Page 14 – THE LOCAL REPORT ARTICLES

‘Huge danger’: Broad labels Pandya as England’s biggest semi-final threat

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March 4, 2026

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‘Huge danger’: Broad labels Pandya as England’s biggest semi-final threat

'Huge danger': Stuart Broad labels Hardik Pandya as England's biggest semi-final threat

Hardik Pandya of India (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

former english tailor Stuart Broad Strong warning to England ahead of semi-final against India, specifically Hardik Pandya As a player who can decisively influence the game.Broad emphasized that Pandya’s impact extends far beyond the numbers on the scoreboard. The Indian all-rounder has the rare ability to change the tempo of a match, be it through a powerful knock in the late innings or by carrying the ball for a crucial over. According to Broad, Pandya enjoys high-pressure situations and possesses a confidence that inspires those around him.

India reach final nets match before T20 World Cup semi-finals

The semi-final also comes as an added consolation for Pandya as it will be played at his IPL home ground. Familiarity with the road and conditions, coupled with strong crowd support, can further enhance his influence on the race.Broad suggested from a tactical perspective that England must be smart when Pandya enters the box. He believes the key is to force him to hit the ball earlier than he would ideally like before seamlessly moving into a devastating finishing role.“If I were an England bowler, I think I would need to field him after 12 overs so that I could bowl right away when he is not in the batting crease. He might think I want to get a few looks at the end. I would think that is my chance to get him out before he can hurt me in the last four overs. If India are only three or four behind going into the death over, that’s where India go over 200 and you’re going to be in trouble,” Broad said on the ‘For the Love of Cricket’ podcast.Broad further explained that Pandya becomes particularly dangerous if India builds a solid foundation in the first half of the innings. With a solid platform, the all-rounder can take control of the game with confidence and presence.“Hardik Pandya will be a big threat if India get a good run in the first ten games. When he walks in, he is very confident. He has an aura about him and carries himself in a positive way. He just believes that he can do the job. He is so lanky that you wonder how he can hit the ball 100 meters like he does. But he does it with such ease,” he added.

Fact-checking Pete Hegseth’s claim: Was Iranian warship sinking the first torpedo sinking since World War II?

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March 4, 2026

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Fact-checking Pete Hegseth’s claim: Was Iranian warship sinking the first torpedo sinking since World War II?

U.S. Secretary of Defense Peter Heggs It was confirmed on Thursday that the U.S. submarine Torpedoed and sunk an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean. He asserted that it marked “the first time an enemy ship has been sunk by torpedo since World War II.”

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegers announced that a U.S. submarine had sunk an Iranian warship, saying it was the first time since World War II. (Bloomberg)

“A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship that thought it was safe in international waters,” Hegseth said. “Instead, it was torpedoed.”

However, according to the BBC, his statement appears to be incorrect.

In 1982, during the Falklands War, argentine The only cruiser, the General Belgrano, was sunk in the South Atlantic by two Tigerfish torpedoes fired from a British nuclear-powered submarine.

In addition, another sinking occurred in 1971 when the Indian frigate INS Khukri was sunk by a Pakistani torpedo. submarineexternal.

However, if true, the sinking of the Iranian warship would be the first time a U.S. submarine has sunk an enemy ship in this way since 1945.

Later, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine appeared to explain Hegseth’s statement in the same briefing, saying the attack was the first time a U.S. submarine had sunk an enemy warship since 1945.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon released a video capturing the exact moment a U.S. torpedo hit an Iranian naval ship in the Indian Ocean.

Also read: What is YAK-130? Israeli Air Force F-35I Adil shoots down Russian-made Iranian aircraft in historic air-to-air battle

Attack on Iranian warship kills 80 people

A U.S. submarine attacked an Iranian warship, killing at least 80 people, officials said.

Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra confirmed that the incident occurred near the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka.

The Iris Dena, one of Iran’s latest warships, sent a distress call at dawn about 25 miles south of the southern port of Galle, with 180 people on board, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said. According to the Guardian. In response, Sri Lankan authorities have launched a search and rescue operation to find more survivors.

