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Once upon a time, this was a treasure trove. Now, a palace in ruins. Over 70,000 books at the heritage Iqbal library in Bhopal are rotting away due to neglect and a funds crunch. These books include rare works by stalwarts in Hindi, English, Urdu, Malayalam and Persian too. Also in the vast collection are seminal works of science, including books on engineering and medical science. About 80,000 books in the library were destroyed in the monsoon of 2017 and rainwater poured through the cracks in the run-down building.

Now, as books fight a losing war against screens, Iqbal Library is hoping for a miracle as some literary bodies race against time to save what they can from the decaying pages.

Set up by freedom fighter and public speaker Asif Shah in 1939, the library is named after Iqbal, the legendary poet whose works include the patriotic lines, Saare Jahan Se Accha Hindostaan Hamara, during the Freedom movement. Iqbal stayed in Pakistan after Partition and became its national poet. The library started in a small room in Bhopal’s Lakherapura neighbourhood. In 2001, it shifted to Bhopal’s Iqbal Maidan, its current address, in 2001. Located next to iconic monuments Moti Mahal, Shaukat Mahal and Sheesh Mahal, it is part of the city’s storied past. Interestingly, it is at Sheesh Mahal where the last Nawab of Bhopal Hamidullah Khan once hosted Iqbal.

On a visit to the heritage library, NDTV found heaps of books on the floor. Many shelves have not survived the decay and the ones still standing cannot hold all the volumes.

Authorities say the library is surviving on meagre grants — Rs 30,000 annually from Urdu Academy and Rs 68,000 from the Madhya Pradesh education department. Members pay a paltry Rs 50 a month, and with book lovers now a rare species, this hardly adds up to make a difference. Legendary playwright Safdar Hashmi said books aren’t just meant to be read — they are meant to be lived. And this slice of Bhopal’s life — and its history — is now on life support.  

Hasan M Siddiqui, the library’s secretary, said budget constraints are making conservation difficult. “There is a severe shortage of cupboards. We are slowly restoring damaged books, but budget constraints make it difficult. There are thousands of precious books here, but their preservation is delayed by lack of funds,” he said.

Several prominent institutions, including Rekhta Foundation, have joined the efforts to save the library’s heritage. A Rekhta staff has been stationed here to digitise books. “The rains damaged so many books, I have been scanning and digitising them since 2018. We need bookshelves and the building is in urgent need of repairs,” said Rekhta employee Rameez Raja.

The regular readers remember the library’s charm in its heydays. “The books that survive were saved by the staff who did whatever they could to preserve them. Some of these volumes are from pre-Independence, and there’s even a Shakespeare collection in Malayalam. I have been coming here for 10 years. Every time I see these books, I feel them crying for help,” said Hari, a frequent visitor.

But the cries of the books — and booklovers — have gone unheard so far. Writer Rajesh Joshi said, “The library’s management should be handed over to the Urdu Academy or it should be named a Central Library. Iqbal Library is important, and its preservation is urgent.”

Volunteers working at the library say they had reached out to elected representatives, but to no avail. “We called the offices of MP Alok Sharma and minister Krishna Gaur repeatedly to draw their attention to this issue, but they were busy with the election season and we got no response,” said a volunteer.

NDTV could not connect with the MP and the minister despite repeated attempts.

Three children and three women are missing from Manipur’s Jiribam since yesterday after an encounter broke out between suspected Kuki insurgents and the security forces. The Manipur Police in a press conference today said the 10 killed in the encounter had enough firepower to create chaos in the affected area in Jiribam, near the border with Assam.

“Security forces have launched an operation to search for the missing people. They are three women and three children. The Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and the Central Reserve Police Force will retaliate if fired upon,” a senior Manipur Police officer told reporters in the state capital Imphal today.

The police officer said a total of 13 internally displaced people were reported missing yesterday from Jiribam. Two have been found dead, five have been traced, and six are missing, the officer said.

The two bodies were of two senior citizens from the Meitei community. Both were found inside a structure that was set on fire by the militants, the police officer added.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is expected to release the date sheet for Class 10 and 12 board exams by the end of November. The board usually declares the exam dates by the month of November. As per previous trends, the 2025 board exams for Classes 10 and 12 are expected to begin from February 15, 2025. While CBSE has not yet released any official notification for the boards, the exam date is speculated based on an earlier notification by CBSE. 

The exams are likely to begin in February and would conclude in April.

Since 2023, CBSE is conducting the board exam on February 15. In 2021, the exam was held on May 4-June 7 and in 2022 the board exam was held in April 26-May 24. The CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheet will comprise the exam days, dates, timings, and general instructions for students.

CBSE recently released the details about the conduct of practical exams in class 10 and 12. The practical exam for class 10 will be held from January 1, 2025 while that for class 12 will be held from February 15, 2025. The board had previously also released a circular highlighting the bifurcation of marks in theory, practical, project and IA.

The practical exam for class 10 will be held from January 1, 2025 while that for class 12 will be held from February 15, 2025. The practical exam for Class 12 will be held under the supervision of an external examiner visiting schools, however the Class 10 practical exam will be conducted in the presence of school teachers only.

Yale University students will soon have the opportunity to take a course entirely focused on Beyonce, according to school officials. The class, titled Beyonce Makes History: Black Radical Tradition History, Culture, Theory & Politics through Music, will be taught by African American studies and music professor Daphne Brooks in the upcoming spring semester, The Guardian reported.

Brooks, who previously taught Black Women in Popular Music Culture at Princeton, co-founded Yale’s Black Sound & the Archive Working Group. This will be her first course centred solely on Beyonce, who has won 32 Grammy awards and achieved a rare level of political influence within the music industry.

Brooks’s new course joins a growing trend of university classes analyzing pop culture icons. Other universities have offered courses on figures like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Harrison Ford.

In an interview with The Guardian, Brooks shared that both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as colleagues and staff, had shown “waves of excitement” about the course. Yale, she said, required no convincing to approve it. Brooks explained, “This is the first time I’ve been able to focus an entire course on the profound socio-political and intellectual evolution in Beyonce’s work since her 2013 self-titled album.”

She added that the course would explore Beyonce’s body of work and examine themes like historical memory, Black feminist and liberation politics, and her innovative approach to the album as a form, which has allowed her to highlight these themes.

Though Beyonce’s political involvement is limited, she frequently makes headlines when she does engage. She performed at both of Barack Obama’s presidential inaugurations in 2009 and 2013, and more recently, allowed Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign to use her song Freedom as its anthem. Beyonce, also endorsed Harris, speaking at a rally in her hometown of Houston, Texas, where she addressed the audience not as a celebrity or politician, but “as a mother who cares deeply about the world my children and all of our children live in.”

Classes on major pop culture figures, like Yale’s new Beyonce; course, often attract large interest. When Harvard offered Taylor Swift and Her World earlier this year, 300 students enrolled. Brooks’s Beyonce, class will be offered through multiple departments, including African American studies, women’s, gender and sexuality studies, American studies, and music.

