Chahal Picks 1st Hat-trick Of IPL 2025, Scalps Dhoni Too, Becomes 1st To...

Yuzvendra Chahal produced a performance for the ages in the IPL 2025 as he became the first bowler this edition to pick a hat-trick. The Punjab Kings spinner finished with figures of 4/32 against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on Wednesday. In fact, he is the first bowler since IPL 2023 to pick a hat-trick. After conceding 23 runs in his first two overs, Chahal was brought into the attack by PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer in the 19th over. Though he was hit for six off the first ball, he picked MS Dhoni's wicket on the second ball. He went on to scalp Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj and Noor Ahmad to complete his second hat-trick in the IPL. 

Chahal is now the first player in history to take a hat-trick against CSK in the IPL. This is also the first instance of a bowler taking a hat-trick at Chepauk since 2008. That year CSK's Laximipathy Balaji became the first to achieve the feat against Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS).

The first-ever hat-trick against #CSK in IPL history!

Hooda
Kamboj
Noor#YuzvendraChahal tops it up with his meme celebration. A moment for the ages in this epic clash!

Watch the LIVE action https://t.co/KXCjo6ka9g #IPLonJioStar #CSKvPBKS | LIVE NOW on... pic.twitter.com/ianjmSXjjF

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 30, 2025

 Sam Curran braved testing conditions to produce an imperious 88 but a late four-wicket burst from Yuzvendra Chahal, including a hat-trick, kept Chennai Super Kings to 190 all out against Punjab Kings in their Indian Premier League match here on Wednesday.

Curran's first fifty of the season (88 off 47 balls, 9x4 4x6) as he anchored the recovery process of his side from a precarious 48 for three in the power play.

With their backs against the wall, Curran teamed up with Dewald Brevis (32) to carefully plot CSK's way back into the contest with a robust 78-run fourth-wicket stand and turned on the heat on PBKS bowling.

Until the 16th over, CSK coasted well at nearly nine runs an over when the England all-rounder picked Suryansh Shedge to attack.

The first two balls were struck for sixes over long-off and deep square leg, and on the third legitimate delivery it took a splendid diving effort from Shreyas Iyer to save a certain third six in the over.

But Curran wasn't done yet as he pierced gaps on the next two deliveries to get as many boundaries, eventually collecting 26 off the PBKS novice.

Curran's onslaught forced PBKS' strike bowler Arshdeep to resort to wide full tosses, which resulted in a tidy over for four runs but for which he had to bowl eight deliveries as two were wide deliveries.

Curran eventually fell in the 18th over, getting an edge while attempting to duck under a Marco Jansen bouncer, but not before producing a knock of spunk and substance from any batter in the famed yellow jersey this season.

Chahal, who was wicketless until the penultimate over, was hit for a six by MS Dhoni (11) but the bowler had him caught at long off on the second delivery.

On the fourth, Deepak Hooda (2) played one meekly towards backward point while on the fifth, impact substitute Anshul Kamboj (0) was cleaned up.

Noor Ahmad (0) tried to put one away but ended up miscuing his shot and Jansen came in from long-on to complete the hat-trick, which was the lef-spinner's second in the IPL.

It was once again a disappointing start to the innings for CSK in which their openers Shaik Rasheed (11) and Ayush Mhatre (7) fell without making a dent.

Rasheed hit a couple of attractive strokes before mistiming one and Shashank Singh collected an easy grab off Arshdeep in the third over.

Mhatre failed to clear mid-off where Shreyas took a nice grab after covering some distance on his left for Jansen's first wicket in the game.

Ravindra Jadeja (17) showed aggressive intent right from ball one but he fell to Harpreet Brar trying to cut one too close to the body and was caught behind. 

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Ukrainian Journalist Tortured, Had Organs Removed In Russian Custody: Report

A recent investigation by media organisations has shed light on the tragic death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who was captured by Russian forces in 2023 while reporting on the illegal detention and torture of Ukrainians in the occupied region of Zaporizhzhia.

According to a forensic examination of her body, Roshchyna, 27, suffered extensive torture and ill-treatment, including "abrasions and hemorrhages on various parts of the body, a broken rib, neck injuries, and possible electric shock marks on her feet," as described by Yuriy Belousov, head of the War Crimes Unit at the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's office.

Belousov also noted that Roshchyna's body showed signs of an autopsy having been performed before it was returned to Ukraine, and that some of her organs were missing. The missing organs could signal that Russia attempted to hide the cause of death, possibly to conceal that it had committed a war crime, Belousov said.

Roshchyna's colleagues at Ukrainska Pravda said, citimg members of the investigating team, that her brain, eyeballs, trachea were missing.

Roshchyna's death has sparked widespread condemnation, with Sevgil Musaieva, her editor at Ukrainska Pravda, describing her as a dedicated journalist who saw reporting from Russian-occupied territories as a mission.

"Viktoriia was the only reporter who covered the occupied territories. For her, it was a mission," Musaieva said. The Committee to Protect Journalists also condemned Roshchyna's death, stating that Russia was responsible. Ukrainian officials have raised concerns about the thousands of citizens being held in Russian custody without charges or access to legal counsel. "The issue of civilian hostages abducted and held by Russia requires increased international attention and immediate and strong response," Ukrainian foreign ministry spokesman Georgiy Tykhy said.

One of her colleagues at Hromadske, a Ukrainian media outlet said that, “For her, there was nothing more important than journalism. Vika was always where the most important events for the country took place. And she would have continued to do this for many years, but the Russians killed her,” said in a statement published on Hromadske's website.

Meanwhile, the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with Russia launching a drone and missile attack on the cities of Kharkiv and Dnipro, killing at least one person and injuring 46. This comes as President Donald Trump claimed that Vladimir Putin wanted to stop the war, saying, "If it weren't for me, I think he'd want to take over the whole country", Trump told ABC News.
 

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Video: Woman Jumps Off 5th Floor Of Ahmedabad Building To Escape Fire

A young woman has survived after jumping out of a fifth-floor Ahmedabad building to escape fire.

Around 20-25 people have been rescued. Fire engines are on the spot. 

Screaming all the way down, the unnamed woman jumped off her apartment balcony in Aatrey Orchid in Indira Bridge area as a fire ripped through the building, showed a video. She was safely caught by people waiting on the ground.  

Orange flames leaping out of the building and huge, black plumes of smoke could be seen rising into the sky. 

The fire broke out in the air conditioning system of a flat, as per initial reports. It soon spread to the apartment's 'C' and 'D' wings.
 
In another video, a man can be seen lowering a girl on to another balcony where a man is on the edge and catches the little girl and saves her. 

A woman, in yet another video, can be seen using a rope to escape the burning building.

The injured have been admitted to a local hospital. 

(With inputs from Mahendra Prasad)

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SpaceX Launches 23 Starlink Satellites on Falcon 9 Rocket From Cape Canaveral

SpaceX launched 23 Starlink satellites, including 13 with direct-to-cell capability, aboard a brand-new Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Centre. Marking its second launch of the day's mission, this was the first flight for this booster and the 50th Falcon 9 launch of the year, further expanding the Starlink megaconstellation in low Earth orbit.

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Amazon Launches 27 Satellites to Start Building Project Kuiper Internet Constellation

Amazon has launched 27 satellites as part of Project Kuiper, initiating a broadband constellation aimed at challenging SpaceX’s Starlink. Deployed via a ULA Atlas V rocket from Florida, the launch marks the first of over 80 missions planned to establish more than 3,200 satellites in low Earth orbit, offering global internet coverage and advanced satellite connectivity.

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Supreme Court Seeks Response From Government on Sexually Explicit Content on Social Media, OTT Platforms

The plea claimed there were pages and profiles on social media sites sharing pornographic material without any filter and various OTT platforms were streaming content having potential elements of child pornography.

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LIVE: Who Will Be Canada's New PM- Liberal Carney Or Conservative Poilievre

Canadian Election 2025 LIVE: Canadians are set to vote today (Monday) to decide whether to extend the Prime Minister Mark Carney-led Liberal Party's decade in power or hand over the country's control to Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives. The initial results of the poll race will start coming after 7:30 pm EST (5:00 am IST), after voting ends in the four Atlantic provinces. The clear picture will emerge after 9:30 pm EST (7:00 am IST), when voting ends in most of the country, including in seat-rich Ontario and Quebec. 

This time, Canadians are not just electing their next Prime Minister, but the polls are also seen as a referendum of sorts on someone who isn't even Canadian-- US President Donald Trump. The Liberal Party looked set to lose easily to the Conservatives until Trump won a second term and began threatening Canada's economy and sovereignty, even suggesting the country should become the 51st state.

The American President's truculence not only infuriated many Canadians but also put Poilievre and the Conservative Party on the back foot due to his similarities with Trump.

