महाराष्ट्र में 20 नवंबर को विधानसभा चुनाव के लिए वोटिंग होनी है, इसे लेकर प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने गुरुवार को मुंबई के दादर स्थित शिवाजी पार्क मैदान में रैली की, लेकिन इस रैली में डिप्टी सीएम अजित पवार और उनकी पार्टी के अन्य वरिष्ठ नेताओं ने हिस्सा नहीं लिया. साथ ही NCP उम्मीदवार सना मलिक, नवाब मलिक और जीशान सिद्दीकी भी महायुति गठबंधन की रैली में शामिल नहीं हुए. जबकि शिवसेना (शिंदे गुट) और रामदास अठावले की अगुवाई वाली आरपीआई समेत महायुति के सभी उम्मीदवार रैली के दौरान मंच पर मौजूद थे.

पीएम मोदी ने रैली के दौरान कहा कि महाविकास अघाड़ी के लोग तुष्टिकरण के गुलाम हो चुके हैं. ये वो अघाड़ी है, जो राम मंदिर का विरोध करते हैं. भगवा आतंकवाद शब्द गढ़ते हैं. कश्मीर में 370 की वापसी के लिए प्रस्ताव पारित करते हैं, आज महाराष्ट्र विधानसभा चुनाव की मेरी आख़िरी सभा है. हर क्षेत्र के लोगों से मेरा संवाद हुआ है. उन्होंने कहा कि पूरे महाराष्ट्र का आशीर्वाद आज महायुति के साथ है. 

‘सरकार बनाने के लिए कांग्रेस बिना पानी के मछली जैसी तड़प रही’

उन्होंने कहा कि महाविकास अघाड़ी वालों के लिए देश से ऊपर उनका दल है. जब भारत आगे बढ़ता है, तो अघाड़ी वालों को तक़लीफ होती है. ये लोग भारत की उपलब्धि पर सवाल उठाते हैं. अघाड़ी के लोग जाति के नाम पर लोगों को लड़ाने में लगे हैं. सरकार बनाने के लिए कांग्रेस बिना पानी के मछली जैसी तड़प रही है. 

‘एससी-एसटी की जातियों को लड़ाना चाहती है कांग्रेस’

पीएम ने कहा कि कांग्रेस एससी-एसटी की जातियों को आपस में लड़ाना चाहती है. मैं बार-बार कह रहा हूं कि जिस प्रकार से महाविकास अघाड़ी के लोग कारनामे कर रहे हैं, जिस प्रकार से ‘कांग्रेस के शहज़ादे’ तबाही की भाषा बोल रहे हैं, ऐसे में एक बात बहुत ज़रूरी हो गई है- ‘एक हैं तो सेफ हैं’.

महाविकास अघाड़ी पर साधा निशाना

पीएम मोदी ने कहा कि अघाड़ी में एक ऐसा दल है, जिसने बालासाहेब का अपमान करने वाले दल के हाथ में अपना रिमोट सौंप दिया है. हिम्मत है तो एक बार को ‘कांग्रेस के शहज़ादे’ के मुंह से निकलवाइए- हिंदू हृदय सम्राट बालासाहेब ठाकरे. उन्होंने कहा कि ‘आज देश में मोदी की सरकार है, आतंक के आकाओं को पता है, इन अघाड़ी वालों को पता हो या ना हो कि भारत के खिलाफ कुछ किया, मुंबई के खिलाफ कुछ भी किया तो पाताल में भी मोदी नहीं छोड़ेगा.’

King Charles n his 76th birthday, showed his commitment to duty, stepping out in London for a significant cause. 

Rather than taking the day off, the King met with Mayor Sadiq Khan and participated in the opening of two new Coronation Food Hubs—distribution centers created to address food insecurity and reduce waste.

At the event, he toured the facility, interacting with beneficiaries, food bank representatives, school staff, and community leaders who rely on these resources. 

He also viewed a newly installed industrial freezer that boosts the center’s storage capacity by 400 percent, allowing the charity to preserve and distribute much more surplus food. 

While he opened the first hub in person, he inaugurated the second remotely, underscoring his dedication to supporting communities in need.

King Charles celebrates his birthday on November 14, the date of his birth in 1948. 

However, his official birthday was honored earlier this year on June 15 with the King’s Birthday Parade, popularly known as Trooping the Colour, in London.

The event also marked Princess Kate’s first public appearance of 2024, a meaningful moment as she resumed royal duties following her cancer diagnosis earlier in the year. 

Since then, the Princess of Wales has made a powerful return to the public eye, including her recent participation in two Remembrance events, displaying her resilience and commitment to her royal role.