It is very important to be kind to each other, to yourself and to the world. To remind people about the importance of the event, November 13 is observed as World kindness Day. Global doughnut chain Krispy Kreme has come up with an innovative idea to make this World Kindness Day extra sweet. It is offering free dozen original glazed doughnuts to eager customers. The offer applies to the first 500 guests in participating stores in various US locations, which means the bakery chain will be doling out approximately 6,000 free doughnuts per store.

“World Kindness Day is a reminder that we can all make a positive impact in people’s lives, including through small gestures like sharing a sweet treat. We hope that each dozen Original Glazed doughnuts we give away enables and inspires many dozens of small acts of kindness,” Krispy Kreme Global Chief Brand Office Dave Skena said in a release.

The offer is valid across the US. Some of its international locations – the chain operates in 40 countries – also have World Kindness Day promotions planned.

How to Get Your Free Doughnut

Participating in this sweet celebration is easy! On November 13th, simply head to your nearest Krispy Kreme store, and you’ll be greeted with a warm smile and a free doughnut of your choice. Whether you prefer a classic Original Glazed, a decadent chocolate-filled treat, or something more adventurous, you can enjoy it at no cost.

According to UNESCO, World Kindness Day was first celebrated in 1998 by international NGO World Kindness Movement, which aims to promote goodwill around the world.

The UN body said that the day gives people the opportunity to reflect on one of the most important and unifying human principles – empathy, compassion and kindness. “On a day dedicated to the positive potential of acts of kindness big and small, let us collectively try to promote and spread this crucial quality that brings people of all kinds together,” a note on UNESCO website says.

Kendriya Vidyalayas, the central government schools in India, run empowerment programmes for students by providing them with various opportunities and responsibilities. The school runs mentorship programs where senior students mentor younger and weak students. This creates a culture of support and empowerment within the school community.

The school administration’s plan of involving students in decision-making processes regarding school events, policies and activities helps in building confidence and developing leadership skill among students since young age.

Besides older students, principal and teachers have also been asked to adopt one weak student each for grooming. 

The schools follow other multiple methods to promote student empowerment at the campus. The multifaceted concept that are operated in these schools help students to take charge of their own learning and development. 

As part of the programme, the school implements positive discipline strategies that focus on teaching and guiding students rather than punitive measures. This will prepare students to take responsibility for their actions and learn from their mistakes.

These schools also have student councils comprising elected student representatives. These councils give students a platform to voice their opinions, raise concerns, and suggest improvements.

Empowering students in Kendriya Vidyalayas not only enhances their academic performance but also equips them with essential life skills and a sense of responsibility towards themselves and their communities.

A case has been registered against the producer of the Kannada movie ‘Toxic’ and two others for alleged illegal tree cutting during its filming in a forested area in Bengaluru. The movie features Kannada star Yash, best-known for ‘KGF’, in a lead role. 

Acting on the orders of a magistrate court, the Karnataka forest department has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the movie’s producer, KVN Mastermind Creations, the General Manager of Canara Bank and the General Manager of Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) under the Karnataka Forest Act 1963.

This issue had come to light last month when Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre conducted a site inspection at the Peenya Plantation in Bengaluru, where the movie was being shot. The minister had asked the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to conduct an inquiry and the Bengaluru civic body had approached a court, which ordered the registration of an FIR against the producer and the organisations that had rented out the land.

It was initially believed that the land was rented by HMT but the company claimed that was not the case and the plot belonged to Canara Bank. The producer of the film has said that the shooting was done on private land and all necessary permissions had been taken.

Forest Minister Khandre has also ordered disciplinary action against officials who granted permission for tree-cutting, if any. 

Sources said the filming of the movie is now being completed in Mumbai. The release is expected around April next year. 

‘Toxic’ is directed by Geetu Mohandas, known for films like ‘Moothon’ and ‘Liar’s Dice’. It also stars Huma Qureshi and Akshay Oberoi.

India is leading in Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, according to new research by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), which pegged that 30 per cent of Indian companies are maximizing value through the use of such emerging technology.

According to the BCG report, 26 per cent of global companies utilise AI.

Fintech, software, and banking sectors are increasingly using AI in their operations.

After years of investing, hiring talent, and launching pilots in artificial intelligence (AI), CEOs are now seeking tangible returns from the technology, said the report. In the same breath, the report said realizing its full value remains difficult.

Even with the widespread implementation of AI programs across industries, only 26 per cent of companies have developed the necessary set of capabilities to move beyond proofs of concept and generate tangible value, according to new BCG research.

The report, titled ‘Where’s the Value in AI?’, was based on a survey of 1,000 Chief Experience Officers (CxOs) and senior executives from over 20 sectors, spanning 59 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America, and covering as many as ten major industries.

While just 4 per cent of companies globally have developed cutting-edge AI capabilities across functions and consistently generate significant value, an additional 22 per cent have implemented an AI strategy.

74 per cent per cent of companies have yet to show tangible value from their use of AI, said the report.

“India’s swift adoption of AI is redefining its competitive edge globally, with 30 per cent of Indian companies having maximized AI’s value potential–surpassing the global average of 26 per cent… With 100 per cent of companies actively experimenting with AI, India stands out for its readiness to harness AI’s potential,” said Saibal Chakraborty, India Leader, Technology and Digital Advantage Practice, BCG.

Moreover, the maturity of India’s AI leaders spans both traditional and digital sectors, signalling a broad-based adoption that’s driving value beyond typical tech-driven industries.

“As India’s AI leaders go beyond productivity to reshape and invent new business models, India is poised to lead not only in AI adoption but in generating substantial, and measurable value,” said Chakraborty.

Retail inflation rose to 6.21 per cent in October from 5.49 per cent in the preceding month mainly due to higher food prices, breaching the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) upper tolerance level, according to government data released today.

The consumer price index-based inflation was 4.87 per cent in October 2023.

The National Statistics Office data showed that inflation in the food basket rose to 10.87 per cent in October from 9.24 per cent in September and 6.61 per cent in the year-ago month.

The RBI, which kept the key short-term lending rate unchanged earlier this month, has been tasked by the government to ensure inflation remains at 4 per cent with a margin of 2 per cent on either side.

Yogi Adityanath and Mallikarjun Kharge have traded barbs – spreading communal hatred vs appeasement politics – as campaigning for next week’s Maharashtra election enters the home stretch.

At a rally in Amravati this afternoon, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister served up a caustic reply Tuesday to the Congress boss’ comment about “(political) leaders in the guise of sadhus”.

Responding to that attack, Yogi referred to his rival’s childhood tragedy – his mother died when their home in a village in the former princely state of Hyderabad was burned down by an Islamic militia – and claimed Mr Kharge buried his feelings “for the sake of (the Congress’) vote bank”.

“Khargeji is angry with me. But, Khargeji, I am saying that for a yogi the country comes first. For my leader, Modiji, the country comes first. But, for you, appeasing the Congress is paramount.”

