New Delhi: marco jansonHis evolution as a cricketer has been one of the extraordinary stories of the last year and a half. Apart from his impressive cameos with the bat lower down the order, he has also been a consistent responsibility with the ball for South Africa. In IPLHe has emerged as a bankable player for Punjab Kings. This is a remarkable progress for a man who chose cricket as a career after leaving rugby at the age of 17.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!At the age of 25, Jensen made his mark by bowling tough lengths across all formats. He has managed to remain unaffected by the chaotic world of T20 cricket, which demands a lot of variations from bowlers. Importantly, Australia’s metronomic Josh Hazlewood She has been the inspiration behind his transformation as a cricketer.“It doesn’t surprise me because Josh Hazlewood does exactly the same thing,” Jensen said while replying to a question from TOI on why he consistently bowls ‘Test-match’ lengths irrespective of formats. “People ask the same questions (about him). How does he hit lengths and take wickets? He doesn’t score too many runs and he is consistent as well,” Johnson said.“Josh also has variations. I also have one or two variations. We are both tall bowlers but we bowl different lengths,” Jensen said. He said, “When I was younger, the problem was that I was trying to bowl the same length as other people. I didn’t realize that what I bring to the table is completely different. I have to find my own way to be effective. In the last year or so, I have felt comfortable in my own skin.”However, his role has changed in Punjab Kings. He could not use swing as a weapon as he did not get a chance to bowl with the new ball, so Jensen had to work on bowling with the old ball. The hard work paid off in the Test series in India last winter, when he troubled the Indian batsmen throughout. Even in IPL, his approach has been to search for wickets. “I’m used to taking the first or second over, but I also know that I have the skills to adapt,” Jensen said. “Coming in to bowl the third, fourth or sometimes fifth over is definitely a different approach.
The White House has developed a ‘naughty and nice’ list of NATO countries, ranking member states based on their contributions to the alliance and their stance during the ongoing Iran war, the White House said.The move is seen as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to put pressure on allies that did not support Washington’s position during the war.
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Exposed: Trump’s secret NATO scorecard splits allies into ‘naughty or nice’ in Iran war loyalty test
According to officials familiar with the plan, NATO members are placed in different tiers based on defense spending, military cooperation and operational support.According to Politico, the assessment was reportedly prepared ahead of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s visit to Washington, in which officials reviewed how each member contributes to collective security.The idea was mooted last year by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He had previously outlined the concept of rewarding countries that meet US expectations on defense spending and military cooperation.“Model allies who have stepped up, such as Israel, South Korea, Poland, increasingly Germany, the Baltics and others, will receive our special favors,” he said. “Allies who still fail to do their part for collective defense will face consequences,” Hegseth said.The Pentagon has also reinforced this approach in its National Defense Strategy, stating that cooperation will be prioritized as allies ‘do their part’ for collective defense and shared security goals.One of the diplomats said the list seemed to reflect that concept. “There’s a naughty and nice tabloid in the White House so I think the thinking is the same way,” the person said, according to Politico.The assessment is also linked to recent tensions within NATO over the Iran conflict, particularly the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and US military operations. Officials said the rankings could influence decisions on which countries are offered more military cooperation or strategic support in future campaigns.The Trump administration has expressed frustration with allies who did not support U.S. requests during the conflict, including participation in operations or access to military bases.
Division among NATO members
Reports suggest that countries such as Romania and Poland were more cooperative, allowing the US to use air bases and logistics support during Middle East campaigns. Poland, already one of NATO’s highest defense spenders, also hosts about 10,000 US troops and covers most of the related costs. Romania’s expanded Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base has also been used for US military operations.In contrast, countries including Spain and some other Western European allies reportedly resisted or delayed US requests for aid. Meanwhile, Baltic countries such as Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia have been consistently praised for meeting or exceeding defense spending targets.Officials said possible consequences for countries placed lower on the list could include reduced troop deployments, fewer joint exercises or changes in military sales and cooperation. However, he also acknowledged that relocating the US military presence within Europe would be costly, complex, and logistically difficult.One European official highlighted that troop redeployment options would also largely shift U.S. forces between allies rather than removing them from Europe entirely.