Forty-five-year-old  Poilievre is a career politician who campaigned with Trump-like bravado. During campaigning, he tried to keep the focus on domestic concerns that made Trudeau deeply unpopular toward the end of his decade in power, especially soaring living costs. 

However, final polls indicate a tight race, but Carney has emerged as a favourite. Carney, 60, has never held elected office and had a lucrative career as an investment banker before serving as the central bank governor in both Canada and Britain. He only replaced Justin Trudeau as prime minister last month. 

But, surveys have consistently shown voters view the ex-central banker as the best candidate to deal with Trump. 

If the Liberals win today, it would mark one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Canadian political history. Public broadcaster CBC's poll aggregator on Sunday put the Liberals' national support at 42.8 per cent, with the Conservatives at 38.8 per cent.

Follow LIVE Updates Here:

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Telangana Transfers IAS Officer Who Reshared AI Image In Hyderabad Land Row

Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Smita Sabharwal, who was recently summoned by the police for reposting an AI-generated Ghibli image on social media regarding the cutting of trees on 400-acre land near Hyderabad Central University, is among 20 officers transferred by the Telangana government on Sunday.

Ms Sabharwal, who had appeared before Cyberabad police a week ago, had questioned the "selective targeting". The 2001-batch IAS officer had asked if the same action was initiated against 2,000 individuals who reshared the same post.

Ms Sabharwal, currently Special Chief Secretary, Youth Advancement, Tourism & Culture (YAT&C) and Director, Archaeology, has been transferred and posted as Member Secretary, Telangana Finance Commission, a post she was holding before her transfer to YAT&C in November 2024.

As the secretary to the Chief Minister, she was a powerful officer under the previous BRS government. After the Congress came to power, she was transferred out of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) and posted as Member Secretary, Telangana Finance Commission.

Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, ITE&C and Sports Department, has been transferred and posted as Special Chief Secretary & CEO, Industry & Investment Cell in the CMO and Smart Proactive Efficient and Effective Delivery (SPEED).

The 1992-batch IAS officer has also been given additional charge of the post of Special Chief Secretary, YAT&C Department and Director, Archaeology.

Sanjay Kumar, Special Chief Secretary, Labour, Employment, Training & Factories (LET&F) Department is transferred and posted as Special Chief Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department and ITE&C and Sports Department.

Dr. Shashank Goel, Director General, Dr MCR HRD Institute, has been transferred and posted as Vice Chairman, Centre for Good Governance. He is also placed in full additional charge of the post of Director General, EPTRI, relieving Ahmad Nadeem from full additional charge.

M. Dana Kishore, previously Principal Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, has been posted as Principal Secretary of the Labour, Employment, Training & Factories Department. He has also been placed in full additional charge of Commissioner, Labour; Director, Insurance Medical Services; and Director, Employment & Training.

Dana Kishore will continue in full additional charge of the post of Principal Secretary to the Governor.

Ilambarithi K., who was the Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), has been posted as Secretary, Metropolitan Area & Urban Development Department, which covers the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) limits.

RV Karnan, Director of Health and Family Welfare, will take over as the new Commissioner of the GHMC.

TK Sreedevi, Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration, has been posted as Secretary in the Municipal Administration Department for areas outside HMDA limits. She will also continue to hold full additional charge as Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration for municipalities and corporations outside the Outer Ring Road (ORR) area.

EV Narsimha Reddy, Director, School Education, has been posted as Additional CEO, Industry & Investment Cell & SPEED. He is also placed in full additional charge of the post of Managing Director, Musi River Development Corporation Ltd (MRDCL), relieving Dana Kishore.

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

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Rishabh Pant Handed More Bad News Amid Poor IPL Form, Punished By BCCI For...

Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant was on Sunday fined Rs 24 lakh for maintaining a slow over-rate during his team's 54-run loss to Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. "As this was his team's second offence of the season under Article 2.22 of the IPL's Code of Conduct, which pertains to minimum over-rate offences, Pant was fined INR 24 lakhs," the IPL said in a release. "The rest of the members of the Playing XI, including the Impact Player, will be fined either INR six lakhs or 25 per cent of their respective match fees, whichever is lesser." Mumbai Indians scored 215 for 7 and then bowled out LSG for 161 to record their fifth consecutive victory in the IPL.

Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants mentor and former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan on Sunday exuded confidence that express pacer Mayank Yadav's bowling speed will improve as he plays more matches in the IPL.

The right-arm tearaway pacer Mayank made his comeback after a long injury layoff. He had to deal with issues related to his back and toe after making his India debut in the shortest format in October last year.

On Sunday, Yadav returned with figures of 4-0-40-2, accounting for Mumbai Indians mainstays Rohit Sharma (12) and Hardik Pandya (5) but bowled in the range of 140kmph, a few clicks down from the earlier highs of 150-155kmph in the past.

“The wait was long and for anyone who is playing after so many months to get back into the game, (it) is always that one hurdle which one needs to cross as a bowler,” Zaheer told the media after LSG lost the game to MI by 54 runs here.

“I am happy with the way he has bowled. It's important that he had to get through the game.

“He stayed on (for) the (full) 20 overs. He has bowled four overs. The execution is only going to get better. The speed is only going to get better as he plays more, that's the way I am looking at it.” Zaheer explained the process of Mayank's return, saying LSG were cautious to not rush him through processes and wanted to create a conducive environment around him.

“Even though he had joined the team, we were taking our time just to create that comfort around him. I know that fast bowling is never easy, especially in this format when the batters are coming so hard at you. So, that was the thought process,” he said.

“I am glad that he has got through the game. That one hurdle is crossed, I am hopeful that with the scheduling which we have, there will be enough breaks also for him to recover and then go again."

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Ponting Accused Of 'Foreigner' Bias By Ex-India Star: "PBKS Will Not..."

Former Indian cricket team batter Manoj Tiwary said that he believes Punjab Kings will not win the IPL 2025 title and even levelled a major allegation against head coach Ricky Ponting. During the IPL 2025 match against Kolkata Knight Riders, PBKS decided to send Glenn Maxwell at No. 4 and Marco Jansen at No. 5 after a brilliant start courtesy Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh. That meant that Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh were able to get any balls due to the change in batting order. Tiwary said that Ponting chose the foreign batters or Indian talents and the plan did not work out for them. He added that if he continues to show lack of confidence in Indian players, PBKS will not win the title this year.

"My gut feeling says that punjab team will not be able to win the #IPL trophy this season because what I saw today when they were batting was, the coach didn't send Indian inform batters Nehal wadera and Shasank singh, instead he trusted his foreign players to deliver, but they cudnt and clearly showed lack of confidence in Indian players down the order. If he persist in this way then the title is far from them irrespective of there qualification in top two. #KKRvsPBKS," he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

My gut feeling says that punjab team will not be able to win the #IPL trophy this season because what I saw today when they were batting was, the coach didn't send Indian inform batters Nehal wadera and Shasank singh, instead he trusted his foreign players to deliver, but they…

— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) April 26, 2025

As for the match, rain played spoilsport as Kolkata Knight Riders' IPL match against Punjab Kings was called off after the visiting team posted 201 for 4 here on Saturday.
Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya slammed stellar half-centuries to lay a solid opening foundation, but KKR pulled things back at the death as Punjab Kings posted 201 for 4 after PBKS opted to bat.

In reply, KKR were seven for no loss in one over when a sudden thunderstorm struck around 9.35pm, sending debris flying across the ground and even blowing the covers into the stands.

The ground staff quickly covered the pitch, but relentless rain followed, leaving no scope for a resumption of play.

After nearly 90 minutes of waiting, with no let-up in the weather, the match was officially called off at 10.58pm.

As a result, both the teams shared one point each.

KKR now have seven points from nine matches to stay at seventh spot, while Punjab Kings moved to 11 points from nine games.

With PTI Inputs

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Copa del Rey Final LIVE: Penalty Shootout On The Cards | FCB 2-2 RMA

Barcelona vs Real Madrid Final LIVE Updates: A penalty shootout could be the way the Copa del Rey 2024/25 final between Barcelona and Real Madrid is decided, with both teams locked at 2-2 in the second half of extra time. Barcelona saw a 96th-minute penalty call overturned against Real Madrid after a VAR check. In the first half, Barcelona took the early lead after a long-range stunner from Pedri. However, Kylian Mbappe slammed in the first direct free-kick of his career and Aurelien Tchouameni scored from a header to turn it around in Madrid's favour. Ferran Torres capitalized and equalized for Barcelona in the 84th minute.

Here are the LIVE Updates of Barcelona vs Real Madrid Final LIVE Score, Copa del Rey 2024-25:

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Drug Dealer Apologises For Poor-Quality Heroin, Offers Gifts To Customers

Christopher Duckworth, a 30-year-old from Newton-le-Willows, operated a drug supply line named "Ducky", selling heroin and crack cocaine, according to The Metro. After customers complained about the substandard quality of the drugs, Duckworth apologised and distributed free samples as compensation.

