Independent MP Adnan Hussain has supported Southampton’s Sikh community following reports of growing fear and intimidation following the murder of 18-year-old student Henry Novak, saying no group should be blamed for the actions of an individual.In a post on X, the Blackburn MP said Sikh residents should not face harassment over a crime committed by one person.Hussain wrote, “This is horrifying. No community should live in fear like this and no community should be held responsible for an individual’s crimes.”“Solidarity with the Sikh community. The government must ensure that its safety is prioritized and necessary assurances are provided.”His comments come after Sikh community leaders in Southampton reported an increase in racial abuse and hostility after 23-year-old Vikram Singh Digwa was convicted of Novak’s murder.Digva was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 21 years for the December 2025 fatal attack on a university student with a 21 cm kirpan, a ceremonial blade held by some Sikhs as a symbol of faith. During the investigation, Digwa falsely claimed that she was racially abused, which was rejected by the court.Representatives of Southampton’s Sikh community told The Times that many residents now feel unsafe in public and are avoiding routine activities, including visits to local gurudwaras.A spokesperson for the Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar said some members had faced racial abuse at workplaces, supermarkets and care facilities, and a community memorial event was canceled due to safety concerns.“We feel victimized and people are afraid to come out of their homes,” the spokesperson said, adding that public discussion of the case has unfairly associated the broader Sikh community with the actions of one individual.Community leaders have also resisted criticism of the kirpan, arguing that the weapon used in the attack should not define the religious article celebrated by Sikhs worldwide.Representatives of the community have also called for peace and urged residents not to be angry at the broader Sikh population, stressing that the killing was the act of an individual rather than a reflection of the entire religious community.

New Delhi: The Special Task Force (STF) of West Bengal Police on Saturday recovered a huge cache of firearms and cartridges allegedly hidden inside a pond. Trinamool Congress The leader in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, officials said.Acting on a tip-off, STF personnel conducted raids in Sandeshkhali and surrounding areas on Saturday morning. During the operation, investigators recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition from a pond belonging to the former regional president of Trinamool Congress Robin Das. His brother Gopal Das is also under investigation.According to officials, both Robin Das and Gopal Das fled the area before the raid. According to IANS, police teams searched his residence and nearby places as part of the operation. STF along with central forces also searched the surrounding areas. Investigators suspect that the weapons were stored to create unrest in the area. The recovery created a stir in the area, as soon as the news of the operation spread, a large number of residents gathered at the spot.Officials said a massive search operation is underway and a search operation has been launched to trace the two brothers, who have previously been accused of intimidation and violence against local residents and political activists.After recovery, BJP has intensified its attack on Trinamool Congress. BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh alleged that the weapons could have been used to target common people and opposition workers.Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari praised the police, calling it a major success against the illegal arms network in the state.In a post on Twitter, the officer said STF personnel, based on specific intelligence inputs, had conducted extensive raids in Kumarakhali, Basanti and Sandeshkhali and recovered a huge cache of illegal firearms and ammunition allegedly hidden to disrupt peace.He wrote, “Congratulations to West Bengal Police for a major breakthrough. Acting on precise intelligence, the Special Task Force conducted extensive raids at several locations near Sarberia Market in Kumarakhali, Basanti and Sandeshkhali areas. The forces have successfully seized a large cache of illegal firearms and ammunition hidden to disrupt peace.”The official further claimed that illegal weapons were stockpiled and used to terrorize civilians during the previous administration and said his government would continue efforts to eliminate illegal weapons and political violence from the state.He said, “For years under the previous regime, such illegal weapons were hoarded and ruthlessly used to terrorize common citizens. This culture of violence claimed precious lives of many opposition party workers, especially dedicated BJP workers, who stood against the tyranny.”“Those dark days are over. Our government is unconditionally committed to restoring law and order. We will continue to trace, locate and recover every single piece of illegal weaponry in every nook and corner of West Bengal. Criminal activities and political terrorism will be completely eliminated from our state.“Peace, security and democracy will prevail.”