Limited clarity on enforcement
Despite the discussion, officials have provided little clarity on how strictly the ranking system will be enforced or what the specific ‘rewards’ or ‘penalties’ will be. Some diplomats familiar with the discussions said the administration itself was unsure how to implement the idea.One European official described the concept as still not fully developed, suggesting that troop movement is an option, but it could put more strain on US resources than punish allies.However, the White House has defended its approach. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the United States has long supported allies who now need to contribute more.“Although the United States has always been there for our so-called allies, the countries we protect with thousands of troops were not there for us during Operation Epic Fury,” he said, referring to the Pentagon’s designation for the Iran-related operation.“President Trump has made clear his views on this unfair dynamic, and as he said, the United States will remember that,” he said.US Senator Roger Wicker said it is “not helpful when American leaders talk about our alliances with derision,” warning that alliances bring ‘political, strategic and moral benefits’ to the country.Wicker said, “It is not helpful when American leaders talk about our alliances with derision. We must be clear about the many political, strategic, and moral benefits our alliances provide to the country.”Former officials have also questioned whether the Trump administration has the capacity to pursue such a sweeping realignment of alliance relationships while managing ongoing global crises.
New Delhi: Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee but made a scathing attack on Friday BJP During an election rally in Kolkata, he accused the party of influencing the state’s administrative machinery and vowed to counter it politically beyond Bengal.Addressing an election rally in Kolkata, Mamata said, “The names of all those people who are working for BJP are listed… You have brought people based on the background of BJP and appointed officials accordingly… Remember, you do not have the capacity to defeat us… We fight against injustice, we fight for our rights.”“I was born in Bengal and will die in Bengal… I will capture Delhi after winning Bengal… I do not want power, I want the destruction of BJP in Delhi… Not only will there be destruction in Bengal, but BJP will also have to be removed from Delhi.”This comes amid an intense campaign between the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), BJP and Congress in the ongoing assembly elections.The two sides have locked horns in a high-stakes contest, with Mamata repeatedly accusing the BJP of trying to influence the electoral process, while the latter has targeted the TMC government over alleged misgovernance and corruption.The elections also saw record voter participation. West Bengal recorded one of the highest turnout ever, with the voter turnout crossing almost 92%, the highest since the Left Front was voted out of power in 2011.Prime Minister Narendra Modi And other BJP leaders have interpreted the huge turnout as a sign of public desire for change, with the Prime Minister calling it an “overwhelming mandate for change” and expressing confidence that the results will be in the BJP’s favor.Counting of votes is to take place on May 4.
पांच नगर निकायों में चुनाव का इंतजार है. नगर विकास विभाग के स्तर पर परिसीमन समेत सभी औपचारिकताएं पूरी कर ली गई हैं। अब चुनाव आयोग को इस पर फैसला लेना है. हालांकि, इनमें से दो निकायों का मामला हाई कोर्ट में भी लंबित है. वर्ष 2003 में नरेंद्रनगर नगर पालिका के चुनाव होने थे। परिसीमन से पहले सरकार ने पहले एक गांव को इसमें शामिल किया और फिर हटा दिया।
इसलिए समय पर परिसीमन नहीं होने के कारण पिछले साल यहां चुनाव नहीं हो सके. अब ओबीसी आरक्षण के परिसीमन और सर्वेक्षण की प्रक्रिया पूरी हो चुकी है. इसी तरह वर्ष 2018 में किच्छा नगर पालिका के विस्तार के समय सिरौली कलां, बंडिया, देवरिया और आजाद नगर को इसमें शामिल किया गया था। सिरौली कलां में तीन वार्ड (18, 19, 20) और वार्ड 17 के कुछ हिस्से बनाए गए। बाद में 2024 में एक अधिसूचना के जरिये सिरौली कलां को नगर पालिका से अलग कर दोबारा राजस्व गांव बनाने का प्रयास किया गया.
