News from November 11, 2025

Sports

Cruz Hewitt celebrates ATP Challenger main-draw debut with victory over world No.192 James McCabe

Cruz Hewitt has marked his main-draw debut on the second-tier ATP Challenger circuit with a dominant first win over a top-200 opponent. Received a wildcard into the Brisbane event, the 16-year-old son of tennis great Lleyton wasted no time justifying the faith inside Pat Rafter Arena on Tuesday. Hewitt made light work of fellow Aussie — and world No.192 — James McCabe for a 6-2 6-1 victory in just 80 minutes. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Hewitt faced just one break point in a strong performance on both ends of the court, making McCabe pay for his wayward service. The son of a gun has had mixed results in recent months but reached a semi-final in a third-tier ITF event in Brisbane late last month. McCabe, the fifth seed, arrived in Queensland on the back of reaching an ATP Challenger semi-final in Taipei last week. Hewitt’s win will lift him to a new career-high ranking from 818th to near 750th in the world. But more pressingly it sends him into a winnable second-round clash with world No.518 Wu Tung-Lin or world No.320 Christian Langmo. The Brisbane Challenger features a host of familiar faces. Bernard Tomic has already dispatched Li Tu in a 6-4 7-5 win for a spot in the second round. He could meet Dane Sweeny in the third round. James Duckworth and Rinky Hijikata are the top seeds, with Jason Kubler, Alex Bolt, Marc Polmans also in the draw.

Unknown 4 hours ago

World

‘Noya Manush’ selected for Dhaka and Karachi film festivals

Filmmaker Sohel Rana Bayati's feature film "Noya Manush" has officially been invited to screen at two prestigious events — the 24th Dhaka International Film Festival in Bangladesh and the World Cultural Festival in Karachi, Pakistan. Based on A. M. M. Hasanuzzaman's acclaimed novel "Bedonar Baluchore," the film was adapted for the screen with dialogue and screenplay by Masum Reza. The cast includes Moushumi Hamid, Ashish Khandaker, Jhuna Chowdhury, Raonak Hasan, Shikha Karmakar, Nilufar Wahid, Badruddoza, Mahin Rahman, Nazmul Hossain, Smoron Saha, Sanjana Mehran, and child artist Ushoshi. Speaking about the film's international recognition, Masum Reza said, "I'm delighted that 'Noya Manush' is being invited to film festivals around the world. Writing this screenplay was challenging — it required navigating complex questions of faith, identity, and coexistence. The film speaks of harmony beyond religion or caste and reflects the social fabric of our country. Showcasing it internationally will give global audiences a glimpse into Bangladesh's cultural and spiritual essence." The Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF), organised by the Rainbow Film Society, will run from January 10–18, 2026, highlighting the best of global and Bangladeshi cinema. "Noya Manush" will compete in the Bangladesh Panorama category — a section dedicated to promoting local filmmakers on the world stage. Meanwhile, the World Cultural Festival, organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) in collaboration with the Sindh government, began on October 31 and will continue until December 7, 2025. The 38-day event celebrates global art, music, theatre, and dance, featuring artists from over 100 countries. "Noya Manush" will be screened on November 27, 2025, at 4:00pm (local time) as part of the festival's weekly film showcase. Expressing his excitement, director Sohel Rana Bayati said, "We wanted to tell a simple story that connects with people's emotions. The love and encouragement we've received, both at home and abroad, have been overwhelming. Having my debut film screened internationally inspires me to keep creating stories that speak to our shared humanity." Shot on the remote Kanudir Char in Chandpur during Super Cyclone Sitrang, "Noya Manush" features music by Imon Chowdhury, Mushfiq Litu, and Shovon Roy, with songs performed by Baul Shafi Mondol, Chandana Mazumder, Belal Khan, Animesh Roy, Masha Islam, and Khairul Wasi.

Arts & Entertainment Desk 4 hours ago

Sports

Sourav Ganguly Slams Selectors: Why Is a Fit Mohammed Shami Still Out of Team India?

Former India captain and current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Sourav Ganguly has strongly backed Mohammed Shami for a national team comeback, stating that the veteran pacer remains one of India’s finest fast bowlers across formats. Ganguly’s remarks come amid ongoing debates around Shami’s fitness and exclusion from the recent Test and limited-overs series.Also Read: Who Will RCB Retain And Release Ahead Of The IPL 2026 Mega Auction?Speaking in Kolkata ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa, Ganguly said, “Shami is bowling exceptionally well. He is fit, and we saw in the Ranji Trophy matches where he’s won Bengal games single-handedly. I really don’t see any reason why he can’t be playing Tests, ODIs, or T20Is for India.”The statement directly challenges the current selection committee’s stance, led by Ajit Agarkar, which has opted to groom younger pacers following India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year.Selectors Cite Fitness, Ganguly DisagreesMohammed Shami has been out of the Indian setup since the Champions Trophy 2025 final, where India lifted the title in thrilling fashion. Chief selector Agarkar had clarified that Shami’s omission was due to “fitness concerns,” adding that there was “constant communication” between the selectors and the pacer.However, Shami himself has maintained that he is fully fit and ready for international duty, hinting at a possible communication gap with the board. Ganguly’s comments further fuel this narrative, emphasizing Shami’s strong domestic performances and questioning the decision to overlook him.“If you ask me, in terms of fitness and skill, it’s the same Mohammed Shami we’ve known for years,” Ganguly asserted. “The kind of rhythm and consistency he’s shown proves he still belongs at the top level.”Shami’s Stellar Ranji Trophy Form Strengthens His CaseWhile the selectors experiment with a younger pace battery, Shami has quietly made a statement in the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season. Representing Bengal, the 35-year-old has already bagged 15 wickets in just three matches at an impressive average of 15.13.In Bengal’s opening match against Uttarakhand at Eden Gardens, Shami took seven wickets in the game, including a fiery spell that rattled the opposition’s top order. He followed it up with a five-wicket haul (5/38) against Gujarat, leading Bengal to a commanding 141-run victory. His ability to generate movement and maintain pace across long spells has been a reassuring sight for Indian cricket fans.Shami’s performances underline his fitness and match readiness, making a strong case for his return to India’s pace attack—especially with the England tour and home Test series against South Africa looming large.A Veteran Still in His PrimeMohammed Shami last played a Test match in June 2023, during the World Test Championship final against Australia at The Oval. His last ODI appearance came in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, and his most recent T20I was against England earlier that year. Despite his absence from international cricket, Shami continues to be regarded as one of India’s most skillful seamers, with over 400 international wickets to his name.Ganguly, who captained Shami early in his Bengal days, highlighted the pacer’s invaluable experience. “Shami’s ability to deliver in all formats is rare. He’s not just a wicket-taker; he brings control, experience, and leadership to the bowling attack,” Ganguly noted.

