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Sheikh Hasina Dismisses War Crimes Charges Ahead of Bangladesh Court Verdict

By
Alina Khan
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0
Sheikh Hasina
Sheikh Hasina

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has rejected allegations of crimes against humanity ahead of an International Crimes Tribunal ruling, declaring the charges false and stating she doesn’t care about such verdicts. The 78-year-old Awami League leader delivered her defiant message via audio recording to supporters.

Direct Challenge to Interim Government

“It is not so easy, Awami League has come up from the grassroots, not from the pocket of some usurper of power,” Hasina said in Bengali, accusing interim leader Muhammad Yunus of attempting to eliminate her party.

She characterized Yunus’s administration as illegitimate, claiming: “People will show this corrupt, militant, and murderer Yunus and his aides how Bangladesh can turn around; the people will do justice.”

Exile and Legal Proceedings

Sheikh Hasina, a close Indian ally, fled to Delhi last year after nationwide protests against her government turned violent. She resigned shortly before her escape, after which the Yunus-led interim government assumed control and filed crimes against humanity charges. The court ordered her to appear in Dhaka for trial, but she defied the summons.

Constitutional Arguments

Accusing Yunus of power usurpation, Sheikh Hasina referenced Bangladesh’s constitution: “removing elected representatives from their posts by force is punishable. Yunus has done exactly that through his meticulous designs.”

She claimed her government had accepted student protesters’ demands during last year’s uprising, but “fresh demands kept coming in. The aim was to create an anarchic situation.”

Defending Her Record

Rejecting human rights violation allegations, Hasina asked: “I gave refuge to 10 lakh Rohingya and they accuse me of violating human rights?”

She criticized the interim government for granting amnesty to individuals who allegedly murdered police officers, Awami League workers, lawyers, journalists, and cultural figures, arguing this “closed the doors of justice for the victims’ family members.”

Defiant Pledge

“Let them issue a verdict. I don’t care. Allah gave me life, Allah will take it, but I will keep working for the people of my country. I have lost my parents, my siblings, and they burnt down my home,” Hasina declared.

She promised supporters: “I am telling my party workers: don’t worry, it is a matter of time, I know you are suffering, we will not forget this, everything will be accounted for.”

Elon Musk’s xAI Launches X Chat as Privacy-Focused WhatsApp Alternative

By
Alina Khan
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0
Elon Musk
Elon Musk

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture xAI has unveiled X Chat, a privacy-centered messaging platform integrated into the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The service positions itself as a secure alternative to established messaging apps like WhatsApp and Arattai, introducing enhanced privacy features and message control capabilities.

Elon Musk’s Announcement and Vision

Elon Musk announced the launch on X, writing: “X just rolled out an entire new communications stack with encrypted messages, audio/video calls and file transfer.” The tech billionaire also teased the upcoming launch of X Money “soon,” emphasizing his vision to transform X into an “everything app.”

End-to-End Encryption Features

X Chat prioritizes security through comprehensive end-to-end encryption covering all messages and file sharing, ensuring only senders and recipients can access communications. According to X’s help center documentation, “unlike before, group messages and media can now be encrypted,” though some metadata, including recipient information, remains unencrypted.

The platform introduces disappearing messages functionality, allowing users to edit, delete, or automatically remove messages after sending. Unlike WhatsApp, deleted messages vanish completely without leaving “this message was deleted” notifications.

Advanced Privacy Controls

X Chat includes screenshot protection capabilities, enabling users to disable screenshot functionality entirely. Additionally, users can activate notifications alerting them when someone attempts to capture their direct messages or group chats.

The platform promises zero advertisements and no user data tracking, appealing specifically to privacy-conscious users concerned about data collection practices common among mainstream messaging services.

Unified Messaging Experience

The service consolidates X’s existing inbox, merging legacy direct messages with the new Chat function into a single interface. Voice memo support is scheduled for future implementation.

Availability and Rollout

X Chat currently operates on iOS devices and web browsers through the DMs section on X. The company confirmed Android compatibility will launch soon, though no specific timeline was provided.

Market Context

The launch comes as messaging app privacy becomes increasingly scrutinized, with users seeking alternatives to platforms perceived as compromising data security. Notably, Zoho’s Indian messaging app Arattai has yet to implement end-to-end encryption, positioning X Chat competitively in the secure messaging space.

Lalu Yadav’s Daughter Rohini Acharya Quits Politics, Severs Family Ties After Bihar Poll Debacle

By
Alina Khan
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0
Rohini Acharya
Rohini Acharya

RJD chief Lalu Yadav’s daughter Rohini Acharya announced Saturday she is quitting politics and severing ties with her family, a day after the party suffered a debacle in Bihar Assembly polls, alleging Tejashwi Yadav’s aide Sanjay Yadav and her husband Rameez Alam played roles in her decision.

