Chas Corrigan (killer) and Mohammed Algasim (victim)

A construction worker who stabbed a young Saudi student to death in an unprovoked attack in Cambridge, England, has been jailed for more than 22 years, the Daily Mail reports.Chas Corrigan, 22, was jailed for life with a minimum of 22-and-a-half years after being convicted of murdering 20-year-old Mohammed Algassim during a violent confrontation near the city center on August 1 last year.Algasim was attending an English language program in Cambridge and was spending his third summer in the city. He died after being hit on the neck with a large kitchen knife.Sentencing, Justice Dexter Dias Casey described the attack as an act of “senseless violence” fueled by alcohol, cocaine and anger.The judge said, “Probably no one will ever understand why Chas Corrigan did what he did.”He added, “It was virtually senseless violence. It was fueled by alcohol and cocaine and anger.” It was a lethal combination. Mohammed Algasim was an innocent member of the public. Most of his life was ahead of him. “That was taken away from him and it was taken away from his family.”Corrigan approached Algasim while he was sitting outside student housing with friends. The pair exchanged words and Corrigan initially walked away. However, after hearing another comment, which also included the word “center”, he turned back and confronted the student.Corrigan became aggressive, repeatedly demanding, “What did you say? What did you say?”As Algasim stood up with the mobile phone, Corrigan stabbed him in the neck before fleeing the scene.CCTV footage shown during the trial captured the moments after the attack, with the injured student running away in panic while Corrigan walked away before eventually running away.Friends attempted to save Algasim by following the 999 operator’s instructions and applying pressure to the wound. However, he collapsed and died the next morning.The post-mortem examination found that he had suffered a wound 4.5 inches deep, which had severed a major artery in his neck.Corrigan denied murder and claimed he acted in self-defense. She told jurors that she thought Algasim was going to “hurt me” and insisted that she did not realize he had attacked her with a knife.He said during the trial, “I didn’t think I’d hit him. I just thought I’d swing him. He was one step away and I thought I’d swing him between us.”He also claimed that he kept the knife for protection as he had been attacked before.However, prosecutors argued that Algasim posed no threat.Prosecutor Nicholas Hearn told the court, “Mr Algasim posed no threat to anyone. The defendant was the aggressor here.”It took jurors just two hours to convict Corrigan in March.Corrigan had drank large amounts of alcohol and taken cocaine before the attack. He admitted to drinking several alcoholic beverages and using cocaine twice that evening.Mohammed’s father Youssef Algassim described the devastating loss of his son.He said, “I prepared him for life, not death.”“Instead of looking at his accomplishments, I was faced with the unbearable reality of receiving his lifeless body.”He said Mohammed’s mother was devastated by the tragedy.“She is living as if she has no soul, holding on only to the memories of her laughter, her presence in our home, and her voice.”After the murder, Corrigan threw away the knife and his high-visibility jacket as he fled. His father, Peter Corrigan, later admitted assisting a criminal after helping to recover and dispose of evidence linked to the crime.The 51-year-old was sentenced to 24 months in prison.

