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News from November 13, 2025

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XPENG G6 – practical and stylishly modern
Technology

XPENG G6 – practical and stylishly modern

There doesn’t seem to have been a month go-by, this past year, when yet another new Chinese EV hasn’t been launched. Despite your personal views of Chinese car makers, and there are many who aren’t fans, no one can deny their technological prowess, especially with EVs. One of the newer entrants is XPENG. Only formed in 2014 the company now offer four models and the focus of our attention is the G6 mid-size coupe SUV. Priced from £39,990 the line-up is a simple, straightforward affair with standard or long range and thanks to excellent standard equipment very few options. The standard 66kwh battery provides for a potential 270-miles with the larger 87.5kwh long-range (£44,990) offering a possible 354 miles. As we all know these test condition range figures are not going to happen, and that’s not down to manufacturers but regulations as to how the tests are completed. That said I found the XPENG figures closer to the ‘official’ figures than some competitors. XPENG say that it can charge from 10-80% in just 20 minutes, but you will need to find a super-fast charger and be able to wince when you pay the bill for your charge-up. If you have a home charger then EVs can work well in terms of cost, and for commuting practicality too. Standard fare on the G6 is extensive and includes heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power front seats, panoramic glass roof, two mobile phone chargers, adaptive cruise, power tailgate, 15” centre screen and a 10.6” driver’s screen. Add to that an 8-year 100k battery warranty and the car itself has a 5-year 75k warranty plus bodywork guarantee. The interior looks impressive in a lighter colour and rather ordinary in black, but is very comfortable in either. As ever there’s touchscreen for pretty much everything, which is never a good thing in mine and lot of peoples’ view. You can’t beat buttons, but maybe it’s an age thing! Thanks to the instant response from an EV the acceleration is incredibly useful if you need to nip past a slower moving car or at a busy junction. Despite its size the G6 is an easy and relaxed drive, in terms of manoeuvrability and visibility there’s little to fault. It’s not one you’d be thrashing round country lanes or cross-country routes point-to-point. As a family car, practical and stylishly modern it’s an EV that should be on your potential shopping list. Facts at a Glance Model: XPENG G6 Standard Range Engine: Electric with 66kwh battery Gears: Automatic Price: £39,990 Performance: 0 to 62mph in 6.6 seconds Range: 270 miles Emissions: 0g/km Model tested was UK-specification and equipment levels and prices may vary in other markets

Mark Slack
A symphony of Sundays at Cyrano – where every bite is a love story
World

