Home Blog Page 208

Caviar, truffle and hen pot pies: what celebs will eat on the Oscars

0

Hundreds of kilos of caviar, black truffle, sushi and tomahawk steak have been shipped to Hollywood for the standard lavish Oscars after-party this Sunday.

They shall be washed down with hundreds of bottles of tequila and champagne on the Governors Ball, the place newly minted Academy Award winners get their statuettes engraved whereas fellow A-listers feast, dance and gossip.

“We make 25,000 small plates,” stated Wolfgang Puck, the movie star chef who’s returning to take cost of the celebration’s menu for a thirty second consecutive yr.

“You can have Japanese food, you can have Austrian food, you can have always the best steak,” the Austrian-born restaurateur advised AFP, as he seared a juicy tomahawk at a Tuesday press preview occasion.

At a time when slimming capsules are ubiquitous in Los Angeles, Puck joked that Tinseltown’s famously weight-obsessed stars can have their Miyazaki beef “with Ozempic instead of spinach” if they like.

Quantities matter at a celebration of this scale: Puck anticipated that 1,200 of his conventional hen pot pies would require 50 kilos (22 kilograms) of black truffle, served alongside 70 kilos of caviar, 1,000 plates of macaroni and cheese, and greater than 200 kilos of tomahawk steak.

A brand new sushi station will characteristic 5 cooks making ready handrolls and nigiri.

Piper-Heidsieck champagne and Dassai sake shall be served together with wines from Domaine Clarence Dillon — and movie-themed Don Julio tequila cocktails.

This yr’s choices embody the “Best in Show,” the “Golden Cut Margarita,” the “Maestro Martini” and “The Sequel,” made with gold vanilla edible paint streaked alongside the aspect.

These are the Mexican and Italian-inspired creations of Lorenzo Antinori, co-founder of Hong Kong’s world-renowned Bar Leone, who has been flown in for the occasion.

As regular, dessert shall be accompanied by hundreds of golden chocolate statuettes, making certain everybody can take an Oscar house.

“I think the reason why people love them so much is because it’s so hard to get a real Oscar, right?” chef Garry Larduinat advised AFP.

“So having one made of chocolate, being able to take it home and be like ‘I was there,’ that’s very special. It’s unique,” he stated. “This is the only place you can get one.”

© 2026 AFP

Source

Spring coaching roundup: Tatsuya Imai, Astros shut down Marlins

0

(Photo credit score: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images)

Tatsuya Imai threw three excellent innings, Jose Altuve hit his first residence run of spring coaching and the Houston Astros defeated the host Miami Marlins 4-1 on Wednesday in Jupiter, Fla.

Imai, the Japanese ace who signed a three-year, $54 million contract with the Astros this winter, caught out 4 and wanted simply 35 pitches (24 strikes) to breeze via Miami’s lineup. Isaac Paredes broke a 0-0 stalemate with a solo shot within the fourth inning earlier than Zach Cole and Altuve went back-to-back within the sixth.

Heriberto Hernandez hit his third homer of the spring for the Marlins’ lone run. Starter Max Meyer fanned six batters in three innings earlier than Janson Junk gave up the primary residence run and Bradley Blalock allowed the following two.

Braves 5, Rays 3

Matt Olson’s first-inning homer was his third longball of the spring, and Brett Wisely added a house run as Atlanta beat visiting Tampa Bay in North Port, Fla.

Olson completed 2-for-3 and Austin Riley added an RBI double for the Braves. Spencer Strider struck out 5 in 4 innings on his strategy to his second win of spring coaching.

Ben Williamson drove in all three Rays runs with a 425-foot shot within the sixth inning. He went 2-for-3, however Tampa Bay batted 1-for-8 with runners in scoring place.

Orioles 7, Pirates 2

Taylor Ward and Jose Barrero launched three-run residence runs to assist Baltimore beat visiting Pittsburgh in Sarasota, Fla.

Orioles starter Kyle Bradish held the Pirates to at least one hit and one stroll in his 5 innings, and Chris Bassitt took care of the ultimate 4 innings, yielding two runs however fanning three.

Nicholas Cimillo had a pinch-hit residence run within the ninth for the Pirates.

Twins 2, Tigers 1

Kaelen Culpepper hit a walk-off single to left with one out as host Minnesota edged Detroit in Fort Myers, Fla.

The Twins did not rating till Ildefonso Ruiz’s sacrifice fly tied the sport within the eighth. Taj Bradley struck out seven batters, scattered one run and three hits throughout his five-inning begin.

The Tigers mustered simply 4 hits in all, however they led for portion of the sport because of Riley Greene’s fourth-inning double that scored Matt Vierling.

