Language Settings
Select Website Language

Latest

NFL Week 2 Schedule Searches Surge in India

Searches for the 2026 NFL Week 2 schedule are trending in India, with the query "nfl schedule this week" drawing 100+ searches on Google Trends. Interest in the National Football League is climbing in India as the 2026 season moves into its second week. The search query "nfl schedule this week" is now trending on Google Trends India, registering more than 100 searches and pointing to strong demand for Week 2 fixture information among Indian users. The surge centres on the 2026 Week 2 Game Hub, a round-up of the week's matchups tracked in coverage from Fantasy Points. The spike shows that a share of the audience following the schedule is doing so with fantasy football in mind, using the fixtures to set line-ups and plan roster decisions for the round. Google Trends measures the relative popularity of search terms rather than a precise count, and a "100+" reading marks a query that has broken through against its usual baseline. The appearance of an NFL schedule search among trending topics in India signals that the league is drawing attention well beyond its home market in the United States. The timing is straightforward. With Week 1 complete, fans turn to the next slate of games, and searches for the upcoming schedule typically climb as the round approaches. For now, the trend itself is the story: the 2026 Week 2 Game Hub has become a live reference point for Indian viewers checking when this week's games are played. NFL Week 2 2026, NFL schedule this week, 2026 Week 2 Game Hub, NFL India, Google Trends India, fantasy football Week 2, NFL fixtures

Indian Chess Teams Wait 5 Hours for Rooms in Samarkand

India's defending Chess Olympiad champions waited about five hours for hotel rooms in Samarkand ahead of the 2026 FIDE event, drawing complaints from Srinath and Vidit. India's defending Chess Olympiad champions began their title defence with an uncomfortable wait, as the men's and women's teams were left without hotel rooms for around five hours after landing in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Tuesday. The players eventually received their room allotments, but only after a lengthy delay that drew public complaints from senior members of the squad. Both Indian contingents had travelled to the Uzbek city for the FIDE tournament, which runs from September 16 to 27. On arrival, the players were unable to check in and settle into their accommodation as expected. A member of the travelling squad later confirmed the matter had been sorted out. "All the players have settled into their rooms now. But it was an unpleasant experience," the squad member said. The frustration was aired on social media by two prominent figures in the men's set-up. Grandmaster Srinath Narayanan, captain of the Indian men's team, wrote on X: "Having a terrible experience at the @FIDE_chess 2026 Olympiad. The team landed 5 hours ago at Samarkand airport. The team still haven't been allotted rooms, with absolutely no clarity on when it'll be allotted." Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi echoed the sentiment, posting: "Very poor first impressions of the Samarkand, Uzbekistan Olympiad 2026. Still waiting..." Other teams report the same problem The accommodation trouble was not confined to the Indian delegation. Austrian Grandmaster Felix Blohberger replied to Srinath's post describing a similar wait: "Same here, we arrived yesterday at 6 a.m. at the hotel and our captain got his room at 1:30pm." Welsh player Jonathan Blackburn also shared his ordeal on Tuesday. "37 hours awake, 2 flights, half way round the world only to be told you don't have a hotel room that night, typical Olympiad. Finally in my room - worth it," he wrote, noting he had eventually been given a room. Uzbekistan federation responds Alisher Sadullaev, Vice President of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, said organisers were working to fix the situation and had spoken directly with the Indian team. "I have had a talk with the Indian team. According to the regulations, at certain time the check in was planned earlier on...but the FIDE team and the coordination team has organised everything now and I think everything is already being set up," he told ChessBase India. Sadullaev sought to reassure players that the disruption would not affect the competition. "I'm sure this will be resolved.. and from tomorrow on players can comfortably come and start playing their matches," he said. The delay comes as India arrives in Samarkand carrying the weight of a double title defence. Both the men's and women's teams won gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, a first for the country and a landmark result in Indian chess. The men's squad is anchored by world champion D Gukesh and also features Grandmasters R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin and Gujrathi, with Srinath serving as captain. The women's team is led on the board by Koneru Humpy and R Vaishali, alongside World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Savitha Shri, with Swayams Mishra as captain. With rooms now allotted and the federation promising a smooth start, both teams are set to open their campaigns as the tournament gets under way on September 16. Chess Olympiad 2026, Samarkand Uzbekistan, Indian chess team, Srinath Narayanan, Vidit Gujrathi, D Gukesh, FIDE Olympiad, Koneru Humpy

