Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Home Blog Page 1216

Israel destroys river bridges in southern Lebanon

0
Israel destroys river bridges in southern Lebanon


Bystanders stood in shock, surveying the destruction. Tensions quickly rose among onlookers. Some shouted angrily, directing blame at Israel, while a group of men raised a tall poster of Hezbollah’s slain leader, Hassan Nasrallah, marching it to the top of the pile of rubble.


New national highway Rules: Skip toll payment, pay double after 72 hours

0
New national highway Rules: Skip toll payment, pay double after 72 hours


New national highway Rules: Skip toll payment, pay double after 72 hours

NEW DELHI: Failure to pay user fee because of faulty FASTag or for low balance in the tag while crossing a barrier-less plaza on NH network will cost you double, if you don’t pay the user charge within 72 hours, as per a govt notification. Similarly, if the tolling agency fails to examine and dispose of any complaint within five days, the claim for the unpaid user fee will automatically lapse.The changes have been made in the National Highways Fee Rules to rein in users going scot-free after not paying the user charge and also to hold the tolling agencies accountable.The amendments provide a structured recovery mechanism in cases of “unpaid user fee” to strengthen digital enforcement of toll collection, particularly in the context of evolving barrier-free tolling systems. The rules came into effect from Tuesday. As per the amended Rules, “unpaid user fee” has been defined as the toll applicable to a vehicle whose passage has been recorded by Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) infrastructure but where the applicable user fee has not been received.TOI on March 7 had first reported the change in Rules just ahead of the launch of barrier-less tolling on NHs. As per the new norms, an electronic notice (e-notice) will be issued to registered vehicle owners for “unpaid user fee” specifying vehicle details, date and location of passage, and the amount payable. The notices will be sent through SMS, email, mobile-based applications and will also be made available on a designated portal.The rules further provide for integration of the national electronic toll collection system with the VAHAN database to enable seamless identification of vehicles and enforcement of unpaid dues.As per the amendment, the unpaid user fee payable in response to an e-notice will be twice the applicable toll amount. However, to encourage timely compliance, if the amount is paid within 72 hours of issuance of the e-notice, only the original user fee will be payable without any additional charge.A provision has also been made for grievance redressal. Any aggrieved vehicle owner or driver may submit a representation through the designated portal within 72 hours of issuance of the e-notice. Agencies will get five days to examine and dispose it of within five days, failing which the claim for unpaid user fee will lapse.“In cases where the unpaid user fee remains unpaid beyond 15 days and no representation is pending, the amount will be recorded in the VAHAN system, and appropriate restrictions may be imposed on vehicle-related services until the dues are cleared,” the ministry said.The restrictions on vehicle-related services include transfer and renewal of RC.


5 IPL legends who have never won the Purple Cap | Cricket News

0
5 IPL legends who have never won the Purple Cap | Cricket News


5 IPL legends who have never won the Purple Cap
Jasprit Bumrah never won the purple cap

NEW DELHI: While many of the greatest bowlers in IPL history have topped the charts at least once, a surprising number of legends have consistently taken wickets year after year without ever finishing a single season as the number one. Here is the breakdown of the legendary wicket-takers from your list who have never won the Purple Cap:

Watch

Jay Shah calls 2019 to 2026 as Indian cricket’s golden period

1. Sunil NarineThe KKR legend is perhaps the most “expensive” bowler to never win the cap, not in terms of runs, but in terms of value. Narine often misses out on the Purple Cap because teams choose to block him out rather than attack him. By maintaining an incredible career economy rate (around 7.96), he creates pressure that leads to wickets for the bowler at the other end.2. Piyush ChawlaChawla is the ultimate IPL workhorse. Having played since the very first season in 2008, he has outlasted almost everyone. While he has been a consistent top-10 performer across stints with PBKS, KKR, and MI, he has never had that one explosive season with 25+ wickets required to snatch the trophy from the field.3. Ravichandran AshwinThe master tactician treats T20 bowling like a game of chess. Ashwin’s primary goal is often to squeeze the opposition in the Powerplay or middle overs. Because he prioritizes variations and containment over hunting wickets, his tally stays high through longevity rather than single-season dominance.4. Jasprit BumrahIt is widely considered an IPL anomaly that the world’s best fast bowler has no Purple Cap. Similar to Narine, Bumrah is often a victim of his own excellence; captains would rather take zero runs off his over than risk losing a wicket. He famously took 27 wickets in 2020 but was beaten to the cap by Kagiso Rabada’s 30.5. Ravindra Jadeja Jadeja was often used by CSK as a defensive specialist on turning tracks. He bowls his four overs so quickly that batters barely have time to think, let alone plan an attack. This dart-in style makes him one of the most economical bowlers in the league, but it rarely produces the massive 4-wicket hauls needed to climb to the top of the season leaderboards.ALSO READ: 5 IPL legends to have not won the Orange CapTop 10 most wicket-takers in IPL history

