A$AP Rocky is opening up about the unexpected person who helped steer him toward a life-changing romance with Rihanna, his mother.
During a recent appearance on the Jan. 15 episode of Popcast, the rapper, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, revealed that his mom, Renee Black, was the first to suggest he should date the global superstar long before their friendship turned romantic.
Looking back, A$AP shared that his mother was surprisingly direct about it.
“My mother used to say s–t like, ‘I know you like this girl that you with right now,’” he recalled, adding that she would then say, “‘But I want you with Riri.’”
At the time, he brushed it off, insisting they were just friends.
“‘Ma why you keep saying that? That girl don’t even want me like that. Like be cool, Ma. Like that’s just my friend. Chill,’” he remembered telling her.
But his mom didn’t back down. “‘I’m telling you, she real,’” A$AP said, before adding with a laugh, “And mothers know best.”
Their bond eventually evolved into a romantic relationship in late 2019, and since then, A$AP Rocky and Rihanna have built a family together.
The couple now share three children: RZA, 3, Riot, 2, and Rocki, who is just three months old.
For A$AP, the connection has always felt natural, even inevitable.
“It was just like we were on the same page,” he explained. “Born the same year. My dad is from her country. My family, when I go back, I get to see both sides of my family. It’s so many similarities, it’s just funny. We laugh about it a lot.”
Even before romance entered the picture, he admitted there was always something special there.
“She was always my boo, you know what I’m saying?” he said. “Like I always f–ked with her.”
Still, A$AP believes the timing mattered.
“I’m thankful that she was put in my life at that time,” he shared, explaining that neither of them was ready earlier.
Rihanna has echoed that sentiment, later saying the pandemic played a role in accelerating their relationship. “COVID sped up our relationship,” she told Interview Magazine in 2024. “There was no denying it… It just happened.”
In the end, it seems his mother saw the love story coming long before either of them did.
Kris Jenner dubs Chicago her ‘sweet angel’ as she turns eight
Kris Jenner is celebrating Kim Kardashian’s youngest daughter’s milestone birthday.
The infamous momager took to her Instagram account on January 15 to mark her “smartest little” granddaughter Chicago’s 8th birthday.
In the celebratory post ,the doting grandmom gushed over Chicago calling her “bright” and “creative,” and posted a series of throwback snaps of her “sweet angel” from her childhood.
“Happy birthday to our precious Chi Chi!” Kris’s sweet birthday tribute began. “I can’t believe you are eight today!!! Time flies so fast. You bring such joy, warmth, and love into our lives, and it’s impossible not to smile when you’re around.”
Kris continued to rave that Chicago reminds her of Kim when she was her age.
Labelling her granddaughter “the smartest little girl”, the Kardashians star added, “You are kind, funny, thoughtful, caring, full of love.. I’m endlessly proud of the bright, creative, and amazing little lady you’re becoming. You are an incredible granddaughter, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.”
“I love you endlessly, my sweet angel. Happy birthday Chicago! Lovey xo,” Kris concluded.
Along with Chicago, Kim is also mom to daughter North and sons, Psalm and Saint, whom she shares with ex husband Kanye West.
The budget plans to take on new debt of Rs11 trillion. This will be added to the already crippling level of existing debt, which stands at Rs76 trillion. photo: file
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has requested the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to roll over a debt of $2.5 billion for two years and cut interest rate by almost half, including for a $450 million loan taken 30 years ago.
The request was made around the time the UAE president visited Pakistan. After meeting the UAE president, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the UAE had agreed to roll over the debt, but he did not give further details. Separately, the World Bank informed Pakistan on Thursday that the country’s investment levels remained below the targets decided under the $20 billion Country Partnership Framework. Central bank and government sources said that Pakistan requested the UAE to roll over the maturing debt of $2.45 billion. Of the total, $1 billion is maturing on Friday and another $1 billion will mature next week.
Sources said that the UAE president had already agreed on the extension but it was not clear whether the debt had been rolled over for one year or two years. Pakistan has sought extension in the debt repayment period for two years and a reduction in interest rate by more than half, according to the central bank sources. Replies from the State Bank and the Ministry of Finance were awaited till the filing of the story.
