‘I wouldn’t mind watching him in all three formats’: Ashwin hails Sooryavanshi’s approach

New Delhi, May 10, 2026
Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has the talent to succeed across all formats of the game after the Rajasthan Royals opener continued his fearless run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Speaking about Sooryavanshi’s explosive innings against the Gujarat Titans at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday, Ashwin said the 15-year-old possesses the kind of attacking ability that can entertain crowds in every format.

“He is taking every bowler down. I wouldn’t mind watching him in a Test match, and I wouldn’t mind watching him in all three formats of the game. Get him onto cricket grounds, get people coming along, because he is going to entertain you,” Ashwin told Jio Hotstar.

Sooryavanshi once again provided Rajasthan Royals with a flying start in a daunting chase of 230, smashing 36 off just 16 balls with three fours and three sixes. The teenager attacked experienced pacers Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada fearlessly during a breathtaking powerplay that briefly kept Rajasthan in the hunt.

However, Gujarat recovered strongly through their spinners, with Rashid Khan starring with 4-33 as Rajasthan collapsed to 152 all out in 16.3 overs to lose by 77 runs.

Ashwin also described Sooryavanshi as a “box-office player” and urged people not to burden the youngster with excessive expectations at this early stage of his career.

“He is leaving no stone unturned, putting every ounce of force he can into the cricket ball. The way he played, even in the U-19 World Cup final, putting everything together, he is looking like a box-office player,” Ashwin said.

“There are very few windows in your cricketing career where you can absolutely enjoy your cricket, and he is only 15 years old. I think we should just let him be. There is no point asking him to do things he shouldn’t be doing at this stage of his career,” he added.

Ashwin feels that Rajasthan already have experienced names like Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Donovan Ferreira in the middle order, allowing Sooryavanshi the freedom to continue playing attacking cricket at the top.

“He has experienced players like Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Donovan Ferreira to follow. He shouldn’t be the one carrying that burden. If he can give them flying starts, then with the batting line-up they have, they should be winning games like those comfortably,” he concluded.

Sooryavanshi has played 11 matches in IPL 2026 and scored 440 runs, which includes one hundred and two half-centuries. He is the top scorer for the Rajasthan Royals this season.(Agency)

US-Iran tensions, crude oil surge and Q4 earnings to drive Dalal Street next week

Mumbai, May 10, 2026
Investors are expected to remain cautious next week as escalating tensions between the US and Iran, rising crude oil prices, the ongoing March quarter earnings season, foreign fund outflows and rupee weakness are likely to dictate the direction of the Indian stock market.

Benchmark indices extended losses for the second consecutive session on Friday, weighed down mainly by banking and financial stocks amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

The Sensex ended 516 points, or 0.66 per cent, lower at 77,328.19, while the Nifty slipped 151 points, or 0.62 per cent, to close at 24,176.15.

Commenting on Nifty technical outlook, experts said that on the upside, resistance levels are placed at 24,500 and 24,600.

“On the downside, support is seen at 24,000 and 23,800. A breakdown below 23,800 could result in increased selling pressure,” an analyst stated.

Market participants will closely track developments in the ongoing US-Iran conflict after tensions escalated over the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

The geopolitical tensions also pushed global crude oil prices sharply higher. Although prices later trimmed gains amid hopes of easing hostilities, concerns over potential supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz continue to keep investors on edge.

Investors will also focus on the March quarter earnings season as more than 400 companies are scheduled to announce their results in the coming week.

Corporate earnings and management commentary are expected to provide cues on demand trends, margin pressures and the broader economic outlook.

Commenting on Bank Nifty technical outlook, analyst stated that in the near term, immediate downside support is placed in the 54,600–54,200 zone in case selling pressure re-emerges.

“On the upside, 56,400 acts as immediate resistance, while 56,800 stands as the next key supply zone,” an analyst mentioned.

