Harris campaigns with Republican Liz Cheney in key states
Cheney described herself as "pro-life" but said she was troubled by state abortion restrictions
Kamala Harris and former US Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) react during a conversation moderated by Charlie Sykes in Brookfield, Wisconsin, U.S., October 21, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque.
Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
DEMOCRATIC presidential candidate Kamala Harris and her Republican rival, Donald Trump, delivered radically different messages on the US campaign trail on Monday (21) as they sought to win over undecided voters in the two weeks before Election Day.
Vice president Harris, campaigning alongside Republican former lawmaker Liz Cheney, attempted to convince conservative, suburban women in three Midwestern battleground states that former president Trump was a threat to abortion rights, national security and democracy.
As the election draws closer, Harris has been sharpening her attacks on Trump's fitness for office, often calling him "unstable" or "unhinged" and questioning his temperament.
"In many, many ways Donald Trump is an unserious man, but the consequences of him being president of the US are brutally serious," Harris, 60, said at an event in Malvern, Pennsylvania, one of seven battleground states expected to decide the winner of the Nov. 5 election.
Trump, 78, frequently rejects any notion that he is a threat to democracy, arguing it is Democrats who are the real threat because of the criminal investigations he and his allies have faced for their attempts to overturn his 2020 election loss.
While Harris was suggesting Trump was unfit for office, the former president was questioning the Biden administration's competence.
During one of several stops on Monday in ultra-competitive North Carolina, Trump urged supporters in the hurricane-battered mountains to go to the polls despite the hardships they were facing.
Harris campaigns alongside Liz Cheney (R-WY), in Ripon, Wisconsin, U.S., October 3, 2024. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
He also renewed his criticisms of the emergency management agency FEMA and sought to relate to working-class supporters by praising his nonstop efforts on his own behalf.
"I've done 52 days without a day off, which a lot of these people would respect," Trump said at a lectern backed by rubble from massive floods that hit the area last month.
With opinion polls showing a close race, the two candidates are picking up the pace, their frenzied campaign schedules underlining the importance of small pockets of voters that could put either candidate over the top.
Trump ended his day at an evangelical Christian event in Concord, North Carolina, telling a crowd he likes to think that during the failed assassination attempt against him on July 13 in Butler, Pennsylvania, he was saved by being "knocked to the ground by a supernatural hand."
In his remarks, he avoided using some of the off-color rhetoric he has been using in recent speeches. He said as he looks back on his life, "I now recognize that it's been the hand of God leading me to where I am today."
Evangelical leader Franklin Graham offered a prayer that Trump be elected.
"Rallies and positive poll numbers are not going to win this election," Graham said. "It's going to be God."
Trump's visit to North Carolina coincided with concerns among his Republican allies that crippling damage from storm Helene will depress turnout in the battleground state's conservative mountain regions.
The area hit hardest by Helene is deeply Republican. Trump won about 62 per cent of the vote in 2020 in the 25 counties declared to be a disaster area after Helene, while Biden won about 51 per cent in the remainder of the state, according to a Reuters analysis.
"Obviously, we want them to vote but we want them to live and survive and be happy and healthy, because this is really a tragedy," Trump said at a campaign stop in Swannanoa, population 5,300, after touring areas destroyed by the storm.
At an event with Harris in Royal Oak, Michigan, Cheney sought to give Republicans who are on the fence permission to support the Democrat without worry of reprisal.
"I certainly have many Republicans who will say to me, 'I can't be public.' They do worry about a whole range of things, including violence, but they'll do the right thing," Cheney said. "And I would just remind people, if you're at all concerned, you can vote your conscience and not ever have to say a word to anybody."
Later, in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Cheney described herself as "pro-life" but said she was troubled by state abortion restrictions that had prevented women from getting the care they needed.
Cheney and her father Dick Cheney, who was vice president under president George W. Bush and is still vilified by many Democrats for his defense of the US invasion of Iraq, are staunch conservatives and two of the most prominent Republicans to have endorsed Harris.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, Trump called Liz Cheney "dumb as a rock" and a "war hawk." He accused her of wanting to go to war with "every Muslim country known to mankind" just like her father, who he called "the man that ridiculously pushed Bush to go to war in the Middle East."