On July 29, 2023, police observed Duckworth engaging in suspected drug dealings at a residence on Junction Lane in St Helens. Upon searching him, officers found 260 Pounds in cash and two mobile phones, one of which was continuously receiving messages requesting drugs.

Following his arrest, Duckworth was released but continued his drug activities. He was apprehended again, despite attempting to destroy evidence by smashing mobile phones. At Liverpool Crown Court, Duckworth expressed remorse, stating he "needs to change his ways". 

According to The Metro, Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday that Duckworth had been seen dealing drugs from a home on Junction Lane, St Helens, last summer.

When he was searched, he had 260 Pounds in cash and two mobile phones, one of which was 'ringing constantly' as messages requesting drugs popped up.

Prosecutor Iain Criddle said messages advertising heroin, crack cocaine and class C substance pregabalin for sale were found on the phone, but added: 'On occasions, some users were complaining about the quality and or quantity of that which had been supplied to them.

"The defendant dealt with these complaints and was in a position, on occasion, to apologise for the poor quality or low quantity of the drugs and say, as a form of compensation, that next time they could have two extra wraps for free."

"Clearly, the defendant has some responsibility over the supply chain rather than being somebody who is simply told to go out and supply wraps of heroin and crack cocaine to users."

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Student, Retired Teachers, Lawyer Among 19 Arrested For Remarks On J&K Attack

At least 19 people have been arrested in three states in the northeast over remarks on the terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, including those of a Navy officer and an officer from the Intelligence Bureau.

The people who have been arrested in Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura include an MLA, a journalist, students, a lawyer and retired teachers. Most of the arrests were from social media posts.

So far, 14 arrests have taken place in Assam alone.

The first arrest came on Thursday when Aminul Islam, an MLA from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) - an opposition party in Assam - was arrested and charged with sedition for his statement that the Pulwama attack in 2019 and Tuesday's Pahalgam attack were "conspiracies by the government". He was sent to police custody for four days on Friday.

The other arrests in Assam till Friday included Md Jabir Hussain from Hailakandi, Md AK Bahauddin and Md Javed Mazumder from Silchar, Md Mahahar Mia from Morigaon and Md Sahil Ali from Sivasagar. Md Musta Ahmed alias Sahel from Karimganj was arrested on Friday night for posting 'Pakistan Zindabad' on Facebook.

Among them, Hussain is a journalist, Bahauddin is a computer science student at the Assam University in Silchar and Mazumder is a lawyer.

On Saturday, the police arrested 25-year-old Md Jarif Ali and Anil Bania, the district secretary of a student body, Satra Mukti Sangram Parishad, from Biswanath. Sumon Mazumdar alias Bulbul Alom Mazumdar was arrested in Hailakandi, Mashud Azhar in Nagaon and another person was arrested from Hajo near Guwahati - all for making "anti-India comments" online.

The Cachar district police also arrested two more individuals for posting "content supporting Pakistan" on social media.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "If required, we will impose provisions of the National Security Act on them. We are examining all social media posts, and action will be taken against those who, we feel, are anti-national... There are no similarities between Bharat and Pakistan. The two countries are enemy nations and we must remain that way."

Tripura

In Tripura, there have been four arrests so far, including those of two retired teachers.

Jawhar Debnath, a retired teacher and one Kuldip Mandal were arrested for making "anti-national comments online" in the context of the Pahalgam terror attack in Dhalai district. Another retired teacher, Sajal Chakraborty, was arrested from Dharmanagar of North Tripura district and Jahirul Islam was taken into custody from Sonamura in Sepahijala district.

Meghalaya

In Meghalaya, a 30-year-old man named Simon Shylla was arrested on Friday from the East Khasi Hills district after he posted an "anti-national comment" on a video telecast by a news channel from Guwahati.

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FBI Chief Kash Patel's 'Judge Arrested In Migrant Case' Post Vanishes From X

FBI chief Kash Patel finds himself in a spot after hastily posting about a judge's arrest on his social media handle on X. The case in question was about an undocumented migrant who was allegedly evading federal agents who were pursuing him.

The Trump administration has accused the sitting Judge of a federal court of allegedly "helping" the migrant. The judge's arrest comes amid growing struggle between the government and the judiciary in America.

President Trump's policy on immigrants, both legal and illegal - and the manner of their detention and deportation has been nothing short of being termed hardline, rights activists say.

'DELETED WITHIN MINUTES'

The tussle between the White House and courts saw a sharp escalation with the arrest of Hannah Dugan, a Milwaukee County circuit judge. She "intentionally misdirected federal agents away from the subject," claimed Mr Patel in a post on X, adding that agents were "intending to detain the migrant at the courthouse."

Mr Patel further wrote that "The FBI arrested Judge Hannah Dugan out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin on charges of obstruction - after evidence of Judge Dugan obstructing an immigration arrest operation last week." But the FBI Director deleted his post within minutes.

The migrant was arrested shortly afterwards. "Thankfully our agents chased down the perp on foot and he's been in custody since, but the Judge's obstruction created increased danger to the public," Mr Patel said.

JUDGES BEING ARRESTED

However, Judge Dugan's whereabouts remained unknown. Her arrest status also remained unclear.

On Thursday, a former county magistrate judge in New Mexico and his wife were also taken into custody after federal agents raided their Las Cruces home over their harboring of an alleged undocumented migrant who is believed to be a member of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang, US media reported.

Several federal and state judges across America have issued rulings that put many of President Trump's executive orders on hold, particularly those where he exercised unprecedented powers in deporting migrants.

TRUMP vs THE JUDICIARY

The Trump administration is at loggerheads with judges, activists, rights groups, academics, universities, and to say the least, Democrats, who all say that the US President has blatantly ignored rights enshrined in the US Constitution and trampled on the justice system in a rush to deport migrants, who he treats as enemies and hardened criminals.

They say that migrants are being chased out with such intensity and viciousness, that most are not even getting to exercise their right to a hearing. At a recent press briefing at the Oval Office, Donald Trump has even said that he believes not everybody deserves a court hearing.

"We're getting them out, and I hope we get cooperation from the courts because you know, we have thousands of people that are ready to go out, and you can't have a trial for all of these people," President Trump had said.

Considering all migrants being deported as criminals and killers, Mr Trump had said, "Look, we are getting some very bad people, killers, murderers, drug dealers, really bad people, the mentally ill, the mentally insane, they emptied out insane asylums into our country, we're getting them out", adding that "A judge can't say, 'No, you have to have a trial.'"

"We are going to have a very dangerous country if we are not allowed to do what we are entitled to do," Donald Trump had said.
 

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As US Reinstates Revoked Student Visas, Its Impact On Indians, Others

In a dramatic about-turn, the Trump administration has announced that it will restore the student visa registrations of thousands of foreign students who were previously terminated from a federal database due to minor infractions. 

This decision comes after weeks of intense legal pressure, with over 100 lawsuits filed and more than 50 judges issuing restraining orders to block the terminations.

The terminations, which were made from a database used by universities and the federal government to track foreign students in the US, had caused panic among the affected students. Many had feared that they would lose their legal immigration status and face deportation. Some students had even been blocked from continuing their classes or research, with some cases occurring just weeks before graduation.

The judges who heard the cases expressed frustration with the seemingly arbitrary nature of the terminations and the lack of clarity on whether the students could continue to attend classes or needed to leave the country immediately. The administration's decision to reverse the terminations was announced in federal court on Friday, with a Justice Department attorney reading from a written statement.

According to the statement, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is working on a new policy regarding foreign students studying in the US on F-1 visas. Until this policy is issued, no students will have their online student visa records terminated solely based on criminal history checks that flagged misdemeanor charges and dismissed cases. 

The statement read, "ICE is developing a policy that will provide a framework for SEVIS record terminations. Until such a policy is issued, the SEVIS records for plaintiff(s) in this case (and other similarly situated plaintiffs) will remain active or shall be reactivated if not currently active, and ICE will not modify the record solely based on the NCIC finding that resulted in the recent SEVIS record termination."

However, it remains unclear whether the State Department will reverse its decision to cancel the visas of many of the same students. A federal official had previously told a judge that the agency was performing "quality control" on those decisions. Earlier this year, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had canceled the student visas of dozens of foreigners who were involved in pro-Palestinian activism, citing disruptions to US foreign policy.

The recent wave of visa cancellations and terminations from the SEVIS database appeared to target students who had minor brushes with the law. The Justice Department attorney emphasised that ICE maintains the authority to terminate a SEVIS record for other reasons. 

“ICE maintains the authority to terminate a SEVIS record for other reasons, such as if the plaintiff fails to maintain his or her nonimmigrant status after the record is reactivated or engages in other unlawful activity that would render him or her removable from the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act,” the attorney said.

