Category: Cover

Iran Launches Unprecedented Missile Strike on Israel Amid Growing Tensions

Staff ReporterCover, World 0

In an escalation of hostilities, Iran fired an unprecedented barrage of high-speed missiles at Israel on Tuesday night, marking Tehran’s largest-ever direct attack on its regional adversary. While the missiles were primarily aimed at military targets, Israel’s advanced aerial defense systems, bolstered by assistance from global allies such as the United States and the United Kingdom, managed to thwart the majority of the strikes.

Missile Deployment and Its Nature

The missiles launched by Iran were ballistic in nature, meaning they travel outside or near the edges of Earth’s atmosphere before striking their targets. This type of missile had been used by Tehran in previous strikes against Israel earlier in the year. Tuesday’s attack is seen as a significant escalation of the ongoing regional conflict.

Motivation Behind the Attack

Although the specifics of the attack’s timing and scale were not entirely predicted, the escalation was not entirely unexpected. For months, world powers have anticipated a regional response to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza. Since the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attack that killed around 1,200 Israelis, Israel has retaliated by intensifying its military operations in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 40,000 Palestinians. These actions have drawn international accusations of genocide, with Israel now facing inquiries at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In addition to its military operations in Gaza, Israel has expanded its attacks to Lebanon, home to Hezbollah, Iran’s close regional ally. Hezbollah has been launching rockets into northern Israel as a response to the violence in Gaza. The situation in Lebanon has also been deteriorating due to Israeli airstrikes.

Hezbollah and Israeli Retaliation

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been particularly high, with Israel directly targeting Hezbollah leadership in recent months. Last week, a series of explosions, believed to have been caused by Israeli operations, destroyed thousands of pagers and radios belonging to Hezbollah members across Lebanon. The explosions caused numerous casualties, killing scores and wounding thousands, including civilians.

Furthermore, on Friday, Israel conducted an assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. This attack follows another earlier incident in July when Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was killed in Iran’s capital, an assassination that has been widely attributed to Israel.

The impact of these strikes has been devastating on Lebanon’s civilian population, especially in the southern suburbs of Beirut and villages in the south. More than one million people, representing about a fifth of Lebanon’s population, have now been displaced due to the violence.

International Reactions and Support for Israel

While world leaders, including the United States, have expressed concerns over a further escalation of violence in the region, they have simultaneously voiced diplomatic support for Israel. The U.S., in particular, has backed Israel both on the international stage, advocating for its actions at the United Nations and other institutions, and by providing material support. The military assistance sent by the U.S. has included bombs and other weapons, which Israel has used in its strikes.

Impact of the Iranian Attack on Israel

Though Iran aimed its missile attack primarily at military targets, Israeli defenses succeeded in intercepting most of the missiles. However, there were still impacts on the ground. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), several of its airbases were struck. Residents of central and southern Israel posted images on social media showing craters caused by the missile impacts.

While no Israeli casualties were reported, a person in the West Bank was killed. Iran stated that its attack targeted military installations, although it was also reported that at least one missile struck an Israeli school.

In response to the attack, U.S. President Joe Biden referred to Iran’s efforts as “ineffective,” downplaying the impact of the missile barrage.

Potential for Further Escalation

Although Iran declared that its attacks had concluded for the time being, Tehran also warned that it has more missiles prepared for launch if Israel retaliates. This has fueled concerns about further escalation in a region already embroiled in violence and unrest.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded firmly to the missile strike, calling it a “big mistake” on Tehran’s part. “It will pay for it,” Netanyahu said, indicating that Israel is likely to strike back. The extent and nature of Israel’s retaliation remain to be seen, but the exchange has increased fears of an all-out conflict between the two regional powers.

As tensions between Israel and its neighbors continue to rise, the global community remains on edge, watching for the next move in what has become a volatile and dangerous situation.

Harris Declines Al Smith Dinner: Impact of Abortion Politics and Party Divide

Staff ReporterUSA, Cover 0

Since September 21, when Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris declined an invitation to the Archdiocese of New York’s annual Al Smith Dinner, a fundraising event for children in need, Catholic media and commentators have been buzzing with analysis. The decision has raised eyebrows, particularly because the event is a major platform for political figures during election years.

