Wednesday, 30 November 2022

What travel warnings do other nations give their citizens about US violence?

American travelers -- at least those of the cautious variety -- might be familiar with the US State Department's travel advisories.

England and Wales are no longer majority Christian, census data show

England and Wales are no longer majority Christian, and are slightly less White than a decade ago, newly released 2021 census data show.

Belarus dissident Maria Kolesnikova in intensive care, opposition spokesman says

A prominent Belarusian opposition figure, who has been serving an 11-year prison sentence after leading mass street protests against President Alexander Lukashenko, is in intensive care after undergoing surgery, an opposition spokesman said Tuesday.

How China's vast security apparatus moved swiftly to smother mass protests

China's vast security apparatus has moved swiftly to smother mass protests that swept the country, with police patrolling streets, checking cell phones and even calling some demonstrators to warn them against a repeat.

Tuesday, 29 November 2022

'Grave urgency': Over 400 business groups plead with Congress to prevent rail strike

More than 400 business groups are calling on Congressional leaders to be prepared to prevent a freight rail strike that could start causing chaos in the economy as early as next week.

Pope Francis calls Chechens and Buryats 'the cruelest' Russian troops fighting in Ukraine

Pope Francis has described two of Russia's ethnic minority groups, the Chechens and Buryats, as some of the "cruelest" troops fighting in Ukraine.

Protesters in China: 'We don't want lifelong rulers'

• Protesters turn on Xi Jinping as public fury grows • Video: Protesters take to Hong Kong's streets in solidarity with mainland

The search for a missing mother surfaces claims of her lover's 'life of deceit'

Marion Barter won plaudits for her warmth as an elementary school teacher, but in 1997 the 51-year-old mother-of-two became restless, quit her job, sold her house, and flew from Australia's beach-lined Gold Coast to start a new life in Europe.

Great Barrier Reef should be placed on the 'in danger' list, UN-backed report shows

The Great Barrier Reef should be added to the list of world heritage sites that are "in danger", a team of scientists concluded after conducting a mission to the world's largest coral reef system.

Monday, 28 November 2022

Russia postpones nuclear arms control talks with US, State Department says

The Biden administration is blaming Russia for postponing meetings to discuss a key nuclear arms control agreement between the two countries that were scheduled to begin in Egypt on Tuesday, with a State Department spokesperson saying the decision was made "unilaterally" by Russia.

Spencer Tunick gathers 2,500 volunteers for mass naked photo shoot on Bondi Beach

Around 2,500 people stripped off for a naked photo shoot on Australia's Bondi Beach on Saturday, designed to raise awareness of skin cancer.

Gunfire heard inside besieged Somalia hotel as security forces battle attackers

Gunfire was heard on Monday from inside a besieged hotel in the Somali capital that was attacked on the weekend, a nearby resident and a police officer said, while parliament said it had postponed a scheduled session.

The world's skinniest skyscraper is now complete — and its interiors are remarkable

The designers behind the world's skinniest skyscraper have just given fans of ultra-luxury living an early Christmas gift.

Mexican authorities search for 2 missing Americans in the Gulf of California

Mexican authorities are searching for two Americans who went missing after a kayaking trip off the coast of Puerto Peñasco in the Gulf of California, local authorities said late Saturday.

Rugby great Doddie Weir dies six years after Motor Neurone Disease diagnosis

Rugby great Doddie Weir has died at age 52, according to a statement from the Weir family that was released through the Scottish Rugby Union.

Police: Al-Shabaab terror attack targets Mogadishu hotel frequented by Somali lawmakers

The al Qaeda linked terror group al-Shabaab has carried out a suicide attack and stormed a central Mogadishu hotel frequented by Somalia's ministers and members of parliament, Somali police said Sunday.

Opinion: Why Putin would want a truce

A truce now in the war in Ukraine would essentially spell victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Sunday, 27 November 2022

Protests erupt across China in unprecedented challenge to Xi Jinping's zero-Covid policy

Protests erupted across China on Saturday, including at universities and in Shanghai where hundreds chanted "Step down, Xi Jinping! Step down, Communist Party!" in an unprecedented show of defiance against the country's stringent and increasingly costly zero-Covid policy.

North Korea plans 'world's most powerful' nuclear force, Kim Jong Un says

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is planning to build "the world's most powerful" nuclear force, state news agency KCNA reported on Sunday.

Taiwan's President billed midterms as all about China. Now she's resigning as party chief

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen has resigned as the leader of the island's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, after her party suffered heavy losses in mid-term elections.

Belarus Foreign Minister Vladimir Makei dies at 64, officials say

The Foreign Minister of Belarus Vladimir Makei has died at the age of 64, the country's foreign ministry said Saturday.

Saturday, 26 November 2022

Iran's supreme leader praises paramilitary for crackdown on 'rioters' and 'thugs'

Iran's Supreme Leader has praised the country's Basij paramilitary force for its role in the deadly crackdown on anti-regime protesters.

US bans Huawei, ZTE equipment sales amid Chinese spying fears

The Biden administration has banned approvals of new telecommunications equipment from China's Huawei Technologies and ZTE because they pose "an unacceptable risk" to US national security.

Taiwan votes in local elections billed as message for China and the world

Polls opened in Taiwan on Saturday in local elections that President Tsai Ing-wen has framed as being about sending a message to the world about the island's determination to defend its democracy in the face of China's rising bellicosity.

Friday, 25 November 2022

Will Erdogan finally deliver on his vow to invade northern Syria?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has in the past week launched a series of airstrikes against Kurdish militants in northern Syria, and is warning that a ground operation will soon follow.

From prisoner to prime minister: The remarkable rise of Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim

It's a political journey decades in the making -- the transformation of a young student firebrand into an icon of democracy and eventually the leader of his country, via two stints in jail.

Rats blamed for eating 500 kilograms of cannabis stored by Indian police

Rats in northern India have been accused of eating hundreds of kilograms of cannabis seized from drug dealers and stored in police warehouses.

Hong Kong finds 90-year-old cardinal guilty over pro-democracy protest fund

A 90-year-old former bishop and outspoken critic of China's ruling Communist Party was found guilty Friday on a charge relating to his role in a relief fund for Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Indonesia needs earthquake-proof houses. Building them is a huge challenge

A deadly earthquake that reduced buildings to rubble in West Java, Indonesia has once again exposed the dangers of living in poorly built homes in one of the most seismically active zones on the planet.

