TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful surgery Sunday to have his prostate removed, hospital officials said, a procedure that came as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption . Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel's longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being. Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82 , President-elect Donald Trump, 78 , Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , 79, and Pope Francis , 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues. Netanyahu's latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “a number of days.” Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center announced late Sunday that the procedure had been “completed successfully.” Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, served as acting prime minister during the operation. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East . With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky. Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies . Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose its weaknesses. Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets. But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition , a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel. Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration . He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery , during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but doctors said the surgery was needed in any case. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment. He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors were likely performing an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations. AP correspondent Isaac Scharf contributed reporting.
IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Lyon, Boland revive Pakistan's 1961 feat vs Team India A gritty partnership of over 50 runs for the final wicket between Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland left India exasperated as Australia extended their lead to over 300 runs on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. In a day packed with enthralling Test cricket, India bowlers had removed Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins during the final session, raising hopes of starting their chase before stumps. However, Lyon and Boland stood firm, frustrating the Indian bowlers with a resilient stand at the iconic MCG. Their partnership not only defied India but also turned the tide of the match. This marked just the second instance in Test history where a 10th-wicket pair batted for over 50 balls in both innings. The first instance occurred in 1961, when Pakistan’s Afaq Hussain and Haseeb Ahsan faced England in Lahore, lasting 9.2 overs in the first innings and 18.1 overs in the second. Lyon and Boland batted for 8.3 overs in the first innings and a pivotal 17.4 overs in the second. Drama unfolded late in the day when Lyon was caught in the slip cordon by Jasprit Bumrah during the last over. However, replays confirmed it was a no-ball, keeping the partnership intact. Earlier, India seemed on the verge of wrapping up the innings when Ravindra Jadeja bowled a superb delivery, pitching on off stump and turning away to edge Pat Cummins’s bat, dismissing him for a determined 41 off 90 balls. But with the bowlers tiring and the ball softening, Lyon and Boland capitalized on the opportunity to mount a defiant stand. India’s desperation showed as Siraj dropped a caught-and-bowled chance off Lyon and later lost their final review on an unsuccessful lbw appeal. Boland’s cut off Siraj brought up Australia’s 300, while Lyon showcased an array of strokes, including sweeps, lofted shots, and edges that kept the scoreboard ticking. In the day’s final moments, KL Rahul’s tumbling leg-assisted catch off Lyon was overturned due to Bumrah overstepping. Lyon then edged the last ball for a boundary, bringing up the 50-run partnership and closing out a remarkable day of Test cricket on a high for Australia. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Rohit Sharma draws flak over angered reactions to Yashasvi India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal had a terrible day on the field on Sunday as he dropped three crucial catches of the Australian batters, prompting angered reactions from his skipper Rohit Sharma. After having dropped Usman Khawaja on 2 at leg-gully in the morning session, Jaiswal dropped Marnus Labuschagn on 46 at third slip in the second session off Akash Deep. At the stroke of Tea, the 21-year-old then dropped a catch of Pat Cummins off Ravindra Jadeja at silly-point. Of all the three chances, the second dropped catch in particular, saw emotions getting better of Rohit with the skipper seen shouting and throwing his arms around angrily. The animated Rohit reactions to the dropped chances didn't go down well with the commentators with the likes of Mike Hussey suggesting that such things aren't expected from skipper. “I've got to be honest, I don't like that reaction from the Indian skipper. I appreciate he's emotional, and he desperately wants wickets, but you're the one who has to send the message of calm and support. No one means to drop a catch. “He's gonna feel bad enough as it is for putting a catch down, especially someone like Marnus Labuschagne; it happens quickly, it's in, it's out. You don't need to see that as a young player,” Hussey said on Fox Cricket. Australia's women's skipper Alyssa Healy also said that the team needs to be gentle with Jaiswal as he will be key in India's fourth innings chase. “Particularly when you need him to walk out and open the batting alongside you, to make some runs and try and win a Test match for your country," she said. Former Australia coach Darren Lehmann also wasn't impressed with Rohit and Virat Kohli's reaction to dropped catches. He however liked Rishabh Pant's gesture which saw him putting arm around Jaiswal, lifting his spirits. "Rishabh Pant did well. He actually gave him a pat on the back and said 'just hang in there, we all drop them'. What he doesn't need is the captain Rohit Sharma and (Virat) Kohli throwing their arms about. The poor kid," Lehmann said on ABC Radio. Former Victoria wicketkeeper Darren Berry also called out for support to Jaiswal from senior after the dropped catches. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Melbourne Weather Report With the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) heading into its decisive Day 5, cricket enthusiasts are keenly watching the weather, hoping it doesn’t interfere with this gripping clash. India need a miraculous turnaround to chase a challenging target as Australia, leading by 333 runs at stumps on Day 4, aim to seal the game. According to the forecast by AccuWeather, Melbourne is expected to offer favourable playing conditions on Monday, with only minimal chances of rain disruption throughout the day. MELBOURNE DAY 5 WEATHER: MORNING CONDITIONS The day will begin with partly sunny skies. Temperatures are predicted to hover around 25°C under direct sun. While a wind from the south-southwest at 9 km/h will keep conditions pleasant, occasional gusts reaching up to 24 km/h could slightly assist bowlers. With a 3% probability of rainfall, the morning session is expected to proceed uninterrupted. Cloud cover will be significant at 86%, offering mild respite to the players. IND VS AUS WEATHER FORECAST: AFTERNOON CONDITIONS As the day progresses, the temperature is expected to rise to 27°C. Breezy conditions will prevail, with wind speeds escalating to 22 km/h and gusts peaking at 37 km/h from the south. Despite total cloud cover at 100%, rain remains unlikely, with just a 4% chance of precipitation. Humidity levels ranging between 47% and 57% will not significantly impact the game, while visibility remains excellent at 10 km. Overall, Day 5 is set to provide uninterrupted play, giving both teams a fair chance to fight for a result. With Australia aiming to build on their lead and India looking to stage a remarkable chase, fans can expect an intense day of Test cricket under largely cooperative weather conditions at the MCG. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Gavaskar clarifies context of 'stupid' remark Legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Saturday angrily expressed his disapproval of Rishabh Pant's shot selection during a critical moment on the third day of the Boxing Day Test. A fuming Gavaskar had slammed Pant for his ramp shot that got him out, labelling it as 'stupid'. For Gavaskar the Pant shot was driven by ego rather than strategic thinking. "When I see somebody as talented as Rishabh Pant play that shot, I had no problem with the first shot he played and missed. The reason I got upset was that ego took over for the next ball," Gavaskar told ABC Sport. Gavaskar elaborated on why he found Pant's shot selection particularly frustrating, suggesting Pant was trying to assert dominance rather than playing to the situation. "I've just been hit in the midriff for attempting a similar shot. I'm going to show the bowler who's the boss. Test cricket is not easy. When he got out, they had two fielders in the deep, and this is a big ground. It's not easy to hit sixes. You've got the fielders in catching positions over there—deep square leg and deep fine leg. But he got caught at third man with the edge." Gavaskar acknowledged Pant's talent and past performances but questioned the need for such a risky shot at that stage of the game. "I've seen him play some fabulous innings. But here in Australia, I get the impression that he thinks that's the only way he's going to score runs. Here he's stepping down the pitch, lofting the ball, and getting a boundary. That's not the way he has scored runs in the past. He has played those shots which have been outrageously good," Gavaskar said. Gavaskar highlighted Pant's ability to score runs through conventional cricketing shots, suggesting he should rely on his established strengths rather than attempting high-risk strokes. "I've seen him play the cover drive along the ground very well, the square pull shot he plays so well, the flick off the pads—everything he's got. So, to take a little bit of a risk at that stage was a bit much," said Gavaskar. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Bumrah denied a fifer despite KL Rahul's lucky catch An exhilarating fourth day's play of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on Sunday was topped off with a dramatic last over that saw India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah being denied a fifer despite an unusual and lucky catch taken by teammate KL Rahul. With the last wicket stand of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland frustrating India with an unbeaten stand of 55, Bumrah came in to bowl the last over of the day. He even got Lyon to edge one to Rahul in the slips but unluckily overstepped to hand the Australia no.10 a lifeline. The incident took place on the fourth ball of the last over of the day when Bumrah got one to straighten from length as Lyon, rooted to his crease, tried to defend it but edged it to third slip. Rahul, who was stationed at third slip, initially fumbled and lost the ball but then used his legs to clutch on to it as India began to celebrate the end of the Australian innings. However, in a late twist, the Indian team was then told by the umpire that Bumrah had over-stepped and the no ball meant that Lyon got a lucky lifeline. Seeing the hand being raised by the umpire for a no-ball, Bumrah and the team were seemingly disappointed. Adding salt to injury, Lyon then collected a couple of runs off the fifth ball and the final ball then flew past the third slip for a boundary after a Lyon poke as Australia ended the day at 228 for 9, taking their overall lead to 333 at stumps. At the close of play, Lyon was at 41 not out and no.11 Scott Boland had scored 10 as India failed to take the final wicket. In the second innings, Bumrah has four wickets wickets to his name while Mohammed Siraj picked up three after Australia took a healthy 105-run first innings lead. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: 'Bounce has got inconsistent' Marnus Labuschagne, Australia's top scorer, believes India faces a challenging chase due to the pitch's inconsistent bounce. Deliveries bowled from a back-of-a-length are arriving at stump height, creating difficulties for batsmen. Australia finished day four at 228 for 9 in their second innings, leading India by 333 runs. Contributions from the lower order, including Pat Cummins (41), Nathan Lyon (41 batting), and Scott Boland (10 batting), significantly boosted Australia's lead. Labuschagne's 70 was the highest individual score for the Australian team. Labuschagne discussed the pitch conditions anticipated for day five. “I think from the first innings, there was some movement, obviously. It was hard work in that first probably, especially the first 40 to 50 overs. But as the game's gone on, the bounce has got less and more inconsistent. So we're just getting more balls hitting the stumps. More balls are skidding through.” He observed that while the lateral movement remains consistent, the inconsistent bounce poses a significant challenge. “The seam movement's probably been the same. But just the amount of bounce is significantly lower. So that makes for pretty tricky batting there. Because more balls are hitting the stumps from a shorter length.” Labuschagne remained tight-lipped about Australia's declaration plans for the fifth morning. “Glad you think that I know if we're going to declare or not,” he chuckled. He confirmed that day four unfolded as per Australia's expectations. “We obviously had the perfect outcome