"Have To Go To Jail For Paths We Have Chosen": Arvind Kejriwal To Workers

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal Sunday said his party has gained popularity for its "work-centric politics" and asserted the party workers should be ready "to go to jail for the paths we have chosen for the public good".

Chairing the National Executive and 12th National Council meetings of the party, held virtually on Sunday, he said, "The Aam Aadmi Party has risen to the third place among 1,350 political parties in these 10 years." "If we were not successful and did not do anything good, then none of our party leaders would have gone to jail and today everyone would have been happy with their families," he said.

Mr Kejriwal's remarks assume significance since the Enforcement Directorate has asked him to appear before it on January 3 in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case.

The Delhi CM said that two major parties have ruled this country for 75 years and said "these people will not relinquish power so easily".

"I think we are facing a struggle, but there's no need for us to be saddened. Our five leaders who are in jail today are our heroes. We are very proud of all of them. I am continuously in touch with lawyers. It's a very good thing that even while in jail, all our leaders' spirits are still very high.

"On the day Manish Sisodia's bail was cancelled, he sent a message saying, 'It's okay, I'll stay in jail for as many days as needed. This entire case is fabricated, and my struggle will continue'," he added.

At the National Council meeting, Mr Kejriwal asserted that the AAP has given the country a viable alternative in electoral politics and has gained popularity for its "work-centric politics".

Addressing the party workers, he said, "If you give good education to children, you will have to go to jail. If you provide free treatment to the poor, you will have to go to jail. We will have to go to jail for the paths we have chosen for public good." He also praised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for the remarkable progress in the state.

"We have shown what work can be done that other parties couldn't accomplish in 75 years. In the last two years, the work done by the AAP government in Punjab shows that if our government is in full power in a state, we can work very swiftly and do wonders," he asserted.

He further said that AAP has made a significant impact on national politics in 10 years. For the first time in the country, opposition parties have been compelled to discuss schools and hospitals, he opined.

"Now, these people have replaced manifesto with 'guarantee' term stolen from us. They have started talking about 'Modi's guarantee' and 'Congress's guarantee'. These people have given guarantees to the public, but none of them fulfilled them because their intentions are not right, whereas we are fulfilling all our guarantees," he added.

He also informed the AAP officials about the national council and executive meetings of the party in physical mode in Amritsar in view of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Explaining the hurdles faced by the Delhi government and the freedom enjoyed in full-fledged state Punjab, Mr Kejriwal said, "In Delhi, due to obstructions created by the LG and the Centre, we set up 550 Mohalla Clinics but in Punjab 662 Aam Aadmi Clinics (Mohalla Clinics) are operational now and by January 26, 2024, the number will reach 750 in just two years." He also asked the party workers to build and strengthen the organization across the country. Elections cannot be won without a strong organization in states, he said.

"The AAP is a part of the INDIA alliance in the Lok Sabha elections. We must contest well on the seats we get in seat sharing, and our entire effort will be to win all those seats. Volunteers of the party from states where the AAP isn't contesting Lok Sabha elections will come and help in the places where elections are being contested," he added.

After the Lok Sabha elections, the Haryana Assembly election is the most significant for the party, he said. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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US Strikes Kill 10 Iran-Backed Houthi Rebels In Red Sea: Report

At least 10 Houthi rebels were killed Sunday when US forces struck their boats in the Red Sea, two sources at Yemen's Hodeida port said.

The US military earlier said it had destroyed several small boats operated by the Iran-backed Houthis after the rebels had attacked and tried to board a container ship.

One source at the rebel-controlled port said the wounded were rescued following the strike. The other source, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said there were four other survivors.

"Ten Houthis were killed and two were wounded in the US strike on Houthi boats that tried to stop a vessel in the sea off Hodeida," the first source said.

The second source said that "four survivors have arrived in Hodeida with two wounded who were taken to hospital".

The US Navy had responded to a distress call from the Maersk Hangzhou, a Singapore-flagged, Denmark-owned and operated container ship that reported coming under attack for a second time in 24 hours while transiting the Red Sea, the US Central Command said in a statement.

Houthis had fired on US helicopters, who "returned fire in self-defence", sinking three of four small boats that had come within 20 meters of the ship, according to the statement.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Happy New Year 2024: Wishes, Messages, And WhatsApp Status

New Year 2024 Wishes: It is time to say goodbye to the year that has taught us new things. Whether you've planned resolutions or are embracing the year with a free spirit, it is important to share warm wishes with loved ones.

Here is a list of heartfelt messages to make your friends and relatives feel special this New Year:

• To new beginnings, exciting adventures, and creating beautiful memories in the unfolding chapters of 2024.
• Wishing you a new year full of fresh opportunities, new friendships, and the courage to chase your dreams.
• As 2023 concludes, embrace the lessons it brought, and may 2024 be a blank canvas for new achievements and joys.
• Here's to leaving behind the old, embracing the new, and stepping into 2024 with open hearts and open minds.
• May the dawn of January 1 bring with it a renewed sense of purpose, boundless joy, and endless possibilities.
• As the clock strikes midnight, may you leave behind any regrets and welcome the promise of a fulfilling 2024.
• May the transition from 2023 to 2024 be smooth, bringing with it peace, good health, and a sense of fulfilment.
• As the calendar turns, may you find the strength to overcome challenges and the resilience to face new ones in 2024.
• Wishing you a New Year filled with moments of love, togetherness, and the company of those who matter most.
• Cheers to bidding farewell to 2023 with gratitude and embracing the promise of a brighter, more hopeful 2024.
   

