Apple’s Ray-Ban Meta Rivalling Smart Glasses Reportedly Delayed Till Next Year; Vision Air to Launch in 2029

Apple has long been believed to be developing a pair of smart glasses. In recent months, the rumour mill has suggested that the Cupertino-based tech giant could finally unveil them soon. According to a seasoned journalist, Apple’s smart glasses could become the next major computing platform, with the brand potentially aiming to replicate the success it achieved in the smartwatch category with its Apple Watch over the past decade. The smart glasses are reportedly being positioned as a competitor to the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses and more, but have been delayed till 2027.

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Acer Iconia Duo S14, Iconia Duo S12 Unveiled Ahead of Computex 2026 Alongside Iconia Duo D12: Specifications

Acer has expanded its tablet lineup with the launch of the latest Iconia Duo tablets ahead of Computex 2026. The new Acer Iconia Duo S14, Duo S12, and Duo D12 are equipped with the company’s new 3:2 aspect ratio displays. The tablets are powered by MediaTek processors and offer support for accessories such as an Active Stylus, magnetic keyboard, and kickstand. Acer claims all three models can deliver up to 10 hours of battery life and support microSD cards up to 1TB.

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Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) Explained: What It Is, How It Works, Features and More

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) introduced the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) in 2016 as a new method for direct benefit transfers from the government to the citizens, plugging leakages in the system. AePS, a “bank-led model”, is claimed to bring people living in underserved parts of the country into the fold of the formal banking system. Using AePS, you can check your account balance using AePS by either visiting a micro ATM or a local agent outlet, withdraw cash, deposit money, transfer money from one AEBA to another, and get a copy of your mini account statement.

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Propeller: One-Way Night Coach OTT Release: Where to Watch John Travolta’s Emotional Family Drama

Propeller: One-Way Night Coach is a nostalgic family drama set in the golden era of aviation.

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Upcoming Smartphones in June 2026: Motorola Edge 70 Pro+, Xiaomi 17T, Lava Bold N2 5G and More

Brands like Motorola, Huawei, and Xiaomi are set to unveil new devices across flagship, mid-range, and budget segments in June this year. Here we have listed the smartphone launches set to take place next month. Our picks include the Xiaomi 17T, Motorola Edge 70 Pro+, Lava Bold N2 5, and Huawei Nova 16 series, among others.

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Oura Ring 4 Review: An Always-on Solution to Effective Health Tracking

Oura’s Ring 4 arrives a bit too late to India, a good four years after its global launch. It offers good activity tracking and excellent sleep tracking, but has a few flaws in terms of functionality. And there’s also the fact that a lot of its features are blocked behind a subscription plan. Our review explains why it functions better as a passive health tracker versus a full-blown fitness smartwatch.

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Faces Out on OTT: Know Where to Stream This Psychological Thriller Film Online

Faces is a Malayalam psychological thriller film that has been written and directed by Neelesh EK. The film explores the dark conspiracy, thriller, and intense sequences surrounding a rare mental condition caused by trauma.

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How to Block a Debit or Credit Card In Case of Loss or Theft: A Step-By-Step Guide

All major banks in India let customers block their credit or debit cards using different methods, in case their card has been lost or stolen. While you can always visit the nearest branch to block your card, it is not always possible, especially if it is a bank holiday. You can either block your credit or debit card via your bank’s mobile banking app, internet banking portal, or SMS service. In case a bad actor gets access to your credit or debit card’s CVV number and you card’s number, they can use it to transfer money to their bank accounts.

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Vijay's In-Flight Photo With Air Hostess Wins Internet: "Extra Special Duty"

A picture taken aboard a flight featuring an air hostess and C. Joseph Vijay has gone viral on social media, with fans celebrating the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's humble and approachable public image. The photograph was clicked during Vijay's return journey from New Delhi following his first official multi-day visit to the national capital since taking oath as Chief Minister earlier this month. The cabin crew member identified as Uma Meenakshi shared the image online, calling the flight duty "extra special" after getting the opportunity to meet the actor-turned-politician in person.

Dressed in his now-signature monochrome black-and-white formal attire, the Chief Minister appeared relaxed in the viral picture, which quickly spread across fan pages and political circles.

"Crew duty became extra special today with Honourable Chief Minister Shri C. Joseph Vijay (fondly known as Thalapathy) @actorvijay onboard," the air hostess wrote on Instagram while sharing the image.

See the post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UMA MEENAKSHI (@yamtha.uma)

The actor-turned politician's supporters praised Vijay for maintaining the same down-to-earth persona that made him one of Tamil cinema's biggest stars long before entering politics. Many users commented on how comfortably he interacted with ordinary people despite now holding the state's top political office.

The flight came at the end of a politically significant visit to Delhi, where the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder held meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior Union ministers. Discussions reportedly focused on central funding for Tamil Nadu, infrastructure expansion, welfare programmes, investment opportunities and pending state projects.

From Tamil Cinema Superstar to Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister

Vijay's rise from cinema superstar to Chief Minister has been one of the most closely watched political developments in recent Tamil Nadu history. After launching Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in 2024, he rapidly transformed his massive fan base into a political support network, positioning himself as a fresh alternative in the state's Dravidian political landscape.

His campaign focused heavily on youth engagement, governance reform, anti-corruption messaging, and welfare-driven development. Riding on enormous popularity among younger voters and first-time supporters, TVK emerged as a major political force within a remarkably short period.

Vijay, who also heads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), won a trust vote on May 13 with the support of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLAs. The TVK emerged as the largest party after winning 108 seats in the assembly elections.

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Netanyahu Orders Israel Army To Take Control Of 70% Of Gaza Strip

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he had ordered the country's military to take control of 70 per cent of the Gaza Strip, in defiance of the terms of a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October.

"We are currently squeezing Hamas. We now control 60 per cent of the territory in the strip," he said at a conference in an occupied West Bank settlement, according to a video aired by Israel's Channel 12 network.

He said the military had controlled 50 per cent of Gaza under the terms of the ceasefire, adding: "My directive is to move to... 70 percent".

"We're squeezing them from all (sides). We'll deal with what's left afterwards."

The first phase of the truce saw the last hostages seized in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, which triggered the war in Gaza, released in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel.

The transition to the second phase, which was supposed to involve Hamas's disarmament and a gradual withdrawal of the Israeli army, has been stalled for months.

Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israeli forces were to pull back behind a so-called "yellow line", a demarcation between the area under Hamas control and that held by the Israeli army.

Netanyahu announced on May 15 that the Israeli army had expanded its grip on the Gaza Strip.

"There were those who said: get out, get out. We did not get out. Today we control... how much? 60 per cent. Tomorrow we shall see," he said at the time.

Gaza remains gripped by daily violence, with both the Israeli military and Hamas accusing one another of violating the truce in effect since October 10.

