Bumrah Surpasses Pakistan's Wasim Akram To Become Asian With Most...

Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers on the second day of the first Test against England. While the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ravindra Jadeja toiled hard with no success, Bumrah provded crucial breakthroughs after India were all out for 471. Bumrah scalped the wickets of England openrs Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. In doing so, Bumrah surpassed  Pakistan pace great Wasim Akram for most wickets in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) by an Asian.    

Bumrah, after his two wickets, went up to 147 from 60 innings in SENA countries. He surpassed Wasim Akram in the list of Asian bowlers with most wickets in SENA countries. Bumrah tops the list, followed by Akram (146), Anil Kumble (141), Ishant Sharma (130), and Mohammed Shami (123). 

Earlier, England tearaway Mark Wood praised Jasprit Bumrah, the current "best bowler in the world," as a speedster who has the potential to "change the game." Bumrah has transformed into the world's best following his mouth-watering spells across all formats of the game. The 31-year-old has been deemed the biggest threat to England in India's young squad. Wood underscored the havoc "dangerous" Bumrah can cause in any game phase.

"He is a phenomenal bowler across all formats who is really dangerous. I can honestly say he is really hard to pick up and face. He is quicker than you think. He is the best bowler in the world right now, and he is dangerous in any part of the match. Bumrah can change the game," Wood said on Sky Sports.

Moments after Wood's words echoed in the stadium, Bumrah had already proved to be a menace that England struggled to deal with. In the opening over of England's first innings, Zak Crawley was unavailable to avoid Bumrah's magic.

With an absolute peach of a delivery, Bumrah lured a thick outside edge of Crawley, who was looking to flick the ball away. The good length of delivery angled into the middle leg hit the deck and straightened considerably, and Crawley had no answer to it.

Karun Nair took a share catch at the slip, forcing Crawley to return cheaply on 4(6). In his first spell, Bumrah almost had a second wicket to his column on the final delivery of the seventh over. Ben Duckett slashed the ball hard towards Ravindra Jadeja, stationed at the backward point.

The ball travelled swiftly towards him, and Jadeja managed to get a hold of it, but the ball eventually popped out of his hands, giving Duckett an unprecedented lifeline on 15(20). He ended his first spell after bowling five overs, giving away 21 runs with a sole wicket, the best among India's fast bowling troika.

With IANS inputs 

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Sirens, Bodies, 450 Km-Evacuation Route: What Indian Students Saw In Iran

With an Indian flag clutched tightly in one hand and a dazed look in her eyes, Mizban stepped out of the airport visibly anxious and overwhelmed. "We saw dead bodies. Heard blasts. Saw airstrikes," she muttered, avoiding eye contact as she tried to make sense of the safety around her. "From Tehran to Qom to Mashhad, we were always on the move since the Iran-Israel conflict escalated. I'm just grateful to be home. If we're called back by my university, we'll have to decide carefully."

Not far from her stood Zubeda, a single mother from Srinagar, holding a faded photograph of her son, a medical student in Tehran. "I only spoke to him once or twice during the crisis. He hid his fear to keep me strong. I want him to become a doctor, but not at the cost of living through war," she said, while scanning every face stepping through the arrival gate at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Saturday evening, as Mahan Air flight IRM071A touched down with 256 Indian students, most of them from the Kashmir Valley, who had been stranded in Iran since the country began trading missile strikes with Israel on June 13.

This marks the third chartered evacuation flight under India's ongoing mission Operation Sindhu, launched to bring back citizens caught in the crossfire of escalating tensions in Iran, particularly around Tehran after Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Operation Rising Lion.

As part of Operation Sindhu, a total of three charter flights - two from Iran's Mashhad and one from Turkmenistan's Ashgabat - have successfully brought back 827 Indian nationals so far, including over 300 students, though the final count is still being verified. A fourth evacuation flight is scheduled to arrive in Delhi at 11:30 pm on Saturday, expected to push the total number of returnees past the 1,000 mark.

Junaid, whose younger brother and sister were among the evacuees, recalled, "She called from random numbers when she could. We were extremely worried as there was an internet shutdown and so we lost communication.  The university buildings were close to bombed zones. My brother made it home yesterday, but we were terrified for my sister. She's just in her third semester at college."

Sumarah Rahman, another Kashmiri student, said, "We were terrified. Nights were filled with sirens and blasts. But now we're home. God willing, we'll go back when it's safe to finish our studies."

Ahabashi, a final-year student from Shasherf Bishti University, added, "Tehran changed overnight. The fear was real. If death had come, it would have come so far from home. But the Indian government stood by us, every detail was handled with care."

From Tehran to Qom to Mashhad: A Risky Escape

The rescued students had first been moved from Tehran to Qom, 150 kilometers to the south, before being taken to Mashhad, from where chartered flights began the homeward journey. Despite its closed airspace due to ongoing conflict with Israel, Iran made a rare exception to allow India's emergency evacuations.

India's Deputy Chief of Mission in Tehran, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, confirmed, "Iran has been aiding evacuations despite its own crisis. It's a gesture of goodwill." He noted that the evacuation has included pilgrims and medical students, many of whom were spread across universities and seminaries in the region.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students' Association issued a statement expressing gratitude. "We thank the Government of India for their relentless efforts and timely coordination with Iranian authorities. We remain committed to the safe evacuation of all remaining students, especially those from vulnerable and remote regions," the statement read.

While the relief was palpable, a sense of uncertainty lingered. Many students had traveled to Iran in pursuit of affordable medical education, a path often unavailable in India's highly competitive academic system. Their futures now hang in limbo. "I want my son to follow his dream," Zubeda said as she waited, "but I never want to feel this fear again."

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Flight Carrying Indian Students Lands In Delhi After Iran Opens Its Airspace

A flight carrying 290 Indian students, mostly from Jammu and Kashmir, landed in Delhi late Friday night after Iran lifted its airspace restrictions today for India's 'Operation Sindhu'. The country opened its airspace, in a special gesture, for three flights to evacuate about 1,000 Indians. This was the first of the three flights.

The Indians were moved to Mashhad from Tehran following Israeli attacks. The evacuation flights were being operated by Iranian airline Mahan and were arranged by New Delhi.

"Heartfelt thanks to the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, and all concerned authorities for their timely intervention and support. A great relief for families who had been anxiously awaiting their return, said the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association.

Thousands of Indian students, most of them from Jammu and Kashmir, are stranded in Iran. 

Another flight from Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat is scheduled to arrive in Delhi around 3 am followed by a third one later in the day.

'Operation Sindhu' was launched on Wednesday to bring back its nationals from Iran and Israel amid the rising hostilities between the longtime enemies. Yesterday, a group of 110 Indian students were transited via Armenia and Doha before they boarded a flight to Delhi. 

Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the deputy chief of mission at the Iranian embassy, said more evacuation flights could be operated in the coming days to bring back Indians if required. "We consider Indians as our own people. Iran's airspace is closed, but because of this issue, we are making arrangements to open it for the safe passage of Indian nationals," he said at a media briefing.

Mr Hosseini said about 10,000 Indians are living in Iran and those wishing to return home are being evacuated.

Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion" with a surprise attack on the morning of June 13 that wiped out the top echelon of Iran's military command and damaged its nuclear sites. Iran retaliated with air strikes, with both countries launching hundreds of missiles at each other in the last four days.

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'Flying On A Dreamliner? I'm On': Ex Aviation Minister After Air India Crash

There is no cause for worry after the Air India crash in Ahmedabad and if he was asked to fly on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner today, he would say yes immediately because the airline has a sound technical grounding and the country's aviation regulatory framework is strong, former civil aviation minister Praful Patel has said. 

Speaking exclusively to NDTV on Friday, the NCP MP also said, however, that there is a need for better communication from airlines as well as the aviation watchdog and all vacancies should be filled up because, when it comes to flying, "it's either 100% safe or zero, there's nothing like 99.9%".

On the pace of the investigation after last week's Dreamliner crash in which at least 270 people were killed, including over 30 on the ground, Mr Patel said it has been satisfactory because a team from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) team in the US, teams from Boeing and GE, which manufactured the engines of the plane, and India's own Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) visited the site almost immediately and took charge. 

