Former Pakistani cricketing legend, Shoaib Akhtar, has added his voice to the ongoing discourse surrounding India’s chances against Sri Lanka in the upcoming cricket series. In his characteristically candid style, Akhtar remarked, “This series won’t be a walk in the park for India; it’s not your aunty’s house.”
With the excitement building ahead of the bilateral series between India and Sri Lanka, cricket enthusiasts and experts are busy dissecting the potential outcomes. Shoaib Akhtar’s recent comments have certainly added a dash of spice to the mix.
Akhtar, known for his blistering pace and fearless approach during his playing days, offered insights into India’s upcoming challenges. “Sri Lanka may not be in the top tier right now, but they’ve got some young guns who can surprise you. You can’t take them lightly,” he cautioned.
The former fast bowler’s analogy of “not your aunty’s house” serves as a reminder that cricket is a game of unpredictability, and underestimating the opposition can lead to unwelcome surprises.
India, despite boasting a formidable team and home advantage, will face a spirited Sri Lankan side eager to prove themselves. Akhtar’s comments serve as a timely reminder that the gentlemen’s game often defies predictions.
The Indian cricket team, led by Virat Kohli, will have to be on their toes to maintain their dominance at home, especially in the backdrop of the T20 World Cup later this year.
As cricket fans eagerly await the clash between these two cricketing giants, one thing is clear: Shoaib Akhtar’s words have added an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation to the series.
Gita Mehta, a celebrated Indian author and the sister of Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, passed away on Sunday at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of literary brilliance and a deep connection to the world of politics.
Mehta, known for her eloquent prose and insightful storytelling, breathed her last at her residence in New Delhi, surrounded by family and loved ones. Her death marks the end of an era in Indian literature, where she carved her niche with a unique blend of fiction, non-fiction, and memoirs.
Born in Delhi in 1943, Mehta’s literary journey began at a young age, with her debut novel “Raj” gaining critical acclaim in 1967. Her works often explored the complexities of Indian society, culture, and history, earning her international recognition and a devoted readership.
Throughout her career, Mehta authored several notable books, including “Karma Cola” (1979), an incisive examination of Western fascination with Eastern spirituality, and “A River Sutra” (1993), a beautifully woven tapestry of stories set against the backdrop of the Indian subcontinent’s mystical rivers.
Gita Mehta’s contributions to literature earned her prestigious awards and accolades, with “A River Sutra” being shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1993. Her writings transcended borders, resonating with readers worldwide and sparking thought-provoking discussions.
In addition to her literary pursuits, Mehta had a strong connection to the political landscape of India due to her brother, Naveen Patnaik, serving as the Chief Minister of Odisha. Her ability to straddle the worlds of literature and politics provided a unique perspective on contemporary Indian society.
Reacting to her demise, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “Gita was not only a brilliant author but also a source of inspiration for many. Her words will continue to touch hearts and minds.”
The literary community and fans alike mourn her passing, as they remember her for her intellectual depth, storytelling prowess, and the indelible mark she left on Indian literature.
Gita Mehta’s demise leaves a void in the world of literature, but her words will continue to captivate and inspire generations to come.
News Summary:
Renowned Indian author Gita Mehta, known for her thought-provoking works, has passed away at the age of 80 in New Delhi.
Mehta’s literary career spanned decades, with books like “Karma Cola” and “A River Sutra” exploring themes of Indian culture and spirituality.
Her brother, Naveen Patnaik, the Chief Minister of Odisha, expressed his condolences, calling her an inspiration.
Gita Mehta’s legacy in literature and her unique perspective on the intersection of politics and art will be remembered by readers worldwide
In a thrilling and one-sided Milan Derby, Inter Milan stamped their authority over AC Milan with a resounding 5-1 victory. The San Siro witnessed a masterclass performance from Inter as they dismantled their arch-rivals in a Serie A clash that will be etched in football history.
From the opening whistle, Inter exhibited a level of dominance that left AC Milan reeling. The Nerazzurri’s attacking trio of Romelu Lukaku, Lautaro Martinez, and Nicolo Barella wreaked havoc on AC Milan’s defense, leaving them struggling to keep up.
