Splitsvilla However, the final episode was filled with cheating allegations, confrontations and intense confrontations. During the finale episode, there was a heated argument between contestant Niharika Tiwari and Mischief Maker host Nia Sharma. Niharika Tiwari told host Nia Sharma that she did not know her before Splitsvilla 16. While Nia didn’t give any strong reaction at the time, now she seems to have responded to the comment subtly through a cryptic post on social media.In the finale episode, Nia Sharma, who is one of the hosts along with Uoffi Javed, confronted Niharika over claims that she had called Nia “biased” in a post-show podcast. “To be biased one must be aware of one’s existence,” Nia said. This was my first time on Splitsvilla. Did I know anyone before this show? No. Did I know you, Niharika? Not at all, babe.“Responding to this, Niharika said, “You also did not know me before this show.”Nia Sharma then replied that if someone makes allegations against the host of a show, they should have proper proof and evidence to prove their claims. He said, “Nobody is biased, we don’t have the right to be biased. Now you have become famous within 3 months. I have been here for 15 years. I have seen ups and downs.”Nia’s reaction irked Niharika, who replied, “Kya baat kar rahi hai yeh faltu ki? 3 mosh mein fame mila hai kya mereko? (What is she talking about? Have I got fame in just 3 months?).”Although Nia Sharma did not react to Niharika’s “Mujhe bhi aap nahi pata thi” comment during the episode, she later shared a cryptic Instagram post which many fans thought was directed at the contestant. On Monday, Nia posted a series of pictures and behind-the-scenes clips from the Splitsvilla sets. Along with the post, she wrote, “Having a job that pays well is the unknown. ✅🫶 #splitsvilla16 Another unknown of my favorite trips in my 15 years has come to a close.” Lived the moments.. wouldn’t have changed it for anything else. @mtvsplitsvilla @mtvindia @jiohotstar! Thanks for taking me along on this!”As soon as Nia shared the post, many fans took to the comments section to reply to the cryptic message. One user wrote, “Niharika should apologize to you.” Another fan commented, “Audacity for a contestant to say this to a TV star.” One user wrote, “There was no need to shout. There was no need to bow down. This is the real strength.”There were some users who came in support of Niharika Tiwari and criticized Nia Sharma. She accused him of indirectly targeting the contestant through his post. One user commented, “If you are so polite then why the sarcasm now? Why so much impact? You said good to you Niharika. Then you were pretending to be good?” Another fan wrote, “Insulting someone just because you are more senior in this industry is really disgusting!”

UAE to get 16 new Indian passport and visa centers in key expatriate services / Image: File

Over four million Indians living in the UAE will see a major overhaul of passport, visa and consular services after India awarded a large-scale outsourcing contract to Kerala-based Alhind Group, which will launch 16 new service centers across all seven emirates from July 1, 2026.The move ends a long era for BLS International, which has handled Indian passport and visa support services in the UAE since 2011. Under the new arrangement, Indian residents in the UAE will now use Alhind-run centers for passport renewal, visa application, OCI card, Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), surrender certificate and other key consular services attached to the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.The announcement is being closely watched across the Gulf as the Indian community in the UAE is the largest expatriate population in the country, estimated at over 4.3 million. Any changes to the passport and visa system directly impact the daily lives of workers, professionals, families and businesses in the emirate.

UAE passport and visa services to change in 2026

The contract was officially awarded by the Embassy of India after a competitive tender process involving four leading bidders, Alhind, VFS Global, DU Digital Global and SGIVS Global. According to the embassy, ​​Alhind won the deal after submitting the lowest financial bid.In an official notice, the Indian Mission confirmed that the contract includes:

The company says the change will officially begin on July 1, with the rapid expansion of operations across the UAE.Speaking to Gulf media, Mohammed Haris T said the goal is to make services “more affordable and accessible” to Indian residents. He confirmed that the company will introduce a unified all-inclusive service charge of Dh19 on top of the embassy fee, which will include services such as photography and photocopying.“We want to make this process as affordable as possible,” Harris said, outlining the company’s expansion plans in the emirate.

