia and the Dominican Republic due to visa issues.

Her win is a testament to her perseverance, making both Odisha and India immensely proud, the institute said while congratulating the young winner.

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Asus ROG Phone 9 will be officially launched later this week. Following Qualcomm's unveiling of the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset last month, Asus confirmed that the ROG Phone 9 would use the flagship SoC. Now, ahead of the launch, the handset has been reportedly spotted in the Geekbench ML online database suggesting key specifications.

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Opinion: Musk To Ackman, Why Are Companies Opposing 'Inclusive' Hiring?

On November 1, US aircraft manufacturer Boeing made the controversial decision to dismantle its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) department. The company's former Vice President of Global DEI, Sara Bowen, announced her resignation on the social media platform LinkedIn.

Boeing has faced significant criticism for its quality and safety practices following two incidents in January this year. In the first, the door plug of a Boeing 737 Max blew off mid-flight, leaving a large hole in the side of an Alaska Airlines plane. In the same month, another Boeing aircraft had its nose wheel fall off just before a Delta flight took off.

Since then, the company has been explicitly targeted on social media by billionaire Elon Musk and other traditional critics, who suggest that some of Boeing's quality issues stem from its decision to include diversity targets in its 2022 bonus plan. After facing these criticisms, Boeing revised its incentive plan to focus more on quality and safety earlier this year.

The whole concept of DEI — which encompasses women, people of colour, and those in the LGBTQ+ community — has come under attack in the US. Detractors argue openly that DEI employees lack the qualifications, skills, or intelligence to contribute to society through jobs, education, or leadership.

One must also consider whether the anti-DEI sentiment has had any impact in India.

Resentment In US

Following the Alaska Airlines incident, Elon Musk posted on X: "Do you want to fly in an airplane where they prioritised DEI hiring over your safety? That is actually happening." He added later: "People will die due to DEI."

Reports indicate that investigations into the incidents pointed to other factors, including a lack of quality control, outdated technology, and financial irregularities. However, these findings did not satisfy DEI critics, who celebrated Boeing's November 1 announcement of dismantling its DEI department.

Although the step may seem exaggerated, there is a growing anti-DEI movement in the US. Another American billionaire, Bill Ackman, wrote on X that DEI policies were "inherently racist" and "illegal", despite claims that they work "on behalf of the oppressed". Musk endorsed these views, even as his company Tesla reportedly removed all outreach programmes for minority communities from its annual filing.

This pushback against DEI programmes has led companies like Toyota, Ford, and others to re-evaluate or even close down their DEI departments. Experts attribute this backlash to social tension, largely coming from ‘white Americans' who feel disadvantaged in the job market.

The Indian Scenario

In India, DEI was an alien concept until multinational companies (MNCs) introduced it, mostly due to mandates from their foreign parent companies. Since then, the IT and services sectors have implemented formal DEI policies.

In India, DEI initiatives tend to focus on the inclusion of women, queer people, and, to some extent, those with physical disabilities. Given that the policy is largely US-inspired, are Indian companies facing similar challenges?

DEI expert Saundarya Rajesh, founder-president of the Avtar Group, states: “It is unfortunate that some global organisations are choosing to dismantle DEI. However, this is not a phenomenon that has severe local implications in India Inc.”

“Corporate India continues to recognise that inclusion is an integral part of organisational culture and a non-negotiable employee experience that needs to be delivered.” Indian subsidiaries of MNCs and some prominent Indian conglomerates have set diversity hiring as a goal. This is often driven by investor pressure or requirements from global partners, and the easiest way to meet these demands is by reserving roles for women in HR, ESG, finance, digital, communications, and other areas, as talent in these functions is readily available in the local job market.

However, roles in infrastructure and other front-facing sectors rarely see diversity hiring, as companies do not specifically reserve positions for women in these areas. Though diversity in such roles is often selected on merit, some companies aim to prioritise diversity in hiring, which can inadvertently exclude male candidates. This leads to discontent among those who feel overlooked.

“Positive discrimination must always ensure that merit is never compromised. If we can uphold this principle, much of the political hijacking associated with DEI can be addressed. You may still select a DEI nominee, but only if they are on par with the rest. Not one bit less,” says Prabir Jha, founder & CEO of Prabir Jha People Advisory.

Loss of Talent?

