Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder Anukul Roy has been included in the India A squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka for the tri-series. Anukul has been included in the team in place of Harsh Dubey. Who was included in India’s Test and ODI team for the first time For the home series against Afghanistan.

The triangular series between India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A is scheduled to take place in Dambulla from June 9 to June 21, 2026. Aditya has played a vital role for KKR especially in their turnaround, which makes them still contenders for a playoff spot this season.

“The men’s selection committee has included Anukul Roy in the India A squad for the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka. He replaces Harsh Dubey, who has been included in India’s Test and ODI squad for the first time for the upcoming IDFC First Bank home series against Afghanistan.”

“The tri-series will feature Sri Lanka A, India A and Afghanistan A and will be played in Dambulla from June 9 to June 21, 2026,” the BCCI statement said.

Tilak Verma will captain a strong team with Riyan Parag serving as his deputy. All focus will be on Vaibhav SuryavanshiWho aims to impress in India A colors as he continues his bid for a senior team call-up.

Indian team updated for tri-series

Tilak Verma (captain), Priyansh Arya, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag (vice-captain), Ayush Badoni, Nishant Sindhu, Suryansh Shedge, Prabhsimran Singh (wicketkeeper), Kumar Kushagra (wicketkeeper), Vipraj Nigam, Yash Thakur, Yudhveer Singh, Anshul Kamboj, Arshad Khan, Anukul Roy.

friendly in IPL 2026

Anukul comes into the IPL 2026 season on the back of a brilliant Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign with Jharkhand, in which he was named as the Player of the Tournament.

IPL 2026 has been the first season when Anukul has been successful in securing a permanent place in the KKR team by taking eight wickets in 13 matches.

He has acted as the third spinner for Kolkata. With Sunil Narine and Varun Chakraborty.

ipl 2026 | ipl schedule | ipl points table | ipl player stats | purple cap | orange cap | ipl video | cricket news | live score

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Almost 40 years after its original release, Malayalam classic ‘Amma Ariyan’ received an emotional standing ovation at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. The restored version of the film was screened under the prestigious Cannes Classics section, marking a proud milestone for Malayalam cinema on the international stage. After the screening, the audience warmly applauded actor Joey Mathew and the editor Beena PaulCelebrating the film’s long-awaited global recognition.

A historic moment for Malayalam cinema

directed by veteran john abraham‘Amma Ariyan’ was the only Malayalam film selected at this year’s festival and was one of the very few Indian titles to make it to the lineup. Originally released in 1986, the film gradually gained cult status among cinephiles and film students due to its bold political themes and experimental storytelling style.However, despite its impact, the film’s original negatives remained inaccessible to many audiences for years after they were reportedly lost. Its Cannes screening introduced this landmark film to a wider international audience previously unfamiliar with John Abraham’s cinematic vision.

‘Amma Ariane’ restored from surviving prints

The revival of ‘Amma Ariyan’ was possible due to the efforts of the Film Heritage Foundation and the Odessa Collective. The restoration team reconstructed the film in 4K using surviving prints obtained from the National Film Archives. The restored version allows audiences to experience the film with new visual clarity while preserving the raw artistic essence that made it iconic decades ago.Editor Beena Paul reflected emotionally on the film finally receiving worldwide appreciation. “I think this is a film that never got its due value when it was made,” he shared with Onmanorama. “It has a cult status in Kerala, especially among film students, but many people outside that circle have still not discovered it. It is a film that needs to be seen.”His statement was greatly appreciated by the audience, who saw the Cannes screening as an important moment in rediscovering one of the most influential works of Malayalam cinema.

John Abraham’s revolutionary vision

‘Amma Ariyan’ was the last feature film directed by John Abraham before his untimely death at the age of 49 in 1987. The filmmaker was known for rejecting mainstream commercial filmmaking and instead treating cinema as a collaborative artistic movement.Through the Odessa Collective, Abraham pioneered an unconventional publicly-funded production model, where ordinary people contributed directly to film production expenses. Decades later, many believe his vision was far ahead of its time and has continued to inspire generations of independent filmmakers.

