Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks during a press conference at Bute House, Edinburgh, April 25, 2024. Scotland’s leader is facing a week of high-stakes talks to save his job and reenergize the country’s independence movement after he torpedoed a coalition with the Green Party by ditching a target for fighting climate change.
| Photo Credit: AP

Scotland’s Humza Yousaf is considering quitting as First Minister rather than face two confidence votes, U.K. media outlets reported late on April 28.

Mr. Yousaf’s resignation was an option but a final decision had not yet been taken, BBC news reported citing a source close to the Minister.

Former Scottish National Party leader John Swinney has been approached by senior party figures to become an interim First Minister in the event of Mr. Yousaf being forced from office, the Times said, adding that Mr. Swinney is reluctant to step up because of personal circumstances.

Last week, Mr. Yousaf said he intended to fight a vote of no confidence called by political opponents after his decision to withdraw from a coalition agreement and try to run a minority government.

“I’m quite confident, very confident in fact, that I’ll be able to win that vote of no confidence,” he told Sky News on Friday.

If Mr. Yousaf loses, parliament would have 28 days to choose a new First Minister before an election was forced.

Tech billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk boarded a plane departing Beijing on Monday, an AFP journalist said, after a whistlestop visit that saw his firm win a key data security clearance from Chinese authorities.

Musk arrived in Beijing on Sunday for his second trip in less than a year to China, meeting with top officials including Premier Li Qiang, as he worked to boost his company’s fortunes in the world’s biggest electric car market.

On the same day, Tesla’s locally produced models listed among the EVs that meet China’s data security requirements, clearing a key regulatory hurdle.

The magnate boarded his private jet at Beijing Capital Airport just before 1:00 pm (0500 GMT), with Chinese state-backed flight tracking app Utrip saying the plane was bound for Anchorage, Alaska.

The US electric car giant also appeared to inch closer to government approval to use its assisted driving technology in China by teaming up with tech titan Baidu for maps and navigation features, Bloomberg reported.

Despite intensifying competition from domestic firms such as BYD, Teslas remain among the best selling electric vehicles in China, but it is trying to boost sales with features such as “Full Self Driving” (FSD), which need to be compliant with strict data and privacy laws.

The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers said it had been testing vehicles since November 2023 with a national computer security regulator on how they collect and process data, including personal information and recordings of faces outside the car.

“Among them, 76 models of six companies (BYD, Li Auto, Lotus, Hozon Auto, Tesla, and NIO) meet the four compliance requirements of automotive data security,” CAAM said in a statement.

Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, produced at its gigantic factory in Shanghai, were on the list.

The company’s advanced assisted driving features do not make its cars fully autonomous, and Tesla says its Autopilot and FSD capabilities are meant to be used under driver supervision.

It sells FSD for $8,000 in the United States, or for a monthly $99 subscription.

Tesla did not immediately respond to AFP queries about FSD in China and the reported partnership with Baidu.

Earlier this month, in response to a question on his social media platform X, Musk said FSD availability in China “may be possible very soon”.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Bernadette Joy generated $279,000 in earnings last year (Rs 2.3 crore), averaging about Rs 2 lakh monthly. This success stemmed from her venture, Crush Your Money Goals, originally conceived as a podcast detailing her journey with her husband to eliminate over $300,000 (about Rs 2.5 crore) in debt.

Mrs Joy, who now earns through coaching, freelance work, and speaking engagements, disclosed to CNBC Make It that she dedicates 20 hours per week to her endeavours.

In her interview with the media outlet, Mrs Joy shared her top recommendation for aspiring side hustlers: capitalize on your innate talents to create income streams.

Her approach mirrors the career advice often given by billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban, a judge on Shark Tank.

“The things I ended up being really good at were the things I found myself putting effort into,” said Mr Cuban. “When you look at where you put in your time, where you put in your effort, that tends to be the things that you are good at.”

Mrs Joy told CNBC Make It revealed the hard-earned lesson she had learned in 2019 that trying to earn doing 

Speaking with CNBC Make It, Mrs Joy shared a valuable lesson she learned in 2019: the importance of pursuing what comes naturally to her. This insight came after the closure of her prosperous business, Dressed, which initially began as a side project connecting owners of bridesmaid dresses with potential renters.

Initially, Dressed helped her pay off her student loans, and enabled her to leave her full-time job, open a storefront, and even hire staff. However, as the business flourished, Mrs Joy found it increasingly time-consuming and less personally satisfying. Consequently, in 2019, she decided to shut it down. Having tasted the autonomy of entrepreneurship, she was unwilling to return to a situation that might trigger what she described as an “existential midlife crisis.”

