Donald Trump with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir (PTI file photo)

According to public disclosures filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), Pakistan’s fragile economy is spending an estimated $900,000 every month on lobbying efforts in the United States, bringing its annual outlay to around $10–12 million.This expenditure has come at a time when Pakistan is facing increasing economic challenges. Water crisis deepens after India suspends Indus Water Treaty pahalgam terrorist attackThe country has also been affected by the rising prices of fuel and LPG after the Iran war.Pakistan is struggling with a heavy debt burden and is dependent on the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Despite securing a bailout package, the economy remains vulnerable to recurring fiscal pressures, foreign exchange shortages and sluggish growth.The FARA filings paint a picture of a broader influence campaign aimed at strengthening Islamabad’s position in Washington even as it faces economic and diplomatic challenges domestically.The revelations reveal a network of lobbying firms that were employed to improve Pakistan’s position on issues ranging from security cooperation and trade to broader diplomatic access.Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev told news agency ANI that the scale of Islamabad’s lobbying effort reflects its determination to secure access and influence in Washington.Sachdev said, “Recent reports indicating a $1.2 million contract are not unusual for Washington. All foreign governments retain lobbyists at various times.”“According to public FARA data, Pakistan is currently spending around $900,000 every month on lobbying. This includes a $50,000 per month contract for meetings involving the interior minister and another company charging $250,000 per month to resolve trade issues.”Sachdev also noted that a lobbying firm hired in October at $25,000 a month recently had its contract increased to $1.2 million, highlighting Pakistan’s growing urgency to strengthen its image and influence in Washington.The documents also raise questions about the claims of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. Speaking at a function at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Munir claimed that India had sought mediation through the United States during the military tension between the two countries.“India expressed its desire for US-led mediation, which Pakistan accepted in the interest of broader regional peace,” Dawn News quoted Munir as saying.However, FARA filings reviewed by ANI show that Pakistan stepped up its lobbying efforts in Washington at the same time as India was carrying out military operations. Operation Sindoor.Between May 6 and May 9 last year, Pakistani representatives recorded about 60 conversations with officials and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, the Pentagon and the US Treasury Department. These activities took place during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the Pahalgam terror attack.After suffering a major setback during Operation Sindoor, Asim Munir also made frequent visits to the US in an attempt to gain more recognition and to get Donald Trump’s “pat on the back”, to be seen as the MAGA supremo’s “favorite field marshal”.While Pakistani lobbyists were actively engaging with US policy makers, Indian armed forces were carrying out strikes on key terrorist targets harbored by Pakistan.Last year, India carried out precision strikes on nine key terror targets linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and other Pakistan-based terror outfits. When Pakistan interfered in India’s counter-terrorism operations, New Delhi escalated its response by targeting key Pakistani military installations, including the strategically important Noor Khan and Rahim Yar Khan airbases.The FARA revelations indicate that even though Pakistan’s military leadership exuded confidence in public, its lobbying teams in Washington were working intensively behind the scenes during periods of military tension.

According to an official gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday, foreign nationals coming to India will now have to complete their registration before the expiry of 180 days from arrival in the country if they wish to extend their stay.Taking a strict stance on delayed registrations, the notification said that registration after the stipulated period will be allowed only in emergency circumstances. The new provision replaces the earlier rule which allowed registration within 14 days after the expiry of the 180-day period from arrival in India.The Home Ministry notified the Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Rules, 2026 under Section 30 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025. The amended rules came into force with immediate effect and revised registration timelines, emergency provisions, reporting requirements and appeal mechanisms.Clarifying the provisions relating to the status of children and citizenship, the notification said that the requirement of registration will not apply where one of the parents is an Indian citizen and wishes to retain the Indian citizenship of the child under the Citizenship Act, 1955.However, if a child acquires foreign citizenship while living in India, one of the parents must inform the registering officer within 30 days of such acquisition.The notification also modifies certain reporting requirements, standardizing compliance timelines to a 24-hour window.In a significant procedural change, the amended rules introduce a digital appeal mechanism. Persons aggrieved by the directions issued by the civil authorities may file an appeal before the Commissioner, Bureau of Immigration within 30 days through a designated online portal.As per the rules the Commissioner has to provide an opportunity of being heard to the party concerned and endeavor to dispose of the appeal by passing a reasoned order within 60 days from the date of receipt of the appeal.The amendments aim to streamline compliance processes, tighten norms for delayed registration, and strengthen monitoring of immigration-related processes.

The report was lodged. The last line was sent to my colleagues at the desk, the laptop was closed. There were still a few balls left in the IPL 2026 final, and I had already reached for the binoculars because when Royal Challengers Bangalore crossed the line, there was only one place worth looking at.

