News from November 15, 2025

Sports

A stadium threw concrete, fans booed Sachin: Javagal Srinath’s epic reply

As India prepare once again to face South Africa in a home Test series, memories stretch back to a very different time.1996. Motera, Ahmedabad. A raw November afternoon. No flashy cameras, no DRS, no comfort of covered stands. Just a crumbling pitch, dust in the air, and the echoes of a crowd that didn’t quite know how to behave. South Africa were still new to international cricket, rebuilding from their years in isolation. But under Hansie Cronje, they were tough, proud, and ready. India, led by a young Sachin Tendulkar, were trying to find consistency. And in the middle of it all stood Javagal Srinath, a man who’d been good but not yet great. ALSO READThe ‘Forgotten Giant’ Who Built Indian Batting Before Gavaskar, Sachin or Kohli The bowler who found himself Until that point, Srinath’s Test career had been underwhelming. Twenty-one matches, 57 wickets, an average north of 36. He bowled fast, yes, but he was predictable, running in wide, hurling the ball into the right-handers, often missing the rhythm that separates the good from the special. That Motera pitch changed everything. It wasn’t flat like most Indian wickets. It broke up early, turned dusty and cruel. Batting looked like a survival test. And from the moment the ball started biting, Srinath seemed to transform. South Africa arrives, India struggles India batted first and were bundled out for 223. Sachin’s 42 was the top score. Allan Donald bowled like a storm, 4 for 37, pure hostility. Jonty Rhodes threw himself around the field as if his body was made of rubber. South Africa replied with 244, taking a slim lead, thanks largely to Fanie de Villiers’ stubborn 67 at No. 9. By the time India batted again, the pitch looked like the surface of the moon. Cracks everywhere. VVS Laxman, on debut, fought for a brave 51. Kumble hung around. The rest collapsed. India managed just 190, leaving the visitors a chase of 170. Seemed simple enough. Then came Srinath. The spell that broke South Africa First ball of his second over, full, fast, swinging in. Andrew Hudson trapped in front. The umpire’s finger went up quickly, perhaps too quickly, but it was given. Next ball, Daryll Cullinan nicked one behind. South Africa: 0 for 2. What followed was pure chaos. Cronje resisted for a while, but the rest fell like cards. Richardson blocked endlessly before Srinath slipped one through him. Then, in a flash, six wickets were gone for just nine runs. South Africa folded for 105. India had their first-ever Test win against South Africa.Srinath had 6 for 21, the best figures of his life at that time. For once, a fast bowler had outshone the spinners in India. ALSO READMandira Bedi: The woman who helped Indian Women’s cricket breathe when no one was watching A win wrapped in flaws But it wasn’t all joy. That Test was chaos behind the scenes. Umpiring was a mess. Both S.K. Bansal and George Sharp made decisions that left everyone shaking their heads. Balls pitching outside leg were given lbw. Batsmen hit on the thigh pad were sent back. By the end, both sides felt wronged. Even Cronje said after the match, “We need neutral umpires.” Then came the crowd trouble. As Laxman and Kumble tried to save India’s innings, frustration bubbled in the stands. A few fans started throwing chunks of concrete at South African fielders, real pieces of the stadium roof. One of them hit Paul Adams. Cronje marched his men off the field in protest. Play stopped for ten minutes. The match referee had to warn the Gujarat Cricket Association that if things didn’t calm down, he would award the match to South Africa. Even Sachin wasn’t spared that day. When he got out cheaply in the second innings, the crowd that once worshipped him booed him off. It was one of the first times in his career he faced that kind of hostility. The beginning of a bowler’s legacy For Srinath, though, that Test marked a turning point. His rhythm had returned. The way he hit the deck, the way the ball curved in late, it was like he had rediscovered who he was supposed to be. His strike rate improved dramatically from that match onwards. He went on to become India’s pace spearhead for nearly a decade. Through injuries, heat, and flat tracks, he kept pushing, often alone, often uncelebrated. But that day in Ahmedabad was where his story really began. Looking ahead Now, almost three decades later, South Africa return to India once more. Different players, different era, yet the echoes of that 1996 Test still linger. It was ugly and glorious in equal measure. A match that tested patience, pride, and sanity. And somewhere in that dust and noise, a man from Mysore learned how to roar.

Abhishek Ab 11 hours ago

Science

Pollution Fatigue Explained: Why Delhi’s Dirty Air Is Draining Your Energy

Pollution fatigue isn’t just the exhaustion you feel after a long day. It’s a genuine health problem directly linked to the air you’re breathing. In Delhi, where the AQI often sits around 400 on a daily basis, people aren’t only coughing or rubbing their eyes—they’re tired throughout the day, feel unmotivated and often in a low mood. It’s not just about physical symptoms. There’s a layer of irritability, a sense of helplessness that builds up after long-term exposure to air pollution.,Studies show that air pollution, especially the tiny particles like PM2.5 and PM10, interferes with your brain chemistry. Long-term exposure causes inflammation and disrupts the neurotransmitters that manage mood and energy. Pollution fatigue isn’t just being constantly tired. It actually interferes with your body’s ability to rest and recover. On top of that, with constant air quality warnings and advice to stay indoors, stress levels keep climbing. That’s where eco-anxiety starts to set in. If you wake up feeling sluggish, struggle through the day, and can’t shake the heaviness—even after a good night’s sleep—it might be the air itself dragging you down, not your lifestyle.,Symptoms of Pollution Fatigue, ,It is hard to differentiate pollution fatigue from general tiredness. But if you live in a place with heavy air pollution, some symptoms are noticeable. The tiredness lingers, even when you’re sleeping well and sticking to your usual habits. Research shows that people in Delhi mention constant fatigue, shortness of breath, and a drop in stamina.,Another symptom is brain fog. Maybe you’re losing your focus or forgetting things you just read. Pollutants disrupt your stress hormones and impact your brain directly. Simple tasks might leave you drained. High PM2.5 levels make it harder for your body to absorb oxygen, so everything feels like extra work.,Other signs include headaches, irritability, and feeling low on energy day after day. Inhaling toxins doesn’t just stop at your lungs—these particles enter your bloodstream, activate your immune system, and leave you feeling drained. Even people getting 7-8 hours of sleep rarely wake up rested. Air pollution can interfere with your breathing, disrupt your sleep cycle, and cause inflammation.,,How to Protect Yourself, ,Monitor the AQI regularly in your area. Try to stay indoors as much as possible. Wear a certified N95 mask whenever outside. It reduces your exposure to PM2.5 and other harmful particles. When indoors, use a HEPA-filter air purifier and keep your windows closed.,Support your body with good lifestyle choices. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Stay hydrated and keep your sleep routine steady. Avoid things that put extra pressure on your lungs, like smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke.,When air quality is poor, move your workouts indoors or switch to gentler activities like yoga. If you need to go out, choose times when the AQI is lower. Support green initiatives in your community, drive less when possible, and talk to your building or workplace about better air filters and ventilation. Some days, you can’t avoid the haze entirely. But these steps help your body manage—and every small change count.

