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Video: Salim Kumar's Son Confronts Paparazzi At Father's Funeral

2026-06-07T11:43:08.208-07:00

The funeral of National Award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar was held with full State honours at his residence in North Paravur, Ernakulam district, Kerala, on Sunday.

Amid the sombre atmosphere, Salim Kumar's eldest son, Chandu, was seen visibly upset as large crowds and media personnel surrounded the residence. Videos circulating on social media show Chandu reportedly raising his voice at photographers and videographers, urging them to step back and allow the family enough space to pay their final respects in peace.

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The emotional moment unfolded as relatives and close friends gathered around the actor's mortal remains. With the area becoming increasingly crowded due to the presence of media and onlookers, Chandu appeared frustrated and repeatedly asked those carrying cameras to move away from the immediate vicinity of the family.

About Salim Kumar's Death

Salim Kumar died on Saturday.

The Government of Kerala confirmed his death in an official statement and expressed "profound grief" over the loss of the veteran actor.

In its statement, the government described Salim Kumar as a "renowned film actor" and highlighted his contributions to Malayalam cinema.

It noted that he won the National Film Award for Best Actor in 2010 for his performance in Adaminte Makan Abu. He had also received the Kerala State Film Award for Second Best Actor for Achanurangatha Veedu in 2005.

ALSO READ: Mammootty Mourns Salim Kumar's Death: 'An Unending Sorrow'

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India's T20I Squads For Ireland, England, Asian Games: Who Is In, Who Is Out

2026-06-06T11:43:07.883-07:00

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday announced two squads for the upcoming series against Ireland, England and the Asian Games. In a massive move, the selectors dropped Suryakumar Yadav from the team and picked Shreyas Iyer as the captain of India in the format. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar described the decision as "partly form and partly our plan". "We looked at the form for the last two years, but as a captain he was winning us many games. It isn't the easiest discussion after the World Cup win, but we were going to look at it. Whether IPL form was a reason or not, that's different," the chairman of selectors explained.

As things stand now, Shreyas is set to lead the team, making a comeback to the T20I set-up after a gap of more than two-and-a-half years. Meanwhile, Tilak Varma will be his deputy.

India are set to play a two-match T20I series against Ireland in late June. These contests will be followed by five T20Is against England in the month of July. Around two months later, India will send its team to Japan to feature in the Asian Games 2026. The cricket matches at the quadrennial event will be played in the T20 format from September 17 to October 3.

Here's a look at #TeamIndia's squad for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan this September #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/euMfmhWEcN
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 6, 2026

Who are the new entries?

15-year-old wonderkid, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, has earned his maiden India call-up. He won the Orange Cap in IPL 2026 with 776 runs to his name. Bowling all-rounder Harshit Rana, who missed the T20 World Cup and IPL 2026 due to a knee injury, is back in the squad. Pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prince Yadav, and spinner Ravi Bishnoi have earned rewards for their impressive performances in IPL 2026.

Siraj and Prince have been dropped for Asian Games, with Jasprit Bumrah taking their place.

Which players are out?

Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh and Kuldeep Yadav are the players who will miss the series against Ireland, England and the Asian Games.

India squad for the series against Ireland and England: Shreyas Iyer (c), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav.

Presenting #TeamIndia's T20I squads for the tours of England & Ireland 2026 #ENGvIND | #IREvIND pic.twitter.com/f84kSSAIDf
— BCCI (@BCCI) June 6, 2026

India squad for the Asian Games 2026: Shreyas Iyer (c), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), Shivam Dube, Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah.

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PM Modi Meets EAC Members, Discusses Measures To Boost Economic Growth Amid Global Turmoil

2026-06-06T11:43:02.357-07:00

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired a meeting with the members of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the prime minister and discussed a plethora of ideas and measures to bolster India's economic growth amid global turmoil.

The prime minister and the EAC-PM members discussed various ideas and measures to further boost India's economic growth in times of global turmoil, they said.

The members also gave their assessment of the impact of the West Asia conflict on India and the world.

West Asia Conflict's Potential Impact

Ever since the war in West Asia began, economies around the world have felt adverse impacts in various aspects; be it energy prices spiralling out of control, restriction to air spaces, or security threats.