PM Sharif had reportedly informed the cabinet that a $2 billion repayment was due and the UAE was extending the period. The UAE had extended $2 billion in 2018 for one year. This debt is part of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves of $16 billion. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday that Pakistan still owed $12 billion to the friendly countries, including $5 billion owed to Saudi Arabia, $3 billion to the UAE and $4 billion to China.
In 2018, the UAE had charged 3% interest rate, but last year it increased the rate by more than double to 6.5%. Sources said that Pakistan requested the UAE to cut the rate to around 3% due to the improvement in Pakistan’s credit rating and lower global rates. The second deposit of $1 billion came in July 2023 as part of the IMF’s condition to arrange $3 billion in further loans to meet the external financing needs before entering a short-term bailout package. Sources said that Pakistan had taken a $450 million loan from the UAE in 1996-97, which remains unpaid, and it is bearing a 6.5% interest on the loan. The government has sought the two-year extension as it will not be able to return the debt during the IMF programme, which is ending in September next year.
Pakistan’s external sector stability depends on the rollover of foreign loans and securing fresh financing from the IMF and the World Bank. The country remains unable to enhance exports, which fell nearly 9% to $15.2 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year. PM Sharif has constituted a committee to evaluate how exports could be increased from last year’s $32 billion to $63 billion in four years. Foreign investment in Pakistan is also not rising despite efforts. A World Bank team on Thursday met with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and informed him that “investment levels remain below the ($20 billion) Country Partnership target,” said the Ministry of Finance.
World Bank Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar briefed the finance minister about the Country Partnership Framework (CPF). “The World Bank highlighted the importance of accelerating private investment, noting that investment levels remain below the CPF target,” said the ministry.
The bank board approved a 10-year, $20 billion debt package last year but its materialisation hinges on improvement in economic indicators and meeting the policy-based loan conditions.
The finance ministry said that discussions with the World Bank delegation focused on designing a coherent, programmatic investment framework aligned with CPF objectives, covering business environment reforms, state-owned enterprise reforms, trade facilitation, capital market development and export competitiveness. Both sides acknowledged that Pakistan had made progress towards macroeconomic stability through prudent fiscal and monetary policies and emphasised the need to translate the stability into sustained economic growth, higher investment and job creation.
The ministry said that the World Bank proposed a results-based approach with clearly defined policy milestones, performance indicators and targeted technical assistance to support implementation. Pakistan last week sought the World Bank’s support for the refinancing of $36 billion energy debt. The lender said that it may not be able to fund the total debt but could extend guarantees to cover part of it.
“The World Bank also briefed the finance minister on the potential use of policy-based guarantees as part of future operations to support Pakistan’s liability management, refinancing of high-cost debt and innovative financing approaches, subject to achievement of agreed policy milestones,” said the finance ministry. The Express Tribune reported last week that Pakistan had approached the World Bank for its possible role in refinancing $36 billion worth of energy debt taken in the past from multilateral and bilateral creditors to develop power projects.
A preliminary proposal has been developed with the aim of replacing the expensive foreign debt with relatively cheaper multilateral debt to reduce the end-consumer price. According to the proposal, the government wants to ease the power sector debt burden by securing a concessionary, long-term financing. It was seeking a 15-year debt repayment period, including a four-year grace period, they added.
The objective is to cut energy prices to around 8 to 9 cents per unit, which translates into Rs25 per unit.
Business leaders say Pakistan must leverage $13bn pipeline to rethink trade ties, build long-term competitiveness
LAHORE:
As Pakistan enters a phase marked by unprecedented defence export opportunities and an equal chance to reposition itself within evolving global economic dynamics, business leaders are calling for a fundamental restructuring of the country’s external economic relationships to achieve sustainable, self-driven growth.
Former president of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Chamber of Commerce and Industry Iftikhar Ali Malik has urged the government and the private sector to prioritise competitiveness, investment and innovation as the cornerstones of Pakistan’s economic revival. He said the country stands at a critical juncture where it can either continue a cycle of crisis management or break free towards genuine economic sovereignty. “For too long, we have been caught in a trap of external assistance that has weakened our structural foundations and discouraged strategic planning,” said Malik. He added that the current global realignment, combined with growing interest in emerging markets and regional connectivity initiatives, presents Pakistan with a rare opportunity to recalibrate its economic priorities and pursue growth on its own terms.