Zee Media Bureau 4 hours ago

Business

Rockies’ Paul DePodesta on taking job with Colorado: ‘I’m a sucker for a challenge’

LAS VEGAS — Paul DePodesta, the newly hired architect of the Rockies’ rebuild, has been mulling over his plans for more than a month. That’s when he had his first phone conversation with owner Dick Monfort about taking the job as the team’s president of baseball operations. Monday afternoon, in a suite at the Cosmopolitan Hotel on the Vegas Strip, the 52-year-old discussed why he pursued the job, and also laid out a basic framework of his plan to try to reverse the fortunes of a team that lost more than 100 games in three consecutive seasons, including a 119-loss debacle in 2025. “I’ve used this phrase before, but I’m a bit of a sucker for a challenge,” DePodesta said with a laugh. “The reality is that’s usually the situation. That’s why these jobs become available. “I have been part of (a rebuild) a number of different times. And I actually really enjoy it. I love winning — don’t get me wrong, that’s ultimately where I want to get to — but building that, getting to the winning, is incredibly gratifying. So that was absolutely part of the attraction.” DePodesta began his front-office career as an intern with Cleveland in 1996, then moved on to the Oakland Athletics (1999-03) before serving as the Dodgers' GM in 2004-05. He worked in the Padres' front office from 2006 to 2010 and was with the Mets from 2011 to 2015. Since 2016, he's worked as chief strategy officer for the NFL's Cleveland Browns. In a wide-ranging interview with Rockies beat writers, DePodesta discussed how he plans to structure his front office, the level of autonomy he'll be given, his timeline for hiring a GM and a manager, his brief tenure as the Dodgers' general manager 20 years ago, and his role in the Browns' disastrous trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson. Q: Why go to the NFL, and then return to baseball after spending a decade with the Browns? DePodesta: "The reason I left wasn't because I was done or I was tired of baseball or anything like that. It was, I thought, a unique challenge. ... "I didn't have immediate plans, obviously, to come back to baseball. I knew it was going to take me a while to get my sea legs in the NFL. It wasn't going to be like a two-year thing. I was starting from ground zero. I mean, I knew nothing, so I was going to have to dedicate some real years to it. "But, you know, your first love, you kind of always have that in the back of your mind. And there were certain situations in baseball that I've just always been really intrigued by. I thought, boy, if that were ever available, that would be pretty intriguing. And so this was one of those." Q: What intrigued you about the Rockies? DePodesta: "It's actually a mix of things. One thing is certainly the challenge of the (high) altitude. That's part of it, but not all of it. Intellectually, that's certainly a big part of it. But I like the reach of this organization (across the Rocky Mountain region). I mean, to have something that really affects a huge number of people and across a really wide region, is intriguing." Q: With your hire, the Rockies appear to be taking a different approach than in the past. What are the first areas that you can put your finger on and effect some change immediately? DePodesta: "I had a chance to visit with the entire baseball operation on Friday — a Zoom with everybody. That was pretty brief, but I shared this with them: That I don't have all the answers, the secret to our success moving forward. "But I'm pretty confident that with all the people on that call, there are a lot of great ideas, a lot of great experiences, a lot of great observations that I want to hear and that I want to tap into. Ultimately, I want to create both a shared vision for our organization and an identity for what we want our team to look like, both in terms of pitchers and in terms of hitters." Q: What is your thought process about hiring a GM, a field manager, and restructuring the staff? And is there a timeline? "I don't know exactly how much time this will take, but I want to get to know everybody who's here. OK? What I don't want to do is come in and start changing things when I don't even know (everybody). I want to understand how things are done; who does what. "I've been through enough change in the different organizations I've been a part of that I realized that if you come in guns blazing, you end up losing really good people. And so I don't want that to happen. "I don't want to be hiring people like the first week of February, so don't get me wrong, but it's going to take a little bit of time for me to assess what's already in place and then formulate a plan." Q: You talked with interim manager Warren Schaeffer today. Will he get a chance to make his pitch to be part of the staff? DePodesta: "Absolutely. We've had a chance to text a little bit. I reached out to him late last week, and then today was the first time we got a chance to really talk, and got a chance to spend some time with each other. ... The reviews I've gotten from people have been really, really strong about him as a person, about him as a leader, and his passion. So I'm excited to get to know him better, but he absolutely will be part of the process." Q: How much freedom will you get from owner Dick Monfort and Walker Monfort, the executive vice president, to shape the team? DePodesta: "I think we're going to have quite a bit of autonomy to do what we feel is right. Look, everyone has boundaries, right? I think they've been very open to suggestions, to a lot of ideas. I think they're actually not only open, but I think they're excited about doing some things differently, and having some outside perspective. ... One of the things they actually said was, 'Listen, (we like) the fact that (you've) been in a different league.'" Q: What did you learn about during your two-year stint with the Dodgers? DePodesta: "I was really young at the time (31). I think my mindset, what I knew how to do at that point, was to build a roster that could win. I had been incredibly fortunate. Had been in Cleveland, had been in Oakland, both those teams had done nothing but win. So I had an idea of, 'OK, this is what it's going to take to win, and that's the job.' "And the first year in Los Angeles, we won the division and won our first playoff game ... And then it didn't take long after that for me to realize that that's not the whole job. The whole job is about actually building an organization, not just a team, or not just a 26-man roster. So I look back on that now and I realize I just made a lot of mistakes in being able to bring people together from different departments, tying together baseball and business, really incorporating the scouts the way I would have liked." Q: With the Browns, you played a part in the controversial acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns sent three first-round picks to the Houston Texans as part of a six-pick trade package for Watson. It has not worked out. What was your role? DePodesta: "Here's what I would say, and I truly believe this. I believe that most of the decisions, especially the big ones like that, are organizational decisions, right? I'm not a believer in the 'King Scout' situation where there is one guy who makes every call. ... The jobs are too complex, the decisions are too hard. They impact too many different things. So I always think these sort of collective decisions, it can be hard to get unanimous (opinions) on those types of things. Everyone who was a part of that? We all own that. We just do, that's part of the deal." Want more Rockies news? Sign up for the Rockies Insider to get all our MLB analysis.

