Earlier scholars believed Queen Hatshepsut’s stepson Thutmose III unleashed a posthumous campaign of defilement against her out of revenge and hatred.
She was one of ancient Egypt’s most successful rulers, a rare female pharaoh who preceded Cleopatra by 1,500 years, but Queen Hatshepsut’s legacy was systematically erased by her stepson successor after her death.
The question of why her impressive reign was so methodically scrubbed has attracted significant debate, but in new research published Monday, University of Toronto scholar Jun Wong argues far too much emphasis has been placed on her gender.
“It’s quite a romantic question: why was this pharaoh attacked after her death?” Wong told AFP, explaining his interest in a monarch who steered ancient Egypt through a period of extraordinary prosperity.
Earlier scholars believed Queen Hatshepsut’s stepson Thutmose III unleashed a posthumous campaign of defilement against her out of revenge and hatred, including because he wanted to purge any notion that a woman could successfully rule.
“The way in which (Hatshepsut’s) reign has been understood has always been coloured by her gender,” Wong said, referencing beliefs that Thutmose III may have viewed her as “a kind of an evil stepmother.”
His research, which builds on other recent scholarship and is being published in the journal Antiquity, argues Thutmose III’s motivations were far more nuanced, casting further doubt on the theory of backlash against a woman in charge.
Four senior employees of Air India’s airport gateway services provider AISATS have been told to resign after a video showing employees partying in the workplace went viral on social media.
The party at AISATS’ Gurugram office was reportedly organised just days after the Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad that killed 259 people.
An AISATS spokesperson said the company stands in solidarity with the families affected by the tragic loss of flight AI 171, and expressed regret over the “internal video”, which was seen by many on social media as a time not appropriate for celebrations.
“At AISATS, we stand in solidarity with families affected by the tragic loss of AI 171 and deeply regret the lapse in judgment reflected in a recent internal video,” the spokesperson said.
“The behaviour does not align with our values, and firm disciplinary action has been taken against those responsible as we reaffirm our commitment to empathy, professionalism, and accountability,” the spokesperson said.
The company said it has asked four senior officials to go and warned many others.
AISATS is a 50-50 joint venture between Air India Ltd, which is part of the Tata Group, and SATS Ltd, a player in gateway services and food solutions.
The Boeing Dreamliner bound for London on June 12 started losing altitude and crashed seconds after the take-off. It slammed into a residential campus of BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar, located just outside the airport perimeter. Only one passenger out of the 242 on board — an Indian-origin British national seated in seat 11A — survived.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is calling off trade negotiations with Canada immediately, citing its digital services tax and adding that Ottawa will learn of their tariff rate within a week.
Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.Based on this egregious Tax, we are hereby terminating ALL discussions on Trade with Canada, effective immediately,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is calling off trade negotiations with Canada immediately, citing its digital services tax and adding that Ottawa will learn of their tariff rate within a week.
The Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath began in Odisha’s Puri today. Lakhs of devotees from across the world have gathered to witness the grand procession of the three divine siblings, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra.
This revered annual event is held during Ashadh Shukla Paksha in the Hindu calendar month Asadh.
The historic Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the Char Dhams of Hinduism, holds within its sacred precincts several mystical traditions and ancient secrets, one of the most intriguing being that of the third step at the temple’s entrance, known as ‘Yamashila’ or ‘Yama’s stone’.
The Mystery Of The Third Step
To enter the Jagannath Temple, one must ascend 22 stairs, each considered sacred. The third step from the bottom holds special, and somewhat ominous, significance. Known as Yamashila, this step, in religious lore, is believed to be the abode of Yamraj, the Hindu god of death.
According to a popular legend, Yamraj once visited Lord Jagannath, troubled by the fact that no souls were coming to his domain. Only seeing Lord Jagannath was believed to grant salvation to devotees, allowing them to skip the journey to Yamlok (the land of the dead).
According to mythology, upon hearing this, Lord Jagannath directed Yamraj to reside on the third step of the temple’s entrance, declaring, “He who steps on this stair after seeing me shall be freed of sins, but shall come to your abode.”
