<p>Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal donated his 2019 French Open to #LaMejorAsistencia, an event set up by Spanish ABC Basketball League which will raise money for Red Cross.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-urges-fans-to-stay-active-while-self-quarantining-290872">Rafael Nadal urges fans to 'stay active' while self-quarantining</a></p>

<p>The king of clay's shirt was auctioned for €20,500. The reason why Nadal is known to be the 'King of Clay' because he was the first player in the Open Era to win the clay-turfed French Open 12 times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The charity event raised more than €143,000 and will be sent to medical fighters in Spain who are battling coronavirus. Spain is one of the worst-hit nations in terms of coronavirus, with over 1,66,000 cases and 16,972 deaths.</p>

<p>Nadal has been active on social media updating his fans about how has he been spending time during the quarantine. He showed off his cooking skills while preparing a meal for his wife and last week he posted another workout picture of his.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Spaniard is currently behind Novak Djokovic in world tennis rankings. His native country (Spain) has been among the worst-hit nation in terms of coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tennis season has come to halt with Wimbledon's cancellation being the latest victim of the virus, the rest of the season still in doubts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rate of new coronavirus infections and deaths in Spain slowed again on Sunday as the country, suffering from one of the world's worst outbreaks of the pandemic, began its fourth week under a near-total lockdown.</p>


Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal donated his 2019 French Open to #LaMejorAsistencia, an event set up by Spanish ABC Basketball League which will raise money for Red Cross.

Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal donated his 2019 French Open to #LaMejorAsistencia, an event set up by Spanish ABC Basketball League which will raise money for Red Cross. Also read: Rafael Nadal urges fans to 'stay active' while self-quarantining The king of clay's shirt was auctioned for €20,500. The reason why Nadal is known to be the 'King of Clay' because he was the first player in the Open Era to win the clay-turfed French Open 12 times. The charity event raised more than €143,000 and will be sent to medical fighters in Spain who are battling coronavirus. Spain is one of the worst-hit nations in terms of coronavirus, with over 1,66,000 cases and 16,972 deaths. Nadal has been active on social media updating his fans about how has he been spending time during the quarantine. He showed off his cooking skills while preparing a meal for his wife and last week he posted another workout picture of his. The Spaniard is currently behind Novak Djokovic in world tennis rankings. His native country (Spain) has been among the worst-hit nation in terms of coronavirus pandemic. Tennis season has come to halt with Wimbledon's cancellation being the latest victim of the virus, the rest of the season still in doubts. The rate of new coronavirus infections and deaths in Spain slowed again on Sunday as the country, suffering from one of the world's worst outbreaks of the pandemic, began its fourth week under a near-total lockdown.

COVID-19: Spanish ace Rafael Nadal's french open shirt auctioned for thousands in charity event

2008 Triathlon Olympic champion Jan Frodeno completed a full Ironman triathlon in his home on Saturday (April 11) to raise more than 200,000 euros ($217,280) for charity.

WION Good News First: Olympian Jan Frodeno raises $217,280 for charity

In search of something a wee bit more exciting than rafting down the rapids on the Ganga at Rishikesh, and as introspective as meditation, Meraj and Johan look within and face their fears in Rishikesh. Their methods, unconventional at best, involve leaping off a bungy station perched 90 metres above a valley, and zipping down a hill yoked to a cable at speeds exceeding 150 kph. Days in Rishikesh, as they say, are just packed.

WION Traveller S3 - Episode 24 - Return to Rishikesh

From Bill Gates to Jeff Bezos: Generous billionaires who donate for charity

A charity on Tuesday provided Iftar meals to families in the capital of Yemen who are observing the fasting month of Ramadan.

Charity provides Ramadan meals for Yemen families

<p>The charity founded by<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/on-prince-charles-70th-birthday-the-new-family-portrait-speaks-of-familial-bliss-177326&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjw4Iy2qIbgAhXMuI8KHTYdBNgQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Lw3PFFlm3ZDpnTSXLwtaF"> Prince Charles</a>, heir to the British throne, said it would no longer accept donations from Huawei, the latest blow to the Chinese telecoms company in its fight against global accusations of espionage.</p>

<p>Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, is facing scrutiny in the West over its ties to the Chinese government and concern its equipment could be used by Beijing for spying. It has repeatedly denied the allegations.</p>

<p>But the move by the Prince's Trust, coming just one week after Oxford University also dropped <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/will-pursue-extradition-of-huaweis-meng-wanzhou-confirms-us-justice-department-192267&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwji49fEqIbgAhWIknAKHQ2_D0sQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0wELayai5KZN5ZKblcq1w0">Huawei</a> funding, shows how the tide is turning in Britain, where the company has played a central role for more than 10 years in building broadband and mobile networks.</p>

<p>"At present, we are not accepting new donations from Huawei in light of public concerns," the Prince's Trust said in a statement. "Future donations will continue to be reviewed by our Ethical Fundraising Committee."</p>

<p>The Prince's Trust, founded by the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth in 1976 to help disadvantaged young people in Britain, said it had received 490,000 pounds from Huawei since 2007.</p>

<p>"We regret that decisions of this sort are being taken as a result of ill-informed and unfounded discourse about Huawei," Huawei said in a statement.</p>

<p>The company is battling to defend itself in Western nations bent on shutting it out of their markets.</p>

<p>In the most serious move, Meng Wanzhou, its finance chief and daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested in Canada on December 1 at the request of the United States over alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran.</p>

<p>She is currently under house arrest. China is demanding that she be freed.</p>

<p>Polish authorities earlier this month also arrested a Huawei executive on spying allegations, fuelling Western suspicion against Huawei.</p>

<p>The United States and allies including Australia have restricted Huawei from working on next-generation 5G mobile networks. Germany is debating whether to follow suit.</p>

<p>Britain had previously welcomed Huawei's involvement after BT, the leading mobile and fixed-line provider, started incorporating its equipment into networks in 2006, helping it to ramp up internet speeds.</p>

<p>John Browne, a former boss of oil giant BP and one of Britain's highest-profile businessmen, is the non-executive chairman of Huawei Technologies UK. The group worked with leading universities to further research and development.</p>

<p>However, British officials have lately followed the US in voicing concern.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December, BT said it would remove Huawei equipment from the core of its existing 3G and 4G mobile operations and not use the Chinese company in central parts of the next 5G network.</p>


The charity founded by Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, said it would no longer accept donations from Huawei, the latest blow to the Chinese telecoms company in its fight against global accusations of espionage.

