Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge

New Delhi: As a Congress leader DK Shivakumar The party president is preparing to take oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3. Mallikarjun Kharge Sunday said she was still looking for the right person to replace her as the next Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president.Speaking to reporters at Kalaburagi airport, Kharge said the party is carefully considering its options and is looking for a leader who can strengthen the organization before the next assembly elections.Kharge said, “Naturally, after these people leave, someone else has to come. We are all searching. We have to look at good people and look at the combination and do it with a view to taking the party forward.”Elaborating on the qualities the party is looking for, he said the next state president should be able to work efficiently while keeping the organization united.He said, “Since now we have only 24 months, we have to find a leader who will work very fast and who will be collective and take everyone along. There should also be people who will support him. It is only after considering all this that we are doing this.”

Cabinet composition has not been finalized yet

Kharge also said that discussions on the composition of the new Karnataka Cabinet are still ongoing and no final proposal has been received regarding the number of ministers or deputy chief ministers.His comments come amid speculations over the composition of the new government after Shivakumar was unanimously elected leader of the Congress Legislature Party following the resignation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.“We will have to wait and see, no proposal has come yet. Once the proposal comes, how many ministers should be made, how many DCMs should be made, or if important, the Speaker should also be made along with it…” All these discussions have taken place. This will be known after June 3,” Kharge said.He also indicated that cabinet expansion may happen in phases.He said, “The proposal has not come yet. The idea is to take the remaining cabinet members in the next 15 days or a month. But what the Chief Minister thinks is not known yet.”Kharge’s comments come a day after DK Shivakumar formally informed Thaawarchand Gehlot of his unanimous election as CLP leader.The Governor accepted Siddaramaiah’s resignation and asked him to continue in office till the new government is sworn in.The swearing-in ceremony of the new government of Karnataka is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on June 3.(With inputs from ANI)

RCB’s Josh Hazlewood (Image: X)

As Royal Challengers Bangalore prepare to face Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, they will take confidence from Josh Hazlewood, a player who has made a habit of performing well on the biggest stage.The defending champions are aiming to win back-to-back IPL titles, a feat achieved only by Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Standing in their way is a strong Gujarat Titans side led by Shubman Gill, but RCB will be relieved by the presence of Hazlewood, whose record in T20 finals is nothing short of remarkable.

The man who never lost a final

Hazlewood enters the IPL 2026 final with a perfect record in the T20 title decider. The Australian fast bowler has played in five major T20 tournament finals in international and franchise cricket and has emerged victorious in all five. What’s even more impressive is that he has never gone wicketless in a T20 final.In those five title matches, Hazlewood has taken 10 wickets at an average of 13.9 and an economy rate of 7.1, proving his ability to thrive under sustained pressure. Hazlewood’s first major T20 final success came while representing Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2021 final. Facing Kolkata Knight Riders, the Australian returned figures of 2/29 in four overs, removing Sunil Narine and Nitish Rana at crucial moments. His disciplined spell helped CSK stop KKR from chasing the target and win by 27 runs. This was the first IPL trophy of Hazlewood’s career and the beginning of a remarkable finals streak.Perhaps the best performance of Hazlewood’s career came during the 2021 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. On the batting-friendly Dubai surface, Hazlewood produced a masterclass in fast bowling, finishing with figures of 3/16 from four overs. He dismissed Glenn Phillips and, most importantly, Kane Williamson, who looked set to take the game away from Australia with a blistering 85. Australia eventually chased down the target to win their first T20 World Cup title, with Hazlewood playing a central role in the victory.

RCB gets a historic title

Four years later, Hazlewood once again demonstrated his ability to perform when the stakes were greatest. In the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings, the Australian fast bowler took two wickets and was tasked with defending 29 runs in the final over of the match. Despite facing the dangerous Shashank Singh at the crease, Hazlewood maintained his composure and closed out the game, helping RCB secure their first IPL title after a wait of 18 years.Hazlewood’s finals success extends beyond the IPL and international cricket. The fast bowler was also a part of the title-winning campaign with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. A mixed IPL 2026 campaignDespite his impressive finals record, Hazlewood’s IPL 2026 season has not been entirely easy. The right-arm fast bowler has taken 13 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 35.15 and an economy rate of 9.62. Although those numbers are low by his usual standards, they do not fully reflect his impact.

