Aston Villa won their first Europa League title under Unai Emery on Wednesday, May 20, as the Spanish coach once again proved why he remains the undisputed king of the competition. Remarkably, all five of Emery’s Europa League wins have come with clubs having ‘Villa’ in their name – Sevilla, Villarreal and now Aston Villa.

Villa beat Freiburg 3-0 in the final in Istanbul, capping a stunning rise under Emery, who took charge of the club in 2022 when they were hovering dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone. Less than four years later, he had transformed Villa into one of the strongest teams in England, taking them back to the Champions League and now leading them to their first European trophy since 1982.

Wednesday’s performance was perhaps the perfect representation of Emery’s Aston Villa project. They were organized without the ball, brutal in transition and clinical in front of goal, completely outclassing Freiburg on the biggest night of their season.

“This final is confirmation of how we are progressing,” Emery told TNT Sports after the match. “Europe gave us a lot.”

As the final whistle blew in Türkiye, thousands of Aston Villa supporters began celebrating inside the stadium. They included Prince William, possibly the club’s most famous fan, who delightedly watched Villa lift European silverware once again.

“Amazing night!! Congratulations to all the players, team, staff and everyone associated with the club! 44 years since the last taste of European silverware!” Prince William posted on

“With this manager in charge, anything is possible.”

UNAI Emery: MR Europa League

Emery, dubbed “Mr. Europa League” by fans across Europe, has created a unique legacy in the competition. He dominated the tournament with Sevilla, winning three consecutive titles between 2014 and 2016, before leading Villarreal to glory in 2021. Aston Villa has now become the latest club to benefit from his remarkable European touch.

The win also marks Villa’s first major trophy since the League Cup in 1996, underlining how dramatically the club has progressed under the Spaniard.

Emery said after the game that he was proud to have enhanced Aston Villa’s reputation in Europe and stressed that the ambition is now to establish the club among the Premier League elite by competing strongly in the Champions League next season.

Villa captain John McGinn dedicated the win to the supporters who stood by the club through some of the darkest moments in recent history, including their three-year stint in the Championship between 2016 and 2019.

“I can’t believe what we’ve been through as a club, to be honest,” McGinn said.

“Seven years ago this club was in a terrible state. Tonight was everything we’ve built together.”

“Ten minutes before 3-0, thinking we were European champions, it was something I can’t even describe. It’s very special.”

Forward Morgan Rodgers echoed those sentiments after Villa completed a historic night in Istanbul.

“We’ve worked very hard for this,” Rogers said.

“We knew we had to play another game to give everything we had and we performed well. Great moment for the fans, great moment for the club. We will go down in history.”

– ends

Western Railways launched a massive anti-encroachment drive in Mumbai’s Garib Nagar, demolishing hundreds of structures near Bandra station to reclaim valuable railway land.

Mumbai: In the biggest anti-encroachment drive ever undertaken by Western Railways in Mumbai, officials started demolishing hundreds of structures in Garib Nagar near Bandra railway station after getting approval from the courts. The operation, which began on Tuesday and continued amid violence on Wednesday, aims to reclaim about 5,200 square meters of railway land worth about Rs 600 crore.Officials said the settlement has expanded dangerously close to active railway infrastructure, including Harbor Line tracks and overhead electric equipment (OHE) masts. Many multi-storey slum structures had reportedly risen above the height of nearby footbridges, raising safety concerns for train operations and future railway expansion.What caused the destruction?According to railway officials, the proceedings under the Public Premises Act had started before 2017, and eviction orders were issued on November 27, 2017. The case then remained tied up in litigation before the Bombay High Court and later the Supreme Court of India.The Bombay High Court order passed on April 29 this year was later upheld in further proceedings and not stayed by the Supreme Court, allowing authorities to remove unauthorized encroachments while protecting structures found eligible through the joint survey process.Western Railways said around 500 huts were identified for demolition, while around 100 structures deemed eligible for rehabilitation or alternative housing were left untouched.Railway expansion plan is behind the approvalThe reclaimed land is expected to be used for expansion of major railway infrastructure around Bandra station. Western Railways is planning integrated development for both suburban and long distance train operations as part of Mumbai’s future capacity addition projects.Officials said the land around Bandra station is strategically important due to its proximity to the railway corridor and the nearby Bandra-Kurla Complex business district. Authorities have long viewed dense settlement as both a security threat and an obstacle to planned infrastructure integration.large scale deployment for operationThe demolition operation began with heavy security deployment. Authorities deployed around 400 police personnel, 400 GRP and RPF personnel and around 200 railway officials and staff in the area.To maintain law and order, several access points into Garib Nagar were sealed, including:

Barricades were put up on the roads around Bandra station and Bandra Terminus, causing severe traffic jams and many railway passengers were forced to walk with luggage after vehicles were diverted.Violence flares up the next dayThe demolition action initially took place peacefully on Wednesday morning, but tension escalated around 3 pm when officials moved in to demolish an allegedly illegal prayer structure near the Bandra East Skywalk. Officials also claimed that a private telecom tower was installed there illegally.Police said the protesters threw stones, utensils and other objects at the demolition teams, leading to a lathi charge. Seven policemen and six protesters were injured, while 10 people were detained.An FIR was lodged at Nirmal Nagar police station on charges of unlawful assembly, rioting and attacking government officials. The injured were treated at Bhabha Hospital and VN Desai Hospital. Two injured persons – a policeman and a protestor – were admitted and said to be stable.Additional Police Commissioner Abhinav Deshmukh warned of strict legal action against those involved in the violence.

Residents allege lack of rehabilitationMany residents claimed that they have been living in Garib Nagar for decades and have civic documents such as house tax papers, water tax receipts and authorized electricity connections issued by the BMC.The families alleged that they were either given very little time to vacate or no arrangements were made for proper rehabilitation before the demolition. As bulldozers moved through the area, many residents – including children, senior citizens and newborns – were seen sitting outside near salvaged items in the scorching heat.Many residents also expressed anger that the demolition occurred just days before Eid celebrations on May 27. Locals said preparations for the festival were underway when the operation began.Some residents argued that earlier political leaders had assured the settlement of safety and said the government should provide compensation or alternative housing before carrying out demolition.By the end of the second day, officials said that about 60% of the demolition work had been completed. Western Railway has indicated that operations will continue till May 23 amid tight security arrangements.

Amid rising tensions between Washington and Havana, the American aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its strike group have entered the Caribbean Sea.The deployment comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Cuba and hinted at possible action against the island nation.The carrier strike group includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing 17 equipped with F/A-18E Super Hornets, EA-18G Growlers and C-2A Greyhounds, as well as the destroyer USS Gridley and the replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent.US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), which oversees US military operations in the Caribbean and Latin America, confirmed the deployment on Wednesday.In a post on X, SOUTHCOM said, “USS Nimitz has proven its combat capability around the world, ensuring stability and protecting democracy from the Taiwan Strait to the Arabian Gulf.”

Trump’s comment after this indictment of raul castro

The deployment comes soon after the US Justice Department formally charged former Cuban President Raul Castro in the 1996 downing of two civilian airliners operated by the exiled group Brothers to the Rescue.Trump said the administration has Cuba “on our minds” following the indictment. “This is very important,” he said, adding that it was “a huge moment” for Cuban Americans and people seeking to reunite with families in Cuba.The indictment accuses Castro of ordering the downing of two unarmed civilian airliners over international waters in 1996, killing four people. Charges include murder and destroying an aircraft.“For nearly 30 years, the families of four murdered Americans have waited for justice,” Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanch said in Miami.

