New Delhi: Former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president K Annamalai met the party’s national president. Nitin Nabin and National General Secretary BL Santosh in New Delhi on Tuesday.These meetings are taking place amid speculations that Annamalai is planning to leave the BJP and launch a new political party, though not immediately. According to sources, Annamalai has been having serious differences with the party leadership for several months.Read this also TOI Exclusive: Annamalai to leave BJP, form new political partyOn Monday, when Annamalai was asked about reports and speculations about his next move, he said, “Please wait. We will sit and talk in two days.”Speculation has intensified ahead of Annamalai’s birthday on June 4, with posters bearing slogans such as “Our leader, come and lead us” visible on major roads and streets of the city.The political development comes in the backdrop of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, which marked a major change in the political landscape of the state. The TVK won 108 seats in its first election, ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK alliance.Following the victory, Vijay took over as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after securing the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member assembly. Governor Arlekar administered the oath of office to Vijay and his cabinet, which includes ministers ‘Bussi’ N Anand, Aadhav Arjun, KA Sengottaiyan, KG Arunraj, P Venkataramanan, CTR Nirmal Kumar, A Rajmohan, Keerthan and KT Prabhu.A former IPS officer, Annamalai joined the BJP in 2020 and will lead the party’s Tamil Nadu unit from 2021 to 2025. During this period, he became one of the prominent leaders of the BJP in the state through extensive outreach campaigns and gained considerable support among young voters and on social media. After the 2026 assembly elections, speculation about his political future has intensified.

Nearly 30 Indian nationals working illegally as commercial truck drivers in the United States have been arrested by US Border Patrol agents as part of a federal immigration enforcement operation called Operation Checkmate. The individuals are expected to face deportation proceedings.A total of 52 people were arrested during the operation conducted between May 11 and May 15 in the Yuma sector of Arizona, according to a statement issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Monday. 36 of them were found driving commercial semi-trucks while staying in the country illegally.The operation was launched to strengthen public safety by enforcing immigration laws and identifying undocumented immigrants working as commercial vehicle drivers. This comes amid the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.US officials said at least 30 of the 36 truck drivers arrested were Indian citizens. The remaining six were from Mexico, El Salvador and Russia. Some had commercial driver’s licenses issued by states including California, New York, Washington, and Virginia, while others reportedly had no valid driver’s license.Officials said many of those detained had employment authorization documents obtained during the Biden administration, but the permits were no longer valid. All 52 individuals were processed under federal law and are scheduled to be deported from the United States.Operation Checkmate was launched to enhance public safety by enforcing immigration laws and identifying undocumented individuals operating commercial motor vehicles across the United States.Also read: Asylum rejection without interview? Trump administration moving to speed up deportation cases under new plan“Operation Checkmate reflects our commitment to protecting communities and roadways from illegal drivers who pose a significant risk to public safety,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector.Caudle said federal agents are on patrol every day to identify such drivers and prevent potentially fatal crashes on roads across the country.The operation comes amid the Trump administration’s sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration. Earlier, the Department of Transportation had issued an order aimed at preventing ineligible foreign nationals from obtaining licenses to operate commercial trucks and buses in the US.In recent months, several Indian-origin truck drivers have been arrested and charged in connection with fatal road accidents involving commercial vehicles in various parts of the United States.

DKS with Rahul Gandhi (Image/PTI)