Tn Lifestyle Desk 11 hours ago

Technology

Are You Being “Cushioned” In Your Relationship? 6 Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore

Are You Being “Cushioned” In Your Relationship? 6 Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore, Modern dating has its own vocabulary, and one of the more unsettling new terms is cushioning. It’s when someone, already in a relationship, quietly keeps other potential partners in the background — “cushions” — in case things don’t work out. It’s emotional hedging, a way to avoid the sting of heartbreak before it even happens.What makes cushioning tricky is that it often hides behind harmless-seeming behaviour: a friendly chat, a string of Instagram DMs, or a “just checking in” message from an old flame. It rarely starts with bad intentions, but over time it can become emotional cheating, leaving the other partner confused and hurt.Here are six signs that cushioning might be happening in your relationship. There’s a ‘friend’ who feels a little too close, Friendships outside a relationship are healthy, but when one person seems to take up all your partner’s attention, it can feel off. If your partner is always texting or calling someone, laughs at their messages but hides the screen from you, or seems defensive when you ask, there’s likely more emotional investment than they’re admitting. Emotional intimacy can creep in quietly, and once it replaces real connection between partners, it becomes a problem. Their social media behaviour seems too flirty, Liking every post, leaving heart emojis, or exchanging private messages with the same person can signal cushioning. Social media makes it easy to keep mini crushes alive without crossing a clear line. It’s not technically cheating, but it’s emotional reassurance — a quiet reminder that other people still find them attractive. , They dodge commitment or clarity, If your partner avoids labels or long-term plans, it might be because they’re not fully invested. Someone who’s cushioning often wants to leave the door open “just in case”. They’ll say things like “Let’s not rush” or “I’m not sure where this is going,” not because they’re confused, but because they don’t want to close off other possibilities. You sense emotional distance, You can often feel cushioning before you see it. Conversations feel surface-level, affection fades, and you start feeling like your partner is physically present but emotionally elsewhere. When someone starts leaning on another person for support or validation, the closeness in the main relationship begins to thin out—often without a clear reason why. They keep mentioning someone new, It’s normal to talk about colleagues or friends, but when one name keeps coming up—always with praise or admiration—it’s a sign to watch. Repeatedly talking about how funny or interesting someone is isn’t random. It’s usually a small confession in disguise, a way of keeping that person mentally in play. , Their energy towards you changes often, One week they’re loving and attentive, the next they’re cold or distracted. This inconsistency often mirrors what’s happening with their “cushions”. When those outside connections give them attention, they pull away; when those fade, they come running back. It’s a pattern that leaves you anxious and unsure where you stand. Why people do it?, Cushioning usually comes from fear — of rejection, loneliness, or losing control. For some, it’s about self-esteem; they want to feel desired, even if they already have someone who loves them. For others, it’s emotional self-protection: keeping options open feels safer than being fully vulnerable with one person.

Tn Lifestyle Desk 11 hours ago

Sports

Tarot Card Reading Today For All Zodiac Signs With Vastu Tip Of The Day: November 15, 2025

Aries At work, you’ll benefit by making investments. Jobseekers will attract opportunities in organizations that have strict vigilance policies. Singles are likely to attract alliances that are financially well off. Travel plans will be expensive on the pocket. In legal matters, you are likely to undergo some complications. Taurus At work, you are likely to benefit by focusing on advertising and marketing. On the health front, you will face minor accidents and bruises. Singles may meet alliances who are from well to do families. Jobseekers may attract opportunities in organizations that pay well and savings will grow. In legal matters you’ll benefit with the help of government or higher authorities. Gemini At work, you will feel stuck. On the health front you’ll face backache related issues. Singles are likely to attract alliances who are from well to do families. Jobseekers may attract opportunities in organizations that have friendly working environment. Travel plans will be stressful. In legal matters you are likely to run away from your responsibilities or procrastinate. Cancer At work, you will be in dreamy mood. On the health front you will face minor bruises or cuts. Singles may attract alliances who are positive or affirmative in nature. Jobseekers may find opportunities in sales or related organizations. In legal matters, tables will turn around and life will be different than what it is now. Leo At work, you will benefit by focusing on spirituality and meditating on affirmations. On the health front, you’ll benefit by keeping your body well hydrated. Singles may attract alliances who are financially sound. Jobseekers may find opportunities in organizations that are family run. Travel plans will be made in consultation with someone. In legal matters, you’ll benefit by seeking help of a younger girl. Virgo At work, you will benefit by socializing with colleagues. On the health front, you’ll benefit by consuming water and undergoing therapy. Singles may attract alliances who are facing financial challenges. Jobseekers may attract opportunities in large organizations. Travel plans will face difference of opinions. In legal matters, you are likely to benefit by seeking help of a junior lawyer or a female lawyer. Libra At work, you are likely to benefit by seeking help of a senior or a mentor. Singles may attract alliances who are short tempered. Jobseekers may be forced to accept certain things. Travel plans will be hectic. In legal matters, you’ll face minor disappointments. Scorpio At work, you are likely to spend a lot of money on a lot of things. On the health front, you’ll benefit by keeping your body well hydrated. Singles may attract alliances who are go getter. Jobseekers may attract opportunities in different departments or industries. Travel will be stressful and hectic. In legal matters muscle power will win over facts. Sagittarius At work, you are likely to benefit by dividing your work into smaller goals. On the health front, you will benefit by talking to someone or seeking someone’s advice. Singles may attract alliances who have responsibilities on them. Jobseekers may attract opportunities in marketing and PR fields. Travel plans will be uncertain. In legal matters, you are likely to spend a lot of money. Capricorn At work, you are likely to be stressed over multiple things, avoid taking any additional responsibilities on yourself. On the health front, you will benefit by taking prompt actions. Singles may meet alliances who have either undergone breakup or are yet not out of their past. Jobseekers may attract opportunities in organizations that have hectic work schedule. Travel plans will be made to natives or places suggested by elders. In legal matters, you are likely to receive some positive news. Aquarius At work, you will benefit by focusing on advice of someone you haven’t met or spoken to in a long time. On the health front, you will be judgemental regarding every health change or symptom. Singles may attract alliances who are aggressive by nature. Jobseekers may attract opportunities in organizations that are closer to home. Travel plans will be good however you’ll be lost in your own thoughts while travelling. In legal matters, you’ll be be spending a lot of money if you are a woman. Pisces At work, you are likely to benefit by following advice of your team mates and specially a woman. On the health front you are likely to benefit by sipping small doses of warm water. Singles are likely to attract alliances who have bad temperament. Jobseekers may attract opportunities in occult and research fields. Travel plans will be made to romantic or honeymoon places. In legal matters, you are likely to benefit by seeking advice of your legal advisor. Vastu tip from the desk of PraveenVaastu: Avoid keeping water or waterbody in the south direction or it may create a lot of confusion and financial drain for you.

