Month: December 2024

Shilpa Shetty embraces extremes to come out stronger

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who was last seen in ‘Indian Police Force’, is embracing the extremes and coming out stronger.

On Monday, the actress took to her Instagram, and shared a video of herself in which she could be seen in a jacuzzi. The actress said in the video, posted from Lapland in Finland, that the temperature outside the jacuzzi is -13 °C.

The actress then came out of the jacuzzi, and lay down on the snow with her back facing down. She screamed as she felt the temperature shock and sprinted back to the jacuzzi.

She wrote in the caption, “Life can throw you from hot to cold in a heartbeat, just like this. But it’s all about embracing the extremes and coming out stronger. Stay balanced, stay motivated, and take the plunge into whatever life offers #NOGUTSNOGLORY #MondayMotivation #HotAndColdChallenge #Laplanddiaries”.

Earlier, the actress and her husband, Raj Kundra’s premises were raided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). After this, Raj had issued a public statement about him fully complying with the authorities.

Raj took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a long note. He wrote, “To whom it may concern, While the media seems to have a flair for drama, let’s set the record straight: I’m fully complying with the ongoing investigation that has been unfolding for the last four years. As for the claims of ‘associates’, ‘pornography’ and ‘money laundering’, let’s just say that no amount of sensationalism will cloud the truth, in the end, justice will prevail”.

He further mentioned, “A note to the media: It’s unacceptable to repeatedly drag my wife’s name into unrelated matters. Please respect the boundaries. #ED”.

The recent ED searches were part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged money laundering case.

On October 3, Kundra, who is facing accusations of money laundering through bitcoin, received a notice from the Enforcement Directorate, instructing him to vacate his Juhu bungalow and Pune farmhouse. In response, he filed a petition with the Mumbai High Court challenging the notice.

The businessman was arrested by the Mumbai Crime Branch in July 2021 in connection with the case, facing multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. He was later granted bail by a city court.

–IANS

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Bihar: CM Nitish Kumar’s second phase of Pragati Yatra to start from Jan 4

Patna, Dec 23 (IANS) As Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar started the first phase of Pragati Yatra from Valmikinagar in West Champaran on Monday, the Cabinet Secretariat of the state issued the schedule of the second phase of the Yatra starting from January 4 from Gopalganj.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar initiated Pragati Yatra, a development-oriented journey with the aim of reviewing ongoing projects and introducing new schemes to boost the infrastructure and welfare systems across Bihar.

S. Siddhartha, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat issued the notification of the schedule and said that Nitish Kumar will embark on the second phase of his Pragati Yatra from Gopalganj on January 4, followed by neighbouring Siwan on January 7, Saran on January 8, Darbhanja on January 11, Madhubani on January 12 and Samastipur on January 13.

The copies of the letter were sent to the district magistrate, Superintendent of Police and Divisional Commissioners for the respective areas and directed them to start the preparation.

Nitish Kumar is expected to announce schemes worth crores in every district.

He will also review and monitor the ongoing development projects to ensure timely and effective implementation.

The Pragati Yatra reflects Nitish Kumar’s commitment to community-centred governance and equitable development.

In the first phase, Nitish Kumar started his Pragati Yatra from Valmikinagar, West Champaran on Monday.

He laid the foundation stones of various projects worth ₹700 crore, including a landmark ₹139 crore scheme for electrification using underground cables in the Valmikinagar Tiger Reserve area.

The electrification project is expected to be completed within 18 months, significantly transforming the lives of people in these villages.

Nitish Kumar’s Pragati Yatra highlights his long-standing tradition of engaging directly with citizens and officials to drive development at the grassroots. The phased approach to this journey ensures that every region of Bihar receives attention, with specific interventions tailored to local needs.

–IANS

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Mumbai all-rounder Kotian earns call-up to Indian team ahead of Melbourne Test: Sources

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Mumbai’s off-spin all-rounder Tanush Kotian has earned a call-up to join the Indian team ahead of the Boxing Day Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting in Melbourne on Thursday. Sources have told IANS that Kotian, who’s currently representing Mumbai in the league stage matches of the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Ahmedabad, will depart for Australia on Tuesday afternoon.

“Axar Patel was supposed to go to Australia, but with the birth of his first child, he’s gone back home and Kotian has been asked to join the Test team in Melbourne,” the source said.

Kotian is currently one of the best off-spin all-rounders in the Indian domestic circuit. He was previously part of the India A team which toured Australia for two four-day matches in Mackay and Melbourne ahead of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, currently tied at 1-1.