16 new Indian consular centers in UAE

One of the biggest changes for the Indian diaspora will be the expansion of physical service centres. Alhind says it plans to operate from 16 locations across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Al Ain, Kalba and Khor Fakkan.For many Indian residents outside central Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the new rollout could significantly reduce travel time for routine paperwork and passport appointments.The company also plans to digitize backend operations in a big way. According to Arun Radhakrishnan, while the application process itself will remain widely familiar, the company intends to introduce advanced online systems and digital processing tools.“The website will change, the process will be the same, but we plan to make everything digital,” Radhakrishnan said.This change is also creating a huge wave of hiring in the UAE. Alhind has announced recruitment for over 300 new operational roles, including submission officers, operations officers, branch heads and front-desk staff. The company says that fresh graduates with a valid UAE residence visa are also being considered for a number of positions.

Alhind’s UAE expansion

founded in Kerala In 1992, Alhind began operations in the Gulf region in the mid-1990s and has since expanded into travel, foreign exchange, IT services and luxury transportation businesses. The company is also building a larger aviation presence in India after getting approval to launch a domestic airline project.Although Alhind is better known in travel circles than large-scale consular outsourcing, the company already operates authorized attestation and apostille collection centers across India and has experience in managing documentation systems.However, for the UAE’s Indian community, the focus is now on how smoothly the July transition goes. With millions of people relying on passport and visa services every year, the success of the rollout could shape the future of Indian consular operations across the Gulf for years to come.

Why is change big news?

This development is attracting huge attention among Indian residents as consular services are essential for almost every major life event in the UAE, from visa renewal and passport update to family sponsorship, newborn registration and emergency travel documents.Over the years, many Indian expatriates have been connecting to these services at BLS centers in UAE. The sudden switch to a new operator therefore represents one of the biggest operational changes to Indian consular services in the Gulf in more than a decade.The change comes after India’s Ministry of External Affairs barred BLS International from participating in new Indian mission tenders for two years due to allegations of complaints and legal matters involving applicants. BLS has previously said the action will not impact its existing global operations.Industry observers say the first few months after the changeover will be closely monitored due to the sheer scale of Indian expatriates in the UAE. Even small disruptions could potentially impact thousands of appointments, travel plans and document submissions every day, analysts say.Some concerns have also emerged over operational readiness, staffing and data security as consular systems contain sensitive personal documents, biometric details and financial information. Experts quoted in UAE reports have urged authorities to ensure strong monitoring during the rollout phase.Nevertheless, many residents hope that the larger network of centers and lower service fees may eventually make passport and visa services faster and more convenient.

New Delhi: Trinamool Congress Jahangir Khan, candidate from Falta constituency in West Bengal, withdrew his nomination on Tuesday, just two days before re-polling.TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty said the party has received information about Khan’s decision, but the reason behind it is not yet known.“We have heard that Jahangir Khan has decided not to participate or contest the Falta repoll,” he told reporters.“We still don’t know the reason behind their withdrawal,” he said.comes after this Election Commission The election in the Falta assembly constituency was cancelled, citing “serious electoral crimes and subversion of the democratic process”.In its statement, the election body said the decision was taken following reports of serious electoral crimes and large-scale subversion of the democratic process during voting on April 29.The observers’ report highlighted serious irregularities, including tampering with electronic voting machines, voter intimidation, and violations of voting rules.Ballot unit buttons at several booths were reportedly covered with black tape, preventing proper voting. Unauthorized persons were also reportedly found entering polling stations and voting in place of others. Missing or inconsistent video footage raised concerns over transparency.Re-polling on Falta seat is to be held on May 21, while counting of votes will take place on May 24.Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had taken a direct aim at Jahangir, comparing himself to the smuggler-turned-powerful character from the film “Pushpa: The Rise”.Addressing a rally in Diamond Harbour, the officer said, “Where is that dacoit Pushpa? She is nowhere to be seen now. The National Human Rights Commission has declared 19 people as notorious criminals in 2021.” Jahangir was one of them. Leave him to me. I will take care of him.”Ahead of the rally, police arrested Saidul Khan, a close aide of Jahangir and Trinamool’s Falta vice president, on charges including threatening to kill.In the 2026 assembly elections, BJP secured 207 seats, ending TMC’s 15-year rule in the state. At the same time, TMC managed to win only 80 seats.

