Ayushmann Khurrana who has been delivering back-to-back hits lately, got a special gift from wife Tahira Kashyap on his birthday today. The actor who ringed in his 35th birthday was given a big shout-out by his wife on her Instagram page. 
 
Tahira shared a series of pictures on the photo-sharing application along with a heartfelt note where she praised her husband who she believes has evolved greatly as an actor. 
 
In one of the pictures, Ayushmann is seen getting a peck on the cheek from Tahira while the others are from the intimate birthday celebrations which took place last night at the 'Vicky Donor'&nbsp;fame star's residence. 
 
Some of the invitees present for the celebrations include Bhumi Pednekar, Neeti Mohan, Manjot, Nushrat Bharucha, Anand L Rai and Ekta Kapoor who welcomed the special day with the birthday boy.

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B2XpqZXnWwL/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Happy bday to this lovely human @ayushmannk it’s so amazing to see you transform and evolve! Life is beautiful with you❤️ Thank you lovely people for making this day so so so memorable❤️ @neetimohan18 @nihaarpandya @muktimohan @sanyamalhotra_ @bhumipednekar @samikshapednekar @arjunkapoor @rochakkohli @nushratbharucha @ghuggss @sab_gol_hai @gautidihatti @shoreyvikas @paddyshivoham @aanandlrai #Yogita ma’am @oyemanjot #abhishekhbanerjee @komal20to77 #saumitra @tnishabhatia #nishit @charandeepkalra @henna12bains @instaraghu @rajivlakshman #susan #sriramraghavan #poojaladhasurti #dinoo @ronnie.lahiri #juhichaturvedi @yajankashyap @aparshakti_khurana @aakritiahuja @kashyap6480 #smita #howard @reliablerani @magikfactory #setu @amarkaushik @sharatkatariya #anusha @shashankkhaitan @nalinidatta @surveenchawla #akshay @ektaravikapoor @ruchikaakapoor #rajshandaliya @radhikaofficial</a>

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"Happy bday to this lovely human Ayushmann Khurrana it's so amazing to see you transform and evolve! Life is beautiful with you[?] Thank you lovely people for making this day so so so memorable," read Tariha's post. 
 
The doting husband who stood by his wife's side when she was diagnosed with cancer, was quick to reply with an 'Umm'&nbsp;accompanied by heart emojis. The couple who began dating in college, have two children together -- son Virajveer, born in 2012 and daughter Varushka, born in 2014. 
 
On the work front, Ayushmann who is excited about the release of his latest film 'Dream Girl'&nbsp;alongside Nushrat Bharucha:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/dream-girl-review-ayushmann-khurrana-shines-but-the-film-feels-jaded-249295">'Dream Girl' review</a>&nbsp;has several other projects lined-up including 'Bala', 'Gulabo Sitabo', and 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan'.

Ayushmann Khurrana who has been delivering back-to-back hits lately, got a special gift from wife Tahira Kashyap on his birthday today. The actor who ringed in his 35th birthday was given a big shout-out by his wife on her Instagram page.

Ayushmann Khurrana who has been delivering back-to-back hits lately, got a special gift from wife Tahira Kashyap on his birthday today. The actor who ringed in his 35th birthday was given a big shout-out by his wife on her Instagram page. Tahira shared a series of pictures on the photo-sharing application along with a heartfelt note where she praised her husband who she believes has evolved greatly as an actor. In one of the pictures, Ayushmann is seen getting a peck on the cheek from Tahira while the others are from the intimate birthday celebrations which took place last night at the 'Vicky Donor' fame star's residence. Some of the invitees present for the celebrations include Bhumi Pednekar, Neeti Mohan, Manjot, Nushrat Bharucha, Anand L Rai and Ekta Kapoor who welcomed the special day with the birthday boy. View this post on Instagram Happy bday to this lovely human @ayushmannk it’s so amazing to see you transform and evolve! Life is beautiful with you❤️ Thank you lovely people for making this day so so so memorable❤️ @neetimohan18 @nihaarpandya @muktimohan @sanyamalhotra_ @bhumipednekar @samikshapednekar @arjunkapoor @rochakkohli @nushratbharucha @ghuggss @sab_gol_hai @gautidihatti @shoreyvikas @paddyshivoham @aanandlrai #Yogita ma’am @oyemanjot #abhishekhbanerjee @komal20to77 #saumitra @tnishabhatia #nishit @charandeepkalra @henna12bains @instaraghu @rajivlakshman #susan #sriramraghavan #poojaladhasurti #dinoo @ronnie.lahiri #juhichaturvedi @yajankashyap @aparshakti_khurana @aakritiahuja @kashyap6480 #smita #howard @reliablerani @magikfactory #setu @amarkaushik @sharatkatariya #anusha @shashankkhaitan @nalinidatta @surveenchawla #akshay @ektaravikapoor @ruchikaakapoor #rajshandaliya @radhikaofficial A post shared by tahirakashyapkhurrana (@tahirakashyap) on Sep 13, 2019 at 4:18pm PDT × "Happy bday to this lovely human Ayushmann Khurrana it's so amazing to see you transform and evolve! Life is beautiful with you[?] Thank you lovely people for making this day so so so memorable," read Tariha's post. The doting husband who stood by his wife's side when she was diagnosed with cancer, was quick to reply with an 'Umm' accompanied by heart emojis. The couple who began dating in college, have two children together -- son Virajveer, born in 2012 and daughter Varushka, born in 2014. On the work front, Ayushmann who is excited about the release of his latest film 'Dream Girl' alongside Nushrat Bharucha: 'Dream Girl' review has several other projects lined-up including 'Bala', 'Gulabo Sitabo', and 'Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan'.

Here's how Tahira made husband Ayushmann's birthday special

Actor Felicity Huffman has been sentenced to 14 days in prison for her involvement in college admissions scam. According to the news agency, the authorities are calling this scam the largest one ever prosecuted. And now the actor will have to serve one-year probation, complete 250 hours of community service and make a payment of $30,000 as a fine. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/actress-felicity-huffman-heads-to-court-for-us-college-scandal-sentencing-249465">Huffman arrived at the Boston's federal court</a> with her husband actor William H Macy and few others for her hearing on Friday where she said, "I was frightened, I was stupid and I was so wrong." "I am deeply ashamed of what I have done. I take full responsibility for my actions. ... I am prepared to accept whatever sentence you deem fit," a visibly emotional Huffman told the judge before the verdict reported a magazine. 
 
The matter started when earlier in March, the 'When They See Us'&nbsp;actor was sent behind the bars for paying $15,000 to improve her 19-year-old daughter Sophia's SAT scores. 
 
Thereafter the Emmy winner apologised in a statement where she was found guilty of committing mail fraud and honest services fraud. "I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions," Huffman's statement read. 
 
"I am ashamed of the pain I have caused my daughter, my family, my friends, my colleagues and the educational community. I want to apologise to them and, especially, I want to apologise to the students who work hard every day to get into college, and to their parents who make tremendous sacrifices to support their children and do so honestly," read the statement. 
 
About a week before her sentencing, a magazine&nbsp;found documents that Huffman and 27 of her family and friends wrote to District of Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani. "In my desperation to be a good mother I talked myself into believing that all I was doing was giving my daughter a fair shot," Huffman wrote before detailing Sophia's heartbreaking reaction to her mother's actions. 
 