Announcement

“I’m quitting politics, and I’m disowning my family. This is what Sanjay Yadav and Rameez had asked me to do, and I’m taking all the blame,” Rohini Acharya posted on X.

Rohini Acharya, a doctor by profession and former RJD member, contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Bihar’s Saran constituency but lost to BJP’s Rajiv Pratap Rudy by a significant margin.

Building Tensions

Acharya’s move was months in the making before Bihar polls, when she unfollowed the party’s, Lalu Yadav’s, and brother Tejashwi Yadav’s X handles. With cryptic, emotional posts, she escalated her stance against the RJD and Tejashwi, bringing the rift in the party’s first family into the open.

Central to the conflict was Rohini’s reported kidney donation to her father in 2022, with rumors and allegations questioning whether she actually donated. Tejashwi Yadav’s confidante, Haryana-born RJD Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Yadav, also played a key role in the tensions.

Sanjay Yadav Controversy

Rohini Acharya criticized Sanjay Yadav for alleged overreach during the party’s Bihar Adhikar Yatra, expressing displeasure at a photo showing him seated in the front of the RJD rally bus. The indirect criticism sparked family backlash and trolling about her alleged political ambitions.

After doubts about her kidney donation, Rohini challenged critics to prove their allegations. The rift widened following Tej Pratap Yadav’s RJD expulsion over a recent scandal. Notably, Tej Pratap publicly backed Rohini, invoking Lord Krishna’s Sudarshan Chakra against her detractors.

BJP Reaction

Bihar BJP leader Neeraj Kumar stated: “The daughter who donated her kidney to Lalu Yadav and saved his life is now being pushed out of both the family and the party. One can only imagine how helpless and hurt she must be feeling today. After the brother was cast out, now the sister faces the same fate.”

Widening Family Feud

Lalu Yadav disowned elder son Tej Pratap and expelled him from the party for declaring his affair with Anushka Yadav in May, cutting personal ties and calling his actions irresponsible and contrary to family values. Rohini’s departure further widens the family feud in the RJD’s first family.

Chirag Paswan Meets Nitish Kumar After NDA Victory, Sparks Deputy CM Speculation

By
Alina Khan
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0
Chirag Paswan
Chirag Paswan

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan met JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar on Saturday, triggering speculation he may be eyeing the deputy chief minister post following his party’s strong performance in Bihar elections.

Chirag Paswan Public Statement

“I met the CM, congratulated him and extended him best wishes… I am delighted that the CM appreciated the role of every alliance partner in the NDA. He supported the LJP(RV) candidate when he went to vote,” Chirag Paswan told media.

Images posted by Paswan showed the Union Minister receiving a warm welcome from Nitish Kumar, with the duo smiling for cameras, leaving behind bitter animosity and fraught history.

Electoral Turnaround

The meeting comes after the NDA secured a landslide victory, winning 202 seats while leaving the Mahagathbandhan with significantly fewer. Chirag Paswan’s party won 19 seats, powering the coalition’s march beyond the 200-seat mark.

This marked a stunning turnaround for Paswan, whose party won just one seat in 2020 polls after going solo amid differences with Nitish Kumar.

Historical Context

In 2020, Paswan’s party coined the slogan “PM Modi se bair nahi, Nitish teri khair nahi (Have no enmity with Modi, Nitish will not be spared).” The party fielded candidates mostly in JD(U)-contested seats, harming the party’s tally. Consequently, JD(U) was reduced to just 43 seats, against BJP’s 74.

The 2025 polls were the first time LJP(RV) and JD(U) contested together, working wonders for the NDA.

Leadership Question

Saturday morning, several posters and billboards appeared across Patna, declaring Nitish Kumar “Bihar’s leader.”

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party with 89 seats, has remained silent. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called the NDA’s decisive victory “sushasan ki jeet (victory of good governance),” widely seen as endorsing Nitish Kumar’s continuation as chief minister.

Paswan’s Hint

Chirag Paswan had previously stated: “I have always believed that my strike rate has been close to 100 per cent… There should be respect in an alliance. If your partners are performing well, they should be rewarded,” when asked about the deputy chief minister post.

He emphasized earlier that “partners performing well should be rewarded,” hinting his party deserves recognition for sticking with the NDA and delivering results.

The focus has now shifted to who will be chief minister and his deputy or deputies in Bihar’s next government.