Patrick Saunders 4 hours ago

World

The hottest ticket in Brazil just might be a meeting with Gavin Newsom

Newsom couldn’t walk halfway down a hallway without fielding a meeting request from CEOs and NGOs — or a selfie request. One Brazilian picture-taker had him repeat the Portuguese word for “Let’s go": “Vamos.” His remarks to investors at the Milken Global Investors’ Symposium sounded more like a campaign rally than a business speech. “We have seen this complete reversal of so much of the progress that the Biden administration made,” he said. “What Trump is doing is unprecedented in American history ... This should not be through the lens or prism of red, in American vernacular, versus blue.” Then he held an hour-long roundtable meeting with representatives from major investment funds, philanthropies, development banks and energy leaders, who he said pushed him to bolster economic ties in existing voluntary agreements with Brazilian governments. Newsom told POLITICO he and his team were getting a “disproportionate number of calls” to meet on the sidelines of the talks, where the U.S. government’s delegation numbers zero (“not even a note taker,” Newsom said.) “We’re at peak influence because of the flatness of the surrounding terrain with the Trump administration and all the anxiety,” Newsom said in an interview in São Paulo. Newsom is playing a well-rehearsed role for California, which has staked out a leading role in international climate diplomacy for decades under both Democratic and Republican governors, including during Trump’s first term. The Trump administration’s dismantling of climate policies to favor oil and gas interests only give California more space to fill, said former Gov. Jerry Brown, who got a hero’s welcome himself at the United Nations climate talks in 2017, the first year of Trump 1.0. “Trump, he’s saying one thing,” Brown said in an interview. “Newsom is saying something else, very important.” The impact, he said, will be determined in Belém. “That’s why it’s exciting. There’s not an answer yet.” That gives Newsom an opening — and a risk. Where Brown led a coalition of states eager to demonstrate continued commitment on climate in Trump’s first term, Newsom will arrive in Belém, near the mouth of the Amazon River, at a time when U.S. politics are tilting rightward and even Democrats are pulling back on embracing climate policies.