The charity founded by Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, said it would no longer accept donations from Huawei, the latest blow to the Chinese telecoms company in its fight against global accusations of espionage. Huawei, the world's biggest producer of telecoms equipment, is facing scrutiny in the West over its ties to the Chinese government and concern its equipment could be used by Beijing for spying. It has repeatedly denied the allegations. But the move by the Prince's Trust, coming just one week after Oxford University also dropped Huawei funding, shows how the tide is turning in Britain, where the company has played a central role for more than 10 years in building broadband and mobile networks. "At present, we are not accepting new donations from Huawei in light of public concerns," the Prince's Trust said in a statement. "Future donations will continue to be reviewed by our Ethical Fundraising Committee." The Prince's Trust, founded by the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth in 1976 to help disadvantaged young people in Britain, said it had received 490,000 pounds from Huawei since 2007. "We regret that decisions of this sort are being taken as a result of ill-informed and unfounded discourse about Huawei," Huawei said in a statement. The company is battling to defend itself in Western nations bent on shutting it out of their markets. In the most serious move, Meng Wanzhou, its finance chief and daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, was arrested in Canada on December 1 at the request of the United States over alleged violations of US sanctions on Iran. She is currently under house arrest. China is demanding that she be freed. Polish authorities earlier this month also arrested a Huawei executive on spying allegations, fuelling Western suspicion against Huawei. The United States and allies including Australia have restricted Huawei from working on next-generation 5G mobile networks. Germany is debating whether to follow suit. Britain had previously welcomed Huawei's involvement after BT, the leading mobile and fixed-line provider, started incorporating its equipment into networks in 2006, helping it to ramp up internet speeds. John Browne, a former boss of oil giant BP and one of Britain's highest-profile businessmen, is the non-executive chairman of Huawei Technologies UK. The group worked with leading universities to further research and development. However, British officials have lately followed the US in voicing concern. In December, BT said it would remove Huawei equipment from the core of its existing 3G and 4G mobile operations and not use the Chinese company in central parts of the next 5G network.

Now, Prince Charles charity to stop taking Huawei donations

<p>The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted multiple searches across the country, including in Gujarat and Kerala, and seized over four dozen SIM cards and phones and Rs 21 lakh in cash in connection with a terror-funding case linked to a Pakistan-based outfit, the agency said.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
It added that the raids were carried out at locations in Gonda in Uttar Pradesh, Sikar and Jaipur in Rajasthan, Delhi, Valsad and Surat in Gujarat and Kasaragod in Kerala in connection with a case involving the Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), a banned Pakistani charity organisation.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
A total of 26 SIM cards, 23 phones, five memory cards, CDs, hard drives, computer peripherals, eight passports and foreign cards, nine debit cards, a laptop, two kg of gold and Rs 21 lakh in cash were seized, an NIA spokesperson said.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
Various incriminating documents related to operations in Dubai were also seized, he added.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
On Monday, the agency had arrested Mohammad Hussain Molani alias Babloo (43) in the case when he returned from Dubai, where he had been hiding.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The NIA had said this was the fourth arrest in the case, which was related to receiving of terror funds sent by FIF operatives to their associates through "hawala" (money launderers) operators for furthering their nefarious activities to trigger unrest in India.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
In September last year, the NIA had busted a module of the FIF in Delhi and Srinagar and arrested three persons.<br />
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
The Lahore-based organisation is alleged to be linked to the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a front of terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba which is banned under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.</p>


The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted multiple searches across the country, including in Gujarat and Kerala, and seized over four dozen SIM cards and phones and Rs 21 lakh in cash in connection with a terror-funding case linked to a Pakistan-based outfit, the agency said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday conducted multiple searches across the country, including in Gujarat and Kerala, and seized over four dozen SIM cards and phones and Rs 21 lakh in cash in connection with a terror-funding case linked to a Pakistan-based outfit, the agency said. It added that the raids were carried out at locations in Gonda in Uttar Pradesh, Sikar and Jaipur in Rajasthan, Delhi, Valsad and Surat in Gujarat and Kasaragod in Kerala in connection with a case involving the Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), a banned Pakistani charity organisation. A total of 26 SIM cards, 23 phones, five memory cards, CDs, hard drives, computer peripherals, eight passports and foreign cards, nine debit cards, a laptop, two kg of gold and Rs 21 lakh in cash were seized, an NIA spokesperson said. Various incriminating documents related to operations in Dubai were also seized, he added. On Monday, the agency had arrested Mohammad Hussain Molani alias Babloo (43) in the case when he returned from Dubai, where he had been hiding. The NIA had said this was the fourth arrest in the case, which was related to receiving of terror funds sent by FIF operatives to their associates through "hawala" (money launderers) operators for furthering their nefarious activities to trigger unrest in India. In September last year, the NIA had busted a module of the FIF in Delhi and Srinagar and arrested three persons. The Lahore-based organisation is alleged to be linked to the Jamaat-ud-Dawa, a front of terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba which is banned under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.

NIA conducts countrywide searches in case involving Pak-based charity organisation

<p>Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare.<br />
<br />
Queen Elizabeth, 92, has passed on her patronages of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which she has held for decades, to Meghan, who married the queen's grandson last year.<br />
<br />
Known as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan will also become the patron of Smart Works, a charity helping long-term unemployed women, and animal welfare charity Mayhew.</p>

<p>"The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes," Kensington Palace said in a statement.<br />
<br />
The National Theatre said it was a privilege to welcome Meghan, an American former actress who starred in television drama Suits before she married Harry.<br />
<br />
"The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come," Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, said.</p>

<p>Meghan, who is pregnant with her first child, will visit Smart Works on Thursday.</p>


Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare.

Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare. Queen Elizabeth, 92, has passed on her patronages of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which she has held for decades, to Meghan, who married the queen's grandson last year. Known as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan will also become the patron of Smart Works, a charity helping long-term unemployed women, and animal welfare charity Mayhew. "The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes," Kensington Palace said in a statement. The National Theatre said it was a privilege to welcome Meghan, an American former actress who starred in television drama Suits before she married Harry. "The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come," Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, said. Meghan, who is pregnant with her first child, will visit Smart Works on Thursday.

Meghan Markle takes royal roles at UK charities for women and animals

<p>The recent big-fat Punjabi wedding of popular comic actor Kapil Sharma in Jalandhar, Punjab had a benevolent side to it.</p>

<p>Amidst fanfare and celebration, the comedian also ensured that the less privileged also are a part of his special day. The comedian reportedly donated all the excess food from his wedding to an NGO which distributes it to the lesser-privileged people in Jalandhar, Amritsar and the nearby cities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kapil pre-planned the tie-up with the NGO and made sure that the leftover food from the wedding kitchen and chafing dishes on the serving tables are collected, packed nicely and taken to the slum area to feed the hungry.</p>

<p>According to the sources when the NGO got to know about Kapil's wedding, the officials approached him as they knew that there will not only be a lavish spread of food, but also in excess quantity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''When they told Kapil about their cause, he said yes without thinking twice. He told them to take the food from all his functions including the reception in Amritsar and distribute it,'' says the source.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The founder of NGO, Ankit Kawatra, confirms, ''Kapil is setting an example for others to follow by donating excess food from his big day. This will surely create a much-needed awareness for the cause and will motivate others. I am pleased to see that the person who makes the country laugh, took this opportunity to make others in need smile, too.''</p>

<p><img src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif" /></p>


The recent big-fat Punjabi wedding of popular comic actor Kapil Sharma in Jalandhar, Punjab had a benevolent side to it. Amidst fanfare and celebration, the comedian also ensured that the less privileged also are a part of his special day.