Russia threatens to cut supply of gas through Ukraine

• Stories of Ukrainian resistance revealed after Kherson pullout • Russia's State Duma approves bill to ban 'LGBT propaganda' • Opinion: Why Putin would want a truce

Thursday, 24 November 2022

Why you can thank The Sims for one of 2022's biggest fashion trends

Gaming and fashion may appear to be unlikely bedfellows, but what our avatars wear — whether skydiving into a battle in Fortnite or having a dinner date in The Sims — has been of interest since video game characters could first change their clothes.

China's Covid cases hit record as dissent grows over tough restrictions

China on Thursday reported a record number of daily Covid infections, as a nationwide surge in cases heaps pressure on the country's increasingly unpopular zero-tolerance approach to the virus.

Anwar Ibrahim appointed new Malaysia leader, palace says

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was appointed prime minister on Thursday, the sultan's palace said, and will be sworn in at 5 p.m. local time.

Brazilian court rejects election challenge from outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro

The head of Brazil's electoral court on Wednesday rejected Jair Bolsonaro's petition to annul ballots from this year's presidential vote, calling the outgoing President's allegation that some voting machines had malfunctioned "ludicrous and illicit" and "ostensibly conspiratorial toward the democratic rule of law."

Palestinian gunmen seize body of Israeli Druze man from hospital in Jenin, demanding exchange of bodies

Palestinian gunmen stormed a hospital in Jenin and seized the body of a young Israeli Druze civilian who had been in a car accident the West Bank, authorities on both sides of the conflict said Wednesday. The gunmen are demanding the return of the bodies of Palestinians killed by Israeli troops, they said.

Wednesday, 23 November 2022

A house price slump is coming. Rising unemployment could make it much worse

Last year, Auckland's largest real estate company couldn't sell properties quickly enough to meet demand in New Zealand's biggest city.

Chinese agent bribed Taiwan colonel to surrender if war began, prosecutors claim

Prosecutors in Taiwan said on Tuesday they had charged a senior military officer with corruption and harming state security after they said he took bribes from a Chinese agent to act as a spy and even signed a letter promising to surrender to China.

China resumes streaming South Korean content after six-year suspension

A Chinese streaming platform has resumed distributing South Korean content after suspending it for nearly six years, South Korean officials said on Tuesday, in what Seoul called a sign of Beijing's readiness to improve ties.

Nuclear watchdog says Iran enriching uranium up to 60% at underground facility

Iran has begun producing uranium enriched up to 60% in its underground Fordow nuclear facility, the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on Tuesday, bringing the country closer to weapons grade material.

Colombia's drug problem is worse than ever. But it has a radical solution

When Gustavo Petro, Colombia's first progressive president, took office in August, he laid out an ambitious agenda.

Tuesday, 22 November 2022

America faces a possible rail strike in two weeks after largest union rejects labor deal

America faces a growing risk of a crippling national freight rail strike in two weeks. The rank-and-file members of the nation's largest rail union, which represents the industry's conductors, rejected a tentative labor deal with freight railroads, the union announced Monday.

Killers of US blogger escape from Bangladesh court on motorbikes

Two Islamist militants sentenced to death for killing a US blogger critical of religious extremism escaped from a crowded court in Bangladesh's Dhaka on Sunday.

Factory fire kills 38 people in central China, state media reports

A fire at a factory in central China killed 36 people on Monday, according to Chinese state-media, the latest in a string of fatal industrial accidents to hit the country in recent years.

Experts: this is the best cash back card of 2022



More than 100 migrants rescued from overloaded vessel before it hit sand bar in Florida Keys, Coast Guard says

More than 100 people were rescued from an overloaded vessel before it hit a sand bar in the Florida Keys, according to the US Coast Guard.

Dominican Republic expelled hundreds of children to Haiti without their families this year

Hundreds of children have been expelled from the Dominican Republic without their parents, according to UNICEF, amid a sweeping government push to remove suspected undocumented migrants from the country.

Magnitude 5.6 earthquake leaves at least 162 dead in Indonesia

At least 46 people have died after a 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's West Java province on Monday, according to the country's National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB).

Monday, 21 November 2022

London's rental market has become a 'nightmare.' Here's why

For Rebeca Blázquez, the past few weeks have been a "nightmare."

World's longest-ruling leader looks set to secure new term after 43 years in power

Preliminary election results released by Equatorial Guinea's government on Monday showed the ruling party winning over 99% of votes counted so far in presidential, legislative, and municipal elections held on Sunday.

A metal detectorist has stumbled across the stuff of dreams: A medieval diamond ring

Every metal detectorist dreams of unearthing something valuable. For one man the English countryside yielded an incredible find when he stumbled upon a medieval diamond wedding ring in "almost perfect condition" near Thorncombe, in the South West of the country.

Lonely Planet reveals its top destinations for 2023

Guidebook company Lonely Planet has revealed its 18th annual "Best in Travel" list.

Ecuador dampens Qatar's party as controversial World Cup gets underway

For the past year, a giant clock in Doha has been counting down to the opening match of the World Cup. Qatar and the world need wait no more, after this controversial tournament got underway Sunday with the host losing 2-0 to Ecuador.

Sunday, 20 November 2022

IAEA warns whoever was behind 'powerful explosions' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant is 'playing with fire'

Powerful explosions rocked the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine this weekend, renewing concerns that fighting so close to the facility could cause a nuclear accident.

Turkey launches deadly aerial campaign over Syria in response to Istanbul bombing

Eleven people have been killed in Syria, including one journalist, after Turkish warplanes carried out an "air operation" in the country and neighboring Iraq late Saturday, according to an official from the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). There have not been any casualties reported from the Iraqi side.

Negotiators at COP27 reach tentative deal on loss and damage, signaling potential for major breakthrough at climate summit

Negotiators at the UN's COP27 climate summit have reached a tentative agreement to establish a loss and damage fund for nations vulnerable to climate disasters, according to negotiators with the European Union and Africa, as well as non-governmental organizations who are observing the talks.

She left the dangers of Ukraine only to be killed riding a bike. Hundreds will ride in her honor

On Thursday, Dan Langenkamp marked 12 weeks since his wife, Sarah, was killed.

Saturday, 19 November 2022

Children's deaths 'must stop' in Iran, says UNICEF, as protests continue

The United Nations children's agency, UNICEF, said it remains deeply concerned by reports of children being killed, injured, and detained in Iran, it said in a statement on Friday, adding that the reported deaths of children at anti-government protests "must stop."

