New Delhi: Four days into assuming the post of Kerala chief minister, Congress leader VD Satheesan has found himself at the center of a political storm not over policy or governance, but over his name.Congress leaders have now criticized their own Chief Minister for the name he chose to use publicly while taking the constitutional oath.A controversy erupted after Satheesan used his full legal name ‘Vadassery Damodar Menon Satheesan’ while taking oath as Chief Minister on May 18 and again as an MLA of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly on Thursday.

what’s in a name?

This controversy largely arose from the contradiction with Satheesan’s earlier public political identity.When he took oath as MLA in 2021, he identified himself only as ‘VD Satheesan’. However, this time, he chose to use the extended version of his name at two high-profile constitutional ceremonies. The surname ‘Menon’ is from the upper caste Nair community in Kerala.Satheesan was chosen by the Congress high command for the top post after the party won the recent assembly elections and took over power from the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left government after 10 years. Following Satheesan’s move, critics from within his own party argued that bringing up the caste title was at odds with the party’s secular and inclusive image.According to PTI, some Congress insiders also felt there was a political “message” in the move, especially amid criticism from the BJP and CPM over the Congress-led UDF’s partnership with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and Jamaat-e-Islami.Some within the Congress interpret the use of the Menon surname as an attempt to signal outreach to a section of Hindu voters at a time when identity politics is intensifying in Kerala.Congress leader Jinto John said in a post on Facebook that the Congress party which does not use caste nicknames is more inclusive. He wrote that he would use ‘Jinto John’ instead of ‘Thekkamaktil John Roman Catholic Jinto’, referring to the name of the community he comes from. “My politics is also shaped by my commitment, a slightly left-leaning Congress consciousness,” he said.Similarly, another Congress leader VR Anup in a social media posting suggested that CM Satheesan should devote more time to reading Ambedkar. He argued that caste continued to function as “social capital and social power” in Kerala.Referring to Satheesan’s public image as a serious reader, Anup wrote on social media: “Even amidst the pressure of official responsibilities, when you find time to read, you should also find more time to read Ambedkar.”The issue gained further attention as two influential Hindu community organisations, Nair Service Society (NSS) and SNDP Yogam, were reportedly not enthusiastic about Satheesan being made the chief minister, PTI reported.

Satheesan asks what is wrong in this?

Amid criticism from his own party leaders, Satheesan defended his decision and asked, “Why is it wrong if I mention my father’s name?”However, Satheesan strongly rejected suggestions that the move conveyed a caste or political message.Addressing reporters after the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the CM said he had deliberately used his full name as a mark of respect to his late parents.“Why is it wrong if I take my father’s name? Shouldn’t I remember him?” Satheesan asked, according to ANI.He said, “This is my father’s name. I am sad that I could not even take my mother’s name. Both of them passed away before I became an MLA. I took my father’s name. It is common to do so.”He further said, “Even the passport has it written like this. Since there was no option to tell my mother’s name, I remembered her in my mind. It is a matter of pride to tell the names of your parents.”

‘Vande Mataram’ controversy

Amid the controversy over the use of the surname, Satheesan’s swearing-in ceremony as CM had also triggered a separate political debate after the full version of ‘Vande Mataram’ was presented during the swearing-in of the new UDF cabinet.Satheesan later clarified that the government had no prior notice that the full version of the song would be played.“We did not know that Vande Mataram would be sung in full. The instructions came from Lok Bhavan. We realized it when we were standing there when it started being sung in full,” he said on Wednesday, according to ANI.“It was not possible to stop it midway. Usually only the national anthem is sung till the end of the programme.” Now this has also been included in it. We had no prior information,” he said.Meanwhile, the CPM criticized the move, saying it was “a wrong and unfair move” to present the parts excluded by the Congress Working Committee in 1937.“The Congress Working Committee itself had taken the stand that presenting all parts of Vande Mataram is not appropriate for a pluralistic society,” the CPM said in a statement.The party further said, “Any action that weakens the plural society should not be taken from the government. At a time when efforts to divide people on communal lines are becoming more active, any action that harms secularism should not be taken from any side.”