The recent big-fat Punjabi wedding of popular comic actor Kapil Sharma in Jalandhar, Punjab had a benevolent side to it. Amidst fanfare and celebration, the comedian also ensured that the less privileged also are a part of his special day. The comedian reportedly donated all the excess food from his wedding to an NGO which distributes it to the lesser-privileged people in Jalandhar, Amritsar and the nearby cities. Kapil pre-planned the tie-up with the NGO and made sure that the leftover food from the wedding kitchen and chafing dishes on the serving tables are collected, packed nicely and taken to the slum area to feed the hungry. According to the sources when the NGO got to know about Kapil's wedding, the officials approached him as they knew that there will not only be a lavish spread of food, but also in excess quantity. ''When they told Kapil about their cause, he said yes without thinking twice. He told them to take the food from all his functions including the reception in Amritsar and distribute it,'' says the source. The founder of NGO, Ankit Kawatra, confirms, ''Kapil is setting an example for others to follow by donating excess food from his big day. This will surely create a much-needed awareness for the cause and will motivate others. I am pleased to see that the person who makes the country laugh, took this opportunity to make others in need smile, too.''

Kapil Sharma donated the excess food from his wedding to the less-privileged

<p>We could all learn a thing or two from this man. A superstar is normally synonymous with lavish living and an opulent lifestyle. However, Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat, whose net worth is reportedly valued at USD 714 million, has a different and simple way of living.</p>

<p>As per reports, the 63-year-old spends just USD 102 per month and even has plans of giving his entire fortune to charity.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In an interview with a Hong Kong based magazine, Jayne Stars, Chow stressed that his dream is to "be a happy and normal person."<br />
<br />
"The hardest thing in life is not about how much money you earn, but how to keep a peaceful mindset and live the rest of your life in a simple and carefree manner," he said, according to Jakarta Post.<br />
<br />
The publication noted that Chow usually chooses public transportation and does charity, instead of spending the money on himself.<br />
<br />
The article further quoted him as saying, "I don`t wear clothes for other people. As long as I think it`s comfortable, then it`s good enough for me."Chow has worked in various hit films, including `A Better Tomorrow` (1986), `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon` (2000) and `The Killer` (1989), among others.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


We could all learn a thing or two from this man. A superstar is normally synonymous with lavish living and an opulent lifestyle. However, Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat, whose net worth is reportedly valued at USD 714 million, has a different and simple way of living.

We could all learn a thing or two from this man. A superstar is normally synonymous with lavish living and an opulent lifestyle. However, Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat, whose net worth is reportedly valued at USD 714 million, has a different and simple way of living. As per reports, the 63-year-old spends just USD 102 per month and even has plans of giving his entire fortune to charity. In an interview with a Hong Kong based magazine, Jayne Stars, Chow stressed that his dream is to "be a happy and normal person." "The hardest thing in life is not about how much money you earn, but how to keep a peaceful mindset and live the rest of your life in a simple and carefree manner," he said, according to Jakarta Post. The publication noted that Chow usually chooses public transportation and does charity, instead of spending the money on himself. The article further quoted him as saying, "I don`t wear clothes for other people. As long as I think it`s comfortable, then it`s good enough for me."Chow has worked in various hit films, including `A Better Tomorrow` (1986), `Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon` (2000) and `The Killer` (1989), among others.

'Crouching Tiger' actor Chow Yun-fat may donate entire fortune to charity

<p>Bill Gates, the world&#39;s richest man worth $91 billion teamed up with tennis world number one Roger Federer for a very special cause and played a tennis match against US tennis player Jack Sock and Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of NBC News&#39; TODAY. The most extraordinary doubles team of Roger and Gates won the match though,&nbsp;Savannah being a non-professional, helped her partner Jack to gains some crucial points.</p>

<p>On the&nbsp;opportunity to play alongside tennis legend, Bill Gates said, &quot;I&#39;m a huge fan of Roger Federer, and this Monday I&#39;ll get to play alongside him in the #MatchForAfrica.&quot;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">About to go on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MatchforAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MatchforAfrica</a> <a href="https://t.co/u0MTB2CNCd">pic.twitter.com/u0MTB2CNCd</a></p>
&mdash; Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer/status/970863199393218561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It&#39;s almost time! Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/SavannahGuthrie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SavannahGuthrie</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JackSock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JackSock</a> take on <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerFederer</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillGates</a> for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MatchForAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MatchForAfrica</a> live on the <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisChannel</a> at 10:30 pm ET. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoSavannah?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoSavannah</a> <a href="https://t.co/2UnvOz20FN">pic.twitter.com/2UnvOz20FN</a></p>
&mdash; TODAY (@TODAYshow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TODAYshow/status/970856745731088384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The cause of such collaboration is to raise money for&nbsp;Roger Federer Foundation that aims to uplift underprivileged children in Africa so as to empower them by providing educational facilities.</p>

<p>Earlier, Federer and Gates, co-chairman of the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, the world&#39;s largest private charitable foundation, teamed up in Seattle for the Match for Africa 4, which raised $2 million for Federer&#39;s foundation.</p>

<p>The Roger Federer Foundation enhances a world where children living in poverty are able to take control of their future and actively shape it with an aims to develop existing educational services and early support in a sustainable way.</p>

<p>In recent years, fundamental problems such as low classroom performance, poor attendance and high numbers of drop-outs, as well as a lack of early childhood education.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foundation wishes to empower as many African children as possible through access to high-quality early learning and education.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Coming up at 10:30 pm ET tonight: <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RogerFederer</a> vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/JackSock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JackSock</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BillGates</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SavannahGuthrie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SavannahGuthrie</a> in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MatchForAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MatchForAfrica</a> 5&ndash;&ndash;LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisChannel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisChannel</a>: <a href="https://t.co/BJi2TIxHpc">https://t.co/BJi2TIxHpc</a> <a href="https://t.co/5vmhSkPp99">pic.twitter.com/5vmhSkPp99</a></p>
&mdash; TENNIS.com (@Tennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tennis/status/970847970697519104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>The match was live on Facebook where Bill Gates raised $17,745 USD for Roger Federer Charitable Fund.</p>

<p>Watch the video&nbsp;here:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBillGates%2Fvideos%2F10155291467161961%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Proud to be on Team Fed. We&rsquo;re ready for you, <a href="https://twitter.com/SavannahGuthrie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SavannahGuthrie</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JackSock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JackSock</a>: <a href="https://t.co/tUifhNNBVO">https://t.co/tUifhNNBVO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MatchForAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MatchForAfrica</a> <a href="https://t.co/BMyYpUEmYl">pic.twitter.com/BMyYpUEmYl</a></p>
&mdash; Bill Gates (@BillGates) <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates/status/970827375721070592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The dream team is out again. Roger: &ldquo;I am doing the running, Bill is doing the thinking...&rdquo; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MatchForAfrica5?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MatchForAfrica5</a> <a href="https://t.co/U07ve0IYrM">pic.twitter.com/U07ve0IYrM</a></p>
&mdash; Roger Federer Fdn (@rogerfedererfdn) <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfedererfdn/status/970872720245141505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We can&#39;t wait to watch <a href="https://twitter.com/SavannahGuthrie?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@savannahguthrie</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JackSock?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JackSock</a> take on <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BillGates?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@billgates</a> in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MatchforAfrica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MatchforAfrica</a>! <a href="https://t.co/Mm7lM5Zvm4">https://t.co/Mm7lM5Zvm4</a> ???? <a href="https://t.co/YXRz1o49T8">pic.twitter.com/YXRz1o49T8</a></p>
&mdash; TODAY (@TODAYshow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TODAYshow/status/970656264610033664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The cause of such collaboration is to raise money for underprivileged children in Africa so as to empower them by providing educational facilities

