366 articles found
This delightfully unique triple bill spans many worlds with Busby Berkeley-style sci-fi formations, a hazy summery waltz and a wild rampage of Welsh folk dance<strong><br></strong>
Like many a $46,000-a-year all-boys school, Shore in North Sydney has struggled to avoid troubling headlines. The latest was a report in this masthead that former teacher Clare Walker is lodging a complaint against the school with the Human Rights Commission, regarding headmaster John Collier’s characterisation of the murder of young Sydney woman Lilie James by her former boyfriend. Collier, a former headmaster at St Andrews, had taught the killer, Paul Thijssen, whom he described to staff at Shore as a “fantastic young man”. He later issued an apology buried in a school newsletter. Collier isn’t sticking around. He’s set to finish up at the end of the year, after being brought out of retirement three years ago to help the school through a rather turbulent period. His predecessor, Tim Petterson, is suing Shore for breach of contract. He is seeking damages and reinstatement as headmaster. Over 90 staff have left since his appointment in 2020, and his tenure included the ‘Triwizard Shorenament’ scandal, where year 12s planned a crime-filled rampage to celebrate muck-up day, with challenges including “spit on a homeless person”.
All it took was a classic bout of haven buying to wake up a slumbering Treasuries market and drive benchmark yields to the lowest in months.
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida – The U.S. Secret Service has discovered a “suspicious” hunting stand with a direct line of sight to where President Donald Trump exits Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport. “USSS spotted a suspicious stand near the AF1 zone in Palm Beach,” said FBI Director Kash Patel on Sunday. “The FBI is investigating.” The stand was located on Thursday, and Patel says it has not yet been connected to any specific individual. “Prior to the president’s return to West Palm Beach, USSS discovered what appeared to be an elevated hunting stand within sight line of the Air Force One landing zone,” Patel told Fox News Digital. “No individuals were located at the scene. The FBI has since taken the investigatory lead, flying in resources to collect all evidence from the scene, and deploying our cell phone analytics capabilities.” — FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) October 19, 2025 Anthony Guglielmi, chief of communications for the Secret Service, indicated his agency is “working closely” with the FBI as well as Palm Beach County law enforcement. He said agents came upon the hunting stand during “advance security preparations” prior to Trump’s arrival in South Florida. “There was no impact to any movements and no individuals were present or involved at the location,” Guglielmi told Fox News. Is the news we hear every day actually broadcasting messages from God? The answer is an absolute yes! Find out how! “While we are not able to provide details about the specific items or their intent, this incident underscores the importance of our layered security measures,” he added. A law-enforcement source told Fox News Digital the stand appeared to have been set up “months ago.” This new probe comes weeks after Ryan Routh was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Trump from a sniper’s nest as Trump was playing golf in West Pam Beach. And on July 13, 2024, Trump was struck in the ear by a bullet during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Some reaction online to the suspicious stand includes: “Whoever set that stand up isn’t hunting deer that close to an airport. The planes would scare the deer off. That stand was set up for one reason. To take out Trump. Needs to be fingerprinted and traced to where it was purchased.” “That’s not just ‘suspicious,’ that’s terrifying. Security isn’t a luxury – it’s survival when it comes to a … president. Hope the agencies stay sharp and prevent anything before it even begins.” “Protect POTUS at all costs! They’re never going to stop trying and we’re not even a year into his presidency.” How are there any tree standing that have LOS to where the President boards/exits his plane? There a very few trees surrounding the airport so how is it possible that of the few trees standing someone was allowed to setup a hunting tree stand with LOS to the President? No one… pic.twitter.com/XuAFYwqebf — Daniel Harris (@DanielLHarrisUS) October 19, 2025 Follow Joe on X @JoeKovacsNews
Jamie Carragher has said Liverpool cannot retain the Premier League this season until they address their defensive issues. Liverpool’s struggles continued on Sunday as they slumped to a fourth straight defeat across all competitions after losing at home to arch-rivals Manchester United. Cody Gakpo did pull the Reds level in the 78th minute, cancelling out Bryan Mbeumo’s early goal, but just like previous Premier League losses to Crystal Palace and Chelsea, Arne Slot’s side conceded a late winner. Harry Maguire who rose highest to head home a Bruno Fernandes cross to pile even more misery on the reigning champions of England. Liverpool have now conceded at least two goals in each of their last three league games and despite creating plenty of chances at Anfield, Carragher is of the opinion his former club are not at the races defensively and has warned it could cost them. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "Listen, in two games time they will start going in but when you say Liverpool's stats were a lot better than Manchester United's, they were always going to be before the game. "Liverpool are a much better team than Manchester United, so it shouldn't be a case of 'oh we were unlucky, look at how many chances we had or our xG was more or we had more touches in the box'. "You expect that, Liverpool are a much better team than Manchester United. "So if Manchester United were going to come to Anfield and win, it was always going to be like that. Maybe getting a late goal, a little bit of luck here and there. "But Manchester United had chances in the first-half. "Liverpool are just not at the races at all defensively and until they fix that, they can't win the league."