A 23-year-old Sikh man accused of fatally stabbing a university student in Southampton has told a court he believed the teen was about to use his ceremonial blade against him during a violent street struggle. Southampton Crown Court heard that Henry Novak, 18, of Chafford Hundred, Essex, died after a fight on Belmont Road on December 3 last year as he returned to his accommodation after a night out, the BBC reports.Vikram Digva denied the murder and denied carrying a knife in public.DeGwa told jurors the incident began shortly before 11.30pm when the pair passed each other on the sidewalk as he walked to pick up curry chips from a nearby car.“It looked to me like he was drunk,” the defendant said.“He rammed into me. I thought he did it on purpose.”DeGava said Novak then turned back and told him: “You could have gone a little further.”The court heard the argument escalated when the teenager allegedly used a racial slur and said: “Do you think you’re a bad guy? I’m from Essex. You don’t know what the people of Essex go through.”Jurors were shown footage recorded on a mobile phone after Novak allegedly began filming the defendant.“I went to block the phone. I have caught him too,” Digva said.“This is when he punched me.”He told the court that the confrontation became more aggressive when his turban was pulled off during the struggle.“As soon as I bent over, he started saying: ‘I’m going [expletive] You get up, I will kill you,” Digwa said.The defendant said he feared Novak would take his kirpan, a ceremonial Sikh blade worn in a sheath around his neck.He said, “I felt I had to do something because I was afraid he would attack me with my own saber.”The court had previously heard that the blade measured approximately 21cm.Degawa said he never intended to stab the teen in the chest and claimed he had only tried to push him away. “I’m sorry this happened,” he said, becoming emotional in court.Earlier in the trial, jurors heard that the first-year University of Southampton student had drunk alcohol before the incident, but was below the drink-driving limit.Prosecutors said a confrontation was not observed. Novak suffered five stab wounds or lacerations and after being injured he attempted to escape by climbing over a fence.The court also heard that police officers initially handcuffed the teen, but they discovered he had suffered fatal injuries.Digva, of St Denis Road, Southampton, admitted he did not immediately tell officers he had stabbed Novak because he was “scared”.His mother Kiran Kaur, 53, is also facing trial, accused of allegedly assisting a criminal by removing weapons from the crime scene. She denies the allegation.

New Delhi: Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka DK Shivakumar Amid growing speculation about a possible change of leadership in the Congress government, he said on Thursday that time will decide whether he will become the Chief Minister of the state or not.Speaking to reporters in Chamarajanagar, in response to a question on whether he would become the CM, Shivakumar said, “Time, auspiciousness will answer.”His statement comes amid heightened expectations within the Congress that the party high command may soon take a decision on a possible leadership change and long-pending cabinet reshuffle as the Siddaramaiah-led government completes three years in office.There are growing fears that the Congress leadership may soon call Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress President, to New Delhi to discuss the ongoing power struggle for the chief ministerial post.Asked about his recent temple visits and prayers amid speculation over the CM post, Shivakumar said, “You are there as God. People are God.”Shivakumar’s supporters have repeatedly pitched for his elevation, citing the alleged power-sharing arrangement at the time of government formation following Congress’ victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.The tussle over leadership within the ruling party has intensified after the government crossed the halfway point of its five-year tenure on November 20, 2025. Speculation about a possible change in leadership continues amid reports of a rotating formula between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar as chief minister.Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that if any such matter is under consideration then the Congress high command will clarify the issue.“Unnecessary, why would they do this? Who has raised the question of change? Yesterday, the Deputy CM himself clarified that he has not asked for any change.” Where did this question come from? Who has asked such a question,” Parameshwara told reporters in Bengaluru.“There is a high command in the party and they will decide what to do and when to do it. Nothing will be achieved by each person making statements in the media. The high command has to take a decision. What is the use of us in discussing the proposal to change the chief minister or continue him? We are not among those who are going to sit here and decide on this matter,” he said.Parameshwara further said that, as per his knowledge, no specific time limit was set for Siddaramaiah to assume office as Chief Minister.He said, “We are not aware of this. Neither the General Secretary nor anyone from the high command has told us anything about this.”Responding to senior Congress MLA KN Rajanna’s recent comments that Parameshwara should be made the chief minister in case of a change of leadership, the Home Minister said, “He (Rajanna) is from our district, he is my friend. We have studied together. Naturally he has affection for me and he asked for an opportunity for Tumakuru. I don’t see anything wrong in it.”A parallel demand is also emerging within some sections of the party for a ‘Dalit CM’ in Karnataka, with Parameshwara emerging as one of the leading figures in such discussions.

