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A man has been flown to hospital after a horse-riding incident in a Hunter Valley paddock on Saturday evening. Login or signup to continue reading Just before 6.45pm on Saturday, December 7, NSW Ambulance was called to reports of a horse-riding accident at a paddock on Talga Road, Lovedale. The man in his 50s was treated by paramedics and Westpac Rescue Helicopter's critical care medical team for shoulder and suspected spinal injuries before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital. A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said they had six units at the scene, including a rescue vehicle and a few ambulances. Around 7pm, they called in a Westpac Rescue Helicopter. According to emergency services, the man was wearing a helmet when he fell and arrived at the hospital around 8.30pm. NSW Ambulance said the team had to walk a fair distance to reach the man, and it was a somewhat difficult rescue given the distance from the road. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!The Stock Surge You Can’t Ignore
Teen actor Hudson Meek, who appeared in ‘Baby Driver,’ dies after falling from moving vehicle
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s health minister has been removed from his post following a deadly gang attack on the largest public hospital in the capital, Port-au-Prince , government officials said Thursday. According to two government officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the subject, Health Minister Duckenson Lorthe will be replaced by Justice Minister Patrick Pelissier until a new health minister is found. Two journalists and a police officer were killed Tuesday as gang members burst into the General Hospital and fired indiscriminately at reporters who were there to cover the facility's reopening. It was one of the worst attacks on Haitian media in recent memory. Seven other journalists were wounded. Jean Feguens Regala, a photographer who survived the attack , said journalists had been invited to the hospital by the health ministry but there was little security at the site. “The fact that the minister of health invited us, you feel that preparations have been made already,” Regala told The Associated Press. “When we made contact with a police unit, the police told us they were not aware of the event." The health minister did not show up at the event, for reasons that have not been explained. Shortly after the attack, Johnson “Izo” André — considered Haiti’s most powerful gang leader and part of the Viv Ansanm group of gangs that has taken control of much of Port-au-Prince — posted a video on social media claiming responsibility for the attack. The video said the gang coalition had not authorized the hospital’s reopening. Gang violence has worsened in Haiti, with coordinated gang attacks on prisons, police stations and the main international airport crippling the country’s capital and plunging Haiti into an unprecedented crisis. Gangs are believed to control 85% of Port-au-Prince. The Caribbean country has struggled to organize an election that will restore democratic rule, and is currently governed by a transitional council made up of representatives of political parties, business groups and civil society organizations.
Authored by Daniel Lipinski via RealClearPolitics , Here we go again. Voters have elected Donald Trump president while giving Republicans majorities in the House and Senate . And once again, Democrats are asking themselves, “What do we do now?” When this occurred eight years ago, I was a Democrat serving in the House of Representatives. At that time, some of my colleagues who had seen many traditional Democrats in their district vote for Trump spoke out. They said that working-class voters were tired of feeling looked down upon by Democrats because of policies they supported, what they believed, or even who they were. So when Hillary Clinton was caught claiming that half of Trump’s supporters were a “basket of deplorables: racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic,” she was seen to be confirming this, helping to doom her campaign. But instead of changing course, Democrats doubled down by embracing a more ardent progressivism and demanding that everyone follow . Primary challenges by progressives rose dramatically. My experience was emblematic. Working-class voters were my base because I focused on bread-and-butter issues critical to struggling families, and I was not supportive of progressive social issues. After surviving in 2018, I lost in 2020 to a progressive challenger bankrolled by millions from national groups. At the same time, candidates for the Democratic nomination for president in 2020 were stumbling over each other, trying to get further to the left on a variety of issues. Decriminalizing illegal border crossings, funding sex-change operations for prisoners and detained illegal immigrants, and defunding the police became party dogma, further alienating the working class. Thanks to bumbling by President Trump and congressional Republicans, however, Democrats won the House in 2018 and captured the White House and both chambers of Congress in 2020. Progressives felt vindicated and were emboldened to continue their agenda with a self-righteous swagger. President Biden, whose victory was made possible by a reputation he had built over five decades as a moderate deal-maker, foolishly embraced progressives to prepare to run for reelection in 2024. Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin, who won in a state that gave Clinton and Biden less than 30% of the vote, was hounded out of the party by progressives who should have been thankful for every vote he gave them . In 2024, Republicans handed a massive in-kind gift to their opponents when they nominated the man most responsible for the Democratic Party’s election victories the past six years. Democrats were also given a unique opportunity to install a nominee who did not have to pander to progressives to win primaries. Perhaps the party had no other choice but Vice President Kamala Harris, who had taken some very progressive positions when running for the nomination in 2019. But with five long years having passed, she could have tried to make a clean and hard break from these . Instead, she chose to walk away from some of these positions softly, never seizing the opportunity to claim that a new working-class friendly perspective led her to change. Harris sealed her fate when she delivered a too-clever-by-half professorial response – “I’ll follow the law” – when asked whether she still supported taxpayer-funded sex-change operations for prisoners and detained illegal aliens. Donald Trump went on to become just the second Republican in 36 years to win the popular vote, thanks in part to significant support from non-white working-class voters, particularly Hispanics. As Democrats try to figure out what to do next, it is folly to believe that all the party needs is “ clarity of message, ” as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA) recently claimed. And while it is good to propose new policies directed at helping those left behind economically, as Rep. Ro Khanna (CA) did , it won’t solve the political problem. But buried in that post-election piece by Khanna was one sentence that gets much closer to what Democrats must do: “For our economic message to be heard, we must show common sense on issues of crime and the safety of families and not shame or cancel those who may have honest disagreements with us on a particular social issue.” Rep. Seth Moulton (MA) expressed a similar sentiment when he said, “ We lost, in part, because we shame and belittle too many opinions held by too many voters, and that needs to stop .” While these are hopeful signs, Democrats must do more than pay lip service to change. After all, a few years ago, Khanna – who is now positioning for a presidential run – was publicly urging our Democratic House colleagues to cancel me from Congress because of honest issue disagreements. And last week, when Moulton dared to give a specific example of not wanting his daughters “ getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete ,” he was lambasted by multiple Democratic officials , including his state’s governor and one of his congressional colleagues. Nowhere did I see any Democrat have the courage to support Moulton’s commonsense concern or even defend him for being willing to raise an issue with significant public resonance. Voters are not fools, especially working-class voters who continue to feel that the country is going in the wrong direction and that they always get the short end of the stick. They may not watch day-to-day politics closely, but they understand who and what the Democratic Party now seems to really value. Only time will tell if the party has finally learned a lesson. Daniel Lipinski is a distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He represented the Third District of Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2005 to 2021."Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.None
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is often viewed as a women’s issue, with many organisations and initiatives focusing on supporting female survivors. However, men too are victims of GBV, and their experiences are often overlooked. Mr Rex Aiku, a 55-year-old father of two, endured an abusive relationship for over five years. His wife regularly subjected him to physical and emotional abuse, leaving him feeling trapped and helpless after losing his job and being unable to provide for his family. “I was ashamed to admit that I was being abused by a woman. I felt like I was supposed to be the strong one, the protector, but I was the one being hurt,” Aiku said. His wife often used his masculinity against him, telling him that he was weak and that no one would believe him if he reported the abuse. This left Aiku feeling isolated and unsure of where to seek help. Similarly, Ade Michael, a 48-year-old entrepreneur, was sexually assaulted by a male colleague at a party. The experience left him feeling shaken and confused, unsure of how to process his emotions. “I didn’t know how to react. I felt like I had been emasculated, like I had lost my manhood. I didn’t know who to turn to or how to talk about it,” Michael said. Michael struggled to come to terms with his experience, feeling failed by societal expectations of masculinity. He eventually found support through a men’s support group, where he connected with others who had experienced similar trauma. Experts argue that Aiku and Michael’s stories reflect the need for support and resources tailored specifically for men affected by GBV. While gender-based violence in Nigeria affects both men and women, men are often overlooked in discussions around support and intervention. Although the focus has largely been on female victims, a growing awareness is emerging about the challenges faced by male survivors. Studies show that men experience various forms of GBV, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, but