The co-founder of the 21st Century Icon Awards in London strongly believes much more needs to be done for the low- and middle-income households across London
LONDON (TIP): Businessman Tarun Ghulati has announced his candidature for the May 2024 mayoral elections in the UK capital, with the hope of becoming London’s first Indian-origin mayor.
Ghulati, 63, made the announcement last month while in India, his “janmabhoomi”, saying he is determined to do whatever it takes to ensure London – his home for 20 years – remains a leading global city and all Londoners feel safe, secure and empowered with opportunities for growth.
The co-founder of the 21st Century Icon Awards in London strongly believes much more needs to be done for the low- and middle-income households across London and hopes his levelling up ideas will strike a chord with the city’s voters as he prepares to challenge London’s Pakistani-origin Mayor Sadiq Khan.
“As London mayor, I wish to see increased cohesiveness between countries whose diaspora live in London, by building people-to-people and business connect,” said Ghulati.
“I will build a thriving London, do away with barriers for growth and ensure safety of all citizens. The Ultra-Low Emission Zone will be scrapped totally, no Congestion Charge will apply over weekends and holidays, 20mph speed limit zones and Low Traffic Neighborhoods will be reviewed. I wish to see visible policing across all the boroughs and police stations restored where crime rates are high. Affordable housing will a key strategy,” he said.
(Source: PTI)
MELBOURNE (TIP): Five Indians, including two children aged nine and 11, were killed and several others injured after a car driven by an elderly man ploughed into the beer garden of a pub in the Australian state of Victoria, police said. Vivek Bhatia (38), his son Vihan (11), Pratibha Sharma (44), her daughter, Anvi (nine), and partner Jatin Chugh (30) died after an SUV mounted a kerb and hit patrons on the front lawn of the Royal Daylesford hotel on Sunday, November 5 evening. Five other people, including Bhatia’s wife, Ruchi (36), younger son Abeer (six) and an 11-month-old child, are in hospital being treated for injuries. While addressing a news conference on Monday, November 6, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the victims were all visitors to the area, and described the incident as “an absolute tragedy”.
Patton said the driver of the white BMW, a 66-year-old man from Mount Macedon, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, where he was breath tested and did not have alcohol in his system.
The police chief said it was too early to determine if speed was a factor in the fatal crash.
Gurjit Singh, secretary of the Australian Sikh Support group, confirmed to The Age that Pratibha Sharma and her partner, both from Point Cook, died on the spot. Her daughter was taken to hospital where she succumbed to injuries. Singh said Sharma joined the group as a volunteer in 2020 during the pandemic and helped deliver food and groceries to people in quarantine.
She also ran for Victorian parliament and local council and, according to friends, was involved in multiple charities in the communities, the Melbourne-based newspaper reported. Bhatia’s parents are now reportedly on their way to Victoria from India to watch over Ruchi and her son as they recover in the Royal Melbourne Hospital intensive care unit after suffering broken legs and internal injuries. Meanwhile, hundreds of members from the Daylesford community turned up for a vigil for those who met with a tragic end.
Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wrote on X: “We are all shocked by what happened in Daylesford, and so deeply saddened — for those whose lives were so cruelly cut short, and for those who can never be the same again. The hearts of all Australians go out to everyone affected, including loved ones, friends, first responders and the Daylesford community.”
A total of 204 people have reportedly died on Victorian roads so far this year.
(Source: IANS)
LONDON (TIP): The Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), an independent professional association for civil engineers and a charitable body in the UK representing 95,000 members, has elected the first Indian-origin president in its 205-year history in Professor Anusha Shah.
As the institution’s 159th president, Shah took charge of her new role with a presidential address on the theme of nature-positive civil engineering at ICE’s London headquarters on Tuesday evening.
Shah specializes in water and environmental engineering, with over 22 years’ experience in designing, managing and leading projects and programs in the UK and internationally. “My presidential year will be about how we become a nature and people-positive profession at heart,” Shah stated in her speech. “We have failed to understand the interrelationship between infrastructure and nature. We are implementing nature-based and green solutions globally, but in pockets. It’s not the norm yet,” she said. According to Professor Shah, in her 40s, construction is responsible for 30 per cent of biodiversity loss around the world, but adopting a nature and people-positive approach will enable engineers to reverse the environmental decline.
“Not only will we reach net zero faster, we’ll also improve climate resilience and reap multiple benefits for our society and the planet,” she noted.
In a film accompanying her speech, Shah said that it was time for civil engineers to better understand the inter-relationship between infrastructure and nature and do more.
“Building assets which do less harm to our natural world is not good enough anymore. To put it simply, we don’t have an option but to be nature-positive… Our infrastructure needs to interact with nature in a way which is restorative and regenerative, rather than extractive,” she said.
Shah grew up in Kashmir where the natural surroundings and their interaction with the built-up elements fascinated her from an early age. It was at the age of 23 that Shah discovered a consultancy in New Delhi working on the conservation of the Dal Lake in Kashmir and turned up at their office to talk her way into a consulting project engineer’s role.
She went on to become one of only two candidates to win a prestigious Commonwealth scholarship in 1999 and came to the UK to pursue an MSc in Water & Environmental Engineering at the University of Surrey.
“There’s absolutely nothing you can’t achieve if you set your mind to it and drive your life with the right values,” she told students as she accepted her honorary doctorate from the University of East London for her services to climate change in engineering.
The same year, in 2021, the University of Wolverhampton gave her an honorary professorship for knowledge transfer. Shah’s other firsts include the youngest ever and first female chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers, London Region, before becoming a fellow of ICE in 2016.
Two years later, she founded the climate change consultancy Plan for Earth with a focus on creating awareness around the climate crisis.
“I’m a civil engineer and I’m also someone who constantly thinks of global problems, how to change the world for better, contribute to make it fair and peaceful, solve water scarcity and create climate resilience and leave behind assets for our future generations,” she said.
Shah works as a senior director for resilient cities and the UK climate adaptation lead at Arcadis, a Netherlands-based global design, engineering and management consulting company. She is currently seconded to the Effiage, Kier, Ferrovial and BAM Nuttall joint venture on the UK’s High Speed (HS) 2 rail project as senior director of environmental consents.
Shah is also a non-executive director at the UK’s Meteorological Office, a Royal Academy of Engineering visiting professor at King’s College London on climate adaptation, sustainability and inclusive design and a visiting professor at the University of Edinburgh.
Hillary Clinton, host of the podcast ‘You and Me Both’ does her candid, in-depth and sometimes hilarious conversations with people she finds fascinating. Next week she sits down with Broadway legend, TV and screen actor Patti LuPone. This takes place on the stage of the Symphony Space’s Peter Jay Sharp Theatre for a wide-ranging conversation before a live, in-person audience, Thursday, November 9, at 7pm ET. The podcast is hosted by writer and comedian Amber Ruffin.
The event will be accessible worldwide via livestream, and will be recorded for ‘You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton’ (iheart.com/podcast/1119-you-and-me-both-with-hill-71671764/). This episode of ‘You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton’ recorded at Symphony Space will be available for listening beginning November 14. “You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton” is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is available now on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are heard.