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151 Myanmar Soldiers Flee To Mizoram Amid Conflict With Armed Ethnic Group

At least 151 Myanmarese soldiers fled to Mizoram's Lawngtlai district after their camps in the neighbouring country were overrun by an armed ethnic group, an Assam Rifles officer said on Saturday.

The Myanmarese army personnel, also known as the 'Tatmadaw,' fled with their arms and approached the Assam Rifles at Tuisentlang in Lawngtlai district on Friday after their camps near the international border were overrun by the Arakan Army fighters, he said.

The officer said that there had been intense gunfights between the Myanmar army and the Arakan Army fighters for the past few days in areas close to the Indian border.

He said that some of the Myanmarese Army personnel, who entered Mizoram on Friday, were critically injured and first aids were administered to them by the Assam Rifles.

The Myanmar army soldiers are now in the safe custody of Assam Rifles at Parva in Lawngtlai district near the Myanmar border, he said.

The Myanmar soldiers will be sent back to their country in some days as talks are going on between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Myanmar military government, he added.

In November, a total of 104 Myanmar soldiers fled to Mizoram after their military camps along the Myanmar-India border were overrun by pro-democracy militia - People's Defence Force (PDF).

They were airlifted by the Indian Airforce to Moreh in Manipur, from where they crossed the international border and entered Tamu, the nearest border town in Myanmar.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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2 Corporators Thrashed, Clothes Torn During Meerut Municipal Meet

At least two members of the opposition were allegedly thrashed - and one of them had part of their clothing torn off - by BJP members after an argument at a meeting of the Meerut Municipal Corporation on Saturday. The assault allegedly began after one of the BJP men, a Member of the Legislative Council, was pushed by a member of the opposition parties. 

This is the second such clash in less than a week and while the previous incident in Shamli saw punches and kicks flying within the confines of a room, the one on Saturday had the politicians coming out on the road and continuing the assault, ignoring police personnel who were trying to intervene. 

The opposition has alleged that two of their corporators, both of whom are Dalit, were assaulted by members of the BJP, including the MLC and an Uttar Pradesh minister. The two corporators were from the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav has claimed that the arrogance of power was behind BJP members beating up their colleagues in the opposition and that the ruling party is getting violent because it can sense a loss in the upcoming elections. A police complaint has also been filed against members of the BJP, including UP Minister of State for Energy Somendra Tomar and MLC Dharmendra Bhardwaj.

Mr Tomar and Mr Bhardwaj have rubbished the allegations and claimed that the opposition members used indecent language against a woman corporator, leading to the altercation. 

Flare-Up

A board meeting of the corporation was being held to discuss the budget and other issues in the presence of most of the corporators and Mayor Harikant Ahluwalia. Mr Tomar and Mr Bhardwaj also attended the meeting. 

Sources said BJP corporator Rekha Singh, while discussing the collection of house tax, made some comments about a particular community and some Muslim and Dalit corporators from the opposition objected to them. This led to a shouting match and Mr Bhardwaj stepped in to intervene, when he was allegedly pushed by a member of an opposition party. 

The BJP, however, has claimed that the cause of the altercation was the use of indecent language against women corporators by some opposition members. 

After Mr Bhardwaj was pushed, corporators from the BJP and their supporters got angry and attacked their opposition colleagues, resorting to punching and kicking them. Two opposition corporators who bore the brunt of the attack were Kuldeep alias Kirti Ghopla of the SP, and BSP corporator Ashish Kumar.

The police intervened and tried to control the situation but the thrashing continued. When some policemen finally extracted the two opposition members and took them out on the road, some BJP corporators and supporters followed and continued to assault them outside. Videos also show MLC Bhardwaj slapping corporator Kirti Ghopla.

Mr Ghopla's vest was shredded by the end of the assault, after which the police managed to take him and Mr Kumar to the Delhi Gate police station nearby.

The opposition corporators have filed a complaint in the police station alleging that they were assaulted and disrespectful speech regarding their caste was used. The MLC and Minister Tomar are named in the complaint. SP MLA Atul Pradhan also reached the police station later.

'Will Get Their Answer'

In a post in Hindi, Akhilesh Yadav said the BJP will pay electorally for the objectionable treatment meted out to Dalits.

"During the Municipal Corporation Board meeting in Meerut, a minister of the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh and an MLC carried out a dangerous attack on Dalit corporators from the opposition in the presence of the police. The BJP is going to get its answer in the upcoming elections for the humiliating treatment that Dalits are being subjected to because of its arrogance of being in power. The BJP has turned violent out of frustration over its impending defeat," Mr Yadav said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

मेरठ में नगर निगम बोर्ड की बैठक के दौरान उप्र की भाजपा सरकार के मंत्री और एमएलसी ने पुलिस की मौजूदगी में विपक्ष के दलित पार्षदों पर घातक प्रहार किये। भाजपाई सत्ता के अहंकार में डूबकर दलितों से जो अपमानजनक व्यवहार कर रहे हैं उसका जवाब उनको आगामी चुनाव में मिलनेवाला है। भाजपा आगामी… pic.twitter.com/YLngQiW79I

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) December 30, 2023

Denying the allegations, Minister Tomar said, "The opposition seems to have forgotten that this is (Chief Minister) Yogi Adityanath's government. The mayor is trying to take everyone along. What happened today is saddening and strict action will be taken as per the rules."