सरकार ने सिरौली कलां को अलग नगर पालिका बना दिया।
स्थानीय निवासियों (मोहम्मद यासीन व अन्य) ने इसके खिलाफ हाई कोर्ट में याचिका दायर कर दलील दी कि यह हिस्सा पिछले छह साल से नगर पालिका का है और यहां करीब 5 करोड़ रुपये के विकास कार्य हो चुके हैं. मामले की सुनवाई करते हुए उत्तराखंड हाई कोर्ट ने 3 सितंबर 2024 की उस अधिसूचना पर रोक लगा दी थी, जिसमें सिरौली कलां को नगर पालिका से बाहर कर दिया गया था. हालांकि सरकार ने सिरौली कलां को अलग नगर पालिका बना दिया है।
अभी दोनों के चुनाव भी लंबित हैं. इसी तरह सरकार ने उधम सिंह नगर में गढ़ी नेगी और चंपावत में पाटी नगर पंचायत बनाई थी. परिसीमन आदि की प्रक्रिया भी पूरी हो चुकी है। अब इनके चुनाव का फैसला राज्य निर्वाचन आयोग को करना है. राज्य निर्वाचन आयुक्त सुशील कुमार का कहना है कि दो नगर निकायों किच्छा-सिरौली कलां का मामला अभी भी हाईकोर्ट में विचाराधीन है। हाईकोर्ट के आदेश के आधार पर निर्णय लिया जाएगा।
Mahmoud Nabavian, a member of Iran’s parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, has criticized recent talks held in Pakistan with the United States, calling Tehran’s decision to expand its nuclear program a “strategic mistake”.“In a video clip shared from an interview with SNN TV and later posted on X, Nabavian said keeping Iran’s nuclear issue on the table during talks in Pakistan has weakened Tehran’s position. “In the Pakistan talks, we made a strategic mistake. We should not have put the nuclear issue up for talks,” he said, adding, “By doing so, the enemy became more courageous,” as translated by ANI.According to Nabavian, Washington demanded that 60 percent of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves be removed and frozen for 20 years; He said Tehran rejected the terms.Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump struck a defiant tone, easing pressure to end the ongoing conflict. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he was in no rush to reach a deal and warned that time was working against Iran.“I have all the time in the world, but Iran doesn’t – the clock is ticking,” he wrote, stressing that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely diminished and the blockade against the country remains firmly in place. He said that any deal will be finalized only if it is in line with the interests of the US and its allies.Separately, a Politico report said that during the hearing on Capitol Hill, senior US officials avoided setting a timeline for easing energy prices. Some Republican lawmakers indicated that 60 days into the conflict could be crucial in determining their continued support.
Mojtaba Khamenei He faces serious medical challenges after surviving a bomb attack, raising questions about his ability to take complete control of the country amid war and delicate armistice negotiations.Khamenei has undergone surgery on his hand, suffered severe burns on his face and is awaiting a prosthetic leg following injuries sustained in the attack, The New York Times reports.Although he is mentally capable of taking decisions, his physical condition significantly limits his direct participation.
limited control, irgc influence increases
Four officials familiar with the matter, cited by The New York Times, said Khamenei had minimal contact with Iranian generals during the ongoing talks. Analysts suggest this has created a power vacuum that has been quickly filled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).“Mojtaba is not yet in full command or control,” Sanam Vakil of Chatham House told the NYT. He said the decisions are often presented to him as a “failed achievement”.Ali Waze of the International Crisis Group echoed this view, saying, “Mojtaba is not supreme; he may be the leader in name, but he is not supreme like his father… Mojtaba is subordinate to the Revolutionary Guards,” as quoted by the NYT.
