Condition of toilets at the handicapped friendly Inter State Bus Terminal in Ludhiana, where new tactile flooring has been added

Ludhiana: While attractive new Braille signs adorn the walls of the city’s major bus terminal, vulnerable passengers are facing closed doors and unusable facilities due to the collapse of local hygiene standards.After a few months, the district administration declared Ludhiana as Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT). PunjabThe first “disabled-friendly” transport hub with tactile flooring and signage to assist visually impaired passengers, an on-ground inspection reveals a glaring contradiction between these new features and the overall rot.Broken infrastructure, closed doorsThe most serious failures are inside designated accessible toilets. Many toilets meant for disabled passengers were found locked, while other toilets were inaccessible due to broken doors. An open toilet was completely unusable due to a broken commode flap and severe filth.General cleanliness throughout the terminal has also collapsed. Garbage is piled up near the boundary wall, and a large pile of uncollected garbage lies beneath the flyover connecting the local and main terminal sections.“These conditions are depressing,” said visitor Ravi Bhatia. He said that the premium waiting hall for air-conditioned bus passengers also remains permanently closed. “Overall maintenance is very poor.”Passengers Slam Fee StructureThe lack of maintenance has sparked outrage among passengers, who are charged ₹5 to use the terminal’s convenience facilities.“In Mumbai, public toilets at transport hubs are clean, air-conditioned and free to use,” said an interstate traveller. “Here, they also charge money for using the urinals, but the condition of the toilets is pathetic.”A daily commuter to nearby Chandigarh expressed disappointment, saying that if the authorities impose user charges, they will have to guarantee basic cleanliness and repair of infrastructure.Privatization on the horizonReacting to the failures, general manager of state-run PUNBUS Ludhiana Depot Navraj Batish confirmed that the government was trying to shut down the operations of the facility.Batish said: “The authorities are in advanced talks with a private firm under the public-private partnership model. Once the contract is completed, the management, repairs and daily maintenance of the terminal will be handed over to the private entity.”

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s combined net worth in 2026: huge estate, luxury real estate portfolio, business and more

One of the world’s favorite couples, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, are just days away from tying the knot in New York City next month.As rumors are swirling that the two have chosen Madison Square Garden for their wedding venue, it looks like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are splurging on it.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s combined net worth in 2026, current salary, business endorsements, and more

According to Forbes, popular pop star Taylor Swift’s net worth is estimated at $2 billion, which she has earned only through her music.According to Celebrity Net Worth, Taylor Swift’s soon-to-be husband and Kansas City Chiefs’ popular tight end, Travis Kelce, has an estimated net worth of $90 million. Overall, their combined net worth is estimated to be $2.09 billion. Apart from playing in the league, Travis Kelce has his own ventures, including 1587 Prime Restaurant, his newly launched brand, Garage Beer, and more.For the upcoming season, Travis Kelce’s deal with the Kansas City Chiefs includes a base salary of $1,345,000 and a restructuring bonus of $10,655,000, which will result in a salary cap hit of $4,896,666.Travis Kelce has also acted in films and has a blockbuster podcast, New Heights, which recently inked a $100 million deal with Amazon’s Wondery.While Travis Kelce has various sources of income, billionaire pop star Taylor Swift has earned her wealth through her music.The “Life of a Showgirl” artist also amassed a lot of wealth through her record-breaking tour, Eraz Tour.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s joint finances, investments, luxury real estate and more

While Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce may be one of the richest couples in the NFL world, the two have always kept themselves grounded, as they are set to get married next month.

World No. 3 Alexander Zverev paid an emotional tribute to the team that stood by him through years of injuries, heartbreak and painful defeats after winning his first Grand Slam title at the French Open on Sunday.

The German player defeated Flavio Coboli of Italy 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-1. Their wait for a major title finally ended after losing the previous three Grand Slam finals on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Speaking during the trophy ceremony, Zverev reflected on the setbacks he and his team had endured throughout their careers together.

