As sporting celebrations go, it doesn’t quite have the charm of Roger Milla’s hip-wiggling shimmy with a corner flag at the 1990 World Cup or the imperious swagger of Usain Bolt’s iconic lightning pose. But a dance move inspired by Donald Trump’s stilted on-stage boogieing has rapidly become the celebration of choice across the US sporting world. From the blood-soaked Ultimate Fighting Championship to the hard-hitting National Football League and the reliably decorous world of the LPGA Tour golf, athletes across North America have succumbed to the viral Trump dance craze in the past week. On Monday, US soccer star Christian Pulisic became the latest exponent of what might be called ‘the Donald’, rushing to the sideline with several team-mates to mimic the US President-elect’s signature, fist-pumping shuffle after scoring his team’s opening goal in a 4-2 win over Jamaica. Another prominent example came at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, when mixed martial arts fighter Jon Jones knocked out Stipe Miocic. With Trump just a few feet away at ringside, Jones quickly broke out an unmistakeable hip-swinging rendition of the Republican leader’s dance before presenting Trump with his heavyweight belt. There have been countless other examples across the NFL and collegiate gridiron. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 09:20 AM IST | New York | AgenciesUkrainian armed forces carried out their first strike in a border region within Russian territory with an ATACMS missile, RBC Ukraine reported, citing an official in the nation’s military. Ukraine deployed ATACMS missiles to strike a military facility in the western Bryansk region, Russia’s Defense Ministry said This comes after US President Joe Biden has authorised Ukraine to use American-supplied long-range missiles to strike deeper inside Russia, easing limitations on the weapons as Russia deploys thousands of North Korean troops to reinforce its war. US president elect Donald Trump Donald Trump, who has said he would bring about a swift end to the war, raised uncertainty about whether his administration would continue the US’ vital military support for Ukraine. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 09:20 AM IST | Moscow | AgenciesPrime Minister Narendra Modi, following a busy first day at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, engaged in bilateral meetings and several interactions on Monday. Modi shared details of his discussions through a series of posts on X, highlighting his engagements with global leaders including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, South Korea’s Yoon Suk Yeol, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. On the sidelines of the summit, Modi met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “We are eager to work closely in areas such as technology, green energy, security and innovation. We also want to add strength to trade as well as cultural linkages,” Modi said on X. During talks, Modi asserted the importance of addressing the issue of economic offenders from India in the UK. The two leaders also agreed on the need to make progress on issues related to migration and mobility, as per the statement. Regarding a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi said on X, “We talked about how India and France work closely in sectors like space, energy, AI, and other futuristic areas. We will also work closely to enhance people-to-people linkages.” In his meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, Modi discussed ways to improve investment linkages, particularly in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and the blue economy. Additionally, Modi held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, focusing on strengthening defense, security, trade, and technology ties. 1st Indian PM to visit Guyana in 56 years Modi’s visit to Guyana on Tuesday is the first by an Indian prime minister to the South American nation in 56 years. High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Amit S Telang said that India and Guyana aim to strengthen cooperation in key areas, including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, green energy, IT, education and communications. G20 Summit pushes for end to wars A joint statement issued G20 leaders urged for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon while welcoming initiatives that support “just, and durable peace” in the Ukraine-Russia war. “We welcome initiatives that support comprehensive, just, and durable peace, upholding all the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter for the promotion of peaceful, friendly, and good neighbourly relations,” the final statement read. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 09:14 AM IST | Rio de Janeiro | AgenciesPrime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (local time) reaffirmed India's commitment to sustainable development, highlighting the nation's status as the "first" to fulfil its Paris Agreement commitments. Addressing the G20 Session on 'Sustainable Development and Energy Transition' at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, PM Modi underscored India's initiatives across key sectors such as housing, water resources, energy, and sanitation to promote sustainability. Summarising his address on social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, "At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro today, I spoke on a topic which is very important for the future of the planet--Sustainable Development and Energy Transition. I reiterated India's steadfast commitment to the Sustainable Development Agenda. Over the past decade, India has undertaken numerous initiatives in sectors like housing, water resources, energy, and sanitation which have contributed to a more sustainable future." At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro today, I spoke on a topic which is very important for the future of the planet- Sustainable Development and Energy Transition. I reiterated India’s steadfast commitment to the Sustainable Development Agenda. Over the past decade, India has… pic.twitter.com/6JtfGWjiSS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 19, 2024 PM Modi emphasised that India