HILLARY CLINTON
Hillary Rodham Clinton has spent over five decades in public service as an advocate, attorney, First Lady, U.S. Senator, U.S. Secretary of State, and presidential candidate. In 2000, she made history as the first First Lady elected to the United States Senate, and the first woman elected to statewide office in New York. In 2007, she began her first historic campaign for president, winning 18 million votes and becoming the first woman to ever win a presidential primary or caucus state. And in 2016, she made history again by becoming the first woman nominated for president by a major U.S. political party. She won the national popular vote, earning the support of nearly 66 million Americans. Learn more at hillaryclinton.com.
PATTI LUPONE
Patti LuPone is a three-time Tony Award winner for her performances as Joanne in Marianne Elliott’s recent production of ‘Company,’ Madame Rose in the 2008 revival of ‘Gypsy’ and the title role in the original Broadway production of ‘Evita.’ Besides her Tony wins she has had several stage and film award nominations for her performances. She recently received critical acclaim for her performance opposite Joaquin Phoenix in Ari Aster’s latest film ‘Beau is Afraid.’ She is a founding member of both the Drama Division of The Juilliard School and John Houseman’s ‘The Acting Company’ and the author of the New York Times best-seller ‘Patti LuPone: A Memoir.’ Learn more at pattilupone.net.
AMBER RUFFIN
In 2023, Ruffin teamed up with iHeartMedia and Will Ferrell’s Big Money Players podcast network to launch ‘The Amber & Lacey, Lacey & Amber Show!,’ which she co-hosts with her sister. Ruffin is now writing a revival of The Wiz that tours America beginning fall of 2023 and lands on Broadway spring of 2024.
Learn more @amberruffin.com.
Symphony Space
Learn more at symphonyspace.org.
iHeart Media
Learn more at iHeartMedia.com.
——————————————
FILM & MUSIC FESTIVAL INVITES YOU TO 24TH EDITION
By Mabel Pais
The 24th Annual SOUND UNSEEN Film + Music Festival returns to Minneapolis, November 8–12, with another dynamic collection of music films and music events in venues all around the city, including The Parkway Theater, Trylon Cinema, The Main Cinema, Bryant Lake Bowl, The Green Room and VFW Uptown.
SOUND UNSEEN 2023 FILM LINEUP
OPENING NIGHT • Parkway Theater • Wednesday, November 8, 2023
‘Let The Canary Sing,’ Opening Night film. (Photo Credit : soundunseen.com)
LET THE CANARY SING
Directed by Alison Ellwood, USA, 2023
Chronicling Cyndi Lauper’s meteoric ascent to stardom and her profound impact on generations through her music, ever-evolving punk style, unwavering feminism, and tireless advocacy. The film takes the audience on an engaging exploration of the world of a renowned and pioneering artist who has left an unparalleled impact on the music industry. The film features interviews with some of Cyndi’s closest friends and family members, including Boy George, Billy Porter, and Patti LaBelle.
CLOSING NIGHT • Parkway Theater • Sunday, November 12, 2023
PETER DOHERTY: STRANGER IN MY OWN SKIN – North American Premiere
Directed by Katia de Vidas, USA, 2023
A portrait of musician and artist Peter Doherty (The Libertines, Babyshambles) as he tries to pursue his career while battling addiction. Torn between the needs of his inner life and the demands of the outside world, he dares to face all the demons to overcome this misunderstood disease.
CENTERPIECE • Friday, November 10, 2023
ART DEALERS – Midwest Premiere
Directed by Roy Power & Adam Weiner USA, 2023, Documentary
Co-Directors Roy Power & Adam Weiner attending!
Depicting a stunning 3-show run in 2022 New York City, this unique hybrid-genre concert film set against 5 years of documentary footage that explores the struggle, frustrations, and humor of living a working-class “art life” in modern America. ART DEALERS follows eccentric rock n roll performance artist Adam Weiner, aka Low Cut Connie, and his band and crew as they attempt to mount a concert production of their new ‘Art Dealers’ album for a 3 night run in Covid-era New York City.
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
KAREN CARPENTER: STARVING FOR PERFECTION – Minnesota Premiere
Directed by Randy Martin, USA, 2022
WE ARE FUGAZI FROM WASHINGTON D.C. – Midwest Premiere
Directed by Joe Gross, Joseph Pattisall, & Jeff Krulik, USA, 2023
SCREAM OF MY BLOOD: A GOGOL BORDELLO STORY – Midwest Premiere
SKATEBOARD: THE MOVIE – 45th Anniversary / New Restoration
Directed by George Gage, USA, 1978, Fiction
TRAINSPOTTING – SPECIAL SCREENING
Directed by Danny Boyle, UK, 1996
For the complete film lineup and schedule, visit soundunseen.com.
TICKETS
Tickets for the Festival can be purchased at soundunseen.com.
Sound Unseen
Sound Unseen, founded in 1999, is a cultural organization dedicated to the role of film and music as a conduit of powerful ideas and diverse viewpoints. Its mission is to foster a greater appreciation of cinema, to bridge cultures, create and expand community, provide cultural exchange, networking opportunities and educational outreach through regular interaction with great films, filmmakers, musicians, and artists.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, one of the major religious festivals in Hinduism is also observed in Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Diwali means “row of lights” in Sanskrit, with a symbolism of the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. The festival will be celebrated in November at various locations in New York City.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum (brooklynkids.org) and The South Street Seaport Museum will independently partner with The Culture Tree (theculturetree.com) to celebrate the Festival at their respective locations.
THE BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum offers an afternoon of family-friendly activities on Thursday, November 9. The celebration occurs during the Museum’s Amazon Free Hours from 2-5 pm, which continues to take place every Thursday afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.
Through a puppet show presented by The Culture Tree, children will learn the history of Diwali, teaching them the meaning of devotion, love, kindness, and valor. Other activities include story time with author Navina Chhabria, a mithai (Indian sweets) making workshop by Anu Sehgal, and lantern-making in the Museum’s ColorLab art studio. Through these activities, children will learn about Diwali, one of India’s biggest and most important festivals of the year.
RSVP
The Museum is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on November 9, and admission is free during Amazon Free Hours, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. The Diwali celebration takes place from 2-5 pm. To attend the event, RSVP at brooklynkids.org/events/diwali-at-bcm.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Learn more at brooklynkids.org.
SEAPORT MUSEUM
South Street Seaport Museum. (Photo Credit : Seaport Museum)
The Festival of lights will be celebrated at the South Street Seaport Museum (southstreetseaportmuseum.org) and on Seaport Square on November 10, 2023!
From 3–5pm, come aboard the Seaport Museum’s 1885 tall ship Wavertree, where you can make your own decoration inspired by the marigold garlands of Diwali, signifying good fortune and faith in the divine, with a maritime twist. Continue the Seaport Museum’s festivities on Pier 16, where you can decorate your own “diya lamp”—or, in this case, a candle—and then set it afloat in a specially prepared pool to symbolize prosperity in the new year.