Camille Von Kaenel 4 hours ago

Politics

End to US government shutdown in sight as stopgap bill advances to House

The longest-ever US government shutdown moved forward Monday toward an eventual resolution, after several Democratic senators broke ranks to join Republicans in a 60-40 vote passing a compromise deal -- sparking intra-party backlash. Since October 1, the first day of the shutdown, more than a million federal workers have been unpaid, while government benefits and services have been increasingly disrupted. Severe impacts on air traffic have begun to mount in recent days, with more than 1,000 flights canceled daily, raising the political pressure to end the stalemate. "We'll be opening up our country very quickly," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, adding: "the deal is very good." With the stopgap funding bill passed through the Senate, the legislation moves to the House of Representatives for a vote, which like the Senate is controlled by Republicans. The chamber could vote on the bill as early as Wednesday to send it to Trump's desk. "It appears to us this morning that our long national nightmare is finally coming to an end, and we're grateful for that," House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters Monday. "At least some Democrats now finally appear ready to do what Republicans and President Trump and millions of hardworking American people have been asking them to do for weeks." The House -- which Johnson has kept out of session throughout the standoff -- would be called back this week, he said. "I'd like to vote tonight after the Senate is done, but it takes everybody a while to get back" for a vote, Johnson told broadcaster CNN. - Obamacare - At the heart of the Senate standoff was Democrats' demand to extend health insurance subsidies expiring at the end of the year. Republicans insisted any negotiation occur after the government is re-opened. Millions of Americans who have purchased health insurance through the "Obamacare" program would see their costs double if the subsidies are not extended. Sunday's breakthrough agreement would re-open the government through January, with some programs funded for the full fiscal year, and reverse some of the Trump administration's firings of federal workers. The bill notably would restore funding for the SNAP food aid program, which helps more than 42 million lower-income Americans pay for groceries. While the Senate's Republican leadership has agreed to hold an eventual vote on health care, it does not ensure the insurance subsidies will be extended. "After 40 days of uncertainty, I'm profoundly glad to be able to announce that nutrition programs, our veterans, and other critical priorities will have their full-year funding," Senate Majority Leader John Thune said late Sunday. While leaders were rushing to move the bill through Congress, it could still take days to make its way to Trump's desk. Tuesday is a national holiday. - Divided Democrats - Senator Jeanne Shaheen, one of eight Democratic caucus members who backed the measure, said the Senate "took a big step forward towards protecting the health care of tens of millions of Americans." She said the agreement would grant Democrats, despite being in the minority, the power to call a vote on health care legislation. However, with the extension of the subsidies not guaranteed, the move has angered party members who preferred to keep holding out. "Pathetic," California Governor Gavin Newsom posted on X in reaction to the announced agreement. Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer voted no, saying he could "not in good faith" support a measure "that fails to address the health care crisis." "This fight will and must continue," he vowed. Some lawmakers criticized Schumer himself for failing to keep the Democrats united. "Tonight is another example of why we need new leadership," Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton said Sunday.

Tue Nov 4 hours ago

Politics

Taskforce to crack down on tax crimes formalised with multi agency MOU

A memorandum of understanding for the Tax Crime Taskforce has been signed today by FRCS along with eight other key agencies, including the Fiji Police Force and FICAC, to enhance transparency and safeguard the integrity of Fiji’s financial and revenue systems. Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel says the MOU formalizes the establishment of the Tax Crimes Taskforce, which has been operational throughout the year. Immanuel says the initiative marks a major milestone in national efforts to strengthen compliance, enhance transparency, and safeguard the integrity of Fiji’s financial and revenue systems. He highlights that the taskforce operates under a clear strategic policy framework, with objectives including increased surveillance and monitoring of financial crimes and tax evasion, enhanced cross-border checks and enforcement mechanisms. The MOU was signed by FRCS, Fiji Police Force, FICAC, Ministry of Immigration, Office of Solicitor General, Ministry of Justice, Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit, and the Land Transports Authority.

Nilufa Buksh 4 hours ago

World

Planes came within metres of hitting Melbourne airport workers in ‘terrifying’ incidents after runway shortened

Australian safety investigation finds serious accidents involving two planes in September 2023 were only avoided ‘by luck’

Stephanie Convery 4 hours ago

Sports

AFLW star Sophie McKay gives famous father a ‘heart attack’ during Carlton’s win over West Coast

Sophie McKay’s eye-catching goal celebration proved to be one of the moments of the first week of AFLW finals. But even after the Blues rookie’s matchwinning third-quarter turn in Carlton’s elimination final demolition of West Coast, she still came off the field to an annoyed parent. WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: McKay’s fake hamstring celebration. Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Andrew McKay, Carlton great and father to Sophie and Blues captain Abbie, was less than impressed with his youngest daughter’s antics. After slotting a brilliant goal in the wet, Sophie decided to fake a hamstring injury and follow it up with “stanky leg”. “(Andrew) just said, ‘Don’t you ever do that again,” Sophie said before Carlton training on Tuesday. “A couple of my family friends who were standing with him said he had a heart attack. “Probably shouldn’t have done that one, but it was funny.” The 19-year-old, who is a contender for the AFLW’s Rising Star, rehearsed the celebration as a joke on Friday at training in front of Blues veteran Darcy Vescio. After deciding against pulling it off should she kick a goal in the game, Sophie was coaxed into eventually doing it by her teammates. She backed it up with another goal during Carlton’s scintillating 6.2 third-quarter blitz to confirm her status as one of the AFLW’s most exciting young players. Star midfielder Abbie, who became Carlton captain ahead of this season, was thrilled, but is sometimes embarrassed, to play with her younger sister. “I just roll my eyes when she does some of the celebrations, but it’s hilarious,” the Blues skipper, who turns 25 on Saturday, said. “She lifts the energy of the whole team up and gets us all going. “But dad wasn’t so happy with the hammy celebration ... it was funny that she even decides to do that.” The McKay sisters have a growing social media presence, having a shared TikTok account with more than 4000 followers. Abbie’s leadership and Sophie’s youthful exuberance have played a role in Carlton’s first AFLW finals appearance since 2020. They will meet injury-hit Hawthorn in a semi-final on Saturday night, with the Hawks coming off back-to-back defeats to undefeated reigning premiers North Melbourne. “We’ve had 10 new players into the list this year, which is a third of our list,” Abbie said. “We’ve just been chipping away at things for the last few years, and it’s all coming into place this year and paying off, so it’s really nice.” If Carlton can defeat Hawthorn they will then head to Brisbane for a preliminary final showdown against the Lions.