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Image Credit: BCCI/IPL)

New Delhi: Rajasthan Royals‘Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi and his habit of terrorizing bowlers is no secret. It started in the last IPL, continued during India’s victorious 2026 Under-19 World Cup campaign, and is still going strong in IPL 2026. The boy from Bihar has created havoc by hitting sixes, instilling fear in bowlers and opposition teams alike. More importantly, he is delivering on his promises.Rajasthan Royals were in a position to win at all costs against the Lucknow Super Giants team, which was already eliminated after suffering three consecutive defeats. the head coach is watching Kumar SangakkaraThe 15-year-old came up to him with a stressed face and said, “It will be done.”Then he stood up and went towards the middle.The conversation took place after Rajasthan Royals opted to bowl first against LSG.After LSG posted a mammoth score of 220/5, Suryavanshi was at his best with a blistering 93 off just 38 balls as Rajasthan Royals easily chased down 221 to keep their playoff hopes alive. RR won by seven wickets with five balls to spare.Suryavanshi hit 10 sixes and seven fours in his breathtaking innings.After the match, Suryavanshi spoke to Rajasthan Royals team manager Romi Bhinder and revealed the promise he made to Sangakkara.“He was really not going well for us for the last 2-3 matches. We were losing. He was under a lot of pressure as I saw him. Even today when I was padding up to score 220, he had a lot of stress and tension on his face. But I am confident today that I will get my game back.” I will do it and I will do it well [Actually, things hadn’t been going well for us for the last 2-3 matches. We were losing games. I could see that he was under a lot of pressure. Even today, when I was padding up to chase 220, there was a lot of tension and stress on his face. But I was confident that today I would back my game again and do well]Suryavanshi said.“So I told him, ‘It will be done’, it is not a big score according to this wicket. Don’t take tension.” [So I told him, ‘It will happen.’ It’s not a very big score according to this wicket. There’s no need to take tension],” He said.The 15-year-old opening batsman has already hit 53 sixes this season, leaving him just six sixes short of Chris Gayle’s record of 59 sixes in an IPL edition.In the process, the teenage genius became the first Indian batsman in IPL history to hit 50 sixes in a single season.He also became the youngest player in the history of the tournament to reach 500 runs and maintained the highest strike rate of 236.3 in an IPL season with more than 500 runs.

US intelligence assessments suggest Iran could rebuild major military capabilities within a matter of months, raising new questions over the long-term effectiveness of US-Israeli attacks on Tehran’s defense infrastructure. Iran has already restarted parts of its drone production during a six-week ceasefire that began in April, according to a CNN report citing multiple sources familiar with US intelligence, indicating a faster recovery than initially anticipated in Washington.The report comes as President Donald Trump is threatening renewed military action if Tehran refuses to agree to a comprehensive peace deal. Intelligence officials told CNN that some assessments now indicate Iran could fully restore its drone strike capability in as little as six months. A US official quoted by CNN said: “The Iranians have missed all the deadlines given for restructuring the IC.”

Iran rebuilds amid fears of ceasefire

US intelligence agencies believe Iran’s recovery has been helped by external support, particularly Russia and China. CNN reported that Chinese components used in missile manufacturing continued to arrive in Iran during the conflict, although officials believe the ongoing US naval blockade has slowed those supplies.Drone production has emerged as a particular concern for US allies in the Gulf and Israel. Analysts fear that if fighting resumes, Tehran could rely on drone warfare to compensate for depleted missile capabilities. Iranian drones are capable of reaching targets in the Gulf region and Israel.At the same time, tension continues regarding Iran’s nuclear program. According to Reuters, Iran’s leadership has rejected demands to transfer enriched uranium reserves abroad. Sources familiar with internal discussions said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had ordered that the material “should not leave the country”, considering it essential to national security following the recent attacks.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile, has insisted that hostilities cannot completely end unless Iran dismantles its missile infrastructure and ends support for regional proxy groups.

installation cost of operation epic fury

Reports detailing the scale and cost of American losses during the conflict, as well as questions over the success of the campaign, have increased. According to the Congressional Research Service report, at least 42 US military aircraft were damaged or destroyed during Operation Epic Fury.Reported losses include fighter planes, refueling planes, surveillance planes and more than two dozen MQ-9 Reaper drones. During a congressional hearing earlier this month, acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III said operational costs related to the conflict had risen to $29 billion, with most of the increase tied to repairing or replacing damaged equipment.