America’s pressure on Cuba increased

The Trump administration has steadily increased pressure on Havana in recent months through sanctions, diplomatic pressure and warnings of possible action.US authorities recently captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, further raising concerns in Cuba.CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials in Havana last week and warned that the window for negotiations “will not remain open indefinitely.”U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is Cuban-American, also issued a Spanish-language message supporting the U.S. fuel blockade of Cuba, while blaming the communist government for repeated blackouts and economic hardship.

Cuba is facing deep economic crisis

Cuba is facing serious economic problems such as fuel shortages, food shortages and widespread blackouts. However, Trump attempted to downplay fears of a direct military escalation.“There will be no escalation. I don’t think it’s needed. Look, the place is falling apart. It’s a mess and they’ve kind of lost control,” Trump said.USS Nimitz, commissioned in 1975, recently participated in joint naval exercises with the Brazilian Navy in Rio de Janeiro before entering the Caribbean region.

Heatwave alert for Delhi, UP, Punjab, Haryana and others: What to expect in the next 5 days (Image credit: ANI)

Heat wave conditions continue across large parts of India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of severe temperatures in several states.In its press release dated May 20, the IMD said, “Heat to severe heat wave conditions are likely to persist over northwest and central India during the week and over eastern India during the next 5 days.“Temperature recorded at 48°C in Banda, Uttar PradeshAccording to the Meteorological Center in Lucknow, Banda district of Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest temperature in the state at 48 degrees Celsius on Wednesday. Officials said that the temperature is 4.5 degrees above normal.Also read: Delhi, UP, Rajasthan, Punjab and other states are in the grip of heat wave – what is the reason for the rise in temperature?The weather department has issued a yellow alert in the state for the next three days, followed by an orange alert as the temperatures are likely to remain extremely high.The temperature in Delhi is likely to reach 46 degrees Celsius todayThere is a possibility of severe heat in the national capital for the next several days.According to the IMD forecast, the maximum temperature in Delhi may reach 46 degrees Celsius on May 21 and 22, while the temperature is likely to remain between 44 to 45 degrees Celsius between May 23 and 26.Punjab, Haryana are in the grip of extreme heatAccording to PTI report, Punjab and Haryana also remained in the grip of heat wave on Wednesday with the temperature crossing 46 degrees Celsius in Rohtak and Bathinda.Chandigarh also recorded a maximum temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius as scorching conditions prevailed across the region.Also read: Daily fight in Bhatti city: Workers face relentless heat in Delhi-NCRHowever, hilly areas like Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are experiencing scattered rain and thundershowers.What to expect in the next 5 days?A warning of heat wave, hot and humid weather and hot night conditions has been issued by IMD for the next 5 days in these areas.24-26 May: There is a possibility of severe heat wave in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.20-26 May: There is a possibility of heat wave to severe heat wave in some parts of Western Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.20-24 May: There is a possibility of heat wave in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana and Coastal Andhra Pradesh and Yanam.20-24 May: Hot night conditions may persist over Odisha; Uttar Pradesh is likely to witness it on May 21-22.20-24 May: Hot and humid weather is expected over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Gangetic West Bengal and Odisha.Also read: Delhi gripped by heat wave, temperature reaches 46.5 degrees Celsius on Ridge; Orange alert extended till May 26 across NCRHealth advisory for alert areasred alert area– Extreme care has been advised for vulnerable people as the IMD says people of all ages have a very high chance of developing heat illness and heat stroke.orange alert area– The weather agency advises people to drink enough water, use ORS and home-made drinks like lassi, buttermilk and lemonade to stay hydrated.yellow alert area– Vulnerable groups have been advised to avoid heat exposure, wear loose cotton clothes and cover their heads when going out.

