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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Shoaib Ibrahim's Father Taken Off Ventilator After Brain Surgery

TV actor Shoaib Ibrahim has shared a fresh update on his father's health, a week after he was hospitalised following a brain haemorrhage. In a recent vlog, Shoaib said that his father's condition has improved. He revealed that doctors had earlier placed him on ventilator support due to several medical concerns, but it has now been removed. He also added that his father is conscious and has started responding to him, indicating a positive recovery.

Details

Shoaib said in his vlog, "I brought my father to the hospital last Sunday. After that, his surgery was delayed for 3-4 days because he was on blood thinners. Finally, he underwent surgery on Wednesday, and it went well. Since then, he has started responding. Earlier, he wasn't reacting at all." 

"Over the past few days, my father's heart rate had increased and his blood pressure was also fluctuating. He was unable to swallow properly, so he was placed on a ventilator as a precautionary measure. However, he has now been taken off the ventilator. The support was removed on Sunday after 3-4 days," he added.

Talking about the current condition, Shoaib said, "His heart rate is now under control. Since he had been under anaesthesia for several days, it caused some gas build-up in his intestines, but that has also improved today."

He added, "Speech abhi nahi hai. Dheere dheere unki speech therapy shuru hogi. Aj papa se milke aaya. Achchhe se smile kar raha hai, respond kar rahe hain, bolne ki koshish kar rahe. Inshaallah woh dheere dheere hoga." 

(His speech hasn't returned yet. Gradually, his speech therapy will begin. I met him today. He is smiling well, responding, and trying to speak. InshaAllah, it will improve slowly.)

Background

In a previous video, Shoaib Ibrahim spoke about how serious his father's medical emergency was.

Shoaib Ibrahim said, "As you all know, my father has been hospitalized. We initially thought it was a stroke, but this time it turned out to be a brain haemorrhage. He is not doing well. The last time he had a stroke, there was a blood clot in his brain, which paralyzed the left side of his body. But he was speaking, and he recovered quickly; however, this time there was a lot of bleeding, and it had spread, causing speech problems for him."

"Papa is not reacting at all. The swelling has reduced, and they will perform a procedure on his brain. They will make a hole in his skull and remove the blood clots so that they do not spread. They are waiting for the swelling to subside. They don't want to rush things; they are closely monitoring him for two days," Shoaib added. 

Also Read: Why Dipika Kakar Is Drinking Ground Black Coffee, Husband Shoaib Ibrahim Explains

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Vijay's In-Flight Photo With Air Hostess Wins Internet: "Extra Special Duty"

A picture taken aboard a flight featuring an air hostess and C. Joseph Vijay has gone viral on social media, with fans celebrating the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's humble and approachable public image. The photograph was clicked during Vijay's return journey from New Delhi following his first official multi-day visit to the national capital since taking oath as Chief Minister earlier this month. The cabin crew member identified as Uma Meenakshi shared the image online, calling the flight duty "extra special" after getting the opportunity to meet the actor-turned-politician in person.

Dressed in his now-signature monochrome black-and-white formal attire, the Chief Minister appeared relaxed in the viral picture, which quickly spread across fan pages and political circles.

"Crew duty became extra special today with Honourable Chief Minister Shri C. Joseph Vijay (fondly known as Thalapathy) @actorvijay onboard," the air hostess wrote on Instagram while sharing the image.

See the post here:

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A post shared by UMA MEENAKSHI (@yamtha.uma)

The actor-turned politician's supporters praised Vijay for maintaining the same down-to-earth persona that made him one of Tamil cinema's biggest stars long before entering politics. Many users commented on how comfortably he interacted with ordinary people despite now holding the state's top political office.

The flight came at the end of a politically significant visit to Delhi, where the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder held meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several senior Union ministers. Discussions reportedly focused on central funding for Tamil Nadu, infrastructure expansion, welfare programmes, investment opportunities and pending state projects.

From Tamil Cinema Superstar to Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister

Vijay's rise from cinema superstar to Chief Minister has been one of the most closely watched political developments in recent Tamil Nadu history. After launching Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in 2024, he rapidly transformed his massive fan base into a political support network, positioning himself as a fresh alternative in the state's Dravidian political landscape.

