News from November 11, 2025

World

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,356  | Barbados Gazette – Barbados & Caribbean News

Fighting continues in and around the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region, with Kyiv and Moscow providing conflicting accounts of the situation in the nearby town of Myrnohrad. The Ukrainian military claimed its forces were holding their positions in the city, saying that “the defence of Pokrovsko-Myrnohrad agglomeration continues”. But army spokesperson Andriy Kovalev acknowledged the provision of logistics to the town was complicated. The statement came after the Russian Ministry of Defence said its forces were pressing an advance on Myrnohrad and were making gains in two of the town’s districts. The Ukrainian Air Force also denied Russian claims of encircling Pokrovsk, saying that food and ammunition supplies to Ukrainian soldiers there are “being replenished in a timely manner”. The “most intense fighting” in Pokrovsk is “currently taking place in the industrial zone”, it said. Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions, meanwhile, killed at least one person in Kostiantynivka and wounded two others in Vasylkivska on Monday, according to the Ukrainska Pravda. An explosion from an unidentified ammunition in a hospital ward in Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region injured a man on Monday, police there reported, without providing further details. The Russian Defence Ministry also claimed advances in the Zaporizhia region, saying its forces had pushed Ukrainian troops out of the villages of Solodke and Nove. The ministry said Russian forces also seized the village of Hnativka in the Donetsk region. In Russia, a man who was seriously wounded in a Ukrainian drone attack in the village of Belyanka in the Belgorod region has died in hospital, medics said. Ukrainian forces claimed an attack on a pumping station at the Hvardiiske oil depot in the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula. Russian forces announced destroying four Ukrainian drone boats near its Black Sea port of Tuapse. The port had suspended fuel exports after a November 2 Ukrainian attack on its infrastructure.

Cb_usr 8 hours ago

World

British journalist Sami Hamdi to be freed from ICE detention, lawyers say  | Barbados Gazette – Barbados

British journalist and pro-Palestine commentator Sami Hamdi is set to return home more than two weeks after he was imprisoned by US immigration authorities, his wife and legal representatives said on Monday. Hamdi, 35, was stopped at San Francisco international airport in California on October 26, and detained by agents from the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency mid-way through a speaking tour discussing Israel’s war on Gaza. Hassan M Ahmad, a lawyer from the California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), and the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA) said in a statement on Monday that the journalist and commentator was punished for his criticism of Israel during his US speaking tour and not for any alleged wrongdoing. “It is this simple: Sami never should have spent a single night in an ICE cell,” Hussam Ayloush, the CEO of CAIR’s California chapter, said in a statement. “His only real ‘offense’ was speaking clearly about Israel’s genocidal war crimes against Palestinians.” “The immigration charging document filed in his case alleged only a visa overstay—after the government revoked his visa without cause and without prior notice—and never identified any criminal conduct or security grounds,” Hamdi’s legal representatives said in the joint statement. Hamdi’s wife, Soumaya Hamdi, welcomed the news in a series of posts on social media, saying, “Sami is coming home, alhamdullilah. Elated doesn’t begin to describe the feeling.” She also expressed her “heartfelt gratitude” to the “countless wonderful people” who offered assistance during her husband’s detention. A number of institutions raised concerns about Hamdi’s treatment, including his former university, the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London, and freedom of expression organisation PEN America. By contrast, some people openly advocated for Hamdi to be detained, including far-right activist and Donald Trump ally Laura Loomer, who celebrated Hamdi’s detention and repeatedly claimed he was going to be deported, without citing her sources. Loomer, a self-described “proud Islamophobe”, also accused Hamdi of supporting Islamic terrorism, without providing any evidence. Responding to allegations about his son, Hamdi’s father, Mohamed El-Hachmi Hamdi, said in a post on X that he “has no affiliation” with any political or religious group. “His stance on Palestine is not aligned with any faction there, but rather, with the people’s right to security, peace, freedom and dignity. He is, quite simply, one of the young dreamers of this generation, yearning for a world with more compassion, justice, and solidarity,” he added. The administration of US President Donald Trump has targeted a number of pro-Palestinian advocates, even as it has also worked to mediate a precarious truce agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Those targeted include Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian former student of Columbia University. who continues to face challenges to his US immigration status after being freed from detention in June. Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 68,875 Palestinians and wounded 170,679 since October 2023, in what an independent United Nations commission of inquiry and multiple human rights organisations have labelled as a genocide.