In addition to these free all-ages activities and access to the 1885 tall ship Wavertree, the Seaport Museum is offering free general admission to all current exhibitions on view in the introduction gallery space at 12 Fulton Street. Free timed tickets for a tour of the 1908 lightship Ambrose are also available.
REGISTRATION
Pre-registration is encouraged but walk ups will be accommodated as possible. Register at southstreetseaportmuseum.org/diwali.
EXTENDED CELEBRATION
From 3–6pm, the celebration expands when The Culture Tree will host an outdoor dance workshop and performances of the garba and dandiya raas, along with traditional rangoli art activities on Seaport Square on Pier 17. You can also indulge in traditional Indian food available for purchase and enjoy a live DJ and a Diwali-themed photo booth.
PRE-REGISTRATION
Advance pre-registration for these activities is available separately at theseaport.nyc.
Extend Your Visit
Looking to visit earlier in the day on November 10? You are welcome to explore the Seaport Museum from 11am–3pm and take advantage of Pay What You Wish General Admission Museum tickets at seaportmuseum.org/general-admission.
The Seaport Museum
Learn more at southstreetseaportmuseum.org
The Culture Tree
Learn more about Culture Tree’s multiple Diwali Celebrations in NYC at theculturetree.com.
FLUSHING TOWN HALL
Flushing Town Hall (flushingtownhall.org) is joining the global Diwali celebrations by hosting its 9th Annual Diwali Festival on Sunday November 19th, featuring Kathak dance, Bhangra music, delicious Indian food, art for audiences of all ages and family-friendly activities. The event runs from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at Flushing Town Hall, located at 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, Queens, New York City.
(left) Abha Roy, (right) DJ Rekha. (Photo Credit : Flushing Town Hall)
The fun-filled afternoon features a performance by Kathak classical dancer Abha Roy, her Srijan Dance Company (srijandance.wordpress.com/srijan-dance-center), and special guests, as well as a lively Bhangra dance party with DJ Rekha (djrekha.com) spinning Bollywood-inspired tunes that combine Punjabi music with hip-hop. Guests can also enjoy delicious Indian food and learn new recipes with Chef Nupur Arora and Queens Curry Kitchen (queenscurrykitchen.com), and they can explore beautiful rangoli designs with artist Anju Gupta and Hindi calligraphy, henna hand painting, diya decorating, and more.
Watch the video – youtu.be/pLtyomsBK6U
“Festivals like this show what Flushing Town Hall is all about: bringing global culture and music to our global audiences,” says Flushing Town Hall Executive & Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek.
“The events at Flushing Town Hall celebrating the festivals of the multi-cultural population of Queens are a great occasion for people from different backgrounds to come together and celebrate each other’s cultures,” said Mukund Padmanabhan of Guru Krupa Foundation. “These events are entertaining and informative, and also promote co-existence and peace, and are very much in line with Guru Krupa Foundation values.”
TICKETS
For Tickets to attend the event, visit ci.ovationtix.com/35689/performance/11335863
Flushing Town Hall
Learn more at flushingtownhall.org.
(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Education, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, and Business)
Ganesha says today, the universe unveils a tapestry of creativity and inspiration. As the celestial bodies dance in harmonious patterns, you’re encouraged to delve deep into your innermost passions. This isn’t just about fleeting hobbies; it’s about the core of what makes your spirit sing. Perhaps you’ve been sidelining a project or idea, thinking it’s not the right time. Today, the cosmos whispers that the time is now. Embrace this wave of energy, and you might just stumble upon talents and passions you never knew lay dormant within you. Reflect on your aspirations, and let the universe guide you towards your true calling.
November 7
Ganesha says balance is the keyword for today. The celestial energies are weaving a narrative of harmony, urging you to find equilibrium in all aspects of your life. Whether it’s work-life balance, reconciling past disagreements, or simply finding inner peace, today is the day to address it. The universe is in a forgiving mood, making it a perfect time to mend fences and build bridges. Approach conversations with empathy, and you’ll find that even the most challenging discussions can lead to fruitful resolutions.
November 8
Ganesha says a day of transformation awaits you. The cosmic forces are in a state of flux, emphasising growth, evolution, and metamorphosis. While challenges might rear their heads, they come bearing gifts of wisdom and experience. Instead of viewing them as obstacles, see them as teachers guiding you towards a higher version of yourself. Every setback, every hurdle is a lesson in disguise. Embrace these teachings, and you’ll find that by day’s end, you’ve evolved in ways you hadn’t imagined.
November 9
Ganesha says love is in the air, and it’s not just about romantic love. Today, the stars shine a spotlight on all forms of love – be it familial, platonic, or self-love. It’s a day to wear your heart on your sleeve, to express, to connect, and to cherish. If there’s someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to, now’s the time. The universe is in a generous mood, amplifying every gesture of love and kindness tenfold.
November 10
Ganesha says introspection is the theme of the day. The celestial energies are urging you to take a step back from the hustle and bustle and embark on an inward journey. This isn’t about isolation but about self-discovery. Dive deep into your psyche, explore your dreams, fears, and aspirations. Today, the universe grants you clarity, helping you decipher the messages your inner self has been trying to convey. It’s a day of epiphanies, of revelations, and most importantly, of understanding oneself.
November 11
Ganesha says action and ambition drive today’s energies. The cosmos is pulsating with a dynamic force, pushing you to chase your dreams with renewed vigor. Every goal, every aspiration is within reach, provided you’re willing to take that leap. Fear might try to hold you back, but remember, it’s just an illusion. Use it as a stepping stone, channel it as motivation, and let it propel you towards your destiny. The universe is cheering you on, reminding you that you’re capable of greatness.
November 12
Ganesha says today, the stars urge you to embrace gratitude. As you navigate through the day, take moments to pause and reflect on your journey. Every experience, every encounter has shaped you, and today is the day to acknowledge and appreciate these blessings. The universe reminds you that even in moments of despair, there’s always a silver lining. Seek it out, embrace it, and let it illuminate your path forward.
Nastur Bejan Daruwalla is available
for astrological consultations.
He can be reached at info@bejandaruwalla.com
and on Phone +91-9638770377 www.bejandaruwalla.com
The Indian Panorama brings you Weekly Horoscope by Chirag Daruwalla, son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla
Aries
Ganesha says finances are always a big concern and this week too it will be a topic for you to consider. Consider both long-term and short-term financial goals and use the opportunity to review your budget. Try to find new ways to save your money and invest it wisely. Also, explore possibilities to earn more money. If you need help, it is advisable to seek advice from financial experts as they can give you good advice on how to manage your money better. In matters of the heart, this week may provide a chance to strengthen existing relationships or foster new ones. If you’re already in a relationship, try talking openly and honestly with your partner. Having deep and meaningful conversations can strengthen your relationship and help you understand each other better. If some unexpected problems arise, handling them with patience and understanding will make your relationship even better. It is important to grow and become a better person for a happy life. This week, take some time to do things that make you feel good. Think about your life and set new goals.