"[She] looked at me and asked with tears streaming down her face, 'Why didn't you believe in me? Why didn't you think I could do it on my own?" The government had recommended one month in jail, 12 months of supervised release and a fine of $20,000 for the actor.

Actor Felicity Huffman has been sentenced to 14 days in prison for her involvement in college admissions scam. According to the news agency, the authorities are calling this scam the largest one ever prosecuted.

Actor Felicity Huffman has been sentenced to 14 days in prison for her involvement in college admissions scam. According to the news agency, the authorities are calling this scam the largest one ever prosecuted. And now the actor will have to serve one-year probation, complete 250 hours of community service and make a payment of $30,000 as a fine. Huffman arrived at the Boston's federal court with her husband actor William H Macy and few others for her hearing on Friday where she said, "I was frightened, I was stupid and I was so wrong." "I am deeply ashamed of what I have done. I take full responsibility for my actions. ... I am prepared to accept whatever sentence you deem fit," a visibly emotional Huffman told the judge before the verdict reported a magazine. The matter started when earlier in March, the 'When They See Us' actor was sent behind the bars for paying $15,000 to improve her 19-year-old daughter Sophia's SAT scores. Thereafter the Emmy winner apologised in a statement where she was found guilty of committing mail fraud and honest services fraud. "I am in full acceptance of my guilt, and with deep regret and shame over what I have done, I accept full responsibility for my actions and will accept the consequences that stem from those actions," Huffman's statement read. "I am ashamed of the pain I have caused my daughter, my family, my friends, my colleagues and the educational community. I want to apologise to them and, especially, I want to apologise to the students who work hard every day to get into college, and to their parents who make tremendous sacrifices to support their children and do so honestly," read the statement. About a week before her sentencing, a magazine found documents that Huffman and 27 of her family and friends wrote to District of Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani. "In my desperation to be a good mother I talked myself into believing that all I was doing was giving my daughter a fair shot," Huffman wrote before detailing Sophia's heartbreaking reaction to her mother's actions. "[She] looked at me and asked with tears streaming down her face, 'Why didn't you believe in me? Why didn't you think I could do it on my own?" The government had recommended one month in jail, 12 months of supervised release and a fine of $20,000 for the actor.

Felicity Huffman sentenced to 14 days in prison for college admissions scam

Bolivian protesters took to the streets of the country's largest city on Thursday (September 12) ransacking offices of the political party of Bolivian president Evo Morales as a controversial poll showed weakening support for the leader of the Andean country before general elections on October 20.

Protesters set fire to one office of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) while badly damaging another as police clashed with protesters and clouds of tear gas wafted through the streets of Santa Cruz.

According to local media, some 60 protesters were detained by police during the violent protests.

Watch Video:&nbsp;Police clash with protesters on streets of Bolivia

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A poll released this week and conducted by top universities and civil society groups indicated that 31.1 per cent&nbsp;of voters planned to cast ballots for front-runner Morales, well below the 40 per cent&nbsp;minimum he needs to win the election outright and avoid a December run-off.

It was the strongest sign yet that South America's longest-serving leftist leader may be on shaky ground as he seeks another five-year term amid an economic slowdown, charges of authoritarianism and an outcry over raging forest fires.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), whose five members were appointed by the government and Congress, said the poll violated electoral laws regarding the financing of polls and should be disregarded.

Bolivian protesters took to the streets of the country's largest city on Thursday (September 12) ransacking offices of the political party of Bolivian president Evo Morales as a controversial poll showed weakening support for the leader of the Andean country before general elections on October 20.

Bolivian protesters took to the streets of the country's largest city on Thursday (September 12) ransacking offices of the political party of Bolivian president Evo Morales as a controversial poll showed weakening support for the leader of the Andean country before general elections on October 20. Protesters set fire to one office of the Movement for Socialism (MAS) while badly damaging another as police clashed with protesters and clouds of tear gas wafted through the streets of Santa Cruz. According to local media, some 60 protesters were detained by police during the violent protests. Watch Video: Police clash with protesters on streets of Bolivia × A poll released this week and conducted by top universities and civil society groups indicated that 31.1 per cent of voters planned to cast ballots for front-runner Morales, well below the 40 per cent minimum he needs to win the election outright and avoid a December run-off. It was the strongest sign yet that South America's longest-serving leftist leader may be on shaky ground as he seeks another five-year term amid an economic slowdown, charges of authoritarianism and an outcry over raging forest fires. The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), whose five members were appointed by the government and Congress, said the poll violated electoral laws regarding the financing of polls and should be disregarded.

Violence rocks Bolivia after poll shows weakening support for Morales

Saudi authorities controlled a fire at an Aramco factory in Abqaiq, Al-Arabiya TV reported early on Saturday (September 14).

Video obtained by Reuters showed the fire engulfing a multiple sections of the refinery.

The videographer who declined to be identified told Reuters in a message that he was woken up by sounds coming from the refinery and started filming the flames and smoke at 4:15am&nbsp;(0115 GMT).

"Everyone was horrified to hear sound of a bomb exploding constantly," he said.

Abqaiq, about 60 km (37 miles) southwest of Dhahran in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, contains the world's largest oil processing plant. Most Saudi oil exported from the Gulf is processed there.

The report from Al-Arabiya TV did not give further details, said Saudi authorities later will issue a statement on the fire.

Saudi authorities controlled a fire at an Aramco factory in Abqaiq, Al-Arabiya TV reported early on Saturday (September 14). Video obtained by Reuters showed the fire engulfing a multiple sections of the refinery.

Saudi authorities controlled a fire at an Aramco factory in Abqaiq, Al-Arabiya TV reported early on Saturday (September 14). Video obtained by Reuters showed the fire engulfing a multiple sections of the refinery. The videographer who declined to be identified told Reuters in a message that he was woken up by sounds coming from the refinery and started filming the flames and smoke at 4:15am (0115 GMT). "Everyone was horrified to hear sound of a bomb exploding constantly," he said. Abqaiq, about 60 km (37 miles) southwest of Dhahran in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, contains the world's largest oil processing plant. Most Saudi oil exported from the Gulf is processed there. The report from Al-Arabiya TV did not give further details, said Saudi authorities later will issue a statement on the fire.

Flames and smoke rise over Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia

A tropical cyclone carrying heavy rain and strong winds neared the already devastated Bahamas on Friday ( September 13), threatening to complicate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-dorian-skirts-us-carolinas-coast-with-high-winds-and-rain-248039">Hurricane Dorian</a> recovery efforts as the UN&nbsp;secretary-general arrived in the islands in a show of support.

The new weather system, known as Tropical Cyclone Nine, could strengthen into a tropical storm later on Friday, dropping up to 6 inches of rain through the weekend in areas of the islands inundated by Dorian, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-hurricane-dorian-approaches-quick-look-at-floridas-deadliest-and-destructive-hurricanes-246886#hurricane-dorian-246870">Hurricane Dorian</a> slammed into the Bahamas on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/slow-moving-hurricane-dorian-pounds-bahamas-menaces-us-coast-247204">September 1</a> as a Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to hit land, packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 km per hour).

"The financial cost of the damage caused by Dorian is not clear, but it will be in the billions of dollars. The Bahamas cannot be expected to foot this bill alone," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1300-still-missing-in-hurricane-hit-bahamas-officials-249303">UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres</a> said on his arrival in Nassau.

Guterres was expected to visit over the weekend with people affected by the hurricane and the humanitarian teams assisting them. He plans to continue talks with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis in Nassau.

Minnis said earlier this week that the official death toll stood at 50 but was expected to rise.

