A controversy overshadowed Pakistan's Lord's Test after reports emerged of the PCB threatening to boycott the match if Sky Sports aired an interview with Imran Khan's sons. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed denied any knowledge of such a threat, despite the interview being broadcast and the team returning to play. The incident highlights the political tensions surrounding Imran Khan's imprisonment impacting the cricket team.
The US State Department has paused visa appointments worldwide to conduct a 'global training initiative' for consular officers, aiming to ensure applicants are not likely to become a 'public charge' and are comprehensively evaluated, intensifying President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has completed interviews for its first full-time CEO, focusing on professional experience, vision, and management capabilities rather than personal beliefs or practices. The selection process involved multiple rounds, culminating in face-to-face interactions with 16 top candidates.
Reports from the New York Post, citing Mohsen Heydari, reveal that Mojtaba Khamenei was "pulled from the rubble" of a Tehran hospital after alleged US and Israeli strikes. This occurred before his secret selection as Iran's new Supreme Leader by the Assembly of Experts, which was also reportedly targeted. Conflicting accounts from Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have further shrouded Khamenei's health in mystery, with some suggesting severe injuries while others claim he is "completely" healthy.
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retired) has been appointed as the first CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram temple in Ayodhya, following a restructuring exercise to enhance administration.
'IN-SPACe like an octopus is stretching its tentacles everywhere and choking ISRO.'
The US rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing Tehran's demands for sanctions relief and access to frozen assets before nuclear program negotiations. US Ambassador Mike Waltz called the offer a "cynical attempt," while Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi disputed Waltz's account and reiterated Iran's readiness for both diplomacy and renewed hostilities. President Trump expressed confidence in winning the conflict soon and keeping all options, including military strikes, on the table, with denying Iran a nuclear weapon as the primary objective.
Donald Trump expressed confidence in a swift victory over Iran, suggesting military strikes before midterm elections are possible, with the primary goal of denying Tehran nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi declared readiness for a "doomsday war" if hostilities resume, while also expressing openness to diplomacy if assets are unfrozen and oil sales allowed.
Rani Mukerji's mother, Krishna Mukherjee, passed away after a brief illness.
'Therefore, Beijing comes to wrong conclusions.'
Actor Arif Zakaria on directors, actors and movies he has done in a remarkable career spanning 40 years.
'These limits will change. Very soon restrictions, restrictions will come.'
Indian badminton medallist H S Prannoy has strongly criticised the 2026 Asian Games organisers for a 'sad' event experience for athletes and a 'cruel' competition schedule for badminton, citing issues with accommodation and the lack of a dedicated athletes' village.
'She was not burdened by the knowledge of her craft and the world. She just was a child till her last days.' 'When she smiled, everybody in the room would light up.'
Mahindra & Mahindra is contemplating another price increase across its SUV portfolio in response to recent commodity price surges, with a decision expected within the next two weeks, according to Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO Automotive Division, Mahindra Group.
'An instruction came from somebody in Delhi saying, "don't go with the launch".'
'The FFI jury said Gondhal is the best film in terms of overall quality -- the sound, background music and cinematography.' 'In every aspect, I don't think this film can be compared to other Indian films. This may sound like overconfidence, but we know what we have done.'
'I hate sympathy,' says India's vice-captain and top-ranked batter Smriti Mandhana.
Citron, a brand under Stellantis, anticipates that three-fourths of its sales in India will originate from Tier-II, Tier-III, and smaller cities within the next five years, a significant increase from its current 55 per cent, as it expands its retail network beyond major urban centres.
Five British nationals arrested on suspicion of terror charges related to an explosives threat near RAF Fairford have been released on police bail. The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) investigation is ongoing, with stringent conditions placed on the suspects. Iran has denied any involvement, while former US President Donald Trump claimed US intelligence assisted in the arrests.
'I don't think the government will sacrifice such a fine institution for monetary gains.'