World leaders met all week to address global issues. Putin appears to no longer have a seat at the table

The three major summits of world leaders that took place across Asia in the past week have made one thing clear: Vladimir Putin is now sidelined on the world stage.

Russian dissident Alexey Navalny says he was moved into solitary cell to 'shut me up'

Imprisoned Russian dissident Alexey Navalny has been transferred into a solitary prison cell, according to tweets from himself and his staff, in what he described as a move designed to "shut me up."

Friday, 18 November 2022

Airbnb CEO on the tech downturn: 'It's like we're all in a nightclub and the lights just came on'

After years of seemingly unstoppable growth, the tech industry is now facing the "ultimate reality check" as it confronts broader economic uncertainty and waves of layoffs, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky told CNN on Thursday.

Gates Foundation pledges $7 billion for Africa as Ukraine war diverts donor cash

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said on Thursday it was committing $7 billion to Africa over the next four years, as Bill Gates warned that the Ukraine crisis was reducing the amount of aid flowing to the continent.

Pakistan film 'Joyland' releases in some cinemas after government overturns ban

Award-winning movie "Joyland" opens in cinemas in parts of Pakistan Friday, after authorities in the South Asian nation overturned a ban imposed following complaints the homegrown film was unsuitable for viewing.

North Korea fires ICBM into sea off Japan, according to South Korean officials

North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Friday, the second missile test by the Kim Jong Un regime in two days, in actions condemned as unacceptable by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Mexican state security chief is among the five dead in helicopter crash

The state security chief of the central Mexican state of Aguascalientes was among the five people who died in a helicopter crash, according to the state's governor.

London's Heathrow Airport faces 'major disruption' as ground handlers prepare to strike

London's Heathrow Airport is facing "major disruption" as 350 ground handlers are set to begin a three-day strike over pay on Friday, the Unite union said Thursday.

Families of jailed Cuban protesters blocked from meeting US officials

United States officials criticized the Cuban government on Wednesday for what it described as "inhumane" interference with the families of jailed Cuban protesters, some of whom were prevented from meeting with US diplomats in Havana.

Thursday, 17 November 2022

Analysis: G20's criticism of Russia shows the rise of a new Asian power. And it isn't China

When world leaders at the Group of 20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, issued a joint statement condemning Russia's war in Ukraine, a familiar sentence stood out from the 1,186-page document.

Singapore writes down $275 million in FTX, calls belief in Sam Bankman-Fried 'misplaced'

Singapore has become the latest backer of crypto exchange FTX to admit being burned by its spectacular collapse.

The year's most striking architectural photos revealed

The year's best architectural photographs have been revealed, highlighting the beauty of sleek geometry, abstracted silhouettes and industrial textures from around the world.

North Korea tests short-range ballistic missile, South Korea says

North Korea fired one short-range ballistic missile into waters off the east coast of the Korean Peninsula on Thursday, according to South Korean military officials.

China's Xi Jinping lectures Justin Trudeau over alleged leaks

Chinese leader Xi Jinping was captured by Canadian broadcasters in a rare candid moment on Wednesday, where he was filmed chiding his Canadian counterpart, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, over what he described as "leaked" discussions.

3 takeaways from Biden's trip to summits in Egypt, Cambodia and Indonesia

President Joe Biden arrives in Washington on Wednesday evening after a whirlwind slate of summits across two different continents -- his largest opportunity yet to play diplomat-in-chief among other world leaders in a world reemerging from the Covid-19 pandemic.

How to save water in your home to help manage the climate crisis

The reliability of our faucets providing water every time we turn them on can make water seem like a magical, never-ending resource.

Wednesday, 16 November 2022

Buyer Beware. Even if your favorite movie star is selling

The best advice for investors has always been: Buyer beware.

Thanksgiving dinner will cost 20% more this year because of inflation

Thanksgiving dinner will cost a whopping 20% more than it did last year, according to a new survey released Wednesday by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Russia's isolation at G20 summit over Ukraine puts China and India under spotlight

Russia's international isolation grew Wednesday, as world leaders sought to gain unanimous support in condemning its war in Ukraine that has killed thousands of people and roiled the global economy.

Three Israelis killed in attack in occupied West Bank

At least three Israelis were killed and another three wounded when a Palestinian man went on a rampage near an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday.

US sanctions firms involved in production and transfer of Iranian drones to Russia

The US Treasury Department on Tuesday unveiled additional sanctions on the entities involved in the production and transfer of Iranian drones to Russia.

Taliban likely gained access to millions that US transferred to Afghan government before collapse, watchdog says

The Taliban likely gained access to tens of millions of dollars the US transferred to the Afghan government before it collapsed, a US government watchdog found.

The best Christmas markets taking place in 2022

There's nothing quite like a festive market to bring out the Christmas spirit in people.

Tuesday, 15 November 2022

Taliban orders implementation of their interpretation of Sharia law in Afghanistan

The Taliban has ordered judges in Afghanistan to fully impose their interpretation of Sharia Law, including potential public executions, amputations and flogging, a move experts fear will lead to a further deterioration of human rights in the impoverished country.

The world's largest plane is going to be rebuilt

For avgeeks, the destruction of the world's largest commercial plane was one of the key images at the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In February, the Antonov AN-225 was attacked at its base in Hostomel, near Kyiv.

Monday, 14 November 2022

Beckham's 'status as a gay icon will be shredded' if he is Qatar World Cup ambassador, says comedian

David Beckham's "status as a gay icon will be shredded" if the former England captain and Manchester United star continues in his role as a Qatar World Cup ambassador said British comedian Joe Lycett on Sunday.

Degrowth: A dangerous idea or the answer to the world's biggest crisis?

Conventional economic logic hinges on a core assumption: Bigger economies are better, and finding ways to maintain or boost growth is paramount to improving society.

Suspect in custody in Istanbul blast that killed 6 and injured 81, officials say

An explosion that killed at least six people and injured at least 81 others in Istanbul on Sunday has been deemed a terrorist attack, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said, according to state news agency Anadolu.

Opinion: Life in zero-Covid China is becoming intolerable

In the lead-up to China's Communist Party Congress last month, watercooler chatter in many offices here focused on a single question: Will the Congress abandon its zero-Covid policy?

Hong Kong protest song plays instead of China anthem in rugby final mix-up

The Hong Kong government on Monday demanded an investigation after a song associated with the city's pro-democracy movement was played instead of the Chinese national anthem before a rugby sevens match between Hong Kong and South Korea.

13 of the world's best luxury hotels

With most of the world fully open again, we're all more than ready for a big, celebratory, this-pandemic-is-finally-easing-up trip.

