Latest news with #PanzerRushPlay
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Olivia Culpo sharpens culinary skills as she prepares for motherhood with 49ers star Christian McCaffrey
Olivia Culpo's new ventures (Image via WireImage) Model and mom-to-be Olivia Culpo is embracing a flavorful new chapter before welcoming her first child with NFL star Christian McCaffrey. As the San Francisco 49ers running back gears up for a new season, Culpo is trading red carpets for rolling pins — and keeping fans updated on every meaningful moment. From prestigious culinary classes to family-rooted celebrations, the 33-year-old is fully savoring her pregnancy journey. With the baby's arrival just weeks away, Culpo is blending tradition, passion, and anticipation. Culinary Institute, Instagram updates, and 'mom school' jokes Earlier this week, Culpo shared a peek into her latest pursuit: cooking school at the Culinary Institute of America. Her Instagram Stories featured her learning how to work with dough and later, meat preparation. 'It's a school week!' she wrote, showing herself in full culinary focus. In a later clip, she laughed about being asked if she was going to 'mom school,' playfully embracing her new chapter. Olivia Culpo sharpens her culinary skills (Image via Instagram) Rhode Island baby shower and Hall of Fame moment Back in May, Culpo and McCaffrey hosted a refined baby shower at Castle Hill Inn in Rhode Island — a place deeply tied to her roots. Speaking to Vogue, she shared, 'Rhode Island has always held such a special place in my heart — it's where I grew up, where so many of my values were shaped, and where most of my family still lives.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Never turn off your computer again, if you own a mouse Panzer Rush Play Now Undo She added, 'It felt really meaningful to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by close family and friends in a place that feels so deeply like home. ' The event was held just after another personal milestone: Culpo's induction into the Rhode Island Hall of Fame. 'The shower happened the morning after I was inducted into the Rhode Island Hall of Fame, which made the whole weekend feel incredibly full-circle and emotional in the best way,' she told the outlet. In a recent interview with People, Culpo opened up about what she's craving once the baby arrives. 'I definitely really want champagne,' she said. 'Champagne and whatever else comes with it, I'll be excited to eat it.' Despite some last-minute prep still pending, the former Miss Universe says she's mentally ready. 'I feel as ready as I'll ever feel. I still have to do all of the nitty-gritty (things like) pack the hospital bag and things like that,' she said. 'But yes, I feel very excited and just mostly grateful to be where I am in my pregnancy.' Also read: Christian McCaffrey's wife Olivia Culpo shows off baby bump in viral selfie—with a hilarious twist The McCaffrey-Culpo family — married in May 2024 — continues to grow, with love, legacy, and a dash of culinary flair leading the way. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Zohran Mamdani: Can an Indian-American socialist be the future of the Democratic Party?