“We’ve been through a lot, from injuries, from heartbreaks, from losses,” an emotional Zverev said.

“We have been defeated in some moments, but now we are Grand Slam champions. That’s what matters.”

The win concluded a remarkable journey for the 29-year-old, who had spent years earning the tag of the best player never to win a Grand Slam.

Sunday’s victory also ended a 30-year wait for a German men’s singles major champion. No German had won a Grand Slam title since Boris Becker won the Australian Open trophy in 1996.

French Open 2026 Men’s Singles Final Highlights

Zverev now joins Becker, Michael Stich, Gottfried von Cramm and Heiner Henkel as Germany’s male Grand Slam champions.

Roland Garros has been the backdrop for some defining moments of Zverev’s career. In 2022, he suffered a serious ankle injury during the French Open semi-finals against Rafael Nadal and had to leave the court in a wheelchair. Two years later, he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Roland Garros final despite leading by two sets to one.

Those memories were still fresh as he stood with the Musketeers Cup in his hands.

“I’ve had the best moments of my life on these courts, and I’ve also had the worst moments of my life on these courts,” Zverev said.

“I was lying in that corner four years ago with seven torn ligaments and two broken bones. I lost a Grand Slam last year two years ago. But now, finally, it’s a happy ending.”

The German came very close to the major title on several occasions. He served for the US Open title against Dominic Thiem in 2020 before losing in five sets. He then faced a five-set defeat to Alcaraz in the final of the French Open and was defeated by Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the final of the Australian Open last year.

After finally succeeding, Zverev thanked the team that stuck with him through every setback.

The German joked that he could neither get rid of his father, who has trained him throughout his career, nor his brother Misha. He also thanked his physical trainer, who has been working with him since 2014.

“I probably have the longest tenured team and coach on tour,” he said.

Zverev also had warm words for Koboli, whose success in Paris fell one match short of a first Grand Slam title.

“I hope with all my heart that you will lift this trophy soon,” Zverev told the Italian.

“You’re one of the nicest guys on the tour.”

Koboli, who was playing in his first Grand Slam final, congratulated Zverev while finding the loss difficult to accept.

“I’m happy for you but I’m also sad because I was close and now I think you’ve achieved your dream, next time let me win,” said the Italian before compatriot Adriano Panatta, the last Italian man to win Roland Garros in 1976, handed the trophy to Zverev.

Despite the defeat, Koboli reflected on that fortnight as the most memorable of his career.

“This has been the best week of my life. I always watch Roland Garros on TV, not Adriano because I wasn’t born, but it’s a privilege and an honor to have you here. I felt a little pressure on my side, it’s always difficult to play in front of you.”

The Italian also thanked the supporters who cheered him on throughout the tournament.

He said, “I want to say thank you to the blue wall behind me. I can’t look at you or I’ll cry.”

“I just want to ask you one thing: so I want to see you guys smile because it’s been great being with you. Thank you for coming. My mom is still alive so I’m happy.”

However, for Zverev the day marked the achievement he had been chasing for more than a decade.

After years of near-misses, injuries and final defeats, he finally left Roland Garros as a Grand Slam champion.

– ends

The oblivious retired banker didn’t know he was transferring money to a fake trading platform

