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BTS’ J-Hope Starts His 30-Day Countdown to Military Discharge

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Dhruv
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J-Hope is set to become the next BTS member to complete his military service, and his fans, known as the BTS ARMY, are eagerly awaiting his return. Recently, J-Hope took to Weverse to announce that his military discharge is scheduled for October 17, 2024, marking the start of a 30-day countdown. Fans expressed their excitement, saying they were happy to see him nearing the end of his mandatory service.

In his post, J-Hope began by writing in Korean, as translated by a fan page on X, “Just 30 days left! Time flew by, but I’m already feeling nostalgic. I’ve grown attached to everything here. I’ve been packing, giving away gear that meant a lot to me, and my locker is looking emptier.”

He continued, sharing a mirror selfie, and wrote, “That’s when it hits me. I think back to the early days, feeling nervous and tense, not knowing then what I know now—that everything would be okay. Even the sound of the locker screeching open was a trigger.”

Reflecting on his journey, he added, “Now, I look at the new recruits and can read their thoughts. It reminds me of myself, and I find it kind of endearing. I can’t stop these strong emotions from taking over… but I’m proud of myself! I made it! I’m writing this from bed, haha. I really am one of those ‘almost-discharged sergeants.’ Having the Chuseok holiday off is great—a full day to rest!”

He ended the letter by saying, “That was a lot, but I wanted to wish you a happy Chuseok. Isn’t it crazy that my 30-day countdown starts on this day? While everyone is relaxing with family, the butterfly in my heart is fluttering endlessly.”

Fans reacted to the letter on X, with one user tweeting, “CAN’T WAIT FOR HIM TO BE BACK ALREADY…” Another commented, “His letter is so heartfelt… and that pic…”

Others expressed gratitude, with one fan tweeting, “Thank you for the wonderful translations. His emotions come across so clearly. We appreciate the effort you put into this.”

Jin, the eldest BTS member, enlisted in December 2022 and was discharged in June 2024. J-Hope started his service in April 2023, and Suga joined in September 2023. The remaining BTS members—RM, Jimin, Kim Taehyung (V), and Jungkook—are also serving their military duties in South Korea.

Cristiano Ronaldo Will Miss Al Nassr’s Asian Champions League Opener

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Dhruv
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Cristiano Ronaldo has been diagnosed with a viral infection and will miss Al Nassr’s Asian Champions League opener this week against Iraq’s Al Shorta.

The Portuguese star, aiming to add Asia’s top club title to his list of accolades, won’t feature in Monday’s kickoff.

“Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo was not feeling well today and has been diagnosed with a viral infection,” the club announced on the social media platform X. “The team doctor advised rest and staying at home, so he won’t travel to Iraq. We wish him a speedy recovery.”

Earlier this year, Ronaldo’s first attempt with Al Nassr ended in a quarter-final loss to eventual champions Al Ain in a penalty shootout.

Now rebranded as the Asian Champions League Elite, Al Nassr and other Saudi teams are expected to be top contenders after heavy investments in players like Ronaldo and Neymar over the past two years. England’s Ivan Toney is the latest major signing, joining Al Ahli from Brentford for over $45 million last month.

The new-look tournament, with Saudi Arabia likely to host the 2034 World Cup, will feature a mini knockout round from the quarter-finals, with the winner taking home at least $12 million.

Al Nassr, Al Ahli, and Neymar’s Al Hilal will be among the 24 teams in the Champions League Elite, which is divided into East and West zones. Each team will face eight opponents in the group stage, and the top eight from each zone will advance to the round of 16, which will be held over two legs in March. The final stages will take place in Saudi Arabia from April 25 to May 4.

Despite Neymar still recovering from a knee injury, Al Hilal, aiming for a record-extending fifth Asian title, have strengthened their squad with the addition of Portugal’s Joao Cancelo from Manchester City. Al Hilal’s roster already includes stars like Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Ruben Neves. Meanwhile, Al Nassr, missing the 39-year-old Ronaldo, can still rely on Sadio Mane, Aymeric Laporte, and Marcelo Brozovic for their opening match in Baghdad.

Defending champions Al Ain from the UAE, led by Argentine legend Hernan Crespo, are also contenders after their victory over Japan’s Yokohama F-Marinos in the last final. Other teams from the West zone include clubs from Qatar, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Iraq.

In the East, Japanese teams have been dominant in recent years, with Yokohama returning to challenge again. However, coach Harry Kewell has been sacked after a poor domestic campaign. Kawasaki Frontale and Vissel Kobe will also represent Japan, while South Korea will field three teams: Pohang Steelers, Ulsan, and debutants Gwangju.

Although Chinese clubs have scaled back their spending, former Chelsea star Oscar still plays for Shanghai Port under Australian coach Kevin Muscat. Other Chinese teams include Shandong Taishan and Shanghai Shenhua, with Australia, Thailand, and Malaysia also represented in the East zone.