Additionally, conflict and military escalation threatens to push 2.5 million people in India into poverty and the country is projected to experience some loss in its human development progress, according to estimates and projections by the United Nations.

ALSO READ: 'Iran Situation Seems To Be Going Quite Well': Trump Claims Amid Fresh Round Of Fire

The United Nations Development Programme, in a report titled 'Military Escalation In The Middle East: Human Development Impacts Across Asia And The Pacific' noted that the conflict is "widening human development pressures across Asia and the Pacific.

Through higher fuel, freight, and input costs, the shock is diminishing household purchasing power, raising food insecurity, straining public budgets, and weakening livelihoods."

The preliminary assessment, issued Tuesday, estimates that globally 8.8 million people are at risk of falling into poverty and the West Asia military escalation could cost Asia-Pacific up to $299 billion.

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Primavera fans react after headline acts Doja Cat and Massive Attack cancelled over weather

2026-06-05T11:41:13.477-07:00

Fans have expressed their confusion that no back-up plan was put in place at the festival in Barcelona.

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'Calm Your Wild Thoughts Down': Nushrratt Bharuccha Reacts To Viral RCB Video

2026-06-04T11:43:19.051-07:00

Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha shared a series of Instagram Stories clarifying the truth behind her viral RCB IPL video that featured an allegedly "objectionable" audio clip. Four days after the incident, Nushrratt said the sound in the video came from a pet.

"So here's the reality... I was watching the match at my friend's house and their young puppy was making these crying sounds. This is the video made by my friend at the same time with the same sounds from another angle. (contd..)" Nushrratt clarified.

"This is the house where I was watching the match. This is the puppy. This is a video from that very night a while later. Fearing exactly what has happened, I was advised to delete that video and I did. People, calm your wild thoughts down!

"Owning a mobile phone doesn't empower harassment. Do not misinterpret or follow blindly. Think and act responsibly!" Nushrratt shared in a post.

The alleged video was shared on May 31 after RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) clinched its second IPL victory in a row. Nushrratt Bharuccha had shared a video on her Instagram Story capturing the moments of celebration that accompanied a confusing audio, leaving fans and followers to speculate about its source.

Last month, the actress celebrated her 40th birthday.

She posted a carousel of pictures from her intimate birthday bash. The party also marked a reunion with her Pyaar Ka Punchnama co-star, Ishita Raj.

The two actresses were seen happily posing and dancing together. In the pictures, Nushrratt looked stunning in a bright pink strappy gown. She was seen dancing barefoot and having a ball. The birthday party was attended by Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez, Mrunal Thakur, Jackky Bhagnani, Rakuul Preet Kaur and others.

In terms of work, Nushrratt Bharuccha was last seen in Chhorii 2.

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Camila Cabello's Romance With Henry Junior Chalhoub Comes to An End

2026-06-04T11:43:13.948-07:00

Singer-songwriter Camila Cabello and billionaire businessman Henry Junior Chalhoub have reportedly ended their relationship. The "Havana" hitmaker, 29, and the 40-year-old billionaire heir have parted ways after nearly 18 months of dating.

The reported split comes after a relationship marked by luxury getaways, public appearances, and several high-profile sightings. Throughout their time together, the couple largely kept their romance low-key while occasionally stepping out together at major events and destinations around the world.

Camila Cabello Splits From Billionaire Boyfriend Henry Junior Chalhoub

According to reports, the relationship came to an end after the couple realised they were heading in different directions. There was no major fallout or public drama surrounding the split. Instead, it appears to have been a mutual decision, though the news has left many fans surprised.

As per The Sun, a source revealed, "Camila and Henry had an honest conversation and came to the conclusion they should end things. They had a lot of fun together while it lasted but it wasn't meant to be. It's quite raw but they are both going into the summer as singletons."

Camila Cabello and Henry Junior Chalhoub's Relationship

The couple was last spotted together in public at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April. While their romance generated a lot of interest from fans and media outlets after they were first linked in 2024, Camila and Henry mostly kept things private.

The two reportedly met at an Elie Saab fashion after-party in Saudi Arabia and were later seen together on several occasions, including lavish holidays in St. Barts and Ibiza. During their trip to Ibiza, the pair was also photographed sharing a passionate kiss on a dock as she leaned against him.