A symphony of Sundays at Cyrano – where every bite is a love story

Sundays at Cyrano La Cala aren’t just another meal; they are a celebration – a gathering of laughter, music, and mouthwatering perfection that only the Tibbi Group could orchestrate. This isn’t lunch. It’s theatre. It’s art. It’s emotion served on a plate. From the moment you walk into Cyrano, you sense it – that unmistakable warmth that has become the Tibbi signature. The air hums with soft excitement, a blend of clinking glasses, delicious aromas, and live melodies that lift the heart. It’s no wonder locals and visitors alike call it the happiest dining experience on the coast. The ambiance: Where happiness takes centre stage The restaurant itself is a vision – chic, elegant, and bursting with energy. Every Sunday, Cyrano comes alive with live music that wraps around you like sunshine. From the smooth tones of jazz and soul to upbeat Mediterranean classics, the entertainment is carefully curated to keep spirits soaring. There’s laughter at every table, smiles across every face, and that unmistakable sense that you’ve stumbled upon something truly special. The entertainers – only the finest, handpicked talents – don’t just perform; they connect. They make every diner feel part of something bigger, something joyous. At Cyrano, Sunday lunch isn’t a habit – it’s a highlight. The food: When love meets perfection And then there’s the food – the heart, the soul, the reason Cyrano has become a coastal legend. Quite simply, no one does Sunday lunch like Cyrano. The finest cuts of meat are roasted to perfection, each slice revealing tender, juicy succulence that only comes from true mastery. The Yorkshire puddings are monumental – golden, airy, and crisp on the outside with that perfect soft centre that soaks up the gravy like a dream. Speaking of gravy – rich, velvety, and utterly addictive – it’s the kind that makes you want to close your eyes and savour every mouthful. The vegetables? A celebration in themselves. Carefully chosen, perfectly cooked, and seasoned with that rare combination of finesse and homely love. Every plate that leaves the kitchen is a masterpiece of colour, aroma, and heart. But what makes it unforgettable isn’t just the food’s excellence – it’s the feeling behind it. Every dish at Cyrano is prepared with care, with passion, and with that unmistakable Tibbi flair – a personal touch that turns a meal into a memory. The service: The secret ingredient Behind every plate and every smile lies the real secret of the Tibbi Group’s success: service with soul. At Cyrano, every guest is treated like family. From the first warm greeting to the final fond farewell, there’s a level of attentiveness that’s become rare in today’s world. The staff anticipate what you need before you even ask. Glasses are topped up with a smile, children are treated like royalty, and every diner – whether a regular or a newcomer – leaves feeling cherished. It’s this genuine care, this love for people, that has made Cyrano so much more than a restaurant. It’s a community. A family. A home away from home where joy, generosity, and gastronomy blend into something truly magical. The maestro behind the magic At the helm of this extraordinary experience is the man whose name has become synonymous with excellence — Tibbi. A maestro in his field, Tibbi doesn’t just run restaurants; he creates experiences. His philosophy is simple yet profound: every guest deserves to feel special, every plate deserves perfection, and every Sunday should be unforgettable. It’s that ethos — that dedication to bespoke love and detail — that has made the Tibbi Group a beacon of hospitality across the Costa. Cyrano is the crown jewel, the pièce de résistance, and a reflection of everything Tibbi stands for: quality, warmth, and the joy of sharing beautiful food with beautiful people. A Sunday to remember If you’re looking for a reason to fall in love with Sundays again, Cyrano is waiting. The laughter, the music, the impeccable service – it all comes together to create something that lingers long after the last bite. Because at Cyrano, you don’t just dine – you belong. And that’s what makes it extraordinary. So gather your loved ones, reserve your table, and prepare to be swept away. Sundays have found their soul – and it lives at Cyrano La Cala. Cyrano La Cala – Where Sundays sing, and every plate tells a love story. Phone: +34 951 749 682 Address: Calle Torrox 18, La Cala de Mijas (Málaga)​ Website: cyranolacala.com

EWN
Sofia Patsalides performs at 2025 Creative Women Forum in Saudi Arabia
World

Sofia Patsalides performs at 2025 Creative Women Forum in Saudi Arabia

Acclaimed Cypriot artist Sofia Patsalides was chosen and featured as an honoured performer at the Creative Women Forum 2025 Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony, held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, on November 6, 2025. Hosted by the Creative Women Forum, the black-tie gala celebrated creativity, innovation and excellence, recognising distinguished women from Saudi Arabia and around the world for their contributions to progress, sustainability and cultural development. The evening brought together global leaders, visionaries and artists for an unforgettable night of art, music and inspiration. Sofia, renowned for her soulful vocal power and emotional depth, delivered a captivating live performance of iconic songs, as well as her original work. Her invitation to perform at this royal event underscores her emergence as one of the most compelling young artists, representing Cyprus on an international stage of remarkable prestige. “To be part of such an extraordinary evening, and to be chosen to perform for Her Royal Highness, was a profound honour,” said Sofia. “This experience embodies everything I stand for as an artist: connection, emotion and empowerment. I’m deeply proud to represent Cypriot creativity and share our artistry with the world.” This royal appearance follows a series of international achievements for Sofia, including over 6.8 million streams for her co-written single “Sweethoneylove” and songwriting credits for major television networks such as ITV’s Love Island and CBS. With her distinctive blend of artistry and vocal mastery, shaped by her training at prestigious university conservatoires in the UK, and known for her “magical” voice that fuses soul with pop, she defines her place as a powerful international voice in contemporary music. Watch a clip of the performance here. Follow Sofia: Instagram: @sofiapatsalides Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/spotifysofia

Press Release
Popanyinning farmer Tim Haslam serves as the face of burns education in emotional DFES Lived Experience video
Entertainment

Popanyinning farmer Tim Haslam serves as the face of burns education in emotional DFES Lived Experience video