Shanghai Diamond League: Parul misses out on breaking women’s 3000m steeplechase record (Credits: ANI)

New Delhi: India’s leading steeplechaser Parul Chaudhary has set its sights on another upcoming inspirational campaign asian games In Japan, the 31-year-old is aiming not only for a podium finish but also to rewrite her national record in the women’s 3,000m steeplechase.Parul emerged as one of India’s standout performers at the last Asiad in Hangzhou, where she won a gold medal in the women’s 5,000m followed by a silver in the 3,000m steeplechase. The remarkable double podium finish established him as the country’s leading steeplechase athlete. She also became the first Indian woman to clock under nine minutes in a 3,000 meters event. The Meerut-born sprinter has started her new season in impressive fashion. Competing against a strong field at the Shanghai Diamond League in Shaoxing, China, Parul finished seventh in the 3,000 meters steeplechase with a time of 9:12.84. The effort left her just 0.38 seconds shy of her own national record of 9:12.46, which she set when she won a silver medal at the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi last year.Parul said, “I am happy to have made a strong start to my season. The first race was as per my expectations. I will try to improve my timing in future competitions.” “I am aiming to break my own national record. I was very close to doing so in Shanghai and I am confident of achieving this feat. My aim is to win gold medals in both the 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m races at the Asiad.”His time at the DL meet helped him easily achieve the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) qualifying standard for the Aichi-Nagoya Asiad. She has already secured qualification for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.Parul said qualifying early will help her prepare better for the major competitions ahead. “I plan to compete in some good events, which will give me more experience in both continental multisport events,” she said.Despite expecting tough competition from leading African runners in the CWG, Parul is confident. “I have raced against them in DL events and the World Championships. They are strong competitors, but my preparation is no less,” he said.Parul, who is currently training at Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS) in Bellary under coach Dr Kalyan Chaudhary, stressed the importance of fitness and injury prevention. “I rely on endurance work and scientific methods of training. The most important aspect is to stay injury-free this season,” she said.

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a tough phone call on Tuesday over efforts to revive diplomacy with Iran, with US media reports indicating differences of opinion over whether to pursue talks or return to military action.According to Axios, Trump and Netanyahu discussed a revised peace proposal drafted by Qatar and Pakistan, with the support of other regional mediators, aimed at bridging the gap between Washington and Tehran.A source cited by Axios described Netanyahu’s reaction after the call, saying that his “hair was on fire”.Trump has continued to publicly express hope that a deal can still be reached with Iran, while warning that military strikes remain an option if talks fail.“Either we’re going to make a deal or we’re going to do some things that are a little worse,” Trump said Wednesday.Later, he said that talks were “on the borderline” between an agreement and renewed conflict.Also read: Donald Trump warns Iran of ‘bad’ US action as talks reach ‘final stage’

Netanyahu emphasizes tough military approach

Reportedly, Netanyahu is deeply skeptical about talks and wants Israel and the US to resume military operations against Iran in order to further weaken Tehran’s military and strategic infrastructure.According to CNN, Netanyahu told Trump during the hour-long call that delaying planned strikes against Iran was a mistake and argued for continued military action. The Israeli leadership is increasingly frustrated with Iran’s diplomatic “foot-dragging,” the report said.Trump had previously informed Netanyahu that the US was likely to proceed with targeted strikes on Iran under a proposed operation dubbed “Operation Sledgehammer”. However, within a day, Trump halted the strikes following requests from Gulf allies including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.Trump informed Netanyahu during Tuesday’s call that mediators were working on a “letter of intent” that the U.S. and Iran could sign to formally end the war and begin a 30-day negotiation process to end Iran’s nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

New mediation efforts underway

According to Axios, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt have been actively refining a new draft resolution in recent days. Qatar reportedly sent a delegation to Tehran for talks with Iranian officials earlier this week.Iran confirmed it was reviewing the updated proposal. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei said Tehran had “received the US side’s views” and was examining them.Also read: US envoy Sergio Gore hints at ‘big things’ in India-US nuclear energy partnershipIran continues to demand the release of frozen assets and an end to US “piracy” against Iranian shipping.Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian emphasized diplomacy in a statement, saying, “Iran has consistently honored its commitments and explored every avenue to avoid war; all avenues are open from our side.”