Israel has killed more than 900 people since the ceasefire, according to Gaza's health ministry, which operates under Hamas authority and whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.

Israel said on Wednesday it had killed the new head of Hamas's armed wing in Gaza, Mohammed Odeh, after killing his predecessor earlier this month.

Since Hamas's October 2023 attack, Israel has systematically targeted the group's leaders, both in Gaza and across the region.

Odeh is the fourth head of the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades that Israel says it has killed since the start of the Gaza war.

On Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz repeated Israel's goal of ending Hamas's rule over the Palestinian territory and alluded to a plan for the forced displacement of its residents.

"The plan for voluntary migration from Gaza will also be implemented -- everything will be done at the right time and in the right way," he said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Indian Startup's Experimental Balloon Platform Rises 25 km Above Earth

A massive experimental balloon gently flew from the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday. It was part of India's private space sector's leap into the space domain, as a startup demonstrated how special high altitude balloons can transform communications, surveillance and scientific research.

Red Balloon Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based company founded in 2025, has successfully launched what it calls India's first indigenous private super-pressure balloon carrying commercial payloads. The mission, named SANA, marks a significant milestone not just for the company but for India's growing ambition in the emerging near-space economy.

The company's VISTA platform rose to about 25 kilometres above Earth, a region far above commercial aircraft but well below satellites. This Stratospheric Zone, between roughly 20 and 50 kilometres, has long remained underutilised globally despite offering unique advantages of persistent observation and lower costs.

Also read: Soumya Swaminathan Follows Her Father's Footsteps To London's Royal Society

India is no stranger to balloon-based science. Government institutions such as the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics have been using high-altitude balloons for decades, especially for astrophysics experiments and atmospheric studies. Their work has built a strong scientific foundation. What makes this moment different is that a private startup is now translating that legacy into commercial applications, moving swiftly to build an industry around near-space platforms.

Red Balloon Aerospace has achieved operational commercial flight within just eight months of its founding. This rapid development shows how private enterprise is accelerating innovation and deployment speed in sectors that were once dominated by government programs.

Mission SANA

Mission SANA carried payloads from seven national and international partners. These included biological experiments, propulsion demonstrations, onboard computing systems, earth observation sensors and navigation validation technologies. According to the company, all payload missions were completed, demonstrating that Indian platforms can meet global commercial standards.

Dr C V S Kiran, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, said the mission is only the beginning of a broader effort to build a near-space ecosystem.

"VISTA validates our core near-space platform technology, and this is only the beginning. Our advantage is execution speed, enabling us to design, test and deploy indigenous stratospheric platforms at a pace that demonstrates India's capability to compete globally in emerging space sectors," he added.

He said this mission placed India among five nations globally with indigenous stratospheric hydrogen balloon capability, alongside the United States, France, Japan, and China.

Hydrogen is much cheaper compared to Helium that is also used in high altitude balloons. However, hydrogen is risky to handle as it is highly flammable.

The technology behind VISTA sets it apart from conventional balloons. It uses a super-pressure design that allows it to maintain a stable altitude for extended periods, potentially lasting weeks or even months. 

Unlike traditional balloons that quickly rise and descend, this stability creates a persistent observational and communication platform high above the Earth.

Also read: Chandrayaan Lander Hopped A Little In 2023, Now ISRO Is Jumping At Discovery

Such platforms can act as floating towers in the sky. From this vantage point, they can support telecommunications, especially in remote or underserved regions, monitor natural disasters in real time, and enable surveillance over large geographic areas. They can also play a role in emerging non-terrestrial network technologies, complementing satellite systems.

Red Balloon Aerospace says its technology addresses a critical gap in spatial infrastructure. While aircraft operate below 10 km and satellites orbit above 160 km, the stratosphere between 20 and 50 km has remained largely unused despite offering strategic advantages. Stratospheric platforms provide high-resolution imaging with longer dwell times than satellites, flexible deployment without orbital launch costs, and rapid response capability for disaster management and communications.

The economic model is equally important. By carrying multiple payloads from different customers on a single flight, the platform enables a shared or rideshare approach. This significantly reduces costs and makes near-space access more affordable for startups, research institutions and government agencies.

Red Balloon Aerospace is also developing a broader suite of platforms, including tethered aerostats and long-endurance airships. Together, these systems aim to create an integrated stratospheric infrastructure layer for communications, earth observation and strategic applications.

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6 Months Into Marriage, Lucknow Woman Found Dead After Dowry Harassment

A 26-year-old woman in Lucknow died by suicide on Monday, barely six months after her marriage, with her family accusing her husband and in-laws of sustained dowry harassment that drove her to take her own life.

Shweta Singh was found hanging at her in-laws' residence in Lucknow's Thakurganj area. Her family has alleged that she faced repeated demands for dowry, including pressure for a four-wheeler, and that her in-laws murdered her before staging the scene to look like suicide.

Shweta had married Bhupendra Singh, also known as Shubham Singh, on November 22, 2025. According to her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, the harassment began soon after the wedding. He claims her husband mentally tortured her on a daily basis. Her mother-in-law is said to have involved her own relatives in taunting Shweta, which left the young woman severely distressed.

Police registered a case on Tuesday following a complaint lodged by Umesh Kumar Singh. 

The accused include Bhupendra Singh, his mother, his father, his brother, his brother's wife, and his sister. They face charges under Section 80 (dowry death) and Section 85 (cruelty) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Thakurganj Station House Officer Omveer Singh Chauhan said Shweta's in-laws took her to hospital after she was found hanging, where doctors declared her dead. 

The accused are currently on the run, and police have launched raids to trace them.

A senior police officer stated that further action will depend on the post-mortem report. Shweta's body has been sent for autopsy.

Her parents have levelled allegations of murder and dowry harassment against the entire family of her husband. 

(With inputs from Vivek Shahi)

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300 Tourists Rescued After Gulmarg Gondola Technical Issue Sparks Panic

What began as a scenic cable car ride over the snow-covered peaks of Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg turned into a terrifying ordeal for nearly 300 tourists on Sunday after the famed Gulmarg Gondola service suffered a sudden technical breakdown, leaving visitors stranded mid-air for hours.

A massive multi-agency rescue operation involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces and Civil Defence teams was launched immediately to evacuate tourists trapped inside multiple chair cars suspended above the mountainous terrain.

Officials said the technical snag occurred around 1 pm, disrupting operations in the first phase of the Gulmarg Gondola service in north Kashmir's premier tourist resort.

"A sudden technical fault hit the operations in the first phase of the Gulmarg cable car," a senior official of the Gulmarg Development Authority said.

The first phase of the Gondola runs from the Gulmarg bowl to Kangdori, while the second phase extends up to Apharwat Peak at an altitude of nearly 4,000 metres.