Players Wickets Purple Caps
Yuzvendra Chahal 221 2022
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 198 2016, 2017
Sunil Narine 192 –
Piyush Chawla 192 –
Ravichandran Ashwin 187 –
Jasprit Bumrah 183 –
Dwayne Bravo 183 2013, 2015
Amit Mishra 174 –
Lasith Malinga 170 2011
Ravindra Jadeja 170 –

Banner Insert


Prem Chopra reveals Big B sends him daily ‘get well soon’ msgs

0
Prem Chopra reveals Big B sends him daily ‘get well soon’ msgs


Prem Chopra reveals Amitabh Bachchan sends him daily ‘get well soon’ messages after health scare: ‘He persists sweetly’
Veteran actor Prem Chopra has shared a heartwarming anecdote about Amitabh Bachchan, revealing how the superstar checked in on him every single day during his recent health scare. The actor, who was hospitalised in Mumbai in November last year, said that Amitabh has been sending him “get well soon” messages daily—even after being told that he has recovered.

Veteran actor Prem Chopra has shared a heartwarming anecdote about Amitabh Bachchan, revealing how the superstar checked in on him every single day during his recent health scare.The actor, who was hospitalised in Mumbai in November last year, said that Amitabh has been sending him “get well soon” messages daily—even after being told that he has recovered.

‘Every morning, there is a message from him’

Speaking about their bond, Prem Chopra revealed that Amitabh Bachchan is one of his close friends on WhatsApp.“Ever since I fell ill, every morning there is a message from him: ‘Get well soon, Prem’. ‘Prayers for you.’ Maine bola usko, yaar main theek ho gaya (I told him, buddy, I have recovered). But he persists sweetly,” he shared with Hollywood Reporter India.

Health scare and recovery

Last year, Prem Chopra was admitted to Lilavati Hospital after he fell unwell. Doctors diagnosed him with a viral infection along with age-related complications, including severe aortic stenosis.Following his treatment, his son-in-law, actor Sharman Joshi, shared an update on social media, revealing that the veteran underwent a successful TAVI procedure, replacing the valve without the need for open-heart surgery.He added that the procedure was smooth and complication-free, and that Prem Chopra is now back home and recovering well.

Watch

Amitabh Bachchan’s Pays Tribute To Dharmendra – ‘Another Valiant Giant Has Left Us’

A long-standing on-screen association

Prem Chopra and Amitabh Bachchan have shared screen space in several iconic films over the decades, especially during the 1970s and 1980s, where Prem often played the antagonist.Their collaborations include Do Anjaane, The Great Gambler, Benaam, Mard, and Naseeb, among others. With a career spanning more than 60 years, Prem Chopra has featured in over 380 films and carved a niche as one of Hindi cinema’s most memorable villains.Some of his most notable works include Woh Kaun Thi, Upkaar, Do Raaste, Kati Patang, Bobby, Trishul, Dostana, and Kranti—films that continue to be celebrated by audiences across generations.


Rajpal Yadav cheque bounce case: Interim bail extended by Delhi HC till April 1

0
Rajpal Yadav cheque bounce case: Interim bail extended by Delhi HC till April 1



Rajpal Yadav cheque bounce case: Interim bail extended by Delhi HC till April 1

Rajpal Yadav has carved a niche for himself as a promising comic actor in the industry. However, he has been in the news ever since he was sent to Tihar Jail in a Rs 9 crore cheque bounce case. The hearing in the case involving Bollywood actor Rajpal Yadav commenced before the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, where the court extended his interim bail till the next date of hearing.