Based on his experience as the civil aviation minister between 2004 and 2011, the investigation, he said, should be completed within three months but could take longer because all possible scenarios should be ruled out.

Mr Patel said the AAIB is very competent and the damaged black box of the AI 171 could be decoded in India itself, but there is no harm if this happens in the US either. "It doesn't really matter whether it's being opened in the US or it's being decoded in India. At the end of the day, what we really want to know is what went wrong," he said. 

Air India Safety

Mr Patel pointed out that instances of flights being cancelled or having a technical issue happen every day, and are being amplified now because of the crash.

"Air India, irrespective of the ownership today or in the past, has always been completely safety driven, protocol driven. They follow every single process which has been prescribed either by the manufacturer or by the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation," he said. 

"I would like to say that India does follow very good safety protocols. Air India has also had very tragic incidents, accidents in the past and they have been able to learn from them and overcome those kinds of issues. And I am sure even in the current context, Air India will be able to ride out of this crisis," the minister added.

Describing the current crisis as a "crisis of confidence", Mr Patel said he has been getting calls about whether it is safe to fly Air India and whether its safety protocols and maintenance are up to the mark. 

"I can tell you, and I have no hesitation in saying this, that if I were to fly a 787 Dreamliner today, I would be the first person to say, fine, I'm on. There's no real issue, I wouldn't worry even for a second... only time will tell whether it's some kind of a failure of a machine or man or whatever. But these are all hypothetical things, we should not really be talking too much about them until we actually have the full report," he stressed.

"Air India itself has got very, very, very good technical people over the years. The legacy has been very strong in Air India," he added. 

Passenger Confidence

Asked how the government could boost the confidence of flyers after the crash, Mr Patel said passenger confidence has been shaken badly, but it can also be easily restored. 

Suggesting measures to do this, he said, "I feel that there needs to be better communication, both by Air India and by all the airlines of the country put together, even by the DGCA. And I can also sense that this is a time when any vacancies in the DGCA or even in airlines in terms of their engineering or safety departments should be filled up immediately... You see, in aviation parlance, either it's 100% safe or zero, there's nothing like 99.9%."

Pointing out that several helicopter crashes have occurred in the Char Dham area in the past few weeks, he said checks and balances should be put in place and "shortcuts" should be avoided. 

"The operators take chances, the pilots also sometimes are confident or overconfident, they think that they can navigate through the mountains or the clouds and they know their way... And sometimes, I'm not blaming anybody, but there could be shortcuts which need to be avoided. That also shakes up confidence. After all, anything falling off the sky does rattle people.

Safety Focus

On whether India has too few players in terms of airlines, Mr Patel said the emphasis should be on quality, not quantity. India's track record, he said, has not been worse than advanced countries like the US or countries in Europe.

"And we also have very, very good overall safety standards and monitoring. But my last word to people would be, please do not be scared of flying. It's still the safest mode of public transportation, even in India or anywhere in the world. (Once) you sit on a plane, your chances of having something going wrong are really very rare. You are one of the real unlucky ones if you really encounter some major problem," he said.

"Otherwise, it is the safest and probably the best-managed public transportation (system) anywhere in the world," the former aviation minister emphasised.

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Watch: Ranthambore's Iconic Tigress' Final Walk Captured On Camera

Tigress Arrowhead (T-84), one of Ranthambore's most celebrated big cats, passed away at the age of 14, forest officials confirmed on Thursday. Her death came just hours after her daughter was relocated to another tiger reserve, marking an emotional end to a storied legacy in Indian wildlife history. The death of this beloved animal has devastated wildlife enthusiasts. Noted photographer Sachin Rai, who had closely followed her life since she was a cub, paid tribute with a poignant video capturing her final moments.

He shared a heart-wrenching account of Arrowhead's final moments. In an emotional Instagram post, he described watching her struggle to walk near Padam Talab on June 17, taking a few weak steps before collapsing under a tree, knowing instinctively that the end was near.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sachin Rai (@sachin_rai_photography)

"On the evening of June 17th, I witnessed what would likely be the last walk of the legendary tigress 'Arrowhead' at the banks of Padam Talab, a place she had ruled with grace and strength for many years. It was heartbreaking to see her struggle, attempting to rise and take a few feeble steps before collapsing again," he wrote.

"Each movement was a visible effort; even walking ten steps seemed an enormous task. Eventually, she reached a tree and lay beneath it. In that quiet moment, I knew in my heart that the end was near, just a matter of a day or two," he further mentioned.

"I have followed Arrowhead's journey since she was a tiny cub. From those early days to watching her grow into a powerful tigress who claimed her mother's territory, every chapter of her life was a testament to resilience."

Born to tigress Krishna (T-19) and the granddaughter of the legendary Machhli (T-16), Arrowhead was part of a famed tiger bloodline. She had been suffering from advanced bone cancer and had been under observation for weeks. Her passing symbolizes the end of an era for Ranthambore, where her lineage had long been a symbol of strength, beauty, and survival.

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Netanyahu Says Son's Wedding Delay A "Personal Cost" Of War, Stuns Israelis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing fierce backlash after citing the delay of his son's wedding as a "personal cost" of the ongoing conflict with Iran - remarks many Israelis have called tone-deaf and self-centered, according to the Guardian.

Speaking solemnly in front of a missile-damaged Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva, Netanyahu invoked the spirit of Britain during the Blitz, likening Israel's current crisis to the World War II bombings. "It reminds me of the British people during the Blitz. We are going through a Blitz," he said, attempting to draw parallels between his family's experience and the hardships of everyday Israelis.

The prime minister pointed to the rescheduling of his son Avner's wedding - for a second time due to security concerns - as an example of the sacrifices his family has made. He noted that the postponement had also deeply affected Avner's fiance and his wife, Sara Netanyahu, calling her "a hero" for enduring the disappointment.

"There are people who were killed, families who grieved loved ones, I really appreciate that," Netanyahu said. "Each of us bears a personal cost, and my family has not been exempt."

The comments, delivered against the backdrop of Soroka Hospital - which was hit by an Iranian missile the day before - were met with scorn online and across the Israeli political spectrum. Critics accused Netanyahu of being emotionally detached from the realities of war and prioritising his own image over the suffering of the public.

Israel says 24 of its civilians have been killed so far in the conflict. Human rights groups in the US estimate the Iranian civilian death toll to be at least 263 following Israel's surprise aerial assault.

Public outrage grew after reports suggested Netanyahu was planning to take time off for his son's wedding, which was set for Monday despite ongoing hostilities and threats of anti-government protests. The wedding had originally been planned for November but was canceled due to security concerns.

Anat Angrest, whose son has been held hostage in Gaza since the Hamas attack in October 2023, responded sharply: "I've been in the hellish dungeons of Gaza for 622 days now," Angrest wrote on X.

Gilad Kariv, a Democratic Knesset member, called Netanyahu a "borderless narcissist," adding: "I know many families who were not forced to postpone a wedding, but who will now never celebrate the weddings that were once meant to take place."

Kariv also dismissed Netanyahu's praise of his wife: "The doctors who leave home for night shifts are the heroes," Kariv said. "The teachers who keep our children together on Zoom and phone calls are the heroes."

Journalist Amir Tibon echoed the criticism, saying, "But there are no surprises with Netanyahu," Tibon said. "Even in moments when a personal example is most needed, he is first and foremost concerned with himself."

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In A First, Trump Says Leaders Of India And Pakistan Ended Conflict

Two "very smart" leaders of India and Pakistan decided to end last month's conflict that could have turned into a nuclear war, US President Donald Trump said after holding a rare luncheon meeting with Pakistan army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House.

Donald Trump's comments on Wednesday crediting the leaders of the two countries in ending the May 7-10 hostilities are seen at variance with his claims over a dozen times in the last few weeks that he brokered the India-Pakistan ceasefire deal.

In his remarks to the media Trump said he was "honoured" to meet Munir and that he discussed with the military chief the situation arising out of the Iran-Israel conflict, amid speculations that Washington is looking at using Pakistani military bases in case it decides to launch attacks on Tehran.

The US president was also effusive in lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and referred to his telephonic conversation with the Indian leader on Tuesday night.

President Trump expressed keen interest in forging a "mutually beneficial" trade partnership with Pakistan based on long-term strategic convergence and shared interests, the Pakistan army said in a statement.