The trade veteran stressed that attracting long-term foreign direct investment should take precedence over short-term capital inflows linked to balance of payments pressures. Such investments, he said, would bring not only capital but also technology transfer, managerial expertise and crucial access to global markets. Equally important is rebuilding confidence among domestic entrepreneurs and diaspora investors, who can provide the foundation for sustained economic expansion, he added.
Another prominent businessman, who requested anonymity, pointed to Pakistan’s growing defence sector as a potential game-changer for the broader economy. Following the Pakistan-India conflict in May 2025, Pakistan’s defence exports have surged to approximately $13 billion, though a majority of this volume remains in the pipeline, opening new avenues for economic diversification.
“The defence export boom is not just about military hardware; it represents a validation of Pakistani manufacturing capabilities and technical expertise,” the businessman said. “These export orders are creating, and will continue to create, ripple effects across the private sector, helping manufacturers identify new international markets and establishing Pakistan as a reliable supplier. Beyond the immediate foreign exchange benefits, which are substantial, this is building institutional capacity and global credibility that can be leveraged across multiple industries.”
He added that the defence sector’s success demonstrates what Pakistani industry can achieve when it focuses on quality, innovation and compliance with international standards, lessons that should be applied across other sectors of the economy.
Malik, however, emphasised that redefining Pakistan’s external economic relations requires a more balanced diplomatic approach, where trade agreements and regional connectivity projects are driven by national competitiveness rather than urgent financing needs. Diversifying export markets and reducing overreliance on traditional partners would strengthen Pakistan’s negotiating position globally, he said. Both business leaders said the future lies in leveraging innovation across sectors, including digitalisation, fintech, agritech and renewable energy. These areas, they noted, offer opportunities to bypass traditional development constraints and integrate directly into global value chains while creating quality employment for Pakistan’s young population.
This transformation, they argued, demands sustained commitment, transparent governance and accountability. “This is not about quick fixes or cosmetic reforms; it requires genuine ownership of the reform process and a long-term vision that prioritises resilience and sustainability over short-term expediency. If we can maintain this focus, Pakistan can emerge as a self-confident and productive economy, integrated into the global system on an equal footing,” Malik added.
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro rumoured major design shift with under-screen face ID, report suggests
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max models are anticipated to feature the most dramatic design evolution in years, a report suggests.
The leaks indicate that Apple will finally implement under-screen Face ID technology across its 18-model lineup.
This highly anticipated advancement will enable the TrueDepth camera system to operate beneath the display, eliminating the need for the current pill-shaped Dynamic Island cutout on Pro models.
In iPhones, the TrueDepth camera is responsible for accurate face data by projecting and assessing thousands of invisible dots to create an in-depth map of a person’s face, in addition to capturing an infrared image of the user’s face.
Early leaks suggested that the front-facing camera will remain in a single, smaller hole-punch. The hole-punch will be placed in the top-left corner of the screen.
This is a major shift from the current centred camera placements. With this shift, there will be greater utilisation of screen area, but it raises concerns about the model’s aesthetics.
Apart from the display, the iPhone 18 Pro models are expected to have major internal upgrades.
Apple is rumoured to debut the A20 Pro chip in it, which is manufactured on TSMC’s cutting-edge 2nm process.
This chip will substantially improve performance and increase efficiency.
Apple is also expected to introduce its first in-house cellular chip, the C1X or C2, ending its reliance on Qualcomm for this component.
Some other rumoured features include:
A variable aperture for an improved camera
Powerful battery facilitated by a thicker chassis
New colour options like burgundy or coffee brown, etc.
6.3 and 6.9 inch screen sizes
120Hz refresh rate
Traditionally, Apple introduces its flagship iPhones in September. But there are persistent rumours of a possible split-launch strategy for the iPhone 18.
From til chikki to pongal sushi, explore 15 chef-curated festive recipes that blend tradition with modern flavours.
These festive recipes blend tradition and modern flavours for winter celebrations.