these cases are often underreported due to societal stigma and expectations of masculinity. For instance, a WHO report on violence and health revealed that male survivors of sexual and domestic violence face barriers in accessing support, as societal norms discourage them from reporting abuse. It is common for male victims to be dismissed or not taken seriously, which only exacerbates their trauma. However, organisations such as the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) and the Mirabel Centre in Lagos have begun offering services to men, providing them with counselling and legal support. Although data on male victims of GBV in Nigeria remains limited, initiatives are underway to improve reporting and response systems. These efforts include strengthening the capacities of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), which provide medical and psychosocial support to survivors of violence, and ensuring these services are inclusive of men. “While numerous organisations focus on helping female survivors, men often fall through the cracks. “Men are socialised to be strong and stoic, to not show emotion or vulnerability,” explained Dr Emmanuel Oke, a psychologist specialising in male survivors of GBV. According to Oke, this social conditioning makes it difficult for men to seek help or discuss their experiences. Oke stressed the importance of more resources and support services designed to meet the unique needs of men. This includes counselling, support groups, and advocacy initiatives that acknowledge the specific challenges and barriers men face in seeking help. In response to these challenges, the Life After Abuse Foundation (LAAF), a non-governmental organisation, has called for the establishment of Nigeria’s first Ministry of Men’s Affairs to address the pressing needs of men. LAAF’s President, Ms Halima Layeni, believes that such a ministry would advance gender equality by ensuring that men receive the same level of support, opportunities, and empowerment as other demographics. “This ministry would be a fundamental step towards rectifying the persistent neglect of men’s unique challenges in society,” Layeni said. She noted that men in Nigeria face numerous overlooked issues, including violence, domestic abuse, and assault, all of which remain underreported due to entrenched societal stigmas. Moreover, men in Nigeria are dealing with alarmingly high rates of depression and suicide, exacerbated by societal expectations and a lack of targeted support. Layeni also pointed out that economic instability worsens these challenges, with many men being deprived of opportunities for skill development and economic empowerment. “Cultural norms often prevent men from seeking help, leading to unaddressed mental health issues and violence. “Despite these struggles, men continue to fulfil their roles as providers, breadwinners, husbands, and fathers, often carrying these burdens in silence,” Layeni added. She argues that a dedicated ministry would bridge these gaps, offering targeted support and reducing the stigma surrounding men seeking help. In Lagos State, the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) has called for men to join efforts in curbing sexual and domestic violence in the state. The Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, stressed the importance of engaging men to help speak to their peers and raise awareness about sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). “Two weeks ago, we heard of a man using a hot iron on his son’s buttocks. “The boy had to be rescued and placed in a home provided by the Ministry of Youth and Social Development; the suspects have been arraigned. “We need to be proactive, engage the community, and raise awareness about the different forms of abuse,” Vivour-Adeniyi said. She also urged the public to understand that ignorance of the law is no excuse and emphasised the importance of support services available for victims of SGBV. Also, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing SGBV through continuous sensitisation and training of law enforcement officers. Mrs Yemisi Akhile, Deputy Director of the Lagos State NHRC, stated that the commission ensures law enforcement is equipped to handle SGBV cases sensitively and effectively. “Survivors need to feel safe and comfortable in assisting the prosecution, particularly in rape cases, which are often associated with stigma. “We ensure that the justice system operates fairly and that survivors are not exploited after they have been referred to the police,” she said. Akhile stated that more must be done to address the unique challenges faced by male victims, such as improving data collection and establishing tailored support services. Stakeholders say this would not only help male survivors heal but also create a more inclusive approach to tackling GBV in Nigeria. They argue that by acknowledging the experiences of male survivors and providing them with the necessary support, there will be a more inclusive and supportive society for all survivors of GBV.