International

Indian actress and BJP Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has clarified her controversial remarks involving the words “cockroach” and “gutter” after facing strong criticism on social media. Kangana said her comments were not directed at the entire younger generation. Instead, she claimed that she was referring to specific individuals and certain women while discussing social issues and the importance of responsibility alongside personal freedom. Her earlier remarks triggered a significant reaction online after she criticized the way some young Hindu women expressed their freedom. In that context, she reportedly used the phrase “Generation Gutter,” leading critics to accuse her of making a sweeping statement about young people. Speaking to Indian news agency ANI, Kangana explained that her comments were made in the context of protests at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. She stressed that she was not making a general statement about all young people. According to Kangana, she had specifically referred to certain people or some women, and it was therefore unfair to interpret her comments as an attack on the entire younger generation. She also addressed her controversial reference to a “cockroach.” Kangana argued that if someone describes themselves as a cockroach, saying that cockroaches come from a gutter should not be considered offensive. The actress said that she does not consider herself a cockroach. If someone told her that she lived in a gutter, she would reject the claim. However, she questioned why the reference would be considered offensive if a person themselves used the term “cockroach” to describe their identity or behavior. Kangana further rejected the interpretation that she had compared all young people to a gutter. She said that discussing problems such as drug use, betting, gambling or dark-web activities among a particular section of young people does not mean that the entire younger generation should be viewed in the same way. She questioned why comments about a specific group or certain women were being presented as a generalized criticism of all young people. The clarification comes amid continuing debate over the responsibilities that accompany personal freedom, particularly among young people. Kangana maintained that her intention was to highlight certain behaviors and social problems rather than criticize an entire generation. The controversy has once again drawn attention to Kangana’s outspoken public statements, which frequently generate strong reactions online and in political and entertainment circles. By clarifying her comments, the actress has sought to distance herself from the interpretation that she was labeling the entire younger generation as “gutter” or making a blanket criticism of young people.

A mosquito-borne disease has resurfaced in Israel, with 13 people reportedly diagnosed with West Nile fever this year and two deaths recorded. According to reports, Israel’s Ministry of Health has confirmed the presence of mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus in several areas where cases have been identified. The disease is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Israel’s Ministry of Environmental Protection said mosquitoes carrying the virus were detected in the Menashe Regional Council, Ramat Hasharon and Eilat. Health officials explained that West Nile virus is generally transmitted through mosquitoes that become infected after feeding on birds carrying the virus. The infected mosquitoes can subsequently transmit the virus to humans through bites. Professor Sigal Sadeski, head of the Public Health Division, said that West Nile fever is mild in most cases and many infected people may not develop noticeable symptoms. However, the infection can become serious in some patients. Health experts warn that the virus can affect the nervous system and, in severe cases, lead to complications such as encephalitis or meningitis. The risk of severe illness is reportedly higher among people over the age of 60 and those who already have underlying health conditions. Investigation Underway Israeli authorities have launched epidemiological investigations to determine how and where the affected individuals were exposed to infected mosquitoes. Officials are also examining whether cases reported in different locations are connected and are attempting to identify areas where infected mosquitoes may have come into contact with people. The discovery of infected mosquitoes has also increased the importance of mosquito surveillance and control measures in the affected areas. Environmental authorities are expected to monitor mosquito populations and take steps aimed at reducing the risk of further transmission. Previous Outbreak in 2024 Israel also experienced a significant outbreak of West Nile virus in 2024. According to an Israeli report submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health, 916 human cases had been confirmed by September 2024, with 71 deaths reported. The latest cases have renewed concerns about the seasonal spread of West Nile virus and the potential risks posed by infected mosquitoes. While most infections are mild or may cause no obvious symptoms, severe neurological complications can occur in a small proportion of patients. Health authorities are therefore continuing surveillance and investigating the latest infections to better understand the spread of the virus. The current outbreak highlights the importance of mosquito-control measures, particularly during periods when mosquito activity is high. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring affected areas and investigating possible sources of transmission.