Visuals from the spot showed tourists stranded mid-air as rescue teams worked to safely bring them down amid growing panic and anxiety.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary was among the senior officials who rushed to the spot to supervise rescue operations.

On the instructions of the Chief Minister, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister @Surinderch55 is in Gulmarg personally overseeing the rescue operation following the temporary stoppage of the Gondola service due to a technical fault. The local Hon'ble MLA @FarooqShah_JKNC is also on site… pic.twitter.com/btx9sosnqE

— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) May 25, 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the rescue teams for the successful evacuation of all stranded tourists.

Applause to India's disaster response forces for safely rescuing 300 tourists stranded mid-air in cable cars in Gulmarg, Kashmir. The disaster response teams comprising the SDRF, NDRF, Army personnel, local police, and the administration swung into action and rescued all the…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 25, 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said they were closely monitoring the situation and had directed all available resources to ensure the safe evacuation of tourists.

Authorities said the exact cause of the technical snag is yet to be ascertained.

The Gulmarg Gondola, regarded as Asia's highest cable car project, is one of Kashmir's biggest tourist attractions, offering panoramic views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks at elevations exceeding 13,000 feet.

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UK Wellness Coach Dies After Taking Toxic Frog Secretion During Detox Ritual

Kristian Trend, a 40-year-old wellness coach from Leicester, England, died last month after taking part in a 'cleansing' ritual involving Kambo, a toxic secretion derived from the Amazonian giant leaf frog. According to a Telegraph report, he is believed to be the first British person to die following the use of the substance.

The incident occurred at a flat in Clarendon Park, Leicester, where Trend reportedly participated in a traditional "purging" ceremony commonly associated with South American spiritual and healing practices. During such rituals, Kambo is typically applied to small burns made on the skin, allowing the toxin to enter the bloodstream.

Emergency services were called to the property on April 11 after Trend became seriously unwell during the ceremony. He was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital, where he later died.

Leicestershire Police confirmed that a 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of administering poison in connection with the case. He has since been released on bail while investigations continue. Toxicology tests are currently underway to determine the precise cause of death.

Trend's death has drawn widespread attention because it came only months after he had reportedly overcome Burkitt lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. After spending several months in the hospital, he recovered and later devoted his life to wellness, spirituality, and alternative healing practices. He travelled extensively across India and other parts of Asia and became well known in holistic wellness circles.

Family members said his battle with cancer had profoundly changed his outlook on life and deepened his interest in spiritual cleansing and natural therapies. His mother, Angie, reportedly said that her son believed strongly in holistic healing and had spoken about wanting to cleanse himself before death.

"He was going to cleanse himself; that's what he said to me. He was very spiritual. He took a lot of vitamins. But I don't know what happened," Trend's mother, Angie, told The Telegraph. 

About Kambo

• Kambo is a traditional Amazonian ritual practiced by indigenous tribes in South America. The ritual uses a waxy toxic secretion obtained from the giant leaf frog, also known as the giant monkey frog.
• The frog naturally produces the toxin as a defence mechanism to protect itself from predators.
• During the ceremony, participants first drink around one litre of water. Small burns are then created on the skin using a heated stick, after which the Kambo secretion is applied directly onto the open wounds.
• For men, the burns are usually made on the arms or chest, while for women they are commonly placed on the legs.
• The toxin produces intense physical and psychological reactions and is often compared to psychedelic substances such as ayahuasca. Reported side effects include confusion, memory loss, lethargy, hallucinations and psychosis.
• According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Kambo contains powerful bioactive compounds that can trigger dangerous reactions in the human body.
• Medical experts and health authorities have warned that the substance has been linked to severe vomiting, seizures, liver failure, heart complications and sudden cardiac death in some cases.
• Although promoted in some alternative wellness circles as a detoxifying or healing therapy, Kambo remains highly controversial due to safety concerns.
• The substance is banned in countries including Australia, Brazil and Chile. However, Kambo remains legal in the United Kingdom and can still be purchased there.

Following Trend's death, UK authorities urged people to exercise caution regarding unregulated alternative therapies. A government spokesperson said substances that pose potential public health risks remain under review.

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Game Of Friends, Rivals And Allies Begins As Parties Prep For UP Polls 2027

The game in Uttar Pradesh politics has only just begun, but the real drama is yet to unfold. With the UP assembly elections scheduled for February 2027, political parties have already started their preparations.

The BJP is currently engaged in a series of meetings. And with the elections in mind, the UP cabinet was recently expanded, resulting in the induction of six new ministers and the granting of independent charge to two others.

The BJP intends to contest the elections in alliance with the Rashtriya Lok Dal, Apna Dal, Nishad Party, and the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party. Through this coalition, the BJP aims to successfully navigate and balance the complex caste equations of UP.

As a counter-strategy to this, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has introduced the 'PDA' formula - an acronym representing the coalition of Pichhda (backward classes), Dalit, and Alpsankhyak (minorities).

The Opposition bloc INDIA's precise configuration in UP remains unclear. Although formal negotiations between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party have not yet started, leaders from both parties have been engaging in a war of words. A significant development, however, was when two Congress leaders went directly to BSP leader Mayawati's house to meet her.

Although the meeting itself did not materialise, this move by the Congress certainly injected a new intensity into the political atmosphere of UP. Consequently, the Samajwadi Party was compelled to declare that it is preparing to contest all the 403 assembly seats. Shortly thereafter, state Congress chief Ajay Rai issued a similar statement asserting that the Congress, too, is preparing to contest all the seats solo.

However, certain political events that have transpired since the West Bengal assembly elections are unlikely to be viewed as auspicious signs for the INDIA bloc. For instance, during the Bengal elections, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi took a highly aggressive stance against Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, but Akhilesh Yadav went to Kolkata to stand in solidarity with Banerjee, a move that likely did not sit well with the Congress leadership.

It is pertinent to note here that during the previous Lok Sabha elections, the Samajwadi Party gave one seat in UP to the Trinamool. Political leaders from Delhi to Lucknow indicated that an alliance between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party is indeed inevitable, but intense bargaining and negotiations on seat-sharing are certainly to be expected.

The Congress and the Samajwadi Party had previously contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections together, with the Samajwadi Party contesting on 62 Lok Sabha seats. The party won 37 seats, whereas the Congress contested 17 seats and won six. In light of this, the Congress asserts its claim to contest at least 70 seats, while the Samajwadi Party does not appear to be in a position to offer more than 50.

Extrapolating the results of the Lok Sabha elections onto the assembly constituencies, the Samajwadi Party held the lead in 184 assembly segments, while the Congress led in 39. Whenever the Congress and the Samajwadi Party sit down face-to-face to negotiate an alliance, discussions will inevitably revolve around these very figures.