India’s GDP grew 7.8 per cent in April-June, beating forecasts of 6.7 per cent.
US has double tariffs on Indian imports to 50 per cent, raising export concerns.
Consumer spending rose 7.0 per cent year-on-year, driven by rural demand..
INDIA’s economy expanded faster than expected in the April-June quarter, even as higher US tariffs on Indian imports are set to weigh on activity in the coming months.
The United States has doubled tariffs on Indian goods to as high as 50 per cent over New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil. The move puts India among the hardest-hit US trading partners alongside Brazil, with economists warning that exports such as textiles, leather goods and chemicals could be affected.
Government data released on Friday showed gross domestic product (GDP) grew 7.8 per cent in Asia’s third-largest economy in the April-June period, compared to 7.4 per cent in the previous quarter. Growth was stronger than the 6.7 per cent expansion economists had forecast in a Reuters poll.
Gross value added (GVA), considered a clearer measure of underlying economic activity, rose 7.6 per cent in April-June, up from 6.8 per cent in the previous three months. GVA excludes indirect taxes and government subsidies.
At this pace, India remains one of the fastest-growing major economies, though the outlook for exports has weakened after US President Donald Trump’s tariff hike.
“The surprise acceleration in GDP growth in the April-June quarter means that the economy is still on course to expand by a world-beating 7 per cent this year, despite the upcoming hit from punitive US tariffs,” Capital Economics said in a note.
The Reserve Bank of India expects the economy to grow 6.5 per cent in the fiscal year ending March 2026. Earlier this month, it kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.50 per cent.
Consumer spending rises
Private consumer spending, which accounts for around 57 per cent of GDP, rose 7.0 per cent year-on-year in April-June, up from 6 per cent in the previous quarter. Growth was supported by higher rural spending and demand for durables and farm equipment such as tractors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has pledged support for sectors affected by US tariffs and said it would propose tax cuts to boost domestic demand. Income taxes were reduced starting April.
“Private consumption is supported by tax relief, rate cuts, crops sowing, though households may defer discretionary purchases until proposed consumption tax cuts take effect in the festive season,” said Aditi Nayar, chief economist at ICRA ratings agency.
Government spending increased 7.4 per cent in April-June, compared to a 1.8 per cent decline in the previous quarter. Capital expenditure grew 7.8 per cent, though some private firms held back investments amid global uncertainty following Washington’s tariff hikes.
Manufacturing output rose 7.7 per cent year-on-year in the first fiscal quarter, up from 4.8 per cent in the previous quarter. Construction expanded 7.6 per cent, down from 10.8 per cent. The agriculture sector grew 3.7 per cent, compared to 5.4 per cent in the previous three quarters.
US tariffs weigh on outlook
Economists warned that growth could slow once the impact of higher US duties is felt.
Indian government sources said New Delhi hoped Washington would reconsider the extra 25 per cent tariff imposed this week, which raised the duty on a range of imports to 50 per cent. However, there have been no signs of new talks.
The 50 per cent tariff could hurt exports and have a “domino effect on employment, wages and private consumption,” further affecting private investment and growth, said Madhavi Arora, chief economist at Emkay Financial Services.
Exporter groups estimate the tariffs could hit nearly 55 per cent of India’s $87 billion in merchandise exports to the US, while benefiting competitors such as Vietnam, Bangladesh and China.
Some economists warn prolonged tariffs could reduce India’s growth by 0.6 to 0.8 percentage point over a year, as weaker exports limit its role as an alternative manufacturing hub to China.
While real GDP growth remains firm, nominal GDP growth—which includes inflation—slowed to 8.8 per cent in April-June after averaging almost 11 per cent in the previous eight quarters. Analysts say this may weigh on corporate profits and stock indexes.