In a record-breaking land auction, prices of plots in Thorur, Hyderabad recently soared to ₹45,500 per square yard. It was a government-backed auction that again highlighted the city’s booming real estate industry. The strong response has strengthened Hyderabad’s position as India’s most popular real estate destination.More information about auctionThe auction was conducted by Rajeev Swagrih Nigam Limited (RSCL) for 85 open plots in Thorur, Kurmalguda and Bahadurpally. Thorur was the main attraction and a plot reached ₹45,500 per square yard. Bahadurpally also saw impressive bidding with prices reaching ₹40,500 per square yard. Around 150 bidders participated which shows the demand for government approved land parcels in Hyderabad.ThoroorThorur near Hayathnagar is one of the most sought-after residential investment destinations. The area enjoys strategic connectivity with ORR and Vijayawada Highway. According to real estate analysts, buyers are showing interest in plotted developments in peripheral areas due to rising apartment prices within the city and long-term appreciation potential of landed property.The results of the latest auction are significant as the base prices were much lower a few years ago. Earlier in the HMDA-linked auction at Thorur, prices had started around ₹20,000-₹25,000 per square yard. All this is happening due to the expansion of Hyderabad’s infrastructure. The surrounding areas of Kokapet, Neopolis, Budvel and Thorur are experiencing significant boom and rapid appreciation. Metro expansion plans, road connectivity and IT-driven housing are in demand.

Government-backed auctions are also gaining popularity as it is a relatively safe investment for buyers. HMDA and related agencies are actively monetizing land banks through auctions. However, the Thoroor auction has sparked discussion in real estate circles as observers have noted that land prices on the outskirts of Hyderabad have been rising.Real estate consultants say the surge in demand reflects confidence in Hyderabad’s long-term expansion. The city is benefiting from strong IT employment growth, robust infrastructure spending and relatively streamlined approvals compared to many other Indian cities.With new infrastructure projects, metro connectivity plans and new commercial centres, experts believe that more planned developments near ORR will remain in high demand. Hence the Thoroor auction could mark another milestone in the city’s fast-evolving real estate story.Source: Economic Times Realty, Times of India, HMDA, The New Indian Express.

The UAE has set a salary deadline for all private sector companies from June 2026 / Image: @MOHRE

The UAE has announced one of its strongest wage protection reforms in years, ordering all private sector companies to pay employees on the first day of each Gregorian month starting June 1, 2026, as authorities step up efforts to tighten labor compliance and strengthen worker protections across the country.The new rule, introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoH) under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, standardizes salary payment deadlines in the private sector and removes the flexibility companies previously had regarding payroll schedules. Under the updated Pay Protection System (WPS), any salary transferred after the 1st of the month will officially be considered delayed payment.The move will have a direct impact on millions of migrant workers in the UAE, many of whom depend on monthly salary transfers to pay rent, school fees, remittances and loan obligations. Officials say the reforms are designed to create a more transparent pay system while improving monitoring mechanisms for delayed or unpaid salaries.

UAE sets deadline for unified salaries

According to the resolution issued on May 12, all establishments registered with Vanguard will have to transfer the previous month’s salary by the first day of the next month through approved WPS channels or other ministry-authorized payment systems.“All establishments registered with the Ministry will pay the salaries of their workers on the due date through the Salary Protection System,” the ministry said in its official statement.The reform effectively creates a nationwide standard payroll date for private companies operating in the UAE. For example, salaries for work done in June 2026 must be paid before July 1, 2026. Any payment after that date will be automatically marked as late by the system.The Pay Protection System was originally launched in 2009 by Vanguard in partnership with the Central Bank of the UAE to electronically track salary payments and ensure that workers are paid accurately and on time. The ministry recently revealed that the system now covers more than 99 per cent of private sector workers in the country, with monthly salary transfers amounting to more than Dh35 billion.