for us. And they probably... we looked like having a bowl tonight and putting them under pressure. But, you know, the way the wicket played and the way India bowled and came out and put us under pressure in that first 40 to 50 overs, you know, declaration wasn't an option for us.” Labuschagne acknowledged the resilience displayed by the lower order. “The lower order deserves a lot of credit for how they managed that last part. I mean, I felt like we were probably ahead of the game just the whole way.” IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Starc assures he's '100% fit' Australia maintained their grip on the fourth Test against India with a resilient batting display on the fourth day, despite several dramatic moments and strategic questions about their decisions. Resuming their second innings at 135 for six after tea, the visitors pushed their lead to a commanding 333 runs, closing at 228 for nine in 82 overs. The standout performer of the day was captain Pat Cummins, whose gritty 41 off 90 balls proved crucial in frustrating the Indian bowlers. Australia's tail-enders followed his lead, with the last-wicket pair of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland adding an unbeaten 55 runs. Marnus Labuschagne, who top-scored with a valiant 70 off 139 balls, earlier held the innings together before falling shortly after tea. However, Australia’s decision to bat deep into the final session, rather than declare with a sizeable lead, raised eyebrows. Pacer Mitchell Starc, when asked about the team’s strategy, deflected the question with a wry response: "You'll have to ask Pat Cummins... you will have to ask the brains trust." Starc, who was dismissed in dramatic fashion, became the victim of a sharp run-out orchestrated by Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. Attempting a second run, Starc was left stranded as Cummins hesitated. Pant’s direct hit brought an end to Starc’s brief innings of 5 runs off 13 deliveries. Despite speculation about a potential back issue, Starc dismissed concerns regarding his fitness. Speaking after the day's play, he assured, "I am 100%... My pace is still up in the low 140s, so I’m not concerned. If I need to bowl 20 overs tomorrow, I will." Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah entered the record books during the day, taking 4/56 to complete 200 Test wickets in an illustrious career so far. Bumrah’s fiery spell, coupled with Mohammed Siraj's 3/66, gave India some hope, but the task ahead remains monumental. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: 'Some people doubted me' - Nitish Reddy Nitish Reddy's brilliant century at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has silenced critics who doubted his ability to excel in Test cricket. The 21-year-old, with 293 runs in six innings at an average of over 58, has shown he belongs at the highest level. His knock of 114 runs was pivotal to India's first-innings total of 369, showcasing his resilience and skill on one of the grandest stages in cricket. After the fourth day's play, Reddy spoke candidly about the skepticism surrounding his selection. "Some people doubted me, saying a youngster from the IPL can't perform in such a big series," he said. "I just want to prove them wrong. I want people to know I'm here to give 100% for the Indian team." Reddy emphasised that his success has been years in the making. Dismissing the idea that his achievements came overnight, he explained, "For you guys, it might seem like one or two months, but for me, it's about the last two to three years. I've worked hard on my batting and bowling during that time." Ahead of the 2024 IPL, Reddy took extra measures to elevate his game, including hiring side-arm throwdown experts to practice against deliveries at speeds of up to 145 km/h. "After my first IPL season, I realized the areas I needed to improve in my batting. During the off-season, I worked extensively, and those efforts are paying off now," he said. Reddy also spoke emotionally about his father, Mutyalu, who made significant sacrifices for his cricketing career. "My father resigned from his central government job to support me. He was the first person who believed in me and has always been there—taking me to practice, to the gym. I'm so grateful to have a father like him," he said, dedicating his century to his father. A longtime admirer of Virat Kohli, Reddy cherished the standing ovation he received from the former Indian captain. "When Kohli scored a century in Perth, I was at the non-striker's end. Now, I scored a century, and he appreciated me. He told me I got the team back in the game. That's the best moment for me," Reddy said, beaming. Team India faces a challenging final day, with the opposition still holding one wicket. Reddy remains optimistic, promising a strong comeback. "First, we need to take their last wicket. Then, we'll rectify our mistakes from the first innings," he said confidently. Nitish Reddy's performance has not only proven his critics wrong but also signaled the arrival of a promising new star in Indian cricket. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: 'Jasprit Bumrah is like a genie' The fourth day of the Boxing Day Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy witnessed a captivating battle between bat and ball at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj delivered standout performances as India fought to contain a resilient Australian side, which extended its lead to 333 runs by stumps. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking on Star Sports, heaped praise on the Indian seamers. Manjrekar even compared Bumrah's genius to legendary bowlers like Malcolm Marshall and Curtly Ambrose. "There's just no weakness this man has. It's almost like he is this genie that Indian cricket have brought as a gift and you make a wish and you get it. And it's always Bumrah providing it, be it T20 cricket World Cup or 50 over World Cup, or it's a match like this, crucial game on a page where a lot of the bowlers struggle to get anything out of it. He was getting lateral movement," Manjrekar said. "He's cleaned up Alex Carey, as if, he's a number 10, 11 batter. He just had two balls in that spell left. You knew he wasn't going to bowl more than two balls, and he nailed Alex Carey there as well. And when you look at the average, I mean, this is unbelievable. We talk about Curtly Ambrose. I had the privilege of playing against Malcolm Marshall. Now those are great names, and an average of under 20 after 200 wickets is just mind-boggling stuff from Jasprit Bumrah." Manjrekar also lauded Mohammed Siraj for rising to the occasion. "The fact of the matter is Mohammed Siraj realised that he had to put in his best show. So what he did basically was just ran in with a lot more energy, just put in a lot more effort. And sometimes that's all you need. And it was evident when we