African elephants, the planet’s largest land animals, are celebrated for their intelligence, complex social systems, and essential role in their ecosystems. However, they are now facing a severe crisis, as highlighted in a recent comprehensive study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The study, which analysed data from 475 sites across 37 countries spanning from 1964 to 2016, reveals alarming population declines: savanna elephant numbers have fallen by an average of 70%, and forest elephants by a staggering 90%. These losses are especially pronounced in northern and eastern Africa due to intense poaching pressures and habitat loss.
Despite some success in conservation efforts within southern Africa, urgent action is needed to protect remaining populations and ensure the survival of these iconic animals, whose ecological role is critical to biodiversity.

African elephant populations are at risk of extinction

A comprehensive study has documented alarming declines in both African savanna and forest elephant populations. Researchers analysed data from 475 sites across 37 countries, covering a period from 1964 to 2016, making it the most thorough assessment of African elephants to date. The findings are troubling:

In total, the two species combined have seen a 77% population reduction across surveyed locations. “A lot of the lost populations won’t come back, and many low-density populations face continued pressures. We likely will lose more populations going forward,” said George Wittemyer, a professor of wildlife conservation at Colorado State University and chair of the scientific board for Save the Elephants, who co-led the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

African elephants population is declining due to poaching and habitat loss

African elephants are primarily threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Poaching for ivory remains a persistent issue, fuelled by demand in China and other parts of Asia. Meanwhile, agricultural expansion has significantly reduced their habitat, affecting their ability to forage and survive.
Forest elephants, which already have smaller populations compared to savanna elephants, have been disproportionately impacted by these pressures, especially in northern and eastern Africa. The study underscores distinct regional differences:

“We have lost a number of elephant populations across many countries, but the northern Sahel region has been particularly hard hit. High pressure and limited protection have culminated in populations being extirpated,” Wittemyer highlighted.

African elephant: Challenges and conservation efforts

Due to differing survey methods and timeframes, the study did not present a continent-wide population total. However, separate conservation estimates suggest the combined population of African elephants was between 415,000 and 540,000 as of 2016, establishing a vital baseline for ongoing conservation efforts.
“The loss of large mammals is a significant ecological issue for Africa and the planet,” said Dave Balfour, a conservation ecologist at Nelson Mandela University.
Despite the alarming trends, southern Africa’s conservation efforts demonstrate that targeted management can make a difference. “We have seen real success in several places across Africa, but particularly in southern Africa, with strong population growth,” Wittemyer noted.

The ecological importance of African elephants around the world

African elephants play a crucial ecological role, maintaining the balance between forests and grasslands and dispersing seeds that support other species’ survival. “While the trends are not good, it’s important to recognize both successes and challenges in conservation,” emphasized Wittemyer, co-leader of the study.
The slightly smaller Asian elephant, the world’s third existing elephant species, faces similar threats from habitat loss and poaching, underscoring the global need for coordinated conservation initiatives.
Also Read | New study maps the evolution of colour vision in animals

Spinach (palak) is a winter wonder vegetable, and if you haven’t yet tried it in all its delicious forms, now’s the time. Sure, we all know the classic Palak Paneer, Palak Aloo, Palak Ka Saag, and even Palak Paratha, but today we’ve got something a little different – Palak Masala Chana. This flavorful, healthy curry is exactly what your winter dinner needs. It’s packed with taste, it’s super nutritious, and it’s a great way to add some variety to your meals. Spinach is already an iron powerhouse, and when you pair it with black chickpeas, you’re doubling the health benefits. Black chickpeas are high in protein and fibre, both of which are fantastic for weight loss. So, yes – this curry is your new best friend for both taste and health. Let’s take a look at the recipe!

Also Read: 5 Wonderful Benefits Of Spinach You Never Knew

Palak Masala Chana Recipe: How To Make Palak Masala Chana

First things first, soak your chickpeas overnight or for about 4-5 hours. Once soaked, toss them in a pressure cooker with some salt and cook them for 5-6 whistles. While that’s cooking, rinse and boil the spinach, then blend it into a smooth paste.

Next, check the chickpeas to make sure they’re cooked through. Now, blend three onions into a paste, and do the same for tomatoes and ginger-garlic. Pro tip: blending everything into a paste makes the curry extra flavorful!

Heat some oil in a pan, toss in cumin seeds and a pinch of asafoetida. Then, add the onion paste and sauté for a bit. After that, stir in the ginger-garlic paste, cook it for a minute, and then add the tomato paste. Let it cook together for another two minutes before adding red chilli powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Stir it all up and let the flavours meld together.