“His village was under the Nizam of Hyderabad… when India was under the British. There was a fire… this was when Hindus were being selectively killed. And, in this fire, his home was also burned down, in which his mother and family were killed. But Khargeji does not say this… because he knows if he says it, then Muslim votes will shift. He forgot the sacrifice of his family for the sake of votes.”

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister hit back after Mr Kharge, on Sunday, criticised Yogi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over contentious poll slogans like “batenge toh katenge“.

READ | “Batenge Toh Katenge”: Yogi Adityanath Makes Pitch For ‘Unity’

“Many (political) leaders live in the guise of sadhus and become politicians… some even become chief ministers. They wear gerua (saffron) clothes and have no hair on their heads…” the Congress boss said, “But I would say… either wear white clothes or, if you are a sanyasi, get out of politics.”

#WATCH | Mumbai: At the ‘Samvidhan Bachao Sammelan’, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers. They wear ‘gerua’ clothes and have no hair on their… pic.twitter.com/wLnFkNNNz7

— ANI (@ANI) November 10, 2024

“On the one hand you wear gerua clothes… on the other you say ‘batenge toh katenge‘. They are spreading hatred among the people and are trying to divide them,” he declared.

The sharp jibes were in reference to comments by Yogi Adityanath in August.

Speaking in Agra, he cited the example of chaos then in Bangladesh and said, “You see Bangladesh… those mistakes should not be repeated here. ‘Batenge to katenge, ek rahenge to nek rahenge‘.”

He had accused the opposition of being more concerned about votes than the plight of Hindus in Bangladesh after ex Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.

With input from agencies

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Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas recently encountered severe weather on its journey from Barcelona to Miami, causing chaos on board. Strong winds and rough seas tossed bottles off bar shelves and overturned tables in the casino, sending passengers scrambling for safety. The turbulence struck Thursday night, shortly after departing Spain’s Castilian coast, according to Cruise Mapper. The vessel was near Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands when it was hit by an “unexpected wind gust,” Royal Caribbean Cruises said in a statement. The wind caused the ship to experience “sudden movement,” the cruise line said.

Dramatic footage from onboard the cruise ship captures passengers stumbling to maintain balance as the ship tilts severely to one side, leading to objects falling from tables and shelves across the bar.

Here’s the video:
 

Cruise ship tilted 45 degrees in the Atlantic ocean ? pic.twitter.com/4lIIxIFCkh

— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) November 10, 2024

The wind jumped from 46 mph to 86 mph, a passenger on the vessel told CBS News.

Another passenger Jonathan Parrish recounted, ”I think there was about five minutes in there where everybody was wondering what was going on, but as soon as the captain came on and made the announcement of what had happened, (it) kind of gave you a sense of calmness.”

Following the incident, passengers were requested to return to their cabins for a headcount and safety verification. Meanwhile, the Royal Caribbean confirmed one passenger sustained injuries requiring further medical attention. The ship will make an unscheduled stop in Las Palmas, Spain, for medical disembarkation.

“One of our guests was injured and requires additional medical care, so the ship will make a call in Las Palmas, Spain, for medical disembarkation. We are communicating these changes directly with our guests,” the cruise line wrote.

The Explorer of the Seas, a majestic 1,020-foot cruise liner, boasts an impressive capacity for 4,290 guests and 1,185 crew members. Built in 2000 and registered in the Bahamas, this Royal Caribbean vessel has been sailing the seas for over two decades. Onboard amenities include an ice skating rink, mini-golf course, rock climbing wall and 15-passenger decks.

It is scheduled to arrive in Miami in two weeks, according to Cruise Mapper data.

A stunning and unusual natural event captured by Icelandic photographer Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove has taken social media by a pleasant surprise. It’s a top-down video showing lava flowing over snow. But what has sparked a lot of intrigue is the lack of visible steam during the process. In the footage, captured during the February eruption at Sundhnukagigar, the usual dramatic steam clouds associated with lava are absent.

The video’s creator shared the moment on social media, expressing confusion at witnessing it in person. “I managed to capture this moment during the February eruption at Sundhnúkagígar this year. This clip sparked a lot of debate in the comments section, as people questioned whether it was real because there was no visible steam when the lava crossed over the snow. I must admit, it also baffled me when I saw it in person, so I decided to seek explanations,” he wrote in the caption.

This phenomenon is likely due to the Leidenfrost effect, added the photographer. A well-known scientific principle, the Leidenfrost effect occurs when a liquid encounters a surface much hotter than its boiling point. In this case, the lava, which is incredibly hot, melts the top layer of the snow, creating a vapour barrier. This layer temporarily shields the underlying snow from further heat, preventing immediate melting.

The photographer explained, “The lava is so incredibly hot that it melts the top part of the snow, which then creates a vapour layer that shields the bottom part from the heat temporarily. Similarly to what you can observe when water droplets scoot around on a hot metal plate.”

The speed at which the lava moves also contributes to the lack of visible steam. The caption goes on to add, “The lava moves so fast that it actually manages to cover the snow before it can melt. As a result, it is all trapped underneath the fresh lava. Extremely fascinating if you ask me.” 

Watch the video here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove | Photographer in Iceland (@jvn.photo)

So far, the post has garnered over 432,000 likes, with users commenting on the spectacle.

“I did not think this was real!! Amazing!” wrote one user.

A second comment read, “Fascinating! I’m so glad I read the caption before commenting because I was going to ask about the steam also! Super cool!”

One user, expressing a playful observation about the appearance of the lava in the image, wrote, “Anyone else think the lava looks like skulls?”

The interplay of volcanic heat, snow and the Leidenfrost effect creates a visually stunning effect. The video not only showcases nature’s raw beauty but also prompts the question – have CGI portrayals of nature in movies made us more sceptical of real footage?

The Supreme Court has dismissed a man’s petition in which he claimed his brain was controlled through a machine. Describing the petition as “bizarre,” a bench of Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah said they could not find any grounds to interfere. The petitioner, a teacher, approached the court with allegations that certain individuals used a “human brain reading machinery” obtained from the Central Forensic Scientific Laboratory (CFSL) in Hyderabad to manipulate his brain. He sought a court order for the deactivation of this alleged device.

The case originally started in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, where the petitioner argued the machine was being operated on him without his consent. The CFSL and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) responded by submitting a counter-affidavit, saying no forensic examination had ever been conducted on the petitioner. The authorities clarified that no machine was used to monitor or control the petitioner’s brain. The High Court dismissed the petition in November 2022, saying there was no basis for the request.

Undeterred, the petitioner filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s decision. On September 27, 2024, the Supreme Court expressed its astonishment at the bizarre nature of the claim. But instead of dismissing the petition immediately, the Court directed the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC) to interact with the petitioner in his native language to understand his concerns clearly.

After the interaction, the SCLSC submitted a report to the Court, confirming the petitioner’s sole request was for the deactivation of the alleged machine controlling his brain.