I trained him well before hitting the winning six. He scored 75 runs in 42 balls, hitting nine fours, three sixes, the last of which achieved the target with two overs remaining. And then I waited.

He gave a flying kiss towards the stand where Anushka Sharma was sitting. He raised his bat briefly towards the crowd. And then he proceeded to shake hands, first with opponents, then with teammates, like a man who knew all along how the evening would end. I held the binoculars on him, waiting for the knees to bend, the chest to open, for the Kohli I knew to walk in.

He did not arrive.

The thing about Virat Kohli is that he celebrates wickets as if he has won the World Cup. Arms outstretched, chests puffed out, roaring at no one but everyone, as if the act of a batsman losing his stumps is the most momentous event in human history. It’s instinct, not performance – or perhaps, with Kohli, the two have always been the same thing. For seventeen years at Royal Challengers Bangalore, that intensity was the heartbeat of the franchise. When he got hurt, the team got hurt. When he wanted it, you could feel it from the stands.

That’s why anyone watching closely on television or from the press box in Ahmedabad spent most of it IPL 2026 The final search for that guy and finding someone else entirely.

To understand why this matters, you have to be in the same stadium twelve months ago.

In 2025 final against punjab kingsKohli started crying even before the last ball was bowled. Standing along the boundary rope, he sank to his knees, tears flowing from his eyes. It wasn’t a celebration, not yet. It was a release from the burden of 17 years, the accumulated pressure of four runner-up finishes and a franchise that took everything it had and kept demanding more.

AB de Villiers came on this occasion. Chris Gayle too. Both were invited on the stage. The broadcaster was not able to take his eyes off Virat. Rajat Patidar was the captain, but everyone knew that the night belonged to someone else.

When Kohli spoke, the words came out raw: “I have given my youth, my best experience and my experience to this team. I never thought this day would come.”

This was a relief. Pure, carefree, respite 17 years in the making.

What unfolded in 2026 was absolutely cool. Before the final, Kohli met AB de Villiers for a brief personal chat, this time for broadcasting duties. A hug, a few words. This was its limit. The pre-match ceremony was of Patidar. The post-match ceremony was also of Patidars. And when the trophy was taken out, it was Patidar who had to guide it.

Before he could pick it up, Kohli appeared in the middle of the stage. During the victory party, Kohli was seen in the loudest voice of the entire evening, dancing with my wife. On the field, he seemed to be making himself smaller, as if vacating the space he usually filled by nature required conscious effort.

Those who followed RCB throughout the tournament saw the same quality in training. He completed his job at the nets without any ceremony and went back to the dugout. He was present without imposing. He scored runs as usual, But the story of the tournament revolved around him rather than around him – Eight different players won Player of the Match throughout the campaign, and on the day of the final Patidar turned 33, becoming only the third captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to successfully defend an IPL title.

Did Kohli do what Dhoni and Rohit did not do?

Now think about that comparison for a moment.

Dhoni rebuilt CSK in his own image so thoroughly that the franchise and the individual became, effectively, a single entity. Rohit did the same in five titles with Mumbai Indians – patient, composed, unmoving at the center of everything. It was never a failure of generosity on his part. The club’s identity was always, integrally, theirs, and so the question of retreat never arose. He remained in the headlines because he had no place else to go.

Both franchises are paying for it now. Mumbai Indians spent most of IPL 2026 searching for an identity Change of leadership to Hardik Pandya, have yet to assemble a coherent team in the image of anything. CSK without Dhoni fit and available, Had to face his own crisis. For the first time in the tournament’s history, three consecutive years went by without any of them winning the title. The machine outnumbered the men, but only just – and without any clear idea of ​​what it is when they are not there.
It is in this context that what Kohli has done has its full significance.

He was unquestionably the best player in the final: 75 not out, player of the match, the winning six off his bat. But zoom out and the picture is even clearer: 675 runs at an average of over 50 in the entire tournament, a strike rate of 165.84, and a complete abandonment of the anchor role he once regarded as a professional credit.

He attacked from the very first ball, relied on the innings to take risks and quietly did more for this team than just the statistics. There was not a single moment of looking at me involved with any of them.

Later, he spoke with the clarity of a man who had really shrugged off the need to be the sole engine: “Even tonight, I know it’s a chase, and they probably want to get me out early, but I had full confidence that even if I get out early, we have a champion team that will get the job done. When you have that kind of confidence, you can go out there and really take on the bowlers.”

In other words, he was free, because he chose to make himself replaceable. In the words of R Ashwin, he became “a mentor figure, a big brother and the alpha who allowed others to lead.”

