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'First time I've lost to Arshad Nadeem': Neeraj Chopra 'won't be at peace' unless he eclipses Paris Olympics silver 

Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in athletics, has once again set his sights on the highest accolades after a rare defeat to his Pakistani rival, Arshad Nadeem. The recent setback has only fueled Chopra's determination to achieve greater success, especially as he looks towards the Paris Olympics. 

Chopra has built a reputation as one of the most consistent and dominant javelin throwers on the global stage. However, his recent defeat to Nadeem has stirred something within him. "This is the first time I've lost to Arshad Nadeem," Chopra candidly remarked, highlighting the significance of the loss. The defeat has left Chopra unsatisfied, and he's made it clear that he will not be at peace until he surpasses this performance, particularly with the Paris Olympics on the horizon. 

The rivalry between Chopra and Nadeem has been brewing for years, with both  the athletes pushing each other to new heights. While Chopra has often had the upper hand, Nadeem's recent victory marks a turning point in their competitive relationship. This defeat, however, has only intensified the Chopra's resolve. He views it as a stepping stone, a momentary setback that will propel him to train harder, refine his technique, and ultimately, reclaim his dominance in the sport. 

Chopra's focus is now firmly set on the Paris Olympics, where he aims not just to win but to eclipse his previous achievements. The silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics was a significant milestone, but Chopra believes he can do better. He has his eyes on the gold, and he’s determined to leave no stone unturned in his preparation. 

As one of India's most celebrated athletes, Chopra carries the hopes and dreams of millions. His journey is not just about personal glory but also about inspiring the next generation of athletes in India. The defeat to Nadeem, while disappointing, is a reminder that even the best athletes face challenges. What sets Chopra apart is his unwavering commitment to overcoming these challenges and emerging stronger. 

In the coming months, as Chopra gears up for the Paris Olympics, fans and critics alike will be watching closely. One thing is certain: Neeraj Chopra won’t rest until he has eclipsed his previous achievements and once again stood at the pinnacle of his sport. For more sports news, subscribe to our newsletter. 

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Devastating Fire in Kuwait Claims Lives of 42 Indians in Mangaf

A devastating fire in a residential building in the Mangaf area of Kuwait has resulted in the tragic deaths of 42 Indian nationals. The fire broke out in the early hours of June 13, 2024, causing widespread panic and significant loss of life.

The building, which housed multiple families and workers from India, was engulfed in flames quickly, trapping many inside. Despite the prompt response from the Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD), the intensity of the blaze made rescue operations extremely challenging.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing cries for help as the fire rapidly spread through the building. “It was horrifying. The smoke was everywhere, and people were screaming,” said a nearby resident. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest it may have started due to an electrical short circuit.

The Indian Embassy in Kuwait has confirmed the casualties and expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement, the embassy said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Mangaf that has claimed the lives of 42 Indian nationals. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims. We are working closely with Kuwaiti authorities to provide all possible assistance.”

The local authorities have set up an emergency response center to assist the affected families and coordinate relief efforts. The Kuwaiti government has also promised a thorough investigation into the incident to determine the cause and prevent such tragedies in the future.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic fire in Kuwait. My heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims. We are in touch with the Kuwaiti authorities and will extend all necessary support to the affected families.”

Many of the victims were reportedly workers who had come to Kuwait in search of better job opportunities. The Indian community in Kuwait is in shock and mourning the loss of their fellow countrymen. Community leaders have called for immediate support and assistance for the families of the deceased.

The incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures in residential buildings, especially those housing expatriate workers. There have been calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

As the investigation continues, the priority remains on providing support to the victims’ families and ensuring that those injured receive the necessary medical care. The Indian Embassy has set up a helpline for information and assistance.

This tragic event has cast a pall of grief over the Indian community in Kuwait and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance in preventing such disasters.

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Top Hamas leader’s son asks Israel to kill all the top leaders of Hamas if they fail to release the hostages

The Son of a Hamas co-founder has posted on X (formerly Twitter) asking Israel to kill all the Hamas leaders including his father if the organization fails to release the hostages. The son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, Mosab Hassan Yousef, has said that Israel must give a time frame to Hamas to release the hostages. Failing to do so, Israel must kill all the leaders of the Hamas organization, including his father.

Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef spent 21 months in jail and was released in July. He was held under administrative detention.

Mosab posted a 10-minute video on X in which he was recorded saying, “Israel cannot continue like this…Hamas must have a timeframe – a month or two or six months – to return the hostages and if they don’t return the hostages within the time frame, Israel must execute top Hamas leaders in prison, especially the mass murderers.”

“When I say execute top leaders, I mean no exceptions, that includes my father,” he continued. “I made a mistake, 10 or 15 years ago when I saved his life many times…He was supposed to die for his actions. I saved his life. Things did not change, things got worse.”

He added that he permits Israel to execute all Hamas leaders in the jail. “If this is what Hamas wants, the release of those mass murderers, then in my opinion this is the head of the snake,” Mosab commented referring to Israeli prison.

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India's Minister of External Affairs Sounds Alarm on Global Geopolitical 'Storm' and Advocates for Cooperative Solution

In a poignant address to the international community, India's Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, delivered a stark warning about the brewing geopolitical tensions across the globe. Speaking at a prestigious diplomatic forum, Jaishankar outlined India's stance and role amidst the turbulent geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the need for cooperation and strategic foresight to navigate the storm ahead.

Against a backdrop of escalating conflicts, trade disputes, and technological rivalries, Jaishankar cautioned that the world is on the brink of a profound geopolitical "storm." He underscored the interconnectedness of nations in today's complex geopolitical ecosystem, where disruptions in one region can reverberate globally, impacting economies, security, and stability.

Highlighting India's historical commitment to peace, stability, and multilateralism, Jaishankar articulated India's vision for a rules-based international order that fosters inclusive growth and development. He stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty, upholding international law, and resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy rather than coercion or unilateral actions.

Jaishankar outlined India's role as a responsible global actor, advocating for inclusive development, sustainable practices, and equitable partnerships. He reaffirmed India's commitment to fostering regional cooperation, particularly in South Asia, to address common challenges such as terrorism, poverty, and climate change.

Addressing the evolving dynamics of great power competition, Jaishankar emphasized the need for strategic autonomy and diversification of partnerships. He acknowledged India's strategic engagements with multiple stakeholders, including traditional allies, emerging powers, and multilateral institutions, to safeguard its national interests and contribute to global stability.

In the realm of economic diplomacy, Jaishankar highlighted India's efforts to enhance connectivity, trade, and investment across regions through initiatives such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. He underscored India's commitment to promoting an open, inclusive, and rules-based trading system that benefits all nations.

Regarding technological advancements and digital governance, Jaishankar stressed the importance of harnessing innovation for societal progress while addressing concerns related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and digital sovereignty. He called for greater cooperation among nations to develop norms and standards for the responsible use of emerging technologies.

Jaishankar's address served as a clarion call for collective action and strategic foresight to navigate the turbulent waters of global geopolitics. He reiterated India's commitment to playing a constructive role in shaping a more stable, prosperous, and peaceful world order, where nations cooperate for the common good while safeguarding their sovereign interests. As the storm clouds gather on the horizon, Jaishankar's message resonates as a beacon of hope for a more resilient and inclusive global community.

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"No one brings the kind of energy to a film set that Ranveer Singh does," Karan Johar

Karan Johar’s production Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani has crossed the 100 Cr. Mark on the box office. The film is getting a lot of praise for its storyline, Alia Bhatt acting as well as the blast of energy that Ranveer Singh brings to the sets. Karan Johar, in a recent interview, talked about how he got a ‘cultural shock’ seeing the energy that Ranveer has as he had worked with Ranbir Kapoor earlier who is exactly the opposite.

"No one brings the kind of energy to a film set that Ranveer Singh does," Johar said. "And before this, I had worked with Ranbir (Kapoor), who used to come to the set with a very calm, composed energy during Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. It was a cultural shock for me."

Karan continued, "Then I realized that all the hard work he (Ranveer) puts in, all that enthusiasm and passion he brings, is solely and purely to enhance his performance. I haven't seen this kind of energy before, and I won't see it again, but I knew one thing: he was the most indispensable character in Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. There would be no Rocky Randhawa if there wasn't Ranveer Singh."

In the same interview, Alia Bhatt also opened up about family values and how the support of the family plays a key role in creating a person. She talked about the time she took help from Shahrukh Khan for a song in the film RRKPK.

