Author: Vividh Bharathi

Champions League: Liverpool stay perfect as Bayern hit five; Villa win 

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty maintained their perfect record in the Champions League this season by beating Girona 1-0 away from home.

The Egyptian international’s 63rd-minute penalty at Estadi Montilivi made it six victories from six in the league phase for Arne Slot’s side, who top the standings.

Already guaranteed a spot in the knockout rounds, the win puts the Reds on the brink of a definite top-eight finish, which would see them progress straight to the last 16 and bypass the play-offs.

Meanwhile, an attacking masterclass from Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise’s double led Bayern to a 5-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk to mark their first away win of the league phase.

Shakhtar had led through Kevin in Gelsenkirchen, but the visitors did not look back after Konrad Laimer equalised with a powerful shot.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid returned to winning ways as they edged Atalanta 3-2 in an entertaining contest in Bergamo. Kylian Mbappe put the visitors ahead early on with his 50th goal of the competition, only for Atalanta to draw level via Charles De Ketelaere’s emphatic penalty on half-time.

Vinicius Junior pounced ten minutes after the interval, then turned provider for Jude Bellingham, but Ademola Lookman squeezed a shot inside Thibaut Courtois’ right post with 25 minutes left. La Dea pushed for an equaliser, and in added time substitute Mateo Retegui scooped over from close range.

In another match, Nordi Mukiele’s 90th-minute winner helped Leverkusen beat Inter Milan 1-0 and extended their perfect home record. Inter were the only side yet to concede in the league phase, although Nathan Tella’s shot against the crossbar almost changed that after three minutes at the BayArena.

Florian Wirtz’s angled drive tested Yann Sommer as Leverkusen had all three attempts on target before the break, but the reigning Italian champions’ No. 1 was rarely troubled before Mukiele fired in from close range to secure victory.

The outstanding Musiala then combined with Thomas Muller, setting his captain up to put Bayern ahead just before half-time. Olise’s penalty extended Bayern’s lead, before Musiala pounced to score a late goal of his own. There was still time for Olise to weave through the Shakhtar defence to add a stunning fifth.

Ross Barkley’s late deflected drive earned Aston Villa their fourth win of the league phase. The visitors dominated the early stages and took the lead when John McGinn fired in Ollie Watkins’ cushioned header, though Leipzig levelled when Loïs Openda capitalised on a mix-up in the Villa defence.

Jhon Duran, who replaced Watkins at half-time, restored the visitors’ advantage with a looping, long-range drive. Christoph Baumgartner’s volley restored parity for a second time, but Barkley struck late on to move Villa onto 13 points. With it, Leipzig’s elimination has been confirmed.

–IANS

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Iranian oil minister elected OPEC president

Tehran, Dec 11 (IANS) Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad was elected as the rotating president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) for 2025.

In a press release on its website, OPEC confirmed the election of its president for the upcoming year and thanked Marcel Abeke, Gabon’s minister of petroleum, for his leadership as the organisation’s rotating president in 2024, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Iran’s official news agency IRNA.

According to IRNA, the newly elected OPEC president, Paknejad, emphasised his commitment to using all his capacities to uphold the organisation’s consistency, solidarity, and progress.

The OPEC conference has renewed the term of office for Haitham Al Ghais as secretary general for an additional three years, effective August 1, 2025, according to the OPEC press release.

Iran is set to assume the presidency of the organisation on January 1, 2025. The OPEC presidency rotates annually among OPEC member countries.

The OPEC is a permanent intergovernmental organisation of 12 oil-exporting developing nations that coordinates and unifies the petroleum policies of its member countries.

–IANS

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Pamela Anderson’s ‘Baywatch’ swimsuit to be showcased in exhibition

Los Angeles, Dec 11 (IANS) Hollywood star Pamela Anderson’s iconic fiery red swimsuit from “Baywatch” will be displayed at an exhibition at London’s Design Museum.

The swimsuit will be showcased in the ‘Splash! A Century of Swimming and Style’. The 57-year-old actress wore the red bathing suit during her stint on the hit TV show between 1992 and 1997, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

Amber Butchart, the guest curator of ‘Splash!’, said: “It’s incredible to be showing Pamela Anderson’s iconic ‘Baywatch’ swimsuit in the exhibition, especially at this pivotal point when she has reclaimed her own image, and has designed and modelled her own swimwear.”

The new exhibition will focus on Britain’s enduring love of swimming and swimwear over the past 100 years.