The spectacular canal that was 2,500 years in the making

Under the blue skies of Greece, a giant vessel slowly makes its way through the rocky walls of a narrow, artificial waterway, with just a few inches to spare on either side, while those on board take in the engineering marvel in front of them.

Sunday, 13 November 2022

Israeli President invites Netanyahu to form government

Israel's President Isaac Herzog asked Benjamin Netanyahu to form a new government on Sunday, allowing the former prime minister to secure the country's top job for a record sixth time and extend his record as the nation's longest-serving leader.

Britain's King Charles to lead Remembrance Sunday service for first time as monarch

King Charles III will lead Britain's annual Remembrance Sunday service for the first time as monarch.

At least 326 killed in Iran protests, human rights group claims

Iranian security forces have killed at least 326 people since nationwide protests erupted two months ago, the Norway-based Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO) group has claimed.

Cruise ship with 800 Covid-positive passengers docks in Sydney

A cruise ship with hundreds of Covid-positive passengers docked in Sydney, Australia, after being hit by a wave of infections.

Many Chinese people are turning to Cantonese to criticize the government

In many countries, cursing online about the government is so commonplace nobody bats an eye. But it's not such an easy task on China's heavily censored internet.

Saturday, 12 November 2022

Global Desi Records launched with Chhori, featuring Tanmay Ssingh and Nikki Tamboli

Global Desi Records launched with Chhori, featuring Tanmay Ssingh and Nikki Tamboli

Global Desi Records launched their label with a track called Chhori (meaning Girl, in dialect), featuring Nikki Tamboli of Bigg Boss fame, who is a fashion icon and a supremely talented actress, and popular actor Tanmay Ssingh, marking their first on-screen collaboration.

The song is written and composed by Danish Sabri, who has written the music and lyrics for several Salman Khan and Varun Dhawan movies. It features vocals from Sonu Kakkar and Vee Kapoor, and is directed by Aslam Khan and Ravi Akhade. The lavish production was shot against a colourful backdrop to reflect the song's upbeat mood.

Chhori was launched with much fanfare at Angrezi Dhaba, in Bandra, Mumbai, as guests grooved to the song, along with artistes Nikki and Tanmay.

Shikha Kalra, Alim Morani and Prateek Chaurasia of Global Desi Records, jointly expressed the opinion that, “Chhori is celebratory and high energy all the way through; just the perfect start to the Global Desi Records journey. We at Global Desi Records couldn't be more excited to make our inroad into the music industry with this track." Alim (pronounced Aalim) is from the famous Morani family, known for producing films and organising lavish events. Alim was a great music buff since he was very young and always wanted to do something involving music. Young Alim has achieved that very early on in his career. The label will produce music of all genres, Indian as well as global, film as well as non-film, hence the name Global Desi (local). His partners Shikha Kalra and Prateek Chaurasia are from the real estate background.”

Talking about the song, Nikki Tamboli said, “I’m really looking forward to this song because my passion and love for dance has been triggered by this song. Earlier, I was not a dance freak, but I guess I am becoming one.” Added Tanmay Ssingh, “It was amazing working with Nikki Tamboli on this track and both of us brought our energy and enthusiasm to it in full strength. We hope audiences enjoy it.”

Sonu Kakkar averred, “The genre of the track allowed us to go crazy with the vocals. It’s a complete masala party song and was so much fun to record.”

Co-singer Vee Kapoor felt, “The lyrics of Chhori are desi and quirky, and we just brought in that flavour with our vocals.”

Directors Aslam Khan and Ravi Akhade shared their views, “Everything from the colours, the elements, the props and the outfits used in Chhori reflect the mood and vibe of the track – It’s vibrant and up-tempo, and audiences are going to love this one.”

Global Desi Records presents Chhori produced by Shikha Kalra, Alim Morani & Prateek Chaurasia. With vocals by Sonu Kakkar & Vee Kapoor, the music video, directed by Aslam Khan and Ravi Akhade, featuring Tanmay Ssingh and Nikki Tamboli, is out now, on Global Desi Records’ YouTube channel.

Before the guests left, they were treated to a sampling of Angrezi Dhaba’s menu.

Link to the video: https://youtu.be/l-ZqDEQ554s



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Iranians mark 'Bloody Friday' as thousands protest in southeast flashpoint

Thousands of Iranians protested in the restive southeast on Friday to mark a Sept. 30 crackdown by security forces known as "Bloody Friday" as the country's clerical rulers battled persistent nationwide unrest.

Uunchai, Review: Plateau

Uunchai, Review: Plateau
Rajshri Productions have a tradition of making family oriented subjects and shaping them into very lengthy films. By comparison, Uunchai, at 169 minutes, is a short film. Even at that length, it fails to reach the heights that the cast and the director promise. With no less an actor than Amitabh Bachchan himself heading the cast, Uunchai (height; spelt unconventionally this was instead of the phonetic Oonchai) was expected to reach some dizzy heights, with a subject based on friendship and a senior citizens’ expedition to the Everest Base Camp thrown in. What we find here is that there are some emotions that keep recurring and a narrative that has very few twists or plot points. If you plot the emotions and twists, you are more likely to draw a plateau rather than peaks.
 
Four aging friends are truly devoted to each other. They are Amit Shrivastav, an author, Om Sharma, a bookseller, Javed Siddiqui, a hosiery dealer and Bhupen, whose profession is unspecified. They celebrate Bhupen’s birthday, after which Bhupen suffers cardiac arrest. Before dying, he leaves tickets for an Everest Base Camp Expedition and expresses a last wish that he wants to go there with his buddies once before he dies. Bhupen was a Nepali and had grown-up on the mountains around Mount Everest. Although the three surviving friends are on the wrong side of 60, they decide to honour Bhupen’s wishes and begin making preparations to leave for the base camp, with the expedition still two months away.
 
Amit takes the lead in the matter and convinces a reluctant Om to agree to the journey. Convincing Javed is a tough task, because he cannot stay away from his wife Sabina even for a single day. But they spin a yarn and take her along. The men decide to go as far as possible by road, with Amit at the wheels. Starting from native Delhi, they go via Agra, Kanpur and Gorakhpur. They stop over at the home of Heeba and Vali, the daughter and son-in-law of Javed and Sabina, because it is Heeba’s birthday. However, the parents are shocked to find that the couple have their own plans and a number of guests are invited to stay over, leaving no room for the ‘surprise’ guests. Heeba’s parents and the other travellers have to stay in a hotel for the night. Along the way, a mysterious woman called Mala Trivedi joins the fellow travellers, with a ticket for the same Everest Base Camp Expedition, to be led by Shraddha Gupta.
 
