NSA Ajit Doval, Russian President’s aide Patrushev review maritime, defense cooperation

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval Met Russian officials in Moscow on Friday and reviewed progress on key bilateral initiatives in maritime connectivity, shipbuilding, defense cooperation and training of sailors for polar operations.Doval held talks with Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the President and Chairman of the Maritime Board of Russia, assessing the proposals discussed during Patrushev’s visit to New Delhi in November 2025.The Indian Embassy in Russia said the two sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments.Earlier in the day, Doval met First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and reviewed bilateral cooperation in defence, energy, space and other sectors. The Russian side organized a visit to its National Space Center and Roscosmos Joint Industry Information Centre.Doval also met his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council, on the sidelines of the first International Security Forum and reviewed ongoing cooperation in defence, security, energy and economic relations. The embassy said the two sides also discussed the upcoming BRICS NSA meeting in New Delhi.In his speech at the forum, Doval called for special attention to the situation in West Asia, and stressed the need to ensure secure and uninterrupted flow of trade through international waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.Doval said, “Secure and uninterrupted movement of international trade through international waterways is essential for the global economy. India stands ready to contribute constructively to support all efforts to help de-escalate tensions and restore stability.”He expressed concern over the disruption in oil and gas supply affecting the global economy.On the sidelines of the forum, Doval also met Myanmar’s National Security Advisor Tin Aung San. They reviewed cooperation in security, defence, connectivity and other areas and exchanged views on regional development. Myanmar NSAs will visit India in July for the 5th BIMSTEC NSAs meeting.The Arctic route, promoted by Russia as an alternative Asia-Europe corridor, could reduce shipping times and give India greater access to Arctic resources and trade networks. This is in line with India’s aim to diversify maritime connectivity away from chokepoints such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz.Based on inputs from ANI

Candace Owens sparked a heated online debate after criticizing Erica Kirk for sharing personal letters and notes written by her late husband Charlie Kirk as part of fundraising efforts. Owens described the move as “tasteless” and accused Kirk of using grief for financial gain. While critics agreed that private correspondence should remain private, supporters argued that the post was a heartfelt tribute that honored Charlie Kirk’s memory and consoled others experiencing loss.

A social media controversy began this week when conservative commentator Candace Owens publicly attacked Erica Kirk for sharing personal notes and letters written by her late husband. charlie kirk. The conversation spread throughout X, drawing sharp reactions from fans and critics alike, as questions about grief and privacy and public fundraising began to swirl.The controversy began when Erica Kirk posted emotional thoughts about Charlie Kirk, along with photos of hand-written notes she wrote during their marriage. While many followers saw the post as an intimate tribute to their relationship, Owens claimed that the move crossed a line, especially because the content was linked to fundraising efforts.

Candace Owens calls out Erica Kirk charlie kirk letter

Owens had no hesitation in criticizing. In a widely circulated post he wrote:“Sharing your deceased husband’s private letters for the express purpose of fundraising is as tasteless as it is classless and I have no patience for those pretending otherwise. There is nothing beautiful in it. This is shameless emotional-manipulation for money, made worse by the fact that these e-mails weren’t even written by him.”The comments immediately started a discussion on the net. Some users agreed with Owens, saying that private correspondence should remain private, especially after the death of a loved one. Others pushed back, saying that bereaved families should be free to honor and remember their loved ones as they see fit.This debate reflects a larger tension that often occurs when public figures share intensely personal moments with huge audiences. One person sees a touching tribute, another sees an inappropriate use of personal memories.

Erica Kirk’s tribute to Charlie Kirk resonates with supporters

The controversy centers around alleged handwritten notes left by Charlie Kirk for Erica during everyday moments of their married life. She told her followers about the small acts of affection he does for her, later discussing their relationship and its impact on her life.Supporters of Erica Kirk argue that the posts offer a glimpse of the human side of a public figure. He believes that these letters help preserve Charlie Kirk’s legacy as well as provide solace to those who are dealing with loss and grief in their lives.But critics say that personal writing is never for public consumption and should remain private, no matter the circumstances.And with responses still coming in, the conversation has shifted from notes to drawing the line between honoring a loved one’s memory and sharing intimate moments in the public sphere. The Erica Kirk, Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens debate is not stopping yet.