Oliver Caffrey 4 hours ago

World

PM Modi Embarks on Two-Day Visit to Bhutan

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Bhutan on Tuesday to join the 70th birthday celebrations of the fourth king of the Himalayan nation Jigme Singye Wangchuck. During the visit, Modi will meet the Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck, his father and predecessor the fourth king, as well as prime minister Tshering Tobgay."I am confident that my visit will further deepen our bonds of friendship and strengthen our efforts towards shared progress and prosperity," Modi said in a statement before embarking on the visit."It would be my honour to join the people of Bhutan as they mark the 70th birth anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King," he said.The exposition of the Sacred Piprahwa Relics of Lord Buddha from India during the organisation of the Global Peace Prayer Festival in Bhutan reflects our two countries' deep-rooted civilisational and spiritual ties, Modi said.The visit will also mark another major milestone in our successful energy partnership with the inauguration of the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project, the prime minister said.India and Bhutan enjoy exemplary ties of friendship and cooperation, rooted in deep mutual trust, understanding, and goodwill, he said."Our partnership is a key pillar of our Neighbourhood First Policy and a model for exemplary friendly relations between neighbouring countries," Modi said.Later in a post on X, he wrote, "Leaving for Bhutan, where I will attend various programmes. This visit comes at a time when Bhutan is marking the 70th birthday of His Majesty the Fourth King."I will be holding talks with His Majesty the King of Bhutan, His Majesty the Fourth King and Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay," he posted.In a big boost to the energy partnership between the two nations, the Punatsangchhu-II hydropower project will be inaugurated, Modi said. "This visit will add new vigour to our bilateral relations."

Unknown 4 hours ago

Business

Bain Capital: Aged care operator Estia Health could return to ASX

CompaniesStreet Talk Bain Capital is getting its ducks in a row to bring Estia Health to market, the aged care home operator it plucked off the ASX for $838 million in 2023.Street Talk understands the private equity giant has begun booking meetings with at least a dozen fund managers in Melbourne next week as part of a non-deal roadshow.Loading...Sarah Thompson has co-edited Street Talk since 2009, specialising in private equity, investment banking, M&A and equity capital markets stories. Prior to that, she spent 10 years in London as a markets and M&A reporter at Bloomberg and Dow Jones. Email Sarah at sarah.thompson@afr.comKanika Sood is a journalist based in Sydney who writes for the Street Talk column. Email Kanika at kanika.sood@afr.com.auEmma Rapaport is a co-editor of the Street Talk column. Prior to that, she was a markets reporter at The Australian Financial Review. Connect with Emma on Twitter. Email Emma at emma.rapaport@afr.com or Subscribe to save articleEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? License articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreStreet TalkCapital raisingAged care royal commissionMergers & acquisitionsIPOEstia HealthPrivate equity See all Street Talk We met a professional shoplifter to understand this crime’s popularityGreg Bearup and Carrie LaFrenzShaken, stirred and a little smoky: three cocktails to define summerThis restaurant is stuck in the past. That’s what makes it greatCurtis Stone’s $4m flop forced him to rethink everythingSally PattenThe secret weapon boards are deploying to survive AGM seasonThe $1m nap: What truly separates great CEOs from the 5am clubThis is one of the best still-photography phones of all timeJohn DavidsonLenny Kravitz turns back the clock on his body (of work)How ‘tower running’ can supercharge your fitnessGoldman Sachs dealmaker lists $22m Brighton mansion with two poolsSarah Petty‘I was sitting on a bench’: How a chance encounter led to a $5b empireBillionaire Shahin family takes stake in Perth payment fintech Bless

Sarah Thompson, Kanika Sood, Emma Rapaport 4 hours ago

Sports

Prince William says he and Kate chose to tell their children ‘everything’ about her cancer diagnosis

Prince William said that he and his wife Kate decided to be as open as possible in answering “difficult questions” from their three children after she was diagnosed with cancer last year. The Princess of Wales and King Charles underwent cancer treatment in 2024, with both since returning to royal duties. Speaking to Brazilian television, William said that the couple decided honesty was the best policy in talking to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven. He said: “Every family goes through difficult times and faces challenges together. How you deal with those moments makes all the difference. “We decided to tell our children everything, both the good news and the bad. We explain to them why certain things happen and why they might feel upset.” He added: “Many questions might come up without answers – I think all parents go through that. There’s no rulebook for being a parent, and we chose to talk about everything.” He also gave an insight into their family life, saying that he and Kate try to be as present as possible while juggling their royal duties. “Play dates, taxi driver, sports days, matches, playing in the garden when I can,” he said. “School run most days. I mean Catherine and I share it, but she probably does the bulk of it.” None of their children has yet received a mobile phone, as he confirmed that they have taken a cautious approach to introducing them. “It is really hard. Our children don’t have phones,” he explained. “When George moves on to secondary school, maybe he’ll have one with limited access. “We talk to him and explain why we don’t think it’s right. With full access, children end up seeing things on the internet that they shouldn’t. But with restricted access, I think it’s good for messaging.” During the interview, he was presented with a picture of his mother, Princess Diana, cradling a child with HIV, an image taken during her 1991 visit to Sao Paulo. Responding, he said: “I carry her social and humanitarian legacy with me every day.” The prince was in Brazil for the Cop30 climate summit, where he delivered a keynote speech and warned the world is “edging dangerously close to disaster”. He told world leaders: “We come together today here in the heart of the Amazon … at a pivotal moment in human history. “A moment that demands courage, cooperation and unwavering commitment to our planet’s future. A future that belongs not to us, but to our children and grandchildren. “All of us here today understand that we are edging dangerously close to the earth's critical tipping points … thresholds beyond which the natural systems we depend on may begin to unravel.”