For Aries ascendants, the transit of Jupiter into Cancer in 2026 is a major astronomical event, and it can leave a deep mark on both personal life and long-term direction. Cancer is the fourth house from Aries and is also the exalted sign of Jupiter. This means that Jupiter becomes very strong here, and when a strong Jupiter illuminates the fourth house, life often begins to get uprooted.For Aries ascendant, Jupiter rules your 9th house Sagittarius and your 12th house Pisces. Therefore, this transit does not operate only in one corner of life. It connects luck with home, father with property, higher education with emotional peace and foreign travel with expenses. In many cases, these topics will overlap.Why is this transit so important?The ninth house is one of the most auspicious houses in astrology. It represents father, guru, blessings, religion, fortune, legal matters, higher education, pilgrimage, foreign travel and divine support. On the other hand, the 12th house rules foreign lands, losses, expenses, debts, hospitals, sleep, separation, spiritual retreat and liberation-oriented experiences.Now both these houses are active through Jupiter, and Jupiter is transiting into your fourth house of home, property, mother, vehicles, domestic peace and inner stability. So for Aries ascendants, 2026 may bring a time where home decisions, family responsibilities, spiritual growth and destiny will all seem tied together. One door opens, and another comes in.Home, property and domestic peace take center stageFourth house is the first place where this transit will show clear results. You may think of buying land, booking a flat, changing house, renovating your current place or buying a vehicle. Some people may not make major purchases, but will still feel the desire to improve living conditions, upgrade comfort, or settle long-standing family matters.If your dasha and chart support it, this could be a strong period for property planning. The mind may go towards security. Towards the roots. Towards creating something that is sustainable.This transit can also improve domestic peace. You may get support through your mother, or your relationship with her may become stronger. If there has been instability in the home, this stage can gradually reduce the tension. Not every problem disappears at once, but the emotional breeze may become light, like the first cool breeze after a harsh summer.Ninth house brings luck, guidance and higher educationSince Jupiter is the lord of your ninth house, matters related to luck and blessings get a clear boost. You may get help from father, guru, teacher, guru or senior persons. In some cases, the father’s health, condition or progress becomes an important topic. In others, your relationship with him improves, or his advice makes more sense than before.This transit is also helpful for students and people planning for higher education. Master’s studies, research, academic development, competitive examinations and foreign education may all get a new impetus. If legal matters are pending, some movement may occur, especially if ongoing conditions favor closure or progress.Many people with Aries ascendant may feel that the stuck matters are slowly starting to open. Not overnight. But step by step. Jupiter often acts like a sunrise, at first quiet, then impossible to miss.You may also feel more attracted towards pilgrimage, charity, mantra meditation, temple visiting or learning scriptures. It’s not just about external success. It’s also about reconnecting with faith.Foreign travel and expenses increase togetherSince Jupiter also rules your 12th house, foreign relations become very active during this transit. This may appear in the form of foreign travel, foreign residence, immigration progress, work with foreign ties, or settling away from your birthplace. For some natives, this may be one of the most active topics of the year.But the 12th house also controls expenses and that part cannot be ignored. Expenditures on property, education, family needs, travel, hospital matters, loan repayment or spiritual activities may increase. It may seem overwhelming at times, but not all expenses