Tropical Cyclone Nine was not expected to bring anywhere near the devastation of Dorian, even if it strengthens into a depression or storm.

But the potentially heavy rain and winds, which could reach 30 mph (48 km), could hamper relief efforts in the northern Bahamas, where the powerful and slow-moving Dorian flattened thousands of structures and left 70,000 people needing shelter, food and water and medical assistance.

The storm could delay the movement of food and water already on the ground, said Carl Smith, spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency during a news conference.

By late afternoon on Friday, the tropical disturbance was 240 miles (385 km) east-southeast of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, travelling northwest at 8 miles per hour, the NHC said.

A tropical storm warning was in effect for most of the Northwestern Bahamas, including Great Abaco Island and Grand Bahama Island, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Those islands were ravaged when Dorian ripped through the archipelago as a Category 5 storm.

A tropical cyclone carrying heavy rain and strong winds neared the already devastated Bahamas on Friday ( September 13), threatening to complicate Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts as the UN secretary-general arrived in the islands in a show of support.

A tropical cyclone carrying heavy rain and strong winds neared the already devastated Bahamas on Friday ( September 13), threatening to complicate Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts as the UN secretary-general arrived in the islands in a show of support. The new weather system, known as Tropical Cyclone Nine, could strengthen into a tropical storm later on Friday, dropping up to 6 inches of rain through the weekend in areas of the islands inundated by Dorian, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center. Hurricane Dorian slammed into the Bahamas on September 1 as a Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to hit land, packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 km per hour). "The financial cost of the damage caused by Dorian is not clear, but it will be in the billions of dollars. The Bahamas cannot be expected to foot this bill alone," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on his arrival in Nassau. Guterres was expected to visit over the weekend with people affected by the hurricane and the humanitarian teams assisting them. He plans to continue talks with Prime Minister Hubert Minnis in Nassau. Minnis said earlier this week that the official death toll stood at 50 but was expected to rise. Tropical Cyclone Nine was not expected to bring anywhere near the devastation of Dorian, even if it strengthens into a depression or storm. But the potentially heavy rain and winds, which could reach 30 mph (48 km), could hamper relief efforts in the northern Bahamas, where the powerful and slow-moving Dorian flattened thousands of structures and left 70,000 people needing shelter, food and water and medical assistance. The storm could delay the movement of food and water already on the ground, said Carl Smith, spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency during a news conference. By late afternoon on Friday, the tropical disturbance was 240 miles (385 km) east-southeast of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, travelling northwest at 8 miles per hour, the NHC said. A tropical storm warning was in effect for most of the Northwestern Bahamas, including Great Abaco Island and Grand Bahama Island, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) said. Those islands were ravaged when Dorian ripped through the archipelago as a Category 5 storm.

Tropical cyclone bears down on Bahamas, UN pledges aid

Three more people died as torrential rain and flash floods battered southeastern Spain, raising the death toll to five with the rising waters causing havoc for travellers and forcing 3,500 people from their homes, officials said Friday.

The latest fatality was a man whose body was found in the area of Redovan, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) southwest of the city of Alicante, a spokeswoman for the emergency services said, without giving details.

Earlier in the day, a 36-year-old man died in the Andalusia region after his car was swept away in the rushing waters, the local emergency services said. His empty car had been found earlier in the day.

Also in the morning, a middle-aged man died in the coastal city of Almeria after his car got stuck in a tunnel that flooded within minutes, they said.

City mayor Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco told Cadena Ser radio that police managed to save two other people who were also in the vehicle but were unable to save him.

Two other people, a 61-year-old man and his sister, 51, died on Thursday when their vehicle was swept away as fast-moving waters swamped a road in Caudete, a municipality around 100 kilometres (60 miles) southwest of the port city of Valencia.

Parts of southeastern Spain have since Wednesday suffered some of the heaviest rainfall on record, which has caused chaos on the roads, cutting public transport and prompting rivers to burst their banks, flooding homes.

In Redovan, the floodwaters reached knee-height with residents working tirelessly to bail out the water with buckets, an AFP photographer said, while rescuers were using diggers and trucks to rescue other stranded locals.

More than 3,500 people have been evacuated from their homes, the interior ministry said.

Some 3,000 state security forces, including police, firefighters and soldiers from a military emergency unit, were taking part in the rescue operation, the ministry said.

During the afternoon, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska flew in to survey the damage, taking a helicopter ride over the waterlogged town of Orihuela, some five kilometres south of Redovan, a spokesman said.

Footage broadcast on Spanish media showed emergency services personnel using a jet ski to inspect a flooded highway tunnel as rivers of brown water gushed down the streets, in some cases washing cars away.

'Very critical'

The regional airport in Almeria was closed for several hours on Friday with the floodwaters making it difficult for workers to reach it, forcing the cancellation of two flights and the diversion of two others to Malaga, Spanish airports operator AENA said.

The airport in Murcia was shut down for the day and 22 flights that had been due to land in Palma on the holiday island of Mallorca were diverted to other Spanish airports, it added.

In October 2018 torrential rain and flash floods killed 13 people in Mallorca.

Rail service was suspended on several routes in Valencia and Murcia, state-owned train operator Renfe said in a statement.

Authorities urged people in the area not to drive and stay home if possible.

"The situation remains very critical," Fernando Lopez Miras, head of the Murcia regional government, told Spanish public television TVE.

Schools were closed across the Valencia region on Friday, as well as in Murcia and parts of Andalusia, authorities said.

In Valencia alone, more than 689,000 students were affected, according to the regional government.

Three more people died as torrential rain and flash floods battered southeastern Spain, raising the death toll to five with the rising waters causing havoc for travellers and forcing 3,500 people from their homes, officials said Friday.

Three more people died as torrential rain and flash floods battered southeastern Spain, raising the death toll to five with the rising waters causing havoc for travellers and forcing 3,500 people from their homes, officials said Friday. The latest fatality was a man whose body was found in the area of Redovan, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) southwest of the city of Alicante, a spokeswoman for the emergency services said, without giving details. Earlier in the day, a 36-year-old man died in the Andalusia region after his car was swept away in the rushing waters, the local emergency services said. His empty car had been found earlier in the day. Also in the morning, a middle-aged man died in the coastal city of Almeria after his car got stuck in a tunnel that flooded within minutes, they said. City mayor Ramon Fernandez-Pacheco told Cadena Ser radio that police managed to save two other people who were also in the vehicle but were unable to save him. Two other people, a 61-year-old man and his sister, 51, died on Thursday when their vehicle was swept away as fast-moving waters swamped a road in Caudete, a municipality around 100 kilometres (60 miles) southwest of the port city of Valencia. Parts of southeastern Spain have since Wednesday suffered some of the heaviest rainfall on record, which has caused chaos on the roads, cutting public transport and prompting rivers to burst their banks, flooding homes. In Redovan, the floodwaters reached knee-height with residents working tirelessly to bail out the water with buckets, an AFP photographer said, while rescuers were using diggers and trucks to rescue other stranded locals. More than 3,500 people have been evacuated from their homes, the interior ministry said. Some 3,000 state security forces, including police, firefighters and soldiers from a military emergency unit, were taking part in the rescue operation, the ministry said. During the afternoon, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska flew in to survey the damage, taking a helicopter ride over the waterlogged town of Orihuela, some five kilometres south of Redovan, a spokesman said. Footage broadcast on Spanish media showed emergency services personnel using a jet ski to inspect a flooded highway tunnel as rivers of brown water gushed down the streets, in some cases washing cars away. 'Very critical' The regional airport in Almeria was closed for several hours on Friday with the floodwaters making it difficult for workers to reach it, forcing the cancellation of two flights and the diversion of two others to Malaga, Spanish airports operator AENA said. The airport in Murcia was shut down for the day and 22 flights that had been due to land in Palma on the holiday island of Mallorca were diverted to other Spanish airports, it added. In October 2018 torrential rain and flash floods killed 13 people in Mallorca. Rail service was suspended on several routes in Valencia and Murcia, state-owned train operator Renfe said in a statement. Authorities urged people in the area not to drive and stay home if possible. "The situation remains very critical," Fernando Lopez Miras, head of the Murcia regional government, told Spanish public television TVE. Schools were closed across the Valencia region on Friday, as well as in Murcia and parts of Andalusia, authorities said. In Valencia alone, more than 689,000 students were affected, according to the regional government.