Singer and dubbing artiste Chinmayi Sripada recently found herself at the center of an unexpected social media discussion after she reacted to a scene from the newly released film ‘Blast’.‘Action drama, starring Arjun SarjaPreethi Mukundan, and Abhirami, released in theaters on 28 May. Soon after its release, a fight sequence featuring Preeti started circulating widely online. The clip caught Chinmayi’s attention; She reshared it and posted a short response praising the scene. Although his reaction seemed harmless, it immediately sparked a huge conversation among film fans and social media users.

Fans praise the scene while Chinmayi shares her thoughts

The viral clip shows Preeti Mukundan’s character standing in front of a man who allegedly harasses her during a late night commute. The sequence received appreciation from many audiences for its strong portrayal of a woman struggling. Responding to the clip, Chinmayi expressed her appreciation by making an insightful comment and said that the scene was really impressive. Like her, fans appreciated her words and praised the actress for her presence on screen. Furthermore, cinemagoers found the scene interesting because it contained a strong message.

Social media users are raising questions regarding the viral video.

Yet, by this point the discussion took a different path. Various users expressed that the videos were taken inside a theater and were posted without the necessary authorization. This drew criticism from some sections of internet users who doubted the ethics of posting these videos on social media sites. Others also suggested that such actions may indirectly encourage piracy. Others expressed their concerns, tagging the film’s production team and even public officials. The debate quickly gained momentum, with many calling for greater awareness of how to protect theatrical releases from unauthorized recordings.

‘Mixed reactions continue’blast stays in the headlines

While some users criticized Chinmayi’s decision to repost the clip, many others came to her defence. Supporters argued that she was merely reacting to the viral post beforehand and was appreciating the performance rather than promoting piracy. Nonetheless, this series of ideas helped generate a lot of debate in the cyber world, ensuring that Chinmayi and ‘Blast’ remained in the headlines. Directed by Subhash K Raj, the film has attracted attention due to its action sequences and performances, especially the performance of Preeti Mukundan. Once again, it’s worth noting how quickly an online reaction can turn into an industry debate.

New footage circulating online shows the Russian military deploying handheld “Yolka” interceptor drone systems in combat, indicating widespread operational use of the low-cost anti-drone weapon designed to target enemy reconnaissance and FPV drones.The latest video shows a Russian soldier launching the compact interceptor from a pistol-like handheld device, before it autonomously tracks and attacks its target.The Yolka system first attracted public attention during Russia’s Victory Day military parade in May 2025, when a security officer standing near President Vladimir Putin was seen carrying a compact drone-like device, which analysts later speculated might be the Yolka system or a related variant.Video evidence of the drone’s use first surfaced in September 2024, highlighting its role as a portable “spot-and-forget” interceptor designed to counter the growing threat posed by battlefield drones.Unlike conventional interceptors, the Yolka does not carry explosive warheads. Instead, it relies on direct kinetic impact to destroy or disable hostile drones, reducing the risk of collateral damage.The interceptor has a cylindrical body with two sets of X-shaped wings and is powered by four electric motors mounted on its rear. Open-source reports indicate that it uses a bi-spectral seeker that combines thermal and optical tracking with an artificial intelligence module.“Once the seeker locks onto the target, the drone transitions to autonomous flight.”The AI-assisted guidance system allows the drone to independently track targets after launch and is reported to be resistant to conventional electronic warfare jamming.According to available specifications, Yolka can attack targets at ranges of up to 3-4 kilometers and reach speeds of approximately 200-250 km/h. The interceptor reportedly weighs between 1 and 3 kg, while the entire launcher system weighs about 6 kg, allowing it to be operated by a single soldier.Open-source assessments estimate each Yolka interceptor to cost around US$500, making it a relatively inexpensive solution against increasingly common battlefield drones.The emergence of systems like Yolka reflects the growing emphasis on portable anti-drone weapons as militaries look for cost-effective ways to counter the widespread use of unmanned aerial vehicles in modern warfare.

