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Worldnews

Tunisian Court Hands Lengthy Prison Sentences To Ex-officials

Opposition leader Ghannouchi, ex-prime minister and former presidential aide sentenced amid President Saied’s crackdown on dissent. A Tunisian court has handed jail terms to 21 high-profile politicians and former top officials, including opposition leader and ex-Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi, the Tunis Afrique Press (TAP) news agency reports. The rulings on Tuesday are the latest move in President Kais Saied’s widening crackdown on critics and political opponents. Ghannouchi, the leader of the Ennahdha party who has been in jail since 2023, was sentenced to up to 14 years in jail. Several others, including former Prime Minister Youssef Chahed and ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs Rafik Abdessalem Bouchlaka, were sentenced in absentia to 35 years. Nadia Akacha, Saied’s former chief of staff, who was considered a close and influential aide to the president, was also handed a 35-year prison sentence in absentia, according to the TAP. The charges against the defendants cover a wide range of alleged offences, including forming and joining a “terrorist” organisation and conspiring against internal state security. On Tuesday, Bouchlaka, the former foreign minister, dismissed the sentences as unserious, saying that the Tunisian government has become a “mockery in front of the world with its immaturity, recklessness and craziness”. “Sooner or later, this lying, deceptive coup regime will leave like the dictators, tyrants and fraudsters that left before it,” Bouchlaka wrote in a social media post. Many opposition leaders, some journalists and critics of Saied have been imprisoned since he suspended the elected parliament and began ruling by decree in 2021 – moves the opposition has described as a coup. Critics have accused Saied of using the judiciary and police to target his political opponents. Many warn that democratic gains in the birthplace of the Arab Spring in the years since the 2011 revolution that toppled longtime Tunisian leader Zine El Abidine Ben Ali are being steadily rolled back. Saied rejects the accusations and says his actions are legal and aimed at ending years of chaos and rampant corruption. Ennahdha denies allegations against the group. The party had emerged as one of Tunisia’s largest after the 2011 uprising, and Ghannouchi led a power-sharing agreement with late President Beji Caid Essebsi to transition the country to democracy. Last year, the Tunisian government closed down Ennahda’s headquarters in Tunis. Ghannouchi, 84, is already serving other jail sentences for charges that his supporters say are political. In February, he was given a 22-year sentence for “plotting against state security”. Ennahdha called the ruling “a blatant assault on the independence and impartiality of the judiciary and a blatant politicisation of its procedures and rulings”. Follow Al Jazeera English:...

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Alia Bhatts Former Assistant Gets Arrested For 77 Lakh Scam: A Story Of Betrayal, Chase, And Devastating Deception

What comes to mind when you hear Alia Bhatt is likely her effortless charm, blockbuster performances, and her consistent rise to one of Bollywood’s most prominent stars. But behind all the glitz, this week placed a very personal and ominous chapter into the headlines, one that includes betrayal, financial deceit, and a fugitive former employee. Alia’s former personal assistant, Vedika Prakash Shetty, has been arrested after allegedly cheating the actress to the tune of a staggering ₹76.9 lakh. And the best part? Vedika was not just another staffer; she was someone who was entrusted with personal duties and privy to Alia’s daily life and work. Vedika served Alia from 2021 to 2024, managing her personal finances, organizing her travel and meetings, and additionally looking after some of the backend of Alia’s production company, Eternal Sunshine Productions, which was started in 2021. She was, in a sense, a part of the close inner circle. But from May 2022 to August 2024, according to the police, Vedika stealthily started abusing her position. She supposedly forged bills, informed Alia that they were for business travel and meetings, and obtained signatures on them. When sanctioned, the payments were made not to the suppliers, but to the bank account of a friend of Vedika’s. The money would then flow back into her account. It was a well-hidden fraud, but one that could not remain so for eternity. The whole thing came to light when Soni Razdan, Alia’s mother and a director-actor herself, detected some financial discrepancies and approached the Juhu Police on January 23, 2025, with the complaint. After the complaint was lodged, the police began investigating, and what they unearthed was shocking. Vedika had allegedly been forging documents, routing money through a third party, and systematically draining funds from both Alia’s personal and production accounts, all under the pretense of work-related expenses. What made things even more dramatic? Right after the complaint was filed, Vedika vanished. As police began tracking her, Vedika changed cities from Rajasthan to Karnataka, then Pune, and finally Bengaluru. Each time, she managed to stay ahead of the cops, constantly moving to avoid being caught. But after nearly five months on the run, the Juhu Police finally nabbed her in Bengaluru, bringing her back to Mumbai on a transit warrant. Police sources confirmed they’re currently reviewing her financial records, going through her bank statements, and looking into whether anyone else may have been involved in helping her carry out the fraud. Interestingly, Alia Bhatt has not issued a statement yet. Given how close Vedika was to her personal and professional life, it’s not hard to imagine how deeply upsetting this experience must be. When trust is broken so brutally and by someone who worked beside you daily, it’s more than just a legal matter. It hits on a human level. Friends and fans of Alia have expressed disbelief and support, many calling it a “huge betrayal” and hoping justice is served soon. Industry insiders are also talking about how important it is to have strong financial safeguards even with people you trust implicitly. With Vedika in custody and a full-scale investigation under way, further information should come to light over the next few weeks. Whether she was acting alone or if there were others who took part is still unknown. But one thing’s for sure: celebrity or not, betrayal by someone you trust always hurts. For Alia, it’s a bitter reminder that even in a society with teams and assistants galore, one has to remain vigilant when it comes to money. As fans, we wish Alia strength and hope that the issue is resolved soon. Meanwhile, the industry watches closely, and so does the public as the plot unfolds.