New Delhi: Chief Minister Nominee of Karnataka DK Shivakumar On Tuesday he expressed his gratitude to the Gandhi family for playing a decisive role in his political journey and vowed to continue working with honesty and commitment to building a progressive, inclusive and prosperous state.In a post on His comments come as he is scheduled to take oath as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka tomorrow after the resignation of Siddaramaiah on May 28.Reflecting on the role of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in his early political career, Shivakumar said he often thinks about how Rajiv Gandhi recognized his potential when he was still a young party worker.He wrote, “I often remember Shri Rajiv Gandhi Avru, who saw the potential in a young worker even before I saw the potential in him. His encouragement gave me the confidence to dream big and dedicate myself to public service. The greatest leaders are those who recognize the potential in others and inspire them to exceed their own expectations. That is exactly what Rajiv Gandhi did for me.”Karnataka Congress leader also gave credit to former Congress President Sonia Gandhi For standing by him during the difficult phases of his political journey and saying that he taught him an important lesson about leadership.“Mrs. Sonia Gandhi Avru taught me another important lesson in leadership. True leaders don’t just stand by you during moments of success; they stand by you during your toughest times, providing strength, encouragement and unwavering support. Her faith in me during the challenging stages of my journey is something I will always cherish,” said Shivakumar.Praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar described him as a constant source of inspiration and guidance who has inspired leaders through his commitment to democratic values ​​and inclusive politics.He wrote, “Shri Rahul Gandhi has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. His willingness to listen, his strong belief in democratic values, and his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate India continue to inspire leaders like me. His support has been a strong pillar throughout my public life.”Shivkumar also praised Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, saying that her friendly nature and encouragement have always been given great importance.He said, “Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Avru has always been friendly, warm and encouraging. She has treated every worker with respect and dignity, reminding us that politics is ultimately about connecting with the people and understanding their aspirations. Her guidance and encouragement have always been deeply valued.”He said, “As someone who started off as a grassroots activist and has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading Karnataka today, I am extremely grateful for their trust and encouragement. Under their leadership and with the blessings of the people of Karnataka, I will continue to work with sincerity and commitment to building a progressive, inclusive and prosperous Karnataka that reflects the values ​​for which we collectively stand.”Shivkumar is scheduled to take oath Chief Minister of Karnataka On Wednesday at the Glass House located at Lok Bhavan. Karnataka Congress working president GC Chandrasekhar had recently confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony would be conducted in a simple manner.

Taylor Swift is officially collaborating with the highly anticipated animated film ‘Toy Story 5’.The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is returning to her country roots for a brand new original song called ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’, which is set to be released on Friday ahead of the film’s theatrical debut later this month. In a social media announcement, the singer shared the exciting update with her fans in a post, writing, “It’s a *Toy* Story. You knew it! My new original song “I Knew It, I Knew You” for Disney and @Pixar’s @ToyStory5 will be yours on June 5th.”Taylor Swift announces ‘Toy Story’ singleThe singer revealed that contributing to the franchise has been a long-time dream. She wrote, “I’ve always dreamed of writing for these characters I’ve admired since I was a 5-year-old girl and saw the first Toy Story movie. I instantly fell in love with Toy Story 5 when I was lucky enough to see it in its early stages, and I wrote this song as soon as I came home from the screening. Sometimes you know that, right?”

About ‘I knew it, I knew you’

According to Disney, the song is inspired by the cowgirl character Jessie, who was first introduced in Toy Story 2. The track’s description reveals that it will focus on Jesse’s flashbacks to his original owner Emily after returning to her home. Thus the song will serve as an emotional piece to the character’s story.

‘TS’ billboards fuel rumors

Speculation about Swift’s involvement in ‘Toy Story 5’ first emerged in April, when billboards bearing the initials “TS” surrounded by 13 cartoon clouds appeared in several cities, sparking fan speculation. While Swift has only confirmed her contribution to the soundtrack, some fans believe the singer will also appear in a special role in the film.‘Toy Story 5’ will hit theaters on June 19.

Confucius (Image: Wikipedia)

This line from Confucius keeps popping up again and again in writings about anger and decision making. It is usually shared as a short warning, almost like a saying that travels faster than its original context. The sentence is strict, and doesn’t try to soften what it is saying. Confucius is often associated with the ideas of discipline and restraint, and this quote is in line with that tradition. It does not go into detailed explanations or philosophy. It simply changes and keeps the result in the same frame. Most readers stop at this because it seems simple at first, but the longer it lingers, the heavier its meaning becomes. It’s less about drama and more about what happens to a person internally when they decide to act on anger instead of retreating from it.

today’s thought by confucius

“Before you set out on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.”

What is the meaning behind this statement of Confucius?

The meaning of the quote is not actually about burial or literal action. It points to the consequences, and in particular, the price that comes with vengeance. The idea of ​​”two graves” is often read as a way of saying that loss is not limited to one direction. The person targeted for revenge is not the only one affected. The person who chooses it is also harmed, sometimes in ways that are not initially obvious.This is less of a rule and more of a warning based on a pattern. Confucius, in the way his teachings are generally understood, often leaned toward restraint and steady behavior rather than reactive sentiment. This quote fits that mentality. This shows that revenge is not a neat and tidy act that restores balance. This creates a second layer of damage that follows the person who started it.There is also an emotional angle hidden in it. Revenge usually begins in moments of hurt or anger. This quote quietly shifts the focus from the original injury to what happens next after the reaction. That change is where the warning sits.

