You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/israels-antisemitism-charge-against-australia-government-after-beach-attack-9808745” on this server.

Reference #18.ef493417.1765730531.100b36fd

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.ef493417.1765730531.100b36fd

NEW DELHI: An eerie silence enveloped the third-floor 2BHK flat in a Kalkaji residential building, masking a history of deep isolation and mounting financial distress. Inside the locked house, a 52-year-old woman and her two adult sons were found dead, an end that neighbours and relatives said was preceded by months of withdrawal and an earlier attempt by the brothers to harm themselves.The deceased have been identified as homemaker Anuradha Kapoor (52) and her two sons, Ashish Kapoor (32), who studied engineering from a private college in Noida, and Chaitanya Kapoor (27), who was probably preparing for the civil services.

Kalkaji police station received a call at 2.47pm on Friday. “The incident came to notice when a bailiff, accompanied by local police staff, visited the house to execute a court order of possession. After repeated knocks went unanswered, entry was made using a duplicate key, where all three were found dead,” a senior officer said. While Anuradha and Ashish were found in one room, Chaitanya was in another room. A note found at the spot indicates that they had been suffering from depression and had killed themselves, said police. According to relatives, Anuradha’s husband, Sanjeev Kapoor, who had a construction business, died a couple of years ago because of Covid-related complications and diabetes. Sanjay, a relative, said the family had been estranged from relatives for nearly 15 years. “They maintained no communication. Even when Sanjeev passed away, we got to know about it much later. We didn’t even know how they looked like now,” he said. Police said the family had a history of self-harm and both sons had attempted suicide on Oct 30. Several neighbours told TOI that about two months ago, the brothers had tried to kill themselves, following which an ambulance and police personnel came to the house. The family would rarely step out even to buy groceries, they added.The family had also allegedly not paid rent for the past two years, following which the eviction order was issued. “The monthly rent was around Rs 34,000 and the landlord lives in Mumbai. They started living in the house about two years ago and paid rent just for the first month. The landlord then moved court,” a police source said. Investigators said the family was in debt as both sons were unemployed. “They had taken multiple small loans, ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 30,000, from 50-55 people. The total amounts to Rs 10-15 lakh,” the source added.Police said the last conversations that the family had with anybody was through messages on their phones. “The sons had just been communicating with people asking them to recharge their phones and asking for money or asking if there was a job for them. They had not more than 10-15 contacts saved on their phones,” the source said.

Australian authorities have identified one of the alleged gunmen involved in the deadly Bondi Beach shooting as Naveed Akram, a man from Sydney’s south-west, as investigations continue into the attack that left at least 12 people dead.A senior law enforcement official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told ABC News that Akram’s residence in Bonnyrigg was raided by police on Sunday evening. However, authorities said it remains unclear which of the two attackers Akram was, as one gunman was killed at the scene while the other was arrested in critical condition.The shooting occurred shortly after 6.30pm (local time) on Sunday during the Chanukah by the Sea event, attended by hundreds marking the first night of Hanukkah. New South Wales police said two gunmen opened fire on the crowd, killing at least 12 people and injuring several others.NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon said an improvised explosive device was found in a car linked to the deceased attacker. He confirmed that the incident has been designated a terrorist attack, though the intended target has not yet been established. “We have found an improvised explosive device in a car which is linked to the deceased offender,” Lanyon told a news conference.Lanyon also indicated that one of the shooters was previously known to authorities, but posed no immediate threat. “The person that we know has very, very little knowledge to the police,” he said. “So he’s not someone that we would have automatically been looking at at this time.”Footage aired by the ABC showed two black-clad gunmen firing from a footbridge near the beach. Another video, filmed by a bystander and broadcast on local television, appeared to show a member of the public tackling and disarming one of the attackers.Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic. Lachlan Moran, 32, from Melbourne, told AP: “You heard a few pops, and I freaked out and ran away. … I started sprinting. I just had that intuition. I sprinted as quickly as I could.” He said the gunfire continued intermittently for about five minutes. British tourist Timothy Brant-Coles told AFP he saw “two shooters in black with semi-automatic rifles” and several wounded people. Local resident Harry Wilson told the Sydney Morning Herald he saw “at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere.”The Australian security intelligence organisation (ASIO) confirmed that one of the attackers was “known to us, but not in an immediate threat perspective.” Police and federal agencies continue to examine suspicious items found in the area, with an exclusion zone still in place as Bondi Beach remains largely deserted during the ongoing investigation.

