Author: Jerome Anthony

After Hong Kong, Singapore, and US, New Zealand is now probing Indian spices for contamination

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Indian spice brands have been in the news since April 2024 for the alleged use of Ethylene Oxide, which is strictly prohibited due to its carcinogenic properties. Products that have been under the scanner include MDH Madras Curry Powder, MDH Sambar Masala Mix Powder, MDH Curry Mix Masala Powder, and Everest Fish Curry Masala Powder.

The use of Ethylene Oxide in food items is strictly prohibited and multiple spices exported by multiple brands have been reportedly rejected by countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, the US and some European countries.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorises Ethylene Oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen, indicating that it causes cancer in humans. New Zealand’s food safety watchdog said on May 15 that it was investigating potential contamination in spice products exported from India by brands like MDH and Everest.

Also read: Indian spice companies may face an export ban if presence of toxins is confirmed

The move comes after scrutiny of Indian masalas for alleged use of Ethylene Oxide by the United States and Australia after Hong Kong suspended sales of three MDH spice blends and one from Everest, citing elevated levels of the cancer-causing pesticide, ethylene oxide. Singapore also issued a recall of the Everest spice mix.

Reuters quoted the New Zealand Food Safety regulator as saying, “Ethylene oxide is a known carcinogen, and its use in food sterilisation has been discontinued in New Zealand and elsewhere. Given that MDH and Everest spices are available in New Zealand, we are investigating this matter.”

Indian regulators have conducted taken sample from MDH and Everest facilities and sent them for testing, but results have not yet been disclosed.

MDH and Everest have been household names in India for decades, with their products exported to the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Australia.

Also read: FSSAI to conduct a broader quality check on spices brands amid MDH, Everest scrutiny

Both the Indian spice brand were under scrutiny for alleged contamination in some products, has since 2021 and saw an average 14.5% of its US shipments rejected due to the presence of bacteria, a Reuters analysis of US regulatory data found.

Hong Kong suspended sales of the three spice blends made by MDH and one by Everest in April, for apparently containing high levels of the cancer-causing pesticide.

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Wine shops and bars to remain shut for 4 days in Mumbai in 4 weeks, check details

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Ahead of the fifth phase of the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the administration in Mumbai city has reportedly announced dry days to be observed from May 18 to 20. Maharashtra will go to polls in the fifth phase of Lok Sabha Elections on May 20. Here’s a look at when dry days will be observed in Mumbai.

Wine shops and bars will remain shut in Mumbai city on May 18 from 5 pm onwards. They will continue to be shut on May 19 and will open only on May 20 at 5 pm.

On the day of polling, all wine shops and bars will remain shut through the day. The restrictions on sale of alcohol are in place to maintain public order. Moreover, a dry day will again be observed in Mumbai on June 5, amid counting of votes, until the results are declared.

Also read: Metro services to remain suspended from 6 pm on May 15 due to PM Modi’s Mumbai Roadshow

Mumbai North Lok Sabha district has around 16 lakh voters and has considerable sway in Maharashtra politics. It covers key segments like Borivali, Dahisar, Kandivali East, Charkop, and Malad West.

Traditionally, the BJP has dominated this parliamentary constituency, with Ram Naik winning the seat on five occasions.

Drones, paragliders banned during PM Modi’s visits to Mumbai

Meanwhile, in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visits to Mumbai, the police have banned the use of drones, paragliders, balloons, kites and remote-controlled microlight aircraft in the city, an official said on May 15. PM Modi is scheduled to hold a campaign roadshow in Ghatkopar in eastern Mumbai on Wednesday and address a public meeting in the city on Friday.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) has issued prohibitory orders banning the flying objects under section 144 of CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) from 00.01 hrs till 24.00 hrs of May 15 (Wednesday) and May 17 (Friday), the official said. According to the orders, it is apprehended that during PM Modi’s visits to Mumbai, terrorist/anti-social elements might launch attack using drones, paragliders, remote-controlled microlight aircraft and there is a likelihood breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity.

There is a grave danger to human life, health, safety and injury to public property on that account, as per the orders. A large number of VIPs and officials are expected to attend PM’s programmes on Wednesday and Friday.

According to the orders, the curbs will be in force under the jurisdiction of Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, Parksite, Ghatkopar, Pant Nagar, Tilak Nagar, Chembur, Chunabhatti, BKC, Kherwadi, Vakola, Vile Parle, Sahar, Airport, Bandra, Worli, Mahim, Dadar and Shivaji Park police stations in Mumbai.

