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Dubai: ‘Devastated’ mum speaks out as 25-year-old British coach Antonia Bettridge faces life in prison

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March 7, 2026

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Dubai: ‘Devastated’ mum speaks out as 25-year-old British coach Antonia Bettridge faces life in prison

Antonia Bettridge, 25, from St Helens, faces a possible life sentence in Dubai on drug charges. /Image: Echo

A British woman who worked as a personal trainer in Dubai has been detained in the United Arab Emirates on suspicion of drug offenses and could face life in prison, according to legal advisers assisting her family. Antonia Bettridge, 25, from St Helens, Merseyside, was detained under the UAE’s strict drug laws after authorities accused her of “possessing drugs with intent to distribute”. Under UAE legislation, the charge is punishable by life imprisonment and a fine of up to Dh200,000. News of her detention was first reported by liverpool echothe newspaper said Betteridge was believed to have been arrested early last month. The case attracted UK attention after her family spoke out through advocacy group Dubai Detention Center (DID).

Arrested in Dubai and could be sentenced to life in prison

Betteridge moved to Dubai in November 2023, initially working as a sports coach and later working in real estate while training as a personal trainer. Legal counsel said she was detained under UAE anti-drug laws on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to distribute.according to Detained in Dubaiauthorities in the United Arab Emirates do not necessarily require direct evidence that the drugs were intended for sale to pursue charges.

Those detained in Dubai warned that the charge alone could subject Antonia Betteridge to severe penalties under UAE law. /Image:X

The organization has been assisting foreigners facing legal difficulties in the UAE and wider Gulf region for sixteen years and says it has handled more than 20,000 cases. The group said the charge alone could expose the 25-year-old to severe penalties if convicted.

Mother speaks out through legal counsel

according to liverpool echo, Betteridge’s mother, whose name has not been released, said the family is trying to understand the situation and is deeply concerned for her daughter. She told Dubai Detention: “Antonia’s whole life has been around fitness and healthy living. She didn’t like the party lifestyle. She moved to Dubai to create something positive for herself. We are shocked and just trying to figure out what happened.”

Two months before moving to Dubai, Antonia Bettridge was given a community order for possessing £8,000 of criminal property. /Image:X

She also described difficulties communicating with her daughter while in detention. “With everything that’s going on in the area right now, it’s unbelievable to know that our daughter is in custody and we can’t get a hold of her. We were worried sick. We just want her to be safe and have a chance to prepare her defense. She is 25 years old. her whole future is in danger. “

Regional tensions fuel family worries

Radha Sterling, chief executive of Dubai Detention Centre, said the wider geopolitical situation in the Middle East was fueling anxiety among families with relatives detained in the region. She said: “When regional instability or security incidents occur, families will naturally be more concerned about their already vulnerable loved ones.” Sterling added that defendants should prepare their cases outside of custody whenever possible. “This reinforces why it is so important, where appropriate, to allow defendants to prepare their cases outside of custody. We hope that the FCDO will at least support her bail application while awaiting trial. “ The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed it was aware of the case. A spokesperson said: “We are supporting a British woman detained in the UAE and are liaising with local authorities.”

Previously convicted in the UK

Court records show Betteridge appeared at Liverpool Crown Court in September 2023 and was found guilty of possessing criminal property after police found £8,000 in cash in her glovebox. The case stems from a traffic stop on December 22, 2021, when police stopped her vehicle after it exited the M62 towards Junction 9 at Winwick, Warrington. Betteridge initially told police she did not have any money with her. Police later found £610 in her handbag and thousands of pounds in the car. Investigators later confirmed she drove around 170 miles from her home in Greenfield Road, Dentons Green, along the M5 near Bristol to Gordano Services and then back north. After admitting possessing criminal property, Betteridge was given a 12-month community order including 75 hours of unpaid work, up to 30 days of rehabilitation activity and ordered to pay £1,200 in court costs. Two months later, in November 2023, she moved to Dubai.

