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What Are Parasocial Relationships and Why Do They Matter?

Parasocial relationships have become the invisible thread tying celebrities to millions of fans. These are one-sided connections where fans feel deeply bonded to public figures—think actors, politicians, or influencers—despite never meeting them in real life. In India, this phenomenon is almost a religion, especially when you look at icons like Rajinikanth, Rahul Gandhi, and Shashi Tharoor.

Rajinikanth: The God of Parasocial Connections

Over the last five decades, Rajinikanth has created an unmatched legacy in Indian cinema. His fans don’t just watch his movies—they worship him, mimic his style, and get emotionally invested in his success and failures. This isn’t just admiration; it’s a parasocial bond that spans generations. Meanwhile, politicians like Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor have also inspired armies of social media followers who feel personally connected to them, even if their only interaction is a tweet or an Instagram post.

Let’s be honest, who hasn’t felt like Rajni is talking directly to them through the screen? (If you haven’t, are you even Indian?) The power of parasocial relationships reminds us that sometimes, all it takes is a clever punchline or a heroic pose to win hearts—and elections!

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Deccan Chronicle: Shobhaa De – Parasocials Rock… Let’s Ask Rahul, Rajni, Shashi

G20 Summit Achieves Consensus Without U.S. Input

South Africa, the host of this year’s G20 Summit, has managed to rally the group towards a consensus on the summit declaration—even as the United States chose to boycott the talks. According to inside sources, G20 envoys successfully drafted a leaders’ declaration on Friday with no input from the U.S. Talk about diplomatic multitasking! The absence of the U.S. certainly raised eyebrows, but the rest of the group pressed on undeterred.

A New Era of Global Cooperation?

With the U.S. out of the negotiation room, some wondered if consensus was even possible. Yet, South Africa’s leadership proved resilient, guiding the other G20 members toward agreement. This move signals the group’s determination to stay unified, even when one of its most powerful members steps aside. One can only imagine the group chat without the U.S.—probably less drama, but definitely more emojis.

It’s inspiring to see global leaders adapt and find common ground in challenging circumstances. Whether this signals a shift in global dynamics or is just a one-off diplomatic shuffle, only time will tell. For now, South Africa earns a gold star for keeping the G20 train on its tracks.

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This Week in Science: CDC Shakeup, NASA’s Latest Space Images, and Saving Insects

Every week, the world of science gives us something new to marvel at—and sometimes, to worry about. This week’s headlines are no exception. The CDC finds itself in a state of upheaval, raising questions about public health leadership. Meanwhile, NASA dropped the much-anticipated images from the 3I/ATLAS mission, giving space fans and scientists alike a reason to geek out. Oh, and if you thought bugs were just a summer nuisance, think again—the global insect population faces a crisis. Scientists are now racing to figure out how to stop an outright insect apocalypse. Nature’s tiniest workers are in trouble, and that’s bad news for everyone who likes to eat or breathe.

It’s never a dull week in science. Whether you’re into cosmic wonders, public health drama, or environmental action, these stories have something for you. The CDC’s internal drama could have ripple effects on how we handle the next big health threat. NASA’s 3I/ATLAS images remind us how small (and awesome) our planet is in the grand scheme of the universe. And the fight to save insects? That’s as real and urgent as it gets. So while the news might make you want to crawl under a rock, remember: science is here to shine a light—even if it’s on a bug!

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• Live Science | Science News This Week

Doha Film Festival Kicks Off with Powerful Opening

The inaugural Doha Film Festival opened its doors in style, making waves with the screening of ‘The Voice of Hind Rajab.’ This film captivated the audience, not just with its gripping narrative, but also with the emotional weight it carries. Attendees felt the powerful storytelling right from the first moments of the festival.

Director Kaouther Ben Hania Shares Emotional Journey

Director Kaouther Ben Hania, renowned for her poignant works, expressed how Hind’s voice left an indelible mark on her heart. She shared, “It was as if Hind were asking me for help.” That sentiment resonated throughout the festival hall, moving many to tears. The film’s raw and honest portrayal of Hind’s story set a high bar for the rest of the festival.

Some film festivals open with glitzy musicals or comedies, but Doha decided to go straight for the heartstrings! Grab your tissues, folks—this is storytelling that refuses to be ignored.

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The first-ever G20 summit in Africa has officially kicked off, drawing global attention to the continent’s pivotal role in shaping the world’s future. Leaders from the world’s largest economies gather on African soil, aiming to tackle major issues that have historically challenged the world’s poorest nations. The summit’s agenda includes poverty reduction, sustainable development, and equitable economic growth. Organizers are determined to move past the drama of Trump’s previous G20 boycotts, focusing instead on unity and progress.

