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T20 World Cup: England survive Nepal scare; make four-match win in final thriller | Cricket News

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T20 World Cup: England survive Nepal scare; make four straight wins in final thriller
Nepal’s Dipendra Singh Airee takes the shot during the T20 World Cup cricket match between England and Nepal in Mumbai, India. August 2026. (Associated Press)

New Delhi: England started their T20 World Cup campaign with a narrow four-match win over Nepal on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, but the result did not hide how close the team came to pulling off a landmark upset.To chase down 185, Nepal needed 10 more runs in the final over, but Sam Curran failed to concede even a single boundary to set-taker Lokesh Bam in the last six balls. The Nepal team persisted until the end of the game, pushing England to the edge of the cliff, and ultimately lost.Chasing 185 runs to win, Nepal ended at 180 for 6 with Lokesh making 39 not out off 20 balls with the help of 4 boundaries and 2 sixes.Dipendra Singh Airee scored 29 off 44 balls and captain Rohit Paudel scored 39 off 34 balls.Earlier, England scored 184 for 7 against Nepal in the first match of the T20 World Cup.England, who batted first, saw Jacob Bethell (55 off 35 balls) and Harry Brooke (53 off 32 balls) make significant contributions with the bat after opener Phil Salt was dismissed early at the Wankhede Stadium.Will Jacks scored 39 not out off 18 balls.

‘Bharat Ratna’s popularity will grow’: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat backs award to VD Savarkar, Congress hits back | India News

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'Bharat Ratna's prestige will increase': RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat backs award to VD Savarkar, Congress hits back
RSS president Mohan Bhagwat (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat The prestige of Hindu thinker Vinayak Damodar Savarkar will be enhanced if the Bharat Ratna Award, India’s highest civilian award, is awarded to him, he said on Sunday.The remarks prompted an immediate and strong response from Congress, which questioned the merits of the requirement and the intent behind it.

‘There are 1.25 billion Hindus in Bangladesh’: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat makes appeal for unity

Bhagwat, while addressing a function to mark the RSS centenary in Mumbai, said the long-pending demand to commemorate Savarkar deserves serious consideration.“Bharat Ratna’s popularity will increase if this award is given to Savarkar,” he said, reiterating a stance echoed by sections of the Sangh Parivar and the BJP over the years.Bhagwat made the comments while responding to a question on a range of issues, including the Uniform Civil Code, nationalism and the role of the RSS in public life. The show was attended by several well-known figures from the world of film and culture.

‘On what grounds should he be awarded Bharat Ratna?: Congress launches stinging attack

Congress reacted strongly to Bhagwat’s statement. Party MP Imran Masood questioned the basis on which Savarkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna and accused him of contributing to the idea of ​​partition of India.Masood told reporters in Varanasi: “On what grounds should he be awarded the Bharat Ratna? For what merit? Because he caused the division of India and Pakistan?” “Sawarkar first promoted the two-nation concept in the country and laid the ideological foundation for the division between India and Pakistan,” he added.The latest exchange comes against the backdrop of a long-running and politically charged debate over Savarkar’s legacy. While the BJP and its ideological affiliates view him as a freedom fighter and a leading ideologue of Hindutva who was imprisoned under British rule, the Congress party has always opposed any move to award him with the Bharat Ratna, citing his controversial views and alleged links to the conspiracy to assassinate Mahatma Gandhi.The issue first gained significant political attention in 2019, when the Maharashtra unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party promised to win a Bharat Ratna for Savarkar in its election manifesto. The Congress party later lashed out, with senior leader Manish Tewari saying it was highly inappropriate to award the award to Savarkar, especially around the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. At the time, the BJP defended the demand, arguing that Savarkar was a freedom fighter who had spent years of grueling imprisonment in the Andaman Cell Jail, while many national leaders, including BR Ambedkar and Sardar Patel, had received the Bharat Ratna long after independence.The demand resurfaced in 2024 too, when Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray questioned why the BJP-led Center had not yet paid tribute to Savarkar despite repeated assurances and letters from the BJP leader himself. Thackeray said the ruling party had no right to lecture others on the Savarkar issue if it failed to fulfill its promises.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta approves grant of Rs 1,200 cr for DTC salary, pension and transport modernization | India News