Popanyinning farmer and critical burns survivor Tim Haslam was brought to tears during the re-telling of his family’s harvest fire tragedy for the regional emergency services’ latest endeavour to promote fire safety. About 60 people gathered at Thomas Hogg Oval in Narrogin on Sunday from across the Great Southern and Perth to be the first to watch the three-part short video series, DFES Lived Experience Resource Pilot Project. Mr Haslam said after surviving such severe burns, he used his second chance to team up with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services a year ago to film and help advocate for fire awareness. DFES will present the series during events and training sessions. In the videos, Mr Haslam focuses on the critical errors he made during the 2023 bushfire that nearly cost him his life. He said despite being taught fire safety from a young age and attending fires in the area as a volunteer firefighter, when at the centre of an un-controlled harvest fire, he still made several near-fatal mistakes. Ms Haslam said he hoped to encourage people to truly consider what they would do when in the middle of a fire, because although he had safety knowledge, he found he was unprepared and panic-stricken when the flames sparked. “If something good can come out of something bad, then that’s good,” he said. Tragedy struck the Haslam family on December 20, 2023 when a fire started on their property, Coogabbie farm. Mr Haslam said his first thought was “I got to get out of here”, and the panicked idea was the catalyst to subsequent critical oversights. The then 65-year-old ran from his header to his nearby ute, which had a flat tire and became bogged when he tried to drive away. Mr Haslam left his ute and planned to run from the blaze, but tripped in the barley stubble and fell directly into the fire. Wearing only a T-shirt and shorts, Mr Haslam suffered severe burns on his hands, arms, face, and legs. He also lost his boot during the fall, meaning his foot was uncovered when standing in the fire. Mr Haslam was rescued by his farmhand who noticed him in a smoke clearing. He was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital in Perth by rescue helicopter, where he spent 10 days in intensive care unit — seven of them in a coma — with 38 per cent of his body severely burnt. Hospitalised for four months, Mr Haslam underwent 13 operations. He lost the ends of his fingers. His finger joints and the corners of his mouth are webbed together. He also struggles to walk, and said his abdomen was a “patchwork” of skin grafts. Mr Haslam said the most important safety measure was to “stop and think”. “I’ve been around fires all my life and I still made these mistakes,” he said. “PPE, think for a couple of seconds to assess the situation, and whatever you do, don’t get out of your gear or vehicle because I could have also been run over in the smoke. “If you get out of your vehicle I can almost positively tell you you’re going to perish. If you stay in your vehicle I can almost guarantee you you’re going to live.” Mr Haslam noted if in an unharvested paddock, a vehicle will burn, so it is critical to extinguish, wet, or harvest the area around the vehicle to make a safer circle of stubble. In the video, his wife Sally said they were lucky to have an outdoor shower because her husband was immediately put under cold water while waiting for emergency services — a move she said was pivotal to his survival. Ms Haslam said since he was not wearing protective clothes and had none on hand, DFES volunteers had to clean the burnt skin from the paddock, so it was important always to have personal protective equipment to hand. Mr Haslam also urged farmers to think of the impact a fire would have on their families, as all their lives were changed in an instant. Mr Haslam said his empty work diary meant his son had nothing to go off when suddenly bearing the brunt of the entire farm business. His wife had to move to Perth and become his primary carer throughout his recovery. “It was harder for them than for me because I was in a coma and whacked out on drugs, but my family had to actually live it,” he said. Mr Haslam said his family’s support was “extraordinary”.