Driver turned himself in to Maryland authorities after initially fleeing scene, where eight children were injured
Nigeria’s main opposition, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is currently facing widespread internal unrest and a surge in defections that have affected several of its state chapters and national leadership structure. The defections which have intensified is a culmination of the internal crisis which has split the once largest political party prior to the 2023 general election. Although politicians, especially those in the opposition moving from one party to another is synonymous with Nigeria’s politics since 1999 when the country returned to democratic rule. Read also: Governors’ defections part of conspiracy for one-party State – ADC Many pundits and leading politicians have called for the amendment of the Electoral Act and the 1999 constitution to allow defecting elected officials to lose their seat or position immediately. Amid criticism among Nigerians, in the last few months, four PDP governors have defected to the ruling party, while there are rumours that others would join. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori made a similar switch earlier in the year. In Enugu State, Governor Peter Mbah formally defected to the APC last Tuesday, drawing criticism from PDP national leaders who described the move as “unfortunate” but said it would not weaken the party. As if Mbah’s defection was not enough, Bayelsa State Governor, Diri also last week announced his decision to join the train, by dumping PDP for the APC. There are also rumours that Agbu Kefas’ the Taraba State governor, is also planning to defect to the ruling party. Apart from the governor’s defections, many state chapters are also engulfed in one crisis or the other. Some months ago, in Edo State, a faction loyal to former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike conducted a parallel congress and elected a separate executive, deepening the ongoing leadership crisis within the state chapter. However, political watchers say the current wave of defections is unprecedented due to the timing and pace. Many citizens are concerned that the continued defection of opposition governors to the ruling party raises concerns about the country sliding into a one-party state. This development has strengthened APC’s foothold in Southern Nigeria and weakened the PDP in its otherwise stronghold ahead of the 2027 general election. Read also: Most important defection has not happened yet, says Makinde ‘Defections desperate attempts by Tinubu to consolidate power base’ Despite denial on several occasions, political analysts say what is clear is that the President is desperate to win re-election and would do anything for that dream to materialise. Knowing his influence and popularity in Northern Nigeria is waning significantly due to discontent over his administration’s policies and the defection of notable APC leaders to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) since assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu is desperate to control more states in the South to make up the numbers. Furthermore, the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari has led to the dismantling of the Congress for Progressive (CPC) which formed part of the APC bloc in many states. In recent months, many top politicians who worked with Buhari for eight years and worked for Tinubu’s victory in 2023, have been alienated within the APC. These individuals left the party in annoyance to join the opposition coalition which fused into the ADC. Pundits James Amekede said it was obvious Tinubu is desperate to win more ground in the south, especially after attempts to lure Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), whose party controls Kano State, with it one million votes at stake appearing unsuccessful. “I think they realise that anything can happen in the north. He has lost ground there, many APC leaders are leaving for the ADC and he wants those votes from southern states,” Amekede stated. Currently, With Mbah defection last Tuesday, the APC controls three of the five South East states Imo, Ebonyi and now Enugu, while Anambra, governed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has already endorsed Tinubu for re-election in 2027. Pundits said it may be too early to say if the defections of the PDP governors to the APC may mean Tinubu would win such a state in 2027. Many citizens have advised President Tinubu to concentrate on delivering campaign promises rather than making desperate attempts to lure opposition governors to join the APC. “If he has done well and is popular, why is he afraid and doing all these to win? Let your work speak for you. What is happening is bad for our democracy, the country moving to one party state”, Jhon Eno, a lawyer, told BusinessDay. Read also: Defections: PDP will replace defectors with better people – Mohammed Fear of prosecution for corruption? Pundits say the fear of prosecution by anti-agencies after leaving office could be one of the reasons the PDP governors are moving to the APC to seek cover, knowing they would not be investigated. Many defecting politicians and governors to the APC are doing that to secure their future, avoid investigation, or preserve influence as the PDP struggles with internal crises. “Some are calculating and want to avoid being tried after office, so joining the ruling party seems the safest thing to do,” “The PDP is facing the implications of its loss of power and doesn’t appear ready to give the APC a run for its money, though anything can happen.” Tola Okewale, public affairs analysts said there are governors who are facing corruption cases after leaving office because they refused to join the APC, stressing that those moving to the ruling party may just be doing so to hide their back from prosecution. According to him, everyone knows if you move to APC your sins would be forgiven, so why not join and save yourself. “The governors that refused to join are facing issues in court after leaving office and their passport taken away. “Because we don’t have politicians with morals and strong character they are easily lured, or how would you explain the current situation.” Sam Amadi, a policy strategist and expert in law and governance, told BusinessDay, said the defection is because of self-preservation. Amadi who is the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, noted that many of the governors defecting does not do so because of political ideology. According to him, the need for security remains a push factor. “They have no confidence in the electoral process,” he said. Read also: Wike to PDP defectors: They called me a traitor, now they’re in APC Coercion, PDP’s internal crisis fuelling exodus The PDP has been struggling with internal discord since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election. Factions remain loyal to different power blocs, particularly between the G5 Governors and the national leadership. The lack of clear direction, leadership disputes, and allegations of marginalization are pushing some governors to seek more stable ground observers say. “There’s no longer a sense of unity or purpose in the PDP,” said one top party official who spoke anonymously. “People are looking out for their interests.” Currently, despite moves by PDP leaders including the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde there are growing fears the planned convention may not hold due to litigation and serious moves to stop the convention by aggrieved members. “Many state