saw the speed gun, he was four or five kilometers quicker," he noted. "There were a couple of balls over that were touching 140. In the first innings, it was maybe 134, 135. So sometimes it's just about bending your back and forget about all the other issues. And that's what he did. And he was desperate for success. And sometimes when you push against the wall, and we've seen that with Mohammed Siraj, he comes up with the goods." Jasprit Bumrah's 4/56—including his 200th Test wicket—was the highlight of the day. He dismantled Australia's middle order with clinical precision, removing Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Alex Carey in quick succession. Mohammed Siraj, with figures of 3/66, also played a crucial role in triggering a dramatic Australian collapse after lunch. His dismissal of Steve Smith for 13 set the tone for a spell that saw Australia plummet to 91/6. Despite these setbacks, Australia showed grit, with contributions from Pat Cummins (41) and an unbeaten 55-run partnership between Nathan Lyon (41 not out) and Scott Boland (10 not out). IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Mohammed Siraj's perfect support act! When a fast bowler's own countrymen — whether captain, teammates or former cricketers in the same cricketing ecosystem — challenge their ego, it can be a deliberate or incidental act that spurs them to perform better. Fast bowlers often have a fierce competitive streak. Challenges from their countrymen can push them to raise their game and prove their superiority. Facing criticism or challenges at home helps bowlers build the mental toughness required for the intense scrutiny and high-pressure situations of international cricket. On Friday, legendary Sunil Gavaskar, delivering a harshly critical assessment, had called for the removal of Mohammed Siraj from the Indian squad. With 13 wickets in seven innings and a lack of aggression with the new ball, Siraj, a key component in the 2021 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series victory, had fallen short in the current series, adding to Jasprit Bumrah's workload. According to Gavaskar, the right-arm quick should be informed that he is being dropped rather than rested. "I think Siraj, perhaps, needs a little bit of a break. In the sense, I am not saying a break, he needs to be told that he is left out of the team for non-performance. There has to be a situation where you can't beat around the bush. "You need to be brutally upfront and say 'look, your performance has not been up to scratch, and therefore you are being dropped.' When you start talking about 'rest,' players get wrong ideas. They feel they don't need to up their game," Gavaskar had told Star Sports on Friday after the second day's play. With an average of 4.07 runs per over, Siraj led the unwelcome list of frontline pacers who have given the most runs in the series. In the ongoing Boxing Day Test, Siraj was completely out of sorts after conceding 122 runs in 23 overs without taking any wickets in Australia first innings. Probably that was the reason that India captain Rohit Sharma called up Akash Deep to share the new ball with Bumrah in the Aussie second innings on Day 4. Being denied the new ball and a keeper standing upto the stumps are the two biggest factors that can rub off a pacer's ego. These situations strike at the core of a pacer's pride and role in the team, potentially fueling their competitive fire or exposing weaknesses. Both situations put a pacer in a vulnerable position, testing their mental resilience and ability to bounce back. They challenge the bowler to prove their worth and reclaim their authority, which can either inspire growth or create friction, depending on how they are handled. These challenges, though difficult, often separate great fast bowlers from the rest, highlighting their ability to rise above setbacks and continue delivering under pressure. When a captain targets their own fast bowler's ego, it can be a tactical move designed to motivate them, ignite their competitive fire, or bring out their best performance. Fast bowlers often thrive on adrenaline and emotion. A captain's calculated criticism or challenge can act as a spark to drive the bowler to prove a point and perform with extra intensity. A social media video also showed skipper Rohit asking Siraj to step up. "Don't sit back and hide behind Bumrah, I need you to stand up and get the job done as well." This is where Siraj responded brilliantly on Day 4 when Bumrah needed support from the other end. Akash Deep bowled well in tandem with Bumrah but was unlucky to get a wicket. Siraj replaced Bumrah in the attack after 10 overs and bowled with usual aggression but with improved line and length, creating more chances and troubling Aussie opener Usman Khawaja in particular. And Siraj’s changed approach brought him a reward when he castled Khawaja with a full delivery that moved just enough to beat the inside edge and hit the top of off-stump. In the eight over of the second session, a pumped up Siraj got the prized wicket of first innings centurion Steve Smith by inducing a false shot from the former Aussie captain and having him caught behind by Rishabh Pant. This was the fourth instance that Siraj had dismissed Smith in 15 innings and that opened the gates for India as Bumrah then went on a rampage as he picked up the wickets of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey in quick succession. Marnus Labuschagne batted brilliantly to weather the Bumrah storm whose deliveries missed the Aussie bat’s edge umpteen times. Going by stats, Bumrah bowled 60 balls to Labuschagne in the second innings and missed the outside edge 11 times. The Aussie edged 3 times scoring 24 runs off those 60 deliveries. But it was Siraj who got Labuschagne on the first delivery of a new spell by trapping the Aussie plumb in front with a back of a length delivery that jagged back sharply from outside off. Labuschagne was caught in the crease as he looked to block but missed to get struck on the back leg and as the third umpire went with the on-field umpire’s decision to give it out, a pumped up Siraj let the emotions flow. With a bruised ego, Siraj stepped up and bowled a superb spell either side of lunch where he accounted for Khawaja and Smith and later came up with the crucial scalp of Labuschagne. Cricket is as much a mental game as it is physical. By challenging a fast bowler, a captain can test their mental toughness and ability to handle pressure, which is critical in high-stakes scenarios and when done correctly, it can be a powerful tool to bring the best out of a fast bowler. With the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy still up for grabs, Siraj proved his captain right on Day 4 at the MCG. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Bumrah's brilliance, last-wicket stand for Australia keep MCG Test finely poised Jasprit Bumrah's fiery spell and a record-breaking milestone gave India hope on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test, but Australia's lower-order resistance ensured they remained in control. Despite Bumrah's 4-56 and Mohammed Siraj's resurgence, Australia reached 228/9 at stumps, leading by 333 runs, setting up a thrilling final day. Bumrah sliced through Australia's middle order, claiming his 200th Test wicket and becoming the bowler with the best average in Test history for those with 200 or more wickets. However, his efforts were countered by Marnus Labuschagne's gritty 70 and Pat Cummins' vital 41, along with a frustrating last-wicket stand of 55 between Nathan Lyon (41 not out) and Scott Boland (10 not out). Yashasvi Jaiswal had a challenging day, dropping three crucial catches, including Labuschagne on 46 and Cummins before his dismissal. These misses proved costly as Australia extended their lead on a pitch showing variable bounce. With all four results still possible, here's how Day 4 unfolded: Bumrah's record-breaking show: A historic milestone Jasprit Bumrah was once again the standout bowler for India, claiming his 200th Test wicket and solidifying his place in history. With the dismissal of Travis Head, Bumrah reached the remarkable milestone in just his 44th Test, making him the fastest Indian pacer to achieve this feat. Bumrah also set a new record for the best average among bowlers with 200 or more Test wickets, surpassing the legendary Joel Garner. He finished the day with 4-56, taking his tally for the series to 29 wickets and becoming India's most successful pacer in a Test series on Australian soil. Siraj back among wickets as India fight back After a wicketless first innings, Mohammed Siraj returned to form, taking key wickets in Australia's second innings. Siraj was the first change bowler, coming in after Akash Deep and Bumrah. Siraj quickly removed Usman Khawaja for 21, and then bowled brilliantly to dismiss Steve Smith. With the assistance of Virat Kohli, who advised Siraj to bowl wide of the crease, the pacer outfoxed Smith with a wide half-volley that the Aussie batter edged to Rishabh Pant. Siraj finished the day with impressive figures of 3-66, including the vital wicket of Marnus Labuschagne (70). Jaiswal's drop catches add pressure on India's chances Yashasvi Jaiswal endured a tough day in the field, dropping three critical catches. The first came early in the day when he dropped Usman Khawaja at leg gully. His next miscue was a relatively easy chance off Labuschagne's bat at gully when he was on 46. Jaiswal's third drop came just before tea when he let go of Cummins. The frustration was palpable in the Indian camp, with captain Rohit Sharma visibly upset. The missed chances allowed Australia to build a bigger lead, making India's task tougher. Labuschagne and Cummins stand gives Australia vital respite After India's early breakthroughs, Labuschagne and captain Cummins combined for a vital partnership of 57 runs. This stand brought some stability to Australia's innings, allowing them to recover from 91-6 to 148-7. Labuschagne, who top-scored with 70, and Cummins, with 41, frustrated India's bowlers and pushed the Australian lead past 250 runs, a vital cushion for the home team heading into the final session. Last-wicket stand frustrates India as Australia extend lead to 333 Despite India's best efforts to wrap up Australia's innings, Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland had other plans. Their unbroken 55-run partnership frustrated the Indian bowlers, with Lyon making 41 off 54 balls. This stand took Australia's lead to a formidable 333 runs, leaving India with a daunting task ahead on Day 5. With the last-wicket pair showing resilience, India's hopes of a quick end to Australia's innings faded, and the game remained delicately poised heading into the final day. IND vs AUS 4th Test, Day 5 Live: Hello and welcome! Hello and welcome to the Live coverage of Day 5 of the fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. A resilient 51-run partnership for the final wicket between Nathan Lyon (41*) and Scott Boland (10*) left India frustrated as Australia stretched its lead to 333 runs, finishing at 228/9 in 82 overs at stumps on day four of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India appeared poised to begin their chase before stumps after removing Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins in the final session. However, Lyon and Boland defied India’s attack for 110 balls, much to the dismay of the 43,867 fans present. Their gritty stand ensured Australia maintained control heading into the final day. The big question now is whether Australia will continue batting on day five or declare overnight, challenging India to achieve the highest-ever successful chase at the MCG. The session began with Mohammed Siraj striking with his first delivery, trapping Labuschagne lbw with a sharp ball that jagged off the pitch. Labuschagne reviewed the decision, but ball-tracking showed the ball clipping the bails on umpire’s call, ending his knock of 70. Soon after, Starc was run-out attempting a risky second run, with Rishabh Pant swiftly removing a glove to complete the dismissal at the non-striker's end. Australia seemed on the brink of being bowled out when Ravindra Jadeja produced a beauty, pitching on off-stump and turning away to find Pat Cummins’s edge, dismissing him for a hard-fought 41 off 90 balls. But as the Indian bowlers began to tire and the ball softened, Lyon and Boland capitalized, showcasing remarkable resistance. India's desperation showed when Siraj dropped a caught-and-bowled chance off Lyon, who later survived an lbw appeal, burning India’s final review. Boland cut Siraj for a boundary to bring up Australia’s 300, while Lyon mixed sweeps, lofted shots, and edges to keep the scoreboard ticking. Drama unfolded in the final over when KL Rahul claimed a tumbling catch off Lyon from Jasprit Bumrah’s delivery. However, replays revealed a no-ball, adding to India’s woes. Lyon then edged the last ball for a boundary, taking the partnership to 50 runs and capping an enthralling day of Test cricket. Match Statistics Sam Konstas Usman Khawaja Marnus Labuschagne Yashasvi Jaiswal Rohit Sharma (C) KL Rahul Top Stories Right NowThe US tech giant said it now supported 550,000 jobs in the UK through direct employment, its supply chain and the economy around its App Store – with app developers having earned nearly £9 billion since it launched in 2008. Apple said its engineering teams were carrying out critical work on the firm’s biggest services, including key technology within Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker’s suite of generative AI-powered tools which are expected to launch in the UK for the first time this week. Elsewhere, the firm said its growing TV empire, spearheaded by its Apple TV+ streaming service