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德里 CM Rekha Gupta 批准为 DTC 工资、养老金和交通现代化提供 1,200 卢比的赠款Of the total allocation announced by the Finance Ministry, Rs 1,100 crore has been earmarked for payment of salaries, pension and other statutory dues of DTC employees and pensioners. The remaining Rs 100 crore has been allocated for transport modernization and adoption of advanced technologies to ensure smoother traffic flow and promote sustainable movement, according to a release. Speaking on the decision, the Chief Minister said the grant reflects the government’s commitment to the dignity and financial security of DTC employees and pensioners. She said DTC employees work tirelessly under any conditions to keep Delhi functioning and the government has ensured that senior pensioners and serving staff never have to wait for their dues.The chief minister said the DTC and its employees are the lifeline of Delhi’s public transport system. Timely payment of wages and pensions will provide financial stability for employees and their families and increase confidence in the system.Apart from employee benefits, the Chief Minister also revealed that Rs 100 crore has been allocated for two key strategic initiatives. These include the implementation of Advanced Transportation Systems (ATS) to improve traffic flow through modern technology and the development of commercial electric vehicle charging infrastructure under the Special Assistance to States Scheme for Capital Investment (SASCI).Reiterating the long-term vision of the government, the chief minister said these initiatives are in line with the objective of making Delhi a technology-driven, pollution-free city with safe, efficient and world-class public transport facilities, the release stated. She further emphasized that DTC is not just a bus fleet, but a system that protects the daily lives of millions of citizens. The Government remains committed to strengthening the system while safeguarding the welfare and dignity of employees and pensioners.

Was Jeffrey Epstein trying to curry favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin? What the documents reveal

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Was Jeffrey Epstein trying to curry favor with Russian President Vladimir Putin? What the documents reveal

Jeffrey Epstein Repeatedly sought to establish contacts with Russia’s top leadership, including the president Vladimir PutinNewly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice show that this was despite no evidence that he ever succeeded.The most obvious example dates back to June 2018, a year after the sudden death of Vitaly Churkin, Russia’s former ambassador to the United Nations. According to CNN, Epstein frequently met with Churkin in New York and even offered to help Churkin’s son, Maxim, find a job at a wealth management firm. After Churkin’s death, Epstein sought new avenues to Moscow. On June 24, 2018, he emailed Thorbjørn Jagland, a Norwegian politician who was then Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, asking him to convey a message to the Kremlin. “I thought you might suggest that Putin, Lavrov, could gain insight by talking to me. Vitaliy Churkin was (but) he’s dead.?!” Epstein wrote. Yagran responded that he would meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s assistant and convey the proposal.The communications were part of a broader pattern revealed in the documents, which included emails between Epstein and international political figures over the years. The report shows that Epstein made multiple attempts to meet or speak with Putin, but there is no evidence that he was successful. Letters from earlier 2013 indicate that Epstein wanted to meet Putin in Sochi and claimed he could advise Russia on attracting Western investment. He said in an email that Putin needed to allow “real time and privacy” to meet with him. Other emails indicate that Epstein believed he had, or was close to, having contact with the Russian leader, although the documents do not confirm that any such meeting took place. The revelations sparked speculation in Europe. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Poland would investigate Epstein’s possible links to Russian intelligence, calling the allegations a serious security concern. The Kremlin dismissed the claims, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying claims that Epstein had ties to Russian intelligence “should not be taken seriously.”Epstein maintained ties with several Russians with ties to the state, including Sergei Belyakov, a former official with ties to Russia’s FSB and Russia’s sovereign wealth fund. Epstein also attended the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and offered to help Russian officials and investors, CNN reported. While Epstein did not travel to Russia until 2019 and seek a visa, analysts warn that the documents largely paint a picture of a man eager to exert influence and curry favor with powerful figures and do not prove he gained real influence in Moscow.

Police arrest ride operator, staff in Surajkund swing collapse case | India News

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Police arrest ride operator, staff in Surajkund swing collapse case
Police were at the scene after a swing fell down at Surajkund Bazaar in Faridabad. One policeman was killed and 13 others injured. (Press Trust photo)