chapters are in crisis, and there is no sign the issues would be settled before the 2027 polls. Some of them are also afraid about who would sign their nomination form if they seek re-election since there is conflict about the party’s secretary, “Temitope Musowo, political analyst, said. Similarly, there are also reports many PDP members including governors are being coerced to join the APC. There are allegations that many politicians have been lured to join the APC with one benefit or the other. Some days ago, the PDP chairmen forum condemned what it described as the APC’s undemocratic and desperate attempts to pressure PDP governors, lawmakers, and other stakeholders into defecting. “The ruling party’s conduct amounts to an assault on democracy and a dangerous move toward creating a one-party state,” the communiqué said. You must vacate your position when you defect – Obi Peter Obi, presidential candidate in the 2023 general election said reform was urgently needed before the 2027 elections in the nation to safe- guard Nigeria’s democracy and check the wave of defection among elected public office holders. Obi called for an amendment to the current Electoral Act to check the wave of defection of politicians, noting that defection should only happen during the electioneering process. According to him, there must be a total change to our electoral process from conduct to make our democracy acceptable. “If you must defect, you must vacate your position. It is only during elections that people can change party”. Similarly, other political stakeholder and citizens say there was the need to sanitise the electoral system ahead of future polls. “What is happening is sad, we can’t continue like this, there must be a law to check this trend, but I doubt that lawmakers at the National Assembly would do it”, Samuel Oko, a lecturer said. Read also: Mbah’s defection leaves PDP groping for answers Defections could lead to authoritarianism Sylvester Odion Akhaine, a political science lecturer said even though he does not believe the country could slide into one party state, the current wave of defections pose a problem to the country’s democracy that could lead to authoritarianism. The professor further pointed out that the defection could also lead to censorship and freedom in the country, stressing that governors moving to the APC are doing so for many reasons. According to him, “The movement has been there, but under Tinubu it is very common. Many of the people are doing so for many several reasons. Some want to protect their roots in their state. “The FG has the tool of EFCC and they can harass them, but it could also be an ambush that the governors want to be secure and at the eleventh hour they would leave. “It can also be a southern solidarity for Tinubu that is going on, because a certain element in the current north is uncomfortable with the power-sharing arrangement. “Maybe the governors are in solidarity with Tinubu and want power to remain in south.”
Indore, Oct 20 (IANS) England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt hailed her team’s composure and calm execution after a thrilling four-run win over India at the Holkar Stadium on Sunday secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup. The victory, built on Heather Knight’s match-defining 109 and a disciplined bowling effort at the death, saw England withstand a strong challenge from the hosts in front of a packed Diwali-eve crowd. “So, so happy. I think everyone just showed how calm they were and really clear on what they wanted to do.” “I think we knew throughout the bowling innings that we really needed to stick in. A partnership obviously happened with Harman and Smriti and they looked like they were going to chase it easily, but I think we knew if we could get a wicket at one end, we could really put them under pressure,” said Nat at the conclusion of the game. England’s fielding and death bowling shone under pressure in the final overs, but the team responded with precision. “It’s something that we’ve spoken about before the game. We haven’t really been tested towards the end of our innings with the ball. We wanted to be really prepared for that in terms of our skills and also the tactics. Everyone came in with some brilliant plans and executed brilliantly,” added Nat. She also confirmed Linsey Smith was always slated to bowl the final over, ahead of Sophie Ecclestone. “She (Smith) was always going to bowl the last over. The one I wasn’t sure about was when Sophie would bowl her last over. Obviously, I managed to get a wicket in my over, hopefully she could kill the game, which she did.” Speaking of Heather’s knock, Nat said, “That innings was special. Just the use of her sweeps and reverse sweeps, made it so difficult for them. And she showed some brilliant intent throughout. I thought we could have got more runs. We probably messed up the other last 5-6 overs. But, crucial runs probably from Charlie as well, who is seeming pretty confident with bat in hand.” England next face Australia and Nat sounded upbeat about it. “That’s a massive game – one to really look forward to, to really get into the battle with the other top side. But we’re so happy to obviously get the qualification for the knockout stages. We’ll want to take those last two games and hopefully bring some confidence into the knockouts.” Heather, Player of the Match for her knock of 109, reflected on her innings with satisfaction and a touch of frustration. “Yes, just got myself in and I felt like I wanted to put the accelerator down. I felt like we probably needed 300 on that pitch actually, because it was a quick outfield. A bit frustrated with how we got out in the end. I felt like if a setback wasn’t there we’d have pushed it well above 300, really pleased.” “I’ve seen 300 caps as well, so I was desperate to put in a sort of statement performance on a big cap occasion, pleased that I did that. I think it was a tiny bit slow maybe at the start, but definitely good compared to the pitches we’ve had in terms of the amount of spin. Felt like I had a lot more boundary options and yeah, just nice to be able to free up a little bit,” she said. Asked about her effective sweep shots, Heather stated, “So once I got myself in and began to play reverse sweeps, I got a couple of top edges, got lucky with those, but really pleased with sort of a match-defining innings. That’s what I wanted after not contributing too much the last few games.” “Just (using) different conditions. It just felt like it was really working for me today. I felt that my reverse was on, there was a gap there and obviously any sort of nudge on it, it sort of went away to the boundary and because it was a little bit sort of slow bounce, I felt down the ground quite hard, sometimes just on the day it just feels like the right option and you just keep sticking to it and it worked for me today.” Asked about life after not having captaincy armband, Heather said, “I don’t know. It’s just different isn’t it? I think having that responsibility is always really good for me with the bats, so it’s just finding that mindset that works for me and then trying to get the best out of myself and that’s what I’m trying to find.” “I’ve seen a slightly different role and, trying to find it quite well which is nice. They (Australia) are obviously a quality team that are doing really well in this competition and a good chance for us to test ourselves against the best team in the world. So, confidence high, we’ve qualified and ultimately we want to get towards the top end of the table come the semi-finals.”