Bill Gates, the world's richest man worth $91 billion teamed up with tennis world number one Roger Federer for a very special cause and played a tennis match against US tennis player Jack Sock and Savannah Guthrie, the co-anchor of NBC News' TODAY. The most extraordinary doubles team of Roger and Gates won the match though, Savannah being a non-professional, helped her partner Jack to gains some crucial points. On the opportunity to play alongside tennis legend, Bill Gates said, "I'm a huge fan of Roger Federer, and this Monday I'll get to play alongside him in the #MatchForAfrica." About to go on #MatchforAfrica pic.twitter.com/u0MTB2CNCd — Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) March 6, 2018 × It's almost time! Watch @SavannahGuthrie and @JackSock take on @RogerFederer and @BillGates for #MatchForAfrica live on the @TennisChannel at 10:30 pm ET. #GoSavannah pic.twitter.com/2UnvOz20FN — TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 6, 2018 × The cause of such collaboration is to raise money for Roger Federer Foundation that aims to uplift underprivileged children in Africa so as to empower them by providing educational facilities. Earlier, Federer and Gates, co-chairman of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the world's largest private charitable foundation, teamed up in Seattle for the Match for Africa 4, which raised $2 million for Federer's foundation. The Roger Federer Foundation enhances a world where children living in poverty are able to take control of their future and actively shape it with an aims to develop existing educational services and early support in a sustainable way. In recent years, fundamental problems such as low classroom performance, poor attendance and high numbers of drop-outs, as well as a lack of early childhood education. The foundation wishes to empower as many African children as possible through access to high-quality early learning and education. Coming up at 10:30 pm ET tonight: @RogerFederer vs. @JackSock with @BillGates and @SavannahGuthrie in the #MatchForAfrica 5––LIVE on @TennisChannel: https://t.co/BJi2TIxHpc pic.twitter.com/5vmhSkPp99 — TENNIS.com (@Tennis) March 6, 2018 × The match was live on Facebook where Bill Gates raised $17,745 USD for Roger Federer Charitable Fund. Watch the video here: × Proud to be on Team Fed. We’re ready for you, @SavannahGuthrie and @JackSock: https://t.co/tUifhNNBVO #MatchForAfrica pic.twitter.com/BMyYpUEmYl — Bill Gates (@BillGates) March 6, 2018 × The dream team is out again. Roger: “I am doing the running, Bill is doing the thinking...” #MatchForAfrica5 pic.twitter.com/U07ve0IYrM — Roger Federer Fdn (@rogerfedererfdn) March 6, 2018 × We can't wait to watch @savannahguthrie and @JackSock take on @rogerfederer and @billgates in the #MatchforAfrica! https://t.co/Mm7lM5Zvm4 ???? pic.twitter.com/YXRz1o49T8 — TODAY (@TODAYshow) March 5, 2018 ×

Watch: Bill Gates teams up with Roger Federer for tennis match

<p>Austrian corruption prosecutors are investigating transactions between&nbsp;FIFA, the world soccer governing body, and its Austrian counterpart OFB, a spokesperson for the prosecutors said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Austrian websites addendum.org and 90minuten.at reported on Tuesday that the OFB president, Leo Windtner, was being investigated for facilitating a $100,000 transfer from&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;to a charity project in Africa that his wife was involved with.</p>

<p>Asked about the report, a spokesperson for the corruption prosecutors&#39; office in Vienna on Wednesday confirmed an investigation was underway but declined to name any suspects.</p>

<p>She added the investigation relates to events in 2014.</p>

<p>&quot;We are investigating the accusation that OFB officials demanded $100,000 from&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;officials with regard to the election of the&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;president. The money was supposed to go to an African soccer academy,&quot; the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>Addendum.org 90 and minuten.at reported that the money was sent from&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;to OFB, but OFB then sent it back.&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;eventually sent the money directly to the African project, they reported.</p>

<p>At the time of the transfer, Sepp Blatter was lobbying to get re-elected as&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;president. He is currently in the midst of a six-year ban from all soccer-related duties imposed by Zurich-based FIFA&#39;s ethics committee after a corruption scandal.</p>

<p>Windtner, who became OFB president in 2009, confirmed the transfer had taken place but said it was used for a good cause and that he had nothing to reproach himself for.</p>

<p>OFB,&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;and the charity were not immediately available for comment.</p>

<p>In 2015,&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;was caught in the worst corruption crisis of its existence. Several officials were indicted in the United States for graft, and two out of three former officials were convicted in New York in the first trial of those charged.</p>

<p>Blatter was re-elected&nbsp;FIFA&nbsp;president in 2015 but was suspended later that year amid the corruption investigations.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A legal representative based in Austria confirmed that an investigation for facilitating a $100,000 transfer from FIFA to a charity project in Africa was underway

Austrian corruption prosecutors are investigating transactions between FIFA, the world soccer governing body, and its Austrian counterpart OFB, a spokesperson for the prosecutors said on Wednesday. Austrian websites addendum.org and 90minuten.at reported on Tuesday that the OFB president, Leo Windtner, was being investigated for facilitating a $100,000 transfer from FIFA to a charity project in Africa that his wife was involved with. Asked about the report, a spokesperson for the corruption prosecutors' office in Vienna on Wednesday confirmed an investigation was underway but declined to name any suspects. She added the investigation relates to events in 2014. "We are investigating the accusation that OFB officials demanded $100,000 from FIFA officials with regard to the election of the FIFA president. The money was supposed to go to an African soccer academy," the spokesperson said. Addendum.org 90 and minuten.at reported that the money was sent from FIFA to OFB, but OFB then sent it back. FIFA eventually sent the money directly to the African project, they reported. At the time of the transfer, Sepp Blatter was lobbying to get re-elected as FIFA president. He is currently in the midst of a six-year ban from all soccer-related duties imposed by Zurich-based FIFA's ethics committee after a corruption scandal. Windtner, who became OFB president in 2009, confirmed the transfer had taken place but said it was used for a good cause and that he had nothing to reproach himself for. OFB, FIFA and the charity were not immediately available for comment. In 2015, FIFA was caught in the worst corruption crisis of its existence. Several officials were indicted in the United States for graft, and two out of three former officials were convicted in New York in the first trial of those charged. Blatter was re-elected FIFA president in 2015 but was suspended later that year amid the corruption investigations.