Trump warned that the window for diplomacy may be closed

Despite ongoing talks, Trump has repeatedly warned that the window for diplomacy may soon close.“It’s absolutely borderline, believe me,” Trump said. “If we don’t get the right answers, it happens very quickly. We are all ready to go.”Trump also said Netanyahu would ultimately follow Washington’s lead on Iran. “Netanyahu will do what I want him to do,” he said.Meanwhile, Israel’s military leadership has maintained a high level of readiness. Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir said the army was “ready for any development”.The diplomatic efforts come after an April 8 ceasefire halting open fighting between Iran, the US and Israel, although tensions are still high and the Strait of Hormuz is facing major disruptions affecting global energy markets.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN calls for protection of civilians during conflict

New York: India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harish Parvatneni said that protecting civilians, including in conflict situations, is a central element of maintaining international peace and security.Parvataneni, speaking at the annual UNSC Open Debate on the topic “Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict”, congratulated China on assuming the presidency of the UNSC for this month.He said, “We congratulate China on assuming the presidency of the UNSC for this month and also welcome the convening of this annual open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. We thank the Secretary-General for his report and the briefers for their insightful comments this morning.”Parvataneni said a decline in recorded civilian deaths was seen in 2025 after three years of continuous increase.“India reaffirms its strong commitment to the UN Charter and emphasizes that protecting civilians at all times, including in conflict situations, is a central element of maintaining international peace and security. In 2025, civilian deaths recorded in twenty armed conflicts exceeded 37,000. Although this is the first decline after three years of continuous increase, the numbers are still high. Continued civilian casualties, displacement, destruction of critical infrastructure and loss of hospitals, schools, medical personnel and “Attacks against humanitarian workers remain extremely worrying.” Said.Parvataneni said India calls for zero tolerance for loss of civilian lives.“India calls for zero tolerance for loss of civilian life. Parties to armed conflict must ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access while respecting international humanitarian law.” Even a decade after the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2286, repeated attacks on civilian facilities and humanitarian workers reflect a serious decline in respect for international humanitarian law. India reiterates that medical personnel and humanitarian workers must be protected at all times.”Parvataneni said the growing trend of using drones to deploy explosive weapons in urban areas is particularly worrying.“As the UNSG report notes, the use of missiles, bombs and other explosive weapons in cities and populated areas remains a leading cause of civilian damage. The growing trend of using drones to deploy explosive weapons in urban areas is particularly worrying. The use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, by parties to conflict must be consistent with international law and humanitarian principles. Safeguards must be taken to prevent misuse and unexpected harm to citizens. The protection of civilians cannot be achieved through humanitarian responses alone. The targeted use of violence against civilians to achieve political objectives, including terrorism, must be comprehensively addressed,” he said.Parvataneni also condemned cross-border terrorism and highlighted that India has been a victim of such terrorism for decades.“India is deeply concerned about the persistent threat posed by cross-border terrorism, which is undermining the basic principles of regional peace, stability and international security. India has been a victim of this form of terrorism for decades. States that sponsor, harbor or support terrorism must be held accountable. India has consistently stressed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains one of the most serious threats to civilians worldwide. No cause or grievance can justify deliberate attacks against civilians,” he said.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is the latest entry in the beloved gaming franchise, and it’s expected to be one of the finest releases in years. The new title is essentially set to bring the Dark Knight’s iconic Gotham City to life in his signature brick-built style. Early access to the title has already been made available to eligible players, and the global launch is just around the corner. Here’s everything you need to know about when LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight will go live in your region.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight release date and time for all regions

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is already available in Early Access, starting on May 19, 2026. This gives players who have purchased the premium editions a three-day head start before the worldwide launch. Meanwhile, the full release for all players will take place on May 22, 2026, with console players able to join in at exactly 12:00 a.m. local time on May 22, regardless of region.Speaking of PC players, the game will launch on May 22 at 10am PT. Here are the full regional details based on the confirmed schedule:of America

Europe and UTC

Asia

oceania

It’s worth noting that console players have a slight advantage, as the 12:00 AM console unlock means players in Australia and New Zealand on console will be able to play several hours before the PC launch in their region.