Rajpal Yadav’s interim bail extended

Rajpal Yadav attended the hearing with his lawyer. After the session, the actor interacted with the media and said, “The next hearing is on April 1. I have complete faith in the judicial system of India. Dudh ka dudh aur pani ka pani nikalne ki puri koshish karenge. (We will try to dig out the truth).”

During the hearing, Yadav’s counsel informed the court that a regular bail application had already been filed. The court was told that a substantial portion of the dues had already been cleared. According to the report submitted by the counsel, the actor has paid Rs 4.5 crore to Murli Projects Private Limited, and a further Rs 25 lakh was handed over through a demand draft on the day of the hearing.

Taking note of the payments made, the court observed, “You have paid a substantial amount; therefore, we are not sending you back to jail,” and accordingly extended Yadav`s interim bail till the next date of hearing.

During the proceedings, the court questioned Yadav regarding the loan involved in the dispute. In response, the actor, who was present in person, admitted that he had taken the loan. The court noted that multiple opportunities had been granted earlier to clear the dues, but they were not complied with.

Addressing the court, Yadav stated that in 2016, he had been directed to pay around Rs 10.40 crore and had even produced documents relating to a property worth Rs 28 crore belonging to a friend. He further claimed that despite making partial payments, including Rs 2 crore, the complainant was not interested in accepting the remaining amount and instead wanted him to be sent to jail.

About the case

Back in 2010, Rajpal Yadav reportedly borrowed Rs 5 crore from Delhi-based Murli Projects Pvt Ltd to fund his directorial debut Ata Pata Laapata. The film failed at the box office, and as a result, the loan remained unpaid. Court records indicate that seven cheques issued later bounced.

The dispute took a legal turn, and in April 2018, a magisterial court convicted Rajpal Yadav and his wife, Radha. The actor was sentenced to six months of simple imprisonment.

In 2024, the court directed the actor to show a sincere effort to repay the dues. However, in February 2026, the court ordered him to surrender, and he was in Tihar Jail. He was later granted bail as he wanted to attend a family wedding. The actor is now busy promoting his upcoming film, Bhooth Bangla. It is set to release on April 10.




Sabrina Carpenter poses in Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup-winning jersey

0
Sabrina Carpenter poses in Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup-winning jersey



Sabrina Carpenter poses in Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup-winning jersey

Pop icon Sabrina Carpenter knows how to win over fans around the globe. The US singer posted a TikTok video of herself dancing to the tunes of Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny while sporting a replica of Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup-winning Argentina jersey.

Although the video was reportedly taken during the half-time show at the NFL’s Super Bowl event in February, the timing of her TikTok post comes as she tours South America — she performed at the Lollapalooza music festival in Argentina last weekend.

The Grammy winner captioned the post: “Ole, Ole, Ole Argentina.”

A screengrab of Sabrina wearing Leo Messi’s No. 10 jersey 

This is not the first time Carpenter has displayed her adoration for the Inter Miami forward. In 2023, during the ‘Eras Tour’ concert where she opened for Taylor Swift, she burst onto the stage saying, “When I’m in the bedroom, I feel sexy. He’s having a ball; he calls me Messi. Argentina, will you be my bestie?”

Argentina will be gearing up to defend their World Cup title later this year, when the global showpiece event gets underway on June 11, in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.


Ahead of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, did Aditya Dhar hint at Dhurandhar 3? Yami Gautam calls him ‘My Dhurandhar’

0
Ahead of Dhurandhar: The Revenge, did Aditya Dhar hint at Dhurandhar 3? Yami Gautam calls him ‘My Dhurandhar’


Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge, one of the biggest and most-anticipated releases of the year, is all set to arrive in theatres tomorrow on March 19. But for those who just couldn’t wait any longer, paid previews begin a day before. Well, ahead of the release, the director took to his official social media handle today to pen a note for fans, requesting all to not share spoilers. But it was his caption which stole the attention, leaving many wondering if Aditya has hinted at another part of the movie. His post has once again fuelled rumours of Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar 3.