FIFA overshadowed by corruption, again

<p>Singer Taylor Swift has made a&nbsp;donation to a US charity that supports victims of sexual assault after winning a groping lawsuit against a former radio DJ.</p>

<p>Joyful Heart Foundation, a national organization working to transform society&rsquo;s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse&nbsp;declined to disclose the amount of the donation.</p>

<p>&quot;I hope that Taylor&#39;s very public experience -- and her decision to speak out -- not only helps empower other victims to speak up and take action, but offers them solidarity,&quot; said its founder, actress Mariska Hargitay.</p>

<p>&quot;I&#39;m honored by her dedication and commitment to these issues, and I&#39;m deeply grateful for her support of the Joyful Heart Foundation.&quot;</p>

<p>Charity CEO Maile Zambuto thanked Swift for her &quot;generous investment&quot; and said the singer&#39;s actions &quot;send a powerful message to survivors everywhere: you matter. What happens to you matters. And you are not alone.&quot;</p>

<p>The 27-year-old &quot;Bad Blood&quot; songstress won her sexual assault lawsuit on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Read more on the lawsuit <a href="http://www.wionews.com/life-fun/taylor-swift-is-only-requesting-1-in-her-alleged-groping-case-18933">here</a></h2>

<p>Swift, who was awarded a nominal $1 in damages, promised to donate to charities in the wake of her ordeal. According to Forbes, she is worth $44 million.</p>

<p>&quot;I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this,&quot; the popstar said in a statement thanking the court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organizations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves.&quot;</p>

<p>Hargitay starred as a police detective on &quot;Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,&quot; a drama about New York professionals who investigate sexually related crimes.</p>

<p>She says one in three women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives, and that someone is sexually assaulted every two minutes in the United States.</p>


She recently won a sexualt assault case against a former radio DJ

Singer Taylor Swift has made a donation to a US charity that supports victims of sexual assault after winning a groping lawsuit against a former radio DJ. Joyful Heart Foundation, a national organization working to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse declined to disclose the amount of the donation. "I hope that Taylor's very public experience -- and her decision to speak out -- not only helps empower other victims to speak up and take action, but offers them solidarity," said its founder, actress Mariska Hargitay. "I'm honored by her dedication and commitment to these issues, and I'm deeply grateful for her support of the Joyful Heart Foundation." Charity CEO Maile Zambuto thanked Swift for her "generous investment" and said the singer's actions "send a powerful message to survivors everywhere: you matter. What happens to you matters. And you are not alone." The 27-year-old "Bad Blood" songstress won her sexual assault lawsuit on Monday. Read more on the lawsuit here Swift, who was awarded a nominal $1 in damages, promised to donate to charities in the wake of her ordeal. According to Forbes, she is worth $44 million. "I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this," the popstar said in a statement thanking the court. "My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organizations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves." Hargitay starred as a police detective on "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," a drama about New York professionals who investigate sexually related crimes. She says one in three women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives, and that someone is sexually assaulted every two minutes in the United States.

Taylor Swift donates to sexual assault charity

<p dir="ltr">While we are flooded on social media with quotes of inspiration, hope and dreams--here&rsquo;s a story that is an embodiment&nbsp;of the phrase &ldquo;every little bit goes a long way&rdquo;.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Touching the lives of many, teachers and students from one of the oldest educational institute in the country - Zakir Husain Delhi College of Delhi University - are working to bring a wholesome change in their neighbourhood.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The teachers have adopted a nearby <em>Basti </em>(slum) Khwaja Meer Dard which is just a stone&rsquo;s throw away from the college premises, taking responsibility of children&rsquo;s educational needs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Outreach Committee,&nbsp;which looks over the workings of these activities, not only imparts teaching lessons to kids on a daily basis but also engages them in co-curricular activities like picnics, educational trips around the city, educational movie marathons and more.</p>

<p>It started on 26th July 2016, when Dr. Devesh Vijay, the founding member along with the supportive staff went inside the basti to understand their problems. Dr. Vijay and a teaching faculty in the college agreed, &ldquo;Teaching has been a big success. When we enquired from the basti seniors, they said &lsquo;not all kids get proper schooling and it is one important area where we could contribute&rsquo;. It&rsquo;s one thing we are good at and we immediately agreed to it.&rdquo;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Beyond teaching in a formal setup of a classroom, volunteering teachers and students find this as a &ldquo;great opportunity to connect with the society, learn about its problems and effectuate&nbsp;the process of change--much beyond the world of classrooms and textbooks.&rdquo;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>We have poor neighbours nearby and as a college we have proper infrastructure, teaching talent and most importantly student youth power--if not us then who?</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=We have poor neighbours nearby and as a college we have proper infrastructure, teaching talent and most importantly student youth power--if not us then who?" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>I ask him the reason for choosing <em>Basti</em> Khwaja Meer Dard in the first place and he says, &ldquo;Proximity is the key reason as any other place would have included commute. We wanted to start something feasible for all, something we could do everyday in the long run and this Basti was perfect in that sense. Every day after our classes are over, we head to the basti for an hour &nbsp;with teachers in tow who go to teach in batches.&rdquo;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Vijay compassionately adds, &ldquo;We have poor neighbours nearby and as a college we have proper infrastructure, teaching talent and most importantly student youth power--if not us, then who?</p>

<p dir="ltr">All colleges must do this as the change is heartening to see, children&rsquo;s results have improved considerably and nothing makes us more happy.&rdquo;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Shehnaaz Parveen, teaching faculty at college who is also a part of the initiative says, &ldquo;Students of the basti are very diligent.&nbsp;They come to class on time whether teachers are there or not. I was initially very hesitant to come here (basti) but have had a great experience so far. Apart from regular classes, we also give the kids&rsquo; life skills and disaster management training.&rdquo;</p>

<p dir="ltr">In a span of 10 months, these classes have improved grades of students. Vijay says, &ldquo;After their annual results were declared, most students came with their school report cards, and it was a great feeling to see that their results shot up by good margins. As a result many new families have approached to join the regular classes.&rdquo;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Shumayla, a girl student who regularly attends these classes says, &ldquo;Teachers here are very good. Whatever I learn here, it remains with me. Apart from regular course classes, they also pay special emphasis on improving our language and give reading and recitation lessons in English and Hindi. When I was in 8th standard, I was a weak student but with time my grades have improved and now I have been promoted to 10th standard with good grades. My favourite subject is science and maths and I want to pursue it in higher studies.&rdquo;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Sania and Bushra are college students who have been associated with the initiative from the start. They call it an &ldquo;experience in itself&rdquo; as there has been a &ldquo;tremendous change in the behaviour and conduct of these students&rdquo;.</p>

<p dir="ltr">They say, &ldquo;Apart from teaching we also try to imbibe mannerisms in the kids: like how to sit in class, how to answer to a teacher and they are always eager to learn.&rdquo;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>Basti Khwaja Meer Dard has no playgrounds, so we provide them with a space to play, most have not seen a movie on a big screen and we organise educational movies once every month. When these kids go out with us on educational trips, they learn from us. They have learnt how to walk in a queue or to not litter on the roads</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Basti Khwaja Meer Dard has no playgrounds, so we provide them with a space to play, most have not seen a movie on a big screen and we organise educational movies once every month. When these kids go out with us on educational trips, they learn from us. They have learnt how to walk in a queue or to not litter on the roads" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ajay Kumar is also a college student who teaches the kids twice in a week. He says, &ldquo;I joined in the month of November and &nbsp;have continued ever since. It&rsquo;s a service really and service itself is a reward. I come twice in a week to teach science. I have learnt so much from these little ones--we learn when we come to teach.&rdquo;</p>