Kotian’s first call-up to the Test team comes after veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin retired from international cricket following the rain-hit third Test ending in a draw at the Gabba, Brisbane. He will now be one of the three spin-bowling all-rounder options for India alongside the off-spin of Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm spin.

While Sundar played the first Test in Perth, Jadeja featured in the third Test at Brisbane. In the 2023/24 Ranji Trophy, Kotian picked 29 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 16.96. He also amassed 502 runs with the bat, including five half-centuries and one century to earn Player of the Tournament in Mumbai’s 42nd Ranji title triumph.

Overall, Kotian has played 33 first-class matches – scoring 2,523 runs at an average of 41.21, while picking 101 wickets and averaging 25.7, including three five-wicket hauls. In Monday’s Group C match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Kotian was named Player of the Match after an all-round showing of 2-38 and making 39 not out off 37 balls with the bat to give Mumbai a three-wicket victory.

–IANS

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Manipur secure record-extending 23rd Rajmata Jijabai Trophy with win over Odisha

Narainpur, Dec 23 (IANS) Manipur’s near-monotonous monopoly over the Senior Women’s National Football Championship remained uninterrupted after they defeated Odisha 1-0 in the final of the Rajmata Jijabai Trophy at the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama Ground on Monday.

After a barren first half, defending champions Manipur made sure of taking home the trophy for the 23rd time out of the 29 editions played so far when striker Asem Roja Devi booted in the winner through a jungle of legs off a corner kick in the 55th minute.

Odisha once more had to stay content with the runners-up trophy as it was their sixth defeat in seven finals, all against the ultimate champions Manipur.

Odisha could take pride in restricting the victory margin of the mighty Manipur side to the bare minimum, but some amount of luck too played a role in the scoreline that projected a seesaw battle.

While there is no denying the fact the Odisha defence put up a gallant fight against the rampaging Manipur attack, Odisha were distinctly lucky not to concede at least two more goals.

Manipur, who camped themselves in the Odisha half right from the kickoff, missed the opportunity to take the lead in the fifth minute when they wasted a spot kick.

A handball by Odisha defender Shibani Munda prompted the referee Ruva Devi G to call for a penalty award. Seasoned Ratanbala Devi displayed enough confidence in taking the kick, but it hit the post before coming back to play.

With the Manipur midfielders and forwards swarming all over the Odisha goal area like a unit of trained commandos, the supremacy of the north-eastern state was never in question. Odisha were reduced to playing second fiddle from the beginning, and except for occasional forays, they had not much to say in the Manipur area.

Odisha skipper and livewire of attacks, Pyari Xaxa, was kept under constant check by the alert Manipur defenders thus ending any chance of Odisha even making a serious dent in the rival arena.

But, despite all their overwhelming presence, Manipur were left frustrated by an Odisha defence that firmly believed in promptly clearing the ball whenever faced with the slightest danger. And when they could not, Manipur themselves faltered and fumbled, like one missed by experienced Dangmei Grace from close range.

Finally, the goal came in the 55th minute, it was more of a result of a scramble in the goalmouth than a concrete move. That Roja Devi could put it right through the narrow gap made all the difference in the final.

–IANS

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Obscene remark row: Kumaraswamy expresses dissatisfaction over police handling of C.T. Ravi case

Hassan (Karnataka), Dec 23 (IANS) Expressing dissatisfaction over the Belagavi police handling the BJP MLC C.T. Ravi case, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, said on Monday that if BJP legislators pursued the legal fight properly, all the police officers involved in the case could be suspended.

Speaking to the media at Haradanahalli in Hassan district, Union Minister Kumaraswamy said: “Any police officer who mentally tortured C.T. Ravi, under the influence of a Minister will have to face the consequences.”

C.T. Ravi was accused of making a derogatory remark against Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar in the Legislative Council.

Following the complaint by Minister Hebbalkar, BJP MLC Ravi was arrested and later released after the order by the Karnataka High Court.

BJP MLC Ravi alleged that he was assaulted, made to travel throughout the night, not given food, water and not even allowed to visit the toilet, adding that the police threatened him of carrying out his encounter.

“They discussed Union Minister Amit Shah’s statements made in the Rajya Sabha during the Assembly sessions. This issue pertains to the Rajya Sabha. Is Amit Shah a member of the Karnataka Legislative Council?” he asked.

“I am closely observing everything happening in this state. The Congress government is harassing political opponents in every possible way. They are preparing the stage for the kind of politics Karnataka might face in the future,” he noted.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy alleged that the government is misusing the police to suppress political opponents.