India’s winter festivals are deeply tied to seasonal produce, warming ingredients, and food traditions that celebrate abundance and togetherness. From sesame and jaggery-based sweets to comforting rice dishes, nut-forward snacks, and globally inspired festive creations, these recipes reflect both heritage and modern creativity.
Curated from hotel chefs, culinary experts, and festive collaborators, this collection brings together 15 detailed recipes that honour traditional flavours while offering fresh interpretations – perfect for Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, and beyond.
Til-Gud Fusion Delight Cups
The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi
Ingredients:
½ cup roasted white sesame seeds
½ cup crushed peanuts
½ cup grated jaggery (gud)
2 tbsp khoya/mawa
1 tbsp ghee
¼ tsp cardamom powder
2 tbsp fresh coconut, finely grated
Mini phyllo cups
Method:
1. Dry roast sesame seeds till aromatic. Let cool.
2. Heat the ghee on a low flame, add jaggery, and stir until just melted.
3. Mix in peanuts, sesame seeds, coconut, khoya, and cardamom.
4. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. Spoon the mixture into mini cups or moulds and press gently. Garnish with pistachios or a drizzle of dark chocolate.
6. Let it sit for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Chef’s Tip: For extra richness, lightly toast the khoya in ghee before mixing. It enhances the nutty aroma and gives a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
Spiced Sesame-Peanut Pearls in Jaggery Tubes
The Ashok Hotel, New Delhi
Pearls
Ingredients:
½ cup white sesame seeds, lightly toasted
¼ cup peanuts, roasted and skin removed
2 tbsp powdered jaggery
¼ tsp cardamom powder
A tiny pinch of black salt
1 tsp ghee
Method:
1. Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until they just come together. Don’t over-process—you want a slightly coarse, moldable texture.
2. Roll into small, pea-sized pearls. Set aside on parchment paper. Refrigerate.
1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, combine jaggery, sugar, and water. Heat on medium until the jaggery dissolves completely.
2. Add lemon juice to prevent crystallisation. Cook until the syrup reaches 125–130°C (a drop in cold water forms a hard, but not brittle, ball).
3. Lightly grease a silicone mat, pour a little syrup, spread evenly and roll into a tube. Leave aside to cool and harden.
4. Fill each tube with the prepared pearl mixture and enjoy.
Chef’s Tip: To get uniform tubes, roll the jaggery-sugar mix while still warm, as it is pliable in that state.
Golden Sesame Chikki Bites
Ingredients:
1 cup white sesame seeds
¾ cup grated jaggery
1 tbsp ghee
A pinch of cardamom powder
Instructions:
1. Dry roast the sesame seeds until aromatic. You can also lightly toast them evenly using the Voltas Beko Microwave on low power for quick and fuss-free roasting.
2. Heat jaggery with ghee until melted and slightly thick, then add cardamom powder.
3. Mix in the sesame seeds and stir well.
4. Spread the mixture onto a greased plate, flatten, and cut into small squares while warm.
5. Allow to cool and set before serving.
Curd Rice Poppers
Ingredients:
½ cup raw rice
¼ cup moong dal
¾ cup grated jaggery
2 cups milk
1 tbsp ghee
Cashews and raisins for garnish
½ tsp cardamom powder
Instructions:
1. Cook rice and moong dal together until soft.
2. Add milk and jaggery, stirring gently until the mixture turns creamy.
3. Mix in cardamom powder and finish with roasted cashews and raisins.
4. Keep warm using the Voltas Beko Microwave reheat mode for batch serving.
Harvest Veggie Skewers
Ingredients:
Sweet potato cubes
Carrot slices
Baby corn
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp chilli powder
Salt to taste
1 tbsp oil
Instructions:
1. Store and prep fresh winter vegetables using the Voltas Beko Refrigerator.
2. Parboil vegetables until just tender.
3. Mix honey, chilli powder, salt, and oil to make a glaze.
4. Thread vegetables onto skewers and grill using the Voltas Beko Microwave Grill Mode until lightly charred.
5. Serve hot.
Jeedipappu Chakkara Pongali
Executive Chef Satya Kumar, Sheraton Hyderabad
Ingredients:
150 g raw rice
25 g moong dal
50 g jaggery
250 ml milk
3 crushed cardamom
1 pinch edible camphor
1 pinch salt
1 small banana
2 tsp ghee
10 cashew nuts
2 tsp raisins
Steps:
1. Soak rice for 30 minutes. Roast moong dal in ghee.
2. Add water and milk, bring to a boil.
3. Add rice, camphor, cardamom, salt, and banana.
4. Pressure cook for 4 whistles.
5. Mash well, add jaggery syrup.
6. Garnish with ghee-roasted cashews and raisins.
Bobbattlu (Puran Poli)
Executive Chef Satya Kumar, Sheraton Hyderabad
For Stuffing (Puran)
1½ cup chana dal
¼ tsp turmeric
½ tsp ghee
3 cups water
1½ cups jaggery
1 tsp ghee
½ tsp cardamom powder
For Dough
2 cups wheat flour
¼ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp salt
2 tbsp oil
Water, for kneading
Method
To Prepare Puran
1. Soak chana dal for 1 hour. Drain and transfer to the cooker.
2. Add turmeric, ghee, and water. Pressure cook for 3 whistles on medium flame.
3. Drain excess water and transfer dal to a kadai.
4. Add jaggery and mix until melted, then mash dal well.
5. Cook till mixture thickens and holds shape.
6. Add ghee and cardamom powder; cook until the mixture leaves the pan.
7. Transfer to plate, cool slightly, and shape into balls.
To Prepare Dough
1. Mix wheat flour, turmeric, salt, and oil in a bowl.
2. Add water gradually and knead into soft dough.
3. Grease with oil, cover, and rest for at least 1 hour.
To Assemble
1. Place a puran ball inside a dough ball, seal without cracks.
2. Dust lightly, flatten, and roll gently into thin discs.
3. Cook on medium-hot tawa, flipping once, until half-cooked.
4. Apply ghee on both sides and cook well.
5. Serve hot with ghee or milk.
Fresh Cherry Pie Pops
By Chef Meghna Kamdar (On behalf of Chilean Cherries)
Ingredients
5–6 cups fresh Chilean cherries, pitted
½ cup water
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
⅔ cup granulated sugar
4 tbsp cornstarch
¼ tsp almond extract
Pie dough, rolled and cut into shapes
Method
1. Combine cherries, water, lemon juice, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook till thickened.
2. Remove from heat, stir in almond extract, and cool.
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Place lollipop sticks on dough shapes, and add cherry filling.
5. Top with another dough piece, seal edges, and brush with egg wash (optional).
6. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden.
7. Cool slightly and serve warm.
Chilean Cherry, Wild Rice & Quinoa Salad
By Chef Meghna Kamdar (On behalf of Chilean Cherries)
Ingredients
For the Salad
¾ cup wild rice
½ cup quinoa
2 cups fresh Chilean cherries, halved
2 celery stalks, diced
¾ cup smoked Gouda
½ cup toasted pecans
For the Vinaigrette
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup fruity vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¾ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Method
1. Cook wild rice for 30 minutes, then add quinoa and cook till tender. Drain and cool.
2. Toast pecans at 350°F for 8 minutes, cool and chop.
3. Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together.
4. Toss grains, cherries, celery, Gouda, and pecans with vinaigrette.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Baked Vegetarian Spiced Pecan Taquitos
By Kavita Devgan (On behalf of American Pecans)
Ingredients
2 cups pecan pieces, finely chopped
1 tbsp canola oil (plus extra for brushing)
3 cups cauliflower rice
2 tbsp chilli powder
1 tsp cumin powder
¼ cup tomato paste
¾ cup water
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp sea salt
3 cups shredded cheddar
20 small corn tortillas
Method
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Sauté cauliflower rice in oil till golden.