His campaign focused heavily on youth engagement, governance reform, anti-corruption messaging, and welfare-driven development. Riding on enormous popularity among younger voters and first-time supporters, TVK emerged as a major political force within a remarkably short period.

Vijay, who also heads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), won a trust vote on May 13 with the support of Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLAs. The TVK emerged as the largest party after winning 108 seats in the assembly elections.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mission SANA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Shemar Moore Returns As Hondo In New 'S.W.A.T. Exiles' Spinoff

The S.W.A.T. franchise is officially getting a new chapter, and Shemar Moore is set to reprise his role as Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson in the upcoming spinoff series, according to reports from CinemaBlend. Sony Pictures Television announced that it had ordered a new part titled, S.W.A.T. Exiles.

The new series comes after the original S.W.A.T. concluded its eight-season run on CBS in 2025. The 10-episode first season of S.W.A.T. Exiles wrapped filming in February and is currently being presented to potential buyers during the 2026 LA Screenings in Los Angeles. The show has not yet secured an official network or streaming home, the outlet further reported.

In the spinoff, Hondo is pulled out of forced retirement after a high-profile mission goes wrong. He is then tasked to lead a “last-chance experimental SWAT unit made up of untested, unpredictable young recruits.” 

Joining Moore in the new cast are Ronen Rubinstein, Freddy Miyares, Lucy Barrett, Zyra Gorecki and Adain Bradley. Despite the focus on a new generation of officers, original series cast members Jay Harrington, David Lim and Patrick St. Esprit are also confirmed to reprise their roles.

The news of the returning cast follows earlier reports of behind-the-scenes tension after some cast members, including Harrington and Lim, reportedly expressed disappointment over not initially being approached for the spinoff. The speculation fueled rumours of production drama, though Moore recently shared a celebratory social media video featuring the new ensemble during a public screening event.

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The continuation of the franchise marks another comeback moment for S.W.A.T., which previously survived cancellation twice during its original broadcast run. Fans can still stream the original series on Netflix.

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300 Tourists Rescued After Gulmarg Gondola Technical Issue Sparks Panic

What began as a scenic cable car ride over the snow-covered peaks of Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg turned into a terrifying ordeal for nearly 300 tourists on Sunday after the famed Gulmarg Gondola service suffered a sudden technical breakdown, leaving visitors stranded mid-air for hours.

A massive multi-agency rescue operation involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces and Civil Defence teams was launched immediately to evacuate tourists trapped inside multiple chair cars suspended above the mountainous terrain.

Officials said the technical snag occurred around 1 pm, disrupting operations in the first phase of the Gulmarg Gondola service in north Kashmir's premier tourist resort.

"A sudden technical fault hit the operations in the first phase of the Gulmarg cable car," a senior official of the Gulmarg Development Authority said.

The first phase of the Gondola runs from the Gulmarg bowl to Kangdori, while the second phase extends up to Apharwat Peak at an altitude of nearly 4,000 metres.

Visuals from the spot showed tourists stranded mid-air as rescue teams worked to safely bring them down amid growing panic and anxiety.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary was among the senior officials who rushed to the spot to supervise rescue operations.

On the instructions of the Chief Minister, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister @Surinderch55 is in Gulmarg personally overseeing the rescue operation following the temporary stoppage of the Gondola service due to a technical fault. The local Hon'ble MLA @FarooqShah_JKNC is also on site… pic.twitter.com/btx9sosnqE

— Office of Chief Minister, J&K (@CM_JnK) May 25, 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the rescue teams for the successful evacuation of all stranded tourists.

Applause to India's disaster response forces for safely rescuing 300 tourists stranded mid-air in cable cars in Gulmarg, Kashmir. The disaster response teams comprising the SDRF, NDRF, Army personnel, local police, and the administration swung into action and rescued all the…

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 25, 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said they were closely monitoring the situation and had directed all available resources to ensure the safe evacuation of tourists.

Authorities said the exact cause of the technical snag is yet to be ascertained.