BTS member V, whose real name is Kim Taehyung, has revealed that he has been dealing with a hearing problem for the past two and a half years. The South Korean singer shared the personal health update with fans during a live broadcast on Weverse alongside fellow BTS member Jungkook, following the group’s return to activities after completing their mandatory military service. During the conversation, V explained that there is a significant difference in his hearing ability between his two ears. He reportedly said that if the hearing ability in his left ear is considered 100, his right ear is currently around 30. V also indicated that he is receiving treatment for the hearing issue. His revelation came as a surprise to many fans, who had not previously been aware of the extent of the problem. The live session took place after BTS performed two consecutive sold-out shows at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, United States. V and Jungkook spoke to fans directly following the concerts and shared updates about their experiences during the group’s ongoing tour. Jungkook also discussed a health issue during the broadcast. The singer said he has been performing despite experiencing significant pain in his legs during the tour. According to Jungkook, the pain in his shin has reached a level where there is concern about the possibility of a stress fracture. Despite the discomfort, he said he often wanted to run and move freely while performing on stage, but the pain sometimes prevented him from doing so. The health disclosures from both members have attracted attention from BTS fans around the world, particularly as the group has returned to major live performances following their military service. All seven BTS members have now completed their mandatory military service in South Korea and resumed group activities. The group made its comeback with the album “ARIRANG” and subsequently launched a global music tour. V’s revelation about his hearing has added a personal dimension to the group’s comeback, as the singer continues performing while undergoing treatment. Fans have expressed concern and support for the singer as he manages the condition alongside BTS’s demanding international schedule. The latest update also highlights the physical demands placed on performers during major global tours, with both V and Jungkook discussing health challenges while continuing to appear on stage for fans.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain have expressed their solidarity with Colombia following the devastating 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck the country, leaving at least 132 people dead and more than 570 injured. Rescue teams continue searching for survivors as authorities assess the extensive damage across western Colombia. In an emotional message shared by the Spanish Royal Household, the King and Queen conveyed their deepest sympathy to the Colombian people during what they described as an extremely difficult time. They offered their support to families who have lost loved ones and to everyone affected by the disaster. The Spanish monarchs also expressed concern for people who remain missing following the powerful earthquake. Among those unaccounted for are 164 Spanish citizens, according to Spain’s foreign minister. Spanish authorities have said there are currently no reports of Spanish nationals being injured or killed. The earthquake struck on Monday near San José del Palmar in Colombia’s Chocó department. The powerful tremor was felt across a wide area and caused serious damage in several cities, including Cali, Pereira, Quibdó and Manizales. Emergency crews have been working through damaged buildings and rubble in an urgent effort to locate survivors. King Felipe’s connection to the country is particularly notable because he was in Colombia only days before the disaster. He traveled to Cali to attend the inauguration of newly elected Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. His visit formed part of a long-standing tradition in which the Spanish monarch has represented Spain at presidential inaugurations across Latin America. The Royal Household said Felipe also sent a telegram to President de la Espriella, conveying condolences to the families of those who died and wishing injured victims a full recovery. The King also offered support to Colombian authorities as they begin the difficult task of reconstruction. The disaster has triggered an international response as rescue operations continue. Authorities are facing the dual challenge of finding people who may still be trapped while providing shelter and assistance to thousands affected by the destruction. For Colombia, the immediate priority remains saving lives and supporting survivors. The Spanish royals’ message underscores the international solidarity surrounding the country as it confronts one of its most serious recent natural disasters.

Lindsay Clancy’s psychiatrist testified in court Monday as her defense lawyer questioned whether warning signs were missed during the Massachusetts mother’s deteriorating mental health in the months before the deaths of her three young children. Dr. Jennifer Tufts, who began treating Clancy in September 2022, faced detailed questioning from defense attorney Kevin Reddington about her approach to treatment, medication decisions and the use of relatively brief video appointments. According to the Associated Press, Reddington argued that Clancy’s mental healthcare may have been inadequate at a time when she was experiencing serious emotional and psychological difficulties. He focused on 25-minute telehealth appointments, computerized clinical forms and the numerous medications prescribed as Clancy reported different symptoms and side effects. During questioning, Reddington challenged Tufts over whether Clancy should have received more intensive or in-person care. When asked why she did not recommend that Clancy meet her face-to-face instead of continuing with video appointments, Tufts said she did not believe there was a problem with providing treatment through telehealth. The psychiatrist also told jurors she was “surprised” to learn that Clancy had contacted a suicide hotline twice while receiving treatment. Tufts said Clancy had denied experiencing suicidal thoughts during their treatment, although she acknowledged that she had been “close to feeling suicidal.” Reddington highlighted an appointment roughly two months before Clancy strangled her children, asking the psychiatrist what she had done after Clancy described feeling hopeless. Tufts responded that she had reassured Clancy that there was hope and that treatment options and different programs were available. She said her goal was to make Clancy understand that she still had options and reasons to hope. Reddington highlighted an appointment roughly two months before Clancy strangled her children, asking the psychiatrist what she had done after Clancy described feeling hopeless. Tufts had previously testified for prosecutors that Clancy initially sought treatment because of anxiety and had raised concerns about medication side effects. Court records indicate that Clancy was prescribed more than a dozen psychiatric medications through multiple healthcare providers before the killings. The testimony is part of the ongoing trial involving Clancy, whose case has drawn significant attention because of the deaths of her three children. The defense continues to examine the care she received and whether her mental health deterioration was properly recognized and addressed before the tragedy. As the trial continues, jurors are expected to hear further testimony about Clancy’s mental state, treatment history and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of her children.