India’s rupee fell to a record low of 88.30 to the dollar on Friday as US tariffs took effect, while benchmark equity indices were set for a second straight monthly decline.
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The Ambani family marked Ganesh Chaturthi with Antilia Cha Raja, where Nita Ambani also joined rituals
Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani were spotted at the visarjan of “Antilia Cha Raja.”
A video captured a light-hearted flower fight between the couple.
Radhika’s bodyguard stepped in to shield her during the exchange.
Nita Ambani also joined the procession in traditional attire.
Radhika Merchant’s Ganpati visarjan moment with husband Anant Ambani has become the highlight of this year’s celebrations at the Ambani residence, Antilia. The couple took part in the immersion procession of their Ganpati idol, known as “Antilia Cha Raja,” where a playful exchange between them caught the internet’s attention. In the video, featuring Radhika and Anant, a bodyguard stepping in at the right moment has now become the talking point across social media.
The Ambani family marked Ganesh Chaturthi with Antilia Cha Raja, where Nita Ambani also joined rituals Instagram Screengrab/ambani_update
What happened during Radhika Merchant’s Ganpati visarjan moment?
In the clip shared on a fan page dedicated to the Ambani family, Radhika Merchant is seen seated on a flower-decorated vehicle, holding marigolds in her hand. She laughs as she tosses petals at Anant Ambani, who is walking behind the vehicle. Anant responds by throwing flowers back at her, but before they reach her, Radhika’s bodyguard quickly shields her, leaving fans amused at the protective gesture. The video has since circulated widely, with many calling it a sweet glimpse into the couple’s bond.
Was Nita Ambani part of the Ganpati visarjan celebrations?
Yes. Another video from the visarjan showed Nita Ambani, dressed in a pink traditional outfit, enjoying the rally with other family members. She was seen participating with enthusiasm as the procession moved through the streets. The Ambanis are known for hosting large-scale Ganesh Chaturthi festivities every year, drawing attention both offline and online.
The Ambani family welcomed their Ganpati idol, fondly known as “Antilia Cha Raja,” on 27 August. Videos from the welcoming ceremony showed Anant Ambani, Radhika Merchant, and Nita Ambani performing aarti in front of the idol, all dressed in festive attire. The idol holds a special place in their celebrations, and its annual arrival is a tradition followed closely by their well-wishers.
Ganpati visarjan is the immersion ritual that marks the conclusion of Ganesh Chaturthi. Traditionally observed on the tenth day of the festival, some families also perform it earlier, such as after one-and-a-half days. In 2025, the main visarjan day falls on 6 September, but many, including the Ambanis, carried out the immersion on 28 August. The ritual is symbolic of bidding farewell to Lord Ganesha while praying for his return the following year.
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Anti-government protesters display Bangladesh’s national flag at Sheikh Hasina’s palace in Dhaka last year. (Photo: Getty Images)
BANGLADESH’s Election Commission (EC) on Thursday released a roadmap for the general election, expected to be held in February next year.
The poll schedule will be announced at least 60 days before the voting date, officials said.
“The Chief Adviser’s Office has asked us to hold the election before Ramadan. If I am not mistaken, Ramadan will begin on February 17 or 18. From this, you can calculate the probable election date,” EC Senior Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters at a press briefing.
He said the commission was targeting the first half of February for the election. The roadmap, prepared in line with the directives of interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus, received EC approval on Wednesday.
According to Ahmed, discussions with political parties and other stakeholders will be held by the end of September and could take “one to one and a half months” to complete.
The EC identified 24 key tasks in the roadmap, including amendments to laws such as the Representation of the People Order (RPO), the Delimitation of Constituencies Act, the Voter List Act, the Election Officers (Special Provisions) Act 1991, and the Election Commission Secretariat Act 2009. Other tasks include finalising the voter list in phases, setting policies for domestic and foreign observers and journalists, and registering new political parties.
The commission expects to announce the election schedule in the second or third week of December.
In a televised address on August 5, Yunus had said the 13th parliamentary election would be held in February before Ramadan.