RSS publicity chief Sunil Ambekar has dismissed concerns over the “cockroach Janata Party” (CJP), saying open debate and differing views are normal in a democratic society.Speaking to reporters, Ambekar said India is a conscious society that functions through democratic processes with transparent elections, free media and active public debate. He said that there is open discussion every day and different views should be seen as a natural feature of a democratic system.“We are a conscious society and we follow the democratic process. Within that democratic process, we have transparent elections, an open media and now social media too. Open houses happen every day. Therefore I believe that in a democracy any kind of discussion and expression of different opinions by people should not be taken as a shock. “They should be considered part of the normal process,” Ambekar said on Friday.Asked whether the RSS should react to such discussions, Ambekar said the country’s institutions, media and political parties are capable of handling such issues on their own.“These are all negotiations, and the people involved will deal with those issues themselves. I believe the media is independent enough to handle these. Political parties are capable, and none of our institutions are weak. They are capable of handling matters, and our system is also capable. So, I don’t think the organization (RSS) needs to rush into matters immediately,” he said.Ambekar also praised the youth of the country and said that they are optimistic about the future of India and are contributing to the country’s progress through constitutional means.He said, “Our young generation, sometimes called Gen Z, is very optimistic. They have tremendous faith in India. Whatever they do is under the constitutional process. Their contribution is to take India forward. The youth of our country have put all their energy into it and that is why the country is progressing in every field.”Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a satirical online movement that has gained popularity among young users since its launch this month, has sparked widespread discussion.

The White House has unveiled a new space-themed website focused on immigration enforcement, using images and language typically associated with extraterrestrials to highlight the arrests of people living in the United States without legal authorization.Launched on Thursday, the website features a design reminiscent of science-fiction movies, with neon-green scrolling text set against a background of stars and galaxies. Upon opening the page, visitors are greeted with the message: “They walk among us”, a reference to undocumented immigrants whom the administration repeatedly describes as ‘aliens’.The website, hosted under the Aliens.gov domain, is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown and is intended to showcase enforcement actions conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).The website states, “For 60 years, the U.S. government has maintained a dark secret. Aliens are walking among us, living in our neighborhoods and interacting with us in our daily lives.”It adds, “With one exception – they don’t belong here.”The platform includes a live dashboard tracking immigration-related encounters and arrests across the country. On Thursday evening, the counter displayed more than 3.1 million encounters, although the website does not specify the exact time frame covered by the figure.The White House also uses the platform to promote US President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda, and has described him as the first leader to warn Americans about the dangers posed by undocumented immigrants.“President Trump was the first to speak about the real threat aliens pose to every American family, every community, and the future of our country,” the website said.

Interactive map tracks arrests

One of the central features of the website is an interactive map displaying immigration enforcement activity across the United States.The map, which uses data from ICE, allows users to search individual states and cities to view information about arrests, including detainees’ countries of origin and alleged criminal charges or gang affiliations.Visitors can also access a reporting form encouraging members of the public to submit information on what the administration describes as ‘suspected aliens’.

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The website contains thousands of pages of immigration enforcement records and operational data, which the administration says offers a comprehensive overview of enforcement activity nationwide.White House officials described the initiative as an effort to draw public attention to the impact of illegal immigration across the country.“This is the first effort of its kind to draw attention to the fact that the previous administration’s porous border not only put families in border states at risk, but put many people across the country in harm’s way,” a White House official told Fox News Digital.

Trump administration increased pressure

The launch comes as the Trump administration continues to expand immigration enforcement actions across the country.The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and Customs and Border Protection, has stepped up arrest and deportation efforts as part of Trump’s pledge to carry out mass removals of people living in the country illegally.The administration has also introduced new restrictions and enforcement measures aimed at discouraging illegal entry into the United States.Ahead of the launch of the website, the White House hasThe launch followed months of online discussion after the administration quietly registered the Aliens.gov and Alien.gov domains, leading some observers to speculate that the websites could be linked to efforts to declassify records related to unidentified flying objects and extraterrestrial phenomena.

Criticism on immigration strategy

The initiative has already been criticized by immigration advocates and civil liberties groups, who argue that the language used on the website dehumanizes immigrants and encourages public suspicion toward immigrant communities.The administration’s sweeping immigration enforcement campaign has also generated controversy in recent months, with protests taking place in several cities over mass arrests and deportations.Advocacy organizations have raised concerns about conditions inside ICE detention facilities, alleging overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and poor living conditions.According to the American Immigration Council, approximately 73,000 people were being held in ICE detention facilities as of January this year.Despite criticism, the Trump administration has defended its approach, arguing that strict enforcement is necessary to secure the country’s borders and maintain public safety.The White House says the new website aims to increase transparency around immigration enforcement operations by giving the public access to real-time information on arrest and detention activity across the United States.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi

New Delhi: AIMIM chairman Asaduddin Owaisi Friday said if praying on the streets is considered wrong, the ban should apply equally to religious activities of all religions, citing Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion and the right to freely practice and profess one’s faith.Addressing the Eid Milap event, Owaisi argued that the public’s objection to namaz amounted to double standards and questioned why similar concerns were not raised over religious processions and celebrations organized by other communities.“Remember Article 25. If it is wrong to offer Namaz on the road, then it is wrong to come on the road during the festival of every religion. If you say that meat shops should be closed during someone’s festival, then close liquor shops for 30 days of Ramzan.” Close liquor shops for 30 days,’ Owaisi said.Alleging double standards, Owaisi said that people have no objection to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches, but have objection to Azaan and Namaz. He also questioned the restrictions imposed on the sale of eggs, meat and chicken during Hindu festivals and asked, ‘What kind of law is this?’He said, “Your hatred is purely for Muslims. And your hatred clearly shows that you want to suppress the followers of this religion and marginalize them. You want to make them second class citizens.”The AIMIM president alleged that whenever major Muslim festivals like Ramzan or Bakrid come, issues related to azaan and namaz are deliberately raised.“Problem with Azaan, problem with Namaz. What has happened to you guys?” he asked.The comments come amid the ongoing political debate over prayers in public places and recent directions from authorities in several states aimed at ensuring that religious gatherings do not disrupt traffic or public movement.Recently, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that namaz should be performed in a regulated manner and, if necessary, can be organized in multiple shifts to avoid inconvenience to the public. He said officials will seek compliance through persuasion before taking further steps to enforce public order norms.The Suvendu Adhikari-led West Bengal government decided not to allow the traditional Eid congregation on Kolkata’s Red Road and shifted the gathering to the Brigade Parade Ground to prevent spillover of prayers onto public roads.Continuing his criticism, Owaisi compared it with religious processions and processions, saying that during such events the streets are often occupied and similar objections are not raised.On prayers being offered on the streets, he said that this happens only for Friday or Eid prayers and not every day. He said, “In India, festivals of every religion happen on the street, right? You don’t see them; you become blind to them.”(With inputs from ANI)

events going on nearby Ranveer Singh And ‘Don 3’ remains a topic of discussion in the film industry. What initially appeared to be casting-related has now turned into a major controversy. film producer Ram Gopal Verma has now shared his views on this matter. The director publicly supported Ranveer Singh and strongly criticized the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) for its recent move against the actor.

Ram Gopal Varma reacts to FWICE decision

Ram Gopal Varma went to X and posted a long note. The filmmaker questioned the authority of FWICE and expressed disagreement over its decision to issue non-cooperation directions against Ranveer Singh. RGV also suggested that such actions may not have long-term significance. He further argued that the organization was attempting to maintain its influence amid the changing dynamics of the industry.“The FWICE is neither a court of legal justice nor a government-mandated regulatory body, and at best, it is a kangaroo court, which by definition pretends to deliver justice, but in reality it disregards established legal rules, due process and impartiality. This is because the decision is often taken by a specific agenda oriented group of people meeting privately, which also includes actors, who are scared of @RanveerOfficial’s huge success in Dhurandhar,” RGV wrote.

Ram Gopal Varma told about Ranveer Singh’s condition

The filmmaker also shared his opinion about Ranveer Singh’s position in the industry. According to Verma, ideally this issue should remain between Ranveer Singh and Farhan AkhtarAnd it shouldn’t have become an industry-wide debate. He also said that the actor continues to have strong market value and support within the industry. He wrote, “Here we reach the main point, which everyone including the company in dispute and even FWICE knows in their heart, that if @RanveerOfficial just nods yes, then tomorrow morning there will be a kilometer long queue of producers outside his house with cheques.”

RGV highlights the role of stars in the industry

Continuing his remarks, Ram Gopal Varma also discussed the role of actors in sustaining the film industry and creating opportunities. “It is stars like @RaneerOfficial who sell tickets in theatres, not FWICE. It is stars like @RaneerOfficial who create employment for those lakhs of FWICE employees, not FWICE. It is only because stars like @RaneerOfficial exist, that the industry exists, and FWICE also exists. So in short, here is my unsolicited advice to all parties concerned. Let’s not stick our unwanted noses into a civil dispute between two parties.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Image Credit: BCCI/IPL)