DEI policies were originally designed to foster inclusivity by ensuring diverse representation in workplaces. However, their implementation has raised concerns about compromising meritocracy, as seen in the US. This has led to the loss of potential talent and opportunity costs.

"Focusing on DEI does not necessitate a compromise on meritocracy. What it requires is an inclusive and equitable strategy, where decisions around hiring and advancement are diversity-sensitive, delivering on the vision of equal opportunities for all,” says Saundarya Rajesh.

In the West, DEI is meant to give a voice to the voiceless. It is also intended to ensure that the views of the most junior employee are heard in meetings.

In India, however, diversity is often viewed narrowly through the lens of ‘female hiring', which means there is a significant opportunity to broaden the focus to policies that promote a truly inclusive workplace. Experts suggest that certain areas remain sacrosanct, where positive discrimination should have no place. Merit should always be the sole criterion for selection, as the impact of an incorrect decision, whether by omission or commission, could have far-reaching consequences.

“Never give away board positions, management roles, promotions, and hire ‘only diversity candidates'. This does more harm to the cause than good. Inclusion must always feel inclusive. If you remain true to the principles of meritocracy, you will eliminate any bias against diversity,” says Jha.

Americans have displayed their resistance to this form of affirmative action, as evidenced by the rejection of Kamala Harris, a Black and South Asian woman, who critics labelled a "DEI hire". Let's hope that India's approach to DEI avoids the pitfalls of unconscious bias.

(The author is Contributing Editor, NDTV)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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"Are We Being Fair To Rinku Singh?" SKY Faces Tough Question On India Star

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has criticised the team management for under utilising star batter Rinku Singh during the 1st T20I against South Africa on Friday. Rinku, who has scored 490 runs in 27 T20Is at an average of 54.44, came out to bat at no. 6 and could score only 11 off 10 balls. While India won the match by 61 runs, courtesy of Sanju Samson's century, Chopra argued if the management is being fair with Rinku, who hasn't been getting enough opportunities with the bat in recent times.

Chopra suggested that the team management should promote Rinku up the order as the explosive batter has scored runs whenever he has been sent up the order.

"Are we being fair to Rinku? It's a very important question. Why am I asking this question? You kept him in the team first, he is your original choice player. He was in your team against Bangladesh and before that as well. Whenever you have sent him up the order or he has got to bat in the powerplay, he has scored runs every time," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Chopra explained that Rinku isn't just a finisher as he can bat up the order, labelling him a crisis man.

"He has scored a half-century every time. He has emerged as a crisis man. He scored those half-centuries at very good strike rates. So this was that opportunity. Why don't you send him at No. 4? What is the reason that you only send Rinku down the order, always at No. 6?"

"I am asking this question only because Rinku can finish, but he is not just a finisher. This is my understanding. I feel he knows how to drive the game. He is hitting sixes but he is not someone who muscles the ball. He is not Andre Russell and he is not Hardik Pandya as well," he added.

Team India took a 1-0 lead in the series and Rinku will be in action next in the 2nd T20I in Gqeberha on November 10.

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"Don't Expect Good Gestures...": PCB's Message To BCCI On Champions Trophy

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has warned India not to expect any "good gestures" following recent developments regarding the Rohit Sharma-led team's visit to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy next year. According to reports circulating online, India has allegedly refused to travel to Pakistan for the tournament, expected to be held in early 2025. In response to these reports, Naqvi did not hold back in expressing his disappointment. "In recent years, Pakistan has extended numerous good gestures. However, we hope we are not expected to always do so," Naqvi, who also serves as the interior minister, told reporters in Lahore, as quoted by Geo News.

The Champions Trophy will feature two groups of four teams each, with participants including Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and defending champions Pakistan.

India and Pakistan have not engaged in a bilateral cricket series since the 2012-13 Pakistan tour of India, due to strained political relations.

Since then, the two teams have only faced each other in major International Cricket Council (ICC) white-ball events and Asia Cup tournaments.

The last Test series between these Asian rivals took place in December 2007 in India. India's last tour of Pakistan for a bilateral series was in 2006, with their most recent visit to Pakistan being for the Asia Cup in 2008.

Last year, Pakistan was set to host the Asia Cup in full, but India played its matches in Sri Lanka under a hybrid model.