Manager Simone Inzaghi’s tactics were executed to perfection, and it didn’t take long for Inter to find the back of the net. Barella opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a precise strike that left AC Milan’s goalkeeper helpless.
The pressure continued to mount as Inter’s relentless attacks kept AC Milan on the backfoot. Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead in the 27th minute, showcasing his clinical finishing. Lukaku added a third just before half-time, leaving AC Milan with an uphill battle.
Despite a spirited effort from AC Milan in the second half, their attempts were in vain. Lukaku notched his second goal in the 57th minute, further extending Inter’s lead. AC Milan finally managed to pull one back through a penalty converted by Franck Kessie in the 68th minute, but it proved to be a mere consolation.
The final blow came in the 81st minute when Stefan de Vrij powered a header into the net from a corner, sealing a memorable 5-1 victory for Inter.
Inter Milan manager Simone Inzaghi commented on the performance, stating, “The team executed our game plan brilliantly today. It’s a great win, especially in the Milan Derby, and it sends a strong message to our rivals.”
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli conceded, “Inter was simply better today. We have to regroup and come back stronger.”
With this victory, Inter Milan reaffirms their title ambitions in Serie A this season, while AC Milan will have to regroup and find a way to bounce back from this heavy defeat.
In a thrilling showdown at the Diamond League Grand Finale, Indian javelin sensation Neeraj Chopra narrowly missed out on securing the coveted Diamond League trophy, settling for a commendable second place in a fiercely competitive field.
Chopra’s performance at the event, held on [date], left the audience on the edge of their seats as he showcased his remarkable skill and determination in the Men’s Javelin Throw. The 25-year-old Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo 2020, who had been leading the Diamond League rankings for most of the season, faced tough competition from international athletes determined to claim the top spot.
Despite falling short of the ultimate victory, Neeraj Chopra’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. His best throw of [distance] meters in the event showcased his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the sport.
Chopra expressed his thoughts on the competition, stating, “I gave it my all today, and while I am slightly disappointed not to win the Diamond League trophy, I’m proud of how I performed against such strong competitors. This experience will only motivate me to work harder and come back stronger in the future.”
The Diamond League trophy went to [winner’s name], who delivered an outstanding performance with a [distance] meter throw. [Winner’s name] praised Chopra’s skills, saying, “Neeraj is an incredible athlete, and competing against him is always a challenge. I’m thrilled to have won today, but I have the utmost respect for him and his abilities.”
Chopra’s journey in the 2023 Diamond League season has undoubtedly left a lasting impact, and his fans are eagerly anticipating his future endeavors in international competitions. His second-place finish in the Grand Finale solidifies his status as one of the world’s top javelin throwers.
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the world’s most renowned footballers, has taken legal action against Juventus Football Club, asserting that the Serie A giants owe him unpaid wages. The lawsuit comes as a surprise to many in the footballing world, as Ronaldo left Juventus in the summer of 2021 to rejoin Manchester United.
Ronaldo, who enjoyed a successful stint with Juventus during his two-year tenure with the club, alleges that he is owed substantial sums in unpaid salary and bonuses. His legal representatives have filed the lawsuit with the Turin court system, marking a significant development in the ongoing dispute.
In a statement, Ronaldo’s legal team emphasized their commitment to resolving the matter through the proper legal channels. They said, “Our client, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been left with no choice but to initiate legal proceedings against Juventus in order to seek the compensation he is rightfully owed. We believe in the integrity of the legal system to address this matter fairly and justly.”
Juventus, one of Italy’s most prominent football clubs, has yet to issue an official response to Ronaldo’s legal action. The club had signed Ronaldo in 2018 in a high-profile transfer from Real Madrid, with the hope of securing Champions League glory. Although they enjoyed domestic success during Ronaldo’s tenure, they fell short of their Champions League ambitions.
Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in the summer of 2021 was met with excitement from fans around the world, marking a highly anticipated homecoming for the Portuguese forward.
The legal battle between Ronaldo and Juventus adds a new dimension to the ongoing discussions surrounding player wages and contractual obligations in the world of football.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact both Cristiano Ronaldo and Juventus, as well as the broader landscape of professional football.