Once your masala is smelling amazing, add the boiled chickpeas to the pan. Mix them with the masala and cook for a few minutes. Then, pour in the spinach puree and stir it all together. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it’s done, turn off the heat and sprinkle some garam masala on top. Garnish with fresh coriander.

For an extra burst of flavour, finish it off with a tadka! Finely chop some garlic, heat some desi ghee in a pan, and fry the garlic with two whole red chillies and some kasuri methi. Let it cook for about two minutes, then pour it over the curry and cover the pan again.

After a few minutes, remove the lid, and get ready for a mouthwatering experience! Serve this Palak Masala Chana with roti, paratha, puri, or even rice for a wholesome meal. This winter, treat yourself to this delicious dish and enjoy a cosy, comforting dinner.

BAKU: With the first draft decision text on new post-2025 climate finance goals released at COP29 here on Wednesday, amid huge differences between rich and developing nations on the issue, UN climate body said developing countries would need $1.1-2.4 trillion annual investment by 2030, and up to $2.9 trillion till 2035, to meet mitigation goals.
This could, at least, be an indication to negotiators of rich nations about requirement when developing countries have been struggling to get a deal on having at least $1.3 trillion a year from their developed counterparts with a significant provision component for adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage.
Developing countries, however, don’t want it in the form of “investment” as currently much of climate finance discussions are focused on investments in mitigation actions.
Though the new text has mentioned the amount ($1.3 trillion), it also carried the other much lesser options in brackets with caveats on the nature of climate finance which won’t be acceptable to developing countries.
Developing countries expressed that climate finance should be “adequate, predictable, accessible, grant-based, low-interest and long-term”. The developed countries have, so far, not put in any numbers.
Referring to the text, developing countries have already pointed out that it was an attempt to push weak language to avoid providing real grant-based finance. Negotiations at COP29 would, therefore, see more texts on a new climate finance goal — called New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) — in the coming days for countries to thrash out their differences. In all probability, the more intense discussions for some convergence in the final text is expected next week when ministers are around.
Albanian PM goes off script, speech creates a stir
Albanian PM Edi Rama created a stir on Wednesday at COP29, claiming that nothing had actually changed in the real world despite big appeals by leaders, who he blamed lacked common political will to go beyond words and unite for meaningful action. Citing an observation he had made a day before, Rama said he decided to leave aside his “well prepared speech” after watching the “silent TV” in the leaders’ lounge.
“People there eat, drink, meet, and take photos together, while images of voiceless speeches from leaders play on and on and on in the background. To me, this seems exactly like what happens in the real world every day,” he said.
Special envoy says US will continue path of decarbonisation
Putting up a brave face amid the threat of dilution of climate actions under Donald Trump, the American special Presidential envoy for climate John Podesta said the US economy would continue down the path of decarbonisation, reducing emissions for years to come, because of historic private sector investments made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act under President Joe Biden.
Delivering his nation’s statement here at COP29, he said the US is on track to meet President Biden’s ambitious international public finance commitment of $11 billion per year by the end of 2024. He emphasised that the American negotiators would need to first conclude the key negotiated outcomes including Article 6 (carbon market) and a robust new climate finance target here at the climate conference.
“It should be multi-layered with an ambitious, realistically achievable support layer involving new contributors … underpinned by a set of qualitative elements that evolve the international financial architecture,” said Podesta in the context of the new post-2025 finance goal.

Veteran Democratic Party strategist James Carville argued that President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive sway with male voters is proof that the party needs to overhaul its messaging.

Earlier this year, Carville made headlines when he warned that “preachy females” and “feminine” woke messaging from Democrats were driving away male voters. After Trump’s victory, Carville has said Democrats have the “stench” of wokeness.

PBS host Christiane Amanpour asked Carville about his past comments on Wednesday’s “Amanpour and Co.” 

“Last spring you said, you know, ‘A suspicion of mine is that there are too many preachy females dominating the culture of the Democratic Party,’” the PBS host said. “Do you stand by that? ‘Females?’”

JAMES CARVILLE SAYS KAMALA HARRIS’ FAILED CAMPAIGN COULD BE REDUCED TO SUNNY HOSTIN’S QUESTION ON ‘THE VIEW’

“Well, would you look at our male vote?” Carville said. “Would somebody just take a look at how we did with males and how we did with non-White males and tell me that the Democrats don’t have a messaging problem, that the message comes across as too feminine?”

Carville continued, “There is not a person in the world that I’ve talked to that doubts that I’m right, right now. I mean, I say provocative things to get a provocative reaction. Is somebody really going to tell me we don’t have a problem with male voters?”