Delhi HC Asks IAF’s Opinion on Plea Seeking Commission of Women

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Dhruv
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The Delhi High Court has requested a response from the Centre and the Indian Air Force (IAF) regarding a petition filed by a woman seeking to fill vacant positions in the IAF’s flying branch with qualified women candidates like herself.

A bench led by Justice Rekha Palli issued a notice on the petition, expressing hope that the IAF would objectively assess the issue and consider why women deemed fit for flying duties are not being commissioned when male candidates fail to fill the available vacancies.

The petitioner, aspiring to become an IAF pilot, applied for the role following a May 17, 2023 advertisement. She contended that despite existing vacancies in the flying branch, her application was not being considered as the vacancies allocated for female candidates had already been filled.

The court remarked, “Issue notice. Counsel for the respondents have accepted notice and requested time to seek instructions.” The bench, also comprising Justice Shalinder Kaur, further commented, “We hope that the highest authority within the Indian Air Force will review this matter impartially and consider why eligible women cannot be commissioned when male candidates fail to fill the advertised vacancies.”

The petitioner’s lawyer clarified that the challenge was not against the advertisement, which reserved a small percentage of flying branch positions for women, but argued that the unfilled vacancies could be filled by commissioning qualified women who have passed the required tests.

The next hearing is scheduled for September 27.

Amit Shah Promises to End Terrorism; Requests People to Not Vote for NC-Cong Congress

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Dhruv
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday urged voters to reject the National Conference (NC)-Congress alliance and support the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu and Kashmir, vowing to eliminate terrorism so thoroughly that it would never resurface.

Speaking at an election rally in Kishtwar district’s Padder-Nagseni assembly constituency, Shah said, “This sacred land of Mata Machail has made supreme sacrifices for the nation. I pay my respects to the ancestors of this land. We all remember how terrorism escalated here in the 1990s. The sacrifices of Chanderkant Sharma and the Parihar brothers are still fresh in our minds.”

In April 2019, terrorists shot and killed Sharma, a BJP affiliate, along with his bodyguard Rajinder. J&K BJP secretary Anil Parihar and his brother Ajit Parihar were also assassinated in November 2018.

The BJP has nominated former minister Sunil Sharma from Padder-Nagseni and Shagun Parihar, daughter of Ajit Parihar, from the Kishtwar assembly constituency.

Shah alleged that efforts were underway to revive the terror-ridden 1990s and accused the NC-Congress alliance of promising to release terrorists if elected. “But this is Narendra Modi’s government, and no one has the audacity to spread terrorism under our watch.”

Shah criticized NC chief Farooq Abdullah, questioning his whereabouts during the terror attacks in Kishtwar. “He was vacationing in London while Kishtwar bled,” Shah claimed.

He warned voters to stay away from the two parties, accusing them of nurturing terrorism. “Whenever the NC-Congress alliance formed a government, terrorism flourished. I clearly remember the 1990s, when the Gandhi and Abdullah families were responsible for the spread of terrorism. Now they want your votes again.”

Shah emphasized that the BJP government is committed to eradicating terrorism, highlighting efforts to bolster village defense guards and special police officers with better weapons and security measures.

He also reiterated that Article 370, which had granted Jammu and Kashmir semi-autonomous status, is now a thing of the past. “NC and Congress claim they will bring back Article 370 if elected. But Modi has made it history—it has no place in India’s Constitution anymore.”

Shah also vowed to protect reservations for Gujjars and Paharis, insisting that Jammu and Kashmir would never again have two constitutions or two flags. He claimed NC and Congress had promised to reconsider these reservations if they came to power but dismissed the possibility of either Farooq Abdullah or Rahul Gandhi forming a government.

Referring to Jammu and Kashmir’s last king, Maharaja Hari Singh, Shah accused NC and Congress of disrespecting him by banishing him from his state. “These parties insulted Maharaja Hari Singh, denied rights to women, and failed to protect marginalized communities. Will you really bring them back to power?” he asked.

Shakira Leaves Stage After Fan Tries to Film under Her Dress

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Dhruv
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Shakira was seen dancing at a Miami nightclub to her latest song, Soltera, during a video shoot before making an abrupt exit. While performing on stage, the Colombian singer noticed an unidentified man seemingly filming under her dress. A video capturing her sudden departure is circulating widely on social media, with many fans condemning the man for his inappropriate and “creepy” behavior.

What Happened

Shakira was performing at LIV nightclub in Miami, Florida, showcasing Soltera while wearing a sequin dress on a small stage. In a clip taken by an audience member, which has since gone viral, Shakira appeared visibly uncomfortable when she noticed a man filming from a low angle beneath her dress.