“Was it necessary to drag C.T. Ravi around all night? He is an elected representative. If he needed to be arrested, he could have been directly presented before the magistrate’s court in Bengaluru. What was the need for this humiliation? Who directed this?” he asked.

The JD-S leader warned that if BJP members take the right legal route, the officials responsible would face suspension.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy warned, “Any officer who mentally tortured C.T. Ravi, under the influence of a Minister will have to face the consequences.”

“This behaviour is unacceptable,” he said.

The JD-S leader said, “Does this state even have a Home Minister? Over the past six or seven months, several incidents about law and order have taken place, yet the government remains silent. Karnataka is heading toward darker days as political vendettas and hatred are taking centre stage,” he added.

Union Minister Kumaraswamy said the deterioration of the state’s police system is unfortunate, which once served as a model for the country.

“Our forefathers built a robust system and created a healthy environment. Karnataka Police was respected nationwide. Unfortunately, this government is hell-bent on destroying it. They are working to tarnish the reputation of the police department,” he said.

Citing examples, Union Minister Kumaraswamy asked, “What happened to the case involving former Congress Minister Vinay Kulkarni? What action was taken in the complaint filed by a teacher against Congress leader Gurappa Naidu accused of sexually harassing teachers in Bengaluru?”

He clarified that he does not hold the police department entirely at fault.

“Certain Ministers in the government are giving directions to a few select officers, leading to unlawful decisions within the department. Cases are being booked as per their whims, and their opponents are being crushed through abuse of power and violation of laws,” he said.

He warned, “Time will provide answers to all of this.”

Speaking about the inauguration of the Jayadeva Hospital in Kalaburagi by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Minister Kumaraswamy questioned the CM’s contribution to the project.

“When I was the Chief Minister, I initiated this project. Later, the BJP government released Rs 128 crore. BJP MP C.N. Manjunath from Jayadeva Hospital raised Rs 40 crore for this initiative. This government shows no gratitude toward those who worked on it before. This is an uncivilised government,” he said while targeting the Congress government.

He further added, “Now they claim they will manage NIMHANS. They cannot even manage the hospitals already in place. In north Karnataka, maternal and child deaths continue daily. It is heartbreaking. What measures have been taken to stop this? Hospitals lack adequate doctors and staff. Is this how you plan to build the state?”

He also criticised the government for its lack of concern about the issues in North Karnataka.

“The government made grand claims about addressing the region’s problems, but just yesterday, a young mother died during childbirth in Ballari. These deaths are occurring daily, yet the government shows no concern,” he said.

–IANS

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Coffee, tea may protect against head & neck cancer: Study

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Consumption of coffee and tea can lower the risks of developing head and neck cancer, including cancers of the mouth and throat, claimed a study on Monday.

Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide, and rates are rising in low- and middle-income countries.

The findings, based on an analysis of data from 14 studies, showed that compared with non-coffee-drinkers, individuals who drank more than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee daily had 17 per cent lower odds of having head and neck cancer overall. It also led to a 30 per cent lower risk of having cancer of the oral cavity, and 22 per cent lower odds of having throat cancer.

Drinking 3-4 cups of caffeinated coffee was linked with a 41 per cent lower risk of having hypopharyngeal cancer — a type of cancer at the bottom of the throat), revealed the study published in the peer-reviewed CANCER journal.

“While there has been prior research on coffee and tea consumption and reduced risk of cancer, this study highlighted their varying effects with different sub-sites of head and neck cancer, including the observation that even decaffeinated coffee had some positive impact,” said senior author Yuan-Chin Amy Lee, from Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah School of Medicine.

“Coffee and tea habits are fairly complex, and these findings support the need for more data and further studies around the impact that coffee and tea can have on reducing cancer risk.”

The team examined data from 14 studies by different scientists and pooled information on 9,548 patients with head and neck cancer. They were then compared with 15,783 controls without cancer.

Study participants completed questionnaires about their prior consumption of caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea in cups per day/week/month/year.

Notably, the researchers found that drinking decaffeinated coffee was associated with 25 per cent lower odds of oral cavity cancer.

Drinking tea was linked with 29 per cent lower odds of hypopharyngeal cancer. Also, drinking one cup or less of tea daily was linked with a 9 per cent lower risk of head and neck cancer overall and a 27 per cent lower risk of hypopharyngeal cancer, but drinking more than one cup was associated with 38 per cent higher odds of laryngeal cancer.

