Table of contents for 2025-02-26 in Post

MOLLYWOOD superstar Mohanlal has announced his next project with actor-turned-filmmaker Anoop Menon. Produced by Timeless Movies, this yet-to-be-titled drama is expected to be shot extensively in Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata, and Shillong. Mohanlal wrote on his IG: “Delighted to announce my next film, a dramatic journey traversing love, longing and music to be shot extensively in Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata and Shillong. “Written and directed by Anoop Menon and featuring a stellar team BTS, produced by Timeless movies, this subject is so close to my heart. I sincerely welcome all of you to be part of our epic journey. @anoopmenoninclusive.” It must be noted that this will be his third film as a director after King Fish (2022) and Padma (2022). Both the projects saw Menon as the lead. Menon has shared the screen…

Mere Husband Ki Biwi is the story of a man torn between two women. He is shattered as his marriage turned ugly, subsequently ending in a divorce. One day he meets his college classmate and sparks fly between them. They decide to settle down. However, things take a turn for the worse when his ex-wife unexpectedly enters their lives. The story is relatable and entertaining. Director Mudassar Aziz's dialogues are one of the plus points in this film. The scenes that stand out are Dino Morea's entry scene, the Mohabbatein proposal at Prabhleens Place, where both families play charades, and the interaction between the two leading ladies. The soundtrack has a remake of the hit song Gori Hai Kalaiyan from Aaj Ki Arjun. It is a fun, catchy song…

Ingredients for the base 250g soft butter, not melted 125g sifted icing sugar 2 eggs 2 heaped cups flour Cream the eggs, soft butter and sifted icing sugar until smooth. Fold in the flour and mix with a wooden spoon until it forms a soft dough. If the dough is too sticky, the butter was too soft. Add an extra ½ cup flour. Press into a large black oven tray, ensuring you form a crust over the sides. Pop into the freezer for 20 minutes. Ingredients for the milk custard: 8 large eggs (you can use 7 if you prefer it less firm) 2 tbs custard powder a pinch of salt 2 tbs vanilla essence 1 tin condensed milk 1¼ cups cold milk 1 cup cold water 3 tbs soft…

APPALLING though the brutal treatment many indentured Indians suffered (POST, February 19-24), notwithstanding the findings of the 1872 Coolie Commission, such treatment needs to be seen within the wider context of the mindset of Victorian society. Charles Dickens’ novels like Nicholas Nickleby contain references to the harsh treatment of children. For minor, crimes people were transported to Australia. Taken together with the punishments meted out in the British Army and Navy, it is no exaggeration to say that brutality was institutionalised. Graham Dominy in his publication titled Last Outpost on the Zulu Frontiers – Fort Napier and the British Imperial Garrison notes that corporal punishment was routine in enforcing discipline among troops. Although branding as a punishment was abolished only in 1871, “flogging was the most common form of punishment.…

FINANCE Minister Enoch Godonwana nearly gave us a fright last Wednesday. He thought he had found an easy way to fund a bloated and profligate government: tax the poor to feed the rich. Without a thought for the embattled consumer he wanted to hit the nation with a 2% VAT increase. But the DA and the other parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) were incensed and shot him down at the last minute. The budget was postponed and we all breathed a huge sigh of relief. We had barely recovered from the Godongwana blunder when Eskom jumped on the bandwagon and shocked the nation by implementing load shedding over the weekend without any warning. It was not just phase one or two but phase six, which left people…

The so-called Government of National Unity (GNU), led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, is proving to be a catastrophic failure. Barely eight months in power, the GNU has delivered nothing but deadlock, division, and economic decline. Instead of stability, this uneasy marriage has brought infighting, conflicting policies, and paralysis at the highest levels. Under the GNU, the South African economy is spiralling downward at an alarming rate: Rand instability: The currency has been on a rollercoaster, rattling investors. Budget crisis: The postponement of the national budget, due to internal GNU squabbles, has damaged South Africa’s financial credibility. International backlash: The Expropriation Act of 2024 triggered a storm of controversy. US President Donald Trump condemned South Africa for “confisca- ting land and treating certain people very badly” leading to a freeze on…

New Delhi: Aroma compounds released from the scented wax melts can react with the ozone in indoor air to form potentially toxic particles, researchers have warned. The study challenges the perception that scented wax melts are a safer alternative to combustion-based candles. Previous research has shown that scented wax melts emit more airborne scent compounds than traditional candles. The direct heating of the wax maximises its surface area, thereby releasing more fragrance – such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) made of hydrocarbons – into the air, according to the study published in the ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters. Researchers know that these chemicals can react with other compounds in the air to form nanometer-wide particles, which have been linked to negative health effects when inhaled. However, the potential…