Seven former Australian cricket captains, including Greg Chappell and Steve Waugh, have urged Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to address the welfare of imprisoned former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. Their appeal focuses on humanitarian treatment and due process, not the legal or political aspects of his case, citing concerns about his deteriorating health.
Top-ranked 25m pistol shooter Esha Singh discusses her preparation for the upcoming Asian Games, highlighting her unique approach of competing against herself rather than others. She reflects on her recent World Cup gold and world record, emphasizing the importance of mental freshness and focusing on basics.
Following East Zone's Duleep Trophy victory, Captain Ishan Kishan lauded Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, praising his positive influence on and off the field.
In the latest episode of The Rediff Podcast, Saurabh Sachdeva gets candid about the years of struggle and the lessons he had to unlearn to find his place in cinema.
India's national security adviser was in Dhaka for roughly three-quarters of the day on Thursday to prepare the ground for Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to New Delhi.
'I was always open to those who wanted to teach me the intricacies of singing.' 'Naushad Saab would tell me which notes to stress during singing.' 'Anil Biswas would tell me where to breathe in and breathe out while singing and where to pause.'
Mention Anant Nag to almost anyone in Karnataka and the reaction is immediate: 'Anant? Oh my God! What a fascinating man!' 'Such an intellectual. Such a great speaker. Brilliant actor.'
Presley Gerber passed away at a rehabilitation facility, with his cause of death currently undetermined as an autopsy is pending.
Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal revealed he has experienced racism thousands of times, highlighting both overt abuse and unconscious bias while maintaining that such disrespect will not disrupt his focus during matches.
US President Donald Trump has expressed interest to his advisers in setting up a meeting with Iranian officials present in New York for the UN General Assembly's 81st session, "if the conditions are right."
Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been released from Tihar Jail on three weeks' interim bail in connection with an alleged assault case. A Delhi court imposed strict conditions, including a ban on discussing the case publicly or contacting the complainant, and will review his conduct before considering regular bail.
Indian wrestler Antim Panghal, a two-time senior World medallist and U-20 world champion, expresses her ambition to create records that will never be broken. She reveals her motivation stems from her family and coaches, not personal glory, and discusses her evolving strategy and rigorous preparation for upcoming competitions.
Rohit Rajpal, India's Davis Cup captain, has hinted at stepping down from his role despite his contract running until 2026, stating that "every good thing comes to an end." He expressed readiness to ensure a smooth transition for his successor and believes a new captain could offer fresh perspectives. Rajpal also outlined his vision for Indian tennis, which includes a player-centric approach and a bid for the AITA presidency, aiming to develop talent and bring major international tournaments back to India.
Hindutva influencer Swatantra Bhardwaj has been granted three weeks' interim bail by a Delhi court in a case involving the alleged assault on the father of a student activist during a Jantar Mantar protest. Bhardwaj was previously in judicial custody after being detained following public outrage over his claims of assault and political connections.
Indian MMA fighter Varun Sanyal was forced to withdraw from the Asian Games after blacking out during a solo weight-cutting session, citing a lack of support staff. He expressed disappointment but also pride in the team's overall medal performance despite logistical challenges and his late inclusion in the squad.
'Eastern Ladakh set the relationship back by about 10 steps. So far, especially since Galwan, we may have taken just 4 steps forward.'
'Election Commissioners are Constitutional authorities and they are not supposed to go to the Cabinet secretary. They are not supposed to write letters. And if they are aggrieved, they should straight go to the President of India.'
At 17, Dipanshi is set to make her Asian Games debut in wrestling, bringing a unique life philosophy that prioritises being a good person over just athletic success. Despite lacking senior-level experience, the three-time Asian championship gold medallist is embracing the challenge with curiosity, learning from top competitors and Japanese coaching, while aiming to forge her own identity in the sport.
'If Vijay and I had left each other's hand, we would have fallen in the valley and died.'