Indore, Oct 20 (IANS) After a narrow four-run loss to England in a crucial 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup match at the Holkar Stadium, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal was the turning point in a chase that had looked well in control. The defeat leaves India’s campaign hanging by a thread. India were cruising at 234/3 before Smriti fell to Linsey Smith for 88 and from there, a familiar collapse meant they finished four runs short of chasing 289. “I think Smriti’s wicket was something which was a turning point for us and I still think we had too many batters. I don’t know how things went the other way, but credit goes to England. They didn’t lose. They kept bowling well and kept getting wickets there,” said Harmanpreet at the conclusion of the game. The feeling of faltering in the final stretch was too hard to swallow for Harmanpreet. “It is bad because you have put in so much hard work and you kept ticking the box till the end, but last 5-6 overs didn’t go according to your plan. That’s the worst but definitely it’s a very heartbreaking moment.” “We are playing good cricket, we are not giving up. But that last line we have to cross now because it’s been the last three games where we showed up with good cricket. But unfortunately ended up on the losing side and hopefully the next game is very important for us and we’ll cross that line,” she said. She also lauded India’s bowling effort, particularly in restricting England to 288/8 on a fast-scoring ground. “Our bowlers did a really good job because when Nat and Heather were batting, they were looking really good. And we thought if we can get them to less than 300, that’s a plus for us because this pitch and the ground is very fast and we can chase, that’s why we wanted to bowl first. A lot of things we did right. But again, last five overs, something which again we need to, as a group, sit together and rethink.” On the question of team composition, especially on leaving out Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet remained firm. “These things will keep going because I think things were under control when Smriti and I were batting. And I think Smriti’s wicket was turning for us. But still, we had Richa, Amanjot and Deepti, who have won games for us in the past. But unfortunately, today we were not able to make it.” With India now on a three-match losing streak, Thursday’s clash against New Zealand in Navi Mumbai becomes a virtual knockout. “It was a very important match for all of us. We wanted to show good cricket as a group. And unfortunately, in the end, we were not able to make it. Even though we ended up losing, we really played good cricket and we haven’t given anyone anything easily. But now the next game is very important and hopefully it will go our way,” concluded Harmanpreet.
Imphal, Oct 20 (IANS) Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Sunday highlighted the achievements of the Manipur Police and appreciated its successful operations against extremism, destruction of illegal poppy cultivation, and progress in modernisation and welfare initiatives. Attending the 134th Raising Day Parade of Manipur Police at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Imphal, the Governor acknowledged the heroism of those who continue to serve with integrity and compassion every day. Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary, inspected the parade contingents of Manipur Police. He commended the courage, professionalism, and selfless service of the Manipur Police, describing them as the guardians of peace and harmony in the state. The Governor lauded the tireless efforts of state police forces in maintaining law and order, tackling organised crime and drug trafficking, and ensuring the safety of citizens even in the most challenging circumstances. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the police force through better infrastructure, advanced training, and welfare measures. The Governor also congratulated Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Saikhom Mirabai Chanu and Naorem Roshibina Devi for bringing international laurels to the state and the Manipur Police through their remarkable sporting achievements. The Manipur government earlier appointed Olympian Saikhom Mirabai Chanu as the ASP of the Manipur police. At the same time, Arjuna Awardee and celebrated Wushu player Naorem Roshibina Devi was earlier appointed as the Deputy Superintendent of Police (Sports). The Governor took the salute of the spectacular march past parade led by Sarangthem Ibomcha Singh, Commandant, 6th Manipur Police Battalion. Contingents from various units of the Manipur Police, comprising Manipur Rifles (Male Contingent), Manipur Rifles Battalions (Male), Civil Police (Male), Civil Police (Female), 9th Mahila Battalion, Traffic Police, Home Guards, and Village Defence Force (Male) took part in the parade. The Governor also distributed trophies/awards to outstanding Police stations, Battalions and police personnel for their exemplary service, bravery, and dedication to duty. Several MLAs, Chief Secretary, Puneet Kumar Goel, Security Advisor, Kuldiep Singh, Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh and senior officers also attended the event. The programme also included a skill show by the Manipur Police Sports Club. The event marked a proud celebration of valour, discipline, and the enduring motto of the Manipur Police – “Service Before Self.”
Bengaluru, Oct 20 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar confirmed on Sunday that the state government has extended the ongoing Social and Educational Survey — commonly known as the ‘caste census’ — until October 31. The survey, spearheaded by the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes, commenced on September 22 and was initially slated to conclude by October 7. Following a mid-course extension to October 18, which coincided with the prolonged Dussehra holidays for government and private-aided schools, the administration has now opted for a further extension. Notably, teachers — previously deployed as enumerators — will no longer be engaged in the survey. “We’ve achieved nearly 90 per cent coverage across most districts, barring Bengaluru South, Bidar and Dharwad,” Shivakumar said, adding that Bengaluru city has seen 67 per cent participation, with 20 per cent of respondents withholding disclosure. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired a high-level review meeting on Sunday with senior Ministers, officials, and Commission Chairman Madhusudan R. Naik to assess the survey’s progress. Shivakumar, addressing the media, announced that government staff other than teachers will now be tasked with completing the enumeration. “There will be Deepavali leave on October 20-22 for survey staff. Online options are also being made available for public convenience,” he said. Urging citizens across all communities to engage with the survey process, Shivakumar emphasised the importance of participation, saying: “This is a vital opportunity. Respond to the questions you wish to answer.” The survey, based on a scientifically structured 60-question format, is estimated to cost Rs 420 crore. This follows a previous attempt in 2015, which saw Rs 165.51 crore spent on a similar survey that was ultimately shelved. As Karnataka navigates the complexities of social data collection, the extended timeline and revised staffing approach reflect the state government’s intent to ensure comprehensive and inclusive coverage — without disrupting academic schedules. The move also signals a shift towards digital facilitation, potentially broadening access and easing participation across urban and rural demographics.
