Wars, sanctions, OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) decisions and geopolitical flashpoints have often dictated where crude prices move next. Even Russia emerged as a dominant force after the Ukraine conflict reshaped energy trade routes.

But the latest oil crisis, triggered by the Iran war, revealed something unexpected. The country exerting perhaps the greatest influence on the market was not sitting at any negotiating table.

It was China.

As Washington and Tehran work out the details of a lasting agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal crude flows, analysts are increasingly pointing to Beijing as the player that could determine the next phase of the oil cycle.

The reason is simple. China has become both the world's largest swing buyer and, increasingly, the world's largest swing absorber of energy.

The Crisis That Should Have Sent Oil Soaring

The closure and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz removed access to more than 11 million barrels of oil per day at the height of the conflict. Nearly a fifth of global crude flows were affected.

Historically, such a shock would have triggered a dramatic price surge.

During the 1973 Arab oil embargo, a supply disruption affecting roughly 7-8 per cent of global oil supply led to prices soaring more than 130 per cent.

This time, despite a much larger disruption, oil prices rose but stopped well short of the doomsday forecasts that had predicted a march towards $200 a barrel.

According to Sourav Mitra, Partner - Oil & Gas at Grant Thornton Bharat, the answer lies in Beijing's long-term preparation rather than emergency action.

"As the US-Iran war choked the Strait of Hormuz and stripped away nearly 20 per cent of global crude supply, the world expected a much sharper shock," Mitra said. "The reason the impact remained relatively subdued was a quiet recalibration by China."

China Simply Bought Less

That recalibration was years in the making.

China entered the crisis with one of the world's largest crude stockpiles after years of buying discounted oil from Russia and Iran. Estimates suggest the country now holds more than a billion barrels across strategic and commercial reserves.

When supplies tightened, Beijing did not need to rush into the market. Instead, Chinese refiners drew from inventories.

China also reduced crude imports significantly. Analysts estimate that imports fell by nearly 3 million barrels per day during the crisis period.

That volume is substantial enough to influence global balances. "China simply bought less," Mitra noted. "It had the ability to reduce imports by a massive three million barrels per day, releasing crude back into the market when it was most needed."

The impact was immediate.

A major source of demand disappeared precisely when global supply was under pressure. That helped prevent an even sharper rally in oil prices.

Stockpiles, EVs & Weaker Refinery Demand

China's influence extends beyond strategic reserves.

The country's aggressive push towards electric mobility has begun reducing oil demand at a scale few nations can match.

Nearly half of all new passenger vehicles sold in China are now electric or hybrid models. According to estimates from the International Energy Agency, China's EV fleet alone displaced roughly one million barrels of oil demand per day last year.

At the same time, Beijing tightened fuel export quotas and refiners cut processing rates, reducing the need for additional crude purchases.

Together, these factors created what many analysts describe as an "invisible hand" in the market. Instead of competing aggressively for scarce barrels, China stepped back.

The result was a much-needed demand cushion for the rest of the world, including India.

Why China Could Soon Become The Biggest Buyer Again

The story, however, may be about to change. The same stockpiles that helped stabilise the market have been drawn down.

Those inventories will eventually need replenishment. That is where China's next move becomes critical.

"If prices soften further, China will likely return as a significant buyer," Mitra said. "The flexibility cuts both ways. Reserves drawn down during the crisis must eventually be refilled."

This could become particularly important if the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens and Middle Eastern production normalises. The International Energy Agency has already warned that the market could swing from fears of shortage to concerns about oversupply in 2027.

Additional barrels from the Gulf, combined with a possible increase in Iranian exports, could flood the market. Yet whether that oversupply materialises may depend heavily on China's appetite.

If Beijing decides to rebuild reserves aggressively, a large portion of those excess barrels could quickly find a home. If it chooses not to, crude prices could face sustained downward pressure.

What It Means For India

For India, the developments offer both relief and a lesson.

Softer crude prices have helped cushion import costs during a period of geopolitical uncertainty. Some of that stability, analysts argue, can be traced back to China's reduced buying activity.

However, Mitra believes India should focus on strengthening its own energy resilience. "India has diversified suppliers and built credible reserve capacity with real skill," he said. "The gap worth closing is one of scale."

According to Mitra, strategic reserves measured in weeks rather than months leave countries reacting to decisions made elsewhere rather than shaping outcomes themselves.

The New Oil Superpower?

The oil market is entering unfamiliar territory. For decades, traders watched Riyadh, Moscow and Washington for signals.

Today, they may need to pay just as much attention to Beijing. China's ability to cut imports, draw from enormous reserves, accelerate electrification and then re-enter the market as a major buyer gives it an influence few countries possess.

The next big move in oil may not come from a tanker leaving the Persian Gulf. It may come from a purchasing decision made in Beijing.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has already said that Neymar will be included in his matchday squad for Thursday's match in Miami, though he is almost certain to start on the bench.

The 34-year-old Santos forward, who is Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 international appearances, has not played for the national team since suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in October 2023.

Meymar has earlier indicated the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the last of his career. The 34-year-old made the statement in response to a social media post from FIFA showing images of Neymar's career along with the words, "We've watched him grow up."