us President donald trump Revealed that he once considered a plan to send US troops to Iran to extract its enriched uranium reserves, but ultimately canceled it as tensions re-emerged in the Middle East along with ongoing diplomatic talks.Trump said the plan was rejected because it was considered “too risky” and would require widespread military mobilization. He said the operation would take at least two weeks and would involve the delivery of significant amounts of military hardware to Iranian territory. “I didn’t want to be like Jimmy Carter,” he said, referring to the former president’s failed attempt to free 52 U.S. embassy staffers taken hostage by Iran in 1980.Referring to the nuclear material as “nuclear dust”, Trump said that Pentagon planners had examined several methods to recover the stockpile.While the proposal was shelved, Trump said the United States still had the capability to carry out such an operation. “We can get it right now,” he said, “I don’t think they could stop us if we wanted, but there’s no reason to. It’s complicated.” The US President further noted that the material is currently safe and does not require immediate action, and said that Washington does not need a formal agreement with Tehran to take control of the enriched uranium.Trump also said he is not willing to meet directly with Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba KhameneiHowever, he did not rule out the possibility if a broader diplomatic understanding is reached between the two countries. He said, “If it happens… I will respect it.”Islamic cleric Mojtaba Khamenei, 54, assumed supreme leadership of Iran after his father was assassinated in a joint US-Israeli military strike. Trump said that despite US and Israeli precision operations targeting Khamenei’s immediate family members, he still expected professional conduct from the Iranian leader. “We killed his father, his wife and his son, so maybe I’m not his favorite person...But in some circles, he actually has a very good reputation,” Trump said.In a parallel development, a report from Axios said senior US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on Thursday for consultations with technical experts expected to play a key role in upcoming nuclear talks with Iran.The White House is working toward a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Tehran aimed at halting hostilities and pursuing comprehensive nuclear talks. However, officials and regional mediators involved in the process say the two sides remain deeply divided over key elements of the proposed agreement.Although talks are said to be in their final stages, officials have cautioned that the chances of success remain uncertain. A US official said the Oak Ridge visit should not be seen as a guarantee of an agreement, but rather a sign that discussions have entered a more serious phase.Key sticking points The slow pace of progress continues, with the Trump administration pushing for a strict 60-day deadline to deplete Iran’s enriched uranium, while Tehran is pushing for a 90-day deadline.Meanwhile, the chaos in the Middle East has already crossed 3 months, now approaching the 100-day mark. The conflict began on 28 February, when the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran. Following the attack, the country retaliated by seizing the vital Strait of Hormuz, disrupting 20% ​​of global oil supplies, disrupting economies.

New Delhi: The Indian High Commission in London on Friday condemned the “indecent behavior of the audience” during Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant’s lecture at Birkbeck College, videos of which surfaced online, showing a participant attempting to raise questions about dissent and democracy in India during the event.“Such unruly audience behavior is unacceptable and inconsistent with the respectful engagement that governs public discussion. Differences of opinion are a natural part of a democratic society. However, they must be expressed in a civil and respectful manner,” the High Commission post said.The statement comes after a clip circulated on social media in which a participant tried to ask questions to the Chief Justice while he was delivering a lecture on artificial intelligence and international law. Organizers intervened and stopped the conversation from continuing, and asked attendees to keep focused on the topic of the event.Speaking at Birkbeck College, University of London, Justice Kant said artificial intelligence has emerged as one of the defining legal and governance challenges of the modern era, the consequences of which will shape the future of democratic societies and international law.During his address, Justice Kant argued that artificial intelligence has moved beyond the realm of theory and is now having a direct impact on public institutions, legal systems and governance structures across the world.He said AI represents one of the greatest challenges facing modern international law and stressed that the way governments and societies respond to the technology will have long-term implications in the coming years.“Technology is neither inherently benevolent nor inherently harmful. Its impact depends on the legal, political, and ethical framework within which society chooses to deploy it. Therefore, the responsibility of law is neither to oppose technological progress nor to surrender unquestioningly to it. Its responsibility is to ensure that technological power remains accountable to constitutional values, democratic legitimacy and human dignity.”The Chief Justice said that AI is already impacting many sectors including governance, commerce, communications, defense and justice system.“Governments now use algorithmic systems to allocate welfare benefits, assess immigration applications, monitor borders, regulate financial systems, and support policing functions. Militaries are increasingly developing autonomous capabilities. There is more than enough access,” he said.Justice Kant also highlighted the growing role of AI in judicial administration, pointing to its use in legal research, case management, translation services, transcription, document organization and identification of precedents.According to the organisers, questions related to India’s democratic record and allegations related to hostility towards dissent were not considered as the session was intended to remain focused on artificial intelligence and its legal implications.One attendee tried to express concerns about the protection of India’s democratic values ​​in the age of AI and described it as hostility towards dissent. However, the organizers stopped the intervention before any discussion could escalate.Addressing the broader implications of emerging technologies, the Chief Justice stressed that AI raises complex questions that extend beyond national boundaries and require coordinated legal responses.“The central challenge before us is to ensure that, in the age of intelligent machines, humanity retains the authorship of the principles by which it is governed. If international law can rise to that challenge, artificial intelligence can become not only a technological revolution, but an opportunity to reaffirm the values ​​that lie at the foundation of democratic civilization,” he underlined.Justice Kant is currently on a six-day visit to the United Kingdom, where he is interacting with legal and academic institutions on issues related to technology, law and global governance.