New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan expressed surprise at the decision, noting, “We’re not used to this. We don’t know how to handle it.” He further added that such a situation hadn’t occurred in 40 years, recalling the last time when Walter Mondale declined in 1984, joking, “He lost 49 out of 50 states.”

However, it’s important to note that Harris’ decision, though rare, isn’t unprecedented. Since 1984, three of nine Al Smith Dinners held during presidential election years have taken place without either candidate in attendance. In the 1990s and again in 2004, Cardinals John O’Connor and Edward Egan chose to exclude candidates, citing the divisiveness of the campaigns. In fact, abortion has often been at the center of the drama. In 1980, Jimmy Carter was booed by attendees over his stance on abortion, and many speculated that John Kerry’s position on the issue influenced his exclusion in 2004.

Many believe that the tension around the Democratic Party’s abortion stance played a significant role in Harris’ decision. Steven Millies, a professor of public theology at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, suggested that Cardinal Dolan’s perceived friendliness with Donald Trump may have also contributed. Millies pointed out, “There’s just discomfort there that Cardinal Dolan has not gone to the lengths to seem nonpartisan” as his predecessors had done.

The Archdiocese of New York did not comment on efforts to persuade the Harris campaign to attend the dinner.

Natalia Imperatori-Lee, a professor of religious studies at Manhattan University, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that Harris’ caution may also be linked to the broader political climate. “The Al Smith dinner may have been a ‘lighthearted fundraising event’ in the past, but now, with the increasing influence of Catholic bishops in U.S. politics, particularly in support of conservative causes, it may be perceived differently,” she said. She pointed to how some bishops have been vocally critical of President Joe Biden, particularly over his stance on abortion rights, with some even threatening to withhold Communion from him.

“If that’s the way they treated the Catholic president, why would she go?” Imperatori-Lee added, referencing Harris’ support for abortion rights, which has been a key part of her campaign.

Millies also speculated that Harris may be calculating that leaving Trump as the sole speaker could give him more opportunities to make controversial statements. “There’s a better than 50-50 chance that Trump will put his foot in his mouth at the Al Smith dinner anyway, and I wouldn’t want to get in his way if I were Kamala Harris when he does that,” Millies said.

Trump has a history of turning religious events into political battlegrounds. In 2016, during his appearance at the Al Smith Dinner, which traditionally features humorous remarks, Trump used the opportunity to launch personal attacks on his then-opponent, Hillary Clinton. He accused her of being “corrupt” and anti-Catholic, drawing boos from the audience. “Here she is tonight, in public, pretending not to hate Catholics,” Trump remarked about Clinton.

Clinton, for her part, responded by raising concerns about Trump’s allegations of a “rigged” election, adding, “I didn’t think he’d be OK with a peaceful transition of power.” Her comments foreshadowed Trump’s later controversies regarding the 2020 election results.

Trump’s pattern of mixing politics with religious events didn’t stop there. Four years later, at the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump, fresh from his first impeachment trial, used the platform to criticize House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senator Mitt Romney. He accused Pelosi of lying when she said she prayed for him and attacked Romney for “using” his faith as justification when he voted to convict Trump. “I don’t like people who use faith for justification for doing what they know is wrong,” Trump said at the time.

The fallout from these appearances has had a lasting impact. The National Prayer Breakfast has since been scaled back, moving from a large gathering to a smaller, more intimate event held at the U.S. Capitol.

Imperatori-Lee suggested that Harris’ decision to skip the Al Smith Dinner might also be due to the compressed nature of her campaign. Harris officially launched her presidential bid only two months ago, leaving little time to participate in non-essential events. “Vice President Harris is probably being very cautious about where she spends her time,” Imperatori-Lee said.

She further questioned whether the Al Smith Dinner holds much importance for the average Catholic voter. “Maybe Catholics in New York care about the Al Smith dinner,” she said. “But are Catholics in New York really a demographic that is going to move the needle for Vice President Harris or for any down-ballot people that she might be interested in helping? No.”

