Latest news with #Rafiki
Indian Express
18-05-2025
- General
- Indian Express
In need of extensive repairs after Indian airstrikes, Pakistan's Rahim Yar Khan airbase runway closure extended till June 6
Pakistan has extended the closure of the sole runway at its Rahim Yar Khan airbase—hit and damaged by India's military strikes last Saturday (May 10)—till the morning of June 6. On the day of the airstrike, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority had issued a notice to airmen, or NOTAM, saying that the runway at the airbase will be unavailable for flight operations for a week—till 4:59 am Pakistan time (5:29 IST) on Sunday (May 18). However, according to a new NOTAM that has replaced the previous notice, now the runway will not be available till 4:59 am Pakistan time on June 6. This indicates that the extensive runway repairs needed after India's precision strikes may be taking longer than earlier anticipated. Like the previous NOTAM, the new notice also said that closure is due to work in progress, without going into specifics, and that the runway will not be available for flight operations. Rahim Yar Khan, which is in the southern part of Pakistan's Punjab province and faces the Rajasthan frontier, has a dual-purpose airport—it is home to a forward operational base of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Central Air Command and the Sheikh Zayed International Airport. Satellite images released by the Indian armed forces in the days that followed the airstrike show a large and deep crater in the middle of the Rahim Yar Khan airbase runway caused by an Indian airstrike. Satellite imagery also showed extensive damage to a building at the airbase. 'RWY NOT AVBL FOR FLT OPERATION WIP.,' stated the initial as well as the latest NOTAM about Rahim Yar Khan airbase runway. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), use of the code 'WIP' in a NOTAM refers to work in progress. As per the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 'WIP' describes any work being done on the airport surface. Given that the NOTAM specifically mentions the runway at the airbase, it indicates that work in progress is on the runway itself. The airbase's sole runway—Runway 01/19—has a bituminous surface and is 3,000 metres or 9,843 feet in length, per airport data available on Flightradar24. The airbase was one the multiple key Pakistani military targets that India hit amid a military conflict that lasted four days, before the two nuclear-powered neighbours arrived at a ceasefire understanding on the evening of May 10. The airbase was among the six Pakistani military targets hit on May 10—Rafiki, Murid, Chaklala, Sukkur and Juniya being the other five—by India using 'air-launched precision weapons' from Indian fighter aircraft. The Indian response followed Pakistan's 'escalatory' and 'provocative' actions in which it attempted air intrusions at multiple locations, which were thwarted by the Indian armed forces. India and Pakistan engaged in the worst fighting in decades in the wake of India's precision strikes at nine terror infrastructure locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of 'Operation Sindoor' in the wee hours on May 7. These strikes were in response to the deadly attack at Pahalgam on April 22 in which 26 people, almost all of them tourists, were gunned down by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Following India's precision strikes at terror infrastructure early on May 7, the tensions saw a major escalation with Pakistan launching drone and missile attacks against India all along the Line of Control and the international border, and India neutralising Pakistani attacks and retaliating with strikes at Pakistani military assets in various parts of that country. Sukalp Sharma is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express and writes on a host of subjects and sectors, notably energy and aviation. He has over 13 years of experience in journalism with a body of work spanning areas like politics, development, equity markets, corporates, trade, and economic policy. He considers himself an above-average photographer, which goes well with his love for travel. ... Read More
France 24
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
South Africa's Phindile Ndlovu on 'great honour' of featuring in Lion King musical in Paris
As one of the most renowned and well-loved musicals, auditioning for "The Lion King" seemed somewhat out of reach for Phindile Ndlovu. "I thought 'maybe it's too big for me, maybe they won't take me'," she tells FRANCE 24. Ultimately, though, the South African native went on to play Rafiki — the shaman of the Pride Lands — in both the Spanish and French versions of the production. "I think I'm the only person in my family who actually got to be an artist and go outside of South Africa," she says. The musical is now playing at the Mogador Theatre in Paris, and Ndlovu says she is adapting well to French life: "I love the country, I'm loving the people, obviously." She says what makes "The Lion King" special is its broad appeal, promising to "captivate" audiences of all ages.