Holly Evans 4 hours ago

Politics

EC bans posters, drones in polls campaign; tough rules on AI misuse

Ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, scheduled to be held in February next year, the Election Commission (EC) has issued a code of conduct for political parties and candidates, outlining what they can and cannot do during the campaign. The guidelines include a ban on the use of drones and posters in election campaigns, prohibition of campaigning abroad, restriction on installing more than 20 billboards, and a requirement to announce election manifestos on a single stage. Parties and candidates must also sign a pledge to comply with the code of conduct, the EC said. Any breach of the code may lead to up to six months in jail, a fine of Tk 1.5 lakh for candidates, and an additional Tk 1.5 lakh fine for the political party concerned. The Election Commission last night issued a gazette titled "Code of Conduct for Political Parties and Candidates, 2025," signed by EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed. The guideline empowers the EC to cancel a candidate's nomination if an investigation finds any violation of the electoral code of conduct. The code of conduct was finalised and approved at the EC's ninth commission meeting, chaired by Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin, on August 7 this year. Under the new code, strict rules will apply to election campaigns on social media, including a ban on the malicious use of artificial intelligence (AI) and prohibitions on posters and drones during campaigning. For the first time, posters have been completely banned from election campaigns. Candidates will be allowed to install a maximum of 20 billboards in their constituencies, each measuring no more than 16 feet in length and 9 feet in width. Only digital billboards are permitted to use lighting, and electricity may be used for this purpose. However, decorative lighting is strictly prohibited, according to the code. The code of conduct also requires all candidates to announce their election manifestos from a single stage, while both parties and candidates must submit a written pledge to comply with the code. The returning officer will designate a day for all candidates in a constituency to read out their manifestos or declarations together. The guideline also introduces several new provisions based on the recommendations of the Election System Reform Commission and is aligned with the 2008 version of the code of conduct. Campaigning on Social Media: What Can and Can't Be Done Candidates, their election agents, or anyone acting on their behalf may campaign through social media, but before doing so, they must submit details of their online platforms -- including the name of the platform, account ID, email address, and other identifying information -- to the returning officer. The code strictly prohibits the use of AI for deceptive or manipulative purposes in any election-related activity. Creating or spreading harmful content, such as hate speech, misinformation, altered images, or fabricated election materials, is also banned. Candidates and their supporters are barred from using hate speech, personal attacks, or inflammatory language against rivals, women, minorities, or any other community. The code also forbids exploiting religious or ethnic sentiments for political or electoral advantage. Political parties, candidates, or any person acting on behalf of a candidate cannot create, publish, promote, or share any content -- whether on social media or other platforms, in general form or edited, or using AI -- that is false, misleading, biased, hateful, obscene, vulgar, or defamatory, and intended to mislead voters or damage the character or reputation of any candidate or individual, regardless of gender.

Star Online Report 4 hours ago

Politics

‘I can’t breathe in this city’: inaction over Delhi’s suffocating pollution sparks rare protest

The failure by state governments to do anything about pollution means it has often been met with apathy. But at a rare protest anger and frustration were rife

Hannah Ellis-Petersen in Delhi 4 hours ago

Politics

Trump dismisses financial concerns of air traffic controllers working without pay for more than 40 days

President Donald Trump on Monday doubled down on his criticism of air traffic controllers who have been absent during parts of the record-long government shutdown, when they're required to work without pay. During a Fox News interview, Trump roundly dismissed the employees who in some cases have had to take on second jobs to pay their bills amid a funding lapse that will hit the six-week mark on Tuesday. “You know, a lot of people who showed up also had a second job. They took a second job temporarily. But they all know the money’s coming, and the money was coming," Trump told host Laura Ingraham. Air traffic controllers are classified as essential government workers, meaning they must show for work during a shutdown, even though they're not getting paid. Members of the military, who are also essential workers, have received paychecks during the funding lapse. Trump has been inconsistent in recent remarks about backpay for federal employees when the government reopens. He said last month that “it depends who we’re talking about,” when asked whether he supported back pay for federal employees, and that there “are some people that really don’t deserve to be taken care of, and we’ll take care of them in a different way.” The Trump administration has also explored ways to prevent furloughed workers from getting back pay, despite a 2019 federal law requiring back pay, including through a draft memo last month that White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said did not entitle federal workers to retroactive pay. The memo appeared to contradict the Office of Management and Budget’s earlier guidance which indicated that in the event of a shutdown, federal workers would be paid for any lapses in pay. Trump’s comments Monday on Fox News came after he urged air traffic controllers in a social media post earlier in the day to return to work, days after the Federal Aviation Administration began canceling flights at dozens of major U.S. airports in a move that officials said was intended offset staffing shortages. Trump threatened to dock the pay of those who didn’t report to work, while saying that he would recommend $10,000 bonuses for those who hadn’t been absent during the shutdown. “For those that did nothing but complain, and took time off, even though everyone knew they would be paid, IN FULL, shortly into the future, I am NOT HAPPY WITH YOU,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He reiterated that sentiment on Fox News, saying, "I want to reward the people that showed up without a lot of nonsense, without a lot of talk.” "They did their job and in many cases, they worked longer hours to get us through this period," Trump added. Asked how he would pay the bonuses, Trump said: "I don’t know. I’ll get it from some place." More broadly, Trump dismissed growing concerns about the economy among voters. After declaring that "the economy is the strongest it's ever been," Ingraham asked Trump why people are saying they're anxious about the economy. "I don't know what they are saying," Trump responded. "I think polls are fake. We have the greatest economy we've ever had." A recent NBC News poll found that about two-thirds of respondents nationwide said Trump hasn't delivered on his promises to curb inflation and improve the economy. The president also weighed in on the legal fight over funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, saying the program "really puts the company, the country, in jeopardy." He then expressed disdain for "able-bodied people" whom he claimed were leaving their jobs to obtain SNAP benefits. "People that need it have to get it. I'm all for it, but people that are able-bodied, can do a job, they leave their job because they figure they can pick this up, it's easier," Trump said. "That's not the purpose of it." The Trump administration on Monday filed a supplemental Supreme Court briefing seeking to extend a pause imposed last week to block full federal funding of food assistance program’s benefits to its roughly 42 million recipients. The Senate passed a bill Monday night to reopen the government, with a provision that would ensure SNAP benefits are available through next September. The measure now heads to the House.