England Cancer Waits Worsen as 62-Days Treatment Target Slips

NHS cancer treatment within 62 days fell to 71.2% in England as experts warn government targets set for 2027 and 2029 are now impossible to hit. Alan, a 70-year-old lung cancer patient in England, was told he would have surgery within weeks after doctors found a nodule in June last year. He waited almost five months. By the time he reached the operating table, the disease had spread and the procedure had become far harder. Twice his scans were called off because the machines had failed, and for long stretches he heard nothing from the hospital about when the urgent operation would happen. "I was so frustrated and angry and couldn't understand why they would leave me like that," Alan said. He is one of thousands of patients across England each month who begin treatment later than the health service's own deadline allows. Earlier this year the government's National Cancer Plan, published alongside NHS Planning Guidance, promised that by March 2027 four in five patients would start treatment within 62 days of an urgent referral from their GP. That figure was set to climb to 85% by March 2029. Since the pledge was made, the numbers have moved in the wrong direction. The latest NHS England data shows 71.2% of patients now begin treatment inside the 62-day window, down from 71.9%. Prof Pat Price, a senior UK clinical academic oncologist, said the deadlines "are now simply impossible to hit" following what she called a "complete loss of momentum". She blamed the decline on a "complete lack of a plan or accountability". The cancer plan committed to setting up a new independent cancer board, but the person who will lead it has still not been named. Ten trusts out of 120 meet the standard Figures released on Thursday, covering July, show that just 10 of England's 120 hospital trusts got 85% of patients into treatment within 62 days of a GP's urgent referral. Analysis by Radiotherapy UK, shared with the BBC, indicates that more than 2,800 additional patients would have to start treatment every month - an increase of almost 15% on current volumes - for the March 2027 goal to be reached. That gap is expected to widen as referrals climb across nearly every type of cancer. In total, roughly 54,000 more patients will need to begin treatment inside the 62-day limit before 2029 for the government to meet its ambition. The delays carry a measurable cost. On average, a patient's chance of survival drops by about 10% for every month that passes before treatment begins. Price warned that thousands of people "are going to die unnecessarily, just because the government can't get their act together to treat people on time". For Alan, the wait changed the shape of his illness. By the time he was operated on, the cancer had reached his lymph nodes and, according to his lung specialist, the nodule had grown at an alarming rate. He has since been told the disease has cleared and is now awaiting his one-year review. The surgery, however, has left him with lasting pain. "I used to play golf and get out and about. Now I can't do any of the things I love," he said. Salisbury focuses on the basics One trust making headway on its backlog is Salisbury, though it is still short of the targets. Staff there say there is no single solution. Instead they describe a steady effort to get the fundamentals right: making sure patients know about and attend their appointments, keeping IT systems running, hiring the right people, filling surgical lists and adding capacity where they can. Much of the gain that patients can see has come in skin and prostate cancer, two of the most common forms of the disease in the country. Diane had a cancerous lump taken from her face at Salisbury District Hospital a few weeks ago, treated with a newer surgical approach. The worsening figures leave the government's headline commitments under strain barely months after they were announced. With referrals rising, the volume of patients waiting beyond the deadline continues to build, and the body meant to drive improvement still lacks a leader. England cancer waiting times, NHS 62 day target, National Cancer Plan, cancer treatment delays, Pat Price oncologist, NHS England cancer data, lung cancer surgery delay, Salisbury District Hospital