achieved its Paris Agreement goals ahead of schedule. The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty aimed at combating climate change and adapting to its effects. "We in India, guided by our cultural values, have been the first to fulfil the Paris Agreement commitments ahead of schedule. Building on this, we are accelerating towards more ambitious goals in sectors like renewable energy. Our effort in implementing the world's largest solar rooftop programme is an example of this commitment," PM Modi said. He also highlighted India's collaboration with the Global South to foster a sustainable future and noted the country's efforts through initiatives such as the Global Biofuels Alliance and the tree-planting programme 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam.' "India is sharing its successful initiatives with the Global South, focusing on affordable climate finance and technology access. From launching the Global Biofuels Alliance and promoting 'One Sun, One World, One Grid' to planting a billion trees under 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,' we continue to work actively towards sustainable progress," he added. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shared further details of PM Modi's participation in the third session of the G20 Brazil Summit, where he underlined the importance of accelerating efforts for a cleaner, more sustainable future. Initiatives such as the 'Varanasi Principles on LiFE,' the International Solar Alliance, and the Global Biofuels Alliance were highlighted as pivotal contributions to this goal. "PM Modi underlined the importance of accelerating efforts to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for all, including through mainstreaming 'Varanasi Principles on LiFE' and initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, One World-One Sun-One Grid, and the Global Biofuels Alliance," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi posted on X. Earlier, PM Modi held significant bilateral meetings with global leaders, including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. He shared updates from these discussions on X, highlighting the strengthening of global partnerships. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 09:00 AM IST | Rio de Janeiro | ANIUnited States President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday (local time) attended the launch of SpaceX's Starship, owned by Elon Musk. Trump was seen alongside Musk as the rocket embarked on its sixth test flight from SpaceX's expansive rocket development site in Boca Chica, Texas. The goal of this test flight was to ensure the booster's return to the launch site for recovery, reignite a ship Raptor engine while in space, and test various heatshield experiments and manoeuvring adjustments for the spacecraft's reentry and descent over the Indian Ocean. The Starship test flight concluded successfully, with the rocket splashing down at its target in the Indian Ocean. Trump's presence at the launch site highlights Musk's growing role in the Trump administration. The President-elect has appointed Musk, along with Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, to lead the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). "I am pleased to announce that the great Elon Musk, working in conjunction with American patriot Vivek Ramaswamy, will lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)," Trump said in an official statement on Tuesday. "Together, these two outstanding Americans will pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies--essential to the 'Save America' movement. This will send shockwaves through the system and put those involved in government waste on notice!" he added. The DOGE will collaborate with the White House and the Office of Management and Budget to spearhead large-scale structural reforms and foster an entrepreneurial approach to governance. Donald Trump secured a second term as President of the United States by winning 295 electoral votes in the 2024 presidential election, defeating Democratic rival Kamala Harris, who received 226 votes. Following his victory, President-elect Trump has moved swiftly to finalise his foreign policy and national security team ahead of his formal inauguration in January 2025. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 November,2024 08:54 AM IST | Texas | ANIBananaphobia can cause serious symptoms like anxiety and nausea. A Swedish minister’s phobia of bananas has led officials to insist rooms are free of the fruit ahead of any meeting or visit, according to reports. The instructions from Gender Equality Minister Paulina Brandberg’s staff were seen in leaked emails published by Expressen. The tabloid quoted one of the leaked messages--sent to the Norwegian Judicial Agency ahead of a VIP lunch--as saying that she “has a strong allergy to bananas, so it would be appreciated that there are no bananas in the areas where she will be staying”. A similar email, reportedly sent to the County Administrative Board, said: “No bananas are allowed on the premises either.” Brandberg told Expressen that it was an issue she was “getting professional help with”. She is reported to have posted on X in 2020, saying she has the “world’s weirdest phobia of bananas”. The post has since been deleted. Bananaphobia can cause anxiety and nausea, and can be triggered by seeing or smelling the fruit. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 07:43 AM IST | Stockholm | AgenciesPrime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed by Brazilian Vedic scholars chanting Sanskrit mantras upon his arrival in Brazil for the G20 summit on Monday. The group of Vedic scholars, comprising men and women of all ages, sang melodious Sanskrit shlokas in PM Modi’s presence. They were dressed in traditional Indian attire, and the Prime Minister keenly listened to their harmonious recitation. Modi interacts with members of the Indian diaspora. Pic/AFP According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, there is significant interest in India’s culture, religion, performing arts, and philosophy in Brazil. Organisations like the Ramakrishna Mission, ISKCON, Satya Sai Baba, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, and the Bhakti Vedanta Foundation have active chapters in Brazil. Indian philosophy and spirituality were among the first aspects of Indian culture to influence Brazil, resonating with the country’s colourful folkloric traditions and joyous festivities. Upon PM Modi’s arrival at Hotel Nacional, he received a warm welcome, with chants of ‘Jai Shree Krishna’ and a traditional Dandiya ceremony performed by dancers in vibrant Gujarati attire. Members of the Indian diaspora greeted him with gifts, waved Indian flags, and displayed his pictures to express their enthusiasm for his visit. Modi arrived in Brazil after wrapping up a visit to Nigeria, where he held bilateral talks with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and interacted with the Indian community. He is in Brazil to attend the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit, scheduled for November 18 and 19. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 November,2024 07:40 AM IST | Rio de Janeiro | AgenciesA trial is set to begin on Monday in Minnesota regarding a human smuggling case involving the tragic deaths of an Indian family at the Canada-US border two years ago. Federal prosecutors are set to argue that a criminal network, stretching from India to Canada, profited from smuggling families seeking better opportunities in the United States, which ultimately led to the deaths of a couple and their two young children. Prosecutors have accused 29-year-old Indian national Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel of running the smuggling operation, and 50-year-old Steve Shand of Florida is accused of waiting in a truck for 11 migrants, including a family of four, who died while trying to walk across the US-Canada border in freezing conditions. According to the prosecution, Patel had recruited Shand at a casino near their homes in Deltona, Florida, just north of Orlando. The victims, Jagdish Patel, 39, his wife Vaishaliben, who was in her mid-30s, and their two children—11-year-old Vihangi and 3-year-old Dharmik—died after trying to cross the border in subzero temperatures. The family, originally from the village of Dingucha in Gujarat, India, reportedly spent hours wandering in blizzard conditions as the wind chill reached -36°F (-38°C). Canadian authorities found the bodies of the family members on the morning of 19 January 2022. Jagdish Patel was holding his son Dharmik, who was wrapped in a blanket. Prosecutors allege that Patel and Shand were part of a smuggling operation that scouted clients in India, arranged student visas for them to enter Canada, and then helped them cross into the US, mostly through Washington state or Minnesota. Federal authorities have arrested over 14,000 Indians attempting to cross the Canadian border in the year leading up to September 2023. By 2022, the Pew Research Center estimates that over 725,000 Indians were living illegally in the United States, second only to Mexicans and Salvadorans. Harshkumar Patel’s attorney, Thomas Leinenweber, stated that Patel came to the US to escape poverty and build a better life, adding that he is “unjustly accused of participating in this horrible crime” and believes the truth will come out during the trial. Patel had reportedly been refused a US visa at least five times before entering the country illegally. Court documents reveal that Patel and Shand had regular communication during the smuggling runs, often discussing the harsh conditions. In December 2021, Shand messaged Patel saying it was “cold as hell” while waiting for one group, adding, “Are they going to be alive when they get here?” In January, Shand allegedly told Patel, “Make sure everyone is dressed for the blizzard conditions, please.” Shand is said to have been paid about USD 25,000 for the five trips. Satveer Chaudhary, a Minneapolis-based immigration attorney, commented on the tragic case, stating that smugglers often promise migrants the American dream, which does not always materialise. “The promises of the almighty dollar lead many people to take unwarranted risks with their own dignity, and as we’re finding out here, their own lives,” he said. (With inputs from AP)
18 November,2024 12:00 PM IST | Fergus FallsIn a statement shared by the incarcerated former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, it was claimed that he and his wife, Bushra Bibi, faced a mistrial in the Toshakhana case. This comes after the Prosecutor General of Pakistan allegedly admitted to the mistake in a High Court hearing. According to a post from Khan’s official handle on X (formerly Twitter), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party claimed, “After keeping me and my wife in jail for a year, the Prosecutor General has admitted in the High Court that there was a mistrial in the Toshakhana (Gift Repository) case, and that the requirements of justice were not observed." Khan’s message further emphasised that this mistrial was "an admission of political vengeance" and accused Pakistan’s government machinery, including the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) — the country’s anti-corruption body — of being used for political victimisation. He argued that this raised serious questions about the integrity of Pakistan’s judicial system. In his statement, Khan called for the resignations of the Chairman of NAB, the Prosecutor General, the investigation officers, and the relevant judges involved in his case. He demanded disciplinary action against those responsible for what he described as politically motivated cases. “I was sentenced in five frivolous cases in an equally ridiculous manner, and two more bogus trials are being conducted at speed to distract me from the movement for genuine sovereignty, democracy, and the rule of law. But I will continue the fight for the genuine freedom of Pakistanis until the very last drop of my blood,” Khan said in his post. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the passage of Pakistan’s 26th Constitutional Amendment, which is seen to curb the power of the judiciary in the country. Khan noted that the High Court and the Supreme Court have now become “kangaroo courts,” with their status reduced to that of any government department. He warned that this would only further stifle an already corrupt judicial system. The former Prime Minister once again called for a nationwide protest on November 24 to demand “genuine freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.” (With inputs from ANI)