The Gulmarg Gondola, regarded as Asia's highest cable car project, is one of Kashmir's biggest tourist attractions, offering panoramic views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks at elevations exceeding 13,000 feet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Kambo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BCCI Selectors Want To 'Move On' From SKY, But Final Decision With One Man

Suryakumar Yadav's future as India's T20 captain could primarily be decided by head coach Gautam Gambhir, as the national selection committee is not entirely convinced that he can make it to the team purely as a batter, according to a senior BCCI source. Suryakumar, who was given the moniker SKY by Gambhir, has been struggling for form for a year now.Within the BCCI, it is understood that the selection panel is in favour of moving on from him, but the Board hierarchy also recognises that the coach-captain equation is integral to the dressing-room environment. And Gambhir's stated comfort with Suryakumar will make him a key figure in the final call.

For close to a year now, Suryakumar's place in the side has remained under scrutiny. At the moment, it is understood that all five selectors largely believe that the current T20 captain should be dropped from the XI.

The view has been gaining ground ever since the emotional dust of the T20 World Cup triumph settled. The selectors, it is learnt, began seeing the future of Indian cricket through a wider lens instead of focusing on the glow of a single tournament.

"Initially, the selectors thought that the IPL would help Suryakumar regain form like the last edition when he crossed 700 runs. But strangely, there hasn't been any technical course correction in his game.

"Even the rookiest of pacers are just bowling straight hard lengths, and he has no answer. Selectors don't see him playing the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. It is as simple as that," a senior BCCI source told PTI.

The numbers do make for grim reading.

Suryakumar managed only 210 runs from 12 innings at a strike rate of 148 but, more alarmingly, averaged below 18 -- statistics that have sharply contrasted with the aura surrounding one of modern T20 cricket's most inventive batters.

"If someone can't earn his place as a batter, how can he be a leader? Hence, it is difficult to retain him, but Ajit (Agarkar) and Gautam need to be on the same page," the source said.

And therein lies the intrigue.

Gambhir is not known to operate as a ceremonial head coach.

Those familiar with his working style insist that in any set-up he oversees, the final word often rests with him. More importantly, his relationship with Suryakumar has remained exceptionally warm.

This means that if Gambhir chooses to back Suryakumar and veto the move to sack him, the selection committee may be forced to postpone the inevitable.

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

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Watch: Arjun Tendulkar Scalps 1st Wicket Of IPL 2026, Muted Celebrates Follows

Arjun Tendulkar, son of legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, made his debut for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2026 on Saturday, and also took his first wicket of the tournament. Tendulkar bowled an inch-perfect yorker in his third over to dismiss Punjab Kings (PBKS) opener Prabhsimran Singh, trapping him LBW. The left-arm pacer, however, did not celebrate it much, with LSG in a losing position. Tendulkar had a golden opportunity to dismiss Prabhsimran in his very first over, but LSG skipper Rishabh Pant squandered a simple catch.

When Tendulkar got Prabhsimran's wicket on the final ball of the 15th over, PBKS were already in the driving seat and on their way to victory, chasing a target of 197.

Tendulkar was not animated in his celebration, instead just exchanging high-fives with some of his teammates.

WATCH: Arjun Tendulkar takes his first wicket of IPL 2026

Yorker on point

Arjun Tendulkar denied earlier by a dropped catch but fetches his maiden #LSG wicket

Updates https://t.co/2ADKr4dqhi#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #LSGvPBKS | @LucknowIPL pic.twitter.com/DiCZbP7GCB

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 23, 2026

The 26-year-old was one of LSG's better bowlers despite their defeat, finishing with figures of 1/36 in four overs.

He had a big opportunity to pick up Prabhsimran's wicket in his first over, as the PBKS star gloved a short delivery. However, Rishabh Pant uncharacteristically dropped a catch.

Tendulkar also got a chance to bat towards the end, making 5 runs in as many balls.

Tendulkar had been traded to LSG ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. It was the first time that he had joined a franchise other than Mumbai Indians (MI), where his father Sachin had played for six seasons.

Punjab Kings ultimately clinched victory over LSG to keep their IPL 2026 playoffs hopes alive. PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer slammed a stunning unbeaten 101 to guide his side to victory with two overs to go.