Dimple V. Mehra 11 hours ago

Business

Martin Lewis warning to anyone using a Lloyds, Barclays or Natwest debit cards

Money expert Martin Lewis has put out an urgent warning to anyone who uses a debit card from well known banks such as Nationwide, Lloyds, Natwest and Barclays. The personal finance expert has revealed on his BBC podcast that many people choose to use a debit card over a credit card in the UK, with many following the belief that debit cards are better. However, he has revealed that this isn't always the case, with Brits easily landing themselves further into debt if they enter into their overdraft on a debit card due to soaring interest rates, reports the Mirror. He said: "Many people tend to think credit card's bad, debit card's good, but it just isn't that simple. First of all, if you're overdrawn, a debit card is a debt card too, and a typical high street overdraft is at 40 per cent annual interest compared to a high street credit card at 25 per cent annual interest. "Overdrafts are more expensive debt than credit cards. If you had to owe on one, you'd be best not to owe on either. If you had to owe on one, you would be better to owe on the credit card." He also pointed out that credit card purchases come with an enhanced protection. Under the UK's Consumer Credit Act 1974, Section 74 is a consumer protection right that makes a credit card provider jointly liable with a supplier if something goes wrong with a purchase. This applied to individual items priced between £100 and £30,000, and it safeguards consumers if the products are faulty, don't match their description, or fail to arrive, even when only a deposit has been paid by credit card. Martin explained: "On the credit card, plus you have extra protection when spending on a credit card too. "Section 75 rules state, if you're buying something that costs over £100 up to £30,000 and you pay for any of it, even a penny of it on a credit card, the credit card company is liable for the entire amount and jointly liable with the retailer. So if something goes wrong, you can go back to it. "On debit cards, you only get charged back. Add to that the fact that on a credit card, you can also get rewards on your spending, cash back of up to five per cent for a few months and up to one per cent on a regular basis. "Then for many people, done sensibly as long as you're paying your credit card off in full every month and you've chosen the right credit card, it's often a better way to spend than a debit card." Many people backed this matter, with one person commenting: "With regard to chargeback and sec 75 protection - that needs looking into. "There is no consistency between the banks and even within banks on how they interpret the same MasterCard/visa rules. Customers of Ripple Energy (in administration) are finding getting a refund is a lottery". While another person also wrote: "Plus you can do a subsequent balance transfer to a different credit card company and make use of zero interest opportunities; some have quite long periods with their introductory product. "This is useful for large, one off purchases or a temporary cash flow problem e.g. Christmas." A third person stated: "Another advantage of some credit cards (e.g. Nationwide) is zero per cent commission on purchases in Europe."

Eilidh Farquhar 11 hours ago

Technology

Explosive new documentary probes '80-year global coverup' of UFO secrets

For decades, military pilots, radar operators, and ordinary citizens alike have reported strange objects darting through the skies, often dismissed by officials or buried under classification. Despite congressional hearings and government task forces, little clarity has emerged about what Americans are actually seeing. Now, the director of a new explosive documentary is pulling back the curtain on that mystery. Director and producer Dan Farah sat down with Fox News’ Bret Baier on Friday to discuss his new documentary, "The Age of Disclosure." UFO TRACKER MAPS EERIE CLUSTERS OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECTS LURKING BENEATH US SHORELINES: 'WE'RE BEING LIED TO' "For a very long time, the public, Congress, and even the President have been kept out of the loop on this subject," Farah said. "In the last few years, senior members of Congress, senior members of the administration, thanks to whistleblowers, have found out what's been going on, and they are now in pursuit of the truth for themselves and for the American people." The film explores an alleged "80-year global cover-up" of non-human intelligent life and a secret race among world powers to reverse-engineer advanced technology of non-human origin. It features interviews with 34 senior members of the U.S. government, military, and intelligence community — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "Every single person I interviewed made it very clear that it was no longer a question of whether this was a real situation," he said. "It's a very real situation." Farah, who worked on the film for more than three years, said each person he spoke to had "direct knowledge of this issue" and "extreme credibility." "We've had repeated instances of something operating in the airspace over restricted nuclear facilities, and it's not ours," Rubio said in the trailer. He said the film reveals how the U.S. government is engaged in a "high-stakes, secret Cold War race with adversarial nations like China and Russia to reverse engineer technology of non-human origin." HOUSE WITNESS TESTIFIES UFOS NEARLY ACTIVATED RUSSIAN NUCLEAR MISSILES DURING 1982 INCIDENT "The first country that cracks the code on this technology will be the leader for years to come," said Jay Stratton, a former Defense Intelligence Agency official and director of the government’s UAP Task Force, in the film’s trailer. Farah said some are calling it "the Manhattan Project on steroids." "The fear here is that if another nation wins this race it could really change the lay of the land in terms of power," he said. But skepticism surrounding UAPs remains. Farah said the question now isn’t whether UAPs exist, but where they come from, who controls them and what their purpose is. He said joking about this topic is "the equivalent of laughing at a terrorist threat." "Who would do that?" he said. "It makes no sense when you think about it. You know, if someone said, ‘Hey, there’s this constant terrorist threat. Terrorists are penetrating the airspace over our nuclear weapons sites.' Who would laugh at that? It makes no sense." JD VANCE SAYS UFOS, ALIENS COULD BE ‘SPIRITUAL FORCES’ AS VP VOWS TO ‘GET TO THE BOTTOM’ OF MYSTERY IN SKIES High-level officials in the film claim the issue was moved away from presidential oversight, with defense contractors "gatekeeping information." However, Farah said members of Congress and the Trump administration are now working to uncover answers. "Now we have leaders in Congress and in the administration that are trying to get to the bottom of it, and there are people in this film who are respected in their fields, who say they have seen these craft and have seen the recovered non-human bodies," he said. He said on-the-record interviews are even more important in this digital age, with many people dismissing everything they see as fake or artificial intelligence. He hopes the film will serve as the evidence many believe doesn’t exist. "Some officials go on record claiming to have seen craft and non-human beings with their own eyes, and these are people who are putting their reputation and their names on the line," he said. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Farah said he thinks President Donald Trump could be the first president to speak openly about this unexplained phenomenon. "I think it's only a matter of time at this point before we have a sitting president step to the microphone and have the biggest moment a leader can possibly have, which is telling all of humanity that we're not alone in the universe and that the United States intends to lead the way," Farah said. The film will be released on Nov. 21 and will play in select theaters in New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, and will also be available worldwide to purchase or rent on Amazon Prime Video.