The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 brought together runners from across the country, but the 5K 40-49 men’s category stood out as a reflection of consistency, experience and years of dedication to fitness and the sport. These runners proved that the passion for running grows stronger with time, turning every kilometer into a display of grit and determination.From former soldiers to runners who discovered their potential later in life, each story reflects the spirit of discipline and perseverance that defines the running community.

Vijender Malik

winnerchip time: 00:18:31At the age of 47, Vijender Malik performed remarkably well to top the category. The former soldier, who has been running for the last 20 years, once represented the Army athletic team, carrying forward the discipline and dedication he built during his years of service.His performance reflected the mindset of a seasoned athlete prepared, focused and motivated by years of experience on the track.

Jogender Singh

first runner upchip time: 00:19:05Jogender Singh, 49, started running 14 years ago just for fitness, but his journey soon turned into something much bigger. He credits coach Sombir for helping him recognize his potential and becoming part of a strong community that pushed him to improve.Even today Jogendra is working hard with the aim of remaining at the top position. Speaking about the Times Internet Half Marathon, he praised the management and organization of the event, particularly highlighting the fun Zumba warm-up sessions and the intuitive digital support that made it easy for participants to access race photos.

Giri Raj

second runner upchip time: 00:19:43Giri Raj completed the race with impressive speed and consistency, demonstrating the endurance and focus that define experienced runners. Their performance reflects the dedication and competitive spirit that continues to inspire runners of all age groups.The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 was more than just a race; It was a celebration of stories built over years of commitment, discipline and love of racing. With thousands of participants, an electrifying atmosphere and a growing running community, the event once again brought together athletes from every generation under a shared passion: the joy of running.

There may be rift between the Beckham couple, but love also flows in their veins. brooklyn beckhamThe eldest sibling and media personality shared an adorable photo of herself Victoria Beckham’s father, Tony Adams, to celebrate his grandfather’s 80th birthday. While the rest of the family attended a lavish party, the 27-year-old increasingly distanced himself.Here’s a closer look at Brooklyn Beckham and Tony Adams’ 80th birthday celebration.

Brooklyn Beckham wished his grandfather on his 80th birthday

Brooklyn Beckham posted the picture on her Instagram Story, where the two were comfortably lounging on comfortable chairs with glasses of drinks in their hands. “Happy 80th Birthday Dad, I love you so much,” he wrote with a small blue “Happy Birthday” sticker next to it. Meanwhile, the fashion mogul took to social media to share a series of happy moments from the grand party she hosted. Showcasing the montage of the formal party, in addition to Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, several people were in attendance including David Beckham and his children, Romeo and his girlfriend, Kim Turnball, Cruz and his girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, and Harper.

“Happy Birthday Daddy, we love you so much! Thank you to all our friends and family who helped make it so special! Xxx,” she wrote in the caption.

Victoria Beckham shares a glimpse of her birthday party

Beckham knows how to rock a formal ball. Victoria wore a soft ice blue silk gown from her collection, while David joined her in a black and white suit. Harper, meanwhile, wore a lace-trimmed black dress. In another photo dump, the ‘Spice Girls’ member gave a glimpse of her dancing on the floor. She thanked family and friends again, saying, “It was a wonderful night celebrating my wonderful father.”

The FBI shut down a call center operation in India that was defrauding senior citizens in the US in the name of technical support.

The FBI in Boston announced that they have shut down a call center operation in India after busting a major racket that also involved criminals from the US. The call center operation defrauded hundreds of elderly victims in the US and elsewhere out of millions of dollars through technical support scams. The FBI investigation said two senior US officials were part of it and, in fact, enabled it by turning a blind eye to widespread fraud.

Who are Adam Young and Harrison Gewirtz? What was the scam?

Adam Young, 42, of Florida, and Harrison Gewirtz, 33, of Las Vegas, operated a business, Ringba, that provided telecommunications-related services, including telephone numbers, call routing services, call tracking and call forwarding services, to customers they knew engaged in technical support fraud schemes. He has now pleaded guilty to a felony, in violation of federal law. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2026.The investigation further revealed that call centers based in India used Young and Gerwitz’s business to route their “technical fraud” scheme calls and, in some cases, advised those fraudsters on ways to reduce complaints and prevent account terminations.