UAE fine under new 2026 rules

The updated framework significantly strengthens the enforcement mechanisms for companies that fail to comply with pay deadlines. While the government is already monitoring delayed salary payments under the WPS, the new rules introduce a fixed due date making it easier to detect and automatically enforce violations.Under the amended rules, companies will be considered compliant if they transfer at least 85 per cent of the total salary payable on time. Officials clarified that an employee will still be considered paid if they receive at least 85 percent of their salary and the remaining amount is related to legitimate deductions allowed under UAE labor regulations.The new compliance system also provides for steeper penalties for non-payment and repeated delays. Industry compliance experts say work permit suspensions can now begin within days of noncompliance, while continued violations could lead to administrative penalties, labor disputes and possible travel bans on responsible company executives.Current UAE labor regulations already allow authorities to suspend new work permits and refer serious cases for prosecution if wages remain unpaid for long periods of time. Employers may also have to pay a fine of up to Dh5,000 per affected employee, capped at Dh50,000 per case in some circumstances.The ministry has also made it clear that companies cannot escape responsibility for delayed salaries due to customer payment issues or cash-flow disputes. Under UAE labor law, employee wages remain a direct employer obligation.

Why do UAE pay rules matter?

For Gulf residents, especially expatriates working in the UAE’s private sector, pay time is often directly linked to daily financial commitments. Most employees structure monthly expenses around anticipated pay dates, including rent checks, credit card repayments, utility bills, school tuition and money transfers to families abroad.Banking systems in the UAE are also deeply integrated with salary transfers. Personal loans, credit cards, mortgage approval and tenancy contracts often require regular WPS salary records. So delayed pay can cause widespread financial stress beyond the workplace.The UAE government appears to be positioning the reforms as part of a broader labor-market modernization strategy focused on digital oversight, intensified compliance tracking, and stronger worker confidence in the private sector.However, for businesses, the recovery could create new operating pressures, especially for small and medium-sized companies with irregular cash-flow cycles. Companies may now need to process payroll earlier, maintain strong liquidity reserves, and submit payroll information files (SIFs) to banks several days in advance to avoid unexpected delays caused by banking or technical issues.Payroll experts say rejected or delayed SIF uploads can also trigger compliance issues under the WPS system as salaries must actually reach employee accounts within the required timelines.

looking ahead

The improvement in pay deadlines comes amid broader efforts by the UAE to modernize labor regulations, improve transparency and strengthen protections for both local and expatriate workers. In recent years, authorities have expanded digital labor inspections, tightened employment compliance systems and increased monitoring of wage-related disputes.Vanguard has repeatedly described timely wage payment as a core worker right protected under UAE labor law. On its official awareness platform, the ministry says that through the wage protection system workers are guaranteed the right to receive wages “on time and in the manner agreed in the employment contract”.The UAE government has relied on automated systems to identify labor violations in real-time, helping officials quickly detect delayed salaries, missing payments and suspicious payroll activity. The latest proposal further expands that oversight by creating a single national pay deadline that applies across the private sector.With the implementation date of June 1, 2026 now confirmed, payroll departments, HR teams and business owners across the Gulf are expected to begin adjusting systems ahead of the deadline as the UAE moves towards a strict, digitally monitored payroll regime.