New Delhi: After a huge ‘Tsunami’ ride suddenly crashed mid-air at Faridabad’s Surajkund Chowk, killing an inspector on duty and injuring 12 others, police on Sunday arrested the swing operator and one of his staff. The incident took place during the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Festival on Saturday night. About 19 people were on the ride, which suddenly tilted and fell to the ground. Inspector Jagdish Prasad, 58, died while trying to rescue people trapped on a swing, officials said. He joined the Haryana Armed Police in 1989 and is scheduled to retire in March after 36 years of service. His body was handed over to his family on Sunday after a post-mortem examination. “one special investigative unit The investigation team formed to investigate the incident arrested two accused: Mohammad Shakir, a resident of Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmur district and owner of Himachal Fun Care, which operates giant swings; and Nitesh, from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, who worked under Shakir. The role of others is under review,” Faridabad police spokesperson Yash Pal told news agency PTI. The 12 injured include female assistant sub-inspector Neelam, female police officer Sharmila, special constable Rajesh and civilians Harsh Prakash, Prashant, Amisha, Parvinder, Sunil, Shivani, Balbir, Anuj and Pooja. Yashpal said five of them were discharged after treatment. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday directed officials to ensure strict compliance with safety norms at fairs and other public events. Saini said, “The government stands firmly with the family of Jagdish Prasad during this difficult time. Those seriously injured in the accident will get financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh each from the state government.” The regional government said the market would continue on Sunday, but the area around the swings had been cordoned off pending an investigation. On Saturday night, Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Ajay Singhal announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore to Prasad’s family and a government job to one of his relatives. He also said the inspector would be awarded martyr status. “Inspector Jagdish Prasad made commendable efforts in rescuing the injured while on duty. His death is a profound tragedy for the police department. “The department will provide financial assistance to the family wherever possible and will provide employment opportunities to eligible members under the compassionate leave policy,” the DGP said. Deputy Attorney General Singhal and Faridabad Commissioner Satendra Kumar Gupta met Prasad’s family on Sunday to express their condolences and later went to the hospital to inquire about the injured. Director Tourism Parth Gupta and Faridabad Deputy Commissioner Ayush Sinha also visited the exhibition venue to review security arrangements. Just an hour after the incident, the venue’s gate collapsed, injuring two people, including a child, officials said. The police had earlier formed a four-member special investigation team, headed by DCP (Crime) Mukesh Kumar. The team includes ACP (Crime) Varun Dahiya and Sub-Inspector Sanjay Kumar of Surajkund police station. The SIT is tasked with conducting a detailed investigation to determine whether there was negligence and to check compliance with safety norms. According to the complaint filed by Assistant Sub-Inspector Sunny, he and Inspector Prasad were on duty at the fair when they noticed several people playing on the “Tsunami” swing. Prasad tried to rescue the trapped people when the ride suddenly broke apart in mid-air. The swing then broke off one side and fell, causing serious injuries. Prasad later died in hospital. “The death of the inspector was caused by the failure of Himachal Amusement Park owner Mohammad Shakir and his employees to deliberately endanger people’s lives by not adhering to safety standards,” the ASI said in the complaint. Separately, the district administration has also constituted a commission of inquiry headed by Deputy Commissioner and Mela Administrator Satbir Singh. The team members include DCP Maqsood Ahmed, YMCA University Head of Mechanical Department Arvind Gupta, Executive Engineer (Mechanical) Hitesh Kumar and Executive Engineer (Electrical) Ashwini Gaur.

Japan snap election: Takaichi-led LDP expected to return to power – the most important developments

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日本提前选举:高市领导的自民党预计将重新掌权 - 最重要的事态发展

File photo (Image credit: AP)

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, is expected to score a decisive victory in Sunday’s snap lower house election, according to exit polls and media forecasts.

Liberal Democrats expected to gain majority in House of Representatives

According to Agence France-Presse, public broadcaster NHK said the Liberal Democratic Party may win 274 to 328 seats in the 465-member House of Representatives, much higher than the 198 seats before the election.Together with coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (JIP), the ruling bloc is expected to win between 302 and 366 seats.Breaking the 310-seat mark would give the coalition a two-thirds majority for the first time since 2017, allowing it to pass legislation without opposition support.

High market gets boost after tumultuous years for LDP

The result marks a sharp turn for the Liberal Democratic Party, which has suffered electoral setbacks in recent years over rising prices and corruption concerns. The alliance, led by senior high school senior Shigeru Ishiba, lost its majority in the upper house last year and is due to lose control of the lower house in 2024.Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister in October, capitalizing on her popularity by announcing snap elections just three months after taking office.She has appealed to young voters with her energetic and unconventional style and defied skepticism within her party, according to AFP.

Economy and inflation remain concerns for voters

Despite the projected victory, voters remain anxious about the economy. Inflation and stagnant wages were prominent issues on polling day.“As prices rise, the most important thing to me is what policies they will adopt to combat inflation,” Tokyo voter Chika Sakamoto said, according to Agence France-Presse, adding that household incomes were not keeping pace with costs.Takahiro launched a US$135 billion economic stimulus plan and promised to suspend the food consumption tax, but concerns about Japan’s public finances remain. The country’s debt is more than twice the size of its economy, and bond yields have hit record highs in recent weeks.