Ahmedabad: A 73-year-old retired banker from the city has allegedly lost around Rs 91 lakh on an unregistered online trading platform, which he acquired after watching an advertisement on YouTube. The man lodged a complaint with the cyber crime police on Saturday after his repeated attempts to withdraw the money invested over six months and the promised “profits” on it failed.According to the complaint, the man had watched a YouTube advertisement on stock market investing, which featured prominent personalities from the finance and technology sectors. In November 2025, he clicked on one such advertisement and was directed to a page where he was asked to fill personal details and open an account on a trading platform.Soon, he was contacted by individuals claiming to be investment advisors and portfolio managers. WhatsAppReportedly convinced him to start investing through the platform. Allegedly assured of adequate returns, the complainant transferred small amounts through UPI transactions and was shown the profits on the platform.Over the next several months, the fraudsters allegedly convinced her to make large deposits through RTGS and bank transfers to multiple accounts in different banks. Police said the victim transferred money through multiple transactions ranging from a few thousand rupees to Rs 18.5 lakh at a time between November 2025 and April 2026.The complainant said the platform showed ‘profits’ and later showed a $25,372 credit to his trading account. When he tried to withdraw funds, he was reportedly told that his account had been frozen. He then started receiving emails and WhatsApp messages demanding additional payment of alleged “capital gains tax” and “processing charges” for release of funds. Believing the claims, the complainant said he transferred more money, totaling Rs 90.9 lakh, but got only Rs 22,000 back through two small credits that investigators believe were probably sent to win his trust.When the accused stopped picking up his calls or responding to messages, the man realized he had been defrauded, and contacted the National Cyber ​​Crime Helpline and lodged a formal complaint on Saturday.Cyber ​​crime police have registered a case and started investigation to trace WhatsApp users, bank account holders and others involved in the alleged fraud.

Kanpur: Aadhya Mishra of BNSD Niketan and Avijit Gurha of VSEC, Panki won the girls’ and boys’ under-15 titles respectively in the one-day Kanpur Rapid Chess Championship organized by Sharma Chess Academy here on Sunday.131 players from the city participated in the five-round competition. The meet was inaugurated by ACP Kanpur Anand Kumar Ojha and school chairman Ashish Bajpai.Chief Guest International Master, Dinesh SharmaPrincipal Punam Shukla and along with Chess Association Secretary Dilip Srivastava, presented trophies and certificates to the top three winners in each category.Result:Under-15 Girls:Aadhya Mishra (4.5 points)Prisha Awasthi (DPS Kalyanpur, 3.5 points)Yashasvi Sahu (Skomia Academy, 3 points)Under-15 Boys:Avijit Gurha (5 points)Atharva Sonwani (VSEC, 4 points)Vinayak Sahu (GPM Saraswati Vidya Mandir, 4 points)Under-13 Girls:Samriddhi Verma (DSEC, 4 marks)Ridhima Gupta (VSEC-H2, 3 marks)Paridhi Yadav (DPS Kalyanpur, 2 points)Under-13 Boys:Aarav Kumar Singh (Chintles, 4.5 points)Aditya Yadav (Pt. DDUS Vidyalaya, 4.5 marks)Shikhar Katiyar (Chintals, 4 points)Under-11 Girls:Saanvi Omar (Billabong High School, 4 points)Drisha Agarwal (Scholars Home, 3 points)Shreya Dixit (VSEC H2, 3 marks)Under-11 Boys:Shivansh Rathore (Allen House, Panki, 4.5 points)Drisha Agarwal (Scholars Home, 3 points)Shreya Dixit (VSEC H2, 3 marks)Under-9 Girls:Shanvi Rajput (Mariampur, 2 points)Bandagi Suri (Scholars Home, 1 pt)Khyati Gupta (Chintles, 1 point)Under-9 Boys:Atharva Sharma (KFA, 4 points)Abhishek Raj Choudhary (JK Kids, 3 points)Trijal Mishra (SSD, 3 points)U-7:Kavya Mishra (Skomiya Academy, 4 points)Alukhi Anand Gupta (Scholars Home, 4 points)Shivansh Sahu (KE Education, 3 marks)

England captain Ben Stokes celebrating with teammates (AP Photo)