The US president was accompanied at the meeting by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Munir was joined in by Pakistan's National Security Advisor Lt Gen Asim Malik, who is also head of the spy agency, ISI.

Ahead of his meeting with Trump, Munir reportedly pitched for Nobel Peace Prize for President Trump for preventing a nuclear war between India and Pakistan.

It was clear from Trump's media comments that the last month's conflict between India and Pakistan as well as the situation arising out of the Iran-Israel standoff figured prominently in his meeting with Munir.

"The reason I had him here was that I want to thank him for not going into the war (with India); ending the war. And I want to thank Prime Minister Modi as well," the president said.

"We're working on a trade deal with India. We're working on a trade deal with Pakistan." The US president also recalled his meeting with PM Modi in the White House in February.

Trump said he was "happy" that "two very smart people decided not to keep going with that war." "That could have been a nuclear war. Those are two nuclear powers, big ones, big, big nuclear powers, and they decided that (to end the conflict)," he said.

Hours before hosting Munir, Trump claimed credit for ending the conflict, but he did not repeat it in his media remarks after the meeting.

In his phone conversation with Trump on Tuesday, Prime Minister Modi told the president that India and Pakistan halted their military actions following direct talks between the two militaries without any mediation by the US.

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The strikes triggered four days of intense clashes that ended with an understanding on stopping the military actions on May 10.

Asked if Iran was discussed in his meeting with Munir, Trump said: "Well, they know Iran very well, better than most, and they're not happy about anything." "It's not that they're bad with Israel. They know them both, actually, but they probably, maybe they know Iran better, but they see what's going on, and he agreed with me." In Islamabad, the Pakistan army said the US President showed "keen interest" in developing a mutually beneficial trade relationship with Pakistan on the basis of long-term strategic interests.

It said the discussions encompassed avenues for expanding cooperation in multiple domains including trade, economic development, mines and minerals, artificial intelligence, energy, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies.

The Chief of Army Staff "conveyed the deep appreciation of the government and people of Pakistan for President Trump's constructive and result-oriented role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in the recent regional crisis", it said.

The army chief acknowledged President Trump's "statesmanship" and his ability to comprehend and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the global community, it said adding Trump, in turn, lauded Pakistan's ongoing efforts for regional peace and stability, and appreciated the robust counter-terrorism cooperation between the two states, it said.

The Pakistan Army said the two sides also had a detailed exchange of views on the prevailing tensions between Iran and Israel, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of resolution of the conflict.

Munir also extended an invitation to President Trump to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at a mutually convenient date.

It is rare for the US president to host a lunch for a army chief of a foreign country. There have been precedents of Pakistan army chiefs, including Ayub Khan, Zia ul-Haq and Pervez Musharraf, receiving such invites.

But they were holding the post of president as well.

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

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After Crash, Air India Cuts International Services On Wide-Body Planes By 15%

Air India has responded to the crash of its Ahmedabad-London Boeing Dreamliner aircraft with a  slew of safety and prevention measures that includes massive safety and cutting down on the use of its wide-body planes for international flights by 15 per cent. The cuts will be implemented between now and 20 June and will continue thereafter until at least mid-July.

In a statement today, the company said of their 33 Boeing 787-8/9 aircraft, the "Enhanced Safety Inspection" mandated by civil aviation watchdog DGCA have been completed on 26.  These, Air India said, have been "cleared for service, while inspection of the remainder will be complete in the coming days".

"As a matter of added precaution, Air India will also undertake enhanced safety checks on its Boeing 777 fleet," the carrier said.

There have been multiple cancellations of international flights in view of the "geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, night curfew in the airspaces of many countries in Europe and East Asia, the ongoing enhanced safety inspections, and also the necessary cautious approach being taken by the engineering staff and Air India pilots, the company said.

Over the last six days, 83 flights have been cancelled.

"Given the compounding circumstances that Air India is facing, to ensure stability of our operations, better efficiency and to minimise inconvenience to passengers, Air India has decided to reduce its international services on wide-body aircraft by 15 per cent for the next few weeks," the statement read.  

On June 12, an Air India Boeing 787-8 plane from Ahmedabad to London crashed soon after take-off, killing 241 people on board and more  than 30 on the ground. It had been the worst air crash in the country in decades.

"Air India remains in mourning on the tragic loss of 241 passengers and crew members aboard flight AI171. Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and communities affected by the accident," the statement read.

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Political Storm In Punjab Over 'Intimate' Photos Of AAP Minister

A political storm is sweeping Punjab as Shiromani Akali Dal's Bikram Singh Majithia posted 'intimate' photos of state minister Ravjot Singh and a woman, demanding that he be sacked. Mr Singh has contended that the photos Mr Majithia posted are AI generated and featured his ex-wife. The minister has also said he would file a police case and sue for defamation. 

"Another minister of AAP government's act! The act of minister Ravjot... who played with the dignity of daughters and sisters. If there is even a little shame in the AAP Punjab government then immediately dismiss minister Ravjot and expel him from the party," reads a rough translation of his vernacular post on X, in which he tagged party chief Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. 

AAP's state unit chief Aman Arora stood by minister, accusing Akali Dal of stooping low to play dirty politics.

Ravjot Singh has contended that the Akalis attack on him was a "caste-based political conspiracy" and that the party has lost all limits of decency. It also exposes their "mindset towards women".

"This act not only attacks me personally but also insults the dignity of a woman, exposing their real mindset towards women in society. This is not just a personal attack-it is a caste-based and political conspiracy. The fact that this disgraceful act happened just two days before the Ludhiana by-election shows that the fear of a crushing defeat by AAP is forcing the opposition into such desperate and unethical actions," his post on Facebook read. 

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"It Shames Us": British-Pakistanis Reacts To Grooming Gang Revelations

The issue of grooming gangs, disproportionately involving men of Pakistani heritage in Britain, has resurfaced following the publication of a review on abuse in England and Wales. The government-commissioned audit, led by Baroness Louise Casey, examined existing data and evidence on group-based child sexual abuse.

Casey's audit revealed serious institutional failures, including a reluctance by authorities to acknowledge the over-representation of men of Pakistani heritage in these cases, often citing fears of being labelled racist.

"We found many examples of organisations avoiding the topic altogether for fear of appearing racist, raising community tensions, or causing community cohesion problems," the report said.

The report stresses the need for transparent and consistent data collection on offenders' ethnicity and nationality, arguing that poor national data has hampered effective action.

The report's findings have triggered strong reactions on social media. Some British-Pakistanis expressed shame and disappointment, urging open and honest conversations within the community to address the issue.

Has Ahmed, a London-based businessman, written on X (formerly Twitter), "As a Pakistani in Britain, today is a dark day". He highlighted the report's confirmation of victims' experiences, including abuse, rape, and trafficking, and the failure of institutions meant to protect them. Ahmed added, "And the men who did this? Many of them were Pakistani. They came from our communities. That's the truth. And it shames us."

As a Pakistani in Britain, today is a dark day.

Baroness Casey's report confirms what victims have been saying for years: they were abused - raped, beaten, trafficked - and then failed by the very institutions meant to protect them. Girls, mostly white working-class and…

— Has Ahmed (@HasAhmed_) June 16, 2025

Nuriyah Khan, a London-based content creator, stated, "I'm British-Pakistani, and I'm tired of tiptoeing around the truth! The majority of offenders in the UK grooming gangs were of Pakistani origin. That's not racism; it's a FACT. But say it out loud and suddenly...you're 'far-right'."

I'm British-Pakistani and I'm tired of tiptoeing around truth! The majority of offenders in the UK grooming gangs were of Pakistani origin. That's not racism, it's a FACT. But say it out loud and suddenly….you're “far-right.” pic.twitter.com/P7p3U3p2sH

— Nuriyah Khan (@nuriyahk) June 16, 2025

The report and subsequent discussions underscore the complex challenges in addressing child sexual exploitation while navigating concerns about racial sensitivity and accurate data reporting. 

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Karnataka Minister Denied Approval For US Trip, Says "Will Seek Explanation"

Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge, denied clearance to visit the US to attend two events, said today that he would not comment on the issue for now and would seek an explanation once he is back in the country. 