Revenge is rarely limited to the first action

In real life, situations motivated by revenge go beyond the first intention. What starts as a reaction to something traumatic can turn into a chain of reactions. One action leads to another, and soon, the original issue is no longer the only thing at play.The quote reflects that sense of expansion. It does not describe the stages in detail, but it points to the idea that emotional reactions are rarely limited. Once a person moves from emotion to action, the situation often changes shape.This is where the second “tomb” becomes symbolic. This suggests that the result is not isolated. Something is moved forward, and not always in a visible way. The damage is not always immediate or direct, but it builds around the decision.

emotional reaction and loss of control

At the heart of this proverb is a simple idea about control. Revenge is usually not a planned or neutral decision. It comes from emotion, often when thinking is compressed by anger or frustration. In that moment, restraints diminish, and reactions become more immediate.Confucius’s warning fits precisely into that gap. This does not negate the emotion. It focuses on what happens when emotion becomes unstoppable action. The cost is not described in detail, but it is implied through the outcome.This is why this quote still appears in modern writing. It talks about situations where people act first and understand later. This structure is familiar not only in extreme cases, but also in small everyday conflicts.

Modern conditions still reflect the same pattern

The idea behind the quote is not limited to historical or philosophical settings. It appears in more common ways in everyday behavior. Conflicts in relationships, workplaces or even online spaces often follow a similar path.The response to loss can escalate rapidly. What starts out as a single reaction can turn into a back-and-forth that was never intended in the beginning. As the exchange continues the original issue becomes secondary.The quote alludes to that pattern without describing it directly. This directly leads to results, where the person starting the cycle often ends up gaining more weight than expected. Not always in the physical sense, but in the emotional toll and long-term consequences.

Understanding this merely as moral advice misses the point

This quote is often treated as a simple moral directive against revenge, but this reading may be too narrow. This is not just saying that revenge is wrong. It focuses more on what it does to the person involved.Emphasis is placed on results rather than decisions. No moral label is needed to understand this. This serves as a description of how emotional decisions unfold over time.It also doesn’t suggest that people should ignore emotions or suppress them completely. The issue is more about awareness before action. Once emotion becomes action, the outcome is not controlled in the same way.

Other famous quotes related to Confucius

Shashi Tharoor (file photo)

New Delhi: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday fueled the debate on singing of Vande Mataram by questioning whether the national anthem should be sung in full at every public function. Describing such a requirement as “unnecessary and burdensome” for audiences, Tharoor said respect for Vande Mataram should not be confused with making its full presentation mandatory on every occasion.His comments come amid the growing controversy over the demand for playing the full version of the national anthem at official functions. Speaking to reporters, the senior Congress leader said that although everyone respects Vande Mataram, it is difficult to justify the need to sing the entire song at every event.Referring to the commonly sung part of the song, he said, “Vande Mataram is the national song and when it is sung we stand in respect. The first stanza, or the first few stanzas, is something most people know by heart.”The senior Congress leader said it has been a tradition for a long time that Vande Mataram is sung once at the beginning of any program and often the national anthem is played separately at the end. He said, “Now they want all five verses to be sung at the beginning of every program and then again at the end. I think this is an unnecessary imposition.”Tharoor pointed out that while the Kerala government has said that singing the full version is optional, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has a different view. “Ultimately this may have to be ruled on as there is no law passed by Parliament that requires it. It’s more a matter of tradition,” he said.Emphasizing that he had no objection to the national anthem, Tharoor said, “We all respect Vande Mataram. I can happily sing it for you.”Recalling a book launch event held in New Delhi in the presence of Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Tharoor said the entire song was played at the beginning and end of the event. He said, “It became an issue for the audience to watch a relatively unfamiliar and long song twice.”He described the dispute as “unfortunate” and expressed hope that it would be resolved amicably. He said, “I can understand singing it once during ceremonies involving the President, the Vice President or the Prime Minister. But it is difficult to understand singing the entire song twice during a small event. I don’t see any justification for it, and it is not particularly effective.”However, the ruling-BJP party criticized the Thiruvananthapuram MP over his stance on Vande Mataram. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, “Congress is succumbing to the pressure of Muslim League.”

actress Trisha Krishnan Recently she returned to social media with another set of memories from her memorable month of May. The actress shared a new collection of photos and moments that hold emotional significance for her. The importance of this month increased further as he celebrated his birthday on 4th May. Trisha turned 43 this year and was seen reminiscing about some of those happy experiences.