Amanpour, who is also a CNN International anchor, acknowledged Democrats poor performance with male voters, but asked what the party can do going forward.

“We could certainly shovel the entire identity politics about 50 feet into the ground and bury it. I mean, you can start by doing things like that,” he said. 

JOY REID SAYS BLACK WOMEN NO LONGER INTERESTED IN ‘SAVING AMERICA’ AFTER BETRAYAL BY WHITE FEMALE VOTERS

He also argued that Democrats were not allowed to talk about the Biden-Harris administration successfully cracking down on crime because the “woke-police would not allow that.” 

“You can change your language around. You know, don’t use coded language. Like I said, it’s going to take one cycle before we can wash this smell off of our shirt, but I think there’s a good chance that if we act correctly, it will be gone by ’26 and gone-gone by ’28,” Carville said. “But please don’t let anybody infer to me that we did well with males because we did not.” 

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PGMOL, the refereeing body for English football, has confirmed that it is aware of a new video published by The Sun in which suspended Premier League referee David Coote is allegedly seen snorting a white powder.

Coote, 42, was stood down from duty pending the result of an investigation after a first video was posted to X on Monday which showed him making disparaging remarks about Liverpool and their former manager Jürgen Klopp.

The Sun claims the new video, which has not been verified by ESPN, was filmed by Coote and shared to a friend on WhatsApp. It was taken at a UEFA-appointed hotel on July 6 when he was on duty at Euro 2024, the day after his final appointment as support VAR for the Portugal vs. France quarterfinal.

A PGMOL spokesperson said: “We aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation. David’s welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”

Coote was due to act as a VAR for UEFA Nations League fixtures over the next week, but was immediately suspended by UEFA following the action taken by PGMOL. UEFA would not confirm which games Coote was due to work on.

In a statement issued after the latest video emerged on Wednesday evening, UEFA confirmed that Coote had been made ineligible for selection but made no comment about its contents or the allegation that it happened in a UEFA-appointed hotel.

A UEFA spokesperson told ESPN: “The UEFA Referees Committee immediately suspended David Coote until further notice on 11 November — in advance of the upcoming round of UEFA matches — when it became aware of his inappropriate behaviour.”

The remains of a Massachusetts airman who died as a prisoner of war during World War II have been accounted for, military officials said Wednesday. 

U.S. Army Air Forces Pvt. 1st Class Bernard J. Calvi, 23, was a member of the 17th Pursuit Squadron, 24th Pursuit Group when Japanese forces invaded the Philippines in December 1941, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said in a news release. Intense fighting ensued and continued until the surrender of Bataan peninsula and Corregidor Island in spring 1942. 

During that period, thousands of American and Filipino service members were captured and held at prisoner of war camps, the DPAA said. Calvi was among those reported captured when forces in Bataan surrendered. He, and thousands of others, were subjected to the 65-mile Bataan Death March and then held at a prisoner of war camp where 2,500 prisoners died during the course of the war. 

Calvi died on July 16, 1942, according to prison and historical records, just months after the surrender of the peninsula. He was buried in a mass grave, known as Common Grave 316. 

That grave and others at the camp were exhumed by the American Graves Registration Service after World War II ended. The remains from the graves were brought to a temporary U.S. military mausoleum that had been constructed in Manila, the Philippines’ capital city. 

In 1947, the service attempted to identify the remains. Eleven sets of remains from Common Grave 316 were identified, and the remaining 17 were declared unidentifiable. Those unidentified remains were buried at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial as Unknowns. Calvi’s name, along with the names of other soldiers declared dead, was carved onto the Walls of the Missing at the cemetery. 

In April 2019, the DPAA began efforts to identify the Unknowns from Common Grave 316. The 17 sets of remains were exhumed and sent to the DPAA laboratory for analysis. Scientists used multiple techniques, including dental and anthropological analysis, mitochondrial and Y-chromosome DNA analysis, and historical evidence. On Sept. 16, they identified the set of remains as Calvi’s. 

Before Calvi enlisted in the military, he had been a notable athlete, playing varsity baseball and football at his Massachusetts high school, according to archival news clippings shared by the DPAA. Before he was taken prisoner, Calvi was wounded at least once in action, but returned to active duty after recovering in a hospital in the Philippines. He was survived by his parents, two brothers, several aunts and uncles, and one nephew. 

Calvi will be buried in his hometown of North Adams, Massachusetts on Dec. 9, 2024. A rosette will be placed next to his name on the Walls of the Missing to indicate that he has been accounted for. 

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