Cb_usr 8 hours ago

Politics

US Senate passes bill to end longest ever government shutdown  | Barbados Gazette – Barbados & Caribbean

The United States is moving closer to ending its record-breaking government shutdown after the Senate took a critical step forward to end its five-week impasse. The Senate on Monday night approved a spending package in a vote of 60 to 40 to fund the US government through January 30, 2026, and reinstate pay for hundreds of thousands of federal workers. The spending bill next moves to the House of Representatives for approval and then on to President Donald Trump for a sign-off before the shutdown can finally end. The Senate vote follows negotiations this weekend that saw seven Democrats and one Independent agree to vote in favour of the updated spending package to end the shutdown, which enters its 42nd day on Tuesday. Also included in the deal are three-year funding appropriations for the Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, military construction projects, veterans affairs and congressional operations. The bill does not, however, resolve one of the most central issues in the shutdown – extending healthcare subsidies. Senate Republicans have agreed to vote on the issue as a separate measure in December. US legislators have been under growing pressure to end the government shutdown, which enters its forty-second day on Tuesday, as their constituents feel the impact of funding lapses for programmes like food stamps. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees have been furloughed or required to work without pay since the shutdown began on October 1, while Trump has separately threatened to use the shutdown as a pretext to slash the federal workforce. Voters have also felt the impact of the shutdown at airports across the US after the Federal Aviation Administration last week announced a 10 percent cut in air traffic due to absences from air traffic controllers. The cuts have created chaos for US air travel just as the country is heading into its busiest travel season of the year.

Cb_usr 8 hours ago

Sports

Match Virat Kohli’s 600-Run Season: Mohammad Kaif Challenges Rohit Sharma Ahead of IPL 2026

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has sparked a fiery debate ahead of IPL 2026, claiming that Rohit Sharma must prove himself with the bat and finally break past the elusive 600-run mark in a season — something he has never achieved in his illustrious IPL career. While Rohit remains one of the most successful captains in IPL history with five titles for Mumbai Indians (MI), Kaif believes that the opener’s individual performances have not mirrored his leadership excellence.Also Read: Who Will RCB Retain And Release Ahead Of The IPL 2026 Mega Auction?Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif compared Rohit’s IPL record with Virat Kohli, saying:“We talk about Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, but Rohit Sharma has not scored 700-800 runs in a season. In the IPL, he gets points for captaincy and experience, but when you compare him with Virat Kohli or some other batter, he doesn’t score 600-700 runs. He scores in one or two matches and becomes the Man of the Match.”That statement — especially the mention of Kohli’s benchmark seasons — has reignited the never-ending comparison between India’s two modern-day greats.Rohit Sharma’s IPL Record: Leadership Brilliance, Batting ConsistencyRohit’s highest-ever IPL tally came back in 2013, when he piled up 538 runs, a year that also saw him lead MI to their maiden title. Since then, he’s been remarkably consistent as a match-winner but has often fallen short of converting good starts into towering numbers.In IPL 2025, Rohit managed 418 runs at a strike rate of 149.29, including four half-centuries — a solid return but one that pales in comparison to the likes of Virat Kohli (639 runs) or Sai Sudharsan (750 runs).Despite persistent rumours of a split, Mumbai Indians retained Rohit for ₹16.30 crore for the upcoming season, reaffirming their faith in his experience and influence. Yet, Kaif’s pointed remarks underline a growing expectation that the veteran opener, now in leaner shape and reportedly “very hungry for runs,” must turn his form into a defining IPL campaign.Virat Kohli’s Benchmark: Setting the Gold StandardKaif’s comparison is not without merit. Virat Kohli remains the benchmark for batting consistency in the IPL, having crossed 600 runs in a season multiple times, including his unforgettable 973-run record in 2016 — a feat that still stands untouched.Kaif’s challenge to Rohit — to “match Kohli’s 600-run IPL season” — has added an extra layer of intrigue ahead of IPL 2026. While Kohli continues to dominate the league as one of the most prolific run-getters, Rohit’s quest for a career-defining season could very well be one of the biggest storylines of the upcoming tournament.Recent ODI Glory Adds Fire to the NarrativeInterestingly, Rohit Sharma’s white-ball resurgence at the international level adds further spice to this discussion. The Mumbai batter recently became the No. 1-ranked ODI batter in the world for the first time, dethroning Shubman Gill and Ibrahim Zadran.At 38 years of age, Rohit became the oldest player ever to top the ICC ODI rankings, following a sublime unbeaten 100 against Australia in Sydney*, where he and Kohli (74*) stitched an unbroken stand to seal a nine-wicket win. That innings — filled with 13 fours and three sixes — was a reminder that when Rohit finds rhythm, few in the world can match his elegance and timing.With such form carrying over from international cricket, Kaif’s challenge might just ignite the fire in Rohit to chase that elusive IPL milestone.A Season of Redemption AwaitsHaving relinquished the captaincy at both IPL and international levels, Rohit Sharma enters IPL 2026 with something to prove. His leadership legacy with Mumbai Indians is beyond question, but his batting hunger and personal milestones could define the narrative this time around.A leaner, fitter, and freer Rohit could well be MI’s most dangerous weapon yet — especially with the motivation to silence critics and join the elite club of 600-run IPL scorers.As the IPL 2026 season draws closer, all eyes will be on the Hitman — not just to lead, but to light up the tournament with the bat once more.