The roadmap announcement came as the National Citizen Party (NCP), formed this year with apparent support from Yunus, raised objections to the planned polls.
Shortly after the EC’s briefing, the NCP said the roadmap reflected a “breach of promise” by the interim government.
“Announcing the roadmap before declaring the implementation of the ‘July Charter’ is tantamount to breaking promises,” former Students against Discrimination (SAD) leader and NCP Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb told a press conference. Flanked by other leaders, Adeeb warned that this could create “future crises for which the government must bear responsibility.”
The NCP, which emerged in February as an offshoot of SAD after leading the movement that forced Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League out of power on August 5 last year, has been demanding a new constitution through a Constituent Assembly, replacing the 1972 Constitution.
Jamaat-e-Islami has separately demanded that the polls be held under a proportional representation system to secure a larger stake in parliament. Both Jamaat and NCP have also called for the trial of Hasina and leaders of her regime for their alleged role in last year’s crackdown on the uprising.
Hasina is being tried in absentia at the International Crimes Tribunal on several charges.
Former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has emerged as the largest party in the absence of Awami League, whose activities were disbanded by Yunus’s interim government.
Despite assurances by Yunus and his advisers of free and fair polls within the announced deadline, uncertainty has grown among political parties due to the stance of the NCP.
Mobile-first and browser-based casino platforms are now dominating online gambling.
5G and Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) enable smoother, lag-free play from anywhere.
GG.Bet is recognised as a pioneer in mobile-friendly casino experiences.
Players benefit from faster payments, stronger security, and optimised design.
The industry is experiencing rapid global growth, driven largely by mobile users.
In 2025 casino gaming has gone truly mobile. No longer limited to desktops, players now have access to immersive, high-quality casino games in their pockets. Whether waiting for a train, enjoying a coffee, or watching a live football match, people can place bets and spin reels anytime, anywhere. With the rollout of 5G and the rise of Progressive Web Apps, mobile platforms are powering a global shift, and innovators like GG.Bet are setting the standard for online gambling for real money by showing how mobile platforms have become central to the industry’s growth.
Everywhere, all the time
The growth of mobile-first casinos reflects a shift in lifestyle. Commuters play blackjack during their journey, sports fans place live bets mid-game, and travellers join poker rooms from airport lounges. According to the American Gaming Association, iGaming revenue in the U.S. reached USD 8.41 billion in 2024, a 28.7 percent increase from the previous year. In Europe, online gambling generated €38.2 billion in gross gaming revenue in 2022, representing 35 percent of total gambling activity. These numbers demonstrate how mobile platforms are reshaping habits worldwide.
Built for speed: 5G and seamless play
The rollout of 5G has transformed mobile casino gaming. Ultra-fast speeds and low latency mean no more lag or pixelated graphics. Players can enjoy high-definition live dealer games and visually rich slots directly on their phones. A blackjack table streamed from Las Vegas can now be joined instantly by a player in London, with smooth video and real-time interaction. This improvement has helped mobile platforms rival the capabilities of desktops.
Play without download, play without delay
Progressive Web Apps are breaking down barriers. Unlike traditional apps, PWAs require no downloads, updates, or device storage. They deliver push notifications, offline access, and app-like performance directly through the browser. This simplicity appeals to both new players and experienced gamblers. Operators like GG.Bet have embraced PWAs to reduce friction and give users instant access to feature-rich casino platforms.
Design, payments, and security
Modern mobile casinos are designed to perform well on smaller screens. Intuitive layouts, quick navigation, and crisp graphics keep players engaged. Leading platforms also prioritise faster load times to maintain user interest.
Payments are increasingly streamlined. Digital wallets, instant bank transfers, and even cryptocurrencies are being adopted by many operators, though crypto use is still developing rather than universal. Security measures such as two-factor authentication, biometric logins, and advanced encryption now match the standards of banking apps. This combination of convenience and trust makes mobile platforms the preferred choice for millions of users.