South Korea coach Moreno denies 'extreme' ChatGPT claims

New South Korea interim boss Robert Moreno calls reports of heavy AI reliance at Sochi false, names first squad with Son Heung-min as captain. Robert Moreno used his first news conference as South Korea's interim head coach to reject reports that he leaned excessively on artificial intelligence during his previous job at Russian club Sochi. Speaking in Cheonan on Monday, the 48-year-old Spaniard described the accounts as untrue and said his approach had been misrepresented. Moreno was appointed in August on a deal that runs to the end of November. The Korea Football Association can prolong the agreement through the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia in January and February, though any extension would depend on an assessment of his results. He is the first Spanish coach to lead South Korea, and previously managed Spain across nine matches in 2009. The AI dispute traces back to his exit from Sochi, where he was let go in September 2025 after a weak start to the campaign. Moreno had joined the Russian Premier League side on December 15, 2023, with the team sitting last in the standings. He departed by mutual agreement on September 2, 2025, after Sochi took a single point from the opening seven fixtures of the season. Across his tenure he recorded 22 victories, 17 draws and 23 losses. After he left, Sochi's former sporting and general director, Andrei Orlov, alleged that the coach had leaned on ChatGPT to an unusual degree. Club officials claimed the software shaped decisions ranging from training plans and scouting targets to team selection and logistics. One cited case involved a trip to Khabarovsk, where an AI-produced schedule was said to have suggested keeping players awake for 28 hours straight. Another claim concerned advice about striker Artur Shushenachev, adding to the picture of a tool that had allegedly crossed into central sporting choices. Moreno pushed back firmly. "It was a piece of news that is completely false and went viral," he said. He did not deny using digital tools but argued that his working methods had been twisted. "Obviously I use technology," he added. "If you verify facts, you will see that much of what was reported was taken out of context and blown out of proportion." He went further, saying: "Anyone who spends 10 minutes looking into it can see that everything has been taken out of context and put together to cause harm." Son Heung-min keeps captaincy With the controversy addressed, Moreno turned to the task of steadying a national side low on morale. His opening squad keeps Son Heung-min as captain. The 34-year-old, now playing for LAFC, stays at the heart of a team trying to move past a poor World Cup. Moreno praised the forward's adaptability, saying: "We're all aware of Son's versatility. For me he can play in three positions." The coach also pledged a better experience for the country's fans. "We're going to try to do our work honestly and with the aim of making all Korean football fans happy," he said. His first test comes on September 24 against Ecuador, the start of a run of friendlies. Moreno took over from Hong Myung-bo, who quit after South Korea went out at the group stage of the World Cup. Hong's hiring in 2024 had already angered supporters, and the tournament exit sharpened the criticism. Turmoil at the KFA The federation has been through a rough stretch off the pitch. In July, Hong appeared before lawmakers at a parliamentary hearing alongside Chung Mong-gyu, the former Korea Football Association chief. Police searched the KFA's offices in August. The body also issued an apology after a leaked government audit stated it had arranged "sexual entertainment" for visiting referees in 2011 and 2012. Moreno said he would not offer a public verdict on his predecessor, even after examining South Korea's recent matches in detail. "I have studied World Cup matches and players inside out but I think it is inappropriate to publicly evaluate my predecessor," he said. He framed the setbacks as material to build on: "It is important to use whatever happened in the past as a learning opportunity. What is clear is that when you lose, many problems surface. But when you win, they fade away." Moreno has six games in his initial spell. Beyond Ecuador, South Korea are set to meet Uruguay, Venezuela and Uzbekistan, plus two further opponents still to be confirmed, as the team builds towards the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. Robert Moreno, South Korea national football team, Son Heung-min, ChatGPT football, Sochi, Korea Football Association, interim coach, Asian Cup

Betis Fight Back to Sink Villarreal 2-1 at Estadio de la Cerámica

Real Betis came from behind to beat Villarreal 2-1 in La Liga on 14 September, climbing to third while the hosts stayed 18th. "villarreal cf vs real betis standings" Real Betis came from behind to beat Villarreal 2-1 in the Spanish La Liga on Monday, 14 September 2026, scoring twice before half-time at the Estadio de la Cerámica. The result was played out in front of a crowd of 18,267. Villarreal struck first through Gerard Moreno, who put the hosts ahead in the 29th minute after being set up by Renato Veiga. The lead lasted 10 minutes. Betis levelled through C. Hernández in the 39th minute and then turned the game around before the interval, with Natan scoring in the 43rd minute to make it 2-1. There was no further scoring after the break, and the half-time score of 1-2 stood as the final result. The win lifts Real Betis to third place in the table on 12 points from five matches. Manolo Pellegrini's side have won four and lost one of their opening fixtures, scoring seven goals and conceding six for a goal difference of plus one. Their recent form has been strong, with victories in five of their last six league games. They now sit level on points with second-placed Real Madrid, who also have 12 but a superior goal difference of plus 10, and trail runaway leaders Barcelona, who have won all five of their games to reach 15 points. For Villarreal, the defeat deepens a difficult start to the season. The Yellow Submarine are 18th in the 20-team division on just two points, still without a win after five rounds. They have drawn two and lost three, and their tally of seven goals scored against 10 conceded leaves them with a goal difference of minus three. Villarreal have now lost their last three matches, having taken their only points from two early draws. The two clubs are separated by 10 points and 15 league positions despite the narrow scoreline. Betis are pushing at the top end of the table alongside the traditional heavyweights, while Villarreal find themselves inside the relegation zone, sitting just above Elche, who also have two points, and bottom side Valencia on one. The congested standings underline how tight the early running has been below Barcelona and Real Madrid. Alavés, Atlético Madrid and Sevilla are all locked on 10 points in fourth, fifth and sixth, while a cluster of clubs from seventh-placed Deportivo de A Coruña down to 11th-placed Osasuna sit within two points of each other. Betis' ability to grind out a comeback away from home may prove valuable in such a compressed table. Villarreal, meanwhile, will look for a first victory to pull clear of the bottom three. Their attacking output has not been the problem - seven goals in five games matches Betis' return - but 10 goals conceded points to defensive frailties that were exposed again on Monday, when they surrendered a lead within minutes and could not respond after the break. Villarreal vs Real Betis, La Liga, Gerard Moreno, Real Betis, Estadio de la Ceramica, La Liga standings, Natan, C. Hernandez