Unknown
Animal adventures on the Costa del Sol this November
World

Animal adventures on the Costa del Sol this November

Animal lovers on the Costa del Sol have plenty to get excited about this November. From lively dog fairs and hands-on farm experiences to charity walks that make a difference, there’s a weekend activity to suit every pet enthusiast. Whether you’re looking for a weekend activity or a way to give back, these events promise fun, connection, and plenty of wagging tails. Dog fair returns to Torremolinos Torremolinos is set to host a major celebration for dog lovers as the International Dog Fair returns to the Palacio de Congresos on November 15 and 16. Nearly 2,000 dogs from 153 breeds are expected to take part in the popular event. Visitors can enjoy a packed programme including dog shows and competitions, agility and scent‑work demonstrations, retriever and poodle single‑breed contests, a “Social Dog” challenge, and even a diving pool exhibition. Organised by the Sociedad Canina de la Costa del Sol, entry is free and the event is open to dog owners, families and breed enthusiasts. All dogs must have a valid passport, vaccination card and microchip to participate. According to event organisers, there will be a “Veterinary first aid area,” “Training demo zone” and “Meet the breeders” lounge, offering visitors hands-on experiences and expert insight across the weekend. Special children’s activities are also scheduled to keep the younger crowd engaged. Last year’s fair drew more than 12,000 visitors and this year is expected to be even bigger. The event provides a unique chance to see rare breeds, watch expert demonstrations and pick up tips from trainers and breeders. For locals and tourists alike, the fair offers a lively weekend of canine action. From adorable pups to high-energy shows, the Torremolinos Dog Fair promises entertainment, education and plenty of tail‑wagging fun. Mini farm fun in Mijas Families are in for a treat with a mini farm fun day at I Mini del Guado in Mijas on November 15 and 16. Running from 11am to 4pm, the event promises a fun-packed day for children aged five and over. Visitors will get up close with miniature horses and donkeys, the only ones of their kind in Spain. The day is full of hands-on activities, including feeding the animals, taking part in games, enjoying arts and crafts, and joining in contests. It’s a wonderful way for children to explore the farm, make new friends, and learn about caring for animals, becoming a true “Friend of the Animals.” Organisers hope the event will spark creativity and curiosity, while giving families a chance to enjoy the fresh air and spend quality time together. Every activity is designed to be fun, educational, and memorable, perfect for kids who love animals and adventure. Places are limited, so parents are encouraged to book in advance by calling +34 625 700 360 where information is available in English. I Mini del Guado is easy to reach from the Costa del Sol, making it a perfect weekend outing. Don’t miss the chance to meet these adorable miniature horses and donkeys, enjoy games and Charity dog walk in Coin Local organisation TAPAS, the Andalucía Performing Arts Society, is calling on dog lovers in and around Coín to lace up their walking shoes and join a special charity dog walk on Sunday, November 16, at 11am. The event aims to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group, a cause that continues to touch many families in the area. Organisers promise a relaxed circular route suitable for all ages and abilities, with the emphasis on community, connection and plenty of wagging tails. Participants are encouraged to bring their dogs, big or small, and enjoy a friendly morning outdoors. The walk offers a chance for pets to socialise while their owners meet new people and catch up with familiar faces in a supportive, upbeat atmosphere. Entry is by a 5 euro donation, with every euro going directly to the Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group. TAPAS members say the aim is to combine fun with purpose, giving people a simple way to support a vital service that offers help, reassurance and companionship to those affected by memory loss and cognitive decline. For more information on the route and how to take part, email info.tapassociety@gmail.com

Donna Neely
Trump administration backs legal immunity for strikes in Caribbean: Report  - St. Kitts Gazette – Daily News
World

Trump administration backs legal immunity for strikes in Caribbean: Report  - St. Kitts Gazette – Daily News

United States President Donald Trump’s administration has drafted a legal opinion stating that US military personnel involved in military strikes off the coast of Latin America are immune from prosecution, The Washington Post and the Reuters news agency have reported. The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel provided the White House with the opinion on the issue of criminal liability for the strikes on vessels in the Caribbean, the outlets reported on Wednesday, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter. The strikes on alleged drug traffickers have come under intense scrutiny from Democrats, legal experts and even some Republicans since they began in September. The US military has carried out at least 19 strikes on boats allegedly transporting drugs in the Caribbean and the Pacific, killing at least 76 people. The White House claims the strikes are part of “a non-international armed conflict” against “narcoterrorists” and “unlawful combatants” with ties to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro. The Trump administration has not released evidence that the boats were carrying drugs. The administration of former US President George W Bush coined the term “unlawful combatant” to deny certain enemies of the US protections under the Geneva Convention. The term, which is not mentioned in the Convention, is controversial in international law and has been rejected by many human rights advocates and legal experts. Washington’s actions have made even some of its closest allies uncomfortable. On Tuesday, CNN reported that the UK had stopped sharing intelligence on drug trafficking operations with the US, though London and Washington have otherwise deep intelligence and defence ties. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the same day that the strikes violated international law as he attended a minister-level meeting of the G7 in Canada. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back on the criticism, telling reporters that none of the G7 members had raised the issue during the two-day summit, according to Reuters. “I don’t think that the European Union gets to determine what international law is,” Rubio told reporters on Wednesday from a US airbase. “They certainly don’t get to determine how the United States defends its national security.” Rubio also denied the CNN report. “Nothing has changed or happened that has impeded in any way our ability to do what we’re doing,” Rubio said. “Nor are we asking anyone to help us with what we’re doing.”