Brazil leads Group C with four points. They have the same points as Morocco, but are in first place due to goal difference (3 against 1). And qualifying for the knockout stage as group leaders is one of the team's objectives, for logistical reasons and to improve team preparation.

“We want to go to Miami and win the game to qualify in first place. Staying at the hotel here with all the facilities we have is much better. If we qualify in second place, we have to go to Mexico and that ends up changing the whole schedule. Our mentality is to win and stay here because of all the benefits we have. The training center and the hotel are very good and we have a lot to do here together,” he explained.

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

According to the complaint, the woman alleged that she and Porel had been in a relationship for the past three years and that differences surfaced last year, after which the cricketer allegedly started "distancing" himself from her.

She further alleged that Porel had promised to marry her but is now unwilling to do so.

In her complaint, the woman alleged that Porel had sexual intercourse with her under the promise of marriage and also accused him of assault and criminal intimidation.

"We have received a complaint and started an investigation," a police official told PTI.

Porel, who is currently in Bengaluru, denied the allegations and described them as false. He also said that he had not yet been contacted by police.

"I am playing well now, so various things are coming up," Porel was quoted as saying in the media.

The 23-year-old added that he would respond in detail after the police complete their initial inquiry.

"I will talk about this when the police investigate. I have not spoken to the police yet," he said.

A left-handed top-order batter, Porel has represented Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League since 2023. He made 108 runs from four innings for Delhi Capitals last season.

He made his first-class debut for Bengal in the 2021-22 season and has played 32 first-class and 23 List A matches.

"You always need to improve in every area. We created enough opportunities in every match but we don't score too many field goals, and that's something we need to keep working on.

"I am very happy with the way we played in the semifinal and the final. Of course, in the semifinal we scored a lot of goals, but in the final it's never easy. We had a few big opportunities, but we were still able to score two goals," the Dutchman said in a virtual interaction on Wednesday.

He added, "We hardly gave away anything to the opposition, and that is the foundation of the game. Defensively, we were very disciplined, we were very structured, we were very strong, and I was really happy with that. That is something we need to keep improving." Marijne, who took charge of the Indian women's team for a second stint in January this year after replacing Harendra Singh, said constant improvement and consistency will be key to success.

"You always want to improve. It's all about scoring goals, but in women's hockey, it's not easy to score. I am happy that we are able to create opportunities, but now it's about finishing, it's about skills, and these things need time.

"It is also about staying calm in the right position and having awareness about positioning. If we keep working on that, the chances of a positive outcome become higher," he said.

"One of the things we are doing well is intercepting balls." Marijne also pointed out that maintaining a consistent level of performance has been a positive sign for the team.

"In the past, what I noticed with the Indian women's team was that one day you could play nine out of 10 and the other day six. But in the semifinal and final, we had a consistent level, so that was very positive."

Focus on your game, not opponents'

Marijne said his message to the players is to focus on improving their own game rather than worrying about the opposition.

"I told the girls it's important to learn and also to win. You always have to learn from things that don't go well. It's always match by match. Our first official match will be against China (at the World Cup), and that's important because of many reasons, as we will play them in the Asian Games as well.

"We want to do well, and it's about ourselves — what do we need to improve, what do we need to do really well — and that's the most important thing at this moment." The Dutchman added that the team will use the upcoming training period to prepare for the major assignments lined up.

"We now have a big block of training for four weeks before we go to Germany, and we can evaluate what went well and what we need to improve against teams in the World Cup. From there, we go to the World Cup. It's a step-by-step process. Every match will help us improve." "The focus is really on the Indian team, not on China, not on other teams. What we need to do, how we want to play well -- that's what we are focusing on," he added.

Camaraderie and unity

The coach said the camaraderie among the players and the unity has been phenomenal.

"I can't judge the years before me because I wasn't there. I do know now there is connection between players, openness, people are open for feedback to each other. If you see the last match there was unity inside the field, they are really coaching each other it doesn't matter whether you are senior or junior. I see a lot of connections in helping each other outside the field.

"There is very good leadership from senior players. These things are really big positives. We also have a great connection between staffs. You need to enjoy what you are doing. You have to be yourself. That's one of the important things for rebuilding the team," he said.

"I always tell the leadership starts from yourself, you start with an example, exactly how you want to bee treated. I think there is a positive atmosphere in the team." He said one of the positives was that 90 per cent of the players can now understand and converse in English.

"In the past less girls spoke English, but now 90 per cent of the girls speak English, so it's also easier for me to work together." He also emphasised the importance of the players' mental aspect.

"Mental side is very important part for me. We did small things with this, that is working with profiling of the players. I know what kind of person they are, what kind of preference they have, how to approach them under stress.

"But helping each other inside the team works the best. A younger player was struggling in the semifinal and Savita was on the sidelines and I asked her to talk to that player. A senior player helping a junior works wonders." PTI SSC SSC AH AH

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

"Yeah, I think not only Shreyas but also (ODI captain) Shubman. Because both of them are young captains. And both of them are captains with a lot of empathy," Paranjape told PTI after Shedge's maiden India call-up for the white-ball tour of Ireland and England following the injury-forced withdrawal of Nitish Kumar Reddy.