Visakhapatnam, Oct 20 (IANS) One person was killed and five others injured due to the explosion of a crackers’ parcel in Parvathipuram town of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday. Six porters were injured in the explosion at the ANL courier parcel point located in the APSRTC complex in the afternoon. Police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to the hospital. While three porters sustained grievous injuries, three others had minor injuries. They were all shifted to the Regional Area Hospital, and the critically injured were later taken to Visakhapatnam. Ramesh, one of the critically wounded, succumbed at a private hospital on Sunday night. Parvathipuram in-charge minister K. Atchenaidu and Home Minister V. Anitha expressed grief over the incident. They directed district authorities to ensure the best treatment of the injured. The ministers spoke to the district Collector and Superintendent of Police and enquired about the incident. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident. Preliminary investigations show that a few traders reportedly bought the firecrackers and booked the parcel in Vizinaagaram. It was meant for delivery in Parvathipuram. During the handling of the parcel, it exploded on the spot, injuring six porters, and one of them later succumbed. Shocking TV visuals of the scene of the explosion show porters with critical burn injuries lying on the ground. A fire-tender also rushed to the spot. The explosion sent panic in the busy area in Parvathipuram, which is the headquarters of Parvathipuram Manyam district. The incident came as a shock, as firecrackers are not allowed in Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) buses due to the danger of explosion. There was apparently negligence by the staff concerned in accepting the parcel at Vizianagaram. Parvatipuram MLA Bonela Vijaya Chandra visited the scene and spoke to the injured. The MLA asked the police personnel to inquire into the incident. He pulled up ANL parcel authorities for accepting crackers as a parcel despite the ban on the transport of crackers in APSRTC buses.
Hajipur (Bihar), Oct 19 (PTI) RJD supremo Lalu Prasad’s elder son and Janshakti Janta Dal chief Tej Pratap Yadav has been booked for violating the model code of conduct (MCC) during the filing of his nomination papers from the Mahua assembly seat in Bihar’s Vaishali district, police said on Sunday According to a statement issued by the district police, the Circle Officer of Mahua lodged a complaint with the police station concerned after a video, which went viral on social media, showed Yadav using a SUV, bearing a police logo and a beacon light, during a procession for submitting his documents on October 16. “It was thoroughly examined and found that the police logo and beacon light used on the vehicle were a private one. Therefore, a case was registered for violation of the election code of conduct,” it said. Yadav floated the party after being expelled from the RJD on May 25 by his father for six years, as he reportedly confessed to being ‘in a relationship‘ with a woman. He, however, deleted the Facebook post later with a claim that his page was ‘hacked’. Lalu Prasad also disowned Tej Pratap due to his “irresponsible behaviour”. A few days later, after his expulsion from the RJD, Tej Pratap Yadav had alleged that there was a “conspiracy” to drive a wedge between him and his younger brother Tejashwi Yadav. He had voiced his sentiments in a couple of posts on his X handle, blaming the crisis on ‘Jaichand’, a metaphor for traitors. PTI PKD BDC
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The Nelson Mandela Foundation is gearing up to host the 23rd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture this coming Saturday. It is considered one of South Africa’s most respected platforms for dialogue and reflection on global issues. The foundation has invited Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, to give the lecture this year, despite US sanctions against her and sharp criticism of her by Israel. Foundation’s CEO, Mbongiseni Buthelezi, says peace in Gaza requires dialogue, not one-sided violence or conflict. “The end of apartheid in South Africa was not brought about by armed conflict. Unfortunately, of course, we are coming off the back of two years of what has been called a war, but really, it’s been a one-sided decimation of Gaza by Israel. And we see that it is something that is completely unconstructive, unproductive. And what we need to move towards is finding a constructive way of dialoguing towards finding lasting peace. And I think we’re in a moment in the world now with the opportunities presented by the Trump plan for us to really start seeing some movement towards a long-term sustainable peace for people of Gaza in particular and the West Bank as well,” says Buthelezi.