Taurus
Ganesha says this week is a time to think about your finances. Take a proactive approach to managing your finances by looking at your budget, finding ways to save, and setting reasonable financial goals. Think about new ways to invest or review the strategies you already have. If you’re considering making a big purchase, now is a good time to think about whether the purchase is really necessary. In matters of the heart, this week may bring you closer to people you care about. Spend quality time with your loved ones and talk to them openly and honestly. If you’re single, be prepared to meet new people and go to social events. During this time you may meet someone special. It is important to take care of yourself and create a good balance in your daily routine. Be sure to schedule time for exercise and relaxation this week. Your physical health can affect your mental and emotional state, so do things that make you feel good. Taking small steps to take care of yourself every day can help reduce stress and be more productive.
Gemini
Ganesha says this is also a good time to consider your finances. Keep track of investment properties and investment lists from various resources. Use the energy of this time to build a secure financial future. If you are looking for love, this week can give you a chance to meet new people and form special relationships. Be ready to buy new puris and buy the puris of your choice. Again and again, we can meet in Miami Kolkata through this medium. Have faith that love can come into your life at the right time and the right person can be found anywhere, anytime. With determination and a positive attitude, you can make this week truly amazing. Make use of the opportunities that come your way. This week, a big step toward happiness and a fulfilled life, a slogan. Try to get better at the things you want to improve on. You could join a new class, read self-help books, or focus on your mental and physical health. If you work on becoming a better person, your life will be happier and more balanced.
Cancer
Ganesha says take a look at your budget, figure out your important expenses, and set a plan to reach your portfolio financial goals. If you are stuck, make smart investments and talk to a financial advisor to secure your future. Love and affection may be an important part of your week. If you’re in a committed place, focus on having a last-minute open conversation with your crush. Share your feelings and strengthen your interpersonal relationships. If you’re looking for love, you may meet new people or get closer to someone you already know. Coming out into the open afresh. In the coming week, the balance between your personal life, business, finance, and love is the key to equity life. Manage your personal assets, and protect your finances wisely. Take care of your relationship to create a happy and stable life. Try to learn and gain more knowledge through classrooms, offline workshops, and hardware. Apart from this, this week you can also talk to people who can give you good advice and help you grow as a person.
Leo
Ganesha says pay attention to your finances so that you don’t have to face questions about your current financial situation. It may be volatile but try to improve your savings for a better tomorrow. It’s also important to get financial guidance whenever you need it, so you don’t waste time trying to improve the stability in your life. Our profession aims to help you improve your finances to a great extent. If you’re on the cycle, plan a special date night or do something nice in their capital to show that you value their kitty. Have in-depth conversations to better understand each other’s uniqueness and perspective. If you are single, this is a good time to explore new opportunities and be ready to meet new people. Be open-minded and ready to connect with new people at any social or offline event. In the coming week, remember that you may face some challenges and stories. But if you stay positive, try and stay strong, you can overcome any force. Stay focused, make smart choices, and take advantage of opportunities that come your way.
Virgo
Ganesha says take some time to focus on your financial situation and identify an area where you can make a small change. You will be helped in gaining control over your finances. Consider exploring new opportunities or additional projects that can increase your income. Remember, small steps taken today can lead to significant financial benefits in the future. When it comes to matters of the heart, this week holds the potential for surprising new connections and strong stable bonds. If you’re in the market for a committed date, try to foster open communication and foster romantic distance. If you are looking for love, keep your heart and mind open because you may meet someone special with whom you can have a good relationship. Trust your desire and be patient, as real conversations often take time to develop. As the week progresses, it is important to strike a balance between family, personal life, business, finance, and love. By investing time and energy in each area, you can build a mineral life. Find the last moments for your loved ones, take advantage of opportunities in your professional field, take advantage of your finances, and even make time for love.
Libra
Ganesha says you should also make sure to consider what skills you can get better at, look for professional growth opportunities, and spend time making good connections. Doing all this will not only help you in your current job but will also open doors to new and exciting opportunities. Take some time to focus on your finances this week to keep your financial situation secure. Check if you owe someone a debt and have a good plan to get it back. Read this article to learn more about where you spend your money and see which areas you can save on. Also, try to put some money into savings or investments for the future. Love is one of the most important principles in life, so take time this week to strengthen your choices. To keep your love alive, plan a romantic date or do something special for your Bengali. Talk to each other, the Internet about what they should do, and the principle of scientific support and understanding. Dependence on your family, business, and finances is very important in a new week. To have a happy and wonderful life, one needs attractive looks as a person. Focus on the new learning happening this week or better focus on what you already know.
Scorpio
Ganesha says you can also think about earning more money or talking to trusted advisors to improve your finance management. Setting financial goals and tracking your progress helps you stay on the right financial track. In matters of the heart, this week may strengthen your present or bring the opportunity for a new romantic involvement. Express your love and appreciation for your friend through small talk, nice conversations, or planning a special partnership. If you’re looking for love, be prepared for newfound stamina, and you may meet someone special. Try to build real relationships for a perfect romantic life. As you move through this week, remember to take care of your family, personal life, relationships, finances, and love. Building strong relationships with your loved ones will make for a supportive and songwriting family. In your business profile, aim to take advantage of development opportunities and donations to achieve your goal. The most important thing is to focus on yourself and work towards your tasks in life.
Sagittarius
Ganesha says to check your budget and consider what you spend and what you save. If you’ve been thinking about making changes to your finances or investments, now might be the right time to start. Consult a financial expert, know your priorities, and make smart choices. This week, it is important to strike a balance between meeting your current needs and securing your future financial stability. This week may bring a new company or strengthen your financial position. If you are alone then this is a good time to meet new people. Have fun at a social event without telling anyone and be ready for new trends. If you are in a choice, try to keep the love alive. Plan a release date or plan a surprise. Talk to Frank about any issue. This week you may get a chance to find balance in different aspects of your life. Meeting deadlines with your family, staying focused and strong in your business, making smart choices about your finances, and continuing the process of your love proposal. By following these principles, you can expect a happy week that will pave the way for a brighter future.
Capricorn
Ganesha says be careful about your finances this week. Take a look at what you spend and make a plan for your finances. There’s really no need to invest or try to save more when it comes to investing or saving more. Also, stay abreast of what changes are happening in the industry as these may affect your finances. Remember, even small steps toward financial stability can help you in the long run. In love life, this week can be a good time to strengthen your relationship. If you’re flirtatious or single in any way, be open to new teens and honest about your feelings. Have good conversations and try to understand what the people you care about want. If you’re looking for love, consider meeting new people or making new connections. The last part of your feelings comes to you naturally dear. Try to make the most of this week, stay positive, and be flexible. See role models as opportunities to learn and grow. If you need help, talk to friends, family, or counsellors. It will help you to assess any problems coming your way to move forward in your personal and work life.
Aquarius
Ganesha says if you want a new job, this is the time to try for it. Opportunities arise, allowing you to hone your skills and expertise. Talking about finances can bring stability and balance. This is a good time to review your financial approvals, budgets, and investments. Take some time to think about your financial goals and any changes needed for a successful future. Whether you are looking for love or are already in love, love will play an important role in your life this week. If you’re looking for love, keep an open heart and mind. Love will come into your life when you least expect it. Taking proactive steps to meet new people and make new connections. As we head into the week, there’s a promising mix of personal growth, adventure progression, financial stability, and love in the air. Take time to counsel yourself. Use this time for professional development, financial planning, and creating meaningful collaborations in both your personal and professional lives.