"And they will understand the pressure Suryansh will be feeling, the nervousness that he will be feeling. Shreyas definitely, because they know each other, Suryansh has played under him. So, there will be a lot of comfort." With both Hardik Pandya and Reddy out of the UK tour, Paranjape feels even in ODIs, Gill can guide Shedge.

"Mainly because he is young and he will be able to relate to what's going on inside that debutant's mind, basically." For the upcoming tour, beginning with two T20Is against Ireland from June 26, Paranjape's advice is simple: absorb as much knowledge as possible.

"If you are able to be a sponge... And my advice to him is to be a sponge around all the champions in that dressing room. So, I think if he is able to adapt to that atmosphere, I think England is a great location," he said.

Paranjape said the opportunity has come through hard work and should be embraced with humility.

"This has come as a lucky break. He accepts it with all humility and he will try to do his best for the team. That's the message. Always be a team-man. Think like a captain and try to win games for your team," he said.

Paranjape said he first met Shedge through a mutual friend and immediately recognised a profile that Indian cricket desperately needs.

"I have been involved with him for probably the last year and a half. And he is a very, very talented cricketer and he has shown glimpses of that talent in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

"But what really enthuses me is that here is an all-rounder and we are looking for all-rounders. We are looking for fast bowling all-rounders, batsmen who can bowl medium pace. We are looking for spin all-rounders as well." According to Paranjape, Shedge's progress accelerated once he was able to address the technical gltches that many young cricketers encounter on their way up.

"So, I knew about him. But when we met, there were a few things which were kind of impeding his progress. And these are very natural roadblocks that top-flight cricketers face on their journey.

"And at the end of the day, I think it was just about him knowing that I am here for him. I genuinely believed in him as a cricketer from an ability, from a skill perspective." The former national selector said one of the reasons he was convinced about Shedge's future was his belief that the youngster could eventually become a genuine all-format cricketer.

A significant part of Shedge's development has involved improving his bowling.

Paranjape revealed that former national selector and noted bowling coach Subroto Banerjee has been working closely on the technical aspects of the youngster's bowling.

Paranjape believes that while Shedge's batting is currently better than his bowling, the gap is narrowing rapidly.

"But Subroto Banerjee and I are working on his bowling as well. There are a couple of technical things which Subbu (Banerjee's nickname) is working on.

"And once those settle in over the next few months, I think he is a guy who will be then able to select himself as a batter or as a bowler. I think he will be genuinely an all-rounder." 

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

The African side showed impeccable grit and determination against England, one of the favourites to go all the way in the tournament, earning a 0-0 draw. However, had the refereeing decision on Konsa's foul gone their way, Ghana could have ended up winning the contest 1-0.

The incident took place in the 79th minute of the game when Adu moved towards England goalkeeper Dean Henderson's goal. It was then that Konsa, who plays for Aston Villa in the Premier League, appeared to jump in front of the Ghana attacker with both feet before making a dangerous challenge in an attempt to stop him.

Ezri Konsa just wipes Adu out

How was that not given as a penalty?! pic.twitter.com/HK4Y9SBAqc

— Pro_Football News (@Pro_Football1) June 23, 2026

Speaking on BBC Sport, former referee Darren Cann admitted England were lucky the decision went their way.

"We had our hearts in our mouths when we saw Ezri Konsa make that challenge. As an England fan, I'm absolutely delighted it wasn't given. But I have to be honest, this should have been referred to the referee," Cann said, hinting that Ghana were potentially robbed of a penalty.

"Konsa makes no contact at all with the ball; he brings down his opponent. He's airborne, he's out of control, he makes contact with the attacker and no contact with the ball. For me, this is a penalty kick," he further said.

The retired referee also explained why VAR didn't intervene in the matter. He said that VAR officials often stick with the referee's original decision unless they feel there's a clear mistake. In this case, they didn't think there was one.

"In this tournament, most of the time, they've gone with the on-field decision. In general, they'll stick with the on-field decision unless it's clearly, clearly wrong," he explained.

England, heavy favourites to top Group L in the FIFA World Cup, have been given a bitter reality check by Ghana. Thomas Tuchel's men need to step up if they are to end their title drought. 

It is now four decades since Children of a Lesser God won Marlee Matlin an Academy Award for its sensitive portrayal of a young woman with a hearing disability. But the title of the movie itself was a searing reminder of how we treat those 'different' from us, especially in a physical sense. That conversation back in 2010 brought that home with the force of a sledgehammer.

Neglect To Recognition

Medals were few and far between, and the athletes were not accorded the respect they deserved. Perhaps that is why Devendra Jhajharia's father told him ahead of the 2004 Paralympics that only if he won gold in Athens would there be any chance of things changing.

If he failed, every person with a disability in India would be failing with him. Devendra won gold with a world-record throw, and the seeds of change were sown.

Take the Paris Paralympic Games, for example. Those who follow Paralympic sport knew that India would perform well. India had won 111 medals at the 2023 Para Asian Games and had also done extremely well at the World Para Athletics Championships in August 2023. Our athletes stood out in shooting, athletics, table tennis, and badminton between 2022 and 2024, and Paris was expected to be the climax. Yet there was very little media support.

