Latest news with #NightWatch
NDTV
15-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Copycat": Pak PM Trolled For Meeting Forces After PM Modi's Adampur Visit
New Delhi: Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met the soldiers who participated in a recent military operation against India, in response to India's Operation Sindoor. The news of this meeting was met with memes and brickbats, with internet users trolling Mr Sharif for copying Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Sharif visited Pasrur Cantonment in Sialkot, a day after PM Modi visited Adampur air base in Punjab and interacted with soldiers. Adampur was among the air force stations that Pakistan attempted to attack on the intervening night of May 9 and 10 after India's "Operation Sindoor". Pakistan claimed that its hypersonic missiles fired from China-made JF-17 fighter jets destroyed India's S-400 air defence system in Adampur. However, India rejected the claim. After this visit, PM Modi shared a picture of himself saluting the soldiers. But what stood out was the S-400's missile stack in the background, rejecting all claims by Pakistan. "Earlier this morning, I went to AFS Adampur and met our brave air warriors and soldiers. It was a very special experience to be with those who epitomise courage, determination and fearlessness. India is eternally grateful to our armed forces for everything they do for our nation," PM Modi posted on X. Mr Sharif has shared similar pictures of his interaction with Pakistani soldiers. But the internet thinks it is a "copy cat" behaviour. Sala copy cat Shehbaz Sharif 😂 — Meme Farmer (@craziestlazy) May 14, 2025 An X (formerly Twitter) user took a dig at Pakistan and said that the PM visited the army in Sialkot. "Looks like they don't have any air bases left to visit." Yet another comparison with PM Modi was inevitable. 🚨 Pak dummy PM Shehbaz Sharif and soon to be President of Pakistan Army Chief Gen Mullah Asim Munir visited Pakistan Army in Pasroor, Sialkot. Trying to keep up with Modi. 😂 Looks like they dont have any air bases left to visit — The Tradesman (@The_Tradesman1) May 15, 2025 "What clowns they are, just copy paste of Adampur visit of PM Modi but sadly didn't have anything for background except banners..!" wrote another user. What a clowns they are, just copy paste of Adampur visit of PM Modi but sadly didn't have anything for background except banners..! — Night Watch (@RbA7k) May 15, 2025 Another user drew parallels with failing in an examination and still celebrating. Exam me fail hone ke baad bhi mithai batna koi inse sikhe😂 — Warriors (@yuvajag) May 14, 2025 A person called out the "low morale of these (Pakistani) soldiers". "Why is their PM trying to copy our PM? Don't they have any brains?" See the low morale of these soldiers, besides, why is their PM trying to copy our PM? Don't they have any brains? — Neutron Nova (@NeutronNova7) May 15, 2025 India, on the intervening night of May 6 and 7, launched Operation Sindoor, a counterstrike to the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed. India carried out 24 missile strikes in 25 minutes across nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), killing 100 terrorists. The operation further escalated bilateral tensions between the two neighbouring nations. On Saturday, India and Pakistan reached a ceasefire agreement and decided to stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea, with effect from 5 pm. Pakistan, however, violated the ceasefire agreement within hours. There have been no reports of cross-border firing since then.