‘Splash!’ will feature more than 200 objects and will explore swimming’s evolution, in a social, cultural, technological and environmental context, over the last century.

Tim Marlow, the director and CEO of the Design Museum, said: “The story of swimming is more than just a story of sport, as our new exhibition will make abundantly clear.

“By examining the culture of swimming through the lens of design, we will explore a range of evolving ideas about the way we have lived from the beginning of the 20th century to the present, from materials and making to leisure, travel, performance, wellbeing and the environment. It’s another innovative exhibition that will show visitors to the Design Museum the profound impact of design in almost every aspect of our lives.”

‘Splash!’ will open at the Design Museum in London on March 28, and tickets for the exhibition are now on sale.

Anderson rose to prominence after being selected as the February 1990 Playboy Playmate of the Month. She holds the record for the most Playboy covers by any individual.

She went on to star in the series “V.I.P.” and “Stacked”. Her film credits include Raw Justice, Barb Wire, Scary Movie 3, Borat, Superhero Movie, Blonde and Blonder, The Institute, Baywatch, City Hunter, and The Last Showgirl . Anderson also appeared in her own reality series Pam: Girl on the Loose among many others.

–IANS

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Humanitarian situation in Syria remains volatile: UN

United Nations, Dec 11 (IANS) UN humanitarians said that the humanitarian situation in Syria remains volatile, with continuing hostilities and looting reported in the capital Damascus area but relative calm in the country’s northwest.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported challenges for aid delivery in parts of the northeast, Xinhua news agency reported.

“Airstrikes and other hostilities continue to be reported in Damascus, rural Damascus, Daraa, and As-Sweida,” OCHA said. “Some looting of aid warehouses, including those of UN agencies and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent has been reported.”

UN agencies and their partners said they are trying to identify the extent of the reported looting.

A curfew is in place in Damascus and its countryside, Latakia, and Tartous from 5:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. local time. “While vital public services are gradually resuming, movement restrictions, including curfews, are hindering the flow of goods and services,” OCHA said.

The humanitarians have received reports from areas with relative calm of displaced people who fled hostilities in the past two weeks returning home.

“All 11 reception centers that had been opened in Idlib to host newly displaced families were empty as of yesterday (Monday),” the office said, adding that its partners in the northeast report people continuing to arrive in displaced sites.

The United Nations and partners continue aid activities as the security situation permits. OCHA said the cross-border operation from Turkey is continuing without any impediment.

“Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that 25 trucks carrying UN aid crossed to northwest Syria,” the office said. “Nine trucks carrying more than 200 tons of food crossed through Bab Al-Salam, while 16 trucks crossed through Bab Al-Hawa.”

UN partners also deployed 16 mobile medical teams to support the response in underserved areas and displacement camps. The UN Population Fund and the World Health Organization reported distributing health, surgical and trauma kits to support hospitals.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that food prices in markets across the country are increasing sharply. In the past two weeks, more than 20 partners delivered food to more than 590,000 people in northwest Syria.

WFP and its partners have provided meals to more than 40,000 people in Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Latakia, Deir El Zor, Raqqa and Hasaka, according to the agency.

The UN Refugee Agency distributed cash assistance for winter support to more than 6,000 households in Idlib and northern Aleppo and transported 1,500 core relief item kits to Idlib while working with its partners.

–IANS

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No one better than Uddhav Thackeray to lead INDIA bloc, says Shiv Sena (UBT)

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) The question of leadership in the INDIA bloc has sparked intense debate after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently expressed dissatisfaction with the alliance’s current leadership and her willingness to take charge.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Anand Dubey on Wednesday stated that while Mamata Banerjee is a capable leader, party chief Uddhav Thackeray would be the most suitable person to lead the Opposition alliance.

“Mamata Banerjee has proven her mettle by halting PM Modi’s political surge in Bengal twice, in 2016 and 2021. She is a formidable leader who challenges PM Modi effectively,” Dubey told IANS.

However, he emphasised that Uddhav Thackeray “possesses all the qualities needed” to unify and lead the alliance.

Dubey praised Thackeray as a leader who is “calm by nature, knowledgeable, articulate, and a flag-bearer of Hindutva,” adding, “He seeks to steer the country toward development and could run the INDIA bloc better than anyone else.”

The INDIA bloc was conceptualised with Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar playing a significant role. However, Nitish Kumar’s dissatisfaction with the alliance reportedly led him to align with the BJP. Since then, Rahul Gandhi has emerged as a prominent face of the Opposition, but repeated defeats in state elections have raised questions about his leadership.