Governor Sim Fubara who has tasted all types of judiciary in uncountable cases in his short span in politics and governance, seems hungry of a judicial system that operates in its own without interference. He seems hungry for a time when a man facing a case in court would rely on interpretation of the law by lawyers and judges without bizarre twists and turns that come outside of jurisprudence. The governor has thus pledged necessary support to ensure the Judiciary operates as a truly independent and effective justice system. Gov Fubara gave the assurance while formally declaring open the 2025/2026 legal year at a special court session at the State High Court Complex in Port Harcourt on Friday. Read also: Furious Fubara begins projects reactivation after cancelling N134bn renovation project He expressed satisfaction not only with the event’s success but also with the Bar and Bench’s commitment to advancing the integrity of the judicial system. The Governor said that the Rivers State Judiciary ranks among the best in Nigeria, adding that it features some of the brightest judicial minds who courageously interpret and apply the law with a high sense of justice. He reminded the lawyers, that as ministers in the temple of justice, they are under oath to conduct themselves honestly in their practice of the law before the courts, to uphold the rule of law and advance the course of justice at all times. “Similarly, every judge is under a judicial oath to provide equal justice to all persons according to law to the best of their knowledge and ability without fear, favour, or affection”, he said. He stressed that the judicial oath is not composed of mere words but demands that judges act with moral courage to resist pressure, and ensure that both friends and foes have access to equal and impartial justice. He, therefore, requested that all courts, inferior or superior, should perform their duties with courage, adjudicate and interpret the laws and cases in ways that promote substantial justice, democracy, and citizens’ fundamental rights. The governor, however, declared that the political crisis is now over, with all parties fully reconciled, and his administration back on its feet, affirming that he holds no grudges or ill feelings toward anyone. He stated that the administration is now re-energised and has resumed the implementation of people-centric policies, programmes, and projects with greater determination to achieve the developmental milestones set to enhance the well-being of the people of Rivers State. Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to work with the State House of Assembly, the Judiciary, and other stakeholders to recover lost ground, sustain peace and accelerate development of the state. He also appreciated the Chief Judge for providing functional, effective leadership, exceptional courage, and an unwavering determination to ensure justice is served to all who seek the aid of the courts. The Chief Judge was believed to have held the Judiciary firm during the impeachment threats and his position was said to have saved the situation as it allowed the Executive arm and legislative arm to resolve their problems without using the Judiciary as the linchpin. Read also: Return of Fubara: Hope returns to N195bn PH Ring Road project Speaking earlier during the thanksgiving service at the Corpus Christi Catholic Cathedral, Port Harcourt, Governor Fubara called on the Judiciary to remain steadfast as a ‘true temple of justice’, urging the courts not to let the innocent suffer unjustly. In his remarks, Simeon Amadi, the Chief Judge of Rivers State, highlighted the absence of a Committee on Prerogative of Mercy in the state, which, he said has contributed significantly to congestion in custodial centres. He noted that the non-reduction of sentences for inmates, including 493 male and 15 female death-row prisoners, is beyond the Chief Judge’s powers, and called for government intervention. He thanked the governor for the support given to the Judiciary so far, and solicited for more encouragement to reduce the pressures judicial officers face in the performance of their duties. Also speaking, Cordelia Eke, the chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Port Harcourt Branch, said the 2024–2025 legal year began with optimism but was soon overshadowed by political and institutional turbulence. She noted that the state of emergency and suspension of key elected officials disrupted democratic governance and tested the resilience of the justice system. “The absence of an Attorney General caused serious delays in justice delivery, unprocessed legal applications, and financial losses,” Eke stated. According to her, the situation underscored the urgent need to fortify laws that protect institutions and ensure that the justice system continues to function even in difficult times. Speaking on behalf of the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (BOSAN), Onueze Okocha (SAN), expressed concern over the battered image of the Judiciary, lamenting that many Nigerians have lost faith in the courts due to inconsistent judgments and prolonged case delays. He urged judges to resist personal interests that could influence their professional conduct, calling for renewed integrity and faster dispensation of justice. Read also: Fubara bares teeth, cancels last minute N134bn renovation job awarded by Sole Administrator Earlier in his homily during the thanksgiving service, Patrick S. Eluke, Apostolic Administrator, Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt, urged members of the legal profession to uphold moral and spiritual integrity in their practice, reminding them of their “sacred duty” to ensure that justice reflects honesty, compassion, and fairness. He cautioned against hypocrisy, rivalry, and unhealthy competition within the legal profession, stressing that true justice must protect the vulnerable and remain unswayed by material or political influence. He further called on elected leaders to demonstrate patriotism and accountability to the people who entrusted them with power, noting that democracy and justice thrive only where integrity and fairness prevail. Highlights of the event were presentation of gifts to the Governor, his Deputy, Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, and the Chief Judge; as well as prayers for the Government, the Judiciary, the State and the country.