Wales Online
30-04-2025
- Wales Online
'Extreme day trips' ideal for UK tourists - and how to make most of the day
'Extreme day trips' ideal for UK tourists - and how to make most of the day Here are five expert-approved 'extreme day trip' recommendations for people flying from the UK Any of the beautiful destinations could be ideal for a trip (stock photo) (Image: Getty ) 'Extreme day trips' are incredibly popular this summer, offering tourists cheap trips and spontaneous days out. The trend, which sees people travel to a destination for 24 hours or less, is something of a viral craze. Explaining the attraction, the travel experts at Iglu Cruise shared: "Extreme Day Tripping simply means going to another country and returning home within one day. Often, people will catch an early morning flight and return home in the evening, meaning they'll have less than 24 hours to explore a city or destination. "The term has gathered popularity over the last few months, with many travellers acknowledging the benefits of such a trip. Using less annual leave is one of the main benefits, especially for those who struggle to take time away from work. Some people also argue that it can be cheaper than a night out in the UK, as you're not spending money on accommodation." As well as cancelling out hotel fees, lots of day trip lovers save on flights by choosing cheap last-minute deals. That said, if you're looking for inspiration before booking a destination, the travel experts have some recommendations and ideas for what you can do when you arrive. The team picked five European city breaks that could be ideal for extreme day trips from the UK. While Iglu Cruise's experts calculated the average flight times based on one-way flights from London airports, you can expect similar times for direct flights from most UK cities, reports the Mirror. The Sagrada Familia is a must-see in Barcelona (Image: Getty ) Article continues below Amsterdam, The Netherlands Average flight time: 1 hour 10 minutes The Iglu Cruise experts shared: "Amsterdam is a city full of charm, culture, and history. Start your day at Dam Square, in the heart of the city. Here you'll find historical buildings like the Royal Palace and the National Monument. It's a great starting point to get a feel for the city's atmosphere. Just a short walk from Dam Square, you'll find the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. "Make sure to book ahead before your trip, as queues can be long. From here, you can head to the Rijksmuseum, one of the world's greatest art museums. It houses masterpieces by Dutch painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, including the famous Night Watch and The Milkmaid. It's a must-see for art lovers. "Of course, Amsterdam is famous for its canals. Take a walk along the Grachtengordel (Canal Belt) or, if you have time, hop on a canal cruise to get a unique perspective of the city. End your day in a local cafe. Amsterdam is known for its cosy cafes and coffee shops. Enjoy a hot drink or an evening cocktail at a local cafe, especially in areas like the Nine Streets." Dublin is a popular destination for tourists (Image: Getty ) Dublin, Ireland Average flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes "Start your day at Trinity College, Dublin's oldest university. Visit the Old Library, home to the famous Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript that's a must-see for history fans and art lovers. You'll also find plenty of breakfast spots in the area to enjoy a tasty bite to eat, including The Woollen Mills, located on Ormond Quay, and Bewley's Café on Grafton Street," advised the experts. "From Trinity College, you can walk to Dublin Castle, which has played a central role in Ireland's history. Here you can explore both the State Apartments and the Medieval Undercroft. From there, you can walk to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Ireland. It's an architectural masterpiece and offers fascinating exhibits about Ireland's patron saint." They concluded: "No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse, where you'll learn all about the brewing process and the history of Ireland's most famous beer. Then, you can head towards the Temple Bar area, known for its vibrant nightlife, packed with pubs, restaurants, and galleries. And of course, here you'll find the iconic Temple Bar Pub." Paris, France Average flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes The pros at Iglu Cruise added: "There is plenty to see with only one day in Paris. Begin your day early with a trip to the Eiffel Tower, the most iconic landmark in the city. Then, cross the Seine River to Trocadéro Gardens, which offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. "Enjoy a scenic walk to the Louvre Museum. You'll be able to see some of the world's most famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. If you're short on time, just enjoy the Pyramide du Louvre from the outside. After the Louvre, take a short walk across the Pont des Arts bridge to the Île de la Cité. Visit the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, an iconic landmark in the city, which re-opened to the public in late 2024. "Finish your whirlwind day by relaxing at a Parisian café near Place de la Concorde or along the Seine River. Alternatively, you could take a Seine River Cruise to see the illuminated landmarks of Paris as night falls." The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark in Paris (Image: Getty ) Copenhagen, Denmark Average flight time: 1 hour 50 minutes "Grab breakfast in Nyhavn, one of the most iconic spots in Copenhagen. The colourful buildings lining the canal are perfect for photos, and it's a great place to sit and enjoy a coffee at one of the cosy cafes along the water. You can also take a canal tour from here to get an overview of the city from the water. "In the afternoon, visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Whether you want to ride the roller coasters, enjoy the beautiful gardens, or just soak in the nostalgic atmosphere, Tivoli is a magical spot. "End your day with dinner at Torvehallerne, a trendy food market with a variety of local and international foods. From there, you can enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar, such as Lidkoeb or The Tower at the Copenhagen Opera House. Both offer great views of the city, especially at sunset," suggested the experts. Barcelona, Spain Average flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes Iglu Crusie's experts said: "Begin your day early by visiting La Sagrada Familia, the world-famous basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. It's best to get there early to avoid crowds, and if possible, book tickets in advance to skip the line. The interior is breathtaking with its intricate design and stained-glass windows, and the exterior is equally spectacular." Article continues below They added: "In the afternoon, take a metro or taxi to Park Güell, another of Gaudí's famous creations. This public park is filled with whimsical sculptures, colourful mosaics, and panoramic views of the city. It's a great place for a leisurely walk while taking in some of the best views of Barcelona. "In the evening, explore the El Raval or El Born neighbourhoods, both of which have a wide variety of tapas bars, traditional Catalan cuisine, and trendy restaurants, some of which may host a live flamenco show."
Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Daily Mirror
Five best 'extreme day trips' with short UK flight time - and what to do there
UK travel lovers seeking cheap holidays with extreme day trips have lots of options to choose from Extreme day tripping is popular with many tourists, thanks to the low costs and thrill the adventures offer. The trend, which sees travel lovers visit a destination for 24 hours or less, is increasingly popular. As the travel experts at Iglu Cruise explain: "Extreme Day Tripping simply means going to another country and returning home within one day. Often, people will catch an early morning flight and return home in the evening, meaning they'll have less than 24 hours to explore a city or destination. "The term has gathered popularity over the last few months, with many travellers acknowledging the benefits of such a trip. Using less annual leave is one of the main benefits, especially for those who struggle to take time away from work. Some people also argue that it can be cheaper than a night out in the UK, as you're not spending money on accommodation." In other words, the viral craze helps visitors enjoy locations for less. As the experts mentioned, there's no need to pay for a hotel, and many opt for last-minute travel deals - going wherever they can for the lowest price. However, if you're looking for inspiration before booking a destination, the travel experts have some recommendations and ideas for what you can do when you arrive. Here are five European city breaks that could be ideal for extreme day trips from the UK. While Iglu Cruise's experts calculated the average flight times based on one-way flights from London airports, you can expect similar times for direct flights from most UK cities. Amsterdam, The Netherlands Average flight time: 1 hour 10 minutes The Iglu Cruise experts said: "Amsterdam is a city full of charm, culture, and history. Start your day at Dam Square, in the heart of the city. Here you'll find historical buildings like the Royal Palace and the National Monument. It's a great starting point to get a feel for the city's atmosphere. Just a short walk from Dam Square, you'll find the Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. "Make sure to book ahead before your trip, as queues can be long. From here, you can head to the Rijksmuseum, one of the world's greatest art museums. It houses masterpieces by Dutch painters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh, including the famous Night Watch and The Milkmaid. It's a must-see for art lovers." Sharing recommendations for the evening, they added: "Of course, Amsterdam is famous for its canals. Take a walk along the Grachtengordel (Canal Belt) or, if you have time, hop on a canal cruise to get a unique perspective of the city. End your day in a local cafe. Amsterdam is known for its cosy cafes and coffee shops. Enjoy a hot drink or an evening cocktail at a local cafe, especially in areas like the Nine Streets." Dublin, Ireland Average flight time: 1 hour 15 minutes "Start your day at Trinity College, Dublin's oldest university. Visit the Old Library, home to the famous Book of Kells, a beautifully illustrated manuscript that's a must-see for history fans and art lovers. You'll also find plenty of breakfast spots in the area to enjoy a tasty bite to eat, including The Woollen Mills, located on Ormond Quay, and Bewley's Café on Grafton Street," advised the experts. "From Trinity College, you can walk to Dublin Castle, which has played a central role in Ireland's history. Here you can explore both the State Apartments and the Medieval Undercroft. From there, you can walk to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Ireland. It's an architectural masterpiece and offers fascinating exhibits about Ireland's patron saint." They concluded: "No trip to Dublin is complete without visiting the Guinness Storehouse, where you'll learn all about the brewing process and the history of Ireland's most famous beer. Then, you can head towards the Temple Bar area, known for its vibrant nightlife, packed with pubs, restaurants, and galleries. And of course, here you'll find the iconic Temple Bar Pub." Paris, France Average flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes The pros at Iglu Cruise said: "There is plenty to see with only one day in Paris. Begin your day early with a trip to the Eiffel Tower, the most iconic landmark in the city. Then, cross the Seine River to Trocadéro Gardens, which offers one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. "Enjoy a scenic walk to the Louvre Museum. You'll be able to see some of the world's most famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. If you're short on time, just enjoy the Pyramide du Louvre from the outside. After the Louvre, take a short walk across the Pont des Arts bridge to the Île de la Cité. Visit the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, an iconic landmark in the city, which re-opened to the public in late 2024. "Finish your whirlwind day by relaxing at a Parisian café near Place de la Concorde or along the Seine River. Alternatively, you could take a Seine River Cruise to see