Author: Justin M. Larson
Covid 19 has made a return. Yes, after creating mayhem in the world from 2019-2022, the virus is seeing a gradual return to Asia with Singapore and Hong Kong recording the maximum number of cases in the last few weeks. Closer home, the country has been seeing a rise in variant NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 variants, (and recently XFG) detected recently in different parts of the country. While the disease is still endemic, and (for now) poses no immediate threat according to the government, what is this new variant, and what makes it different from the rest? Let’s dig deeper…Rising cases…
The French president’s plane has just landed in Hanoi. Its door is open and Emmanuel Macron is standing looking at his wife, Brigitte, who is still inside. Two hands – hers – push his face. Macron seems to bring his arms up in defence, and steps back. Dumbstruck, the president turns and sees the cameras on the asphalt. He’s being filmed. In a split second, his shock morphs into a smile. He waves, charmingly, at the journalists: he’s back in control. As Macron and his wife walk down the plane’s stairs, he offers her his arm. She doesn’t take it.The…
One UI 7 still feels so fresh, yet we’re here this morning to tell you that there is even newer software to test on your Galaxy S25 series device. Today, Samsung launched the One UI 8 beta program with Android 16 and you can install it right now. In a brief announcement, Samsung says that One UI 8 will fully launch with its next foldables “this summer” and expand a rollout to other Galaxy device owners. In other words, by opening up the beta today, it should be stable in time for the Galaxy Z Fold 7 to arrive, followed…
Vinesh Phogat (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who spearheaded the protest against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, responded strongly after a Delhi court dismissed the sexual harassment case filed under the POCSO Act against him.Bajrang was the first to react, pointing out that Brij Bhushan organized a grand roadshow to celebrate the court’s decision, even though six other cases against him are still ongoing.He shared a detailed post on his social media account expressing his concerns.Brij Bhushan Singh POCSO Act mein bari hone ke baad road show…
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas leader in Gaza, has been killed by Israeli forces.
British American Tobacco Plc (BAT) on Wednesday divested a 2.5 per cent stake in Indian conglomerate ITC Ltd for Rs 12,941 crore through open market transactions, reducing its shareholding in the FMCG giant to 22.94 per cent from 25.44 per cent.According to bulk deal data available with the National Stock Exchange (NSE), BAT’s affiliate Tobacco Manufacturers (India) Ltd sold 31.30 crore equity shares of ITC at a price between Rs 413.12 and Rs 413.78 per share, PTI reported.Following the transaction, Tobacco Manufacturers (India) Ltd’s stake dropped to 17.81 per cent from 20.31 per cent. Overall, BAT holds a combined 22.94…
Deepika Padukone was Imtiaz Ali’s initial choice for the female lead in Rockstar, opposite Ranbir Kapoor. Ali remembered a strong first impression from Padukone, even before her film debut. Ultimately, Nargis Fakhri debuted in the role of Heer, and despite initial doubts, Rockstar became a cult classic, celebrated for Ranbir’s performance. Despite their personal history, Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor remain one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen pairs. From Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008) to Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) and Tamasha (2015), the duo has delivered blockbuster hits that continue to charm audiences.The Original Vision for RockstarInterestingly, this iconic duo…
Erica Donnelly, Jessica Tse, Jack LathamThe BBC spoke to six people – including Erica, Jessica and Jack – who have had their first cervical screening in the last six monthsPeople not knowing about options to make their cervical screening easier and more comfortable is “costing lives”, a cancer charity warned last month.To find out what having the test is really like for first timers, the BBC spoke to six people who have had their first cervical screening, formerly known as a smear test, in the last six months.Cervical screenings, offered by the NHS to all women and people with a…
Kidney damage, especially in the initial stages, tends to occur insidiously without dramatical symptoms. This makes it important to catch the faint, early signs before the condition advances to chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can have devastating outcomes, such as kidney failure. As per the National Kidney Foundation and other valid health reports.Here are the first signs you can never ignore:Foamy or bubbly urineOne of the earliest indicators of kidney damage is persistent foam or bubbles in the urine. Proteinuria is the name given to this situation, and it means that filtering units in the kidneys—glomeruli—are permitting protein, like albumin,…