She gestured toward the individual, indicating he should film her face rather than from the inappropriate angle, giving what seemed like a warning. Though she continued to dance momentarily, Shakira soon left the stage abruptly. As she exited, security personnel and fans greeted her in the VIP area.

Reactions on Social Media

On social media, users expressed outrage. One person on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “This is a very shameful act. Is there any humanity left in people?” Another added, “Shakira can’t even dance to her own song without being sexually harassed… Men are gross, they ruin everything good!!” Another tweet read, “Shakira leaves the stage after being filmed inappropriately while performing. People are GROSS.”

Fans continued to share their disappointment, with one user stating, “That’s truly disappointing behavior. Artists deserve respect and privacy, both on and off stage. It’s important to create a safe environment for everyone.” Another tweeted, “It’s disgraceful that Shakira was subjected to such abuse during a live event.” The man involved was called out by several users for his “creepy vibes.”

In March, Shakira released her 12th studio album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran (Women Don’t Cry Anymore), her first in seven years. She had earlier announced her separation from former Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué in June 2022 after 11 years together, moving to the U.S. with her children shortly after.

Breton Plans to Step Down as France’s EU Commissioner

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Dhruv
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PARIS, Sept 16 – On Monday, French European Commissioner Thierry Breton announced his resignation from the EU executive body, citing a disagreement with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Breton alleged that von der Leyen had asked France to withdraw his candidacy.

As von der Leyen prepares to unveil her list of commissioners for her second term, Breton, who served as the EU’s industry and internal market commissioner during her first term, claimed in a resignation letter posted on X that she had requested France to remove his name for “personal reasons” in exchange for a “supposedly more influential portfolio.”

Breton, a former business executive, oversaw key policies in his previous role, including industrial arms production and the regulation of Big Tech.

Reuters was unable to immediately verify the claims, and von der Leyen’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

“In light of these latest developments, which reflect questionable governance, I can no longer continue my duties in the College,” Breton stated in the letter.

While each EU member state is entitled to a seat at the Commission, the political influence of commissioners varies greatly depending on their portfolio.

The French presidency also did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Adani Group States Press Release on Kenya Projects are Fake

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Dhruv
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On Monday, the Adani Group firmly clarified that neither the Group nor its companies or subsidiaries have released any press statements concerning their ongoing projects or presence in Kenya.

A spokesperson from the Adani Group emphasized that individuals with “vested interests and malicious intent” are circulating “several fraudulent press releases,” including one titled “Adani Group Denounces Baseless Accusations and Threats,” related to their activities in Kenya.

“We strongly denounce this deceitful action and urge everyone to completely disregard these fake press releases. Legal action will be taken against anyone responsible for spreading false information,” the spokesperson stated.

The Group further noted that all official press releases are available on its websites. “We urge media outlets and influencers to verify facts and sources before publishing any content about the Adani Group,” the statement concluded.

Choreographer Jani Master Charged For Sexually Assaulting Colleague

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Dhruv
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Police have filed a zero First Information Report (FIR) against choreographer Shaik Jani Basha, popularly known as Jani Master, following allegations of sexual assault made by a 21-year-old woman who is also a choreographer. According to The Hindu, the woman, who has been working closely with Jani Master for several months, reported to the Raidurgam police in Hyderabad that he has been sexually assaulting her during their outdoor shoots.

The woman claims that Jani Master assaulted her at her residence in Narsingi, as well as during shoots in various cities including Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. Based on her complaint, a zero FIR was filed by the Raidurgam police and has since been transferred to the Narsingi police for further investigation. A senior police official noted, “Since the woman resides in Narsingi, the case has been transferred there for further action.”

Jani Master faces charges under sections 376 (rape), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Telangana’s Director General of Women Safety Wing (WSW), Shikha Goel, mentioned that she had been contacted by individuals from the film industry seeking guidance. She advised them to conduct an internal inquiry under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (PoSH) Act and also recommended registering a case with law enforcement. “The case will be investigated further according to protocol,” she said.

Earlier in June, a dancer named Satish had also lodged a complaint against Jani Master with the Raidurgam police, accusing him of harassment and blocking his opportunities in film shoots. Jani Master denied these allegations during a press conference.

In 2019, Jani Master was sentenced to six months in jail by a local court in Medchal, Hyderabad, for a 2015 altercation at a college. He remains active on social media, frequently sharing photos with celebrities such as Ram Charan, Pawan Kalyan, and Rajkummar Rao.

Missile Fired By Yemen Rebels Lands in Israel: Tensions Rise

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Dhruv
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Early Sunday, a missile fired by Yemen’s Iran-backed rebels landed in an open area in central Israel, setting off air raid sirens at Ben Gurion International Airport. This incident is the latest development in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for nearly a year. Although there were no casualties or significant damage reported, Israeli media showed footage of people rushing to shelters at the airport, which resumed normal operations shortly afterward.