An extremely thin storyline by Sunil Gandhi unfolds at a leisurely pace, courtesy screenplay writer Abhishek Dixit. Considering the beginning of the narrative is the death of Bhupen, it cannot be called a twist. But yes, there are a few genuine twists, like the identity of Mala and Amit’s illness. Too bad. Too little, too late. We know nothing of the background of Bhupen, and only skeletal flashes about Amit. However, there is a detailed look into the family and past of Om. This becomes a lop-sided picture. Details about Shraddha’s family predicament are revealed only through conversations she has with Amit, during the trek. In the trek itself, you are ready for a natural phenomenon that will threaten the lives of these old men as well as the certainty that one of them will fall very ill, but not die. Two deaths would be too much to mourn, in a saga of four friends. You are also sure that Javed will not opt out, come what may.
 
You also get a detailed peep into the work and family life of Javed, all the more because Sabina is part of the expedition till the real ‘expedition’ begins. And although you might not expect Mala and her story, you surely expect a blast from the past of Bhupen’s life, since he was a bachelor. With turns and twists being predictable, the going does become laborious. Dialogue is faulty at many places. Attempts at inserting comedy via Javed and Sabina are only mildly funny, and sometimes not even that. We see only short snatches of the preparations the trio make for the trip. One of these, the medical tests and its results, is interesting. However, I don’t think it is the norm to discuss the results of such tests before all candidates openly and simultaneously. Yet, the fact that the doctor withholds one reading of one member and reveals the ramifications to the candidate separately was the correct prodedure.
 
Not a prolific director by any stretch of the imagination, Sooraj R. Barjatya (Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Saath Hain, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo; 8 films in 23 years) specializes, self admittedly and for all to see, in family subjects, propounding traditional values and extended households. This is the first time he has stepped outside his comfort zone, and that too, not quite, for everyone in the escapade has a back-story and all the main characters are dealing with demons from their past. But the real demon that he tackles through only phone calls, that too from one side, is dogging Shraddha Gupta. That is the one that is most subtly handled. Although Om’s back-story is the most elaborate and convincing, that of Amit is clichéd, and that of Javed a bit over-the-top.
 
Amit, who writes apparently ‘autobiographical self-help books based on his own life experiences’, is given to sleuthing and trying to find out more about Mala, a trait that is not in his character. Why no real back-story about Bhupen, expect him and a girls prancing around the hills when they were apparently in their early teens or even younger? All those stopovers, en route, seem contrived and deliberate, ending up as side-tracks, not really adding much to the main track. Sooraj gets to the real action, of the climb up to the base camp, rather late in the day. Shraddha says that helicopters cannot fly at that height, that is why the trek, but sure enough, there is a helicopter that does arrive and fly at that height. Every time there is an argument and there seems to be an impasse, the other two ask Amit to intervene. He uses either of two techniques to quell the dispute: emotional blackmail or diversionary tactics. Emotional blackmail is fine, but how is he ever-ready with some convoluted logic to convince an adamant party-member? That takes some believing.
 
 
Though he has been there and done that dozens of times, here Amitabh as Amit (what else) seems to be putting in an effort. For company, he has two actors who are in different age brackets in real-life – Anupam Kher as Om is 67, while Boman Irani as Javed is just 62. Amitabh is 80. Of course, with make-up, you can’t really tell their ages, yet why choose actors who differ up to 13 years in age? And how did they become such thick friends, a need of the story, is not depicted. Amitabh walks with a swagger, arms in a curve as if he is ready to pull out a gun. But even then, Amitabh is Amitabh, and though his talent if not fully tapped in this outing, he leaves a lasting impression. Anupam is restricted by one expression of tearful sorrow. There is very little variety in his performance. Boman Irani is hopelessly miscast as Javed, who, by virtue of being a North Indian Muslim, made to speak Urdu. For a man who has problems with his Hindi, Urdu is a pitfall. Also, his romantic angle with his spouse does not ring true as there is lack of chemistry between him and Sabina (Neena Gupta). Neena has a meaty role, albeit not well-written, yet she manages to impress. Danny Denzongpa as Bhupen has a Special Appearance, looks his age (now 74) and speaks with a hint of a slur. The scene stealer is Parineeti Chopra, who exudes supreme confidence in the presence of stalwarts. It is time her abilities were noticed. Raju Kher is good as Guddu, Om’s estranged brother, while Nafisa Ali Sodhi puts in the other Special Appearance as Abhilasha, not having much to do. Adequate support comes from Sheen Dass as Heeba, Abhishek Singh Pathania as Vali, Ajay Dutta as a doctor (better than most stereotypes who are made play this part), Umesh Kaushik, Sharik Khan and Shalin Thakur.
 
A location like the foothills of Mount Everest, in Nepal, and a rope-wood bridge across difficult terrain for some tense action, is a sure-fire treat for any cinematographer, Manoj Kumar Khatoi makes the most of it. Music by George Joseph takes a life of its own and attacks almost every scene with dizzy decibels. On its own, it might sound musical, though. The five songs (one has three versions) are a relief by comparison, well-written by Irshad Kamil and tunes by Amit Trivedi (another Amit!). For a film of this length, five songs are okay. But that is the point. Uunchai takes ages to cut to the chase, and the chase itself is either predictable or tame, in turns. I remember the length on the Censor Certificate at 169 minutes while on a website, it is mentioned as 173 minutes. At least 53 minutes of the film need to be excised to keep viewers engrossed. Maybe editor Shweta Venkat Mathew is listening, but what can be done now? One aspect of the cutting is odd, which often happens in the middle of a word, especially when Boman is speaking. VFX used to transpose dangerous action from a set to the location are okay, without being great. Credits go to Biraja Kinkar Barik, Anup Kumar and Vishal Padewal.
 
Like any trek involving high altitudes and 60+ climbers, the film moves very slowly in the first half, which, incidentally, involves no climbing at all. Such an assembly of actors could have been put to much better use. Some might even wonder whether the breaking out of the mould by Sooraj R. Barjatya, known for indoor family dramas involving pet hero Salman Khan, into an outdoor adventure drama about aged male bonding, was an unwise move. You stick to what you know best. However, such a predicament is severely constraining and restraining for a director who might want to test his own mettle. He might want to rise to greater heights…a noble thought indeed. For the time being, though, with Uunchai, released on an interesting date, 11-11-22, he has a few emotional highs and then he hits a plateau.
 