New Delhi: Amid ongoing Indian efforts to diversify its oil supply, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Venezuela’s acting President Delsey Rodriguez and discussed ways to deepen energy partnership.The Latin American country, which tops the list of countries with the largest proven oil reserves, has emerged as one of the top crude oil suppliers to India in recent weeks.Although no agreement was signed, both sides focused on securing long-term energy contracts, citing “full complementarity” in the energy sector. In a post on Twitter, the PM said they held wide-ranging discussions on enhancing cooperation not only in energy but also in critical minerals, technology, agriculture, health and people-to-people ties.As India looks to diversify, Venezuela leads the way: Great opportunities existAs a valued partner in Latin America, our close cooperation with Venezuela is of vital importance to the Global South. We will continue to work together for the mutual benefit of the people of our nations,” the PM said.After effectively taking control of Venezuela’s oil industry, the US had put pressure on India to resume purchases from the country. India was one of the largest importers of Venezuelan crude in 2020 when it halted purchases due to US sanctions.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, ahead of his visit to India last month, had first announced that Rodriguez would visit India soon. According to officials, Rodriguez’s message was that Venezuela is open for business, and there are great opportunities for India as it looks to diversify its supplies at a time when the Strait of Hormuz is under siege from the US-Iran conflict.“Venezuela sees India as a stable demand for many years to come. Therefore, there is a complete complementarity both upstream and downstream to work in the energy sector,” said Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, adding that Venezuela has already emerged as the third largest supplier to India in terms of spot purchases this month.The discussions also focused on enhancing cooperation in sectors such as mining, agriculture, critical minerals and pharmaceuticals. Asked whether payment for the crude would be made directly to the US or Venezuelan government, the official said the actual work would be done by commercial entities in both the public and private sectors.“All of these companies operate on a global scale in global markets. Therefore, they have to consider the existing payment methods that will be adopted when carrying out economic activity in Venezuela,” Tandon said.On details of the energy partnership the two sides are considering, the official said oil exporters realize the importance of India as a stable and long-term buyer. “Therefore, it is in their interest to enter into long-term contracts rather than making spot purchases. We hope that at some stage, we will move to long-term secure supplies from all our suppliers,” the official said. He said the Indian refining industry is well equipped to handle Venezuela’s “hard” crude.The Ministry of External Affairs said that during her five-day working visit to India, Delsey Rodriguez will visit several sites related to the energy, pharmaceuticals and auto sectors to gain knowledge about India’s technological and industrial capabilities and explore opportunities for cooperation.

YouTuber and filmmaker Jesse Ridgway shared a very emotional update with his followers. He and his wife Ashley learned during their pregnancy that their unborn child had trisomy 21, or Down syndrome. This information changed his plans and left him deeply saddened. Jessie explained it all in a post on X, letting everyone know how much this decision has hurt her.Jessie said in her message that this decision was not easy at all and was taken after much deliberation. He thanked fans for supporting him during this painful time. She also shared that many people sent personal stories and kind messages, which helped her feel less alone. Although the situation is very emotional, they said they are trying to stay strong together as a family.

YouTuber Jesse Ridgway opens up about emotional decisions after fetal Down syndrome diagnosis

Jesse Ridgway wrote that he and Ashley were “devastated” After knowing about the diagnosis. He said Ashley had undergone the procedure earlier in the week and is now recovering. Jessie said, “The choice was not made lightly,” And said they appreciated the fans’ support, no matter what decision they made.When he heard this news for the first time, he also expressed his thoughts. Jessie said, “When I first encountered this news, I was shocked but optimistic.” He admitted that at first he did not fully understand what Down syndrome entailed. Later, after learning more, they realized that the medical challenges could be serious for the child and the family.He listed several health issues associated with Down syndrome, including heart problems, hearing and vision problems, learning delays and weakened immune function. He also said that many children with the condition may require full-time care throughout their lives. Jessie explained that these factors made it even more difficult for her to cope.The YouTuber also shared concerns about the risks during pregnancy, saying there was a possibility of miscarriage and also potential health risks for Ashley. For all these reasons, the couple decided to move forward with the difficult medical option.Jesse said that although some people may feel upset or disappointed by his decision, he felt it was the right one for his family. “Thankfully, we had a choice,” he wrote, reflecting on how complex and painful the experience has been.He ended his message by saying that it would take time for him to recover emotionally. However, he also shared hope for the future and said that he would like to try again when the time is right. The couple is now focusing on recovery and supporting each other during this difficult moment.