China, Taiwan and regional tensions take center stage

The election results could also complicate relations with China. Gao Yi, considered a China hawk, recently suggested that Japan might intervene militarily if Beijing uses force against Taiwan, triggering a strong reaction from China.Beijing summoned the Japanese ambassador, warned its citizens not to travel to Japan, and held joint air exercises with Russia. The issue has raised concerns about regional stability even as U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly praised Gao as a “strong, powerful and wise leader.”

Major mandate could advance right-wing agenda

An overwhelming majority of lawmakers will allow Takaichi to advance her conservative agenda, which includes increasing defense spending, revamping security policies, lifting restrictions on arms exports and tightening rules on foreigners, the Associated Press reported.Experts warned that while the victory solidified her position, there were still unresolved issues over funding military expansion and managing diplomatic tensions. According to AFP, one analyst said the best outcome now is for the market to “take a deep breath” and work to stabilize relations with China ahead of the next electoral test in 2028.

‘Kahaan se superstar hai?’: Former Pakistan cricketer says Babar Azam may miss next game | Cricket News

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'Kahaan se superstar hai?': Former Pakistan cricketer says Babar Azam may be dropped from next game
Pakistan’s Azam Babar (AP Photo/Jairanna En).

controversies surrounding Babar Azamis located at PakistanThe T20I set-up shows no signs of easing. The former captain was heavily criticized for his disappointing performance against the Netherlands in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup Group A opener in Colombo on Saturday. Babar’s stay at the crease was brief and ineffective. Salman Ali Agha, who came on after being dismissed, struggled in the rotation and scored just 15 points from 18 deliveries, slowing down Pakistan’s momentum at a crucial stage. His poor shot selection proved costly, allowing the Netherlands to get back into the game. Pakistan eventually fought back with Faheem Ashraf’s 11-ball 29 to claim victory. Without it, the game might have slipped away.

T20 World Cup group details: Who can advance to the Super 8

Former Pakistan batsman Basit Ali was scathing in his assessment, suggesting Babar might even be dropped from the next Test against the United States. Ali said on “The Game Plan” that head coach Mike Husson was clearly unhappy with Babar’s firing. “I have a feeling that Babar will not play in Pakistan’s next game. I saw the anger on coach Mike Hesson’s face… I don’t think he will play Babar at number four again in the next game,” Ali said. Babar was dismissed while trying to challenge the bowling by rushing towards the track. The ball flew beautifully, but his lob was mistimed and was easily caught at distance. Ali went on to question Babar’s suitability for the T20 format, arguing that his reputation does not translate into impact cricket. He pointed to the 31-year-old’s performances in the Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers ahead of the World Cup as further evidence. Babar was denied a single off the last ball of the match against Sydney Thunder Steve Smithhe is looking to maximize the power surge. The incident sparked controversy with Babar angrily hitting the boundary rope with his bat after being dismissed. “If you call Babar Azam a superstar in ODIs or Tests, I might still agree. But in T20Is? Kahaan se superstar hai? (How did he become a superstar?) A batsman who falls out of the regular batting position and bats at No. 4 cannot even tell the management that he is not the No. 4 batsman! Doesn’t Babar know this?” said Bast. “Even club cricketers will tell you that in T20S, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, they are all better players than Babar! Sahibzada Farhan Saim Ayub is also a better T20 player than Babar. Even Salman Ali Agha has proven that he is a better number three player than Babar. People still haven’t wised up after what Steve Smith did to Babar Azam in Big Bash League! He refused a single just to prevent Babar from striking. His game is not suitable for T20s,” he added. Notably, even before the tournament began, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made it clear that reputation does not guarantee selection and said the team management will not hesitate to drop Babar Azam if he does not fit the required team mix.

‘Nazism will be eradicated by March 31’, Amit Shah says after Raipur security review India News

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阿米特·沙阿在赖布尔安全审查后表示:“纳粹主义将在 3 月 31 日之前被彻底根除”

‘Nazism will be eradicated by March 31’, Amit Shah says after Raipur security review

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah The Center’s strategy against left-wing extremism has started bearing tangible results, the government said on Sunday, asserting that Naxalism will be eradicated by March 31. He made the remarks after chairing a high-level security review meeting in Raipur, weeks ahead of the government-imposed deadline.Sharing details of the Meeting X, Shah said the combination of security-focused operations, infrastructure expansion, disruption of Maoist funding channels and an effective surrender policy had significantly weakened the insurgents.“Today in Raipur, I held a review meeting with the Chhattisgarh government and officials on anti-Naxal operations. Security-centric strategies, infrastructure development, targeting Naxal financial networks and capitulation policies have yielded positive results and Naxalism will be completely eradicated by March 31. ” Shah wrote.