According to the Associated Press, the Iranian ship participated in naval exercises in the Bay of Bengal from February 18 to 25 and was returning to Iran from a port in eastern India when it was attacked. According to information on the Indian website, the “Milan” naval exercise hosted by India included an Iranian ship named “IRIS Dena”.

IISc and Pratiksha Trust launch brain co-processor ‘Moonshot’ project

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IISc and Pratiksha Trust launch brain co-processor ‘Moonshot’ project

IISC Bangalore (file photo)

Bangalore: indian institute of science (IISc) on Wednesday said it has launched a “moonshot” project to develop brain co-processors that combine neuromorphic hardware with artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance or restore brain function. The initiative is funded by the Pratiksha Trust founded by Kris Gopalakrishnan and his wife Sudha.The MoU to formalize the partnership was signed at IISc in the presence of IISc Director Gopalakrishnan, Prof G Rangarajan, Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) CEO Prof B Gurumoorthy and other faculty members and deans.“The project aims to develop implantable and non-invasive brain co-processors capable of decoding neural activity from brain recordings, processing these signals using artificial intelligence algorithms and recoding them into the brain through neurostimulation or neurofeedback,” IISc said. The devices are expected to support cognitive rehabilitation, particularly for stroke survivors who have lost functions such as goal-directed reaching and grasping.Gopalakrishnan said: “India is becoming a global leader in neuroscience through international partnerships that combine basic research with clinical applications. With strong support from the Pratiksha Trust, the Brain Coprocessor Moonshot accelerates the development of innovative medical technologies.”The ultimate goal of these innovations, he said, is to provide world-class, transformative neurotherapies to the global population. The program builds on pilot work under IISc’s Brain, Computational and Data Sciences program, a cross-departmental initiative involving more than 20 faculty members. The program is also supported by Pratiksha Trust.According to IISc, brain coprocessors represent an emerging class of technologies designed to enhance or restore the natural functioning of the brain in the real world. The current project aims to build an artificial intelligence-driven closed-loop device that interfaces with different areas of the brain to restore coordinated movement.A focus of the project is the development of indigenous capabilities. The team plans to localize the implant design, hardware system, and artificial intelligence software stack to be compatible with clinical infrastructure in low-resource settings. It also aims to create an India-specific database of stereoelectroencephalogram and ECoG recordings and develop open source artificial intelligence tools, datasets and visualization platforms as digital public goods.“In the first phase, the team will develop and validate a non-invasive neural coprocessor to provide sensorimotor feedback and goal-direction to stroke survivors. The foundation will also be laid for an invasive implanted version,” IISc said.The second phase will focus on developing a minimally invasive embedded coprocessor designed to restore sensorimotor coordination in individuals with chronic multidomain deficits following middle cerebral artery stroke.The IISc team will collaborate with medical professionals and researchers across India to clinically validate and deploy these devices as per national and international standards, the IIScs said, adding that feedback from neurologists, therapists, patients and caregivers will be incorporated throughout the development process. The institute will also collaborate with research partners in India and abroad.Professor Rangarajan said Project Moonshot brings together expertise in neuroscience, electrical engineering, bioelectronics and neuromorphic computing to address stroke rehabilitation.

Giving birth to your next baby: US ambassador’s ‘awkward’ joke to embassy staff during Iran war; ‘If it’s a boy…’

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Giving birth to your next baby: US ambassador’s ‘awkward’ joke to embassy staff during Iran war; ‘If it’s a boy…’