Pune: A 28-year-old Chembur resident recently suffered a severe injury to her left eye, which necessitated an emergency surgery, after three men on a two-wheeler chased down the car she was in, hurled stones at it and smashed its windows after it allegedly ran over a foot of one of them near an underpass on the Katraj-Dehu road bypass in Pune. She said she still hasn’t regained vision.Police said the alleged attackers were detained and released after being served notices as per the law. According to the FIR, Puja Gupta, an HR professional who was in the passenger seat, and her fiancé, who was driving the car, were returning to Mumbai after a visit to the man’s parents in Gaikwadnagar in Punawale, Pune district, on Dec 6. The car’s tyre allegedly went over a foot of one of three men on a two-wheeler while overtaking. No one was injured but it triggered an argument. The men allegedly abused the couple and one of them hurled a stone at the windscreen, which shattered. The couple drove away in fear, but they got stuck in a traffic jam near the Punawale underpass. The men chased them down and smashed the remaining windows and the rear windscreen. A piece of shattered glass got lodged in Gupta’s left eye and caused a severe injury. She was rushed to a private hospital in Chinchwad. Doctors performed an emergency corneoscleral repair surgery to save her vision. Gupta told TOI on Sunday that she hasn’t regained vision even over a week after the surgery. “Doctors had said one surgery would be enough, but they had cautioned that another one may be required if my vision does not return. They are not sure whether my eyesight will be restored fully since blood has accumulated in the eye.” The FIR has invoked sections 126 (2) (wrongful restraint), 125 (rash or negligent acts endangering life or safety), 125 (a) (rashness or negligence that endangers life or personal safety), 324 (4) (mischief), and 352 (intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace or another offence) of BNS. Gupta said she had requested police to add the charge of attempted murder. “This was not done and the accused were allowed to go home despite causing serious injuries... They must be punished strictly so that they think twice before hurting anyone again,” she said.

At least 11 people were killed, and 16 others were rushed to hospitals following a shooting at Sydney’s popular Bondi Beach, officials said, as police responded to the developing incident and urged the public to avoid the area.The shooting has been declared a terrorist incident, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told a press conference on Sunday.

Australia’s national broadcaster ABC reported that one of the shooters was among those killed, while the other was arrested. A spokesperson for the New South Wales Ambulance Service said several victims were treated at the scene before the injured were transported to hospitals across Sydney, according to AFP. “Police are responding to a developing incident at Bondi Beach and are advising the public to avoid the area. Anyone already at the scene should take shelter,” New South Wales Police said in a social media statement“We are aware of an active security situation in Bondi. We urge people in the vicinity to follow information from NSW Police,” spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, as cited by Reuters.A video from the mass shooting at Bondi Beach shows people inside a nearby café fleeing for cover as gunshots are heard.NSW Ambulance confirmed that over 25 resources, including medical teams, ambulances, helicopters, and special operations units, have been deployed to Bondi Beach.Multiple patients are receiving treatment on-site, with four transported to St Vincent’s Hospital, one to Royal Prince Alfred, and one to St George Hospital, as cited by ABC News.

Hanukkah celebrations at the beach

An event marking the first day of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah was scheduled to take place at Bondi Beach, according to a digital flyer for an event titled Chanuka by the Sea 2025, as cited by NBC News.The flyer indicated that the gathering was set to be held near the beach’s children’s playground from 5.00 pm (local time) on Sunday. Organized by the Jewish centre Chabad of Bondi, the event advertised live entertainment, music, games, and activities for all ages.Israel’s President Isaac Herzog condemned the “cruel” shooting attack and called on Canberra to confront “the enormous wave of antisemitism” that he said “is plaguing Australian society.”“Our sisters and brothers in Sydney, Australia, have been attacked by vile terrorists in a very cruel attack on Jews who went to light the first candle of Hanukkah,” Herzog said, speaking at an event, as cited by the Times of Israel. “We repeat our alerts time and again to the Australian government to seek action and fight against the enormous wave of antisemitism which is plaguing Australian society,”

India continued their strong hold over South Africa in the third T20I at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala, as Arshdeep Singh produced a moment of sheer class to dismiss Reeza Hendricks early. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, India’s pace attack made full use of the helpful conditions, leaving the visitors struggling at the halfway mark of the innings.