Zoë Richards 4 hours ago

Technology

AI agents open door to new hacking threats

Cybersecurity experts are warning that artificial intelligence agents, widely considered the next frontier in the generative AI revolution, could wind up getting hijacked and doing the dirty work for hackers. AI agents are programs that use artificial intelligence chatbots to do the work humans do online, like buy a plane ticket or add events to a calendar. But the ability to order around AI agents with plain language makes it possible for even the technically non-proficient to do mischief. "We're entering an era where cybersecurity is no longer about protecting users from bad actors with a highly technical skillset," AI startup Perplexity said in a blog post. "For the first time in decades, we're seeing new and novel attack vectors that can come from anywhere." These so-called injection attacks are not new in the hacker world, but previously required cleverly written and concealed computer code to cause damage. But as AI tools evolved from just generating text, images or video to being "agents" that can independently scour the internet, the potential for them to be commandeered by prompts slipped in by hackers has grown. "People need to understand there are specific dangers using AI in the security sense," said software engineer Marti Jorda Roca at NeuralTrust, which specializes in large language model security. Meta calls this query injection threat a "vulnerability." OpenAI chief information security officer Dane Stuckey has referred to it as "an unresolved security issue." Both companies are pouring billions of dollars into AI, the use of which is ramping up rapidly along with its capabilities. - AI 'off track' - Query injection can in some cases take place in real time when a user prompt -- "book me a hotel reservation" -- is gerrymandered by a hostile actor into something else -- "wire $100 to this account." But these nefarious prompts can also be hiding out on the internet as AI agents built into browsers encounter online data of dubious quality or origin, and potentially booby-trapped with hidden commands from hackers. Eli Smadja of Israeli cybersecurity firm Check Point sees query injection as the "number one security problem" for large language models that power AI agents and assistants that are fast emerging from the ChatGPT revolution. Major rivals in the AI industry have installed defenses and published recommendations to thwart such cyberattacks. Microsoft has integrated a tool to detect malicious commands based on factors including where instructions for AI agents originate. OpenAI alerts users when agents doing their bidding visit sensitive websites and blocks proceeding until the software is supervised in real time by the human user. Some security professionals suggest requiring AI agents to get user approval before performing any important task - like exporting data or accessing bank accounts. "One huge mistake that I see happening a lot is to give the same AI agent all the power to do everything," Smadja told AFP. In the eyes of cybersecurity researcher Johann Rehberger, known in the industry as "wunderwuzzi," the biggest challenge is that attacks are rapidly improving. "They only get better," Rehberger said of hacker tactics. Part of the challenge, according to the researcher, is striking a balance between security and ease of use since people want the convenience of AI doing things for them without constant checks and monitoring. Rehberger argues that AI agents are not mature enough to be trusted yet with important missions or data. "I don't think we are in a position where you can have an agentic AI go off for a long time and safely do a certain task," the researcher said.

Unknown 4 hours ago

Business

ACCC merger regime: New rules may cause ‘indigestion’ for investment and deal-making

CompaniesFinancial ServicesMergers & acquisitions outlook Nov 11, 2025 – 2.28pm or Subscribe to save articleEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? As reported in The Australian Financial Review on Monday, the “competition watchdog has received twice as many merger notifications as expected in the first four months”.None raise competition concerns, yet all would need approval from the competition regulator in the changed world of the new merger regime that will start on January 1, 2026.Loading...Sar Katdare is Partner and Head of Competition at law firm, Johnson Winter Slattery or Subscribe to save articleEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? License articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreMergers & acquisitions outlookOpinionACCCProductivity CommissionGina Cass-GottliebCompetition Fetching latest articlesWe met a professional shoplifter to understand this crime’s popularityGreg Bearup and Carrie LaFrenzShaken, stirred and a little smoky: three cocktails to define summerThis restaurant is stuck in the past. That’s what makes it greatCurtis Stone’s $4m flop forced him to rethink everythingSally PattenThe secret weapon boards are deploying to survive AGM seasonThe $1m nap: What truly separates great CEOs from the 5am clubThis is one of the best still-photography phones of all timeJohn DavidsonLenny Kravitz turns back the clock on his body (of work)How ‘tower running’ can supercharge your fitnessGoldman Sachs dealmaker lists $22m Brighton mansion with two poolsSarah Petty‘I was sitting on a bench’: How a chance encounter led to a $5b empireBillionaire Shahin family takes stake in Perth payment fintech Bless