and production arm, had also helped boost its investment in the UK with Apple TV+ production in this country tripling in the last two years, the company said. Chief executive Tim Cook said: “We’ve been serving customers in the UK for more than 40 years, and we’re proud of our deep connection with communities across this country. “We’re thrilled to be growing our Apple teams here, and to keep supporting the extraordinary innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of technology in so many ways.” The Chancellor Rachel Reeves said companies such as Apple were “intrinsic” to the UK’s prosperity by boosting jobs. “This government is laser focused on creating the right conditions for growth to help put more money in people’s pockets. “That’s what underpins the Plan for Change and is what has driven £63 billion worth of inward investment in the UK through our first international investment summit. “Companies like Apple are intrinsic to the success of our nation’s prosperity – helping deliver jobs, innovative technology, and boost infrastructure.”Takeda Pharmaceutical: Dividend Yield Is High But Hides Pitfalls Especially For US InvestorsIt’s the last few weeks ‘til Christmas at SM Supermalls
Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation's top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after Mangione's arrest on Monday when a customer at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather's obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone's lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore; Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu; Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Michael Kunzelman in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.Detailed Project Report worth Rs. 10 crore submitted to State Government for approval Tourism Department joins hands with Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited to boost eco-tourism Mysuru : Mysuru’s Varuna Lake , a serene and scenic haven, just 15 kilometres from the city, is poised for a significant transformation as part of a Rs. 10 crore development project initiated by the Tourism Department. The ambitious plan aims to position Varuna Lake as a prime destination for eco-tourism and water sports while addressing pressing environmental concerns. Varuna Lake, already a popular spot for boating enthusiasts, has witnessed a steady influx of visitors in recent years, thanks to water sports activities organised by private agencies. Recognising its potential, the Tourism Department has collaborated with Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited (CNNL) to prepare two separate Detailed Project Reports (DPRs): One allocating Rs. 5 crore for the Lake’s development and another Rs. 5 crore for creating essential infrastructure around it. Both DPRs have been submitted to the State Government for approval. The development project envisions enhancing the Lake’s natural charm while promoting eco-friendly tourism. With the implementation of advanced technologies to prevent wastewater inflow, these activities are set to make a comeback, further elevating Varuna Lake’s appeal. Joint Director of Tourism Department M.K. Savitha and other officials discuss plans to develop the Varuna Lake recently. Addressing environmental challenges Spanning 166 acres, Varuna Lake has been grappling with the issue of wastewater inflow. To combat this, the Tourism Department’s Rs. 5 crore DPR focuses on constructing a protective wall around the Lake and integrating cutting-edge systems to block sewage from entering its waters, M.K. Savitha, Joint Director of Tourism Department told Star of Mysore. These measures aim to restore the Lake’s ecological balance, ensuring a pristine environment for visitors and wildlife. “Private agencies have already attracted tourists to Varuna Lake through water sports. After the Lake’s development and proper infrastructure around it, a tender process will be initiated,” she added. READ ALSO Get ready for a thrilling ride on water Beyond water sports, Varuna Lake has emerged as a haven for birdwatchers. With an increasing number of bird species flocking to the area, plans are in place to develop it as a birdwatching hotspot, akin to the renowned Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary. Infrastructure development The second Rs. 5 crore DPR focuses on external infrastructure to enhance visitor experience. Proposed developments include: An elegant arch and gate at the Lake’s entrance, stone benches for comfortable seating, an eco-park designed for children, a Gazebo (Pergola), chain-link fencing, parking facilities with interlocking tiles and toilets and drinking water facilities, food courts and cafeteria and a walkway around the Lake. Varuna Lake is being developed as a pilot project under the eco-tourism initiative. If successful, this model will be replicated at other prominent lakes in Mysuru, such as Hebbal Lake and Lingambudhi Lake. The overarching goal is to create accessible and sustainable recreational spaces for residents and tourists alike. Pollution a concern According to Abdul Aleem, Head of Outback Varuna, a private water sports agency currently running adventure sports at Varuna Lake, the Mysuru District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) granted them a 10-year lease. “Over 6,000 visitors come here every month. Along with the existing water sports activities, we had planned to introduce attractions like zip lining and sky cycling to draw more tourists. However, due to the Lake’s pollution, these plans had to be curtailed halfway. Now, if the new proposal is approved by the Government, the number of visitors to Varuna Lake will increase significantly,” he added. Varuna Lake
'Britain cannot afford to be an idle bystander after al-Assad's barbaric regime ends'LONDON (Reuters) -West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen struck midway through the second half to secure a deserved 2-1 Premier League home win on Monday over Wolverhampton Wanderers, whose poor defending cost them again as they languish second-bottom in the standings. Wolves conceded three minutes after equalising to stay in 19th spot on nine points from 15 games, while West Ham are 14th with 18 points. The 38 goals Wolves have conceded is the highest total in the top flight this season. The game featured a minute’s applause after the ninth minute for 34-year-old Hammers striker Michail Antonio, who is recovering in hospital following surgery on a fractured leg sustained in a car crash on Saturday. With both managers – West Ham’s Julen Lopetegui and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil – struggling to turn things around after their teams’ disappointing starts to the season, the pre-match talk was all about whose job was most at risk. After forcing a slew of set pieces in a scoreless first half, it was Lopetegui’s Hammers who broke