Pisces
Ganesha says information about other sources of income or investing in private ones that match your long-term financial implementation. This week is good for making smart choices with your money, which can lead to financial security and prosperity in the future. If you are already in a choice, this week can give you a chance to make your love and relationship even stronger. Benefits of Good Vibes Tour and Quality Time Together. French it out, take a good look at your metropolis, and create something you love for yourself. This week is a time of personal growth, progress in business, financial stability, and love. If you stay expert, on track, and ready for new opportunities, you can make the most of the days ahead. Life is fickle, but with determination and a positive attitude, you can persevere this week. As the week progresses, be confident in your ability to handle any challenges that come your way.
Mumbai (TIP)- Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj intimidated and scarred an under-prepared Sri Lanka with a fast bowling exhibition for the ages as India demolished the islanders by a record 302 runs to enter the World Cup semifinals here on Thursday, November 2.
On a Wankhede track that looked placid, India piled on a mammoth 357 for 8 in 50 overs.
Sri Lanka crumbled under lights for a paltry 55 in 19.4 overs to ensure an eighth semi-final appearance for India at the global event. This was India’s biggest victory by margin of runs in the 48-year history of the tournament.
With 14 points from seven games, Rohit Sharma’s army will like to finish with an all-win record as they now face South Africa in Kolkata on November 5 and the Netherlands in Bengaluru on November 12.
Shami (5/18 in 5 overs) took his second five-wicket haul in this edition and with 45 scalps, became India’s highest wicket-taker in World Cup history.
Siraj (3/16 in 7 overs) was equally incisive and Jasprit Bumrah (1/8 in 5 overs) formidable as ever in a picture-perfect bowling performance.
As the Indian juggernaut rolls on, every performance seems like a dream played on a loop.
Exactly 45 days ago, Siraj had dismantled the Sri Lankans for 50 in the Asia Cup final and it seemed that the effect of that game has stayed in the minds of the Lankans, who became the second team after Bangladesh to get eliminated from the 10-team event.It was fascinating to see how the same 22 yards looked so different when the two teams batted. While Virat Kohli (88 off 94 balls) missed out on a world record-equalling 49th ODI hundred with the maestro Sachin Tendulkar himself in attendance, batting seemed like the easiest job on the planet.
Shubman Gill (92 off 92 balls) and Shreyas Iyer (82 off 56 balls) pulverised the opposition even as they missed out on personal landmarks. But the capacity Wankhede crowd wouldn’t have believed what came in next.
On that placid track, the ball started jagging around as Siraj and Shami didn’t give any Lankan batters any respite during the 19 odd overs that they bowled.
If Siraj came wide off the crease and delivered unplayable in-cutters, Shami bowled from close to the stumps and got the ball to move away enough that either it kissed the outside edge of the bat or there was loud thwack of the stumps. Hitting the right areas is an oft-repeated statement but doing it day in and day out and getting those wrists into the business with perfect seam position creating doubts in batters’ minds, Shami has etched his name in the history books. On Thursday, November 2, Shami and Siraj showed quality of pitch doesn’t matter, quality of players do.
Kohli enjoyed a 189-run second wicket stand with his heir apparent Gill, who looked a million dollars during his run-a-ball 92. After a mini-slump, it was Iyer, who feasted against a mediocre bowling attack on a placid track, to get some form back before the match against South Africa at Eden Gardens, which will be played on a spicier track. Starting briskly with a flurry of sixes, Iyer’s innings was instrumental in taking India past 350 after they lost both Gill and Kohli in quick succession. His innings featured six sixes and three fours. Dilshan Madushanka (5/80 in 10 overs), who bowled a peach of a delivery to get skipper Rohit Sharma (4) first up, also denied all three Indian batters what would have been deserving hundreds. He used the slower cutters and bouncers to good effect during his second and third spells. Kohli and Gill weathered the storm adequately well to get through the initial overs and piled up a mountain of runs to put India on top. In the sixth over, Dushmantha Chameera almost had Kohli’s wicket but could not hold on to a return catch on his follow-through which saw the ball popping out. Beginning with a risk-free approach, Kohli and Gill stitched India’s highest-ever partnership in this World Cup for any wicket, putting on 189 runs from just 179 balls for the second wicket.
Kohli looked primed to equal the legendary Tendulkar’s tally of most ODI centuries but met with a soft end, lobbing a straight catch to cover after a masterful 88 from 94 balls which included 11 fours. The ball stopped on him as he was committed on the drive but it hit the upper part of the blade to balloon up.
Gill started slowly but produced a compelling knock that brought him close to his first century of the tournament. His first runs came off the ninth ball that he faced, but there was no stopping the fluent batter once he pulled Madushanka with command for a four to mid-wicket and followed up with a fabulous backfoot punch on the next delivery. Source: PTI
After crafting a run-a-ball 92 against Sri Lanka, Indian opener Shubman Gill on Thursday, November 2, said he has not yet regained full fitness after a bout dengue which forced him to sit out of first two World Cup matches.
Gill’s knock along with fifties by Virat Kohli (88) and Shreyas Iyer (82) fired India to 357 for 8 and eventually to a crushing 302-run win over the Lankans and to the tournament semifinals.
“Not in full fitness. I am four kilos down from dengue in terms of mass and muscle weight,” said Gill during the post-match presentation. Gill said he was looking to bat in a compact manner without sacrificing his intent to put pressure on the Lankan outfit.
“The odd ball was seaming and I hit the balls in my areas. You couldn’t get into a shell. I looked to put pressure on the bowlers. I felt in the previous matches I got starts except the last one. “We thought about rotating the strike today. I honestly don’t think it was a 400 wicket. We batted well to get 350,” said Gill.
Gill praised Indian pacers and Shreyas for their outstanding effort. “The way they were bowling, we were anticipating wickets. Siraj is always fired up. They were sensational. They have made the job easier for us. Shreyas was the key today. He batted superbly,” he added.
Australia batter Glenn Maxwell has been ruled out of the World Cup clash against England on November 4 after he fell off a golf cart, resulting in a concussion and facial bruising.
Cricket.com.au reported that Maxwell was riding on the back of a golf cart after a round on Monday when he fell off. The all-rounder is a key member of the Australian team as he shares spin duties with Adam Zampa while also playing a vital role in the middle order with the bat. He had smashed the fastest hundred in World Cup history—off 40 balls against the Netherlands—in Delhi last week.
The is Maxwell’s second freak injury in less than a year. Last November, he broke his leg at a birthday party in Melbourne and as per the report, he is yet to recover fully from that.
The players were enjoying a round of golf having got a week’s break between the New Zealand and England game.
YANGON (TIP): Myanmar’s military has lost control of a strategic town on the Chinese border following days of clashes with ethnic armed groups, in what analysts say is the biggest military challenge it has faced since seizing power. Fighting has raged on November 3 across northern Shan state, with an alliance of ethnic groups claiming to have seized four towns, blocked trade routes to China and captured dozens of military outposts.