The latest encounter between the two nations occurred during this year's ICC T20 World Cup on July 9 at Nassau County Stadium, New York, USA. India, batting first, scored 119, with Rishabh Pant contributing 42 runs. Jasprit Bumrah's impressive 3/14 then restricted Pakistan to 113/7, securing India a thrilling six-run victory.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Leaked Renders Hint at Tweaked Design and Four Colour Options

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to launch in early 2025, and the flagship phone is said feature a revamped design. Now design renders of the purported Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra provide a glimpse into the look and four colourways of the handset.

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Ian Botham Falls In River, Rescued From Crocodiles And Bull Sharks: Report

England cricket legend Ian Botham has recently gone through a rather unpleasant scare while fishing in Australia. Disaster struck during Botham's four-day fishing trip with former Australian cricketer Merv Hughes in Australia's Northern Territory. According to multiple reports, Botham tripped on a rope on his boat and fell into the river beside. To make it worse, he was reportedly surrounded by crocodiles and bull sharks as well. However, Botham was rescued out of the water soon enough before any more damage could be done.

Botham, 68, was left with big bruises and scars on his body due to the incident. His flip-flops had reportedly tangled on a rope while he was trying to board the boat, leading to the accident.

During his playing days, Botham was regarded as one of the premier all-rounders in cricket, alongside the likes of Kapil Dev, Imran Khan and Richard Hadlee. Botham has over 5,000 Test runs and 383 Test wickets.

Botham and Hughes, along with others, had been fishing for barramundi on the Moyle River in Australia's northern tropical region.

Speaking on the freak incident, Botham showered praise on those with him, who had jumped to his swift rescue.

"I was out of the water quicker than I went in it. Quite a few sets of eyes were having a peep at me," Botham said. "Luckily I had no time to think about what was in the water," he added.

"The guys were brilliant, it was just one of those accidents," Botham said. "It was all very quick and I'm OK now."

Fishing has been a known hobby of Botham's for a long time.

Botham and Merv Hughes were regarded as fierce rivals during their cricket career, particularly during Ashes series between England and Australia. Botham had also once slammed Hughes for 22 runs in a single over, which was then the record for the highest-scoring over in an Ashes Test.

Following retirement, it appears the duo have put their rivalry aside.

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On Yogi Adityanath's "Batoge Toh Katoge" Slogan, Ajit Pawar's Rejoinder

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, speaking exclusively with NDTV, called for collective efforts to drive progress in Maharashtra and India. Assembly elections are scheduled in Maharashtra on November 20, with Mr Pawar contesting against his nephew Yugendra Pawar, the candidate of the rival Nationalist Congress Party faction led by Sharad Pawar.

Commenting on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's slogan "Batoge toh katoge" (If we divide, we will be cut), Mr Pawar said, "All castes should unite and think about India. They should think about Maharashtra. Development cannot happen by creating such differences among each other."

Mr Pawar claimed the BJP follows an "80-20" voter strategy - that seeks the support of the 80 per cent and not the 20 per cent - and this has, at times, marginalised minority voices. Calling for a return to Maharashtra's philosophy of inclusion inspired by leaders like Shivaji, Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, he said, "I want to follow a political ideology in which everyone is united whether Hindu, Muslim, Dalit or Maratha." 

"Remember Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he was in power, he tried to take everyone along. His government was both a coalition and a majority, yet he led with an inclusive vision. Our country is so vast, and such thinking resonates with our youth, who are active on social media, constantly seeking new information and forming their opinions," Mr Pawar told NDTV. 

"Prime Minister Modi speaks of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,' and we fully support that slogan. We need everyone to sit together and truly follow that vision. However, if conflicts arise, would you return to the Maha Vikas Aghadi or align with Sharad Pawar's NCP? Our goal is to first form our Mahayuti government and win more MLAs. The election results are out on November 23, and the government must be formed before November 26," he added.

Addressing rumours of rifts within the Pawar family, particularly concerning the Baramati constituency where his nephew has opposed him, Mr Pawar downplayed any ongoing disputes. "Everyone has the right to contest elections," he said. 

Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra assembly will be held on November 20 and votes will be counted on November 23.

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Opinion: 'And I Love You So...': Notes On Musk-Trump Brotherhood

Donald Trump's victory was, let's say, an emphatic contradiction of the legacy media's confidence that the race was “too close to call”. So, did the traditional media genuinely get it wrong? Or was it an inspired act of wishful thinking? We might never know, but that's a mystery for another day. 