Africa Sets the Stage for Change

This year, all eyes are on Africa as it steps into the G20 spotlight for the first time. Delegates and world leaders are buzzing with optimism, determined to use this moment to drive real and lasting change. The summit aims to bridge the gap between wealthy and developing nations, sparking conversations about fairer trade, climate action, and debt relief. Many hope this marks the beginning of a new era in international cooperation—one where Africa’s voice is not just heard, but truly matters.

Honestly, who would have thought? Africa, once sidelined in global decision-making, now sets the agenda for the world’s most influential club. Maybe next year they’ll finally serve decent coffee at these summits too.

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ABC News: Africa’s G20 Summit Opens with Ambitious Agenda

Jason Kelce Can’t Wait for Thanksgiving!

When it comes to Thanksgiving, most of us dream about turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. But for former NFL star Jason Kelce, one dish stands above the rest—and it’s all thanks to his wife, Kylie Kelce. The 38-year-old football legend and elder brother of Travis Kelce recently revealed the secret behind his holiday cravings. He can’t get enough of Kylie’s ‘badass’ Thanksgiving masterpiece.

Jason’s enthusiasm is infectious. As he gears up for the holidays, he’s not shy about sharing his love for Kylie’s perfected dish. In a recent interview, he described it as the highlight of his Thanksgiving feast. Talk about #RelationshipGoals! It’s not every day you hear a retired athlete gush over his better half’s culinary skills. Maybe the real MVP at the Kelce household isn’t on the field—she’s in the kitchen.

Family Traditions and Holiday Cheers

Thanksgiving is all about family, food, and a little bit of fun. The Kelce family proves that great food brings everyone together. Jason’s honest excitement about Kylie’s cooking is both heartwarming and, let’s be real, a little bit enviable. If only we all had a Kylie in our kitchens! Until then, we can only imagine how delicious her Thanksgiving creation must be.

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Elon Musk’s ambitious Starship project faced another dramatic setback when its prototype exploded while just sitting on the launch pad. Ironically, Grok, Musk’s own AI chatbot, recently called him a ‘genius.’ Well, it seems even geniuses sometimes have their rockets go kaboom for no apparent reason. The explosion sent a plume of smoke and debris into the air, marking yet another hurdle for SpaceX’s ambitious journey to Mars.

Another Hiccup on the Road to Mars

While SpaceX continually pushes the boundaries of rocketry, these explosive failures are starting to feel like a recurring theme. The Starship rocket, touted as the vessel that will one day take humans to the Red Planet, just can’t seem to catch a break. It’s almost as if the universe is reminding Musk that rocket science is, well, actually rocket science.

On the bright side, every failed attempt brings SpaceX one step closer to success—assuming they have enough rockets left to keep trying. Maybe Grok should stick to giving compliments and leave the engineering to the humans.

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Former President Donald Trump welcomed New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani to the White House for a highly anticipated meeting. Trump set the tone by expressing optimism about the encounter, stating he expects the conversation to be “quite civil.” Both leaders share a common goal: making New York “strong.”

Setting Politics Aside for New York’s Future

It’s not every day you see Trump and a progressive New York mayor-elect like Mamdani in the same room, let alone aiming for a civil chat. The fact that both leaders want to make New York “strong” is a rare sight in today’s political climate. Maybe they’ll even agree on pizza toppings next!

Can Opposites Work Together?

While their political views couldn’t be more different, this meeting could mark the start of a productive partnership for the city. Fingers crossed that their shared vision translates into real action for New Yorkers. After all, if these two can civilly share a table, there’s hope for the rest of us.

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BBC News – Trump meets Mamdani live updates

Earth’s Peat Bogs: Nature’s Carbon Powerhouses

Did you know that ancient peat bogs in the Southern Hemisphere play a crucial role in storing carbon dioxide? Scientists recently discovered that shifts in the Southern Westerly Winds thousands of years ago dramatically changed how much carbon these bogs could store. That’s a big deal, because peat bogs act as Earth’s largest natural carbon sinks, helping to keep our planet’s climate in check.

Why Should We Care?

When climate patterns shift, these ancient carbon vaults can start releasing carbon instead of absorbing it. Scientists are raising the alarm because current climate changes could throw this delicate balance off once again. If peat bogs lose their grip on carbon, we might see even more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere—talk about adding fuel to the fire!

It’s a bit ironic, isn’t it? The soggy, squishy landscapes we usually avoid on hikes are quietly saving us from climate chaos. Maybe it’s time we show some love to these muddy superheroes.

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