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Mr Kharge -- who is also the son of Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge -- said: "I'm holding back on making any public statements for now. Once I'm back in Bengaluru, I will seek a clear explanation from the Government of India regarding this denial".

I'm holding back on making any public statements for now. Once I'm back in Bengaluru, I will seek a clear explanation from the Government of India regarding this denial. https://t.co/70QyioMeM8

— Priyank Kharge / ಪ್ರಿಯಾಂಕ್ ಖರ್ಗೆ (@PriyankKharge) June 17, 2025

Mr Kharge was expected to lead delegations to the Boston Bio 2025 and this year's Design Automation Conference in San Francisco. 

He was in Paris where he attended a conference and the aeroshow, from where he was to leave for the US with his team. But his clearances didn't come through. 

Mr Kharge was expected to lead delegations to the Boston Bio 2025 and this year's Design Automation Conference in San Francisco. 

He was in Paris where he attended a conference and the aeroshow, from where he was to leave for the US with his team. But his clearances didn't come through and he is expected to return straight to India.

The "Design Automation Conference" which bills itself as the "The Global Event for Chips to Systems" is also crucial for Karnataka - Bengaluru being the country's IT capital - and Mr Kharge, who handles the state's IT ministry.

The BIO International Convention is one of the key events for biotechnology, and claims to represent the "full ecosystem of biotech with 20,000 industry leaders from across the globe".

It is not yet clear what proved to be the hitch in the clearance but the matter could snowball into the next political row between the BJP and the Congress, which rules the state.
 

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Akshay Kumar's Latest Update On Hera Pheri 3 Controversy With Paresh Rawal

Paresh Rawal's sudden exit from Hera Pheri 3 has been a big disappointment for the fans of the franchise. As much as fans would want him to reprise his role as Baburao, Paresh Rawal has even called his character "gale ka fanda", in an earlier conversation with The Lallantop.

Akshay Kumar is currently busy promoting his upcoming film Kannappa. He shared some new details on the ongoing controversy. He assured everyone that he believes everything will go well.

What's Happening

• Akshay Kumar revealed some new details about Hera Pheri 3, and the ongoing feud with Paresh Rawal.
• Akshay Kumar told Pinkvilla, "Whatever is happening is happening in front of you. Keeping my fingers crossed. I hope everything goes well. Everything will go well only. I know, for sure."

What Paresh Rawal's Public Withdrawl From Hera Pheri 3 Resulted In

Paresh Rawal's exit from the project led to Akshay Kumar's company Cape of Good Cinema suing him for Rs 25 crore, on the basis of first committing to the project and then leading to disrupting timelines and planning for his sudden decision to quit. As tensions led to a legal dispute, Paresh Rawal returned his signing amount for Hera Pheri 3, with interest.

Paresh Rawal On Not Wanting To Repeat Previous Mistakes

Paresh Rawal has mentioned several times in a series of interviews, that he was not happy with how Phir Hera Pheri (2006)  drifted away from the humour it was known for. This was one of the reasons why the actor had demanded a script before giving a nod to Hera Pheri 3.

Rawal finally decided to opt out of the project with no assurance and multiple producers wanting to claim control.

Akshay Kumar's Next

On the work front, Akshay Kumar is gearing up for his Telugu fantasy mythological saga Kannappa, where he will play the role of Lord Shiva. The Kesari 2 actor has a cameo appearance in the film along with Prabhas and Mohanlal. The film is set to release in theatres on June 27, 2025.

In A Nutshell

Amid promotions for his upcoming film Kannappa, Akshay Kumar shared some new details on the Hera Pheri 3 controversy with Paresh Rawal. He reiterated that he believes everything will go well.

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"Exploited Virat's Weakness, Sachin...": England Great Makes Big Revelations

Former England cricket team fast bowler James Anderson opened up about bowling to two of India's modern greats - Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar. Anderson, who is the most successful fast bowler in the history of Test cricket, dismissed Sachin 9 times and Virat 7 times during his career. When asked about the most difficult batter to bowl to, Anderson ended up picking Virat over Sachin.  Anderson explained that although he dominated Virat during their first meeting during 2014, the Indian batter bounced back and went on to have a good record against the pacer. Sachin, on the other hand, did not have such an intense clash with him and there was never a major 'shift in dominance'.

"I had some success early against Kohli, the first time he came to England in 2014. I really exploited his weakness of outside off-stump, and then the next time I played against him – he had obviously gone back and worked on that – he was totally a different player. He really had taken his game to a different level, made it very difficult for not just me but for bowlers in general. I got him out 4-5 times in the first series and then didn't get him out in the next I played against him," Anderson said on the talkSport podcast.

"Against Sachin, for example, I didn't feel like there was that sort of shift in dominance. With Kohli, there was definitely a shift. Found him a very difficult player to bowl at because he had that steely mindset, wanted to get into a battle. He's very competitive and after that initial success, it was very difficult to bowl against."

Anderson and Kohli also had a number of on-field spats over the years including a heated incident back in 2021. The England legend outlined how Virat was a different character than Sachin before explaining how their personalities also shaped their rivalries with him.

"Kohli was a slightly different character than Sachin. Sachin was very mild, mannered; very calm at the crease. Virat was more expressive with his emotions. Wore them on his sleeves and you can kind of see it. In his captaincy, when I celebrated his wickets. I tried as much as I could to get that feeling out of the equation and just try to think of him as a batter and not too much about who it was. It was difficult at times; we had many battles on the field," pointed out Anderson.

"I definitely had more verbal battles with Virat than with Sachin. With Sachin I tried not to. He was certainly at a different stage in his career when I played against him. He had this sort of God-like presence, and how he was held in India. It was incredible how the fans treated him and looked up to him. But as Virat's career went on, that became more and more like that for him. But at the start of his career, it wasn't quite intimidating."

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What Pilot Of Delhi-Bound Air India Flight Said Before U-Turn To Hong Kong

A Hong Kong-Delhi Air India flight made a U-turn as a precautionary measure on Monday after nearly an hour of take-off. The captain of Flight AI315 suspected a technical issue and requested to land back at the Hong Kong International Airport.

An audio of the conversation between the pilot and the Air Traffic Control (ATC) was posted on the traffic control monitoring website LiveATC.net. The pilot told the ATC that "for technical reasons, sir, we would like to stay closer to Hong Kong, maybe we will come back to Hong Kong and sort out the problem," according to the audio clip.

"We don't want to continue further," the pilot is heard saying in the same audio clip.

????????????????????????????????

Air India 315 requested to stay closer to Hong Kong citing technical reasons before deciding to return to HKIA.

"We don't want to continue further".

???? via https://t.co/E8ftHE3i9y
????️ via @flightradar24 https://t.co/XJjqSO9Lll pic.twitter.com/qWq3iXuVRW

— Aaron Busch (@tripperhead) June 16, 2025

The AI315 took off from Hong Kong at about 12:20 pm, reached a height of 22,000 feet, and then began to drop, as per AirNav Radar.

The aircraft, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8, returned to Hong Kong International Airport after requesting local standby at 1 pm (0500 GMT) and "landed safely at around 1:15 pm", according to Reuters.

"AI315 operating from Hong Kong to Delhi on 16 June 2025 air-returned to Hong Kong shortly after take-off due to a technical issue. The flight landed safely in Hong Kong and is undergoing checks as a matter of abundant precaution," Air India said in a statement.

Alternative arrangements have been planned to fly the passengers to their destination, Delhi, at the earliest, the airline added. "We are providing all necessary on-ground assistance to the passengers to minimise the inconvenience caused by this unforeseen disruption," it added.

The Delhi-bound Air India flight's U-turn came days after another Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 aircraft, carrying 242 people, crashed onto the doctors' hostel of a medical college in Ahmedabad. At least 274 people, including 241 of the 242 on board the London-bound flight were killed in what was the deadliest aviation disaster in India's history.

The Government of India has constituted a panel to probe the crash. The committee, with senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), and independent aviation safety experts, will investigate possible technical failures, maintenance records, and crew actions in the lead-up to the incident.

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Sonia Gandhi Admitted To Delhi's Ganga Ram Hospital

Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi on Sunday was admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the national capital due to stomach-related issues, the premier hospital confirmed.

The Rajya Sabha MP has been kept under observation at the hospital's gastro department, it said.