The reversal brings relief to thousands of students who were facing uncertainty and fear about their future in the US. 
 

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After Clash With Zelensky, Trump Says 'Crimea Will Stay With Russia'

The recent interview with US President Donald Trump by TIME magazine has caused debate regarding the Crimean peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. Trump stated that "Crimea will stay with Russia” as part of potential peace negotiations with Ukraine, adding that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky understands this reality. 

The Crimean peninsula has been a point of contention between Ukraine and Russia for years, with Russia annexing the region in 2014. Trump's comments suggest that he believes Crimea's fate is already sealed, with Russia maintaining control over the region. He pointed out that the people of Crimea largely speak Russian, implying that this demographic factor contributes to the region's ties with Russia. However, he also took a swipe at his predecessor, Barack Obama, saying, "But this was given by Obama. This wasn't given by Trump."

Zelensky has consistently maintained that recognising occupied territory as Russian is a red line for Ukraine, and Trump's comments may be seen as an attempt to push Ukraine towards negotiations.

In contrast to his comments on Crimea, Trump has also criticised Russian President Vladimir Putin for continuing to assault Ukraine. In a statement, Trump said, "I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV. Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let's get the Peace Deal DONE!"

In response, Zelensky pointed out on Thursday that Ukraine had accepted a US ceasefire proposal 44 days ago as the first step toward peace talks, but Russian attacks have continued.

Trump also said that Ukraine will never join NATO and added, “From day one, that's what caused the war to start—talks of NATO membership".

Speaking to reporters Friday as he left the White House to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, Trump said there is no deadline for the conclusion of peace talks.

“I just want to do it as fast as possible,” Trump said. Negotiators are “pretty close” to a deal, he said.

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India's Rafales Simulate "Ground Attack Missions" In Significant Exercise

The Indian Air Force is carrying out Exercise Aakraman (Attack) over a large area in the central sector involving its mainstream fighter aircraft fleets led by the Rafale combat aircraft.

The Indian Air Force operates two squadrons of the Rafale aircraft which are based out of Ambala and Hashimara in West Bengal.

"The cutting-edge technology fighter jets are carrying out complex missions involving ground attack and electronic warfare drills," defence sources told ANI.

"The assets of the Indian Air Force have been moved from multiple airbases, including from the eastern side," they added.

The Indian Air Force has been practising for complex ground attack missions for operations in different terrains, including plains and mountainous areas, the sources said.

The Indian Air Force also holds an edge over its adversaries in the south Asian region with the inductions of Meteor air to air missiles and induction of long range high speed low drag missiles like the Rampage and Rocks.

The exercise is taking place at a time when tensions between India and Pakistan have risen after the Pahalgam attack.

The exercise is being closely monitored by the Air Headquarters. Tactical Air Combat and Development Establishment (TACDE) pilots of the Indian Air Force, the best aviators of the air force, are taking part in the exercise. TACDE pilots are often referred to as the 'Top Gun' pilots of the Indian Air Force.

The Indian Air Force was used to carry out the post-Pulwama attack strikes inside Pakistan in February 2019.

The Indian Air Force had used the Mirage 2000 fighter jets in 2019 but has indicted many force multipliers like the S-400 air defence system, which can be the very effective against the airborne early warning and control aircraft of the adversaries.

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

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BluSmart Co-Founder Puneet Jaggi Detained From Delhi Hotel: Sources

EV cab service BluSmart co-founder Puneet Jaggi has been detained from a hotel in Delhi by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a case linked to Gensol Group, another company that he co-founded.

The ED also searched properties of Gensol in Delhi, Gurugram, and Ahmedabad, sources said. The action came in a case under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), they said.

Mr Jaggi had been staying in the Delhi hotel for the last one week, sources said.

Power Finance Corporation filed a complaint with the Delhi Police and the Economic Offences Wing some days ago, sources said, adding Mr Jaggi's brother Anmol Jaggi is in Dubai and has not yet returned to India.

This ED investigation began on the basis of a report by the capital markets regulator SEBI, which alleged fund diversion, transfer of money to shell firms, share price manipulation, and running personal expenses from loan funds.

Sources said the ED may start a fresh investigation for alleged money laundering.

The ED has traced the wives of the Jaggi brothers in Pune, and they are likely to be questioned too, sources said.

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Attari Border Shut: Government's Big Measure Against Pak After J&K Attack

The Attari Border between India and Pakistan, located in Punjab, will be closed from tonight as part of retaliatory measures against Pakistan following the shocking terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam - the worst since the 2019 Pulwama strike -- in which 26 people died. 

Besides closure of Attari border, suspension of Indus water treaty and refusal to issue SAARC visas were among the range of measures India will take against Pakistan, the Cabinet Committee on Security decided this evening. The committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had met to formulate India's response to the attack.

"The Integrated Check Post Attari will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 01 May 2025," the foreign ministry announced after the meeting. 

The suspension of Indus Water Treaty - a water sharing agreement that sends the waters of Indus to the parched heartland of Pakistan - is the strongest measure. This is the first time the water treaty is being suspended - the measure is seen as second only to cutting off diplomatic relations. 

The government will brief the political parties regarding the decisions, sources said. 

Around 2.30 pm yesterday, terrorists had opened fire at tourists traversing a meadow in Baisaran valley on ponies. A Nepali national, a man helping the pony riders, and 24 tourists from across 14 states had died. 

The terrorists had shot the men on the head, after apparently asking them to recite Islamic verses. Visuals of women in shock, sitting beside the bodies of their husbands, were widely circulated online, evoking outrage.

The Resistance Front (TRF) -- a terror group seen as proxy for the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba -- has claimed responsibility for the attack, which has sent shock waves across the country.

Earlier today, Union defence minister Rajnath Singh made it clear that India will retaliate. Without naming Pakistan, he said, "I assure people that the Government of India will take every step that is necessary and appropriate. And we will not only get those who have carried out this incident, we will also reach out to those who, sitting behind the scenes, have conspired to commit such nefarious acts on the soil of India".

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SpaceX Sends Europe’s First Reentry Capsule into Orbit on Bandwagon-3 Rideshare Mission

SpaceX’s Bandwagon-3 mission carried Phoenix 1, Europe’s first private reentry capsule, into orbit. Built by Germany’s Atmos Space Cargo, the capsule will attempt a full reentry and ocean splashdown after one orbit. The mission marks a turning point for European space logistics and reusable technology tailored for scientific, defence, and commercial applications.

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Pant Bats At No. 7 For LSG, Gets Out For 0. Internet Says: "Rs 27 Crore..."

Rishabh Pant, the costliest player in the history of the IPL at Rs 27 crore, made a bizarre call during Lucknow Super Giants' match against Delhi Capitals in an IPL 2025 match. The LSG captain, who generally bat at No. 4, came to bat at No. 7 in the IPL 2025 game, that too in the last over. The LSG captain's stay at the crease lasted just two balls as he got out for 0. At the toss, Pant's right hand was heavily taped. However, it is not known, whether that had anything to do with him coming at No. 7. Later, Pant kept the wickets too. 

Social media users blasted Rishabh Pant for coming on so late as LSG struggled to even touch 160-mark. In fact, LSG could manage just 159/6 in 20 overs. 

Rishabh Pant/27CR getting ready for 2 hours just to face 2 balls. #LSGvDC pic.twitter.com/A2ky6lPLN5

— CricInfinity (@HawkkEyeee) April 22, 2025

Bringing Rishabh Pant to Bat #LSGvsDC pic.twitter.com/4S0yLFEiXk

— Naresh Patel (@nareshptl10) April 22, 2025

A cheerful and fearless player like Rishabh Pant is now getting out repeatedly because of the fear of Goenka ji. He's not even able to play his natural game anymore. The reason behind this seems to be just fear. What do you think?#LSGvsDC pic.twitter.com/LMTzEPLoTQ

— Krushna Gadhave (@GadhaveG97368) April 22, 2025

"Rishabh Pant scored 100 runs, only 1 is missing and 0 was visible#DCvsLSG #RishabhPant pic.twitter.com/Pt1Foolqwk

— HEEBA KHAN (@HeebaKhan86) April 22, 2025

 A fantastic exhibition of clever variations by Delhi's pace troika, couple with an injury to skipper Rishabh Pant, left Lucknow Super Giants in complete tatters as the hosts managed only 159 for 6 in an IPL match on Tuesday. The trio of Mukesh Kumar (4/33 in 4 overs), Mitchell Starc (1/25 in 4 overs) and Dushmantha Chameera (1/25 in 3 overs) used different kinds of slower deliveries to perfection as LSG huffed and puffed their way past the 150-run mark after being 87/1 at the end of 10 overs.

In the remaining 10 overs, LSG could manage only 72 runs recording their lowest team total of the tournament so far.

Pant's injured palm also hurt LSG's chances of propping up their total with the skipper coming in at No.7 for a two-ball duck.