PBKS ended their six-game losing streak and necessarily so, moving up to 15 points with their seventh win of the IPL 2026 season. Their qualification to the playoffs depends on how Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) fare on the final day of the league stage.

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Jaipur Woman Dies By Suicide After Domestic Abuse, Children Recount Torture

A case of alleged domestic abuse in Jaipur has left two children without their mother. The victim, Anu Meena, allegedly died by suicide by hanging herself. Both children were witnesses to their parents' constant quarrels.

Anu married Gautam Meena, an executive engineer in the Public Works Department, in 2015. Allegations suggest that soon after marriage, Gautam began harassing her, often under the influence of alcohol. He reportedly abused and physically assaulted her multiple times.

Their son, 10-year-old Mahir, said that his father frequently beat his mother. He recalled an incident when his father came home and assaulted Anu. 

Mahir also mentioned that his mother had asked him to give her salt water whenever her blood pressure dropped. On one occasion, while he tried to help her, his father dismissed the situation. "Dad would often hit Mom and torment her. One day, he came home, played a song on the TV, then smashed the television set and beat Mom. I went to get the water, but Dad blamed Mom," Mahir said. 

Their daughter, eight-year-old Samayra, also recounted frequent fights between her parents, including public arguments at social gatherings and even during a family trip.

On April 7, Anu allegedly died by suicide after enduring ongoing abuse. Before taking the extreme step, she made a video call to her husband and carried out the act during the call. Neighbours rushed to the scene and informed her family. Despite attempts to revive her through CPR, she could not be saved.

Anu's mother, 56-year-old Maya, recalled that Anu often complained about her husband's behaviour but never imagined the situation would end this way. She said she missed a call that day and now feels she could have prevented the tragedy.

Days after the incident, Mahir accessed his mother's phone and retrieved several videos, including footage of an altercation. Anu had recorded a video inside the car in which Gautam can be clearly heard hurling verbal abuse at her. In the video, Gautam is seen verbally abusing both Anu and her family. 

Anu's brother, Neeraj Meena, said the family had repeatedly urged her to return home, but she chose to stay, concerned about her husband's well-being. He added that Gautam would often apologise after episodes of violence, which led the family to believe the situation might improve.

He further alleged that even after the incident, Gautam showed no remorse and reportedly stated that going to jail for a few days would not be a problem.

Police have initiated an investigation, and statements from the victim's family have been recorded. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and other evidence as part of the probe.

Helplines
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health	9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com
TISS iCall	022-25521111 (Monday-Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)
(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.)

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Arjun Tendulkar Reacts After Pant Blunder Costs Him 1st Wicket. Watch

Arjun Tendulkar had an eventful first outing for his new IPL outfit Lucknow Super Giants against Punjab Kings. It was the all-rounder's new beginning in the IPL. Arjun, who is the son of Sachin Tendulkar, came on late in the innings and scored five runs. He bowled an economical first over where he gave away just four runs. It could have been even better had LSG captain Rishabh Pant taken a catch behind the stumps.

Pant was furious with himself after he let go of a tough chance in the seventh over of the innings. It was a short delivery around leg, as Prabhsimran rushed into the pull shot. The ball went off the glove to the left of Pant, who leapt across and got both gloves to it, but the ball slipped out. Prabhsimran went on to score 69 off 39 balls.

Pant was frustrated, as was Tendulkar.

A massive chance goes down!

Prabhsimran Singh gets a lifeline

Will this prove costly for LSG?#TATAIPL Race to Playoffs 2026 #LSGvPBKS | LIVE NOW https://t.co/YCEmm7Idoa pic.twitter.com/ebUXQd6MO2