Former FTC Chair Lina Khan to Explore Unused Mayoral Powers for NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani

By
Alina Khan
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0
Lina Khan
Lina Khan

Former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan is investigating little-used laws to maximize New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s executive authority as she prepares him for office, according to an interview with Pod Save America.

Transition Role

Lina Khan, named co-chair of Mamdani’s transition team last week, told host Tommy Vietor she’s examining the extent of mayoral powers ahead of Mamdani taking office January 1. She is advising the mayor-elect on economic policy and personnel.

“Coming from the FTC, I’m going to be especially focused on things like, how do we make sure that we have a full accounting of all of the laws and authorities that the mayor can unilaterally deploy?” Khan stated in the interview, taped last week and scheduled to air in full November 23.

Mamdani’s Agenda

Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, ran on a platform offering free citywide bus service, free and universal childcare for children 6 months to 5 years old, and freezing rent on the city’s more than 1 million rent-stabilized units. His plans require approximately $10 billion in new revenue, mostly from raising taxes on millionaires and corporations.

Implementation Challenges

Tax policy is determined in Albany, where Governor Kathy Hochul has stated she has no plans to raise taxes. Hochul has also questioned free bus viability, as revenues partly pay the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s $17 billion of farebox bonds.

“A lot of what he is going to be looking to deliver is going to be requiring working closely with other institutional actors, be it the governor, be it the legislature, but he should also have a lot of ability to do things unilaterally, and so we want to make sure he has a good sense of what that is,” Lina Khan, 36, stated.

Lina Khan’s Approach

Khan plans examining recently-enacted and proposed legislation and regulations affecting algorithmic price discrimination, surveillance pricing, and junk fees, according to a person familiar with the matter.

“One thing that was really shocking to me at the FTC was just how much dormant and unused and underused authorities had just been on the books,” Khan said. “So I want to make sure that to the extent that the city has a robust set of laws that the mayor can enforce, that we’re going and understanding what is the full authority.”

Criticism

Hedge fund manager Daniel Loeb, who opposed Mamdani’s candidacy and donated to campaigns against him, criticized Khan’s appointment: “I would hire this person if I were dead set on crafting Soviet style centralized control regime, instituting repressive policies and destroying the economy. But we should give @ZohranKMamdani a chance.”

9 Killed, 32 Injured in Massive Blast at Srinagar Police Station – Here’s What Happened

By
Alina Khan
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0
Srinagar
Srinagar

Srinagar: At least nine people were killed and over 30 injured after a massive explosion tore through Nowgam Police Station in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar late Friday night, officials confirmed Saturday. The accidental blast occurred while officials extracted samples from explosives recently seized in the Faridabad terror module case.

Blast at Srinagar Police Station Details

The explosion reduced the police station to rubble and gutted several vehicles parked outside. Eyewitnesses and CCTV footage captured the blast sending flames and thick smoke billowing into the air. Body parts were found as far as 300 feet from the site, underscoring the explosion’s scale.

Sources indicated the death toll may rise as several injured remain in critical condition with some people still missing. Rescuers continued combing through rubble for those feared trapped.

Official Statement

J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat dismissed other theories as “unnecessary speculation” at a press conference: “A huge quantity of explosive substances and chemicals were recovered from Faridabad. We transported the recovery to PS Nowgam. Due to the sensitive nature, handling was being done with utmost caution. However, last night an accidental explosion occurred. Any other speculation is unnecessary.”

The PAFF, a shadow organization linked to Jaish-e-Muhammad, reportedly claimed responsibility, though police maintained the blast was triggered during handling and sealing of seized explosives in a magistrate’s presence.

Casualties

Among those killed were a State Investigation Agency official, three Forensic Science Laboratory officials, two crime wing officials, two revenue officials, and a tailor associated with the team. Twenty-seven police personnel, two revenue officials, and three civilians sustained injuries.

Much of the 350 kg explosives stock recovered in the terror module case had been stored inside the police station where the primary FIR is registered.

Terror Module Background

The probe began after threatening posters appeared in Nowgam mid-October. CCTV analysis led to arrests of three local residents: Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid.

Questioning revealed Maulvi Irfan Ahmad’s role, a former paramedic-turned-preacher who allegedly radicalized several doctors. This trail led investigators to Al-Falah University in Faridabad, where doctors Muzammil Ganaie and Shaheen Sayeed were arrested.

Agencies recovered massive quantities of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sulphur, and other materials, plus 2,900 kg of chemicals. The investigation connects to the Red Fort car blast that killed 13 people earlier this week.

