Month: June 2025

Former India left-arm spinner Dilip Doshi passed away on Monday in London, aged 77.

According to ESPNcricinfo, Doshi passed away due to heart issues in London, where he had lived for several decades. With a classical left-armer’s action, Doshi scalped 114 Test wickets in 33 appearances, including six five-wicket hauls.

In a post on X, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) condoled Doshi’s demise, stating, “The BCCI mourns the sad demise of former India spinner, Dilip Doshi, who has unfortunately passed away in London. May his soul rest in peace.”

He also left his mark in the ODIs and finished with 22 wickets in 15 ODIs while maintaining an economy of 3.96. Doshi represented Saurashtra, Bengal, Warwickshire and Nottinghamshire in first-class cricket and picked up 898 wickets in 238 appearances at 26.58.

Doshi followed in the footsteps of the famous spin quartet of the 1970s and made his debut at the age of 32. At Nottinghamshire, the West Indies legend Garfield Sobers heavily influenced the left-arm spinner. He made a silent exit from international cricket in the 1980s and gave a compelling account of his cricketing days in his autobiography Spin Punch.

Former India cricketer and coach Ravi Shastri wrote on X,”Really sad to hear about the passing of Dilip Doshi. Always immaculate, a gentleman to the core and a fine, fine bowler. Heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.”

“Heartbreaking to hear about Dilip bhai’s passing. May God give strength to his family and friends to bear this loss. Nayan, thinking of you buddy,” former India captain and spinner Anil Kumble wrote on X.

Among his accomplished feats, Doshi played an immaculate role with his five-wicket haul in the Melbourne Test of 1981, which helped India orchestrate a memorable victory. (ANI)

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, several Indian airlines have diverted flights or suspended operations due to airspace closures in Qatar and parts of the Gulf region.

The disruptions follow Iran’s missile strikes on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al-Udeid Air Base — the largest US military installation in the region.

IndiGo announced on X that flights to and from several Gulf and West Asian destinations have been suspended effective Tuesday.

“In view of the evolving situation in the Middle East, our flight operations to and from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Madinah, Fujairah, Jeddah, Muscat, Sharjah, Riyadh, Ras AI-Khaimah and Tbilisi have been suspended at least until 1000hrs today,” IndiGo stated.

Akasa Air also cancelled all flights to and from Doha, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi for June 23 and 24, 2025.

“Following airspace closures across parts of Middle East, our flights to and from Doha, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi have been cancelled for 23rd and 24th June 2025. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East region and will continue to assess and adapt our flight operations as needed, in full compliance with international aviation advisories and safety protocols. We regret any inconvenience caused to our passengers and appreciate their understanding,” an Akasa Air spokesperson said in a statement.

Air India has announced a complete suspension of all operations to the Middle East and flights to and from North America and Europe until further notice.

“Amid the developing situation in the Middle East, Air India has ceased all operations to the region as well as to and from the East Coast of North America and Europe with immediate effect, until further notice. Our India-bound flights from North America are diverting back to their respective origins, and others are being diverted back to India or rerouted away from the closed airspace,” a spokesperson stated. “The safety and security of our passengers and staff remain our number one priority.”

Air India Express also temporarily suspended its Middle East operations, citing regional tensions and airspace closures.

“In view of the evolving situation and the closure of certain airspaces in the Middle East, we have temporarily suspended flights to the region,” it posted on X.

Meanwhile, SpiceJet issued an advisory about flight disruptions, noting that arrivals, departures, and connected flights might be affected.

https://twitter.com/flyspicejet/status/1937223602388238524

“Due to airspace closure at Dubai, all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights might be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status via http://spicejet.com/#status or contact our helpline numbers at +91 (0)124 4983410 or +91 (0)124 7101600 for any assistance,” it said in a post on X.

The flight disruptions follow a major escalation on Monday after Iran reportedly launched multiple missiles targeting US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar–the largest US military installation in the region, according to a CNN report.

The attacks are believed to be a retaliatory move by Iran following US airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities — Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow — in the early hours of Sunday.

Two officials familiar with the situation confirmed to CNN that the US is tracking multiple missiles launched from Iran. A White House official said that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine are currently in the Situation Room, closely monitoring the unfolding events.

Earlier, Iran’s state TV reported that Iran had begun an operation against a US base in Qatar.

Samaa TV, citing Iranian state TV, dubbed this operation against US bases in the region as ‘Operation Basharat al-Fath’.

According to CNN, US personnel at the embassies in Qatar and Bahrain are in “duck and cover” as Iran launches retaliatory missiles toward Qatar and Iraq.

The Qatari foreign ministry wrote on X that its government had temporarily shut down its airspace amid the heightened tensions.