Strict laws and previous cases involving Britons

Betteridge is not the first British citizen to face serious legal consequences under the UAE’s strict criminal laws. In the latest case, 24-year-old Mia O’Brien faces up to 25 years in prison after police said she was found with 50 grams of cocaine in Dubai. She was later granted a royal pardon in December, which her family described as a “Christmas miracle”. Another case involved British tourist Marcus Fakana, 19, who was jailed for having consensual sex with a 17-year-old during a visit to the country. Although the relationship involved two British nationals, local authorities prosecuted the case because sex outside of marriage is illegal in the UAE. Fakana was sentenced to one year in prison, then received a royal pardon and returned to England. He died in a traffic accident in October, three months after being released from prison. In a separate case, 63-year-old Albert Douglas spent four years in a Dubai jail after he was jailed in 2021 after checks bounced related to his son’s company, despite claiming he had no involvement in the business. He claimed he was beaten and starved while in detention. The United Nations later ruled that he had been detained arbitrarily and was allowed to return to the UK in December.

Travel warnings and ongoing regional tensions

The case also unfolds against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Middle East. The Foreign Office has advised British nationals in the UAE to “stay indoors” and “away from windows” following recent US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Iran’s missile and drone strikes in the region have targeted locations in several Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, disrupting air travel and leading to widespread flight cancellations. Authorities urge residents and visitors to avoid areas near military or security installations, follow local government guidance and monitor official updates. However, the immediate concern for Betteridge and her family remains the legal case ahead – one that could determine whether the 25-year-old faces years in jail in Dubai.

Laksha Sen makes history in second All England final appearance

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March 7, 2026

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Laksha Sen makes history in second All England final appearance

Lakshya Sen of India (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Laksha Sen His gritty performance earned him a place in the All England Badminton Open final, becoming the second Indian badminton player to reach the title twice after defeating Canada’s Victor Rai in a grueling semi-final on Saturday. The 24-year-old, who had previously reached the final in 2022, battled a determined opponent and a painful blister on his right toe to seal the victory 21-16, 18-21, 21-15 in a match that lasted 1 hour and 37 minutes. Sen’s achievements have brought him into a rare partnership with his mentor Prakash Padukone. The legendary Indian was a finalist in 1980 and 1981 and won the championship in his first appearance. Saturday’s semifinal will be a test of both players’ endurance and resilience. Mori and Lai participated in several grueling matches, some involving more than 50 shots, as neither player was willing to back down. The first game was very close until Sen took the lead 17-16. The Indians then changed their attitude and scored four consecutive points to win the first game. Rai responded strongly in the second game. Canadian is first Canadian to win medal in sport BWF World ChampionshipsHe led 11-7 at halftime and maintained the advantage although Sen managed a 16-16 tie while dealing with a blister. Lai eventually pushed the game into a decider. In the final game, Sen’s experience began to show. He patiently coordinated a well-planned attack to lead 15-9. Lai continued to fight back and narrowed the score gap to 17-15, but Sen finished strongly and scored 4 points in a row to seal his place in the final. In the championship match, Mori will face Chinese Taipei player Lin Chunyi. The left-handed player, who had just won the India Open, defeated Thailand’s second seed Kunlavu Vitisaan 21-14, 18-21, 21-16 in the semi-finals in 1 hour and 18 minutes to advance to the final.

Tornadoes sweep through Michigan and Oklahoma, killing at least 8 people; dangerous weather still ahead

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March 7, 2026

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Tornadoes sweep through Michigan and Oklahoma, killing at least 8 people; dangerous weather still ahead

At least eight people dead after tornadoes and severe storms hit parts of the country michigan and Oklahoma Officials said there were more than two days this week where meteorologists warned it could affect much of the United States in the coming days.

On March 7, tornadoes struck several cities in rural southwestern Michigan, including Union City, Michigan, which damaged trees. (AFP Getty Images)

The deadly storms that struck between March 5 and 6 caused widespread damage to several communities and prompted emergency warnings in several states.

michigan storm

In southern Michigan, a storm that triggered tornadoes ripped through several counties on March 6, killing four people and damaging homes and businesses, USA Today reported.

according to National Weather ServiceThe damage spanned Cass, St. Joseph and Branch counties, affecting communities from Edwardsburg to Three Rivers to Union City.