Kiera McDonald,Morgan Phillips 11 hours ago

Entertainment

California: powerful ‘atmospheric river’ storm prompts evacuation warnings

Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties prepare for deluge and possible landslides this weekend

Gabrielle Canon in Oakland 11 hours ago

Technology

'Fake admiral' suspect who 'gatecrashed Remembrance ceremony' named by police

A man who allegedly posed as an admiral during a wreath-laying ceremony on Remembrance Sunday has been named by police amid "public concern." Jonathan Carley, 64, from the Harlech region in Gwynedd, Wales, has been accused of faking being an admiral by wearing the uniform during the ceremony. The individual at the ceremoney was seen saluting the war memorial as the wreaths were being laid. The suspect was accused of wearing a naval uniform adorned with 12 medals. The Royal Navy said masquerading as a naval officer was "insulting to veterans." The alleged fake admiral was seen wearing the Distinguished Service Order, a decoration typically bestowed upon infantry officers, though no active Royal Navy officer has been granted the DSO, and it has not been awarded for more than 30 years, reports the Mirror . He has subsequently been charged with wearing uniform/dress bearing the mark of His Majesty's Forces without permission. He will appear at Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 11 December. Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan said: “We understand that this incident has caused significant public concern, particularly given its occurrence on Remembrance Sunday. “In response to the reports made to North Wales Police, officers have responded swiftly to make an arrest and proceed with charges. “We urge members of the public to avoid online speculation and to refrain from sharing any content that could compromise future court proceedings.”

Anders Anglesey,Billy Gaddi 11 hours ago

Politics

University of California Faculty Win Block on Trump Defunding

Your browser is: Explorer 11.0. This browser is out of date so some features on this site might break. Try a different browser or update this browser. Learn more.✕ Trump’s Higher Ed Fight:New DemandsHarvard Wins at CourtCornellUniversity of VirginiaNorthwesternWhy Universities Are VulnerablePoliticsContact us:Provide news feedback or report an errorConfidential tip?Send a tip to our reportersSite feedback:Take our SurveyNew WindowBy Madlin Mekelburg, Isaiah Poritz, and Maxwell AdlerNovember 15, 2025 at 1:17 AM GMT+1Updated on November 15, 2025 at 1:46 AM GMT+1The Trump administration was ordered by a judge to stop freezing or threatening to withhold federal grant funds to schools within the University of California system as part of a nationwide pressure campaign to impose a raft of policy changes on elite colleges.In a major setback for President Donald Trump, US District Judge Rita F. Lin on Friday sided with a coalition of faculty groups and employee unions that had accused the administration of trying to silence faculty research and speech. Before it's here, it's on the Bloomberg TerminalBloomberg Terminal LEARN MOREHomeBTV+Market DataOpinionAudioOriginalsMagazineEventsNewsMarketsEconomicsTechnologyPoliticsGreenCryptoAIWork & LifeWealthPursuitsBusinessweekCityLabSportsEqualityManagement & WorkMarket DataStocksCommoditiesRates & BondsCurrenciesFuturesSectorsEconomic CalendarExploreNewslettersExplainersPointed News QuizAlphadots GameThe Big TakeGraphicsSubmit a TipAbout UsTerms of ServiceTrademarksPrivacy PolicyCareersAdvertiseAd ChoicesHelp©2025 Bloomberg L.P. All Rights Reserved.