Since then, this step has been known as Yamashila, and devotees consciously avoid stepping on it, especially after the darshan (sacred viewing) of Lord Jagannath. Many even touch the step with reverence and pass over it, ensuring their feet don’t land directly on it.
How To Identify The Yamashila Step
The temple authorities have made it easier for devotees to observe this tradition. The Yamashila step is distinctly coloured black, unlike the other 21 steps.
Operation Red Wedding was designed to crush Iran’s military leadership in one fell swoop, denying them the ability to coordinate a retaliatory strike. Simultaneously, Israeli jets and drones were tasked with dismantling missile launchers and nuclear sites to cripple Iran’s future capabilities.
In a covert strike reminiscent of the infamous “Red Wedding” from Game of Thrones, Israeli military generals executed a meticulously planned operation on June 13th to eliminate Iran’s top military commanders. Running parallel was Operation Narnia, a deadly mission that successfully assassinated nine of Iran’s most prominent nuclear scientists – right at their homes in Tehran.
These twin operations have now cemented Israel’s standing as the undisputed military powerhouse in the region.
“When we started to plan this thing in detail, it was very difficult to know that this would work,” said Maj. Gen. Oded Basiuk, head of the Israeli military Operations Directorate and a key architect of the assault, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The groundwork for this mission wasn’t laid overnight. It dates back to the mid-1990s when Israeli intelligence first flagged Iran’s clandestine efforts to develop nuclear weapons. What started with a vast web of spies evolved into a sabotage campaign – two bombings at enrichment facilities, and a string of targeted assassinations of Iranian scientists. But as Iran’s nuclear ambitions persisted, Israel concluded that mere sabotage wasn’t enough; the entire program had to be dismantled.Several times, Israel came close to launching a full-scale attack. Yet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was repeatedly overruled by his own cabinet and security chiefs-fearing a direct war with Iran could rupture ties with the US, which then preferred diplomacy over military strikes.
Everything changed after Hamas’s October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel. In the two years that followed, Israel decimated Hamas and significantly weakened Hezbollah. Meanwhile, opposition forces toppled Syria’s Iran-backed government, replacing it with an anti-Iran regime-opening up Syrian airspace for Israeli jets.
On Wednesday, Queens native and Grammy-winning rapper 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, posted a clip of Mr Mamdani outlining his tax plan.
Rapper 50 Cent has taken aim at Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York mayor polls, over his proposed tax policies, offering the candidate a “first class one-way ticket” out of the city.
Mr Mamdani, an assemblyman from Queens and self-described democratic socialist, won in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. His poll pitch focuses on making life more affordable for working-class New Yorkers, with promises to freeze rent on stabilised units, provide free public buses, and set up city-owned grocery stores. To fund these, he plans to raise taxes on the city’s richest residents and big corporations.
On Wednesday, Queens native and Grammy-winning rapper 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, posted a clip of Mr Mamdani outlining his tax plan.
“Where did he come from? Whose friend is this? I’m not feeling this plan. No. I will give him $258,750 (over Rs 2.2 crore) and a first class one-way ticket away from NY,” the rapper wrote on Instagram.”Rs 2.2 Crore, One-Way Ticket”: Rapper 50 Cent’s Offer To Zohran Mamdani
On Wednesday, Queens native and Grammy-winning rapper 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, posted a clip of Mr Mamdani outlining his tax plan.
Rapper 50 Cent has taken aim at Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York mayor polls, over his proposed tax policies, offering the candidate a “first class one-way ticket” out of the city.
Mr Mamdani, an assemblyman from Queens and self-described democratic socialist, won in Tuesday’s Democratic primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. His poll pitch focuses on making life more affordable for working-class New Yorkers, with promises to freeze rent on stabilised units, provide free public buses, and set up city-owned grocery stores. To fund these, he plans to raise taxes on the city’s richest residents and big corporations.