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 23, 2026

Josh Inglis made a typically punishing 72, guiding Lucknow Super Giants to a handy 196 for six against Punjab Kings, who need to win this match to stay alive in the race to the IPL playoffs here on Saturday. Inglis and Pant (26, 21b) added 65 runs for the fourth wicket as the already-eliminated Super Giants recovered from a shaky 69 for three in the seventh over. Inglis 42-ball innings had two phases in it. The first part contained an opening over assault on Arshdeep Singh, four fours fetching the Aussie 16 runs. But then he left the stage for Ayush Badoni, who came to the crease after the early dismissal of Arshin Kulkarni, who opened in the place of Mitchell Marsh, and Nicholas Pooran. Badoni took the centre stage in some style, making an 18-ball 43 and added 49 runs for the third wicket with Inglis. He creamed Azmatuallah Omarzai, the No.1 all rounder as per ICC rankings, for 24 runs in the fifth over, and the run glut included a sequence of 4,6,6,4. It helped LSG recover from the early departures of two top-order batters and end the power play at a rather fine 66 for two. But Badoni's daredevilry ended soon as Prabhsimran Singh effected a smart stumping off Yuzvendra Chahal, and DRS upheld its validity. However, Inglis woke up from his stupor with a slew of sparkling shots around the ground, and he started the second segment of his innings smashing a six, four and four in a row of Arshdeep. In all, Inglis milked Arshdeep for six fours and two sixes, extending the India left-arm pacer's lean season. It brought Pant and Inglis together. Pant, who was dropped on 18 by Shreyas Iyer at covers off Chahal, was not at his fluent best, but stayed there to give some valuable company to Inglis. The Aussie right-hander reached his fifty in 28 balls but lost the company of Pant, who fell to Chahal (2/25). Inglis eventually fell to part-timer Shahshank Singh, giving an easy catch to Shreyas, who had stationed himself at a more straight long-on position. Abdul Samad (37 not out, 20 balls) belted a couple of big hits but once Mukul Choudhary fell to Marco Jansen (2/33) cheaply, LSG's hopes of crossing 200 evaporated.

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Ganguly Turns Back The Clock, Slams Century In Viral Video. Internet Reacts

Former Indian cricket team batter Sourav Ganguly rolled back the years as he played some beautiful shots to score 132 runs off just 68 balls in a viral gully cricket clip. Ganguly, who was well known for his elegant off-side shots, showed off his batting prowess and even slammed few trademark sixes straight down the group during the informal match. Internet was left stunned as the 53-year-old looked completely at ease and social media users were all praise for his batting. Ganguly scored 131 in his debut Test match against England and during this knock, he decided to score 1 more.

During the video, Ganguly was given two 'lives' which meant he could afford to get dismissed once. He reached his half-century in 33 balls and ended up losing his first 'life' at 75. However, there was no stopping as he raced to the century in 58 deliveries.

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Following his century, the wicket-keeper urged Ganguly to recreate his iconic Lord's celebration. However, he remained in high sprits and ended his knock on 132.

Earlier, during his appearance on Raj Shamani's podcast, Ganguly said that he had no idea Indian players were approached to do 'match-fixing'. 

He spoke to Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, asking them if any of them had been approached by someone to do such a thing. 

"The issues that the Indian team faced just before I became captain - betting, match-fixing - I didn't even know about these things. I kept asking Sachin [Tendulkar] and Rahul [Dravid] 'Does it actually happen? Has anyone approached you?' Because no one had approached me. So, I spoke to Sachin, 'Tujhe kisi ne poocha?' He said no. We all used to play both formats - Tests and one-dayers. Asked Anil [Kumble] too, he said 'No. Nobody asked me'. So, I wasn't too sure what it even was. That [captaincy] was the job in hand. So, I didn't have these things in mind," Ganguly opened up on the Raj Shamani podcast.

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Kohli Scripts History, Shatters Sensational World Record. Babar Also In Race

Royal Challengers Bengaluru star batter Virat Kohli shattered a sensational world record during the IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. Kohli stitched together a 60-run stand with Venkatesh Iyer for the opening wicket and it was the 211st 50-plus stand that he was a part of in T20 cricket. Kohli currently holds the record for being a part of the most 50-plus stands in men's T20 as he surpassed former England cricket team batter Alex Hales. David Warner is third in the elite list with 200, Pakistan's Babar Azam with 196 while West Indies legend Chris Gayle was a part of 191 50-plus stands.

Batters involved in most 50-plus stands in Men's T20s

211 - Virat Kohli*

210 - Alex Hales

200 - David Warner

196 - Babar Azam

191 - Chris Gayle

Coming to the match, Ishan Kishan (79) top-scored as Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 255 for four against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their Indian Premier League match on Friday.