18 November,2024 10:44 AM IST | IslamabadAt least 11 people were killed and 48 others injured in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon's Tyre region, as per AFP reports quoting the Lebanese Ministry of Health. The strikes in Tyre follow a series of Israeli military operations in Lebanon over recent weeks. Late October airstrikes in the same area caused injuries to 16 people and damage to several heritage sites, according to earlier reports from Al Jazeera. These latest attacks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with recent strikes targeting key individuals. As per ANI, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) carried out an airstrike in Beirut on Sunday that killed Mohammed Afif, Hezbollah's media relations chief. The IDF, in a post on the social media platform X, confirmed Afif's death, describing him as the “Chief Propagandist and Spokesperson of Hezbollah”. The IDF stated that Afif was a senior military operative closely connected to Hezbollah's leadership and actively involved in planning and executing terrorist operations against Israel. In the post, the IDF added, “Afif’s messages to Lebanese media glorified and incited terrorist activities against Israel. He was also responsible for psychological terror operations targeting the Israeli public.” The statement further emphasized that Afif’s contributions had significant influence on Hezbollah’s activities against Israel. The attacks in Tyre and the killing of Afif have unfolded alongside a domestic security incident in Israel. On Sunday, three suspects were arrested for throwing flares at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence. Earlier in October, Netanyahu's private home was reportedly targeted by a Hezbollah drone. Israeli media published images showing cracks in a bedroom window caused by the drone’s impact, though it did not penetrate the structure. The escalation has raised concerns about the growing instability in the region. The strikes in Tyre are a stark reminder of the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting the potential for further conflict. As per ANI, the situation remains tense, with no immediate resolution in sight. Lebanon’s Tyre region, rich in historical heritage, has suffered significantly from the ongoing violence, and the civilian toll continues to rise. (With inputs from ANI)
18 November,2024 09:16 AM IST | TyreUS President-elect Donald Trump has no personal relationship with former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, a prominent Pakistani-American businessman and Trump backer has said. Sajid Tarar, who heads the Muslims for Trump organisation, also said that Trump -- who won the US presidential election for a second term in one of the most remarkable comebacks in American electoral history -- would strengthen ties with India and keep a close watch on allegations of human rights violations in Bangladesh. "A perception is being created by a particular party in Pakistan that he (Khan) has a personal relationship with Donald Trump. This is not true. It's a fact that, as president, Trump had invited Khan to the White House as the prime minister of Pakistan," Tarar told PTI in an interview. Trump will "not interfere" in the internal affairs of Pakistan or its judiciary to get Khan out of jail, he asserted. "He (Trump) may have a soft corner (for Khan)," he said. Khan was arrested last year after his conviction in the first Toshakhana corruption case filed by the Election Commission of Pakistan. Since then, he has been in jail in different cases. Tarar also noted that Trump was aware of the developments in South Asia, including Bangladesh. Trump is aware that when he was running for president in 2016, Muhammad Yunus -- the chief advisor to the interim Bangladesh government -- had openly supported Hillary Clinton against him. During his recent US visit, Yunus met President Joe Biden and former president Bill Clinton, he added. "In fact, there is a history here that when Donald Trump was fighting the election against Hillary Clinton, he (Yunus) was supporting Hillary Clinton," Tarar said. Days before the November 5 elections in the US, Trump issued a statement condemning "human rights violations" against Hindus in Bangladesh. The minority Hindu community, which constitutes about 8 per cent of Bangladesh's population, has alleged regular vandalism of their businesses and destruction of temples during and since the protests that resulted in the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5. "He (Trump) will have a close eye on Bangladesh and will be watching (allegations of) human rights violations' In my opinion, Donald Trump will have a tough word with Bangladesh," Tarar said. Trump's election, he asserted, was good for the US and the world. "Donald Trump has not taken his oath yet but (the world has started) reacting to it. The whole world is nervous, except India. Now, the world has a leader. Over the next four years, he will be cleaning up the extension of Barack Obama's policies in the US that has been going on for 12 years." Among the new Trump administration's top focus areas will be to give priority to the Pentagon, Tarar said. "He will strengthen the Pentagon. He will revisit our foreign policy. Afghanistan is not the threat it was in the past. Pakistan's geographic location is such that it cannot be ignored -- a border with China, borders with Iran, Afghanistan and India. So, in my opinion, he will justify a relationship," he said. "Since 1947, Pakistan and the US have been very close to each other. Defence contracts, its (Pakistan's) top brass are trained and educated here. Most of the war equipment is made in America," Tarar said. Trump 2.0, Tarar claimed, would be completely different from his first stint. "I think they will put a new life in the Republican Party. It was necessary to create a balance in US politics," Tarar said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 November,2024 08:56 AM IST | Washington | PTIADVERTISEMENT