The Supreme Court, in its final ruling, found the claim to be without merit, observing, “This is the bizarre prayer(s) which has been made by the petitioner whose specific allegation is that there is some machine which is being used and operated at the hands of some persons, by which the ‘brain’ of the petitioner is being controlled. We see no scope or reason as to how we can interfere in this matter.”

The Supreme Court then dismissed the petition.

A fuel tanker explosion in northern Nigeria has killed more than 170 people, with a further 70 receiving intensive care in hospital, police said on Friday.

A blast tore through crowds who had rushed to collect fuel spilling from a crashed tanker in the town of Majiya in Jigawa state late on Tuesday.

“At the Federal Medical Centers in Azare, Nguru, and Birnin Kudu, 70 people were receiving intensive care,” said spokesman Deputy Superintendent of Police Lawan Shiisu Adam in a statement, with the death count rising to 170.

Other hospitals were also treating victims for injuries, he added.

The tragedy is the latest such accident in Nigeria at a time when petrol has become a precious commodity in Africa’s most populous country, which is suffering its worst economic crisis in a generation.

Many are struggling to get access to gasoline, as its price has spiked more than fivefold since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took office in May 2023.

Inflation has been peaking at more than 30 percent for months, reaching an almost three-decade high of 34.19 percent in June, down to 32.7 percent in September.

More than half — 56 percent — of Nigerians are living under the poverty line, up from 40 percent in 2018, according to a World Bank report published Thursday.

At least 59 people died last month when a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle in northwestern Niger state.

Fuel tanker explosions are common in Africa’s most populous nation, where roads can be poorly maintained and residents often look to siphon off fuel following accidents.

The price of petrol has soared fivefold since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scrapped subsidies last year, and there are often shortages.

Desperation rose further last week after the state oil company hiked prices for the second time in just over a month.

Dangerous roads

Accidents involving tankers are frequent in the country, with the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) recording 1,531 in 2020, causing 535 deaths.

Last month, at least 59 people died when a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and cattle in northwestern Niger state.

The FRSC said more than 5,000 people died in road accidents in Nigeria in 2023, compared to nearly 6,500 the previous year.

But according to the World Health Organization, the figures do not include accidents that are not reported to the authorities.

It estimates annual road accident deaths in Nigeria to be closer to 40,000, it said in a report published last year.

Deadly fires and explosions also take place across fuel and oil infrastructure in Nigeria, one of the continent’s largest crude producers.

A video of a young boy cooking an interesting dish has got millions of likes on Instagram. The video shared by @villagecookingboy_official has won many hearts online with its presentation of “Dahi Tikhari,” a flavourful delicacy that the little vlogger says can be ready in just a few minutes. He proceeds to cook the dish from scratch at an outdoor location using what seems to be a wood fire set-up. He starts by placing the kadhai over the heat. He pours oil into it, followed by mustard seeds, cumin seeds and a powdered spice. He uses a mortar and pestle to pound garlic cloves, green chillies and red chilli powder together. Doing so results in a thick red paste, which he transfers to the kadhai. He adds curry leaves to the mixture and stirs it.

Also Read: Foodie Son’s Reaction To Mom’s Cooking Is The Sweetest Thing On The Internet

Next, he adds what looks to be turmeric powder, garam masala/dhaniya powder and salt. He combines all the ingredients well and cooks this masala base for some more time. Later, he is seen removing the kadhai from the flame and setting it on the ground. As a final step, he pours curds into the kadhai and mixes it with the prepared base. He garnishes the dish with chopped coriander leaves and relishes it with roti/bhakri. Watch the complete video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Village Cooking Boy (@villagecookingboy_official)

The reel has clocked over 55 million views on Instagram so far. In the comments, many people applauded the young cook. A few joked that they didn’t want their mothers to see this viral video. Check out how some Instagram users reacted below:

“Very cute chef.”

“Talented child.”

“Nice cooking.”

“Meri mummy ke feed mein mat jana.” [“Don’t reach my mother’s Instagram feed.”]

“Mein jo abhi tak sirf maggi bana pata hu.” [“And I am only able to make Maggi so far.”]

“Awesome little bro. Looking so delicious.”

“When they tell me they need 20 years of experience to get the job.”

“This is what happens when you don’t give your kid an iPad.”

Young cooks often impress social media users with their culinary prowess. Before this, a young vlogger caught the attention of Indian foodies with a video in which he made butter chicken with naan. Click here to read the full article.

Also Read: Young Cook’s Skills Impress Gordon Ramsay, He Calls Him “Formidable”

Fifty-two-year-old Richard Allen, the prime suspected in the much-publicised Delphi murders, was found guilty on Monday (November 11). The case dates back to 2017 when two teenagers – 14-year-old Liberty German and 13-year-old Abigail Williams – were killed in the town of Delphi, in United States’ Indiana. Allen was accused of killing the two girls, cutting their throats and leaving their bodies behind near a trail. The case went cold for more than five years until he was arrested in 2022.

Allen sat in the courtroom emotionless, said a report in CNN. His sentencing is scheduled for December 20; until then, the court has issued a gag order restricting involved parties from speaking on the case.

Allen could be sentenced to up to 130 years in prison, the outlet further said.

What is the case?

The killings took place on February 13, 2017, when Liberty and Abigail went for a hike, the CNN report said. The teenagers went missing that afternoon. Their bodies were found the next day with throats slit and partially covered by sticks.

The prime suspect was caught on Liberty’s phone, which the police circulated among locals. The video showed a man walking on a bridge with his hands in his pockets.

Allen initially evaded the police by staying in the town and working at a local pharmacy. He was finally arrested on October 26, 2022 and charged with two counts of murder while committing or attempting to commit a kidnapping.

The “Odinism” defence

During the course of the trial, Allen maintained his innocence claimed that the murders were carried out by a pagan cult hijacked by white nationalists.

“Members of a pagan Norse religion, called Odinism, hijacked by white nationalists, ritualistically sacrificed Abigail Williams and Liberty German,” his attorneys wrote in the documents, as reported by The Independent.

His lawyers maintained the angle, even claiming in court that victims’ bodies were covered with branches and sticks in a manner that resembled pagan symbols.

The lawyers even named four people claiming they are involved in Odinism. However, none of these individuals have ever been named by police as suspects or persons of interest in the case.

Amid the massive row over his alleged racist remark against Union minister HD Kumaraswamy, Karnataka minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan has said he called the JDS leader “Kaalia” out of affection and that he was ready to apologise if the comment upset him.

The minister said this was not the first time he had used the word for HD Kumaraswamy. “Why is it that big (an issue)? I would apologise if I had called him that for the first time. In the days when we were close friends, Kumaraswamy used to address me as Kulla (dwarf) and I would call him Kariya (dark). If Kumaraswamy or anyone else is hurt, I would seek their apology,” the minister told the media.