3. Add pecans, spices, and toast till fragrant.
4. Add tomato paste, water, and seasonings; cook through.
5. Fill tortillas with the mixture and cheese, roll tightly.
6. Brush with oil and bake 15–20 minutes till crisp.
7. Serve hot with dips.
Pecan Chickpea Cookie Dough Bites
By Kavita Devgan (On behalf of American Pecans)
Ingredients
1 cup raw pecans
15 oz chickpeas, rinsed
1 tbsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp sea salt
½ cup dark chocolate chips
Method
1. Blend pecans, chickpeas, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt till smooth.
2. Stir in chocolate chips.
3. Roll into bite-sized balls.
4. Chill if needed. Store refrigerated.
Coconut Vegetable Khichdi (Satvik Style)
Chef Arjyo Banerjee, Chief Culinary Officer at Compass Group India
Ingredients
Rice – 300 g
Yellow moong dal – 200 g
Mixed vegetables – 250 g
Fresh coconut (grated) – 100 g
White sesame – 40 g
Ghee – 50 g
Cumin – 6 g
Ginger – 15 g
Water – 1.8 litres
Salt – 12 g
Method
1. Heat ghee, add cumin and ginger.
2. Add dal, rice, vegetables, coconut, and sesame.
3. Add water and salt. Pressure cook till soft.
4. Finish with ghee.
Sesame–Peanut Energy Bar (No Sugar)
Chef Arjyo Banerjee, Chief Culinary Officer at Compass Group India
Ingredients
Roasted peanuts – 80 g
Roasted sesame – 40 g
Dates paste – 120 g
Almonds (chopped) – 30 g
Coconut oil – 10 g
Method
1. Warm dates, paste, and coconut oil.
2. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Press into tray and chill.
4. Cut into bars.
Til–Chocolate Truffle Bites
Chef Arjyo Banerjee, Chief Culinary Officer at Compass Group India
Ingredients
White sesame seeds – 60 g
Dark chocolate (55–60%) – 100 g
Fresh cream – 40 ml
Butter – 10 g
Honey – 15 g
Cocoa powder – 10 g
Method
1. Dry roast sesame and grind coarsely.
2. Heat cream, pour over chocolate, mix till smooth.
1. Pressure cook rice and dal with spices, ginger, water, and salt.
2. Prepare tempering and mix it into the pongal. Cool to room temperature.
3. Toss paneer with spices, shallow fry till golden.
4. Spread pongal on a sushi mat, add filling and vegetables.
5. Roll tightly, sprinkle sesame seeds, slice and serve with chutneys.
Pistachio Til Revdi
By Chef Bristi Kumari on behalf of American Pistachio Growers
Ingredients
½ Cup Jaggery
½ Cup Sugar
½ Cup water
1 Cup California Pistachio
2 Tbsp White til
Instructions
1. First, melt the jaggery, sugar, and water together and cook until it reaches a perfect consistency (hard-ball).
2. Spread this hot mixture evenly into a greased butter paper.
3. Once it cools slightly, gently stretch it and cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
4. Finely chop the pistachios and lightly roast them.
5. Add white sesame seeds (til) to the pistachios and roast briefly.
6. Add the prepared jaggery pieces to the pan and mix well until everything is nicely combined.
7. Lightly shape the mixture while it is still warm.
Location :
Delhi, India, India
First Published:
January 13, 2026, 20:07 IST
Newslifestylefood Winter On A Plate: 15 Traditional And Modern Recipes For Lohri, Sankranti, And Pongal
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Josh Charles credits Taylor Swift for his, Ethan Hawke’s Moon Person trophies
Josh Charles stated that Taylor Swift is the force behind his and Ethan Hawke’s Moon Person trophies.
On Tuesday, January 15, the 54-year-old American film actor spoke with The Hollywood Reporter, where he gave Swift credit for ensuring he and Hawke took home their own trophies after she won Video of the Year for Fortnight at the MTV VMA Awards in September 2024.
Charles said, “I’m assuming it came from Taylor, that she just wanted to celebrate us for being a part of the video in a way that she felt helped the video and made it really special? So, she included Ethan [Hawke] and I as part of the people who received the award for [Video of the Year].”
He stated, “All I know is I got an email that something was coming and to give my address and to make sure it’s the right one. When I got it, I was like, ‘This is incredible.'”
“She’s a class act,” The Handmaid’s Tale star said of the 114-time Grammy winner.
For those unaware, Charles and The Purge star made a cameo in Swift’s Fortnight music video, which was released in April 2024.
It is pertinent to mention that their appearance in Travis Kelce’s fiancée’s music video not only surprised fans but also came as a reunion for both Hollywood stars after their 1989 iconic film Dead Poets Society.
