Ukraine Court Jails Man For 15 Years Over Helping Russian Army

A Ukrainian court sentenced a man to 15 years in prison for passing information to Moscow that could have helped it target missile strikes, officials said Thursday.

Kyiv has opened thousands of probes against Ukrainians suspected of collaborating with Russian forces since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The SBU security service said the man, a 36-year-old living in the southwestern Chernivtsi region, "tried to pass to the aggressor the coordinates of local warehouses with fuel and lubricants" so they could be targeted in aerial attacks.

It said he had been "hiding at home" for two years, avoiding being called up from the army. After being contacted by Russian handlers online, he offered to work with them.

He was also accused of having "glorified" and "justified" Russia's invasion during an online live stream in which he set fire to the Ukrainian flag.

The SBU said his arrest prevented a "series" of aerial attacks on "critical infrastructure".

He was sentenced to 15 years on charges of attempting to commit high treason and justifying Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

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Fitness Coach Shares 7 Key Benefits Of Nasal Breathing While Working Out

It is quite common for people to start breathing through their mouths instead of their nostrils while working out. This habit may not be as efficient or effective as inhaling and exhaling through the nose, according to life fitness coach Luke Coutinho. In his latest Instagram post, Luke Coutinho has issued a wake-up call, highlighting the numerous benefits of nasal breathing. These benefits include improved overall health, stronger capillaries and better arterial function. "Small wins everyday... You don't need a content overload... you need the right knowledge, action and consistency... wake up India," he writes.

Look at his post:

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A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho)

Key benefits of breathing through nostrils while working out

1. Stronger heart and improved arterial function

According to Luke Coutinho, breathing is a "fundamental physiological process that significantly influences various aspects of human health, performance, and immunity." While working out, being mindful to breathe through our nostrils and not the mouth can make our heart stronger and improve arterial function.

2. Improved oxygen absorption in the lungs

Cardiovascular fitness is significant for the overall health of a person. Breathing through the nostrils encourages slower, deeper breaths that can lead to improved oxygen absorption in the lungs. Further, research has also indicated that it increases the production of nitric oxide (NO) in the nasal passages, which plays a major role in vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) and enhances oxygen delivery to tissues.

3. Increase in capillary density

Citing a 2019 study, Luke Coutinho states that athletes who practised nasal breathing while training "exhibited a significant increase in capillary density within skeletal muscle compared to those who did not." This vital indicator of cardiovascular fitness reflects the ability of the body to supply blood to active tissues.

4. Promotes parasympathetic response

Luke Coutinho says that chronic nasal breathing during workouts may improve arterial function as it reduces sympathetic nervous system activity and promotes a parasympathetic response. As a result, this leads to enhanced arterial compliance and reduced resting blood pressure.

5. Improved overall cardiovascular endurance

While breathing through the nostrils, people engage the diaphragm. This can enhance lung capacity and provide improved overall cardiovascular endurance.

6. Steady heart rate

The heart rate remains steady while breathing through the nose, as it promotes more controlled exercise intensity. This potentially reduces the likelihood of overexertion and related injuries during workout sessions.

7. Relaxation

Breathing through the nostrils encourages relaxation and aids recovery post-exercise. This practice enhances metabolic waste clearance through improved lymphatic drainage. Further, it increases parasympathetic nervous system activity, promoting effective recovery.

Incorporate nasal breathing for better workout and overall health.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Opinion: Opinion | Caste Census: Who Benefits From Ignorance?

India, a nation of staggering diversity, continues to march towards progress. Yet, a pressing question remains: how do we ensure this progress is inclusive? The answer lies in understanding the true social and economic realities of our people through a caste census.  

The caste system, a deep-rooted reality in Indian society, has shaped access to resources, opportunities, and rights. Despite decades of affirmative action, the lack of up-to-date data on caste demographics undermines effective policy formulation.  

India stands on the cusp of monumental transformation, yet its foundations remain deeply rooted in a caste-based hierarchy that shapes lives, opportunities, and governance. For decades, caste has been the silent architect of inequality—visible in the cracks of our social structure but invisible in official data. It is time to confront this reality with courage and clarity. A nationwide caste census is not just a demand; it is a democratic necessity.  

Why Fear Data?

For far too long, governments have tiptoed around the question of caste enumeration. The last caste census was conducted in 1931 under British rule. Since then, India's policymakers have operated in the dark. How can we address inequality without knowing its magnitude? How can we uplift marginalised communities without understanding their true population, status, and needs?  