134th episode of Mann Ki Baat (Image credit: ANI).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Many topics were discussed during the 134th episode on Sunday mind matterInspiring stories of social service, water conservation, sports achievements, summer health precautions and India’s love for mango were highlighted.The Prime Minister used the monthly radio program to encourage citizen participation, celebrate grassroots initiatives and recognize achievements in various fields.‘Recognize them‘I am doing good work for the society’Calling on people to learn from individuals who are making a positive impact, PM Modi said citizens should appreciate and support social causes.“Recognize those people who are doing good work for the society, appreciate them, learn from them and if possible, be a part of some good work yourself.”The Prime Minister said that stories of selfless service can inspire others to contribute to society and nation building.Prime Minister’s tribute to India’s mango growersWith summer in full swing, PM Modi also talked about India’s diverse mango varieties and praised the farmers involved in mango cultivation.“As soon as summer comes, another discussion starts in every house – that is about mango… Maharashtra and Konkan have Hapus, Alphonso, Gujarat’s Kesar is the soul of mangoes. UP has Dussehri and my Kashi has Langra… Mango’s journey is now reaching the global market from villages…”Praising mango growers, he said, “I would like to praise my farmer friends involved in mango cultivation. For the agricultural economy of the country, you are not an ordinary farmer but a special farmer…”Prime Minister urges caution amid heat waveAddressing the ongoing heat wave situation affecting several parts of the country, PM Modi urged citizens to exercise caution and follow official advisories.“At present, most parts of the country are in the grip of extreme heat… It is very important to take care of yourself in this season – keep drinking water, be careful while going out in the sun. Don’t forget the guidelines issued by various departments of the government…”The Prime Minister stressed the importance of staying hydrated and protecting oneself from extreme temperatures.Traditional summer drinks reflect India’s diversityPM Modi also highlighted traditional summer beverages from different regions of the country and described them as symbols of India’s cultural diversity.“You are also familiar with the traditional drink. In Northern India, you will find Aam Panna… In Punjab and Haryana, Lassi is found in large glasses, in Rajasthan and Gujarat, buttermilk becomes a part of every meal and in Bihar and Jharkhand and Eastern UP, Sattu Sharbat is unmatched as it fills the stomach and also gives energy. Kokum Sharbat, Sol Kadhi are consumed in Konkan and Goa, in Southern India you find Panakam, Neer Mor and Sambharam and Bella Panna will be found in Odisha...”“They also reflect the spirit of ‘One India, Best India’… You too will enjoy such traditional drinks in summers…”Water conservation efforts appreciatedThe Prime Minister also appreciated the efforts to restore rivers, ponds and wells across the country.“Saving and reviving a river, pond or well that holds childhood memories brings a special joy and sense of satisfaction.”He said community-led conservation efforts are helping conserve water resources while strengthening local participation.spotlight on india emerging athletesPM Modi recently congratulated athletes who set new national records and highlighted India’s growing sporting achievements.“A few days ago, the National Senior Athletics Federation competition was held in Ranchi, Jharkhand… During this, 4 national records were broken in 4 different events. Gurinderveer Singh, Vishal TK, Tejaswin Shankar, Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar created new records in different categories. I congratulate him wholeheartedly…”He also praised sprinters Gurindervir Singh and Animesh Kujur for their performance in the 100 meters race.Through stories ranging from community service and environmental conservation to agriculture and sports, the Prime Minister’s address focused on celebrating ordinary Indians who have made extraordinary contributions.The episode highlighted the themes of public participation, social responsibility, cultural pride and collective efforts towards nation building.

The men’s and women’s tournaments are scheduled to be held simultaneously at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from June 1 to 13.