Despite dating for over a year, the pair made only a few public appearances together and rarely spoke about their relationship. They preferred to keep their romance away from the spotlight, even as fan interest continued to grow.

As of now, neither Camila nor Henry has publicly reacted to the reports of their breakup.

Camila Cabello's Dating Life

Before dating Henry Chalhoub, Camila Cabello was in a high-profile on-and-off relationship with singer Shawn Mendes. The former couple briefly rekindled their romance before ultimately calling it quits in June 2023. Prior to Mendes, Cabello was also linked to life coach Matthew Hussey.

Over the years, the singer has made it clear that she prefers to keep her personal life away from the spotlight. Speaking to Latina magazine in 2017, Cabello shared, “I get why people are interested in my love life, but I don't want to give people that piece of me because it is the most important part.”

The singer also spoke about the kind of life she envisions for herself, saying, "I want to make songs and have incredible experiences with people. I don't want to be locked up in a hotel room and just do press and red carpets. That's not the kind of life I want to live."

Camila Cabello and Henry Junior Chalhoub on the Professional Front

Henry Junior Chalhoub is a Lebanese businessman and part of the family that runs the Chalhoub Group, one of the Middle East's leading luxury retail and distribution companies. The family business, valued at around USD 1.2 billion, has built strong partnerships with several global fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands, making it a major player in the luxury market.

Meanwhile, 2025 marks a significant milestone for Camila Cabello as she celebrates a decade of her solo music career. Following the release of her 2024 album C,XOXO, the singer is reportedly focused on working on her fifth studio album, with fans eagerly awaiting details about her next musical chapter.

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Giorgio Locatelli replaces John Torode as co-host of Celebrity MasterChef

2026-06-04T11:41:17.631-07:00

The Italian restauranteur will join Grace Dent on the series, following Torode's exit last year.

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Nifty, Sensex Down 1%, All Sectors In Red: Three Reasons Why Market Is Falling

2026-06-03T15:43:11.620-07:00

Domestic equities are trading lower on Wednesday, tracking weak global cues, and lingering geopolitical tensions. Benchmark indices are in the negative territory, with selling pressure visible across sectors.

Nifty fell as much as 1.41% to 23,151, whereas Sensex fell 1.55% to 73,492.6 intraday. At 1:38 pm, Nifty is down 0.59% at 23,344.4, and Sensex is down 0.67% at 74,150.22..

The pressure comes on the back of gaining crude prices, and volatile IT stocks.

All sectors were trading in the red, with losses led by IT, which remained 3.61% down during early trade, followed by Realty, Media, and PSU Bank.

The broader market is also facing pressure with the Nifty Smallcap 250 falling almost 0.54%, and the Nifty Midcap 150 dropping about 0.74%.

Here's three reasons why markets are crashing on Wednesday:

US-Iran War Uncertainty

On June 3, US Central Command said U.S. forces defeated multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones amid attempted attacks across the Middle East. Iran launched several missiles toward regional neighbours, but none hit their targets: two fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart, and three aimed at Bahrain were intercepted by US and Bahraini air defenses.

Earlier, CENTCOM shot down three Iranian one-way attack drones launched toward civilian mariners in regional waters. In response, US forces conducted self-defense strikes on an Iranian military ground control station on Qeshm Island. No U.S. personnel were harmed, and CENTCOM said forces remain vigilant during the ongoing ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump called reports of a cessation in talks 'false and erroneous.'

"The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago and today,” Trump said in a social media post. "Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, It's time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal."

Gaining Crude Prices

Oil prices extended gains for a third straight session on Wednesday as hopes of a near-term peace agreement between the US and Iran faded, while renewed fighting in the Middle East added to concerns over global crude supplies.

Brent crude climbed towards $97 a barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate traded near $95. The latest advance comes after oil prices gained more than 7% over the first two trading sessions of the week.

The uncertainty has complicated expectations for the resumption of oil flows from the region. Traders had previously bet that a deal could lead to a quicker reopening of supply routes and help ease pressure on global inventories. Instead, delays are increasing concerns that countries may need to rely more heavily on existing crude stockpiles while waiting for exports from the Persian Gulf to normalise.