Cb_usr
Trump’s US boycott of G20 summit is ‘their loss’, South Africa says  - St. Kitts Gazette – Daily News from
World

Trump’s US boycott of G20 summit is ‘their loss’, South Africa says  - St. Kitts Gazette – Daily News from

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says United States President Donald Trump’s decision to boycott the Group of 20 (G20) summit next weekend in Johannesburg is “their loss”. The US has ratcheted up tensions with South Africa over widely rejected claims of persecution of white minority Afrikaners, which it vehemently denies, and its push for Israeli accountability over the genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Speaking on Wednesday, Ramaphosa added: “The United States needs to think again whether boycott politics actually works because in my experience it doesn’t work.” Trump on Friday said no US officials will attend this year’s G20 summit on November 22-23 of leaders from 19 of the world’s richest and leading developing economies, the European Union and African Union. Trump cited South Africa’s treatment of white farmers, which he has falsely labelled a “genocide”, writing on his Truth Social platform that it was a “total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa”. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly claimed that white South Africans are being violently persecuted and having their land taken from them because of their race in the Black-majority country, a claim rejected by South Africa’s government and top Afrikaner officials. Trump for months has targeted the nation’s Black-led government for criticism over that and a range of other issues, including its decision to accuse staunch US ally Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in an ongoing case at the ICJ in The Hague. Last month, Ramaphosa said the current Gaza ceasefire, which Israel is violating on a daily basis, will not affect his country’s genocide case against Israel, stressing that South Africa is determined to pursue its case, filed in 2023, despite the truce, which is part of a US-backed plan aimed at ending Israel’s war on the besieged and bombarded territory. South Africa submitted 500 pages of evidence to the ICJ in October 2024. Israel’s counterarguments are due by January 12. Oral hearings are anticipated in 2027 with a final judgement expected in late 2027 or early 2028. The ICJ has issued three provisional measures, ordering Israel to prevent genocidal acts and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel has largely failed to comply. “It is unfortunate that the United States decided not to attend the G20,” Ramaphosa told reporters outside the South African Parliament on Wednesday. “The United States by not being at the G20, one must never think that we are not going to go on with the G20. The G20 will go on. All other heads of state will be here. In the end, we will take fundamental decisions and their absence is their loss.” Ramaphosa added that the US is “giving up the very important role that they should be playing as the biggest economy in the world”. Trump previously confronted Ramaphosa with his baseless claims that the Afrikaner white minority in South Africa were being killed in widespread attacks when the leaders met at the White House in May. At that meeting, Ramaphosa lobbied for Trump to attend the G20 summit, the first to be held in Africa. The G20 was formed in 1999 to bring rich and developing countries together to address issues affecting the global economy and international development. The US, China, Russia, India, Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the European Union are all members. The US is due to take over the rotating presidency of the G20 from South Africa at the end of the year. Trump’s claims about anti-white violence and persecution in South Africa have reflected those made previously by conservative media commentators in the US as far back as 2018. Trump and others, including South African-born Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, have also accused South Africa’s government of being racist against whites because of its affirmative action laws that aim to advance opportunities for the Black majority, which was oppressed under the former apartheid system of racial segregation. Ramaphosa’s government has said the comments are the result of misinformation and a lack of understanding about South Africa. Relations between the US and its biggest trading partner in Africa are at their lowest since the end of apartheid in 1994. Washington expelled the South African ambassador to the US in March over comments he made regarding Trump.