–IANS

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Santosh Trophy: Ayub’s lone goal seals J&K’s QF berth

Hyderabad, Dec 23 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir sealed their quarterfinal spot in the 78th Senior Men’s National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy, after defeating Rajasthan 1-0 at the Deccan Arena, while Manipur thrashed hosts Telangana 3-1.

The side from the northernmost reaches of the country, with this result, are secured of a top-four finish in Group A; they end the group on seven points from five matches. Manipur, on the other hand, are secured of a second-placed finish, with 11 points from five games.

Jammu and Kashmir went into the match needing at least a draw to keep book their quarter-final spot, and managed to get all the three points in a match where they looked reasonably comfortable. Rajasthan needed to win and hope for a Manipur victory against Telangana.

The first real chance of the game fell to Mukesh Kumar of Rajasthan, who poked a low cross wide of an open goal from 10 yards in the 6th minute. It was as good as it got for them as Jammu and Kashmir slowly strangled them of possession and took control. In the 33rd minute, Aakif Javaid dribbled past a pair of defenders on the right, cut inside and unleashed a shot from the top of the box, that curved marginally wide.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 74th minute thanks to Adnan Ayub’s magic. The forward picked up a loose ball 35 yards from goal, drove towards the box and let fly with his left foot. A diving Gaurav Kumar Singh could do little to stop the ball’s ultimate destination. Jammu and Kashmir registered a valuable win that took them to the quarterfinals.

In the game between Manipur and Telangana, it was the former who started brighter, their inventiveness on full display as they scored the opener from a smart corner routine. A short ball was picked up on the left, where Prabin Khangebam drove a low cross into the box. Kangabam Lammgamba Singh was at hand to poke it in instinctively and give Manipur the lead.

Telangana had been down a goal multiple times in this tournament and to their credit they never looked deflated. They kept coming at Manipur and right before halftime had their just reward, when Mohammed Amaan’s delightful spin and subsequent through ball was duly converted by Syed Imtiyaz Ahmed. To the shock of all Telangana were level.

Manipur were utterly dominant in the second half, in their search for a winner, one that would give them a better position on the table. A plethora of chances were created and spurned at regular intervals, their forwards seemingly incapable of finding the net. Finally, in the 85th minute, Khullakpam Zahir Khan found a way through, twisting and turning at the top of the box, and firing with his left foot into the bottom corner. Shoraisham Sagar Singh added a third minutes later to compound Telangana’s agony and cement Manipur’s win.

–IANS

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Nearly 10 lakh job letters issued under Rozgar Mela since 2022: PM Modi

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) In the last one and a half years, around 10 lakh permanent government jobs have been offered, setting a remarkable record, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, taking part in the 14th edition of Rozgar Mela.

While distributing 71,000 job offers, PM Modi highlighted that such job fairs were part of the government’s endeavour to provide employment with complete transparency. So far, 9.25 lakh job letters have been issued in 14 editions of Rozgar Mela.

On Monday, the Rozgar Mela was held at 45 locations across the country. The recruitments took place for various ministries and departments of the Central Government.

PM Modi launched Rozgar Mela – the recruitment drive for 10 lakh personnel — on October 22, 2022. The first edition saw the handing over of appointment letters to 75,000 new appointees.

Rozgar Mela represents a significant initiative by the Government to enhance employment opportunities for the youth across India. By facilitating direct connections between job seekers and employers, it not only addresses the pressing issue of unemployment but also empowers individuals to contribute to national development.

In the 13th edition of Rozgar Mela held on October 29, PM Modi distributed 51,000 appointment letters. On that occasion, the Prime Minister remarked that the government was creating new opportunities to make it easier for Indian youth to get jobs abroad.

Citing the recently released Germany’s Skilled Labour Strategy for India, PM Modi informed that Germany had increased the number of visas given to skilled Indian youth every year from 20,000 to 90,000. He added that India’s youth will benefit greatly from this.

PM Modi also mentioned that India had signed agreements related to migration and employment with 21 countries in recent years, including countries like Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Mauritius, Israel, the UK and Italy, apart from the Gulf countries.

A total of 71,000 appointees each were given letters in Rozgar Mela edition number 2, 3, 4 and 5. In the sixth (June 13) and seventh editions (July 22), 70,000 appointment letters each were distributed by the PM.

In the eighth edition of Rozgar Mela, held on August 28, 2023, 51,000 job letters were distributed. A total of 51,000 appointment letters each were distributed in the ninth, 10th and 11th editions of Rozgar Mela held earlier last year.