The remoteness of the rugged, jungle-clad region — home to pipelines that supply oil and gas to China — and patchy communications make it difficult to verify casualty numbers in the fighting, which the United Nations fears have displaced thousands.
Government, administrative organisations and security forces were “no longer present” in the trade hub of Chinshwehaw, which borders China’s Yunnan province, junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said in a statement late Wednesday.
More than a quarter of Myanmar’s $1.8 billion border trade with China passed through Chinshwehaw between April and September, junta-controlled media reported in September, citing the commerce ministry.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Arakan Army (AA) said on Thursday they also had control over the towns of Hpaung Seng, Hsenwi, and Kyukok. Clashes were ongoing in Kunlong and Hsenwi, the statement said, without giving details on casualties.
China called on Thursday for an “immediate” ceasefire in northern Shan state — home to a planned billion-dollar rail link in its Belt and Road infrastructure project.
A resident of Hsenwi, around 90 kilometres (55 miles) from Chinshwehaw, told AFP on Thursday that some junta troops remained in the town.
Internet access was patchy and thousands of people had arrived in the town seeking safety, the resident said, asking for anonymity for security reasons.
The price of rice and some commodities brought in from southern Myanmar had more than doubled at some shops in Muse, a trade hub north of Hsenwi on the China border, a resident in Muse told AFP. There was no fighting in or around the town, they said, also asking to remain anonymous for security reasons.
Clashes have taken place at 10 locations across Shan state over the past six days, the junta spokesman said, without giving details on casualties.
He accused the three armed groups of “blowing up power stations, blowing up bridges, destroying transportation routes”, without providing details.
Thousands displaced
“The military hasn’t faced this level of lightning offensive since the coup,” independent analyst David Mathieson told AFP.
“It was a stunning military and intelligence failure that illustrates how stretched the Myanmar army really is.”
Myanmar’s borderlands are home to more than a dozen ethnic armed groups, some of which have fought the military for decades over autonomy and control of lucrative resources.
Some have trained and equipped newer “People’s Defence Forces” that have sprung up since the 2021 coup and the military’s bloody crackdown on dissent.
The three armed groups say the military has suffered dozens killed, wounded and captured since Friday.
Analysts say both sides likely inflate or deflate casualty figures. (AFP)
Islamabad (TIP): At least 1,65,000 Afghans living in Pakistan without valid documents have left the country since the government ordered all illegal foreigners to leave or face forcible expulsion, officials said. The government earlier last month set November 1 as the deadline for the immigrants living illegally to leave voluntarily and many Afghans started going back to their homeland after the announcement.
Millions of Afghans have been living in Pakistan for decades. Around 6,00,000 entered Pakistan after the Taliban government seized power in August 2021. Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Baloch said that the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan for individuals currently in Pakistan in violation of immigration laws, came into effect on Wednesday, which applies to individuals who have overstayed their visas or do not possess valid documents for their continued stay in Pakistan. (PTI)
Peshawar (TIP) : A bomb blast near a police patrol killed at least five people and injured 21 others in Pakistan’s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on November 3 in the latest attack on security personnel in the country.
The bomb exploded close to the police patrol in Dera Ismail Khan city, the Dawn newspaper quoted police official Mohammad Adnan as saying. Rescue official Aizaz Mehmood said five people were killed and another 21 suffered wounds. It is not known if any of the police personnel were among the victims.
Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in recent months, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan after the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November last year. On October 31, a policeman was killed after unknown militants opened fire on a police camp in Dera Ismail Khan. The same day, two soldiers were killed in an IED blast in the South Waziristan district.
In July, as many as 12 soldiers of the Pakistan Army were killed in separate military operations in the Zhob and Sui areas of Balochistan. (PTI)
Lahore (TIP): Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab province, was one of the most polluted major cities across the world for the second consecutive day on November 2, according to a global air quality monitoring platform.
The Punjab caretaker government on Wednesday imposed a “smog emergency” in the province with 127 million population to control the hazardous air quality as the iqair.com platform said Lahore remained the second most polluted city in the world. The government’s decision came in light of the Lahore High Court’s order to immediately impose a “smog emergency” in the city due to the constantly hazardous air quality index.
The government said the environment department would seal industrial units with reopening only possible through a court order. The government said district administration will take strict actions to prevent stubble burning and black smoke from any chimney of brick kilns as well as factories and all brick kilns must transfer to zigzag technology. “Every smoke-emitting vehicle will be impounded and will be released only after attaining a proper fitness certificate,” it said, adding that special anti-smog squads consisting of district and highway police will patrol day and night to stop stubble burning.
On Wednesday, Lahore High Court Justice Shahid Karim chided the Lahore commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa for his failure to control the pollution.
“Smog is not my personal problem but it is a matter of concern for the lives of our children. You are the custodian of Lahore city. See what you have done to it… you should be ashamed of Lahore’s condition,” the judge observed.
Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi had earlier briefed caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar about the main reason for the spread of smog in Lahore as the burning of residues of crops in India’s Punjab state. Kakar assured the Punjab government of taking up the issue of the smog with India at the diplomatic level. (PTI)
Gaza (TIP): Hassan Nasrallah, head of the pro-Iranian militia group Hezbollah, said the October 7 attack on Israel from Gaza was a “100% Palestinian operation” and that his group was not involved in it. But, in his first public speech since the attack, the Hezbollah leader accused the world of ignoring the plight of the Palestinian people and said a ‘big event’ was needed to refocus attention.
“This glorious, blessed, large-scale operation was 100% Palestinian in terms of decision and execution. They kept it secret from even their fellow resistance factions. The secrecy was a lynchpin to the success of this operation, unlike what is assumed by many. That kind of confidentiality and secrecy adopted by al-kasam was a requirement, it doesn’t anger us here,” Nasrallah said.
He said a big event was needed to bring everyone’s attention to what was happening in the region, and accused all major international organizations of ignoring the Palestinian cause.
“No one is moving a finger, UN, EU, League of Arab States, OIS, none is doing anything. All that is happening in Palestine is totally forgotten. The whole world has turned a blind eye to them. “The policies of the enemy are more oppressive. Therefore there is the need for a big event to shake this oppressive occupier with their backers in Washington and London, and to reopen peace and humanitarian issues in front of the whole world,” he said.
The speech was eagerly awaited to see if Hezbollah would open a second front against Israel.
The political-military group, with strong connections to Iran and based in Lebanon, is believed to have between 100,000 to 130,000 rockets aimed at Israel.
The secretary general of Hezbollah is considered by many to be the single most powerful individual in Lebanon with as many as 100,000 fighters at his disposal.
Meanwhile, Israeli military spokesman Lt Col Richard Hecht said the Israel Defense Forces are “deployed and ready” in the north, adding “we are in a defensive posture”.
“We’re saying to the Lebanese people – don’t sacrifice your future for Hamas.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hezbollah it faces counter-strikes of “unimaginable” magnitude that will cause devastation in Lebanon.