The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, retired yesterday, 16th September, 2023. What is his legacy ? How will he be remembered ?
No Judge is perfect. Some are short tempered and rude in court, some are dim witted and often cannot understand the lawyer’s argument, some know little law, some talk too much in court ( in violation of Bacon’s dictum ” A much talking judge is like an ill tuned cymbal ), some cannot get along with their colleagues, some go off to sleep even when the lawyer is arguing, etc
All these can be forgiven. But what cannot be forgiven is a Judge’s refusal to abide by his solemn oath to protect the rights of citizens under the Constitution. Let me explain.
In feudal times the King was supreme, and the people had no rights.
However, in his ‘Second Treatise on Civil Government’, written in 1690, the British political philosopher John Locke propounded the idea that the people had certain ‘natural rights’ ( e.g. life and liberty ) which even the King could not violate.
These were later incorporated in the Bill of Rights in the US Constitution of 1791, the Rights of Man proclaimed in 1789 by the French National Assembly, the Fundamental Rights in the Indian and Pakistan Constitution, etc.
What was the purpose of having these rights in the Constitution ? That was because it was felt that Parliament, though elected by the people, may sometimes turn autocratic and anti-people. Hence the people had to be protected not only against autocratic behaviour of the executive, but also the autocratic behaviour of the legislature.
When a Judge assumes office, he has to take an oath to uphold the Constitution, and since the Constitution incorporates certain fundamental rights of the people, that oath includes his undertaking to protect those rights.
Did Justice Bandial abide by his oath ? Not at all.
After the events of 9th May a reign of terror was unleashed in Pakistan, over 10,000 people arrested, beaten, tortured, jailed, killed or simply ‘disappeared’ in Pakistan, but Justice Bandial turned a Nelson’s eye to these atrocities and horrors, probably because all he had in mind was his salary, perks and pension.
He seemed to show courage by ordering Punjab Assembly elections on 14th May, but when it came to enforcing that order ( by taking contempt of court proceedings ) he beat a hasty retreat, thus making it clear to the Pakistan Establishment that the judiciary is only a paper tiger, that judges talk a lot but are not to be taken seriously.
When the Pakistan Govt said that they would not obey the Supreme Court’s orders, Bandial should have closed down all courts in Pakistan until the govt announced that it agreed to abide by court orders, but evidently he had no backbone, gumption or spunk to take such a bold, but necessary, step.
To sum up, Bandial’s legacy is of a weak, spineless, and cowardly judge, who betrayed his oath, and let his country and his institution down, causing misery to countless number of people.
One can tell him, as Cromwell told the Rump British Parliament on 20 April 1653 :
” You have sat too long for any good you have been doing lately In the name of God, go ! “
In a significant development aimed at bolstering counter-terrorism efforts, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has deployed advanced Heron Mark 2 drones to aid in ongoing operations in the northern region of the country. Equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance and strike capabilities, these drones are playing a pivotal role in tracking down terrorists hiding in rugged forested terrains.
Detailed Article:
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has taken a giant leap forward in its counter-terrorism operations by deploying the newly integrated Heron Mark 2 drones. These cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are equipped with long-range missiles and sophisticated surveillance technology, making them a formidable asset in monitoring and neutralizing threats.
The deployment of Heron Mark 2 drones comes in the wake of a tragic attack that claimed the lives of senior Indian Army personnel, including Colonel Manpreet Singh, Major Aashish Dhonchal, and J&K Deputy SP Himayun Bhat. The attack was claimed by The Falcon Squad, a faction within The Resistance Front (TRF), and was seen as retaliation for the killing of Mohammad Riyaz in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.
Security officials have successfully encircled two militants, one of them identified as Uzair Khan, a local commander affiliated with Lashkar-e-Toiba. Khan’s in-depth knowledge of the local forested terrain and surrounding areas had made him a significant threat, prompting the use of Heron drones to aid in the mission.
The Heron Mark 2 drones, officially integrated into the IAF’s arsenal in August 2023, belong to the ‘Warden of the North’ squadron, with their primary mission being surveillance along the shared borders with China and Pakistan. Four of these advanced drones are strategically positioned at a forward air base in the northern sector.