The highest number of 1 lakh appointment letters were distributed in the 12th edition of Rozgara Mela held on February 12.

On that occasion, the PM highlighted the Budget announcement of about 1 crore rooftop solar plants and said this scheme will create lakhs of new jobs.

–IANS

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Here’s how Aadar Jain made fiancée Alekha’s birthday special

Mumbai, Dec 23 (IANS) Actor Aadar Jain turned up the romance on fiancée Alekha Advani’s birthday. The couple shared a passionate kiss.

On Monday, Aadar wished his fiancée Alekha Advani on her birthday with a special post. Taking to his Instagram handle, he dropped a romantic photo of them sharing a passionate kiss on a serene beach at sunset, with a heart etched in the sand showcasing their initials.

In another photo, Alekha is seen enjoying a swing on the beach. Yet another image showcases the tranquil beauty of trees against a backdrop of soft clouds. Jain also posted a photo of his ladylove posing with the cake.

The photos are from the couple’s romantic gateway from Phuket, Thailand. In the comments section, members of the Kapoor family wished Alekha on her special day. Karisma Kapoor commented, “Happy birthday Alekha.”

Meanwhile, Aadar Jain, son of Rima Jain and cousin of Ranbir Kapoor, celebrated his roka ceremony with fiancée Alekha Advani on November 23. The event was an intimate affair, attended by the couple’s family and close friends, including Neetu Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Karisma Kapoor, veteran actor Shammi Kapoor’s wife, Neela Devi Kapoor, Babita amaong others.

Sharing photos from their Roka on Instagram, Aadar wrote, “Forever & always..”

The couple officially confirmed their relationship during last year’s Diwali celebrations hosted by Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. Though Aadar had known Alekha for many years, their romance has flourished over the past year, drawing attention not only for their deep bond but also for the fascinating ties within their social circles.

Aadar proposed marriage to Alekha on a beautiful beach. In a heartfelt post, he called Alekha his “first crush, his best friend, and now, his forever.”

For the unversed, Alekha Advani is not only a businesswoman but also a successful entrepreneur. She reportedly graduated from Cornell University’s Hotel School and started her career as a hospitality consultant at a multinational corporation. After working with an MNC in Los Angeles, Alekha returned to Mumbai, where she contributed her expertise to a prestigious private members’ club in Juhu.

–IANS

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Afghanistan launches 3-day anti-polio vaccination campaign

Kabul, Dec 23 (IANS) The Afghan caretaker government’s Ministry of Public Health on Monday announced a three-day vaccination campaign aimed at protecting 4.8 million children under the age of five from poliovirus.

Running from Monday to Wednesday, the campaign will provide anti-polio drops to children in 11 out of the country’s 34 provinces, said Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil, spokesperson for the ministry.

In his message, Amarkhil urged tribal elders, religious scholars, and parents to actively participate and fully cooperate with polio workers to implement the campaign appropriately, Xinhua news agency reported.

On October 28, the Afghan caretaker government’s Ministry of Public Health announced a three-day vaccination campaign aimed at protecting 6.2 million children under the age of five from poliovirus.

The campaign provided anti-polio drops to children in 16 out of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, said Sharafat Zaman Amarkhil, spokesperson for the ministry.

In his message, Amarkhail urged tribal elders, religious scholars, and parents to cooperate with polio workers to implement the campaign appropriately.

“There are no confirmed positive polio cases registered in Afghanistan in 2024. The ministry is trying to eradicate this wild virus by launching vaccine campaigns,” Amarkhail said.

Earlier on June 3, Afghanistan’s second nationwide anti-polio campaign of 2024 kicked off, aiming to protect Afghan children from this paralysis, according to a statement by the country’s Ministry of Public Health.

During the four-day campaign until June 6, more than 11.2 million children under five will be given polio vaccines, the statement said.

“The Ministry of Public Health is committed to eradicating the wild poliovirus with the cooperation of its partners in Afghanistan,” said the newly-appointed Acting Minister of Public Health Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali.

There had been no reported cases of wild poliovirus in Afghanistan for five consecutive months, the World Health Organization reported in March.

Polio is a virus that may cause paralysis and is easily preventable by the polio vaccine. It is transmitted through contaminated water or food, or contact with an infected person. Many people who are infected with the poliovirus don’t become sick and have no symptoms. However, some develop paralysis, which can sometimes be fatal. Treatment includes bed rest, pain relievers, rehabilitation and portable ventilators.

–IANS

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