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side will not give up on the Premier League title race despite slipping further behind leaders Liverpool after Saturday’s loss to West Ham United, insisting the team have done well despite injuries and setbacks. “We’re not going to stop. Over my dead body,” Arteta said yesterday ahead of their midweek trip to third-placed Nottingham Forest. Liverpool are 11 points above Arsenal, who have a game in hand. With forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz out for the season and wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli also sidelined with injuries, second-placed Arsenal face a hill to climb, with Liverpool being unbeaten in the league since September. “If somebody tells you at the start of the season that you play five times with a red card,…

Before you start your round, it's essential to warm up your muscles with some light stretching. Here are some essential warm-up stretches to get you started: -Neck Stretch: Slowly tilt your head to the side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side. -Shoulder Rolls: Roll your shoulders forward and backward in a circular motion. Repeat for 30 seconds. -Chest Stretch: Stand in a doorway with your hands on the doorframe at shoulder height. Lean forward, stretching your chest and shoulders. Hold for 30 seconds. -Hip Circles: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands on your hips. Move your hips in a large circle, first clockwise and then counterclockwise. Repeat for 30 seconds. Dynamic stretches are designed to mimic the…

WELL-KNOWN Tamil actor and political leader Sarath Kumar has congratulated the team of the Hindi film Chhaava, which is based on the life of Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Taking to his X timeline, Kumar wrote: “On the eve of the birthday of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, watched the valour of Chatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his sacrifice in #Chhaava. Patriotism, valour and quest for swaraj evoked and kindled the emotions of Swaraj. Kudos to the producer, director and the entire team of #Chhaava.” Kumar’s praise follows a post by Telugu actor Allu Sirish. Sirish, the brother of well-known Telugu star Allu Arjun, praised director Laxman Utekar’s historical movie, calling it a “mind-blowing film”. Vicky Kaushal’s historical action film, released in theatres on Valentine’s Day, had positive reviews. The film has been garnering praise…

ACTOR Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who is known for Gangs of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and others, said the film industry was like a garden with a variety of flowers that blossomed in the form of talent. The actor refused to compare his craft with his contemporaries or the actors of the past generation. His admirers may laud his ability to immerse himself into diverse characters but Siddiqui said he was just doing his job with honesty. His journey from a small-town boy to a global acting icon is a testament to his talent, hard work, and resilience. His performances continue to inspire aspiring actors and captivate audiences worldwide. With every role, Siddiqui proves that he is not just an actor but a true legend, whose work will be celebrated for…

Women who give birth to twins are at double the risk of developing heart problems compared to those with singleton births, according to a recent study published in the European Heart Journal. The research, conducted by Rutgers University, highlights that mothers of twins face a higher likelihood of hospitalisation due to heart disease within a year after giving birth. This risk is particularly pronounced for those who experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy, known as pre-eclampsia. Dr Ruby Lin, a maternal-foetal medicine fellow at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, explained: “The maternal heart works harder for twin pregnancies than for singleton pregnancies, and it takes weeks for the maternal heart to return to its pre-pregnancy state.” She emphasised the importance of awareness regarding the short-term increase in cardiovascular complications…

1 roll store bought puff pastry. 2-3 tbs samoosa dip or sweet chilli sauce 3 slices chopped chicken pastrami or beef ¼ cup cheese (don't use more it won't behave) 2 sprigs chopped spring onion. Roll out the puff pastry on the plastic paper. Brush on the sauce and add the pastrami, cheese and spring onion. Roll the pastry from the bottom up (so you get more smaller pinwheels). Secure the edges by pressing together. Pop the roll into the freezer for 10 minutes (it makes it easier to cut). After 10 minutes, cut into 3cm to 4cm chunks and place in the air fryer and air fry on 175°C for 6 to 8 minutes.…

THE latest SAPS crime statistics reveal an alarming increase in kidnapping cases across multiple provinces, with Gauteng reporting over 2 400 incidents. The Minister of Police addresses concerns about prison- orchestrated crimes. The SAPS released its third quarterly crime statistics on Friday. It showed 4 379 kidnappings took place between October and December 2024 and of those 231 ransoms were demanded for the victims. In KZN, there were 783 kidnappings with 21 ransom demands while the Eastern Cape had 189 kidnappings with 13 ransom demands, and Gauteng had the most kidnappings with 2 401 and 148 ransom demands. Kidnappings in these three provinces increased from the second quarterly crime stats. From October to December 2023 and October to December 2024, there has been an increase in ransom demands in kidnappings…

COMMUNITY leaders in Chatsworth are calling for immediate action to combat the escalating violence in schools, highlighting the urgent need for community involvement and effective measures to protect pupils. Education is one of the most important investments a country can make in its people and its future. It is also critical to reduce poverty and inequality. However, bullying, drugs, truancy and gangsterism continue to be a growing problem in South African schools. This week, community leaders in Chatsworth called on the KZN Department of Education (DOE) and police to take immediate action against the escalating violence in schools, after a video of a fight between female pupils at Crossmoor Secondary went viral. DOE spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi warned that bullying would not be tolerated. He said all the pupils who were…