10 days trapped on the El Capitan’s Platinum Wall, Sasha DiGiulian Makes History on @sashadigiulian completes the first female ascent of El Capitan

Sasha DiGiulian Makes History on El Capitan’s Platinum Wall After 23-Day Climb  American professional climber Sasha DiGiulian has made climbing history after becoming the first woman to free-climb the Platinum Wall on Yosemite’s El Capitan, completing one of the most demanding big-wall routes in the United States. DiGiulian reached the summit after a grueling 23-day ascent in Yosemite National Park, California. The route, also known as the Direct Line, stretches roughly 3,000 feet (914 metres) and contains 39 pitches, with sections rated as difficult as 5.13d. Nine Days Trapped by Severe Weather The climb became even more challenging when powerful winter storms moved across the Sierra Nevada. DiGiulian and climbing partner Elliot Faber spent nine days waiting on a portaledge, a small suspended tent used by big-wall climbers. Rain, snow, strong winds and freezing conditions repeatedly prevented the pair from making progress. Water continued to run down the granite wall even after the worst of the storm had passed, leaving some climbing pitches wet and difficult to attempt. During the prolonged delay, the climbers were hundreds of metres above the ground with limited space to move. Despite the conditions, DiGiulian remained committed to completing the route. A Historic First for Women in Climbing DiGiulian ultimately became the first woman to free-climb the Platinum Wall, adding another major achievement to a career filled with notable first female ascents. She led 27 of the route’s pitches, including the major crux sections. The climb was the result of several seasons of preparation, during which she worked on different sections of the route and built the strength and technique required to attempt the full ascent. The achievement is particularly significant because the Platinum Wall is considered one of El Capitan’s longest and most sustained free-climbing challenges. Unlike many classic El Capitan routes that primarily follow cracks, the Platinum Wall crosses long sections of steep, relatively blank granite. Finishing After the Storm The final stage of the climb brought another unexpected challenge when Faber had to leave because of a family emergency. DiGiulian continued toward the summit with support from Ryan Sheridan, who belayed her during the final section. After 23 days on the wall, DiGiulian finally reached the summit, completing a climb that combined technical difficulty, physical endurance and an extraordinary ability to remain patient during days of dangerous weather. More Than a Climbing Record DiGiulian’s achievement is being celebrated not only as a major accomplishment in rock climbing but also as an example of perseverance under extreme conditions. The climb demonstrates that completing a difficult objective is sometimes less about moving quickly and more about knowing when to wait, adapting to circumstances and continuing when conditions finally improve. For DiGiulian, the Platinum Wall represents the culmination of years of preparation and one of the most demanding challenges of her climbing career. Key Facts Climber: Sasha DiGiulian Location: El Capitan, Yosemite National Park, California Route: Platinum Wall / The Direct Line Achievement: First woman to free-climb the Platinum Wall Total time: 23 days Route length: About 3,000 feet (914 metres) Route: 39 pitches Weather delay: Nine days Major challenge: Severe rain, snow, wind and wet climbing conditions Sasha DiGiulian’s Platinum Wall ascent now stands as a remarkable chapter in Yosemite climbing history — a 23-day test of skill, endurance and determination that ended with a historic first.