the illuminated landmarks of Paris as night falls." Copenhagen, Denmark Average flight time: 1 hour 50 minutes "Grab breakfast in Nyhavn, one of the most iconic spots in Copenhagen. The colourful buildings lining the canal are perfect for photos, and it's a great place to sit and enjoy a coffee at one of the cosy cafes along the water. You can also take a canal tour from here to get an overview of the city from the water. "In the afternoon, visit Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Whether you want to ride the roller coasters, enjoy the beautiful gardens, or just soak in the nostalgic atmosphere, Tivoli is a magical spot. "End your day with dinner at Torvehallerne, a trendy food market with a variety of local and international foods. From there, you can enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar, such as Lidkoeb or The Tower at the Copenhagen Opera House. Both offer great views of the city, especially at sunset," suggested the experts. Barcelona, Spain Average flight time: 2 hours 10 minutes Iglu Crusie's experts said: "Begin your day early by visiting La Sagrada Familia, the world-famous basilica designed by Antoni Gaudí. It's best to get there early to avoid crowds, and if possible, book tickets in advance to skip the line. The interior is breathtaking with its intricate design and stained-glass windows, and the exterior is equally spectacular." They added: "In the afternoon, take a metro or taxi to Park Güell, another of Gaudí's famous creations. This public park is filled with whimsical sculptures, colourful mosaics, and panoramic views of the city. It's a great place for a leisurely walk while taking in some of the best views of Barcelona. "In the evening, explore the El Raval or El Born neighbourhoods, both of which have a wide variety of tapas bars, traditional Catalan cuisine, and trendy restaurants, some of which may host a live flamenco show."
Spectator
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Did Terry Pratchett really write classics?
The news that Terry Pratchett's 2002 novel Night Watch has joined the ranks of the Penguin Modern Classics series may seem, to the Pratchett uninitiated, something of an eyebrow-raiser. Penguin has proudly announced that the book 'which draws on inspirations as far ranging as Victor Hugo and M*A*S*H, is… a profoundly empathetic novel about community, connection and the tenacity of the human spirit' and that it was 'written at the height of Pratchett's imaginative powers'. All this may very well be true. But many people, even those millions well disposed towards Pratchett, might be asking another question: why this book, and why now? During his lifetime, Pratchett built on the legacy of another great British fantastical author, Douglas Adams, by creating his own universe, Discworld, in which many of his books are set. They have sold over 80 million copies, and even Pratchett's death in 2015 has done little to stem the enthusiasm. At one point, he was the most shoplifted author in Britain, so desperate were his teenaged admirers to get their hands on his stories. And his books have mostly remained books rather than being transformed into big-budget Hollywood spectacles. Pratchett once said that a film studio was interested but he was told to 'lose the Death angle', which would be tricky, given that Death is a major recurring character throughout the series. I've always enjoyed the Pratchett books and consider him one of the more amiable and less self-consciously literary knighted authors that Britain has produced. The writer Imogen West-Knights summed up Pratchett's admirers as she searched for a description of a certain kind of Briton: English, Terry Pratchett fan, sardonic humour, left wing-ish, leather jackets, maybe long hair, maybe folk music, Bill Bailey, real ale, usually middle age+. Warhammer adjacent. Likes swords but doesn't necessarily own one? If I have any disagreement with his elevation to the ranks of the Penguin Modern Classics, then, it is less to do with Pratchett's own writing and more a sense of uncertainty as to what defines a modern classic. There is no stated definition on Penguin's website, and when I interviewed Henry Eliot, the former creative editor of Penguin Classics, a few years ago, he told me that: 'The Modern Classics series gathers the greatest books of more recent times, books that have challenged convention, changed the world or created something new. They are books that speak powerfully to the moment – and time will tell if they speak for more than that.' I would argue that Night Watch, although a book loved by Pratchett's many fans, is hardly something that 'challenges convention' or has 'changed the world'. Pratchett created something new in his Discworld series, and the love that his admirers hold for his works is testament to their enduring success. Personally I was surprised that Penguin didn't opt to publish 1987's Mort, the first Discworld novel to feature Death and the one usually regarded as Pratchett's single greatest achievement, or simply to come out with the entire series of Discworld books in one go. Pratchett was always a self-effacing figure and would probably have shrugged