Trisha Krishnan’s photos offer a glimpse of personal moments

The photo series consisted of several snapshots from various occasions. The initial picture shows Trisha sharing a sweet moment with her pet dog. In another image she is seen holding a prayer journal.A mirror selfie also caught attention. Trisha was seen in a floral dress and flashed her bright smile in the frame. The collection also included bouquets that appeared to be birthday gifts she received during the celebration.Another slide shows the actress in a natural no-makeup look. The last photo once again attracted the attention of his pet companion. Amidst the images, a particular slide emerged. It featured a message that immediately caught the attention of followers.The quote reads, “The idea isn’t to make you look 25 at 40. The goal is to show women in their 20s that 40 is something to look forward to.”

Trisha Krishnan’s caption and fans’ reaction

Sharing the pictures, Trisha wrote, ‘Some more pictures of the magical May, I will keep smiling for a long time to come.’Soon after the post appeared online, fans flooded the comments section with reactions. One commented, “May the happiness brought by this magical happiness stay with you always and multiply in the days to come my queen.”Another fan commented, “Only good for you my queen.” Another wrote, “When your post suddenly comes to me, it makes my heart skip a beat by making me feel your presence, Trish”One comment read, “Unforgettable and luckiest May of the year.” One wrote, “Oh! Beautiful pictures.”

Box office journey of ‘Karuppu’ continues

Meanwhile, recently Trisha was seen with suriya In ‘Karuppu’. The action drama continues its theatrical run and is adding to its total collection.According to Saknilak’s estimates, the film grossed Rs 2.40 crore in India on its 18th day. The latest figure shows a decline of 59.3 per cent compared to the earnings of Rs 5.90 crore on the 17th day.Despite the decline, the film has continued to record strong numbers overall. Karuppu’s total earnings in India have now reached Rs 184.85 crore. India’s gross collection currently stands at Rs 213.75 crore.

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, attention is gradually shifting beyond the Strait of Hormuz to another highly strategic maritime chokepoint – the Bab al-Mandab Strait.According to Iranian state-linked media outlet Tasnim, Iran, through its allies in Yemen, is considering this narrow sea route as a potential pressure point against its adversaries. That has raised concerns that the conflict could spill into global shipping lanes and disrupt the movement of oil and goods through one of the world’s busiest trade routes.The renewed focus on Bab al-Mandab comes amid a broader escalation in the regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. According to Gulf News, if hostilities continue to escalate, Tehran’s partner in Yemen, the Houthi movement, could potentially target or disrupt maritime traffic through the strait.The development comes at a time when Iran has suspended indirect talks with the United States citing ongoing Israeli military operations in the region. The growing scope of the conflict has raised fears that the crisis could extend beyond traditional battlefields to vital global trade routes.

Why is Bab al-Mandab strategically important?

The Bab el-Mandab Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Located between Yemen and the Horn of Africa, it connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and provides direct access to the Suez Canal, a vital artery for global trade between Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

A significant portion of global energy shipments, including oil and liquefied natural gas, pass through this narrow waterway. Estimates suggest that approximately 4 to 7 million barrels of petroleum products transit through it every day, while a large portion of global maritime trade depends on its uninterrupted flow. Any disruption here would force shipping routes to detour around Africa, causing costs, delivery times and insurance premiums to rise sharply.