"What's the ROI?" I was repeatedly asked. "How many people will watch?" was always the follow-up question.

When has it ever been only about numbers? Satyajit Ray will forever remain a legend, even if far fewer people have watched Pather Panchali compared with a Dhurandhar.

Feats And Rising Confidence

As the Indian medal haul started to rise, interest back home also grew. Sheetal Devi set the tone with a stellar opening performance, and then badminton and athletics took over. While I do not want to single anyone out, the truth is that many of these athletes had never faced the media before.

Consider this from Yogesh Kathuniya: "Dada, let's go to the Eiffel Tower together. I will take my silver medal with me, and we can do a show from the top of the tower. We can even take the cruise-it will be a lovely show to do," he said.

"When have we ever seen athletes suggest story ideas like this?"

I asked my colleagues in Paris.

Sumit Antil went one better. The day after he won his historic second Paralympic gold, he saw us all in front of the village and asked if we had eaten lunch. The truth is, we were starving and planned to eat soon after finishing a recording. Sumit may have realised this or overheard something and insisted on treating us to lunch to celebrate his gold medal. Ask any journalist, and you will know this is a very rare gesture. Hardly ever will an athlete insist on taking the touring media out to celebrate a gold medal.

But that is how the Paralympic domain is. It is still not a hyper-commercialised or highly professionalised fraternity. The boundaries remain porous, and human values are still a key feature. Journalists are not always looking for controversies or negative stories, and the athletes are not afraid of the media. The synergy still exists, which may explain why we had tremendous access to athletes and coaches while writing India's Paralympic Revolution (co-authored with Trisha Ghosal and Rohan Chowdhury; published by Simon & Schuster India).

The book is therefore not just about medals and milestones. It is about a profound shift in perception and dignity.

To cite another example: when India reached the landmark of 25 medals in Paris, a special celebration was hosted by the contingent inside the Games Village. To my pleasant surprise, Devendra Jhajharia, the president, extended a special invite to the media. Not only were we welcomed into the team room, but it was a delight to see that some excellent Indian sweets had made their way to the celebration. At the end of the formal event, Harvinder, Yogesh, Nishad, and a few of us sat in the village precinct for hours catching up on stories. It was a wonderful evening spent.

Stories Waiting To Be Told

What I am trying to get at is this: this was a book waiting to be written, not just for the achievements of the last few years, but also because the athletes want their stories told. The interviews and conversations aren't cosmetic, and the passion is still what drives the domain. A Navdeep will still say to us, "aap logo ne to hero bana diya mujhe [you people have made me a hero]," greeting us with a smile, while a Sumit will say without hesitation, "aap ko bar bar bolna nahi padega. Main conclave mein aaunga zaroor [you wouldn't have to tell me time and again. I'll definitely come to conclave]."

There is an opportunity out there. India can indeed make the top 10 in the medals tally in Los Angeles 2028. With the kind of talent and potential we now have in the country, this is no longer a pipe dream. There is government and corporate support, and money isn't an issue anymore.

So what's the way forward for Indian Paralympic sport? Can India really make it to the top flight of the world, and can the momentum be sustained in the next few years?

This is that story.

(Boria Majumdar is consulting sports editor with NDTV)

India vs Pakistan Hockey, FIH Pro League Highlights:

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) June 23, 2026

At first, David Warner responded to Parth Jindal's post on X with laughing emojis, leaving fans wondering what it was referring to.

I can't figure out if the laugh is for DC or for the fact that Pant is another captain like him under Moody who was let go https://t.co/CWYh4jR3Hs

— absy (@absycric) June 23, 2026

???? https://t.co/bx21hmE8Rg

— R (@reeyalistic_) June 23, 2026

Need tea https://t.co/8xOfXDg0vj

— Jaanvi (@that_shutterbug) June 23, 2026

Soon after, Warner posted another reply to Jindal's post, this time explaining how auction dynamics and Pant's poor fortunes at LSG have led to DC getting him back.

"It was always going to happen. Auctions can get out of hand, and if there is a dip in form and one owner wants to get rid of you while the other wanted you but was unfortunately outbid, you can bide your time," Warner said.

It was always going to happen. Auctions can get out of hand, and if there is a dip in form and one owner wants to get rid of you while the other wanted you but was unfortunately outbid, you can bide your time.

— David Warner (@davidwarner31) June 23, 2026

This was what Parth Jindal had posted:

Dear Kuldeep, thank you for your service over the last 5 years. You have been a core part of our team and you will be sorely missed. Go well - you are a champion player and I am sure you will do extremely well back in your home ground. Rishabh - Kiran and I are both happy to have you back at DC. Hope you can find your best form back home in Delhi."

Pant was signed by LSG for an IPL record price of Rs 27 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. Although DC had originally right-to-matched LSG's winning bid of Rs 20.75 crore, the latter raised it to Rs 27 crore, which the former did not match.

However, after two unsuccessful seasons, including a last-place finish in IPL 2026, LSG and Pant have parted ways. Pant has taken a massive Rs 12 crore paycut, rejoining DC for Rs 15 crore.