New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi Opened a front against the Prime Minister on Tuesday Narendra Modi On the rise in fuel prices, he said that “an economic storm is coming.”Speaking to reporters in Rae Bareli, the Congress leader said “tough times are coming” for the country’s economy and alleged that instead of taking action, PM Modi was asking people not to undertake foreign trips.Rahul said, “I have been saying for some days that Modi ji has changed the economic structure. An economic storm is about to come. His Adani-Ambani structure will not last long; it will collapse. The unfortunate thing is that the common man will suffer.”He said, “The economic shock will not have any impact on Adani, Ambani and Modi; it will have a deep impact on the common man. It will be unprecedented. Difficult times are coming. Instead of taking action, Narendra Modi is asking people not to undertake foreign trips while he himself is on a world tour.”Earlier on Tuesday, petrol and diesel prices were hiked by nearly 90 paise per litre, the second increase in fuel rates in less than a week after state-run oil companies ended a nearly four-year moratorium on revision.Petrol prices in the national capital rose to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel prices rose to Rs 91.58 per litre. Rates vary across states due to differences in value added tax.Fuel prices are now at their highest since May 2022.Also read: Petrol, diesel price hike: Congress targets Centre, ‘Inflation Man’ takes a dig at PM ModiOn May 15, compressed natural gas (CNG) prices were increased by Rs 2 per kg in cities including Delhi and Mumbai. On Sunday, CNG prices were again increased by Re 1 per kg.Global crude oil prices have surged more than 50 percent since the US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28 and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes disrupted flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a major artery for global oil shipments.Despite the jump, retail fuel rates remained steady at two-year-old levels in what the government said was an effort to protect price-sensitive consumers from higher global energy costs. However, opposition parties alleged political motives behind the ban as elections were being held in key states.Also read: ‘People are forced to travel in bullock carts’: Congress protests over fuel, milk price hike

Despite their global recognition, pandas are closely associated with a small part of the world. Wild populations are concentrated almost entirely in China, mostly within mountain forests where bamboo still grows in thickets on moist slopes and in river valleys. Pandas live in some countries outside China through conservation agreements and zoo partnerships, although those animals are not considered part of the natural wild population. Numbers have changed gradually over the years due to habitat restoration projects, breeding programs and the expansion of protected reserves in some areas. Nevertheless, the panda’s distribution still looks surprisingly narrow when placed alongside other large mammals. Countries concerned with pandas fall into two groups: countries that have native habitats and those that host carefully managed captive populations under international arrangements.according to world population review, Check out the list of countries with the highest panda populations in the world.

Countries with huge panda population in the world

World’s largest panda population by country

1. ChinaChina remains the center of the world’s panda population because giant pandas evolved in its mountainous bamboo forests and never spread widely outside them. Most wild pandas live in parts of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu, where cool altitudes and thick vegetation still support the slow-growing bamboo on which they rely. Captive breeding centers also operate here, including several internationally recognized conservation facilities. Decades of habitat protection, forest corridors, and restrictions on development in panda areas have resulted in a gradual rather than dramatic population recovery.

2. United States of AmericaThe United States has housed some of the world’s most famous captive pandas through long-running agreements with Chinese conservation authorities. Pandas have appeared in select American zoos for decades, often becoming major public attractions and symbols of wildlife diplomacy. Their appearance varies over time as animals are usually loaned out rather than permanently relocated. Breeding programs and veterinary research in the country have contributed to extensive panda conservation work, even though there is no natural panda habitat anywhere in North America.3. JapanJapan has maintained a strong public fascination with pandas since the animals were first introduced through diplomatic exchanges in the twentieth century. Zoos such as Ueno and Adventure World are closely associated with panda breeding efforts and large numbers of visitors. The birth of several cubs in Japan over the past few years has attracted national attention, sometimes resulting in long queues and widespread media coverage. The pandas themselves are under Chinese ownership, although Japanese facilities have developed experience in caring for them and supporting collaborative research.

4. United KingdomIn the United Kingdom, pandas are primarily associated with Edinburgh Zoo, where a pair were kept under a conservation loan arrangement from China. Their arrival attracted huge attention because pandas are rarely kept in Britain and require a carefully controlled environment, including large quantities of imported bamboo. Discussions about breeding efforts, veterinary care, and eventual return to China often received as much attention as the animals themselves. Wild panda populations have never existed in a natural setting in the UK.5. FranceFrance became part of international panda conservation efforts through the arrival of the panda at the Zooparc de Beauval. The zoo subsequently attracted widespread attention following the birth of the panda cubs, with French media coverage treating the events almost like a national celebration. Panda care in France involves a highly regulated diet plan, temperature control, and constant collaboration with Chinese wildlife experts. Although numbers are small, the country plays a visible role in Europe’s captive panda network and public awareness campaigns related to the endangered species.