Isaiah Poritz,Madlin Mekelburg,Maxwell Adler 12 hours ago

Science

Cancer to comics — Bengal researcher makes art out of science

From cancer to comics, from scientist to artist, from MIT to IIT — it has been an unusual journey for Bengal boy Argha Manna, who spent a chunk of his youth peering into the microscope but who later realised it was more fun spreading science through graphic art. On Saturday (November 15, 2025), this trained biologist will be conducting a workshop in the city, History in Comic Art, teaching enthusiasts about the methods of researching, reimagining and crafting a visual story. “Art and science inspire each other and are very much connected. It was only in the 19th century that we separated them as disciplines. From the time of Leonardo da Vinci to William Turner, there was no boundary. Da Vinci himself was a brilliant scientist and engineer,” Mr. Manna, 38, told The Hindu. “William Turner was a good friend of Michael Faraday, and many of his atmospheric watercolours were inspired by science (Turner and the Scientists by James Hamilton is one of my favourite reads). There are many examples in the history of humankind where the marriage between art and science has created new knowledge, which has pushed humanity to the next level,” he said. This boy from Liluah near Howrah resident, joined the Bose Institute in Kolkata in 2009 as a research scholar on cancer biology, but dropped out of the programme in 2015 without accepting a degree. The reason? That year was the 100th anniversary of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, and the Science magazine had marked the occasion through comic art. “It was kind of an ‘Aha!’ moment for me. I thought if a serious scientific journal like Science could publish comic art, why couldn’t I do it? I had found my right calling,” the scientist-artist said. “But this did not happen immediately. As I dropped out of the Bose Institute, I had to take a job to pay my bills. I took up a job in Ananda Bazar Patrika as a journalist. I didn’t have good skills in drawing, but there I learnt from the principal illustrator, Suman Chaudhury, who became my school. I did a double shift in the office for four years just to learn art. In the morning, I was a journalist; in the evening I learnt cartooning, illustration and techniques of fine art,” he said. It was while working at the newspaper that he started creating comic art on the history of science. Recalling his fascination with microscopy, he tried to critically enquire, in the artwork, how microscopy, as a tool, started a revolution in in science. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of his comic artworks, Be Aware of Droplets and Bubbles, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, generated interest in the scientific community and shortly after that, he earned a fellowship from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “That’s when my artistic career began to take shape. I got a call from MIT and I started working with Prof. Lydia Bourouiba on the history of disease transmission, focusing on air-borne disease. I left the conventional way of publishing science and my project was asking critical questions and documenting paradigm shifts in disease transmission research through comics — graphic non-fiction,” Mr. Manna said. By the end of 2022, a job offer from IIT Gandhinagar brought him back to India, but he has retained his association with MIT as well, returning there every summer to work on a book project. So, he holds twin designation at the moment: Artist-in-Residence (IIT Gandhinagar) and Research Affiliate (MIT). “During my PhD days, I liked to see what was going on at the microscopic level. I never thought that my love for images would pull me towards art. I felt deeply that science nowadays is becoming deeply technical and that the philosophical part is being ignored. I wanted to express scientific knowledge, the development of science, and the history of science beyond academic settings,” Mr. Manna summed up his work. “I do not believe in unidirectional knowledge dissemination or monologue lectures. I am envisioning the workshop as a collaborative space in which we will have dialogues, ask critical questions, and draw stories together.”

James Hamilton 12 hours ago

Technology

Chilliwack-Hope MP encourages applications for 2026 Canada Summer job funding

Chilliwack-Hope MP Mark Strahl is encouraging employers to apply for funding to hire young Canadians over the upcoming summer. Applications for the 2026 Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program are now open and available until Dec. 11, 2025. Through this program, employers will be able to receive wage subsidies and give Canadians, between the ages of 15 to 30, the “skills and experience they need to successfully join the workforce.” “Both local employers and local students have benefited from this program in the past,” Strahl said via a press release. The MP is asking all employers in the Chilliwack-Hope area — which includes not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and private-sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees — to apply. Since 2017, the CSJ program has been creating summer job opportunities that provide valuable work experience for Canadian youth. For more information and to apply, please visit Canada.ca/Canada-summer-jobs.

Kemone Moodley 12 hours ago

Health

Little girl rushed to hospital after 'horrific' soft play accident

A four-year-old girl suffered a severe injury following a seemingly harmless accident at a soft play centre. Little Lillie Russell was at the bottom of a slide when another child slid down and crashed into her from behind. This unfortunate incident triggered a condition known as 'accident induced scoliosis' which progressively worsened until her spine was bent at a shocking 70 degrees. She has since undergone three procedures under general anaesthetic in an attempt to straighten her spine - but none of them were successful. Now, three years on, she has to wear a back brace for 22 hours a day and requires surgery to insert metal rods into her spine - a procedure that can't be carried out until she is older. After this, her lengthy journey to recovery should finally conclude at 18, with a final spinal fusion operation. Her mum, Amelia Russell, 34, from Earls Barton in Northamptonshire, said: "You don't expect your children to come back from soft play with such a severe injury. "We received a call saying 'I think Lillie's broken her back but she's not in any pain'. You can't fathom how stressful it was. It was every parent's worst nightmare. I was told that after it happened, she got up and carried on playing. "I looked at her back and thought, 'what on earth has happened? I couldn't believe what I was seeing. We drove her straight to A&E." After finally receiving her diagnosis in the summer of 2023, Lillie underwent three spine stretching procedures under general anaesthetic - one every three months. However, these procedures were unsuccessful, and she now faces a much larger operation, under the care of medical professionals at London's Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, to insert metal rods. Her mother, who also has two other children, Albie, five and Rosie, nine months, with husband Dan, 44, explained: "Under general anaesthetic they put her in a machine to stretch her body and try to straighten out her spine. "After the third operation we realised that it was not correcting. The muscles were wasting. She was only four. It was horrific. During these months she was in a permanent brace. But the curvature was getting worse and worse. The curvature started off at 55 degrees and is now nearly 70 degrees." Amelia and her husband Dan, who together run a successful roofing firm, were busy expanding their business into a multi-million-pound turnover during all the hospital appointments too. She said: "It was an incredibly stressful time, and we didn't have a holiday for a year. Thanks to Staysure we managed to secure insurance and headed to Turkey for some much-needed family time last year. "Staysure were the only company willing to insure us so we could go on holiday. Before the accident, we had typical family holidays, we took them to Disneyland Paris and it was great. "We never thought we'd find a company that would help us because it's quite complex. We're going to Abu Dhabi with them in January, which really helps the whole family at a time when we are in limbo, waiting for Lillie to get to the right weight for the next operation." The couple are now eager to assist others after witnessing the trauma their seven-year-old daughter, Lillie, has endured. They have started an Instagram account @lillielivingwithscoliosis to document their journey and inspire other children living with the condition.Amelia shared: "We began the Instagram account because I'm a positive person and so is she. Lillie is a girly girl who loves unicorns. "But this is her nightmare, and mine too. To watch your daughter noticing herself that she stands differently to her friends is heartbreaking. She says she's got a special back." Sophie Davis, from Staysure, commented: "Lillie is a real inspiration. She has already faced many challenges and has chosen to tell her story to help and support other children and families living with scoliosis. "We're really pleased to be able to help and provide her and her family the protection they need to keep on enjoying family holidays. In the last three years we've covered over 7,000 children living with a wide range of medical conditions from asthma to heart disease, so we know how important it is for families to feel safe and protected when they go abroad."