India Captain Shubman Gill Retires Hurt with Neck Strain on Day 2 of Kolkata Test

By
Alina Khan
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0
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill

India suffered an early setback on Day 2 of the Kolkata Test after captain Shubman Gill retired hurt due to a neck strain, cutting short what had appeared a promising start to his innings at Eden Gardens.

Shubman Gill Incident Details

Shubman Gill walked in after Washington Sundar’s dismissal in the 35th over and appeared composed at the crease. He safely negotiated his first two deliveries from Simon Harmer before executing a well-timed sweep over square leg for four, a shot played with authority and control.

However, as he rose from completing the sweep, Gill appeared in visible discomfort. He removed his helmet and placed his hand on the left side of his neck, clearly struggling with stiffness. After standing still momentarily, he signaled to the physio.

Medical Assessment

Following a brief on-field assessment, the Indian management opted against taking risks with their captain. A replacement batter was summoned, and Gill began the slow walk back to the pavilion.

The incident occurred only minutes after arriving at the crease, with the 25-year-old facing just three deliveries before retiring hurt. He looked increasingly stiff as the physio attended to him, prompting immediate concern in the Indian dressing room. Medical staff were seen moving in and out as Gill headed straight inside for further treatment.

Match Context

The crowd, which had welcomed him warmly moments earlier, briefly fell silent. Their concern soon shifted to excitement as Rishabh Pant made his way out to bat, marking his return to the longest format since the Oval Test.

Gill’s exit temporarily disrupted India’s rhythm at a stage when hosts were looking to build stability. At the time, India were 79 for 2, and tension increased as they adjusted to both the loss of a batter and uncertainty surrounding their captain’s condition.

Other Developments

KL Rahul and Washington Sundar steadied the innings with watchful batting, keeping the run rate slightly above two. Rahul crossed the 4,000-run mark in Test cricket early in the day, reaching the milestone with composure as he helped anchor India’s effort against disciplined South African bowling.

India will hope Gill’s injury is not serious, with updates expected later in the day. The captain’s availability for the remainder of the match remains uncertain pending further medical evaluation.

Shah Rukh Khan Unveils First Property Named After Him: 56-Storey Dubai Tower ‘Shahrukhz Danube’

By
Alina Khan
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0
Shah Rukh Khan
Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan attended a mega event in Mumbai on Friday to unveil the first-ever property bearing his name, the Dubai-based Shahrukhz Danube, a 56-storey tower featuring approximately 450 square feet of premium office space.

Shah Rukh Khan Emotional Moment

“My mother would have been very happy. It is a very big honour. When my kids come, I will tell them – ‘Papa ka naam likha hai, Papa ki building hai (papa’s name is written on it, it’s papa building),” Khan stated at the event, attended by Danube’s founder and chairman Rizwan Sajan.

Entertainment Highlights

Characteristically, the evening did not lack entertainment. The superstar regaled guests with trademark wit, recreating iconic moments from ‘Om Shanti Om’ and ‘Don’.

“I don’t find myself that important that I put anything in my name except my films. Films are part of my profession and worship,” Shah Rukh said. Farah Khan, also a guest, responded: “Shah Rukh has given his name to four people: Gauri, Aryan, Suhana and AbRam.”

Khan’s wit continued: He said he had become “Eid ka chand (Moon from the pious festival in Islam)… kam dikhta hu but jab dikhta hoon, kamaal hota hai (I am seen rarely, but when I am seen, it is spectacular).”

In a light-hearted moment, Shah Rukh taught Rizwan his signature open-arm romantic pose, the Don walk, and his iconic ‘Om Shanti Om’ dialogue: “Itni shiddat se main tumhe paane ki koshish ki hai (I have craved you with so much devotion and passion).”

Personal Connection

Shah Rukh Khan explained his association: “I never found myself to be in this position. But Rizwan Bhai told me about his wife, who has been quite unwell, and Insha Allah (by God’s mercy) she will soon be fine. It touched my heart. First time, I agreed to this idea with what Adil explained. Their team had a simple idea: A lot of people come to big cities to make their homes. Their dreams are to make businesses and houses. If I could be a part of it and an inspiration, it would be the greatest gift for me.”

Project Details

Notable amenities include a helipad and swimming pool. The project is expected to complete within three to four years, with a statue of Khan at the entrance for visitor photographs. Danube plans expanding this tower concept to other cities.

Upcoming Projects

Shah Rukh Khan will next appear in Siddharth Anand’s ‘King’, featuring Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhay Verma, and Abhishek Bachchan. His production company Red Chillies Entertainment recently backed Netflix series ‘The Ba***ds of Bollywood’, marking son Aryan Khan’s directorial debut.

Tim Cook to Resign as Apple CEO? Who Will Be the Next In-Charge?