Death toll from Spain floods rises to five

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unfair-to-remove-one-of-the-partners-in-f-35-programme-turkey-to-us-236968">crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence</a> systems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-deliver-first-s-400-missile-to-turkey-in-july-reports-230635">Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile</a> system in July raised the prospect of US&nbsp;sanctions, and the State Department has said an offer to sell Raytheon Co's&nbsp;Patriot missile defence system to Ankara has expired.

However, Erdogan told Reuters he had discussed buying Patriots in a phone call with Trump two weeks ago and would follow up when they meet at the UN General Assembly, which opens next week.

"I said no matter what package of ... S-400s we get, we can buy from you a certain amount of Patriots," Erdogan told Reuters on Friday.

"But I said we have to see conditions that at least match up to the S-400s," Erdogan said, adding that he was referring to the possibility of joint production and favourable lending terms.

"He (Trump) said,&nbsp;'Are you serious?' I said: 'Yes'," Erdogan said, adding that he told Trump they would discuss it in greater detail when they meet.

Asked whether he would also ask Trump to prevent the US&nbsp;Treasury imposing a heavy fine on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-turn-elsewhere-if-us-does-not-sell-f-35-fighter-jets-erdogan-238608">Turkey</a>'s mainly state-owned Halkbank for violating US sanctions on Iran, Erdogan said he was confident they could avoid such a "mistake", citing what he said was "a different kind of trust" between the two men.

"In my opinion a country like the USA will not want to hurt its ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-still-committed-to-purchasing-us-f-35-fighters-foreign-minister-246735">Turkey </a>any more. This is not a rational behaviour," he said in an interview at the Ottoman Dolmabahce palace complex on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

'Safe zone'

Erdogan and Trump will also discuss plans to establish what Turkey describes as a safe zone along 450 km (280 miles) of Syrian border stretching from the Euphrates river to the Iraq border, a region controlled mainly by US-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters.

On Sunday the two countries launched joint military patrols in the area, but Erdogan says that Washington has dragged its feet in an operation Turkey sees as crucial to driving the YPG, which it designates a terrorist group, away from its border.

Turkey has warned it will act alone if the safe zone is not established this month, raising the prospect of a third Turkish military incursion into northern Syria in three years.

"The peace corridor is the essential thing. We will not allow a terror corridor on our borders and we will take whatever steps are necessary on this subject," he said.

The U.S. alliance with the YPG in Syria has angered NATO member Turkey, which has faced a decades-long insurgency in its mainly Kurdish southeast and fears growing Kurdish military power on its southern border.

"It is Turkey which is fighting with these terror groups... We are your partner in NATO. You give them the weapons for free that you will not sell for money to your NATO ally," he said, referring to US&nbsp;arms supplies to the YPG.

"We are fed up with explaining this... I think Trump must understand us," Erdogan said.

Russia and Iran back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels who sought his overthrow. The United States, European and Arab allies as well as Turkey have supported different rebel factions.

Assad has regained control of most territory lost in the early stages of the eight-year conflict and has vowed to retake every inch of Syria including the northwestern province of Idlib, where Syrian and foreign radical fighters hold sway alongside other more moderate factions.

Erdogan reiterated a warning that Turkey would be forced to let Syrian refugees on its soil leave for Europe if Western nations did not provide greater support to Turkey and support its plans for a safe zone where Syrians could be settled.

"If you can’t accept this business, we will open the gates. Let them go from there wherever they want," he said.

Establishing the zone 20 miles (32 km) inside northeast Syria would allow refugees in Turkey "to return to their lands, and allow for all their needs - from education, health, shelter - to be met. It will allow them to live on their own lands and break away from the tent life and container cities," he said.

Erdogan said the financial aid Turkey was receiving from the European Union was not sufficient to ease the burden of 3.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled to Turkey since the civil war erupted in 2011.

Turkey says it has spent $40 billion hosting the Syrians, and a deal with the EU to give 6 billion euros to support those efforts was not enough and too slow, a message he would repeat to German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the United Nations.

Erdogan will host the presidents of Russia and Iran on Monday for talks that would focus on securing a lasting truce in Idlib, preventing a fresh refugee wave into Turkey, and asserting control over jihadist fighters there, he said.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence systems.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence systems. Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system in July raised the prospect of US sanctions, and the State Department has said an offer to sell Raytheon Co's Patriot missile defence system to Ankara has expired. However, Erdogan told Reuters he had discussed buying Patriots in a phone call with Trump two weeks ago and would follow up when they meet at the UN General Assembly, which opens next week. "I said no matter what package of ... S-400s we get, we can buy from you a certain amount of Patriots," Erdogan told Reuters on Friday. "But I said we have to see conditions that at least match up to the S-400s," Erdogan said, adding that he was referring to the possibility of joint production and favourable lending terms. "He (Trump) said, 'Are you serious?' I said: 'Yes'," Erdogan said, adding that he told Trump they would discuss it in greater detail when they meet. Asked whether he would also ask Trump to prevent the US Treasury imposing a heavy fine on Turkey's mainly state-owned Halkbank for violating US sanctions on Iran, Erdogan said he was confident they could avoid such a "mistake", citing what he said was "a different kind of trust" between the two men. "In my opinion a country like the USA will not want to hurt its ally Turkey any more. This is not a rational behaviour," he said in an interview at the Ottoman Dolmabahce palace complex on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. 'Safe zone' Erdogan and Trump will also discuss plans to establish what Turkey describes as a safe zone along 450 km (280 miles) of Syrian border stretching from the Euphrates river to the Iraq border, a region controlled mainly by US-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters. On Sunday the two countries launched joint military patrols in the area, but Erdogan says that Washington has dragged its feet in an operation Turkey sees as crucial to driving the YPG, which it designates a terrorist group, away from its border. Turkey has warned it will act alone if the safe zone is not established this month, raising the prospect of a third Turkish military incursion into northern Syria in three years. "The peace corridor is the essential thing. We will not allow a terror corridor on our borders and we will take whatever steps are necessary on this subject," he said. The U.S. alliance with the YPG in Syria has angered NATO member Turkey, which has faced a decades-long insurgency in its mainly Kurdish southeast and fears growing Kurdish military power on its southern border. "It is Turkey which is fighting with these terror groups... We are your partner in NATO. You give them the weapons for free that you will not sell for money to your NATO ally," he said, referring to US arms supplies to the YPG. "We are fed up with explaining this... I think Trump must understand us," Erdogan said. Russia and Iran back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels who sought his overthrow. The United States, European and Arab allies as well as Turkey have supported different rebel factions. Assad has regained control of most territory lost in the early stages of the eight-year conflict and has vowed to retake every inch of Syria including the northwestern province of Idlib, where Syrian and foreign radical fighters hold sway alongside other more moderate factions. Erdogan reiterated a warning that Turkey would be forced to let Syrian refugees on its soil leave for Europe if Western nations did not provide greater support to Turkey and support its plans for a safe zone where Syrians could be settled. "If you can’t accept this business, we will open the gates. Let them go from there wherever they want," he said. Establishing the zone 20 miles (32 km) inside northeast Syria would allow refugees in Turkey "to return to their lands, and allow for all their needs - from education, health, shelter - to be met. It will allow them to live on their own lands and break away from the tent life and container cities," he said. Erdogan said the financial aid Turkey was receiving from the European Union was not sufficient to ease the burden of 3.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled to Turkey since the civil war erupted in 2011. Turkey says it has spent $40 billion hosting the Syrians, and a deal with the EU to give 6 billion euros to support those efforts was not enough and too slow, a message he would repeat to German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the United Nations. Erdogan will host the presidents of Russia and Iran on Monday for talks that would focus on securing a lasting truce in Idlib, preventing a fresh refugee wave into Turkey, and asserting control over jihadist fighters there, he said.