Photo:Jodie Foster voices opinion about ‘misogyny’
Jodie Foster has gotten candid about her early recognition.
In a new chat with NPR’s, Foster opened up about how an early Academy nomination saved from “abuse” in Hollywood.
“Anybody who’s in the workplace has had misogynist microaggressions.”
“That’s just a part of being a woman, right? But what kept me from having those bad experiences, those terrible experiences?”
It is noteworthy that the 63-year-old acting sensation received her first Oscar nomination in 1977.
She earned this score for her role in Taxi Driver.
According to Jodie, women who are in a workplace often experience misogynist microaggressions. She revealed that she really had to examine what saved her from such experiences.
Foster realized that by the time she was 12, she was powerless. But after being nominated for Oscar, it made her a part of different category of people, who had power.
She began, “What I came to believe … is that I had a certain amount of power by the time I was, like, 12.”
“So by the time I had my first Oscar nomination, I was part of a different category of people that had power and I was too dangerous to touch”, she added.
Foster continued, “I could’ve ruined people’s careers or I could’ve called ‘Uncle,’ so I wasn’t on the block,” after which she signed off from the chat.
Longtime talk show host Oprah Winfrey is opening up about her recent weight-loss success after sticking to a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).
Winfrey, 71, began taking a GLP-1 medication in 2023, but attempted to quit after six months to see if she could lose weight without it, according to a recent interview with People Magazine.
Even when sticking to her diet and exercise routines, the media mogul said she gained back 20 pounds after stopping the drug.
“It’s going to be a lifetime thing,” she shared. “I’m on high blood pressure medication, and if I go off the high blood pressure medication, my blood pressure is going to go up. The same thing is true now, I realize, with these medications. I’ve proven to myself [that] I need it.”
Winfrey revealed that her “default weight,” at 211 pounds, was not healthy, as she was pre-diabetic and had high cholesterol.
Longtime talk show host Oprah Winfrey is opening up about her recent weight-loss success after sticking to a GLP-1.(Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
In a recent interview with CBS News, Winfrey revealed that she is now down to 155 pounds, which she aims to maintain.
“The combination of the medication and hiking every day and resistance training has given me the body that I had when I was running a marathon,” she said. “So, I was 40 and feeling really good, but to be able to be 71 and feel that I am in the best shape of my life feels better than it did when I was 40.”
In a new episode of “The Oprah Podcast” this week, Winfrey welcomed guest Dr. Ania Jastreboff, an endocrinologist and associate professor at the Yale School of Medicine, to discuss GLP-1 weight-loss medications and her own personal journey. The two also co-authored the new book “Enough.”
Winfrey shared that she initially questioned using weight-loss drugs due to the stigma surrounding them.
(Left) Oprah Winfrey speaks during Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus Tour in February 2020. (Right) Oprah Winfrey at the American Ballet Theatre Fall Gala in October 2025.(Steve Jennings/Getty Images; Lanna Apisukh/WWD via Getty Images)
“One of the reasons I was reluctant to use them in the beginning, when I was trying to lose weight after my knee surgery, [is] because I also felt it’s cheating, it’s the easy way out,” she said. “I’ve got to prove this one last time I could do it by myself. And I don’t want people saying I took the easy way out.”
“I think that that’s one of the major issues that people who are now open to using the drugs are experiencing from their friends or colleagues, their families and also within themselves.”
As one of the most influential figures in American media, Winfrey said she was “publicly humiliated” for her weight for 25 years.
“I don’t want people saying I took the easy way out.”
“Every time any comedian wanted to make fun or make a joke about it — they could make a joke about it. And I accepted it because I thought I deserved it,” she said. “I accepted it. I was shamed by it and I received it, because I thought, ‘Well, they’re right.’ Now I know they were so wrong.”
Winfrey noted that many overweight people, even those who aren’t on TV every day, have experienced the same “level of shame and embarrassment” for being unable to control their weight.
“Somehow, in society, we think that how much we weigh is in our control. And it’s not. Our brain is in control.”(AP)
“It feels like the punishment you deserve,” Winfrey said.
“It’s absolutely the opposite,” Jastreboff responded. “And none of this is in our control. Somehow, in society, we think that how much we weigh is in our control. And it’s not. Our brain is in control.”