On Wednesday, Queens native and Grammy-winning rapper 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, posted a clip of Mr Mamdani outlining his tax plan.
“Where did he come from? Whose friend is this? I’m not feeling this plan. No. I will give him $258,750 (over Rs 2.2 crore) and a first class one-way ticket away from NY,” the rapper wrote on Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLVuNF4tGm2/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=485&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ndtv.com&rp=%2Fworld-news%2Fwhere-did-he-come-from-rapper-50-cent-on-zohran-mamdani-new-york-mayor-polls-tax-plans-8773138#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A1053.4000000003725%2C%22ls%22%3A588.4000000003725%2C%22le%22%3A608.7000000001863%7D
The comment came after Mr Mamdani name-dropped 50 Cent on The Breakfast Club podcast, acknowledging that his tax policies may not sit well with celebrities and wealthy figures.
“I know if 50 Cent is listening, he’s not going to be happy about this. He tends to not like this tax policy, but I want to be very clear this is about $20,000 a year,” Mr Mamdani said.
He said his tax plan targets corporations making millions in profit, not just revenue, and includes a flat “2 per cent tax increase” on the top “1 per cent of New Yorkers”, specifically those earning a million dollars or more annually.
The rapper, whose net worth is estimated near $1 billion, fired back on Instagram, writing, “I’m telling Trump what he said too.”
Zohran Mamdani elaborated on his tax plans during a CNN interview with Erin Burnett on Thursday. Responding to concerns that the wealthy might leave the city if taxes go up, Mr Mamdani cited a 2023 Fiscal Policy Institute report that found the top one per cent of earners leave New York at one-fourth the rate of other income groups and often relocate to other high-tax states like New Jersey and California.
According to the MLA, the passenger and his companion responded rudely and threatened him. He claimed video evidence now supports his version of events
BJP’s Babina MLA Rajeev Singh on Thursday clarified his stand on the May 19 incident aboard the Vande Bharat Express, stating that a “misunderstanding” with fellow passengers escalated unnecessarily and that the altercation by his supporters in Jhansi was “unfortunate and unintended”.
Addressing a press conference, the MLA said he was travelling with his wife and children from Delhi to Jhansi when he “politely requested” a passenger to swap seats so the family could sit together.
According to the MLA, the passenger and his companion responded rudely and threatened him. He claimed video evidence now supports his version of events.
The Uttar Pradesh unit of the BJP, on June 22, issued a show-cause notice to the party MLA in connection with the episode. The BJP had sought a reply from the legislator within seven days.According to the Government Railway Police (GRP), the altercation occurred on June 19 on the Delhi-Bhopal Vande Bharat Express, allegedly over changing seats and objectionable sitting posture inside the train.
The situation escalated at Jhansi station, where a passenger was allegedly assaulted by some individuals linked to the ruling party MLA.
On Thursday, Mr Singh reiterated that he had filed a non-cognisable report (NCR) with the GRP that same evening after the encounter.
He added that during the train journey, he had also sought assistance via the Rail Madad helpline, citing safety concerns.
Later, when the train reached Jhansi, some of his local supporters, informed by his security personnel, allegedly assaulted one of the passengers. The MLA said this was done “in over-enthusiasm” and without his approval.
He stated that he later apologised to the passengers, who accepted his regret and acknowledged the misunderstanding.
The incident has drawn political reactions, with some opposition leaders and a former IPS officer demanding action. However, the passenger involved has not filed a formal complaint, and the matter is currently under police investigation.
Author Chetan Bhagat has come out in support of Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh, who is in the middle of a raging controversy about the casting of Pakistani star Hania Aamir in his latest film Sardaar Ji 3.
The film released in international territories today, skipping an India debut amid India-Pakistan tensions following the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, a series of retaliatory air strikes by India on Pakistan terror camps.
Calls for banning Sardaar Ji 3 and Diljit Dosanjh have strengthened since the trailer, also featuring Hania Aamir, dropped on social media on Sunday.