Indian part of the scam: Sahil Narang, Chirag Sachdeva, Abrar Anjum, Manish Kumar, Jagmeet Singh Virk

The investigation began in 2020 which led the FBI to India-based telemarketing fraudsters. Indian nationals Sahil Narang, Chirag Sachdeva, Abrar Anjum and Manish Kumar were convicted of charges related to India-based telemarketing fraud schemes that targeted Americans and defrauded millions of dollars, many of them vulnerable to the fraudulent schemes due to age or infirmity. The fifth person convicted in the same scam was Jagmeet Singh Virk.

Attention your computer has a virus

According to court documents, from approximately 2016 to 2022, Young, Gewirtz and others knew that some of their customers were engaged in tech-assistance fraud schemes. The schemes used misleading pop-up messages to convince computer users that their computers had been infected with a virus or malware. Victims were directed to call a phone number on a pop-up message or advertisement that connected victims to call centers, where they were persuaded to pay hundreds of dollars for unnecessary or fictitious technical-support services. In some cases, call center agents remotely accessed victims’ computers and obtained personal and financial information.

Young, Gewirtz discovered the fraud and became part of it

From 2017 to April 2022, after learning of their clients’ fraudulent schemes, Young and Gewirtz failed to report the schemes to law enforcement authorities. According to statements filed in court, the defendants received numerous complaints and inquiries from telephone providers and law enforcement regarding customers who engaged in technical support fraud. Despite that knowledge, he advised some of his clients on techniques that clients could use to avoid complaints from fraud victims and prevent account termination. Young and Gevirtz helped some of those clients buy and sell fraudulent calls among themselves.Young and Gewirtz themselves owned and operated a call center in Tunisia from 2016 to April 2022, where some employees engaged in technical-support fraud.“What the CEO and CSO of this well-known call tracking and analytics company did was extremely despicable. By their own admission, they knowingly profited from telemarketing and technical support scammers here and abroad who preyed on the elderly, exploited the vulnerable and robbed victims of their life savings and peace of mind. “Behind every prank call is a real person who is frightened, humiliated or financially broke,” said Ted Eidox, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division.“Tech support scams cost Americans $2.1 billion last year, and Rhode Islanders reported losing at least $5.7 million. Let this be a warning: If you promote and support these criminal networks that prey on unsuspecting consumers, the FBI will pursue you relentlessly to make sure you are held accountable for the harm you helped cause,” Edox said. Said.Court documents further indicate that the two former CEOs directed employees to promote their company’s services to customers who engaged in technical-support fraud and, at times, introduced customers engaged in fraudulent activity to others who could support their fraudulent business.

The Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 once again brought together inspiring runners of all generations and the 5K 40-49 Women’s category emerged as a celebration of fitness, determination and community. These women prove that running isn’t just about competition; It’s about passion, persistence and inspiring those around you.From family inspiration to discovering fitness later in life, each runner brought a unique story to the finish line.

Rachna Joshi

winnerchip time: 00:26:0043 year old Rachana Joshi has been running for the last seven years. What started as her husband taking up running soon became a shared passion for the entire family.Inspired by each other, today not only Rachna and her husband but also their children participate in marathons together. His journey shows how running can bring families together and turn fitness into a lifestyle shared across generations.

Sangeeta Thap

first runner upchip time: 00:27:50Sangeeta Thap performed strongly and consistently throughout the race, demonstrating the determination, stamina and spirit of an experienced runner. Her finish reflects the discipline and positivity that continues to inspire women in the running community.

Megha Bindlish

second runner upchip time: 00:30:54At 41, Megha Bindlish recently started running just three months ago as part of her fitness journey along with regular gym training. Despite being new to the sport, she took up the challenge with enthusiasm and determination.Megha was very appreciative of the Times Internet Half Marathon, praising the atmosphere, organization and overall experience of the event which made the race memorable for the participants.Times Internet Half Marathon 2026 was more than just a sporting event, it was a platform where stories of fitness, family and self-development came alive. By bringing together runners from all walks of life, the marathon continues to inspire people to begin their journey one step at a time.

Indian football fans may miss the official FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage after broadcaster talks failed and YouTube faces geo-restrictions on access.