Cb_usr
Bihar election: Can Modi buck Gen Z rage in India’s youngest state?  - St. Kitts Gazette – Daily News from
Politics

Bihar election: Can Modi buck Gen Z rage in India’s youngest state?  - St. Kitts Gazette – Daily News from

Patna, India – As 20-year-old Ajay Kumar scrolled through social media on his mobile phone in Muzaffarpur district in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, he came across rumours that a crucial examination for a government job he had appeared for had been compromised. Ajay is a Dalit, a community that falls at the bottom of India’s caste hierarchy and has suffered centuries of marginalisation. He had pinned his hopes for the future on a job reserved for his community under the government’s affirmative action programme. But the leaking of the examination paper in December last year dashed those hopes. That’s when he came across a video of students as old as him – and just as angry – protesting the paper leak in state capital Patna, some 75km (46 miles) away. He immediately hopped on an overnight bus and found himself among thousands of protesters the next morning. Ajay spent the next 100 days in biting cold, demonstrating and often sleeping in the open, huddled with hundreds of other students. Their demand was simple: A re-examination. But in April this year, India’s Supreme Court dismissed the students’ petitions to conduct the re-examination. A furious Ajay contained his anger for months. On November 6, as he voted in the first phase of a two-part election to choose Bihar’s state legislature, Ajay pressed a button on the electronic voting machine hard, hoping his choice would avenge the struggle of students like him. Whither Bihar’s Gen Z? As Gen Z protests topple governments across South Asia, regional giant India – the largest and most populous of all – has been an exception. A Hindu majoritarian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been in power since 2014. In Bihar, a coalition of BJP and its partners has been governing for most of the past two decades, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Yet, Gen Z anger is palpable in Bihar, which neighbours Nepal, where young protesters toppled the government in September, demanding an end to corruption and elite privileges. Bihar has the youngest population among Indian states. Government data show 40 percent of the state’s 128 million population is under 18, while about 23 percent is between 18-29 years of age. At the same time, one in three Bihari families live in extreme poverty, according to the World Bank, also making it India’s poorest state. The anger of its youth has meant that Bihar witnessed 400 student protests between 2018 and 2022, the highest in the country, according to national government data. And many like Ajay are seeking to channel that anger into electoral changes. The two-phase election in Bihar, held on November 6 and November 11, saw more than 74 million eligible voters elect their representatives for the 243-member regional assembly. The results will be declared on November 14. As more and more youngsters express discontent with their ruling elite across South Asia, political observers believe the Bihar election will indicate whether Modi – who campaigned extensively in the state – is still able to retain his hold on the crucial demographic in India, home to the world’s largest youth population. Of India’s 1.45 billion people, 65 percent are less than 35 years of age. Or will Modi’s principal opponents – led by a much younger Tejashwi Yadav of the Bihar-based Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) party and Rahul Gandhi of the main opposition Congress party – be able to tap into the frustrations of Bihar’s youth? Anger and despair over jobs, education Bihar languishes at the bottom of most of India’s multidimensional human development indices, which take into account factors such as nutrition, child mortality, years of schooling and maternal health, among others. Pratham Kumar, 20, is from Jehanabad district in southern Bihar. He had to move to state capital Patna because colleges in his hometown offered “no teaching, only degrees”. But studying is a struggle even in Patna, he says. The university hostel does not have clean drinking water, the wi-fi router has been non-functional for months, and students like him often end up mowing the lawns of their cramped hostels since hostel authorities don’t have adequate housekeeping staff to do so. “Across Bihar, the state of education is so poor that you just enrol yourself in a college for a degree on paper, but if you actually want to learn, you need to enrol in private coaching classes at an extra cost,” he fumes. Pratham is now looking to move out of the state – the only alternative for millions of students and unemployed Biharis. A 2020 study by the Mumbai-based International Institute of Population Sciences (IIPS) found that more than half the households in the state depended on remittances from their loved