Turkey's Erdogan to discuss buying US Patriot missiles with Trump

<div class="content" itemprop="articleBody">
Australia batsman Steve Smith who is having a remarkable Ashes, has broken the record of former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq of scoring most fifty-plus scores against a single team in Test cricket.

Smith broke the record on the second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval as he scripted his sixth 50 plus score against England in the ongoing series.

Inzamam had scored nine fifty-plus scores against England, whereas Smith now has 10.

The 30-year-old Smith now has 751 runs in the series, as he played a knock of 80 runs in the fifth Test. However, he failed to score a century and was dismissed for his lowest knock in the series.

Smith is currently the number one ranked batsman in the ICC Test batsmen rankings and he has a lead of 34 points over Indian skipper Virat Kohli.

England ended day two of the final Test in a strong position after bundling out Australia for 225 in the first innings, gaining a lead of 69 runs here at the Oval.

After bowling out the Aussies, England just had to face four overs and openers Rory Burns and Joe Denly ensured they do not lose a wicket and the side finished the day at 9/0, taking the lead to 78.

In pursuit of England's first innings score, Australia once again got off to a bad start as the side lost its openers David Warner (5) and Marcus Harris (3) in quick succession as both batsmen were sent to the pavilion by Jofra Archer.

Smith and Marnus Labuschagne retrieved the innings for Aussies as they put up a 69-run stand, but their resistance was cut short by Archer as he had Labuschagne (48) plum in front to reduce Australia to 83/3.

The 30-year-old Smith (80) however kept on batting at one end, but he was finally dismissed for his lowest score of the series by Chris Woakes restricting Australia to 187/8.

Nathan Lyon and Peter Siddle added some runs late in the day, ensuring the team from Down Under goes past the 220-run mark. Both Lyon (25) and Siddle (18) were sent back to the pavilion by Archer. This enabled the pacer to take his wicket tally to six and bundle Australia out for 225.

Earlier in the day, England was bundled out for 294 in their first innings. Overnight batters Jos Buttler and Jack Leach were able to add just 23 runs more to the score.

Marsh went on to dismiss Leach (21) to take his fifth wicket in the innings. Jos Buttler was the top-scorer for England as he played a knock of 70 runs.&nbsp;
</div>

Australia batsman Steve Smith who is having a remarkable Ashes, has broken the record of former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq of scoring most fifty-plus scores against a single team in Test cricket.

Australia batsman Steve Smith who is having a remarkable Ashes, has broken the record of former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq of scoring most fifty-plus scores against a single team in Test cricket. Smith broke the record on the second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval as he scripted his sixth 50 plus score against England in the ongoing series. Inzamam had scored nine fifty-plus scores against England, whereas Smith now has 10. The 30-year-old Smith now has 751 runs in the series, as he played a knock of 80 runs in the fifth Test. However, he failed to score a century and was dismissed for his lowest knock in the series. Smith is currently the number one ranked batsman in the ICC Test batsmen rankings and he has a lead of 34 points over Indian skipper Virat Kohli. England ended day two of the final Test in a strong position after bundling out Australia for 225 in the first innings, gaining a lead of 69 runs here at the Oval. After bowling out the Aussies, England just had to face four overs and openers Rory Burns and Joe Denly ensured they do not lose a wicket and the side finished the day at 9/0, taking the lead to 78. In pursuit of England's first innings score, Australia once again got off to a bad start as the side lost its openers David Warner (5) and Marcus Harris (3) in quick succession as both batsmen were sent to the pavilion by Jofra Archer. Smith and Marnus Labuschagne retrieved the innings for Aussies as they put up a 69-run stand, but their resistance was cut short by Archer as he had Labuschagne (48) plum in front to reduce Australia to 83/3. The 30-year-old Smith (80) however kept on batting at one end, but he was finally dismissed for his lowest score of the series by Chris Woakes restricting Australia to 187/8. Nathan Lyon and Peter Siddle added some runs late in the day, ensuring the team from Down Under goes past the 220-run mark. Both Lyon (25) and Siddle (18) were sent back to the pavilion by Archer. This enabled the pacer to take his wicket tally to six and bundle Australia out for 225. Earlier in the day, England was bundled out for 294 in their first innings. Overnight batters Jos Buttler and Jack Leach were able to add just 23 runs more to the score. Marsh went on to dismiss Leach (21) to take his fifth wicket in the innings. Jos Buttler was the top-scorer for England as he played a knock of 70 runs.

Steve Smith continues his record-braking spree, goes past Inzamam-ul-Haq

Teen climate champion Greta Thunberg brought her global environmental message to the heart of the US government on Friday, telling her legion of supporters outside the White House,&nbsp;"Never give up." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The 16-year-old Swede, who has inspired youngsters across the world with her urgent call to arms, demanded action from the world's number one economy and its notoriously climate change skeptical president as part of a demonstration kicking off two weeks of protest.&nbsp;

Thunberg joined a few hundred people who shouted slogans and sang, but was careful to stay near the back, avoiding the limelight and questions from the media before finally addressing her supporters.

"Never give up -- we will continue," she said in a speech thanking the crowd and rallying the wider teen environment movement to keep up pressure on polluters.

"I'm just going to say I'm so incredibly grateful for every single one of you, I'm so proud of you to have come here," she said.

Thunberg isn't as well known in the United States as in Europe, but her six-day stay in the capital Washington will nonetheless be marked by high profile honors.&nbsp;

On Monday, Amnesty International will present her its highest honor for human rights work and she will testify before Congress on September 18 on the invitation of House Democrats.

On Wednesday she was a guest on The Daily Show in New York, where she called again on young people to mobilize and to stop man-made global warming, since older generations have failed to act.

"We in a way feel like it is a direct threat, others feel like, 'I won't be alive then anyway, so screw it,'" she said.

Thunberg, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 12, arrived in the US on August 28 on a zero-emissions yacht.

She rose to fame after she began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August last year to get members to act on climate change.

She was quickly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born.

New York authorities have given their blessing for the next strike on September 20, in which students from the city's 1,700 schools will participate.