A five-time Congress MLA, Mr Khan is a Congress minister in the Siddaramaiah-led state government and handles housing, Waqf and minority welfare portfolios. He was campaigning for the Congress’s CP Yogeeshwara in Channapatna Assembly constituency. Mr Yogeeshwara, who had switched to the BJP, has returned to the Congress and will take on HD Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil in the upcoming bypoll. The Channapatna Assembly seat was vacated when Mr Kumaraswamy, the sitting MLA, was elected to Lok Sabha.

Speaking about Mr Yogeshwara’s return to the Congress, Mr Khan said, “Due to some differences in our party, he contested as an Independent. He had no option but to join the BJP. He was not ready to join the JD(S) because ‘Kaaliya Kumaraswamy’ was more dangerous than the BJP. Now he has come back home,” the state minister said.

The remark drew a sharp response from the JDS, which termed it a “new low in political discourse”. “The nation vehemently condemns the disgraceful and racially charged remarks by Zameer Ahmed against HD Kumaraswamy. This kind of hateful language marks a new low in political discourse and has no place in a civilized society. We demand accountability from leaders who choose divisive attacks over constructive dialogue,” the party said in a post on X.

Kiren Rijiju, BJP leader and Mr Kumaraswamy’s colleague in the central government, slammed the remark and used the opportunity to target Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. “I strongly deplore Congress Minister Zameer Ahmed calling Union Minister & Ex CM of Karnataka Sh. Kumaraswamy as ‘Kaalia Kumaraswamy’. This is a racist remark, same as Rahul Gandhi’s adviser calling South Indians look like Africans, North East as Chinese, North Indians as Arabs,” he said.

A Japanese politician recently faced backlash and issued an apology after making a controversial comment suggesting that women might need to “remove their uteruses” after 30 to solve social issues related to fertility. This proposal was part of a broader discussion on Japan’s declining birth rate and the challenges the country faces due to its ageing population, as per the South China Morning Post. The shocking suggestion was made by Japan’s Conservative Party leader, Naoki Hyakuta in a YouTube video on November 8 where he discussed measures to increase the nation’s birthrate.

The minister suggested banning women from marrying after 25 and undergoing forced hysterectomies (removal of the uterus) at 30. He opined that doing so would prod them to have children and reverse the declining birthrate. The politician also proposed restricting women’s access to university education from the age of 18, allegedly to focus on producing more children.

I want you to know the current state of Japanese politicians.

Naoki Hyakuta, leader of the far-right Conservative Party of Japan with 3 seats in the House of Representatives@BBCWorld @bbcnewsjapan @BBC @CNN @NBCNews @ABC @CBSNews @FoxNews

pic.twitter.com/utP5Y29veU

— ⁑リコマイ ⁑ (@sakuraironoharu) November 10, 2024

This dystopian idea was met with swift backlash, prompting Mr Hyakuta to apologize, claiming his comments were merely hypothetical and not his personal views. Many slammed the minister for his regressive and discriminatory comments, sparking concerns about women’s rights and reproductive freedom.

Mr Hyakuta later clarified that these ideas were framed as a “science-fiction storyline” to spark discussion and not meant to be taken literally. He acknowledged that his comments were “extremely harsh” and emphasised that he does not advocate for such drastic measures against women.

”I meant to say that we cannot transform the social structure unless we do something that goes that far. I want to retract my remarks and apologize,” he said.

Expressing outrage on the matter, Chizuru Higashi, an actress, said: “The idea of taking away reproductive ability if you have not had a child by the age of 30 is terrifying, even as a joke. Besides, do you think that the declining birth rate is the fault of women? Women cannot get pregnant on their own and they have no confidence about giving birth and raising children because their employment and income are not stable.

Author Issui Ogawa took particular issue with Mr Hyakuta’s attempt to downplay his remarks as “science fiction,” arguing that such language only serves to trivialise the harm caused by his words.

”I’m a science fiction writer and I’m not amused that the grotesque idea of removing a girl’s uterus was described as science fiction, while I’m also unhappy at the idea of forcing her to marry and give birth – with penalties attached,” he said.

Japan’s fertility crisis is a pressing concern, with the country struggling to address the challenges of an ageing population and shrinking workforce. This proposal follows other controversial measures aimed at encouraging marriage and procreation, such as incentives for women to marry men from rural areas, which were also met with backlash for being tone-deaf and overly simplistic.

Japan recorded 350,074 births between January and June, 5.7 per cent fewer compared to the same period last year, the health ministry’s preliminary report said.

A man was on Monday arrested for driving his car, a Mahindra Thar, on a railway track in Rajasthan’s Jaipur.

The man, said to be drunk, had taken his SUV on to railway tracks to shoot a reel for social media.

His car, however, got stuck when he tried to take it off the tracks on seeing an approaching goods train.

The loco pilot was able to stop the train in time, so no one was hurt in the incident.

In a video going viral on social media, the man can be seen trying to remove the vehicle from the railway tracks with some people and police officials standing next to the car.

According to reports, some people also helped him pull out his car, following which he quickly reversed it for about 20-30 metres to get it on the road and fled.

He also reportedly hit three persons while he was trying to flee.

The police then chased the car and arrested him. The car was also seized.

This is not the first time that people were seen shooting a reel on railway tracks.

Several people across the country have been killed or sustained serious injuries after being hit by a train while recording videos.

Since the day Donald Trump won the US presidential election, celebrations have been going on in the family. The entire Trump family posed for a photo at the Mar-a-Lago estate after the election win that showed all the president-elect’s children, their spouses and several grandchildren. The photo was shared by Kai, the daughter of Donald Trump Junior and his ex-wife Vanessa Trump. The 17-year-old has captured the public’s attention by giving sneak peek into the fun side of the Trump family through her vlogs.

On Sunday (November 10), she posted some photos on her X handle of a family outing. The pictures showed US president-elect Donald Trump playing golf with Kai and his other granddaughter, Chloe Trump.

Who is Kai Madison Trump?

For Kai Trump, her grandfather is her “inspiration”.
Photo Credit: Image credit: Instagram/kaitrumpgolfer

She is an internet personality and an avid golfer, like her grandfather. Kai was born on May 12, 2007, in New York, and named after her maternal grandfather. She is the niece of Ivanka Trump and Eric Trump. Kai is also the half-niece to Baron Trump and Tiffany Trump, which makes her the step-granddaughter of Melania Trump. Kai is one of the 10 grandchildren of Mr Trump.

As per a report in the Daily Beast, Kai was the first member of the next Trump generation to enter the political arena when she addressed the Republican National Convention (RNC) in July this year. 

The teenager called her grandfather an “inspiration” and sought to portray the more “normal” side of the 45th president of the United States.

“To me, he’s just a normal grandpa… He gives us candy and soda when our parents aren’t looking,” she was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

“When we play golf together, if I’m not on his team, he’ll try to get inside of my head, and he’s always surprised I don’t let him get to me. But I have to remind him, I’m a Trump, too,” Kai Trump further said.

In a video posted on her YouTube channel, Kai said she began golfing at the age of 2 and credited her mother for getting her into the sport.

