China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will go to New York on November 29 to chair a Security Council meeting on the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday.
“China hopes that by hosting this meeting, we can contribute to the realisation of a cease-fire,” said spokeswoman Wang Wenbin during a regular news briefing.
China’s military said it drove a US warship out of areas it claims in the South China Sea over the weekend, accusing the US of being the region’s “biggest destroyer” of peace and stability.
The incident highlighted the region’s tensions and was the first such clash since Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden met earlier this month on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific summit in San Francisco and reported progress on some of the issues that have strained ties between the global rivals.
China’s state-owned enterprises According to People’s Daily, Senior Colonel Tian Junli, spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army’s Southern Theatre Command, the guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper illegally entered Chinese territorial waters on Saturday. According to the report, the incident occurred near the Paracel Islands, also known as the Xisha Islands in China.
“The theatre command has organised air and naval forces to follow and monitor it, and drove it away according to law,” he is said to have said.
China’s claims to practically the entire South China Sea have long been a source of dispute, pitting it against not only the US but also other regional claimants such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Beijing has continuously rejected The Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 verdict, which indicated that China’s claims in the South China Sea lack legal foundation.
According to the US Navy, the Hopper “asserted navigational rights in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law,” as reported by Reuters.
Lieutenant Kristina Weidemann, deputy spokesman for the United States 7th Fleet, told Reuters by email that “the United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant.
A: The United States opposes China’s broad claims, emphasising the threat they pose to freedom of navigation, a value that the United States fiercely supports.
A: The territorial dispute has deep historical roots, with competing claims and geopolitical dynamics involving numerous nations in the region, further complicating the ongoing tensions.
A: According to the US Navy, the USS Hopper was exercising navigational rights in line with international law. Lieutenant Kristina Weidemann, spokesperson for the United States 7th Fleet, emphasised the global struggle against illegal maritime claims.
(With inputs from agencies)
In a stunning electoral shakeup, Geert Wilders and his far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) emerge victorious in the Netherlands’ parliamentary elections. The exit polls, placing PVV at 35 seats out of 150, signal a seismic shift in Dutch political dynamics.
Central to Wilders‘ campaign was a robust anti-immigration stance, proposing measures such as border closures and the expulsion of illegal immigrants. His fervent victory speech pledged to staunch the “tsunami of asylum and immigration,” echoing the concerns of a significant segment of Dutch voters.
Wilders’ triumph aligns with a broader European trend, where far-right and populist parties gain ground. The resonance of these ideologies is evident in the recent successes of figures like Robert Fico in Slovakia and Giorgia Meloni in Italy.
Internationally, Wilders’ commentary on issues like the scrapping of Article 370 and 35A in Jammu and Kashmir, coupled with his affinity for Hungary’s Viktor Orban, underlines a broader shift toward right-wing political ideologies.
While Wilders sets his sights on the prime ministerial role, the challenge of forming a coalition government looms large. Mainstream parties, including the VVD and ‘New Social Contract,’ express reservations, particularly due to Wilders’ strident anti-Islam stance.
This electoral upheaval adds to a series of transformative political moments across Europe. From the surprising victory of Giorgia Meloni in Italy to the surge of populist movements in Slovakia and Spain, the continent witnesses a nuanced recalibration of political ideologies.
As the Netherlands grapples with the aftermath of this unexpected victory, profound questions emerge about the future of the EU, the trajectory of immigration policies, and the delicate balance between national identity and global integration. Wilders’ ascent stands as a symbol of the evolving landscape of European politics, with far-reaching implications shaping the narrative in the years ahead.
(With inputs from agencies)
As the highly anticipated Cricket World Cup 2023 reaches its grand finale, organizers have pulled off a spectacular surprise to add a touch of glamour to the closing ceremony. The electrifying Dua Lipa, renowned for her chart-topping hit “Levitating,” is all set to grace the stage and captivate sports enthusiasts worldwide. The final showdown will unfold at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19, featuring a riveting face-off between cricket powerhouses India and Australia.
Anticipation is running high for the epic clash, and the inclusion of Dua Lipa in the closing ceremony promises an unforgettable spectacle. In a recent video shared on X, the singing sensation offered insights into her upcoming performance. Not only did she reveal her choice of song for the event – the upbeat and energetic “Physical” – but she also shared her thoughts on cricket stars such as Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Kane Williamson.
Dua Lipa’s decision to perform “Physical” adds an extra layer of excitement to the closing ceremony, promising a high-energy and visually stunning show for fans worldwide. The singer’s last visit to India was in November 2019, marking her debut performance in the country. Now, after four years, she is set to make a triumphant return, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and celebration.