Authorities said the first tornado warning was issued for the area in the afternoon after radar detected a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado near Cassopolis.

Also read: Oklahoma tornado tracker: Where are the tornadoes now? Owasso, Tulsa, Kellyville scenes

Damage reports were quickly received in Cass County, where Sheriff Clint Roach said structures including homes and agricultural buildings were severely damaged or destroyed, leaving one person dead and several others injured.

In nearby Branch County, officials reported three more deaths and more than a dozen injuries near Union City. Three injured people were taken to local hospitals.

Weather service officials said survey teams were dispatched to assess the damage and determine whether it was caused by a single tornado or multiple tornadoes.

Oklahoma storms turn deadly, too

The same storm system also produced deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma.

Authorities say two people were killed when a tornado struck a home northeast of Beggs late on March 6, Okmulgee County Sheriff Eddie Rice said.

Earlier on March 5, another tornado near Fairview struck a woman and her daughter, who were killed when their vehicle was hit by the storm.

Also read: Three Rivers Tornadoes, MI: Large tornadoes near Edwardsburg and Cassopolis amid severe weather; video

Weather officials reported that at least six tornadoes have been recorded in Oklahoma during the outbreak.

Storm system moving east

Forecasters said the threat of severe weather continues as the system moves across the country.

The Storm Prediction Center warned that about 90 million people from Texas to New York could be at risk from severe storms. Possible hazards include tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall that could cause flash flooding.

Meteorologists are also tracking expected dramatic changes in temperatures over the weekend, with parts of the Midwest and Northeast expected to experience unusually warm weather in the wake of the storm system.

Authorities in affected areas urged residents to remain alert to weather warnings and to avoid damage to buildings while recovery and damage assessments continue.

Gold, cash and more! TVK chairman Vijay appeals to female voters, promises ‘super good regime’

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March 7, 2026

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Gold, cash and more! TVK chairman Vijay appeals to female voters, promises ‘super good regime’

New Delhi: TVK chief Vijay on Saturday unveiled a slew of welfare promises ahead of the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, including several women-centric schemes, echoing a strategy that has seen electoral success in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and, most recently, Bihar.The actor-turned-politician’s poll promises include providing 8 grams of gold to female marriage beneficiaries, silk sarees and Rs 2,500 to women and free sanitary napkins through ration shops, schools and colleges. He also promised to provide six cooking gas bottles for free within a year.

Deciphering the Vijay factor in Tamil Nadu elections: Can the actor convert popularity into votes?

Meanwhile, the SC has expressed concern over the rising trend of “freebie” culture across states. The Supreme Court said earlier this year that “most states in the country are revenue deficit states but they offer such freebies” ignoring development. The Supreme Court is hearing a petition from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Distribution Corporation Ltd. seeking free power to all consumers irrespective of their income.

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Do you support implementation of women-centric welfare schemes before the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections?

Also read: Why Supreme Court labels ‘freebie culture’ and warns states

The following is a list of announcements that have been made:

Rs 2,500 women monthly aidexcept government workers, until reaching the age of 60
Women can travel free on all government-run buses
8 grams gold silk saree given to female marriage beneficiary
Special fast-track court for expedited hearing of cases of crimes against women
Annapurani Super Six Plan: 6 cooking gas cylinders free in one year
“Smart emergency buttons” in public transportation ensure women’s safety
Interest-free allocation of up to Rs 5 Lakhs for women SHGs
Police sets up special ‘Rani Velu Nachiyar’ unit to ensure safety of women
Free sanitary pads for women through ration shops, schools and colleges
Each newborn born in TN is given a gold ring as ‘Ashirwad’ by the state government and a baby welcome kit is provided
‘Kamarajar Kalvi Uruthi Thittam’: Assistance of Rs 15,000 per annum to ensure zero dropout