Speaking to reporters during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, Messi said he is focused on the present and will continue his career as long as he feels in good condition and can help his teammates on the pitch.

"Yes, yes... I will continue for some time, as long as I can contribute, feel good physically, and help my teammates... I will keep playing," Messi said while speaking to reporters, according to news agency ANI.

When asked about the possibility of featuring in the 2030 World Cup, the 39-year-old played down speculation, saying it is too early to think that far ahead.

"I don't know. The truth is, I'm not thinking about that right now. It seems a bit far off... but, as I said, I'm living one day at a time and focused on the present," he added.

Defending champions Argentina have enjoyed a strong start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, winning both of their Group J matches to book an early place in the Round of 32.

They began with an emphatic 3-0 win over Algeria, where Lionel Messi struck a hat-trick to immediately stamp his authority on the tournament.

Argentina followed it up with another convincing display, defeating Austria 2-0 to confirm qualification with a match still to play. In that encounter, Messi scored a historic brace and, in the process, became the all-time leading goal-scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals.

With qualification secured, Argentina now head into their final group-stage match against Jordan with the opportunity to rotate and fine-tune their squad ahead of the knockout rounds.

Messi, the legendary footballer, is celebrating his 39th birthday on Wednesday. The 39-year-old has been nicknamed 'La Pulga' (the Flea in Spanish) and 'Messiah'. He was born in a humble household in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.

Messi has built one of the most decorated careers in football history at both international and club levels. With the Argentina National Team, he has won the 2005 U-20 World Cup, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America, marking a golden era for his country.

At Barcelona, Messi enjoyed unprecedented success over nearly two decades, winning La Liga titles in 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019, along with multiple domestic and international trophies.

His honours include the Spanish Super Cup in 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2018, Copa del Rey titles in 2009, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, Champions League titles in 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015, as well as UEFA Super Cup victories in 2009, 2011, and 2015, and FIFA Club World Cup wins in 2009, 2011, and 2015, establishing him as the most influential player in the club's modern history.

After leaving Barcelona, Messi continued his success at Paris Saint-Germain, winning Ligue 1 in 2022 and 2023 and the French Super Cup in 2022. He then moved to Inter Miami, where he added further silverware, winning the Leagues Cup in 2023, the Supporters' Shield in 2024, and the MLS Cup in 2025, extending his legacy across continents and leagues.

According to a report by The Independent, Akash Tiwari and his four friends were on a flight from Thailand, and they laughed whenever a female flight attendant walked past them. 

When the flight attendant came to their seats to ask about their meal preferences, Tiwari stretched his arm and brushed it on her leg, after which his friends started laughing, per court documents.

After the flight attendant reported the matter to the chief stewardess, she was reassigned to another aisle. However, when she was returning after collecting trays from passengers in the other aisle, Tiwari touched her back with his left elbow.

The flight attendant reported the incident again to her senior.

Tiwari denied that he did anything wrong when he was confronted by the flight attendant and her senior. One of his friends laughed at the incident and said that he would have a beer and watch the "show".

Deputy public prosecutor Lynda said that the complainant was "very upset" and told Tiwari "not to touch her". Tiwari, however, "smirked" and did not apologise.

"The victim was even more distressed and repeated to him not to touch her," the prosecutor said.

When the aircraft was preparing to land, the chief stewardess informed her supervisor and the captain about the incident.

Meanwhile, Tiwari followed the flight attendant into the galley and stood extremely close to her, after which she told him to stay away. He kept following her even though she left, which prompted her to issue a warning to him.

"Instead of moving away, the accused persisted with the same threatening behaviour by coming even closer and cornering the victim in the galley," the prosecutor said.

"The victim was even more distressed by now. She shouted at him to stay away and to stop following her."

The flight attendant was in tears and was visibly affected. She sought help from her supervisor before Tiwari left her alone.

He was arrested soon after the flight arrived at Singapore's Changi Airport by the officers from the Airport Police Division. The police have issued a statement and have said that they were alerted about the molestation incident that afternoon itself.

Although the incident happened on February 9, Tiwari, who pleaded guilty to two charges of molestation and one count of harassment, was sentenced to six months of imprisonment on Monday. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Tiwari was ordered to compensate over Rs 90,000 to the victim.
 

"He (Chappell) had emailed me in 2011, when I was KKR captain. I was checking my mail one morning at my England home. I saw his mail and thought, 'Am I still sleeping?'. Then I checked it properly, checked the name and checked the ID, because a lot of fake mails come," Ganguly narrated on the AddaGB podcast.

"He wanted to coach KKR. With me as captain!" Ganguly revealed.

Ganguly then joked about the reaction of the people upon hearing the revelation.

"(People) must be thinking that Dada couldn't be that big of a fool. He might have been a fool once, but surely he couldn't be fooled again."

As it turned out, even Ganguly did not remain at KKR for the 2011 season, being released by the franchise ahead of the mega auction. Ganguly eventually went unsold in the auction, before joining Pune Warriors India (PWI) for two seasons in 2011 and 2012. KKR, on the other hand, bought Gautam Gambhir for 2011, making him their new captain.