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has acknowledged concerns over the Lord’s pitch used for the opening Test between England and New Zealand, admitting that the surface does not meet the standards expected at the iconic venue.Following England’s 115-run win on Sunday, the MCC issued a statement addressing the behavior of the pitch, which came under scrutiny for inconsistent bounce throughout the match.“We believe the pitch in this Test has shown more variable bounce than we would have liked.“We hold ourselves to the highest standards and are naturally disappointed when a surface falls short of those expectations.”The club emphasized that significant resources are devoted each year to preparing the playing surfaces at Lord’s. It pointed to ongoing investment in pitch maintenance, research and specialist expertise with the aim of creating balanced conditions for both batsmen and bowlers.“MCC makes significant investment each year in preparation for the main infield at Lord’s, as well as in research, technology and expertise, with the aim of producing pitches that provide a fair and consistent contest between bat and ball.”The statement also highlighted the weather-related challenges faced by the groundstaff in preparation for the match. According to the MCC, unusually hot and dry conditions during May were followed by wet weather at the close of the Test, which led to complications during pitch preparation.“Unusually hot and dry weather during May, followed by wet conditions before the match, presented many challenges in pitch preparation.”Acknowledging the issues, the MCC said it is already focusing on making improvements and implementing plans outlined in its recently released cricket strategy.“However, we fully understand the need to act quickly. We will remain fully focused on implementing all aspects of the pitch development and improvements outlined in our recently published MCC Cricket Strategy 2026-29.”The pitch proved to be extremely favorable for seam bowling throughout the match. England won by 115 runs on the fourth morning after bowling out New Zealand for 138 while defending a target of 254.New Zealand started the fourth day at 55/5, but lost the rest of their wickets in 40.3 overs. Gus Atkinson starred with career best figures of 5/30, while Ollie Robinson and passion tongue Took two wickets each. devon conway Highest score was 41 runs, while Glenn Phillips remained unbeaten after scoring 44 runs.The fast bowlers dominated the match from beginning to end and only 166 overs were needed in four innings to get the result. After being bowled out for 140 in their first innings despite Harry Brook making 56, England responded strongly and bowled out New Zealand for 113 on the back of Robinson’s 5/39 to take a lead of 27 runs.After this, England scored 226 runs in its second innings thanks to 57 runs by Emilio Gay and 39 runs by Jamie Smith. Although Nathan Smith claimed career-best figures of 6/70, the hosts set New Zealand a challenging target which ultimately proved beyond reach.Robinson’s five-wicket haul in the first innings earned him the player of the match award as England took a 1–0 lead in the three-Test series. The teams will now go to The Oval for the second Test, which will start from June 17.

Kolkata: Middle-class families across Kolkata got a cold shock this Sunday, June 7, as domestic liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices increased by Rs 29, taking the price of a 14.2 kg cylinder to Rs 968.The hike comes just five days after a massive Rs 53.50 hike in commercial gas prices, which now stand at Rs 3,255.50. The volatile Middle East conflict has left the city’s housewives struggling to balance already delicate kitchen budgets.For women who manage household kitchens, this news felt like a direct attack on their monthly savings. In North Kolkata’s Bagbazar, Moushumi Ghosh, a housewife who manages a family of five, expressed her frustration while checking her delivery app.“We are already paying more for vegetables and cooking oil. Now, another Rs 29 for gas? It may seem like a small number to the authorities, but for us, it is a cumulative burden,” said Swapna De, a Tollygunge resident. “Whenever the crisis in West Asia escalates, it is our hearths that feel the heat. We cannot stop eating, so we cut back on clothes or small items for the children in the family.”This sentiment echoed throughout the city. In the residential complexes of Garia, Sumitra Banerjee, a retired teacher, said the stability of domestic gas prices has been one of the few silver linings in recent months.Banerjee commented, “Domestic rates were stable, but this sudden hike – coming so soon after the commercial gas hike – is a warning sign.” “When commercial gas rises, our tea and outside snacks become expensive. Now, cooking even simple food at home is becoming a luxury. How many times can a middle class budget be strained?”Industry experts attribute this increase to the volatility of international crude oil and rising procurement costs. Small cylinders were also not spared: a 5 kg cylinder rose to Rs 358.50, while a 10 kg cylinder reached Rs 691.50.Although the prices of commercial LPG, petrol and diesel were increased several times in the domestic market, keeping in mind the common man, the price of domestic LPG was kept unchanged till now. However, due to continued pressure from the international market and supply-chain crisis, oil companies were finally forced to raise the price of domestic gas in early June, leaving ordinary citizens struggling to balance their monthly expenses.