CONFLICTS in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Palestine are inextricably linked due to their ongoing colonisation and exploitation at the hands of Western imperial powers, backed by powerful corporations and multinationals that profit from conflict, occupation, and resource theft. Both regions owe their conflicts to colonisation, forced displacement, violence by state and non-state actors, exploitative and unethical practices, and colonial capitalism which have led to severe environmental and humanitarian repercussions that threaten the existence and well-being of their indigenous people. The modern economic and political control of Palestine and Congo is upheld by Western corporations that thrive on instability. The DRC has more cobalt and coltan, precious minerals used in nearly every electronic device from smartphones to cigarette vapes, than any other country in the world. The rapid…

ALL the Arab countries, the US and others have completed having a great dinner in Riyad. They also found a little time to decide what should happen to Palestinians after the ceasefire. “Where should we put these pesky Palestinians, now? Any country that volunteers to accept them please raise your hands.” “Hello, hello again.” Suddenly, a loud voice from an invisible source resonates and echoes across the length and breadth of the Saudi Capital. This is Palestinian country you guys are talking about. Should you not be asking: “Where can we send the Israelites to?”, instead. These “refugees” from Russia, Europe and Ukraine should really be sent back home perhaps? Perhaps re-examine the Balfour Accord and merely change the order of who should move from where to where. Backdate…

New Delhi: Here comes another warning for those who love to spend hours on digital screens. According to a new study, spending as little as one hour per day on tablets or smartphones could significantly increase the risk of myopia or near-sightedness. In the systematic review and dose- response meta- analysis, a daily one-hour increment in digital screen time was associated with 21% higher odds of myopia (near-sightedness), according to the study published in Jama Network Open. The dose-response pattern exhibited a sigmoidal shape, indicating a potential safety threshold of less than one hour a day of exposure, with an increase in odds up to four hours. “These findings can offer guidance to clinicians and researchers regarding myopia risk,” said researchers. The team reviewed data from 45 investigations that looked…

Ongama Gcwabe LATE last year, Mandla Mashimbyi was appointed as head coach of the Proteas Women’s team after a successful stint as head coach of the Titans Division One. Since his announcement, the 44-year-old has only observed from afar as Proteas Women hosted England Women in South Africa for a multi-format tour this past festive season. Last week, Mashimbyi had his first session with the team when Cricket South Africa assembled the squad for a week-long training camp at the Centre of Excellence in Pretoria from 17 to 21 February 2025. There, Mashimbyi highlighted his plans for the team and his philosophy as the side builds toward the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India later this year. The former fast bowler outlined 'bravery under pressure' as one of…

KAREENA Kapoor posted on social media about celebrating love and family amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the attack on her husband Saif Ali Khan. She shared a string of photographs in a heavily-embroidered outfit. Adding to it, she wrote in the caption: “After the darkness, comes the light. Putting the negativity behind and embracing the joy… celebrating love and family with my favourite people. Love conquers all.” A few days earlier, she made her first public appearance as she stepped out for work commitments after the attack on her husband. She has been staying away from the limelight but she has now decided to get back to work. The Mumbai Police has been investigating the attack on Khan at his Bandra residence, which left him severely injured. Going by the…

SHWETA Tripathi is stepping into the world of production with a new vision. The actress recently expressed her desire to create stories that not only entertained but also sparked meaningful conversations. In a statement, the Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein actress shared: “As an actor, I’ve been fortunate to receive immense love, support, and respect from the industry, critics, and audiences. I’ve always been drawn to stories that challenge conventions and offer fresh perspectives. “Over the years, I’ve worked on projects that resonate deeply and break stereotypes, and now, with all the support I’ve received, I feel inspired to tell my own stories. Filmmaking is such a collaborative process and I want to immerse myself in every aspect of it, especially now as women are gaining more agency and opportunities. It…

Children, particularly females, born to women who took acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy, may face a higher risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by age 10, according to a recent study published in Nature Mental Health. The research revealed that children with maternal biomarkers of acetaminophen in their plasma had a 3.15 times greater likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis, with the risk being significantly higher for girls, who showed a 6.16 times increased likelihood. Paracetamol is commonly used during pregnancy, with around 70% of pregnant individuals in the US, Europe, and Asia using it. Despite being classified as low-risk by regulatory agencies, emerging evidence suggests it may contribute to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Washington, analysed…