When he was asked why security arrangements were not made despite such incidents occurring in the past, Mr Tomar said, "An example will be set... action will be taken as per the rules."

MLC Bhardwaj said, "I was invited by the mayor. When I entered the meeting room, I saw opposition corporators in an altercation with people from my party. Indecent language was used against two women corporators and when I stepped in to stop that, they tried to push me. This led to an altercation."

"Opposition corporators from the SP, AIMIM and other opposition parties were egging them on. Under the Yogi and Narendra Modi governments, an insult to women will not be tolerated," he said.

Mayor Ahluwalia also alleged that women corporators were disrespected and said that appropriate action will be taken.

Shamli Clash

Earlier this week, a meeting of the municipal council in Shamli had devolved into a WWE-style clash, with members punching and kicking each other and using tables to defend themselves. One member had even attempted to jump on and another after climbing onto a chair. 

Municipal Chairman Arvind Sangal and MLA Prasann Chaudhary were present at the meeting.

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Explained: Can Trump Run For 2024 US Presidential Elections Despite Bans?

With multiple US states hearing challenges to Donald Trump's right to run in the 2024 election, his supporters claim his enemies are tearing up democracy to prevent his return to the White House.

Rulings in Colorado and Maine banning the ex-president from their primary nominating contests under the Constitution's "insurrection clause" set off a political earthquake that could upend the campaign.

But do they pose a genuine threat to Trump's presidential ambitions?

Why Trump might be ineligible 

The US House of Representatives impeached the Republican tycoon for inciting insurrection after he called on his supporters to march on the US Capitol ahead of a deadly riot that delayed the certification of the 2020 election.

A large, bipartisan majority of the Senate agreed with the lower chamber's finding, but the tally fell short of the two-thirds of members required for a conviction, which would have barred Trump from seeking office again.

Federal prosecutors have since charged Trump with conspiracy over the violence, and he is scheduled for trial in March.

Meanwhile, activists have brought court challenges nationwide to stop his name appearing on ballots for state primaries under the 14th Amendment, which bars people from office if they have taken an oath to defend the Constitution but subsequently "engage in insurrection."

Where is Trump barred from running? 

On December 19, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump was ineligible for the state's primary under the 14th Amendment's "insurrection clause."

Maine -- where the secretary of state, currently a Democrat, makes the initial eligibility determination -- followed suit on Thursday.

Related challenges have been filed nationwide, with decisions pending in 14 states, according to national security website Lawfare's online disqualification tracker.

What happens next? 

Both states put their bans on hold while the legal process plays out -- meaning Trump will almost certainly appear on both ballots for their March 5 primaries.

Grassroots Republicans have challenged the ruling in Colorado and the Trump campaign has indicated that it intends to appeal in both cases.

The Maine decision would go to the state's Superior Court first, while Colorado's ruling has already been through the state system and would be elevated directly to the US Supreme Court.

What can the US Supreme Court do? 

The strongly conservative-leaning high court -- which includes three Trump appointees -- can decline to review the Colorado case, meaning the Trump ban would stand.

In reality, most analysts believe that Maine joining with Colorado removes any doubt that the justices will act.

They would determine whether or not section three of the 14th Amendment -- the insurrection clause -- applies to a former president.

The court could also rule on whether the ban is automatic or would require an act of Congress, and whether the 2021 storming of the Capitol and Trump's role in it indeed qualify as insurrection.

The effect of the bans 

Even if the Colorado and Maine bans stand, front-running Trump is expected to be able to secure the Republican nomination comfortably without those states, so his path to the White House would not necessarily be impeded.

But an adverse Supreme Court ruling that is binding on lower courts nationwide -- rather than a narrow procedural ruling affecting only Colorado -- could torpedo the ex-president's primary challenge.

He would then have to decide whether to run for president as a third-party candidate.

But even if the high court doesn't weigh in on the state level rulings and the damage is limited to Colorado and Maine, the justices could leave the door open to challenges to Trump's eligibility for the general election.

So he could well find himself barred from challenging President Joe Biden in November, even if he wins the Republican nomination.

Timetable 

The gears of the US justice system grind notoriously slowly -- particularly at the top.

The Supreme Court has not indicated whether it intends to take up the Colorado appeal, nor how long it would take to rule on Trump's eligibility if it did. Trump's opponents have stressed the importance of an urgent decision.

The court can act quickly when required: Its ruling ending Florida's vote count in the 2000 election -- handing victory to George W. Bush -- took less than a month.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Google Settles $5 Billion Lawsuit Alleging 'Incognito' Mode Tracks Users

Google has agreed to settle a consumer privacy lawsuit seeking at least $5 billion in damages over allegations it tracked the data of users who thought they were browsing the internet privately.

The object of the lawsuit was the "incognito" mode on Google's Chrome browser that the plaintiffs said gave users a false sense that what they were surfing online was not being tracked by the Silicon Valley tech firm.