Sar Katdare 4 hours ago

Politics

Protests as rightwing Charlie Kirk activist group makes final campus tour stop

People shout ‘Fascists out of Berkeley’ as Turning Point USA brings message to college with history of leftwing activism

Dani Anguiano in Berkeley 5 hours ago

Sports

Boys soccer: Northampton starts strong, holds on in Round of 16 win over Mansfield

LUDLOW — The Northampton boys’ soccer team defeated Mansfield, 4-2, in the MIAA Division 2 tournament Round of 16 Monday night. On a night that was highlighted by consistent rain and cold temperatures, the Blue Devils’ warmed up in no time, earning a substantial early lead and never looked back. Jasper Cantor (two goals) and Will Senn-McNally (two assists) each registered multiple points for Northampton, which led 4-0 at halftime. The Blue Devils handled the less-than-ideal conditions as well as they could, not letting it change their game plan, but acknowledging it helped to even the playing field. “[The weather] was awful,” Northampton head coach CJ Holt said. “I think it’s an equalizer. I always feel like the weather equalizes, like the better team is hurt by the weather. I always feel that way, whether I’m right or wrong, that’s my feeling. So I felt like the weather did not play into our hands.” Despite the rough conditions, the Blue Devils generated offense quickly. Senn-McNally dribbled the ball up the middle of the pitch for the nine minutes into the first half, then found Sam Busone making a run up the middle, hitting him in stride. Busone let a low line-drive shot fly, beating the outstretched hands of the Hornets goalkeeper inside the left post to open the scoring for Northampton, 1-0. The Blue Devils controlled the ball for the majority of the first half, building momentum after scoring the first goal of the game. “Every team wants to score first in the tournament,” Holt said. “Kind of helps shake the nerves off. It’s always our plan to get out there and be able to strike first, create the first chance.” That first chance was followed up by an unlikely goal coming off a free kick with 21 minutes left in the first half. Johnny Nields-Duffy lined up for the kick wide left of the net, near the corner. The senior connected with his right foot, getting a lot of power behind his shot that snuck inside the right post. Up 2-0, Northampton didn’t let up as Cantor scored a pair of goals before the first half concluded to give his squad a comfortable four-goal lead. With a sizable lead, the Blue Devils made some substitutions at halftime, including a switch from Salem Gregory to Matthew Walko at goalkeeper. “To get four goals in the first half, be able to get some more guys in the game was great for us, because we got a lot of guys working hard, and they got some minutes,” Holt said. Despite the big lead, Holt knew his team couldn’t coast to victory. Mansfield didn’t throw in the towel, bouncing back for a pair of goals in the second half. With Monday being a state tournament matchup, Northampton was playing against an opponent with nothing to lose. After each Hornets’ goal was scored, the team would quickly get the ball back to the middle circle, hoping to keep building off their momentum. The Blue Devils held strong defensively, however, maintaining the two-goal lead until the final whistle for the win. “These games can get chippy at the end, when it’s the team’s last game, you just don’t know,” Holt said. “We don’t know these guys. We don’t know their personalities. What’s going to happen when their seniors feel like their backs are against the wall in a game that they can’t win? I’ve seen things happen.” With the win, Northampton moves on to the Round of 8, where it’ll take on Agawam. The two teams faced off against each other twice in the regular season, with the Blue Devils earning wins both times. Kickoff is set for Thursday, Nov. 13 at Northampton at 6 p.m. “You never want to play a league opponent in a state tournament,” Holt said. “[There’s] a lot of familiarity there. It’s hard to beat a team three times. You hear everybody say it all the time, and that’s the task in front of us. So we’re gonna be super focused.”

Christopher Evans 5 hours ago

Politics

US government shutdown ends as Senate approves deal

WorldNorth AmericaUS politics Washington | The US Senate passed legislation on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) to reopen the government, bringing the longest shutdown in the country’s history closer to an end as a small group of Democrats ratified a deal with Republicans despite bitter criticism from within their party.The vote, on day 41 of the shutdown, signalled a break in the gridlock that has shuttered the government, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers furloughed, millions of Americans at risk of losing food assistance and millions more facing air-travel disruptions.Loading...Reuters and AP or Subscribe to save articleEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreUS politicsUS SenateTrump's White HouseBernie SandersUS CongressUS government shutdownTrump's America Fetching latest articlesWe met a professional shoplifter to understand this crime’s popularityGreg Bearup and Carrie LaFrenzShaken, stirred and a little smoky: three cocktails to define summerThis restaurant is stuck in the past. That’s what makes it greatCurtis Stone’s $4m flop forced him to rethink everythingSally PattenThe secret weapon boards are deploying to survive AGM seasonThe $1m nap: What truly separates great CEOs from the 5am clubThis is one of the best still-photography phones of all timeJohn DavidsonLenny Kravitz turns back the clock on his body (of work)How ‘tower running’ can supercharge your fitnessGoldman Sachs dealmaker lists $22m Brighton mansion with two poolsSarah Petty‘I was sitting on a bench’: How a chance encounter led to a $5b empireBillionaire Shahin family takes stake in Perth payment fintech Bless

Mary Clare Jalonick, Lisa Mascaro 5 hours ago