are negative. Some expenses make sense. Paying off old debt, investing in a home, affording medical expenses or spending on education can really make life better permanently.So the lesson here is simple. Spend with awareness. Don’t panic just because the money is going out. Look why it’s moving.Jupiter and saturn activate the 12th houseOne of the strongest parts of this transit is the activation of your 12th house of Pisces by both Jupiter and Saturn. Jupiter aspects Pisces from Cancer, while Saturn’s influence also falls there. This makes the affairs of the 12th house very lively.This combination may bring repayment of old debts, rising expenses, foreign travel, overseas settlement, hospital-related expenses, spiritual retreat, periods of isolation, disturbed sleep, or separation from things and people you no longer need. Some natives may face medical expenses if their chart already shows health concerns. For others, this same pattern may lead to living abroad, intense spiritual practice, or settling old liabilities.Saturn brings duties, delays, pressure and karmic settlement. Jupiter brings grace, understanding and protection. So this period may seem challenging, but it can also clear old burdens. Sometimes life empties space before giving peace.Protection from the eighth house, support from the tenth houseFrom Cancer, Jupiter is also aspecting your eighth house, Scorpio. It is the house of sudden events, inheritance, insurance, old problems, surgery, research, hidden knowledge and change. The aspect of Jupiter here can protect from big losses, as well as bring benefits through inheritance, insurance, spouse’s family or in-depth research.Those working in astrology, tantra, healing, psychology, investigation or research-based fields may benefit during this period. This is a good transit to learn what lies beneath the surface.Jupiter’s aspect to your tenth house, Capricorn, is another welcome sign. Career, profession, public image, boss, government work and status all get support. Better opportunities may be available. Seniors can guide you. Recognition may improve. If you are hoping for career advancement or a change in direction, this transit may open doors for you.But Capricorn is the zodiac sign of Saturn. Therefore, you will still need discipline, patience and proper effort. May Jupiter bless your fields, but you will have to sow the crop.Health, sleep and inner lifeThe fourth house also governs emotional peace, heart space, chest and inner stability. Exalted Jupiter here can provide healing, family support and a calm mind. Yet the activation of the 12th house means that sleep patterns, stress, digestion and emotional overload need to be monitored.If there is an existing medical problem, do not postpone treatment. Recovery improves with timely care.Spiritually, this transit holds significance. Navamesh is exalted. There is a stir in the 12th house. Jupiter aspects the eighth house. This is a strong indication for spiritual learning, karmic purification, pilgrimage, meditation, mantra, charity and seeking guidance from a Guru. You may feel called to go not just further, but deeper.Remedies and best way to use this transitSimple Jupiter remedies can help keep the energy of this period stable. Chanting “Om Gurve Namah” or “Om Brim Brihaspatye Namah” on Thursday can be beneficial. Donation involving yellow items like chana dal, turmeric, sweets or yellow clothes can help. Respecting father, guru, elders and teachers will strengthen the blessings of the ninth house. Serving mother and maintaining peace at home will help the fourth house. Donation to hospitals, ashrams or the needy can help balance the 12th house.Overall, Jupiter’s transit into Cancer may improve fortunes, property matters, family peace, foreign opportunities, education and spiritual growth for Aries ascendants. Also, expenses, loan repayments, medical expenses or withdrawal period may also increase.Use this transit wisely. Plan property matters carefully, control your expenses, do not neglect sleep or health and stay close to faith, discipline and good guidance. If you do this, this transit of Jupiter can become a turning point.