Shortly after, Mrs Joy participated in a personal finance conference that presented her with fresh opportunities. Inspired by the speakers’ presentations, she recognized her desire to empower others to feel more assured about their financial matters, even though she hadn’t fully delineated the path forward yet.

“I spent [three months] wrapped up in my blanket on my couch thinking, ‘What am I going to do?’ because I didn’t have a business anymore,” Joy said.

During that moment on the couch, she gleaned a crucial insight, which she now regards as her top advice for initiating a side venture: “Try to monetise what comes naturally to you, instead of selling something just because you can.”

Washington:

US President Joe Biden roasted his predecessor and political rival, Donald Trump and poked fun at his age at the annual dinner for Washington’s political and media elites, saying “I am a grown man running against a six-year-old”.

The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner on Saturday night provided the platform for Biden, 81, to continue his criticism of Trump, 77, with cutting humour.

The high-profile event came against the backdrop of growing protests over Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war.

“Of course, the 2024 election’s in full swing and, yes, age is an issue: I’m a grown man running against a 6-year-old,” Biden said in a roughly 10-minute speech, referring to former President Trump, whom he called “Sleepy Don.”

Speaking to an audience of nearly 3,000 journalists, celebrities and politicians, Biden added, “Age is the only thing we have in common. My vice president actually endorses me.”

“Donald has had a few tough days lately. You might call it ‘stormy’ weather,” Biden said, an oblique reference to Stormy Daniels, an adult star who claims she had an affair and received a hush-money payment in the days before the 2016 election, a deal at the centre of his New York trial.

The president went on to draw a contrast between his reelection campaign, which has ramped up since his State of the Union address last month, and that of Trump.

Biden and Trump have both secured the delegates they need to win their respective party nominations in the November 5 presidential race, setting a rematch of their 2020 election showdown.

After a slew of jokes targeting Trump, Biden then took a more sombre tone to talk about his 2024 rival to the room of journalists, lawmakers and celebrities.

“The defeated former president has made no secret of his attack on our democracy. He said he wants to be a dictator on day one, and so much more. He tells supporters he is their revenge and retribution. When in God’s name [have] you ever heard another president say something like that?” Biden asked, referring to Trump’s recent remarks.

“We have to take this seriously. Eight years ago, you could’ve written off [that] it was just Trump talk, but no longer. Not after January 6,” Biden said, calling on the audience to “move past the horse race numbers” and “focus on what’s actually at stake.”

Comedian Colin Jost followed Biden’s remarks at the dinner on Saturday with a roast of the incumbent and other political figures in the room, offering comic relief against a backdrop of congressional tensions and conflict abroad.

Demonstrators protested media coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and the administration’s handling of the conflict near the Washington Hilton event space – and Biden notably didn’t make direct reference to the protests or the conflict during his speech.

As journalists and celebrities entered the Washington Hilton, protesters accused them of cosigning the president’s handling of the Israel-Hamas war, shouting, “Shame on you!” while urging them to speak out against the killing of journalists in Gaza.

Since Hamas’ October 7 attacks, at least 97 journalists – 92 of them Palestinian – have been killed in the region, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, a nonprofit that has been tracking the death count. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

London:

Prince Harry is set to return to the United Kingdom next month to commemorate a significant milestone of the Invictus Games, the sporting event he established a decade ago, CNN reported.

Scheduled for May 8th, Prince Harry will deliver a reading at a ceremony in London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, marking ten years since the inception of the Invictus Games. His last visit to the UK was in February, following the announcement of his father King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.

Reflecting on his swift trip, Harry expressed his gratitude for being able to spend time with his family during such a challenging time. However, it remains unclear if he will have the opportunity to meet with his relatives during his upcoming visit.

Since relocating to the United States with his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, in 2020, Prince Harry has made occasional visits to the UK, including attending the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and his father’s coronation last year, as reported by CNN.

As for Meghan’s attendance at the Invictus celebration, it remains uncertain, particularly considering the proximity to their son Prince Archie’s fifth birthday on May 6th.

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles, who is undergoing treatment, will resume public duties soon. While his schedule will be managed carefully in consultation with his medical team, he is expected to welcome Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako for a state visit in June.

The Invictus Games, initiated by Prince Harry after his service in Afghanistan, serve as a platform for supporting the recovery of wounded, injured, and sick service personnel and veterans.

The next edition of the games is scheduled to take place in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada, in February 2025, featuring over 500 competitors from 20 nations participating in adaptive sports. Additionally, winter sports, including Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing, will be introduced for the first time, in partnership with First Nations communities as part of efforts towards truth and reconciliation, CNN reported.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Pro-Palestine protests continued to swell at college campuses in the US as authorities arrested around 275 people over the weekend. The demonstrations that began at Columbia University in New York more than a week ago have since spread rapidly.