Dubey acknowledged Rahul Gandhi’s contributions, saying, “He is a capable Leader of Opposition, but the burden on him is immense. If someone else also takes on the INDIA bloc leadership, what’s wrong with that? Rahul Gandhi himself should consider sharing responsibilities to strengthen the alliance.”

Using a cricket analogy, Dubey highlighted the importance of teamwork, stating, “In a cricket team, captains change every three years, but the team wins when everyone contributes. Similarly, defeating PM Modi in 2024 requires unity and collective performance.”

While some leaders within the Opposition alliance, including RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and NCP chief Sharad Pawar, have rallied behind Mamata Banerjee as the ideal leader, Dubey expressed concerns about her potential departure from the bloc.

“If Mamata also leaves like Nitish Kumar, it will weaken the fight against Modi. We need a solution through collective dialogue,” he said.

Interestingly, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), which is not a part of the INDIA bloc, has also voiced support for Mamata.

As speculation grows about leadership, Dubey reiterated that the alliance must act decisively to counter the BJP’s preparation for the 2024 elections and beyond.

“We will have to perform well. Otherwise, we saw the 2024, 2019, and 2014 elections. Should we keep watching like that? Now, the BJP must have started preparing for 2029; it will not be sitting at home,” he added.

Backing Thackeray, he added, “Uddhav Thackeray embodies the qualities of an ideal leader — calmness, focus on development, and the ability to unify diverse factions.”

With the leadership debate intensifying, the INDIA bloc faces a crucial test in balancing ambitions and unity to present a formidable challenge to the BJP in the next general elections.

–IANS

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Soha shares glimpse of ‘weekend we all wanted’ with Sharmila, Kareena, Saif

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) Actress Soha Ali Khan had spent a memorable weekend with her family including mother Sharmila Tagore, husband Kunal Kemmu, brother Saif Ali Khan and sister-in-law Kareena Kapoor Khan along with kids.

Soha took to Instagram, where she shared a video of how “the weekend” she wanted, where Sharmila is seen playing with grandchildren Inaaya, Taimur and Jeh. Some moments also featured in the clip include Kunal jumping into the pool, a chat session and a peek into what their fun dinner table conversations are like.

“The weekend we all wanted,” Soha captioned the post, which had the track “Kitni Haseen Zindagi” by singer Lucky Ali in the backdrop.

Soha and Kunal got engaged in July 2024 and in 2015 the duo tied the knot. In the year 2017, they became parents of their adorable daughter Inaaya Naumi Kemmu Khan.

On the work front, Soha will feature in horror-thriller ‘Chhorii 2’ which is a sequel to Nushratt Bharuccha-starrer 2021 film ‘Chhorii’. It is a remake of a Marathi film titled Lapachhapi.

Recently, Kareena shared a glimpse from their weekend getaway featuring her favourite couple Soha and Kunal.

Kareena took to her Instagram, where she shared a picture of Soha and Kunal sitting. In the image, Soha is seen reading a book, while her husband Kunal is listening to her with full attention.

The Bollywood diva captioned the image: “Favourite couple Kunal Kemmu and Soha Ali Khan.”

On December 8, Kareena celebrated the birthday of her mother-in-law and veteran star Sharmila Tagore.

The actress took to Instagram to wish her mother-in-law on her birthday. She shared a picture of herself with the veteran actress. In the picture, both of them can be seen in comfortable clothing.

“Who’s the coolest Gangsta ever? Do i need to say? Happy birthday to my mother-in-law. Just the Best,” she wrote as the caption.

–IANS

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Ranveer Singh recalls the time when his ‘dreams became a reality’

Mumbai, Dec 11 (IANS) As his debut film “Band Baaja Baaraat” clocks 14 years since its release, Bollywood star and new dad Ranveer Singh reminisced about the time when his “dreams became a reality.”

Ranveer took to his Instagram stories, where he shared several highlights from the film, which was released in 2010.

“14 years since Band Baaja Baaraat… When my dreams became a reality #blessings #gratitude,” he wrote as the caption for the film, where he featured alongside actress Anushka Sharma.

“Band Baaja Baaraat”, a romantic comedy film was directed by Maneesh Sharma. In the film, Anushka’s Shruti Kakkar and Ranveer’sBittoo Sharma team up to create a wedding planning business. A Tamil remake titled Aaha Kalyanam starring Nani and Vaani Kapoor in the lead roles was released in 2014.