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Worldnews

Israeli Strike Kills At Least Three People In Northern Lebanon

Israel claims it targeted a ‘key figure’ from the Palestinian group Hamas near the coastal Lebanese city of Tripoli. An Israeli strike on a vehicle near the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli has killed at least three people and injured 13 others, Lebanon’s Health Ministry says, in the latest breach of a ceasefire between the two countries. The attack in the Ayrounieh area on Tuesday came as Israel intensifies its strikes in Lebanon amid Hezbollah’s weakened position, the Lebanese army’s inability to fight back and the international community’s failure to pressure Israel to abide by the truce. The strike near Lebanon’s northernmost major city – more than 180km (110 miles) from the Israeli border – highlights Israel’s willingness to launch assaults across the country, not just in the south. The Israeli military claimed that it struck a “key” figure from the Palestinian group Hamas without identifying the target. A Hamas source in Lebanon told Al Araby TV that no senior official from the group was killed in the strike. Lebanon’s Annahar newspaper reported that initial reports indicated that the assassination attempt might have failed. Hamas and other Palestinian groups maintain a presence in various areas of Lebanon, mostly in refugee camps that have housed Palestinians for decades. Tripoli is home to the large Beddawi Palestinian refugee camp. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023, Israel has carried out attacks against the Lebanese group Hezbollah and members of Palestinian factions in Lebanon. Hamas’s deputy chief Saleh al-Arouri was killed in an Israeli air strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs in early 2024. While the ceasefire last year ended the conflict, Israel has continued to carry out strikes on what it says are Hezbollah arms depots and fighters, mostly in southern Lebanon. Israeli attacks have also targeted homes, municipal workers and civilian infrastructure. On Monday, at least one person was killed in a suspected Israeli air attack on a van in the town of Deir Kifa in southern Lebanon. The recent attacks were launched as United States envoy Thomas Barrack was in Lebanon for a two-day visit to discuss disarming Hezbollah. On Monday after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Barrack told reporters he was “unbelievably satisfied” with Lebanon’s reply to a US proposal on taking away Hezbollah’s weapons. Barrack, a longtime adviser to US President Donald Trump who also serves as US ambassador to Turkiye and special envoy for Syria, said he believed “the Israelis do not want war with Lebanon”. “Both countries are trying to give the same thing – the notion of a stand-down agreement, of the cessation of hostilities and a road to peace,” he said. On Sunday, Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem ruled out giving up the group’s weapons before Israel withdraws from the areas it still occupies in southern Lebanon in violation of the ceasefire. Follow Al Jazeera English:...