The absence of granular caste-based statistics hinders our ability to plan welfare programmes effectively. It perpetuates the dominance of a privileged few while pushing marginalised voices further into obscurity. Congress in Karnataka is yet to publish the Caste Census report. 

Telangana under the leadership of K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) had witnessed firsthand the transformative power of targeted policies, whether through BC welfare programmes, the post-matric scholarship schemes for BC students, and BC Residental schools. For other community initiatives, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government in Telangana introduced life insurance for the weaver community, government support for inter-caste weddings, free electricity for saloons to support the Nai Brahmin community, life Insurance for weavers, and various other schemes for the dhobi community to name a few. 

The Politics of Silence

Opposition to the caste census exposes the insecurities of vested interests. The question we must ask is: who benefits from ignorance? Fear of data reveals a fear of accountability. It challenges the status quo of power and privilege that certain groups have enjoyed for decades. Those who resist a caste census are not protecting India's unity, they are protecting their monopoly over resources and representation.  

In Telangana, under the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS government, we have seen the potential of progressive governance to challenge inequality. Yet, the demand for precise numbers grows stronger. The 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census failed to publish caste-specific data, leaving millions of backward classes, Dalits, and tribal communities out of meaningful discourse. This systematic invisibilisation cannot continue.  

A Tool for Empowerment

Caste census is not divisive; it is empowering. It offers an opportunity to quantify deprivation and calibrate justice. Consider this: OBCs constitute nearly 52% of India's population, yet they hold only 27% of reservations in jobs and education. Similarly, SCs and STs face chronic underrepresentation despite constitutional safeguards. The reality could be far more skewed, but without data, their struggles remain anecdotal, not statistical.  

Nations cannot grow by ignoring inequality; they grow by confronting it. The BRS-governed Telangana has shown how welfare-driven governance can improve lives when policies are rooted in inclusion. Imagine what India could achieve if its policies were based on accurate, contemporary caste data.  

Beyond Tokenism

The caste census is not about mere numbers; it is about narratives. It is about rewriting the story of India's progress with fairness and dignity. It is about dismantling centuries of privilege and making way for equitable opportunities. It is about measuring the distance we still need to travel toward social justice.  

In the words of Babasaheb Ambedkar, “Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy.” A caste census is a step towards ensuring that India's social democracy is not a hollow promise.  

The Road Ahead

A caste census is not just a matter of numbers; it is a matter of justice. To those who fear division, we say: unity does not come from erasing identities but from respecting them. The time for hesitation is over. India must count its people, because what cannot be counted cannot be corrected. Let this be the beginning of a new era—one where data empowers democracy and equality is more than a slogan.  

The demand for a caste census is not new, but the urgency has never been greater. As India strives to become a $5 trillion economy, it cannot afford to leave millions behind.  

I urge policymakers, political parties, civil society and citizens to come together and demand a caste census. Let data guide our journey toward equality, dignity, and prosperity for all.  

(Kavitha Kalvakuntla is a Bharat Rashtra Samithi MLC from Telangana)

Disclaimer: These are the personal opinions of the author

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Transform Your 30s With These Easy Nutritionist-Approved Lifestyle Changes

As we focus more on following a strict fitness regime, we sometimes tend to forget the basics. We end up skipping breakfast, lunch due to lack of time, sleeping less than the required time and more. While the 20s are generally filled with the vibrant energy to take part in multiple activities, turning 30 can mark the beginning of the change. Our body starts feeling a bit tired by the time we reach the mid-30s, leading to a lesser interest in active participation. If you are going through similar health issues in your life, don't worry, nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee got you covered.

Anjali Mukerjee sat for a conversation with Kunal Jaisingh and host Rohit Bose Roy for for a YouTube show on How Nutrition Can Truly Change Everything. In a clip shared on Instagram, she says, “By the time you're 30-35, you're a little tired, your skin is a little lacklustre, you're having indigestion, you're probably having acidity, sometimes your protein value is low. Most of the Indian population is low in protein. So you need to up your protein intake if you want to be healthy. So some people are eating on the go, eating sweets, eating fried. So that's the normal life, right? But if you just rectify the basics.”

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When Rohit Bose Roy asks her to elaborate on what the basics are, Anjali Mukerjee responds, “For the basics, first is hydration, for instance.” Then, she raises a few questions, “Are you drinking two to three litres of water? Are you taking adequate protein in the day? Are you taking enough fibre in the day? Are you eating enough fruits and vegetables?”

The host further questions if coffee is okay. To which, the nutritionist replies, “Black coffee, fortunately, is okay.”