Who is Estefany Rodriguez Flores? Nashville journalist arrested by ICE after living legally in US for five years

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March 7, 2026

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Who is Estefany Rodriguez Flores? Nashville journalist arrested by ICE after living legally in US for five years

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reportedly arrested Estefany Rodriguez Flores, a reporter for a Spanish-language news outlet, in Nashville, Tennessee, this week.Rodriguez was arrested Wednesday during a traffic stop, the Associated Press reported. Her attorneys called for her immediate release, citing ICE’s lack of a warrant for her arrest, the Associated Press reported.President Donald Trump campaigned on mass deportations, a policy that became a cornerstone of his second term. He said he would specifically target those with violent criminal records, and his administration has ramped up immigration enforcement since returning to office in January 2025. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said more than 3 million undocumented immigrants were deported during his first term.

‘ICE officers grabbed him by the neck and punched him…’: Tearful Minnesota resident recalls ‘brutal’ ICE raid

Recent polls show Americans are turning against Trump’s immigration policies. The government faces increasing scrutiny over the actions and tactics of immigration officials in places like Minneapolis, where federal immigration officers shot and killed two U.S. citizens, Renee Nicole Goode and Alex Pretty, in January.Rodriguez is a reporter for the Nashville News, a Spanish-language news outlet in Tennessee’s capital. The news outlet, which she joined in 2022 and covers social, family, health, police and immigration issues, wrote in a statement on Friday calling for her release.“Nashville News LLC expresses its respect for U.S. law and hopes our colleagues will be able to successfully resolve this matter and that she will be released as soon as possible as she needs to be reunited with her young daughter and husband in order to continue her legal proceedings within the permissible legal framework,” the statement read.She was detained outside a local gym. She was surrounded by several cars when police asked to arrest her, “for reasons that the legal team will specify later,” the outlet reported.According to the Associated Press, Rodriguez is a Colombian citizen and entered the United States legally. She has been living in the country for the past five years and has a valid work permit. She also applied for political asylum and legal status through her husband.To pay for legal fees, her husband created a GoFundMe that had raised nearly $660,000 as of Friday afternoon. He wrote that her family was “doing everything possible to get her released as soon as possible and to resolve this matter as quickly as possible,” Newsweek reported.Her colleague Araceli Crescencio said in an Instagram video that she was in a car with station markings when she was detained.Crescentio said ICE claimed she intentionally missed two ICE interviews, but her attorney said that was not the case. One was rescheduled because of a winter storm, and the second appointment was rescheduled because she wasn’t found in the system before the appointment.An ICE spokesperson said in a statement to Newsweek that Rodriguez was taken into custody during a “targeted enforcement operation.”“Rodriguez-Flores entered the United States on March 10, 2021, on a tourist visa valid until March 23, 2021. She failed to leave the country, violated the conditions of her visa, and currently does not have legal immigration status. She will remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings,” the spokesperson said.The spokesman said the suggestion that ICE did not have a search warrant was “false.”“ICE officers have an administrative warrant in their possession at the time of the arrest, and the officer who issues the administrative warrant also finds probable cause to issue the administrative warrant. For decades, the Supreme Court and Congress have recognized the appropriateness of the use of administrative warrants in immigration enforcement cases,” the spokesperson said.The spokesperson added that “all persons who violate U.S. immigration laws are subject to arrest and detention regardless of their criminal record.”“The detention of Estefany Rodriguez by DHS agents is part of a shameful and alarming pattern of the Trump administration using immigration authorities to suppress press freedoms,” Katherine Jacobson, U.S., Canada and Caribbean program coordinator for the Journalists Project Committee, wrote in a statement. Rodriguez came to the U.S. seeking safety from death threats stemming from reporting in his native Colombia and was in the U.S. legally at the time of his detention. The United States has traditionally been a haven for journalists fleeing retaliation for their work. In the Rodriguez case, federal authorities showed a brutal disregard for this tradition. “The GoFundMe reads: “Estefany was an incredible woman who was dedicated to her work and her family. As a reporter for The Nashville Press, she worked tirelessly and passionately to provide information and service to the community. In addition to reporting, she’s always looking for ways to give back, whether it’s helping a family in need, giving away food, or sharing gifts with those who need a little extra support. “A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection previously told Newsweek: “The green card is a privilege, not a right, and under the laws of our country, our government has the authority to revoke a green card if our laws are violated and abused. Lawful permanent residents who present a criminal record at a U.S. port of entry may be subject to mandatory detention and/or may be required to provide additional documentation in preparation for an immigration hearing.”“ICE is scheduled to hold a new meeting on her case on March 17, according to the Associated Press.