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee joked with embassy staff about what to do now that they were asked to shelter in place and suggested they should have children. This was not a spoken joke but was written in a memo reviewed by The Washington Post. According to reports, the memo has been sent to U.S. diplomats, local staff and family members, and mentioned that they will spend longer time at home because the embassy requires them to stay close to their residences. “If extended time with your spouse results in the birth of your next child in about nine months, I certainly hope you will want to name the little guy after me!” Huckabee wrote, according to the memo cited by The Washington Post. “Michelle is also a good name for a girl,” he added.One US official described the newspaper’s news as “awkward” and “bizarre”.The Washington Post reached out to Huckabee and the State Department about the bizarre memo, but neither responded. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem faced backlash online after revealing in a social media post that it could not help evacuate or directly assist Americans in Israel.“Given the current security situation throughout the region, the U.S. Embassy has directed all U.S. government employees and their families to continue sheltering in and around their residences until further notice,” the embassy said. After the backlash, the U.S. State Department said it was taking historic action to help U.S. citizens who want to leave the Middle East. “The department is facilitating charter flights for U.S. citizens from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan and will continue to secure additional capacity as safety conditions permit,” the department said. “Commercial air options remain available in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Egypt, and the Department of Commerce is actively helping U.S. citizens book these tickets,” the note said. “For those from countries lacking commercial air travel, the Department will facilitate travel to third countries when conditions permit. This includes increasing ground transportation options for U.S. citizens wishing to leave Israel.”

‘I don’t believe it’: Brooke makes bold claim ahead of IND vs ENG semi-final

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‘I don’t believe it’: Brooke makes bold claim ahead of IND vs ENG semi-final

'I don't believe it': Harry Brooke makes bold claim ahead of IND vs ENG T20 World Cup semi-final

New Delhi: England captain Harry Brooke Said unity, belief and staying cool under pressure helped his team reach the T20 World Cup semi-finals – and that they don’t need to play a “perfect game” to win the title.Two-time champions England will face two-time champions India in the semi-finals for the third consecutive time. While India was considered the favorite from the start, both teams experienced their ups and downs during the tournament.

India reach final nets match before T20 World Cup semi-finals

Asked if England needed a perfect performance to beat India at home, Brooke said: “No, I don’t think we need a perfect game to win the game to be honest with you.” He added, “The games we won were far from perfect, but we still had convincing wins in some of them and then tight wins in others.”Brooke praised the team spirit. “But it’s just the unity that we have to be able to get across the line, the belief that everyone shows throughout the game and the composure that we have when the bowlers are on top of the target,” he said.Calling the clash special, he said: “It’s certainly a game to watch. For most of us, a World Cup semi-final against our country in a very iconic venue is a dream come true, so we’re all really looking forward to it.”Despite the confidence, he admitted, “We haven’t had a perfect performance yet and I feel like it’s just around the corner… hopefully tomorrow (Thursday) night.”Brooke also backed out-of-form former captain If the housekeepersaid, “There’s no reason to question why he joined the team.”He dismissed concerns about playing spin and said a big individual effort could decide the game: “So far we don’t feel like we’re out… I feel like there’s a big individual performance coming up.”

Trump’s neck rash raises new health concerns: White House doctor breaks silence

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March 4, 2026

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Trump’s neck rash raises new health concerns: White House doctor breaks silence

president Donald Trump Health concerns arise due to a bright red rash on one side of the neck. Photos taken at Monday’s Medal of Freedom ceremony White House The 79-year-old president developed a visible red rash and scabs on the right side of his neck, extending from his ear to the back of his head.

President Trump's health concerns heightened after a red rash appeared on his neck during a ceremony. White House doctors say it's a common skin treatment. (Bloomberg) — President Trump’s health concerns heightened after a red rash appeared on his neck during a ceremony. White House doctors say it’s a common skin treatment. (Bloomberg)

During the ceremony, trump card He also had bruises on his right hand, which, as is customary, were covered up by heavy makeup. The emergence of the new unexplained rash adds to growing scrutiny of his physical health and mental acuity as he serves as the oldest person sworn in as president.

Opening amid concerns about Trump rash, White House Doctor Sean Barbabella told The Independent that “President Trump used a very common ointment on the right side of his neck, which is a preventive skin treatment prescribed by the White House physician.”

“The president is using this treatment for a week and expects the redness and swelling to continue for several weeks,” Bababella said.

He did not reveal why the ointment was prescribed or its specific nature.