(L-R) Zohran Kwame Mamdani with his parents Director Mira Nair, and Mahmood Mamdani (PTI Photo) Indian-American democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, 33, stunned the political world by leading New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, prompting Andrew Cuomo-ex-governor and scandal-scarred heavyweight-to concede. If Mamdani wins the general election this November, he would become the city's first Muslim and Indian-American mayor - and at 33, its youngest in more than a century. Why it matters This was more than a mayoral primary. It was a referendum on where Democrats go after President Donald Trump's second-term victory. In pitting a fresh-faced socialist against a scandal-scarred party heavyweight, the race spotlighted the deep fissures within the Democratic coalition - between youth and establishment, idealism and pragmatism, grassroots and big money. Mamdani's possible win signals that the Democratic Party's progressive wing isn't just surviving - it's thriving, especially in major urban centers. And yet, the very elements that electrify his base could prove radioactive in a general election. The big picture Zohran Mamdani's ascent wasn't supposed to happen. When Cuomo entered the race - four years after resigning as governor amid sexual harassment allegations - he was the clear favorite. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Never turn off your computer again, if you own a mouse Panzer Rush Play Now Undo He had name recognition, $25 million in super PAC backing, and deep ties to the city's political machinery. But Mamdani, a Ugandan-born Indian-American, upended the race with a savvy campaign that focused on affordability - New York's defining issue. His platform : Mamdani pledged to freeze rents on over a million regulated apartments, offer free public buses, build city-owned grocery stores, and fund universal childcare. These proposals would be bankrolled by $10 billion in new taxes on the rich and corporations. His style: Leaning into TikTok and Instagram, Mamdani reached voters where they live - on their phones. His viral videos paired sharp critiques of economic inequality with hopeful messaging. Young voters, especially in gentrifying neighborhoods, turned out in force. His support: Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders didn't just endorse Mamdani; they helped power his volunteer army of 50,000 - a scale rarely seen even in national races. It worked. Mamdani received nearly 44% of first-choice votes to Cuomo's 36.3%, according to the New York City Board of Elections. With ranked-choice tabulation still ongoing, his lead is expected to widen thanks to a cross-endorsement strategy with third-place finisher Brad Lander. What they are saying Cuomo, conceding Tuesday night, acknowledged defeat: 'Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won.' As The New York Times reported, New York attorney general Letitia James compared the energy surrounding Zohran Mamdani's campaign to a political moment not seen in over a decade. 'It really represents the excitement that I saw on the streets all throughout the City of New York,' James said. 'I haven't seen this since Barack Obama ran for president of these United States.' Ocasio-Cortez celebrated the win: 'Billionaires and lobbyists poured millions against you… and you won,' she posted on X. But not everyone is cheering. 'This is a capitalist city that has a historic relationship with Israel,' said Kathy Wylde of the Partnership for New York City. 'Should he win the primary, he's going to have to deal with that. Or there will be a serious surge to try and prevent him from becoming mayor.' Some Democrats view Mamdani as unqualified. Cuomo, in one debate, scoffed at his opponent's short résumé: 'He's never dealt with Congress. Never negotiated with unions. He's never even managed an infrastructure project.' Mamdani's retort? 'To Mr Cuomo, I have never had to resign in disgrace.' Between the lines Mamdani's background is a mosaic of contrasts and symbolism. Born in Uganda to Indian parents, he immigrated to New York at age 7. He became a US citizen in 2018, worked as a housing counselor, and was elected to the state Assembly in 2020. His resume may be thin, but his personal story resonates - especially in a city that thrives on reinvention and defiance. Zoom in His grassroots campaign was something new - and arguably, something the Democratic Party desperately needs. Volunteer-powered: Mamdani built a 50,000-person ground game - a rare feat in any race, let alone a city primary. Youth-centered: He dominated among voters under 50, particularly in gentrifying parts of Brooklyn and Queens. Clear contrast: Where Cuomo ran a nostalgia-heavy campaign focused on his Covid-era briefings and past infrastructure wins, Mamdani looked forward, offering transformative ideas on cost of living, transit, and equity. Even critics admit Mamdani tapped into something real. 'I like youth,' said Sheryl Stein, a voter in Manhattan. 