But internal Google emails brought forward in the lawsuit demonstrated that users using incognito mode were being followed by the search and advertising behemoth for measuring web traffic and selling ads.

In a court filing, the judge confirmed that lawyers for Google reached a preliminary agreement to settle the class action lawsuit -- originally filed in 2020 -- which claimed that "millions of individuals" had likely been affected.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs were seeking at least $5,000 for each user it said had been tracked by the firm's Google Analytics or Ad Manager services even when in private browsing mode and not logged into their Google account.

This would have amounted to at least $5 billion, though the settlement amount will likely not reach that figure, and no amount was given for the preliminary settlement between the parties.

Google and lawyers for the consumers did not respond to an AFP request for comment.

The settlement came just weeks after Google was refused a request that the case be decided by a judge. A jury trial was set to begin next year.

The lawsuit, filed in a California court, claimed Google's practices had infringed on users' privacy by "intentionally" deceiving them with the incognito option.

The original complaint alleged that Google and its employees had been given the "power to learn intimate details about individuals' lives, interests, and internet usage."

"Google has made itself an unaccountable trove of information so detailed and expansive that George Orwell could never have dreamed it," it added.

A formal settlement is expected for court approval by February 24, 2024.

Class action lawsuits have become the main venue to challenge big tech companies on data privacy matters in the United States, which lacks a comprehensive law on the handling of personal data.

In August, Google paid $23 million to settle a long-running case over giving third-parties access to user search data.

In 2022, Facebook parent company Meta settled a similar case, agreeing to pay $725 million over the handling of user data.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Received India's Extradition Request, But...": Pak On Hafiz Saeed

Pakistan has received India's request for extradition of 26/11 attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said on Friday. But she said that no bilateral extradition treaty exists between India and Pakistan.

In a statement, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said, "Pakistan has received a request from the Indian authorities, seeking extradition of Hafiz Saeed in a so-called money laundering case."

"It is pertinent to note that no bilateral extradition treaty exists between Pakistan and India," she added.

Earlier in the day, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has conveyed a request to the Pakistan government regarding the extradition of Hafiz Saeed to India for facing trial in a particular case.

Addressing the weekly briefing, Mr Bagchi said, "The person in question (Hafiz Saeed) is wanted in numerous cases in India. He is also a UN-proscribed terrorist. In this regard, we have conveyed a request along with relevant supporting documents, to the government of Pakistan to extradite him to India to face trial in a particular case.

"We have been flagging the issue of activities that he's been wanted for. This is a recent request," he added.

Notably, Saeed, who is a UN-proscribed terrorist is the founder of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). He was the mastermind of the deadly 26/11 attacks in Mumbai and is wanted in India in numerous cases.

Muhammad Hafiz Saeed, who has been in jail since July 17, 2019, for other charges, was sentenced in April 2022 by a special anti-terrorism court in Lahore, Pakistan, to a jail term of 33 years for "financing terrorism."

Despite being designated a terrorist by the UN and EU in the 2000s, Saeed was neither charged nor extradited over nearly two decades. Saeed was designated as a terrorist by the United Nations Security Council in December 2008.

Meanwhile, in a development that has brought criticism, the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), a political entity of Hafiz Saeed has fielded candidates for each and every national and provincial assembly constituency across Pakistan for the upcoming general elections slated to be held on February 8, 2024.

Hafiz Saeed's son Talha Saeed is also going to contest the polls from National Assembly's constituency NA-127, Lahore, Dawn reported. PMML's central president Khalid Masood Sindhu is contesting elections from NA-130, against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo Nawaz Sharif.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Inside Kareena Kapoor's Holiday Diaries With Friend Natasha Poonawalla

Kareena Kapoor is living her best life in Switzerland and her Instagram stories stand as proof. On Thursday, the Udta Punjab actress treated her social media fans and followers to some picturesque shots from her holiday in the snow-capped Alps. In one picture, we can see Kareena staring out her window. She captioned the image as, "Chasing the light, 4 days to 2024." In the second image, she gave us a glimpse of the surrounding. Below the picture, she wrote, "find your light." The third picture featured Kareena Kapoor posing with her friend Natasha Poonawalla." She captioned the picture as "this is how we keep warm in the snow."

Take a look at the stories below:

A few days back, Kareena Kapoor shared an in-flight picture of baby Jeh sharing out the window.  She captioned the photo, “Baby in the Alps.”

This is the picture we are talking about:

The Heroine star has been a regular visitor to Gstaad in the Swiss Alps for her annual retreats with her husband, Saif Ali Khan, ever since their marriage in 2012. Earlier, she treated fans to stunning images of Saif and their elder son, Taimur, from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, creating memories during their London festivities.

Recently Kareena Kapoor sent a special video message for Karan Johar's new guests, her husband Saif Ali Khan and mother-in-law Sharmila Tagore. In the video, Kareena Kapoor was seen recalling the time she first saw Saif in Ladakh. She said, "My favourite memory will always be the first time I met Saif. Because he was sitting on top of a makeup vanity van in Ladakh without his t-shirt and I was like who is that guy who is sitting on top of a vanity van? And they were like it's Saif and I looked closer and I was like my God, that's Saif. That was the moment I lost my mind and that was it."