All about Donald Trump’s 10 grandchildren

Mr Trump has a large family tree – he has five children and 10 grandchildren. Donald Trump Junior, the oldest son of the 78-year-old, has five children from his first marriage to Vanessa Haydon: Kai, Donald III, Tristan, Spencer and Chloe.

His daughter Ivanka has three children with husband Jared Kushner. The oldest child, Arabella Rose Kushner, was born on July 17, 2011. Then comes Joseph Frederick Kushner, who was born on October 14, 2013.

Theodore James Kushner is Ivanka’s second son and youngest child. He was born on March 27, 2016.

Mr Trump’s third child Eric is a father of two – a son named Eric and a daughter named Carolina.

India is not attending the two-day World Leaders Climate Action Summit (WLCAS) beginning Tuesday with country statements at the 2024 UN climate conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan that is focussed heavily on securing a new climate finance target for countries most vulnerable to climate impacts.

Ilham Aliyev, President of host Azerbaijan, has invited heads of state and governments to participate in the WLCAS when the first part of the high-level segment will also take place.

Eighty-two national leaders, vice-presidents and senior envoys are lined up to speak on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley is the pick of the bunch, but there’s a host of leaders including Spain’s Pedro Sanchez, Nepal’s Ram Chandra Paudel and Congo’s Judith Suminwa Tuluka whose countries have been battered this year.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer will offer the rare prospect of praise as he lands the UK’s new 2035 target.

UK climate advisors recommended 81 per cent greenhouse gas cuts on 1990 levels last month.

Climate boss Ed Miliband says London is committed to “accelerating” climate action, but don’t expect a hike on climate finance from a cash-strapped nation, pointed out a climate negotiator from a developing country.

The invitation to the WLCAS signifies the importance for world leaders to engage and enhance ambition and enable action to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, and address loss and damage, to implement and transform key climate-related decisions into concrete actions and credible plans to tackle climate change, says the host.

Responding to India not attending the WLCAS, an India-origin observer at the climate talks told IANS on condition of anonymity, “These are not talks, just the country statements. Not all countries are supposed to make it. Another high-level segment is towards the end of the summit. India is very much part of it.”

Explaining further, the observer said, “Since leaders started coming, so a stage was created for them to make speeches, only a recent phenomenon, post-Glasgow (in 2021). So nothing normal about it.”

The second part of the high-level segment will take place on November 19 and 20. This will be for parties whose heads of state and governments did not deliver a national statement during the first part.

India’s Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh will be leading a 19-member delegation and deliver India’s national statement at the high-level segment in the second segment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav had attended COP28 last year in Dubai. PM Modi delivered the national statement at the opening ceremony of the high-level segment.

India has so far played a key role in shaping global climate finance frameworks to address the urgent funding needed for both mitigation and adaptation efforts.

At Baku, India will seek the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a framework that aims to replace the annual commitment of $100 billion by 2020 made by developed countries in 2009 — a target met only once, in 2022.

Just ahead of the onset of WLCAS, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev held a bilateral meeting with John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President for International Climate Policy, to discuss the urgent need for enhanced global collaboration and partnerships to drive inclusive climate action solutions and build on the outcomes of the first day of COP.

UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell addressed the official opening of COP29 on Monday, making a passionate plea for urgent, global cooperation on climate change.

“We mustn’t let 1.5 slip out of reach. Even as temperatures rise, the implementation of our agreements must claw them back,” said Stiell.

“Clean energy and infrastructure investment will reach two trillion dollars in 2024. Almost twice that of fossil fuels. The shift to clean-energy and climate-resilience will not be stopped. Our job is to accelerate this and make sure its huge benefits are shared by all countries and all people,” he said.

As part of its plan to enhance ambition and enable action, the COP29 presidency, in partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA), on Monday shared five key opportunities for COP29 to demonstrate positive progress on energy goals identified at COP28.

The five opportunities identified are: Scale up energy storage and electricity grids as a key enabler to achieving the global goal of tripling renewable energy capacity this decade and ensuring that the full benefits are realised; ensure countries accelerate policy implementation to achieve the goal of doubling energy efficiency progress by 2030; maintain a focus on cutting emissions from methane and fossil fuels; implement solutions to boost clean energy investment in developing economies to support their transitions; and the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions should be informed by the Global Stocktake (GST) outcomes.

An August 2021 photo of supporters of Donald Trump lining up to attend a “Save America” rally at York Family Farms in Alabama. (AFP)

The 2024 US presidential election is more than just about a Republican resurgence. It signifies a potential realignment within the American political landscape—a “red deluge” that may indicate a foundational shift in voter behaviour and ideological preferences. With 48 out of 50 states moving rightward, including traditionally Democratic strongholds like California, New York, and Illinois, the data suggests a deep, possibly systemic shift. Such widespread gains across the ideological spectrum reveal not merely a reactionary vote against specific Democratic policies but perhaps an evolving sentiment that crosses conventional partisan boundaries. This pattern may reflect shifts in public attitudes toward governance, policy priorities, or cultural issues, signalling a reconfiguration of traditional political affiliations.

In New York, Republicans won significantly by flipping a state Senate seat in Brooklyn, a borough long considered a Democratic bastion. Retired NYPD Sergeant Steven Chan defeated incumbent Democrat Iwen Chu in the 17th District, marking a historic win for the GOP in this area.

 A Narrative War

Similarly, in California, traditionally a Democratic stronghold, Republicans have made notable inroads. The GOP’s focus on economic issues and public safety has resonated with voters concerned about the state’s handling of these matters. This shift is evident in the increased support for Republican candidates in various local elections, indicating a broader trend of changing political allegiances.

In battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, where political loyalties have historically been fluid, the Republican advantage was even more pronounced. The consistency of these gains across various states and regions implies more than a transient preference swing; it suggests a more profound ideological realignment that could reshape the balance of power. Theoretical models of political realignment would interpret this as a shift in the “political centre”, where structural changes—economic, demographic, or cultural—redefine voter bases and challenge established party dynamics.

There are several reasons for the massive Trump victory, but this column is about the “us versus them” narrative, which was responsible for the Democrats’ debacle. The Democrats’ commitment to a “with us or against us” mentality—born out of opposition to Trump in 2017—created a powerful, polarising lens that shaped their approach to governance, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. What started as a rallying cry to resist authoritarianism evolved into a mindset that equated disagreement with anti-democratic extremism. This was more than just political posturing. Instead, it became an institutional stance that influenced how policies were designed and justified, often sidelining more nuanced discussions.

Us vs Them, Good vs Bad

During COVID, this “all-or-nothing” framing led to some of the most rigid and divisive health policies. Lockdowns and mandates were often presented as moral imperatives, where compliance wasn’t just about following health guidelines but about being on the “right side” of democracy. Questioning these policies—whether on scientific, personal, or practical grounds—was considered dangerous and almost traitorous. This mindset stifled healthy debate and sidelined legitimate concerns, making policies harder for people to trust and follow.