On the Palestinian fighters, Nasrallah said they were heroes.
“We are entitled to take pride in them.. we can be certain that they are rewarded in paradise…They are alive…they are now alive in God’s paradise,” he said.
Hezbollah, like Hamas, has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and other countries. Nasrallah joined Hezbollah in 1982 after the Israeli invasion and occupation of southern Lebanon.
Rising through the organisation, he replaced Hezbollah’s leader Abbas al Musawi in 1992 after the latter and members of his family were assassinated in an Israeli airstrike.
In a number of interviews, Nasrallah has repeatedly refused to recognise the state of Israel, stating that he considers its existence to be unlawful and unjust.
In a month-long war in 2006, Israel Defence Forces were surprised by the quality of Hezbollah’s personnel and weapons as they used so-called “swarming” tactics to eliminate Israeli positions.
With financial support from Iran, Hezbollah has transitioned from a guerrilla outfit into something resembling a conventional army, with drones and rockets that can hit all parts of Israel, it claims. Since Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7 and Israel’s subsequent bombing campaign and invasion of Gaza, fears have risen across the Middle East that Hezbollah will open a second front against Israel on its northern border, sparking a broader war.
(With inputs from agencies)
TEL AVIV (TIP): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated on November 3 that Israel has the right and obligation to defend itself as it continues to pummel the Gaza Strip with an air and ground assault.
“Israel has not only the right but the obligation to defend itself… to make sure that this October 7 never happens again,” Blinken told journalists as he met Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv. Israel launched a massive retaliatory assault against Gaza’s Hamas rulers after its fighters carried out the October 7 attack which Israeli officials say killed 1,400 people.
More than 9,200 people have been killed in Gaza, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said. Soon after Blinken’s arrival, he held separate meetings with Herzog and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Blinken, who is on his second tour to the Middle East since the war erupted, urged Israel to protect civilians who are caught in the crossfire and to “bring assistance to those who so desperately need it”.
Prior to his arrival in Israel, Blinken said he would seek “concrete steps” from Israel to ensure harm to Palestinian civilians is reduced.
“We will be talking about concrete steps that can and should be taken to minimise harm to men, women and children in Gaza,” Blinken had told reporters before departing for Israel.
“This is something that the United States is committed to.”
“When I see a Palestinian child — a boy, a girl — pulled from the rubble of a collapsed building, that hits me in the gut as much as seeing a child in Israel or anywhere else,” Blinken said. “So this is something that we have an obligation to respond to, and we will.”
US President Joe Biden has promised full support and ramped-up military aid to Israel for its campaign in Gaza, but in a visible shift of tone has also voiced empathy for Palestinian suffering which has stoked anger in parts of the world.
“I think we need a pause,” Biden said on Thursday at a campaign event.
US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby later clarified what such a pause would entail. “A humanitarian pause… is temporary, localised and focused, focused on a particular objective or objectives, humanitarian aid in, people out,” Kirby told reporters. (AFP)
MONTEMURLO (TIP): At least 12 people were killed as Storm Ciaran battered Western Europe with record winds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, causing travel mayhem with closed ports and flight and rail disruptions.
At least five people died in Tuscany, Italian authorities announced on November 3, reporting record rainfall and the declaration of a state of emergency.
Tuscany governor Eugenio Giani said the five dead included an 85-year-old man who was found drowned on the ground floor of his house in Montemurlo, northwest of Florence.
“What happened tonight in Tuscany has a name: climate change,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Florence mayor Dario Nardella said the “situation is critical” in the city, as the level of the Arno River continued to rise.
Trees felled by gale-force winds caused most of the deaths in Europe. In the Belgian city of Ghent, a five-year-old Ukrainian boy and a 64-year-old woman were killed by falling branches.
Falling trees had earlier killed a lorry driver in his vehicle in northern France’s Aisne region, and French authorities also reported the death of a man who fell from his balcony in the port city of Le Havre.
A man in the Dutch town of Venray, a woman in central Madrid and a person in Germany also died. Some 1.2 million French homes lost electricity as the storm lashed the northwest coast. Almost 700,000 remained without power on Thursday evening, according to network manager Enedis.
French President Emmanuel Macron was due to visit the storm-battered region of Brittany on Friday, the Elysee presidential palace said.
The storm interrupted rail, air and maritime traffic in Belgium where the port of Antwerp was closed and flights from Brussels were disrupted.
The wind gusts in the western Brittany region were “exceptional” and “many absolute records have been broken”, national weather service Meteo-France said on X.
The prefect for the local department said gusts as high as 207 km/h (129 mph) were recorded at Pointe du Raz on the tip of the northwest coast, while the port city of Brest saw winds hit 156 km/h.
In southern England, hundreds of schools were closed as large waves powered by winds of 135 km/h crashed along the coastline.
On the Channel Island of Jersey, residents had to be evacuated to hotels overnight as gusts of up to 164 km/h damaged homes, according to local media. (AFP)
Gaza (TIP): A journalist working for the Palestinian Authority’s television channel was killed on November 2 in an Israeli strike on Gaza, his network reported, as war rages between Israel and Hamas. “Our colleague Mohammed Abu Hatab fell as a martyr along with members of his family in an Israeli bombardment against his home in Khan Yunis” in the south of the territory, broadcaster Palestine TV station said.
Medical sources at Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis said at least 11 people were killed in the strike.
Since Israel began bombarding the Gaza Strip in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attacks, hundreds of Palestinian journalists have had to flee south from Gaza City and work in fear for their lives in appalling conditions as Israeli air raids pound the territory.
The Palestinian journalists’ union says that 27 of its members have been killed in the territory since October 7.
Media representatives in Gaza, including AFP, used to work from offices in Gaza City.
But intense Israeli bombardments, which destroyed many buildings, forced news organisations to send their teams to the south, even as Israeli strikes hit targets across the entire territory.
The conflict raged for a 27th day Thursday after the October 7 attacks when Hamas militants stormed the border, killing 1,400 people and kidnapping more than 240, Israeli officials say.
Since then, Israel has relentlessly pounded the Palestinian territory and sent in ground troops, with the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza saying 9,061 people have been killed, including 3,760 children. (AFP)
Jerusalem’s (TIP): The once bustling streets of Jerusalem’s Old City have fallen eerily quiet, with the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas keeping away tourists and their much-needed cash.
In the maze-like warren of shopping streets that surrounds the city’s holy sites, most businesses remained shuttered, nearly four weeks into the war. The few remaining shopkeepers brave enough to open their stores wait day after day for tourists who have yet to return.
“There is no tourism industry any more,” said Marwan Attieh, 48, a third-generation tour guide and souvenir shop owner.
“We have families, we have children… (There is) no business, no income, no revenue, no life. How can you spend money, if you don’t have money?”
The walled Old City in annexed east Jerusalem is home to some of the holiest sites for Christians, Jews and Muslims and has drawn pilgrims and travellers for centuries.
Yet Jerusalem’s lucrative tourism sector has all but collapsed since October 7, when Hamas militants from Gaza stormed across the border in an attack that killed at least 1,400 people, according to Israeli officials.