Also read: What is YAK-130? Israeli Air Force F-35I Adil shoots down Russian-made Iranian aircraft in historic air-to-air battle

Trump’s health faces growing scrutiny

Trump’s His health has been a topic of concern in the past, especially after he was seen with bruised hands, partial make-up and a swollen ankle.

White House Deputies tried to allay concerns by attributing the bruises on the hands to “frequent handshakes.” The president told The Wall Street Journal in January that the bruises were caused by taking higher doses of aspirin than doctors typically recommend, a practice he has maintained for years.

Also read: Does Bill Clinton have Parkinson’s disease? Former US president’s hands shake as he testifies against Epstein, sparking health concerns

Emphasizing that he is a “somewhat superstitious” person trump card Say: “They say aspirin helps thin the blood, and I don’t want thick blood flowing through my heart. I want good, thin blood flowing through my heart. Does that make sense?”

Last July, White House officials revealed that Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which was believed to be causing swelling in his ankles.

Congress backs Sharad Pawar for Lok Sabha, MVA unites in Maharashtra

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Congress backs Sharad Pawar for Lok Sabha, MVA unites in Maharashtra

New Delhi: All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary and Maharashtra state in-charge Ramesh Chennithala has announced that the Congress party will support National Communist Party (SP) chief Sharad Pawar as the unanimous candidate for the only winnable Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra.Meanwhile, negotiations are underway ahead of nomination polls on March 16, with seven seats in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly up for grabs.The ruling Mahayutthir alliance – the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Shinde Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar NCP – has around 232 MLAs and can win six federal assembly seats without contesting.The opposition MVA (Shiv Sena-UBT: 20 MLAs, Congress: 16, NCP-SP: 10; total 46-47) is eyeing the remaining seats but needs at least 37 first-preference votes in the 288-member parliament to gain access to the seat.Pawar, whose current term ends next month, has recently expressed interest in contesting again despite being hospitalized, prompting NCP (SP) leaders such as Jayant Patil and Supriya Sule to meet Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray for discussions.Chennithala’s statement defused earlier tensions as the Congress leaders, considering their 16 provinces as the second largest MVA block, asked the alliance to win the only winnable Lok Sabha seat for itself, arguing that it follows rotation norms and is crucial for the Indian bloc at the national level.State Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal suggested trade-offs such as MVA’s support for Thackeray Legislative Council’s re-election, but Pawar’s push and Chennithala’s support showed unity to avoid a contentious poll that could jeopardize the seat.

Indians are much more patriotic than white people: ‘100% Indian Scouts’ debated at Frisco council meeting

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Indians are much more patriotic than white people: ‘100% Indian Scouts’ debated at Frisco council meeting

The Frisco Council’s bimonthly meeting has dominated headlines over the past few weeks, and the aftermath of the March 3 meeting was no exception. Social media influencer and whistleblower Marc Palasciano posted a photo of a Boy Scout complaining about what he called the “Indian Takeover,” a move that backfired as many Americans pointed out that it was nothing to be alarmed about. The Boy Scouts (now officially part of the Boy Scouts of America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America or BSA) are youth Scouting programs that focus on character development, outdoor skills, leadership, citizenship, and adventure for young people (usually ages 5-18, depending on level). At the beginning of Frisco City Council meetings, Boy Scouts or Cub Scouts (from local groups or troops) are often invited to administer the Pledge of Allegiance. It’s a common opening tradition for many Texas city councils, including the Frisco City Council, to start meetings with a patriotic element.“Tonight, 100 percent Indian Scouts are in Frisco, Texas. Is this what diversity looks like?” Palasiano complained. Many social media users suggested that one possible explanation for Indian participation in local Boy Scouts could be that left-wing white people are not joining the Boy Scouts. “To me, this looks like a bunch of assimilated kids of American immigrants dedicated to community service and life preparation. Posting a photo of a bunch of kids in order to be racist against them is a very creepy thing to do,” one wrote. Another wrote: “What’s wrong with you endless complainers? Indians are much more patriotic than whites or blacks? Join the damn Boy Scouts.”“Isn’t this what assimilation looks like? This is a perfectly dressed Boy Scout. This is American culture. So what’s the problem? Their skin color? Because to me, the most important thing is assimilating into American culture. That’s all that matters,” wrote a third user.“Can we petition the council to change the city’s name? Like Paris, Athens, Dublin, Odessa, Palestine, Rome… Bangalore or Texdeli might be options. I’m sure there are some creative others. Continuing to use Frisco is embarrassing,” one wrote, denouncing this “assimilation”.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to visit Union House