When the most successful rugby league administrator in the country takes over one of its biggest underachievers and promptly gets the backing of major players in the Australian sports market, it’s worth listening to his plans. Last week Gary Hetherington, who spent 29 years as chief executive of Leeds Rhinos, invited politicians, coaches, fans and players to the Australian High Commission to hear what he has in store for London Broncos. And he wants them all on board.Will an NRL club invest?Multi-club ownership has taken off in football and cricket, but the Dolphins or Canterbury Bulldogs are not about to…
Apple’s iPhone 17 lineup will be announced this fall, and a new hands-on video just provided a great look at the thicker, heavier iPhone 17 Pro Max model that’s coming. iPhone 17 Pro Max gets thicker in Ultra-style approach When Apple debuts its newest flagship iPhones in September, much of the focus will be on the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. The 17 Air will replace the Plus model in Apple’s lineup. It will also easily become the thinnest iPhone ever made, measuring just 5.6mm thin. But even as the 17 Air goes ultra-thin, Apple is swinging hard the opposite direction…
The United States has announced a new visa restriction policy targeting foreign nationals accused of infringing on the free speech rights of American citizens abroad.Announcing the move on Wednesday, secretary of state Marco Rubio said the policy will apply to foreign officials and individuals who are “complicit in censoring Americans”, including those involved in fining, harassing, or criminally charging US citizens for expressing their views overseas.“For too long, Americans have been fined, harassed, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights,” said Rubio in a post on X. “Free speech is essential to the American way…
NEW DELHI: Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) issued directives on Wednesday prohibiting Sumant Kathpalia, former CEO of IndusInd Bank, and four other individuals from participating in securities market activities. The regulatory body has also impounded Rs 19.78 crore from them through an interim directive.The other executives facing restrictions include Arun Khurana, who served as executive director and deputy CEO; Sushant Sourav, who led treasury operations; Rohan Jathanna, who managed GMG Operations; and Anil Marco Rao, who held the position of chief administrative officer in consumer banking operations.Sebi in its statement said, “All the Noticees, viz. Noticee Nos. 1…
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan captivated fans with a behind-the-scenes look at her Cannes 2025 appearance. She donned a stunning white Manish Malhotra saree and a 500-carat ruby necklace. The video, set to “Tere Bina,” showcased the saree’s craftsmanship and designer’s vision. For her second appearance, Aishwarya stunned in a dramatic black-and-white Gaurav Gupta creation, exuding old Hollywood glamour. After Alia Bhatt, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has now treated fans to a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her much-talked-about Cannes 2025 appearance. Dressed in a stunning white Manish Malhotra saree, the Guru star is seen posing with the designer and her glam team moments before…
Covid inquiryDido Harding said she had repeatedly urged greater financial support payments during the pandemicIf the UK had spent more money helping people to self-isolate during the pandemic then fewer people would have been infected or died, the former head of NHS Test and Trace has said.Baroness Dido Harding, who was in charge of the programme in England, told the Covid inquiry she repeatedly argued to increase financial support, but was “frustrated” by the response of then chancellor, Rishi Sunak.”There was an intransigence that I think was very sad,” she said in her evidence.On 28 September 2020, the government did…
Magnesium is one of the most important minerals that our body needs to stay healthy. It helps with muscle function, reducing immunity, nerve signals, bone strength, and keeping our heart steady. However, despite its importance, many of us are deficient in this mineral, since our diet is not conducive. But, are there any signs? We take a look…Why is magnesium importantMagnesium is a mineral found in foods like nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains. It plays a role in over 300 chemical reactions in the body. Magnesium helps:Keep muscles working properlyReduces immunitySupports nerve functionBuilds strong bonesRegulates blood sugar…