However, there is another crucial factor weighing on Akhilesh Yadav's mind: the imperative to prevent a fragmentation of the Muslim vote. This time around in UP, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi is poised to field candidates in approximately 50 constituencies, specifically in regions such as Moradabad, Saharanpur, Azamgarh, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, and Mau. This is precisely why the SP will need the Congress's help to prevent a splintering of the Muslim vote base in these specific areas.

The Congress is making concerted efforts to somehow bring Mayawati into the fold of this alliance. Else, she is likely to attempt to disrupt the Samajwadi Party's prospects by fielding a large number of Muslim candidates. Many political observers believe that the BSP contesting independently, combined with a potential alliance between Owaisi and the Azad Samaj Party led by Chandrashekhar Azad, could work to the BJP's advantage. All things considered, as far as UP is concerned, it can be said for now that the game has only just begun and the real drama is yet to unfold.

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BCCI Selectors Want To 'Move On' From SKY, But Final Decision With One Man

Suryakumar Yadav's future as India's T20 captain could primarily be decided by head coach Gautam Gambhir, as the national selection committee is not entirely convinced that he can make it to the team purely as a batter, according to a senior BCCI source. Suryakumar, who was given the moniker SKY by Gambhir, has been struggling for form for a year now.Within the BCCI, it is understood that the selection panel is in favour of moving on from him, but the Board hierarchy also recognises that the coach-captain equation is integral to the dressing-room environment. And Gambhir's stated comfort with Suryakumar will make him a key figure in the final call.

For close to a year now, Suryakumar's place in the side has remained under scrutiny. At the moment, it is understood that all five selectors largely believe that the current T20 captain should be dropped from the XI.

The view has been gaining ground ever since the emotional dust of the T20 World Cup triumph settled. The selectors, it is learnt, began seeing the future of Indian cricket through a wider lens instead of focusing on the glow of a single tournament.

"Initially, the selectors thought that the IPL would help Suryakumar regain form like the last edition when he crossed 700 runs. But strangely, there hasn't been any technical course correction in his game.

"Even the rookiest of pacers are just bowling straight hard lengths, and he has no answer. Selectors don't see him playing the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. It is as simple as that," a senior BCCI source told PTI.

The numbers do make for grim reading.

Suryakumar managed only 210 runs from 12 innings at a strike rate of 148 but, more alarmingly, averaged below 18 -- statistics that have sharply contrasted with the aura surrounding one of modern T20 cricket's most inventive batters.

"If someone can't earn his place as a batter, how can he be a leader? Hence, it is difficult to retain him, but Ajit (Agarkar) and Gautam need to be on the same page," the source said.

And therein lies the intrigue.

Gambhir is not known to operate as a ceremonial head coach.

Those familiar with his working style insist that in any set-up he oversees, the final word often rests with him. More importantly, his relationship with Suryakumar has remained exceptionally warm.

This means that if Gambhir chooses to back Suryakumar and veto the move to sack him, the selection committee may be forced to postpone the inevitable.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Watch: Arjun Tendulkar Scalps 1st Wicket Of IPL 2026, Muted Celebrates Follows

Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, made his debut for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2026 on Saturday, and also took his first wicket of the tournament. Tendulkar bowled an inch-perfect yorker in his third over to dismiss Punjab Kings (PBKS) opener Prabhsimran Singh, trapping him LBW. The left-arm pacer, however, did not celebrate it much, with LSG in a losing position. Tendulkar had a golden opportunity to dismiss Prabhsimran in his very first over, but LSG skipper Rishabh Pant squandered a simple catch.

When Tendulkar got Prabhsimran's wicket on the final ball of the 15th over, PBKS were already in the driving seat and on their way to victory, chasing a target of 197.

Tendulkar was not animated in his celebration, instead just exchanging high-fives with some of his teammates.

WATCH: Arjun Tendulkar takes his first wicket of IPL 2026

Yorker on point

Arjun Tendulkar denied earlier by a dropped catch but fetches his maiden #LSG wicket

Updates https://t.co/2ADKr4dqhi#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #LSGvPBKS | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/DiCZbP7GCB

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 23, 2026

The 26-year-old was one of LSG's better bowlers despite their defeat, finishing with figures of 1/36 in four overs.

He had a big opportunity to pick up Prabhsimran's wicket in his first over, as the PBKS star gloved a short delivery. However, Rishabh Pant uncharacteristically dropped a catch.

Tendulkar also got a chance to bat towards the end, making 5 runs in as many balls.

Tendulkar had been traded to LSG ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. It was the first time that he had joined a franchise other than Mumbai Indians (MI), where his father Sachin had played for six seasons.

Punjab Kings ultimately clinched victory over LSG to keep their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes alive. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer slammed a stunning unbeaten 101 to guide his side to victory with two overs to go.

PBKS ended their six-game losing streak and necessarily so, moving up to 15 points with their seventh win of the IPL 2026 season. Their qualification to the playoffs depends on how Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fare on the final day of the league stage.

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Jaipur Woman Dies By Suicide After Domestic Abuse, Children Recount Torture

A case of alleged domestic abuse in Jaipur has left two children without their mother. The victim, Anu Meena, allegedly died by suicide by hanging herself. Both children were witnesses to their parents' constant quarrels.

Anu married Gautam Meena, an executive engineer in the Public Works Department, in 2015. Allegations suggest that soon after marriage, Gautam began harassing her, often under the influence of alcohol. He reportedly abused and physically assaulted her multiple times.

Their son, 10-year-old Mahir, said that his father frequently beat his mother. He recalled an incident when his father came home and assaulted Anu. 

Mahir also mentioned that his mother had asked him to give her salt water whenever her blood pressure dropped. On one occasion, while he tried to help her, his father dismissed the situation. "Dad would often hit Mom and torment her. One day, he came home, played a song on the TV, then smashed the television set and beat Mom. I went to get the water, but Dad blamed Mom," Mahir said. 

Their daughter, eight-year-old Samayra, also recounted frequent fights between her parents, including public arguments at social gatherings and even during a family trip.

On April 7, Anu allegedly died by suicide after enduring ongoing abuse. Before taking the extreme step, she made a video call to her husband and carried out the act during the call. Neighbours rushed to the scene and informed her family. Despite attempts to revive her through CPR, she could not be saved.

Anu's mother, 56-year-old Maya, recalled that Anu often complained about her husband's behaviour but never imagined the situation would end this way. She said she missed a call that day and now feels she could have prevented the tragedy.

Days after the incident, Mahir accessed his mother's phone and retrieved several videos, including footage of an altercation. Anu had recorded a video inside the car in which Gautam can be clearly heard hurling verbal abuse at her. In the video, Gautam is seen verbally abusing both Anu and her family. 

Anu's brother, Neeraj Meena, said the family had repeatedly urged her to return home, but she chose to stay, concerned about her husband's well-being. He added that Gautam would often apologise after episodes of violence, which led the family to believe the situation might improve.