Psychology tells us that black-and-white thinking strengthens group loyalty but often deepens divisions. By framing pandemic responses as a test of democratic allegiance, Democrats created an “in-group” of loyalists and an “out-group” of dissenters, making it harder for policies to be adopted based on feedback or new information. This phenomenon is called “groupthink”, where the pressure to conform discourages questioning, even when policies could benefit from it.

The way COVID-19 policies became a litmus test for political loyalty also speaks to a concept called “biopower”, where institutions use control over health to enforce broader values. Public health wasn’t just about health; it was about loyalty to a specific political outlook, with people who disagreed feeling sidelined. This kind of rigid, ideological enforcement strains public trust and often backfires, as we saw with the backlash against certain policies.

In the end, by framing so many issues through a “democracy versus authoritarianism” lens, Democrats made it harder to craft policies that felt inclusive and flexible. What was intended as a defence of democracy ended up putting it at risk, as it reduced complex issues to simple binaries, alienating people and undermining the very trust needed to make these policies effective.

A Backlash Against Moralising

Trump’s appeal can be analysed through the theoretical lens of anti-institutionalism and political alienation, particularly within the framework of populism. Trump’s success represents a form of populist backlash against what his supporters perceive as a sanctimonious institutional order that enforces restrictive norms around speech and behaviour, often called “political correctness”.

Sociologists and political theorists like Pierre Bourdieu argue that dominant institutions, through their “symbolic power”, enforce behavioural and linguistic norms, subtly controlling the boundaries of acceptable discourse. This enforcement often creates a sense of alienation for those constrained by these unwritten rules, particularly in spaces where awareness of microaggressions or social sensitivities is heightened.

Furthermore, cultural backlash theory explains Trump’s appeal as a reaction from those who feel left behind by rapid social and cultural shifts. In ‘progressive’ or “blue” states, where vigilance against microaggressions is high, individuals may feel stifled by the perceived demands of political correctness. Trump’s open rejection of these norms allowed him to tap into a reservoir of resentment among individuals who viewed such standards as a threat to their freedom of expression. They saw Trump’s candid style as a liberation from the “oppressive” norms imposed by institutions they believe have become too focused on social sensitivities.

The Limits Of Symbolic Politics

Additionally, this support reflects elements of symbolic politics, where Trump became a symbol of rebellion against the elite-dominated cultural establishment. Trump’s directness and willingness to break norms resonated with voters who felt dismissed or condescended to by traditional elites. In this context, Trump’s willingness to “go too far” was seen not as a flaw but as a badge of authenticity, embodying the frustration many felt about a system they saw as imposing unyielding standards prioritising sensitivity over free speech.

The American economy may appear resilient on paper, but this supposed stability is a mirage for most people. Every visit to the grocery store, every utility bill, and every tank of gas serves as a painful reminder that prices are now well beyond what they were in 2019. The government’s rosy narrative about economic strength becomes meaningless against everyday struggles—a reality where inflation quietly but relentlessly erodes purchasing power and undermines any sense of financial security. Claims of economic robustness fall flat when the public feels the sting of rising costs daily.

Culture Wars

The relentless cultural crusades pushed by those in power have reached an intolerable peak, exposing a government utterly divorced from the struggles and priorities of the public. Political scientists argue that this fixation on culture wars stems from a desire to consolidate ideological bases and appeal to identity-driven voter segments, ultimately reshaping governance priorities around divisive issues rather than unifying goals. This focus can be understood through frameworks like “agenda-setting theory”, where political leaders deliberately use cultural flashpoints to dominate public discourse, often at the expense of substantive policy areas like economic stability, healthcare, or infrastructure. Such strategies exploit societal cleavages, transforming them into political tools that offer little more than rhetorical gains.

Furthermore, the relentless engagement in culture wars may signal an evolution, like political detachment. By perpetually immersing themselves in symbolic conflicts, leaders effectively obscure the disconnect between their priorities and the natural, measurable concerns of the populace, contributing to a form of governance described as “performance politics”. This performance-based approach erodes institutional legitimacy, leaving citizens sceptical of whether the government intends to address genuine societal challenges or merely maintain a facade of ideological purity.

Thus, in a landscape where political loyalty became a test of moral standing, Trump’s unfiltered, anti-institutional rhetoric offered an alternative, channelling the frustration of those who felt marginalised by an increasingly performative political culture.

(Aditya Sinha is Officer on Special Duty, Research, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. Views are personal.)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

Karnataka Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan tendered an apology on Tuesday for referring to Union Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy as “Kaalia”, which the NDA had slammed as a “racist” slur.

The Congress leader, however, repeatedly tried to clarify that he had earlier too addressed Mr Kumaraswamy in such a way out of affection, when they shared a good bonding, and it’s not the first time.

The Housing and Waqf Minister was earlier with JD(S), and was considered to be a close associate of Mr Kumaraswamy, who had earlier served as the Chief Minister, at the time.

“….If I had called him using such a word for the first time, I would have apologised….out of affection, he used to call me ‘Kulla’ (dwarf), I used to call him Kariyanna (black brother). If still he or anyone is pained by it, I apologise. What is there in that?” Mr Khan said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said: “I used to call him like that out of affection since the beginning, not today. He used to call me ‘Kullanna’ and I used to call him ‘Kariyanna’ (referring to his skin complexion).”

Asked whether his statements will have its impact on the Assembly by-polls in Channapatna, Mr Khan said: “why will it affect? I have not called in such a way for the first time. When Kumaraswamy and I were close, he used to call me ‘Kulla’, I used to call him Kariyanna….If JD(S) workers are pained by it, I apologise.”

The JD(S) and BJP had demanded that the Congress government sack Khan from the Cabinet for his “racist slur”. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that has always been the mentality of Congress’ ‘shahi parivar’ that it was born to rule the country.

“That is the reason that after Independence, the Congress never allowed Dalits, backward classes and Adivasis to progress,” PM Modi said, addressing a rally at Chimur in Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district ahead of the November 20 state assembly elections.

“The Congress gets annoyed with (the topic of) reservations. In the 1980s, when Rajiv Gandhi led the party, it published an advertisement raising questions over the special rights enjoyed by Dalits, backward classes and Adivasis,” PM Modi said.

This old advertisement has been shared on social media, he said. It reflected that party’s anti-reservation attitude, he added.

“The huge crowd here shows that the BJP-led Mahayuti will retain power in Maharashtra with a massive majority,” the PM said.

The BJP’s Sankalp Patra poll manifesto will be a guarantee for Maharashtra’s development, PM Modi said.

On the abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, PM Modi said that it took seven decades to ensure that the country had one Constitution.

“Will you allow the Congress and its allies to bring back Article 370 in Kashmir,” he asked.

PM Modi also said that the BJP-led government is giving financial assistance to soybean farmers. 

Mercedes Benz launched the AMG C 63 S E Performance in India on Tuesday at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom). The deliveries of the world’s most powerful four-cylinder (production) sedan will commence in Q2 of 2025.

