Author: Supriya Jena

  • Israel Halts Gaza Supplies Amid Tensions Over Ceasefire Negotiations

    Israel Halts Gaza Supplies Amid Tensions Over Ceasefire Negotiations

    On Sunday, Israel decided not to let any goods or supplies enter the Gaza Strip. They warned of “serious consequences” if Hamas, the group controlling Gaza, does not accept a new plan to extend a shaky ceasefire that started in January after many talks. Hamas accused Israel of trying to spoil the peace agreement, saying stopping the aid was “cheap extortion” and against the rules of the truce.

    Both sides have not officially said the ceasefire is over yet. The first phase, which included sending more help to Gaza, ended on Saturday. They have not yet talked about what will happen next, where Hamas would release more hostages in return for Israel pulling back and a longer-lasting ceasefire.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that if the negotiations are not going well, Israel could start fighting again. He stated that Hamas must free hostages if they want the pause in fighting to continue. Israel also said they are working closely with the U.S. government on this issue.

    The new U.S. proposal, shared by Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, suggests extending the ceasefire through Ramadan (the Muslim holy month that just began) and the Jewish holiday of Passover, which ends on April 20. The plan includes Hamas releasing half of the hostages on the first day and the rest when a complete peace agreement is reached.

    Hamas warned that delaying or canceling the ceasefire could harm the hostages and said the only way to free them was by sticking to the original deal. This deal didn’t mention when all hostages would be released.

    During the first ceasefire phase, Hamas freed 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. However, the truce has faced many problems, with both sides accusing each other of breaking the rules. Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of many Palestinians, with claims that some were in areas they shouldn’t have been.

    International aid to Gaza has been a concern, as earlier, Israel completely closed off supplies during the war. Even with some easing due to U.S. pressure, there have been criticisms about not enough aid being sent. The situation in Gaza is very serious, with many people facing hunger.

    The war started after Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Currently, 59 hostages are still held captive, with many of them believed to be dead. On the other hand, reports say that more than 48,000 Palestinians have died due to Israel’s military operations, many of them women and children.

    The ongoing conflict has left most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people relying heavily on international aid for food and basic needs.

  • Crack the NYT Mini Crossword: March 2, 2025 Hints & Answers

    Crack the NYT Mini Crossword: March 2, 2025 Hints & Answers

    For many fans of puzzles, the NYT Mini Crossword has become a daily must-do, offering a quick and fun challenge. While The New York Times is famous for its big daily crossword, The Mini has found its own fans who love its shorter, clever puzzles. If you’re tackling today’s NYT Mini Crossword for Sunday, March 2, 2025, and you need some help, we’ve got you! Below are hints and answers for both Across and Down clues, but be careful if you want to solve it on your own!

    Hints for NYT Mini Crossword – March 2, 2025

    Let’s look at some hints that can help you figure out the puzzle without giving everything away:

    Across Hints:
    1. 1 Across: A character played by Timothée Chalamet in a movie. (Hint: Starts with D)
    2. 6 Across: A makeup product for cheeks. (Hint: Ends with E)
    3. 7 Across: A surprised or disappointed exclamation. (Hint: Starts with A)
    4. 8 Across: A big fan of something. (Hint: Ends with D)
    5. 9 Across: A word that rhymes with “stressed,” often talked about by students. (Hint: Starts with T)

    Down Hints:
    1. 1 Down: How you call an email you forgot to send. (Hint: Ends with T)
    2. 2 Down: An old-fashioned way to say ouch. (Hint: Starts with Y)
    3. 3 Down: Sleds used in Olympic races. (Hint: Ends with S)
    4. 4 Down: A person who helps a writer. (Hint: Starts with A)
    5. 5 Down: Something really important. (Hint: Ends with D)

    Answers for NYT Mini Crossword – March 2, 2025

    Are you ready to see the answers? If you want to solve it by yourself first, think about the hints!

    Across Answers:
    1. 1 Across: DYLAN – Timothée Chalamet played Bob Dylan.
    2. 6 Across: ROUGE – A popular cheek color.
    3. 7 Across: AWGEE – An expression of surprise.
    4. 8 Across: FIEND – A big fan of something.
    5. 9 Across: TEST – A word that rhymes with stressed.

    Down Answers:
    1. 1 Down: DRAFT – When an email is not sent.
    2. 2 Down: YOWIE – A shout of sudden pain.
    3. 3 Down: LUGES – Sleds used in races.
    4. 4 Down: AGENT – Someone who helps writers.
    5. 5 Down: NEED – Something that is necessary.