The closing ceremony will not only feature Dua Lipa’s electrifying performance but will also showcase other notable personalities from diverse fields. The convergence of sports and entertainment during this grand event underscores the global appeal of cricket and its ability to bring people together for moments of joy and celebration.
As we gear up for the grand finale and the much-anticipated performance by Dua Lipa, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air. The ODI World Cup 2023 closing ceremony is not just about the battle for the trophy; it’s a celebration of sportsmanship, entertainment, and the universal language of music. Get ready to be dazzled as Dua Lipa takes center stage, adding her unique flair to the culmination of this thrilling cricket extravaganza.
(With inputs from agencies)
In a surprising turn of events, OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is undergoing a major leadership reshuffle. After the dismissal of Sam Altman, co-founder and President Greg Brockman has announced his departure from the organization responsible for groundbreaking generative artificial intelligence tools.
Altman’s termination came about due to a review that uncovered a lack of consistent candor in his communications with the board of directors. The board, citing a loss of confidence in Altman’s ability to lead OpenAI, swiftly implemented changes. Mira Murati, OpenAI’s chief technology officer, has stepped into the role of interim CEO with immediate effect.
Hailing from Albania, Mira Murati’s heritage has sparked some confusion, with conflicting reports about her roots—some suggesting Indian origin and others pointing to Albanian descent. This ambiguity arises from Mira’s common Indian name, adding an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative.
In the wake of Altman’s removal, Greg Brockman, the founder and President of OpenAI, has also made a significant announcement regarding his departure. The unexpected development adds another layer of complexity to the organization’s future and raises questions about the stability of its leadership.
Reacting to the internal shifts at OpenAI, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella declared on Friday that Microsoft will continue its collaboration with the embattled partner. Originally established as a nonprofit entity in 2015, OpenAI aimed to safeguard advanced AI from falling into the hands of monopolistic corporations. However, a transformative investment from Microsoft in 2019 prompted the organization to shift to a for-profit structure, altering its trajectory.
As the dust settles on these developments, the fate of OpenAI hangs in the balance.
(With inputs from agencies)
German authorities conducted widespread raids on Thursday, targeting 54 locations across the country as part of an investigation into the Hamburg-based Islamic Center (IZH). The center is suspected of promoting Iranian ideology and supporting activities linked to Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based militant group.
The German Interior Ministry revealed that the IZH has been under the observation of the country’s domestic intelligence agency for an extended period. The center is accused of spreading the “revolutionary concept” of Iran’s supreme leader. Additionally, authorities are examining suspicions that the IZH supports banned activities by Hezbollah within Germany.
The IZH, known for operating a mosque in Hamburg, is believed by German intelligence to wield significant influence or full control over other mosques and groups. These entities are said to frequently promote a “clearly antisemitic and anti-Israel attitude.” The authorities are considering the possibility of banning the IZH, and materials seized during the raids will undergo evaluation.
The raids took place in Hamburg and six other German states, including Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Hesse, North-Rhine Westphalia, and Lower Saxony. In addition to the IZH, the investigation targets five other groups suspected of being sub-organizations associated with it.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the government’s commitment to monitoring the Islamist scene, particularly during a time when many Jews feel threatened.
On November 2, Faeser implemented a formal ban on activity by or in support of Hamas and dissolved Samidoun, a group celebrating Hamas’ attack on Israel. This action followed a pledge made by Chancellor Olaf Scholz shortly after the attack.
North Korea slammed a joint statement issued by G7 foreign ministers on Tuesday criticizing the country’s nuclear development, saying the group of affluent democracies should be “dismantled immediately.”
The senior diplomats of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union restated their long-standing call for the “complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula” in a statement issued last week.
The G7 foreign ministers also demanded that Pyongyang stop its nuclear weapons programme and sharply denounced recent North Korean arms supplies to Russia, urging the two countries to “immediately cease all such activities.”
North Korea declared itself a “irreversible” nuclear power last year and has frequently stated that it will never abandon its nuclear programme, which the dictatorship regards as fundamental to its existence.
Jo Chol Su, a senior official in Pyongyang’s foreign ministry, said the recent G7 statement is “resolutely” rejected and “most strongly” condemned, calling it “groundless.”
He claimed that members of the G7, particularly the US, have “disgraceful records of causing significant harm to international peace and security,” and that the body “has lost the justification for its existence.”
According to Pyongyang’s state-run Korean Central News Agency, Jo stated that the “G7, a Cold War relic, should be dismantled immediately.”