Britney Spears’ ex Sam Asghari says after DUI arrest: ‘I think everyone…’

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March 7, 2026

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Britney Spears’ ex Sam Asghari says after DUI arrest: ‘I think everyone…’

Model and fitness instructor Sam Asghari After his ex-wife, pop star Britney Spears, was arrested and was charged with driving under the influence earlier this week. Spears, 44, was reportedly pulled over by California Highway Patrol troopers on Wednesday and later booked by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office around 3 a.m.

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari attend LA premiere "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," July 22, 2019. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) — Britney Spears and Sam Asghari attend the Los Angeles premiere of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” on July 22, 2019. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

She was released hours later and is scheduled to appear in court on May 4.

What Sam Asgari said

Asgari, 32, spoke about the incident in an interview with Fox News. The Iranian-American model said he wanted to focus primarily on broader geopolitical issues, including rising tensions between the United States and Iran, but made brief comments about Spears’ arrest.

“When it comes to people making mistakes, I understand that,” Asgari said. “I think everyone deserves privacy. I hope the media learns from the past and gives her the privacy she needs.”

Also read: ‘I just want to be a good woman…’: Britney Spears deletes social media after emotional post; everything to know

Asgari and Spears first met in late 2016 and married in June 2022. The couple separated after 14 months of marriage and filed for divorce in August 2023, after a relationship that lasted about seven years.

Investigation is ongoing

Authorities said the incident remains under investigation and chemical test results are pending.

Represented by spears said the singer planned to abide by the law following her arrest and would receive support from those close to her.

“This was an unfortunate incident and completely inexcusable,” the rep said. “Britney will take the right steps and comply with the law in the hope that this can be the first step in long overdue change in Britney’s life.”

The spokesperson added that Spears’ family will be supporting her in the coming weeks.

“Hopefully she will receive the help and support she needs during this difficult time,” the statement continued. “Her sons will be spending time with her. Her loved ones will come up with a belated and necessary plan to help her prepare for her happy success.”

Also read: Kevin Federline gives rare update on his and Britney Spears’ sons in memoir

Spears has faced continued public scrutiny in recent years after her controversial conservatorship ended in 2021. For nearly 14 years, her personal and financial affairs have been controlled by her father, Jamie Spears.

The singer has two sons with ex-husband Kevin Federline: Sean Preston Federline and Jayden James Federline. Spears previously said she was estranged from them, but she later said she reunited with Jaden around Christmas 2024.

Spears also appeared to deactivate her Instagram account after news of the arrest broke.

Murmu-Mamata dispute escalates: PM Modi says ‘TMC government broke all limits’; Bengal chief minister advises President to ‘not indulge in politics’

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March 7, 2026

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Murmu-Mamata dispute escalates: PM Modi says ‘TMC government broke all limits’; Bengal chief minister advises President to ‘not indulge in politics’

New Delhi: President’s last-minute change of venue sparks controversy Draupadi MurmuThe Santal incident escalated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashing out at the TMC government in the state, claiming they were against tribal communities. chief minister of bangladesh Mamata Banerjee Aimed bjp “Using” the president to “slander” the country, Murmu was advised to “not indulge in politics.” Earlier, Murmu had expressed concerns over the change of venue, accusing the national government of choosing a place where “Santhals cannot go”.“This is shameful and unprecedented. Everyone who believes in democracy and empowerment of tribal communities is dismayed. The anguish and anguish expressed by Rashtrapati Ji from the tribal community has created immense sadness in the hearts of the people of India. The TMC government in West Bengal has indeed crossed all boundaries. Their government should be held responsible for this insult to the President.” Prime Minister Modi Said in X’s post.