"New York City stands with our young people. They're our conscience. We support the 9/20 #ClimateStrike," Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote on Twitter.

UN summits

Thunberg was clearly an inspiring figure at Monday protest, with fellow teens expressing feelings of protectiveness when a media scrum tried to mob her.

"I think she's an amazing leader and I'm happy to have her in our midst," said 15-year-old Kallan Benson.

"But it's sad that we have to celebrate people, and to put this much pressure on a teenager just like me."

A growing number of Americans are describing climate change as a "crisis," and two-thirds believe the president is doing too little to tackle the problem, a new poll published by the Washington Post said Friday.

The poll found that about eight in 10 Americans believe human activity is fueling climate change, and roughly half believe urgent action is needed over the next decade to avert disaster.

But President Donald Trump's administration remains deaf to these demands.

Since taking power in 2017, the president has pursued an aggressive policy of deregulation of everything from traffic pollution to coal-fired plants, drilling offshore and in the wilderness, and the maintenance of clean waterways.

The president's Republican Party and has even come out strongly in favor of energy inefficient light bulbs.

Many of the rollbacks have been challenged in court and are not yet in effect, but it represents a 180-degree shift in direction over his predecessor, Barack Obama.

American policies will undoubtedly come under fire when the UN holds a series of high-level climate meetings in New York over the coming weeks.&nbsp;

But the US is far from alone, with experts deeming the climate commitments from nearly every country to fall far short of what is required.

A Youth Climate Summit will take place at the UN on September 21, followed by the UN Climate Action Summit on September 23 convened by the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to find ways for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement.

Guterres has called on leaders to reduce these emissions by 45 per cent over the next decade, and to net zero emissions by 2050.

Thunberg will be ever-present, whether marching on the streets or in rooms filled with powerful global leaders, who have done little so far to impress her.

Teen climate champion Greta Thunberg brought her global environmental message to the heart of the US government on Friday, telling her legion of supporters outside the White House, "Never give up.

Teen climate champion Greta Thunberg brought her global environmental message to the heart of the US government on Friday, telling her legion of supporters outside the White House, "Never give up." The 16-year-old Swede, who has inspired youngsters across the world with her urgent call to arms, demanded action from the world's number one economy and its notoriously climate change skeptical president as part of a demonstration kicking off two weeks of protest. Thunberg joined a few hundred people who shouted slogans and sang, but was careful to stay near the back, avoiding the limelight and questions from the media before finally addressing her supporters. "Never give up -- we will continue," she said in a speech thanking the crowd and rallying the wider teen environment movement to keep up pressure on polluters. "I'm just going to say I'm so incredibly grateful for every single one of you, I'm so proud of you to have come here," she said. Thunberg isn't as well known in the United States as in Europe, but her six-day stay in the capital Washington will nonetheless be marked by high profile honors. On Monday, Amnesty International will present her its highest honor for human rights work and she will testify before Congress on September 18 on the invitation of House Democrats. On Wednesday she was a guest on The Daily Show in New York, where she called again on young people to mobilize and to stop man-made global warming, since older generations have failed to act. "We in a way feel like it is a direct threat, others feel like, 'I won't be alive then anyway, so screw it,'" she said. Thunberg, who was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome at the age of 12, arrived in the US on August 28 on a zero-emissions yacht. She rose to fame after she began sitting outside the Swedish parliament in August last year to get members to act on climate change. She was quickly joined by other students around the world, as word of her strike spread through the media, and the "Fridays for future" movement was born. New York authorities have given their blessing for the next strike on September 20, in which students from the city's 1,700 schools will participate. "New York City stands with our young people. They're our conscience. We support the 9/20 #ClimateStrike," Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote on Twitter. UN summits Thunberg was clearly an inspiring figure at Monday protest, with fellow teens expressing feelings of protectiveness when a media scrum tried to mob her. "I think she's an amazing leader and I'm happy to have her in our midst," said 15-year-old Kallan Benson. "But it's sad that we have to celebrate people, and to put this much pressure on a teenager just like me." A growing number of Americans are describing climate change as a "crisis," and two-thirds believe the president is doing too little to tackle the problem, a new poll published by the Washington Post said Friday. The poll found that about eight in 10 Americans believe human activity is fueling climate change, and roughly half believe urgent action is needed over the next decade to avert disaster. But President Donald Trump's administration remains deaf to these demands. Since taking power in 2017, the president has pursued an aggressive policy of deregulation of everything from traffic pollution to coal-fired plants, drilling offshore and in the wilderness, and the maintenance of clean waterways. The president's Republican Party and has even come out strongly in favor of energy inefficient light bulbs. Many of the rollbacks have been challenged in court and are not yet in effect, but it represents a 180-degree shift in direction over his predecessor, Barack Obama. American policies will undoubtedly come under fire when the UN holds a series of high-level climate meetings in New York over the coming weeks. But the US is far from alone, with experts deeming the climate commitments from nearly every country to fall far short of what is required. A Youth Climate Summit will take place at the UN on September 21, followed by the UN Climate Action Summit on September 23 convened by the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to find ways for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. Guterres has called on leaders to reduce these emissions by 45 per cent over the next decade, and to net zero emissions by 2050. Thunberg will be ever-present, whether marching on the streets or in rooms filled with powerful global leaders, who have done little so far to impress her.

Never give up! Teen climate activist Greta Thunberg protests at White House

Rights group Amnesty International Friday called for justice for those killed during months of protests that rocked Sudan, insisting that demonstrators had faced "disproportionate and unnecessary" violence.

Sudan has experienced unprecedentedly large rallies since December, first against now-ousted leader Omar al-Bashir and later against the generals who seized power after overthrowing him.

The protest movement says that more than 250 demonstrators were killed in the violence, including at least 127 in a crackdown on a sit-in during early June outside military headquarters in Khartoum.

"Amnesty International thanks the people of Sudan for showing us courage, for showing us resilience and for showing that we can resist injustice and violation of human rights," Amnesty International Secretary General Kumi Naidoo told reporters during a visit to Khartoum, in the first such trip by the rights group's chief to Sudan.

He said the demonstrators were confronted by "disproportionate use of violence, unnecessary use of violence and provocative use of violence".

"Amnesty International will back the Sudanese people in calling on the new government to ensure that there is absolute accountability and justice" for the families of those killed.

Protests first erupted in December against the then government's decision to triple the price of bread.

They swiftly escalated into a nationwide campaign against Bashir's ironfisted three decade rule.

The army ousted Bashir on April 11 but protesters continued their street campaign, switching it against the military council that overthrow him.

In August, Sudan embarked on a transition to civilian rule thanks to a power-sharing deal signed between protest leaders and the generals, and a joint civilian-military ruling body was sworn in.

On Sunday, an 18-member cabinet was sworn in, the first since the ouster of Bashir.

&nbsp;

Rights group Amnesty International Friday called for justice for those killed during months of protests that rocked Sudan, insisting that demonstrators had faced "disproportionate and unnecessary" violence.