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Ways To Reduce Screen Time For Healthy Vision

Reducing screen time is important for maintaining healthy vision and preventing digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Screens have become a constant part of daily life in today’s digital world, from work and education to entertainment and communication. While technology offers convenience and connectivity, excessive screen time poses serious risks to eye health with outcomes like blurred vision, dry eyes, and long-term vision problems. According to a 2022 survey by the American Optometric Association, the average gamer spends more than eight hours a day on screens and has experienced various eye-related symptoms from gaming, including eyestrain, headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. The body noted that many gamers are aware of the eye health implications of long-term screen usage, but less than half, 46 per cent, visit an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination every year. Defining digital eye strain as a complex eye and vision problem related to near work experienced during or due to computer use, the AOA stated, “Using technology has many benefits, but it should be used responsibly. “With gaming and screen time on the rise, so is the risk of screen-related eye issues. The sooner you start prioritising your eye health offline, the longer you can continue doing what you love online.” The Chief Medical Director, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof John Okeniyi, said that excessive screen time leads to eye strain and blurred vision. Okeniyi, who is also a Consultant Paediatrician, said digital eye strain is also becoming increasingly common in children due to excessive screen exposure. He also warned that excessive screen time is posing serious health risks to children, including delays in cognitive and motor development, obesity, vision problems, and mental health issues. According to an online medical portal, Mayo Clinic, prolonged exposure to screens can lead to fatigue, discomfort, and even difficulty focusing on distant objects. “As such, it is crucial to adopt healthy habits that reduce screen time and support better vision. Simple lifestyle changes like following the 20-20-20 rule, taking frequent breaks, and setting screen-free zones can make a significant difference. “For both children and adults, prioritising eye care is essential in a world increasingly dominated by digital devices. “By taking conscious steps to limit screen exposure, individuals can preserve their vision and reduce the risk of digital eye-related issues. Healthy vision starts with smarter screen habits.” However, the following are some effective tips to reduce screen time and improve your vision: Take breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule Take eye breaks. Look away from your monitor, smartphones, televisions, and tablets, among other things. According to Mayo Clinic, the 20-20-20 rule is the game: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. “The 20-20-20 rule is an effective way of protecting your eyes from digital strain. This gives your eyes a chance to relax and reduce fatigue,” it said. Check lighting and reduce glare Mayo Clinic stressed that bright lighting and too much glare can strain the eyes and make it difficult to see objects on a monitor. “The worst problems are generally from sources above or behind you, including fluorescent lighting and sunlight. Consider turning off some or all of the overhead lights. If you need light for writing or reading, use an adjustable desk lamp. “Close blinds or shades, and avoid placing your monitor directly in front of a window or white wall. Place an anti-glare cover over the screen,” it added. Maintain correct screen positioning Correct screen positioning is essential to reduce eye strain and discomfort. When your screen is at the right height and distance, your eyes don’t have to work as hard to focus, preventing fatigue and potential long-term vision issues. “Your computer monitor should be at arm’s length, with the top of the screen adjusted to just below eye level. Make sure that your computer monitor is at arm’s length and adjust the height so the top of the screen is just below eye level,” a Las Vegas ophthalmology and LASIK clinic, Brimhall Eye.  Use computer eyeglasses According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if you work on a computer for many hours at a time, you might find that using computer eyeglasses reduces eye strain. “These prescription glasses allow you to focus your eyes specifically at computer screen distance (intermediate distance, which is about 20–26 inches away from your face). Some of these glasses have multifocal lenses to help you quickly shift your focus between close, intermediate, and far distances. Be aware that computer glasses for reducing eye strain are not the same as blue light blocking glasses,” it stated. Adjust brightness and screen contrast “If your screen glows brighter than your surroundings, your eyes have to work harder to see. Adjust your screen brightness to match the level of light around you. Also, try increasing the contrast on your screen to reduce eye strain,” the American Academy of Ophthalmology advised. Engage in offline activities In this fast-paced digital world, offline leisure activities have emerged as a vital avenue for personal well-being and work-life balance. They refer to activities that do not require screens or the internet and allow individuals to engage in hobbies, sports, and social interactions offline. As we spend an increasing amount of time online, reconnecting with the offline world offers a refreshing break, fostering creativity, relaxation, and deeper social connections. They encourage us to escape the constant buzz of notifications, allowing our minds to recharge and focus on what truly matters.