Nationals 3, Cardinals 1

Abimelec Ortiz and Trey Lipscomb put Washington forward within the eighth inning, and the hosts held on to beat St. Louis in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Ortiz broke a 1-1 tie with an RBI double and Lipscomb adopted two batters later with a run-scoring single for the Nationals. Cade Cavalli and 4 relievers mixed to carry the Cardinals to 5 hits.

Nolan Gorman tied the sport for the Cardinals within the sixth with a run-plating single after Daylen Lile put Washington on the board with an RBI double within the first.

–Field Level Media

Source

Barbra Streisand to obtain Honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes

0

Hollywood and Broadway legend Barbra Streisand shall be awarded an Honorary Palme d’Or at this yr’s Cannes Film Festival, organizers introduced Wednesday, honoring a profession that has spanned greater than six a long time.

“It is with pride and deep humility that I am delighted to join the circle of Honorary Palme d’Or winners, whose work has inspired me for so long,” mentioned the Broadway icon. She will obtain the award on the pageant’s closing ceremony in May.

Streisand will add the prize to a legendary assortment that features 4 Emmys, ten Grammys, two Oscars, and a Tony. She is considered one of solely 22 folks to have achieved the elite EGOT standing, profitable the highest U.S. prizes in tv, music, cinema and theatre.

After her begin as breakout star in theatre on Broadway, Streisand advanced into a world icon throughout each the movie and music industries.

She gained the Best Actress Oscar for her first movie position in 1968’s “Funny Girl” at simply 26 earlier than taking residence a second in 1977 for “Evergreen”, the unique tune from “A Star Is Born”, wherein she additionally performed the lead position.

Streisand later stepped behind the digicam to jot down, direct, and produce the movie “Yentl” — the story of a younger girl who disguises herself as a person to review the Talmud.

The undertaking, based mostly on a brief story by Isaac Bashevis Singer, took 14 years to deliver to the display, however acquired seven Oscar nominations in 1984.

“It was the first time Hollywood had given such a large production budget to a female filmmaker,” famous the Cannes pageant.

Streisand can be the one feminine artist to have had an album high the charts in every of the final six a long time.

For Cannes director Thierry Fremaux, the prize recognises Streisand’s contribution because the “legendary synthesis between Broadway and Hollywood, between the music hall stage and the big screen”.

New Zealand filmmaker Peter Jackson, greatest recognized for The Lord of the Rings trilogy, will even be awarded an Honorary Palme d’Or through the pageant.

Past recipients of an honorary Palme d’Or embody U.S. actors Harrison Ford and Denzel Washington, in addition to legendary Japanese animators Studio Ghibli.

© 2026 AFP

Source

Japan to launch oil reserves as early as Monday: PM

0

TOKYO, March 11 (Xinhua) — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi mentioned Wednesday that Japan will launch the nationwide oil reserves as early as Monday to cope with a attainable surge in gasoline costs amid escalating tensions within the Middle East, native media reported.

Speaking to reporters on the prime minister’s workplace, Takaichi mentioned the scenario within the Middle East has successfully prevented crude oil tankers from passing via the Strait of Hormuz, elevating considerations that Japan’s crude imports may drop considerably later this month, public broadcaster NHK reported.

“Japan relies heavily on Middle Eastern oil and is therefore particularly vulnerable,” Takaichi mentioned, including that to make sure the oil provide is just not disrupted, “the government will utilize its oil reserves.”

Under the plan, Japan will launch 15 days’ price of reserves held by the non-public sector after which 30 days’ price of government-held oil with out ready for a global choice coordinated by the International Energy Agency, the report mentioned.

Meanwhile, the common retail gasoline value in Japan rose to 161.8 yen (about 1.02 U.S. {dollars}) per liter as of Monday, rising for the fourth straight week and surpassing 160 yen for the primary time in three months, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry mentioned Wednesday.

The Oil Information Center, which collected the info, estimates the gasoline value may climb an additional 20 yen subsequent week, as refineries have been elevating wholesale costs in response to surging oil costs.

Source

“To secure our future, we must make water conservation an integral part of our lives”: President Droupadi Murmu

0

New Delhi [India], March 11 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the ‘Jal Mahotsav 2026’ in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Speaking on the event, the President stated that in India, water is not only a fundamental amenity, however is linked to our tradition, traditions, livelihood and neighborhood life. For so a few years, villagers, particularly girls and youngsters, needed to fetch ingesting water from nice distances. Providing clear water wasn’t only a matter of comfort; it was a matter of time, well being, and dignity. To tackle these challenges, the Government of India launched the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’. Villagers who as soon as struggled to entry ingesting water now have entry to wash and protected water in their very own houses.