Three women found dead on Britain’s Brighton beach have been identified as sisters.

Three women found dead in the sea off Brighton beach earlier this month have now been identified as sisters from London, police have confirmed.Jane Adetoro, 36, Christina Walters, 32, and Rebecca Walters, 31, all from the Uxbridge area, were found dead near Madeira Drive on May 13.Emergency services were called at around 5:45am after concerns were raised about a person in the water near the Black Rock car park. Later two more bodies were recovered nearby.Sussex Police said there is currently no evidence of criminality or third-party involvement, but detectives are continuing to make inquiries to establish exactly what happened, The Guardian reported, quoting police.Police believe the sisters may have entered the sea from the beach before getting into trouble. It is thought they were first seen near Brighton Palace Pier before heading towards Brighton Marina.Their father, Joseph, paid tribute to his daughters in a statement released through police.He said, “Jen, Christina and Becky were more than daughters to me; they were my joy, my strength, and beautiful lights that filled our family with happiness and love.”“Each of you was unique and precious in your own special way. Your smile brightened dark days, your laughter provided comfort and your presence made life more meaningful.”“Although your time on earth was short, the impact you made will live on in our hearts forever.”Police said hundreds of hours of CCTV footage has been reviewed, while officers continue to trace the women’s last movements around the beach area.Chief Superintendent Adam Hayes said officers would leave “no stone unturned” during the investigation.“The thoughts of everyone at Sussex Police are with the families of Jane, Christina and Rebecca following this devastating loss,” Hayes said.

New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Thursday reserved orders on interim relief sought by Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha in his plea alleging abuse of his personality rights through AI-generated deepfakes, morphed visuals and manipulated social media content.The case was heard by Justice Subramaniam Prasad, who orally said during the hearing that the material placed before the court appeared to be a criticism of a political decision rather than a direct case of violation of personality rights.Noting that political leaders have historically been the target of satire and public criticism, the bench remarked, “Since Independence, we have been watching cartoons of RK Laxman. At that time perhaps social media had not reached the extent it has today.”Senior advocate Rajeev Nair, appearing for Chadha, argued that many of the posts circulated online were not mere political criticism, but defamatory and profane attacks portraying the MP as someone who switched political sides for monetary gain. Referring to some photographs placed before the court, Nair said, “She is shown in a saree. We are seeing the PM distributing and showering money.”However, the bench repeatedly questioned whether criticism of a political leader’s public conduct or political choices could be prevented under the personality rights law. Nair argued that the case also involved harm to reputation and defamation. He said, “They are saying I went for the money. That can’t be a fair criticism.”During the hearing, Justice Prasad also indicated that the court may appoint an amicus curiae to assist on broader legal questions related to the balance between the protection of free speech and dignity in the age of artificial intelligence and social media.“There are cases and cases. The line between defamation and criticism is quite thin. It is very easy to see it from the other side, which affects your right to live with dignity. Also, the right to Article 19 cannot be taken away.”The counsel appearing for Meta argued that many of the screenshots relied upon by Chadha were merely newspaper reports and otherwise benign content. After hearing the arguments of all the parties, the court reserved its order on the application seeking interim relief.Chadha has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection against alleged misuse of her image, likeness, voice and identity through artificial intelligence and digitally manipulated content circulated online.Their plea seeks directions to ban the creation and dissemination of AI-generated deepfakes, morphed videos, synthetic voice clones, fabricated speeches and other allegedly misleading content on social media platforms.The petition said that unauthorized use of his personality through AI tools is capable of misleading the public and damaging his reputation. Chadha, who was earlier an MLA from Delhi’s Rajinder Nagar constituency between 2020 and 2022, joined the BJP in April 2026 after years with the Aam Aadmi Party.Speaking after the hearing, lawyer Satya Anand, appearing in the case, said the petition sought immediate removal of the allegedly defamatory material circulated online following Raghav Chadha’s recent political transition. He said several social media platforms and unnamed entities have been named as defendants in the case.“We are pushing to block content and remove content from the website… There is a lot of abusive content due to the recent political change. These are well-planned campaigns being run by multiple agencies… Meta, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Google and unknown violators are the respondents… The order has been reserved, it will be issued at the appropriate time… The court said yes, it is defamatory but whether it will come under the ambit of personality rights, they will take a decision in the interim,” Anand said.The case is part of a growing number of cases before the Delhi High Court relating to personality and publicity rights in the age of artificial intelligence. Public figures including Anil Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan have previously secured protection against unauthorized use of their voice, likeness and identity through AI-generated content.