He further alleged that even after the incident, Gautam showed no remorse and reportedly stated that going to jail for a few days would not be a problem.

Police have initiated an investigation, and statements from the victim's family have been recorded. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and other evidence as part of the probe.

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Arjun Tendulkar Reacts After Pant Blunder Costs Him 1st Wicket. Watch

Arjun Tendulkar had an eventful first outing for his new IPL outfit Lucknow Super Giants against Punjab Kings. It was the all-rounder's new beginning in the IPL. Arjun, who is the son of Sachin Tendulkar, came on late in the innings and scored five runs. He bowled an economical first over where he gave away just four runs. It could have been even better had LSG captain Rishabh Pant taken a catch behind the stumps.

Pant was furious with himself after he let go of a tough chance in the seventh over of the innings. It was a short delivery around leg, as Prabhsimran rushed into the pull shot. The ball went off the glove to the left of Pant, who leapt across and got both gloves to it, but the ball slipped out. Prabhsimran went on to score 69 off 39 balls.

Pant was frustrated, as was Tendulkar.

A massive chance goes down!

Prabhsimran Singh gets a lifeline

Will this prove costly for LSG?#TATAIPL Race to Playoffs 2026 #LSGvPBKS | LIVE NOW https://t.co/YCEmm7Idoa pic.twitter.com/ebUXQd6MO2

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 23, 2026

Josh Inglis made a typically punishing 72, guiding Lucknow Super Giants to a handy 196 for six against Punjab Kings, who need to win this match to stay alive in the race to the IPL playoffs here on Saturday. Inglis and Pant (26, 21b) added 65 runs for the fourth wicket as the already-eliminated Super Giants recovered from a shaky 69 for three in the seventh over. Inglis 42-ball innings had two phases in it. The first part contained an opening over assault on Arshdeep Singh, four fours fetching the Aussie 16 runs. But then he left the stage for Ayush Badoni, who came to the crease after the early dismissal of Arshin Kulkarni, who opened in the place of Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran. Badoni took the centre stage in some style, making an 18-ball 43 and added 49 runs for the third wicket with Inglis. He creamed Azmatuallah Omarzai, the No.1 all rounder as per ICC rankings, for 24 runs in the fifth over, and the run glut included a sequence of 4,6,6,4. It helped LSG recover from the early departures of two top-order batters and end the power play at a rather fine 66 for two. But Badoni's daredevilry ended soon as Prabhsimran Singh effected a smart stumping off Yuzvendra Chahal, and DRS upheld its validity. However, Inglis woke up from his stupor with a slew of sparkling shots around the ground, and he started the second segment of his innings smashing a six, four and four in a row of Arshdeep. In all, Inglis milked Arshdeep for six fours and two sixes, extending the India left-arm pacer's lean season. It brought Pant and Inglis together. Pant, who was dropped on 18 by Shreyas Iyer at covers off Chahal, was not at his fluent best, but stayed there to give some valuable company to Inglis. The Aussie right-hander reached his fifty in 28 balls but lost the company of Pant, who fell to Chahal (2/25). Inglis eventually fell to part-timer Shahshank Singh, giving an easy catch to Shreyas, who had stationed himself at a more straight long-on position. Abdul Samad (37 not out, 20 balls) belted a couple of big hits but once Mukul Choudhary fell to Marco Jansen (2/33) cheaply, LSG's hopes of crossing 200 evaporated.

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H-1B Visa Applications Drop 38%. Trump Administration Says Days Of Abuse Over

The Donald Trump administration on Thursday said applications for H-1B visas had dropped significantly this year after major changes were introduced to the work visa selection process. Calling it a crackdown on misuse of the system, the administration said "the days of abusing the programme with mass, low-wage registrations are over."

Data released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showed that properly submitted H-1B registrations fell by 38.5 per cent compared to last year, from 343,981 in fiscal year 2026 to 211,600 for fiscal year 2027.

The H-1B visa programme, widely used by Indian professionals seeking jobs in the United States, has come under tighter scrutiny in recent years. The White House had earlier rolled out stricter wage requirements and raised application fees, saying the aim was to curb widespread abuse of the system.

This year's H-1B season is wrapping up, and we're seeing great results from @POTUS' new policies that prioritize America First!

Stay tuned for more updates, but here's what we're seeing so far:

✅More top talent: We're approving more applicants with advanced degrees and higher…

— USCIS (@USCIS) May 21, 2026

In a post on X, USCIS said, "This data is a clear sign that the days of abusing the program with mass, low-wage registrations are over, and that the programme is better serving its intended purpose of attracting highly skilled foreign workers and protecting the wages, working conditions, and job opportunities of American workers."

The immigration agency also said the profile of selected applicants appeared to be changing. The H-1B programme has long faced criticism from those who argue that some companies rely on it to hire cheaper foreign labour instead of recruiting highly skilled workers.

According to USCIS, a larger share of selected candidates now hold advanced academic qualifications and command higher salaries. The agency said 71.5 per cent of selected applicants had US master's degrees or higher, compared to 57 per cent the previous year. The figures suggest that more foreign students graduating from American universities are securing H-1B visas.

USCIS also stressed that it was tightening standards around wage levels linked to H-1B jobs. It said it was "closing the door" on low-skilled and low-wage workers, adding that only 17.7 per cent of approved applications fell in the lowest wage category.

Even as some lawmakers continue to push for scrapping the H-1B programme altogether, USCIS has given no indication that such a move is under consideration. The visa allocation process for the coming year has already concluded, while the next round of registrations is expected to begin early next year.

The administration said the latest numbers reflected the impact of its policy changes, with the system now favouring applicants with stronger qualifications and higher-paying job offers.
 

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Ganguly Turns Back The Clock, Slams Century In Viral Video. Internet Reacts

Former Indian cricket team batter Sourav Ganguly rolled back the years as he played some beautiful shots to score 132 runs off just 68 balls in a viral gully cricket clip. Ganguly, who was well known for his elegant off-side shots, showed off his batting prowess and even slammed few trademark sixes straight down the group during the informal match. Internet was left stunned as the 53-year-old looked completely at ease and social media users were all praise for his batting. Ganguly scored 131 in his debut Test match against England and during this knock, he decided to score 1 more.

During the video, Ganguly was given two 'lives' which meant he could afford to get dismissed once. He reached his half-century in 33 balls and ended up losing his first 'life' at 75. However, there was no stopping as he raced to the century in 58 deliveries.

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Following his century, the wicket-keeper urged Ganguly to recreate his iconic Lord's celebration. However, he remained in high sprits and ended his knock on 132.

Earlier, during his appearance on Raj Shamani's podcast, Ganguly said that he had no idea Indian players were approached to do 'match-fixing'. 

He spoke to Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, asking them if any of them had been approached by someone to do such a thing. 