Rights group Amnesty International Friday called for justice for those killed during months of protests that rocked Sudan, insisting that demonstrators had faced "disproportionate and unnecessary" violence. Sudan has experienced unprecedentedly large rallies since December, first against now-ousted leader Omar al-Bashir and later against the generals who seized power after overthrowing him. The protest movement says that more than 250 demonstrators were killed in the violence, including at least 127 in a crackdown on a sit-in during early June outside military headquarters in Khartoum. "Amnesty International thanks the people of Sudan for showing us courage, for showing us resilience and for showing that we can resist injustice and violation of human rights," Amnesty International Secretary General Kumi Naidoo told reporters during a visit to Khartoum, in the first such trip by the rights group's chief to Sudan. He said the demonstrators were confronted by "disproportionate use of violence, unnecessary use of violence and provocative use of violence". "Amnesty International will back the Sudanese people in calling on the new government to ensure that there is absolute accountability and justice" for the families of those killed. Protests first erupted in December against the then government's decision to triple the price of bread. They swiftly escalated into a nationwide campaign against Bashir's ironfisted three decade rule. The army ousted Bashir on April 11 but protesters continued their street campaign, switching it against the military council that overthrow him. In August, Sudan embarked on a transition to civilian rule thanks to a power-sharing deal signed between protest leaders and the generals, and a joint civilian-military ruling body was sworn in. On Sunday, an 18-member cabinet was sworn in, the first since the ouster of Bashir.

Amnesty wants justice for victims of Sudan protests

No Indian star has made a bigger splash in Hollywood than Priyanka Chopra -- and the "Baywatch" actress told AFP she is on a quest to shatter myths about Bollywood, including its approach to sex.

Chopra was the first Indian actress to lead a primetime US series with FBI thriller "Quantico," and cemented her global celebrity status by marrying pop singer Nick Jonas last December.

That star power secured a glitzy, red-carpet slot at Toronto's film festival for "The Sky is Pink," Chopra's first Hindi-language film in three years. It is the only Asian film on the prestigious gala lineup at North America's biggest movie festival.

"People get surprised when they see 'The Sky is Pink' and they're like, 'this is not a Bollywood movie.' Bollywood is not a genre!" Chopra told AFP ahead of the premiere Friday.&nbsp;

"It really is my quest to educate people in that."

Directed by Shonali Bose, "The Sky is Pink" tells the tragic true story of Aisha Chaudhary, an inspirational Delhi teenager whose life was cut short by a rare genetic disorder.&nbsp;

Chaudhary delivered a TED talk and wrote a book on her battle before her death in 2015 at the age of 18. But the film focuses on her parents, exploring how their marriage and love -- and even their sex life -- survived the loss of two children.

Until recently kissing was rarely shown in films made by conservative Bollywood, better known abroad for its colorful musical numbers and fairytale romantic plots.&nbsp;

'Dying wish'

"I don't think we haven't spoken about sexuality in Indian films -- we do," said Chopra, 37. "I think sexuality is spoken about in many different ways in Indian cinema."

"It's culturally sensitive, yes," she added. "India is an amalgamation of modernity and tradition. And this film is made by a modern Indian. So hence, you see what her language is. This is true to who she is."

Bose, whose own marriage ended after she lost her son, was approached by Chaudhary's parents to make the film.

Chaudhary had been a fervent fan of the director's work, and never fulfilled her "dying wish" to see Bose's previous film "Margarita With A Straw."

Bose told AFP she was moved by the request but chose to focus on the parents after learning of their "amazing" love story and care for their child.

"They wanted the film to be about their heroic dying teenage girl, and I don't feel she would've wanted to be on a pedestal -- actually she was really cool and humble," she said.

Chopra, who does not have children, said she drew on others' experiences, including Bose's, to play Chaudhary's mother Aditi.

But there is plenty of Chopra in the role too. At one point her character is described as "the 'almost' Miss India." Chopra herself was crowned Miss World in 2000.

Global outlook

As beauty pageants led to acting, Chopra, who attended school in the US, said she held onto her global outlook.

Also a singer, Chopra has released songs with US chart-toppers including Pitbull and The Chainsmokers.

"It's a genuine quest of mine to be able to cross-pollinate cultures, and to be able to take Indian cinema to the globe as much as I can," she said, adding: "It's not the language that's the barrier -- it is the fear of the unknown."

Movie-mad India has the largest film industry in the world in terms of the number produced -- up to 2,000 every year in more than 20 languages, according to industry data.

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar regularly appears in Forbes' annual list of the world's top 10 highest-paid actors.

In recent years Bollywood's influence has spread in North America, thanks to a growing, affluent South Asian diaspora -- and a smattering of Western converts.

But while other Bollywood actors and actresses have landed high-profile roles in the US, such as Deepika Padukone in 2017's "XXX: Return of Xander Cage," none are as recognizable as Chopra.

"I really hope that there's so many more entertainers from India that get the opportunity and push themselves towards global entertainment," said Chopra.

"The world of entertainment is so global now," she added. "With streaming coming in everyone from anywhere can watch anything."

No Indian star has made a bigger splash in Hollywood than Priyanka Chopra -- and the "Baywatch" actress told AFP she is on a quest to shatter myths about Bollywood, including its approach to sex.

No Indian star has made a bigger splash in Hollywood than Priyanka Chopra -- and the "Baywatch" actress told AFP she is on a quest to shatter myths about Bollywood, including its approach to sex. Chopra was the first Indian actress to lead a primetime US series with FBI thriller "Quantico," and cemented her global celebrity status by marrying pop singer Nick Jonas last December. That star power secured a glitzy, red-carpet slot at Toronto's film festival for "The Sky is Pink," Chopra's first Hindi-language film in three years. It is the only Asian film on the prestigious gala lineup at North America's biggest movie festival. "People get surprised when they see 'The Sky is Pink' and they're like, 'this is not a Bollywood movie.' Bollywood is not a genre!" Chopra told AFP ahead of the premiere Friday. "It really is my quest to educate people in that." Directed by Shonali Bose, "The Sky is Pink" tells the tragic true story of Aisha Chaudhary, an inspirational Delhi teenager whose life was cut short by a rare genetic disorder. Chaudhary delivered a TED talk and wrote a book on her battle before her death in 2015 at the age of 18. But the film focuses on her parents, exploring how their marriage and love -- and even their sex life -- survived the loss of two children. Until recently kissing was rarely shown in films made by conservative Bollywood, better known abroad for its colorful musical numbers and fairytale romantic plots. 'Dying wish' "I don't think we haven't spoken about sexuality in Indian films -- we do," said Chopra, 37. "I think sexuality is spoken about in many different ways in Indian cinema." "It's culturally sensitive, yes," she added. "India is an amalgamation of modernity and tradition. And this film is made by a modern Indian. So hence, you see what her language is. This is true to who she is." Bose, whose own marriage ended after she lost her son, was approached by Chaudhary's parents to make the film. Chaudhary had been a fervent fan of the director's work, and never fulfilled her "dying wish" to see Bose's previous film "Margarita With A Straw." Bose told AFP she was moved by the request but chose to focus on the parents after learning of their "amazing" love story and care for their child. "They wanted the film to be about their heroic dying teenage girl, and I don't feel she would've wanted to be on a pedestal -- actually she was really cool and humble," she said. Chopra, who does not have children, said she drew on others' experiences, including Bose's, to play Chaudhary's mother Aditi. But there is plenty of Chopra in the role too. At one point her character is described as "the 'almost' Miss India." Chopra herself was crowned Miss World in 2000. Global outlook As beauty pageants led to acting, Chopra, who attended school in the US, said she held onto her global outlook. Also a singer, Chopra has released songs with US chart-toppers including Pitbull and The Chainsmokers. "It's a genuine quest of mine to be able to cross-pollinate cultures, and to be able to take Indian cinema to the globe as much as I can," she said, adding: "It's not the language that's the barrier -- it is the fear of the unknown." Movie-mad India has the largest film industry in the world in terms of the number produced -- up to 2,000 every year in more than 20 languages, according to industry data. Bollywood star Akshay Kumar regularly appears in Forbes' annual list of the world's top 10 highest-paid actors. In recent years Bollywood's influence has spread in North America, thanks to a growing, affluent South Asian diaspora -- and a smattering of Western converts. But while other Bollywood actors and actresses have landed high-profile roles in the US, such as Deepika Padukone in 2017's "XXX: Return of Xander Cage," none are as recognizable as Chopra. "I really hope that there's so many more entertainers from India that get the opportunity and push themselves towards global entertainment," said Chopra. "The world of entertainment is so global now," she added. "With streaming coming in everyone from anywhere can watch anything."