Volatile IT Stocks

IT stocks have turned volatile after a strong run-up, with investors increasingly booking profits amid stretched valuations. Technical indicators suggest a reversal in momentum, prompting traders to reduce exposure. Sentiment has also been hit by cautious commentary from foreign brokerages, some of which have flagged concerns around earnings growth and demand visibility.

At the same time, the broader structural setup remains challenging, with uncertainty around discretionary technology spending and the pace of recovery in key overseas markets. Adding to the pressure, global software stocks have witnessed a technical pullback, dragging down sentiment toward Indian IT names as well.

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Sooryavanshi Not Greatest Ever MVP In A Season, IPL Experts Explain Why

2026-06-02T12:43:20.156-07:00

IPL experts Ambati Rayudu, Aaron Finch, and Tom Moody thoroughly enjoyed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's blitz in the 2026 season but still refused to give his performance the status of the MVP (Most Valuable Player). The 15-year-old batter left everyone spell-bound with his powerful performance, amassing 776 runs in 16 matches for Rajasthan Royals. Apart from being the leading run-scorer of the tournament, Sooryavanshi also bagged sveral awards, including the most number of sixes (72). While the Bihar-born batters continues to receives heartfelt praises from all over the world, IPL experts still rated Sunil Narine's performance Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 as the greatest.

The former West Indies all-rounder was at his absolute best in the 2024 season, scoring 488 runs at a strike rate of 181 and also scalped 17 wickets, playing a pivotal in KKR's third title win.

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, the experts trio acknowledged Sooryavanshi's extraordinary talent but still considered Narine to be ahead of him in the list of individual performers.

"Sunil Narine, for me, beats everyone in terms of the best individual IPL season because he's not a well-accomplished batsman like Shane Watson. He had to do a makeshift job opening against quality fast bowling. That season surpasses many great seasons, including Warner's. It was unbelievable. For me, these two seasons are right at the top and difficult to separate," Rayudu said.

Agreeing to Rayudu's statement, Finch added, "I have Narine clearly at the top as the greatest individual IPL season. He was a brilliant bowler, took crucial wickets, scored important runs, struck at 181 and maintained an economy rate of 6.7. To open the batting, bowl in all phases of the innings and then win the title — that's the icing on the cake. That's the greatest season of all time."

Hearing this, Moody joined in and pinpointed the fact that Narine's economy in 2024 was below seven, and he himself was scoring almost 11 runs per over.

"One thing that stands out is that he conceded fewer than seven runs per over in a season where he was scoring at almost 11 runs per over. He's the champion. The runs he scored, we've never seen before. The way he played while still taking 17 wickets at 6.7 makes that season extraordinary."

Speaking about Sooryavanshi, Rayudu and Moody stated that the teenager needs to prove himself on different surfaces, in order to be considered the MVP.

"The only point I would make is that whenever the wicket was slow, he got out early. So he still has to prove himself consistently on slightly more difficult surfaces," said Rayudu.

"One thing to consider is that this is the era of the Impact Player, where surfaces are much easier to bat on than historically," Moody said.

"Back then, bowlers like Narine, Amit Mishra and Rashid Khan dominated the tournament. Today, that influence has reduced considerably. That's a serious factor when comparing players across different IPL eras," he added.

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Rivals costume designer honoured to make outfit for Dame Jilly Cooper

2026-06-02T12:41:39.842-07:00

TV drama Rivals' costume designer says it was an honour creating an outfit for Dame Jilly Cooper.

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Watch: Fans break glass door trying to see TV star

2026-06-01T11:41:25.779-07:00

Huge crowds formed outside a shopping centre in China to see Pursuit of Jade's Zhang Linghe.

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"If I Speak About Him...": RCB Captain Sums Up What Makes Kohli An Icon

2026-06-01T03:43:07.935-07:00

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar on Sunday said Virat Kohli is "used to doing great things" and his presence in the dressing room was invaluable after they won their second successive Indian Premier League title. The 37-year-old Kohli anchored Bengaluru's chase of 156 against Gujarat Titans in the final with an unbeaten 75 to steer the team home with two overs to spare in Ahmedabad. Bengaluru and Kohli, who finished the season with 675 runs including one ton and five half-centuries, have dominated the T20 tournament since they won their first IPL crown at the 18th attempt last year.