The move follows Iran’s announcement of retaliation against the United States, which has heightened security concerns across the Gulf region.

The US Embassy in Doha has also issued alerts to its citizens, advising them to remain in secure shelters until further notice. (ANI)

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani secured Iran’s approval for a US-proposed ceasefire in the conflict with Israel, Reuters reported, quoting an official briefed on the negotiations.

PM Al Thani obtained Tehran’s agreement during a phone call with Iranian officials, Reuters reported.

The conversation followed US President Donald Trump’s communication with Qatar’s Emir, in which Trump informed him that Israel had accepted the ceasefire proposal and requested Doha’s assistance in convincing Tehran to agree to the deal, as reported by Reuters.

The high-level discussion took place hours after Iran’s missile strikes on US military installations in Qatar and Iraq earlier on Monday (local time).

Soon after these developments, Trump announced in a post on Truth Social that Israel and Iran had agreed to what he called as a “complete and total” ceasefire, stating that it would take effect in approximately six hours.

“CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!” he wrote.

According to Trump, Iran will initiate the ceasefire first, followed by Israel, resulting in a complete cessation of hostilities within the next 24 hours. He also urged both countries to remain “peaceful and respectful” during the overlapping ceasefire windows.

“Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World. During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL,” he stated.

“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, “THE 12 DAY WAR.” This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!,” he said.

“God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!” Trump added.

The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion”. In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated a large-scale drone and missile campaign called ‘Operation True Promise 3’, targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres.

Tensions escalated further after the US conducted precision airstrikes early Sunday morning on three key Iranian nuclear facilities under “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

Iran retaliated by launching multiple missiles at US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar–the largest US military base in the region, CNN reported. (ANI)

United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday (local time) what he described as a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran, stating that it would take effect in approximately six hours.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the ceasefire has been jointly agreed upon by both nations and would mark a significant de-escalation in hostilities that have gripped the region.

“CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!” he wrote.

According to Trump, Iran will initiate the ceasefire first, followed by Israel, resulting in a complete cessation of hostilities within the next 24 hours. He also urged both countries to remain “peaceful and respectful” during the overlapping ceasefire windows.

“Officially, Iran will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 12th Hour, Israel will start the CEASEFIRE and, upon the 24th Hour, an Official END to THE 12 DAY WAR will be saluted by the World. During each CEASEFIRE, the other side will remain PEACEFUL and RESPECTFUL,” he stated.

“On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, “THE 12 DAY WAR.” This is a War that could have gone on for years, and destroyed the entire Middle East, but it didn’t, and never will!,” he said.

“God bless Israel, God bless Iran, God bless the Middle East, God bless the United States of America, and GOD BLESS THE WORLD!” he added.

The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, codenamed “Operation Rising Lion”. In retaliation, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) initiated a large-scale drone and missile campaign called ‘Operation True Promise 3’, targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres.

Tensions escalated further after the US conducted precision airstrikes early Sunday morning on three key Iranian nuclear facilities under “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

Iran retaliated by launching multiple missiles at US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar–the largest US military base in the region, CNN reported. (ANI)

A major escalation unfolded in the Middle East on Monday after Iran reportedly launched multiple missiles targeting US military installations in Qatar and Iraq, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar–the largest US military installation in the region, according to a CNN report.

The development follows US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in the early hours of Sunday.

Two officials familiar with the situation confirmed to CNN that the US is tracking multiple missiles launched from Iran. A White House official said that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine are currently in the Situation Room, closely monitoring the unfolding events.

Earlier, Iran’s state TV reported that Iran had begun an operation against a US base in Qatar.

Samaa TV, citing Iranian state TV, dubbed this operation against US bases in the region as ‘Operation Basharat al-Fath’.

According to CNN, US personnel at the embassies in Qatar and Bahrain are in “duck and cover” as Iran launches retaliatory missiles toward Qatar and Iraq.

The Qatari foreign ministry wrote on X that its government had temporarily shut down its airspace amid the heightened tensions.

The move follows Iran’s announcement of retaliation against the United States, which has heightened security concerns across the Gulf region.

The US Embassy in Doha has already issued alerts to its citizens, advising them to remain in secure shelters until further notice.

Earlier in the day, Israeli Air Force fighter jets carried out strikes on command centres and assets belonging to the Internal Security Forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran, Iran, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a statement.

As part of the operation, the headquarters of the Basij were targeted. The Basij is identified as one of the IRGC’s central armed bases of power and is responsible for enforcing Islamic law and reporting civilians who violate it to regime authorities.

Additionally, the Alborz Corps–tasked with securing several cities in the Tehran District and ensuring the regime’s stability–was struck, along with the Intelligence and General Security Police under the Internal Security Forces, which the IDF described as integral components of the regime’s military forces.

“These command centres have a significant military effect and additionally they impact the regime’s ability to impose control,” the IDF stated, adding that the strikes harmed the Iranian regime’s military capabilities.

Building on the outcome of these strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the developments, stating on Sunday that Israel is “very close” to achieving its goals in Iran. He claimed significant damage had been inflicted on Iran’s ballistic missile program and nuclear facilities, according to The Times of Israel. (ANI)

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed sorrow on the landslide at Yamunotri Dham Yatra route in Uttarkashi district and assured that the State Defence Response Force, police, forest department, medical teams are providing rescue and relief work.

A landslide occurred at Nau Kachi, about 3 km ahead of Janaki Chatti on the Yamunotri Dham Yatra route.

Taking to X, CM Dhami said, “Sad news has been received about the landslide at 9 Kachi (near Bhairav temple) on the Yamunotri walking route. SDRF, police, forest department, medical and other teams are present on the spot for relief and rescue work. One injured has been rescued and sent to PHC Jankichatti for treatment. I pray to God for the well-being of all those affected.”

यमुनोत्री पैदल मार्ग पर 9 कैची (भैरव मंदिर के पास) भूस्खलन की दु:खद सूचना प्राप्त हुई है। राहत-बचाव कार्य हेतु SDRF, पुलिस, वन विभाग, मेडिकल व अन्य टीमें मौके पर मौजूद हैं। एक घायल को रेस्क्यू कर उपचार हेतु PHC जानकीचट्टी भेजा गया है।

ईश्वर से सभी प्रभावितों की कुशलता की…

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) June 23, 2025

According to the official, two to three people are feared to be trapped, while one injured has been admitted to Jankichatti Primary Health Center for treatment. The injured is now in stable condition and out of danger.

State Disaster Response Force has begun its rescue operations to locate and extricate those feared trapped under the debris after a landslide occurred at Yamunotri Dham Yatra route in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

The SDRF team is also helping the passengers present on the spot to cross the route safely. (ANI)

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan is currently busy shooting for ‘Border 2’ in Pune.

Recently, at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Varun joined real-life army cadets for a spontaneous “knuckle” push-up challenge.

Sharing a video from his meeting with the army cadets, he wrote, “BORDER2

Hamare saare young cadets ke saath knuckle challenge. #bts”

Earlier, on January 15, Varun took to Instagram and saluted the men in uniform on the 77th Indian Army Day. He shared a couple of pictures from the sets of the film where he spent the day interacting with soldiers.”Honouring the real heroes of India this #ArmyDay. Proud to be with them. #Border2 #prep,” he captioned the post.

Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 also stars Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty.

The upcoming sequel to the 1997 blockbuster ‘Border’ has a powerhouse production team, including Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar, JP Dutta, and Nidhi Dutta.Gulshan Kumar’s T-Series presents the film in association with JP Dutta’s JP Films.

‘Border 2’ will hit theatres on January 23, 2026. (ANI)

India vice-captain Rishabh Pant shattered a handful of records with his flamboyant yet composed century on Day 4 of the second innings of the first Test against England at Headingley.

After his 134(178) exploits in the first innings, Pant acted as the catalyst, with KL Rahul serving as the driving force, as they forged a rollicking 195-run partnership to put India in control of the proceedings. Pant switched from his natural belligerent instinct to a robust defensive technique according to the need of the hour.

He had to bid his time and slowly moved from 96 to 99. Eventually, he carved the ball towards the deep point off Shoaib Bashir and scurried for a single to become the first Indian batter to smash a century in each innings of a Test in England.

Pant also entered India’s special twin centuries club, featuring icons Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar (3), Rahul Dravid (2), Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rohit Sharma.

The 27-year-old swashbuckler joined an exclusive club and became the second designated wicketkeeper batter to boast hundreds in each innings after Andy Flower, who achieved the feat against South Africa in Harare in 2001 with scores of 142 and 199*.

Pant also joined Don Bradman, Hansie Cronje, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Kumar Sangakkara, and Daryl Mitchell among visiting batters with five consecutive 50-plus scores in England, with Australia’s talismanic star Steven Smith heading the list with seven.

The explosive southpaw finished his time with the bat in the series opener with 134 and 118 (252), the highest match aggregate for a designated wicketkeeper in a Test in England, bettering Alec Stewart’s 204 (40 & 164) against South Africa at Old Trafford in 1998.

Pant’s knock concluded with nine sixes, the joint-most by a batter in a Test in England, equaling the efforts of Andrew Flintoff (vs Aus, Edgbaston, 2005) and captain Ben Stokes (vs Aus, Lord’s, 2023).

Overall, during his fruitful run in England, Pant has garnered 808 runs at an average of 42.52 in 10 Tests and 19 innings, with four centuries and two fifties. His strike rate is 69.89.

After arriving at the landmark, Sunil Gavaskar asked Pant to celebrate his century with a somersault. However, Pant avoided the gymnastic play and saved it for the next time. Pant embraced his ideology to inflict a blitzkrieg and unleashed a scathing attack on Joe Root in the next over. On the first ball, he went for a reverse sweep, missed the ball completely, and the ball raced away for a four. On the next ball, he leaned forward and thwarted the ball for a boundary.

On the third delivery, Pant truly was in his element as he carved the ball over deep extra cover to clear the boundary rope for a one-handed maximum. Bashir pulled the curtains down on Pant’s knock by luring him to hole the ball straight to Zak Crawley and punched his return ticket on 118(140). (ANI)

Hockey India and its member units celebrated the 77th Olympic Day by hosting various sporting events and activities across the country. The events included friendly tournaments, exhibition matches, fitness and training sessions, poster-making and quiz competitions, as well as plantation drives to promote the Olympic values of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Through these activities, Hockey India aims to bring together people from diverse backgrounds and provide a platform to highlight the significance of fitness and sports–encouraging individuals to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives, regardless of age, gender, background, or community, as per a press release from Hockey India.

Several member units, including Assam Hockey, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu Hockey, Hockey Arunachal, Hockey Mizoram, Chhattisgarh Hockey, and Hockey Jharkhand organised exhibition matches, while Goans Hockey and the Hockey Association of Odisha held hockey tournaments.

Assam Hockey, the Hockey Association of Odisha, and Chhattisgarh Hockey also hosted poster-making and essay-writing competitions, while Hockey Mizoram organised a tree plantation drive. Odisha’s Naval Tata Hockey Academy hosted a special lunch with Olympians and conducted quiz competitions as part of the Olympic Day celebrations.

Olympic Day is celebrated annually on June 23, commemorating the birth of the modern Olympic Games, which began on June 23, 1894, in Paris. The primary objective of Olympic Day is to encourage global participation in sports, regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability. Since 2023, Olympic Day celebrations have aligned with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Let’s Move initiative, which aims to promote physical activity and encourage people to move more every day.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin formed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894, leading to the first-ever modern Games held in Athens in 1896.

Speaking about the significance of Olympic Day and the positive message it spreads, Hockey India President Dr Dilip Tirkey said, “Every year on 23 June, our member units come together to show their remarkable dedication to the global Olympic movement and their love for hockey. Through these wide-ranging activities, they not only promote fitness and unity but also reflect the true spirit of Olympic Day, which champions inclusivity across all ages, genders, and abilities.” (ANI)

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan gave fans a pleasant surprise on Sunday evening when he posted a picture of himself looking completely relaxed.

Taking to his Instagram account, the actor shared a casual photo, dressed in a simple grey t-shirt, sunglasses, and his trademark blue stone bracelet. He looked calm and stylish, holding a Being Human mug in his hand, keeping things personal yet casual.

Take a look

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLM65Z2IC0v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Soon after the actor posted the picture, fans flooded the comment section in no time.

One fan wrote, “Love you bhaijaan, ab jaa kar dil ko sukoon aaya, Sunday complete.”

Another fan shared a famous Salman dialogue: “Mere baare mein itna mat socho, mein dil mein aata hoon, samajh mein nahi.”

The photo came shortly after his appearance on ‘The Great Indian Kapil Sharma Show Season 3’, where he spoke openly about various things–including his health struggles, views on marriage, and more. He also shared an interesting detail about his hairstyle in the film Tere Naam, revealing that it was inspired by India’s former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

“Ye Tere Naam ka jo look hai, woh actually inspired tha Abdul Kalam saab se,” Salman said during the chat with host Kapil Sharma. (My hairstyle in Tere Naam was inspired by Abdul Kalam Sir.)

During the show, Salman also opened up about a recent incident in which a woman managed to sneak into his home at Galaxy Apartments. The topic came up when Kapil jokingly asked him about fans showing up at his residence with suitcases. Salman confirmed that something like that had indeed happened recently.

On the work front, Salman Khan was last seen in Sikandar, alongside Rashmika Mandanna. The film also starred Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Sathyaraj, Jatin Sarna, Sanjay Kapoor, Prateik, Smita Patil, and Kishore.

In the film, Salman plays Sanjay “Sikandar” Rajkot, a man trying to fix his past after a tragic incident. Despite the presence of big names, Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, failed at the box office. (ANI)