Howard Lloyd 12 hours ago

Business

USDA Report Challenges Trump’s Claims on China’s Soybean Purchase Commitments

OMAHA, Neb. – Recently unveiled data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is casting doubt on China’s commitment to purchasing substantial amounts of American soybeans, a promise highly publicized by the Trump administration following a pivotal meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. The USDA’s report, released post-government shutdown, indicates only two confirmed Chinese purchases of U.S. soybeans since the summit in South Korea, amounting to 332,000 metric tons. This figure falls significantly short of the 12 million metric tons that Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins claimed China had pledged to buy by January. Furthermore, it pales in comparison to the 25 million metric tons anticipated annually over the next three years. U.S. farmers, who have long relied on China as their top customer, were hopeful for renewed trade. However, Tanner Ehmke, CoBank’s chief economist for grains and oilseeds, notes that China currently has little motivation to purchase American soybeans. This is due to their ample supply sourced from Brazil and other South American nations this year, coupled with ongoing tariffs that make U.S. soybeans pricier than their Brazilian counterparts. “We remain far from meeting the expectations set by the U.S. regarding the agreement’s potential,” Ehmke remarked. While Beijing has not confirmed any specific soybean purchase agreement, they have acknowledged reaching a “consensus” on enhancing trade in agricultural products. Ehmke suggests that even if China did agree to buy American soybeans, it might have been conditional on favorable pricing. The White House has yet to comment on the apparent shortfall in Chinese purchases or clarify whether U.S. farmers can still anticipate an assistance package. The Chinese tariff on American beans remains high at about 24%, despite a 10-percentage-point reduction following the summit. Soybean prices fell sharply by 23 cents to $11.24 per bushel Friday. Ehmke said “that’s the market being shocked by the lack of Chinese demand that was confirmed in USDA data today.” Prices are still higher than they were before the agreement when they were selling for $10.60 per bushel, but the price may continue to drop unless there are significant new purchases. Before the trade agreement, Trump had promised to offer farmers a significant aid package to help them survive the trade war with China. That was put on hold during the shutdown, and now it’s not clear whether the administration will offer farmers aid like Trump did in his first administration. American farmers have been through this before after Trump’s first trade war with China. The trade agreement China signed with the United States in 2020 promised massive purchases of U.S. crops. But the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted trade between the two nations just as the agreement went into effect. In 2022, U.S. farm exports to China hit a record, but then fell. Soybean prices are actually still a little higher than they were a year ago even without China’s normal purchases of roughly one-quarter of the U.S. crop. That’s because this year’s soybean crop is a little smaller while domestic demand remained strong with the continued growth in biodiesel production. But farmers are dealing with the soaring cost of fertilizer, seed, equipment and labor this year, and that is hurting their profits. The Kentucky farmer who is president of the American Soybean Association, Caleb Ragland, has said he worries that thousands of farmers could go out of business this year without significant Chinese purchases or government aid. China is the world’s largest buyer of soybeans. China bought more than $12.5 billion worth of the nearly $24.5 billion worth of U.S. soybeans that were exported last year. But China quit buying American soybeans this year after Trump imposed his tariffs and continued to shift more of their purchases over to South America. Even before the trade war, Brazilian beans accounted for more than 70% of China’s imports last year, while the U.S. share fell to 21%, World Bank data shows. AP Writer Didi Tang contributed to this report from Washington.

Internewscast 12 hours ago

Technology

Explosion near Kashmir’s Nowgam police station kills seven, injures 27

At least seven people were killed and 27 injured when a large pile of confiscated explosives in a police station in India's Kashmir detonated late on Friday, broadcaster NDTV reported, citing sources. Most of those killed are policemen and forensic team officials who were examining the explosives stored at the police station, the report said. Death toll could rise further The death toll could climb further, with five of the injured still in critical condition, NDTV said. ALSO READ4th doctor in custody, another ‘suspicious’ car found: 10 developments in Delhi Red Fort blast case Reuters could not immediately verify the reason for the blast. Jammu and Kashmir police did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. ALSO READJammu and Kashmir: Two hybrid terrorists held in Sopore as joint forces seize arms Earlier, a local police official told Reuters that an explosion had ripped through Nowgam police station. The official said fire had engulfed the compound and fire tenders had been rushed to the spot, with casualties feared. The blast comes four days after a deadly car explosion in Delhi, which killed at least eight people in what India has called a terror incident.

Reuters 12 hours ago

Health

Ethiopia confirms first outbreak of Marburg virus  - Trinidad Tribune – Latest Trinidad And Tobago News

Ethiopia has confirmed its first outbreak of Marburg virus disease, after nine cases were reported in the south of the country. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Friday commended the Ethiopian Health Ministry and other health agencies for their “rapid and transparent response to the outbreak”. “This fast action demonstrates the seriousness of the country’s commitment to bringing the outbreak under control quickly,” Tedros wrote in a social media post. The confirmation comes a day after the WHO said Ethiopian health authorities were investigating after “suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever” were reported. Marburg is from the same family as Ebola, namely the Filoviridae family (filovirus) of viruses. It has been described as more severe than Ebola. The United States-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes it as a “rare but severe” hemorrhagic fever that can be deadly. Originating in Egyptian fruit bats, it can spread between people when someone comes into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person, or objects contaminated with their fluids, such as clothing or bedsheets. Symptoms include fever, rash and severe bleeding, and there is no treatment or vaccine for Marburg, according to the CDC. Instead, it says that “treatment is limited to supportive care”, including rest and hydration. The outbreak in Ethiopia was reported in the country’s southern region of Omo, which borders South Sudan. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said on Thursday that the outbreak was a concern because “South Sudan isn’t far and has a fragile health system”. No other African country has reported Marburg virus cases in recent weeks. Tedros, the WHO chief, said on Friday that the UN agency was “actively supporting Ethiopia to contain the outbreak and treat infected people, and supporting all efforts to address the potential of cross-border spread”. The Ethiopian Ministry of Health also said that community-wide screenings were being conducted in relation to the outbreak, alongside efforts to raise awareness. Infected people have been isolated and are being treated, it said in a statement shared on social media, while work to identify anyone who may have come into contact with suspected cases was also under way. The ministry urged people not to panic, to follow instructions from the health authorities, and to seek medical care if they exhibit any signs of the disease.