The diminutive Ayush Badoni (36 off 21 balls), who relies more on timing the ball than brute power, did play his part but one doesn't know if that would be enough considering the depth in the Delhi Capitals batting.

It was another superb show by the DC bowling unit, which has been brilliant throughout the first half of the tournament.

Aiden Markram (52 off 33 balls) attacked well and Mitchell Marsh (45 off 36 balls) for once played second fiddle, allowing the South African to dominate.

The ball was coming nicely onto the bat during the first 10 overs and the bounce was even.

Sensing the nature of the track, the DC bowlers changed their tactic effortlessly and started taking pace off the deliveries while altering the length.

Chameera got Markram with a fuller delivery, which he tried to slash but found the only fielder stationed at deep cover.

But it was Starc, who dealt a telling blow when he got the dangerous-looking Nicholas Pooran (9), who started with a couple of sweeps off Kuldeep Yadav.

Sensing that the West Indian would tonk the length balls bowled at anything above 135 clicks, Starc bowled a slow bouncer and forced him to rush into an ugly pull with both his feet off the ground. The result was an inside edge onto the stumps.

With Pant nursing an injured palm, Abdul Samad (2 off 8 balls) and Marsh were out in quick succession as Mukesh Kumar varied the speed of his deliveries to get two wickets in a single over.

While Badoni played some cheeky strokes, LSG finished well below what would be considered par-score on this Ekana Stadium track.

With PTI inputs 

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"Brutal Crime, Has No Justification": Putin On Pahalgam Terror Attack

Russian president Vladimir Putin reached out to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening, expressing condolences for the deaths in the massive terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. 

Twenty-six people -- most of them tourists -- died in Kashmir's Pahalgam today as terrorists struck. Several others were injured. 

"This brutal crime has no justification whatsoever. We expect that its organisers and perpetrators will face a deserved punishment," read the message from the Russian President.

"I would like to reiterate our commitment to further increasing cooperation with Indian partners in fighting terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Please convey words of sincere sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased as well as wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured," he had added.

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EA Announces Star Wars Zero Company, Sets 2026 Release on PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X

Electronic Arts has fully revealed its next Star Wars game, Star Wars Zero Company, a single-player turn-based tactics title developed by Bit Reactor in collaboration with Respawn Entertainment and Lucasfilm Games. The game will be released in 2026 on PC, PS 5 and Xbox Series S/X.

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Trump Issues 8-Pointer 'Non-Tariff Cheating' Warning Amid 90-Day Pause

US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued an eight-point 'non-tariff cheating' list, warning countries of non-tariff-related offences that could spoil relations with the US. The warning came days after Trump announced a 90-day pause on his sweeping tariffs on all countries, barring China.

In the eight-point list, Trump mentioned currency manipulation - an accusation he has made previously on some countries for deliberately devaluing their currencies to make their exports more competitive while making US products costlier abroad. Another warning is about Value-Added Taxes (VATs) that are applied to imports but refunded on exports in many nations.

The Republican leader also warned countries of dumping below cost, export and other government subsidies, protective agricultural standards, counterfeiting, piracy, and IP theft, and transshipping to evade tariffs.

He also warned of protective technical standards, citing Japan's 'bowling ball test' - a claim Trump made first in 2018.

According to Trump, Japan uses a so-called "bowling ball test" to cheat US auto companies out of selling cars to Japanese consumers. "They take a bowling ball from 20 feet up in the air and drop it on the hood of the car. If the hood dents, the car doesn't qualify. It's horrible," he had said.

NON-TARIFF CHEATING:

1. Currency Manipulation
2. VATs which act as tariffs and export subsidies
3. Dumping Below Cost
4. Export Subsidies and Other Govt. Subsidies
5. Protective Agricultural Standards (e.g., no genetically engineered corn in EU)
6. Protective Technical Standards…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) April 20, 2025

Trump's 90-day pause on tariffs

On April 9, Trump announced a 90-day pause on his sweeping tariffs on all countries, barring China - a move that had seemed nearly impossible. According to Trump, who had introduced the slew of tariffs to address the alleged trade imbalance with the US, over 75 countries had negotiated and not retaliated against him - which led to the pause. During the 90 days, a significantly reduced reciprocal tariff of just 10 per cent would be in effect, he said.

A growing alarm inside the Treasury Department over the developments in the bond market was reportedly the only factor that made Trump hit a pause on his reciprocal tariff regime.

"The bond market is very tricky, I was watching it. The bond market right now is beautiful. But yeah, I saw last night where people were getting a little queasy. We didn't have access to lawyers, or it was just wrote up. We wrote it up from our hearts, right? It was written from the heart, and I think it was well written too, but it was written from the heart," the US President said while addressing reporters after tariff pause announcement.

US-China tariff war

Trump's administration is locked in a war of sky-high reciprocal tariffs with superpower rival China that has unnerved world markets.

While Trump put a pause on his tariffs on all countries, he announced an immediate increase in tariffs on China to 125 per cent, up from the previously declared 104 per cent, and later to a whopping 145 per cent after Beijing retaliated to his sweeping "Liberation Day" worldwide levies.

"Based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the World's Markets, I am hereby raising the Tariff charged to China by the United States of America. At some point, hopefully in the near future, China will realize that the days of ripping off the US and other countries, is no longer sustainable or acceptable. China wants to make a deal. They just don't know how quite to go about it...President Xi Jinping is a proud man. They don't know quite how to go about it, but they'll figure it out," Trump had said.

Amid the ongoing conflict, Trump said that he was confident the two countries could make a deal to end a bitter trade war.

"Yeah, we're talking to China. I would say they have reached out a number of times," he said.

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Biker, Assaulted By "Drunk" Men, Traced Accused On Instagram Using AI tools

What could have been a fun breakfast ride turned into a nightmare for a group of eleven bikers in Gurugram after they were forced to stop by allegedly drunk men who beat them up and damaged their luxury bikes, whose costs range from Rs 10 to Rs 25 lakh.

"They hit me with an iron bat. I survived because of my helmet," Hardik Sharma, who was seriously injured in the incident, told NDTV.

He said that he was also "threatened with a knife". "They also said that they will shoot me if I shoot their videos," he said. The videos of the incident have gone viral on social media.

Mr Sharma also detailed how he traced the accused on Instagram using Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools

Insisting that he and his group were attacked without any instigation, he narrated the events that led to the assault.

"We were going to Panchgaon in Manesar from Ambience Mall for breakfast when a black Scorpio tried to disbalance us near Dwarka Expressway by swerving their vehicle. We stopped on the side to let them pass. But they stopped their SUV in front of us. They were drunk and had glasses in their hands," Mr Sharma said.

"They got out of the vehicle and started hitting one of my friends. When we intervened, they started damaging our bikes. Meanwhile, some of my friends fled the scene to avoid damage to the bikes, as they are very expensive. Each bike costs around Rs 20 to Rs 25 lakh," he added.

Mr Sharma said that he could have avoided serious injuries, but he was attacked again when he went back to save one of his friends.

"I also left, but a friend was left behind. So, I stopped my bike and went back on foot to save him. But by the time I could reach him, he had left, and one of the drunk men took my bike. They started damaging it. They hit me with an iron bat. I survived because of my helmet. They kicked me, hit my hand with the bat," he said.

They left after warning him not to shoot their videos. "They said, 'We will shoot you if you shoot our videos'".

He also alleged that it took him 12 hours to get the First Information Report registered against the men.

"I had to go to several police stations as they were telling me that the area doesn't fall under their jurisdiction. The whole process was going on from 8 am and completed at 8 pm. Then the FIR was lodged."

'Traced Accused Through AI'

Hardik Sharma said that he identified his attackers even before the police could, using AI tools.

"We use some paid AIs on which if you upload photos or videos, it can lead you to the social media of the person in them if they have a public profile. So, we found them on Instagram and we also gave the police the details. We showed them the media of the gym where they worked out," he said.

But even after all of this, there have been no arrests, he rued.

"I don't even know why they started hitting us. They didn't say anything, just started attacking us. I also want them to pay for the damage to my bike. It's a very expensive bike. It costs Rs 11 lakh. They damaged the bike and damaged the accessories worth Rs 3 to 4 lakh that I installed. The damage rounds up to around Rs 4 to Rs 5 lakh," he said.

The police have said that they have identified the accused through CCTV footage, and efforts are on to arrest them.

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For 1st Time In Years, Putin Says 'Open To Direct Peace Talks' With Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin, under pressure from Washington to show willingness to make peace in Ukraine, proposed on Monday bilateral talks with Kyiv for the first time in years, and said he was open to more ceasefires after a one-day Easter truce.

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed Kyiv was sending a delegation to London to meet with the United States and other Western countries on Wednesday.

The London talks are a follow-up to a meeting in Paris last week in which the U.S. and European states discussed ways to end the more than three-year-old war.