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Thunderstorm, hail predicted in Uttarakhand amid Char Dham Yatra; IMD issues orange alert

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert on Sunday (May 12) for five districts in Uttarakhand, cautioning of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and hail in isolated areas.

The predictions indicate gusty winds reaching up to speeds of 40-50 km per hour in Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh districts on May 12. Additionally, the IMD issued a yellow alert for remaining districts on Sunday and cautioned residents and visitors to take precautionary measures and remain indoors. PTI reported that potential hazards include damage to property, and livestock in isolated areas.

Residents and tourists have been requested to avoid proximity to any objects conducting electricity during thunderstorms and lightning, while ensuring safety of livestock. The general public has been encouraged to park vehicles in secure locations to mitigate risks posed by lightning.

हिमाचल प्रदेश, उत्तर प्रदेश, राजस्थान के अलग-अलग स्थानों में 11 मई, 2024 को तेज हवाओं (40-50 किमी प्रति घंटे) के साथ ओलावृष्टि और गंगीय पश्चिम बंगाल, मध्य महाराष्ट्र, उत्तराखण्ड और पश्चिम मध्य प्रदेश में आंधी (50-60 किमी प्रति घंटे) के साथ ओलावृष्टि की संभावना है। pic.twitter.com/FXMU2i06j8

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) May 11, 2024

Also read: Thousands gather as doors of Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand open for devotees

Earlier, on May 10, severe dust storms, strong winds and rain swept parts of the national capital. Two people died in separate incidents, while 23 others were injured due to strong severe winds and dust storms, private weather forecasting services firm Skymet Weather Services said.

Fierce winds and rains battered the national capital region uprooting trees and causing massive traffic jams. The poor weather conditions led to 10 flights being diverted from Delhi to nearby airports, CNBC-TV18 reported. Two Air India flights were redirected to Jaipur, an official told PTI.

“Dust storm of May 10 in Delhi claimed two lives and 23 people reported injured. and nine flights were diverted from the Delhi airport late in the evening due to bad weather, officials said. Some of the flights were diverted from the airport to Jaipur, an official said. Issuing an advisory for the dust storm, the MeT department urged the people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Residents are urged to stay indoors, secure their windows and doors and refrain from unnecessary travel,” the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in an advisory.

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Algeria is easing path for adventure tourists to experience the wonders of Sahara

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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One of the Arab world’s last holdouts to global vacationers is slowly opening up, as a new Algerian visa program gives more outsiders the chance to take in the lunar landscapes and prehistoric art of its vast Sahara desert.

Unlike Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco, Africa’s largest country hasn’t prioritised tourism despite its proximity to Europe. It may sport majestic Roman ruins, picturesque Mediterranean cities and soaring Atlas mountains, but this fiercely independent energy exporter has mostly kept its treasures to itself.

That won’t change overnight — Algeria is still a challenging place for most foreigners to bag a visa. But an initiative rolled out in January 2023 has eased the process for adventurous travellers who don’t need maximum comforts to tour the stark southern deserts that make up 80% of the country, and it’s starting to gain traction.

Also read: Abu Dhabi to deliver Tourism Strategy 2030 to ensure emirate’s sustainable growth as a global destination

“It’s for people who want to discover the grandeur of nature,” Tourism Minister Mokhtar Didouche said in an interview in the capital, Algiers. “To tourists looking for a five-star hotel, I say in the Sahara you have a million stars!”

For sure, it remains a minority pursuit — Didouche says 10,000 visas have been issued to visit the Sahara in the year to February 2024. Still, overall Algeria tourist arrivals hit 3.3 million over those 12 months, fueled largely by people visiting friends and family in the country; it’s a level Didouche said was previously “quite unthinkable.” There’s a target of 10 million by 2030.

“At the most, you have a week to 10 days to process your visa,” Didouche said of the latest initiative, significantly shorter than previously when permission was granted via consulates.

Also read: Japan erects 8-foot wall to ward off tourists trying to take perfect image of Mount Fuji

Trips have to be booked through approved travel agencies in Algeria and visitors typically have security escorts. In addition to exploring the desert, some tour operators report they are able to take their groups to sites in the north too, although it’s not clear how widespread the practice is.

An average week-long trip organized by local operators involving offroad vehicles and no-frills camping typically costs up to €800 ($863) euros per person, not including international and domestic flights, according to Algerian travel agents. Terres d’Aventure, a French agency that works with Algerian counterparts, lists tours that start from nine days for €1,850, including flights.

The slow-motion change comes after Saudi Arabia took the historic step of welcoming tourists in 2019, leaving the North African nation as one of the broader region’s last frontiers for adventure travel. Foreign dollars may also help Algeria’s plans to diversify an economy that’s long practiced protectionist policies and is still hugely reliant on the oil and gas reserves it began tapping in the 1950s.