India have ushered in a new era in T20I cricket by appointing Shreyas Iyer as captain for the upcoming tours of Ireland and England, moving on from World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav. The decision marks another bold leadership change as the selectors continue to shape the team’s white-ball future.

The much-awaited inclusion of teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi is also likely to be included in the team announcement. After a record-breaking IPL campaign, the 15-year-old has been included in the squad for the first time and is set to be a part of India’s T20I plans for the Ireland and England series as well as the Asian Games later this year.

Many more to follow…

– ends

Janhvi Kapoorillustration of the latest Ram Charan The starrer ‘Peddi’ is being liked a lot on the internet, where the audience has named her character as Achiamma for its visual appeal. Following the backlash, director Buchi Babu Sana issued a public apology and revealed that changes would be made in parts.

Director Buchi Babu Sana Sorry

Buchi Babu Sana shared a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he mentioned that his team listened to the feedback and understood the concerns raised by the audience.“As a filmmaker, I believe cinema should entertain, inspire and connect with the audience. It should never make anyone feel uncomfortable or disrespected. We have heard the feedback about some of the scenes in Peddi and take it seriously. I have always had immense respect for women, both on and off screen, and it was never our intention to make any objectionable comment or disrespect any female character. If any part of the film was viewed in this manner, we respect those sentiments, understand the concerns being raised and sincerely apologize.

The producers have confirmed that changes will be made

The ‘Uppena’ director also confirmed that they will be making changes in the relevant parts. He said, “After reviewing the feedback, we have decided to make changes in the relevant portions. Cinema grows through engagement with the audience, and as storytellers, we have a responsibility to be mindful of emerging perspectives and sensibilities.”Concluding her statement, she wrote, “Every woman deserves to be represented with respect, importance, and dignity. We are committed to telling stories that celebrate strong characters and uphold those values. Thank you to everyone who shared their views honestly and honestly.”

About ‘Pedi’

Talking about the film, it is a sports drama starring Ram Charan in the lead role with Janhvi Kapoor playing his love interest. The story is about a man who fights for his village and its identity while facing many challenges.Talking about the box office, the film has earned more than Rs 150 crore globally in two days. The film received positive to mixed reviews and fans praised Ram Charan’s performance.

Representative Image (AI)

As conflict escalates in the Middle East, Mohsen Rezaei, a military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said a potential peace deal between the United States and Iran depends on the Trump administration agreeing to release $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets.In an interview with CNN, Rezai said: “The talks are at an impasse and (US President Donald) Trump must break this impasse. The ball is in Trump’s court.”His comments come amid efforts to revive talks between Washington and Tehran after months of military confrontation between Iran, Israel and the United States. Although both sides have expressed an interest in avoiding broader regional conflict, significant differences remain over the terms of any agreement.According to Rezaei, Iran has proposed that $12 billion of frozen assets be released immediately after the interim agreement is signed, with a further $12 billion to be released at a later stage. He described this proposal as a test of trust between the two countries.

‘Test of Trust’

Rezaei argued that releasing the funds would signal a new phase in relations between Washington and Tehran.He said, “If he (Trump) wants to reach an agreement with Iran, this $24 billion is a test of the trust that Iran wants to have with Trump – this is a test that America has to pass and the door will be open. This is our own money, not America’s money.” However, this demand is likely to face resistance in Washington. US officials have expressed concern that releasing frozen funds at this stage could weaken one of the key pressure points available to the United States during negotiations.Trump has repeatedly criticized the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated under former US President Barack Obama and has sought a framework that would be considered significantly stricter than the previous agreement.

Warning against renewed conflict

During the interview, Rezaei warned against any return to military confrontation, saying Iran would increase the scope of its response if attacked again.“We will give another dimension to the war by attacking these other American targets that we have been attacking so far,” he said.They suggested that any future conflict could spill beyond the Persian Gulf and potentially affect strategic waterways including the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

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Despite the warning, Rezaei said he believed the likelihood of a new war was low.Rezaei also rejected suggestions that a meeting between Trump and Khamenei could take place in the near future.He said, “It will not happen, right now we are in the first phase of negotiations and Mr. Trump has stopped the negotiations. It will not happen.”His comments come days after Trump said he would be “honored” to meet the Iranian leader and claimed the two sides were “getting along very well.”