One of the highest-paid Indian actors, Ranveer after his debut, was then seen in “Ladies Vs Ricky Behl”. He gained praise for playing a melancholic thief in the drama Lootera.

However, it was in 2013, when he established himself as a star through his collaborations with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, beginning with Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao I and Alauddin Khilji in Bhansali’s period dramas Bajirao Mastani (2015) and Padmaavat (2018), respectively.

He was then seen in films such as “Simmba”, “Gully Boy”, “83” and “Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani”.

Ranveer, who is married to Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, is all set to be seen in filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s espionage thriller. The actor will reportedly play an R&AW agent in the yet-untitled movie.

It was in July, when the project was announced. Ranveer had shared a post on Instagram at that time and captioned it: “This one is for my fans, who have been so patient with me, and been clamouring for a turn like this. I love you all, and I promise you, this time, a cinematic experience like never before. With your blessings, we embark on this great, big motion picture adventure with spirited energy and pure intent. This time, it’s personal.”

The film is produced by Jyoti Deshpande from Jio Studios along with Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar under their banner B62 Studios. This follows their recent super hit collaboration “Article 370”.

The movie features a star-studded cast, including Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal.

Ranveer’s latest release is “Singham Again” by Rohit Shetty. The film also stars Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff and Arjun Kapoor, who played a negative character in the blockbuster.

–IANS

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High alert sounded in TN’s in Valparai as elephant rampage continues

Chennai, Dec 11 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has issued a public advisory urging residents near the forest in Valparai, Coimbatore district, to avoid venturing out at night due to the increasing threat posed by wild elephants straying into human habitats.

Forest officials are patrolling the area after three elephants, separated from a 17-member herd, raided human settlements in Valparai on Monday, injuring several people.

Four individuals sustained fractures to their hands and legs in the attacks and have been admitted to a government hospital.

This incident follows the death of 18-year-old S. Mukesh a few months ago. Mukesh, a resident of Puthukad near Valparai, was fatally attacked by a wild elephant while travelling on a two-wheeler through an estate road on his way to the Sholayar Dam.

Despite being rushed to the Valparai General Hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. The death Mukesh came just days after a tribal man, Ravi, was trampled to death by a wild elephant at the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR), near Valparai.

Over the past year, there have been several incidents of wild elephants damaging property, including houses and shops, in the Valparai region.

Forest officials attribute these attacks to habitat degradation caused by invasive plant species, the destruction of swamps, and land-use changes, which have led to increased human-wildlife conflict.

As the annual migration season of elephants approaches its peak in the Valparai plateau, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department, in collaboration with non-governmental organisations and local residents, is working to facilitate the free movement of elephants.

However, officials have warned that elephants that stray from their herds often turn aggressive, posing significant risks to human life and property.

Currently, nearly 100 elephants are moving through plantation areas on the plateau, which include tea, coffee, and cardamom estates, as well as swamps, abandoned fields, eucalyptus patches, and forest fragments within estates.

This number is expected to rise as migration peaks between January and February. Valparai residents and estate workers, accustomed to the annual migration of elephants from Kerala, have learned strategies to minimise negative interactions with the animals.

The migration, which begins in September, sees elephants navigating the mosaic landscape of Valparai’s estates and fragmented forests until it ends in March.

Forest officials note that factors such as rainfall, availability of grass, and human behaviour influence elephant migration patterns.

Manoharan, a Valparai resident, acknowledged the Forest Department’s efforts to raise awareness about reducing conflicts with wild elephants, emphasising the importance of coexistence during the migration period.

–IANS

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Delhi liquor policy scam: SC to hear today Sisodia’s plea to relax bail condition

New Delhi, Dec 11 (IANS) The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Wednesday a plea filed by senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia seeking relaxation of the bail condition requiring him to report to the Investigating Officer semi-weekly.

As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a bench headed by Justice B.R. Gavai will take up Sisodia’s application for hearing on December 11.

Earlier on Monday, the Bench, also comprising Justice K.V. Viswanathan, agreed to list the plea moved by Sisodia after senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi mentioned it.

“Day after tomorrow,” it had told Singhvi, who sought an urgent hearing on Sisodia’s plea seeking relaxation of the bail condition requiring him to report to the Investigating Officer every Monday and Thursday.

In August this year, the Supreme Court granted bail to the senior AAP leader, saying that he cannot be kept behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of a speedy completion of trial in the alleged excise policy case.