U.S. Moves to Seize $61 Million in Crypto Tied to Iranian Oil

Federal prosecutors in New York filed a civil forfeiture claim over $61 million in cryptocurrency, alleging it stems from black-market Iranian oil sold to China. "binance exchange" Federal prosecutors in New York are moving to take control of $61 million in cryptocurrency they say came from illegal sales of sanctioned Iranian crude oil and refined petroleum. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York filed a civil forfeiture complaint arguing the digital funds trace back to a laundering operation that ultimately served Iran's government and armed forces. According to the complaint, Tehran leaned on a web of cryptocurrency operators based in China and other countries to move more than $1.5 billion in oil revenue through concealed channels. Prosecutors say the money was earmarked for the Iranian government, its military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "Today we are seizing and seeking to forfeit more than $61 million of the Government of Iran's money, which otherwise would have promoted hostile military action and terrorist attacks against the U.S. and our allies," Deputy U.S. Attorney Sean S. Buckley said in a statement. Two Chinese firms named The filing identifies two Chinese companies, Blessed Trust and Hexa Whale, as central to the scheme. Prosecutors say the pair held trading accounts on the Binance exchange and used them to wash the proceeds of black-market oil deals, steering the cash toward Iran's government, its agents and its proxies to bankroll militant and other state activity. Blessed Trust presents itself as a wealth-management and virtual-asset custody business, the complaint says. In practice, prosecutors allege, it took in and passed along the tainted money while running "on-ramp" services that let clients swap traditional currency for digital tokens. Some of those conversions ran through cryptocurrency issuers based in the United States. Hexa Whale offered comparable services and worked alongside Blessed Trust and its associates. The complaint states that both firms tapped the American financial system to move tens of millions of dollars as part of the operation. Clients of the two companies include businesses operating in China's petroleum sector. A Binance spokesperson said the exchange rejects any involvement in sanctions breaches. "Binance has zero tolerance for sanctions violations or illicit activity, and Binance did not permit any transactions with sanctioned individuals," the spokesperson said, adding that the company would keep assisting investigators and would restrict, freeze or close accounts and file reports to authorities when it spots sanctions or illicit-finance risks. Hexa Whale and Blessed Trust could not be reached for comment. Tether to swap the tokens To hand the assets over to the government, Tether Ltd. plans to destroy the tokens sitting in the targeted wallet addresses and mint fresh tokens of equal value, which will then pass into U.S. custody, according to the complaint. Tether did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The action follows a broader push by Washington to choke off Iran's oil revenue. In April, U.S. officials imposed sanctions on a small independent Chinese refinery, known in the industry as a "teapot," and cautioned banks that they risk penalties for doing business with Chinese refiners that handle Iranian crude. The pressure comes as China remains the dominant destination for Iran's oil exports. Reporting has pointed to China taking in more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil in 2025, averaging about 1.4 million barrels a day. A Sept. 10 account also described Iran using a barter-style setup to dodge sanctions on its oil, trading crude for billions of dollars in Chinese goods. Iranian oil sanctions, crypto forfeiture, Binance, Tether, IRGC financing, cryptocurrency money laundering, Southern District of New York, Iran China oil trade