New Delhi: Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot Reviving discussions about the 2022 Congress presidential race and internal party turmoil, he said he would not have refused if he was offered the top post. Sonia Gandhi And party leadership.His comments are being seen as reopening of old fault lines within the Congress over the process of leadership change, which ultimately led to Mallikarjun Kharge Will become party chief in October 2022.Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Gehlot questioned the perception that he had rejected the post of party president while choosing to remain the chief minister of Rajasthan.Gehlot said, “I know the importance of the post of Congress President… (Mahatma) Gandhiji has been the President, Pandit Nehru, Motilal Nehru have been the President, who hasn’t been, Sardar Patel has been the party President, if Sonia Gandhi and the Congress were making me the Congress President, would I have refused?”He further alleged that a distorted narrative was created about his role in the leadership contest.He said, “The situation was created in such a way that I think it was a big conspiracy. The observers arrived suddenly and I was defamed.”

‘A wrong impression was made about me’, said Gehlot

Gehlot also said that the public perception about him remaining the Chief Minister while avoiding the top post of the party has been persisting for years.He said, “People think that Ashok Gehlot wanted to remain the chief minister and did not want to become the Congress president, that is why the rebellion took place.”He said, “Even people close to me abroad think that Ashok Gehlot wanted to remain the chief minister, he instigated the rebellion. How can I explain to them, I am explaining to you.”

‘I went and apologised’: Gehlot on internal crisis

Recalling the Rajasthan political crisis of 2022, Gehlot said he had already tried to clarify his position before the party leadership.He said, “I remained silent because I had to tell Soniaji that whether it was a rebellion against the pilot or anything else, I had nothing to do.”He also referred to internal developments involving central observers sent by the party high command, including Ajay Maken and Kharge, who were tasked with resolving factional differences in Rajasthan.He said, “I was the leader of the legislature party, AICC observers had come. The arrival of AICC observers holds significance. It was Kharge Saheb or Ajay Makenji and I could not get the resolution passed.”

Remembering Rajasthan Political Crisis of 2022

The comments come nearly four years after the Rajasthan Congress was in turmoil in 2022, when factional tensions flared up between Gehlot and then Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot during the party’s leadership change process.According to ANI, the crisis deepened after a consensus could not be reached in the Congress Legislature Party meeting, following which a section of MLAs associated with Gehlot reportedly submitted their resignations to the Speaker.Gehlot loyalists had reportedly refused to hold a face-to-face meeting with the observers, while rival camps had put forward competing proposals on the leadership selection.Ajay Maken had said after the meeting that the situation involved concerns of conflict of interest, noting that resolutions by some MLAs had raised questions about leadership control if Gehlot became Congress president.He had also said, “We waited for more MLAs to come but they did not come. Now Mallikarjun Kharge and I are going to Delhi to submit our report to the Congress President.”The crisis ultimately contributed to preventing an immediate leadership change in Rajasthan, while the party proceeded with organizational elections later that year.Gehlot, in his latest remarks, also reiterated that he had expressed regret to the party leadership following the internal turmoil.He said, “Although I had said in the night that the meeting should be ended now and we will call another meeting tomorrow and talk. That situation did not arise for us… That’s why… That’s why… It didn’t happen… The motion could not be passed. I went and expressed regret in front of madam, the party gave me everything, such a situation arose so I am apologizing…” he said.Sonia Gandhi had served as the interim Congress president before Mallikarjun Kharge defeated Shashi Tharoor in the party presidential election.Gehlot’s latest comments are expected to revive discussions within the Congress on handling the 2022 transition and the continued impact of factional divisions in Rajasthan politics.