Indore, Oct 19 (IANS) Under the festive glow on the eve of Diwali, Holkar Stadium was a cauldron of anticipation, with 16,300 spectators eyeing to celebrate an Indian victory. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur had set the stage for India’s highest successful chase with their third-wicket stand going past a century. Needing just 57 runs off 57 balls with seven wickets in hand, India were well on course to hunt down England’s 288/8. With a buoyant mood and electrifying crowd, everything was going as anticipated till things fell apart sensationally in a script which felt all too familiar. First Harmanpreet, then Smriti fell, and after Deepti Sharma was dismissed after getting her fifty, India’s familiar foe – big-match nerves resurfaced, turning a celebratory evening into a tale of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. By the time Amanjot Kaur hit a boundary over point on the last ball, the fireworks lit, but for an England victory, as India ended at 284/6 – falling four runs short. England, clinical when it mattered most, have now joined Australia and South Africa in the semi-finals. For India, it was their third consecutive defeat – a streak that now threatens to derail their World Cup hopes. With a must-win clash against New Zealand looming on Thursday, the margin for error has vanished. The party in Indore never quite took off – instead, it ended in stunned silence and a lingering sense of what might have been. The familiar feeling of not finishing things well – whether with the ball against South Africa or with bat against Australia- came back to haunt India for the third straight time in this competition – this time against England. The foundation of England’s win was laid by Heather Knight, who hit 109 in her 300th international game – stitched with 15 fours and a six. In a knock that was a masterclass in sweeps, Heather shared a 113-run stand with Nat Sciver-Brunt, which gave them the platform for going past 300. But losing their last five wickets for 42 runs meant they managed to post 288/8. It felt as if that collapse would come back to bite England, but it didn’t – more so when India played a batter less, thanks to them leaving out Jemimah Rodrigues for Renuka Singh Thakur’s pace. With Smriti looking scratchy, Harmanpreet got going with three clipped leg-side boundaries. Smriti finally showed signs of catching up by edging and steering Charlie for a brace of fours. When the decisive match-up against Sophie Ecclestone came, Harmanpreet didn’t allow her to settle in by driving and lofting for boundaries, before creaming Linsey Smith for four. When Smriti faced up to Sophie, she easily cut and flayed for her two boundaries. After Harmanpreet overturned an lbw decision off Charlie, Smriti got her fifty in 60 balls while Harmanpreet got hers in 54 deliveries, as the duo kept the scoreboard ticking with sharp running and boundary hitting. But Nat had the last laugh when Harmanpreet went for a steer, but was caught by the short third man. Smriti continued to impress with her backfoot play to take boundaries off Charlie and Alice Capsey, even as Deepti kept the scoreboard ticking with her ones and twos, apart from the slog and sweep fetching her boundaries. In a decisive moment, Smriti fell 12 runs short of her century when she didn’t get to the pitch of the ball from Linsey and holed out to long-off. With the run rate creeping to seven, Deepti eased the pressure by sweeping and flicking off Sophie and Nat for boundaries, and got her fifty off 55 balls. But England struck as Richa Ghosh chipped to extra cover off Nat, while Deepti got a top-edge on slog-sweep and was caught by backward point. With 23 runs needed off the last two overs, Sneh Rana got a swipe through mid-wicket past two diving fielders for four. Despite Amanjot Kaur hitting a boundary on the last ball, it was too little too late for India as they ended up agonisingly short despite being in a commanding position to win. Previously, with Renuka not getting any scalps despite getting swing and Kranti Gaud struggling with her lengths, it allowed Amy Jones to collect boundaries via drive, flick, and slice off the latter. While Tammy Beaumont struggled to get going, Amy continued the charge with two backfoot boundaries off N Shree Charani, while India missed an lbw review chance against Tammy off Kranti. But Deepti Sharma struck soon after, castling Tammy with a fuller ball to claim her 150th ODI wicket and break the 73-run opening stand. Amy brought up her first World Cup fifty by swiping Renuka over long-on, but was dismissed soon after – lofting Deepti to short mid-on. Heather and Nat steadied England’s innings, picking a boundary each off Deepti and Amanjot Kaur before shifting gears. Heather nailed the sweep and slog-sweep through the shorter side of the ground off Charani and Sneh Rana, and brought up her fifty in 54 balls with a reverse sweep off Sneh. She continued to sweep and reverse sweep effectively to take boundaries off Sneh, Charani, and Deepti. India lost a review trying to overturn a decision against Nat, despite knowing Deepti’s ball was heading down leg – their eighth unsuccessful review of the tournament, the most by any side. Relief came when Nat drove Charani through extra cover and was caught brilliantly by Harmanpreet. Heather had a life on 91 when Deepti dropped her at short backward square leg off Renuka, and capitalised by piercing Renuka through the off-side for four. Though beaten in flight by Charani, her edge evaded all to bring up her fourth ODI century off 86 balls. Heather was eventually run out in the 45th over, failing to ground her bat as Amanjot hit the stumps directly. From there, India clawed back – Charani had Sophia Dunkley holing out to long-off. Deepti removed Alice Capsey via reverse sweep to point while Emma Lamb holed out to long-on. Despite Sophie Ecclestone’s run-out in the final over, England crossed 280, which was enough to maintain their unbeaten run in the competition and rejoice in the glow of victory on the Diwali eve. Brief Scores: England 288/8 (Heather Knight 109, Amy Jones 56; Deepti Sharma 4-51, Shree Charani 2-68) beat India 284/6 (Smriti Mandhana 88, Harmanpreet Kaur 70; Nat Sciver-Brunt 2-47, Linsey Smith 1-40) by four runs.