Earlier, Gandhi was admitted to Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on June 7.

The CPP chairperson was brought in for a routine health check-up due to some minor health issues, according to Naresh Chauhan, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister.

The doctors examined her health condition and informed that she was in stable condition.

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

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Kyrgyzstan Couple's Video Showing "Non-Viral" Side Of Delhi Goes Viral

India has become a popular destination for foreign vloggers, who visit the country to explore its vibrant culture, rich heritage, and diverse landscapes. These travel vloggers document their experiences and unique encounters, offering global audiences a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of India. One such content creator is a Kyrgyzstan couple who are currently touring India. In a recent video shared on Instagram, they expressed their admiration for Delhi with their followers. They revealed that they spent a week in the national capital, exploring the vibrant and diverse experiences Delhi has to offer. 

"We just spent a week in Delhi, and we are happy to report we loved it," Collin said at the beginning of the video. "We were warned so much before we came to Delhi about how crazy it is, and you get here, it's so green. I haven't sat in traffic once. Everywhere we've been has not been crowded. Absolutely beautiful," Mere continued, adding, "I just feel everyone puts more insane things on the internet than it actually is. This is super nice." 

In the caption, the couple wrote, "Welcome to the non-viral side of Delhi. With 22 million people and a heavy reputation, we thought we'd try and limit our time in the capital. Joke's on us. We loved it. (Although it was HOT when the heatwave came)."

"Like all metropolitan cities, Delhi is full of good and bad areas, and has stunning streets, architecture, and culture. Not to mention a visible history that rivals just about anywhere in the world. The city has a heartbeat, and we are so lucky to have felt it," they added. 

The couple didn't suggest Delhi as a first stop for travellers unfamiliar with India, but they said that once you adjust, "you might love this misunderstood city as much as we do." 

Also Read | Gurugram Man With Rs 3 Crore House Says He Needs Rs 7.5 Lakh A Month Just To Breathe, Sparks Discussion

Since being shared, the video has amassed more than 7,000 views and several likes and comments. 

Reacting to the clip, one user wrote, "Thank you for showing the beautiful side of Delhi! Loved the positivity and the vibe you captured." 

"Thank you so much for showing the heart of Delhi!! Delhi is an amalgamation of cultures blending beautifully," commented another. 

"Hate sells, especially hate towards Indians. Even we ourselves fall for that. Thank you for posting a real view of Delhi. There is much wrong with India but there is so much more good in India as well. Safe Travels," said a third user. 

"Many vloggers avoid showing the positive aspects of India because those don't attract views. Thank you for going against that trend," one of the users said.

"Delhi is hands down the food and historical capital of India," expressed another. 

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'It's Nothing Compared With What's Coming': Israel on Strikes On Iran

Israel pounded Iran for a second day on Saturday and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said its campaign would intensify dramatically, while Tehran called off nuclear talks that Washington had held out as the only way to halt the bombing.

A day after Israel wiped out the top echelon of Iran's military command with a surprise attack on its old foe, it appeared to have hit Iran's oil and gas industry for the first time, with Iranian state media reporting a blaze at a gas field.

Netanyahu said Israel's strikes had set back Iran's nuclear programme possibly by years and rejected international calls for restraint.

"We will hit every site and every target of the Ayatollahs' regime, and what they have felt so far is nothing compared with what they will be handed in the coming days," he said in a video message.

In Tehran, Iranian authorities said around 60 people, including 29 children, were killed in an attack on a housing complex, with more strikes reported across the country. Israel said it had attacked more than 150 targets.

Iran had launched its own retaliatory missile volley on Friday night, killing at least three people in Israel. Air raid sirens sent Israelis into shelters as waves of missiles streaked across the sky and interceptors rose to meet them.

US President Donald Trump has lauded Israel's strikes and warned Iran of much worse to come. He said it was not too late to halt the Israeli campaign, but only if Tehran quickly accepted a sharp downgrading of its nuclear programme at talks with Washington due to be held on Sunday.

Host Oman confirmed on Saturday that the next round of talks had been scrapped. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said holding talks was unjustifiable while Israel's "barbarous" attacks were ongoing.

In the first apparent attack to hit Iran's energy infrastructure, Iranian media reported a fire on Saturday after Israel bombed the South Pars gas field in southern Bushehr province.

Worries about potential disruption to the region's oil exports had already boosted the price of crude by about 7% on Friday, even though Israel had spared Iran's oil and gas industry on the campaign's first day.

An Iranian general, Esmail Kosari, said Tehran was reviewing whether to close the Strait of Hormuz, controlling access to the Gulf for tankers.

With Israel saying its operation could last weeks, and urging Iran's people to rise up against their Islamic clerical rulers, fears have grown of a regional conflagration dragging in outside powers.

"If (Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali) Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said.

Tehran warned Israel's allies that their military bases in the region would come under fire too if they helped shoot down Iranian missiles.

However, 20 months of war in Gaza and a conflict in Lebanon last year have decimated Tehran's strongest regional proxies, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, reducing its options for retaliation.

NIGHT OF BLASTS AND FEAR IN ISRAEL AND IRAN

Iran's overnight fusillade included hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones, an Israeli official said. Three people, including a man and a woman, were killed and dozens wounded, the ambulance service said.

In Rishon LeZion, south of Tel Aviv, emergency services rescued a baby girl trapped in a house hit by a missile, police said.

In the western suburb of Ramat Gan, near Ben Gurion Airport, Linda Grinfeld described her apartment being damaged: "We were sitting in the shelter, and then we heard such a boom. It was awful."

The Israeli military said it had intercepted surface-to-surface Iranian missiles as well as drones, and that two rockets had been fired from Gaza.

In Iran, Israel's two days of strikes destroyed residential apartment buildings, killing families and neighbours as apparent collateral damage in strikes targeting scientists and senior officials in their beds.

Iran said 78 people had been killed on the first day and scores more on the second day, including 60 when a missile brought down a 14-storey apartment block in Tehran, where 29 of the dead were children.

State TV broadcast pictures of a building flattened into debris and the facade of several upper storeys lying sideways in the street, while slabs of concrete dangled from a neighbouring building.

"Smoke and dust were filling all the house and we couldn't breathe," 45-year-old Tehran resident Mohsen Salehi told Iranian news agency WANA after an overnight air strike woke his family.

Fars News agency said two projectiles had hit Mehrabad airport, located inside the capital, which is both civilian and military.

Israel sees Iran's nuclear programme as a threat to its existence, and said the bombardment was designed to avert the last steps to production of a nuclear weapon.

A military official on Saturday said Israel had caused significant damage to Iran's nuclear facilities at Natanz and Isfahan, but had not so far taken on another uranium enrichment site, Fordow, dug into a mountain.

The official said Israel had "eliminated the highest commanders of their military leadership" and had killed nine nuclear scientists who were "main sources of knowledge, main forces driving forward the (nuclear) programme".

Tehran insists the programme is entirely civilian and that it does not seek an atomic bomb. However, the UN nuclear watchdog reported it this week as violating obligations under the global non-proliferation treaty.

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

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"Mom Said She'll Be Back": Cabin Crew's Daughter, Unaware Of Crash, Awaits

The aftermath of the tragic Air India crash continues to send shockwaves across Maharashtra, leaving behind families shattered and communities grieving. Among the victims was Aparna Mahadik, a cabin crew member and relative of NCP MP Sunil Tatkare.

Her family is still in disbelief, struggling to come to terms with the loss. Aparna's young daughter, unaware of the full extent of the tragedy, clings to the last words of her mother: “Mom said she'll be back.”

She continues to call her mother's phone, hoping she'll answer, while her father remains in Ahmedabad for DNA testing and official formalities.

Aparna's sister-in-law, Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare, said the family has decided not to break the news to the child until the DNA results are confirmed.

“It's heartbreaking. Aparna was a strong, loving woman who balanced work and family with dedication. Just days ago, all the siblings reunited after years, even celebrating a niece's birthday. In a moment, everything turned upside down,” she said.

Ms Tatkare recalled Aparna's journey -- raised by a single mother in Bengaluru after losing her father early, blending effortlessly into Maharashtrian culture after her marriage, and being on the verge of a promotion.

“Even our Labrador hasn't been the same since the crash. She was the soul of the household,” she added, visibly moved.