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan got married in 2012 and are parents to sons Taimur and Jeh.

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Ayodhya's New Airport To Be Named After Maharishi Valmiki: Report

The new airport in Ayodhya will be named after sage poet Maharishi Valmiki, sources said on Thursday.

According to the sources, the name of the new airport will be 'Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham'.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the newly built Ayodhya Airport on December 30.

"Phase 1 of the state-of-the-art airport is developed at a cost of more than Rs 1,450 crore. The airport's terminal building will have an area of 6500 sqm, equipped to serve about 10 lakh passengers annually. The facade of the Terminal Building depicts the temple architecture of the upcoming Shri Ram Mandir of Ayodhya. The interiors of the terminal Building are decorated with local art, paintings and murals depicting the life of Bhagwan Shri Ram," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

The terminal building of Ayodhya airport is also equipped with various sustainability features like an insulated roofing system, LED lighting, rainwater harvesting, landscaping with fountains, a water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant, solar power plant and many other such features have been provided to meet GRIHA - 5-star ratings.

The airport will improve connectivity in the region, leading to a boost in tourism, business activities and employment opportunities, PMO said.

PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of a greenfield township in Ayodhya being developed at a cost of more than Rs 2,180 crore. PM Modi will also flag off two new Amrit Bharat trains and six new Vande Bharat trains.

Maharishi Valmiki is credited for writing the epic Ramayana.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Man Refusing To Swap Seats With Pregnant Woman On Airplane Praised Online

A man has been praised online for refusing to swap seats with a pregnant woman on an airplane. In a post shared on Reddit, a man explained that he was flying solo to visit family over the holidays and carefully selected an aisle seat that was next to the bathroom. "Right before boarding, a woman asked me to give up my seat so she could sit closer to the bathroom. She was pregnant but did not seem distressed," he wrote.

Reddit user u/michaeldonelly shared the post, titled "AITA (Am I the A**hole) and for not giving up my airline seat to a pregnant woman?", on December 15. He explained that he paid extra because he has a medical issue that sometimes requires "quick access to the bathroom". Because of this, he wasn't willing to change his seating arranges, the user said. 

"I did not feel it was fair to demand I move from the seat I planned for and paid for, especially since she apparently had not booked an aisle seat herself in advance," he wrote. 

AITA for not giving up my airline seat to a pregnant woman?
byu/michaeldonelly inAITAH

Further, the social media user claimed that the flight attendants didn't try to help resolve the issue and there weren't any empty aisle seats that could facilitate the pregnant woman's request. He concluded by stating that his family backed the woman as they felt that he should have "inconvenienced" himself. 

Since being shared, the Reddit post has accumulated more than 15,000 upvotes. In the comments section, users praised the man for keeping his seat since he made specific accommodations before the flight. 

"NTA. [Not the a******] She should have booked another seat she wanted herself or not gone on the flight. Seems she just assumed she wouldn't have to pay for it, since some sucker was going to move. The flight attendants are at fault for not mediating. At some point they should have told her to go back to her seat (and all of this is regardless of your medical issues. You paid for the seat. She didn't.)," wrote one user. 

Also Read | Flight Attendants Reveal 5 "Dirtiest, Rarely Cleaned" Spots On An Airplane

"Because she felt entitled to it because she was pregnant. She thought she could use that to her advantage. But, she found out she couldn't. And rightfully so OP!!! You booked and paid for that seat. NTA," said another. 

"NTA- I say this as someone who has been pregnant and has flown solo with a toddler ... every passenger has equal opportunity to pre-book seats based on their needs and preferences. It's no one's business why you booked that seat. Was the passenger or airline going to reimburse you for the cost of pre-booking the seat? Zero obligation for you to move," commented a third user. 

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"Where We Went Wrong...": Shami Opens Up On India's World Cup Final Loss

India speedster Mohammed Shami opened up on the Men in Blue's six-wicket loss against Australia in the ODI World Cup 2023 final match and said that the nation was disappointed after the defeat. While speaking to the press, Shami said that the hosts gave their best to continue the momentum throughout the tournament and win the final match.

The 33-year-old added that they cannot explain where they went wrong during the final match of the ODI World Cup 2023 against Australia.

"The whole nation was disappointed (when India lost the World Cup). We tried hundred per cent to continue the momentum till the end that we had created and win the final. But...it cannot be explained, where we went wrong at the end...," Shami said.

Recently, Shami was ruled out from India's ongoing two-match Test series against South Africa due to an injury. The first Test started on December 26 in Centurion. Meanwhile, the second will be played on January 3 in Cape Town.

Recapping the final match of the ODI World Cup 2023, India struggled on a tough batting surface after Australia elected to field first, with fifties coming from KL Rahul (66) and Virat Kohli (54). India was bundled out for 240 in their 50 overs. In the chase of 241, Travis Head (137) and Marnus Labuschagne (58*) guided Australia to their sixth WC title at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.

After India's loss, PM Narendra Modi met the players in the dressing room and comforted them. The video of that meeting was widely shared. In that meeting, PM Modi hugged Shami and congratulated him for his performance. That video went viral on social media and grabbed mixed reactions from the viewers.