A fire was visible in a rural area of central Israel, and images surfaced of what seemed to be a missile fragment that landed on an escalator at a train station in Modiin. The Israeli military reported that the surface-to-surface missile was intercepted by their defense system, which hit and fragmented the missile but did not destroy it. The explosions heard were from interceptors engaging the missile.

The Houthis, the Yemeni rebels, have previously launched drones and missiles at Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas, with most being intercepted over the Red Sea. In July, an Iranian-made drone from the Houthis hit Tel Aviv, resulting in one death and ten injuries. Israel responded with airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, including the port city of Hodeidah. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested a similar response might follow the latest attack, warning that the Houthis should expect a heavy price for targeting Israel.

Houthi military spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree claimed that the missile targeted a “military objective” near Tel Aviv. The Houthis have also targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, which they portray as a blockade on Israel in support of Palestinians. Most of these ships are not linked to Israel.

The ongoing Gaza conflict, which began with Hamas’s attack on October 7, has had regional repercussions, including attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets by Iran and its allies. These retaliatory strikes have raised concerns about a broader conflict.

On Sunday, the Israeli military reported a “high probability” that three hostages found dead months ago were killed in an Israeli airstrike. The victims—Cpl. Nik Beizer, Sgt. Ron Sherman, and Elia Toledano—were abducted during Hamas’s attack and were believed to have been killed in a November strike targeting a senior Hamas militant. This announcement may intensify pressure on the Israeli government to negotiate for the remaining hostages, though critics argue that rescuing them is too perilous.

Additionally, an Israeli border police officer was stabbed near Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate; the attacker was shot and killed. The officer was not seriously injured.

Early Sunday, around 40 projectiles were fired from Lebanon, with most being intercepted or falling in open areas. Israeli forces also dropped leaflets over the Lebanese town of al-Wazzani, calling for evacuation, but this was later clarified as an unauthorized action by a local commander.

The Israel-Lebanon border tensions have displaced many people on both sides. Netanyahu emphasized the need to restore safety and order in the region. Hezbollah has stated it would cease attacks if a Gaza cease-fire is achieved, but recent negotiations for a truce and the release of hostages have stalled. Netanyahu has insisted on maintaining control over the Gaza-Egypt border to prevent arms smuggling, though recent discoveries of sealed tunnels might undermine this position.

The Israeli military announced that of the many tunnels discovered, only nine entered Egypt, and all have been sealed. This contradicts Netanyahu’s argument for continued control over the corridor. Egypt has previously sealed tunnels on its side, creating its own buffer zone along the border.

Donald Trump ‘Safe’ After Assassination Attempt in Florida’s Golf Club

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Dhruv
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On Sunday, a man armed with an AK-style rifle aimed his weapon at Donald Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, while the former president was on the course. The U.S. Secret Service responded by opening fire. Fortunately, Trump was unharmed, and the FBI is investigating the incident as an attempted assassination of the Republican presidential candidate.

The suspect, who abandoned his weapon and fled in an SUV, was apprehended in a neighboring county. An AK-style firearm was found at the scene near Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, but no injuries were reported.

This incident adds to a tumultuous campaign year. It comes roughly two months after Trump survived an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally, where he was grazed by a bullet. Shortly after, President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

During Trump’s round of golf, the course was partially closed off for his safety. Secret Service agents, who secure the area ahead and behind him, noticed the armed individual a few holes ahead. An armored vehicle is typically on-site to provide immediate protection if needed.

Trump had returned to Florida from a West Coast tour that included a Las Vegas rally and a fundraiser in Utah. His Sunday plans were not publicly disclosed by his campaign. Trump usually spends his mornings golfing and then having lunch at one of his three Florida clubs.

Following the July assassination attempt, Trump’s security measures have been heightened, including the use of dump trucks to block Trump Tower’s entrance and bulletproof glass at outdoor rallies. After the incident, Trump was safely returned to his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach.

The White House stated that both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed and relieved that Trump was safe. Harris condemned the violence, emphasizing that it has no place in America.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, a prominent Trump ally, reported that Trump was in “good spirits” after the incident. Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder detailed how the suspect was quickly apprehended following a “very urgent BOLO” (be on the lookout) alert. Deputies intercepted the suspect’s vehicle on I-95, and he was taken into custody without further incident.

Attorney General Merrick Garland is receiving regular updates on the situation. The suspect was apprehended near Palm City, Florida, about 45 miles north of the golf course, leading to a temporary closure of northbound lanes on I-95.

Eyewitness Max Egusquiza described the emergency response, noting a significant police presence. Trump is scheduled to speak about cryptocurrency on social media Monday night and will resume his campaign activities on Tuesday in Flint, Michigan, followed by a rally in Long Island, New York, on Wednesday. Later in the week, he will attend the Israeli-American Council National Summit in Washington, D.C., and hold a rally in Wilmington, North Carolina.

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