SRH were also well served by half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma (56) and Heinrich Klaasen (51).

Kishan and Klaasen put on 113 runs for the third wicket in what turned out to be a successful outing for the SRH batters.

For RCB, Rasikh Salam Dar was pick among the bowlers taking 2/52.

"Yeah, it was a lovely innings. Struggled there in the first couple of balls, but that one over (27 runs off Hazlewood) just got me back on track. (Your score was 5 after 9 balls and then you took off. What suddenly made you do that?) 5 from 12 is a little bit under pressure in this format (laughs). The team is going at 11-12, so I had to catch up very quickly. So it's either get out or catch up with the rate. Yeah, I felt the wicket was a little bit slow, so I just struggled to find that timing and I think I might have looked for too many up front and then once I found my balance, it was a little bit easier. (Does help with Ishan Kishan being in full flow?) Yeah, and obviously it will help very much if you dovetail in your partnership. I think we've done that incredibly well this season in the middle order. (Pitch will slow up a bit more as the game progresses?) I would hope so (laughs)."

"I can't see that it will get any better. History tells that it might slow up a little bit more. (The fact that you're already in the playoffs made you play freely, at least the top order?) Yeah, it's a game that you can really try something if you really need to. That's why after a couple of balls I pulled the trigger (smiles). But it's a nice game to play and you never know what can happen. If you want an incredible score and it might make them a little bit nervous, couple of early wickets, you never know what can happen," Heinrich Klaasen said during the innings break.

(With agency inputs)

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Quad, Oil, Defence: Why Marco Rubio's India Visit Carries High Stakes

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in India this week at a moment when global alignments are shifting rapidly and Washington and New Delhi are both trying to recalibrate key strategic priorities.

From energy security and defence cooperation to trade and critical technologies, Rubio's four-day visit is expected to cover nearly every major pillar of the India-US relationship. The timing is significant too. His trip coincides with the Quad foreign ministers' meeting.

The Quad Meeting

Rubio lands just as foreign ministers from the Quad, India, the United States, Japan and Australia gather for talks aimed at strengthening coordination in the Indo-Pacific.

For India, the grouping has become increasingly important in recent years, especially on issues linked to defence cooperation, emerging technologies and supply-chain resilience. The Quad is also viewed as a platform through which the four democracies can coordinate more closely amid growing Chinese influence in the region.

Energy Security Takes Centre Stage

Energy is expected to be one of the biggest talking points during the visit.

India continues to purchase large volumes of discounted Russian oil, but the US is looking to expand its footprint in India's energy market through LNG and crude exports. With instability in the Middle East continuing to affect global energy flows, diversification has become an urgent concern for New Delhi.

For India, securing multiple energy sources is increasingly tied to sustaining long-term economic growth.

Push To Repair Trade Frictions

The visit also comes after a difficult phase in India-US economic ties marked by tariff disputes and friction over sanctions.

Officials on both sides are expected to use the trip to push interim agreements and create momentum for broader trade and investment deals. Critical minerals are likely to feature heavily in the discussions, particularly as both countries look to secure supply chains linked to semiconductors and batteries.

Defence Partnership Expands

Defence ties between the two countries are expected to feature prominently during Rubio's engagements.

India's military partnership with Washington already underpins several of its key platforms and systems, including the Boeing P-8 Poseidon aircraft, MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, M777 howitzer artillery guns and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft fleet used extensively by the Indian Air Force.

But discussions are now moving beyond purchases alone. Co-production of defence systems and collaboration in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors and space technology are expected to form a major part of the agenda.

Significance Of Rubio's Visit Politically

Rubio's visit is also politically significant because of his long-standing position on India and China.

Seen in Washington as an India hawk and a China sceptic, Rubio is viewed as more than a routine diplomatic envoy. His visit is likely to be read as a signal that despite recent US engagement with Pakistan, the Trump administration continues to see India as its larger strategic partner in the region.

A Relationship Both Sides Want Back On Track

Recent tensions over tariffs, sanctions and the heat India is facing because of the war in the Middle East have strained parts of the relationship, and both governments appear keen to stabilise ties.