"The issues that the Indian team faced just before I became captain - betting, match-fixing - I didn't even know about these things. I kept asking Sachin [Tendulkar] and Rahul [Dravid] 'Does it actually happen? Has anyone approached you?' Because no one had approached me. So, I spoke to Sachin, 'Tujhe kisi ne poocha?' He said no. We all used to play both formats - Tests and one-dayers. Asked Anil [Kumble] too, he said 'No. Nobody asked me'. So, I wasn't too sure what it even was. That [captaincy] was the job in hand. So, I didn't have these things in mind," Ganguly opened up on the Raj Shamani podcast.

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Twisha Sharma's Mother-In-Law Goes To Court, Says Clips, Chats Fabricated

Giribala Singh -- former judge and mother-in-law of Twisha Sharma -- has gone to court, claiming that an audio clip and WhatsApp chats that are being widely reported on by the media is fabricated. She has sought that the court ensure that the "original source" of these audio clips and WhatsApp chats be investigated. She also alleged that proper procedure was not followed during the seizure of the Digital Video Recorders or DVRs of the CCTV cameras. The court has been requested to re-examine the DVR and to conduct a fresh verification of the sealed recordings.

The audio clip - purportedly a conversation between Giribala Singh and Twisha's brother Major Harshit Sharma - became highly controversial, with questions apparently being raised in it about Twisha's relationships and private life. Reports said there were questions on whether Twisha had entered relationships with men for "personal gain". One line from the recording reportedly said, "Some people earn by selling their intellect, others earn by selling their bodies".

Read: 'Unfathomable Cruelty': Twisha Sharma's Brother On Her Mother-In-Law

Giribala Singh has also sought that the cellphones belonging to Twisha Sharma's family -- her father Navinidhi Sharma, mother Rekha Sharma, brother Harshit Sharma, and sister-in-law Rashi Sharma -- be seized and sent for forensic investigation. 

Twisha Sharma's family has met Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to seek justice.

The petition asserted that the facts of the case could be detected if a thorough examination be made of mobile data, chat logs, and digital records. She has requested the court to order that the electronic evidence be preserved and investigated.

The application -- filed in a court in Bhopal Court today - also alleged that the DVR for the eight CCTV cameras installed in the house was not seized in accordance with proper legal procedure. The DVR displayed a time and date approximately 2 days, 2 hours, and 20 minutes prior to the actual time of the incident, she has claimed. Singh has sought that the CCTV footage be viewed again in presence of the "panchas" (witnesses) and the applicant, the individuals visible in the footage be identified.

Read: Age, Height Mismatch: The Unanswered Questions In Twisha Sharma Case

Twisha Sharma, 33, a model and an actor, died under suspicious circumstances within months  of her wedding to Giribala Singh's son. While the police claim she died by suicide, her family members alleged she was murdered by her in-laws and have demanded a second postmortem examination.

Her husband Samarth Singh, a lawyer, is on the run. His mother has accused Twisha of being a drug addict who had a mental disorder. The police have said they had found no evidence of drug abuse in the post-mortem report.

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Tom Selleck Returns To Crime TV With New History Channel Docuseries

Tom Selleck is returning to a crime show after a break from acting following the end of Blue Bloods. The actor, known for playing New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in the long running drama from 2010 to 2024, has not appeared on screen since the series wrapped up. Now, he is stepping into a new role that keeps him close to the crime genre but in a different format.

Selleck will host, narrate and serve as executive producer of a new History Channel docuseries titled Crime and Justice. The show will feature 10 episodes and will focus on real life criminal cases from American history. After Blue Bloods ended, CBS carried the story forward with a spinoff titled Boston Blue, starring Donnie Wahlberg.

Through each episode, the series will be “tracing the enduring battle between law and lawlessness and the lawmen who ultimately brought some of the nation's most dangerous criminals to justice”.

Speaking about Crime and Justice, Tom Selleck said, “Throughout my career, I've been drawn to stories about consequences and the pursuit of justice. This series looks at real cases from across American history and the people tasked with seeing them through—moments when the pressure was intense, the outcome uncertain, and the decisions carried lasting consequences.”

After Blue Bloods ended, CBS carried the story forward with a spinoff titled Boston Blue, starring Donnie Wahlberg. Even with the new series continuing the world of the original show, fans of the original show still missed seeing Tom Selleck in his role as a crime solving detective.

Along with Crime and Justice with Tom Selleck, the History Channel has also revealed four other new shows to attract viewers. The lineup includes History's Strange Fortunes, hosted by Kevin Bacon, along with Extraordinary Origins with Ted Danson, Dolph Lundgren will lead History's Greatest Machines and 102 Minutes Inside the Towers, which revisits the events of September 11.

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Was Question For PM Modi Designed To Go Viral? Norway Journalist Exclusive

Having shot into the spotlight for asking why Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not take questions at a press briefing and then about why India should be trusted, Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng appeared to have difficulties when faced with some questions herself on Wednesday.

NDTV's Gaurie Dwivedi posed a series of queries to the young journalist in an exclusive conversation, ranging from press freedom in Norway to how much she knew about India. Lyng was also pressed on the cartoon depicting PM Modi as a snake charmer, but refused to condemn it.  

Asked about her post on X stating that she wasn't expecting PM Modi to answer her question and whether her motive was actually theatrics, Lyng, who is a commentator for the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, said she was doing her job.

"My job as a reporter or a journalist, and now a commentator, is to question the premise of these foreign visits or state visits to Norway. So, for me, it was very important to try to get a question in and give Prime Minister Modi the opportunity to take questions," she said. 

READ | 'Reports By Ignorant NGOs': India On Press Freedom, Rights Concerns In Oslo

When Lyng was asked whether she was aware that PM Modi was giving a joint statement alongside his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store and why she had not raised the issue earlier with the foreign ministry in Norway if she had a problem with the format, she admitted that she had not. 

The journalist argued that because she did not know when she would get access to PM Modi again, she decided to ask a question as they were in the same room. 

Emphasising that she was shocked by the amount of attention her questions were receiving in India, Lyng noted that Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had also commented on her post.

"I have asked Gandhi for an interview and, if I get a chance, I will also ask him some of the concerns I have about press freedom in India, how he would change that, and if he would prioritise it," she said. 

Ranking Disparity

Lyng had been touting the fact that Norway was ranked number 1 in the press freedom rankings. When she was asked whether she was aware that Qatar, an illiberal monarchy, and Jordan were ahead of India in the index, the journalist said she was open to looking into whether some countries were higher than they should be. 

Lyng was then questioned about the Norwegian royal couple going to China in 2018, when they had feigned ignorance about the Uighur internment camps. Her response was that she was not a journalist at the time. 

"I've never covered Xi Jinping. If he comes to Norway, I will also try to question him. Make no mistake, I'm very critical of the human rights situation in China," she said.