In an interview with Aaj Tak on Wednesday, Shami revealed that the Indian cricket team players were not ready for the PM's visit as it came as a surprise for them.

"We were heartbroken after the loss and were sitting dejectedly. It was like our hard work of two months got negated due to just one match. It was our bad day and we were dejected but when the PM enters, you have to keep your head high. We were not even told that Modiji was coming there and suddenly he entered. Earlier, we were not even in the mood to eat and talk to each other but when he came, it was such a big surprise for us," said Shami.

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First JN.1 Covid Case In Delhi; No Need To Panic, Says Health Minister

After the national capital reported its first case of JN.1 variant infection, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said that there is no need to panic and that it only causes mild sickness.

"JN.1 is a sub-variant of Omicron and is a mild infection. This is the one spreading in south India. There is no need to panic. It causes mild sickness," Mr Bharadwaj said while speaking to ANI.

Earlier today, Delhi reported the first case of JN.1 variant infection.

"Delhi has reported the first case of JN.1, a Sub-Variant of Omicron. Out of the 3 samples sent for Genome Sequencing, one is JN.1 and the other two are Omicron," Saurabh Bharadwaj told ANI.

Meanwhile, a total of 109 JN.1 COVID variant cases have been reported in the country as of December 26, Health Ministry sources said on Wednesday.

Amid rising concerns over the emergence of the new variant of the coronavirus, Dr Bobby Bhalotra, Vice Chairman in the Department of Chest Medicine, Gangaram Hospital, said, "The new variants are so far mild; they are from the family of the Omicron virus. So, the cases are not too much to be worried about; there is no panic as such but yes, it is a sign that it has come back again. It may flourish because it is more infectious than the normal COVID virus so we have to start taking precautions. Precaution and prevention are better than cures. Take precautions so that doesn't spread for them."

"There is an increase in cases of respiratory illness in OPD of 20-30 per cent due to weather changes, viral illness and an increase in pollution in the national capital," he added.

He further said that patients who already have Asthma, interstitial lung disease, or COPD are getting exacerbations mostly from various viruses, including the H1N1 virus or swine flu.

"Despite having a vaccine against these viruses, especially H1N1, people are not getting themselves inoculated in time, and the immune system, which can be prevented by taking a vaccine, is not being used by many patients. So, this increasing exacerbation of breathing problems is due to viruses and more because of pollution. Pollution in our city is very high. And that impacts the lungs of patients, especially those with asthma, bronchitis, and interstitial lung disease. So that's another reason why the number of patients is higher these days in the OPDs," the Doctor said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently classified JN.1 as a variant of interest, distinct from its parent lineage BA.2.86. However, the global health body emphasised that the overall risk posed by JN.1 remains low based on current evidence.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Top 10 In India's History": Gavaskar's Epic Praise For Rahul's Ton vs SA

KL Rahul's brave century during the ongoing opening Test against South Africa here on Wednesday drew high acclaim from the legendary Sunil Gavaskar, who has rated the knock "in the top ten in the history" of India's red-ball cricket. Rahul, who walked into the middle while the Indians were four down for 92 on Day 1 on Tuesday, made a gutsy 101 off 137 balls before being knocked over by debutant pacer Nandre Burger, as the visitors were all out for 245.

Commentating in Hindi on Star Sports, Gavaskar asserted that Rahul's knock had come on a difficult surface, where the ball was behaving erratically, and felt that the confidence needed to bat on such a track has to be enormous.

"I have been watching cricket for over 50 years now, and I can undoubtedly say this century by Rahul has to be in the top ten of India's Test history because it's a different pitch here," Gavaskar said.

"A batter would not gain the confidence so easily that he has set, especially with the ball doing anything at any time." Applauding the six that Rahul hit off Gerald Coetzee to get to his ton, Gavaskar added, "The shot with which he reached to his hundred, no praise would be enough for it. It was a length ball, and he played a shot that you would normally see in T20s. Amazing!" Rahul's century happened to be his second at this ground. He is now the only overseas batter to have multiple Test tons here.

Striking 14 fours and four sixes during his knock, he has also become the second Indian wicketkeeper-batter after Rishabh Pant to hit a Test century in the country.

Rahul also continued his impeccable record of scoring hundreds in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries, with five of his eighth tons coming in these nations.

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Vinesh Phogat To Return Khel Ratna, Arjuna Awards

Less than a week after Sakshee Malikkh announced her retirement from wrestling and Bajrang Punia returned his Padma Shri, Vinesh Phogat, the third top wrestler who was part of the protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has announced that she will return her Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award.

Brij Bhushan, a BJP MP, had been accused of sexual harassment by many women wrestlers, and Ms Malikkh, Mr Punia and Ms Phogat had been at the forefront of the protests against him.

The wrestlers' decisions have been taken in quick succession in a span of six days since a panel led by Sanjay Singh, a close aide of Brij Bhushan, won the elections to the Wrestling Federation of India by a landslide on Thursday, indicating a continuity of leadership in the body. The panel was suspended by the sports ministry on Sunday.

In an emotional open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, Ms Phogat, who has won gold medals at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, asked whether women wrestlers were made only to grace government advertisements and said she is returning the Khel Ratna - the country's highest sporting honour - and Arjuna Award so that they don't become a "burden on the path of living with dignity".