'But him having no experience and no proven track record to run the largest city in this country… is pretty scary.' Too bold to scale? When strengths become liabilities Mamdani's appeal in New York City-his sharp leftist message, unapologetic socialist label, and vocal support for Palestinian rights-has made him a hero to progressives and younger voters. And then there's his political circle: Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Their support helped power Mamdani to victory-but could also tether him to a wing of the party that many centrists believe cost Democrats the Senate in 2022 and the White House in 2024. No doubt, his affiliation with the Democratic socialists of America is a political asset in neighborhoods like Astoria or Brooklyn's Park Slope. But outside deep-blue enclaves, it's more polarizing than galvanizing. But these same qualities could become major vulnerabilities if he becomes the new face of the Democratic Party nationally. David Axelrod, former Obama strategist and a native New Yorker, told The Times that while those positions may create vulnerabilities, Mamdani's disciplined focus on affordability could offer a valuable roadmap. 'There is no doubt that Trump and Republicans will try and seize on him as a kind of exemplar of what the Democratic Party stands for,' Axelrod said. 'The thing is, he seems both principled and agile and deft enough to confront those sort of conventional plays.' For many Democratic strategists still haunted by the party's losses in the 2024 Trump-Harris rematch, Mamdani represents everything the GOP is eager to caricature: far-left, anti-Israel, anti-corporate, and too radical for middle America. The result leaves national Democrats with a strategic choice: embrace Mamdani as a compelling next-generation leader who communicates economic urgency in a way Kamala Harris did not-or sideline him as an ideological outlier in a centrist pivot aimed at reclaiming suburban and independent voters. Either path carries risk. And neither comes with a guarantee. Trump-aligned Republicans have already begun labeling him as a 'genocide apologist' for his criticism of Israel's conduct in Gaza-an attack line that's potent in swing districts, even if ineffective in New York City. Mamdani's decision not to denounce slogans like 'Globalize the intifada' feeds into GOP narratives about Democratic extremism and identity politics run amok. For now, Mamdani is an electrifying figure within the party. But to be a national standard-bearer, he'll need to do something most idealists struggle with: show he can build bridges across ideological lines without diluting his message. If he can't, his star may shine brightly-but briefly. What's next The November general election is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in city history. Adams, despite skipping the primary, remains a potent force. He's leaning into outsider status after being politically rehabilitated by the Trump Justice Department's abandonment of his case. Cuomo hasn't ruled out continuing on the independent line. If Mamdani survives this gauntlet, it will be over the objections of many of the city's unions, party leaders, editorial boards, and business interests - a clean break from Democratic norms. If he makes it to City Hall, he'll inherit a bureaucracy of 300,000 employees and a fiscal structure resistant to radical reform. His ideological purity will meet the realpolitik of budget crises, federal interference, and labor negotiations. A crash is not unthinkable. Still, even the possibility of an Indian-American socialist mayor governing the world's most influential city was unimaginable just a few years ago.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ajith Kumar breaks the internet with his new buzz cut hairdo ahead of the next GT4 European series race
Actor Ajith Kumar has once again stirred the internet with his new look, as videos and pictures of him from Belgium are grabbing attention. He was seen sporting a buzz cut ahead of his next GT4 European Series race, scheduled for the weekend. Ajith Kumar's new buzz cut hairdo A video shared by Ajith Kumar's racing team on X (formerly Twitter) features him walking with his team and inspecting his vehicle for the race. He also took part in a cycle race on the premises after greeting his friends and teammates. The actor looked cool in a blue jacket paired with denim trousers and a white T-shirt. He completed his look with white sneakers and black sunglasses. Ajith had shaved his head, leaving a thin layer of white hair, which looked both classy and stylish. He was recently spotted with his wife, Shalini Ajith Kumar, at a store launch event in the city. She always accompanies him during his motor races and never fails to cheer for him from the gallery. Ajith Kumar Faces Scary Crash Ahead of Dubai 24 Hours Race Ajith had two successful releases this year, Vidaamuyarchi and Good Bad Ugly. He has revealed that he will not be taking up any further film projects for a while, until he completes his commitments to car racing. Ajith Kumar's work front 'Vidaamuyarchi', directed by Magizh Thirumeni, also featured Arjun, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra, and Arav in key roles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Never turn off your computer again, if you own a mouse Panzer Rush Play Now Undo Adhik Ravichandran's 'Good Bad Ugly' starred Ajith Kumar alongside Trisha Krishnan, Arjun Das, Sunil, Prabhu, Prasanna, Karthikeya Dev, Priya Prakash Varrier, Jackie Shroff, Shine Tom Chacko, Tinnu Anand, B. S. Avinash, and Raghu Ram. There are rumours that the actor-director duo may collaborate again on a new project.