'My quest': Priyanka Chopra brings Bollywood to Toronto

Speaking at the White House after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-asked-nsa-john-bolton-to-resign-tweets-us-president-donald-trump-248901">John Bolton's surprise exit</a> as national security adviser, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo couldn't hide a smile of satisfaction.

With the departure of Bolton, Pompeo has become the undisputed king of President Donald Trump's foreign policy -- with the exception, that is, of Trump himself.

The former soldier, lawyer and businessman has made a quick ascent in Washington since arriving as a Kansas congressman elected in the 2010 right-wing populist "Tea Party" movement.

Also read--&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/wholl-replace-john-bolton-americas-next-national-security-adviser-249389">America's next National Security Adviser: Who'll replace John Bolton?</a>

But many speculate that Pompeo will choose not to stay long in his newly powerful position, enticed by an opening to represent Kansas in the Senate next year -- perhaps with an eye on running for the top prize in the 2024 presidential election.

First tapped as CIA director before moving to the State Department last year, Pompeo is so close to Trump that the president last year said he was his only advisor with whom he has never argued.

Expectations even rose that Trump would name Pompeo to replace Bolton -- a rare dual-role as national security advisor and secretary of state last held by Henry Kissinger.

Trump on Thursday ruled out the possibility but called Pompeo "fantastic" and said, "I get along with him so well."

Yet Pompeo's power, analysts say, comes with a paradox. While Bolton, a Washington insider for over four decades, bulldozed his way to steer US foreign policy to the right on issues from Iran to Venezuela, Pompeo has risen because he is careful to follow Trump's lead.

"Pompeo is influential but it is important to be realistic about his influence -- he's influential because he does not push his agenda too much," said Tom Wright, a foreign policy scholar at the Brookings Institution.

"He knows when to give up. He is the last person standing but also he's not particularly influential on policy," he said.

"He pushes his views and then he gives up quite early on if he sense that Trump is going in another direction."

In tune with Trump

Pompeo, 55, made his name in Congress by blasting Hillary Clinton, then secretary of state, for not stopping the deadly 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi.

As the top US diplomat, Pompeo hit the ground running with assertive conservative positions, such as demanding far-reaching concessions by Iran if it wants to remove unilateral US sanctions.

But Pompeo on Tuesday instead left open the possibility that Trump would meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and said there were no preconditions.

Pompeo became Trump's fixer on North Korea, flying four times last year to the totalitarian state as the US leader sought a potentially landmark deal with Pyongyang.

Pompeo's State Department has also negotiated with the Taliban in hopes of achieving Trump's goal of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and ending the US involvement in the 18-year conflict.

"Trump wants to have this diplomatic outreach to America's rivals. It's not Pompeo's idea. It's the president having an agenda and getting rid of people who oppose this," Wright said.

Trump's pivot toward diplomacy comes as he gears up for an election campaign next year, when he hopes to be able to present concrete achievements on the foreign policy front.

Pompeo has until June 1 to decide whether to run for the seat in Kansas -- a state that has the longest streak of any state in electing Republicans to the Senate.

A Senate seat would ensure Pompeo retains a senior post in Washington regardless of the outcome of next year's election or the whims of Trump.

But for now, Pompeo is a rare Trump official whose job appears secure.

Asked in an interview last month about their relationship, Pompeo said he often voiced disagreements with Trump.

"But when he makes a decision and it's legal, it is my task to go execute that with all the energy and power that I have."

Speaking at the White House after John Bolton's surprise exit as national security adviser, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo couldn't hide a smile of satisfaction.

Speaking at the White House after John Bolton's surprise exit as national security adviser, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo couldn't hide a smile of satisfaction. With the departure of Bolton, Pompeo has become the undisputed king of President Donald Trump's foreign policy -- with the exception, that is, of Trump himself. The former soldier, lawyer and businessman has made a quick ascent in Washington since arriving as a Kansas congressman elected in the 2010 right-wing populist "Tea Party" movement. Also read-- America's next National Security Adviser: Who'll replace John Bolton? But many speculate that Pompeo will choose not to stay long in his newly powerful position, enticed by an opening to represent Kansas in the Senate next year -- perhaps with an eye on running for the top prize in the 2024 presidential election. First tapped as CIA director before moving to the State Department last year, Pompeo is so close to Trump that the president last year said he was his only advisor with whom he has never argued. Expectations even rose that Trump would name Pompeo to replace Bolton -- a rare dual-role as national security advisor and secretary of state last held by Henry Kissinger. Trump on Thursday ruled out the possibility but called Pompeo "fantastic" and said, "I get along with him so well." Yet Pompeo's power, analysts say, comes with a paradox. While Bolton, a Washington insider for over four decades, bulldozed his way to steer US foreign policy to the right on issues from Iran to Venezuela, Pompeo has risen because he is careful to follow Trump's lead. "Pompeo is influential but it is important to be realistic about his influence -- he's influential because he does not push his agenda too much," said Tom Wright, a foreign policy scholar at the Brookings Institution. "He knows when to give up. He is the last person standing but also he's not particularly influential on policy," he said. "He pushes his views and then he gives up quite early on if he sense that Trump is going in another direction." In tune with Trump Pompeo, 55, made his name in Congress by blasting Hillary Clinton, then secretary of state, for not stopping the deadly 2012 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi. As the top US diplomat, Pompeo hit the ground running with assertive conservative positions, such as demanding far-reaching concessions by Iran if it wants to remove unilateral US sanctions. But Pompeo on Tuesday instead left open the possibility that Trump would meet with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and said there were no preconditions. Pompeo became Trump's fixer on North Korea, flying four times last year to the totalitarian state as the US leader sought a potentially landmark deal with Pyongyang. Pompeo's State Department has also negotiated with the Taliban in hopes of achieving Trump's goal of withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and ending the US involvement in the 18-year conflict. "Trump wants to have this diplomatic outreach to America's rivals. It's not Pompeo's idea. It's the president having an agenda and getting rid of people who oppose this," Wright said. Trump's pivot toward diplomacy comes as he gears up for an election campaign next year, when he hopes to be able to present concrete achievements on the foreign policy front. Pompeo has until June 1 to decide whether to run for the seat in Kansas -- a state that has the longest streak of any state in electing Republicans to the Senate. A Senate seat would ensure Pompeo retains a senior post in Washington regardless of the outcome of next year's election or the whims of Trump. But for now, Pompeo is a rare Trump official whose job appears secure. Asked in an interview last month about their relationship, Pompeo said he often voiced disagreements with Trump. "But when he makes a decision and it's legal, it is my task to go execute that with all the energy and power that I have."

More than ever, Mike Pompeo at helm of Trump foreign policy

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Zee News Rajasthan

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