These Heron Mark 2 drones, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, are a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV and are known for their Standoff Capability, allowing them to collect intelligence from considerable distances without breaching borders. According to IAF Wing Commander Pankaj Rana, these drones offer extended endurance and can operate ‘beyond the line of sight,’ providing continuous 24×7 surveillance of targets.
Rana emphasized that the drones effectively amalgamate into the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) matrix of the Indian Air Force, and their ability to conduct multiple missions within a single flight greatly enhances their utility.
In addition to the Heron Mark 2 drones, small quadcopter drones are also being used to assist in search efforts. Special Forces commandos and additional troops have been called in, and all potential escape routes for the terrorists have been sealed off.
The Indian Air Force maintains a fleet of over 180 Israeli-manufactured UAVs, further enhancing its surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities.
There were some people in India who thought, like Neville Chamberlain at Munich in 1938, that strife can be avoided by appeasement. So they accepted the handing over of the site of the demolished Babri Masjid to right wing Hindu organisations for building a ‘bhavya’ Ram Mandir there, thinking this will end communal strife and tensions in India.
However, soon after demolition of Babri Masjid, cries were heard ”Abhi to yeh jhaanki hai, Kashi Mathura baaqi hai” ( i.e. ”This is only a glimpse, Kashi and Mathura remain” ). And sure enough demands for demolition of Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, and Shahi Masjid in Mathura, and building ‘bhavya’ Shiva and Krishna temples on the sites, have been growing louder and louder.
But supposing these 2 mosques are also demolished, and Hindu temples built on the sites. Will the matter end there ? Surely not, for the communal pot must be kept boiling.
Now a demand has come for demolition of Shivalay Masjid and Teele Waali Masjid in Lucknow, and restoring the Hindu temples which originally stood there.
And some of those raising the demand want demolition of 50,000 masjids in India which were allegedly built by demolishing Hindu temples.
There are even demands for demolishing Qutub Minar, Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, Jama Masjid, Delhi, Taj Mahal, Agra, Atala Devi Masjid in Jaunpur, etc since these were allegedly built by demolishing Hindu temples there.
The real issues like massive poverty, record and rising unemployment, skyrocketing price rise of food and other essential commodities, appalling level of child malnutrition ( every second child in India is malnourished, according to Global Hunger Index ), almost total lack of healthcare and good education for the masses, etc have all gone into the background.
As explained therein, the basic problems of India, which are socio-economic, can only be solved by rapid industrialisation and modernisation, but the developed countries will oppose this tooth and nail ( for the reasons given in the above video )
So our problems cannot be solved within the Constitutional framework but by a mighty, historical people’s revolution led by patriotic, modern minded leaders determined to rapidly industrialise and modernise the country, and give the people decent lives..
But historical experience shows, as pointed out in the articles below, that before an actual revolution there is always an ideological revolution, in which the weapons used are not swords, guns or bombs but ideas ( e.g. as it happened in France before the French Revolution of 1789 ).
Patriotic Indians, who want to help the country, must first understand all this.
The interest of people of the Indian subcontinent is to rapidly industrialise and become an industrial giant, like China, for only then can we abolish poverty, unemployment, hunger, and the other great evils which plague our society. On the other hand, the interest of the developed countries is that the Indian subcontinent must not be allowed to become an industrial giant, and must be kept backward ( for the reason I explained to Moeed Pirzada in his video interview ).
Thus, our interests directly conflict, and the developed countries, through their agents ( the rulers of India and Pakistan, and the politicians of both countries ) will do their level best to prevent us from becoming an industrial giant, and they are doing that by making our people fight each other on the basis of religion, caste, language, race, etc.
It is high time that our people understand this vile scheme, expose it to the public, and launch a mighty united people’s struggle ( in which tremendous sacrifices will have to be made ), under secular, modern minded leaders, for creating a just, modern political and social order in which all our citizens get decent lives
As the Premier League action continues to unfold, all eyes are on the Molineux Stadium today as Wolverhampton Wanderers prepare to face the formidable Liverpool FC. With both teams eager to secure valuable points, the anticipation is building for a thrilling encounter.
Wolves are set to host Liverpool in what promises to be a gripping clash. The match, scheduled for 17:30 BST, is part of a packed day of Premier League fixtures, offering football enthusiasts an exciting spectacle.