Cb_usr 12 hours ago

World

Displaced Palestinian families suffer as heavy rains flood Gaza tent camps  - Trinidad Tribune – Latest

Displaced Palestinians are reeling after heavy rains flooded their tents in makeshift displacement camps in Gaza City, as the United Nations warns that Israeli restrictions on aid have left hundreds of thousands of families without adequate shelter. Abdulrahman Asaliyah, a displaced Palestinian man, told Al Jazeera on Friday that residents’ mattresses, clothes and other belongings were soaked in the flooding. “We are calling for help, for new tents that can at least protect people from the winter cold,” he said, explaining that nearly two dozen people had been working for hours to get the water to drain from the area. “This winter rain is a blessing from God, but there are families who no longer wish for it to fall, fearing for the lives of their children and their own survival,” Asaliyah said. Gaza’s civil defence agency said Friday’s flooding primarily affected Palestinians in the north of the Strip, where hundreds of thousands of people have returned following last month’s ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Flooding was also reported in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah, said the rescue agency, which urged the international community to do more to “address the suffering” of Palestinians whose homes were destroyed in Israel’s two-year war on the enclave. “We urge the swift delivery of homes, caravans, and tents to these displaced families to help alleviate their suffering, especially as we are at the beginning of winter,” it said in a statement. While the October 10 ceasefire has allowed more aid to get into the Gaza Strip, the UN and other humanitarian groups say Palestinians still lack adequate food, medicine and other critical supplies, including shelter. Aid groups working to provide shelter assistance in the occupied Palestinian territory said in early November that about 260,000 Palestinian families, totalling almost 1.5 million people, were vulnerable as the cold winter months approached. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said this week that it has enough shelter supplies to help as many as 1.3 million Palestinians. But UNRWA said Israel continues to block its efforts to bring aid into Gaza despite the ceasefire deal, which stipulated that humanitarian assistance must be delivered to Palestinians in need. “We have a very short chance to protect families from the winter rains and cold,” Angelita Caredda, Middle East and North Africa director at the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), said in a statement on November 5. Reporting from Deir el-Balah on Friday, Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary said Palestinians across Gaza have been voicing fears that this winter would be particularly difficult due to the lack of safe shelter. “It only rained for a couple of minutes – 30 minutes or so … [and] they were completely flooded,” she said. “Their tents are very fragile and worn-out; they have been using them for the past two years.” She added that most Palestinians do not have any other options but to remain in tent camps or overcrowded shelters, despite the difficulties. “We’re already seeing Palestinian children walking barefoot. They do not have winter clothes. They do not have blankets. And at the same time, the aid that is coming in … is being restricted,” Khoudary said. Back in Gaza City, another displaced Palestinian man affected by the heavy rains, Abu Ghassan, said he and his family “no longer have a normal life”. “I’m lifting the mattresses so the children don’t get soaked,” he told Al Jazeera. “But the little ones were already drenched here. We don’t even have proper tents.”

Cb_usr 12 hours ago

Technology

Shocking Incident: Woman Caught on Video Tossing Dog in Plastic Bag Over Anaheim Veterinary Clinic Fence

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Authorities in Anaheim, California, have launched an investigation after a shocking video surfaced capturing a woman hurling a small dog over a fence. This unsettling event occurred in the early hours of Wednesday. Footage from the University Veterinary Center’s surveillance cameras reveals the dog encased in a plastic bag being flung over the facility’s barrier, landing in the clinic’s backyard. The following morning, the clinic’s veterinarian discovered the dog, who was suffering from serious injuries. “It’s difficult to comprehend why anyone would commit such an act,” expressed Dr. Ash Hakhamian. “Saying the dog was ‘thrown’ doesn’t capture the severity. The animal endured significant mental trauma, which eclipsed even his physical injuries.” Hakhamian was taken aback to find the injured animal behind his clinic, initially puzzled by how the dog had ended up there. “We decided to review the security camera footage, and to our disappointment we found the pet was placed there by being thrown over the fence,” he told ABC . “He face-planted,” Hakhamian added. “That’s what broke his fall, was his face.” In addition to the trauma and severe bruising, Hakhamian says the dog is severely anemic, malnourished and was covered in fleas. “His nails are so long, they have curled and gone back into his paw,” Hakhamian said. “That’s a type of neglect that proceeds this trauma, it proceeds this abuse.” The clinic said that due to the nature of the situation, the Anaheim Police Department and Orange County Animal Care are now involved and that the dog is “receiving around the clock care to ensure he is recovering from both his injuries and ongoing medical needs.” While he’s expected to fully recover, the dog remains in critical condition. After reviewing the surveillance video, the veterinarian’s office thought the woman responsible came from the apartment building across the street. Police confirmed that’s where she was found earlier on Thursday. The Anaheim Police Department said the woman seen in the video has not been arrested, but police are discussing the case with the Orange County District Attorney’s Office to see if it qualifies for criminal charges. Officer Breana Castro with Anaheim police said the woman has spoken with detectives. “Her statement was taken, and it is going to be presented to the district attorney’s office for charges,” Castro said. The dog is not currently available for adoption. “There is going to be a lot of medical care and other things involved before he is going to be made available to the public for adoption and/or foster care,” a statement from the clinic said. The incident remains under investigation.

Internewscast 12 hours ago

Technology

Abbotsford event shows parents why their kids should be in the trades

The construction sector is one of the biggest employers in B.C., with more than 260,000 people currently working in this industry. However, as people retire or switch careers, more and more people are needed to keep up with the demand driven by a continually growing population. That’s why the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC is hosting a free event on Nov. 25 that will teach both parents and their children about the value of entering the construction industry. This event features construction professionals sharing the benefits of working in the skilled trades, how the industry has changed in recent years, and what the future likely holds for construction workers. A 2024 report from the provincial government predicted that the construction sector had the most optimistic future for employment opportunities among any skilled trade. According to the Labour Market Outlook 2024 report, there will be approximately 12,300 job openings in B.C. for construction helpers and labourers between 2024 and 2034, plus another 11,880 openings for carpenters. These numbers are significantly higher than any other industry in the report, with the next-highest one being the 9,160 job opportunities for cooks. This is in line with the growth that the construction industry has been seeing in recent years, according to Statistics Canada. In 2024, there were approximately 246,800 people working in construction in B.C., which is the closest that the province has gotten to reaching pre-pandemic levels that exceeded 250,000 workers. The provincial government is also encouraging more people to follow this career trajectory and recently committed to investing $241 million into trades training. Premier David Eby said that doubling the existing trades training fund within the next three years will benefit both those moving into skilled trades as well as the province as a whole. “This is about creating opportunity – giving more British Columbians the chance to train for good jobs with bigger paycheques and a more secure future,” said Eby. “Across the province, major projects in construction, clean energy, mining, and advanced technology are moving forward, and we need to make sure British Columbians benefit. By dramatically expanding skills training, we ensure projects can move without delay, and that British Columbians are first in line for these jobs.” The upcoming seminar at Abbotsford Arts Centre will give people a better understanding of whether pursuing this career trajectory is right for them or their children. Attending the Canadian Home Builders’ Association of BC’s event is free, but registration is required and can be found at chbabc.org/construction-careers-what-every-parent-should-know. The event takes place from 5:45 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