Zee Media Bureau 8 hours ago

Entertainment

I would never disrespect a woman: Irfan Sajjad

A new series titled "Eta Amaderi Golpo", featuring Irfan Sajjad, has recently begun airing. Directed by Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz, the project also stars Khairul Basar, Sunerah Binte Kamal, and Keya Payel. "I've mentioned before that I'm focusing more on films and being selective about television work. However, the way this series has been designed is very rich—it carries the production values of OTT content. I can confidently say no television series in Bangladesh has been made with such arrangements." The series premiered on November 5 on Cinemawala YouTube channel, with Channel i as its television partner. Irfan also revealed that he will soon begin work on an OTT project directed by Sumon Dhar for iScreen. "After quite some time, I've taken up a web project," he said. At this stage of his career, Irfan wants to focus on exclusive and festive projects. "I'm being very selective now, as I'm preparing myself for the silver screen and avoiding average work," he added. In a short span, two of Irfan's films— "Vhoyal" (November 2024) and "Ali" (July 2025)—were released, both directed by Biplob Hayder. Reflecting on the audience's response, Irfan noted, "Both films were made by new production houses. I believe the response could have been stronger with broader marketing and promotions. Large-scale campaigns help projects reach their audience—something these films lacked, no matter how good the project is." Currently in talks with several production houses, Irfan hopes to collaborate with established directors and major banners in the near future. Last week, an incident on social media left actor Irfan Sajjad deeply disturbed. Speaking to The Daily Star, he shared his side of the story. "My colleagues, friends, and followers know that I often post about cricket—and most of my posts are sarcastic," Irfan said. "After Rubaba Dowla ma'am was appointed as a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), I made a sarcastic post saying that now, at least if the boys don't perform well, there's no hope. It was meant humorously and positively, not in a negative or sexist way. What I meant was that for us, the boys, Rubaba ma'am is a diva—someone beautiful, brilliant, and admirable. Unfortunately, some radical feminists took it offensively. When I saw the situation escalating and hatred spreading, I chose not to argue and preferred peace over drama." Despite his clarification, Irfan said a section of people continued to spread negativity online, leaving him traumatised. "I will be extremely careful about what I post on social media from now on," he stated. "My wife is a news presenter, and I believe that if I, as a man, can contribute to creating a safer environment in the media, she too will be safer—it's all connected. I would never intentionally disrespect any woman in my life."