“Given the current market structure, traders are advised to remain disciplined and adhere to strict stop-loss strategies amid ongoing volatility,” a market expert stated.(Agency)

Recent electoral victories will create new history in Indian politics: PM Modi in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, May 10, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the recent electoral victories of the BJP-led NDA would create new history in Indian politics, asserting that the entire country is moving step by step with the party’s national policies.

“The whole country is moving step by step with the BJP’s national policies. These victories are significant for the direction and future of Indian politics,” he underlined.

He was addressing a huge gathering near the HAL Airport in Bengaluru after being felicitated by the Karnataka BJP unit for the emphatic victories in recent elections.

PM Modi said, “I have come to Bengaluru at a time when the country is discussing the election results. The NDA has formed the government in Puducherry for the second consecutive term and in Assam for the third consecutive term.

In Bengal, for the first time, the people have given such a massive mandate to the BJP. Recently, two weeks ago, in Gujarat’s panchayat and local body elections, the BJP registered such a huge victory that it broke all previous records in the state.”

“All these developments will create new history. These election results are significant in terms of the direction and future of Indian politics. They reflect the mood of the youth, farmers, the poor, the middle class, and all sections of society,” PM Modi stated.

“The big message is that, in a world surrounded by uncertainty, the people of Bharat are giving the mantra of stability. They say they want speed, not scams, but solutions. They want politics based on nationalism,” he underlined.

“Today, the whole country is moving step by step with the BJP’s national policies. Karnataka has always been a source of energy for the party. Even when the BJP was not a major party, Karnataka made it a strong force. Today, the NDA government is in power in Andhra Pradesh. In terms of parliamentary representation, the BJP has the highest number of Lok Sabha members,” PM Modi stated.

“In Telangana, the BJP is the number two party. In Puducherry, the BJP-NDA government is set to come to power. You may recall that 10 years ago in Bengal, we had only three MLAs. That means before the last election, the BJP had only three MLAs there, but today the party has more than 200 MLAs,” he said.

“In Kerala, we had only one seat, and now we have three. The number three signifies that the party’s vote share is growing and that it will eventually cross the majority mark someday.

We have been in power at the Centre for the past 12 years, and BJP or NDA governments are in power in more than 21 states and regions. We are working with the mantra of ensuring the country’s growth through the development of states,” PM Modi underlined.

“On the other hand, look at the Congress party. Around 40 years ago, it had more than 400 seats, but in the last three elections, it has not been able to come even close to the 100-seat mark. Yet, the arrogance of the Congress and its supporters is such that they blame the entire world for their own defeats,” he said.(Agency)

Madhavan tells Vijay: May your tenure as CM be the most rewarding and impactful one for our state

Chennai, May 10, 2026
Actor Madhavan, who joined scores of others in congratulating actor Vijay who took oath as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister on Sunday, expressed the desire that Vijay’s tenure as Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister be the most rewarding and impactful one for the state.

Taking to his Instagram page to pen a congratulatory note, Madhavan said, “”All the very very best my dear brother. May your tenure as the Chief Minister be the most rewarding and impactful one for our state.May God give you all the strength you need to do all the good you need to do. So proud of you my brother.”

Actor Prasanna too congratulated Vijay on becoming Chief Minister. He wrote, “So surreal. So emotional. Feels so personal. There is so much expectation to witness a real change in politics. Wishing to see @actorvijay anna become an unshakable leader of the state for many decades to come. For the first time, “CM” feels very personal.

All the very best from the bottom of my heart, anna. Make us all prouder. Create even bigger history, anna. This is a new beginning and new era of politics. Make a difference dear anna. ini unga munnadi Endha thadayum illai (There are no more obstacles before you now). #TNCM #CMJosephVijay #josephvijayennumnaan.”

Actress Simran, who has worked with Vijay on a number of films, too took to her Instagram page to congratulate him.

She wrote, “Heartiest congratulations to my dear friend, the people’s leader and true Jana Nayagan, Thiru Vijay avargal, on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. Today is not just historic, it marks the beginning of a powerful new era. #CMJosephVijay #CMOathCeremony #TNGovernment.”