Rating: ** ½ 
 


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The dark origins of Denmark's psychiatric brain collection

For years, there had been whispers. Rumors swirled; stories exchanged. It wasn't a secret, but it also wasn't openly discussed, adding to a legend almost too incredible to believe.

Friday, 11 November 2022

France suspends deal to take in thousands of asylum-seekers currently in Italy after row over ship

The diplomatic fallout between France and Italy over a stranded migrant ship in the Mediterranean Sea is far from over.

Brazil military finds no fraud in election, but refuses to rule it out

Brazil's military has found no sign of vote-rigging in the country's 2022 elections, according to a new report released this week. Yet worries persist that the report could fuel tensions among supporters of outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro, who repeatedly made unfounded claims about potential fraud on the campaign trail.

Police officer killed in stabbing attack in Brussels, local police say

A police officer has been killed in a stabbing attack in Brussels, local police say.

Woman feared for her life during alleged rape by World Cup cricketer

A woman allegedly raped by a Sri Lankan World Cup cricketer in Sydney, Australia last week told police she feared for her life during the attack, according to court documents reported by CNN affiliate 7 News.

FIFA announces shared flights for Israeli and Palestinian football fans for 2022 World Cup in Qatar

FIFA announced on Thursday that shared flights have been organized to permit Israeli and Palestinian fans into Qatar to watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The temporary direct charter flights between Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv and Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, represent the only official direct flights between the two nations.

Sister of executed Iranian wrestler arrested and identified by state news as 'agent'

Iranian officials said they have identified the "Iran International agent" arrested Thursday as Elham Afkari, the sister of famous Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari, who was executed two years ago, according to state news agency IRNA.

Thursday, 10 November 2022

'We desperately need money,' climate envoy Kerry tells CNN amid criticism of emission credits plan

US climate envoy John Kerry on Thursday defended his plan to raise cash for climate action by selling carbon emission offsets to companies, telling CNN there was "not enough money in any country in the world to actually solve this problem."

It's official: now avoid credit card interest into 2024



The US-China climate deal was a rare bright spot in an otherwise thorny relationship. Should it be mended?

One of the biggest surprises at last year's United Nations climate summit came in the form of a handshake.

British nurses to hold first ever strike over pay

Tens of thousands of British nurses will go on strike for the first time over demands for better pay, their trade union said on Wednesday, adding to pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak during an economic crisis.

Analysis: Layoffs could weaken Twitter in its biggest global growth markets

It's less than two weeks since Elon Musk completed his acquisition of Twitter and already there are concerns that the company is choosing to ignore key risks in its biggest international growth markets.

Wednesday, 9 November 2022

Paramount took a risk keeping 'Top Gun' grounded for two years. It was this year's biggest hit

"Top Gun: Maverick" was never going to be an easy sell.

Guangzhou locks down second district as China's Covid outbreak widens

China's southern metropolis of Guangzhou has locked down a second district, as authorities rush to stamp out a widening Covid outbreak and avoid activating the kind of citywide lockdown that devastated Shanghai earlier this year.

Magnitude 5.7 earthquake shakes Italy's Adriatic coast

A strong earthquake of magnitude 5.7 struck off Italy's Adriatic coast early on Wednesday, but caused no serious damage or injuries, according to initial reports.

North Korea launches ballistic missile, says South Korean military

North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward waters off its east coast on Wednesday, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

World Anti-Doping Agency refers Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva's case to Court of Arbitration for Sport

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has referred the case of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after deeming the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA) has made no progress on the skater's Winter Olympics doping case.

Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Inside Chanel's star-studded show in Miami

Celebrities alighted in Miami Beach on Friday evening as French fashion house Chanel hosted a stateside iteration of its Cruise 2022-2023 show.

A recession in the US is not a slam dunk, Goldman Sachs says

While investors, business leaders and some economic models continue to warn a recession is imminent, Wall Street's most powerful investment bank remains cautiously optimistic.

iPhone factory workers in China offered bonuses to return to work

One of Apple's largest suppliers is trying to strike a delicate balance in China.

Kyiv residents mull life outside the city as power outages bite and incomes plummet

Kyiv residents have been getting used to 12 hours a day without electricity, but the situation has gone from bad to worse recently as the Russian missile campaign puts the Ukrainian grid under further pressure, causing even more outages.

North Korean 'peace' dogs cause political spat in South Korea

A pair of dogs gifted by North Korea are the center of a political dispute in South Korea after the country's former President said he was giving them up over an apparent lack of legal and financial support from his successor to care for the animals.

Hong Kong relaxes rules for tour groups

Hong Kong's government said on November 7 it was relaxing COVID-19 restrictions on inbound tour groups including allowing them to enter theme parks and museums after arriving in the financial hub.

Orthodox Church of Ukraine to allow Christmas on December 25 as rift with Moscow deepens

A branch of Ukraine's Orthodox church has announced that it will allow its churches to celebrate Christmas on December 25, rather than January 7, as is traditional in Orthodox congregations.

Monday, 7 November 2022

A huge tunnel has opened below Niagara Falls

A whitewater wonder visited by everyone from Marilyn Monroe to Mark Twain, Niagara Falls has been a magnet drawing global travelers for at least two centuries. But until this year, a huge tunnel buried deep below the cascade has been off-limits to visitors.

North Korea makes no mention of ICBM in report on more than 80 missile tests

North Korean state media has released images purporting to show last week's missile launches with a warning that the so-called "reckless military hysteria" of the United States and its allies is moving the Korean peninsula towards "unstable confrontation."

Iranian lawmakers demand 'no leniency' for protesters as mass demonstrations continue

Iranian lawmakers have urged the country's judiciary to "show no leniency" to protesters in a letter cited by state-run Press TV on Sunday, as thousands of people continue to rally on the streets despite the threat of arrest.

Hunger strike of jailed Egyptian-British activist may dominate the COP27 summit, Amnesty chief warns

The deteriorating health of jailed Egyptian-British activist, Alaa Abd El-Fattah will dominate the upcoming COP27 summit if Egyptian authorities fail to intervene, Amnesty International has warned.

Ukraine suffered a comms outage when 1,300 SpaceX satellite units went offline over funding issues

Ukraine's fears that its troops  may lose access to Elon Musk's crucial Starlink internet service deepened in the past week after 1,300 of the military's satellite units went offline, according to two sources familiar with the outage.