Today, let's talk about the man of the hour: Elon Musk. The billionaire who spent months reshaping Twitter (now X) after he bought it in 2021, was duly accused by the mainstream media of amplifying certain voices and curbing others. Nevertheless, he did indeed seem to play his part in shaping public opinion like a maestro. I couldn't help but wonder whether Trump would pause during his victory lap in Florida to give a shoutout to Musk, perhaps for handing him this sweet electoral success on a digital platter.

'An Amazing Guy'

Often magnanimous in praise, Trump indeed gave Musk his due with loud cheers from the gathering crowd, declaring, “A star is born!” and calling him “an amazing guy”.  If Trump were a Bollywood fan, he might as well have said to the Tesla boss, "Jo jeeta wahi Sikander"! For, Musk, the Great Gambler, gambled his entire empire—X, Tesla, SpaceX and other ventures—for Trump. And it has now paid off handsomely. 

Podcaster Joe Rogan's millions of followers might point out that his endorsement was a game-changer. Who knows, it might have been. Roger, the world's most-followed podcaster, endorsed Trump in the campaign's final days and reached millions. He also interviewed Trump's running mate, JD Vance, and yes, Musk, too. For those who do not know, Rogan has 18 million subscribers on YouTube and 14 million on Spotify. Musk has 200 million followers on X. No traditional media has such reach. Legacy media honchos may not like this data, but it is hard to argue against the fact that Musk's massive reach and his hands-on approach to steering the Trump campaign in the right direction paid rich dividends.

Musk's Spaces Session

As voting drew to a close, Musk decided to hit Spaces for a live chat on X. I joined in—and so did 17,000 others, staying glued to every word for a full hour. He held court like a seasoned political analyst, fielding questions and giving his take on the election's high stakes and the future of American politics. It was a one-man show, no doubt, in support of his new-found ally, Trump. “This will be the last election” if Trump doesn't win, he warned, in reply to a question, still unsure of the impending victory on election night, making it clear he saw this election as a final stand. And yet, he sounded confident of Trump's triumph as he saw a steady increase in his popularity in all the seven swing states. At one point, he declared that Trump could take all the seven swing states. That, indeed, turned out to be true. 

The world's richest man helped create a Political Action Committee (PAC), called America PAC, whose primary task was to support Trump's presidency by encouraging early voting and mail-in ballots in swing states. As we witnessed, in terms of early voting trends, some states started seeing record numbers. According to the Election Lab at the University of Florida, over 8 million Americans had voted early, with 1.8 million voting in person and 6.5 million returning mail ballots. Musk emphasised in his Spaces chat how much the American PAC mobilised voters to go to the polling booths to vote. 

The Failure Of Mainstream Media

If we are to take mainstream media, such as The New York Times and The Washington Post at their word, Musk didn't just throw a fistful of dollars at Trump's campaign. He, according to these papers, poured a whopping $80-120 million into America PAC—practically his own political slush fund for Trump. Musk isn't your average billionaire donor either: normally, most big donors write a cheque and watch from the sidelines. Musk, however, officially hopped on to the campaign ride after he endorsed his man in July. US media have it: he wasn't just a silent partner, he was frequently on the phone with Trump, sometimes even taking the stage beside him. In a campaign season packed with uncertainties and political slugfest, Musk managed to stand out by transforming himself into a real-time megaphone for Trump.

Right now, Musk's popularity in the US is perhaps next only to Trump. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that many would have even rooted for him to be a future presidential candidate if he could run for the coveted post (he can't as he was not born in the US). Even so, he has managed to make waves in the 2024 presidential election. His bold $1 million voter petition giveaway has stirred up questions about election law. Experts were divided: some claimed it edges into sketchy legal territory, while others argued that it's a loophole-free move, as signing his petition isn't explicitly tied to voter registration. A petition challenging Musk's move was thrown out by court.

Musk's Moment Of Reckoning

Ironically, Musk, 53, was, not so long ago, a moderate Democrat. He and twice-elected Barack Obama were known to be buddies. He had endorsed Obama both in 2008 and 2012. He had even donated to his re-election campaign. During the Biden presidency, he described himself as "half Democrat, half Republican" and "socially liberal and fiscally conservative". 