Indian Express
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Following India's airstrike, Pakistan declares Rahim Yar Khan airbase's sole runway non-operational for a week
After India's military strike at the Rahim Yar Khan airbase in Pakistan's Punjab province, the sole runway at the airbase has been declared as non-operational for a week, according to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) Saturday evening, and reviewed by The Indian Express. The NOTAM took effect at 4 pm Pakistan time (4:30 pm IST) on Saturday (May 10) and will be in effect at least till 4:59 am Pakistan time (5:29 IST) on May 18. The NOTAM said that closure is due to work in progress, without going into specifics, and that it will not be available for flight operations. The temporary closure of this important airbase in the southern part of Pakistan's Punjab province and the timing and duration of the closure lends credence to reports that claimed that the facility's runway was directly hit by an Indian missile, and needed extensive repair work. 'RWY NOT AVBL FOR FLT OPERATION WIP.,' the NOTAM stated. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), use of the code 'WIP' in a NOTAM refers to work in progress. As per the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 'WIP' describes any work being done on the airport surface. Given that the NOTAM specifically mentions the runway at the airbase, it indicates that work in progress is on the runway itself. The Rahim Yar Khan airbase also houses the Sheikh Zayed International airport. Its sole runway—Runway 01/19—has a bituminous surface and is 3,000 metres or 9,843 feet in length, per airport data available on Flightradar24. The airbase was one the multiple key Pakistani military targets that India hit amid a military conflict that lasted four days, before the two nuclear-powered neighbours arrived at a ceasefire understanding on Saturday evening. The airbase was among the six Pakistani military targets hit on Saturday—Rafiki, Murid, Chaklala, Sukkur and Juniya being the other five—by India using 'air-launched precision weapons' from Indian fighter aircraft. The Indian response followed Pakistan's 'escalatory' and 'provocative' actions in which it attempted air intrusions at multiple locations, which were thwarted by the Indian armed forces. India and Pakistan engaged in the worst fighting in decades in the wake of India's precision strikes at nine terror infrastructure locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as part of 'Operation Sindoor' in the wee hours on Wednesday. These strikes were in response to the deadly attack at Pahalgam on April 22 in which 26 people, almost all of them tourists, were gunned down by Pakistan-backed terrorists. Following India's precision strikes at terror infrastructure early on Wednesday, the tensions saw a major escalation with Pakistan launching drone and missile attacks against India all along the Line of Control and the international border, and India neutralising Pakistani attacks and retaliating with strikes at Pakistani military assets in various parts of that country. Sukalp Sharma is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express and writes on a host of subjects and sectors, notably energy and aviation. He has over 13 years of experience in journalism with a body of work spanning areas like politics, development, equity markets, corporates, trade, and economic policy. He considers himself an above-average photographer, which goes well with his love for travel. ... Read More
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What's on in Newport this weekend: Miniature trains, music and movies
There's a variety of events happening across Newport this weekend, whatever your interests. A steam and electric miniature railway will be running in Newport this weekend. Enjoy a miniature train ride at Glebelands Park (Image: Supplied) The event will be held at Glebelands Park on Saturday, March 1, from 1pm until 5pm. Rides on the miniature trains will cost £2 per person, with cash and most credit cards accepted. The site has picnic tables for families to enjoy and there will be railway-themed merchandise for sale, including fridge magnets and train driver hats. The N Gauge Model Railway Club will also have a display in the clubhouse. The event is one of several from the Miniature Railway at the Glebelands. Other events include the Miniature Railway on April 5, and the Easter Monday Running Day Special on April 21. For those with a taste for music, The Rabbitts are performing at Le Pub on Saturday, March 1. The Rabbitts are performing at Le Pub in Newport (Image: Supplied) The band, who have been described as "ethereal and understated" by BBC Radio 6 Music, are known for their unique sound, characterised by delicate harmonies and a mix of mandolin, guitar, bass, and drums. They released their EP, The Weight of the Water Above Me, in the summer of 2024, which Glide Magazine called "a glorious display of ambient folk." The Rabbitts are starting 2025 with their second UK tour, and tickets for their Newport performance can be purchased online. For a more cinematic experience, the Riverfront is showing Mufasa: The Lion King for £3.50 a ticket. Mufasa: The Lion King is showing at the Riverfront (Image: Supplied) The film follows the legend of Mufasa, relayed by Rafiki to young lion cub Kiara, daughter of Simba and Nala. The story introduces Mufasa as an orphaned cub, who meets a sympathetic lion named Taka, the heir to a royal bloodline. The chance meeting sets in motion an expansive journey of an extraordinary group of misfits searching for their destiny. The Riverfront has several upcoming events in March, including Dreamcoat Stars on March 14, and Dragma's Late Night Natterbox: House Party on March 15. These events offer a range of entertainment options for Newport residents and visitors this weekend.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
When will 'Mufasa' be on Disney Plus?
"Mufasa, The Lion King" emerged in December 2024 as one of the most anticipated Disney movies. It became the seventh highest-grossing movie of the year worldwide, according to The new film is a live-action movie, not a cartoon, and it is the prequel to the original Disney animated film, "The Lion King." The film brings back the wise Rafiki to tell the story of how Mufasa and Scar became rivals. They were brothers wanting to build a new kingdom long before they were foes. And now fans may wonder when it will stream on Disney. Here is what to know. Mufasa: The Lion King will be available on digital platforms such as Apple TV and Fandango at Home Tuesday, Feb. 18. It will also be available for purchase on Prime Video and premiere at 10 p.m. MT/11 a.m. CT Monday, Feb. 17. Based on other movies' time frames, media experts say "Mufasa: The Lion King"should begin streaming on Disney+ sometime around early April, Fans can buy "Mufasa: The Lion King" on DVD or Bluray on Tuesday, April 1. Prime Video currently has Mufasa: The Lion King available for pre-order for digital purchase for $29.99. Since digital rentals are $5 less than digital purchase prices, viewers can expect to rent Mufasa: The Lion King for $24.99 for a 48-hour period. The film runs 1 hour and 58 minutes, according to IMDb. Here is the cast of who is voicing the main characters of Mufasa: The Lion King Aaron Pierre: Mufasa Kelvin Harrison Jr.: Taka Seth Rogan: Pumbaa Billy Eichner: Timon John Kani: Rafiki Mads Mikkelson: Kiros Thandiwine Newton: Eshe Blue Ivy Carter: Kiara Watch the trailer below. More: First Gamescape by Cinemark is coming to El Paso, what to know María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@ @ on Bluesky. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 'Mufasa: The Lion King' streaming: Digital release date details