Sharmin Joya 8 hours ago

Health

Albanese government to give commission new powers to ban dodgy NDIS consultants and auditors

CompaniesHealthcare & FitnessHealthcare The NDIS Commission will be given new powers to ban auditors and consultants who give fraudulent advice under new legislation to be introduced by the Albanese government as it seeks to crack down on rampant fraud in the $50 billion scheme.NDIS Minister Jenny McAllister also said on Tuesday that the commission, a government agency that regulates the scheme, would also be granted additional clout to restrict unscrupulous providers from promoting their products or services.Loading...Michael Smith is the health editor for The Australian Financial Review. He is based in Sydney. Connect with Michael on Twitter. Email Michael at michael.smith@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 MoreHealthcare 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

Michael Smith 8 hours ago

Politics

It is time for Bangladesh to move past the politics of violence

In a year that was meant to mark a new phase of political stability under the interim government, Bangladesh finds itself revisiting old ghosts. The latest report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) paints a grim portrait of our political landscape: 160 people killed and more than 8,000 injured in 1,047 incidents of political violence over just 13 months, between September 2024 and September 2025. The figures reveal a pattern all too familiar to Bangladeshis. Of those killed, 104 were affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and 38 with the Awami League (AL). Others belonged to smaller parties such as Jamaat-e-Islami and the United People's Democratic Front (UPDF). Even more troubling, intra-party clashes claimed 88 lives. The violence reflects deep fissures within the parties where internal loyalty contests often turn fatal. The persistent and almost predictable tragedy portrayed in the HRSS report notes a steady climb in political deaths: 82 in 2021, 92 in 2022, 96 in 2023, and 160 between September 2024 and September 2025. These numbers are not just statistics; they are signposts of a political culture that has grown desensitised to violence. For decades, political dialogues have been replaced by hostility. Rival parties treat political competition as warfare, where victory is measured not by fair votes or vision, but by the dominance one can impose on the streets. Elections, protests, and policy disputes frequently spill into pitched battles, while the space for reasoned debate continues to shrink. The most unsettling aspect is how it has been normalised. Violence is now seen not as a breakdown of politics, but as its active, to some extent, only instrument. Party operatives are mobilised as foot soldiers, and young supporters are taught that confrontation is proof of loyalty. From city streets to university campuses, the language of political engagement has been replaced by the rhetoric of aggression. This normalisation thrives in a context of impunity. When institutions tasked with upholding justice appear politically biased and aligned, accountability becomes selective and violence becomes cyclical and pervasive. Perpetrators, emboldened by political protection, act without fear of consequence, while victims' families are left to navigate a system that offers neither recognition nor redress. The real toll of political violence is not just physical; it is psychological and moral. It corrodes public trust, breeds cynicism, and teaches citizens that power is born from intimidation, not integrity. Intra-party clashes, which claimed dozens of lives last year, are telling reminders that political patronage and personal ambition now outweigh ideology or principle. The state, too, bears responsibility. Law enforcement often responds reactively rather than preventively, and their perceived partisanship only fuels mistrust. Without institutional neutrality, violence fills the void that governance leaves behind. Ending this entrenched culture of violence demands more than temporary calm before the next election; it requires a structural and moral reset. Let's start with political responsibility, where party leaders must publicly commit to zero tolerance for violence and back it with disciplinary action. Rhetorical condemnation is no substitute for internal reform. Institutional nonchalance and the act of witnessing violence while actively denying it must come to an end. The police and judiciary must act with transparency and impartiality. Depoliticising law enforcement is crucial to restoring public confidence. Independent oversight is also critical; engaging civil society groups like HRSS should be strengthened, not sidelined. Particularly, an independent national observatory on political violence could document incidents, track accountability, and recommend legal action in this case. Civic education and youth engagement should be viewed as a necessary tool to combat these malpractices. The country's youth, often used as instruments of violence, should instead be empowered through civic education, dialogue platforms, and community service programmes. Last but not least, government-supported compensation and rehabilitation schemes for victims and their families would send a powerful message. Bangladesh cannot afford to treat these numbers as routine collateral damage of politics. Political violence is not an inevitable by-product of democracy; it is its undoing. The measure of a mature democracy lies not in the noise of rallies, but in the civility of disagreement. The HRSS report should thus serve as a national mirror. It reflects not just the brutality of our streets, but the poverty of our political imagination. For all our economic and social progress, we continue to lag in the most fundamental metric of modern statehood, the ability to resolve disputes and differences peacefully. As Bangladesh looks towards future elections and leadership transitions, we must decide if we want to remain captive to a culture where one's party flag determines one's safety, or we will choose the path of restraint, reform, and respect for life. True political strength does not emerge from fear or force; it emanates from the courage to listen, compromise, and lead without bloodshed. Bangladesh longs for a political era that heals, not leaves scars. Shabbir Ahmed is a research fellow at icddr,b. He can be reached at [email protected]. Views expressed in this article are the author's own. Follow The Daily Star Opinion on Facebook for the latest opinions, commentaries, and analyses by experts and professionals. To contribute your article or letter to The Daily Star Opinion, see our guidelines for submission.