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and GT captain Shubman Gill (Picture Credit: IPL)

New Delhi: Stakes will be high when Gujarat hosts Titans Chennai Super Kings Both teams enter the contest with their IPL 2026 future at stake, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday.Even though GT has qualified for the playoffs, they need a win against CSK to improve their chances of finishing in the top two after the league stage. Finishing in the top two gives teams two chances to reach the summit clash.Meanwhile, CSK are still in the race for the final playoff spot and need a win to stay alive. However, even a win may not be enough by the end of the league stage, as they will need a number of other results to progress further in the season.GT are currently placed second and will look to consolidate their position against their rivals – table-toppers Royal Challengers Bangalore and third-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad – on Friday.Both the teams are desperate to win in their respective campaigns, so an exciting match can be seen in Ahmedabad.

gt vs csk head to head

GT vs CSK today IPL match: pitch report

Ahmedabad has offered batting-friendly pitches so far and nothing is expected to be different today. According to reports, the match will be played on a pitch which has been used only once this season. This was the only match of IPL 2026 at the venue in which a team successfully defended the total after winning the toss and electing to bat first, as Rajasthan Royals Defended 210 runs against host Gujarat Titans. A similar situation is expected to arise again today.

GT vs CSK IPL Match: Ahmedabad weather update

Today’s weather in Ahmedabad is expected to be very hot, there will be hazy sunshine during the day and the temperature will reach 42 degrees Celsius. The sky is likely to remain clear in the evening, with the temperature dropping to around 29 degrees Celsius at night.There is no threat of rain during match hours, with the forecast calling for a 0% chance of precipitation. Temperatures are expected to remain between 34°C and 38°C during the game, with conditions likely to be particularly harsh at around 40°C under sunny skies at the time of the toss.

GT vs CSK: Predicted Playing XI

Gujarat Titans Probable XI: Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill (captain), Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, R Sai KishoreImpact Player: Mohammad SirajChennai Super Kings Probable XI: Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Urvil Patel, Karthik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dubey, Akeal Hosein, Prashant Veer, Anshul Kamboj, Noor Ahmed, Mukesh Chaudhary.Impact Player: spencer johnson

GT vs CSK: Live Streaming Details

The GT vs CSK match will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The game will be broadcast on Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on JioHotstar.

ipl toss today time

The toss of today’s IPL match between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings will take place at 7:00 PM IST, while the match will start at 7:30 PM IST.

Millions of children in England will benefit from free bus travel this summer / Image: File

Millions of children across England will be able to travel for free on local buses throughout August under a new government-backed scheme aimed at helping families cope with the rising cost of living.The scheme, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, will allow every child aged five to 15 to ride for free on participating local bus services in England from August 1 to August 31. The government says the initiative is part of a wider “Great British Summer Savings” package, designed to ease pressure on household budgets during the school holidays.Officials estimate the scheme will cost more than £100 million and could save families significant sums of money during the busy summer holidays, especially when many parents are facing rising food, travel and energy bills.

Explained about free bus travel in England

Under the scheme, children aged five to 15 can travel unlimitedly on participating local buses throughout England without paying fares or registering in advance. The government confirmed that this offer will run for the entire month of August.According to the Treasury, a family with two children who make one return bus journey per week could save around £27 over the summer month, based on the current average child fare.Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the move would help families enjoy affordable days out, visit relatives and explore local areas during the school holidays without having to worry about transport costs.The scheme is expected to apply only to participating local bus operators in England and will not automatically include long-distance coach services or rail travel. Full details on participating services are expected closer to launch.