Liverpool have received inquiries from Brentford, West Ham and Leeds regarding the goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher and allowed John Heitinga to open talks with Ajax about becoming their new head coach. Kelleher will be allowed to leave this summer in his search for regular first-team football providing Liverpool’s valuation is met.The Premier League champions want more than £20m for the Republic of Ireland international, who has impressed when deputising for Alisson and remains under contract until 2026. With Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving from Valencia this summer, Kelleher’s first-team opportunities are likely to reduce further next season should he remain at Liverpool.Brentford have…
With Apple’s flagship Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) event a few weeks away, the company is signaling that it’s paying attention to the opportunity of mobile gaming. Apple already has a subscription-based Arcade product for iOS, which gives users access to various mobile games, including cult-classic indie games like Stardew Valley. But per a Digital Trends report, the company is taking things a step further by acquiring its first game studio, RAC7, which makes the hit Apple Arcade game Sneaky Sasquatch. Apple joins some other seemingly unlikely suspects in their investment in mobile gaming — Netflix, for example, acquired several gaming…
“If you let my daughter go now, that’ll be the end of it… But if you don’t, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you.”Liam Neeson said it in Taken. Benjamin Netanyahu turned it into policy.On October 26, 2023 — 19 days after the Hamas-led massacre on Israeli soil left over 1,200 dead and hundreds taken hostage — Israel’s Prime Minister declared, “All Hamas members are dead men walking — above and below ground, inside and outside Gaza.” It sounded like war rhetoric. It turned out to be a declaration of intent. Over the…
Elon Musk also said the Republican bill, which passed the House last week, would undermine the work of his DOGE group. Source link
US President Donald Trump’s social media enterprise revealed its strategy on Tuesday to secure approximately $2.5 billion, with intentions to establish a “bitcoin treasury”, while confirming cryptocurrency’s significant role in its portfolio.Trump Media & Technology Group, the operator of Truth Social platform, confirmed in its announcement that it has secured subscription arrangements with approximately 50 institutional investors, as reported by AFP.The agreements stipulate the company’s commitment to issue and distribute roughly $1.5 billion in common stock alongside $1.0 billion in convertible senior secured notes through a private placement offering.”The Company intends to use the proceeds for the creation of a…
Emraan Hashmi was last seen in ‘Ground Zero’ and the actor is currently shooting for his next with Pawan Kalyan. This is Hashmi’s Telugu debut and the actor was shooting in Mumbai. However, while he was shooting in Mumbai, the actor started feeling unwell and was diagnosed with Dengue as per a recent report.A source was quoted by Bollywood Hungama saying, “Emraan Hashmi was shooting for OG in Aarey Colony, Goregaon, Mumbai. That’s where he contracted the disease. He was not feeling well and had dengue-like symptoms. On the recommendation of the doctors, he got his tests done. The test…
Jane DeithBBC File on 4 InvestigatesBBCListen to Jane read this articleAt the urology department of Burnley General Hospital, 26-year-old Ryan (not his real name) is having a drug solution inserted through a catheter – part of his treatment for a condition known as ketamine bladder. This procedure will not completely reverse the damage inflicted by Ryan’s previous addiction to the Class B drug, but it will help him manage the symptoms.Ketamine, a powerful horse tranquiliser and anaesthetic, is a licensed drug and can be prescribed medically. However, when misused, it can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage to the bladder.…
When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018, the British monarchy faced a cultural shift unlike any in recent history. A biracial, divorced, American actress stepping into the traditional corridors of British royalty was bound to raise eyebrows. But Meghan’s entry wasn’t just historic, it was disruptive. With a modern outlook, an outspoken nature, and a strong sense of individuality, Meghan chose not to conform to every royal tradition, drawing both admiration and criticism from the public and the media alike.From fashion choices to public behaviour, Meghan’s actions often deviated from the silent, dutiful image long associated with royal women.…