the deadlock in the 54th minute through Tomas Soucek from their 10th corner. The Wolves defence left the Czech midfielder unmarked at the far post to send a looping header across goal into the net, and he immediately ran to a TV camera holding up nine fingers in a tribute to Antonio, who wears number nine for the Hammers. The goal was the eighth Wolves have conceded from a corner and the 15th from a set piece excluding penalties this season, more than any other top flight team. Wolves managed to level through Matt Doherty in the 69th minute with a superbly taken scooped volley into the corner shortly after they had a strong penalty appeal turned town. The lead was short-lived as Wolves’ defensive frailties were exposed again, with Bowen jinking onto his left foot in the box before burying the ball in the corner three minutes later. Deflated after conceding so soon following their equaliser, Wolves struggled to create any momentum and, a few harmless off-target shots aside, they barely threatened the West Ham goal in the final minutes as the hosts held on comfortably to win. Soucek revealed after the game that the team had spoken to Antonio on a video call earlier on Monday. “The goal was for him. I dedicated it to him. I said before the game I really wanted to score even more today. He’s been here since I came here. He’s really my favourite,” he told Sky Sports, adding he could not wait to visit his recovering teammate. Wolves coach O’Neil admitted he was under pressure but insisted that his team were still giving it their all. “I’m bit disappointed for them, really, because it was a decent away performance under a lot of pressure,” he told Sky Sports. “I can only ask them to give what they give, and they’re giving absolutely everything, so I hope the supporters are still proud of what they see from the players.” (Reporting by Philip O’Connor; Editing by Ken Ferris) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
LUQUE, Paraguay — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan's culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by UNESCO on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity." At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity's cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts after the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was officially named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold that breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-month process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan's broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. Japanese sake, a nominee for UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list, are displayed on Japan's delegation table, during a UNESCO World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Wednesday. The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake's image as Japan's premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. Japanese breweries also expressed hope the listing could give a lift to the country's export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. “I hope that this will also be an opportunity for Japanese people to take another look at sake, shochu and awamori, which are the essence of their culture," Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the trade group Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, said in Tokyo. "I would like them to try it even once and see what it tastes like,” he said. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the association. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts as the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. Japan's delegation appeared ready to celebrate Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” he said of the UNESCO designation. "This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was “delighted” by UNESCO's recognition of traditional sake-making techniques, and he congratulated those dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition. The crisp autumn air ushers in more than just pumpkin spice latte season. Consider cozying up inside with friends for a wine tasting and sharing delicious food and drinks with more complex flavors than cinnamon and sugar. Perhaps once thought of as stuffy affairs only for wine connoisseurs, today a tasting can be as casual as pouring a few bottles while doing another activity—say, bar games like darts or art activities like painting. The tasting can also be more traditional, especially if held at a winery or local wine shop, which is a great way to learn about what wines you might like to later serve at home. To host the ultimate wine tasting, it pays to do some R&D. One of the best aspects of hosting a wine tasting at home is that you get to establish the mood, tone, and guest list for the gathering—you can't pick a playlist when you sample wines at a bar or wine shop or make the dress code loungewear. So whether the mood is serious or playful, sophisticated or laid-back, the key to a successful tasting is enjoying and appreciating the wine and having fun with friends and family. Of course, there are a few other things to figure out along the way. Peerspace put together a few tips for hosting your wine-tasting party. A tasting party is all about sampling different wines and evaluating and hopefully enjoying them—and there are a variety of ways to do that. Would you like to host a playful gathering where each guest brings a mystery bottle of wine within a certain price range—a BYOB affair? Or would it be better to have more control over which wines are featured by curating and supplying all the wines as a host? This decision sets the tone—a tasting where guests contribute wine can be a bit of a free-for-all, whereas one where you select wines you supply allows guests to sit back and simply enjoy. And you don't have to break the bank to buy excellent wines—there are lots of wine experts ready to share their affordable picks. How much folks know about wine differs—and that's a good thing. Tastings are group learning experiences. Expertise isn't necessary to host or attend a tasting, but it is helpful to think about what will keep guests comfortable and having fun. Decide whether the vibe will be relaxed and laid-back, like friends sipping wine fireside, or more upbeat and formal. Think about elements like the atmosphere and the location, and consider whether folks will be seated or standing. Will you have a spirited playlist (couldn't resist) or live music? Do you want an expert to introduce each wine, or will you be that expert? Consider how guests will share their thoughts on what they are tasting. Do you want to just talk about them or do something more organized, like take notes or give ratings? Then supply notebooks or notecards and pencils, with categories or questions established ahead of time—all of which can reflect your evening's tone as well. How many people