She stated, ‘When duty for a useful resource is taken not simply by the federal government however by the whole society, its conservation turns into simpler and sustainable. Community possession additionally performs a significant position in water administration and conservation. She expressed confidence that celebrating ‘Jal Arpan Diwas’, the formal handover of water provide infrastructure to gram panchayats, will strengthen the sense of neighborhood possession.’

The President was completely happy to notice that Self-Help Groups are concerned in water testing, operation, and different upkeep duties, in accordance a launch. She stated, ‘There are quite a few examples the place the dedication and dedication of Self-Help Groups have led to optimistic modifications within the lives of girls and society. She expressed confidence that harnessing the potential of girls by way of Self-Help Groups will likely be extraordinarily fruitful in addressing water safety.’

The President stated that multi-pronged and coordinated efforts are essential to strengthening water safety. She was completely happy to notice that greywater administration is being promoted in rural areas by way of coordination with the ‘Clean India Mission.’ For water useful resource sustainability, work is being completed in collaboration with the Central Groundwater Board and different associated organizations on groundwater recharge and water conservation. Campaigns like Catch the Rain and Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari are enjoying a significant position in rainwater harvesting. She stated that such coordination will guarantee water safety.

The President stated, ‘Water conservation is a collective duty. We should view water not merely as a commodity, however as a priceless asset for future generations. To safe our future, we should make water conservation an integral a part of our lives. Awareness about water administration and conservation among the many youthful technology will guarantee nation’s water safety in future. She expressed confidence that the ‘Jal Mahotsav’ will grow to be a medium of mass motion for India’s water safety.’

The Ministry of Jal Shakti is organising Jal Mahotsav 2026 – a nationwide marketing campaign from 8 March to 22 March to strengthen Jan Bhagidari and neighborhood possession in rural ingesting water service supply underneath the Jal Jeevan Mission. (ANI)

Source

Assam CM Sarma distributes second tranche of funds underneath Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 1.0

0

Guwahati (Assam) [India], March 11 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday distributed the second tranche of economic help underneath the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 1.0 at a programme held at Khanapara in Guwahati.

The Chief Minister disbursed greater than Rs 131 crore to 12,976 profitable entrepreneurs as a part of the second tranche of the scheme.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described the event as a decisive second for the Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 1.0 initiative. He famous that there’s typically a notion that monetary help offered by the federal government just isn’t at all times utilised successfully.

However, he mentioned many beneficiaries who acquired the primary tranche underneath the scheme have used the funds productively and progressed of their respective fields. Several of them have additionally change into eligible for loans from banks and schemes such because the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.

The Chief Minister mentioned that just about seven lakh younger individuals enter the 18-plus age group in Assam yearly, which suggests round 35 lakh youth be part of the workforce over 5 years. Society, he mentioned, should collectively deal with the problem of offering employment alternatives for this rising inhabitants.

He added that if governments fail to create employment alternatives past authorities jobs, unemployment might result in frustration among the many youth. He said that the state authorities has already offered authorities jobs to about 1.6 lakh youths whereas concurrently exploring a number of different avenues of employment for others.

Highlighting international demographic tendencies, the Chief Minister mentioned a number of nations, reminiscent of Japan and the United States, are regularly turning into ageing societies, whereas India stays a younger nation with a median age of round 27-28 years. In Assam, the median age is even decrease at about 22 years, indicating a big and energetic workforce.

He mentioned the state authorities has been working to construct a talented youth inhabitants by means of establishments reminiscent of Skill University and different coaching initiatives in order that industries are inspired to recruit younger individuals from Assam sooner or later.

The Chief Minister additional said that the dimensions of Assam’s financial system has grown from about Rs. 3.5 lakh crore to Rs. 8.5 lakh crore over the previous 5 years, creating new alternatives for employment in business, providers and agriculture.

He additionally highlighted main upcoming tasks, together with the semiconductor facility at Jagiroad, a thermal energy mission at Dhubri and a fertiliser plant at Namrup, as initiatives that may additional generate employment alternatives within the state.

Speaking concerning the Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan, Sarma mentioned the scheme supplies monetary help starting from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh to aspiring entrepreneurs with out requiring any collateral.

He added that such collateral-free capital help is uncommon in different schemes throughout the nation and displays the federal government’s confidence within the youth of Assam.