Change in governance amid pressure of war
According to the NYT, the IRGC played a decisive role in blocking planned talks with the United States in Islamabad, sidelining Iran’s civilian leadership, including President Massoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.Khamenei, who succeeded his father Ali Khamenei after his death in US-Israeli attacks, has not made any public appearances or verbal statements since taking office, reportedly to avoid appearing weak.Read this also‘Don’t rush me’: Trump refuses to set deadline for Iran resolution; rejects the nuclear optionInstead, communication with them is being done through sealed, hand-delivered letters.
‘Board-style’ leadership emerges
Describing the emerging power structure, former adviser Abdolreza Dawri told the NYT, “Mojtaba is managing the country as if he is a board of directors… a member of the general board.”The change marks a departure from the previous centralized authority under his father, with military commanders now playing a more prominent role in decision making.The development comes as an indefinite ceasefire remains in place between Iran and the United States, with both sides assessing ways to restart talks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.However, with internal power dynamics in flux and the IRGC claiming greater control, the prospects for diplomacy remain uncertain.
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit ShahThe response of a supporter waiting for his roadshow in poll-bound West Bengal went viral on social media on Thursday, drawing attention to an exchange on Instagram.Shah shared a sunset video on Instagram, taking a dig at the ruling TMC with the caption, “The sun has set on TMC’s corruption and hooliganism.”Commenting on his post, a user urged him to reach early for the road show in Madhyamgram assembly constituency of North 24 Parganas and said that BJP supporters were waiting in the heat.“Come quickly, Amit ji…we are standing for the road show very late in the summer (Come quickly, Amit ji…) We have been standing in the heat for so long for your road show),’ the user wrote.To which Shah replied, “Sorry for the delay. Will be there in 10 minutes.”
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Shah later held a road show to campaign for BJP candidate Anindya Raju Banerjee, who is contesting against him. Trinamool Congress Rathin Ghosh, MLA in Madhyamgram, told ANI.Sharing visuals from the event on Twitter, the Union Home Minister wrote, “The people of Madhyamgram assembly constituency have not forgotten the atrocities committed against women in Sandeshkhali. The turnout of people during the road show marks the end of grassroots governance.”Meanwhile, voting for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections ended at 6 pm on Thursday, with 91.83% voting recorded. Election Commission. The second phase of voting is to be held on April 29.
आस्था की नगरी अयोध्या में बेहद भावुक और प्रेरणादायक दृश्य देखने को मिला, जहां हरियाणा के दिव्यांग बच्चों ने खास अंदाज में अपना जन्मदिन मनाया. इस अनूठे आयोजन में करीब 30 बच्चों ने हिस्सा लिया और बिना देखे ही एक-दूसरे के साथ खुशियां बांटीं. बच्चों ने मिलकर केक काटा और एक-दूसरे को अपने हाथों से खिलाकर जन्मदिन की शुभकामनाएं दीं। इस दौरान वहां मौजूद लोगों की आंखें नम हो गईं. यह आयोजन यह संदेश देने में सफल रहा कि सच्ची खुशी देखने में नहीं, बल्कि महसूस करने में है।
ख़ुशी महसूस करने का अनोखा तरीका इस कार्यक्रम में भाग लेने वाले दिव्यांग बच्चों ने यह साबित कर दिया कि जीवन में खुशियां पाने के लिए आंखों से देखना जरूरी नहीं है. उन्होंने “मन की आँख” से ख़ुशी का अनुभव किया और इसे अपने दोस्तों के साथ साझा किया। बच्चों का उत्साह और ऊर्जा पूरे माहौल को सकारात्मक बना रही थी।
केक काटकर जन्मदिन मनाया कार्यक्रम के दौरान सभी बच्चों ने मिलकर केक काटा। इसके बाद उन्होंने एक दूसरे को अपने हाथों से केक खिलाया और जन्मदिन की शुभकामनाएं दीं. इस छोटे से आयोजन में जो स्नेह और प्यार देखने को मिला उसने हर किसी के दिल को छू लिया.