New Delhi: Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday rejected the notion that minorities are being discriminated against, saying the story is nothing but propaganda and a “malicious campaign aimed at maligning the image of India” by some forces inside and outside the country.He also attacked the opposition parties to strengthen this perception by attacking the government. “Sometimes people say that minorities are not getting justice in India, they allege that there is a conspiracy against minorities and they are not safe. The reality is that there is no injustice being done to any minority community,” Rijiju said while addressing an event organized by the Ministry of Minority Affairs to mark the reforms undertaken during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who completes 12 years in office on June 9.He said that some people resort to propaganda from outside the country because they are jealous of the development taking place in India. Rijiju said, “They want to weaken the country by resorting to propaganda to divide the people.”Sharing data on the schemes at an event titled ‘Sudhaar Utsav’, Minority Affairs Secretary Shrivatsa Krishna said that in 2014, the ministry’s budget was Rs 1,949 crore, “today it is Rs 4,115 crore, doubled in the last 10 years and an increase of 111%, yet we are facing this criticism which I think is unfair and wrong”.“Meanwhile, June 6 will mark one year since the government launched a central portal under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on which it was mandatory to register all waqf properties within six months. However, several state waqf boards have secured extensions from tribunals under the amended law, which allows extension of up to six months for uploading property details,” Krishna said.According to the ministry, the process of uploading details of 4.96 lakh Waqf properties on the Umeed Central Portal-2025 has been completed, while the process of uploading about 2.45 lakh properties is at various stages.The ministry said that so far details of about 55% Waqf properties have been uploaded on the portal. It said efforts are underway in coordination with state Waqf boards to ensure that the remaining people are able to upload their details, as many do not have complete and required documents.

Rumesh Tharanga Pathiraj stunned the javelin throw world with a throw of 92.62m at the Rome Diamond League on Thursday and announced a new order in the sport. The 23-year-old Sri Lankan became the fourth Asian to cross the magic mark of 90m in men’s javelin throw, joining Chinese Taipei’s Cheng Chao-tsun (91.36m), Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem (92.97m) and India’s Neeraj Chopra (90.23m) in rare company.

His throw is the 21st best in the history of the event – the list is topped by Jan Zelezny, once Neeraj’s coach, who threw 98.48m in 1996.

Where Rumesh’s 92.62M throw stands

• A new Sri Lankan national record
• World-leading throw in men’s javelin throw 2026
• Rome Diamond League meet record
• Second best throw by an Asian in history
• 21st best throw in men’s javelin throw history

Rumesh reached Rome quickly. He had set a world-leading mark of 89.37 meters in Diyagama in March, and came very close to the 90 meters barrier at the Champions Track and Field event at the same venue. In Rome, against a strong ten-member field lacking both Arshad and Neeraj, he set the meet record in his second attempt. Four fouls followed, but none of the other nine throwers could reach 85 metres. Former world champion Anderson Peters finished second with 83.89 metres. India’s Sachin Yadav, who finished fourth at the World Championships in Tokyo last year, had a tough Diamond League debut as he cleared 79.18m, well short of his personal best of 86.27m.

Who is Rumesh Pathiraj?

Throwing was probably in his blood, but like most Sri Lankan teenagers, Rumesh first fell in love with cricket. At under-18 level, he was already bowling at 134 kilometers per hour – light, raw and competitive.

In a nationwide fast bowling talent hunt, which once identified future Sri Lankan international Ehsan Malinga, Rumesh finished second fastest in his category. In his only competitive appearance for St. Peter’s College, Colombo, he took five wickets and scored a half-century in the same match.

He chose a different runway. “There is political involvement in cricket, there is tough competition,” he said. “Cricket is a team sport. It takes more than just talent to make the national team. But in javelin throw, if I have the talent, I will be recognised.”

He started throwing in 2017 under the guidance of his father, who is a discus and shot-put athlete. His first javelin throw was 30 meters. Within two months, he was at 63 metres.

The climb has been steady and purposeful. He threw 85.45 meters at the 2024 Asian Throwing Championships in Mokpo. In early 2025, he finished third at the Neeraj Chopra Classic in Bengaluru with 84.34m – standing on the same podium as his childhood idol, former Olympic champion Thomas Rahler. A month later, he threw 86.50m in Bhubaneswar to break the Sri Lankan national record and qualify directly for the World Championships in Tokyo, where he finished sixth with 84.38m, above the injured Neeraj.