Arshdeep Singh’s perfect setup floors Reeza Hendricks

The standout moment of the first half came courtesy of Arshdeep, who showcased his growing maturity with the new ball. Bowling to Hendricks, Arshdeep first teased the South African opener with two outswingers that shaped away, forcing him to play cautiously. Having planted doubt in the batter’s mind, the left-arm pacer then delivered the decisive blow — a delivery on a length that nipped back sharply.

Hendricks was caught on the crease as the ball struck him on the pads. The on-field decision was reviewed by India, and replays left no room for debate. There was no bat involved, the ball pitched in line, the impact was in line, and it was hitting the leg stump. The review was upheld, and Hendricks departed without scoring, underlining the precision of Arshdeep’s planning and execution.

Here’s the video:

First over, first breakthrough!

#ArshdeepSingh puts India on top straightaway. 🔥#INDvSA 3rd T20I | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/TBYQYBG4F9 pic.twitter.com/iJxOWJG6KV

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 14, 2025

Also READ: GOAT India tour 2025: When Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni picked between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo

India dominate the halfway session

By the midway point of the innings, India had firmly seized control of the contest. Arshdeep’s wicket set the tone for India’s bowlers, who applied relentless pressure throughout the powerplay and beyond. South Africa found it difficult to build momentum as wickets fell at regular intervals. Harshit Rana emerged as another key contributor, picking up two important wickets to dent the Proteas’ top order.

Hardik Pandya also chipped in with a crucial breakthrough, ensuring that South Africa never truly settled. The disciplined bowling effort was backed by sharp fielding, which further tightened the screws on the visiting batters. Amid the chaos, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram tried to anchor the innings. Batting with composure, Markram remained unbeaten on 28, showing intent without taking unnecessary risks. However, the lack of support from the other end meant South Africa were unable to capitalise on his presence at the crease.

Also READ: ‘Got message from Anushka’: R Madhavan recalls the viral AI-generated clip of Cristiano Ronaldo applauding Virat Kohli

What is luxury?For a woman, simply being able to take a walk at night is often considered a luxury. But this freedom isn’t free. It comes at a cost most people never see, the extra money, effort and emotional labour women pay every day just to exist.Every rupee women spend is backed by labour, yet when it comes to buying everyday essentials, its value seems to shrink. Every morning, as I get ready for office, I inevitably spend more than a man would and not because I am extravagant, but because of the hidden taxes I pay every time I buy something.Why? Because a moisturiser packaged in lavender tones, promising “smooth skin” , costs more than a man’s basic black bottle offering the same function. When I calculated my spending on personal care, clothing, services and daily necessities, the pattern became impossible to ignore.How? Because women consistently pay more year after year simply because products are marketed to them. And no, this isn’t just a Western problem. India isn’t exempt.

What is Pink Tax?

It may sound like a trivial question, but the answer points to a deeper issue: the Pink Tax. It is not a government levy or an official surcharge. Instead, it is the invisible premium women pay for products and services marketed “for women” , even when they are nearly identical to men’s versions.Simply put, it’s the cost of being a woman. Many everyday products aimed at women are priced higher than their male counterparts despite serving the same purpose.“I think most people have little idea of the extra costs a woman has to bear simply to exist. There is a concept of ‘Pink Tax’ that few men are aware of, as it mainly involves women’s personal care products. Beyond the monetary aspect, there is also a safety angle to all this,” said Aashish Saxena.That’s the Pink Tax — and that’s why a pink razor costs more than a man’s black one.The Pink Tax shows up across everyday life:Personal care products: Women’s shampoos, conditioners and moisturisers routinely cost more than men’s, even when the difference is limited to packaging or colour.Fashion and accessories: Women’s formalwear and accessories are often priced higher despite similar materials and construction. The markup is usually explained away as “fashion” or “finishing” .Cosmetic procedures: Aggressively marketed to women, adding to the financial burden.Healthcare: Gynaecological check-ups, fertility consultations and reproductive healthcare come with higher recurring costs.“If you book a full comprehensive check-up for men on the health/medical app, it costs Rs 4,999, but for women, it costs Rs 5,999,” said Pallavi, pointing to the hidden cost.