He called the outfit a “peace strangler, confrontation maniac, and nuclear war merchant.”
On Monday, US and South Korean defiance leaders modified a key military accord to fight Pyongyang for the first time in a decade, as part of the allies’ vow to expand defense cooperation in the wake of the North’s growing nuclear threats.
On Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared that Hamas had “lost control” of the Gaza Strip, where it had ruled for the previous 16 years.
Hamas no longer controls Gaza. Terrorists are escaping to the south. “Civilians are looting Hamas bases,” he stated, without elaborating. “They don’t have faith in the government anymore,” Gallant stated in a video carried on Israel’s major media networks.
After Hamas fighters killed civilians in southern Israel last month, Israel launched its drive to destroy Hamas, the Islamist group that administers the Gaza Strip. According to Israel’s account, almost 1,200 people killed and 240 were hauled to Gaza as hostages on the worst day in the country’s 75-year history.
Since then, hundreds of Gazans have been killed and more than half of the population has been displaced by Israel’s continuous military campaign. Israel has ordered the evacuation of Gaza’s northern half. According to Gaza medical officials, over 11,000 individuals have been verified killed.
The Cricket World Cup, born in 1975, set the stage for cricketing brilliance. Explore the origins and early champions who kickstarted the legacy.
| Year | Host | Winner |
| 1975 | Eng | West Indies |
| 1979 | Eng | West Indies |
| 1983 | Eng | India |
| 1987 | Ind & Pak | Australia |
| 1992 | Aus & NZ | Pakistan |
| 1996 | Ind & Pak | Sri Lanka |
| 1999 | Eng | Australia |
| 2003 | SA | Australia |
| 2007 | West Indies | Australia |
| 2011 | Ind & Ban | India |
| 2015 | Aus & NZ | Australia |
| 2019 | Eng | England |
From West Indies dominance to Asian ascendancy, each decade brings unique stories. Delve into the Cricket World Cup winners list, unraveling tales from different eras.
Icons like Richards and Tendulkar have left an indelible mark. Spotlight on the players who define cricketing greatness and grace the winners list.
In the current cricketing landscape, witness new contenders and traditional powerhouses shaping the list. Navigate the present tapestry with recent champions.
In a historic international cricket clash between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Delhi, Angelo Mathews faced a unique dismissal when he was timed out for the first time in the format. This intriguing incident occurred in the 25th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, right after Sadeera Samarawickrama’s wicket fell, and Mathews stepped in to bat at the sixth position. However, before he could even face a single ball, he was compelled to head back to the pavilion due to the rare occurrence of being timed out, marking a noteworthy first in international cricket across all formats.
Angelo Mathews, an experienced Sri Lankan all-rounder, who had been called in as a replacement player for the World Cup, found himself in an unexpected situation when Bangladesh decided to take their time resolving an issue with their helmet while he was making his entry. During this sequence, Shakib Al Hasan took the wicket of Samarawickrama, and Mahmudullah managed to grab the catch.
Mathews took his time while entering the field, and he encountered a helmet mishap as the strap broke while he was securing it. As he signaled for a new helmet in the dressing room, Shakib and the Bangladesh team raised an “appeal for time out,” which the umpires upheld, leaving Mathews visibly frustrated.
A lengthy discussion ensued between Mathews, the Bangladesh team, and the umpires, but the appeal was not retracted, and he had no choice but to return to the dressing room, reflecting his evident disappointment. The rules regarding “timed out” dismissal in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 are as follows:
In accordance with rule 40.1.1, after a wicket falls or a batsman retires, the incoming batsman must be prepared to face deliveries within two minutes unless signaled otherwise or be ready to face the next delivery within the same time frame. Failure to do so results in the incoming batter being declared out, and a time-out is taken. This rule also applies to retirements or substitutions.
Mathews took more than two minutes to face his first delivery due to the helmet strap issue, and after the appeal, he had to return to the pavilion.
During the break, Adrian Holdstock, the fourth official, offered an explanation of the dismissal and the associated regulations. He pointed out that the circumstances of the ICC Cricket World Cup breach the laws of cricket set by MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club).
Holdstock elaborated, “We have certain protocols in place, and the TV umpire oversees the situation for two minutes. Then, the message is relayed to the on-field umpires, and in today’s case, the batter was not prepared to face deliveries within those two minutes due to a strap issue.”
When asked whether equipment failure could be taken into account, Holdstock emphasized the importance of ensuring that everything is in order before stepping onto the field.
The incident involving Mathews is a first in international cricket, while there have been six instances of batsmen being timed out in first-class cricket, making it a unique and intriguing aspect of the game.