Ranveer Singh with Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar
Ranveer Singh with Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar

In his post, Aditya Dhar wrote: “To my dearest, most extraordinary Dhurandhar family, 5th December 2025, Dhurandhar released in cinemas worldwide. And since then, you didn’t just watch our film. You loved it. You lived it. You appreciated every quiet detail, debated every moment, rewatched it, and noticed things I never even thought anyone would.” He went on to add, “So when we sat down to make Dhurandhar The Revenge, we knew one thing with absolute certainty: we had to surprise you. We had to make you feel emotions you weren’t prepared for. Deeply. Honestly. That is never easy. But for you, we tried our very hardest. We’ve put our hearts into Dhurandhar The Revenge so you can experience every twist, every emotion, exactly the way it’s meant to be felt. In a theatre, in the dark, surrounded by friends, family, and even strangers, everyone feeling the same emotions. That’s how films should be experienced. Not on someone’s phone in a blurry image. Hence, here is my one, heartfelt, earnest request… PLEASE DON’T SHARE SPOILERS!”

In the caption below, Aditya wrote: “Oh, and one more thing. Don’t leave your seats until the credits have stopped rolling 😉.” In the comments below, Aditya’s actor wife Yami Gautam, who has a cameo in the film, wrote: “My Dhurandhar ❤️🙏🏻.” When Dhurandhar released in theatres last year, fans had no idea that a sequel was on the way until they reached the end credits where Dhurandhar: The Revenge was officially announced. Guessing Dhurandhar 3 will be announced the same way, a fan gushed, “Wait. What do you mean by not leaving the seats till the credits are finished? 😭😭 Is Dhurandhar 3 coming?!,” whereas another wrote, “DONT LEAVE THE SEATS UNTIL THE CREDITS STOPPED ROLLING 🗣️🗣️🗣️. ARE WE ONTO SOMETHING HERE.” A comment also read, “Oh man, what did you write at the end of the caption, are you hinting for Dhurandhar 3🫣😱.”

Apart from Ranveer, who returns as Jaskirat aka Hamza in the film, Dhurandhar: The Revenge also stars Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Sara Arjun, Rakesh Bedi, Gaurav Gera and Danish Pandor.


LSG hope Shami brings the magic to Ekana stadium

0
LSG hope Shami brings the magic to Ekana stadium


LUCKNOW: When BCCI announced its annual retainership contracts in February, Mohammed Shami’s name was missing. If anything, that was a sign the board had decided to look toward younger talent.

Mohammed Shami will be playing for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. (HT Photo)
Mohammed Shami will be playing for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. (HT Photo)

But the pacer, who last played T20Is for India in February 2025 — his last India outing was in the ODI Champions Trophy triumph in March last year — has made a slow but steady recovery from a knee injury that looked like it had all but ended his career. The first signs appeared during a Ranji Trophy season in which he took 37 wickets at an average of 16.72 for Bengal. More importantly, he bowled 230.3 overs during the tournament.

In terms of fitness, he had clearly taken a significant step forward. It got him into the conversation again but to truly grab the attention of the national selectors, he will now need to step it up in the Indian Premier League as well.

In that sense, he’ll be in a good space at the Lucknow Super Giants. Even though he represents Bengal in the Ranji Trophy, his connection with Uttar Pradesh is strong. He comes from Amroha in the western part of the state and though he was rejected during his early trials, he has a big fan base.

Shami’s four-wicket haul, where he conceded only 22 runs against England, helped India secure a 100-run win in the 2023 ICC World Cup. This is the most recent memory for his fans in Lucknow who will see him don the LSG jersey this season.

On his first day at the nets on Tuesday, many fans waited for hours at the gate of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium to catch a glimpse of him. An Instagram post by LSG in which Shami said “milte hain Ekana main” added much fuel to his fans’ enthusiasm.

At the age of 35, the pacer, traded from Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹10 crore, is expected to exploit the conditions here in Lucknow when LSG begin their campaign against Delhi Capitals on April 1. His immaculate seam position makes him a danger with the new ball.