Here Are Top 10 Points On Pro-Palestine Protests In US

Jerusalem:

The amount of humanitarian aid going into the Gaza Strip will be ramped up in the coming days, Israel’s military said on Sunday, citing new corridors that use an Israeli seaport and border crossings into the Palestinian enclave.

After closing off access to Gaza following the Hamas attack on Oct. 7 that set off the war, Israel has since allowed in aid convoys amid growing international pressure to boost the amount of supplies to feed Gaza’s 2.3 million people.

A spiraling humanitarian crisis has prompted calls from Israel’s Western and Arab partners to do more to facilitate the entry of aid to the enclave, where most are homeless, many face famine, and where civilian infrastructure is devastated and disease widespread.

The United States said earlier this month it welcomed Israel’s latest efforts to allow in more humanitarian aid, but success would be measured in results in improving the situation on the ground.

“Over the last few weeks, the amount of humanitarian aid going into Gaza has significantly increased. In the coming days, the amount of aid going into Gaza will continue to scale up even more,” spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement.

“Food, water, medical supplies, shelter equipment and other aid – more of it is going into Gaza than ever before,” Hagari said.

Separately, U.S.-based charity World Central Kitchen said it would resume operations in the Gaza Strip on Monday, a month after seven of its workers were killed in an Israeli air strike.

Hagari said the aid increase is a result of using Israel’s Ashdod port, as well as a new crossing into northern Gaza and increased aid from Jordan entering through the Kerem Shalom border crossing at the southern tip of Gaza.

Israel is also working with U.S. Central Command to construct a “temporary maritime pier,” which will allow ship-to-shore distribution, Hagari said.

“Getting aid to the people of Gaza is a top priority -because our war is against Hamas, not against the people of Gaza,” he added.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singhsaid talks between India and China are going smoothly and India will never bow down.
| Photo Credit: X/@BJP4Gujarat

Talks with China going on smoothly, India will never bow down: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said talks between India and China are going smoothly and in a good environment, and India will never bow down. “India is no longer a weak India. India has also become a powerful country from a military point of view. We want to maintain good relations with our neighbouring countries,” the Defence Minister said when asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s accusation against the Narendra Modi government over Chinese aggression.

After nod for Gujarat onion exports, Centre seeks to soothe Maharashtra farmers

After its move to permit exports of 2,000 tonnes of white onions from Gujarat, amid an extended ban on onion shipments, drew criticism from Opposition leaders and Maharashtra’s onion farmers, the Centre seemed to have stepped into damage control mode with the Consumer Affairs Ministry stating that 99,150 tonnes of exports have been allowed.

Killing of CRPF personnel to draw attention of the Central government for a political solution in Manipur, say officials 

A day after two CRPF personnel were killed in Manipur by unidentified militants, a senior government official said on Sunday that the target seemed to be Meitei members of the State police. The CRPF unit stationed at the camp had withdrawn few days ago while a platoon stayed back. The militants mistook the personnel at the camp for State police forces, officials said, adding that such attacks and violence are expected to continue if a political solution is not arrived at.

One killed, three injured in fresh gunbattles along the Kangpokpi-Imphal West border in Manipur

At least one person has been killed and three others injured in fresh gunfights that occurred in the early hours of Sunday along the border between the Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts in Manipur, where the ethnic conflict between the valley-based Meitei and the hills-based Kuki-Zo communities continues.

RSS never opposed reservation, says Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said the Sangh had never opposed reservation given to certain groups, and maintained that the video making the rounds on social media, in which he is seen speaking against quotas in a meeting, is fake.

14 Pakistan nationals arrested with 86 kg narcotics off Gujarat coast

In a joint mid-sea operation, the Gujarat’s Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Sunday seized a Pakistani boat with 14 crew members and 86 kg of drugs valued at ₹602 crore off the Porbandar coast in Gujarat. The authorities arrested all 14 persons, who are Pakistan nationals, after their boat was seized in the sea.

Geneva-based UN-related body to review India’s human rights accreditation status this week

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is preparing to defend the government’s human rights processes at a meeting in Geneva this week, where a decision on whether India’s human rights body will retain its “A status” is expected to be made. The NHRC’s ratings were put on hold in 2023 over concerns on its composition procedure, the presence of police personnel in human rights investigations, and the lack of gender and minority representation, and the decision over whether the NHRC is given an A rating or a B rating would affect its ability to vote at the UN Human Rights Council and some UNGA bodies. 

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak declines to rule out July election amid MP defection

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on April 28 refused to categorically rule out a July general election amid a damaging defection by one of his Conservative Party MPs to the Opposition Labour Party, just days before local and mayoral elections in the country on May 2.