AB de Villiers, watching from the commentary box at the exact moment Kohli scored the winning runs, came up with the description that says it best:

“There is a lot of peace in the camp. They came here with a mission and executed it to perfection. From top to bottom, clear plans were handed down to each member.”

This is what RCB never had before – not a star, they always had one of those, but a structure that could breathe without him at the centre. Dhoni and Rohit shaped their franchise with equal depth and with equal devotion. But his success did not separate him from the identity he created. Their success made them a franchise. When the transformation came, she had nothing to keep her shape.

Kohli, by a strange twist, escaped that trap after 17 years of failure. He never got the chance to build an empire, so there was no one to protect him. When success came, it came as a collective release rather than a personal coronation, and he understood, perhaps better than anyone, that it had to stay that way.

Advertisements will always want his face. The dressing room, by its own sober choosing, doesn’t need it. The franchise was always a man. Then Virat changed the script.

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Bobby Deol breaks down in tears as he remembers his late father Dharmendra in Aap Ki Adalat and says “nobody” can play him in his biopic – not even he or Sunny Deol. He also defended Dharmendra’s nature and described him as a person with a golden heart. Bobby’s next film Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar will be released this Friday.

After the demise of the veteran actor Dharmendra Over the past year, his family and devoted fans have been mourning the irreplaceable void left behind. his son bobby deol He has often expressed his grief publicly, often becoming emotional whenever he speaks about his late father.

Bobby Deol says no one can play Dharmendra’s character on screen

During his recent appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, Bobby was asked by an audience member who he thought could play his late father Dharmendra in the possible biopic. When he was asked to choose between himself and his elder brother sunny deolWithout a moment’s hesitation Bobby replied, “Nobody.” Overcome with emotions, he added, “No one can ever be like him. No one can ever be like the person he was.”

Bobby Deol defends his father’s actions

Another audience member reportedly narrated stories of Dharmendra losing his temper and attacking people who misbehaved. Bobby didn’t hesitate in defending his father and presented a side of the story that many people may not know about. “Dad was the kind of person who could never tolerate anyone speaking unfairly or disrespectfully. He would actually raise his hands and hit hard. But later, he would bring the same person in, feed them, give them milk, buy new clothes for them. That’s the kind of guy he was,” Bobby said.He further said, “I always felt bad whenever he hit someone. I was never like that. Since childhood, I have seen that I never felt the need to raise my hand on anyone and I don’t even like doing it.”

Bobby Deol’s next film: Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Bandar’

On the professional front, Bobby Deol will be seen in director Anurag Kashyap’s next MonkeyIt is going to be released in theaters this Friday. The film, inspired by real events, had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2025, where it attracted considerable attention. written by underworld, fogAnd flying punjab Author Sudeep Sharma And Abhishek BanerjeeThe film includes many actors including Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi. Saba AzadRaj B Shetty, Riddhi Sen, Indrajit Sukumaran, Jitendra Joshi, Nagesh BhosleAnd Ankush Gedam.

us President donald trump Said on Monday that talks with Iran were continuing “at a brisk pace” despite the latest firing, which has tested the fragile ceasefire between the two sides.“Negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran continue at a rapid pace,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.A ceasefire signed nearly two months ago after several weeks of fighting has come under fresh strain as US and Iranian forces launched attacks over the weekend and also on Monday. The latest attacks have raised concerns that the ceasefire could break down and derail ongoing diplomatic efforts.Trump also said he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and representatives of Hezbollah amid rising tensions in Lebanon.“I had a very productive conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, and no troops will go to Beirut, and any troops that are on the way have already been turned back,” he wrote.Trump said that Hezbollah has agreed to stop attacks on Israel. “They agreed that all firing would stop – Israel would not attack them, and they would not attack Israel,” he said.Earlier, Trump told NBC News that Washington had not been formally informed about Iran’s reported decision to suspend talks.“I think if they have completed the conversation then it’s OK,” he said. He also said that Tehran has not officially informed the US about such a decision.Trump said, “But they have not informed us about it. That does not mean that we will go and start dropping bombs everywhere.”This development comes as Israel continues its military campaign in Lebanon. Over the weekend, the Israeli military carried out its deepest incursion into the country in 26 years. On Monday, Netanyahu ordered attacks on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut, signaling a further escalation in the conflict.Trump’s call with Netanyahu came shortly after those attacks began.Meanwhile, Iran said it had stopped exchanging messages with Washington through intermediaries after the attack on Lebanon.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on X, “The ceasefire between Iran and the US is clearly a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon. Its violation on one front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts. The US and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation.”