Ingredients for the filling: 3 tbs butter 1 small onion 1 punnet mushrooms, sliced 400g chopped spinach 250ml milk 250ml fresh cream 1 packet white onion soup black pepper to taste Braise the onion in butter until golden brown. Add in the pepper, mushrooms and spinach and braise until dry. Add the milk mixed with the soup powder and the fresh cream. Simmer until it boils. For the Mini Quiche: 1 roll puff pastry feta grated cheese Use one roll puff pastry and cut out the rounds using a scone cutter or a glass. Transfer to a mini quiche foil cup and press it down firmly. Add in the mixture and top with crumbed some feta and grated cheese. Make sure it is cool and transfer to a well sealable…

6 eggs 250g + 1 heaped tbs soft butter 1½ cups sugar 2 cups Taystee Wheat 1½ cups fine coconut 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cardamom 6-7 super soft, brown or black skinned bananas poppy seeds and sliced almonds for the topping In a stand or cake mixer, add the eggs, sugar, soft butter and sliced banana. Mix on a medium-high speed until thick and pulpy. Add the cardamom, Taystee Wheat, baking powder and coconut. Mix until well combined. Transfer to grease sprayed bread tins or 2 medium rectangle Pyrex dishes. Sprinkle with poppy seeds and sliced almonds. Bake on the lower rack, away from the element on 170°C for 30 to 40 minutes until the cake is golden brown. Do not preheated the oven. * Tip I prefer…

Verulam and Phoenix also among the top 30 police stations with the highest number of cases reported DESPITE a reported decline in certain crime rates, South Africa’s latest statistics reveal alarming figures, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), prompting urgent calls for action from political leaders and community advocates. Last Friday, the SAPS released its third quarter crime statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year (October 2024 to December 2024). In this period there were 6 953 murders in the country, with 1 493 incidents occurring in KZN. In the province, there were also 1 915 attempted murders, 9 684 assaults (GBH), 8 775 assaults (common), 6 212 robberies with aggravating circumstances, and 2710 carjackings reported. In addition, there were 273 murders, 480 attempted murders and 2 164 assaults (GBH)…

ELIMINATING the rampant illicit cigarette trade would generate as much money as raising VAT by one percentage point. The government is reportedly considering a controversial VAT hike from 15% to 17%, which would inflict an additional financial burden on already struggling citizens. However, new analysis by Tax Justice South Africa shows that tackling the country’s pervasive illicit cigarette trade could deliver a comparable financial windfall for the nation – without squeezing citizens further. According to official figures, each percentage point increase in VAT would have raised an extra R29 billion in 2023/24. Meanwhile, a study by Oxford Economics has found that South Africa lost R27.1bn in tax revenue due to illicit cigarettes in 2022 alone. This means that cracking down on criminal cigarette syndicates could deliver nearly the same revenue…

THE recent budget postponement to March 12, is said to be unprecedented. It is the first time in 30 years of governance the once-mighty ANC has had to review the budget and it seems the main criteria was the contemplated rise in Value Added Tax (VAT), which was opposed by some parties in the govern- ment. It is perceived that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is the best thing that could have happened to South Africa in decades. Previously, the ruling ANC would have used its majority in government to bulldoze many controversial bills into law much of the detriment to the country. It is quite obvious that the ANC’s cadre deployment policies have not worked because of appointing comrades into decision-making positions that some of them were not…

Who can be referred to as a prophet of doom in South Africa, Africa, at the UN or in the White House? Could it be Robert Sobukhwe and Steve Biko who foretold that “without land and dignity”, the black man is on his own and without any dignity? Or Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond “Mpilo” Tutu, who declared that “South Africa is a land of a great future in unity and diversity”? Or is it the self-proclaimed“prophet” (according to South African media intelligence) who has predicted that South Africa will be cursed for challenging the evil doings of Jews and Israel at the International Court of Justice? Coming close to an answer would require a lot of theological reflection, historical research, and common sense. So let us start and end…

HAND, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infection caused primarily by the Coxsackievirus and Enterovirus, leading to symptoms like fever and sores on the hands, foot, and mouth. The sores can also appear on the elbows, buttocks, knees, and genitalia. It can vary in their spread across the body, sometimes more or less and are often painful. Ayurveda views it as a Vata-Pitta type of fever, with the involvement of the plasma, blood, and skin, requiring cooling, antiviral, and immune-boosting medicines. It usually affects infants and children under the age of 10 years. However, it can affect adults with compromised immune systems. Symptoms usually start three to seven days after infection and last between seven to 10 days. HFMD can occur at any time of the year but…

Alright, time to kick off the week with some fishing vibes! Let’s make a promise to leave every spot we visit in better shape than when we arrived. Take a moment to pick up any litter and dispose of it properly. Every little bit counts in keeping our waters clean. Tight lines and let’s hear those reels scream. Top Tip: For circle hooks to work properly, make sure they’re snelled onto the trace. This helps the line exit on the hook point side, letting the circle do its job when setting. Also, be sure your bait doesn’t block the gape of the hook to ensure the best hook-up rate. Offshore fishing has been good with a mix of bottom fish and gamefish on the bite. The rain has slowed…