JSW's First SUV Likely Named Combat, To Get Plug-In Hybrid

JSW Motors is expected to name its first India SUV the JSW Combat, based on the Chery Jetour T2, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a Diwali launch. JSW Motors is expected to call its first SUV for India the JSW Combat, a plug-in hybrid model based on the Chery Jetour T2. The vehicle is set to launch around Diwali, marking the debut of an independent automotive brand from the JSW Group built in partnership with China's Chery Automobile. The name surfaced after JSW Motors trademarked several options that leaked from an IP directory. The full list included JSW Combat, JSW Urbanique, JSW Dominor, JSW Adventura, JSW Eleve, JSW Sereno and JSW Cadet. Recent reports point to Combat as the finalised choice for the maiden SUV. The move is part of a wider push by the JSW Group into cars. The company is already present in the Indian market through JSW MG Motor India, and it has signed an MoU with Skoda Auto for a joint venture on an electric platform. The Chery-linked brand is the group's separate, standalone venture. Based on the Chery Jetour T2 The Combat is expected to be based on the Chery Jetour T2, an SUV known for its boxy, upright design. The Jetour T2 measures 4,785 mm in length, 2,006 mm in width and 1,870 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. Those dimensions give it a large footprint and heavy road presence. For India, JSW Motors is expected to bring the plug-in hybrid version of the Jetour T2. The system is called "i-DM," which is distinct from BYD's "DM-i" hybrid technology. BYD's DM-i setup is also arriving in India, in the Sealion 6 PHEV. Globally, the T2's plug-in hybrid combines an 18.4 kWh battery pack with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. Two electric motors are part of the setup, and the peak total system output is rated at 360 bhp and 610 Nm. Power is sent through a 3-speed hybrid gearbox. JSW could offer both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive layouts, or restrict the Indian version to front-wheel drive. Pricing and rivals JSW Motors is expected to price the Combat aggressively to establish itself in a crowded segment. Reports suggest a range between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom). At that level, the SUV would line up against the Toyota Fortuner and the MG Majestor, neither of which is offered as a plug-in hybrid. The feature list is expected to be extensive. Reported equipment includes 20-inch alloy wheels, squarish headlights and prominent JSW branding, alongside a 15.6-inch infotainment screen and a 10.6-inch instrument cluster. A panoramic sunroof, a premium audio system, a 540-degree camera with an underbody view, and electrically operated and ventilated front seats are also on the cards. Driver-assistance technology is part of the package too. The Combat is likely to offer ADAS with adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Combined with its rugged, upright styling, the SUV is positioned as an imposing, well-equipped entry for the brand's first India product. With the launch timed around Diwali, JSW Motors is preparing to take its Chery-based SUV into one of India's most competitive vehicle segments, backed by a plug-in hybrid powertrain that its established rivals do not currently offer. JSW Combat, JSW Motors, Chery Jetour T2, plug-in hybrid SUV, JSW Chery India, Diwali SUV launch, Toyota Fortuner rival, i-DM hybrid

Israel Probes Venice-Winning Gaza Documentary 'Naza' for Treason

Israeli officials slam the award-winning documentary Naza and threaten treason charges against directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor over its Gaza allegations. Israeli officials have condemned a new documentary about the military's conduct in Gaza and are calling for legal action against the filmmakers and the people who spoke to them. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday described the film, titled *Naza*, as "shocking" and accused it of forming part of a wave of anti-Semitic incitement. The documentary, directed by Israeli journalists Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, alleges that large numbers of civilian deaths were routinely factored into the military's targeting decisions during the war in Gaza. It won the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival on Saturday and had drawn a 25-minute standing ovation when it screened two days earlier. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir has ordered a legal probe to identify the film's sources. According to the filmmakers, those sources include members of the military and Israeli intelligence whose identities are concealed in the film. Culture Minister Miki Zohar went further, suggesting the government could pursue treason charges against the directors and others connected to the project. "It's shocking. We are fighting global anti-Semitic incitement, and when it comes from within us it is intolerable," Netanyahu said in a video posted on Telegram. "And now two Israeli directors portraying the [Israeli military] as war criminals receive applause at the Venice festival." The prime minister's remarks followed a statement from Zamir, who framed the film as an attack on the state itself. "Based on what has been published thus far, this is not a film offering criticism of the [military], nor is it an attempt to establish the truth," Zamir said. "It is based on blood libels, deliberate distortions of reality, and grave, false accusations against [Israeli] soldiers and commanders." A probe into sources and citizenship Zamir instructed the Military Advocate General, whose authority is limited to military matters, to "examine and advance possible legal measures concerning the film and those involved in it." The order is aimed at tracing how serving and former personnel came to take part in the project. Zohar said he had asked authorities to "investigate how the materials were obtained, who is behind them, and whether in the process of obtaining or publishing them, actions were taken that amount to aiding the enemy during wartime." He added that he had requested the Interior Ministry consider stripping the two filmmakers of their citizenship on grounds of "treason." What the film alleges The documentary takes its name from an Israeli military term for anticipated "collateral casualties." It is built around anonymous interviews with intelligence officers and soldiers who took part in the war. In those interviews, the participants describe how targets inside the Gaza Strip were chosen and how many civilian casualties were weighed into planned attacks. Abraham and Szor have defended the project as a work aimed primarily at their own countrymen. "We believe that the denial of a crime is what helps it persist, and this is why it is especially important for us that Israelis watch this film; it is our country," the filmmakers said. The directors received the Special Jury Prize during the closing ceremony of the 83rd Venice Film Festival on the Venice Lido. Their win, and the standing ovation that preceded it, have turned the film into a flashpoint at home, where senior figures are now weighing charges that range from investigations into leaked material to the revocation of the filmmakers' citizenship. Naza documentary, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Venice Film Festival, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel Gaza, Eyal Zamir, treason investigation