  • PCB Faces Backlash After Rain Cancels Pakistan vs Australia Match

    PCB Faces Backlash After Rain Cancels Pakistan vs Australia Match

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is facing a lot of criticism after the exciting match between Afghanistan and Australia in the Champions Trophy 2025 was canceled due to bad weather. This game was supposed to take place at the newly updated Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, which had a huge renovation costing ₹18 billion.

    Afghanistan did well by scoring 273 runs, but the rain started pouring, and Australia couldn’t start batting even after the rain stopped. People were upset when the match was called off because the field was still too wet to play, and puddles were everywhere. Many fans and experts are angry about how the stadium couldn’t handle the rain.

    Adding to the problems, videos went viral showing leaks in the stadium’s restrooms, with water dripping from the ceilings. A news portal named Tribune posted these clips, raising questions about how fast and poorly the renovation work was done. The project was supposed to show off Pakistan’s best, but it has instead turned into a big embarrassment.

    This was the third match that got canceled in the Champions Trophy, following two games in Rawalpindi. Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal criticized the poor choices made during the renovations, calling the situation a “bad advertisement for Pakistan.”

    As more games are scheduled in Pakistan, concerns about the stadium’s readiness are serious. There’s even a semi-final and a potential final match that could be held in Pakistan if India doesn’t make it to the last game.

  • Trump Launches Probe into Cocaine Found Near Oval Office

    Trump Launches Probe into Cocaine Found Near Oval Office

    In July 2023, some cocaine was found in a cabinet near the Oval Office. Donald Trump thinks it might belong to either Joe Biden or Hunter Biden, especially since the Biden family was at Camp David that weekend.

    After the drug was discovered, there was a 11-day investigation to figure out where it came from. Trump said that experts should have found fingerprints, but it looked like someone tried to erase them.

    He called the finding a “terrible thing” because those areas have many fingerprints on them. In an interview with Ben Domenech from The Spectator World, Trump said, “Those bins are very loaded up with fingerprints.” He claimed that the package of cocaine was cleaned off and “stone cold,” hinting that someone was trying to hide what happened.

    Trump said he plans to dig deeper into the situation, stating that there were “bad things” going on in the White House and implied that the details were being kept secret.

    The Secret Service mentioned that without any physical proof, the investigation can’t point to one person because so many people walk through where the cocaine was found.

    As the conversation continued, Trump criticized the media, claiming that outlets like CNN and CBS were protecting Biden instead of holding him accountable. He specifically called out 60 Minutes and Jake Tapper from CNN for not doing their job.

  • 2023 Oscars Nominations: Full List and Key Highlights

    2023 Oscars Nominations: Full List and Key Highlights

    Good news movie fans! The 97th Academy Awards (Oscars) are happening soon. The big show will be live from Hollywood, starting at 4 PM Pacific Time on Sunday.

    Best Picture Nominees:
    – “Anora”
    – “The Brutalist”
    – “A Complete Unknown”
    – “Conclave”
    – “Dune: Part Two”
    – “Emilia Pérez”
    – “I’m Still Here”
    – “Nickel Boys”
    – “The Substance”
    – “Wicked”

    Best Actor:
    – Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”
    – Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown”
    – Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing”
    – Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave”
    – Sebastian Stan, “The Apprentice”

    Best Actress:
    – Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked”
    – Karla Sofia Gascon, “Emilia Pérez”
    – Mikey Madison, “Anora”
    – Demi Moore, “The Substance”
    – Fernanda Torres, “I’m Still Here”

    Best Director:
    – Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”
    – Sean Baker, “Anora”
    – Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist”
    – Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”
    – James Mangold, “A Complete Unknown”

    Best Supporting Actor:
    – Yura Borisov, “Anora”
    – Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”
    – Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown”
    – Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist”
    – Jeremy Strong, “The Apprentice”

    Best Supporting Actress:
    – Monica Barbaro, “A Complete Unknown”
    – Ariana Grande, “Wicked”
    – Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”
    – Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave”
    – Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”

    Best Adapted Screenplay:
    – “A Complete Unknown”
    – “Conclave”
    – “Emilia Pérez”
    – “Nickel Boys”
    – “Sing Sing”

    Best Original Screenplay:
    – “Anora”
    – “The Brutalist”
    – “A Real Pain”
    – “September 5”
    – “The Substance”