Recalling the incident, she said that she was unable to lip-sing for one of the songs in the film and was guided by Karan to take help from Shahrukh. Alia went on to lengths talking about how Shahrukh taught her the best trick and was so humble about it.

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“My career came in full shape after this film,” says Manoj Bajpayee talking about Satya

Released in 1998, Satya was one of its kind film that is yet remembered for its storyline, amazing cast, and the acting skills of every actor who was a part of it. Recalling working in the movie, Manoj Bajpayee says it was a complete game changer for his Bollywood career. He said he is indebted to both RGV as well as the film for giving him an amazing start. “I didn’t have a career when I did Satya. I was just getting some small roles here and there, and surviving in the city. Satya has given me a career. My career came in full shape after this film,” says Bajpayee. Manoj portrayed the character of Bhikkhu Matre in the movie.

Bajpayee further disclosed that it was the film’s director who got him the role in Satya. He said, “I was taken to Ramu by Kannan Iyer. When Ramu came to know I played Maan Singh in Bandit Queen, he jumped and said I loved you in that film and I always wanted to give you work in my films, but please don’t do Daud. But, I was insistent on doing the film Daud because it was giving me money and a role. Although it was a small role, but I didn’t mind it, because beggars can’t be choosers,” continuing, “If I look back, so many dialogues of Satya became so popular that they are famous even now. Topmost being, ‘Mumbai ka king kaun?’ I am not an actor who believed in dialogue-baazi, but I was just living in the character.”

Gripped in nostalgia, Manoj Bajpayee talked about the memories he made during the shooting of the movie, Manoj says, “We really didn’t know how it’s all going to turn out. The enthusiasm was that we were going to make something we always wanted to, with so much freedom to perform. We were improvising every day, because we were given that freedom by the writers and directors to create and deliberate together.”

Satya completed 25 years yesterday and it has been a good 25 years of the impression that it made on the Bollywood industry.

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Cold weather conditions make it tough for rescuers to perform in the distressed zone

The cold conditions in Turkey and Syria are making the already tough situation worse. The rescuers are finding it tough to find people under the debris because of the cold conditions. More than 7800 people have been recorded to date after an unprecedented earthquake shook the earth and flattened hundreds of buildings in the countries.

The international aid is arriving from several countries as the distressed countries continue to find more people from the debris. The aftershocks are still shaking the earth and people are living under threat.

However, there is news of extraordinary rescues as well. The rescuers found a newborn baby from under the debris with his umbilical cord attached to the mother while his mother layer dead next to him.

"We heard a voice while we were digging," Khalil al-Suwadi, a relative, told a leading media house.

"We cleared the dust and found the baby with the umbilical cord (intact) so we cut it and my cousin took her to the  hospital."

The earthquake shook the country on Monday night when people were fast asleep in their homes. Thousands of structures were flattened and the damage is still being counted by the officials. The epicenter of the quake was between the Turkish cities of Gaziantep and Kahramanmaras where the most devastation has been recorded.

People are still unable to find their relatives and are crying for help even after the country and several other countries are sending their best teams to the distressed zone. "I can't get my brother back from the ruins. I can't get my nephew back. Look around here. There is no state official here, for God's sake," said Ali Sagiroglu in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaras.

"For two days we haven't seen the state around here... Children are freezing from the cold," he added.

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India has sent relief material to Turkey and Syria after the earthquakes

India on Tuesday dispatched the first batch of earthquake relief material to Turkey after a series of earthquakes shook the middle-eastern nation on Monday. India has also sent two teams of expert National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) search and rescue personnel with highly-skilled dog squad on an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft. This first consignment of relief material includes medical supplies, advanced drilling equipment, and other crucial tools that are needed to offer aid to the distressed people.

Deputy commandant NDRF, Deepak Talwar is the leader of the team from India to Turkey. "This team consists of 47 NDRF personnel and three senior officers to perform recovery and response work as per the United Nations guidelines. The team is going as per the composition prescribed by NDRF and accordingly, we are moving. Medical components are also there and so is paramedic staff," he said.

India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities in action. The 1st batch of earthquake relief material leaves for Turkey, along with NDRF search and rescue teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines and other necessary equipment” Arindam Bagchi, ministry of external affairs (MEA) spokesperson tweeted.