6. SingaporeGiant pandas live in the tropical climate of Singapore, which is completely different from the cold mountain areas where pandas naturally live. Special indoor environments were created to maintain low temperatures and stable humidity for the animals living in River Wonders. The pandas became a major attraction soon after arriving and later gave birth to a cub that attracted regional attention. Their presence also strengthened the conservation partnership between Singapore and China, which extended beyond tourism to educational and scientific exchange programs focused on wildlife conservation.7. ThailandFor many years, Thailand was closely associated with pandas through pairs kept in the Chiang Mai Zoo. The animals consistently attracted crowds and became deeply familiar figures in Thai popular culture. The artificial insemination programs and panda births were closely followed by local media, showing how emotionally invested visitors became in the zoo’s conservation efforts. Pandas are not native to Thailand, although its long involvement in panda care has helped strengthen broader wildlife cooperation with Chinese institutions.

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly objected to questions on press freedom and human rights during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway, saying many international observers fail to understand the scale and complexity of the country and rely on reports published by “ignorant NGOs”.The comments come after a Norwegian journalist publicly claimed that PM Modi did not raise his question during a media interaction with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Storey in Oslo.The journalist also noted India’s position in the World Press Freedom Index and criticized the lack of questions during press appearances, asking, “Why should we trust India?”

Responding to questions, Sibi George, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, defended India’s democratic institutions and constitutional framework.“We’ve heard a lot of people asking why this, why that, but let me tell you this. We are one-sixth of the world’s population, but not one-sixth of the world’s problems,” he said during a press conference.“We have a Constitution that guarantees the fundamental rights of people. Women in our country have equal rights, which is very important,” she said.

‘People have no understanding of the scale of India’

The External Affairs Ministry official also criticized international commentary on India and said many people form opinions without understanding the country’s vast media ecosystem.George said, “You know how many stories there are here. How many breaking news we have every day in the evening. There are at least 200 TV channels in Delhi alone, in English language, Hindi language and many more languages.”He said, “People have no understanding of the scale of India. People have no understanding. You know, they read one or two news reports published by some forgotten, ignorant NGO and then come and ask questions.”He said, “In 1947 we gave our women the freedom to vote. We got independence together and got the right to vote from the first day. I know many countries where women got the right to vote after many decades. We believe in equality; we believe in human rights. If anyone’s rights are violated, they have the right to go to court. We are proud to be a democracy.”

The controversy erupted when Norwegian journalist Helle Ling questioned PM Modi as he was leaving the hall with PM Storey after giving a media statement.Later, Ling shared a video of the moment on X, saying, “Prime Minister of IndiaNarendra Modi will not answer my question, I did not expect this from him.”He also referred to India’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index, saying, “Norway is at number one position” while “India is at 157th position.”However, the Indian Embassy in Norway responded to his post and invited him to attend an official press conference later in the evening.“The Embassy is organizing a press conference on the Prime Minister’s visit today at 9.30 pm at Hotel Radisson BluPlaza. “You are welcome to come and ask your questions,” the embassy said.Ling also posted that she was “very disappointed that the Prime Minister of Norway did not include time for Indian journalists today.”

Even Norway’s PM did not take any questions: BJP

The episode also sparked political controversy, with opposition leaders targeting PM Modi over the joint media interaction. Taking a dig at the Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi said, “When there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear.”Sharing the video on Twitter, Rahul said, ‘What happens to India’s image when the world sees a compromised PM panicking and running away from some questions?’Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also hit out at PM Modi over his interactions with European leaders during the visit and asked, “What is the fake wisdom given by the self-proclaimed but completely exposed world guru to the Dutch PM, who actually called him?”Responding to the criticism, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya defended PM Modi and pointed out that even the Norwegian Prime Minister did not answer questions during the joint press conference.Sharing a post on X, Malviya said, “Norway’s Prime Minister also did not raise any questions in the joint press briefing of the two leaders.”He said, “But the crazy Congress machinery led by Rahul Gandhi is fuming over the absurd statement of a criminal journalist. One wonders whether, like the journalist, the Congress leadership is also on the side of those who do not want to see a strong and powerful India.”PM Modi arrived in Oslo on Monday as part of his six-day, five-nation tour to attend the third India-Nordic summit and hold bilateral talks with Nordic leaders.