Iran’s strategic calculations

Although Iran does not share a border with the Bab al-Mandab Strait, it maintains close ties with the Houthi movement in Yemen. This relationship has allowed Tehran to project influence in key sea corridors without direct military involvement.Analysts believe Iran’s approach relies on indirect pressure through allied groups to create strategic uncertainty in global shipping lanes. In this context, Bab al-Mandab is being seen as part of a broader network of leverage points along the Strait of Hormuz that could be used during an escalating confrontation with Israel and the United States.The Strait of Hormuz remains the world’s most important oil transit route, carrying approximately one-fifth of the global oil supply. However, repeated tensions in recent years have demonstrated how quickly the corridor can become unsafe during conflict.Against this backdrop, Bab al-Mandab is emerging as a secondary but equally important pressure point. If both routes suffered simultaneous disruption, the impact on global energy markets and trade flows would be severe, with far-reaching economic consequences.

Houthis’ role and previous attacks

The Houthi movement, which is aligned with Iran, has already demonstrated its ability to disrupt maritime security in the Red Sea. During the Gaza conflict, the group carried out repeated attacks on commercial vessels belonging to Israel and its allies, forcing shipping companies to divert routes and avoid high-risk areas.While the Bab el-Mandab Strait has not been completely blocked, the threat environment in the surrounding waters has already changed global shipping behavior. Many ships were forced to take longer routes around the southern tip of Africa, significantly increasing operating costs.

broad regional growth

Along with increasing conflict on several regional fronts, maritime risks are also emerging. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated in Lebanon, with both sides increasing military operations despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to curb the violence.Iran has warned that continued Israeli military action could trigger wider regional reactions, linking developments in Lebanon and Gaza with broader strategic consequences. This has raised concerns that sea corridors such as Bab al-Mandab could become part of a broader de-escalation strategy.Any disruption in the Bab al-Mandab Strait would have immediate global consequences. Energy prices could rise sharply as markets react to reduced supply security, while shipping and insurance costs are likely to increase due to rising risk premiums.

Global supply chains, already strained by previous Red Sea disruptions, could face renewed delays and inefficiencies. Even temporary instability in this corridor would have a profound impact on inflation and trade flows in many sectors.Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries rely heavily on access to the Red Sea to export energy products. Reports suggest that regional governments are closely monitoring developments, concerned that any expansion of the conflict could expose additional vulnerabilities in their export routes.At the same time, diplomatic efforts are ongoing behind the scenes to prevent tensions from escalating, especially as global energy stability is closely linked to unhindered maritime trade through both the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.Although there are currently no confirmed plans to close or blockade the Bab al-Mandab strait, its strategic importance highlights the growing geographic scope of the Middle East conflict.

New Delhi: While breast and lung cancer are among the most common cancers in India. kashmir Facing a distinct burden of cancer, colon cancer is emerging as a major concern. Concerned over the high prevalence of gastrointestinal cancer in the Valley, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched a special initiative to strengthen cancer screening, early diagnosis and treatment in Jammu and Kashmir.More than 14 lakh cancer cases are reported every year in India, and Jammu and Kashmir is expected to record more than 67,000 cancer cases between 2018 and 2024. According to ICMR, gastrointestinal cancer, especially stomach cancer, is highly prevalent in the Kashmir Valley, followed by esophageal and colorectal cancer.To address the increasing burden, ICMR has invited research teams from Jammu and Kashmir to develop and test a model for large-scale cancer prevention and screening through the public health care system. The initiative will focus on oral, breast, cervical and gastrointestinal cancers.Under the programme, adults aged 40 years and above will be screened for gastrointestinal cancer, women aged 30 years and above for breast cancer, sexually active women aged 30-60 years for cervical cancer and adults aged 18 years and above for oral cancer. The screening will be done through district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centers and Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.Dr Rommel Tikku, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Max Hospital, Saket, said Jammu and Kashmir continues to have a high burden of stomach, esophageal and colorectal cancers due to a combination of traditional dietary practices, Helicobacter pylori infection, tobacco use, genetic susceptibility and changing lifestyles such as obesity and physical inactivity. He stressed that early detection through timely screening, especially in people over 40 years of age and those with risk factors, can significantly improve survival and help reduce cancer-related deaths in the region.The main focus will be on improving screening coverage, ensuring early diagnosis and connecting people who test positive to treatment services. The program will also involve health workers and communities to encourage participation in cancer prevention and screening.The four-year project aims to develop an evidence-based model for prevention, detection, early diagnosis and treatment that can be integrated into the National Program for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) and potentially scaled up across Jammu and Kashmir.