New Delhi: As Gujarat Titans celebrated their place in the IPL 2026 final, a distraught Vaibhav Suryavanshi sat quietly in the Rajasthan Royals dugout. The 15-year-old buried his face in his orange cap and wiped away tears, unable to hide his disappointment at seeing his team’s campaign end.This was a rare sight. Throughout the season, Suryavanshi played with freedom and a smile, fearlessly facing some of the best bowlers in the world and lighting up stadiums with his breathtaking strokeplay. But the girl got heartbroken on Friday night in Mullanpur. He did almost everything he could. A brilliant inning of 96 runs in 47 balls took Rajasthan Royals to a strong score of 214/6. However, their valiant effort was not enough as Gujarat Titans won by seven wickets to book their place in the IPL final against defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore.Chasing 215, Gujarat Titans were led by captain Shubman Gill, whose unbeaten 104 helped his team reach the target with eight balls to spare at New Chandigarh. This knock overshadowed Suryavanshi’s second consecutive 90-plus score in the playoffs.Suryavanshi carried the batting of Rajasthan Royals throughout the season, scoring 776 runs, hitting 72 sixes and rewriting the record books. Yet, in that moment, none of those accomplishments mattered.Even as captain Riyan Parag addressed the broadcasters during the post-match presentation, Suryavanshi remained sitting in the dugout, struggling to control his emotions. A member of the support staff was sitting near him, consoling the young player who had given everything for his team but had fallen just short at the final hurdle.“I can’t really put it into words. There’s a way where you just go and slog and then you get a lot of runs. But the way he has batted, it is not just slogging. This is not blind sloganeering. RR captain Parag said after the match, if you are moving from the very first ball then you cannot do what you did today.“He calculates, he assesses situations. He literally does everything well. I still don’t understand how. But hopefully he keeps doing that. Hopefully he represents our country and brings more glory to the country. And hopefully he keeps playing for Rajasthan Royals and gets us another championship,” Parag said.At the age of just 15, Suryavanshi showed that behind the fearless batting, sky-scraping sixes and record-breaking performances, there is a young cricketer who cares deeply for his team. Personal achievements and personal accolades could not ease the pain of abolition.His IPL 2026 journey may have ended with tears, but it also marked the arrival of one of the brightest young talents in the game. Rajasthan Royals’ season has ended, but for Vaibhav Suryavanshi it feels like just the beginning.

The United Arab Emirates has been more deeply involved in the Middle East conflict than anticipated. The United Arab Emirates continued attacks on Iran during the conflict and after a ceasefire was announced in April.Sources told The Wall Street Journal that the attacks were coordinated with the US and Israel, which provided intelligence support. Targets reportedly included Qeshm and Abu Musa islands in the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, the oil refinery on Lawan Island in the Persian Gulf, and the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex.Some attacks focused on Iranian energy facilities and were carried out in response to Tehran’s attacks on the emirate’s oil and gas infrastructure. The attack on Asaluyeh, carried out jointly with Israel, drew significant international criticism and prompted the US to ask Israel to stop attacks on energy facilities.

How did the situation in the Gulf change?

Before the conflict began, Gulf countries had said that their airspace and military bases would not be used for attacks. However, some changed their position after Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Gulf population centers, airports, and energy infrastructure in an effort to increase the economic and political costs of the war.The UAE was the primary target of those attacks, facing more than 2,800 missiles and drones from Iran, significantly more than any other country, including Israel.

Saudi Arabia-UAE differences emerge

The Emirati response also highlighted divisions within the Gulf region. In early April, Saudi Arabia reportedly complained to the US that the UAE’s military actions were increasing the risk of Iranian retaliation against regional energy facilities, a development that could impact oil prices and global markets. According to people familiar with the discussions, Saudi officials wanted Washington to pressure the UAE to stop retaliatory attacks and instead support diplomatic initiatives being taken by regional countries.“The UAE holds Iran fully responsible for these terrorist attacks and their consequences,” the Gulf state’s Foreign Ministry said, as quoted by the WSJ.Saudi Arabia, which experienced fewer and less damaging attacks from Iran, publicly condemned the attacks on Gulf states, but adopted a less confrontational approach, focusing on diplomatic efforts to address the conflict.Also, as the war escalated, tensions between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh also increased. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has become frustrated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after Salman refused to take part in coordinated military operations against Iran, Gulf officials said.The disagreement exacerbated existing differences between the two countries, which were already competing for influence in the Red Sea region and supporting opposing sides in the conflicts in Sudan and Yemen. In April, the UAE withdrew from OPEC and pledged to strengthen security ties with the US and Israel.

Political and economic measures against Iran

As well as its military actions, the UAE supported draft resolutions at the United Nations authorizing the use of force, if necessary, to end Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.The country also took steps targeting Iranian financial interests. Authorities closed Tehran-linked schools and clubs in Dubai and restricted visa and transit access for Iranian citizens, hurting economic ties that have long linked the emirate and Iran despite Western sanctions.Iran has repeatedly accused the UAE of participating in the US and Israeli campaign.

history of risk taking

Over the years, the emirate has been willing to take significant foreign policy risks and use military power to advance regional interests. It has previously supplied weapons to militias in Sudan and Libya and deployed mercenaries to Yemen as part of efforts to counter regional rivals.However, questions remain whether the UAE can effectively deter a larger and geographically closer rival like Iran. Its operations represented only a small portion of the more than 20,000 attacks conducted by the US and Israel during the conflict.Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East have continued for more than 3 months, as the standoff between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz and its use continues. The conflict began on 28 February, when the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran. Following the attack, Tehran effectively shut down the vital oil pipeline, cutting off global energy supplies.