Houthis Seize 130km of Yemen Coast, Widening Iran's Reach

Iranian-backed Houthi fighters have captured up to 130km of Yemen's Red Sea coastline, tightening Tehran's grip on a vital global shipping chokepoint. Iranian-backed Houthi fighters have swept across the southern edge of the Tihamah, Yemen's dry Red Sea coastal plain, seizing ground that the anti-Houthi National Resistance coalition held only days earlier. Some estimates put the captured territory at as much as 130km (81 miles) of strategically vital shoreline, a gain that took most watchers of the conflict by surprise. Saudi-backed Yemeni units, which had controlled significant stretches of the coast, were unable to hold the line and lost much of it within a matter of days. Analysts describe the offensive as the most striking military success the group has achieved in years, coming after 12 years of civil war, repeated Saudi bombing runs, and strikes by American, Israeli and British forces. "Now that they are there, they're going to be entrenched," Hisham al-Omeisi, a senior analyst at the Brussels-based European Institute of Peace, told the BBC. "And it's going to be a lot more costly to push them out." With their opponents shaken and short on morale, few expect the Houthis to be forced back soon. Tehran redirects its support The advance underscores how central the Houthis have become to Iran's regional strategy. Tehran has leaned more heavily on the group after reverses suffered elsewhere by its allied network, the so-called Axis of Resistance, including Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas in Gaza and the fallen Assad government in Syria. "So they redirected their support to the Houthis," al-Omeisi said. "And of course they need that support." Most analysts caution against dismissing the Houthis as mere Iranian proxies, but the past week has produced an uncomfortable outcome for the group's rivals. Seven months after the United States and Israel jointly attacked Iran, Tehran now holds sway, directly or through allied forces, over two of the world's most important sea lanes: the Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Persian Gulf, and the Bab al-Mandab, the gateway between the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. A grip on 35% of the oil trade "Now Iran, directly and through proxies, controls two of the most strategic choke points in the Middle East and the world," said Farea al-Muslimi, a research fellow at the London think tank Chatham House, "controlling more than 35% of the fuel and oil trade globally." "This is as much leverage as a nuclear bomb," he added. The scale of that leverage helps explain jittery energy markets: crude oil touched $100 a barrel for the first time since July following exchanges of strikes involving US and Houthi forces. Reports that the Houthis have also taken several key islands in the Red Sea, among them Perim, would sharpen the threat further. Perim sits at the tightest point of the Bab al-Mandab, and holding it would give the group a far greater ability to disrupt vessels moving through the passage. The group has already demonstrated what it can do at sea. During its campaign linked to Israel's war in Gaza, Houthi missiles, drones and small attack boats repeatedly targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, exposing how exposed traffic through the corridor can be. Yemen expert Iona Craig told BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Friday that the group had managed to police movement through the Bab al-Mandab and toward Suez even before securing land along the coast. "But of course now they're controlling the area immediately overlooking the Bab al-Mandab, and this gives them far more leverage," she said. Shipping firms are expected to treat any Houthi assurances about safe passage with caution. For now, the rebels have converted a rapid battlefield gain into a commanding position over one of the arteries of global trade, and their opponents have shown no sign of being able to reverse it. Houthis, Yemen, Bab al-Mandab, Red Sea shipping, Iran, Strait of Hormuz, National Resistance, Perim island