Aerial photos show wide devastation left by tornado in China’s Guangzhou

Aerial photos posted by Chinese state media on April 28 showed the wide devastation of a part of the southern city of Guangzhou after a tornado swept through the day before, killing five people, injuring dozens others and damaging over a hundred buildings. 

Hamas official says delegation to respond to Gaza truce plan in Egypt Monday

A senior Hamas official told AFP on April 28 that the group would deliver its response to Israel’s latest counterproposal for a Gaza ceasefire on April 29 in Egypt. “A Hamas delegation headed by Khalil al-Hayya will arrive in Egypt tomorrow… and deliver the movement’s response” to the Israeli proposal during a meeting with Egyptian intelligence officials, said the official who declined to be named.

IPL-17: CSK vs SRH | Ruturaj, Mitchell and Deshpande sizzle as CSK trounces SRH

Ruturaj Gaikwad might have missed out on a well-deserved second consecutive ton, but the Chennai Super Kings skipper regaled the sell-out crowd with a scintillating 98 (54b, 10×4, 3×6) to set up a commanding 78-run win for his side over Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here on Sunday. 

Three Louisiana police officers were wounded by gunfire Sunday in a standoff with a man suspected of shooting three other people in the past week, authorities said.

The injured officers were taken to a hospital after being shot Sunday morning at a home in Kenner, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) west of New Orleans, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said. Their conditions were not immediately known.

SWAT team officers were still outside the home Sunday afternoon, The Times-Picayune/The New Orleans Advocate reported. No arrests had been announced.

The man who shot the officers was wanted in a shooting earlier Sunday in which two people were wounded, said Kenner police spokesman Capt. Michael Cunningham. He said the man is also a suspect in a holdup and shooting Tuesday that left a man in critical condition.

London:

Overseas Friends of BJP UK (UP Chapter) orchestrated a magnificent “Run for Modi” event on Sunday, in the vibrant city of London.

Despite being tagged as a “Run for Modi,” the event took the form of a leisurely walk, symbolising solidarity and support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s re-election campaign. The Indian community in the UK showcased unwavering support for the BJP and Prime Minister Modi, turning the event into a resounding success, according to a release by the organising committee.

Here are some more videos from the ongoing event#Run4ModiInLondon#NRI4NaMo2024#OFBJPUK#FlashMobInLondonpic.twitter.com/nLiK6XJmAF

— OFBJP UK (Modi Ka Pariwar) (@OFBJPUK) April 28, 2024

Despite the drizzling weather, the event witnessed an overwhelming turnout, with more than 500 enthusiastic participants joining in the walk. The scenic route commenced from Westminster Pier, traversing through the heart of London and culminating at the iconic Tower Bridge. Participants, adorned in vibrant hues, radiated positivity and fervour as they marched in unison, echoing their endorsement for Prime Minister Modi, the release added.

The crowd gathered are eccentric and in full upbeat mode, raising slogans in support of @narendramodi ji. #Run4ModiInLondon#NRI4NaMo2024#OFBJPUK#FlashMobInLondon@Dev_Fadnavis@nitin_gadkari@kishanreddybjp@Tejasvi_Surya@SudhanshuTrivedpic.twitter.com/MsDaZAKBxm

— OFBJP UK (Modi Ka Pariwar) (@OFBJPUK) April 28, 2024

The highlight of the event was a captivating flash mob that unfolded against the backdrop of the majestic London Bridge, captivating bystanders and participants alike. The vibrant and energetic display encapsulated the spirit of unity and camaraderie among the Indian community in the UK, underscoring their unwavering support for the BJP and PM Modi, it also said.

Overseas Friends of BJP UK organized a ‘Run for Modi’ & ‘Flash Mob’ event in London. The Indian Diaspora in the UK showcased unwavering support for the BJP and Prime Minister Modi, turning the event into a resounding success. pic.twitter.com/5JUIeK0dSo

— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2024

Speaking about the event, Anand Arya (Vice President of OFBJP UK) expressed profound gratitude towards the Indian community for their overwhelming participation and fervent support. Suresh Mangalgiri (GS OFBJP UK) remarked, “The ‘Run for Modi’ event exemplifies the deep-rooted admiration and allegiance of the Indian community towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP.

“Despite the adverse weather conditions, the enthusiasm and spirit displayed by the participants were truly commendable,” said Darshan Grewal, Vice President of OFBJP UK, the release added.

The event garnered widespread attention and acclaim across various media platforms, further amplifying the message of unity and solidarity among the Indian community in the UK. The resounding success of the “Run for Modi” event serves as a testament to the unwavering support and fervour of the Indian community towards Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a prosperous and progressive India.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)