Sharing the video on her social media handle, Anjali writes in the caption, “The truth is, our modern lifestyle isn't kind to our health. Fried snacks, sugary treats, and eating on the go have become the norm,” adding, “But basics matter. Hydration, protein, fibre, and real, wholesome food can change the game.”

According to the nutritionist, you can take care of the basics just by making these small changes in your life:

1. Drink 3 litres of water daily.
2. Add quality protein to every meal.
3. Eat enough fruits and vegetables for essential fibre.
4. Cut back on processed foods.

“It's about building sustainable habits. Small changes make a big difference over time. Start today—your future self will thank you,” Anjali Mukerjee concludes.
 

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

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Donald Trump Said Goodbye To His Legal Cases But Issues Have Not Left The Horizon

What could have proven luckier for Donald Trump than getting elected as the president of the United States? Because of his election win, federal prosecutions against him have already been dismissed, his criminal cases are at risk of facing the same fate and his state cases have been stalled.

This time last year, he was reeling under the pressure of trials that could put him behind bars for years, moreover even have him shell out millions of dollars.

However, sitting presidents cannot be prosecuted.

Steven Cheung, Trump's spokesperson said that since the election was a "mandate" from the people, they "demanded an immediate end to the political weaponization of our justice system and a swift dismissal of all the Witch Hunts against him. We look forward to uniting our country as President Trump Makes America Great Again."

As per NBC, here are a few court cases looking Donald Trump in the eye:

Hush money case

Trump was convicted in a New York state court in May on 34 counts of falsifying business records. These records were related to a hush money payment made to porn star Stormy Daniels by Trump's then-lawyer Michael Cohen during the 2016 presidential election. Daniels alleged she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, which Trump denies.

Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges and was initially set to be sentenced in July. However, the sentencing was delayed due to a U.S. Supreme Court decision that established a new standard for presidential immunity. Trump's attorneys argued that this ruling meant the indictment and conviction should be dismissed, as they partly relied on evidence from Trump's time in office. Judge Juan Merchan rejected this argument in a December 16 ruling.

The judge also indicated that sentencing Trump after he takes office might not be possible. This decision was based on a Justice Department memo and the Supreme Court ruling, which emphasise the need for a sitting President to carry out their duties without interference from criminal proceedings. The Manhattan district attorney's office argues that Trump could be sentenced after his term in office ends. However, Trump's attorneys oppose this, stating that having a pending sentencing would unfairly impact Trump's presidency.

Georgia election interference case

Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted in August 2023 by the Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney's office. The charges allege conspiracy to illegally overturn Trump's 2020 election loss to Joe Biden in the state. Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The case stalled due to allegations of conflict of interest involving District Attorney Fani Willis. Trump and some co-defendants argued Willis should be disqualified due to her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor overseeing the case. A Georgia appeals court ruled in Trump's favour on December 19, disqualifying Willis and her office from the case.

Willis' office is appealing the ruling, which may take several months. Even if successful, the trial would need to wait until Trump is out of office, as it's expected to take months. Alternatively, the case could be referred to the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia to find a new prosecutor.

The council's executive director, Pete Skandalakis, stated that a new prosecutor could utilise existing investigative work, conduct additional investigations, and choose to use or discard parts of Willis' indictment.

Civil fraud verdict

A major financial threat is looming over President-elect Trump, stemming from a $350 million judgment made by a New York judge in February last year. The judge found Trump and his company guilty of years of fraudulent conduct, which Trump has denied and appealed. The judgment has now ballooned to over $500 million with interest, with Trump personally liable for nearly $489 million.

During a September hearing, three out of five judges on the state Appellate Division panel expressed concerns that the financial penalty might be excessive, but a ruling has yet to be made. Following the November election, Trump's attorney, John Sauer, requested that the case be voluntarily dismissed to promote "unity" and avoid interfering with Trump's presidential duties. However, the office of Attorney General Letitia James declined the request.

E. Jean Carroll verdicts

Writer E. Jean Carroll has got two significant civil verdicts against Trump in a New York federal court over the past two years. In 2023, Trump was ordered to pay $5 million after being found liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll. Additionally, a separate verdict awarded Carroll $83 million in damages for defamation by Trump while he was president.

Trump has denied all allegations and appealed both verdicts to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Recently, the appeals court rejected Trump's appeal of the $5 million verdict, with his spokesperson stating that the decision will be further appealed.

The appeal for the $83 million verdict is still pending, with Carroll's attorneys preparing to counter Trump's claim that the Supreme Court's July immunity ruling exempts him from liability for comments made while in office.