Ganguly endured a tumultuous period with Australian coaches during the 2000s. While he was dropped from the Indian team by Chappell, he was also axed as KKR captain in 2009, when John Buchanan was in charge.

Ganguly further reflected on his relationship with Chappell, stating that he does not answer his messages.

"I don't answer him. I don't answer people who are not honest," he stated.

"Exceptional batting by the @ICC. Empowerment in sport is about ensuring that a player's journey, in all phases, is supported with the right framework. Seeing the transition from 'choosing between' to 'doing both' is proof that we are playing the game the right way.

"A massive boost for the future of women cricketers worldwide," Tendulkar wrote on 'X'.

The document speaks about having a dedicated 'Case Manager' for the players returning to competitive cricket post pregnancy.

The Case Officer should be either a doctor or a physiotherapist.

The early review would comprise focus on psychological support in the players' adjustment to life as a mother, followed by graded reintroduction of strength-based training. After eight weeks of these assessments, the player will return to running in collaboration with a doctor and physio.

A thorough monitoring of any symptoms including musculoskeletal and pelvic floor issues is done before the player is given the go ahead to return to action.

The ICC said its guidelines are designed to be in line with local legislation, while supporting player welfare through "practical, physical and psychological guidance." 

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

The caption read, "This was the journey, thank you for loving it."

The BTS clip shows the intense prep that went into acing the film's action sequences. Several frames show her husband, screenplay writer and producer of Maa Inti Bangaaram, Raj Nidimoru, directing scenes and prepping as Samantha performs the sequences.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl)

About Maa Inti Bangaaram

Maa Inti Bangaaram has had a solid start at the box office, earning over Rs 12 crore in India and crossing the Rs 25 crore mark worldwide within just two days of its release. As of Day 6, the film's gross India collection stands at Rs 36.92 crore.

On Friday, Samantha Ruth Prabhu expressed her happiness at the film's success. She wrote on X, "To see a film open so well on day one is hugely humbling and means the world to us. So very glad to see the day when audiences embrace a film irrespective of whether it is male-led or female-led. And it's beautiful to see people show up wholeheartedly - from the young to the seniors - to cheer the film's release. The most heartening thing of all is seeing women contribute so heavily to the opening day. For the longest time, we've heard that theatrical openings are driven by male audiences. It's wonderful to see the audience for cinema continue to grow and evolve. Our little production house delivered! Tra-la-laaaaaa." 

Samantha also hosted a success meet of Maa Inti Bangaaram, where she was seen with her husband and filmmaker Raj Nidimoru. 

ALSO READ | Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Husband Raj Nidimoru Expecting First Child: Sources

In an exclusive chat with NDTV, the actor opens up about transitioning between different characters, working under the tutelage of industry stalwarts Aditya Dhar and Imtiaz Ali, and the 15-year struggle that ultimately paved his way to success.

The Roar of the Audience for Main Vaapas Aaunga

When asked about the kind of feedback he has been receiving so far for his performance in Main Vaapas Aaunga, Danish sounded genuinely thrilled by the overwhelming reception from both audiences and industry peers.

He told us, "Feedback has been great. I have been receiving so many messages on Instagram. I've been receiving calls and messages from my friends and people from the fraternity who have seen it, and it was a surprise for them to see me in Main Vaapas Aaunga as well. There are so many people messaging me saying that the moment Afzal (Danish in Main Vaapas Aaunga) comes on screen, the whole theatre starts hooting, 'Oh, Uzair! That's Uzair!' (Danish in Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar 2), and then everyone's face lights up."

The Shift from Uzair to Afzal

Danish's transition from the authoritative yet vulnerable Uzair in the Dhurandhar franchise to the cold Afzal in Main Vaapas Aaunga required a complete psychological shift. He broke down the stark contrasts between the two personas, noting how the characters belong to opposite sides of a historical timeline.

Talking about the contrast between the characters, Danish said, "It was completely different. If you take Uzair, for example, he belongs to Pakistan. The characterisation was completely different. He was very vulnerable and very emotional. In this case, Afzal is very calm, very composed, and very authoritative, which is somewhat similar to Uzair only in that aspect."

Danish Pandor in Dhurandhar.

"But the thing is, Uzair is not so calculative. On the other hand, Afzal is calculative. At the same time, there are a lot of other things happening. Afzal belongs to this side of the country, that is India, before the partition, when Sargodha was part of India and later became part of Pakistan."

Mindful of the lingering impact of his previous role, Danish worked consciously to ensure that audiences would eventually see Afzal as an entirely distinct entity.

He said, "Both are completely different for me, from my perspective. I tried to put my best foot forward so that people do not imagine Uzair in that persona. A lot of times what happens is that the energy has not yet faded from Dhurandhar, and when you see Afzal on screen, people relate that to Uzair. But as the film progresses, they understand that Uzair and Afzal are entirely different entities. I'm not boasting, but I was able to justify that, and people have appreciated it."

On Uzair's Tragic Fate and Sympathising with a Gangster

Following the release of Dhurandhar 2, social media was flooded with fans lamenting that Uzair was dealt an unfair hand, demanding a more conclusive arc. Danish, however, defended the open-ended trajectory as the ultimate poetic victory.

He said, "For me, I was extremely satisfied with the end. There has to be something left open-ended. Interpretations are open for people - that's what they are doing. If Uzair had been given a definite ending, the whole charm of the character would have been ruined. Something should be left open-ended and kept intact. Sometimes that is very beautiful."

"When people saw what happened to Uzair in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, it was as if he was a scapegoat planted by Hamza, and he was completely oblivious to it. Despite being a gangster, people related more with Uzair. That justifies everything. They wanted more because they developed too much fondness for the character and wanted a proper ending. But I was completely satisfied with how it was shown, so that people sympathise with the character more than anything else," added the actor.

Reflecting on the rare feat of eliciting deep empathy for an antagonist, he added with a smile, "Imagine! That's a victory for an actor. Being a gangster, being a negative character, and still people are empathising with him. What else do you need?"

The Whirlwind of Social Media Stardom

With back-to-back prominent roles making him a constant fixture on social media feeds, Danish shed light on what this sudden wave of adoration feels like after years of struggle.

He said, "It feels great. You work so hard for it. After 15 years of struggle, running from pillar to post, when things start working in your favour, you feel extremely grateful.

And the most important thing is that people are showering so much love on all the characters I have played, from Chhaava to Dhurandhar. In Chhaava, the part was not very significant, but it was still enough to be noticed. Dhurandhar had more screen time and was one of the most pivotal parts of the film. In Main Vaapas Aaunga, it is less screen time, but the part is very impactful and significant."

"When things start working in your favour, you feel extremely blessed and grateful. There are so many fans messaging, saying they want to see me as a lead in more films, in romantic dramas, and in different genres. It feels great that people are rooting for you and want to see you on screen," added Danish.

Danish Pandor in Main Vaapas Aaunga.

Prioritising Character Impact Over Screen Time

Danish signed Main Vaapas Aaunga just before Dhurandhar hit theatres. Asked whether he would still have taken on the project after Dhurandhar's release, given the shorter length of the role, he emphasised his philosophy of choosing meaningful characters.

Danish said, "For me, the first prerogative was that after finishing Dhurandhar, I tested for the part and got it. The casting was done by Mukesh Chhabra for this film as well. I really wanted to work with Imtiaz Ali. Secondly, when I read the part, the character showed impact despite having less screen time. The film is more about an ensemble cast. We have four primary characters, but many others are pushing the story forward. My character comes in at a very triggering time when things are going haywire, and he is responsible for the turn of events around the partition."

The actor continued, "For me, it's not about screen time. It's about whether your character has significance. People should remember your character when they leave the cinema hall. I will always choose characters based on their impact, not their length. You can have massive screen time and still be insignificant. What matters is whether people remember you."

Learning from the Masters: Aditya Dhar and Imtiaz Ali

Having worked under two major directors back-to-back, Danish described the experience as an invaluable learning curve.

He said, "It was a great learning experience. Working with Aditya Dhar and then Imtiaz Ali - two big institutions with different filmmaking processes but the same intent: to serve the audience and deliver a cinematic experience. Both are extremely well-versed, with a clear vision. They know exactly what they need from actors and from the frame. It helps you understand many aspects of filmmaking and the nuances of performing a scene. An actor dreams of such opportunities."

When asked about the major differences, Danish commented, "For me, both are very similar in their approach. Both are extremely calm on set - you hardly realise they are there. They are deeply involved and passionate about filmmaking. They narrate each scene with intricate detail, explaining the crux and motivation, so you are already imagining the scene even before blocking. Creative liberty was given in both cases. A strong and positive intent is important for any filmmaker, and both of them share that. That is why they excel."

Surviving the Mumbai Struggle Without a Plan B

Long before his breakthrough, Danish navigated years of rejection. He credits his support system and single-minded focus for keeping him going.

"You need people around you who constantly motivate you. I'm extremely blessed to have my family and close friends supporting me. At the same time, I never had a plan B. I didn't know anything apart from acting. I have a degree in business management, but I was never meant for a 9-to-5 job. I just kept working on my craft, believing something would eventually work out. You have to trust the process and keep going, like a horse with blinders, focused only on the path ahead."

And today, with both audience love and critical acclaim on his side, Danish hopes to deliver many more remarkable performances that leave a lasting impact on viewers. 

Also Read: Ram Charan Calls Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar A 'Terrific Film': 'It Has Brought The Country Together'

What's Happening

• Ravi Dubey told ANI, “Bharat aur Ramayana ek dusre se alag nahi hain. They are one. As far as preparation is concerned, we will discuss that later. Yeh hamara itihaas, dharohar hai — the more we can work on it, the more we will try to do justice to it within our abilities. It has been an amazing experience.”
• He added, “We are making the film with faith. You wait with faith.”

About The Ramayana Teaser

The much-awaited teaser of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana introduces the audience to the first and many glimpses of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama. From the coronation to the exile in the forest of Panchavati, Ranbir Kapoor steps into the mythical character of Lord Rama with poise, elegance, calmness, and celestial glory.

Don't miss the fleeting glimpse of Yash as Raya (Ravan) at the end of the teaser.