Shabbir Ahmed 8 hours ago

Business

Cyprus wine sector receives EU investment support

The Cypriot Agricultural Payments Organisation announced this week that it had completed payments to beneficiaries under a strategic plan for 2023–2027. The latest payment was specifically for the financial year 2025, providing financial support to winemaking businesses for investment purposes. According to the organisation, a total amount of €1,357,835.80 was paid to the beneficiaries. The funding was derived 100 per cent from European Union funds, specifically from the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund, according to the announcement. The organisatoin stated that the financial support was granted to winemaking businesses for investments in tangible and intangible assets. These investments included processing equipment and winery infrastructure, as well as structures and tools for wine marketing. The completion of these payments highlights the ongoing commitment to supporting the Cypriot winemaking sector under the new strategic plan.

Dr Charles Ellinas 8 hours ago

Politics

Chancellor Reeves hints at income tax rise and two-child benefit limit in new budget

Rachel Reeves has indicated it will not be feasible to adhere to Labour's manifesto pledges on taxation without implementing "deep cuts" to public expenditure. This represents the strongest indication yet that the Chancellor is preparing to abandon the party's commitment not to increase income tax, VAT, or national insurance. She has also suggested the government will abolish the cruel two-child benefit cap at the Budget on 26 November to lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty. Ms Reeves stated it was not acceptable that a "child is penalised because they are in a bigger family". However, the Chancellor emphasised on Monday that no final determinations have been reached regarding taxation and expenditure - with merely a fortnight remaining, reports the Mirror. Ms Reeves told BBC 5 Live: "I will set out the choices in the Budget. It would, of course be possible to stick with the manifesto commitments, but that would require things like deep cuts in capital spending and the reason why our productivity and our growth has been so poor these last few years is because governments have always taken the easy option to cut investment - in rail and road projects, in energy projects, in digital infrastructure." She continued: "So we've always got choices to make, and what I promised during the election campaign was to bring stability back to our economy, and what I can promise now is I will always do what I think is right for our country." When questioned about the two-child benefit restriction - a Conservative-era measure blamed for keeping children trapped in poverty - Ms Reeves stated child poverty ought not to be tolerated. There have been suggestions that Keir Starmer and Ms Reeves are considering diluting the policy rather than completely abolishing it. However, the Chancellor stated: "There are plenty of reasons why people make decisions to have three, four children, but then find themselves in difficult times. "You also have things like adoption. Or, or foster caring. Lots and lots of different reasons why families change shape and size, over time. I don't think that it's right that a child is penalised because they are in a bigger family., through no fault of their own. "And so we will take action on child poverty. The last Labour government, a proudly reduced child poverty. And we will reduce child poverty as well."

Freddie Lynne 8 hours ago

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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 hours ago