Brandon Tucker 12 hours ago

Health

South Carolina executes man by firing squad, in state’s third such killing in year

Stephen Bryant, 44, convicted over 2004 murder, was shot dead despite growing backlash against ‘barbaric’ method

Sam Levin 12 hours ago

Business

Invest in Food and Beverage Stocks as the Holiday Season Approaches

In just over a month, families and friends will gather to enjoy their Christmas meals, a time of festive cheer. However, for some, this season also highlights a well-known investment strategy: investing in food and beverage companies as a defensive measure. Despite economic challenges, people still need to eat, and perhaps indulge in a drink or two to keep the spirits high. Recent developments have made this investment approach even more appealing. Sir Dave Lewis, credited with steering Tesco away from a crisis a decade ago, has been appointed as the new leader of Diageo. This £40 billion giant, known for products like Guinness and Johnnie Walker, has been facing troubles. The financial world is optimistic that ‘Drastic Dave,’ as he is famously called, can work his magic in time for future holiday seasons. This could be uplifting news for Diageo’s uneasy shareholders. However, the upcoming Budget in 11 days poses a potential challenge, with rumors suggesting that Chancellor Rachel Reeves might again increase taxes on alcohol. The anticipation surrounding Reeves’ announcement has already led to a slowdown in supermarket sales in the past few weeks. Last year’s Budget, which included hikes in employer National Insurance and other taxes, already hit supermarkets hard. They are hoping for a ‘pro-jobs, pro-growth’ statement this time, one that will benefit the retail sector. Whether the Chancellor will heed this call remains uncertain until the announcement on November 26, keeping speculation alive. But if you are looking for short or long-term diversification, the £76billion UK wine and spirits sector is an inviting prospect – particularly if you are re-positioning your portfolio to gain more exposure to British stocks. The FTSE 100 reached a record 9,808 this week before falling yesterday amid Budget jitters. Yes, apprehension may surround the impact of the Budget, but there still are reasons to be cheerful about UK plc. Food and drink might be seen as a safe haven, but hazards lurk. Sales at private equity-owned Asda dropped by 6 per cent over the past quarter, indicating that discounts alone are no longer sufficient to entice even the cash-strapped. Alexandra Jackson, manager of the Rathbones UK Opportunities fund, says: ‘This is a sector defined by its razor-thin margins, operational complexity, intense competition and volatile consumer trends.’ The latest include the ‘sober curious’ movement among members of Gen Z, the target clientele for Diageo’s Casamigos and other tequilas. But supermarkets are the beneficiaries of another consumer behaviour shift, dubbed ‘staying-in is the new going out’. In response to the expense of restaurant food, households are opting for supermarkets’ premium ready meals. Diageo should be able to supply the accompanying wines. Figures from analytics group NIQ highlight the appetite for premium private label dining. Sales of Marks & Spencer’s ranges are not only bounding ahead in its own stores, but also through its venture with Ocado. To the chagrin of investors, including myself, M&S shares are down this year owing to the cyber attack that paralysed its operations in the spring. Yet analysts rate its shares, which stand at 353.7p, a ‘buy’ based on the view that the British will want to spoil themselves this Christmas – and beyond. Britain’s number one grocer controls 28.3 per cent of the market. The aim is to achieve a 30 per cent share by offering more value to customers who might otherwise abscond to the German discounters Aldi and Lidl, and by appealing to the more affluent through its Finest premium label range. Tesco’s buoyant state contrasts markedly with its predicament in 2014 at the height of the accounting crisis that had engulfed the company. Luckily, Lewis arrived to save the day. Ken Murphy, Lewis’s successor, is also seen as a class act. Jackson says that Murphy’s adroit capital allocation decisions, which reflect ‘a deep understanding of what drives long-term performance’, are the reason why Tesco is the cornerstone of her fund. At 438.4p, Tesco shares are 18.5 per cent higher than at the start of the year, although they are still below the 606p peak in 2007. No analyst forecasts a return to such heights, but they do rate the shares, which offer a 3 per cent dividend yield, a ‘buy’. I took a tiny stake in Tesco in February 2024, when the shares were 285p. I was following my own advice in this column, partly spurred by purchases of pieces of Tesco F&F clothing items that people assumed were designer. I am not selling. SAINSBURY’S Sainsbury’s, which holds second place in the UK supermarket league with 15.3pc share, has long been in Tesco’s shadow. But analysts sense that Sainsbury’s may be stepping more into the limelight following a better-than-expected first-half performance. Sainsbury’s is benefiting from its Nectar loyalty scheme and from staying in is the new going out. Chief executive Simon Roberts says that more customers are sampling its Taste The Difference range. The disposal of its banking operation to NatWest has also boosted the company, and the next sell-off could be Argos, which owns homeware business Habitat. However, Argos is likely to fetch rather less than the £1.1billion Sainsbury’s paid for it in 2016. Most analysts consider Sainsbury’s a ‘hold’ at 322p. The shares could maintain their upward momentum if it enjoys a bumper festive season. Income seekers will like the 6 per cent dividend yield. Shares in Diageo leapt by 8 per cent this week on news of Lewis’s appointment. The heavily indebted group’s many problems include not only Gen Z teetotalism, but a move among all generations to ‘low-or-no’ alcohol. Non-alcoholic Guinness Zero is proving to be a favourite among all age groups. Yet selling Guinness is one option open to Lewis if he agrees with an analysis from the Swiss bank UBS that Diageo could be worth 40 per cent more if broken up. As an investor, I am hoping that Lewis will deploy all his expertise, especially since Diageo’s shares have fallen by 20 per cent since last Christmas to 1793.5p. Among the 20 brokers that follow the stock, six consider Diageo a ‘buy’. The rest contend that the shares are worth holding. The bounce in Diageo shares following Lewis’s appointment suggests the audacious are taking a flutter on such an outcome, which would certainly be an excuse for a toast in Casamigos, Guinness Zero or Smirnoff. With maybe some M&S, Sainsbury’s or Tesco canapes, too.

Internewscast 12 hours ago