Putin, speaking to a Russian state TV reporter, said fighting had resumed after his surprise 30-hour Easter ceasefire, which he announced unilaterally on Saturday.

Both countries accused the other of violating Putin's truce, which Kyiv had largely dismissed from the outset as a stunt.

Washington said it would welcome an extension of the truce. Zelenskiy, who has called for it to be extended to a 30-day ceasefire on civilian targets, said continued Russian attacks during Sunday's ceasefire showed Moscow was intent on prolonging the war.

In his comments, Putin said Moscow was open to any peace initiatives and expected the same from Kyiv.

"When the president said that it was possible to discuss the issue of not striking civilian targets, including bilaterally, the president had in mind negotiations and discussions with the Ukrainian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to Interfax news agency.

Zelenskiy made no reference to Putin's remarks on bilateral talks in his comments on X announcing the Ukrainian delegation for the London talks.

"Ukraine, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States - we are ready to move forward as constructively as possible, just as we have done before, to achieve an unconditional ceasefire, followed by the establishment of a real and lasting peace," Zelenskiy wrote, adding that he had good discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Earlier on Monday, Zelenskiy said that his forces were instructed to continue to mirror the Russian army's actions.

"The nature of Ukraine's actions will remain symmetrical: ceasefire will be met with ceasefire, and Russian strikes will be met with our own in defence. Actions always speak louder than words," he said on X.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both said on Friday that Washington could walk away from peace talks altogether if the sides do not make more progress within days. Trump struck a more optimistic note Sunday, saying that "hopefully" the two sides would make a deal "this week".

Russia has yet to row back from its demands, including that Ukraine cede all the land Putin claims to have annexed and accept permanent neutrality. Ukraine says that would amount to surrender and leave it undefended if Moscow attacks again.

Asked about Trump's remarks on a possible peace deal soon, Peskov told reporters that he would make no comments, "especially about the timeframe".

"President Putin and the Russian side remain open to seeking a peaceful settlement. We are continuing to work with the American side and, of course, we hope that this work will yield results."

While there were no air raid alerts in Ukraine on Sunday, Ukrainian forces reported nearly 3,000 violations of Russia's ceasefire with the heaviest attacks seen along the Pokrovsk part of the frontline, Zelenskiy said earlier on Monday.

Russia's defence ministry said on Sunday that Ukrainian forces had shot at Russian positions 444 times and said it had counted more than 900 Ukrainian drone attacks, saying also that there were deaths and injuries among the civilian population.

Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield reports.

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

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Dhoni Dismissed Cheaply By Bumrah During IPL Clash. His Reaction Says It All

MS Dhoni was left disappointed after the Chennai Super Kings captain was dismissed cheaply by Jasprit Bumrah during the IPL 2025 encounter against Mumbai Indians on Sunday. Dhoni, who played a significant knock in CSK's previous match, could manage to score just 4 runs in 6 matches against MI. On the fourth ball of the 19th over, Dhoni tried to slam a low full-toss for a six over deep backward square leg. However, he was not able to connect properly with the delivery and the ball went straight to Tilak Varma who completed a well-judged catch to end Dhoni's stay at the crease. It was a huge wicket for MI as Dhoni is well known for his shots in death overs and their celebration said it all.

On the other hand, it was a disappointing show from Dhoni who failed to score big for his side and he was visibly upset with himself as he made his way back to the dressing room.

Shivam Dube and Ravindra Jadeja cracked half-centuries and shared a 79-run partnership for the fourth wicket as five-time champions Chennai Super Kings made 176 for 5 against Mumbai Indians in an Indian Premier League match on Sunday.

Bumrah dismissed dhoni for 5(5) pic.twitter.com/zxR3n19xTW

— Daigo18 (@daigo2637391027) April 20, 2025

Dube struck 50 off 32 balls, while Jadeja made an unbeaten 53 off 35 deliveries to offset a none-too-impressive start by MS Dhoni's struggling side.

Ayush Mhatre, who came in place of Rahul Tripathi for the match, struck a valuable 32 runs (15 balls) coming in at one-down.

CSK, who are placed last in the 10-team table, made one change, bringing in 17-year-old Mhatre in place of top-order batter Tripathi.

(With PTI inputs)

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How Can CSK Still Qualify For IPL 2025 Playoffs After Crushing Loss vs MI

Chennai Super Kings continued their disappointing run in IPL 2025 as they slumped to a nine-wicket loss against Mumbai Indians on Sunday. It was a completely one-sided show as CSK were completely outplayed by MI at the Wankhede Stadium. CSK posted a total of 176/5 courtesy half-centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Shivam Dube. However, Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma were in sublime form as they guided their side to a comprehensive victory. Following this loss, CSK remain at the bottom of the IPL table with just 4 points. As a result, they will have to win all six of their remaining games and hope for favourable results from other teams in order to have a chance to reach the IPL 2025 playoffs.

A perfect way to wrap a dominant victory and seal back-to-back home wins@mipaltan sign off tonight by winning round 2⃣ against their arch rival

Scorecard https://t.co/v2k7Y5tg2Q#TATAIPL | #MIvCSK pic.twitter.com/u2BDXfHpXJ

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 20, 2025

Coming to the match, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav struck fluent half-centuries as Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings by nine wickets in an Indian Premier League match on Sunday.

Chasing 177, Rohit (76 not out off 45 balls) and Suryakumar (68 not out off 30) shared an unbeaten 114-run stand for the second wicket to take MI home with ease.

Ravindra Jadeja (1/18) was the lone wicket-taker for CSK.

Earlier, Shivam Dube and Jadeja cracked half-centuries and shared a 79-run partnership for the fourth wicket as five-time champions Chennai Super Kings made 176 for 5.

Dube struck 50 off 32 balls, while Jadeja made an unbeaten 53 off 35 deliveries to offset a none-too-impressive start by MS Dhoni's struggling side.

Ayush Mhatre, who came in place of Rahul Tripathi for the match, struck a valuable 32 runs (15 balls) coming in at one-down.

(With PTI inputs)

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Mamata Banerjee Accuses RSS, BJP Of "Instigating Violence In Bengal"

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP are responsible for "instigating communal violence" in the state.

“RSS and BJP are the ones who are instigating communal violence in West Bengal. People of the state should be extremely careful not to get trapped in their provocations. BJP and its allies have suddenly become very aggressive in West Bengal. These allies include RSS. These forces are using the backdrop of an unfortunate incident that happened due to provocation. They are using the backdrop to play divisive politics,” said the Chief Minister in her open letter.

The Chief Minister added that they (RSS-BJP) want to "incite" riots, which can affect everyone.

“We love all. We want to stay together. We condemn riots. We are against riots. They (RSS-BJP) want to divide us for narrow electoral politics,” she said.

She also appealed to everyone to remain calm, adding that she condemns communal riots, which must be curbed.

“The criminals behind the riots are being strongly dealt with. But, simultaneously, we must avoid mutual mistrust and distrust. The majority and the minority communities must work together and take care of each other,” she said.

The Chief Minister added that for maintaining law and order and for saving human lives and dignity, the state government have taken strong actions.

“Two police officers-in-charge have been removed. And the police are investigating the case. Further actions will be taken,” the Chief Minister said.

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

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"Completely Reject": BJP Distances Itself From MPs' Remarks On Judiciary

The denial from the BJP was firm and unequivocal. The ruling party at the Centre underlined that it respects the judiciary, and that the provocative comments made by its MPs - Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma - against the Supreme Court have nothing to do with the BJP.

"The Bharatiya Janata Party has nothing to do with the statements made by BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma on the judiciary and the Chief Justice of the country. These are their personal statements, but the BJP neither agrees with such statements nor does it ever support such statements. The BJP completely rejects these statements," said JP Nadda in a late-night post on X.

Nishikant Dubey, an MP from Godda in Jharkhand, had said the Supreme Court is "responsible for inciting religious wars in the country". The MP did not stop there, arguing that the "Supreme Court is going beyond its limits". 

"If one has to go to the Supreme Court for everything, then Parliament and State Assembly should be shut down," argued Mr Dubey.

Another MP, Dinesh Sharma, citing the Constitution, declared "no one can direct the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha". 

The party chief said the MPs and everyone else has been told not to not to make such comments, adding that "judiciary is an integral part of our democracy".   

"Bharatiya Janata Party has always respected the judiciary and gladly accepted its orders and suggestions because as a party we believe that all the courts of the country including the Supreme Court are an integral part of our democracy and are the strong pillar of the protection of the Constitution. I have instructed both of them and everyone else not to make such statements," said Mr Nadda, who is also the Union Health Minister 

The BJP MPs' sharp remarks come days after the Supreme Court order in a Tamil Nadu case, in which it ruled that Governor RN Ravi's decision to withhold assent to 10 bills was "illegal and arbitrary". The Supreme Court bench set a three-month deadline for Presidential and gubernatorial assent to Bills passed by the legislature for the second time. The top court further underlined that it would be prudent for the President to refer Bills with constitutional questions to the Supreme Court.