मौजूद लोगों की आंखें नम हो गईं। इस खास मौके पर वहां मौजूद लोगों ने बच्चों की खुशी और उत्साह को करीब से देखा. बच्चों के चेहरे पर मुस्कान और दिलों में उत्साह साफ नजर आ रहा था। यह दृश्य इतना भावुक था कि कई लोग अपने आंसू नहीं रोक पाए.
समाज के लिए प्रेरणादायक संदेश यह घटना समाज के लिए एक मजबूत संदेश लेकर आई कि सच्ची ख़ुशी किसी बाहरी चीज़ में नहीं, बल्कि हमारे भीतर ही है। दिव्यांग बच्चों का आत्मविश्वास और सकारात्मक सोच हर किसी के लिए प्रेरणा है।
आस्था की नगरी में विशेष अनुभव अयोध्या जैसी पवित्र जगह पर ऐसा आयोजन और भी खास हो गया. यहां के धार्मिक और शांतिपूर्ण माहौल ने इस खुशी को और भी गहरा कर दिया। यह कार्यक्रम बच्चों के लिए एक यादगार अनुभव बन गया।
It’s the ultimate “King vs Prince” tale as Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) prepare to host Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. With both teams looking for a crucial win, the “Prince” will look to unite his wounded Titans and break the fort of the “Kings” in what promises to be a high-octane encounter.
Despite their recent struggles, the Titans will want to remain confident. However, form is not in his favor at the moment. GT enters this fixture rotating 99 run defeat against Mumbai IndiansA defeat that exposed significant cracks in their lower middle order.
RCB, on the other hand, find themselves in a slightly better position in the table after winning four of their last six matches. Nevertheless, they also come into this game following Delhi Capitals’ disappointing defeat at home. In that match, victory slipped through their fingers in the final over when David Miller’s clinical counterattack against Romario Shepherd halted RCB’s momentum.
However, more than the batting, it could prove to be a battle of the bowlers when the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will face Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and possibly Rasikh Salaam Dhar. If the pitch has any zip or movement, it can be an exciting contest, with elite operators either hitting top gear or using subtle variations to outwit some of the best batsmen in the game. Meanwhile, Krunal Pandya and Rashid Khan may try and swing things in favor of their teams during the middle overs phase.
Since this will be the final league game of the season at Chinnaswamy, RCB will be keen to utilize the Bengaluru faithful to the fullest on a track famous for high scores.
RCB will look to make the most of their last home match at M Chinnaswamy (screen grab from X)
weaknesses
GT’s batting core remains largely unchanged from 2025, with Shubman Gill, B. Top three players like Sai Sudarshan and Jos Buttler are included. While Glenn Phillips is a new addition, the departure of Sherfane Rutherford has created a void.
Problem? While Gill and Buttler have been scoring, the top order has not been as spectacular as it was last year. With Sai Sudarshan struggling for rhythm at the top, the middle order has been forced to come into the game very early.
“The middle order was undoubtedly exposed,” Noted GT batting coach Matthew Hayden after MI’s defeat. “We should not allow players like Rahul Tewatia or Shahrukh Khan to face a high volume of balls. That is not their role; that is not what they train for.”
GT’s middle order is currently out for just 135 runs with the least number of sixes (eight).
For RCB, the Achilles’ heel remains their execution in the last five overs. The loss to DC was a prime example of victory status being surrendered at the death. Romario Shepherd still has the support, but will he be able to keep Jacob Bethel out of the team for long, with only the team balance pushing his case forward?
Will there be an eye on the players?
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar- Bhuvneshwar will remain a bowler even at the age of 36 Given his favorable record against the top order, he is one to keep an eye on against GT. He has dismissed Buttler seven times and Gill four times and has not given runs to either of them at a strike rate above 110.