to invite is a question largely informed by the answers to tip #1: Are you having a big, formal affair or an intimate catch-up with close friends? Or something in between? Whatever the case, an RSVP is essential because not only do you need to plan the setup of the space, but you must also make sure there's enough wine for everyone to taste, including each of the wines featured. There's nothing worse than a tasting that runs dry! The math to determine how much wine you need considers the size of the tasting pours—a full glass of wine at a restaurant is usually around 5 ounces, which yields around five glasses of wine from a standard bottle. For tastings, you'll want to do less, depending on how many wines you are featuring—say, 2 ounces if you'll be trying a lot of different wines. Experts agree, having more wine than you need is always a good idea—that way you can send guests home with a bottle should there be a prize at the end of the night. Picking a theme is essential to curating the selection of wines—it's the organizing principle behind your selections. Otherwise, your tasting might as well be just walking down the wine aisle at the grocery store and taking sips from random bottles. There's too much wine out there not to be strategic about this. Plus, a theme helps you to tell the story of each wine better—it's the plot line of the night, if you will. Common themes are types of wine, regions they are from, or even price points—really, one can get as creative as they wish. For inspiration, check out local wine shops and see what they do for tastings. Often, they will follow seasonality and group wines in novel ways for their own in-house tastings. Don't let food be an afterthought for the festivities—after all, food can enhance particular qualities of wine and vice versa. There are many rules around what foods to pair with which wines, but consider this simple advice from Alder Yarrow's Vinography : "Stick with eating good food and drinking good wine." Since the focus is on the wines, allow the drinks to determine what food makes sense, but don't overthink it. Food is a supporting character here—at the very least, guests will need something to soak up all the alcohol (unless you are spitting it out). Eating foods that contain a mixture of protein, fats, and carbs when drinking helps increase the rate of alcohol elimination . Whether it's a full meal or heavy hors d'oeuvres, thoughtful noshes are necessary. The bottom line is, however you do it, hosting the ultimate wine tasting should be fun. Wine can feel intimidating to many people, but most wine experts are passionate, inspired folks who want to share what they know and help you find wines you like. So visit your local wine store or winemaker and ask questions. There are good guides specifically concerning how to taste wine. Dig a little, taste a lot, and have fun. It's all research for your next ultimate wine tasting. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Peerspace and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!With rookie QB Penix showing poise in starting debut, the Falcons again control their playoff hopes
Reform ‘gains 20,000 members’ since Badenoch ‘fakery’ rowHyderabad : Cybercrime rates in the state saw a significant increase in 2024 with a 43.33 per cent rise, according to the Telangana state annual police report released on Sunday, December 29. According to the report, 25,184 cases were registered at the state’s cyber security bureau, a major spike compared to 17,571 cases in 2023. A massive 2150 per cent increase has been witnessed after the Telangana cybercrime police traced and refunded Rs 180 crore this year compared to 8 crore in 2023. Police froze Rs 247 crore involved in cybercrime activities, a significant Rs 119 crore more as compared to last year. There was a 26.65 per cent rise in cheating cases with 24,643 cases registered in 2024 as against 16,339 cases in 2023. As many as 14,984 sim cards, 9,811 mobile phone IMEI numbers and 1,825 websites were blocked by Telangana cyber crime police. According to the state police’s annual report, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau played a key role in the functioning of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), a Central government initiative to combat cyber crimes nationwide. The Cybercrimes Unit of the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate received the Data Security Council of India (DSCI) Excellence award this year for its significant contributions to combating cybercrime and holding offenders accountable in the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber threats in the country. The Telangana police topped every other Indian state in tracing and recovering stolen mobiles, with 38,231 recovered between January and November 2024. Telangana also reported a total of 2,34,158 cases in all crimes in 2024, a nearly 9 per cent increase from last year’s crime data.
The US tech giant said it now supported 550,000 jobs in the UK through direct employment, its supply chain and the economy around its App Store – with app developers having earned nearly £9 billion since it launched in 2008. Apple said its engineering teams were carrying out critical work on the firm’s biggest services, including key technology within Apple Intelligence, the iPhone maker’s suite of generative AI-powered tools which are expected to launch in the UK for the first time this week. Elsewhere, the firm said its growing TV empire, spearheaded by its Apple TV+ streaming service and production arm, had also helped boost its investment in the UK with Apple TV+ production in this country tripling in the last two years, the company said. Chief executive Tim Cook said: “We’ve been serving customers in the UK for more than 40 years, and we’re proud of our deep connection with communities across this country. “We’re thrilled to be growing our Apple teams here, and to keep supporting the extraordinary innovators, creators, and entrepreneurs who are pushing the boundaries of technology in so many ways.” The Chancellor Rachel Reeves said companies such as Apple were “intrinsic” to the UK’s prosperity by boosting jobs. “This government is laser focused on creating the right conditions for growth to help put more money in people’s pockets. “That’s what underpins the Plan for Change and is what has driven £63 billion worth of inward investment in the UK through our first international investment summit. “Companies like Apple are intrinsic to the success of our nation’s prosperity – helping deliver jobs, innovative technology, and boost infrastructure.”Key details about the man accused of killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO
Even amid a nine-game winning streak, the Philadelphia Eagles offense has room for improvement. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.Mike Mitchell scores 22 and Minnesota defeats Morgan State 90-68