    Best Animated Feature Film:
    – “Flow”
    – “Inside Out 2”
    – “Memoir of a Snail”
    – “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”
    – “The Wild Robot”

    Best Documentaries:
    – Best Documentary Feature:
    – “Black Box Diaries”
    – “No Other Land”
    – “Porcelain War”
    – “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat”
    – “Sugarcane”

    – Best Documentary Short:
    – “Death by Numbers”
    – “I Am Ready, Warden”
    – “Incident”
    – “Instruments of a Beating Heart”
    – “The Only Girl in the Orchestra”

    Other Categories:
    – Best Original Score: “The Brutalist”, “Conclave”, “Emilia Pérez”, “Wicked”, “The Wild Robot”
    – Best Original Song: “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez”, “The Journey” from “The Six Triple Eight”, “Like a Bird” from “Sing Sing”

    And there’s much more! Games, Short Films, and more awards are also up for grabs. The Oscars celebrate great movies and talent, so tune in and cheer for your favorites!

  • SNL’s Hilarious Trump and Zelensky Meeting Sketch

    SNL’s Hilarious Trump and Zelensky Meeting Sketch

    This weekend, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) made fun of a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which surprised many people around the world. James Austin Johnson played Trump, while Bowen Yang was Vice President JD Vance, and Mikey Day acted as Zelensky. A special surprise guest was Elon Musk, who was portrayed by Mike Myers.

    The sketch started with a funny voiceover saying that Trump and Zelensky’s meeting went “really, really well,” making everyone feel safe and happy about the world. Trump introduced himself in a funny way, calling himself the “President and CEO of the Gaza Hotel and Casino” because he wanted to make that area a top vacation spot. He joked about trying to trap Zelensky, saying, “It’s going to be a big, beautiful trap.”

    As the skit went on, “fake Trump” joked about Zelensky’s outfit, saying he dressed like a character from Star Trek. In reality, Zelensky wore a simple black outfit. During the meeting, Trump was nervous about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and made strange requests, like asking Zelensky to tell Putin he loves him.

    SNL’s version showed Trump and Vance interrupting Zelensky a lot, which made it hard for him to speak. Vance said, “You haven’t said thank you for the last 15 seconds,” poking fun at their serious discussions.

    At one point, “fake Trump” played a card game where he joked he had all the best cards like “skip” and “draw four.” He even made fun of visiting Ukraine, calling it a mess, but still acted like they should visit.

    Then, Elon Musk showed up wearing a red chainsaw and a funny t-shirt, asking Trump, “What are you doing in my office?” Trump joked back that he felt “comfortable” around Musk. They also joked about firing employees and how they didn’t bother to learn who they were.

    The funny sketch ended with Trump hinting at releasing some controversial “Epstein Files” soon, saying, “You will see all the names, from A to S. No T

  • Delhi’s Healthcare System Set for Major Improvements and Reforms

    Delhi’s Healthcare System Set for Major Improvements and Reforms

    Delhi’s healthcare system is getting a big upgrade! The city government is planning exciting changes to improve hospitals. Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh shared that there will be new projects to make healthcare better for everyone. Soon, polyclinics will open to provide primary and secondary care and collect important patient information. The government aims to hire more doctors and healthcare workers to solve the staff shortage issue.

    Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, local hospitals will have better medicines for patients. The new BJP government recently approved a healthcare plan that had been stuck before. Each person enrolled will get health coverage of ₹10 lakh, with equal contributions from both the Central and Delhi governments.

    Singh assured that improvements to Delhi’s healthcare will happen over the next six months. The first phase will focus on necessary changes, while the second phase will introduce bigger projects. He wants to improve healthcare quality, provide better medicines, and enhance facilities.

    Singh pointed out that many clinics set up by the previous government were in bad locations and not functioning well. The new government aims to fix these problems and improve major government hospitals. As a doctor himself, Singh understands the issues medical staff face and promises to give them the right tools to care for patients.

    The government is determined to make healthcare better for everyone. They plan to make services more efficient, clear, and accessible. However, a recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) showed big challenges in healthcare. It revealed that operating rooms are not used enough, there are not enough doctors and medicines, and funding is lacking. It also stated that emergency services are struggling, and surgeries can be delayed for as long as 10 months because of a lack of medical staff.

  • Odhisha Government Empowers Tribal Women with Pilot Training Program

    Odhisha Government Empowers Tribal Women with Pilot Training Program

    The Odisha government is helping 50 tribal students, mainly women, to prepare for becoming pilots. On Sunday, an official announced that the Commerce and Transport Department is looking for a professional agency to provide training for these students.