New Delhi: Concerned over the possibility of patients getting infected with HIV and viral hepatitis through unsafe medical procedures, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed medical colleges across the country to tighten injection safety practices, warning that such infections are completely preventable but can occur if basic safety measures are ignored.In a nationwide advisory, the medical education regulator said unsafe injection practices could lead to outbreaks of blood-borne infections, including HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C, and asked institutions to ensure strict compliance with infection prevention and control norms.The Commission has ordered all medical colleges to use only sterile, single-use needles and syringes and strictly prohibit their re-use under any circumstances. It has also directed hospitals to strengthen hand hygiene practices and ensure proper segregation and disposal of injection-related waste.Calling patient safety a “non-negotiable mandate”, the NMC said there should be zero tolerance for practices like re-use of syringes, unsafe vial sharing, recycling of needles and improper disposal of sharps.This advice is important as India administers millions of injections every day in public and private health facilities. Public health experts have long warned that a single lapse in injection safety could expose many patients to potentially life-threatening infections.To further reduce the risks, the NMC has advised medical colleges to gradually adopt safety-engineered auto-disable syringes that cannot be reused. The institutions have also been asked to conduct periodic training and competency assessments for healthcare workers handling injections and other invasive procedures.The regulator has directed hospitals to report any clusters of needle-stick injuries and infections for investigation. Hospital authorities have also been asked to ensure post-exposure prophylaxis for healthcare workers as per National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) guidelines and conduct regular audits through infection-control teams.The advisory underscores the growing concern among health officials that preventable health care-associated infections remain a threat to patient safety and that strict adherence to standard protocols is the most effective defense against the transmission of blood-borne diseases.

New Delhi: Former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president K Annamalai met the party’s national president. Nitin Nabin and National General Secretary BL Santosh in New Delhi on Tuesday.These meetings are taking place amid speculations that Annamalai is planning to leave the BJP and launch a new political party, though not immediately. According to sources, Annamalai has been having serious differences with the party leadership for several months.Read this also TOI Exclusive: Annamalai to leave BJP, form new political partyOn Monday, when Annamalai was asked about reports and speculations about his next move, he said, “Please wait. We will sit and talk in two days.”Speculation has intensified ahead of Annamalai’s birthday on June 4, with posters bearing slogans such as “Our leader, come and lead us” visible on major roads and streets of the city.The political development comes in the backdrop of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, which marked a major change in the political landscape of the state. The TVK won 108 seats in its first election, ending the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK alliance.Following the victory, Vijay took over as the 13th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after securing the support of 120 MLAs in the 234-member assembly. Governor Arlekar administered the oath of office to Vijay and his cabinet, which includes ministers ‘Bussi’ N Anand, Aadhav Arjun, KA Sengottaiyan, KG Arunraj, P Venkataramanan, CTR Nirmal Kumar, A Rajmohan, Keerthan and KT Prabhu.A former IPS officer, Annamalai joined the BJP in 2020 and will lead the party’s Tamil Nadu unit from 2021 to 2025. During this period, he became one of the prominent leaders of the BJP in the state through extensive outreach campaigns and gained considerable support among young voters and on social media. After the 2026 assembly elections, speculation about his political future has intensified.

Nearly 30 Indian nationals working illegally as commercial truck drivers in the United States have been arrested by US Border Patrol agents as part of a federal immigration enforcement operation called Operation Checkmate. The individuals are expected to face deportation proceedings.A total of 52 people were arrested during the operation conducted between May 11 and May 15 in the Yuma sector of Arizona, according to a statement issued by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on Monday. 36 of them were found driving commercial semi-trucks while staying in the country illegally.The operation was launched to strengthen public safety by enforcing immigration laws and identifying undocumented immigrants working as commercial vehicle drivers. This comes amid the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.US officials said at least 30 of the 36 truck drivers arrested were Indian citizens. The remaining six were from Mexico, El Salvador and Russia. Some had commercial driver’s licenses issued by states including California, New York, Washington, and Virginia, while others reportedly had no valid driver’s license.Officials said many of those detained had employment authorization documents obtained during the Biden administration, but the permits were no longer valid. All 52 individuals were processed under federal law and are scheduled to be deported from the United States.Operation Checkmate was launched to enhance public safety by enforcing immigration laws and identifying undocumented individuals operating commercial motor vehicles across the United States.Also read: Asylum rejection without interview? Trump administration moving to speed up deportation cases under new plan“Operation Checkmate reflects our commitment to protecting communities and roadways from illegal drivers who pose a significant risk to public safety,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Dustin Caudle of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Yuma Sector.Caudle said federal agents are on patrol every day to identify such drivers and prevent potentially fatal crashes on roads across the country.The operation comes amid the Trump administration’s sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration. Earlier, the Department of Transportation had issued an order aimed at preventing ineligible foreign nationals from obtaining licenses to operate commercial trucks and buses in the US.In recent months, several Indian-origin truck drivers have been arrested and charged in connection with fatal road accidents involving commercial vehicles in various parts of the United States.