Arrivals didn’t exceed 2.7 million per year over the past decade and the industry contributes just 2% to the country’s gross domestic product, according to Didouche. The majority of recorded visitors are from the diaspora with family links to Algeria, as these visitors are allowed easier entry.

There are plans to extend the speedier visa-for-the-Sahara policy to the whole country “soon”, the minister said, without providing additional details.

In Algeria’s north, where the vast majority of its 47 million people live, attractions include a 1,200-kilometer (746-mile) coastline and Unesco world heritage sites such as the Roman ruins of Tipasa, Timgad and Djémila as well as the sprawling hillside alleys of the Kasbah in the heart of Algiers.

In February, the capital inaugurated a new Grand Mosque — billed as the world’s third-largest such religious complex, and a landmark visible from anywhere in the city.

But if Algeria wants to bring in the tourists, it may need another building spree.

Didouche said there are currently 1,600 hotels offering services appropriate to international travelers, with a capacity of 150,000 to 160,000 beds. “That’s not enough to accommodate a large influx of tourists,” he said.

Authorities are now taking the next step of making land available to investors in the tourism sector, with 58,000 hectares countrywide being earmarked, the minister said. While land was previously granted as a form of concession, under new laws the ownership will be transferred to investors after the project is completed.

Authorities need “to raise the profile of Algeria as a destination,” Didouche said. “We want to show international opinion that we have a quality destination and that we are a people with a history, traditions, heritage, gastronomy and craftsmanship.”

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Thousands gather as doors of Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand open for devotees

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Doors of the Shri Badrinath Dham in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, opened at 6 am on Sunday (May 12), the Shri Badrinath Dham in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand unlocked its doors to devotees accompanied by the Army Band, hymns and chants of ‘Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai’, Hindustan Times reported.

Hundreds of devotees thronged the entry of Badrinath Dham on Sunday, with the entrance decked up with flowers. Shri Badrinath Dham opened its gates for devotees after a break of six months. The portals of the temple were closed for winter on November 18, 2023.

Prior to the opening of Badrinath Dham, three other Dhams of Uttarakhand — Shri Kedarnath, Shri Gangotri, and Shri Yamunotri — were opened to devotees on Friday, which coincided with the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.

Also read: Char Dham Yatra: Thousands of devotees walk treacherous route to reach Yamunotri — watch video

#WATCH | Chamoli, Uttrakhand: The doors of Shri Badrinath Dham were opened for the devotees today at 6 am amidst the melodious tunes of the Army Band, with complete rituals, Vedic chanting and slogans of ‘Badri Vishal Lal Ki Jai’. pic.twitter.com/lPSCXxKfvx

— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2024

The Badrinath Yatra is significant in Hinduism, drawing pilgrims far and wide, who gather to pay tributes to Lord Vishnu in this sacred abode nestled amidst the Himalayan Garhwal.

The Char Dham Yatra typically begins in late April or early May and extends until November. Recently, the Tehri royal family reinstated an age-old historical tradition by performing the “pattabhishek” ceremony for Ishwari Prasad Namboodiri, the chief priest of Badrinath Dham, marking a significant revival after a hiatus of 47 years. This ceremonial event was last observed in 1977.

With the opening of the shrine, the Chardham Yatra to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri has started. The doors of the Badrinath temple were opened after six months amid the chanting of vedic mantras, a pooja and beats of dhols and nagadas, authorities said.

Scores of devotees had gathered on the premises of the temple, which was decked up with 15 quintals of flowers, to witness the ceremony despite rain. The doors opened at 6 am after two hours of rituals.

In pics: Thousands visit Kedarnath as Char Dham Yatra begins; doors of Badrinath temple to open on May 12

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami greeted the people on the occasion. Temple chief priest Rawal Ishwar Prasad Namboodiri, members of the Badrinath-Kedarnath temple committee, including its chairperson Ajendra Ajay, and Chamoli District Magistrate Himanshu Khurana, among others were present. The pooja to open the doors was performed by Namboodiri in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

The doors of the Kedarnath, Yamyunotri and the Gangotri temples opened for devotees on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya on Friday.

Till 4 pm on Saturday, 7,37,885 people had registered online for a darshan at Badrinath, according to official data. Last year, 18,39,591 people had visited the shrine.

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Char Dham Yatra: Thousands of devotees walk treacherous route to reach Yamunotri — watch video

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Thousands of devotees thronged the hilly terrain of Uttarakhand leading to Yamunotri on Saturday (May 11), marking the start of the revered Char Dham Yatra. The pilgrimage, encompassing Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath saw large number of devotees resulting in a crowding along the dangerous and narrow hillside pathway.