"If I speak about Virat Kohli, I don't have words to explain him. He is used to doing great things," Patidar told reporters.

"He is a great player, everyone knows him - the way he bats. We all have an opportunity to learn from him on and off the field. We spend lot of time with him and try to learn whatever he says, regarding cricket or anything else."

Patidar added, "He reaches out to players to talk about cricket. I always keep watching him -- what he does and the one thing is that his energy in the nets is same as it is in the match."

Called "King Kohli" for his prolific run-scoring, the star opener sealed victory with a six to cap a magnificent 42-ball innings featuring nine fours and three sixes.

Kohli, who has stepped away from Test cricket and T20 internationals, remains a superstar cricketer and the biggest crowd-puller in the sport.

Kohli's iconic number 18 jersey dominated the stands at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world's biggest cricket ground which recorded an official attendance of over 90,000 spectators.

Bengaluru's win took Patidar in elite company as only the third captain to win back-to-back IPL titles.

MS Dhoni achieved the feat with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011, while Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to glory in 2019 and 2020.

"Last year was a lot of pressure, this year was more calm because the way we played throughout the tournament, we dominated this year," said Patidar.

"S we were pretty much confident that if we are playing like this we are definitely going to win the second title for RCB."

On his style of captaincy, Patidar said, "I am not expressive but at the same time I am aware of the game situation. Of course you need a backing, as I said there was a lot of backing by the management and the players as well."

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

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The Port Talbot writer following in the footsteps of Sally Rooney

2026-05-31T23:41:04.497-07:00

Communion is included on a list that's previously celebrated Normal People author Sally Rooney.

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An unhealthy focus on sex - Married at First Sight UK insiders on show's 'toxic' culture

2026-05-31T00:41:32.533-07:00

Fresh revelations come after two women told the BBC they had been raped on the Channel 4 reality show.

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'Choreographers are the new DJs': The art of the viral dance routine

2026-05-30T05:41:11.195-07:00

Videos of fans copying the moves to hits from artists like Zara Larsson and PinkPantheress are going viral.

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Female performers tell of sexual harassment at work

2026-05-30T04:41:08.069-07:00

Entertainers reveal how they have been groped and suffered unwanted sexual comments at venues.

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

2026-05-28T11:43:13.010-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Major film union in India calls for boycott of superstar Ranveer Singh

2026-05-28T11:41:05.157-07:00

Singh is facing industry backlash over his decision to exit from the upcoming Bollywood film Don 3.

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

2026-05-27T11:43:17.630-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

Mission SANA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2026-05-26T12:43:39.486-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(With inputs from Vivek Shahi)

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Unseen Rik Mayall material to be shown at festival

2026-05-26T12:41:36.083-07:00

The nine-day Rik Mayall Comedy Festival begins in Droitwich Spa on Friday.

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

2026-05-25T12:43:07.249-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Kambo

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

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

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RCB To Change Kohli's Opening Partner For Qualifier 1 vs GT? Patidar Answers

2026-05-25T11:43:25.987-07:00

Phil Salt is an explosive opener who missed most of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's league stage matches due to injury. Jacob Bethell took his place but could not leave much of an impact. Venkatesh Iyer played against Sunrisers Hyderabad as an opener and slammed a quick-fire knock in RCB's last league stage match. The defending champions face Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 on Tuesday. Now the big question is whether Phil Salt will play that match or not.

Asked about the availability of opener Phil Salt, who recently returned from England after getting his injured finger treated, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar did not give a straight answer.

"He is fit and doing drills, but we have not decided the playing XI yet," he said.

Patidar admits bowlers' challenges

Patidar on Monday admitted that bowlers were finding it increasingly difficult to survive in an IPL dominated by 200-plus totals, while sidestepping the controversy over moving the final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. Ahead of RCB's Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans here on Tuesday, Patidar acknowledged how even scores in excess of 220-250 were no longer safe in the tournament and that it was a matter for concern for bowlers, especially pacers.

"I feel it is more challenging for the bowlers. The wickets are batting-friendly, the boundaries are smaller, and there is dew as well. Especially for fast bowlers, even a small mistake goes for six," Patidar said during the pre-match media interaction.

"But whatever wicket or conditions we get, we just try to do our best on that. It is not in my hands to decide how the wickets should be," he added.