The PMO earlier said, "Medical teams are also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines. Relief material will be dispatched in coordination with the Turkish government and the Indian embassy in Ankara and Consulate General office in Istanbul," the PMO said.

As of now, the death toll in Turkey and Syria has crossed 4000 and more than 15000 people have been reported injured after the earthquakes.

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BJP Likely to Replace Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis Set to Return as Maharashtra CM

In a strategic move aimed at consolidating power and resolving internal dynamics, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is reportedly poised to name Devendra Fadnavis as the next Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Sources suggest that this decision signals the party's intent to end Eknath Shinde's tenure, which began after the dramatic political coup against the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in 2022.

Fadnavis Seen as BJP's Trusted Leader

Fadnavis, who served as the Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019, has remained a significant figure in the state’s political landscape. Even as Deputy CM in the Shinde-led government, he has wielded considerable influence. Party insiders believe that reinstating Fadnavis as the CM will not only boost governance but also solidify BJP's position ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"The leadership feels that Fadnavis has both administrative experience and the charisma to lead Maharashtra effectively," a senior BJP leader commented. His prior tenure is often cited as a period of decisive governance and developmental initiatives.

Eknath Shinde's Future Uncertain

Eknath Shinde, who broke away from Shiv Sena with a faction of MLAs to align with the BJP, played a pivotal role in forming the current government. However, his leadership has reportedly not met the BJP's expectations in terms of political strategy and administrative efficiency.

While Shinde's rebellion was instrumental in dismantling the MVA alliance, BJP leaders now view his continuation as CM as a potential liability. Critics within the BJP argue that Shinde's limited appeal and perceived lack of administrative prowess could hinder the party's performance in the upcoming elections.

Challenges Ahead

The decision to replace Shinde is not without risks. The BJP will have to navigate delicate political equations to ensure that Shinde’s loyalist MLAs do not rebel. A key challenge lies in maintaining the stability of the government while transitioning power. Party strategists are reportedly working on offering Shinde a significant role within the alliance to avoid alienating him and his faction.

The Road to 2024

With Maharashtra being a crucial state in national politics, the BJP appears determined to present a united and robust leadership. Reinstating Fadnavis as CM could be a calculated move to strengthen its hold over urban and rural constituencies.

As Maharashtra waits for an official announcement, all eyes are on the BJP’s next move, which could reshape the state’s political dynamics significantly.

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Adani Group Stocks: Navigating Uncertainty Amid U.S. Allegations 

The Adani Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates, faces scrutiny following reports of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into alleged bribery related to its renewable energy projects. This development has stirred investor concerns about the outlook for Adani stocks, but the immediate impact appears limited based on current assessments. 

Allegations and Denial 

The allegations suggest potential violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), focusing on improper payments to secure business advantages. Adani Enterprises has denied receiving any official notification from U.S. authorities and dismissed the accusations as baseless​. 

Market Reaction 

While the news initially triggered volatility in Adani Group stocks, the broader market reaction has been measured. Analysts suggest that the group's diverse portfolio and significant global investments mitigate the potential fallout. Notably, Adani Ports, a key entity within the group, has been rated "Overweight" by JPMorgan, highlighting confidence in its long-term stability​. 

Factors Supporting Stability 

Resilient Financials: Adani Ports recently secured a $553 million loan from the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, underscoring international trust in its operations. 

Focused Diversification: The group's significant investments in renewable energy and infrastructure provide a buffer against localized controversies. 

Risks for Investors 

While the group’s financial and operational stability remains intact, the potential for reputational damage could influence future fundraising and partnerships. Legal outcomes could also pose financial penalties, though analysts consider the risk of material impact low at this stage​. 

What Should Investors Do? 

Experts recommend a cautious but balanced approach. Those invested in Adani Group entities like Adani Ports or Adani Green Energy should monitor developments while focusing on the group’s fundamentals. Diversification across sectors and regions within the portfolio remains key to mitigating risk during volatile periods. 

Despite the uncertainty, the Adani Group’s expansive infrastructure and energy ventures continue to attract global attention, making it a long-term consideration for investors with a high-risk appetite. The situation warrants close observation, as future developments could sway market sentiment further. 

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