Neeraj has been more than a rival. It was this man who invited Rumesh to Bengaluru, inspired him to throw himself forward, and – seeing the young man hesitating in front of the camera – offered cool advice: “Speak in English as much as you can. I learned it that way. You will be on many more forums, so speak without fear.”

That prophecy is quite old. Rumesh flew the javelin and rewrote Asian history in Rome on Thursday.

– ends

CM Yogi on Thursday reviewed the progress of various projects of the state tourism department.

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath On Thursday directed officials to look at tourism as an engine of economic growth and job creation rather than merely an infrastructure creation exercise.While presiding over the review meeting of the Tourism Department, Yogi approved major amendments in the state’s Tourism Policy-2022.He also reviewed a series of heritage, cultural and spiritual tourism projects.Yogi said that UP’s tourism strategy should be linked to cultural renaissance, local enterprise and global recognition.“Tourism has the potential to provide a new impetus to the cultural economy of the state by creating opportunities for local products, handicrafts, traditional arts, cuisine, culture and service sector,” the CM said.Officials said new concepts like ‘tradition’ heritage experience centres, agri-tourism and vineyard tourism will be included in the policy framework. There was also discussion on developing Neem Karoli Baba Circuit and Bundelkhand Fort Circuit as new tourist destinations.Yogi said the revised policy should focus on attracting investment, generating employment and providing unique experiences to visitors. He stressed that tourism should directly contribute to local economies by strengthening development Uttar PradeshCultural identity of.The meeting also reviewed the progress under the Gyan Bharatam Mission, which aims to preserve India’s knowledge heritage through conservation and digitization of ancient manuscripts.Officials told the CM that more than 13.7 lakh manuscripts have been surveyed, digitized or preserved so far. Yogi said that preservation of manuscripts is not just an archival exercise but an effort to connect future generations with the roots of India’s civilization.The CM also reviewed the newly constructed Naval Shaurya Vatika in Lucknow and the under-construction INS Gomti Shaurya Museum.Officials said the museum will showcase the history of the Indian Navy, maritime traditions and the journey of INS Gomti through interactive galleries, simulators and experiential exhibits. Yogi directed that this facility should be managed by Lucknow Development Authority.Yogi also reviewed the work of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Museum in Agra and directed officials to highlight Shivaji’s visit to Agra, his role in the establishment of Swarajya and the historical ties between the Maratha Empire and Uttar Pradesh.He said that Ahilyabai Holkar’s contribution in the restoration of Kashi Vishwanath Temple and conservation of pilgrimage sites should also be prominently displayed.Reviewing the comprehensive development plan of Naimisharanya, the CM described it as a vibrant center of Vedic knowledge, spiritual practice and cultural heritage. He directed the officials to carry forward the development works in mission mode while maintaining a balance between religious faith, environmental protection and modern facilities.The proposed master plan includes a Veda Vigyan Centre, welfare facilities, riverfront development, pilgrim facilities and an interpretation center designed to showcase the heritage of Naimisharanya through immersive technologies.The integrated master plan for Mirzapur-Vindhyachal region was also reviewed in the meeting. Yogi directed the officials to prepare for the demand of pilgrims in future and comprehensively develop the Trikon Parikrama area.He also called for an attractive presentation of the mythological story of Mata Sati near Vindhyavasini Shakti Peeth and asked the officials to explore private sector participation for the project.The CM reviewed the conservation and enhancement works at the ancient Somnath temple in Chitrakoot and stressed that heritage sites should be preserved without compromising their historical authenticity and architectural character.The CM said that the spiritual, historical and cultural assets of Uttar Pradesh should be developed in such a way that the experience of visitors is enhanced while maintaining their authenticity. He directed the officials to adopt an integrated approach combining infrastructure development, heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and local community participation.Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, Chief Secretary SP Goyal, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism Amrit Abhijat and senior officials of the Tourism Department and related agencies were present in the review meeting.