In an emotional and politically charged first address after assuming office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President C. Joseph Vijay promised transparent governance, women’s safety, welfare-oriented administration, and a corruption-free government, while thanking the people for placing their trust in him.(Agency)

Vijay promises clean governance, women‘s safety, and welfare in first address as Tamil Nadu CM

Chennai, May 10, 2026
In an emotional and politically charged first address after assuming office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President C. Joseph Vijay promised transparent governance, women’s safety, welfare-oriented administration, and a corruption-free government, while thanking the people for placing their trust in him.

Addressing a massive gathering shortly after taking oath at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium here, Vijay said he rose from ordinary circumstances and was not born into political privilege.

“Greetings to everyone who resides in my heart,” he began, and went on to recall his long journey from cinema to politics. He said he was the son of an assistant film director and understood poverty and hunger firsthand.

“I am not someone who comes from a royal political background. I am one among you. I feel like your son, your brother, your younger sibling. It is because you felt the same way that you brought me to this position,” he said.

The newly sworn-in Chief Minister became emotional while thanking the people for standing by him through criticism, humiliation and political attacks. He said the overwhelming public support had transformed C. Joseph Vijay from an individual into a larger political reality.

Vijay admitted that Tamil Nadu was facing a severe financial crisis and revealed that the state was burdened with a debt of nearly Rs 10 lakh crore. He said the full extent of the financial condition could only be understood after closely examining the administration from within.

“I will release a white paper on the state’s financial condition before moving forward with major decisions,” he announced.

Seeking patience from the people, Vijay described the mandate as a “huge responsibility” and assured that his government would focus on women’s safety, eliminating narcotics, strengthening ration distribution, healthcare, drinking water supply and road infrastructure.

“Whether they are friends or enemies, all eight crore people of Tamil Nadu are my people,” he declared.

In a strong statement against corruption, Vijay vowed that not even “a single paisa” of public money would be misused under his administration.

“Vijay will not commit any mistake, and he will not allow wrongdoing,” he asserted.

He also sent a message to political rivals, saying those who believed they could destabilise the government through “political games” should abandon such hopes.

“There is only one power centre here,” he stressed.

Vijay concluded his speech by thanking women, youth, farmers, teachers, government employees, fishermen, children, alliance partners and TVK cadres, calling the new government “a fresh beginning” for Tamil Nadu. (Agency)

Walmart sees India as global growth engine, engages with emerging consumer brand founders

New Delhi, May 10, 2026
Highlighting India’s growing importance in the global consumer and digital commerce ecosystem, Walmart President and CEO John Furner on Sunday met a group of Indian entrepreneurs and business leaders building high-growth, digital-first consumer brands.

The interaction brought together founders from sectors such as beauty and personal care, food and beverages, lifestyle and apparel, fragrances, and pet care for discussions with leaders from Walmart and Flipkart on scaling businesses through digital channels and expanding into global markets.

The meeting reflected Walmart’s broader focus on strengthening India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and supporting emerging brands as they look to build for both domestic and international consumers.

“Spending time with founders building consumer brands in India was energising. What stands out is their ambition to build for both India and the world, and the focus they bring to quality, innovation, and customer experience,” said Furner.

“At Walmart, we’re committed to supporting this journey by helping businesses scale and connecting them to customers across markets,” he added.

The discussions also highlighted the growing role of digital marketplaces in enabling Indian brands to reach customers at scale.

Founders shared insights into their business journeys, operational challenges, and the support needed to accelerate future growth.

Kalyan Krishnamurthy said entrepreneurs today are building brands with deeper consumer understanding and long-term ambition.

He noted that platforms like Flipkart are helping businesses expand market access, build capabilities, and scale across India.

“Entrepreneurs today are building brands with stronger consumer understanding, greater ambition, and a long-term mindset. Platforms like Flipkart play an important role in helping these businesses grow by enabling market access, building capabilities, and creating pathways to scale across India,” he said.