(Excerpted from Men and Memories by JR Jayewardene) One of my treasured possessions has been my correspondence with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister and maker of modern India. These were a collection of letters exchanged between us between 1940 and 1947. In July 1971, in response to an appeal published in the newspapers by Mrs Indira Gandhi, I forwarded photostat copies of the correspondence to her. I also sent her a letter explaining the spirit and framework of the correspondence. The collection of letters is reproduced here, as a token of my treasured recollections of one of the most remarkable leaders I was privileged to know. AN APPEAL To persons having letters, photographs, movie films, voice recordings of Jawaharlal Nehru The Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund has undertaken the publication of the Selected Works of Jawaharlal Nehru and the preparation of an archival/documentary film on him. In order to make these two works the most important and authentic source of material for future historians and research scholars, I appeal to all those possessing letters written by Jawaharlal Nehru, his photographs, film shots and recordings of his speeches to send them to us and thus assist in this work of national importance. The donors will be supplied copies of the originals. In the alternative, copies will be made for our purpose and the originals returned to the donors. Due acknowledgment will be made if the material is used in the Selected Works or in the Film. All communications may be addressed to the Administrative Secretary, Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund, Teen Murti House, New Delhi-11 (Signed) Indira Gandhi 23rd July, 1971 Dear Mrs Gandhi, I read in the newspapers your appeal to those possessing letters written by Jawaharlal Nehru to make them available to the Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund. I have in my possession a few letters written to me during the period 1940-1947, photostat copies of which I am enclosing, together with copies of my own letters to which they were replies. If they are necessary I can send the originals. The circumstances in which some of the letters were written arose as a result of my attending the Ramgarh Session of the Indian National Congress held in March 1940, which was the last Congress Session held before India became independent. Early in 1940, Dudley Senanayake and I joined the Ceylon National Congress and were elected Joint Secretaries. We were determined to revitalize that body and stir our leaders to action against the British. As a first step we thought we should meet the leaders of the Indian National Congress, discuss with them the reorganization of the Ceylon National Congress on the lines of the Indian one, and seek to make it the focus of a mass movement against British rule. Collaboration with the Indian Freedom Movement was also one of our objectives. Hence the visit to Ramgarh, which was the first occasion on which the Ceylon Congress had sent delegates to a Session of the Indian Congress. We lived in the Congress Camp for almost a week and our tent was next to that of the Burmese delegation led by the late Aung San. Unfortunately, the open-air sessions fixed for the 19, 20, and 21 March was abandoned owing to the torrential rain that fell on the first day. Our temporary quarters provided us little shelter. Your father visited us and the other guests on several occasions and expressed great concern at the inconvenience we had to undergo. He invited the Burmese and Ceylonese delegates to stay with him a few days at Allahabad before returning home. We (J.E. Amaratunge later an M.P. and I) stayed at Anand Bhawan for three days, on the 26th, 27th and 28th March as the guests of your father and Mrs Pandit. You were not in India then. It was as a result of the discussions I had with your father that I began writing to him. Another meeting was in August 1942, when the Congress adopted the “Quit India” Resolution at Bombay. I met your father at the residence of Mrs Huthee Singh. I refer to this meeting in my letter dated 29.6.45. Unfortunately, the British Government did not permit an unbroken and intelligent exchange of letters; yet we were able to discuss the War and its effect on the British Empire, especially in relation to India and Ceylon; India-Ceylon relations after Independence which we thought would be achieved by India as a result of the War; and the Communists in our organizations. I was very keen that a “Summit Meeting” of Indian and Ceylon leaders should be held: this was agreed to on both sides, but as the correspondence shows external events prevented such a meeting. On our side we modeled the Ceylon Congress on the lines of the Indian Congress. We held Sessions in the villages, adopted “Independence” as our goal; boycotted the Soulbury Commission and began preparations for a direct action campaign against British Rule. The War ended and Independence came within sight. In Ceylon we merged the Congress in the United National Party and formed the first free government, in which Dudley and I were Ministers. The entire Asian political scene changed and new relationships and problems arose. I thought that these introductory remarks would explain more fully the letters we exchanged. I am now in the Opposition as its Leader and I must say I am not too unhappy. We cooperated fully with the government during the difficult days of April and we are grateful to you for the quick response to the Prime Minister’s request for help. With best wishes, Yours sincerely (Signed) J.R. Jayewardene Hon’ble Mrs Indira Gandhi, Prime Minister of India, New Delhi, India J.R. Jayewardene Braemar 66, Ward Place, Colombo 20th July 1940 Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru “Anand Bhawan” Allahabad Dear Mr Nehru, I should really have written to you some months ago, but various reasons have hindered my doing so. I hope you received the Handbook of the Ceylon National Congress and the other pamphlets