At the NDTV Creators’ Manch on Friday, Chetan Bhagat said, “I love Diljit. he is one of the truly exceptionally talented individuals. I admire him. He sticks to his principles. He wanted to be in Bollywood, but he didn’t cut his hair… He still became a star. It’s not a joke, anyone can get tempted. His music, his concerts, his reels are hilarious.”
At the event, the author and speaker said banning a film which also belongs to the production crew doesn’t make sense.
“That film is not Diljit’s alone. No film just belongs to the actor. At least 300 people must have worked on the film. Even if you have an issue with Diljit, penalising those people is not fair, so much money has gone into it. Banning a film is too much. You don’t like the film, don’t watch it. The calls for his boycott are highly unfair.”
Chetan Bhagat also said, “We don’t need to hate anyone to keep our country safe.”
“Humein Pakistan ke mooh nahin lagna, humein apni country ko safe and secure karna hai (We don’t have to engage with Pakistan, we just have to keep our country safe and secure). Look at our level, then look at theirs. We don’t need to hate anyone to keep our country safe. If they trouble us, we’ll teach them a lesson. Our hate will make them win,” he added.
F-35B is an American-made supersonic stealth fighter jet of the fifth generation and the most advanced stealth fighter in the world, developed by Lockheed Martin.
The British F-35B fighter jet, stuck in Kerala for two weeks after it made an emergency landing, will be moved to the hangar of the airport once “engineering teams from the UK arrive with specialist equipment.”
Earlier, sources told NDTV that the British Navy had requested the aircraft not be moved to the hangar as they may not want others to take a closer look at the “protected technologies” of the fighter jet.F-35B is an American-made supersonic stealth fighter jet of the fifth generation and the most advanced stealth fighter in the world, developed by Lockheed Martin. The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is the most expensive fighter jet programme in history.
The British High Commission spokesperson said, “A UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport.”
“The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft,” they added.Earlier, Air India had offered a parking space in the hangar of the Thiruvananthapuram airport, but sources told NDTV that the British Navy had declined the offer.
The UK High Commission in Bengaluru responded to a question from NDTV about the plane’s status and said, “A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the Carrier,” the High Commission said.”
The fighter jet is part of the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group deployed to the Indo-Pacific. The F-35B was returning to its base after completing a joint maritime exercise with the Indian Navy when it made an emergency landing on June 14.
The authorities at the airport expected the aircraft to take off shortly after refuelling when it reported low fuel levels, but the technical snag extended, forcing the potent fighter jet to stay at the airport.
In a personal attack, Trump said Mamdani, a 33-year-old self-proclaimed socialist, “looks terrible” and lacks intelligence.
Currently a New York state assemblyman representing the borough of Queens, Mamdani’s eye-catching policy proposals include freezing rent for many New Yorkers, free bus service, and universal childcare. In a city where a three-bedroom apartment can easily cost $6,000 a month, his message struck a chord.Mamdani– an Indian origin Muslim, who is the son of acclaimed Indian American filmmaker Mira Nair and an Indian-born Ugandan Marxist scholar Mahmood Mamdani– won the democratic race after former New York governor Andrew Cuomo conceded New York City’s mayoral primary election. Mamdani won 43.5 per cent of the vote, and 90 per cent of the ballots counted.If Mamdani wins the final race, he will become New York’s first Muslim mayor.
The son of Indian-origin immigrants, he is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America party — the kind of niche, leftist affiliation that many Democratic leaders believe their party needs to shed. The fact that Mamdani speaks out for Palestinians and has accused Israel of “genocide” also makes him a prime target for Trump.US Donald Trump has weighed in on the victory of Indian-origin leftist socialist Zohran Mamdani in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary election, calling him a “100 per cent communist lunatic”. Trump also criticised other progressive leaders who support Mamdani, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Senator Chuck Schumer, after former New York governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the election.
“It’s finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor. We’ve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous,” the Republican said in a post on his Truth Social platform.unched a verbal assault on Mamdani, questioning his appearance, voice, and intellect.