Videos of pilgrims walking along the scary path went viral on social media. Scores of pilgrims were seen queuing for hours along the route as the gates to Yamunotri temple nestled in Garhwal opened. Many people on social media raised concerns over the lack of adequate safety measures to protect the large gathering.

#AwaazShorts | यमुनोत्री धाम यात्रा पर जा रहे श्रद्धालुओं का जनसैलाब#CharDhamYatra #Uttarakhand #yamunotri pic.twitter.com/46OEiXMEQO

— CNBC-AWAAZ (@CNBC_Awaaz) May 11, 2024

See pics: Thousands visit Kedarnath as Char Dham Yatra begins; doors of Badrinath temple to open on May 12

Reports quoted pilgrims as saying that they were encountering numerous challenges along the route with no assistance available from authorities. Along the narrow path there is no space to sit or wait and people had to stand in the queue for over two hours.

The Char Dham Yatra commenced on May 10 as doors of Kedarnath and Yamunotri temples in the Garhwal Himalayas were opened for devotees on Akshaya Tritiya after remaining closed during the winter months. The doors of the revered Himalayan temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Yamunotri were opened at 7 am in the presence of a hundreds of devotees who were chanting hymns. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami along with his wife Geeta were present as the doors of Kedartnath temple were opened to the public.

Meanwhile, gauging the potential risks to pilgrims, the Uttarkashi Police has requested travellers to postponed their visit to  Yamunotri. In a post of social media platform X, the police wrote: “Today, sufficient number of devotees have reached Shri Yamunotri Dham as per its capacity. Now sending more devotees is risky. All the devotees who are going to Yamunotri today, are requested to postpone their Yamunotri Yatra.”

#आवश्यक_सूचना
आज श्री यमुनोत्री धाम पर क्षमता के अनुसार पर्याप्त श्रद्धालु यात्रा के लिये पहुँच चुके हैं। अब और अधिक श्रद्धालुओं को भेजना जोखिम भरा है। जो भी श्रद्धालु आज यमुनोत्री यात्रा पर आने जा रहे हैं, उनसे विनम्र अपील है कि आज यमुनोत्री जी की यात्रा स्थगित करें।

— Uttarkashi Police Uttarakhand (@UttarkashiPol) May 12, 2024

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Aurora in Ladakh: Night sky lightens up in crimson hue as solar magnetic storms strike Earth

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In a rare and remarkable celestial spectacle, a crimson hue illuminated the skies over portions of Ladakh, unveiling a rare stable auroral red arc event at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve nestled among the Himalayas. This phenomenon was visible due to severe solar magnetic storms emanating from the AR13664 region of the sun, magnifying a series of high-energy solar flares, according to scientists at the Centre of Excellence in Space Sciences in India (CESSI), Kolkata.

According to a PTI report, awe-inspiring auroras or northern lights, adorned the skies in higher altitudes of the northern hemisphere, captivating skywatchers across Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Switzerland, Denmark, and Poland, who eagerly shared snapshots and brief clips of the ethereal display on social media platforms.

Also read: Severe solar storm hits Earth, may scramble communications systems, generate northern lights in US

At the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, astronomers were treated to mesmerising sights of a crimson glow lighting up the northwest horizon from around 1 am on Saturday until the early hours of dawn.

“We were fortunate to witness Aurora activities on our all-sky camera during regular telescope observations,” Stanzin Norla, an engineer at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve told PTI. He described how a faint crimson luminescence graced the horizon, vividly captured by a DSLR camera stationed at the reserve. Dorje Angchuk, an engineer at the Indian Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, identified the event as a stable auroral red arc, a rarity in the Ladakh skies, distinguished by its enduring presence over several hours.

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After legalising marijuana in 2022, Thailand now wants to outlaw cannabis again

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Thailand, the first country in Asia to legalise cannabis in 2022 is now considering to disband the substance over its availability to minors and association with increased criminal activities.

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin conveyed a message to the country’s Health Ministry to revise the list of controlled substances and reclassify cannabis to establish new regulations permitting its usage solely for medicinal purposes.

In a post of social media platform X, Srettha said in his native language: “aThe drug problem is a national agenda that all agencies must work together to solve the problem seriously so that drugs can be eradicated and within 90 days the results must be clearly seen. In the matter of suppression [I] Ask the Ministry of Justice, Narcotics Control Board, and the police to work together to detect, arrest, suppress, and seize more assets, both large and small, and for clarity in enforcing the law.”

