Muslim Salim
Press TV, Baghdad
Iraq is moving forward to end the US-led international coalition’s mission in the country. Growing anti-US sentiment across the nation has led the government to push the coalition to set a timetable for withdrawal of its troops from the Iraqi soil.
Star New Zealand batter Kane Williamson and his wife have been blessed with a baby girl, announced the former Kiwi skipper on Tuesday. Williamson took to Instagram to share the news with everyone. “And then there was 3 Welcome to the world beautiful Girl. So grateful for your safe arrival and the exciting journey ahead,” said the caption of Kane’s post. Kane missed the recently-concluded T20I series against Australia this month as he was on a paternity leave. Australia won the series 3-0. However, he will be playing the Test series starting from February 29. The star batter last appeared in the Kiwis’ two-Test series against South Africa earlier in February. Kiwis won the series 2-0 and Kane was the star, scoring 403 runs in four innings, including three centuries.
In four matches this year, including two T20Is against Pakistan, Williamson has scored 486 runs at an average of 121.50, with three centuries and a fifty. His best score is 133*.
Schedule for two-Test series against Australia
February 29 – March 4: First Test, Wellington
March 8-12: Second Test, Christchurch
Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc
New Zealand Test squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
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Washington:
US President Joe Biden remains “fit for duty” with no significant changes in his health, his doctor said Wednesday after the 81-year-old’s last annual medical before November’s election.
“He continues to be fit for duty and fully executes all of his responsibilities without any exemptions or accommodations,” White House doctor Kevin O’Connor said in a summary.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates held a meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
New Delhi:
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, in a meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, said that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the government of India are working with the private sector to come up with a cost-effective therapy for sickle cell anaemia for the whole world.
“India has a sizeable disease burden; it is an even bigger challenge in Africa. Currently, the costs of available therapies are unaffordable–even for high-income countries like the US–and it might be an area for partnership between the foundation and the Government of India, working with the Indian private sector to come up with a cost-effective therapy for sickle cell anaemia for the whole world,” Bill Gates said.
He further said, “The foundation has been privileged to have a strong partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, working on a range of health priorities, including maternal and child health, anaemia, infectious diseases, including vaccine-preventable diseases, digital health and other areas.”
Bill Gates also appreciated India as a global innovator, contributing valuable solutions to global health problems.
“India has long been a global innovator, contributing valuable solutions to global health problems, starting with the role of India’s vaccine sector in providing high-quality and cost-effective vaccines for a variety of conditions that are helping save millions of lives across the world,” he said.
India offered support to more than 150 countries in the form of providing COVID-19 vaccines, Bill Bates said.
“India was also a very big source of COVID vaccines for the world, and the foundation also partnered with Indian companies in this effort,” Bill Gates said.
“During India’s G20, the Government of India shared with the world all the digital innovations that India has pioneered, including in digital health, and the Global Initiative for Digital Health is well set up to share India’s lessons with other countries,” he added.
“It was great to see the innovative thought that has gone into the Bhishm Cube, which brings together a range of important health solutions in a convenient form factor that lends itself to use in different settings across the world. Our foundation is interested in applications of this approach to helping solve critical problems related to maternal and child health and this solution could be important not just for India but also for the world,” he said on the BHISHM Argoya Maitri Cube.
He further mentioned the potential of Indian companies in diagnostics. “I am convinced Indian innovation will play an even bigger role in helping solve global health issues in the future. I met with some innovative companies in the field of diagnostics earlier on my trip and I think there is a lot of potential for Indian solutions to be a game-changer for important public health priorities, especially TB. A low-cost, reliable TB diagnostic would be essential for India to reach its TB control and elimination goals.”
“Another area that is a priority for the Government of India and the Gates Foundation is maternal anaemia. The government has scaled up its efforts to address anaemia, and we believe there are impact solutions, such as injectable iron, that can help address anaemia for pregnant women. There are other solutions too and Indian innovation will be key to driving affordable products that can benefit the world,” he said.
“It has been very impressive to see India’s progress on many key health indicators, like reductions in maternal and child mortality, high immunization coverage and the elimination focus on various diseases. India is now on the verge of eliminating kala azar (visceral leishmaniasis) and is ramping up efforts for lymphatic filariasis and tuberculosis as well,” he added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates held a meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya
New Delhi:
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, in a meeting with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, said that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the government of India are working with the private sector to come up with a cost-effective therapy for sickle cell anaemia for the whole world.
“India has a sizeable disease burden; it is an even bigger challenge in Africa. Currently, the costs of available therapies are unaffordable–even for high-income countries like the US–and it might be an area for partnership between the foundation and the Government of India, working with the Indian private sector to come up with a cost-effective therapy for sickle cell anaemia for the whole world,” Bill Gates said.
He further said, “The foundation has been privileged to have a strong partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, working on a range of health priorities, including maternal and child health, anaemia, infectious diseases, including vaccine-preventable diseases, digital health and other areas.”
Bill Gates also appreciated India as a global innovator, contributing valuable solutions to global health problems.
“India has long been a global innovator, contributing valuable solutions to global health problems, starting with the role of India’s vaccine sector in providing high-quality and cost-effective vaccines for a variety of conditions that are helping save millions of lives across the world,” he said.
India offered support to more than 150 countries in the form of providing COVID-19 vaccines, Bill Bates said.
“India was also a very big source of COVID vaccines for the world, and the foundation also partnered with Indian companies in this effort,” Bill Gates said.
“During India’s G20, the Government of India shared with the world all the digital innovations that India has pioneered, including in digital health, and the Global Initiative for Digital Health is well set up to share India’s lessons with other countries,” he added.
“It was great to see the innovative thought that has gone into the Bhishm Cube, which brings together a range of important health solutions in a convenient form factor that lends itself to use in different settings across the world. Our foundation is interested in applications of this approach to helping solve critical problems related to maternal and child health and this solution could be important not just for India but also for the world,” he said on the BHISHM Argoya Maitri Cube.
He further mentioned the potential of Indian companies in diagnostics. “I am convinced Indian innovation will play an even bigger role in helping solve global health issues in the future. I met with some innovative companies in the field of diagnostics earlier on my trip and I think there is a lot of potential for Indian solutions to be a game-changer for important public health priorities, especially TB. A low-cost, reliable TB diagnostic would be essential for India to reach its TB control and elimination goals.”
“Another area that is a priority for the Government of India and the Gates Foundation is maternal anaemia. The government has scaled up its efforts to address anaemia, and we believe there are impact solutions, such as injectable iron, that can help address anaemia for pregnant women. There are other solutions too and Indian innovation will be key to driving affordable products that can benefit the world,” he said.
“It has been very impressive to see India’s progress on many key health indicators, like reductions in maternal and child mortality, high immunization coverage and the elimination focus on various diseases. India is now on the verge of eliminating kala azar (visceral leishmaniasis) and is ramping up efforts for lymphatic filariasis and tuberculosis as well,” he added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
“In one way or the other, each of us suffers from disabilities, known and unknown,” the court said.
New Delhi:
Persons suffering from disabilities are “no different from you or me” and the more appropriate term to use for them would be “differently abled” and not “disabled”, the Delhi High Court has said.
Justice C Hari Shankar said the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD Act) and all other laws seek to neutralise disability so that a differently abled person and his peers stand on equal footing, which is the “heart” of the theory of equal opportunity and the Constitution.
“It is because of this that the more appropriate term to use would be ‘differently abled’, rather than ‘disabled’. Persons who are differently abled are as able as any of us; however, as their ability is different, it poses a challenge when they seek to integrate with the societal whole,” said the judge in a recent order.
“Persons who suffer from disabilities, as recognised by the RPWD Act, are no different from you or me. In one way or the other, each of us suffers from disabilities, known and unknown. Yet, we all have to function as a cohesive human whole,” added the judge.
The court’s observations came while passing an order directing the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) to provide facilities to a visually impaired student who was evicted from the hostel.
In the order, the court said once the difference is “neutralised”, a differently abled individual is able to rise to his full stature and invoke his innate talents and faculties to their fullest extent.
“In such a situation, the person who was otherwise regarded as ‘disabled’ often equals, if not excels, his more redoubtable peers in the profession that he pursues. Mr Rahul Bajaj (the petitioner’s lawyer who suffers from visual impairment) is a luminescent example,” observed the court.
The 49-year-old petitioner, Sanjeev Kumar Mishra, had approached the high court against his eviction from the hostel on the ground that the applicable rules do not permit hostel accommodation to a student pursuing a second postgraduate course.
The high court, while granting relief to the petitioner, said it was truly ironic that JNU was seeking to defend its case by relying on the fact that the petitioner – a 100 per cent visually challenged student – has provided a residential address 21 km away from the JNU campus.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
“Rakesh Sharma made history as the first Indian astronaut in 1984, a fact that seems to have escaped your memory,” remarked one Twitter user, challenging Mahindra’s apparent oversight.
Updated On – 28 February 2024, 01:23 PM
Hyderabad: Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra faced criticism from netizens following his tweet about India’s announcement of the four Indian astronauts for the Gaganyaan mission to space. In the tweet, Mahindra expressed his excitement about seeing fellow Indians in space suits, highlighting his childhood aspirations. However, some users pointed out historical inaccuracies, reminding Mahindra of Rakesh Sharma’s pioneering journey in 1984.
“Rakesh Sharma made history as the first Indian astronaut in 1984, a fact that seems to have escaped your memory,” remarked one Twitter user, challenging Mahindra’s apparent oversight.
Another user reminisced about learning about Sharma, Ravish Malhotra, and Kalpana Chawla in school, emphasizing that the nation had celebrated its space pioneers long before the recent announcement. “We’ve already celebrated our astronauts’ journeys, including Sunita Williams’. Perhaps focus on something other than PR for your Thar,” the user quipped, suggesting Mahindra redirect his attention.
In 5th grade, my class had our first AV class. The teacher showcased this video of Rakesh Sharma, talked about Ravish Malhotra, and nerd shared his special knowledge about Kalpana Chawla. We all have seen Sunita Williams’ journey.