Rubio's visit is expected to serve as a high-level effort to put the partnership back on firmer ground, with both US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seen as personally invested in maintaining momentum in bilateral ties.

Beyond New Delhi

Apart from meetings in the capital, Rubio is also expected to travel to Kolkata, Agra and Jaipur, signalling a broader outreach effort beyond official diplomacy.
 

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Murder, Parole, Then Bollywood Career: Gujarat Actor Arrested After 12 Years

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested a 53-year-old actor who had been on the run after failing to return to prison following parole in a murder case.

The accused, identified as Hemant Nagindas Purshottamdas (Vaishnav), also known as Hemant Modi, was arrested near Gheekanta Metro Station in Ahmedabad.

Police said he had been on the run since 2014 after not surrendering at the end of a 30-day parole period granted by the Gujarat High Court while serving a life sentence.

Murder Case Dates Back To 2005

According to police, Hemant Vaishnav was convicted in connection with a murder case linked to a 2005 clash in Ahmedabad's Naroda area.

The case was registered under IPC sections 302, 324, 147, 148, 149 and 120(B), along with Section 135(1) of the Bombay Police Act.

Investigators said the case stemmed from a fight between two groups over a land dispute in the Parshwanath Township area near Azad Chowk on the night of June 15, 2005.

Narendra alias Nanno Yashwant Kamble was killed in the violence.

On August 27, 2008, the accused in the case were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Failed To Return After Parole

Hemant Vaishnav was serving his sentence in Mehsana Jail when he was granted 30 days of parole by the Gujarat High Court on July 25, 2014.

Police said he failed to return after the parole period ended and was subsequently declared a parole absconder.

Acting Career Continued

Police said that while evading arrest, Hemant Vaishnav continued to work in the entertainment industry.

Police said he acted in Bollywood films, including Thugs Of Hindostan and Jayeshbhai Jordaar, television programmes such as Wagle Ki Duniya, and theatre productions.

Officials also said he had been associated with upcoming or recent projects, including Lahore 1947 and the Malayalam film L2: Empuraan.

After years of evading law enforcement, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch tracked him down and arrested him. Further legal proceedings are underway.

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Tom Selleck Returns To Crime TV With New History Channel Docuseries

Tom Selleck is returning to a crime show after a break from acting following the end of Blue Bloods. The actor, known for playing New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in the long running drama from 2010 to 2024, has not appeared on screen since the series wrapped up. Now, he is stepping into a new role that keeps him close to the crime genre but in a different format.

Selleck will host, narrate and serve as executive producer of a new History Channel docuseries titled Crime and Justice. The show will feature 10 episodes and will focus on real life criminal cases from American history. After Blue Bloods ended, CBS carried the story forward with a spinoff titled Boston Blue, starring Donnie Wahlberg.

Through each episode, the series will be “tracing the enduring battle between law and lawlessness and the lawmen who ultimately brought some of the nation's most dangerous criminals to justice”.

Speaking about Crime and Justice, Tom Selleck said, “Throughout my career, I've been drawn to stories about consequences and the pursuit of justice. This series looks at real cases from across American history and the people tasked with seeing them through—moments when the pressure was intense, the outcome uncertain, and the decisions carried lasting consequences.”

After Blue Bloods ended, CBS carried the story forward with a spinoff titled Boston Blue, starring Donnie Wahlberg. Even with the new series continuing the world of the original show, fans of the original show still missed seeing Tom Selleck in his role as a crime solving detective.

Along with Crime and Justice with Tom Selleck, the History Channel has also revealed four other new shows to attract viewers. The lineup includes History's Strange Fortunes, hosted by Kevin Bacon, along with Extraordinary Origins with Ted Danson, Dolph Lundgren will lead History's Greatest Machines and 102 Minutes Inside the Towers, which revisits the events of September 11.

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Was Question For PM Modi Designed To Go Viral? Norway Journalist Exclusive

Having shot into the spotlight for asking why Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not take questions at a press briefing and then about why India should be trusted, Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng appeared to have difficulties when faced with some questions herself on Wednesday.