Support for UK families during the summer

The announcement of free travel comes as the government faces increasing pressure on the cost of living and fears global tensions could push prices higher later this year.As well as free bus travel, ministers also announced plans to suspend tariffs on more than 100 imported food products including biscuits, chocolate, dried fruit and nuts in an effort to ease pressure on supermarket prices.Prime Minister Keir Starmer said many families were still “feeling the squeeze” and described the measures as practical steps to help parents through the expensive summer holidays.Rachel Reeves said her “number one priority” is to protect families from rising costs and help families enjoy the summer despite ongoing economic pressures related to global instability and inflation concerns.

Regional Success Stories

The national rollout follows successful local transport schemes launched in parts of England and the wider UK.In the west of England, a similar “Kids Go Free” initiative reportedly provided around 1.4 million free trips during the school holidays after launching last year. Regional leaders said the program helped youth travel independently while reducing financial pressure on families.Elsewhere in the UK, Scotland already offers free nationwide bus travel for everyone under 22 through its Young Persons Free Bus Travel scheme. Wales is also running a £1 discount on fares for young travellers.Transport campaigners welcomed the English plan, arguing that cheaper public transport could improve access to education, leisure and job opportunities while encouraging more people to use buses rather than cars.

Public reaction to free bus rides

Online reaction was largely positive, with many parents describing the announcement as a welcome financial relief during the expensive summer holiday period. Some social media users said even short family trips by bus have become increasingly expensive in recent years.One Reddit user wrote that taking kids downtown by bus could be nearly three times more expensive than driving after fares and parking are considered. Others praised similar schemes in Wales and Scotland to help teenagers travel more independently.However, critics questioned why the scheme only applies during August rather than the entire school year, when many families face higher regular transportation costs. Some also raised concerns about whether already expanded local bus services could meet increased passenger demand during busy holiday weeks.Despite the debate, the initiative is one of the largest nationwide free public transport offers for children launched in England in recent years.

NTA to launch refund portal (Representational)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to launch the refund portal on Thursday for candidates who appeared in the re-exam of NEET UG 2026, which was scheduled after the original exam held on May 3 was canceled due to alleged paper leak concerns.NEET UG 2026 exam was canceled after allegations of paper leak, which sparked outrage across the country and led to a formal investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).However, the agency clarified that the refund amount will not include payment gateway or bank charges. Candidates are advised to fill their bank details carefully including account holder name, account number, IFSC code and bank name to ensure smooth process of refund.How much refund will be initiated?As per Careers360 report, general category candidates will get a refund of ₹1,700, while OBC and EWS candidates will get ₹1,600.SC, ST and PWD candidates are eligible for a refund of ₹1,000, while NRI candidates will get ₹9,500.NTA issues guidelines for candidatesIn its notice addressing the frequently asked questions, NTA said that candidates will not be allowed to change the medium of examination selected during the application process.Read full notice: https://www.nta.ac.in/Download/Notice/Notice_20260516152301.pdf
Can students change city preference?The agency also said that the exam centers will be allotted randomly based on the cities chosen by the candidates in their application form.Responding to complaints from students who said that some city options were unavailable, NTA explained that the issue is related to language availability.Meanwhile, a parliamentary panel on Monday summoned NTA officials to review the reforms in the wake of the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.NTA Director General Abhishek Singh said the investigation will remain impartial and assured that all those involved in the leak will be identified, irrespective of their association with the organisation, ANI reported. NTA chairperson Pradeep Kumar Joshi and other senior officials have been called for deliberations on May 21.NEET (UG) 2026 re-exam is scheduled to be held on June 21, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm, including the time for formalities. No additional fee will be charged from the candidates for appearing in the re-examination.Students can also submit complaints or queries through the official NTA Helpdesk email: neetug2026@nta.ac.in.