Why it matters now
The online gambling industry is expanding rapidly. Global market value was estimated at USD 78.66 billion in 2024 and is projected to nearly double to USD 153.57 billion by 2030. Smartphones account for around 80 percent of this activity, making mobile design and innovation central to growth. For operators, failing to prioritise mobile risks losing relevance in an increasingly competitive market. For players, the shift provides greater freedom, speed, and flexibility in how they enjoy casino games.
The next frontier
Looking ahead, technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality could make mobile casinos more immersive. Imagine stepping into a virtual casino lobby on your phone, greeting a live dealer, and choosing a table from your living room. With the foundation of 5G and PWAs already in place, these innovations are moving closer to reality. While speculative, they highlight how the next wave of mobile gaming could replicate more of the excitement of a physical casino.
Mobile-first strategies are no longer optional; they are essential. Casinos that invest in technology, user experience, and security are already winning over a new generation of players. With pioneers like GG.Bet leading the charge, on-the-go gaming is not just convenient—it is shaping the future of global gambling.
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Emma Stone at the Venice film festival where she admitted she believes in aliens
Emma Stone declares her belief in aliens during Venice promotion of Bugonia
The Oscar-winning actor cites Carl Sagan’s philosophy as her inspiration
Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a remake of Korean cult hit Save the Green Planet!
Film stars Jesse Plemons alongside Stone and is set for UK release in November
Emma Stone has said she believes in aliens, making the confession while promoting her new film Bugonia at the Venice Film Festival. The Oscar-winning actor linked her belief to the philosophy of astronomer Carl Sagan, who argued it was “pretty narcissistic” to assume humans are the only intelligent beings in the universe. The subject mirrors the central theme of her latest project, which sees her play a powerful CEO accused of being an alien by two conspiracy theorists.
Emma Stone at the Venice film festival where she admitted she believes in aliens Getty Images
Why did Emma Stone say she believes in aliens?
Speaking at a press conference, the La La Land star was asked whether she believed in an “ultimate intelligence looking down on us.” Stone responded that she did not think in those terms but felt deeply influenced by Sagan’s view of the cosmos.
“One of my favourite people who ever lived is Carl Sagan,” she said. “He very deeply believed the idea that we’re alone in this vast expansive universe is a pretty narcissistic thing. So yes, I’m coming out and saying it: I believe in aliens.”
Her comments came just hours before the Venice premiere of Bugonia, a black comedy directed by long-time collaborator Yorgos Lanthimos.
In Bugonia, Stone plays Michelle Fuller, a high-profile corporate executive who is kidnapped by conspiracy theorists convinced she is an alien intent on destroying Earth. The role pushed the actor into striking new territory, with the trailer showing her character’s shaved-head transformation and tense face-offs with her captors.
The film pairs her with Jesse Plemons, who plays one of the kidnappers, and Aidan Delbis as his accomplice. Alicia Silverstone and Stavros Halkias also feature. The script is adapted by Will Tracy, co-writer of The Menu, and is an English-language remake of Jang Joon-hwan’s 2003 South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet!.
Following its world premiere on the Lido, Bugonia will open in UK cinemas on 7 November. Focus Features has confirmed the film’s international rollout will include a Halloween-timed US release in October.
This marks Stone’s fourth collaboration with Lanthimos, after The Favourite, Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness. Their last project, Poor Things, won four Oscars earlier this year, including Best Actress for Stone.
Early reviews describe Bugonia as surreal, subversive and sharply comic. Critics praised Stone’s performance, alongside Plemons’s portrayal of a conspiracist torn between paranoia and morality. The Hollywood Reporter said the actor-director pairing continues to push boundaries, calling Stone “in top form” and commending her ability to bring depth to a character balancing satire and menace.
orgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, Stavros Halkias, Alicia Silverstone, Aidan Delbis and Jesse Plemons attend the "Bugonia" red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film FestivalGetty Images
Lanthimos said he was “immediately blown away” by the script and insisted the story is not dystopian but reflective of the present moment. “Humanity is facing a reckoning very soon, with technology, AI, wars, and denial of reality,” he told reporters.