The UK’s ongoing small boat crisis has come under renewed scrutiny after around 230 migrants crossed the English Channel and arrived in Britain, raising fresh questions about the government’s efforts to tackle irregular migration. The latest arrival comes just 17 days after 165 people crossed the Channel in a single day, according to reports. The new figure has added to growing political pressure on the UK government as ministers face continued challenges in preventing dangerous journeys across one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Hundreds of people are believed to have reached the UK by small boats during the current week, with reports putting the number at more than 900. The continued crossings have become a major political issue, with the government under pressure to demonstrate that its border policies can reduce the number of people making the journey. People-smuggling networks are believed to charge migrants thousands of pounds for the dangerous passage. Critics say the criminal gangs running these operations make substantial profits while placing migrants’ lives at serious risk by using overcrowded and often unsuitable boats. The latest development follows an incident last week in which a small boat caught fire while attempting to cross the Channel. A total of 173 people were reportedly rescued following the incident, highlighting the dangers faced by those attempting the journey. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the French authorities over the continued crossings. He argued that French officials could have prevented boats of this size from entering deeper waters but failed to do so. The issue has also drawn strong criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. He has called for small boat crossings to be treated as a national security emergency, reflecting the increasingly prominent role of immigration in Britain’s political debate. The UK government has repeatedly pledged to tackle illegal immigration and disrupt the criminal networks responsible for organizing Channel crossings. However, the continued arrival of boats demonstrates the difficulty of stopping the journeys despite increased enforcement measures and cooperation with French authorities. The small boat crisis has become one of the most contentious issues in British politics, with politicians divided over how best to address irregular migration. While supporters of tougher policies argue that stronger border controls are urgently needed, others have stressed the need to address the criminal smuggling networks and the wider factors driving people to attempt dangerous crossings. With hundreds more people arriving in Britain, pressure on the government is likely to remain intense as it seeks to reduce Channel crossings and restore public confidence in its immigration strategy.

Mohsin Akhtar, the former husband of veteran Bollywood actress Urmila Matondkar, has shared a fresh collection of romantic photographs with his new wife, Nida Bhatt, giving fans another glimpse into their wedding celebrations. The 43-year-old businessman and model posted photographs from his walima ceremony several months after announcing his marriage to Nida. Alongside the pictures, Mohsin shared an emotional message expressing his love and appreciation for his new wife. In his heartfelt post, Mohsin described Nida as much more than his wife, calling her his “home” and “peace.” He also promised to stand by her, value her and continue loving her throughout every chapter of their journey together. The new photographs offer glimpses of the couple celebrating their marriage with family and friends. Mohsin had previously shared pictures from his wedding with Nida in June, officially revealing details of his new marriage to his followers. His latest social media post has attracted attention largely because of his previous high-profile marriage to Urmila Matondkar, one of Bollywood’s well-known actresses. Before marrying Nida, Mohsin was married to Urmila. The couple tied the knot on February 4, 2016, in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family members. Their relationship attracted considerable attention at the time, partly because of their age difference and their interfaith marriage. Mohsin, who comes from a Kashmiri business background and has worked as a model, is around 10 years younger than Urmila. Following their separation, both have continued with their respective lives and careers. Mohsin’s latest posts now focus on his new relationship and marriage, with his affectionate message to Nida offering a glimpse into his current personal life. The newly shared wedding photographs have given fans a closer look at the celebrations surrounding Mohsin and Nida’s marriage. His romantic caption has also drawn attention, particularly his description of his wife as his source of comfort and happiness. While Urmila Matondkar remains a prominent name in Indian cinema, Mohsin Akhtar’s latest social media update has shifted the spotlight toward his new chapter in life. The couple’s wedding pictures are continuing to attract interest online as fans react to the romantic moments and Mohsin’s emotional message for his new bride.