Musk's endorsement of Trump came hot on the heels of Trump surviving a July 2024 assassination attempt. He wasted no time, conveying his “full support” and wishing Trump a speedy recovery. He later praised Trump's policies, especially on immigration and meritocracy, leaving little doubt about his loyalty. His endorsement clearly boosted Trump's profile among conservative and libertarian crowds. Musk's alignment with the Republican's divisive policies has drawn its share of criticism, but there's no denying that his influence helped give Trump a substantial leg up in visibility and credibility.

Biden's Snub Was Unwise

But what really pushed Musk into Trump's arms?  Apparently, it was none other than Joe Biden. It was widely reported in 2021 that when Tesla officials reached out to the White House several times, they were repeatedly rebuffed. Apparently, the Biden administration's wish to avoid angering the powerful United Auto Workers union, which had been critical of Tesla's labour practices, was the main reason behind this snubbing.

More frustratingly for Musk, he was believed to be quite angry when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rejected SpaceX's application for nearly $900 million in broadband subsidies, citing that the company failed to "meet basic programme requirements". Musk disagreed with the decision, stating that Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, was the only provider actively solving rural broadband issues at scale. Musk felt the decision was part of a "pattern of regulatory harassment" against him. Several times, Musk vented his frustration against government regulatory authorities, terming them anti-development. After Biden came to power, the scrutiny of Musk's various ventures intensified, with investigations and actions from at least seven federal agencies.

Musk, Now A Regulator To The Regulators?

Many have asked, what's in it for Musk? Fair question. Trump isn't exactly coy about it—he has already dangled the role of the head of a “government efficiency commission” before Musk, practically promising him a front-row seat to slice through federal spending and chop down regulatory bodies. When asked about Trump's offer on a live Spaces chat, Musk sounded ready to roll, claiming he'd tackle government “over-spending” by paring back agencies. “There shouldn't be more referees than players,” he quipped, nodding at the countless regulatory bodies in the system, which, he says, stifle innovation more than they support it.

It's funnily ironic, though. Musk, who thrived under government oversight to launch EVs, rockets and even internet satellites, is now poised to lead the charge against the very regulatory labyrinth that boosted his empire, but which also of course sometimes harassed him. Conflict of interest? Maybe. But Musk seems more than happy to play regulator to the regulators.

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

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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Google Pixel 9 Pro Costs 11 Percent Less to Manufacture Than Pixel 8 Pro: Report

Google Pixel 9 series was unveiled at the Made by Google event in August comprising four models. A new report sheds light on the bill of materials (BOM) of the Pixel 9 Pro whose place in the smartphone lineup has been reworked this year and it sits above the Pixel 9 but below the new Pixel 9 Pro XL. It is suggested that the smartphone costs less to manufacture compare...

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"This Is Karma": Dana White's Shout-Out To Donald Trump On US Elections Win

Republican candidate Donald Trump claimed the unprecedented mandate in the US Presidential race, beating his Democratic party opponent Kamal Harris to reach the 270-mark. As the country's verdict became apparent, Trump addressed the citizens in Florida where he also thanked JD Vance, the vice-president candidate for the Republicans, and Elon Musk, who played a big role in Trump's campaign. Trump also had a special mention for the CEO and president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Dana White, who was also present on the stage in Florida with him.

Speaking at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida, Trump also asked White to share a few words on the presidential race, and the UFC boss had some intriguing remarks to make. 

"This is karma ladies and gentlemen. Nobody deserves this more than his family does. This is what happens when the machine comes after you. Couldn‘t stop him. He keeps going forward. He‘s the most resilient man I‘ve ever met in my life. This is karma, ladies and gentlemen. He deserves this."

"Last but not least, the mighty and powerful Joe Rogan. And thank you, America. Thank you," said White. 

JUST IN: Dana White goes off, thanks Joe Rogan for endorsing Donald Trump and helping him over the finish line.

"This is karma ladies and gentlemen."

"Nobody deserves this more than his family does. This is what happens when the machine comes after you."

"Couldn‘t stop him. He… pic.twitter.com/nNhTXe5fA7

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 6, 2024

As Trump claimed victory, he pledged to "heal" the country.

His exuberant speech came despite the fact that only Fox News had declared him the winner, with no other US networks having made the call so far.

As jubilant supporters cheered and chanted "USA", Trump took to the stage at his campaign headquarters in Florida along with his wife Melania and several of his children.

"We are going to help our country heal," the Republican former president said. "It's a political victory that our country has never seen before."

With AFP Inputs

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