19 dead after commercial aircraft crashes into Lake Victoria in Tanzania

A Tanzanian commercial flight operated by Precision Air crash-landed in bad weather in Lake Victoria on Sunday, killing 19 people.

Sunday, 6 November 2022

Family fears for life of rapper they say was violently arrested after encouraging Iranians to protest

"Someone's crime was that her hair was flowing in the wind. Someone's crime was that he or she was brave and were outspoken."

Britons given extra day's holiday to celebrate King's coronation

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced Sunday there would be a public holiday to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III next year.

As countries convene at climate summit in Egypt, reports show the world is wildly off track. Here's what to watch at COP27

As global leaders converge in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, for the UN's annual climate summit, researchers, advocates and the United Nations itself are warning the world is still wildly off-track on its goal to halt global warming and prevent the worst consequences of the climate crisis.

Saturday, 5 November 2022

'Somebody is going to die': How Seoul's deadly Halloween crush unfolded

A fresh graduate in her first full-time job; a teenager who helped raise her siblings after their father's death; a foreign exchange student excited for his first trip to Asia.

Children among 10 feared dead in Iran crackdown, Amnesty says

Up to 10 people, including children, are feared to have been killed Friday in a crackdown on protests by Iranian security forces in the southeast of the country, human rights watchdog Amnesty International said.

Egypt faces criticism over crackdown on activists ahead of COP27 climate summit

Egypt is facing a barrage of criticism over what rights group say is a crackdown on protests and activists, as it prepares to host the COP27 climate summit starting Sunday.

Tourists held by Peruvian indigenous group protesting oil spill will be released, says official

A group of tourists traveling in the Peruvian Amazon, who were detained on Thursday by an indigenous community demanding government action over an oil spill, will be released Friday, Abel Chiroque, head of the ombudsman office in Loreto, told CNN.

US military nuclear chief sounds the alarm about pace of China's nuclear weapons program

The Commander of US Strategic Command, which oversees the US nuclear weapons program, warned that China is developing nuclear weapons much faster than the US and called the issue a "near-term problem," during a speech at a closed event earlier this week.

Critical Haiti gas terminal freed after weeks of talks with G9 gang leader

Haitian authorities say they have regained control of the main gas terminal in capital city Port-au-Prince, ending a gang stranglehold on the vital energy facility.

Friday, 4 November 2022

China's rocket booster falls from space, crash lands in the Pacific Ocean

The charred remnants of a rocket booster plunged uncontrolled back to Earth Friday morning, an event decried in the West as an irresponsibly risky move by the China National Space Administration.

Double XL, Review: Dreams double XL, reality check less than M

Double XL, Review: Dreams double XL, reality check less than M

What happens when two ambitious women, of XL size, meet, after their dreams are all but shattered? They help each other and everything becomes alright. Exactly. That is the trouble with Double XL…it is so predictable. Moreover, there is considerable difference in the sizes of Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureishi, with Sonakshi appearing to be L against Huma’s definite XL, maybe even XXL. They needed someone on par with Huma, with a minor variation, if it came to that, not Sonakshi Sinha. Having said that, it is rather bold of Sonakshi to accept the part, showing no fear of getting type-cast. Huma, for the record, is a producer on the film. It is a fun romp that is funny in parts, but too didactic in other parts. Films with oversize women have been made before, and this film had to really deliver to stand out. It falls short. Let’s say Double XL is an M film.

Two women who live not far from each other, one in Delhi, the other in Meerut, are the victims of discrimination based on their girth. Rajshree Trivedi from Meerut is rejected by suitor after suitor on account of her size, though no family that comes with a marriage proposal actually says so. But they all convey it, but not in so many words. Far from getting married, Rajshree is bent on pursuing a career as a sports journalist, specialising in cricket. She even dreams of dancing with true-life Indian cricket star Shikhar Dhawan. Her parents leave no stone unturned to find her a match, but nothing works. Her mother finally manages to find someone who is himself of a plus size, and she insists that Rajshree marry him. Just about then, Rajshree sees an opportunity to catch the dream she has been chasing. Now she is in a dilemma.

Saira Khanna (Muslim first name) from Delhi is a fashion designer who has had a tough time in her specialised fashion studies, where fellow students mocked her by saying, “Look at this fat girl. How will she design clothes for others when she cannot maintain her own figure?” She is in a relationship with Viren, who is two-timing her with her best friend, and she breaks-up with him when she finds out. Her doting brother works for a TV channel, and together, they plan to shoot a fashion video of her designs and show it to the higher-ups, which might give her the much-needed breakthrough. But they do not have that kind of money. A cinematographer is arranged, but a director is required, to work free, since they have no money to pay him. Someone is approached, but he humiliates them and leaves in a huff. What rubs salt into her wounds is the fact that she has got a grant to go to London and shoot her video, but they all must apply for a visa that very day, including the yet-to-be-found director. It is the same channel where Rajshree has just been told that she need not even audition as the selection is already made. Saira rushes to the wash-room, sobbing and tears flow from her eyes. Suddenly somebody throws a box of tissues from one of the cubicles, to help wipe her tears. It is Rajshree. The two have found soul-mates.

On board are a director who has his second outing (Double XL?), Satnam Ramani, and a writer, Mudassar Aziz, who has directed at least four films and is a producer on this one. Both departments leave something to be desired. Sasha Singh has collaborated on the screenplay, which is weak. A series of coincidences dot the graph of the film. Granted that co-incidence is an accepted cinematic trope, but its use must be in discretion, rather than in abundance. The other angle is that of predictability. Except for the fact that Rajshree will end up directing Saira’s video, there is little by way of surprise, an essential part of story-telling. Ok, so the placard at the air-port, with the name reading Shaira Khan is a laugh, but one cannot count too many such moments. What do you expect when you put two young men and two young, albeit plus size, women together, after the two have opted out of marriage to others? No rocket science is required to tell you that they will fall in love. In 2022, how is it that nobody asks for a full figure picture of the girl, instead of discovering that she is “too healthy” on when he goes to see her?