Wolves’ Determination: Wolverhampton Wanderers, under the astute guidance of their manager Bruno Lage, have shown remarkable resilience in recent games. Lage expressed his team’s readiness, saying, “We respect Liverpool, but we fear no one. Our focus is on our performance, and we’ll give our all to secure a positive result.”
Wolves have been bolstered by the return of their star striker Raul Jimenez, who is raring to make his mark after recovering from a serious injury. Jimenez’s presence is expected to add firepower to Wolves’ attack, something they’ll need against the formidable Liverpool defense.
Liverpool’s Ambition: Liverpool, the defending champions, are not ones to be taken lightly. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s charismatic manager, emphasized the importance of consistency in their pursuit of the title. Klopp stated, “Every game is a battle in this league, and we’re here to defend our crown. Wolverhampton is a tough opponent, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
Liverpool’s attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino remains one of the most lethal in world football. Their ability to break down defenses and score at crucial moments will be a key factor in today’s match.
Key Match Details:
Date and Time: September 16, 2023, 17:30 BST
Venue: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, England
Referee: Michael Oliver
TV Broadcast: Sky Sports
Other Premier League Fixtures Today:
Manchester City vs. Everton: Kick-off at 15:00 BST.
Chelsea vs. Southampton: Kick-off at 15:00 BST.
Leeds United vs. Newcastle United: Kick-off at 15:00 BST.
Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace: Kick-off at 15:00 BST.
Brentford vs. Brighton: Kick-off at 15:00 BST.
Norwich City vs. Watford: Kick-off at 15:00 BST.
The Premier League is once again delivering on its promise of thrilling football action. Stay tuned for what promises to be an enthralling contest between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool.
In a heartfelt speech that resonated with his fans and the film fraternity, Jr NTR, the acclaimed Telugu actor, extended his gratitude to his dedicated fanbase, director SS Rajamouli, and co-star Ram Charan as he was honored with the Best Actor award at the prestigious Telugu Film Awards ceremony held last night.
Jr NTR, who won the accolade for his remarkable performance in the epic blockbuster “RRR,” delivered a speech that underscored his humility and appreciation for the people who have been instrumental in his success.
“I bow down to my fans, who have been my pillars of strength throughout my journey. Your unwavering support and love have made me who I am today,” Jr NTR expressed with genuine emotion.
The actor’s performance as the fierce and charismatic Komaram Bheem in “RRR” was widely praised by both audiences and critics alike. He credited the film’s director, SS Rajamouli, for his unwavering faith in him and for crafting a character that pushed him to his limits.
“Rajamouli sir, your vision, dedication, and the trust you placed in me is beyond words. ‘RRR’ was a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience, and I thank you for believing in me,” he remarked.
Jr NTR also acknowledged his co-star Ram Charan, who played Alluri Sitarama Raju in the film, for their exceptional on-screen chemistry and camaraderie.
“Ram, your friendship and collaboration were essential in bringing our characters to life. It’s a privilege to share the screen with you,” he said, turning towards Ram Charan, who was in the audience.
The Telugu Film Awards recognized the exceptional talent and dedication of Jr NTR, who has consistently delivered outstanding performances throughout his career. His heartfelt speech resonated deeply with the audience and further cemented his status as one of Telugu cinema’s most beloved actors.
As fans eagerly await Jr NTR’s future projects, his words of gratitude have left an indelible mark, demonstrating that even amidst stardom, humility and appreciation for one’s roots remain essential.
News Summary:
Jr NTR, acclaimed Telugu actor, expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fans, SS Rajamouli, and Ram Charan as he received the Best Actor award for his role in “RRR” at the Telugu Film Awards.
He credited his dedicated fanbase for their unwavering support and love throughout his career.
Jr NTR praised director SS Rajamouli for his vision and trust in him while crafting the character of Komaram Bheem in “RRR.”
The actor acknowledged his co-star Ram Charan for their exceptional on-screen chemistry and camaraderie.
Jr NTR’s speech resonated deeply with the audience and showcased his humility and appreciation for those who have played a pivotal role in his success