More significantly, Millies suggested that Harris’ decision signals a broader shift in the political landscape, with Catholic voters increasingly aligning with the Republican Party. He explained, “Catholics are now settling into being a niche constituency of one party rather than a national constituency that’s available to both parties.”

Given this political reality, skipping the dinner might be a wise move for Harris, especially with the election expected to be extremely close. “The Catholic vote, to all appearances, isn’t going to do her any good,” Millies concluded.

Despite the absence of both Harris and Trump, the Al Smith Dinner is still expected to be a significant fundraising success. Cardinal Dolan told New York’s archdiocesan media that this year’s event is projected to raise around $9 million. He added that the dinner typically raises more money during presidential election years.

Reflecting on the importance of the event, Dolan said, “When we speak about the culture of life, the dignity and sacredness of human life from the moment of conception to natural death, we need to put our money where our mouth is. The dinner exists for these causes, not the other way around.”

In the end, Harris’ decision to decline the Al Smith Dinner invitation highlights the growing polarization around issues like abortion within U.S. politics, particularly as they intersect with religious communities. With the 2024 election drawing near, the event once again serves as a flashpoint for the ongoing debate about faith, politics, and public life.

Mithun Chakraborty: From Naxalite to National Icon, Honored with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Staff ReporterBollywood, Cover, Profile 0

Mithun Chakraborty, the man who effortlessly balanced between art-house and mainstream cinema, has been awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in film. Chakraborty’s journey is a true rags-to-riches story, and as he humbly expressed, “I don’t have words. I cannot laugh or cry. This is truly an overwhelming moment, and I am still taking it all in.”

Born as Gouranga Chakraborty on June 16, 1950, in Kolkata, Mithun was the eldest child of Basanta and Shantimoyee Chakraborty. He was named after Lord Krishna, a name that would later change as part of his rise to fame. Despite his tough beginnings, Mithun’s early life was marked by his closeness to his mother, Shantimoyee. As noted by one of his nine biographers, Ram Kamal Mukherjee, Mithun was always a “momma’s boy” who performed a daily puja of Lord Shiva on his way to school, simply because his mother told him it was good practice for the family’s protection.

Mithun attended the prestigious Oriental Seminary, where Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore once studied, and later completed his B.Sc. degree in Chemistry from Scottish Church College, the same college as his idol, Subhash Chandra Bose. During his college years, he earned recognition as a singer, percussionist, mimic, and football player, while his father hoped he would become an engineer. Mithun even filled out an application for an engineering college, but his life took a drastically different turn.

In the late 1960s, Mithun became involved in student politics, which led him to join the Naxalite movement. However, he soon became disillusioned with the cause, and for the safety of his family and himself, he was forced to flee Kolkata. In September 1969, a fearful Gouranga left for Mumbai, a city he would eventually grow to love, recalling how the smell of dried fish in South Mumbai reminded him of home. Yet the shadow of his Naxal past followed him, even affecting his early attempts to find work in the film industry.

Life in Mumbai began with extreme hardship. Mithun spent nights at Dadar railway station and slept under water tanks in parks. His first friend in the city was producer Gautam Guha, son of veteran filmmaker Dulal Guha. His initial foray into Bollywood was a cameo in Dulal’s “Do Anjaane” (1976), starring Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha. This relationship with the Guha family continued in other projects like “Boxer” (1984), “Sagar Sangam” (1988), and “Ilaaka” (1989), where he also made his singing debut.

Mithun’s astrologically advised name change from Gouranga to Mithun proved to be a lucky break. He joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, with his family’s support, graduating with a First Class degree in 1974. His time at FTII was transformative. Upon returning to Mumbai, Mithun faced rejection due to his dark complexion and unconventional looks, struggling even as a model. Nevertheless, he persisted and eventually joined Helen’s dance troupe, where he began to shine.