PM Modi Cartoon

Asked about the stereotyping of Indians in a cartoon by the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten and whether this is what press freedom was about for her, Lyng said she hadn't read the accompanying article. 

Pressed on whether she did not think this was racism or stereotyping, the journalist did not give a clear answer. 

READ | "Racist, Derogatory": Norwegian Paper Slammed For PM Modi-Snake Charmer Cartoon

"Racism and stereotyping, especially racism, is not press freedom. I have just seen this, I haven't noticed how far of a reach this had, but I'm sure it has had a far reach because you are bringing this up. But that's something that the newspaper that published this would have to really evaluate. But for me, I can't comment on it before I know because I don't want to comment on something I'm not educated about yet. So that's just how I feel about it," she said. 

"But I will say that I deeply feel that anyone feeling like a newspaper in Norway is being racist or having a cartoon that's stereotyping Indians, that's something that we have to discuss and see whether it was satire or political satire... We would have to evaluate whether they did not understand that this was hurtful," she added.

It was also pointed out to Lyng that Dagsavisen, the newspaper she works for, was a mouthpiece of the Norwegian Labour Party until the 1990s. 

"I think it's kind of offensive that you call it a mouthpiece... Some of the greatest thinkers of Norway have worked for this publication, and they were able to do a lot... Things were different back then," she said. 

India Knowledge  

To a question on how much she knew about India and whether she had read any books on Indian democracy, Lyng began talking about Indian food and yoga. 

"I think my impression of India is that it's a great country. And the people of India have been so supportive...  I love Indian food and I love yoga as well, which was a part of the press conference on Monday. And so I have a very good impression of India as a country and the Indian people, but I do question press freedom and human rights violations. And that's also a part of it," she said. 

To a follow-up question on whether she had actually been to India, Lyng explained she was going to do so in 2020, but could not because of the pandemic. 

"So I have not studied India. India is not a field I cover either. But I've read a lot about it in the newspapers. And I also read reports about press freedom, which I take seriously. But I'm very excited to learn more. And I am excited to start following the discussions more. And I have a lot to learn. You guys follow, obviously, your country much better than me. I have only been trying to discuss press freedom," she admitted. 

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Rhea Chakraborty Announces Social Media Break: 'I Miss Simply Being'

Actor Rhea Chakraborty said she has been missing herself as she announced a break from social media to "reconnect with what feels real".

Chakraborty shared a post on her Instagram handle on Tuesday and said online noise feels heavy.

"Lately, I've been missing myself a little. The constant noise, the scrolling, the keeping up - it's all started to feel heavier than I expected. I miss being present without thinking about capturing the moment. I miss quiet. I miss simply being," she wrote.

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A post shared by Rhea Chakraborty (@rhea_chakraborty)

"So, I'm taking a step back for a while - to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and reconnect with what feels real. Choosing lived moments over posted ones, for now. See you soon," she added.

Chakraborty will next feature in the Netflix series Family Business, which will also mark her return to the screen after a seven-year hiatus. The series also features Anil Kapoor and Vijay Varma in pivotal roles. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Kohli Reveals Struggle After Leaving Captaincy, Says Dravid 'Took Care' Of Him

Virat Kohli conceded that he went through a distressing phase after stepping down from India captaincy but profusely thanked Rahul Dravid and Vikram Rathour for helping rediscover the joy of playing cricket. Kohli moved away from captaincy in 2022, and that year he tallied a mere 265 runs from six Tests at an average of 26.5 with just one fifty. Dravid, who took over the stewardship of the Indian team in November 2021 along with batting coach Rathour, then rekindled the hunger in Kohli, putting a kind arm around the struggling star batter. “Only when I left captaincy, I opened up and I shared a lot more with people like Rahul Bhai and Vikram Rathour. I had a great run in Test cricket in 2023 and whenever I meet them, I always thank them from the bottom of my heart. “They really took care of me in a way that made me feel like I wanted to play for them. I want to perform. I want to go out there and grind it out. They were so caring and nurturing. They made me realise what I have done so far,” Kohli said during the third edition of the RCB Innovation Lab's Indian Sports Summit.

The former Indian skipper said Dravid and Rathour understood the demons inside the mind of Kohli, and found a way to push him past them.

“Rahul Bhai has done that way better than a lot of people in Test cricket. Vikram has been around for so many years. So, they understood what I was feeling and they could relate to it. They really took care of me mentally.

“So that really put me in a space where I could enjoy my cricket again. But yeah, when I was in the thick of things, I never really felt like I wanted someone to ask me. I was pretty okay with managing everything,” he added.

Under Dravid's tutelage, Kohli had a wonderful 2023, scoring 671 runs from eight Tests at an average of 56 with two hundreds and as many fifties.

But Kohli admitted that captaincy had consumed his inner-self without him realising it.

“I ended up being in a place where I became the focal point of our batting unit and leadership. I didn't realise how much load both those things will present in my daily life because I was so driven and motivated to make sure that Indian cricket stays on top.

“And that's precisely why by the time I left captaincy, I was completely spent. I was completely consumed by it. It was gruesome. It was difficult to manage expectations.” Kohli said such burden did not matter to him in his prime, but it began to weigh him down once he went past his peak as a cricketer.

“The key there during my prime was to make sure the team was secure. You know, that insecurity doesn't enter the change room. For that, I have to give massive credit to the management — Ravi Shastri and the team.

"But the form doesn't quite stay for long, then, yeah, both those responsibilities start weighing on you. So, it was tough,” he said.

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GOAT Director Venkat Prabhu Gifts Vijay The Iconic 'TN07 CM 2026' Number Plate

Director Venkat Prabhu has sent fans into a frenzy after gifting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay the iconic TN07 CM 2026 number plate from The Greatest of All Time (GOAT).

The special number plate was seen on the car driven by Vijay's character in the 2024 blockbuster, but what once looked like an interesting cinematic detail is now being revisited as a possible prediction of his political journey.

Venkat Prabhu recently met Vijay and presented him with the memorable prop, sharing pictures from the meeting on X. Alongside the photos, he wrote, "A history is made. From a thought to a vision to this moment. Happy to have met our honourable CM @TVKVijayHQ na today and present the very first manifestation of #GOAT. This is only the beginning. TN07CM2026."

For many, the number plate has become more than just a movie prop. In GOAT, Vijay's character is seen driving a vehicle carrying the registration TN07 CM 2026 - a detail that caught fans' eyes during the film's release. But following Vijay's recent political rise, the scene has taken on a whole new meaning.

Many on social media now believe the number plate was an uncanny nod to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with some joking that Venkat Prabhu may have predicted the future.

A history is made..

From a thought… to a vision… to this moment.