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Do you think the change in location of President Durupadi Murmu’s event was politically motivated?

“It is also unfortunate that the West Bengal government treats a subject as important as Santal culture so nonchalantly. The office of the President is above politics and the sanctity of this office should always be respected. One hopes that the West Bengal government and the TMC will have a better sense,” he added.

‘Don’t follow BJP’s advice and play politics’: Mamata hits back at Murmu

Mamata Banerjee questioned Murmu’s concern for tribals, saying: “When atrocities happen against tribals, why don’t you protest. When such atrocities happen in Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh, why don’t you protest? … Do something for them first and then say something.”“Follow the BJP’s advice and don’t play politics during elections,” she added.She further accused the BJP of using Murmu to defame West Bengal.“The BJP has stooped to the point of using President Drupadi Murmu to malign West Bengal,” she said.

What did Mu Mu say?

Murmu expressed vehemence over the last-minute change of venue for an event she was scheduled to attend in West Bengal, saying authorities told her the original venue was too crowded.“Today is the International Santal Conference. When I came here after attending the conference, I realized that it would be better if it was held here because it is such a big area… I don’t know what the government was thinking… They said no, this place is crowded. But I think half a million people could easily gather here. But I don’t know why they took us there… I don’t know what the government was thinking, they chose a place where Santals cannot go for the conference...I’m very sad that people here can’t attend the conference because it’s held so far away,” she said.She said she was saddened by the last-minute change and noted that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not meet her during the visit, which she said was a breach of usual protocol.“Maybe the government was hoping that no one would be able to attend and the president would turn away… If the president visits a place, the chief minister and ministers should also come. But she didn’t… I am also a daughter of Bengal… Mamata Didi is also my sister, my younger sister. I don’t know if she is angry with me that’s why this happened,” she said.

England leave, WI and SA stranded in India; ex-captain slams ICC for unequal treatment

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March 7, 2026

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England leave, WI and SA stranded in India; ex-captain slams ICC for unequal treatment

South Africa and West Indies cricket teams (institutional photo)

former england captain Michael Vaughn Criticized what he saw as the unequal treatment of teams after withdrawing from the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, noting that some teams were still stuck in India while others had been allowed to leave.England were eliminated from the tournament on Thursday after losing to the Indian national cricket team in the semi-finals. According to Vaughan, the England team will take a chartered flight back home shortly after the defeat.However, the situation is very different for other teams. The West Indies cricket team, which was eliminated from the Super Eights last Sunday after losing five games to India, is still awaiting its return in Kolkata. On March 4, the South African national cricket team was also in trouble after losing to the New Zealand national cricket team in the semi-finals.Speaking to The“So England were eliminated on Thursday and got a charter flight home today. West Indies were eliminated last Sunday and are still in Kolkata. South Australia are in the same position. This is where the powers that be are completely wrong. All teams in this situation should be treated the same. Just because you are stronger at the ICC table, it shouldn’t count,” Warne wrote.

Michael Vaughan Post

The travel complications are largely due to charter flights arranged by the ICC being affected by international airspace restrictions related to security concerns in the Gulf amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.The West Indies camp was also visibly frustrated with the delay. Head coach Darren Sammy recently shared a brief but telling message on X that reflected the sentiment of the team. The former West Indies captain posted, “I just want to go home.”The tournament is now coming to an end with the defending champions India taking on the New Zealand national cricket team in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The tournament begins on February 7 at the venues of India and Sri Lanka.