A turning point came when filmmaker B. Subhash spotted Mithun’s dance skills during a performance. This led to the creation of “Disco Dancer,” a film that would immortalize Mithun as India’s ultimate dance hero. Another significant mentor in Mithun’s life was Hrishikesh Mukherjee, who recommended him to Mrinal Sen for the role in “Mrigayaa” (1976). Although Mrinal Sen initially doubted Mithun’s abilities, the actor’s dedication impressed the filmmaker. Mithun even insisted on using a real hangman’s noose for an intense scene, which showcased his commitment to authenticity.

The film “Mrigayaa” earned Mithun his first National Award, making him the first Indian actor after Rishi Kapoor to win such an accolade for a debut performance. Rishi, however, won in the Best Child Actor category for “Mera Naam Joker” (1970). For “Mrigayaa,” Mithun was paid a modest sum of Rs. 500, but it was the start of a long and distinguished career.

In mainstream cinema, Mithun initially received small roles in films like “Mukti,” “Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan,” and “Do Anjaane.” His breakout role came with “Suraksha” (1979), where he played the character Gunmaster G-9. The film’s success propelled Mithun into the limelight, and it also marked the beginning of his collaboration with composer Bappi Lahiri. “Suraksha” ran for 50 weeks and introduced the first full-fledged disco song in Hindi cinema, “Mausam hai gaane ka.” This success was followed by a sequel, “Wardat.”

Mithun’s pairing with actress Ranjeeta in the films “Tarana” and “Suraksha” was another notable highlight, with the two appearing in about 15 films together. In 1980, Mithun also took on his first dual role in “Taxi Chor,” and revisited his Naxalite past with “The Naxalites” (1980), an offbeat film directed by K.A. Abbas.

Mithun’s personal life was equally eventful. He married actress Yogeeta Bali in 1982 in a quick registered ceremony. The couple worked together in films like “Khwab” and “Unnees Bees.” His first major mainstream hit came with “Hum Paanch” (1981), where he played Bhima. His natural talent shone through, and by 1982, Mithun reached superstardom with the release of “Disco Dancer.” This film not only dominated Indian cinemas but also became a massive hit in China, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and beyond, grossing Rs. 100 crore worldwide. Mithun followed it up with similar dance-centric films like “Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki” and “Dance Dance.”

Throughout the 1980s, Mithun continued to deliver hits, often in dance-heavy roles. However, he diversified his portfolio with roles in films like “Pyar Jhukta Nahin” (1985), his fourth consecutive Golden Jubilee hit, and films like “Muddat” and “Swarag Se Sunder.” He maintained an impressive streak, culminating in 1989 with a record 19 film releases, an achievement recorded in the Limca Book of Records.

In the 1990s, Mithun transitioned into more mature roles, winning a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor in “Agneepath” (1990). He also struck up a fruitful partnership with director T.L.V. Prasad, although this period saw Mithun relocate to Ooty and focus on lower-budget action films, many of which flopped. Around this time, Mithun also ventured into hospitality, establishing the Monarch Hotel in Ooty.

Despite these ups and downs, Mithun remained a beloved figure, and his philanthropic work is well recognized. He founded the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) and the Film Studios Setting & Allied Mazdoor Union to support struggling film workers. Politically, Mithun was elected as a Rajya Sabha member in 2014 with the Trinamool Congress but resigned in 2016 due to ill health. He later joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2021.

Mithun’s contribution to Indian cinema is undeniable, with three National Awards and a body of work that spans across genres and languages. Even in recent years, he continues to entertain audiences with notable roles in films like “The Tashkent Files” (2019) and “The Kashmir Files” (2022). His legacy is also carried forward by his four children, Mahakshay, Ushmey, Namashi, and Dishani, as he continues to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike.

India Celebrates Historic Gold Wins at the 45th Chess Olympiad

Staff ReporterSports, Cover 0

Indian chess grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa expressed immense joy after the Indian chess teams claimed gold medals at the 45th Chess Olympiad. Both the men’s and women’s teams triumphed, marking a significant moment in the history of Indian chess.

Reflecting on the win, Praggnanandhaa remarked, “Our goal in the Olympiad was to win the gold. This is a historic achievement. We are all very happy with the way we have played. For both men and women, winning the gold is a special experience.” His words encapsulated the pride and happiness of the entire Indian chess community following their victory.

The accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players. It also represents a turning point in Indian chess, showcasing the emerging talent and the country’s growing prominence in the global chess arena. Praggnanandhaa highlighted the collective effort that went into achieving this success, underscoring how the victory reflects the spirit of determination within Indian chess.

One of the standout moments for Praggnanandhaa during the event was meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking about the experience, he shared, “Meeting PM Modi was a very good experience, and we had a conversation for over an hour. PM Modi was very gracious in giving us his time and he was answering all our questions and sharing his experiences.”

The interaction with the Prime Minister was a morale boost for the players. It emphasized the significance of their achievement on a national level. PM Modi’s recognition and encouragement not only uplifted the players but also underscored the importance of the team’s success. Praggnanandhaa’s experience with the Prime Minister helped further inspire the chess players, instilling a sense of pride that extended beyond personal accomplishment to national celebration.

India’s success at the Chess Olympiad is a proud moment for the country, as it reflects the growing popularity and interest in the sport. The gold medal victory is likely to inspire a new generation of chess enthusiasts in India, many of whom will look up to players like Praggnanandhaa and his teammates as role models.

India’s performance at the 45th Chess Olympiad marked a monumental achievement in the country’s chess history, with both the men’s and women’s teams securing gold medals. The Indian teams clinched two golds—one in the open category by the men’s team and one in the women’s category—further solidifying India’s growing reputation in the world of chess.

In the final rounds, India’s men’s team triumphed over Slovenia, while the women’s team overcame Azerbaijan to claim their respective titles. The men’s team dominated the Open section, winning 10 out of 11 matches, with one draw against the reigning champions, Team Uzbekistan. Their stellar performance placed them at the top of the table with 21 points. Meanwhile, the women’s team won 9 out of 11 matches, drawing one against Team USA and losing one to Team Poland. Despite the single loss, the women’s team also topped their section with 19 points.

These victories were not only a triumph for the teams but also for Indian chess as a whole. They demonstrated the depth of talent and the competitive strength of Indian players on the international stage. The wins also served as a reminder that Indian chess is rapidly advancing, with players who are capable of competing at the highest levels and achieving extraordinary results.

In addition to the team achievements, four individual players from India also won gold medals for their outstanding performances during the tournament. In the Open section, Gukesh D. on Board 1 and Arjun Erigaisi on Board 3 delivered brilliant performances, leading to individual gold medals. On the women’s side, Divya Deshmukh on Board 3 and Vantika Agrawal on Board 4 also earned gold medals for their exceptional play. Their individual successes added to India’s pride and demonstrated the strength and depth of the country’s chess talent.

The exceptional performances of these individuals further showcased India’s growing chess prowess. Gukesh D. and Arjun Erigaisi’s victories in the Open section were particularly significant, as they played crucial roles in securing the team’s success. Similarly, Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal’s achievements were instrumental in the women’s team’s victory, highlighting the strength and determination of Indian women in chess.

Praggnanandhaa’s reflections on the team’s success and his experiences at the Olympiad captured the spirit of Indian chess. The dedication of the players, the support from national leaders, and the sense of pride shared by the entire country contributed to making this victory a historic moment for India. The Chess Olympiad showcased not only the competitive spirit of Indian players but also their ability to rise to the challenge on the world stage and bring home gold.

The team’s success will undoubtedly inspire young chess players across India to pursue the game with passion and determination. The victory is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of the players, coaches, and the entire Indian chess community. With this achievement, Indian chess has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the global chess scene.

The historic wins at the 45th Chess Olympiad will remain a source of inspiration for years to come, motivating future generations of Indian chess players to aim for similar success on the international stage. As India continues to develop its chess talent and foster a culture of excellence in the sport, the achievements at this Olympiad serve as a powerful reminder of what is possible with dedication, teamwork, and national pride.

India’s triumph at the Chess Olympiad has set a new benchmark for future performances, and the players’ extraordinary achievements have earned them a place in the annals of Indian chess history. With growing support from national leaders and a new generation of chess enthusiasts inspired by their success, the future of Indian chess looks brighter than ever.

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