About Ramayana

The film is set to be released in two parts, with the first installment scheduled to release worldwide in October 2026 ahead of Diwali, while the second part is slated for Diwali 2027.

AR Rahman and Oscar-winning Hans Zimmer have collaborated on this project for the first time.

Apart from Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Ravi Dubey and Yash play pivotal roles in the film. 

ALSO READ | Alia Bhatt's Alpha Teaser Has A Hidden RRR Connection. Hint: Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana

To help him settle into the Indian senior team set-up, the BCCI has also funded his parents' journey to England. Sooryavanshi's father, Sanjeev, has already landed in London and met Rajasthan Royals co-owner Lakshmi Mittal and Manoj Badale.

"London mein Rajasthan Royals ke owner Mittal ji, Aditya Mittal ji aur Manoj Badale ji se milne ka saubhagya mila. Rajasthan Royals ke CEO Alok ji aur Romi ji bhi saath mein hain. (Had the privilege of meeting Mittal ji, Aditya Mittal ji, and Manoj Badale ji, owners of Rajasthan Royals, in London. Rajasthan Royals CEO Alok ji and Romi ji are also with us.)," Sanjeev wrote while talking about the meeting.

Sooryavanshi started his cricketing journey from the humble surroundings of Samastipur in Bihar and came to the limelight in IPL 2025, scoring a marauding hundred against Gujarat Titans.

At 14 years and 32 days then, he remains the youngest centurion in T20 cricket, with his 38-ball 101 on April 28, 2025, against Gujarat.

Now, the left-hander's national debut might happen in Belfast against Ireland, either on June 26 or 28.

If he appears against either Ireland or England, Sooryavanshi could become the youngest-ever international cricketer for India at 15, surpassing the great Sachin Tendulkar's record of 16 years and 205 days.

Sooryavanshi said he deeply cherishes the moment he unboxed his India T-shirt with his name imprinted on the back.

"I just felt it like a dream, the moment I saw that T-shirt. I couldn't stop smiling," he said.

"Sometimes, something happens that you never even imagined could happen, and when it finally does, you don't know how to react. That's exactly what I felt," he beamed.

They must avoid defeat in their Group K showdown against Portugal to remain top of the table. For Portugal, the mission is simple: they must beat Colombia to leapfrog them by a single point. Portugal currently have four points from their two matches, two fewer than an unbeaten Colombia side.

Despite the loss, DR Congo still hold an outside chance of reaching the Round of 32 in their first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.

Similarly, Uzbekistan can still progress as one of the best third-placed teams from the group stage, but they must beat DR Congo in their final match to have any hope of doing so.

Colombian fans turned the Mexican stadium into a sea of yellow, vastly outnumbering supporters of the African nation.

The South Americans, who beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their tournament opener, dominated the early stages, peppering Lionel Mpasi's goal.

Daniel Munoz squandered an early chance and shortly afterwards had a goal ruled out for offside while James Rodriguez unleashed a stinging shot that was brilliantly saved as Colombia kept probing.

Mpasi made further sharp stops from Johan Mojica and Luis Diaz as the Colombians, playing with pace and invention, continued to dominate.

But their intensity dipped after the first drinks break, allowing DR Congo to edge back into the contest and pose their own occasional threat.

Mpasi made another stunning save with his leg from Diaz in the 50th minute to keep the game goalless.

DR Congo briefly threatened but Crystal Palace defender Munoz made up for his first-half miss when his shot was deflected past a wrong-footed Mpasi.

The African team did not give up and as the clock ticked past 90 minutes Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas was forced to scramble to his left to turn a fierce Nathanael Mbuku shot behind.

(With AFP Inputs)

Speaking at the Republic Summit, the actor revealed that he had recently watched Dhurandhar on a digital platform and was deeply impressed by the film.

"It is a terrific, fantastic, phenomenal film. It had everything falling in place in the right way, in the right tempo. Should more films like this come out? Of course. National integrity, like India first, is very important in our forthcoming films. It has brought the country together," Ram Charan said.

The actor also reflected on the franchise's remarkable box office success.

"It has become the highest-grosser; it earned more than Rs 1800 crore. Why would this be? The box office number is nothing but the number of people who have accepted it, and the footfall in theatres is what matters. If people of India are owning it and want this to happen, why not? It's doing good for our nation," he added.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh in the lead role, was released in December 2025 and went on to collect more than Rs 1,300 crore worldwide. 

Its sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, hit cinemas in March this year and surpassed Rs 1,800 crore globally, emerging as the highest-grossing Hindi film after Dangal.

Both films in the franchise are currently available to stream on Netflix and JioHotstar.

ALSO READ: Internet Spots Similarity Between Cocktail 2 And Dhurandhar, Says "Shahid Bhi Spy Hai"

The alert was downgraded to an orange alert at 7 am for the next three hours, with moderate to intense spells of rain forecast for Mumbai, Thane, Raigad, Palghar and Sindhudurg districts.

The southwest monsoon finally hit Mumbai on Tuesday, 13 days after its normal onset date, bringing much- needed relief from the sweltering heat. The normal onset date of the monsoon in Mumbai is June 10. Notably, in 2023 the monsoon had arrived even later, on June 25, according to IMD data.