FIFA’s 2026 World Cup begins on June 11 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and for the first time in the tournament’s history, YouTube is an official part of how the world will watch it, but for fans in India, this development may mean little, because without holding domestic rights and an official broadcaster to participate in the arrangement, geo-restrictions may prevent much of the platform’s World Cup content from reaching Indian screens entirely. Hopes that Prasar Bharati might step in as an alternative option have also been dashed, as the broadcaster has reportedly told the Delhi High Court that it is not responsible for acquiring television rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in India, making the situation more uncertain.

What the YouTube deal really offers

In March 2026, FIFA announces “game-changing partnership” With YouTube confirming that rights-holding broadcasters around the world will have the option to live stream the first ten minutes of each match on their official YouTube channels, the initiative is designed to attract younger, digital-native viewers towards the full broadcast. In addition to the ten-minute preview, broadcasters can also choose to stream select matches in full on YouTube, although FIFA has clarified that this will vary by region and is entirely at the discretion of individual rights holders, rather than a guaranteed provision in all markets.

FILE – A YouTube sign is shown near the company’s headquarters in San Bruno, California, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Fans in the United States will have live access to every match of the tournament through YouTube TV, which holds the rights in that market, while other official broadcasters, among them Fox Soccer, Telemundo Deportes, beIN Sports, SuperSport, JTBC and KBS, are expected to publish previews, highlights and potentially full match streams through their own verified YouTube accounts. The official FIFA YouTube channel will also serve as a hub for highlights, archive footage, creator-led coverage and behind-the-scenes content throughout the duration of the tournament’s 104 matches.

People stand in front of the FIFA highlights video board during a tour of the FIFA Museum exhibit at Science World in Vancouver, British Columbia, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP)

However, the important limitation is that it is all linked to the territorial authority structure. Content published by a broadcaster on YouTube is typically geo-restricted to the region in which that broadcaster holds the rights, meaning that streams from American or European rights holders will generally not be accessible to viewers here. Without a domestic broadcaster participating in the YouTube arrangement, there is no Indian channel through which any live content will stream, and the FIFA Channel itself is not a substitute for live match access that only the rights-holding broadcaster can provide on the platform. Without a domestic broadcaster participating in the YouTube arrangement, many fans may be pushed toward unofficial workarounds such as VPNs or piracy sites, or relying on unofficial online watch parties, neither of which provide a stable or reliable viewing experience compared to official broadcasts.

Why doesn’t India have any broadcaster?

The reasons behind the impasse are primarily commercial, and they have been accumulating for months. FIFA’s original price for the combined Indian media rights covering the 2026 and 2030 World Cups was reported to be around US$100 million, a figure that did not garner any serious interest from broadcasters already committed to cricket and IPL rights, which have consumed the bulk of sports broadcasting budgets in recent years. FIFA reduced its valuation to around US$35 million after the market failed to respond, but even that figure did not lead to a deal. JioStar, a joint venture between Reliance Industries and Disney, submitted a bid of approximately USD 20 million, which was rejected by FIFA. The scheduling realities of North American tournaments have increased the reluctance, with most matches in India expected to be broadcast during late night and early morning hours, a timing problem that makes the commercial case for expensive rights significantly harder than expected viewership.

Prasar Bharati’s exit

The most consequential recent development was when Prasar Bharati told the Delhi High Court that it is not its responsibility to acquire the television rights of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The plea came in response to a petition seeking a free-to-air broadcast of the tournament through a state broadcaster, a path many were seeing as a possible last resort given the collapse of commercial talks. With Prasar Bharati now formally absolving itself of any obligation to secure the rights, that option is closed, and the June 11 launch date is approaching without any resolution.

where things stand

As things stand, no broadcaster has officially finalized the Indian media rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with just a few weeks left for the tournament to begin. FIFA has significantly reduced its asking price, the only significant commercial bid on record has been rejected, and the state broadcaster has told the court the case is not of its concern. The YouTube partnership, which FIFA has touted as a landmark moment for global digital football reach, will deliver it to fans in dozens of territories through their respective rights holders, but with no official rights holder here, Indian football fans face the real prospect of the biggest World Cup in history coming to a close with no legal and direct way to watch it, unless the broadcaster, FIFA or the government moves quickly to break a logjam that has already lasted too long. Running since.