Ms Phogat has also said that the wrestlers were considered the country's pride when they won medals, but are now being labelled traitors because they spoke out for justice. "Prime Minister, I want to ask you, are we traitors?" she wrote.

'Daughter Of Your House'

In the letter, written in Hindi, Ms Phogat says, "Sakshee Malikkh has quit wrestling and Bajrang Punia has returned his Padma Shri. The whole country knows why the players who won Olympic medals for the country were forced to do all this; and you are the head of the country, so this matter must have reached you too. Prime Minister, I am Vinesh Phogat, a daughter of your house and I am writing this letter to you to tell you about the condition I have been in for the past year."

"I remember the year 2016, when Sakshee Malikkh won a medal in the Olympics, your government named her the brand ambassador of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao'. When this was announced, all the women players of the country were happy and were sending congratulatory messages to each other. Today, ever since Sakshi had to leave wrestling, I am remembering that year again and again. Are we women players made only to appear on government advertisements," she asked.

Stating that winning an Olympics medal is her dream, which is now fading, she said that the lives of women wrestlers are nothing like the "fancy advertisements". 

Referring to Brij Bhushan's remark after the wrestling body elections that his dominance would continue, Ms Phogat exhorted the Prime Minister to spare five minutes to listen to the former WFI chief's comments. She alleged that the "exploiter" Brij Bhushan had admitted on television that he had made women wrestlers uncomfortable and had utilised every opportunity to humiliate them.

'Called Traitors'

The Commonwealth Games gold medallist said the wrestlers had been struggling on the streets for a year but were still waiting for justice. 

"When we won medals for the country, the whole country considered us its pride. Now that we raised our voice for justice, we are being called traitors. Prime Minister, I want to ask you, are we traitors," she asked.

The wrestler, who broke out in tears at a press conference after the results of the WFI election on Thursday, said no mother would like to see her daughter in the condition she finds herself in. 

Ms Phogat said she was ecstatic when she received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and the Arjuna Award. "But now I want to get rid of the image of Vinesh receiving the award, because that was a dream and what is happening with us now is the reality," she wrote. 

Stating that the awards have no meaning in her life now, the wrestler said, "Every woman wants to live life with respect. Thus, Prime Minister sir, I want to return my Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award to you so that these awards do not become a burden on us in the path of living with dignity."

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12 Of The Best New Restaurants In Chennai You Must Visit In 2023

Was 2023 the most vibrant year for Chennai's booming F&B scene? It certainly presented a diverse array of dining experiences. Local flavours took centre stage, and so did national brands like Mustard and Farzi Café expanding their footprint to include Chennai. Comfort food held its own - everyone loves a good pizza - while seasoned Chennai brands like Cake Walk successfully reinvented themselves. The evolved café scene in Chennai welcomed a couple of intriguing additions, and Asian cuisine continued to be a popular choice among the city's well-heeled. Although it's impossible to capture all of Chennai's stellar restaurant debuts in 2023 in one list, we certainly made an attempt: 
Also Read: 7 Of Chennai's Best Whisky Bars You Must Visit

Photo Credit: Bask By Coffee

Here Are 12 Of The Best New Restaurants You Must Visit In Chennai: 

1. Lazy Leopard

We've witnessed the pizza scene in Chennai come of age in the 2020s. Lazy Leopard, named after the spots on the corner of a pizza, has made its mark among Chennai's finest pizzerias since its debut this year. Positioned as a Neapolitan Pizzeria and Trattoria, Lazy Leopard maintains authenticity with its wood-fired oven. 

• Where: Peters Road, Royapettah

2. Kaylir Canteen

Offering traditional vegetarian cuisine from Tamil Nadu, it's the setting that is truly unconventional. This casual dining restaurant serves delicious South Indian-style 'full meals' in a self-service setup with vibrant interiors. Additionally, there's a pet-friendly section, and the restaurant has recently introduced a 'tiffin' menu for those comforting evening nibbles.

• Where: CIT Colony, Mylapore  

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3. Farzi Café

After teasing the city for a while, Farzi Café finally kept its date with Chennai. Located in the heart of the city, Farzi doesn't deviate from its pan-Indian template. It's not just the bold interiors; the menu is filled with all the customary twists we've come to expect from Farzi. The starters hit all the right notes, featuring bestsellers like the Dal Chawal Arancini and the Aslam Chicken in the mix. 

• Where: Uthamar Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam  

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4. Cake Walk Café

Part of Chennai's dessert landscape since the 1990s, Cake Walk is truly one of Chennai's original pastry destinations, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia for many Chennaiites. Cake Walk Café launched earlier this year, aims to tap into that nostalgia in a contemporary setting with an extensive menu that includes their popular cake mash-ups and delicious pastas.  

• Where: Kothari Road   

5. Bistrograph

Made a splash in the city as one of the country's first photography-themed cafes. The baristas are well-trained and have quite a few tricks up their sleeves - you can even get your picture snapped and printed onto your cappuccino foam. It's not just about coffee; the menu is quite eclectic, featuring bestsellers like smoked chicken soup and a burrata salad. 

• Where: 10th Cross Street, Sastri Nagar 

6. Mustard

Mustard has remained one of our favourite restaurants in Goa over the past few years. It takes its name from the use of mustard, a condiment used in its purest form in both French and Bengali cuisine. The menu brings together iconic Bengali dishes and fine French cuisine in a an atmospheric setting backed by a bar menu packed with innovative cocktails.  