Jan. 6 lawsuits

Donald Trump is no longer facing a criminal federal election interference case related to the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot, but he still has to contend with eight civil suits. These suits were filed by law enforcement personnel who were injured during the attack, as well as some Democratic members of Congress.

Trump's defence is that his actions are protected by presidential immunity. Both sides will be submitting filings on this issue in the coming months. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who is presiding over the case, plans to rule on the presidential immunity issue by summer, according to a court filing.

Central Park Five

Donald Trump is facing a defamation lawsuit from the "Exonerated Five" - Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, Yusef Salaam, Raymond Santana, and Korey Wise. The five men are suing Trump over remarks he made during a presidential debate with Kamala Harris, where he falsely claimed they pleaded guilty to the assault and rape of a woman in Central Park in 1989. Trump also incorrectly stated that the victim had died.

The Exonerated Five, who were aged 14-16 at the time of the attack, were coerced into making false confessions and later exonerated in 2002 after DNA evidence linked another man to the crime. Trump has moved to dismiss the suit, arguing that his remarks were "substantially true" and protected as political speech. However, the five men claim they suffered severe emotional distress and reputational harm due to Trump's statements and are asking the judge to deny his motion to dismiss.
 

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Iran Summons Saudi Envoy Over Execution Of Citizens: Foreign Ministry

Iran summoned the Saudi ambassador on Wednesday to protest Riyadh's execution of six of its citizens for drug trafficking, the foreign ministry said.

"Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Tehran was summoned," the ministry said in a statement, adding that Tehran conveyed its "strong protest" against Riyadh's action, which it described as "unacceptable" and a violation of "the rules and norms of international law". 

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A Voter ID Card Does Not Guarantee Right To Vote: Delhi Election Officer

The Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi, is conducting a Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls with the qualifying date set as January 1, 2025, a statement said on Tuesday, highlighting the CEO's emphasis that mere possession of a voter ID card does not guarantee the right to vote.

This process is being carried out as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India, ensuring that the electoral rolls remain updated and inclusive for all eligible voters.

During the pre-revision period, house-to-house verification was carried out from August 20, 2024, to October 18, 2024, by Booth Level Officers.

This exercise aimed to identify unregistered eligible citizens, prospective voters turning 18 by October 1, 2024, as well as permanently shifted or deceased electors and duplicate entries, the statement said.

Following this, the draft electoral rolls were published on October 29, 2024, inviting the public to file claims and objections. These were accepted by November 28, 2024, and all the claims and objections received were already disposed of by December 24, 2024.

The final electoral roll, reflecting these updates, is scheduled for publication on January 6, 2025.

However, the process of updation of rolls with respect to addition, deletion and modification is a continuous activity and the same is undergoing at present also.

Between November 29, 2024, and the present date, 4,85,624 applications for new registrations (Form 6), 82,450 applications for deletions (Form 7), and 1,71,385 applications for modifications (Form 8) have been received till date.

Citizens who have not yet registered as voters can still apply for enrollment using Form 6, which requires submission of supporting documents for verification by the respective Booth Level Officer.

For modifications or deletions in the electoral roll, Form 8 and Form 7 can be filed.

The CEO Office, Delhi also reminded citizens that having multiple entries in the electoral roll or multiple voter ID cards is a punishable offence under Sections 17 and 18 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Recently, FIRs have been filed against eight individuals for submitting false documents for voter registration in the Okhla Assembly constituency in Delhi. Strict action will continue to be taken against such violations.

As a transparency measure, meetings with representatives of political parties were held on September 4. October 9 and 29.

The CEO Office emphasised that any un-enrolled eligible citizen, who has still not enrolled himself/herself in the electoral rolls, can apply for enrollment by filing Form-6 along with supporting documents. After filing Form-6, the form is assigned to the Booth Level Officer (BLO) of the part concerned for field verification.

On the basis of the BLO's field verification report and the supporting documents, the form is disposed of by the Electoral Registration Officer concerned as per the procedure laid down by the Election Commission.

After the update of his/her name in the electoral roll, an EPIC PDF is generated and sent for printing. After receipt of printed EPIC, the same is delivered to the elector through post. An elector can also download his/her e-EPIC from the ECI's portal https://ift.tt/GjKoeD4

In case any elector has permanently shifted or expired, any elector of that particular Assembly Constituency can file Form 7 objecting to such entry in the electoral roll. After filing Form 7, notices are issued to the Objector and the Objectee through speed post as per relevant guidelines of the ECI except for registered death cases. If the elector fails to respond, the name is deleted from the electoral roll after following due procedure as laid down by the ECI and after giving sufficient opportunity to the elector concerned.

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