Engine And Performance

The AMG C 63 S E Performance features an engine in the front and an electric motor in the rear. The hybrid setup produces 680 horsepower and 1020 Nm torque, ensuring 0-100 sprint in just 3.4 seconds. The four-cylinder engine generates 476 horsepower. This hand-built unit features an electrically assisted exhaust gas turbocharger. The rear-mounted electric motor contributes an additional 204 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. It is integrated with an electrically shifted two-speed gearbox and the electronically-controlled limited-slip rear differential.

Hybrid System

The 6.1 kWh high-performance battery weighs just 89 kilograms. It delivers a continuous output of 70 kW and a peak output of 150 kW for ten seconds. The electric range of 13 kilometres is ideal for urban driving.

Mechanicals

The engine can be dynamically tuned in eight drive modes: Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual. For the first time, AMG C 63 gets a fully variable 4MATIC+ with Drift mode. The AMG ride control suspension has an adaptive damping system with three adjustable levels: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The AMG Driver’s Package comes standard with a top speed of 280 kmph. The rear axle steering system offers a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees.

Features

The car is well equipped with 20-inch forged AMG alloy wheels, sports seats in Nappa leather, carbon fibre interior trim and a head-up display. It comes with exclusive paint options like AMG matt graphite grey magno are customisable. The MBUX-powered infotainment system includes a dual 12.3-inch screen. The Burmester 3D surround sound system comes with 15 speakers. The AMG sports seats in Nappa Leather with seat ventilation come as standard. Each C63 can be tailored to the owner’s preferences and upgrades like AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system are possible. The safety kit includes active brake assist, pre-safe, 7 airbags as standard and a 360-degree camera system.
 

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory in a phone call after landing in Washington on an official visit that includes a meeting with President Joe Biden on Tuesday.

Prabowo, who has said he will pursue a non-aligned foreign policy, posted a video of his call to Trump made after he arrived from China, where he had met with President Xi Jinping on his first overseas trip since taking office last month.

“Wherever you are, I’m willing to fly to congratulate you personally, sir,” Prabowo said in the video of the call posted on his social media accounts.

“We’ll do that, anytime you want,” Trump replied.

Glad to be connected directly with President Elect @realDonaldTrump to extend my heartfelt congratulations on his election as the 47th President of the United States.

I am looking forward to enhance the collaboration between our two great nations and to more productive… pic.twitter.com/KfSVUsZSGc

— Prabowo Subianto (@prabowo) November 11, 2024

Prabowo’s office said he made the call on Monday after arriving in Washington. It did not immediately respond when asked if he is scheduled to meet Trump in person.

Trump described his election victory as amazing, and giving him a big mandate. “We had tremendous success. The most successful in over 100 years, they say,” he said.

Trump also said the Indonesian President was “very respected,” and praised his English, to which Prabowo, a former special forces commander, replied: “All my training is American, sir.”

Prabowo expressed his shock over the assassination attempt on Trump during campaigning, and relief that he had survived.

“Yes, I got very lucky. I just happened to be in the right place with the right direction, otherwise I wouldn’t be talking to you right now,” Trump replied.

Prabowo also met with several U.S. company representatives in Washington, his office said, including from Freeport McMoRan and energy company Chevron, and urged the companies to invest in Indonesia.

A routine check of Uddhav Thackeray‘s luggage in Maharashtra’s Yavatmal Monday afternoon – shortly after the ex-Chief Minister arrived to address a rally before next week’s Assembly election – has triggered a row Tuesday between his Shiva Sena faction and the group led by Eknath Shinde.

Taking up arms for his party this morning, Thackeray Sena strongman Sanjay Raut demanded to know if bags belonging to ruling party bigwigs – Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Chief Minister Eknath Shinde – were similarly checked when they were campaigning.

The Shinde Sena hit back swiftly; party spokesperson Krishna Hegde told NDTV Mr Raut has a “habit of making wild allegations” and pointed out Mr Shinde’s bags had, in fact, been checked. This was in Nashik, when the Chief Minister was campaigning for the April-June general election. “Shindeji did not make a fuss… didn’t create an uproar like the Uddhav Thackeray camp,” Mr Hegde declared.

“I don’t know why they are making a fuss. If you have nothing to hide… why protest?”

Earlier Mr Raut told reporters, “Our luggage, helicopter, private jet, cars… everything is checked. They search our homes also… but we don’t have a problem if it is done impartially. But, where Eknath Shinde and (Deputy Chief Ministers) Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis are contesting, Rs 25 crores have already reached…” the Sena (UBT) leader said, alleging that cash is being exchanged for votes.

“Our luggage is checked but are the helicopters and cars of Eknath Shinde, Devendra Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar, Narendra Modi and Amit Shah also checked? Are there only clothes in their bags? Are (election) observers not able to see the money distribution going on in Maharashtra?”

डॉ. बाबासाहेबांनी लिहिलेल्या संविधानात सगळ्यांना समान न्याय हे आम्ही मानतोच.पण यंत्रणांना हाताशी धरुन लोकशाहीला पायदळी तुडवून हुकुमत गाजविणाऱ्या दिल्लीश्वरांनी मात्र त्या संविधानाचा सगळ्याच पातळ्यांवर अवमान करायचा ठरवलं आहे.
आज उद्धवसाहेबांच्या सामानाची वणी येथे काही… pic.twitter.com/XyM53sKOsy

— ShivSena – शिवसेना Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (@ShivSenaUBT_) November 11, 2024

A video of the officer caught in the political crossfire over the search of Mr Thackeray’s bag was shared on X by the party. The 150-second video shows the official being grilled by Mr Thackeray, who asks him his name and then says, “I won’t stop you… you are following your responsibility. I am following mine.”

“Search… search whatever you want to search. But did you search bags of Devendra Fadnavis, Narendra Modi, or Amit Shah?” Mr Thackeray asks, to which the officer says, “No, sir.”

Mr Thackeray then declares to the officer – who says the senior leaders haven’t yet campaigned in the region – to make sure he inspects their bags when they do, and send him a video of the search.

The officer then briefly checks a brown duffle and a blue icebox.

Later, at a rally in the Wani Assembly seat, Mr Thackeray referred to the incident and advised allies to first confirm the identity of those asking to search their bags, and their pockets too.

The furore over checking of bags plays out during every election, federal or state, with each party or alliance accusing the other of transporting vast amounts of cash to buy votes. The search of Mr Shinde’s bags in May was reportedly prompted by claims money was being transported.

ALSO READ | Sanjay Raut’s Big Claim Mentions Request From Vajpayee

Officials said they found “nothing objectionable” in Mr Shinde’s bags.

Voting for Maharashtra’s 288 Assembly seats will be held on November 20, with results due three days later. Mr Thackeray’s Sena group is allied with the Congress and Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party against the BJP and the Sena and NCP factions led by Mr Shinde and Ajit Pawar.

With input from agencies

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