The comments also come amid the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court over several petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

The Centre had assured the Supreme Court during the hearing held on April 17 that it would not denotify any 'Waqf-by-user' provision and would not include any non-Muslim members in the Board. The assurance came a day after the top court said it will consider staying those parts of the law.

Condemning Mr Dubey's remarks, the Congress said the "Supreme Court is being targeted". 

"Efforts are being made to weaken the Supreme Court. Different voices are deliberately coming up and the Supreme Court is being targeted. There is the issue of electoral bonds, the issue of Waqf has come up, the issue of Election Commission is about to come," said Congress' Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary in charge of communication.  

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"If You Don't Pass Me...": What Teachers Found In Class 10 Answer Sheets

The answer sheets carried requests and currency notes: the request was that the examiner help them clear the exam. Say, the examiner found the plea too plain, some students had also slipped in money to make it lucrative for the assessor.

Teachers as invigilators found these requests in answer sheets for Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) or Class 10 exams in Chikkodi in Karnataka's Belagavi district.

The requests have since gone viral on the world wide web.

One student placed Rs 500 note in the answer sheet with a request to help him clear the exam.

Some of the requests impressed upon the invigilator how their love depends on them clearing the exam.

"Please pass me, my love is in your hands," said a student, placing Rs 500 in between the answer sheet.

"I will only continue my love if I pass," wrote another student.

Another one wrote, "Have tea with this Rs 500, sir, and please pass me."

Some offered more money if the teacher could help them clear the exam.

In another paper, a student wrote, "If you pass me, I will give you money."

Some said their future depends on them clearing this important exam.

"If you don't pass me, my parents won't send me to college," said yet another.

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Hindu Community Leader Kidnapped, Beaten To Death In Bangladesh

In yet another incident of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, a Hindu leader in Dinajpur's Biral upazila was kidnapped and brutally assaulted to death, as confirmed by the local police and family members.

The man, Bhabesh Chandra, was a prominent leader of the Hindu community in the area who also acted as the Vice-President of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, local media reported.

Speaking to Bangladesh's leading newspaper, The Daily Star, Chandra's wife Shantana Roy said that four men arrived on two motorcycles and kidnapped Bhabesh from their residence on Thursday. Several witnesses also reported seeing the assailants taking Bhabesh to Narabari village, where he was brutally beaten.

Later that day, the attackers dropped Bhabesh's unconscious body back at his home in a van. He was immediately rushed to the Biral Upazila Health Complex. Subsequently, he was transferred to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, where on-duty doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

The officer-in-charge of Biral Police Station said that police are working to identify and arrest the suspects involved, and preparations are underway to file a case.

Last month, a report of the Dhaka-based human rights organisation, Ain O Salish Kendra (AsK), highlighted that there are reports of a total of 147 incidents of vandalization of houses, temples, and business establishments of the Hindu community across Bangladesh.

Some 408 households were vandalised in these incidents, including 36 cases of arson. Besides, there have been reports of 113 incidents of vandalising business establishments owned by the minority community, 32 incidents of attack on temples and mosques of the Ahmadiyya sect, and 92 incidents of vandalising idols in 92 temples.

In September 2024, the country's leading Bengali daily Prothom Alo reported that after the fall of the Awami League government, there have been several incidents of attacks on the minority communities all over the country, particularly on the Hindu community. In many areas, houses, business establishments, and places of worship of Hindus still continue to come under attack.

Bangladesh has been grappling with violence and protests after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus came to power in August, last year. The situation of Hindus has worsened drastically under Yunus-led interim government. There are several reports on an alarming rise in gang rapes, murders, and desecration of temples of Hindu minorities.

India has time and again raised concerns against the atrocities of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, during his meeting with Yunus, held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

"On the question of minorities, this particular issue came up for discussion. We have conveyed our concerns regarding the treatment of minorities and the kind of violence that has happened against them. We have been raising this in several of our conversations, including our meeting in Bangkok, that this violence and atrocities against minorities cannot simply be wished away or dismissed as political reasons or media agitations. We hope that the Bangladesh government will take strong action against those responsible for these atrocities," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said at a media briefing recently.

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

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Flight Attendant Scolds Passenger For Knitting, Triggers Social Media Debate

A passenger aboard a US flight was scolded mid-flight after she brought her knitting needles for some embroidery work, according to a report in the New York Post. The woman named Brittany, who routinely posts knitting content on her social media platforms, shared the video explaining that she had been told that she could not knit.

Posting the video of her knitting bag under the seat, Britanny wrote: "Staring at my knitting in jail because the flight attendant told me to put it away after telling me to 'think about if I would really want to be holding needles if there was an emergency."

She added that the treatment meted out by the flight attendant was a "first for her" and that she did not get to finish knitting her sock on the flight. The cabin crew member told Brittany to consider whether she'd want to be holding needles if there was an emergency.

However, Brittany argued that the flight attendant could have been gentler in approach. "If she wasn't comfortable with the needles, that's fine, but I didn't appreciate her condescending approach," she said.

Also Read | Broken Flower Vase Found In UK Garden Sells For Whopping Rs 56 Lakh

Social media reacts

The video divided the internet, with some sharing Brittany's frustration while others pointed out that the flight attendant was right to be concerned about needles.

"The TSA says they are allowed if they meet certain criteria. Perhaps the flight attendant only thinks they know everything," said one user, while another added: "Last time I checked, knitting needles had points and were made of metal. Might as well call them daggers."

A third commented:"I bring small plastic knitting needles on flights and work on small projects. I've always had nice friendly interactions with flight attendants about what I'm knitting."

According to the TSA site, knitting needles are permitted in both carry-on and checked luggage. However, the agency notes that any "sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors."

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Abhishek Singhvi On "Venerable Old Power Article 142" And Veep's Comments

Congress MP and lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi has termed Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's criticism of the Supreme Court as a matter which "absolutely needed no comment" from the holder of the second-highest constitutional office.

Vice President Dhankhar criticised the Supreme Court's judgment that set deadlines for the President to clear bills passed by state assemblies, and also the use of extraordinary powers by the Supreme Court under Article 142 of the Constitution.

"With the deepest respect to him, I would disagree with almost all aspects of this. And the first aspect I would disagree with is that the Vice President is the holder of a very, very high office, indeed the second-highest constitutional office in the country. There is absolutely no need for him to comment or deal with such matters. This is my humble opinion," Mr Singhvi told NDTV on Friday.

"The President of India does not comment on such things and on this issue, there is no difference between the President and the Vice President. Previous incumbents of the office have not commented on such issues and there is no reason to start this process," the Congress MP said.

In a hearing on the tussle between the Tamil Nadu Governor and the ruling DMK government over bills passed by the assembly, the Supreme Court on April 12 said the President should decide on bills reserved for her consideration by the Governor within three months from the date on which such a reference is received.

The Supreme Court used its plenary power under Article 142 of the Constitution to make the bill re-presented to the Tamil Nadu Governor as deemed to have been passed.

"The next in the warrant of precedent, the Prime Minister doesn't comment on these issues and he should not. So I think that is really not necessary. Before I tell you other aspects of what Article 142 is and why in the facts of this case, where I happen to be the lead counsel, what the Supreme Court did was eminently reasonable, necessary and required to be done..." Mr Singhvi told NDTV.

Mr Singhvi supported the Supreme Court's use of the powers under Article 142 in giving "full and complete justice".

"Before we turn to the case at hand where this judgment came, any important question is what is Article 142? The Vice President has said that [Article] 142 could have become a misguided, unguided missile etc. But we forget that [Article] 142 is a venerable old power, put in our Constitution by the framers, people far wiser than us, led by Babasaheb Ambedkar, the drafting committee, and various other members of the Constituent Assembly.

"It is a power given 75 years ago when it was being considered to be given exclusively to the Supreme Court, not to any high court. It is a recognition of the entrustment of what is called a special, a unique and a sui generis power, only to the Supreme Court to do full and complete justice, even beyond the law, even beyond the text of the law. The idea is that you will be able to tailor, modulate and, you know, create a relief which will do justice in all respects," Mr Singhvi told NDTV.

The Congress MP said this power [Article 142] is not something new, and so it would be wrong to question this power.

"I must add here, this power has been exercised for the last 75 years repeatedly. And once or twice when the power was exercised in the early years, subsequent judgments have put guidelines and various criteria. So it's not a lawless power. It's not an uncontrolled power. It's been confined, clarified, cribbed and conditioned by the Supreme Court itself. So to suggest it is kind of a Jungle Raj power is not right," he said.