ones who had migrated to other states or abroad. Pratham’s friend, Ishant Kumar, is from Darbhanga, another district in Bihar. He is angry at the young forced to migrate in search of a better life, and points to instances of anti-migrant violence in parts of India, often targeting Biharis. “The poverty here pushes young Biharis out, and then, they are insulted, assaulted and have no dignity,” he tells Al Jazeera. “From Kolkata to Maharashtra, only Biharis get attacked and mocked at.” Ishant is angry that successive state governments have not done enough to stem migration. “The cream of Bihar migrates and contributes to the development of other regions in the country. Instead, why can’t we create opportunities here for them to grow?” he asks. In Vaishali district, 23-year-old Komal Kumari believes she has already wasted two years of her life due to government inefficiency. Komal, like Ajay, is a Dalit. Her family survives on a 9,000-rupee (about $100) monthly stipend that her mother earns as an “anganwadi” (childcare) worker employed by the government. Komal, like millions of girls across Bihar, was promised a 50,000 rupee ($565) cash transfer in 2021 by the Bihar government that the BJP is part of, if she earned a graduate degree. Komal, who completed her Bachelor of Arts with political science honours in 2023, has been waiting for that money for two years now. She’s hoping to qualify for teaching jobs, but for that, she needs a two-year degree, a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), which would cost her approximately 75,000 ($846). But she has no savings – she has already spent nearly 100,000 rupees ($1,128) on her first college degree and at coaching centres she went to, to improve her chances at examinations for several government jobs. Now, she can’t pursue either the B.Ed. or the coaching for government job examinations. And she is angry. “I spent so much money only because the government had promised a cash transfer. If they had been prompt, I would have not wasted two years, waiting around.” ‘Students constantly angry here’ Ramanshu Mishra owns Ramanshu GS classes, a popular coaching centre in Patna for young Biharis eager to apply for government jobs. He says Ishant and Komal are speaking for most students in the state. “Students are constantly angry here. When they are studying, they are angry at poor educational facilities. When they finish studying, they are angry at the lack of employment opportunities,” Mishra tells Al Jazeera. Government data show the joblessness rate in urban Bihar between 15-29 years of age is at 22 percent, much higher than the national average of 14.7 percent. This is why Bihar becomes a testing ground for both Modi’s BJP, which is a leading partner in the incumbent National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Bihar, and its challenger, the opposition INDIA alliance, led by the RJD and the Congress. The INDIA alliance has announced 36-year-old RJD chief Yadav as its chief ministerial face, while the NDA is banking on 75-year-old Modi and the incumbent chief minister, Nitish Kumar, who is 74. “The verdict will show whether the youngest state of India chooses a young leadership [opposition alliance] or whether it chooses to be with the old [NDA],” Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a journalist and author of Modi’s biography, among other books, told Al Jazeera. Both sides have been trying hard to woo the young. In an election speech last month, Modi said his government’s policies enabled Biharis to make money through social media ‘reels’. “I have ensured that 1GB data costs no more than a cup of tea,” he said. The Modi-led NDA committed in their election manifesto to creating 10 million jobs in Bihar, if voted back to power, while the opposition INDIA bloc’s central poll plank in the election is their promise to ensure one government job per family in Bihar within 20 days of coming to power. The Congress party’s Gandhi, 55, has also repeatedly urged Gen Z voters to “stay vigilant” and stop electoral malpractices he has alleged have been occurring in several Indian elections in the past few years. Gandhi has alleged that the ruling BJP has been committing voter fraud by adding ineligible and fake voters to the country’s electoral rolls. The opposition has also criticised the country’s Election Commission for being complicit in it. The Election Commission had faced criticism for a controversial revision of Bihar’s electoral rolls on the eve of the elections, which resulted in 3.04 million voters being deleted disproportionately from districts with high numbers of Muslim voters – who typically vote against the BJP. “If the opposition’s young leadership loses, it will put Modi in a very advantageous situation,” Mukhopadhyay said. “Because it means that even though he is 75, the youth continue to plug for him.” (Ajay Kumar’s name has been changed since he fears his participation in the protest could dent his career prospects.)