• Where: Sterling Road 

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7. Chettinad Stories

How far will you travel for authentic Chettinad flavours? If you're in Chennai, all you have to do is head to Chettinad Stories, located at Hotel Aadithya. The menu includes true-blue Chettinad delicacies and dishes with a delicious twist. Even if the interiors don't transport you to Chettinad (in Southern Tamil Nadu), the authentic flavours certainly will. 

• Where: Hotel Aadithya, Arcot Road, Vadapalani  

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Also Read: Where To Get Find Best Ambur Biryani In Chennai - 5 Options To Try

8. Sangamithirai

If there's one reason why diners return to Sangamithirai, it's nostalgia. Executive Chef Prem Kumar and his enthusiastic team bring some of Tamil Nadu's finest cuisine to your table. From Kari dosai to Karuppu Kavunni halwa, this is a fantastic culinary journey across Tamil Nadu. If you grew up in Tamil Nadu, it might evoke childhood memories and remind you of your grandmother's recipes. 

• Where: Feathers - A Radha Hotel , Manapakkam  

9. Ambur Canteen

You had to be invited to a wedding or travel to Ambur to sample authentic Ambur biryani. Ambur Canteen has changed all that. We appreciate the casual vibe and the slice-of-life images from Ambur and the Arcot region that adorn the walls, but it's the biryani that steals the show. Their key unique selling proposition (USP) is the culinary production team, all hailing from Ambur, and their rice-to-meat ratio that elevates the biryani.  

• Where: Habibullah Road 

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10. ETC (Elba Trading Company)

Pasta might be ubiquitous in Chennai, but there are not too many spots where you can sample an authentic Italian pasta crafted with fine ingredients. That's why ETC, which debuted in the last quarter of 2023, has our attention. From spaghetti to ravioli, all their pastas are terrific and made with ingredients shipped from Italy. It's also one of the only spots in the city that offers fine, fresh black truffles. 

• Where: St Mary's Road, Alwarpet

11. Sky, The Residency Towers

The name is a giveaway. This is Chennai's best new rooftop restaurant with a choice of indoor and alfresco options - four dining spaces in all. It's the two alfresco sections with views of the city and the coastline that win our vote. This all-day dining space is perfect for sundowners and a hearty Asian meal with a local twist.  

• Where: Sir Theagaraya Road 

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12. Bask By Coffee

It's one of the most 'Instagrammed' F&B hotspots of 2023. Set in a sprawling bungalow in a swish neighbourhood, Bask quickly became one of Chennai's preferred social spaces. Large community-style dining tables, a brilliant blend of outdoor and indoor seating options, and an exhaustive menu that captures the city's evolving palates, all come together in this high-energy cafe.

• Where: Kasturi Rangan Road  

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Iran Says Israeli Strike Kills Senior General In Syria

A senior general with Iran's Revolutionary Guards was killed Monday by an Israeli strike in Syria, the military force said, with Tehran vowing to make Israel "pay for this crime".

Iranian state media also reported the death of Razi Moussavi, describing him as "one of the most experienced advisors" of Quds Force, the foreign arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has repeatedly said it will not allow arch-enemy Iran to expand its presence in Syria.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi expressed condolences for Moussavi's death, saying Israel "will certainly pay for this crime".

The general "was killed during an attack by the Zionist regime a few hours ago in Zeinabiyah district in the suburbs of Damascus," official news agency IRNA reported, using a different name for Sayyida Zeinab south of the Syrian capital.

Moussavi was "active in the field of providing logistical support to the axis of resistance in Syria," IRNA said, referring to groups backed by Tehran and arrayed against Israel.

The IRGC in a statement said Moussavi was killed in a "missile attack" and also vowed to avenge his death.

The statement noted that Moussavi was a companion of General Qassem Soleimani, Iran's revered Quds commander who was killed in Baghdad in a US drone strike in 2020.

Next week Iran will mark the fourth anniversary of Soleimani's assassination, and Moussavi was the most senior Quds Force general killed since.

'Three missiles' 

Iran's state TV said Moussavi was targeted by "three missiles" and aired footage showing smoke rising from the area of the strike.

A Britain-based monitor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, reported Israeli strikes on positions used by Iranian groups and by Lebanon's powerful Tehran-aligned Hezbollah in the Sayyida Zeinab area.

Residents reported hearing loud explosions and seeing columns of smoke rising from farms in the area.

Since Syria's civil war began in 2011, Israel has launched hundreds of air strikes on its northern neighbour, primarily targeting Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters as well as Syrian army positions.

On December 2, the IRGC accused Israel of killing two of its members in Syria, where the force said they had been on an advisory mission, without providing further details.

Israel, which rarely comments on reported strikes in Syria, has intensified attacks there particularly against Hezbollah since the start of its war against Hamas -- also backed by Iran -- triggered by the Palestinian group's October 7 attacks.

The Islamic republic, which supports Hamas financially and militarily, has hailed the deadly attacks on southern Israel as a "success" but denied any direct involvement.

Iran does not recognise Israel and has made support for the Palestinian cause a centrepiece of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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