I sent you. I enclose a few copies of photographs taken by Mr Amaratunga during the Ramgarh Session. We often think of our visit to India and wish we can come again. Events are moving with such rapidity in the World today that a slave India and Ceylon may be free tomorrow, without a struggle. The possibility of India passing into the hands of an armed invader is remote. The jealousy of the great powers alone will prevent this. What of Ceylon? If nothing else happens, is it possible that she may be bartered away by a peace treaty? This is a question that is troubling many of us in Ceylon. Some of us – the number is increasing – think that our future lies with India, and we are endeavouring to arrange for the sending of a representative deputation from Ceylon to meet the Indian leaders. Would it be possible for the Indian Congress to meet a deputation from the Ceylon National Congress some time this year? Federation or closer union between a free India and a free Ceylon would certainly be a subject we wish discussed. Do you think it would be possible to arrange such a conference? The best time for our men would be in September. We would like to meet you, the President of the Congress, Mr Gandhi and any others that you wish us to meet. If such a conference could be arranged please let me know when and where it can take place. With my best wishes for India’s struggle for freedom. Yours truly, (Signed) J.R. Jayewardene By Air Mail Sakina Mansion Carmichael Road, Bombay, August 1, 1940 J.R. Jayewardene Esqr. Braemar 66, Ward Place Colombo (Ceylon) Dear Mr Jayewardene, Your letter of the 20th July unfortunately missed me in Allahabad and had to follow me to Poona, where I received it only two or three days ago. The Handbook and pamphlets that you sent me reached me and I was grateful for them. I read them with interest. The photographs have not reached me yet, but they might be awaiting my return in Allahabad. I entirely agree with you that the pace of events in the world is very rapid and is likely to lead to big consequences in India and Ceylon. Indeed for the last two or three months we have given the most earnest attention to not only the present situation but the possible developments in the near future. This has led to a consideration of certain basic matters which did not arise merely in our struggle for freedom. To some extent there has been a reorientation of our policy, though this does not affect the present. This has resulted in Gandhiji dissociating himself, to some extent, with certain policies of the Congress. This does not mean of course that there is any separation between the Indian National Congress and Gandhiji. But it does mean that he is not prepared to take the responsibility for the decisions of the Indian National Congress and to that extent he wants a free hand. What the immediate future will bring, no one can say. But it is clear that the present position cannot continue. Personally I am quite convinced that whatever the result of the War may be, the British Empire cannot survive it, nor can such spread-out empires exist in the future. It is too much to hope that a real World Federation of free nations will emerge out of this terrible conflict. But one must presume that the day of small nations is past and only large federations or compact empire states will survive. India is a big enough country, to stand by itself even in such a world. But it will take some years to arrive at that stage, and in any event I see no reason why India should not join a larger federation if that is conducive to her own good as well as the advancement of the world. I do not see India remaining part of a fundamentally British Federation, though it is conceivable that we might be members of a Federation which includes Britain as well as non-British countries. In the event of the defeat of Britain in the War, it is exceedingly unlikely that any British Federation will emerge. What might then happen is some Federation with its centre in America. Personally I should like India to be closely associated in a future order with China, Burma and Ceylon, as well as other countries which fit in. Our relations with China have become very close during the last year or two, and I am sure that the leaders of China look upon this possibility with favour. Ceylon is too small a political and economic unit to stand by itself in the future world. I quite agree with you that there might be danger ahead for Ceylon under these circumstances. It will, therefore, be highly desirable to discuss the future relations of India and Ceylon, so that our minds may be clear and we should know what we aiming at. Your proposal, therefore, is a welcome one. I have today discussed this matter with our Congress President, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and he told me to convey to you that he welcomed the idea very much and he and his colleagues would gladly meet a deputation from the Ceylon National Congress to discuss this matter. It is a little difficult to fix any definite date for this at present. It would not be desirable to delay such a discussion too much. At the same time the present situation is so complex and many new developments are so likely to take place within the next few weeks, that the future is uncertain. Still, provisionally, some time in the latter half of September or early in October might be suitable. If Gandhiji’s presence is necessary, and we think that his presence is certainly desirable, we have to meet at Wardha. If you let me know the dates that suit you