Bob Mackie, the 'Sultan of Sequins,' Dies at 87

Bob Mackie, the Tony- and nine-time Emmy-winning designer behind Cher's mohawk and Elton John's Dodgers outfit, has died at 87. Bob Mackie, the American designer whose glittering stage and screen costumes defined the looks of Cher, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and Elton John, has died at the age of 87. A message posted to his Instagram account on Monday confirmed the news. "It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Mr Bob Mackie passed away today," the statement read. It said he had "lived his 87 years to the fullest, fulfilling his dream of being a Fashion and Costume Designer, which is all he ever wanted to do," adding that his "genius and extraordinary designs will live on forever, continuing to bring beauty into this world." Nicknamed the "Sultan of Sequins" for his shimmering creations, Mackie collected a Tony Award and nine Emmys over the course of his career, along with three Oscar nominations. He kept working almost to the end, dressing a new generation of performers decades after his first designs reached the stage. Cher's 1986 'revenge' look His partnership with Cher proved one of the most defining of his career. He created the daring showgirl-style ensemble she wore to the Oscars in 1986, complete with a plumed mohawk headdress and an exposed midriff. The outfit stunned audiences and has since been remembered as one of the boldest ever seen at the ceremony. Cher came to call it her "revenge" outfit because she had been passed over for a nomination. "I didn't get nominated for a movie that everyone thought I would actually win for [Mask] - so was dressing that night for a kind of revenge," she said in the 2024 documentary Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion. Speaking to the BBC in 2010, Mackie recalled how singular Cher had appeared early in her career, saying she "looked like no-one else in the entertainment business at the time." He added: "Everybody just went crazy over this woman as she could wear anything." Cher is widely credited as the first woman to bare her navel on American television, a moment made possible by Mackie's daring designs. Elton John's Dodgers costume Mackie was also behind some of Sir Elton John's most memorable stage wear, including the sparkling Dodgers baseball uniform the singer wore during his 1975 concerts at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Paying tribute online, Sir Elton wrote that he "felt very, very special" every time he stepped out in one of Mackie's pieces. "His costumes were works of art, and he will go down as one of the most legendary designers ever in Hollywood," the musician added. The singer Pink, another longtime collaborator, said she had been fortunate to wear his work for years, sharing photographs of the outfits he made for her 2009 Funhouse tour. "I was so lucky to be dressed by him for so long. He was loving, wickedly funny and an absolute genius," she wrote, adding: "There are going to be some fabulously dressed angels." Still designing for today's stars Mackie's reach extended well into the present. Sabrina Carpenter wore one of his creations at last year's MTV Video Music Awards, and he designed the dress Miley Cyrus performed in at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Cyrus took home a Grammy that night for her break-up hit Flowers - a fitting echo, perhaps, of the "revenge" spirit that ran through so much of Mackie's most famous work. Born Robert Gordon Mackie in Monterey Park, California, in 1939, he broke into the industry as a sketch artist working under the French-American costume designer Jean Louis. From those beginnings he built a career that carried his sequins and showmanship across film, television and the concert stage for more than half a century. His designs dressed some of the most recognizable figures in entertainment, from Marilyn Monroe to today's pop stars, cementing a style that fused old-Hollywood glamour with unapologetic spectacle. Bob Mackie, Sultan of Sequins, costume designer, Cher mohawk outfit, Elton John Dodgers costume, Emmy Award designer, Hollywood fashion, Sabrina Carpenter

IRCTC's AskDisha 2.0 Chatbot Books Tickets and Refunds by Voice

Indian Railways' AI chatbot AskDisha 2.0, powered by CoRover.AI, lets users book tickets, check PNR status and get refunds by text or voice. Indian Railways runs an artificial intelligence chatbot called AskDisha 2.0 that lets travellers book train tickets, request refunds and pull up service details on the IRCTC platform. The tool is available on the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and on its mobile app, and it responds to both typed and spoken commands. AskDisha 2.0 stands for Digital Interaction TO Seek Help Anytime. It is powered by CoRover.AI and built on artificial intelligence and machine learning. The chatbot works in Hindi, English and Hinglish, so users can put their queries in the language they are most comfortable with. The assistant handles a set list of ticketing tasks. Users can book a ticket, check PNR status, cancel a ticket, get refund status, change the boarding station, check booking history, view an e-ticket, download the ERS and print or share an e-ticket. Each task runs off a simple command rather than navigating the site menus. Beyond text, AskDisha 2.0 accepts voice commands. Travellers can speak a request instead of typing it, which the tool then processes to carry out the same range of services. Finding it on the IRCTC website To use the chatbot online, open the official IRCTC website and look for the AskDisha 2.0 logo at the bottom right corner of the home page. From there, a user can enter the required details or start typing a query in the text box. Those who prefer speaking can click the microphone icon and say their command. Using it in the Rail Connect app On a phone, the chatbot works through the IRCTC Rail Connect app. After downloading the app to a smartphone, users look for the AskDisha 2.0 icon and then either type or speak their query to get started. AskDisha 2.0, IRCTC chatbot, Indian Railways AI, CoRover.AI, book train tickets, PNR status, IRCTC Rail Connect app, train ticket refund