Random Thoughts: Donald Trump has only one red line. Kristi Noem wears it… | World News

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March 7, 2026

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Random Thoughts: Donald Trump has only one red line. Kristi Noem wears it… | World News

Random Thoughts: Donald Trump has only one red line. Christie Noem traveled through it…

During his time hosting the reality show The Apprentice, Donald Trump Like to use this phrase: You’re fired. It’s his slogan and is synonymous with other Trumpisms: gilded designs that look like they belong in the Ottoman Empire, WWE Hall of Famers, stream-of-consciousness speeches that hint at salivation, taking credit for ceasefires, describing all objects as beautiful, and generally the unhinged Americana of steroids and Diet Coke. Yet in his second term as president—after returning from political exile and dodging a bullet—Trump was rather reluctant to use his slogan.According to an analysis of Trump’s A team by the Brookings Institution, during Trump’s first term, when he was still surrounded by old-school Republicans, he fired 60 candidates, with a turnover rate as high as 92%. By the end of his term in the White House, only five people remained in their original positions.To make sure it doesn’t happen again this time, Trump has assembled a group of aides who are the living embodiments of the Peter Principle, loyal to Trump and Trump alone, and who all sound like they were auditioning for a spoof of a Hollywood movie, as evidenced by this Mortal Kombat-themed mash-up of the White House video with some of pop culture’s most memorable characters, showing that even the most incomplete, grumpy, and incorrigible human regimes are capable of good publicity.read: Why Trump’s Washington is St. Petersburg The Trump 2.0 dream team includes a director of national intelligence (DNI) who is so out of touch with the intelligence community that her aides joke that DNI stands for “not invited”; an FBI director who is in the news more for partying than for his work; an education secretary who thinks artificial intelligence is “steak sauce”; a war secretary who beat a man with an ax on live television; and a health secretary who believes in anti-vaccination conspiracy theories. It’s like Sarah Palin’s cabinet, except they both make Sarah Palin look like a member of Mensa. It’s reminiscent of an epic “Yes Minister” line: “The Minister of Industry is the idlest man in town, the Minister of Education is illiterate, and the Minister of Employment is unemployed.”There are many, many more examples, but due to time and space constraints, we turn to the MVP in question: Kristi Noem.As a youngster, Norm won the South Dakota Snow Queen award, foreshadowing the moniker she would most recently be bestowed upon. Era: ICE Barbie. For those unfamiliar, ICE is the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that has been waging a war on suburban moms while pretending to catch illegal immigrants.She was once considered Trump’s running mate, but dropped out of the race after it was revealed that she shot and killed her own dog, which was too much even for the Trump team.

While serving as governor of South Dakota, she checked every “MAGA” box: vehemently opposed to abortion and even stem cell research; denied the scientific consensus on climate change; opposed subsidized child care; threatened a government employee with denying her daughter a real estate agent’s license; was banned from Native American tribal lands over claims of collusion with Mexican cartels; ran an anti-drug campaign called “Meth.” We’re working on it”; and famously boasted that her two-year-old granddaughter had several guns.All of this makes her the perfect choice to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security, responsible for all internal threats to the United States.Noem immediately boosted his credentials when his handbag was stolen from a restaurant in Washington, D.C., containing $3,000 in cash and government access cards.But what did Noem do to make Trump the second person on Trump’s A-Team to be fired, the first being former National Security Advisor (NSA) Mike Walz, who added an Atlantic reporter to the Signal War chat to discuss the bombing?When ICE agents shot and killed two Americans in Minnesota, she wasn’t fired.She wasn’t even fired when she called one of the people shot, a VA nurse, a “domestic terrorist” or lied about his use of a gun.She wasn’t fired for calling the FBI “corrupt.”When reports surfaced that ICE was releasing untrained agents on the streets due to an artificial intelligence glitch, she escaped the ropes.When ICE arrested a South Korean citizen working at a Hyundai factory, she escaped sanctions.She didn’t get fired for buying luxury planes with barely any seats to deport illegal immigrants.She even survived being in a prison in El Salvador brandishing a Rolex watch (allegedly having an affair with an aide) and not releasing FEMA funds, much to the chagrin of Republicans.all is well. Until that wasn’t the case.Franz Kafka wrote in “The Maxim of Zulau”: “There are two sins that are the root of all other sins: impatience and laziness. Because of impatience, we are driven out of paradise, and because of laziness, we cannot return.” In Trump’s paradise, there are also two original sins: accusing Trump of something and accusing Trump of something.