The Chief Minister knowledgeable that whereas the primary tranche of help had been offered to 25,277 younger entrepreneurs underneath Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 1.0, solely 12,976 beneficiaries had been discovered eligible for the second tranche. The remaining entrepreneurs will obtain the second tranche by August in the event that they submit correct utilisation particulars of the primary tranche to the Industries Department inside the subsequent 90 days.

He additionally introduced that entrepreneurs who utilise the federal government help correctly and subsequently take financial institution loans will obtain partial curiosity help from the state authorities.

The Chief Minister additional mentioned that discussions are underway to broaden the initiative to learn practically 10 lakh youths sooner or later.

It could also be famous that the Assam authorities launched the Chief Minister’s Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 1.0 on December 23, 2023. Under Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan 2.0, first-tranche cheques have already been distributed to 74,735 younger entrepreneurs by means of regional programmes held at 12 areas throughout the state between February 7 and February 25.

Industries, Commerce and Public Enterprises Minister Bimal Borah, MLAs Atul Bora, Ramendra Narayan Kalita, Siddhartha Bhattacharya, Diganta Kalita and Hemanga Thakuria, together with Guwahati Mayor Mrigen Sarania, Additional Chief Secretary J B Ekka and a number of other senior officers and dignitaries, had been current on the programme. (ANI)

Source

Hockey India congratulates Nikki Pradhan on finishing 200 worldwide caps

0

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], March 11 (ANI): Indian Women’s Hockey Team defender Nikki Pradhan achieved a exceptional milestone by finishing 200 International Caps throughout the workforce’s match in opposition to Wales within the FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers 2026 Hyderabad on Wednesday on the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground (Gachibowli Hockey Complex), in line with a launch.

Pradhan made her worldwide debut throughout the India Tour of South Africa in 2016, and since then has been a constant presence within the Indian defence throughout a number of main tournaments. Hailing from Jharkhand, she additionally created historical past by turning into the primary feminine hockey participant from the state to characterize India on the Olympics, when she competed on the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics. She was additionally a member of the Indian squad on the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

The 32-year-old defender has confirmed her mettle repeatedly and has been a part of a number of memorable achievements for the nationwide aspect. Her medal-winning outings embody Gold on the 2017 Women’s Asia Cup, Silver on the 2018 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, Gold on the Jharkhand Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023, and Silver on the Women’s Asia Cup Gongshu 2025.

Pradhan has additionally represented India at world occasions such because the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup in London. She was a key member of the workforce that secured a historic Silver Medal on the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang and was additionally a part of the squad that gained the FIH Women’s Series Finals Hiroshima 2019.

Additionally, Pradhan performed a vital function in India’s profitable marketing campaign in opposition to the United States throughout the FIH Olympic Qualifiers, serving to the workforce safe qualification for the Tokyo Olympics. She was additionally a part of the Indian workforce that clinched the Gold Medal on the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2022 in Spain.

Congratulating her on reaching the milestone, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey stated, ‘Reaching 200 worldwide caps is a very particular achievement and a testomony to Nikki’s dedication, consistency, and keenness for the game. Over the years, she has grown right into a reliable defender and an vital pillar of the Indian workforce. Her journey from Jharkhand to representing India at two Olympic Games continues to encourage younger gamers throughout the nation. On behalf of Hockey India, I congratulate Nikki on this exceptional milestone and need her many extra profitable matches forward.’

Echoing the emotions, Hockey India Secretary General Bhola Nath Singh stated, ‘Nikki Pradhan’s 200-cap milestone displays her resilience, self-discipline, and long-standing contribution to Indian hockey. She has been a dependable presence within the workforce via a number of Olympic cycles and main worldwide tournaments. Achievements like these spotlight the depth of expertise she brings to the squad, and we’re proud to see her proceed to serve Indian hockey with such dedication.’ (ANI)

Source

Quentin Tarantino theatrical play is titled ‘The Popinjay Cavalier’, anticipated to debut subsequent yr

0

Washington DC [US], March 11 (ANI): Critically acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino’s subsequent theatrical play is titled ‘The Popinjay Cavalier’, which is predicted to debut within the West End Theatre subsequent yr, reported Variety.

After Variety confirmed final week that Tarantino’s subsequent challenge could be a play probably premiering in London, additional particulars have been revealed in a press launch on Wednesday.

Titled ‘The Popinjay Cavalier,’ the play, described as a ‘swashbuckling comedy,’ is written and directed by Tarantino and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Set in 1830s Europe, ‘The Popinjay Cavalier’ is ‘a rambunctious comedy of deception and disguise impressed by the grand swashbuckling epics of stage and display screen,’ the press launch states as quoted by Variety.

According to the outlet, the challenge is presently in growth and planning an early 2027 debut, with a theatre to be introduced at a later date.