<p dir="ltr">He narrates an incident where he pronounced a word wrong in Hindi, altering its meaning and how the kids corrected him. He is currently aiming for Indian Civil Services but if that doesn&rsquo;t go through, he aims to teach for a living.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Running a successful program and bringing a cheer on the faces of many deprived kids, Vijay hopes that &ldquo;this could get replicated everywhere in all colleges&rdquo;.</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lrSZinCLgxY" width="970"></iframe></p>

<p dir="ltr">He wishes UGC to make it &ldquo;mandatory for all colleges under its purview to include surrounding areas in a dialogue for change&rdquo;.</p>

<p dir="ltr">He says, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not charity but the best way to learn about our vicinity.</p>

<p dir="ltr">&ldquo;In our case, <em>Basti </em>Khwaja Meer Dard has no playgrounds, so we provide them with a space to play, most have not seen a movie on a big screen and we organise educational movies once every month. When these kids go out with us on educational trips, they learn from us. They have learnt how to walk in a queue or to not litter on the roads.&rdquo;</p>

<p dir="ltr">Currently, the Committee is facilitating lessons for students from all class groups and next year plans to start a cleanliness drive in the basti with an aim to extend modern, hygienic way of life in those--for whom it&rsquo;s never even a topic of debate.</p>

<p dir="ltr">(WION)</p>


'They had no playgrounds, had not seen a movie--we wanted to change that', says the Founder-Professor of Delhi University.

While we are flooded on social media with quotes of inspiration, hope and dreams--here’s a story that is an embodiment of the phrase “every little bit goes a long way”. Touching the lives of many, teachers and students from one of the oldest educational institute in the country - Zakir Husain Delhi College of Delhi University - are working to bring a wholesome change in their neighbourhood. The teachers have adopted a nearby Basti (slum) Khwaja Meer Dard which is just a stone’s throw away from the college premises, taking responsibility of children’s educational needs. Outreach Committee, which looks over the workings of these activities, not only imparts teaching lessons to kids on a daily basis but also engages them in co-curricular activities like picnics, educational trips around the city, educational movie marathons and more. It started on 26th July 2016, when Dr. Devesh Vijay, the founding member along with the supportive staff went inside the basti to understand their problems. Dr. Vijay and a teaching faculty in the college agreed, “Teaching has been a big success. When we enquired from the basti seniors, they said ‘not all kids get proper schooling and it is one important area where we could contribute’. It’s one thing we are good at and we immediately agreed to it.” Beyond teaching in a formal setup of a classroom, volunteering teachers and students find this as a “great opportunity to connect with the society, learn about its problems and effectuate the process of change--much beyond the world of classrooms and textbooks.” We have poor neighbours nearby and as a college we have proper infrastructure, teaching talent and most importantly student youth power--if not us then who? × I ask him the reason for choosing Basti Khwaja Meer Dard in the first place and he says, “Proximity is the key reason as any other place would have included commute. We wanted to start something feasible for all, something we could do everyday in the long run and this Basti was perfect in that sense. Every day after our classes are over, we head to the basti for an hour with teachers in tow who go to teach in batches.” Vijay compassionately adds, “We have poor neighbours nearby and as a college we have proper infrastructure, teaching talent and most importantly student youth power--if not us, then who? All colleges must do this as the change is heartening to see, children’s results have improved considerably and nothing makes us more happy.” Shehnaaz Parveen, teaching faculty at college who is also a part of the initiative says, “Students of the basti are very diligent. They come to class on time whether teachers are there or not. I was initially very hesitant to come here (basti) but have had a great experience so far. Apart from regular classes, we also give the kids’ life skills and disaster management training.” In a span of 10 months, these classes have improved grades of students. Vijay says, “After their annual results were declared, most students came with their school report cards, and it was a great feeling to see that their results shot up by good margins. As a result many new families have approached to join the regular classes.” Shumayla, a girl student who regularly attends these classes says, “Teachers here are very good. Whatever I learn here, it remains with me. Apart from regular course classes, they also pay special emphasis on improving our language and give reading and recitation lessons in English and Hindi. When I was in 8th standard, I was a weak student but with time my grades have improved and now I have been promoted to 10th standard with good grades. My favourite subject is science and maths and I want to pursue it in higher studies.” Sania and Bushra are college students who have been associated with the initiative from the start. They call it an “experience in itself” as there has been a “tremendous change in the behaviour and conduct of these students”. They say, “Apart from teaching we also try to imbibe mannerisms in the kids: like how to sit in class, how to answer to a teacher and they are always eager to learn.” Basti Khwaja Meer Dard has no playgrounds, so we provide them with a space to play, most have not seen a movie on a big screen and we organise educational movies once every month. When these kids go out with us on educational trips, they learn from us. They have learnt how to walk in a queue or to not litter on the roads × Ajay Kumar is also a college student who teaches the kids twice in a week. He says, “I joined in the month of November and have continued ever since. It’s a service really and service itself is a reward. I come twice in a week to teach science. I have learnt so much from these little ones--we learn when we come to teach.” He narrates an incident where he pronounced a word wrong in Hindi, altering its meaning and how the kids corrected him. He is currently aiming for Indian Civil Services but if that doesn’t go through, he aims to teach for a living. Running a successful program and bringing a cheer on the faces of many deprived kids, Vijay hopes that “this could get replicated everywhere in all colleges”. He wishes UGC to make it “mandatory for all colleges under its purview to include surrounding areas in a dialogue for change”. He says, “It’s not charity but the best way to learn about our vicinity. “In our case, Basti Khwaja Meer Dard has no playgrounds, so we provide them with a space to play, most have not seen a movie on a big screen and we organise educational movies once every month. When these kids go out with us on educational trips, they learn from us. They have learnt how to walk in a queue or to not litter on the roads.” Currently, the Committee is facilitating lessons for students from all class groups and next year plans to start a cleanliness drive in the basti with an aim to extend modern, hygienic way of life in those--for whom it’s never even a topic of debate. (WION)

Professors and Basti kids: Learning to explore the world together

<p>One of Europe&#39;s worst offenders on food waste, Britain is beginning to get its act together thanks to a surge in volunteer initiatives that help the poor as well as creating a bit of seasonal cheer.</p>

<p>&quot;That&#39;s what I come out for, to have a little chat... It&#39;s not only the food,&quot; said Bassia Hamech, 76, as she was served a bowl of hot soup in a kitchen in east London run by a charity called FoodCycle.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>One of the volunteers said the most generous donations come from Turkish greengrocers in the area while big supermarkets are less reliable and today gave only a bag of bread</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=One of the volunteers said the most generous donations come from Turkish greengrocers in the area while big supermarkets are less reliable and today gave only a bag of bread" target="_blank"><i class="fa fa-share">&nbsp;</i></a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

<p>The kitchen serves up weekly vegetarian lunches to up to 50 people in Hackney, many of whom have health problems or are at risk of social isolation.</p>

<p>One of the volunteers, artist Anne Engel, said the most generous donations come from Turkish greengrocers in the area while big supermarkets are less reliable and today gave only a bag of bread.</p>