How marketing makes femininity costlier

Women are often seen as less price-sensitive when it comes to personal care, not because they want to be, but because many of these products are framed as necessities. Companies exploit this shift. What was once optional is now presented as baseline: SPF, retinol, serums, AM/PM routines, laser treatments, Botox, hair removal, marketed as “permanent” solutions that never truly end.“If we look at the market, the range of products available for women the variants and the overall maintenance and is far wider compared to men. The skincare industry largely targets women, giving men limited space under the idea of toughness,” said Vijaya Srivastava.Pallavi also points to fashion as another quiet contributor to the hidden tax. “Why can’t I have jeans with normal-sized pockets that can fit today’s phones?” she asks.“Men can just slip their phones into their pockets and walk freely. Why do we have to carry a handbag just to hold a phone? Because we don’t have pockets.” Her frustration reflects how design choices, driven by fashion norms and commercial interests, create yet another invisible cost: one paid in convenience, money and everyday freedom.

The safety tax: Paying to feel safe

Beyond products, women quietly absorb another cost, the safety tax! In urban India, women often pay a premium simply to move through the city. Public transport that is cheaper for men is not always an option. Cabs, safer buses or higher travel classes become necessities, not luxuries.Ignoring buses, trains and shared autos “just to feel safe” is common and expensive. “While men don’t have to think twice about getting into a crowded metro or bus, a woman might opt for a far more expensive cab just to avoid harassment,” said Aashish.Aastha Jha explains the cost she absorbs every month. “I pay Rs 6,000 for travel to office every month. I haven’t used shared autos, buses or the metro enough to even compare. My area is quite secluded with poor connectivity, so sharing doesn’t feel safe.” She adds that this expense isn’t consciously planned. “I don’t budget for it deliberately, but I’ve been doing it subconsciously for years.” While men may think about safety during odd hours, Aastha notes the difference during the day. “Men my age think about safety late at night. During normal hours, they don’t have to factor it in.”For women, even basic freedoms come with anxiety. “Being able to take a walk at night feels like a luxury. Whether you live in a gated society or a secluded area, you never really know who could harm you.” Her colleague Vivek Dubey agrees. “Safety matters to everyone, but not in the same way. I can book a cab at midnight without much thought. My main concern is the driver’s driving, not my personal safety.” He admits this is a privilege men often overlook. “I can take a bike taxi because it’s cheaper. I wouldn’t recommend the same to my female friends because of harassment risks.”

Housing: Where safety overrides affordability

Safety also dictates where women live.“When I came to New Delhi, my priorities were safety and security,” recalls Jyoti, a college student. “I looked at high-rise societies with rents far above my budget, but I had no choice,” she said.Natasha Singh adds, “Safety plays a huge role in evaluating cost of living.” After a robbery at her home, she and her flatmate were more concerned about security than stolen items. “When my flatmate was not in town, I used to travel all the way from Noida to Gurgaon to live with my parents because I didn’t feel safe living alone.”

The unpaid labour tax

Women also bear the burden of unpaid domestic and emotional labour: cooking, cleaning, caregiving and emotional management, the work that doesn’t show up in GDP calculations.

Healthcare and fertility pressure

Menstrual products are unavoidable expenses men do not face. Beyond that, women incur ongoing costs linked to reproductive health, PCOS, fertility testing, supplements and preventive check-ups.“Women experience more frequent health milestones and transitions, which leads to higher spending on routine medical care and supplements — costs that are rarely framed as healthcare burdens,” said Priyanka Mukherjee.“The biggest hidden tax that I pay, I think, is healthcare tax. Firstly, female health is the least talked about. And because of that, even the most basic tests cost thousands. And I am just talking about tests, have not even started on medication, consultation,” said Aastha.Period poverty adds another layer. Despite GST removal on sanitary pads in 2018, one in ten girls under 21 in rural areas still cannot afford menstrual products.