Pronouncing the verdict on Sisodia’s bail pleas, a Bench presided over by Justice Gavai had said: “In the present case, in ED as well as CBI matter, 493 witnesses have been named and the case involves thousands of pages of documents and over lakh pages of digitised documents.”

“It is thus clear that there is not even a remotest possibility of the trial being concluded in the near future. In our view, keeping the appellant behind bars for an unlimited period of time in the hope of speedy completion of the trial would deprive him of the Fundamental Right of Liberty given under Article 21 of the Constitution.”

The Bench, also comprising Justice Viswanathan, held that on account of a long period of incarceration running for around 17 months and the trial not having commenced, Sisodia had been deprived of his right to a speedy trial.

Rejecting the contention that Sisodia, if granted bail, may tamper with the evidence, the Supreme Court had said that the prosecution case majorly stems from documentary evidence, which has already been seized by the CBI and the ED.

The SC refused to accept central agencies’ submission that Sisodia should not be allowed to visit the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office or Delhi Secretariat.

“The appellant (Sisodia) shall surrender his passport with the Special Court. The appellant shall report to the Investigating Officer every Monday and Thursday between 10-11 a.m. and the appellant shall not make any attempt either to influence the witnesses or to tamper with the evidence,” it said.

In an earlier judgment delivered on October 30 last year, the top court had denied bail to the former Deputy Chief Minister but said that if the trial proceeds slowly in the next three months, he may apply for bail afresh.

Recently, the Delhi High Court issued notice on Sisodia’s plea against the trial court’s decision to take cognisance of the prosecution complaint filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged liquor policy scam case.

In his petition filed before the Delhi HC, Sisodia contended that the trial court took cognisance of the alleged offences under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) without any prior sanction having been obtained by the ED for prosecution.

The plea added that the trial court should have not taken cognisance of the ED’s prosecution complaint without sanction since he held a public office at the time of the commission of the alleged money laundering offence.

The matter is slated to be heard next on December 20, along with a similar petition filed by AAP supremo and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal seeking a stay of trial proceedings on the grounds of lack of sanction.

–IANS

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European countries halt asylum process for Syrians after fall of al-Assad govt

Prague, Dec 11 (IANS) Several European countries have announced the suspension of asylum processes for Syrian nationals in light of the political developments in Syria following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad government.

The Dutch government has imposed a six-month freeze on decisions regarding asylum applications from Syrians, the country’s Asylum and Migration Minister Marjolein Faber stated in a letter to the House of Representatives on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Faber explained that the uncertainty surrounding the situation in Syria after the fall of the al-Assad regime made it difficult to evaluate asylum applications accurately.

In Belgium, the Office of the Commissioner General for Refugees and Stateless Persons has also temporarily suspended the processing of asylum applications from Syrian citizens. Scheduled personal interviews will be canceled, and ongoing reviews of applications are on hold. According to the office, this suspension aims to allow a more precise evaluation of the risks faced by applicants in the event of their return to Syria.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer instructed the country’s Interior Ministry on Monday to halt all ongoing Syrian asylum applications and review previously granted asylum cases. Family reunifications for Syrians in Austria have also been suspended, according to Austrian broadcaster ORF. Interior Minister Gerhard Karner announced plans to prepare a repatriation and deportation program for Syrians.

In the Czech Republic, Interior Minister Vit Rakusan told the Czech News Agency that the country had ceased processing asylum applications from Syrians as of Sunday due to the evolving situation.

“This is a common procedure in situations where there are significant changes in the situation in the country,” Rakusan explained.

Malta has similarly paused the examination and processing of both new and existing asylum applications from Syrian nationals, while countries such as France and Greece are reportedly considering similar measures.

France’s Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (Ofpra) said on Monday that it is closely monitoring the developments in Syria. “In cases where the situation in an asylum seeker’s country of origin changes, this may lead to a temporary suspension of decisions on asylum applications from Syrian nationals, depending on the specific circumstances,” Ofpra stated.

In 2023, 4,465 asylum applications were submitted to Ofpra by Syrian nationals, with around 2,500 more submitted in 2024 so far.

In Greece, sources at the Migration and Asylum Ministry revealed that decisions on asylum applications from Syrian nationals are expected to be temporarily suspended. The decision, which could impact approximately 9,500 applicants, is set to be finalised later this week.

According to a recent report by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), asylum authorities in the 27 EU member states, along with Norway and Switzerland, received 84,000 asylum applications in September 2024, of which 14,000 were submitted by Syrians.

–IANS

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