Cb_usr
'Follow the evidence': Doctors and road safety experts call for 30km per hour speed limits
Politics

'Follow the evidence': Doctors and road safety experts call for 30km per hour speed limits

Doctors and road safety experts have called for the NSW government to "follow the evidence" and reduce default speed limits in residential areas. A bill is currently before parliament that would reduce the limit in residential streets from 50km/h to 30. "We know that there are many other jurisdictions across the world that have introduced safer speeds to their local neighbourhood streets, and they have seen a significant reduction in road deaths and serious injuries," Greens MP Kobi Shetty said.  READ MORE: Missed out on seeing the aurora australis? You get one last chance tonight Doctors are on board with the proposed laws. "If you get hit by a car at 30 kilometres per hour, (there's a) nine in 10 chance of survival," Dr John Crozier from the Royal Australian College of Surgeons said. "If hit at 50 kilometres, (it's a) one in 10 chance of survival." "It's really critical that we follow the evidence," Shetty said. "Journey times are very minimally impacted when we reduce the speed limit from 50 to 30. "Last year in New South Wales, in 2024, we had 51 pedestrians and cyclists killed on our roads. READ MORE: What emails show about Trump-Epstein link "New South Wales has a target towards zero road deaths, and it's time that they start taking that seriously." There are currently only two 30 zones in Sydney, one around the Domain in the CBD and another in Manly. There was a 30 zone temporarily in Liverpool, however, it was removed after the local community opposed it. Bicycle NSW is also in favour of the bill to lower the speed limit. "We have some trials of lower speed limits in Western Australia," chief executive Paul McLean said. "There is a groundswell of community support with these kinds of initiatives." The bill is set to be voted on in parliament early next year.  DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Joseph Sahyoun
Sinister plot straight from Mohanlal movie? Terror module planned serial bomb blasts using 32 cars, says report
Entertainment

Sinister plot straight from Mohanlal movie? Terror module planned serial bomb blasts using 32 cars, says report

The perpetrators of the Delhi Red Fort car blast had a more sinister plan in mind as they wanted to execute serial bomb blasts using as many as 32 vehicles, a report claimed. Quoting intelligence sources, an Amar Ujala report said that the Hyundai i20 that caused the blast near Red Fort Metro Station and another Ford EcoSport that was later found, were part of the arsenal that was being built for the serial blasts. Both the vehicles were modified for the explosives to be fitted in. ALSO READ | Delhi Red Fort blast suspects had a second car: A red Ford EcoSport They wanted to target multiple locations and were in the process of acquiring more vehicles for the blasts, Amar Ujala quoted a source as saying. As many as eight terrorists were entrusted with finding and equipping the vehicles so that a coordinated attack could take place across cities in the country, the report added. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were to be used for these simultaneous attacks. Interestingly, the shocking plot has an eerie similarity to the 2006 Malayalam action drama 'Baba Kalyani' in which the protagonist, portrayed by Mohanlal, foils a terrorist plot to target the temple town of Pazhani. They plan to bring in multiple IED-laden old cars to the vicinity of the temple in large container trucks to execute serial blasts. Fertilisers bought to make explosives The probe team had learnt that the suspects had bought 20 quintals of NPK fertilisers worth Rs 3 lakh from Gurugram and Nuh, the Amar Ujala report said. NPK fertilisers are three-component fertilisers with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content, which can reportedly be used to extract explosive materials. According to investigating agencies, Dr Muzammil Shakeel became inclined towards Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, an offshoot of ISIS, after maintaining contact with associates of slain terrorists between 2021 and 2022. ALSO READ | Delhi Red Fort Metro blast: Police track down Ford EcoSport of suspect Dr Umar Un Nabi in Faridabad Authorities believe that these chemicals may have been transported to Dr Muzammil's rented rooms in Dhauj and Fatehpur Taga, from where around 3,000 kg of explosives were recovered. Some weapons and explosives were also recovered from Dr Shaheen's Swift Dzire, which was in the possession of Dr Muzammil. Investigators believe that the car explosion in Delhi was triggered in panic and desperation as police continued raids and nabbed suspects who were part of the module. ALSO READ | Faridabad terror module was in touch with Jaish, blast suspect Dr Umar un Nabi, imam met handlers in Turkey A DNA test has confirmed that the man behind the wheel was Dr Umar un Nabi, a senior doctor at Al Falah University and a suspect in the Faridabad terror module, who managed to evade arrest during the police raids.

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