In the Tamil Nadu case, the Supreme Court had previously framed questions to answer in the dispute between the state government and the Governor over the delay in assent to bills passed by the assembly.

The delay by the Governor prompted the state government to file a petition in the Supreme Court in 2023, claiming 12 bills, including one from 2020, were pending with him.

On November 13, 2023, the Governor declared he was withholding assent to 10 bills following which the assembly convened a special session and re-enacted the very same bills on November 18, 2023.

Later, some of the bills were reserved for the President's consideration.

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University Professor Claims Assault By Troops In J&K, Army Orders Probe

The Indian Army on Friday ordered an inquiry after a university professor accused the troops of assaulting him during the checking of vehicles at a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, officials said.

Police have also registered an FIR against unidentified army personnel, they said.

Former chief minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti condemned the incident and said “such individuals tarnish the reputation of a respected institution through their unacceptable and high-handed behaviour”.

The professor, Liaqat Ali, suffered head injuries in the alleged assault near the border village of Laam late on Thursday night. A video purportedly showing the bleeding professor has surfaced online.

“An incident has come to light wherein certain individuals were allegedly manhandled by army personnel in Rajouri district. The army had inputs on the likely movement of terrorists in a vehicle in this sensitive area. Accordingly, search operations were being conducted.

“Preliminary information suggests that on being stopped, the individual tried to snatch weapons from the soldiers on duty, with whom he got into a scuffle. However, an inquiry has been initiated. Should any personnel be found guilty of misconduct, strict action will be taken in accordance with the existing law,” the army said in a statement in Jammu.

It said the army remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline in the conduct of counter-terror operations.

“All sections of society are requested to continue to cooperate and collaborate with the Indian Army for collective and comprehensive security in this sensitive area,” the statement said.

The alleged incident took place when Mr Ali and some of his relatives, including his cousin brothers serving in the army and ITBP, were returning to Kalakote after attending the pre-wedding ceremony of one of their relatives.

Officials said an FIR under Sections 126(2) dealing with crime of wrongful restraint and 115(2) -- voluntarily causing hurt -- of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered at the Nowshera police station against unidentified army personnel for a thorough investigation.

Mr Ali, a professor at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) posted in Delhi, wrote a post on X claiming he was "assaulted" without any reason.

“My entire family is in the army. I've always been proud of that. Proud of the uniform, the service, the sacrifice. But today, what I experienced shook that pride to the core. Without any reason, without any question, I was assaulted -- hit on the head with a weapon by the very people I once trusted blindly," Ali said in the post that also had a picture showing him bleeding.

“It made me realise one terrifying truth: if the system chooses to, it can 'encounter' any human being -- without evidence, without trial, without justice. There's no apology that can undo this wound. Only one haunting question remains -- has justice now become the privilege of the uniform alone?” the professor wrote.

Mr Ali got nearly half-a-dozen stitches to close his wound, besides undergoing necessary tests at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu.

“I was sitting inside the vehicle when army personnel came and asked for my identity. I came out of the vehicle as a matter of respect to show my identity card, but they started beating me with their weapons,” the professor told reporters.

He said he saw his younger brother, who is in ITBP, also knocked to the ground along with him.

“The army is our country's pride… I want nobody to be treated like this and justice be given to me,” Mr Ali said.

Mehbooba Mufti, in a post on X, urged the army to take immediate and strict action against those responsible for this “shocking incident”.

“Such individuals tarnish the reputation of a respected institution through their unacceptable and high-handed behaviour,” she said.

Former J-K BJP president Ravinder Raina assured the professor of justice and said “law of the land is supreme and nobody in India is above the law. Whosoever made it happen, have to face the consequences...” 

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

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Watch: Triple Olympic Champion Wins Parent's 100m Race During Son's Sports Day

It wasn't the Olympic final but Jamaican sprint legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce's competitive edge remained intact as she stormed to victory in the parents' 100m race during her son Zyon's sports day, leaving fellow mums to chase her shadow. In a video that has gone viral, the triple Olympic champion was also seen stepping on to the line and doing some warm-up exercises before the 'real' event in her son's school, even as fellow mums geared up for the race. Asked why she took part in the competition, the 38-year-old said, "Yes, why not. I'm a parent. It said parent race so I showed up for the parent race.

🇯🇲Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was GONEpic.twitter.com/99W4a3oceB

— Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) April 16, 2025

"Honestly I wasn't planning on running. But then my son and my husband didn't show up like we planned. So I had to show up "They haven't banned me yet so I'm at the line," Fraser-Pryce, who won back-to-back 100m Olympic titles in 2008 and 2012 and then clinched the 4x100m relay gold at the Tokyo Olympics, wrote along with the clip of her win.

One of the greatest sprinters of all time, Fraser-Pryce announced last week she will return to the track in 2025 season after her final Olympics ended in a heartbreak last year in Paris where she missed her 100m semi-final due to an injury sustained during the warm-up.

This is the second time that she has won the school competition, having emerged winner in 2023 at the same event.

Fraser-Pryce, who stood on the Olympic podium no less than eight times besides her 10 World Championship titles, ran in the middle lane and finished more than four seconds ahead of the field on Wednesday.

She is now aiming to leave the scene on a high at the World Championships, scheduled to be held in Tokyo in September. PTI AH AH PDS PDS

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Sehwag's 'Jane Ka Time Aa Gaya' Take Turns Prophetic As Rohit Fails Once Again

Former Indian cricket team batter Virender Sehwag was extremely critical of Rohit Sharma as the Mumbai Indians star continued to struggle for runs in the ongoing IPL 2025. Rohit, who came into the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad with 56 runs in five innings, was dismissed for 26 by Pat Cummins. Rohit's dismal run has resulted in a lot of criticism from both experts as well as fans and Sehwag warned him that he needs to safeguard his legacy. Sehwag pointed out that he has just one 400-plus run IPL season and even hinted that it is time for Rohit to retire from the format.

“If you look at Rohit's IPL numbers in the last 10 years, he scored more than 400 runs only once. So he is not the kind of player who thinks that I need to score 500 or 700 runs. If he thinks, he might. When he became the Indian captain, he said that he wanted to be the player who wants to cash in on the powerplay and take the chances, so he wanted to make all the sacrifices alone, but he is not considering the fact that at the end of the day when he is not performing, it is your legacy that is getting hurt. Ab uska jaane ka time aagaya, (It's already time for him to retire), and before retiring, you would want to give fans something to remember you by, and not moments that force them to think, why are they not dropping him,” he said.

Rohit looked in good touch once again but was dismissed after playing a loose shot against Cummins.

“Take 10 balls extra, but at least play and give yourself a chance. He has been getting out to that pull shot many times against the back of the length deliveries. So he should decide that in one innings he will not play the pull shot at all. But who will explain it to him? There should be someone telling him to play normal cricket. When I was there, Sachin, Dravid or Ganguly used to tell me to play normal cricket,” he added.

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How Italy's Meloni May Save Europe From Trump Tariffs As All Others Fail

Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni will fly to Washington to speak with US President Donald Trump regarding tariffs on Europe. The tariffs will potentially be a lethal blow to Italian exporters. 

However, her counterparts from Europe feel she may be the only European leader Trump might be willing to listen to, since Trump had said that she is "a fantastic leader and person", when he invited her to this inauguration ceremony in January. Other European leaders have tried to change the US President's mind through various means - flattery, threats or promises to buy more American gas, but the talks reached nowhere.

Currently the European Union has three months to convince Trump not to slap 20 per cent duties on all its exports to the United States, apart from the baseline 10 per cent tariff with another 25 per cent on steel, aluminium and autos.

As Meloni speaks to Trump on Thursday, it is Europe's opportunity to show that they can still do business with the US. Moreover she herself thinks that Trump can be reasoned with and that his trade threats are just a negotiating tactic, per two Italian officials familiar with the government's political stance.

"Having Trump's ear is an asset for the entire European Union," an Italian official told Politico, underlining Meloni's "ideological affinities with the world of American conservative right-wing politics."

It's worthwhile to note that Italy has the third-largest trade surplus with the US as compared to other EU countries, standing at 40 billion euros. Its top exports are machinery, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, fashion, and food and beverages.

Nevertheless, there is a separate fear brewing in Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Trump's ultimate goal is to divide EU countries and force them to make bilateral deals with the US. French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci reacted to Meloni travelling to Washington saying Europe needed to stay united.

German politicians are also hopeful. "Meloni's trip to Washington right now is an important signal," said Johann Wadephul, from the likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz's Christian Democrats. "The Italian prime minister has a good connection to U.S. President Trump, which she can now put to the service of Europe."

"Politics, like life, is built on personal relationships," said Marco Scurria, an Italian senator from Meloni's Brothers of Italy party. "It's better when such a complex negotiation is handled by two people who respect each other and can more easily reach a positive outcome - unlike with von der Leyen (the head of the European Commission)."
 

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