The dates and the forged are nonetheless underneath wraps. Casting, inventive staff, present dates and different particulars are additionally forthcoming.

Last week, Variety reported that whereas nothing is ready in stone but, the forged may comprise each rising and well-known actors.

Tarantino first revealed that he had written a play throughout a panel on the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, saying that if all goes properly, he may adapt it for the display screen to be his tenth and last film.

‘If you are questioning what I’m doing proper now, I’m writing a play, and it will be most likely the subsequent factor I find yourself doing. If it is a fiasco I most likely will not flip it right into a film. But if it is a smash hit? It could be my final film,’ stated Tarantino as quoted by Variety.

Tarantino’s final directorial was ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ which starred Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio within the lead roles. (ANI)

Source

Update: China urges Japan to correctly deal with subject of pressured conscription of

0

BEIJING, March 11 (Xinhua) — China urges Japan to do critical soul-searching on its historical past of aggression and correctly deal with points left over from historical past together with the pressured conscription of “comfort women” with an trustworthy and accountable perspective, a overseas ministry spokesperson stated right here on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a each day press briefing, in response to a question about experiences that specialists from the United Nations Human Rights Council have expressed grave concern at Japan’s denial of the suitable to reality, justice and reparation of “comfort women” survivors, and known as on Japan to make apologies and full compensation, and protect related historic accounts in textbooks.

Guo famous that the pressured recruitment of “comfort women” is a critical crime dedicated by Japanese militarism, which severely trampled on the rights of the victims. He added that the proof is ironclad and simple.

The UN human rights mechanism made a transparent assertion to as soon as once more categorical condemnation and outrage over Japanese militarist crimes and exhibit the worldwide dedication to defending equity and justice, stated Guo.

“We urge Japan to deeply reflect on its history of aggression and the disastrous suffering its crimes have inflicted on the victims, heed and act on the suggestions given by the human rights experts, and properly handle the issue of ‘comfort women’ and other issues left over from history with an honest and responsible attitude, to earn trust from its Asian neighbors and the international community with concrete actions,” Guo added.

Source

Air India Express flight from Hyderabad suffers nose-wheel problem on Phuket International Airport runway

0

New Delhi [India], March 11 (ANI): An Air India Express flight travelling from Hyderabad to Phuket was concerned in a touchdown incident on Wednesday after a technical problem with its nostril wheel left the plane stranded on the runway at Phuket International Airport.

According to an AIR India Express Spokesperson, ‘We verify that our Hyderabad-Phuket flight on 11 March skilled a problem with the nostril wheel at Phuket Airport. The crew adopted all commonplace protocols, and company have been deplaned. We thank our company, the Phuket airport authorities, and all stakeholders for his or her cooperation.’

Meanwhile, Air India on Tuesday introduced a phased enlargement of gasoline surcharges on each home and worldwide routes and mentioned the step has been necessitated by a steep rise in jet gasoline costs arising from the geopolitical scenario within the Gulf area.

In an announcement, the airline mentioned aviation turbine gasoline (ATF), which accounts for practically 40 per cent of an airline’s working prices, has witnessed a big value escalation since early March 2026 because of provide interruptions.

‘In India, this strain is amplified by excessive Excise Duty and VAT on ATF in main metro cities corresponding to Delhi and Mumbai, magnifying value….and putting substantial pressure on airline working economics,’ the assertion mentioned.

According to the assertion, the brand new gasoline surcharge can be carried out in three phases and can apply to journey on all flights, together with these operated by Air India Express.

The first part will apply to all new bookings created from March 12. Under this part, home routes inside India and flights to SAARC international locations will see a gasoline surcharge of Rs 399, which was beforehand not utilized. Flights to West Asia and the Middle East will carry a surcharge of USD 10. For Southeast Asia routes, the surcharge will rise from USD 40 to USD 60, whereas flights to Africa will see the surcharge rise from USD 60 to USD 90.

The airline additionally clarified that flights to and from Singapore at the moment don’t entice a gasoline surcharge nevertheless it shall apply from Phase 1.

Phase 2 of the surcharge enlargement will take impact for bookings created from March 18. Fuel surcharges on flights to Europe will enhance from USD 100 to USD 125. For routes to North America and Australia, the surcharge will enhance from USD 150 to USD 200.A 3rd part, overlaying Far East markets together with Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea, can be introduced in the end, the discharge mentioned.

Air India mentioned tickets already issued earlier than the implementation instances won’t entice the brand new surcharge until passengers request date or itinerary modifications that require a recalculation of fares. (ANI)

Source