It is not indicated what efforts, if any, did the two ladies make, to get rid of their extra kilos. Likewise, it is not clear how they get so many foreigners and Indians living abroad to model for them. We all know it is for a cause, but surely some hard convincing is still required. Double XL starts on the wrong foot, following Shikhar Dhawan from behind, as if some killer looks hero or a macho villain will be revealed. Dhawan is neither. This is followed by a ball-room dance featuring Rajshree and Shikhar. Again, Shikhar is a very bad choice for the part. He has a very rustic, earthy image, that can be associated with wrestling or kabaddi, not with ball-room dancing. Yes, it was a dream, but so what? Another scene, in which former Indian captain and cricketing legend Kapil Dev comes for an interview, is shot with his head in the dark, as he approaches Rajshree. But we already know it is Kapil Dev who is coming, walking in slo-mo, so why the suspense and the fanfare? And if their line producer had lied to get Kapil to come for this interview, why did he conceal this fact from Rajshree till after they had greeted each other? The whole interview could have easily fizzled out, due to his foolishness, when Rajshree was caught by surprise, unaware of the ruse. The scene of condom delivery was well-conceived. However, the writers went after it hammer and tongs, and reduced its impact.

In a cost cutting exercise, the director shoots all the scenes of Rajshree, her parents and her grandmother, on one location, with any of them hardly moving, besides the mother. All of them ham, with the mother made to shriek. The manner in which the owner of the TV channel has a change of heart is totally unconvincing. We see the designs of Saira take shape, but there is no footage of Rajshree on the job. She gets the job alright, but how about a minute of footage of her on the cricket field? Yes, we get the point early on, about discrimination based on size, but why the proselytising and the didactic overdose? You don’t have to stoop to saying, “These men ask us our bra sizes. Imagine if we were to ask them about ‘their size’?” And the reference is not to shirt or trouser sizes. The efforts to instill Tamil into the dialogue as well as in songs appears highly contrived and irrelevant. Double XL is a female buddy-buddy film that metamorphoses into a buddy1-guy1, buddy2-guy2 foursome.

Sonakshi Sinha as Saira Khanna and Huma Qureshi as Rajshree Trivedi have a ball. There is good chemistry between the two and they have no inhibitions about their bodies. The roles were definitely challenging, and they scored well. Zaheer Iqbal as Zorawar (Zorawar is not a Muslim name and the constant play on its abbreviation is irritating; Rehmani is a Muslim surname) Rehmani, the driver who turns out to be the line producer, makes extra efforts to look cute, but has limited talent to show here. His dialogue delivery needs to be worked on. Mahat Raghavendra as Srikanth Sreevardhan, the cinematographer who is graduating from wild-life cinematography in Brazil to shooting a fashion parade in London, looks lost, which is part of his persona. But his numerous Tamil interjections were totally uncalled for. Dolly Singh has a small role as Meera, Saira's friend, and does okay. Shubha Khote as Rajshree's grand-mother and Kanwaljit Singh as her father, hopelessly type-cast, are their usual, confident selves. Rajshree’s mother is made to go over the top, but remains in character right through. Her name could not be found out. In support are Kay Eluvian, Cecile, Seana Momsen, Sankalp Gupta and Karis Pentecost.           

Cinematography by Milind Jog employs all standard lighting and shooting techniques and captures some robust colours. Film editing by Abhishek Kumar Anand fails to impart pace, a necessary ingredient. However, it would be unfair to blame him alone. The script and direction have so much of ho hum that there would have been little that he could do. Double XL fails to XL (excel), partly because it fails to XLerate (accelerate) and largely because of a thin storyline and a loose screenplay. In terms of impact, the film remains on the ‘healthy’, lean side, not on the fat, plus size side, though fat means higher count in this case.

Rating: **

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQmQy-Wu72g



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South Korea scrambles fighter jets after detecting 180 North Korean warplanes, military says

South Korea scrambled around 80 fighter jets after detecting a large number of North Korean warplanes during a four-hour period Friday, the country's military said in a statement, in a further escalation of regional tensions.

Germany's leader and top CEOs are flying into Beijing. They need China more than ever

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will arrive in China on Friday with a team of top executives and a clear message: business with the world's second largest economy must continue.

French MP brings parliament to a halt by yelling 'Go back to Africa' to Black MP

France's lower house of parliament suspended its session on Thursday after a far-right MP shouted, "Go back to Africa!" as a Black legislator from the far left asked a question about immigration.

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan shot in lower leg in reported assassination attempt in Pakistan

Pakistan's ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan was shot in the foot at a rally Thursday, according to an official from his party, which said the incident was an assassination attempt.

Wednesday, 2 November 2022

Parkland families give statements before Nicholas Cruz sentencing

Families of the victims in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting gave anguished statements on the first day of a sentencing hearing.

#parkland #nicholascruz #victims #shooting #sentencinghearing

Musk proposes charging $8 for verified Twitter account despite user backlash

The new owner justified the measure saying ‘we need to pay the bills somehow’

#musk

Suspect in Pelosi Attack Was Consumed by Conspiracy Theories, Boss Says

David DePape, the man accused of breaking into the home of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and assaulting her husband, increasingly spent time online in recent months, according to his employer.

#nancypelosi #employer #daviddepape

It's official: now avoid credit card interest into 2024



Fans wear 'fight antisemitism' shirts at Brooklyn Nets game as Kyrie Irving faces backlash

The team did not make their star guard available to speak to reporters after Monday night's game.

#kyrieirving #brooklynnets #starguard #shirts

Nash out as Nets head coach after chaotic tenure

The Nets and coach Steve Nash have agreed to part ways, the two sides announced Tuesday.

#headcoach #nash #stevenash #thenets

Sound Burger portable record player returns from the ’80s with Bluetooth, USB-C

Audio-Technica brings back a cult classic to cash in on vinyl's second act.

#audiotechnica #cultclassic #recordplayer

Tuesday, 1 November 2022

South Korean authorities say they had no guidelines for Halloween crowds, as families grieve 156 victims

South Korean authorities said Monday they had no guidelines to handle the huge crowds that gathered for Halloween festivities in Seoul, as families in the country and around the world mourn the 156 victims of Saturday night's crowd crush.

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Lula da Silva will return to Brazil's presidency in stunning comeback

• Incumbent Jair Bolsonaro denied a second term in bitter election marked by fear • In pictures: Brazil's next president

Cittador International Film Festival Vienna – Selected Films until November 01, 2022

Cittador International Film Festival has selected ten promising short films until November 1, 2022! The submission period is until December 15, 2022. We are excited about new submissions!

Key data:

The submission period: until December 15, 2022; 

Selection date: shortly after submission, but no later than December 15, 2022; 

Notification date: December 22, 2022; 

Screenings: December 27, 2022 at the Studio Cinema Lugner City Vienna.

 

Homepage: https://iff.cittador.com

Film Submissions: Filmfreeway

 

 



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Metium (flute) of Zeme tribe