Another victim of the crash was Shraddha Dhawan, the in-cabin supervisor. At her home in North East Mumbai, disbelief lingers. Hours before the flight, Shraddha had assured her family she'd be back soon. It was her final call. Her husband, also an Air India employee, rushed back from Delhi. Their 15-year-old daughter, a Class 10 student, is in the middle of her school exams.

“Shraddha was extremely caring and stayed in touch whenever she was flying,” said her cousin Srishti. Society secretary Chanchal Das recalled Shraddha as warm and affable. Her brother, who lives in the US, is on his way to Ahmedabad to complete formalities.

In Nhava village of Panvel taluka, the home of flight attendant Maithili Patil has become a gathering point for villagers offering condolences. Maithili, who had been with Air India for two years, had called her father on Thursday morning to inform him she was flying to London. Hours later, her family was devastated by the crash.

“Even today, we are praying for her safety,” said one relative. Maithili, who had a deep love for devotional music and pets, was admired in her village. “She recently inspired aviation students at a TS Rehman College event,” said villager Vaibhav Mhatre, recalling her warmth and ambition.

In Powai, mourners continue to visit the family of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot who died in the crash. His 88-year-old father is inconsolable. “Sumeet had promised to return home and retire soon to care for his father,” a neighbour said, underscoring the poignancy of the unfulfilled vow.

In Dombivli, the Songhare family mourns Roshni Songhare, a 27-year-old flight attendant who joined Air India two years ago. Her mother, Rajshree, continues to hope for a miracle. “Roshni called before the flight to say goodbye. We never imagined it would be the last time,” said a family member. Roshni had long aspired to become a flight attendant and had previously worked with SpiceJet.

“She worked hard despite difficult circumstances,” said a relative. The family had moved from Grant Road to Dombivli in recent years, and her father, a technician, encouraged both his children to chase their dreams.

Deepak Pathak from Badlapur, another crew member, had called his mother from Ahmedabad just before take-off. He had been with Air India for 11 years. His family, unable to contact him after the crash, has rushed to Ahmedabad. A friend said, “He posted something on Facebook that morning. None of us imagined it would be his last.”

The sorrow runs deep, but so do the calls for accountability and reform. Friends, relatives, and colleagues hope that the tragedy will prompt stronger safety protocols to ensure such devastating losses are never repeated.

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

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Father's Day 2025: Wishes, Quotes And Messages To Share With Your Dad

Fathers play a range of roles in our lives. From being our protectors to serving as our role models, they are truly special. Father's Day is marked every year to recognise and honour the sacrifices fathers make for their children. It is an opportunity for every child to thank the man who has always been there to support them and help them prosper in life. Father's Day is celebrated across the globe on the third Sunday of June every year, and this year, it falls on June 15.

People celebrate Father's Day with different kinds of gestures. Some prefer to give their dads gifts, while others would rather spend a day in the company of their father or father figure. You can also add an extra-special touch with heartwarming wishes and messages for your dad. 

Here are some Father's Day wishes, greetings, quotes and messages that you can share with your father to make him feel special:

• Happy Father's Day to the self-appointed coolest dad in the world! (Don't worry, we agree with you... most of the time.) Lots of love on this special day.
• On this Father's Day, I want you to know how much you mean to me. You're not just my Dad but my superhero. Love you lots!
• Dad, you're the first person I turn to when I have a question or need some advice. Thank you for always answering.
• You've been there through my highs and lows, but always made me feel like I could soar! Happy Father's Day from your daughter.
• This Father's Day, I hope you are blessed with wonderful days ahead without any struggle. I thank you for everything papa and please be with me forever.
• Dad, your love and guidance have shaped me into who I am today. Thank you for being an incredible father. Happy Father's Day!
• Thank you for being the rock of our family and always putting us first. Happy Father's Day, Dad! You're simply the best.
• Wishing a joyful Father's Day to the man who has always been my biggest cheerleader. Love you, Dad!

Father's Day Quotes 

• "A father doesn't tell you that he loves you. He shows you" - Dimitri the Stoneheart
• "I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection" - Sigmund Freud
• "Any fool can have a child. That doesn't make you a father. It's the courage to raise a child that makes you a father." - Barack Obama
• "A father's smile has been known to light up a child's entire day." - Susan Gale
• "A father is neither an anchor to hold us back nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way." - Unknown
• "Dads are most ordinary men turned by love into heroes, adventurers, storytellers, and singers of song." - Pam Brown

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Not Concerned About War, Gave Iran 60 Days, Today's 61st: Trump Backs Israel

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is "not concerned" about a regional war breaking out after Israel targeted and destroyed Iran's military and nuclear sites, while also killing its top nuclear scientists and commanders.

In an interview to news agency Reuters, President Trump said he had initially tried to delay an Israeli strike, giving Iran ample time for diplomacy and dialogue, but added that he had given a 60-day ultimatum to Tehran, "And today was the 61st day," he said.

However, the US President said he is still hopeful for furthering nuclear talks with Iran. He said that Washington will go ahead as planned for talks scheduled in Oman for Sunday, but after Israel's major offensive, he is doubtful that Iran will participate. US special envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet an Iranian delegation on June 15.

It is still not too late for Iran, President Trump said hours after he had advised Tehran to "make a deal before it is too late". Mounting pressure on Iran, President Trump had posted on his Truth Social account earlier on Friday that "Iranian hardliners spoke bravely, but they didn't know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!"

On Friday morning, the US President said he knew in advance that Israel was going to strike Iran's nuclear facilities and ballistic missile factories. The President had convened his top national security advisers at Camp David on the night of June 8 for what he said were discussions that included Iran. He added that he also spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Iran the following day.

"We knew everything, and I tried to save Iran from humiliation and death. I tried to save them very hard because I would have loved to have seen a deal worked out. They can still work out a deal however, it's not too late," Trump said.

Extending his full support to Israel, President Trump told Reuters that the United States has "been very close to Israel. We're their number one ally by far". On being asked about Iran's counteroffensive, the US President said, "We'll see what happens."

In retaliation to Israel's first attack on Friday, Tehran launched 100 drones towards Tel Aviv, with the Israeli Military saying its air defences were intercepting them outside Israeli territory. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has warned Israel of a "bitter and painful" fate over the attacks.
 

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Cummins Collides With South Africa Star, Then Uses DRS To Get Him Dismissed

Australia skipper Pat Cummins proved yet again why he is the man made for big stages. In the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa, Cummins bagged a 6-for on Day 2 of the title-decider, pulling the game in his team's favour. However, en route to a heroic performance, Cummins also found himself in the center of an eventful episode that saw him collide with Proteas star Kyle Verreynne after hitting him on the pads in front of the stumps. However, shortly after, the two bumped against each other and fell down.

After an inswinging delivery from Cummins hit Verreynne, the batter ran for a single while the bowler turned his face towards the umpire and began appealing for LBW. Without realising that the South African batter was also running in the same line, Cummins bumped into him as both fell down.

Pat Cummins sent back Verreynne and Jansen in a single over.pic.twitter.com/9wuqNyGMmP

— THAKUR (@JThakur29) June 12, 2025

While the on-field umpire ruled the LBW call in the batter's favour, Cummins decided to make use of DRS. With three reds on the screen, the Australia skipper was rewarded for his performance with another prized scalp.

Kyle Verreynne departs for 13

Excellent review by Pat Cummins pic.twitter.com/AqALlJABP4

— Caught & Bowled (@caught1bowled) June 12, 2025

Cummins finished with figures of 6-28 as he reached 300 career Test wickets and secured a coveted place on the Lord's honours board with a five-wicket haul.

"He does it time and time again," said fellow pacer Mitchell Starc of Cummins. "He led from the front before he was captain, and now as captain as well. The quality and skills he has in his pocket -- I'm thrilled for him to get a bagful. To go to 300 is a special effort."

South Africa lost their last five wickets for 12 runs as Cummins ripped through the batting order.

Only South Africa captain Temba Bavuma (36) and David Bedingham (45) offered meaningful resistance during a fifth-wicket stand of 64.  

As the match starts on Day 3, Australia would start on 144/8, with a lead of 218 runs over South Africa.