As Mumbai gears up for the mega cricket carnival, star captains of the teams participating in the Nuwama Private T20 Mumbai League 2026 and the inaugural Nuwama Private T20 Mumbai Women’s League came together for a grand season launch event organized by co-sponsor 31 Labels in Mumbai, which promises to be an exciting two weeks of high-voltage cricketing action starting on June 1.The event was attended by Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) President Ajinkya Naik, League Governing Council Chairman Rajdeep Gupta, Apex Council, League Governing Council members as well as members of all 11 teams and their operators, coming together to celebrate the start of an exciting cricket season.Since its launch in 2018, the Nuwama Private T20 Mumbai League has been a launchpad for some of the most promising cricket talents, establishing itself as one of India’s premier franchise-based domestic T20 tournaments. The upcoming season will feature a host of global stars alongside emerging talents in both the men’s and women’s competitions.Mumbai Cricket Association President Ajinkya Naik said, ‘It is a matter of pride for us that the players like it Ajinkya RahaneShardul Thakur and Shreyas Iyer Represented India after playing for Mumbai and will now share the dressing room with the youngsters and share his knowledge and experience. The exposure that these young players will get by playing with such legends will be huge. Similarly, for the women players too, the opportunity to share the dressing room with established stars will be invaluable. Players like Shivam Dubey and Suryakumar Yadav performed in the first season of the league and won the T20 World Cup for India.“League Governing Council Chairman, Rajdeep Gupta said: “The main task assigned to me by the Apex Council members was to start the women’s tournament and I would like to thank the Apex Council members, Governing Council members and Chairman Mr. Ajinkya Naik for giving me a free hand and with everyone’s support, we were able to do it. I officially announce the launch of T20 Mumbai League and T20 Mumbai Women’s League.“To boost the excitement, the captains and vice-captains had an interesting conversation about their preparations and expectations ahead of the tournament. The event also featured a number of eye-catching performances, forming a fitting preparation for the 13-day tournament which is set to showcase some of the city’s finest cricketing talent.“Really happy and excited for the season. First of all, congratulations to the Mumbai Cricket Association for providing this platform to all the young cricketers. For players who have worked really hard, this is a great opportunity to express their talent and take the next step in their careers. From our point of view, it is all about going out there and playing with freedom,” North Mumbai Panthers captain Ajinkya Rahane said.“I think it’s a great opportunity for the youngsters, especially those coming into domestic cricket, to showcase their talent and skills at this level. I think it’s definitely gotten bigger and better since last season. It’s a great opportunity for the youngsters, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” SOBO Mumbai Falcons captain Shreyas Iyer commented.“I will try my best to repeat those five sixes from the first season. I can’t say that I will definitely do it, but I will definitely try my best to repeat it,” said Shivam Dubey, captain of Arcs Andheri.Eagle Thane Strikers captain Shardul Thakur said, “The talent sitting here on the podium is extraordinary. Mumbai is known for producing great batsmen over the years. I think every batsman will work hard. We know what is at stake. It is going to be a fierce battle and we are hoping for the best.”“Obviously, winning the trophy last year was a special moment for all of us. We want to do it again, but we are not too focused on the end result. I will just try to help my teammates and the youngsters perform to their potential. It is going to be a competitive league. We have to start from zero this year,” said Mumbai South Central Maratha Royals captain Siddhesh Lad.Akash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs captain Sarfaraz Khan said, “I am a little more aggressive, while Musheer is calm. But when it comes to the field, no one is your brother or friend, he will be an opponent.”Bandra Blasters captain Suved Parkar said, “I am grateful to the team management and owners for giving me the opportunity to captain the team this season. I hope they repose faith in me. The boys have been practicing really well and we will go out there, work hard and enjoy the game.”“Our team is training really well. Suryakumar Yadav is an experienced player, so the youngsters in the team will learn a lot from him. Hopefully, we will do well,” said Akhil Herwadkar, vice-captain, Triumph Knights Mumbai North East.The inaugural edition of the three-team T20 Mumbai Women’s League will add a new chapter to the history of the league as the city’s women cricketers are set to get a platform to showcase their talent.“I think we are really excited for this league, and I think every team has prepared with the aim of winning the inaugural edition. Humaira Kazi, captain of Akash Tigers Mumbai Western Suburbs, said, “It is a great opportunity for all the young girls to showcase their talent, experience playing in packed stadiums and learn a lot from the experience.SOBO Mumbai Falcons captain Sayali Satghare said, “Our main objective in the first season will be to play fearless cricket and entertain the spectators.”“The preparations have been good. There is a lot of young talent in our group and many players who have already won trophies in domestic cricket with the Mumbai senior women’s team at the Wankhede Stadium. Having been a part of that team, I know that when all the ‘Khadoos’ players from Mumbai come together on the field, the matches will be exciting,” said Thane Sky Risers captain Saima Thakor.The tournament will feature 30 blockbuster matches as the city’s best talents battle for T20 supremacy at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, with the final taking place on June 13. All matches will be live on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.