‘Trump knew’: Kristi Noem’s response to DHS’ $220 million ad campaign that led to her firing WATCH

“Loyalty is absolutely key,” former Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske told the New York Times. “It’s a good rule of thumb to never disgrace your boss, especially for him, and I think that’s a cardinal sin, and she did violate that.”Noem’s crime came during a Senate hearing.Asked whether Trump approved more than $200 million worth of advertising space for her political advisers, Noem responded in the affirmative.

A New York Times report said Trump was angry when he saw snippets of her answers, which was outrageous considering he had a lot of things on his mind, including a real war.So, what does Kristi Noem do now?Trump’s announcement that she would be an envoy to Shield of the Americas — which sounds as fabricated as the FIFA Peace Prize — makes one wonder if anyone came up with the idea while watching Marvel Cinematic Universe reruns.Half expected the job description to include forming the Avengers.It’s hard not to feel a little sympathy for Norm right now. Being a woman in MAGA is just as difficult as being an Indian in MAGA, perhaps even more so, because not only does one have to debate oneself by celebrating ongoing misogyny, but one also has to mold one’s appearance to a specific aesthetic. Noem did almost everything Trump asked her to do and still got kicked out.

Kristi Noem interrupted in Congress by shouts of ‘exorcist’ #snl

Earlier in December 2025, protesters interrupted Noem’s congressional hearing, shouting a line from the cult classic “The Exorcist” at her: “Stop ICE. The power of Christ compels you.” It was not Christ who ultimately expelled her from Trump’s kingdom. Just don’t agree with Trump.

From SHGs to drone technology: Inside India’s ongoing push for women’s economic empowerment

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March 7, 2026

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From SHGs to drone technology: Inside India’s ongoing push for women’s economic empowerment

India’s ongoing push for women’s financial empowerment ahead of International Women’s Day has drawn attention to the changing role of women in the country’s economy. From gaining skills training and providing practical support for running small businesses to operating agricultural drones, women are increasingly taking on new financial roles and becoming active participants in India’s development story. Supported by a series of government initiatives over the past decade, an increasing number of women in rural and urban India have gained access to savings, credit, skills and markets, helping them build independent livelihoods and support their families. From savings schemes for girls to credit support, self-help groups (SHGs), entrepreneurship programs and technology-driven livelihoods, policy efforts are focused on bringing more women into the economic mainstream and ensuring inclusive growth that leaves no woman behind.One of the key initiatives to support girls’ economic security is the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), which was launched in 2015 under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao movement. The savings plan allows families to invest in a girl child’s education and future, offering an interest rate of 8.2% per annum as well as tax benefits. As of December 2025, deposits under the scheme had exceeded Rs 333 crore, according to government data. In rural areas, the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has brought together more than 100 million women into self-help groups (SHGs) to provide credit, skill training and livelihood opportunities. The network has become one of the largest female-led community platforms in the world, with a repayment rate of over 98%. Technology is also introduced to expand revenue opportunities. Under the NaMo Drone Didi initiative, women from SHGs are being trained to operate agricultural drones for spraying fertilizers and pesticides, enabling them to earn income through drone rental services while promoting precision farming. Entrepreneurial initiatives are also gaining ground. Projects such as the Lakhpati Didi Movement aim to help women members of SHGs achieve an annual household income of over Rs 1 lakh through sustainable enterprises. Meanwhile, the Government e-Marketplace’s Womaniya initiative enables women-led businesses to offer goods and services directly to government buyers. Complementing these efforts are financial inclusion schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Stand-Up India, which provide banking services and collateral-free loans to women entrepreneurs.