What to expect from LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is arguably the most content-rich entry in the Lego game series. It features a roster of iconic DC characters as well as a massive open-world Gotham City. The game also features amazing humor and engaging gameplay, which keeps players engaged with the title. With Early Access already underway and full launch just around the corner, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is expected to be a massive success.That’s all you needed to know about the release date and time of LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight.

A 29-year-old Indian professional working in the US has described the stress of repeated H-1B lottery failures as a “permanent subscription” in a viral Reddit post cited by American Bazaar.The user said he moved to the US for a master’s degree, which he called “one of the worst job markets ever.” He completed his course in about 1.5 years, supported himself through campus work and later secured a full-time role in a top bank while working under Optional Practical Training (OPT).He said that he initially took an education loan of around $40,000, which he later fully repaid and gradually saved around $100,000. However, despite financial stability and a steady job, he said uncertainty over his immigration status dominated his life.“Sounds great on paper… but Visa concerns are basically a permanent subscription at this point,” wrote a Reddit user.After three unsuccessful attempts in the H-1B lottery, he said the emotional stress became difficult to manage.“At this point I believe my name is not in the simulation,” he said.He added: “Mentally it’s exhausting after doing everything ‘right’ and still having your future decided by a random draw.”The user said he may now consider internal transfer back to India, where he can earn around Rs 30,00,000 (or $35,300) per year in his home city. He said the idea of ​​returning also came with the appeal of being closer to family and not having to constantly track immigration updates.“Finally living a life where I don’t look at ‘H1B news’ like stock market earnings,” he wrote. He further wrote, “Yes too… marriage pressure has officially entered the chat.”The post sparked discussion among other Indian professionals in similar situations, many of whom shared their experiences of fatigue, uncertainty and plans to return to India after years in the US.He said that he has achieved what many consider professional success, but still struggles with constant stress.“My stats: I got my masters, survived the dumpster-fire job market, and worked my way up to a lead manufacturing engineer role at a startup. On paper, it’s the dream – lead title, 100% debt-free, and a solid USD nest egg. But like you said, visa worries are a background noise that never stops.He said that the possibility of returning to India has already brought some relief.“Just booking the flight has started bringing ‘relief’.”This comes as hundreds of applicants are facing delays in their H-1B visa processing due to higher petition volumes, requests for evidence (RFE), stricter USCIS scrutiny of particular businesses, and additional security and background checks under the Trump administration.

As part of an anti-India espionage network, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday arrested a Kolkata man for passing on classified security information to Pakistan Intelligence Officers (PIOs).The official NIA India account shared the details of the arrest onAccording to the agency, the accused has been booked under various sections of the Indian Justice Code (BNS), Official Secrets Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. [UA(P)A].“A look out circular was issued against him and proceedings to declare him a Proclaimed Offender (PO) were also underway when he was detained,” the NIA said in its press release.The agency further revealed during its investigation that the accused was married to a Pakistani national and was frequently traveling between India and Pakistan since 2005.“During one such visit, he was contacted and groomed by the PIO to carry out espionage activities in India in exchange for financial inducement and promise of Pakistani citizenship,” the release said.NIA exposed alleged spying networkAccording to the NIA, the accused allegedly helped espionage and terrorist operatives by sharing one-time passwords (OTPs) linked to Indian Telecom mobile numbers with a PIO to activate WhatsApp accounts.The agency claimed that these accounts were later used by the alleged PIO to secretly communicate with Motiram Jat, another accused in the case, who was allegedly involved in passing on sensitive security related information.investigation is ongoingThe NIA said investigation is underway to identify other persons linked to the espionage racket and uncover the larger conspiracy behind the operation.The arrest comes amid a massive crackdown by the agency in states including West Bengal, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to dismantle the alleged cross-border intelligence network.