Dear @anandmahindra, save PR for your Thar. https://t.co/r5Krw6kLea pic.twitter.com/nQTakndumU— Sumit Jha (@sumitjha__) February 28, 2024
Hey Mr. Mahindra – IAF officers Ravish Malhotra and Rakesh Sharma from the early 1980s send their warm hellos to you 🙏 pic.twitter.com/x8o9vwl0JT
— Sandeep Manudhane (@sandeep_PT) February 28, 2024
Rakesh Sharma and Ravish Malhotra were the heroes of the 1980s India.
And Rakesh Sharma became the first Indian to go to space in April 1984.Anand Mahindra was 29 in 1984. Was he living under a rock? https://t.co/SMybXb00Fh
— Mini Nair (@minicnair) February 28, 2024
Nehha Pendse fans are eagerly waiting to witness what she will bring on the table by exploring herself as an actor in the OTT space
Published Date – 28 February 2024, 09:44 PM
Hyderabad: Actor Nehha Pendse, who is very known for her roles in ‘May I Come in Madam?’ and ‘Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai’, seems all set to venture into the OTT space soon. Nehha has earned her laurels in the Marathi film industry, and also made a mark in Bollywood and television with her performances.
Now, her fans are eagerly waiting to witness what she will bring on the table by exploring herself as an actor in the OTT space.
While details of the project are yet to be unveiled, it is being said that she will be seen in one of the biggest OTT platforms, marking a big leap into Nehha’s dazzling career. Her fans can expect to see the actor in a never-seen-before character.
With the stupendous success and the response she received for ‘May I Come in Madam?’ and ‘Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai’, the anticipation among her fans and followers is quite high to witness Nehha’s transition from television to the OTT space.
The actor who was last seen in season 2 of ‘May I Come In Madam?’, has an interesting lineup of projects.
The Syrian military reportedly confronts an Israeli airstrike on a suburb of the Arab country’s capital of Damascus.
The act of aggression was carried out on Wednesday from the direction of the country’s Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported, citing a military source.
The source specified the time of the attack as several locations close to the capital and its time as roughly 21:35 local time (20:35 GMT).
“The Syrian Army’s air defense [units] confronted the missiles and brought down most of them,” the source said, adding that the airstrike had just resulted in some “material damage.”
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a so-called monitor, said the incoming Israeli projectiles had hit “two locations” near Damascus.
Syria and the Israeli regime are technically at war due to the latter’s 1967-present occupation of the Golan Heights.
The regime has carried out hundreds of attacks against the country after 2011, when the Arab nation found itself in the grip of rampant foreign-backed militancy and terrorism.
Tel Aviv has significantly ramped up the strikes since last October, when it began a genocidal war against the Gaza Strip, in what has been described by observers, as a reckless bid threatening to fan tensions throughout the region.
On Sunday, at least three people were killed when an Israeli unnamed aerial vehicle carried out a strike against the western Syrian province of Homs, close to the border with Lebanon.
Damascus has repeatedly complained to the United Nations over the Israeli assaults, urging the world body’s Security Council to take action against Tel Aviv’s crimes. Its demands have, however, fallen on deaf ears.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri on Wednesday backed the duo of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan to come back stronger after they were excluded from the BCCI central contracts for ignoring the board’s directive of playing in the Ranji Trophy. The BCCI Wednesday unveiled its centrally-contracted players for this year. While skipper Rohit Sharma, star batter Virat Kohli, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja retained their places in the top bracket, Iyer and Kishan were not considered in any category.
“In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you’ll conquer once again,” Shastri tweeted.
In the game of cricket, comebacks define the spirit. Chin-up, @ShreyasIyer15 and @ishankishan51! Dig deep, face challenges, and come back even stronger. Your past achievements speak volumes, and I have no doubt you’ll conquer once again.
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 28, 2024
The 25-year-old Kishan did not turn up for Jharkhand throughout the team’s campaign in Ranji Trophy despite not being on national duty since leaving from the tour of South Africa in December last, citing personal reasons.
He has instead focussed on preparing for the IPL next month.
Iyer did not make himself available for Mumbai’s Ranji quarterfinal against Baroda after being excluded from the Indian team following the second Test against England.
He, however, has been picked for the Ranji semifinals starting March 2.
Lauding the board, Shastri said, “Big applause to @BCCI and @JayShah for the game-changing move with ‘fast bowling’ contracts. A crucial step in gearing up for Down Under later this year. The emphasis on Test Cricket and Domestic Cricket is a powerful message, setting the right tone for the future of our beloved sport!” Meanwhile, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar too praised the BCCI for rewarding players who are willing to put in the hard yards in the Test format.
“Well done to @BCCI for rewarding players who want to play the tough cricket and only for one reason…to face the ‘acid test’ as cricketers,” Manjrekar tweeted.
While announcing the central contracts, the BCCI once again advised all the Indian cricketers to play domestic games when not on national duty.
The exclusion of Iyer and Kishan can be seen as a stern message to young players unwilling to put in the hard yards in first-class cricket, while chasing white-ball glory and lucrative IPL contracts.
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