New Delhi, Oct 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on Indians to celebrate the festive season by embracing ‘Swadeshi’ products, emphasising national pride in local craftsmanship and innovation. Sharing a post on late Saturday on X, PM Modi urged the nation’s 140 crore citizens to celebrate Diwali by purchasing Indian-made goods and proudly declaring, “Garv Se Kaho Yeh Swadeshi Hai!” (Proudly say this is Swadeshi!). He encouraged sharing purchases on social media to inspire others, fostering a wave of support for domestic artisans and manufacturers. The Prime Minister’s message quoted a vibrant video from MyGovIndia, featuring Bollywood stars like Varun Dhawan, Madhuri Dixit, Tripti Dimri, Anupam Kher, Sunil Grover, and Rupali Ganguly, alongside singer Shankar Mahadevan. The two-minute video clip, set in bustling markets adorned with lights, portrays families shopping for sweets, sarees, shoes, and electronics — all labelled as ‘Made in India’. It highlights local spots like Men’s Collection in Old Delhi, Mandore Bazar in Jodhpur, Lighthouse on Rajpur Road in Dehradun, and Pure Education Collection in Kolkata’s Tollygunge. The viral video promotes buying indigenous vehicles, appliances like TVs, ACs, fridges, washing machines, smartphones, and laptops, crafted by Indian youth. It culminates in the ‘Vocal for Local’ mantra, urging selfies with products or artisans to be shared on the NaMo app, with PM Modi promising to repost select entries. This initiative aligns with PM Modi’s long-standing ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) campaign, launched in 2020 amid the pandemic to boost domestic production and reduce imports. Experts note it could stimulate the economy, especially during Diwali when consumer spending surges by 20-30 per cent, per industry estimates. The push comes as India aims to cut reliance on imports. Social media was abuzz with responses, from endorsements to critiques of imported luxuries. As festivals approach, PM Modi’s call resonates, potentially driving a ‘Swadeshi’ shopping spree.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 19 (IANS) The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Sunday showcased its political strength with a grand roadshow in Nuapada ahead of the upcoming Assembly by-election scheduled for November 11. Nearly 15,000 supporters joined the massive rally, turning the town into a sea of green as prominent party leaders and former ministers walked in unison alongside the party’s candidate, Snehangini Chhuria. In a touching tribute, leaders remembered late MLA and former minister Rajendra Dholakia, whose passing in September 2025 created the vacancy in the constituency. Dholakia, a four-time MLA, was first elected as an independent in 2004 before joining the BJD, representing Nuapada with distinction for over two decades. He also served as the Minister of Planning and Convergence in the Odisha government, known widely for his grassroots connect and developmental initiatives. On Monday, Snehangini Chhuria will officially file her nomination papers for the seat. The event is expected to be accompanied by thousands of party workers and senior BJD MLAs at the Nuapada District Collector’s office, as the final day for filing nominations approaches. Prominent leaders such as Debi Prasad Mishra, Pratap Jena, Pranab Prakash Das, Pramila Mallik, Tukuni Sahu, and other heavyweight figures of the BJD attended the event, underlining party unity and strength. The rally not only honoured Dholakia’s legacy but also aimed to galvanise support for Chhuria, the two-time MLA from Attabira and former Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Cooperation, Handloom, and Textiles. Addressing the massive gathering, BJD leaders expressed confidence that Snehangini Chhuria would secure victory, highlighting her administrative experience and close connection with the people of western Odisha. “The people are with BJD, and we will continue Dholakia’s vision of progress,” one senior leader declared during the rally. Meanwhile, the BJP has fielded Jay Dholakia, son of the late MLA, while the Congress candidate is Ghasiram Majhi, a seasoned tribal leader. Both parties officially filed their nominations on Saturday, setting the stage for a triangular contest that is drawing statewide political attention. The by-election in Nuapada has become a prestige battle for all major parties, as the BJD seeks to retain its traditional bastion, the BJP aims to expand its foothold, and the Congress strives for a comeback in western Odisha.
Wayanad, Oct 19 (IANS) Congress leader and Wayanad Lok Sabha MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Sunday, lauded the innovative efforts of the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, highlighting its community-driven approach to combating climate change and disaster risks in Kerala’s vulnerable hill district. In a post on X accompanied by a video of her visit, the Congress leader expressed profound admiration for the young team’s work, led by Director C.K. Vishnudas and Social Scientist Suma Das. She noted that the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology’s unique method of collecting data from tribal communities, villagers and farmers has sharpened predictions of landslides and weather phenomena, making them more accurate and timely. “They are doing incredible work towards understanding the effects of climate change, disaster management, and also promoting a scientific temper among the youth of Wayanad,” Priyanka Gandhi Vadra wrote. “It was truly a pleasure to learn so much from them. They made us all proud, and I hope that many of their learnings can be shared with the rest of the world.” Established in 2005 in Kalpetta by wildlife conservationists, researchers, and educators, the Hume Centre conducts systematic scientific studies on biodiversity and ecosystems, advocating for conservation with strong community involvement. Over the years, it has focused on monitoring extreme rainfall and floods in Wayanad’s river basins, addressing habitat fragmentation, infrastructure impacts, and climate vulnerabilities. A key initiative is its community-based climate monitoring system, which empowers locals to track environmental changes, enhancing resilience against events like the devastating 2018 floods and recent landslides that claimed lives in the region. C.K. Vishnudas, a biologist specialising in Indian birds’ ecology and conservation, has steered projects on threatened species and landscapes. Suma Das contributes expertise in social sciences, bridging scientific research with community engagement. The Hume Centre’s programmes also include biodiversity surveys, wildlife education, and youth workshops to foster scientific curiosity. The video shared by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra shows her interacting with staff and students, viewing presentations on climate data, and touring the facility, underscoring the centre’s role in sustainable development. This visit comes amid growing concerns over Wayanad’s ecological fragility, exacerbated by deforestation and erratic monsoons. Experts commend the Hume Centre for integrating traditional knowledge with modern science, offering a model for global climate adaptation. The Congress MP’s support has sparked interest in replicating such initiatives nationwide, as India grapples with increasing climate disasters. The Hume Centre, supported by grants like those from Rainmatter Foundation, continues to expand its outreach, including the upcoming Wayanad Bird Festival in November 2025.