<p>&quot;We get them to eat all sorts of wild and wonderful things,&quot; said Engel, who brought offerings including mangoes, mint and eggs to a kitchen overflowing with fruit and vegetables destined for scrap.</p>

<p>Teas are swiftly handed out to volunteers and a menu created -- soup, frittata and fruit salad -- and the kitchen team pick out a few furry raspberries and other items which are too old to be used.</p>

<p>&quot;It&#39;s about changing the attitudes to food. We get a lot of volunteers who are very frightened of food past its sell by date,&quot; Engel said.</p>

<p>2016 has been a landmark year for international campaigners tackling food waste, with both Italy and France passing laws to make it easier for surplus stock to be donated rather than binned.</p>

<p>But Britain has fallen behind its neighbours by failing to legislate on the issue, leaving community groups and new businesses to fill the gap.</p>

<p>Britain wastes around 10 million tonnes of food a year, according to 2016 figures from the charity Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).</p>

<p>The EU as a whole has around 88 million tonnes of annual food waste, according to 2012 estimates.</p>

<p>This year&#39;s &quot;War on Waste&quot; BBC television show raised awareness among Britain&rsquo;s population, starting with a mountain of discarded parsnips exposed by its presenter, celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.</p>

<p><strong>&#39;A carpet of fruit&#39;</strong></p>

<p>Regular customers at the new crop of recycled food cafes and shops opening up in Britain include environmental do-gooders, as well as the poor and those just looking for some company.</p>

<p>Even the counters of central London cafes filled with high-end coffee and calorific muffins are increasingly making way for products made from salvaged fruit.</p>

<p>A former FoodCycle volunteer, Ben Whitehead, said he has rescued nearly 15 tonnes of fruit since first requesting surplus on a trip to his local market.</p>

<p>&quot;I got offered 12 boxes of really amazing pineapples. I was on my bike! So they looked at me and laughed,&quot; he said of his initial encounter with the traders.</p>

<p>After experimenting with different fruits deemed not perfect enough to make it to consumers, Whitehead set up a company in 2015 called SpareFruit that air-dries sliced apples and pears to create crisps.</p>

<p>&quot;If you drive through the orchards you just see a carpet of fruit. Some of it we wouldn&#39;t eat, but I would say 90 percent of that fruit is perfectly edible,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Snact, a similar fruit jerky maker, got off the ground after raising &pound;14,000 ($17,000, 17,000 euros) through crowdfunding in 2014.</p>

<p>Both companies are hoping to further their ambitions in the new year, with plans to make it into the luxury department store Selfridges.</p>

<p>The chance to launch in a high-end food hall shows how much British attitudes have changed, as Whitehead discovered when he asked consumers whether they would eat something that would otherwise be wasted.</p>

<p>&quot;Everyone&#39;s response was, &#39;As long as it&#39;s clean and healthy, and fine to eat, why wouldn&#39;t we?&#39;&quot;</p>

<p>(AFP)</p>


The country is one of Europe's worst offenders when it comes to food waste

One of Europe's worst offenders on food waste, Britain is beginning to get its act together thanks to a surge in volunteer initiatives that help the poor as well as creating a bit of seasonal cheer. "That's what I come out for, to have a little chat... It's not only the food," said Bassia Hamech, 76, as she was served a bowl of hot soup in a kitchen in east London run by a charity called FoodCycle. One of the volunteers said the most generous donations come from Turkish greengrocers in the area while big supermarkets are less reliable and today gave only a bag of bread × The kitchen serves up weekly vegetarian lunches to up to 50 people in Hackney, many of whom have health problems or are at risk of social isolation. One of the volunteers, artist Anne Engel, said the most generous donations come from Turkish greengrocers in the area while big supermarkets are less reliable and today gave only a bag of bread. "We get them to eat all sorts of wild and wonderful things," said Engel, who brought offerings including mangoes, mint and eggs to a kitchen overflowing with fruit and vegetables destined for scrap. Teas are swiftly handed out to volunteers and a menu created -- soup, frittata and fruit salad -- and the kitchen team pick out a few furry raspberries and other items which are too old to be used. "It's about changing the attitudes to food. We get a lot of volunteers who are very frightened of food past its sell by date," Engel said. 2016 has been a landmark year for international campaigners tackling food waste, with both Italy and France passing laws to make it easier for surplus stock to be donated rather than binned. But Britain has fallen behind its neighbours by failing to legislate on the issue, leaving community groups and new businesses to fill the gap. Britain wastes around 10 million tonnes of food a year, according to 2016 figures from the charity Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP). The EU as a whole has around 88 million tonnes of annual food waste, according to 2012 estimates. This year's "War on Waste" BBC television show raised awareness among Britain’s population, starting with a mountain of discarded parsnips exposed by its presenter, celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. 'A carpet of fruit' Regular customers at the new crop of recycled food cafes and shops opening up in Britain include environmental do-gooders, as well as the poor and those just looking for some company. Even the counters of central London cafes filled with high-end coffee and calorific muffins are increasingly making way for products made from salvaged fruit. A former FoodCycle volunteer, Ben Whitehead, said he has rescued nearly 15 tonnes of fruit since first requesting surplus on a trip to his local market. "I got offered 12 boxes of really amazing pineapples. I was on my bike! So they looked at me and laughed," he said of his initial encounter with the traders. After experimenting with different fruits deemed not perfect enough to make it to consumers, Whitehead set up a company in 2015 called SpareFruit that air-dries sliced apples and pears to create crisps. "If you drive through the orchards you just see a carpet of fruit. Some of it we wouldn't eat, but I would say 90 percent of that fruit is perfectly edible," he said. Snact, a similar fruit jerky maker, got off the ground after raising £14,000 ($17,000, 17,000 euros) through crowdfunding in 2014. Both companies are hoping to further their ambitions in the new year, with plans to make it into the luxury department store Selfridges. The chance to launch in a high-end food hall shows how much British attitudes have changed, as Whitehead discovered when he asked consumers whether they would eat something that would otherwise be wasted. "Everyone's response was, 'As long as it's clean and healthy, and fine to eat, why wouldn't we?'" (AFP)

Waste not, want not: Britain gets creative about fighting food waste

<p>George Michael&#39;s death has been uniquely agonising in a year filled with a shocking amount of&nbsp;dying mega stars. At one time the biggest pop star in Britain, Michael&nbsp;sold more than 100 million records in his career. But he had&nbsp;a personal connection with many&nbsp;fans that stemmed from more&nbsp;than just music.</p>

<p>Michael is remembered and appreciated today for representing the LGBT community in the 80&#39;s and 90&#39;s, when doing so was much less fashionable and acceptable than it is today. He made countless people feel better about themselves in ways most of us will never understand.</p>