    The agency will first find 300 tribal students and then choose 50 of them through careful checking. These selected students will get eight weeks of coaching in Bhubaneswar. The training will help them pass a pilot assessment and get ready for a program set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

    The training will cover important topics like English skills, personal development, and basic aviation knowledge. It will also include fun activities to improve hand-eye-foot coordination and help with applying for pilot positions.

    The agency will run classes for six hours a day, five days a week. There will also be tests and special help on weekends for anyone who needs extra support. At the end of the training, the selected students will take a final test by private airlines like Air India and IndiGo. The airlines will then choose the top 10 students to train them as professional pilots.

  • Elon Musk Welcomes Baby Seldon: Celebrating Family and Heritage

    Elon Musk Welcomes Baby Seldon: Celebrating Family and Heritage

    Elon Musk, the boss of Tesla and SpaceX, just welcomed his 14th child, a baby boy named Seldon Lycurgus. This is his fourth child with Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink. Before this, they had twins named Strider and Azure, and a daughter named Arcadia.

    Shivon Zilis has Indian roots as her mother is Punjabi, and she was born in Ontario, Canada. In a past interview, Shivon mentioned she looks mostly white but has some features from her Punjabi heritage, like her big eyes. Many people were surprised to learn that four of Elon Musk’s kids have Indian heritage through their mother.

    Shivon shared the exciting news about Seldon on March 1, posting online that they felt it was the perfect time to announce their wonderful son. She described him as strong and loving. Elon reacted with a heart emoji in response to her post.

    Shivon graduated from Yale University in 2008, with degrees in economics and philosophy. She has a successful career in tech and worked for companies like IBM and Bloomberg Beta. From 2017 to 2019, she was a project director at Tesla’s Autopilot team. Now, she is the director of operations at Neuralink, a company co-founded by Elon Musk.

    Shivon and Elon first became parents in 2021 with their twins, Azure and Strider, followed by their daughter Arcadia. Recently, Shivon was with Elon when he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a visit to the U.S.

  • Virat Kohli Reaches Milestone of 300 ODIs in Champions Trophy

    Virat Kohli Reaches Milestone of 300 ODIs in Champions Trophy

    On Sunday, former India captain Virat Kohli reached an amazing milestone during the Champions Trophy in Dubai. He played his 300th One Day International (ODI) match, making him the seventh Indian cricketer to achieve this feat. Greats like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni are also part of this exclusive group.

    Kohli, who started his ODI career in 2008 against Sri Lanka, has scored an incredible 14,085 runs so far. He boasts an average of 58.20 and a strike rate of 93.41, including 51 centuries and 73 half-centuries, with a personal best of 193 runs in a single match. Interestingly, Kohli’s 100th ODI was in the Champions Trophy 12 years ago, against the West Indies, and he played his 200th match against New Zealand in 2017.

    The first cricketer to reach 300 ODIs was Mohammed Azharuddin in 1998 against Australia. Over the years, 21 players from around the world have reached this milestone, with Tendulkar holding the record for the most matches at 463. Chris Gayle, a West Indies legend, was the latest to join the club in 2019.

    Here’s a list of Indian cricketers who have played 300 ODIs:

    – Sachin Tendulkar (1989-2012) – 463 matches
    – MS Dhoni (2004-2019) – 350 matches
    – Rahul Dravid (1996-2011) – 344 matches
    – Mohammad Azharuddin (1985-2000) – 334 matches
    – Sourav Ganguly (1992-2007) – 311 matches
    – Yuvraj Singh (2000-2017) – 304 matches

    What makes Kohli special is that he is the first player to reach 300 ODIs while also playing 100 Tests and 100 T20Is.

    Upcoming Milestones for Kohli

    After a challenging start in the Champions Trophy with only 22 runs against Bangladesh, Kohli bounced back spectacularly. He scored an unbeaten 100 runs in a critical match against Pakistan, helping India secure a spot in the semifinals. This was his 51st century overall and his first in the Champions Trophy.

    Kohli is now close to breaking another record. With 651 runs in the Champions Trophy over 15 innings, he is just 51 runs away from Shikhar Dhawan’s record of 701 runs, which he achieved in only 10 innings. Kohli currently ranks seventh in the all-time list, where Chris Gayle leads with 791 runs in 17 innings.