at the Classics label There are many deep-pocketed admirers of the author who would have ordered the entire canon in this new edition, although I can imagine that the effort involved in putting together 40-something painstakingly annotated novels may have been exhausting. This Penguin Classics edition also includes a foreword by Pratchett's PA and biographer Rob Wilkins, and an introduction and annotated notes by two Terry-o-philes, Trinity College Dublin's Dr Darryl Jones and the University of South Australia's Dr David Lloyd. Despite all that effort in making Night Watch appear to be a classic, even Pratchett would not have claimed that every one of the books was a masterpiece. Yet the nature of Penguin Modern Classics is that when they go all in on an author, they generally have to publish the entire works. Which means, for instance, that Evelyn Waugh's wildly unsuccessful Catholic fantasia Helena must be given the same serious literary treatment as the far more deserving A Handful of Dust. If Night Watch is successful – and only a fool would think that it won't be – then presumably there will be more Discworld editions over the coming years. Pratchett was always a self-effacing figure and would probably have shrugged at the Classics label (although he was evangelical about the fantasy genre, which he argued was done down by snobbish literary critics). Yet I can't help thinking that Penguin has done something similar to what the Folio Society has been doing over the past few years, and published a book that they know will cater to a fervent fanbase and sell in considerable quantities thanks to the added material. The question of literary excellence therefore becomes a secondary one. This is understandable – it's fine – but the brand is called Penguin Modern Classics, rather than Penguin Modern Notables. I am unconvinced that this particular instalment in the much-loved series lives up to its grandiose billing it.
Forbes
23-03-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
Ukraine's Jammers Confuse Russia's Glide Bombs. Watch One Stray.
A KAB in mid-flight. Fighterbomber, the unofficial Telegram channel of the Russian air force, has claimed the air force's widely feared KAB or UMPK satellite-guided glide bombs are accurate to within 15 feet of a target. So it's noteworthy when one of the winged bombs, which can glide 25 miles or farther and deliver hundreds or even thousands of pounds of explosives, misses by a wide margin. A miss might mean that Ukrainian jamming, which can disrupt the radio signal between a KAB and its associated navigation satellites, is working—and proliferating. A recording of a Russian drone feed, posted online on or just before Saturday, seems to depict the effects of Ukrainian jamming in real time. In the video, the drone is circling a structure somewhere near the front line in Ukraine—potentially a base for Ukrainian troops—and apparently preparing to assess the damage from a KAB strike that's already underway. The drone has its crosshairs over one particular structure. But when the KAB explodes, it's hundreds of yards away—and in an open field. Wide misses are reportedly becoming common all along the 700-mile front line as more and better Ukrainian jammers cover more of the most important sectors. A KAB explodes harmlessly. 'The golden era of the divine UMPK turned out to be short-lived,' Fighterbomber noted last month. 'The bombs are still flying,' Fighterbomber reported. 'But there's a catch. All satellite-guided correction systems have left the chat.' And for one main reason: Ukrainian radio jammers have become so effective, and so numerous, that they 'saturate the front line.' The glide bombs can't communicate with the GLONASS satellite constellation, Russia's less sophisticated and less expansive answer to the United States' own GPS satellite constellation. Without a steady connection for course correction, the glide bombs tend to stray and harmlessly explode on some field—just like that one video depicts. It seems Ukraine is deploying more than one type of jammer. KABs may be losing accuracy all along the front line, but one leading Ukrainian jammer manufacturer has copped to covering just a few key sectors, including Kharkiv in the north and Zaporizhzhia in the south. Night Watch's new Lima jammer isn't a traditional model that simply blasts radio noise toward the enemy. 'We use digital interference,' a representative of the 10-person Night Watch electronic warfare team told Forbes. It's 'a combination of jamming, spoofing and information cyber attack on the navigation receiver.' 'After the deployment of the [electronic warfare] system, the accuracy of the bombings first decreased and then, realizing the ineffectiveness of this method of destruction and the impossibility of achieving the goal, the enemy stopped shelling regional centers altogether,' the rep claimed. Some KABs are still flying, of course—the recent video proves that. But they may be targeting sectors where the Ukrainians haven't yet deployed their best new jammers. As the jammers arrive, the bombs should begin to stray off course—and blow up fields instead of buildings full of Ukrainian troops.