Strait of Hormuz and regional impact

The veteran Iranian official also reiterated Tehran’s long-term position regarding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.He said Iran and Oman share sovereignty over the waterway and should jointly manage it. Rezaei also suggested that Iran should not be expected to bear the financial burden of maintaining the route alone and proposed charging a maintenance fee for its management.The Strait of Hormuz remains a highly strategic passage, with a large portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it.Rezaei is considered one of the most influential figures in Iran’s security establishment. A member of the old guard of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, he fought during the Iran–Iraq War and served as commander of the IRGC between 1981 and 1997.He later joined the Expediency Council, which advises the Supreme Leader, served as vice president under former President Ibrahim Raisi, and unsuccessfully ran in several presidential elections.Discussing the prospects for diplomacy, Rezai expressed doubts about the durability of any future agreement with the United States.He cited Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and accused Washington of adopting a strategy of ambiguity during negotiations.Rezaei said Iran was prepared for a possible military confrontation if talks did not take place.He said, “If the United States attacks Iran, the world will understand Iran’s true capabilities, because our land power is many times greater than our missiles.”Rezaei also claimed that the recent conflict marks a historic turning point for Iran.He said, “This is the first time that Iran has emerged victorious in wars, whereas in previous wars Iran has always lost.”

New Delhi: Amid the recent surge in Ebola virus cases in several parts of Africa, three suspected cases involving foreign nationals have been reported in Chhattisgarh, who were isolated in Durg and put under 21-day quarantine as a precautionary measure.State Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal on Saturday announced that the state is fully prepared to deal with any possible Ebola virus infection, stressing that hospitals and quarantine facilities have been put on alert and necessary arrangements have been made to ensure public safety.Speaking to reporters, Jaiswal said the three persons kept under observation were citizens of African countries and were being monitored in line with health protocols. He said that no Ebola infection has been confirmed so far and no person is showing symptoms of the disease.He said, “We are fully prepared at every level across the state for a month now. The three persons kept in isolation at Durg are citizens of African countries and have been kept in isolation for 21 days as a precautionary measure. So far, tests have not confirmed the presence of the virus, nor are they showing any symptoms.”The development comes days after a Ugandan woman was isolated in Bengaluru and tested following a global alert over the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa. The 28-year-old passenger, who arrived at Kempegowda International Airport from Uganda on May 23, was shifted to the Epidemic Diseases Hospital in Indiranagar after health officials observed possible symptoms and collected samples for testing. Jaiswal also highlighted the launch of Chhattisgarh CM Helpline for public grievance redressal.He said, “We are launching this initiative with confidence, and it will definitely provide significant relief to the people of the state and increase their confidence in the government. If a Chief Minister provides a toll-free number to the public, it means that some issues cannot otherwise reach them. This initiative ensures that those issues reach the CM.”The heightened vigilance follows the World Health Organization’s decision on May 17 to classify the Ebola outbreaks in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).India has not reported any confirmed cases of the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, which is currently responsible for outbreaks in parts of Africa. However, states have increased surveillance and screening measures as a precautionary measure.The Center has advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan. On Friday, a suspected case of Ebola was also reported in Rajasthan, when a Ugandan national who had arrived in Jaipur from Sharjah showed symptoms associated with the disease and was admitted to an isolation hospital pending test results.

YouTube Premium subscription prices are going to increase in the US from June 7, 2026. Existing YouTube Premium subscribers in the country will start seeing higher charges on their monthly bills. This comes after YouTube’s parent company Google announced a price increase for its premium plans in April. While the higher prices for new customers at the time were effective immediately, existing users were given a short grace period that ended with their June billing cycle.

New prices for YouTube Premium subscription

YouTube Premium services in the US have seen their prices rise for the first time since 2023. For most users, the monthly subscription is rising to $4 per month. The new prices are as follows:youtube premium personal plan: : Now $15.99/month, up from the previous price of $13.99/month.youtube premium family plan: : Now $26.99/month, up from the previous price of $22.99/month.YouTube Premium Lite Plan: Now $8.99/month, up from the previous price of $7.99/month.youtube music premium: : Now $11.99/month, up from the previous price of $10.99/month.The move follows several price adjustments in recent months. The YouTube Premium Family plan last saw a price increase in 2022, rising from $17.99 to $22.99 per month. Individual plans increased in 2023, increasing from $11.99 to $13.99 at that time.The low-cost YouTube Premium Lite subscription has been available for almost a year and is also included in this price adjustment. Features like background play and offline download have recently been added to this level,YouTube had informed the subscribers about the change by sending an email last month. It says: “To continue to provide great service and features, we are raising your price to $15.99/month.” [or the relevant plan price]. We don’t make these decisions lightly, but this update will allow us to continue improving Premium and supporting the creators and artists you watch on YouTube.Subscribers are advised to check their accounts and billing statements to see when their new, higher monthly fee will take effect, as determined by their individual June 2026 billing date.