ปัญหายาเสพติดคือวาระแห่งชาติที่ทุกหน่วยงานต้องร่วมมือกันแก้ไขปัญหาอย่างจริงจังเพื่อให้ยาเสพติดหมดไปให้ได้ และภายใน 90 วันต้องเห็นผลชัดเจนครับ

ในเรื่องการปราบปราม ขอให้กระทรวงยุติธรรม ปปส. และตํารวจ ร่วมกันตรวจ จับ ปราบปราม ยึดทรัพย์ให้มากขึ้นอีก ทั้งรายใหญ่ รายย่อย… pic.twitter.com/iYnOenhEin

— Srettha Thavisin (@Thavisin) May 8, 2024

He continued, “Separate addicts from dealers I have asked the Ministry of Public Health to amend the ministerial regulations. Set the amount to be assumed to be in possession for consumption to be 1 tablet instead of specifying that small quantity Please let the Royal Thai Police communicate clearly with the operators.

Also read: Affordable Thailand summer packages: IRCTC launches 5 nights/6 days itinerary to Bangkok, Pattaya

“No matter how many pills you have, it’s wrong” if you can’t prove you’re a user. will be charged possession without permission I would like to ask for the investigative officers to work harder to re-examine the intent of whether they are users or dealers. As for the issue of marijuana,” he said.

The post post further read, “I would like to ask the Ministry of Public Health to amend the ministry announcement by bringing marijuana back to category 5 drugs and hasten to issue ministerial regulations allowing its use for medical and health purposes only. and in the matter of treatment Ask the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Justice Raise the efficiency of drug treatment work both in treatment centers, in prisons, and in the probation system. Ready to join together to arrest those who escape treatment or fail to undergo treatment and prosecute.”

Also read: Thailand leads push for six-nation visa to lure moneyed tourists

Srettha explained that drugs are a problem that destroys the future of the nation. Youth are all stuck together. Everyone must hurry to work. Must suppress and confiscate assets and treatment thoroughly I also request that there be clear progress reported back within 90 days.

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Kylian Mbappe expected to join Real Madrid in $300 mn deal as he confirms PSG exit in emotional post

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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French soccer star Kylian Mbappe confirmed in an emotional video post on social media platform X on Friday (May 10) that he would leave Paris Saint Germain and end his ‘adventure’ with the club in a few weeks time.

The 25-year-old confirmed what the soccer world was long expecting to hear ahead of a widely expected move to Real Madrid. Mbappé said on X that his final home game for PSG will be on Sunday against Toulouse.

“I never thought it would be this difficult to leave my country,” he said. “I think I needed this, a new challenge after seven years.”

An emotional-looking Mbappé gulped and paused for breath as he addressed PSG’s fans.

MERCI. 🔴🔵 @PSG_inside pic.twitter.com/t0cL2wPpjX

— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) May 10, 2024

“It’s a club I will keep in my mind for my entire life. I will tell everybody I had the chance to play here.” He added, “You will stay in my heart forever,” then winked and raised a thumb.

According to sports daily L’Equipe, Mbappé went to meet and dine with PSG ultras known as CUP (Paris Ultras Collective) shortly after making his announcement. They were set to discuss tributes to him at Parc des Princes on Sunday night.

Nonetheless, reports suggest that the French soccer star is expected to join Real Madrid in a puported $300 million deal.

The 25-year-old now captains France and won the World Cup in 2018 to becoming the second teenager, after Pelé, to score in a World Cup final. He top-scored at the 2022 World Cup, including a rare hat trick in the final.

Also read: On the brink of Real Madrid move, Kylian Mbappe hammers hat-trick for PSG in Ligue 1

Mbappe joined PSG in 2017 from Monaco in a deal worth 180 million euros ($194 million). He is expected to be bought by 14-time Champions League winner Real Madrid.

In 2021, PSG turned down a bid of 180 million euros from Madrid for Mbappé. He renewed his contract with PSG but didn’t take up the option for an extra year. Earlier this year, he told PSG he’s leaving at the end of the season.

Mbappe joined PSG in 2017 from Monaco in a deal worth €180 million. He is expected to be bought by 14-time Champions League winner Real Madrid.

Also read: PSG storms into Champions League quarters as Mbappe stars amid farewell talks

“This is my last year at Paris Saint Germain. I will not stay on and I will end my adventure in a few weeks time. I will play my last match at the Parc des Princes this Sunday,” he said in his video address.

There has been widespread media speculation that Mbappe will move to Real Madrid, but Mbappe did not mention the Spanish champions in his video.

(With inputs from agencies)

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow