Month: June 2025

South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen announced his retirement from international cricket on Monday. The wicketkeeper-batter, who made his debut in 2018, took to social media to announce his retirement.

Klaasen posted on his Instagram, “It is a sad day for me as I announce that I have decided to step away from international cricket. It took me a long time to decide what’s best for me and my family for the future. It was truly a very difficult decision, but also one that I have absolute peace with.”

Klaasen, who played in 122 international matches for the Proteas, expressed gratitude towards his coaches during his cricketing journey.

“I have made great friendships and relationships that I will treasure for life. Playing for the Proteas gave me the opportunity to meet great people that changed my life, and to those people I can’t say thank you enough,” he said.

“My road to wearing the Proteas shirt was different than most, and there were certain coaches in my career that kept believing in me – to them I will always be grateful.”

“To have played with the Proteas badge on my chest was and will always be the biggest honour in my career.”

“I will always be a big Proteas supporter and would like to thank everyone who supported me and my teammates during my career,” he added.

Klaasen’s iconic whip-pull off the spinners made him a dangerous prospect across the formats for South Africa. He was a member of the South Africa side that featured in the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

He scored 2141 runs with a highest score of 174 in his 60 ODIs at an average of 43.69. In the T20Is, he scored 1000 runs with a highest score of 81 and a strike rate of 141.84. While he smashed four centuries and 11 fifties in ODIs, Klaasen had five T20I half-centuries against his name.

His power-hitting was on full display during a blistering career-best 174 against Australia at his home ground, SuperSport Park, in 2023 – the second highest score ever recorded by a number five.

Klaasen had earlier retired from Tests in January 2024, having featured in four games in the longest format. (ANI)

The flood situation in Assam’s Sribhumi district is still critical following incessant rainfall and the water level of the Kushiyara River and other rivers of the district has risen.

Around 40,000 people are affected in the district bordering the Indo-Bangladesh border and more than 300 revenue villages of the district have been affected in the first spell of flood.

Many flood-affected people have taken shelter in relief camps set up by the district administration. Pradeep Kumar Dwivedi, District Commissioner of Sribhumi district, told ANI that more than 300 revenue villages of the district were affected by this deluge.

“Around 40,000 people have been affected, and the relief distribution process has been going on since yesterday. In relief camps, we provide hot cooked food items among the affected people. We are also providing baby food. We have organised medical camps,” the District Commissioner said.

He further said that, so far, two people have died due to the flood in the district.

“Minor breach incidents took place in four locations. The water level of Kushiyara, Singla, Barak and Longai flows above the danger level mark following heavy rainfall. In the last 24 hours, rainfall has decreased, and the water level of two rivers is falling,” the District Commissioner of Sribhumi district said.

According to the flood report of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), more than 3.64 lakh people in 19 districts of the state were affected by the current deluge. The flood waters submerged 758 villages under 54 revenue circles.

Earlier, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also warned of rising river levels, telling people to be careful, especially on river banks.

“Heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh — Kibitoo (17 cm), Hayuliang (15 cm), Kalaktang (10 cm) — may lead to a sharp rise in river levels downstream. Assam is already witnessing intense rain in Silchar (42 cm), Karimganj (35 cm), Hailakandi (30 cm) and in nearby areas. People in low-lying and riverbank areas are advised to stay alert and follow local advisories,” CM Sarma posted on X.

As the northeast region reels under heavy rains, with various areas in Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and more are experiencing flooding, landslides and increasing river levels. According to Assam Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah, at least 5 people have died due to landslides in Assam, with the state government announcing Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia to the kin of the victims.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on June 1 has also assured of every possible help to the flood-affected areas in the northeast region, and also spoke with the Chief Ministers of Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh and the Governor of Manipur.

“Spoke with the Chief Ministers of Assam, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh and the Governor of Manipur in the wake of ongoing heavy rainfall in their states. Also assured them of every possible help to tackle any situation. The Modi government stands like a rock in support of the people of the Northeast,” Shah posted on X. (ANI)

A health crisis has emerged in Chak 212-P, a secluded village located on Tillu Road in Sadiqabad in Pakistan, where residents are forced to consume contaminated subsoil water due to a lack of safe drinking water, according to a report in the Dawn newspaper.

Since the year 2017, at least 98 individuals, mostly from the Shar clan, have undergone appendectomies after suffering from abdominal pain, which was reportedly linked to misdiagnoses and questionable medical practices, as noted in Dawn’s article.

The problem began when 10 to 15 children (ranging from 7 to 14 years old) first presented with intestinal discomfort and sought medical assistance from local quacks and nearby healthcare facilities. Despite being treated with medication, their symptoms persisted, resulting in more villagers reporting similar problems over the years. From 2017 to 2025, a total of 98 appendectomy surgeries were performed, primarily in private hospitals in Sadiqabad, as referenced in the Dawn report.

Following 2019, several unlicensed medical practitioners in the Tillu Road region faced sanctions from the District Health Authority (DHA) but were allowed to continue operating under certain conditions. Deputy District Health Officer (DDHO) Dr. Waqas Shakoor reportedly advised these practitioners to refer patients to Touheed Medical Complex (TMC) on Katcha Shahi Road, Sadiqabad. It is asserted that Dr. Shakoor is the patron-in-chief of TMC, which is owned by Dr. Touheed Akhtar, as highlighted by Dawn’s report.

The situation gained public attention on May 29, 2025, when videos concerning the surgeries were disseminated on social media. The elder noted that in the current year alone, 36 new cases have been recorded in Chak 212-P, with 26 patients having already undergone appendectomies at TMC, while an additional 10 are waiting for surgery. Each patient was allegedly charged Rs15,000, which included Rs 8,000 for the surgery and Rs 7,000 for medications. Moreover, six to seven children from a single family, specifically the family of Amir Bakhsh Shar, were among those who had the surgery, as reported by Dawn.

Members of civil society and social activists have condemned the alleged negligence of the health authority and have accused CEO Dr. Ghazanfar Shafiq of neglecting the issue. He is the son of a former ruling party MPA and a resident of Sadiqabad. They are demanding a transparent investigation and strict accountability that is free from political interference, as reported by Dawn. (ANI)

Incessant rainfall and a cloudburst in northern Sikkim on the night of May 30-31 triggered widespread devastation, severely damaging critical roads and bridges. The River Teesta surged by 35-40 feet, snapping regional connectivity.

In view of the grim situation, Project Swastik of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has swiftly launched rescue and restoration operations in the Gangtok-Chungthang and Chungthang-Lachen/Lachung sectors.

BRO teams work relentlessly to restore vital lifelines, ensuring connectivity and aid reaches the affected areas.

Meanwhile, several people were stranded in the Lachung and Mangan districts due to the landslides and floods.

Earlier on Monday, tourists in Lachung were actively evacuated through a coordinated effort involving the police, residents, forest personnel, and the Lachung Hotel Association.

Gyatso Lachungpa, president of the Lachung Hotel Association, led the evacuation operation on the ground with support from the local administration.

On Sunday, Mangan district Superintendent of Police Dechu Bhutia said that over a thousand tourists were stranded in Lachen and Lachung in Mangan District due to the rains inducing landslides, bridge collapse and damage along with a high rise of the River Teesta. He said that the evacuation process had to be delayed due to the landslide on Friday in Shipgyer in Upper Dozongu. Mangan SP assured that the evacuation of tourists will be carried out on Monday.

Further, damages to the base of the Phidang bridge have restricted vehicular movement to the Dzongu constituency. The GREF completed the restoration work on Sunday, allowing residents and a few emergency service vehicles to commute on foot.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said on May 30 that as the depression over Bangladesh is likely to move nearly north-northeastwards and weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area during the next 12 hours, warning of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to continue in various regions.

For the next few days, IMD has forecast that rains will likely occur in most northeast regions on June 5, with no significant change in maximum temperature in various areas. (ANI)

Elon Musk-owned electric car manufacturer Tesla is not interested in manufacturing in India, instead, they are opening showrooms, Union Minister for Heavy Industries HD Kumaraswamy told reporters on Monday.

“Tesla, we are not actually expected from them, they are only to start showrooms. They are not interested in manufacturing in India,” the minister said.

Heavy Industry Secretary Kamran Rizvi added, “So the real intent we’ll know when we open the application and if the company still feels like investing. What minister sir is telling is about what people they come and told informally.”

The minister however added that many European companies like Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, Skoda and Kia have shown interest in manufacturing units in India under the new EV policy.

The government also said that European companies are interested in investing in India as they have left hand drive like in India and they don’t have to do much changes for exporting their cars, unlike US which has a right hand drive.

The new EV policy announced in 2022, has given many concessions for companies who will invest in India and set up manufacturing units.

The policy allows a duty of 15 per cent if a company invest USD 500 million in a manufacturing plant in India. In the first three years the company will have to source 25 per cent of parts locally which has to be increased to 50 per cent by end of fifth year.

The company will be allowed to export a maximum of 8,000 units annually to India against a highly reduced duty of 15 per cent.

Earlier, there were reports that Tesla was interested in importing Tesla car into India and subsequently sell it through their showrooms in India.

Tesla boss Musk had in past indicated that he was interested in investing in India, but “high import duty” structures were a bone of contention.

Tesla’s intension to come into India had intensified after India announced its new EV policy, under which import duty was reduced to 15 per cent and many incentives provided for setting up manufacturing plant in India. (ANI)

Film Actor Kamal Haasan on Monday moved to the Karnataka High Court, seeking release of his upcoming movie Thug Life in the state on June 5.

This came after the actor’s upcoming film, Thug Life directed by Mani Ratnam, faced trouble in Karnataka after the actor’s recent remark on the Kannada language sparked anger among local groups, including the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), which has banned the film’s release until the actor issues a public apology.

The actor filed this petition through the CEO of his company, Rajkamal Film International.

The statement sparked anger after Kamal Haasan purportedly said that the Kannada language has been derived from the Tamil language.

Kamal Haasan appealed to the court to restrain the government, police department and Film Chamber of Commerce from stopping the screening of the movie and petitioned to provide proper security for the movie screening.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Kamal Haasan to apologise, stating that failure to comply will result in his movie being banned from release in Karnataka.

Narasimhulu, President of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, said, “As per the demand of pro-Kannada organisations and also the letter written by the Karnataka Government, we have also given 24 hours to Kamal Hassan to apologise for the statement which you made that hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas of Karnataka state.”

“We have given in 24 hours as one of our distributors also invested money in his movie from Karnataka; distributors contacted his team, his team has said that he’s in Dubai; he will come tomorrow, then there will be a message from Kamal Hassan. We will wait for 24 hours; if he doesn’t apologise, his movie will not be allowed to be released in any of the theatres in Karnataka. 100% without his apology movie can not be released,” he added.

Sa Ra Govindu, member of KFCC and pro-Kannada activist, said Kannadigas will accept his apology wholeheartedly.

“It is a simple issue, and Kamal Haasan, being a senior respected actor, can close it by saying one simple sorry to Kannadigas. We are Kannadigas, are very helpful to him in his film career. and Kannadigas will accept his apology wholeheartedly, so we are waiting for him to come back from out of station. once he comes back, he can simply ask for an apology, and then a decision can be taken to release his movie. If not, it is impossible, as distributors in Karnataka have decided, and theatre owners have decided not to release this movie in Karnataka, as they may also face a loss. He has hurt the sentiments of Kannadigas, and he must seek an apology from Karnataka.”

Earlier, in response to the growing backlash, Hassan stood by his statement, saying he believes in law and democracy.

Terming India a “democratic country,” the actor stated that he wouldn’t “apologise” to anyone for his actions if he is “not wrong.” Pro-Kannada organisations have demanded a public apology from him for allegedly hurting the sentiments of Kannada people.

Speaking to media personnel outside the DMK party headquarters in Chennai on Friday, Haasan said, “It is a democracy. I believe in law and justice. My love for Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala is genuine. Nobody will doubt it except for those who have an agenda. I’ve been threatened earlier too, and if I am wrong, I would apologise; if I’m not, I won’t.”

Notably, Thug Life is directed by Mani Ratnam and stars Kamal Haasan, Trisha Krishnan, and Silambarasan TR in the lead roles. (ANI)

President of Paraguay, Santiago Pena Palacios, arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India and was accorded a ceremonial welcome along with a Guard of Honour at Palam Air Force Station. The President was warmly received by Minister of State Harsh Vardhan Malhotra, highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.

Sharing an update on X, Randhir Jaiswal from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed President Santiago Pena Palacios of Paraguay as he arrived in New Delhi for his first State Visit to India. In his tweet, Jaiswal wrote, “Bienvenido, President @SantiPenap! President @SantiPenap of Paraguay has arrived in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India, to a ceremonial welcome & Guard of Honour. Warmly received by MoS Harsh Malhotra @hdmalhotra at the airport. This visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen relationship.”

The MEA emphasized that President Pena’s visit, scheduled from June 2 to June 4, aims to deepen and broaden India-Paraguay ties across political, economic, and cultural spheres. At the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Paraguayan President will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and business representatives.

During the visit, President Pena is set to hold high-level talks with Prime Minister Modi and other senior leaders to review the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Prime Minister Modi will host a lunch in his honour, while President Droupadi Murmu is expected to meet him and host a banquet. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar are also scheduled to call on the visiting dignitary.

Following the Delhi visit, President Pena will travel to Mumbai to engage with state political leadership, business and industry representatives, startups, innovators, and technology leaders. The State Visit provides an opportunity to comprehensively review bilateral ties and discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest.

India and Paraguay have enjoyed warm and friendly relations since establishing diplomatic ties on September 13, 1961. Cooperation between the two countries spans trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology sectors.

Paraguay is an important trading partner for India in Latin America, with several Indian companies active in Paraguay’s automobile and pharmaceutical sectors. Paraguayan companies, mainly through joint ventures, also have a presence in India, strengthening economic ties. Both nations share common views on international issues, including United Nations reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and combating terrorism. (ANI)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will convene a high-level law and order meeting ahead of Eid al-Adha at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, according to sources from the Chief Minister’s Office.

The meeting, scheduled for Monday evening, aims to maintain law and order in the state.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, on the controversy surrounding animal sacrifice during Eid al-Adha, Maharashtra State Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan emphasised the importance of adhering to Islamic principles and local laws to maintain communal harmony.

Pyare Khan said, “… We should follow the concept of Hazrat Ibrahim Ali Salam. No one should suffer from our sacrifice. This is the concept of Islam, whatever we do should not hurt anyone else… We will direct the administration that if anyone has no problem, then it should be done… Nothing should be done to harm mutual brotherhood… You should follow the rules of the country where you live… In Maharashtra, there is a ban on bovine meat, so the sacrifice of a bovine should not be done… Camels and goats are sacrificed in different countries… We have to make sure that the sacrifices of only those animals are made, which are allowed…”

Eid Al-Adha, or Bakra Eid, is a holy occasion called the ‘festival of sacrifice’ and is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th month of the Islamic or lunar calendar. It marks the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

Eid al-Adha or Bakra Eid is expected on 6th June in most Islamic countries this year.

The festival is an occasion of joy and peace, where people celebrate with their families, let go of past grudges, and make meaningful connections with one another. It commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice everything for God.

According to the Quran, Ibrahim was about to sacrifice his son when a voice from heaven stopped him and allowed him to make something else as a ‘great sacrifice’. In the Old Testament, a ram is sacrificed instead of the son. To mark this occasion, Muslims re-enact Ibrahim’s obedience with the symbolic sacrifice of a lamb, goat, cow, camel, or another animal that is then divided into threes to be shared equally among family, friends, and the needy.

Around the world, Eid traditions and festivities vary, and many countries have unique cultural approaches to this important festival. (ANI)

India’s active COVID-19 cases stand at 3,961 as of 8 AM on Monday, June 2, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The cumulative COVID-19 deaths in the country since January this year have increased to 32, with four deaths reported since Sunday.

According to official data, 203 new cases were added to the active case count since Sunday.

Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kerala each reported one COVID-19 death since Sunday.

Delhi reported 47 more COVID-19 cases, increasing the total active cases in the national capital to 483.

In Kerala, active COVID-19 cases rose to 1,435, with 35 new cases reported since Sunday.

In Maharashtra, 21 new COVID-19 cases were reported, taking the active case count to 506.

In West Bengal, 44 new COVID-19 cases were reported, increasing the state’s active cases to 331.

On Friday, Union Minister of State for Health and AYUSH (Independent Charge), Prataprao Jadhav, assured that the Centre is fully prepared to handle any situation that may arise.

“Both our Central Health Department and the AYUSH Ministry are fully alert and closely monitoring the situation across all states. We have spoken with the respective Health and AYUSH Secretaries, as well as other concerned ministers,” Jadhav had told ANI.

He added that the infrastructure developed during the earlier Covid-19 waves has been reviewed and that preparations are underway to deal with any eventuality.

“We’ve reviewed the infrastructure built during the earlier Covid waves, such as oxygen plants and ICU beds, and have already begun preparations. Our health systems are well-equipped and ready to handle any situation that may arise in response to Covid,” he had said.

Meanwhile, given the current COVID-19 situation in the state, the Karnataka Health Department had issued a circular asking government and private schools to take precautions in the interest of school children’s health.

The instructions are as follows: If schoolchildren develop fever, cough, cold, and other symptoms, do not send them to school. Follow appropriate treatment and care measures as advised by the doctor. (ANI)

Star Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell called time on his ODI career on Monday, marking an end to a 13-year-long career in the 50-over format. The batter will continue to play T20Is, having made the decision to drop the ODIs to prioritise preparations for the next 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the Big Bash League and his other global commitments.

In a statement, Cricket Australia said, “Match-winning Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has retired from one-day international cricket to focus on Australia’s campaign to win the T20 World Cup next year. Maxwell has made the decision to prioritise his preparation for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, the Big Bash League and his other global commitments.”

In his career, Maxwell made 3,990 runs at an average of 33.81, with the best score of 201*, with four centuries and 23 fifties. His crafty spin also gave him 77 wickets at an average of 47.32, with best bowling figures of 4/40. The explosive batter and often underestimated off-spin bowler played 149 ODI matches for Australia including what is regarded by many the greatest one-day innings of all-time. Maxwell came in against Afghanistan at the 2023 World Cup with his side reeling at 7-91. Maxwell took control in a high-pressure situation and battled severe cramps in searing heat.

His 202-run partnership with Pat Cummins, who made 12, got Australia to the 293-run target. Maxwell made 201 from just 128 balls, loaded with 21 fours and 10 sixes.

Australia went on to win the World Cup, beating favourites India in Ahmedabad.

Maxwell’s strike rate of 126 is the second highest in ODI cricket, behind only the West Indian heavy hitter Andre Russell,

Aside from his feats in Mumbai, Maxwell has played many incredible games across his decorated one-day career which included two ODI World Cup wins in 2015 and 2019. He is Australia’s one of the top performers in WC history, with 901 runs in 27 matches and 25 innings at an average of 47.42, with three centuries and two fifties. His runs came at a strike rate of over 160. He also took 12 wickets.

Maxwell also holds the record for the fastest World Cup century ever, smashing one against the Netherlands in just 40 balls in 2023 at Delhi.

Maxwell said of his ODI career: “I think back to right at the start I was picked ahead of my time and out of the blue. I was just proud just to be playing a couple of games for Australia. I thought I was just going to have that.”

“Since then, I have been able to go through the up and downs of being dropped, being brought back, playing in a few World Cups and being a part of some great teams,” he added.

Maxwell said the physical toll of ODI cricket, on the back of a potentially career ending leg injury, was beginning to affect his ability to field at his best, which he sensed at the Champion’s Trophy, with another two years until the next ICC ODI World Cup.

“I felt like I was letting the team down a little bit with how body was reacting to the conditions. I had a good chat with (Chair of Selectors) George Bailey and I asked him what his thoughts were going forward,” he told the Final Word Podcast.

“We talked about the 2027 World Cup and I said to him ‘I do not think I am going to make that, it is time to start planning for people in my position to have a crack at it and make the position their own’. Hopefully, they get enough of a lead-in to hang onto that role.”

“I always said I was not going to hand my position over if I felt like I was still good enough to play. I did not want to just hold on for a couple of series and almost play for selfish reasons.”

“They are moving in such a clear direction so this give them the best look at what the line-up is leading into that next World Cup. I know how important that planning is,” he concluded.

Todd Greenberg, CA Chief Executive said: “Congratulations to Glenn on what has been one of the most exciting and influential one day international careers in the format’s history.

“Glenn’s ballistic batting has lit up the cricket world and been one of the cornerstones of Australia’s continued success in the 50 over game, including his heroic role in the 2023 World Cup triumph,” he said.

“As with other greats of the game, crowds have flocked to grounds just to watch Glenn bat and children have been inspired to pick up a bat after seeing him put opposition attacks to the sword with a breathtaking array of shots.”

“Australian Cricket is indebted to Glenn for his ODI exploits and excited that he will now focus on our quest to win the ICC T20 World Cup next year,” he concluded.

Chair of men’s selectors George Bailey said: “Glenn will be known as one of the one-day game’s most dynamic players, who had key roles in two ODI World Cup victories.”

“His level of natural talent and skill is remarkable. His energy in the field, underrated ability with the ball and longevity have been superb. What else stands out is his passion for and commitment to playing for Australia.”

“Fortunately, he still has much to offer Australia in the T20 format. All things going well he will be pivotal in the next 12 months as we build toward the World Cup early next year,” he concluded. (ANI)