DKS with Rahul Gandhi (Image/PTI)

New Delhi: Chief Minister Nominee of Karnataka DK Shivakumar On Tuesday he expressed his gratitude to the Gandhi family for playing a decisive role in his political journey and vowed to continue working with honesty and commitment to building a progressive, inclusive and prosperous state.In a post on His comments come as he is scheduled to take oath as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka tomorrow after the resignation of Siddaramaiah on May 28.Reflecting on the role of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in his early political career, Shivakumar said he often thinks about how Rajiv Gandhi recognized his potential when he was still a young party worker.He wrote, “I often remember Shri Rajiv Gandhi Avru, who saw the potential in a young worker even before I saw the potential in him. His encouragement gave me the confidence to dream big and dedicate myself to public service. The greatest leaders are those who recognize the potential in others and inspire them to exceed their own expectations. That is exactly what Rajiv Gandhi did for me.”Karnataka Congress leader also gave credit to former Congress President Sonia Gandhi For standing by him during the difficult phases of his political journey and saying that he taught him an important lesson about leadership.“Mrs. Sonia Gandhi Avru taught me another important lesson in leadership. True leaders don’t just stand by you during moments of success; they stand by you during your toughest times, providing strength, encouragement and unwavering support. Her faith in me during the challenging stages of my journey is something I will always cherish,” said Shivakumar.Praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar described him as a constant source of inspiration and guidance who has inspired leaders through his commitment to democratic values ​​and inclusive politics.He wrote, “Shri Rahul Gandhi has been a constant source of guidance and inspiration. His willingness to listen, his strong belief in democratic values, and his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate India continue to inspire leaders like me. His support has been a strong pillar throughout my public life.”Shivkumar also praised Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, saying that her friendly nature and encouragement have always been given great importance.He said, “Smt. Priyanka Gandhi Avru has always been friendly, warm and encouraging. She has treated every worker with respect and dignity, reminding us that politics is ultimately about connecting with the people and understanding their aspirations. Her guidance and encouragement have always been deeply valued.”He said, “As someone who started off as a grassroots activist and has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading Karnataka today, I am extremely grateful for their trust and encouragement. Under their leadership and with the blessings of the people of Karnataka, I will continue to work with sincerity and commitment to building a progressive, inclusive and prosperous Karnataka that reflects the values ​​for which we collectively stand.”Shivkumar is scheduled to take oath Chief Minister of Karnataka On Wednesday at the Glass House located at Lok Bhavan. Karnataka Congress working president GC Chandrasekhar had recently confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony would be conducted in a simple manner.

Taylor Swift is officially collaborating with the highly anticipated animated film ‘Toy Story 5’.The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter is returning to her country roots for a brand new original song called ‘I Knew It, I Knew You’, which is set to be released on Friday ahead of the film’s theatrical debut later this month. In a social media announcement, the singer shared the exciting update with her fans in a post, writing, “It’s a *Toy* Story. You knew it! My new original song “I Knew It, I Knew You” for Disney and @Pixar’s @ToyStory5 will be yours on June 5th.”Taylor Swift announces ‘Toy Story’ singleThe singer revealed that contributing to the franchise has been a long-time dream. She wrote, “I’ve always dreamed of writing for these characters I’ve admired since I was a 5-year-old girl and saw the first Toy Story movie. I instantly fell in love with Toy Story 5 when I was lucky enough to see it in its early stages, and I wrote this song as soon as I came home from the screening. Sometimes you know that, right?”

About ‘I knew it, I knew you’

According to Disney, the song is inspired by the cowgirl character Jessie, who was first introduced in Toy Story 2. The track’s description reveals that it will focus on Jesse’s flashbacks to his original owner Emily after returning to her home. Thus the song will serve as an emotional piece to the character’s story.

‘TS’ billboards fuel rumors

Speculation about Swift’s involvement in ‘Toy Story 5’ first emerged in April, when billboards bearing the initials “TS” surrounded by 13 cartoon clouds appeared in several cities, sparking fan speculation. While Swift has only confirmed her contribution to the soundtrack, some fans believe the singer will also appear in a special role in the film.‘Toy Story 5’ will hit theaters on June 19.