Five teams are in the fray to secure the final IPL 2026 playoff spot (AI generated image)

With three playoff spots already locked by RCB, GT and SRH, the fight for the last remaining spot has been reduced to five teams. Rajasthan Royals In the best position, Punjab Kings still control most of their own destiny, while Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings Both victory and outside help are needed.With only seven league games remaining, every result now directly changes the equation for someone else.

Rajasthan Royals: One win may be enough, but two wins seal it

RR are in the strongest position among the chasing pack as they still have two matches left and already have 12 points. Wins against Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians will take them to 16 points, which almost guarantees qualification regardless of other results.The big question is whether one win in two can still be enough. If RR beats LSG in Jaipur, they move to 14 and immediately put pressure on PBKS, KKR, DC and CSK, none of whom can comfortably afford another defeat.In that scenario, RR would want:

The ideal RR scenario is that they claim two wins and reach 16 points, thus eliminating every other team from contention, regardless of their results.The matter of concern for Rajasthan is speed. They have lost four of their last five matches and their NRR of 0.027 offers a bit of respite if many teams finish on 14 points. A heavy defeat in any of the remaining games could drag them into dangerous territory.

Punjab Kings: Beat LSG and hope the chaos continues behind them

PBKS have 13 points from 13 matches, which makes their equation deceptively simple: beat LSG in Lucknow and they have 15 points.This number could be quite a lot as none of KKR, DC or CSK can go beyond 15. But if RR gets two wins in its remaining two matches then PBKS will become vulnerable. Other than that, both in terms of form and scheduling, PBKS is on a good track. They have lost five consecutive games and will be playing after many of their direct rivals have already completed their matches.Best case for PBKS: :

However, a defeat to LSG almost certainly ends PBKS’s campaign. They will remain on 13, RR and CSK can cross this figure with one win each, and KKR can move ahead with two wins.

Five teams are in the fray to secure the final IPL 2026 playoff spot (AI generated image)

Chennai Super Kings: Hinges on math more than speed

After CSK’s defeat to SRH they need the most mathematically impossible combination of results among the teams still alive.They have 12 points from 13 matches and with a win against GT in Ahmedabad they can only reach 14 points.But 14 alone is unlikely to be enough unless everything else goes in their favour.They need this to give CSK a real chance: :

This is already a narrow path, and yet the net run rate could complicate matters. CSK’s NRR of -0.016 is better than DC and slightly better than KKR, but not strong enough to feel comfortable with many teams finishing at 14.The biggest problem for CSK is that they no longer completely control the roof of the rival teams. RR can still reach 16, PBKS 15 and KKR 15.

Kolkata Knight Riders: Two wins or nothing

Apart from RR, KKR is the only other team in the target-chasing group with two matches left. With 11 points from 12 matches, they cannot afford to lose.KKR will get 15 points if they win against Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. Anything less is eliminated.But even two wins cannot resolve the matter completely. KKR’s qualification chances are largely linked to RR and PBKS.The ideal KKR scenario looks like this: :

If all this happens, KKR will finish 15th and possibly grab the fourth position.There is also a scenario where KKR ends up tied with PBKS at 15. In that case, the net run rate decides the final position. KKR’s current NRR of -0.038 means they simply can’t muster a win; Margins can matter.What helps KKR is pace. Unlike others around them, they have won four of their last five matches and suddenly it looks like the team is peaking at the right time.

Delhi Capitals: Beat KKR and pray for collapse elsewhere

DC have the toughest equation among the realistic contenders as they have only one match left and a low net run rate.With 12 points from 13 matches, a win over KKR also takes them to 14 points. This means Delhi cannot qualify on its own terms.To qualify DC, they need to: :

But still, NRR can become a major factor. DC’s current NRR of -0.871 is the weakest among all the contenders. If the qualifying points are tied, Delhi will almost certainly suffer a loss.The irony is that DC may still have a big role in deciding the playoff race even if they fail to qualify. A win over KKR knocks Kolkata out and potentially opens the door for RR or PBKS. Meanwhile, a defeat could directly hurt KKR.