Happy to have met our honourable CM @TVKVijayHQ na today and present the very first manifestation of #GOAT. ❤️❤️❤️

This is only the beginning.
TN07CM2026 pic.twitter.com/VxwvFOKTo4

— venkat prabhu (@vp_offl) May 18, 2026

About GOAT

Apart from Vijay, GOAT also features Prabhu Deva, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Prashanth, Ajmal Ameer, and Jayaram. The music of the film is by Yuvan Shankar Raja. Vijay plays a double role in the movie. 

ALSO READ: Rajinikanth Says He Is 'Not Jealous' Of Vijay': "I Would Have Won Elections If I Contested In 2021'

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Sooryavanshi Given India Selection 'Condition', Needs To Improve This Aspect

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stressed that young batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi needs to sharpen his fielding skills before he steps up to play for the senior national men's team. In the Rajasthan Royals' five-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Sooryavanshi was involved in misfields which led to crucial runs being conceded as the visitors couldn't defend 193/8. "I believe scouts should also take a fielding test while scouting players. The scouts are bringing the right players; they are doing a great job, but I have not seen Vaibhav Sooryavanshi take a single catch yet. If he wants to play for India, he needs to improve his fielding ability. He needs to pass that fielding test first.

"The ball that came towards him was at a good height. I understand that when a batter plays a flick shot, taking a catch can sometimes become difficult for a fielder as it becomes a blind spot, especially when the ball comes off the bat. But there, the shot that Sahil Parakh played, the ball came to Sooryavanshi at a good height.

"Sooryavanshi did a great job by getting into the right position to take that catch, but he missed the opportunity to execute it. There was no need for Sooryavanshi to jump to take that catch. All he needed to do was take it near his waist, but he missed it. Vaibhav is really talented with the bat, no doubt about that, but when it comes to fielding, he is still not ready," said Kaif on JioHotstar's 'Champions Waali Commentary'.

With the bat, Sooryavanshi was at his sparkling best in power-play and hit 46 off 21 balls before being undone by a slower ball from Madhav Tiwari. Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh outlined the challenge of bowling to Sooryavanshi. "Against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, my plan would be to get his wicket anyhow. But what kind of form he is in matters a lot. My plan would be to spin the ball and keep it away from his hitting arc.

"If he steps out of the crease and tries to hit me, that's okay. But I don't want him to play his shots while standing in the crease. That would be my bowling plan. But the kind of batter he is, at the age of 15, he is hitting every bowler for a six.

"I have played with many players, but I have never seen a batter like Sooryavanshi who dominates every bowler from ball one. I have dismissed Chris Gayle many times, but Sooryavanshi is at a different level altogether. His bat flow is something I have never seen," he added.

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On Arijit Singh's Retirement, Adnan Sami Says, 'Not An Impulse Decision'

Singer-composer Adnan Sami has weighed in on Arijit Singh stepping away from playback singing, saying his decision should be "respected" and not speculated upon.

Earlier this year, Arijit Singh shocked both the film and music industries, along with his fans, when he announced his retirement from playback singing in a social media post.

"He's made a conscious decision to retire from playback singing. Whatever his decision is, one should allow him the space and respect that decision. He hasn't arrived at that decision on impulse; it must be a very well-thought-out one," Adnan Sami told PTI in an interview.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch of his new single, Lipstick Laga Ke Nazar Utar Le, under Zee Music Company, Adnan Sami added that Arijit Singh is under no obligation to explain the reasons behind his decision publicly.

"It must be for a very good reason, which he knows. It is not necessary for him to disclose that, or perhaps in due course, the world will find out why. It's his life, and when he feels ready to share the reason, he will do so - if he feels like it. But that space should be given to him," he explained.

Adnan Sami's remarks come at a time when Arijit Singh's decision to step away from playback singing at the height of his career has triggered widespread discussion about mental health, emotional exhaustion, and the pressures associated with the music industry.

The 54-year-old singer-composer described it as "unfair" to generalise or speculate about the reasons behind Arijit Singh's decision.

"Taking a break from work is subjective, and you can't generalise it for one particular reason. Everybody can have different reasons behind it," he said.

Addressing questions around industry pressures, Adnan Sami said that while different music labels and companies operate within their own frameworks, artistes are ultimately free to choose what works best for them.

"They are simply hoping that the people who collaborate with them will follow that particular policy. It may suit some people, but not others, and some companies are very rigid about the direction they want their releases to take, subject-wise."

"Some are very open to giving more freedom, while others are not. If you don't feel like following it, nobody is putting a gun to your head. The problem arises when an artist feels that he or she will be in trouble if they don't follow it. So, you're putting that pressure on yourself," Adnan Sami added.

ALSO READ: What Arijit Singh Told Composer Pritam A Day Before Announcing Retirement

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Punjab Kings Out Of IPL Playoffs Race? Scenarios Explained After Loss vs RCB

Punjab Kings suffered a massive blow to their IPL 2026 Playoffs dreams as the Shreyas Iyer-led side slumped to their sixth consecutive loss on Sunday. Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli slammed half-centuries while Rasikh Salam Dar took three wickets as Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered a 23-run victory in Dharamsala. The loss means that PBKS are currently fourth with 13 points from 13 matches. When it comes to the Playoffs race, PBKS will have to defeat Lucknow Super Giants in their last group stage match. However, it will not be enough as their qualification will depend on other results and Net Run Rate (NRR).

If PBKS win their match, they will need other teams to drop points. If Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders win just one out of their remaining matches, they will be below the 15-point mark. While CSK and KKR have two matches left in the group stages, RR have 3 left including the match against Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

If Sunrisers Hyderabad lose both of their remaining matches, they will be stuck at 14 points and a win for Punjab Kings in their  last game can book their Playoffs spot considering only one other team reaches 16 points.

If KKR win both of their matches and PBKS win their remaining game, both teams will have 15 points. In that case, NRR may end up deciding which team finishes in the Top 4.

"Obviously, they got off to a great start and then started taking on the bowlers right after the powerplay. I think getting to 222 was a commendable performance and we weren't able to take wickets in the bowling that much, but yeah, I think the match was lost in the powerplay. (on the difficult chase after losing early wickets) Absolutely. We were three down and the majority of our run scorers were Prabhsimran and Priyansh. The starts they used to give us in the powerplay, obviously we couldn't get this time and also me coming in and getting out early. Really disappointed, but commendable performance by Shashank and Stoinis and also a few others in the middle. I think we were up there with almost 10 an over, but yeah, fell short."

"Tremendous bowling by Bhuvi and Hazlewood. (on staying positive ahead of the next game against Lucknow) No, definitely. I'm always positive irrespective of the results. It doesn't dictate how my personality is and I always approach with a strong attitude. I'm not someone who dwells too much in the past. This is over, this is gone. Tomorrow again I'm going to see the sunrise and there's always light at the end of the tunnel," Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer said.

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