Senior central and state officials attended the review

The meeting was held at a hotel in Atal Nagar, Navaraipur and was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, Union Home Secretary, Intelligence Bureau Director and Special Secretary (Internal Security), Home Ministry.The meeting was also attended by senior security leaders, including directors general of CRPF, BSF, ITBP and NIA. Senior police officials from Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Telangana also participated in the discussion.Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region, which encompasses seven districts and borders Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, has historically been seen as the strongest base for Maoist activities.However, an intensification of anti-Naxal operations over the past few years has significantly weakened the movement in the region, according to officials.

Encounters, arrests and surrenders since 2024

Security forces have made significant gains in Chhattisgarh since January 2024. According to the Press Trust of India news agency, citing police data, more than 500 Naxalites have been killed in the clashes, including Nambala Keshava Rao, also known as Basavaraju, a senior leader and general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Maoist).During the same period, some 1,900 Naxalites were arrested in the state and more than 2,500 surrendered, underscoring what the center described as the combined impact of ongoing operations and rehabilitation measures.

xQc sparks controversy by saying MrBeast doesn’t deserve to be on YouTube’s Mount Rushmore

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xQc sparks controversy by saying MrBeast doesn't deserve to be on YouTube's Mount Rushmore
During a recent Kick Live, xQc sparked controversy by deeming MrBeast unworthy of a spot on YouTube’s Mount Rushmore. He claims that early founders built the platform without funding or strong monetization tools, unlike today’s stars. xQc also said that many people misunderstand the concept of Mount Rushmore, insisting that it should honor true pioneers.

Felix “xQc” Lengyel has never been shy about sharing his opinions, and this time he’s setting his sights on one Youtubeof big names. During a February 5 Kick Live broadcast, the popular streamer reacted to a video of FaZe Rug and JasonTheWeen discussing which creators deserve a spot on the so-called YouTubers’ Mount Rushmore. xQc quickly retorted when MrBeast’s name came up.At issue is legacy. Who really shapes this platform? Who laid the foundation upon which others now stand? For xQc, this distinction is more important than subscriber counts or virality. His reaction sparked new discussions in the streaming community about what it really means to be a pioneer.

xQc challenges modern creator rankings

As soon as JasonTheWeen mentioned MrBeast, xQc interrupted him directly. He said, “Yo, yo, Mr. Beast can’t be on Mount Rushmore. Guys, there’s nothing, there’s nothing, there’s nothing [for] Jimmy stood up. Everything in the early days of YouTube was garbage, no funding, no ads, no, nothing, no virality. You can make the hottest shit and it’ll get fucking like, it’ll get like ten million views like you have to walk on it.His argument focuses on time and circumstances. According to xQc, early YouTube creators worked without brand deals, powerful algorithms, or reliable monetization. They build audiences from scratch, often with limited tools and uncertain returns. In his mind, this fight defines what the Mount Rushmore character should represent.The conversation didn’t stop there. When IShowSpeed’s name came into the discussion, FaZe Rug said, “I low-key think he’s at a Michael Jackson level or on his way to that level, which is crazy, I know it’s a hot take, but…” xQc questioned the broader understanding of the metaphor.He responded: “Guys, guys, people need to stop talking about Mount Rushmore. I don’t think they understand. I don’t think they understand what Mount Rushmore is. Guys, it’s like the Founding Fathers. These are the people who created America.”For xQc, that title belongs to trailblazers, not just trendsetters. His comments have reignited debates about influence, originality and the evolving history of online content creation.

Private plane crashes in Karnataka: Two injured after plane crash | India News

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Private plane crash in Karnataka: Two injured after plane crash

New Delhi: A private training aircraft operated by Red Bird Flying Training Academy Limited crashed in an open field in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district on Sunday afternoon, police said. Video from the scene showed the wreckage.Belagavi police said a two-seater Red Bird aircraft crashed in Mangaluru village of Babaleshwar taluk. Both passengers, including the pilot, survived the crash and were taken to hospital with injuries.The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that the aircraft involved was a Cessna 172 (registration number VT-EUC) and was conducting a training flight at the time. According to the regulator, the plane made an emergency landing in an open field near Bagalkot, about 100 kilometers east of Belagavi airport.Sources said the plane broke into multiple parts after the crash. The condition of the injured is currently unclear.Video from the scene showed the plane breaking into multiple pieces. Preliminary information showed that the trainer aircraft was flying from Kalaburagi to Belagavi when the accident occurred.This is a development story. More details await..