The pay gap makes the burden heavier

Women earn less but pay more.In India, women earn approximately Rs 40 for every Rs 100 earned by men. The country ranks 131 out of 148 in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025.“Yes, I do believe women are often paid less than male colleagues with similar experience or output, though the gap is not always obvious on paper. It shows up in slower growth, fewer leadership opportunities, or being expected to “prove” consistency over time,” said Priyanka reflecting on the disparity that only makes the burden of the Pink Tax feel heavier.Vijaya highlighted what she sees as one of the biggest hidden taxes women pay at work. “I’ve had colleagues with the same or even less work experience earn a higher CTC than me. I’ve also seen my female colleagues having to switch jobs more frequently than men simply because companies don’t make retention offers to them,” she said.“Men, on the other hand, are often retained. There’s never been an official declaration, but the pattern is quite evident. Having to repeatedly adjust to new environments is another hidden tax I’ve noticed,” she added.The Pink Tax doesn’t just hurt wallets — it reinforces inequality!

The ‘career loss’ tax

Safety concerns also push many women out of high-paying night shifts or demanding roles altogether. A budding journalist, Oshin, said she considered quitting because late working hours didn’t feel feasible for her. Living far from work, she didn’t want to take on the additional financial and emotional burden of arranging safety every night.

Does simply existing as a woman cost more?

Smriti Jain believes it does. “Simply being a woman comes with higher, unavoidable expenses. While awareness is growing, the true economic impact is still not fully acknowledged,” she said.Natasha echoed the sentiment, saying, “From daily transport to monthly periods, our lives are forced to be comparatively more expensive. Whether it is shopping for toiletries or simply getting a haircut, everything is more costly, marketed as a better lifestyle choice.”Priyanka, speaking candidly, agreed. “Honestly, yes. Simply existing as a woman costs more — financially, emotionally and mentally. From safety planning and health spending to clothing choices shaped by social scrutiny, there are constant micro-costs attached to being cautious, prepared and presentable,” she said.She added that one of the biggest hidden taxes rarely discussed is mental bandwidth. “The cost of constantly thinking ahead. ‘Is this safe?’ ‘Should I stay late?’ ‘Do I need a cab?’ ‘Will this be misread?’ That constant vigilance has an economic value we never calculate.”“For many women, safety often feels like something you have to plan and pay for, rather than something that simply exists,” she added.

Vivek acknowledged the disparity. “Yes, I do think simply existing as a woman costs more, financially, mentally and emotionally. But I don’t think society truly acknowledges it. There’s a kind of collective blindness around this issue. It’s almost as if society has accepted that it’s expensive to be a woman and decided this is just how things are,” he said.Rajeev Singh another male colleague of Vivek also agreed. “Men generally have greater flexibility to compromise on comfort or safety. Social norms, lower levels of harassment and fewer restrictions on movement allow men to accept risks that would be unreasonable or dangerous for women. Womanhood does appear costly — even if you subtract safety-related expenses,” he said.

Does society acknowledge how expensive womanhood is?

Aastha believes the issue is deeply structural. “Absolutely. Society itself has made womanhood expensive by keeping research and technological development that could genuinely benefit women scarce,” she said. “An HPV vaccine that could prevent cervical cancer costs thousands. These are exactly the areas that should be mass-produced, considering women make up nearly half the country’s population,” she added.Priyanka, however, feels the burden remains largely invisible.

Is safety treated as a luxury rather than a right?

Natasha believes it is. “It’s a known fact that women feel more restricted even if it’s self-imposed, after a safety incident occurs in their vicinity. When a DU student was harassed outside a girls’ college, the response was to put up posters listing ‘dos and don’ts’ for women. That tells you everything. Our safety is treated like a joke, not a basic right,” she said.Vivek added that meaningful change requires structural effort. “Real change would require going back to the basics, changing policies, enforcing laws, redesigning public spaces, and challenging everyday behaviour. That takes effort and intent. And perhaps that’s why the issue is often ignored, even though it affects the dignity and daily lives of nearly half the population,” he said.Taken together, these everyday choices where women live, how they travel, the work they take on and the risks they avoid rarely show up as line items in budgets or policy discussions. Yet they quietly shape women’s freedom, mobility and opportunities in ways that are easy to overlook but hard to escape.The bill may be invisible, but it’s paid daily.