we shall keep them in mind. With all good wishes, Yours sincerely, (Signed) Jawaharlal Nehru Braemar 66, Ward Place Colombo 15th August, 1940 Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, “Anand Bhawan,” Allahabad, India Dear Pandit Nehru, The members of the Ceylon Congress to whom I have shown your letter, welcome its contents and are grateful to you for your interest in Ceylon. We have discussed various dates and find that the first week in November is most convenient for our visit. I am sorry that this date is a few weeks later than the dates you suggested. Certain private family matters and meetings of the State Council which is now discussing the Budget, make the first week in November most suitable for our visit. Our deputation will consist of G.C.S. Corea, the President of the Congress, D.S. Senanayake, Minister of Agriculture, and a few others. We would wish wish to meet Gandhiji also, if it is possible to arrange such a meeting. As soon as I hear from you, I shall see that an official letter is sent by the President of the Ceylon Congress to the President of the Indian Congress confirming these arrangements. Our discussions should not, I think, be restricted to any particular issues, but should, as you suggest, cover the future relations between India and Ceylon. Much as I wish to find out, and discuss with you, the exact position of the Communist Party in the Indian Congress, and also Gandhiji’s separation from the Congress and his intention to form a different organisation as reported in our papers, I think I should not intrude on your busy hours, but reserve that for discussion during our visit to India. With best wishes, Yours truly, (Signed) J.R. JayewardeneInsurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule
Ole Miss was supposed to benefit from expanded CFP, but Florida loss is an all too familiar shortcomingPrince George took part in a key royal moment for the very first time. The eldest son of the Prince and Princess of Wales had his taste of royal football tradition as he joined his father, Prince William, for the annual festive kickabout on the Sandringham estate. The pre-Christmas match, a highlight for estate workers and neighbouring villagers, saw the father-son duo take to the pitch together for the first time. Cheering them on from the sidelines was the Princess of Wales , along with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis , who lent their support to the blue-shirted team that included George, 11, and William, 42. Revealed: What Prince George whispered to sister Princess Charlotte during Christmas Day walkabout Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis charm crowds during walkabout Find out what stockings Prince George and Princess Charlotte will be opening on Christmas day For George, an avid football fan like his dad, it was a dream moment, running energetically around the pitch to the cheers of onlookers. William, who has long been a keen Aston Villa supporter, showed his skill on the field and even came close to scoring a goal. Wearing number 18 on his shirt, the Prince of Wales looked right at home alongside his eldest son. Observers were quick to praise George’s enthusiasm and natural athleticism, suggesting he might have inherited his father’s love for the game. Meanwhile, Kate, ever the supportive mum, kept warm in a chic dark purple polo neck paired with a long light purple waistcoat, beige trousers, and a green peaked cap. Her hair was neatly tied back in a plait, and she carried black leather gloves as she stood on the sidelines, watching the action unfold. Not to be left out, Prince Louis, six, dressed adorably in navy blue shorts and a light blue top, joined in on the fun, kicking a ball around with his mum during breaks in the match. Princess Charlotte, nine, looked delighted to be part of the family outing, standing close to Kate as they cheered on their dad and brother. This beloved royal tradition has seen William take to the pitch for many years, often joined in the past by Prince Harry. The last time the brothers played together in the Sandringham match is believed to have been in 2016. While Harry’s absence was noted, the sight of George stepping into his father’s boots brought a fresh sense of excitement to the event. William’s passion for football has always been evident. As a devoted Aston Villa fan, he has often been spotted in the stands at Villa Park and cheering England on at Wembley. This summer, William and George were captured in a moment of shared joy, leaping to their feet when Cole Palmer equalised for England in the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin, despite the heartbreaking 2-1 defeat. In a 2020 appearance on That Peter Crouch Podcast, William spoke candidly about George’s football journey. "I’m trying not to persuade him to be a Villa fan," he shared. "I'm letting him choose his own way. It’s about finding what fits for him." However, he humorously admitted to "concerns" when George briefly showed an interest in Chelsea as a younger child. As the royal family enjoyed this festive day out, football fans couldn’t help but smile at the idea of Prince George following in his father’s footsteps—not just on the field, but as a future ambassador for the sport. With the Villa faithful hoping to welcome George to their ranks, the Prince of Wales remains resolute in letting his son chart his own path. WATCH: A Right Royal Podcast: Wolf Hall's ultimate fact vs fiction, Christmas Windsor Castle and moreSyrian rebels topple Assad, transforming Middle East