NDTV's Gaurie Dwivedi posed a series of queries to the young journalist in an exclusive conversation, ranging from press freedom in Norway to how much she knew about India. Lyng was also pressed on the cartoon depicting PM Modi as a snake charmer, but refused to condemn it.  

Asked about her post on X stating that she wasn't expecting PM Modi to answer her question and whether her motive was actually theatrics, Lyng, who is a commentator for the Norwegian newspaper Dagsavisen, said she was doing her job.

"My job as a reporter or a journalist, and now a commentator, is to question the premise of these foreign visits or state visits to Norway. So, for me, it was very important to try to get a question in and give Prime Minister Modi the opportunity to take questions," she said. 

READ | 'Reports By Ignorant NGOs': India On Press Freedom, Rights Concerns In Oslo

When Lyng was asked whether she was aware that PM Modi was giving a joint statement alongside his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store and why she had not raised the issue earlier with the foreign ministry in Norway if she had a problem with the format, she admitted that she had not. 

The journalist argued that because she did not know when she would get access to PM Modi again, she decided to ask a question as they were in the same room. 

Emphasising that she was shocked by the amount of attention her questions were receiving in India, Lyng noted that Leader of the Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had also commented on her post.

"I have asked Gandhi for an interview and, if I get a chance, I will also ask him some of the concerns I have about press freedom in India, how he would change that, and if he would prioritise it," she said. 

Ranking Disparity

Lyng had been touting the fact that Norway was ranked number 1 in the press freedom rankings. When she was asked whether she was aware that Qatar, an illiberal monarchy, and Jordan were ahead of India in the index, the journalist said she was open to looking into whether some countries were higher than they should be. 

Lyng was then questioned about the Norwegian royal couple going to China in 2018, when they had feigned ignorance about the Uighur internment camps. Her response was that she was not a journalist at the time. 

"I've never covered Xi Jinping. If he comes to Norway, I will also try to question him. Make no mistake, I'm very critical of the human rights situation in China," she said.

PM Modi Cartoon

Asked about the stereotyping of Indians in a cartoon by the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten and whether this is what press freedom was about for her, Lyng said she hadn't read the accompanying article. 

Pressed on whether she did not think this was racism or stereotyping, the journalist did not give a clear answer. 

READ | "Racist, Derogatory": Norwegian Paper Slammed For PM Modi-Snake Charmer Cartoon

"Racism and stereotyping, especially racism, is not press freedom. I have just seen this, I haven't noticed how far of a reach this had, but I'm sure it has had a far reach because you are bringing this up. But that's something that the newspaper that published this would have to really evaluate. But for me, I can't comment on it before I know because I don't want to comment on something I'm not educated about yet. So that's just how I feel about it," she said. 

"But I will say that I deeply feel that anyone feeling like a newspaper in Norway is being racist or having a cartoon that's stereotyping Indians, that's something that we have to discuss and see whether it was satire or political satire... We would have to evaluate whether they did not understand that this was hurtful," she added.

It was also pointed out to Lyng that Dagsavisen, the newspaper she works for, was a mouthpiece of the Norwegian Labour Party until the 1990s. 

"I think it's kind of offensive that you call it a mouthpiece... Some of the greatest thinkers of Norway have worked for this publication, and they were able to do a lot... Things were different back then," she said. 

India Knowledge  

To a question on how much she knew about India and whether she had read any books on Indian democracy, Lyng began talking about Indian food and yoga. 

"I think my impression of India is that it's a great country. And the people of India have been so supportive...  I love Indian food and I love yoga as well, which was a part of the press conference on Monday. And so I have a very good impression of India as a country and the Indian people, but I do question press freedom and human rights violations. And that's also a part of it," she said. 

To a follow-up question on whether she had actually been to India, Lyng explained she was going to do so in 2020, but could not because of the pandemic. 

"So I have not studied India. India is not a field I cover either. But I've read a lot about it in the newspapers. And I also read reports about press freedom, which I take seriously. But I'm very excited to learn more. And I am excited to start following the discussions more. And I have a lot to learn. You guys follow, obviously, your country much better than me. I have only been trying to discuss press freedom," she admitted. 

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