With AFP Inputs

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He Was My Uncle's Son: Vikrant Massey On Co-Pilot Of Plane That Crashed

After the horrific crash in Ahmedabad, actor Vikrant Massey has condoled the death of the first officer of the plane, who was the son of his uncle, and the other 240 people feared dead, saying his "heart breaks" for the families.

Air India flight AI 171 had 242 people - 230 passengers, 10 crew and two pilots - on board and, so far, there have been reports of only one survivor. The first officer was Clive Kunder, the son of Mr Massey's uncle Clifford Kunder.

In a post on Instagram, Mr Massey wrote, "My heart breaks for the families & loved ones of
the ones who lost their lives in the unimaginably tragic air crash in Ahmedabad today. It pains even more to know that my uncle, Clifford Kunder lost his son, Clive Kunder, who was the first officer operating on that fateful flight."

"May God give strength to you and your family uncle and to all deeply affected," he added.

The plane, a Boeing Dreamliner 787-8 which had 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, a Canadian and 7 Portuguese on board, crashed into the hostel of the BJ Medical College in Meghani Nagar just over 30 seconds after it took off from the Ahmedabad airport on Thursday. The plane exploded in a fireball at 1.38 pm, and at least five doctors and trainee doctors died at the hostel while many others were injured. 

Home Minister Amit Shah reached Ahmedabad and visited the site of the crash. He said the plane had 1.25 lakh litres of fuel and the temperature after it began burning was so high that there was no opportunity to save anyone. 

Expressing grief over the incident, he said, "The work of pulling out the passengers' remains is almost over. The task of collecting DNA from the bereaved families will take two or three hours and it will soon be over... We have informed the families that lost their loved ones."

Mr Shah also went to a hospital and met the lone survivor from the plane - 40-year-old Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, a British-Indian who was returning to the UK after a visit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sources said, is likely to visit Ahmedabad on Friday morning.

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NDTV Ground Report: Suitcases Strewn, Food Uneaten At Hostel After Crash

In the compound of the Ahmedabad's Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Medical College and Civil Hospital, JCBs moved charred, mangled remains spread over metres of land, now wet and muddy after hours of firefighting operations. Near a tree that mysteriously survived fire and a rainfall of debris, suitcases were strewn about, while in the mess of the first floor, plates of food remained untouched.

The Air India Ahmedabad-London flight plummeted from a height of 625 feet within seconds of taking off from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport. It brushed past one of the six buildings in the hostel compound before crashing and bursting into flames. Of the 242 people on board, only one survivor has emerged so far.

But the impact was also felt outside the aircraft too. A part of the plane that crashed into the hostel mess left five medical students, included four undergraduate students and a postgraduate resident, dead while many suffered injuries.

At the hostel building, which is just meters away from the airport compound wall, a heavy burning smell lingered while the temperature felt higher than other parts nearby. On the ground was a mix of concrete, bricks, shoes, personal belongings and mangoes fallen from a large tree. Other trees closer to the crash site were charred and without any leaves, NDTV reported from the BJMC compound.

Amid the debris of the crash, sat a piles of hundreds of travel bags that fell from the plane when it hurtled towards the ground. Authorities on the site told NDTV that 90 per cent of the salvage work was done.

Inside the mess, a part of the roof was collapsed on one of the tables. Some suitcases, clothes and personal belongings of the plane's passengers were lying around while in one part, plates lay ready for around 50-60 men at the hostel. On many tables, plates with half-eaten and even uneaten food pointed to a sudden alarm caused by the aircraft's collision into the wall, possibly leading all those inside scurrying towards safety. Mattresses, now dusty, lay stacked in one corner.

108 Ambulance workers told NDTV that among those they rescued were two doctors who had burns on their faces.

Three buildings within BJMC bore the brunt of the impact, including the mess hall. The adjoining two five-storey buildings, home to hospital staff, also suffered severe damage as the resultant inferno raged through them. The buildings were completely blackened.

Rescue teams, comprising personnel from the Gujarat Police, Fire Department, and multiple emergency agencies, were still at work late into the night. Earth movers were deployed to break through collapsed walls and concrete rubble in a desperate bid to reach survivors and recover bodies.

As many as 265 bodies had been brought to the civil hospital in the city, police said. Union home minister Amit Shah, who arrived in Ahmedabad in the evening, said the temperature inside the crashed Boeing 787 Dreamliner was so high that there was no chance to rescue anyone, though one passenger did miraculously survive.

According to Air India, of the 230 passengers, 169 were Indians, 53 British, seven Portuguese and one Canadian. The other 12 people on board were two pilots and 10 crew members.

Search was also on for the aircraft's black box -- the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder -- for clues to understand what happened in the last crucial moments of the doomed flight to London's Gatwick airport.

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She Was Flying To London To Pursue Her Dream Course, Died In Ahmedabad Crash

Payal Khatik's dream to study in London was just a 9-hour-long flight away. The girl from Rajasthan's Udaipur boarded the Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick on Thursday afternoon, but its crash less than a minute later likely ended her life.

While official information is still awaited on the number of deaths, the situation remains grim after the plane plummeted from a height of 625 feet and burst into flames after crashing into a doctor's hostel in Ahmedabad's Meghaninagar. Of the 242 people on board, only one survivor has been named so far.

Ms Khatik, who lived with her parents in Gujarat's Himmatnagar, was going to London to take admission for higher education in London. Locals remembered the girl as a school topper since childhood and her promising prospects for the future. Locals said she had dreamt of bringing glory to her family and India.

Ms Khatik was among the 242 people on board the fateful Air India AI171 aircraft, which crashed within 59 seconds of taking off at 1.38 pm.

Union minister Amit Shah said the temperature in the Air India plane that crashed was so high due to burning fuel that there was no chance to save anyone. "There was 1.25 lakh litre of fuel inside the plane and it caught heat so it was impossible to save anyone," Shah told reporters.

"The number of those killed will be officially released by the authorities after DNA test and identification of the victims," Shah said.

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Smith Goes Past Bradman, Sobers; Becomes 1st Batter In 141 Years To...

Australia's premier batter Steve Smith has established a new record for most runs scored by a visiting batter in Tests at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground on Day One of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. During his knock of 66 off 112 balls, laced with ten boundaries, Smith went past fellow Australian Warren Bardsley's tally of 575 runs in seven innings, coming at an average of 115, to achieve this humungous feat at the venue historically known as the ‘Home of Cricket'.

Smith has also surged past legendary batter Don Bradman, who had amassed 551 runs in his eight innings at Lord's. West Indies great Gary Sobers has a tally of 571. With a tally of 591, Smith is now the first non-English batter in 141 years (considering the first Test played at Lord's between England and Australia in 1884) to go past the 590-mark at the ground.  

Before the 2025 WTC final, Smith, 36, had previously hit three fifties and two centuries at the historic venue, with the highest individual score of 215 coming during the second Ashes Test against England in 2015.

Smith's knock also helped Australia recover from being reduced to 67/4 at lunch after South African seamers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen wreaked havoc by picking two wickets each. Smith also stitched an important 79-run partnership for the fifth wicket with all-rounder Beau Webster to revive Australia's innings, before being caught at slip off part-time off-spinner Aiden Markram's bowling.

With his knock of 66, Smith now has four hundreds and a fifty in his last six Tests for Australia. That all-important knock also ensured Smith has become the first and only batter to post multiple fifty-plus scores in the WTC finals.

Smith now holds the record for scoring the most fifty scores in Test matches played on English soil by a non-English batter. Smith now has 18 fifty-plus scores to his name in Tests in England and has gone past legendary batter Allan Border and Viv Richards, who had 17 fifty-plus Test scores on English soil.

Australia are hoping to retain the World Test Championship mace they won two years back by beating India in the final.

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Exotic Wedding, Villa, 3 Buildings: Telangana Engineer Booked For Corruption

A destination wedding in Thailand for his son, on which crores were reportedly spent, a villa, three independent buildings, 19 prime residential plots, at least four flats, and stakes in multiple hotels - this lifestyle and assets may seem like they belong to a very wealthy businessman, but they are allegedly of an executive engineer in the irrigation department in Telangana.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau on Tuesday raided 13 locations linked to Executive Engineer Nune Sridhar and discovered assets that are disproportionate to his known sources of income. The list included a 4,500 square foot flat in a luxury residential complex called Sky High in Hyderabad's Shaikpet, besides at least three other flats in Karimnagar. 