Winfrey likened this to the brain of an addict, noting that obesity is now considered a disease just as much as addiction.
“All these years, I thought that thin people … just had more willpower, they ate better foods, they were able to stick to it longer, they never had a potato chip,” she said.
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“And then I realized the very first time I took the GLP-1 that … oh, they’re not even thinking about it. They’re only eating when they’re hungry, and they’re stopping when they’re full.”
Jastreboff agreed that while obesity is “not an addiction,” the “food noise,” or impulse to eat, uses the same pathways in the brain.
Winfrey aims to break the misconception that taking a GLP-1 is “taking the easy way out.”(iStock)
The discussion continued with guest Amy (last name withheld), a GLP-1 patient who lost 160 pounds in one year. She shared that in her experience, shaming by the public persists. Jastreboff responded that there is “no winning.”
“You’re shamed if you have obesity. You’re shamed if you don’t try to lose weight. You’re shamed if you lose weight,” the doctor said. “You’re shamed if you use the medicines, if you don’t use the medicines … there’s literally no winning.”
“What’s right is to stop shaming and blaming people … [when] you’re taking care of your health.”
GLP-1 medications have been linked to several side effects, primarily gastrointestinal in nature. These commonly include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal discomfort. Less frequently reported effects include fatigue, dizziness and reactions at the injection site.
People interested in taking GLP-1s should consult a doctor about recommended dosage and potential risk factors.
Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.
Pakistani senior tennis player Talha Waheed is seen with his Guinness World Record certificate for most serves in a minute. — Reporter
LONDON: Pakistani senior tennis player Talha Waheed has been honoured with a Guinness World Record for the most number of serves in a minute, 59, breaking the previous record of 42.
Talha was invited by the Guinness World Record headquarters here to receive the certificate at a ceremony to recognise his extraordinary athletic feat.
Talha set a new world record for the most successful tennis serves in one minute, achieving 59 accurate serves on November 8, 2024, at a tennis facility in Lahore. This remarkable accomplishment broke the previous record of 42 serves, which had stood since 2019. The official recognition was awarded by Guinness World Records to Talha yesterday.
Speaking to Geo News in an interview, Talha said: “My achievement marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s sports community and highlights the capabilities of senior athletes who continue to push boundaries in their respective disciplines. I have consistently excelled in the international and national arenas through hard work. I hold multiple titles in the 35+, 40+, and 45+ doubles categories at both national and International Tennis Federation (ITF) senior events.
Pakistani senior tennis player Talha Waheed (right) is seen with Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Mohammad Faisal. — Reporter
“I am thankful to my professional home, GO Petroleum, my seniors like Kashif Latif and company’s CEO Khalid Riaz for their all-out support throughout this journey. This record would not have been possible without the guidance and encouragement of my coach Mehboob Waheed Jan and Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of Pakistan Tennis Federation, for standing by me at every step.”
With this world record under his belt, Talha is not resting on his laurels. He has announced his intention to pursue additional world records in the future, aiming to further elevate Pakistan’s profile on the global tennis stage and inspire the next generation of athletes.
The Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) has described Talah as a seasoned competitor.
PTF President Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and other tennis players congratulated Talha on this remarkable achievement. “Talha’s achievement is unique and securing a place in the Guinness Book of World Records is no easy task,” Qureshi said. “This will serve as a great inspiration and a major boost for tennis in Pakistan.”
Talha also called on Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr Mohammad Faisal, after receiving the world record certificate. The High Commissioner congratulated Talha on his historic accomplishment and lauded his dedication, discipline, and perseverance. Dr Mohammad Faisal also acknowledged the pride his achievement has brought to Pakistan.
High Commissioner Dr Mohammad Faisal remarked that Talha’s success is not only a personal milestone but also a significant boost for Pakistan’s sporting image internationally. He said, “Talha’s achievement highlights the immense potential and resilience of Pakistani athletes. His world record will inspire young players, promote tennis at the grassroots level, and contribute positively to the development of sports culture in Pakistan,” the High Commissioner said. He added, “Such accomplishments strengthen Pakistan’s soft image abroad and showcase the country’s talent on the global stage.”