By
Alina Khan
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0
Tim Cook
Tim Cook

Apple has quietly intensified CEO succession planning efforts, with Tim Cook potentially stepping down as early as next year after more than a decade leading the world’s most valuable company, according to a Financial Times report.

Tim Cook’s Tenure

Tim Cook, who turned 65 this month, took over from Steve Jobs in 2011 and transformed Apple into a $4 trillion company. Under his leadership, Apple expanded its product line while turning services and wearables into major revenue engines. When he assumed the role in 2011, Apple was valued at approximately $350 billion—more than ten times less than today.

Frontrunner Identified

John Ternus, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Cook. Ternus joined Apple in 2001 as part of its Product Design team the same year the first iPod launched.

John Ternus‘ Role

As Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, Ternus oversees iPhones, iPads, Macs, AirPods, and Apple silicon. According to Apple, “John leads all hardware engineering, including the teams behind iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, and more.”

Over the years, he has guided every iPad generation’s development, helped usher in Apple’s custom chip revolution, and played a key role in transitioning the Mac line to Apple’s in-house silicon—a move widely praised for boosting performance and efficiency.

Professional Background

Before joining Apple, John Ternus worked as a mechanical engineer at Virtual Research Systems and holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. Colleagues describe him as a meticulous, low-profile engineer embodying Apple’s perfectionism culture.

If appointed, he would be only the sixth CEO in Apple’s nearly 50-year history and the first coming entirely from the company’s modern hardware lineage rather than the Jobs-era leadership circle.

Succession Timeline

The FT report stresses Apple isn’t expected to name a successor before its January earnings call, though internal discussions reportedly show growing urgency around succession planning. The board is focusing on strategies for smooth transition, ensuring Apple’s stock and operations remain steady when Cook eventually steps aside.

Tim Cook has previously hinted he wouldn’t stay forever, stating he doesn’t expect to be CEO a decade from now. With his 14th anniversary approaching next year, that timeline appears consistent.

Future Challenges

Should John Ternus succeed Cook, he’ll face a company amid major transitions: deeper artificial intelligence integration, possible Apple Car revival, and ongoing Vision Pro platform evolution.

Neither Tim Cook nor Ternus has commented on the report.

7 Yoga Asanas to Combat Stress and Enhance Mental Focus, Experts Recommend

By
Alina Khan
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0
Yoga
Yoga

As chronic stress increasingly affects overall health and well-being, health experts recommend specific yoga asanas that combine physical postures, meditation, and breathing techniques to reduce stress while improving concentration.

Understanding Stress Impact

When stressed, the body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, triggering the “fight or flight” response that increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels. While beneficial short-term, prolonged stress can lead to physical and emotional problems including headaches, sleep issues, digestive problems, mood swings, and weakened immune systems.

Exercise as Stress Management

Physical activity releases endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” hormones, improving mood and reducing worries. Exercise also lowers cortisol levels and blood pressure, improving sleep and positively impacting overall health. Yoga offers particular benefits by combining physical postures, meditation, and breathing techniques.

7 Recommended Yoga Asanas

  • Garudasana (Eagle Pose): Requires twisting arms and legs, stretching and strengthening muscles while requiring focus and physical coordination. Maintaining balance helps practitioners stay present, reducing stress while boosting brain stimulation, improving memory, and relieving mental tension.
  • Balasana (Child’s Pose): Calms the nervous system, promoting deep relaxation. Beneficial for reducing anxiety, mental exhaustion, and emotional stress. Forward bending and slow breathing calm the mind and foster emotional balance.
  • Padmasana (Lotus Pose): Usually performed during meditation, known to calm the mind and achieve deep relaxation, enabling focus improvement. Improves breathing patterns, allowing more oxygen to reach the brain, reducing anxiety and mental stress.
  • Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend): Requires bending forward at hips with relaxed spine and freely hanging head. Soothes the nervous system, relieves neck, shoulder, and back tension, improving brain blood flow. Increased oxygenation reduces stress and increases concentration.
  • Vajrasana (Thunderbolt Pose): Stabilizes the body and encourages stillness. Sitting with straight spine while practicing deep breathing calms the mind, improving mental clarity and concentration. Beneficial for emotional and cognitive stability.
  • Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): Backbend performed lying on stomach, lifting legs and chest by grabbing ankles. Opens chest, stimulates nervous system, and increases circulation, especially to the brain, relieving stress and reducing tension.
  • Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend): Sitting with extended legs, reaching for toes. Stretches entire spine and hamstrings, soothes nervous system, and reduces mental agitation, improving emotional well-being and reducing anxiety.
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