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March 4, 2026

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Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to visit Union House

TOI News Desk consists of a team of dedicated and tireless journalists who work round the clock to provide the latest and most comprehensive news and updates to Times of India readers across the globe. With an unwavering commitment to journalism excellence, our team is at the forefront of collecting, verifying and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis and insightful reporting on a wide range of topics. TOI News Desk is your trusted source to keep you informed and connected with the changing global landscape, ensuring our readers are updated with the latest developments that matter. “

Does Bill Clinton have Parkinson’s disease? Former US president’s hands shake as he testifies against Epstein, sparking health concerns

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March 4, 2026

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Does Bill Clinton have Parkinson’s disease? Former US president’s hands shake as he testifies against Epstein, sparking health concerns

Recent videos featuring former presidents bill clinton During his testimony before Congress, viewers noticed his hands were shaking, renewing concerns about his health and prompting questions about whether he suffers from Parkinson’s disease.

Still image from video of former President Bill Clinton testifying behind closed doors to a congressional panel about his relationship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, taken on February 27, 2026 in Chappaqua, New York, United States. (via Reuters)

The video, released by the Republican-led House Oversight Committee, shows Clinton testifying alongside his legal team about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

In one clip, the 79-year-old former president’s hands were visibly shaking as he raised a glass of water in response to a question from a member of the House of Representatives. Nancy Mace. Netizens on social media were quick to speculate whether hand tremors could indicate a neurological condition, such as Parkinson’s diseasewhich is known to cause involuntary trembling.

“It’s clear that Bill Clinton has Parkinson’s-like dementia,” one user wrote on X.

“Looks like Bill Clinton has Parkinson’s disease 🤔,” said another.

However, clinton Having long been treating age-related tremors, this phenomenon is not surprising. According to a report on January 18, 2013, the 42nd President of the United States himself admitted that these tremors are typical of the aging process.

Also read: CNN’s Erin Burnett forced to take refuge as sirens sound in Tel Aviv amid US, Israel, Iran war: Watch

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease The disease, which has been the subject of speculation, is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. The disorder occurs when dopamine-producing neurons in the brain degenerate, causing symptoms such as tremors, slowed movement, muscle stiffness, difficulty with balance, changes in speech, facial masking and other related problems.

Bill Clinton on Parkinson’s disease speculation

Clinton has long dealt with age-related tremors, however, and it’s nothing new. According to reports on January 18, 2013, the 42nd President of the United States himself confirmed that these tremors are a normal part of aging.

“The first time this happened, I had to get myself checked out to make sure I didn’t have Parkinson’s disease.” clinton pointed out. “I was relieved, I didn’t care how big the shake was afterward. If I had Parkinson’s, I wanted to know so I could be prepared. I had it checked out and the doctor said ‘no.’ It’s just a normal part of aging.” “

Bill Clinton and Trump’s ties to Epstein

Clinton and Donald Trump had ties to Epstein before the well-connected financier pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor.

They all unanimously said they had seen no evidence of sex trafficking and had not been charged by authorities with any criminal activity related to Epstein. Epstein hosted several business and financial leaders at his luxurious residences in New York, Florida and the Caribbean.

Epstein He was arrested again in 2019 and died in prison while facing federal sex trafficking charges. His death was determined to be a suicide.

During the Trump administration, the Justice Department released millions of records from its investigation into Epstein, including photos of Clinton with women whose identities were redacted.

Clinton has always denied any wrongdoing and expressed regret for her relationship with Epstein.