GT’s top three players come into this game after being out in the powerplay for the first time in their last game against Mumbai Indians. Additionally, Jos Buttler has scored two zeroes and two centuries in his last five innings against RCB.
When RCB bought Bhuvneshwar Kumar for 10.75 crores, I honestly thought it was a bad decision, but I was wrong about Bhuvi, he has been consistently performing well for RCB.
Congratulations to Bhuvi for completing 200 wickets IPL. A legitimate IPL legend
Jason Holder – If West Indies get the nod ahead of Glenn Phillips, GT may sacrifice a batsman for an all-rounder who has been in good form with both bat and ball since the T20 World Cup. At Chinnaswamy, a venue that offers spongy bounce, Holder’s height and back-of-length game could give him the X-factor GT is looking for.
pitch and conditions
Chinnaswamy is a batsman’s paradise. The short boundaries leave little margin for error for the bowlers, although the slower surface in the latter half may provide some grip for the spinners. Dew is expected to play a major role, possibly giving a significant advantage to the team batting at number two.
Pitch number 6, which is used for CSK and LSG games, will likely be played for this match. AccuWeather has predicted “partly cloudy sky” for Bengaluru, ensuring that a full game of cricket is likely to take place.
head to head
Historically, there is nothing to separate these two sides, with the overall record standing at 3-3. However, the Titans hold the lead at this particular venue, and lead 2-1 at Chinnaswamy. In their last meeting here, GT’s top order made light work of a challenging total, and chased it down with clinical defiance.
Probable XI
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyyash Sharma. effect sub- Rasikh Salaam Dhar
Gujarat Titans (GT): Shubman Gill (captain), Sai Sudarshan, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Kumar Kushagra, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj. effect sub- Ashok Sharma/Shahrukh Khan
Dean Kramer’s injury update comes as a fresh blow for the Baltimore Orioles as they head into an important series. A team that started 2026 with high expectations now finds itself searching for rhythm at 12-13, and the latest setback only adds to the uncertainty surrounding its pitching staff.There were no warning signs during their recent travels, making the news difficult to understand. As the Orioles look to stabilize their rotation, another name has been pulled.
Latest Dean Kramer Injury Update
Dean Kramer has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a right quad strain, retroactive to April 20. The injury knocks him out of his scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox and leaves a gap in a rotation that is already under pressure.There is still no clear timeline for his return. The absence of an immediate update suggests the team is still evaluating the severity, which is often the case with muscle-related injuries. For now, the focus is on recovery and careful monitoring.Kramer’s numbers this season, a 4.09 ERA in two starts, may not stand out, but his consistency over the past few years has provided stability for Baltimore. Last season, he recorded 31 outings with a 4.19 ERA, quietly going about his business without drawing much attention. Losing that kind of credibility, even for a short period of time, creates a ripple effect.The Orioles’ rotation hasn’t found its footing yet. The new additions have struggled, with many starters having ERAs above 5.00. Others have been stable but not as effective. In that context, Kramer’s absence seems more significant than it might be on paper.
baltimore orioles roster update
To fill the immediate void, the Orioles have called up Brandon Young, who is set to make the series debut. The 27-year-old has impressed at all levels this year, allowing just two runs in 21.2 innings between Triple-A and the majors.His brief big league appearance earlier this month offered a glimpse of what he can bring. Against the Chicago White Sox, Young pitched five scoreless innings.The Orioles will also lean on the rest of their rotation to absorb pressure. Trevor Rogers and Kyle Brady are set for the remaining games of the series, with both looking to provide stability after an uneven start to the season.Injuries have become a recurring problem for Baltimore. There are already several absences on the roster, and each new blow stretches the depth a little further. Kramer’s situation adds another layer to that challenge, especially as the team is still trying to build momentum.Friday night’s game will be an early test of how well they can adjust. For now, the franchise can hope that the rotation can stay together until reinforcements arrive.