<p>Tributes of this nature were numerous and very touching&nbsp;though&nbsp;expected, but&nbsp;the world was taken by surprise as&nbsp;the full extent of his generosity and charitable giving came to light. More, he went to considerable lengths to avoid receiving public credit.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">George Michael worked anonymously at a homeless shelter I was volunteering at. I&#39;ve never told anyone, he asked we didn&#39;t. That&#39;s who he was</p>
&mdash; EMILYNE MONDO (@EmilyneMondo) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmilyneMondo/status/813319244242817025">December 26, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A woman on &#39;Deal Or No Deal&#39; told us she needed &pound;15k for IVF treatment. George Michael secretly phoned the next day and gave her the &pound;15k.</p>
&mdash; Richard Osman (@richardosman) <a href="https://twitter.com/richardosman/status/813306084295405568">December 26, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/george-michael-bought-john-lennon-piano-so-it-wouldnt-end-up-in-storage-a7496951.html">The Independent</a> reports that Michael anonymously paid 1.6 million pounds to purchase John Lennon&#39;s piano, so that it would be kept out of storage and be made available to the public. There are new stories of his intense altruism still being reported.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">George Michael &lsquo;quietly&rsquo; donated MILLIONS to charities <a href="https://t.co/cwu7IVE4MP">https://t.co/cwu7IVE4MP</a> <a href="https://t.co/a3LmMQBqxa">pic.twitter.com/a3LmMQBqxa</a></p>
&mdash; Are We All Asleep ? (@demindblower) <a href="https://twitter.com/demindblower/status/813644560844947456">December 27, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<p>George Michael wrote upbeat party songs with a light fun touch, but was emotionally vulnerable, and gave badly-needed strength to many through his art.</p>

<p>That he also gave away so much of his time and money, not to boost his image but purely to&nbsp;help&nbsp;people, speaks to who he was as a person. People are right to be wary of celebrity culture, with their hollow&nbsp;images contrived by PR consultants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It&#39;s worth repeating that the celebrities we see on screens are total strangers to us, but it&#39;s impossible to read about what&nbsp;Michael&#39;s art meant to so many&nbsp;and all the things he did for people&nbsp;without feeling that this stranger was a very good person.</p>

<p>So&nbsp;news of his all generosity, coupled with the fact that the composer&nbsp;of the hit &quot;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8gmARGvPlI">Last Christmas</a>&quot;&nbsp;was found dead&nbsp;on&nbsp;Christmas Day, makes this death a standout&nbsp;in an awful year&nbsp;for truly talented and big-hearted musicians.</p>

<p>RIP, George Michael.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


The late British musician, who was found dead in his bed on Christmas day, spent years anonymously doing wonderful things for people

George Michael's death has been uniquely agonising in a year filled with a shocking amount of dying mega stars. At one time the biggest pop star in Britain, Michael sold more than 100 million records in his career. But he had a personal connection with many fans that stemmed from more than just music. Michael is remembered and appreciated today for representing the LGBT community in the 80's and 90's, when doing so was much less fashionable and acceptable than it is today. He made countless people feel better about themselves in ways most of us will never understand. Tributes of this nature were numerous and very touching though expected, but the world was taken by surprise as the full extent of his generosity and charitable giving came to light. More, he went to considerable lengths to avoid receiving public credit. George Michael worked anonymously at a homeless shelter I was volunteering at. I've never told anyone, he asked we didn't. That's who he was — EMILYNE MONDO (@EmilyneMondo) December 26, 2016 × A woman on 'Deal Or No Deal' told us she needed £15k for IVF treatment. George Michael secretly phoned the next day and gave her the £15k. — Richard Osman (@richardosman) December 26, 2016 × The Independent reports that Michael anonymously paid 1.6 million pounds to purchase John Lennon's piano, so that it would be kept out of storage and be made available to the public. There are new stories of his intense altruism still being reported. George Michael ‘quietly’ donated MILLIONS to charities https://t.co/cwu7IVE4MP pic.twitter.com/a3LmMQBqxa — Are We All Asleep ? (@demindblower) December 27, 2016 × George Michael wrote upbeat party songs with a light fun touch, but was emotionally vulnerable, and gave badly-needed strength to many through his art. That he also gave away so much of his time and money, not to boost his image but purely to help people, speaks to who he was as a person. People are right to be wary of celebrity culture, with their hollow images contrived by PR consultants. It's worth repeating that the celebrities we see on screens are total strangers to us, but it's impossible to read about what Michael's art meant to so many and all the things he did for people without feeling that this stranger was a very good person. So news of his all generosity, coupled with the fact that the composer of the hit "Last Christmas" was found dead on Christmas Day, makes this death a standout in an awful year for truly talented and big-hearted musicians. RIP, George Michael. (WION)

George Michael: Quietly charitable pop star even more inspiring than people thought

<p>India&#39;s Income Tax (IT) department has summoned Tata Trusts to explain the misuse of tax exemption granted to the trusts for charitable purposes, reported Indian business daily, Business Standard.</p>

<p>A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report of 2013 had stated that the trusts are earning huge profit instead of using it for charitable purposes. The IT department has thus asked the executive trustee of Tata trusts, R Venkataramanan, to give it an explanation on Friday evening in Mumbai.</p>

<p>The trusts headed by Ratan Tata are using surplus funds for creating fixed assets or are transferred to other trusts to avoid tax, the CAG alleged. Its audit stated that the 22 trusts under scrutiny have accumulated surpluses to the tune of Rs 819 crore.</p>

<p>The CAG also accused the IT department for allowing irregular exemptions to Jamshetji Tata Trust and Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust.</p>

<p>The Business Standard report said that the Jamshetji Tata Trust and Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust earned Rs 1,905 crore and Rs 1,234 crore from capital gains during 2009 and 2010, respectively, as stated by CAG.</p>

<p>They invested this amount in prohibited mode of investments, which is in contravention to the provisions of Section 13(1)(d) of the Income Tax Act, the business daily reported.</p>

<p>The summons for Friday are part of the promise made by India&#39;s ministry of finance to take action.</p>

<p>(WION with inputs from agencies)</p>


A Comptroller and Auditor General report of 2013 had stated that the trusts are earning huge profit instead of using it for charity

India's Income Tax (IT) department has summoned Tata Trusts to explain the misuse of tax exemption granted to the trusts for charitable purposes, reported Indian business daily, Business Standard. A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report of 2013 had stated that the trusts are earning huge profit instead of using it for charitable purposes. The IT department has thus asked the executive trustee of Tata trusts, R Venkataramanan, to give it an explanation on Friday evening in Mumbai. The trusts headed by Ratan Tata are using surplus funds for creating fixed assets or are transferred to other trusts to avoid tax, the CAG alleged. Its audit stated that the 22 trusts under scrutiny have accumulated surpluses to the tune of Rs 819 crore. The CAG also accused the IT department for allowing irregular exemptions to Jamshetji Tata Trust and Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust. The Business Standard report said that the Jamshetji Tata Trust and Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust earned Rs 1,905 crore and Rs 1,234 crore from capital gains during 2009 and 2010, respectively, as stated by CAG. They invested this amount in prohibited mode of investments, which is in contravention to the provisions of Section 13(1)(d) of the Income Tax Act, the business daily reported. The summons for Friday are part of the promise made by India's ministry of finance to take action. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Tata Trusts get summons from India's income tax department

charity

Charity, News on Charity, stories on Charity, articles on Charity, Charity stories at Wion, Charity news, Charity latest news