Following the onslaught, Israel has struck back hard at the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip with a relentless bombing campaign that has killed more than 9,000 people, mainly civilians, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where most Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried, stood largely empty on Thursday, other than the occasional priest stirring in its cavernous halls.
“Before, this place was really alive, full of people praying and offering their problems to God and in general very spiritual,” said Pietro Mazzocco, a 31-year-old Italian seminary student studying in Jerusalem.
“And now it’s completely empty, as you can see here. There are no people.”
While many flights to Israel have been suspended and tour packages cancelled, a few tourists managed to reach the largely deserted Old City.
Rachid, a 24-year-old French tourist, refused to cancel his trip to Israel, saying he wanted to see the situation on the ground with his own eyes.
He arrived earlier this week via the land border from Jordan, following lengthy interrogation sessions by Israeli authorities.
“It’s a bit weird, nobody is in the streets,” he told AFP, adding that he had been stopped several times by Israeli police since arriving.
“People are afraid on both sides,” he shrugged. “People are sensitive. They don’t know who I am or where I’m from.”
Outside of the tourism bubble, daily life has also taken a hit.
Attendances at Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque are down, while checkpoints and patrols in occupied east Jerusalem have been beefed up.
Many residents of the mostly Palestinian-populated Old City are afraid to leave their homes, citing harassment and physical violence by Israeli security forces. (AFP)
PARIS (TIP): Iranian prison authorities have blocked 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi’s hospital transfer for urgently needed care over her refusal to wear the compulsory hijab, her family has said.
Veteran rights activist Mohammadi, 51, who is currently being held in Tehran’s Evin prison, was awarded the prize in October “for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran”.
Her selection came in the wake of months-long protests across Iran triggered by the September 2022 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, who had been arrested for allegedly flouting the Islamic Republic’s strict dress rules for women.
Mohammadi has subsequently announced she would not under any circumstances wear a hijab, the head covering that has been obligatory for women in public spaces since shortly after Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution.
Prison authorities in response have refused to transfer Mohammadi, who suffers from heart and lung conditions to a hospital outside Evin, her family said in a statement, warning her health and life were at risk.
“Two days and nights, a group of women in Evin protested in the prison yard to send Narges Mohammadi to the heart hospital,” they wrote on her official Instagram account late on Wednesday.
“The prison warden announced that, according to the orders of the higher authorities, sending her to the heart hospital without a headscarf was prohibited, and her transfer was cancelled,” the family said.
On Monday, a medical team came to the women’s wing of Evin to examine Mohammadi and carry out an echocardiogram scan after “the prison even refused to transfer Narges to the infirmary” without a headscarf, the statement added.
It said the scan showed two veins with severe blockages and high lung pressure, with a coronary angiogram and lung scan urgently needed.
“She is willing to risk her life by not wearing the ‘forced hijab’, even for medical treatment,” the family said.
In a message expressing gratitude for the prize, read by her daughter and posted on the Nobel website late Tuesday, Mohammadi described the compulsory hijab as a “means of control and repression imposed on society and on which the continuation and survival of this authoritarian religious regime depends”.
Earlier this week, Mohammadi also expressed outrage over what she described as the “murder” of 17-year-old Armita Garawand. (AFP)
WASHINGTON D.C. (TIP): With 2023 rapidly coming to a close, the Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to review their tax withholding as soon as possible to avoid a potential surprise when they file their tax return next year.
Although it’s best for taxpayers to verify withholding early in the year, an adjustment made in the final weeks of 2023 could still help to avoid an unexpected result, such as a big refund or a balance due, when filing taxes next year.
With only a few weeks left in the year, the IRS encouraged people who haven’t checked their withholding recently to do it soon so they can make any withholding adjustments needed. The IRS has several ways to help.
Tax Withholding Estimator
The Tax Withholding Estimator, also available in Spanish, can help taxpayers determine if they have too much income tax withheld and how to adjust tax withholding. In other cases, it can help taxpayers see that they should withhold more or make an estimated tax payment to avoid a tax bill when they file their 2023 tax return.
The tool offers workers, retirees, self-employed individuals and other taxpayers a simple-to-use, mobile-friendly way to calculate the correct amount of income tax they should have withheld from wages and pension payments based on their complete set of facts and circumstances.
Taxpayer options to pay as they go
Taxes are generally paid throughout the year. Employers typically withhold income tax from their employees’ salary and pay it to the IRS on the employee’s behalf. However, about 70% of taxpayers withhold too much every year resulting in a refund.
The IRS reminds individuals earning income that’s not subject to withholding, such as income from rental properties, gig economy work or self-employment, to consider making quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid a balance due or penalties when filing.
Taxpayers may send estimated tax payments with Form 1040-ES by mail, or pay online, by phone or from their mobile device using the IRS2Go app. Taxpayers may also make estimated tax payments through their Online Account, where they can also see their payment histories and other tax records. To create an Online Account, go to IRS.gov/account.
Other items may affect 2023 taxes
Common and unforeseen life events can be a trigger to make withholding adjustments. They include:
Life changes such as marriage or childbirth – Getting married or having a child are just a couple of life events that can affect a taxpayer’s refund or how much they owe.
Job Loss – IRS Publication 4128, Tax Impact of Job Loss explains how this unfortunate circumstance can create new tax issues, such as receiving unemployment compensation.
Disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes – Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal government declares their location a major disaster area.
The IRS reminds taxpayers that a refund is not guaranteed. Proper withholding adjustments help people boost take-home pay rather than be over-withheld and get it back as a tax refund.
If eligible, the fastest way to receive a tax refund is by filing electronically and choosing Direct Deposit. IRS issues most refunds within 21 days. While most are issued in 21 days or less from an error-free and paperless tax return, many take longer for different reasons.
For more information about estimated taxes and tax withholding, see Tax Withholding.
SUFFOLK, NY (TIP): Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison, who helped the department finally crack the infamous Gilgo Beach serial killings case, suddenly announced Thursday night that he is stepping down after nearly two years on the job.
Harrison, a former NYPD chief of department, told officers he will inform Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone on Friday about his decision to resign, the message states.
“Serving as the Suffolk County Police commissioner for the past two years was not only a privilege but one of the greatest highlights of my law enforcement career and that is because of you,” Harrison said in the memo.
“It has been an honor to be part of this organization and work with so many talented individuals,” he also said. “Each day, I have been impressed by stories of heroism, bravery, and dedication to the residents of this county. To say I appreciate and admire each one of you, is an understatement.” Harrison told staff Thursday, November 2, he was stepping down.
Harrison took the job in January 2022 and vowed his police force would work tirelessly to capture a suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders, which had gone unsolved for over a decade. He created a special joint task force dedicated to cold-case killings. In July, Rex Heuermann was arrested near his Manhattan office and charged with the murders of three women in the case.
Harrison took the commissioner job after leaving his post as chief of department at the NYPD. He joined the Big Apple police force in 1991.
Harrison lauded the efforts of the Suffolk department Thursday, November 2, and noted, “I leave knowing Suffolk County is in good hands.”
Signup to our Newsletter!
Don’t miss out on all the happenings around the world