Patidar was measured in his response when asked about the IPL final being shifted from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad.

"It's not in my control. This is a historic site, so wherever the final is going to be, that's where it is going to be. We are focused on reaching the final," he said.

The BCCI moved the title clash to Ahmedabad, citing operational issues and local political complications, including excessive ticket requests and crowd management concerns.

RCB and GT, who finished the league stage with identical points, will battle for a direct spot in the final in what Patidar described as a contest between two evenly matched teams.

"Both teams have done pretty well throughout the season. On the given day, whichever team executes its plans better and stays calm under pressure is going to win," he said.

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

2026-05-24T12:43:39.430-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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'Any Appropriately Located Alternate Plot?': Delhi Gymkhana Club Asks Centre

2026-05-24T11:43:39.545-07:00

The elite Delhi Gymkhana Club has shot off a letter to the Land and Development Office (LDO) over the Centre's demand that the land parcel the club stands on be surrendered before June 5, seeking clarification on four broad points, including whether an "appropriately located alternate plot of land" will be allotted for relocation.

The exclusive club, where select diplomats, bureaucrats, military leaders and the national capital's elite and intelligentsia rub shoulders, noted in the letter that it serves around 14,000 members and users who have paid subscription and membership fees to utilise the facilities offered by it. It employs 500 people and hosts cultural and sporting events, it said, adding sudden action by the government would impact multiple stakeholders.

Delhi Gymkhana Club's Four Concerns

"The GC (The General Committee (GC) of the club) requests that you consider that there should be no dislocation of the club and its operations until there is clarity about some of the following issues," it said.

It asked the government if there was any plan in the pipeline of the L&DO/Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on the allocation of a substitute plot of land for the club's relocation.
It asked the authorities to consider, before making any decision about the land parcel, that the club has invested large sums of money toward improving and enhancing infrastructure and facilities for the benefit of the members.
It beseeched the government to consider that any relocation of the club would entail rebuilding facilities and infrastructure at high cost.
In addition to the members and their interests, the future of all permanent and other employees and staff of the club needs to be protected, it added.

The club's governing body has requested a meeting with the Land Development Officer regarding its concerns over the land vacation order.

The 27.3-acre prime land parcel is located on 2, Safdarjung Road, adjacent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's house at Lok Kalyan Marg.

Also read: After 113 Years Of Power, Privilege, Eviction Notice For Delhi Gymkhana Club

Centre's Eviction Order

In its May 22 order, the Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, seeking "re-entry and resumption", has said that the land falls in a highly sensitive and strategic zone and is critically required for urgent institutional and governance-related needs.

In its order, the government said it requires the land parcel for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure".

It added that the land had been leased to the 'Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club Ltd' for operating a social and sporting club, but the President of India has exercised powers to terminate the lease. The entire land parcel, including buildings, structures, and lawns, will be taken over by the government on June 5.

"Exercising those powers, the President of India, acting through the Land and Development Office, has determined the lease and ordered immediate re-entry of the property," the notice said.

The club was founded on July 3, 1913, as the Imperial Delhi Gymkhana Club. The word 'Imperial' was discarded after India gained independence in 1947.

BJP vs Congress

Congress leader Surendra Rajput said in a video that the land was being reclaimed to expand PM Modi's house.

"How much space does the Prime Minister need to live in? The BJP-led government will have to explain this. The Prime Minister's residence already occupies such a large complex. Now, you also want to vacate the Gymkhana Club, citing security reasons. The BJP wants to erase all of our historical heritage. BJP leaders want to wipe out old symbols and our civilisations and replace them with their own fabricated narratives of civilisation," he told PTI.

BJP leader Amit Malviya dismissed the allegation and accused the Congress of "entitlement and hypocrisy".

"Sonia Gandhi, who occupies 10 Janpath spread across 15,181 square metres, larger than 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, at 14,101 square metres, has apparently sent a note to Surendar Rajput. It reads: " Sit down," he wrote on X.

"The entitlement and hypocrisy in the Congress ecosystem never cease to amaze," Malviya added.

Employees Worried

The employees of the club are staring at a dark future and are protesting. They said that many long-serving staff, with 35-40 years of dedicated service, received no prior notice and now face displacement, housing insecurity, and an uncertain future for their families.

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