Officials said Mr Sridhar also owns a villa in Tellapur near Hyderabad, at least three independent buildings in Warangal, Karimanagar and Hyderabad, 19 prime residential plots in the three cities, 16 acres of agricultural land, and stakes in multiple hotels in Karimnagar, worth several crores, besides cash, jewellery and bank deposits. 

Mr Sridhar also said to have organised a destination wedding for his son in Thailand, spending crores on all the arrangements.

The executive engineer, sources said, was also involved in the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project - the world's largest multi-stage lift irrigation project - which has been mired in corruption allegations. Former Telangana chief minister and Bharat Rashtra Samithi chief K Chandrashekar Rao has also been summoned by the PC Ghose Commission, which is probing alleged irregularities in the project.

The corruption allegations surrounding the project had become a major issue in the 2023 Assembly elections in the state and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi has rubbished all the charges, insisting that it was planned and constructed for the welfare of the people of Telangana. 

Officials from the Anti-Corruption Bureau said a disproportionate assets (DA) Case has been registered against Mr Sridhar. "Financial documents, property papers, and transaction records are being examined for links to potential benami holdings and corruption in irrigation contracts," said an official.

More Action

Another report has recommended criminal proceedings in the Medigadda Barrage Case. The barrage is a key part of the Kaleshwaram project and had suffered damage, with several of its piers collapsing, in 2023.

The Telangana Vigilance Commission has recommended that the Irrigation and Command Area Development (I&CAD) Department initiate criminal proceedings against senior engineers and the construction agency responsible for the barrage.

The report, submitted by the Director General, Vigilance and Enforcement (DG, V&E), Hyderabad, has found serious lapses in execution, resulting in the sinking of Block No 7 of the barrage and a substantial financial loss to the state. The Vigilance Commission has advised that criminal cases be registered under sections pf the Indian Penal Code, along with provisions under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the Dam Safety Act, 2021, and the Public Demands Recovery Act, 1984.

The Commission's directive includes initiating action against 17 officers, including the former Engineer-in-Chief, Cheeti Muralidhar, and officials of the contracting agency, L&T-PES (JV), for faulty execution and procedural violations that led to the structural failure. The agency is accused of improperly executing secant piles and violating their own method statement, causing piping action beneath the raft and eventual cavity formation.

The Commission has further instructed that recovery proceedings be initiated to reclaim the cost incurred for the replacement of the damaged block, and action be taken against the contractor for claiming completion certificates without fulfilling the required terms of the supplemental agreements.

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'Love Triangle Murder' In Tripura, Man's Body Found In Ice-Cream Freezer

The mystery behind the disappearance of a youth from Agartala's Indranagar area was solved on Wednesday, with his body being discovered from inside a trolley bag hidden in an ice-cream freezer. The finding from Gandacherra market of Dhalai district, about 120 km from the Tripura capital, has sent shockwaves across Tripura, coming on the heels of the 'Honeymoon murder" in neighbouring Meghalaya.

The man, 28-year-old Sariful Islam, is an electrician associated with the Agartala Smart City Mission project. 

The murder was the fallout of a complex love triangle involving Sariful Islam, a woman, and the prime accused -- Dibakar Saha, 28, a doctor, said a senior police officer.

"Initial investigations point to a love affair between the victim and the woman, who is also a cousin of Dibakar Saha. The love triangle appears to be the motive behind the murder," said Kiran Kumar K, a senior police officer of West Tripura.

Six people, including the doctor and his parents, have been arrested. Among the other three is a woman.

The police said Dibakar Saha had called Sariful to the house of one Joydeep Das, 20, at South Indranagar Kabarkhala area, on the evening of June 8, under the pretext of giving him a gift. 

When Sariful arrived, he was ambushed by Dibakar and his two accomplices - Animesh Yadav, 21 and Nabanita Das, 25. He was strangled and his body was packed into a trolley bag purchased two days earlier, the police said.

The next morning, Dibakar's parents - Dipak and Debika Saha - arrived in Agartala from Gandacherra and took away the trolley bag containing the body.  The corpse was subsequently hidden inside an ice-cream freezer at their shop in Gandacherra market.

The breakthrough came after days of intensive investigation by the police, who arrested all six accused on Tuesday night and recovered the body on Wednesday afternoon.

All those arrested will be produced before the court on Thursday. 
The police have recovered digital evidence, including mobile messages that confirm the motive was linked to a romantic entanglement involving all three key individuals.
 

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WWDC: Prepare for iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and the Dazzling Era of Liquid Glass

Apple, at its Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) 2025 keynote, went all out with a full suite of updates - some of which can even be referred to as "groundbreaking" across its software platforms. Of course, the highlight for the keynote remains Liquid Glass, the all-new translucent material design that will extend across all software platforms, including iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26.

However, a major highlight for me was the iPadOS upgrades that bring Windowing, Menu Bar, and Pointer - all macOS-style updates that finally make it more multitasking-friendly.

iOS 26: The New Order for iPhones

The all-new glass look is also available for your iPhone. Starting later this year, the iOS 26 update will be available to iPhone 16e to iPhone SE (Second-gen) devices. Of course, the new iPhone 17 series will launch with the latest iOS 26 pre-installed out of the box.

The new iOS 26 is now available for beta testing through Apple Developer Program

 

Announcing the new redesign, Apple's Alan Dye, VP of Human Interface, during the keynote, compared it to the last major redesign with iOS 7 in 2013, which was inspired by the emergence of Retina displays.

The new redesign extends across the system, with optical qualities of glass and fluidity coming to your Lock Screen, Home Screen, Control Centre, apps, and more. This also expands to the lock screen, where the time dynamically adapts to your photo and the surrounding space. Then, there are the updated app icons, crafted from the Liquid Glass theme, which are available across both light and dark themes, as well as dynamic navigation and controls.

Even the lock screen has been redesigned, keeping the Liquid Glass theme

iOS 26 also brings a ton of new features for iPhone users, like call screening that automatically answers unknown callers, new screening tools for spam, Hold Assist, Polls in Group Messages, and more. We will break down every aspect of the latest iOS 26 in our first impressions that we will post after a few days.

The Liquid Glass Transformation

Apple is calling it the next chapter in its software design that brings translucent material across software platforms. While it does give a fresh look to the entire Apple ecosystem but, it also brings flashes from Windows Vista, for me that was introduced in 2007. Apple showcased at its keynote how Liquid Glass adapts to light and dark themes across devices and intelligently syncs with the content on-screen.

The new Liquid Glass design extends across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, and tvOS 26

The company also showcased how the controls and navigation across apps will be crafted from Liquid Glass and will fluidly transform to bring more focus to a user's content. The attention to detail is notable, extending to the smallest elements, such as buttons, switches, sliders, text, and media controls, as well as larger elements like tab bars and sidebars for navigating apps. iOS 26 also introduces redesigned controls, toolbars, and navigation within apps. Of course, the updated design elements span across system apps like Camera, Photos, Safari, FaceTime, Apple Music, Apple News, and Apple Podcasts. Even on the lock screen, Apple has revamped how photo wallpapers with clocks appear, incorporating the entire fluidity concept with Liquid Glass.

The developers can now refresh the design of their app using SwiftUI, UIKit, and AppKit, that have updated APIs.

iPadOS Finally Moves Closer to Being a Multitasking Machine

From the keynote, the biggest overhaul for me was for iPadOS, which gets macOS-style redesigns that not only make it look fresh but also more multitasking friendly.

iPadOS 26 will let users customise the home screen in line with the Liquid Glass redesign

The windowing system, menu bar, and pointer are welcome changes, and I think my iPad can finally replace my Mac for daily tasks. While the apps still open in full-screen mode, but users now have the option to resize - showcased at the WWDC keynote. There's also window tiling that enables users to arrange their windows with a flick. Then, there's a new menu bar to access the commands available within an app. Note to miss: the iPadOS 26 also brings the ability to manage, access, and edit files. Well, from the looks of it, the iPadOS definitely feels more intuitive and with quick switching possible - it feels more multitasking friendly - a complaint a lot of iPad users always had with iPadOS.

 

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