Shami has been absent from Team India’s T20 squad for a while but he will be an important cog in LSG’s game plan for the season.

Interestingly, Shami brings 133 IPL wickets of experience to LSG’s attack. His Powerplay prowess suits Ekana’s seam-friendly pitches, promising early breakthroughs. Besides this, his ability to take wickets with both the new and old ball makes him a valuable asset.

LSG head coach Justin Langer was excited enough to have Shami in the side after the bowler was traded before the auction.

“Mohammed Shami is a real competitor and a warrior. There has been a lot of talk about him. As a past coach against him, you knew the team was always in the fight if Shami was playing,” Langer had said.

The Australian coach said Shami’s experience and energy make him valuable, but managing his body across the season will be key. Langer also spoke about Shami’s character and resilience. “He is probably one of the best team players and the best people I have met in cricket. His energy is unbelievable.”

And LSG will be hoping that this is precisely the kind of energy that will push them forward this season.


Could the Iran war trigger a global recession? | US-Israel war on Iran

0
Could the Iran war trigger a global recession? | US-Israel war on Iran


Energy prices are surging as the Iran war disrupts supply, raising risks for the US, China and Europe.

All eyes are on the Strait of Hormuz.

The longer it remains closed, the greater the damage to the global economy.

Iran continues to block tankers from shipping close to 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.

That is roughly twice the disruption the world suffered during the energy shock of the 1970s.

Big oil shocks have historically led to considerable economic turmoil, high inflation, stagnation and recession.

Oil and gas prices are already surging, and economies are expected to slow.

From American consumers to Chinese factories and European households, people across the world are already feeling the effect.


Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra named alongside Harrison Ford, Idris Elba as global changemakers by National Geographic

0
Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra named alongside Harrison Ford, Idris Elba as global changemakers by National Geographic


National Geographic has unveiled its National Geographic 33 – 2026 list, a lineup of global changemakers for the year. Actors Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra featured in the list as influential voices from India making a global mark.

Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra were named in the National Geographic 33 Changemaker list.
Alia Bhatt and Priyanka Chopra were named in the National Geographic 33 Changemaker list.

The list was revealed by National Geographic on March 17. In a statement, National Geographic revealed that the list recognised 33 leaders rising to meet the most critical challenges of our time, making meaningful progress and achieving incredible breakthroughs. ‘These are bold thinkers and problem solvers from across the globe who believe that our world needs imaginative solutions and urgent action—and are leading the charge for change,’ read the statement.

Alia Bhatt

Alia Bhatt has been recognised for using her platform to bring climate consciousness into the mainstream, championing environmental sustainability and inspiring a new generation to engage with urgent ecological issues. “There’s her production company, Eternal Sunshine, which helped produce a miniseries based on an elephant poaching investigation and continues to support environmental filmmaking through a partnership with an Indian eco-film festival. Her children’s book, Ed Finds a Home, encourages kids to recognise the importance of animal adoption. And Mi Wardrobe Is Su Wardrobe, her fashion resale initiative, channels funds to eco-friendly charities while reducing landfill waste. The actress’s social media platform, Coexist, also amplifies the work of other organisations supporting animal rights. Bhatt’s approach to changemaking is intentionally varied, powered by her compassion and curiosity, undiluted since childhood,” read the official statement.

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra has been acknowledged for her continued advocacy in healthcare accessibility, using her global influence to spotlight critical issues such as diabetes and drive meaningful social awareness. “It wasn’t until she met her husband, Nick Jonas, who was diagnosed at age 13, that she learned Type 1 need not be a limitation. “You can handle and live with this condition—and actually thrive with it,” Chopra Jonas says. For the past five years, she has spread that message in India as a board member of Beyond Type 1, the nonprofit her husband co-founded. In the world’s most populous country, Chopra Jonas has become a visible force for change, helping to put out viral educational videos that promote early detection and to recruit diabetes ambassadors to reduce misapprehensions about the disease,” read the official statement.

Some of the other names on the list include Harrison Ford, Russell Westbrook, Shailene Woodley, Ewan McGregor, and Idris Elba, each contributing to change in their own way.