Manish Joneja said India’s emerging brands are combining strong product innovation with digital agility to scale rapidly.

According to him, businesses are looking for consistency in demand, operations, and market access, areas where Walmart Marketplace is focusing through capability-building initiatives.(Agency)

Golf tourism getting major push in Kashmir, says Chief Minister Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, May 10, 2026
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Sunday that golf tourism is getting a major push in Kashmir as several national-level golfing events are being planned here this year.

Asserting that Kashmir’s golf courses are among the finest in the country, Abdullah said that the government is planning more national-level golfing events to promote Kashmir as a premier golfing destination.

Interacting with the media after inaugurating the India Golf Carnival 2026 at the Royal Springs Golf Course here, he said Kashmir shares a long and historic association with golf and possesses world-class golfing infrastructure.

“Kashmir has a very old relationship with golf. If you look at the most beautiful golf courses in the country, Kashmir’s courses in Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam can easily be counted among them,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the government is focusing on encouraging local golfers while simultaneously using the sport to boost tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

“This tournament is another step towards promoting golf in Kashmir. We want to encourage our local golfers and also inspire a new generation of young players to take up the sport,” he said.

Omar Abdullah said more than 100 golfers, including participants from different parts of the country, took part in the tournament, reflecting Kashmir’s growing attraction as a golfing destination.

He said golfers from outside Jammu and Kashmir have increasingly started visiting Srinagar during long weekends specifically to play golf, expressing hope that such sporting activities would further strengthen the tourism sector.

“In North India, whenever there is a long weekend, many golfers are now coming to Srinagar just to play golf. We hope tourism will definitely benefit from this trend,” he said.

The Chief Minister further said the government, in coordination with tourism authorities and event organisers, is planning more such events in future to place Kashmir prominently on the national and global golfing map.

“Our aim is to organise as many events as possible so that both local golfers and golfers from outside Kashmir can come together and play here. We want to keep our golf courses at par with the best in the country,” he added.(Agency)

When Dharmendra recalled the unique breakfast offered by Shammi Kapoor

Mumbai, May 10, 2026
Late Shammi Kapoor, one of the most energetic actors of his time, was known for his zest for life. Just like all the Kapoors, Shammi Kapoor also had a special place in his heart for food.

Sharing a fun incident, Dharmendra had once revealed how Shammi Kapoor offered him a special breakfast, comprising just eggs and brandy.

During his appearance on the singing reality show, “Indian Idol 13”, Dharmendra had shared, “I was once going for a shoot to Srinagar with Nutan, and we had to reach early.”

As he was on his way, Shammi Kapoor asked the ‘He-Man’ of Bollywood, “Have you done your breakfast?”

Even though Dharmendra informed him that he had already had breakfast, Shammi Kapoor insisted on having some more.

For breakfast, the ‘Junglee’ actor simply broke two eggs in a glass, added some brandy to it, and offered it to Dharmendra.

For those who do not know, Shammi Kapoor and Dharmendra have shared the screen in “Hukumat in 1987.

Made under the direction of Anil Sharma, the film became the highest-grossing Bollywood drama of 1987. The movie was even remade in Tamil with the name “Puthiya Vaanam”.

The two legends once again shared screen space in 1991 in “Mast Kalandar”.

Helmed by Rahul Rawail, the project is remembered for being the first Bollywood film picturing an openly gay character, Pinku, which was essayed by veteran actor Anupam Kher.

Dharmendra passed away on November 24, 2025, at the age of 89, at his Mumbai residence.

A couple of days before his demise, he had been hospitalised after complaining of respiratory issues and was later discharged after receiving the necessary treatment. However, unfortunately, his condition worsened later on.

Meanwhile, Shammi Kapoor left for the heavenly abode on 14 August 2011 due to chronic kidney failure.(Agency)

Twelve policemen killed in suicide attack in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Islamabad, May 10, 2026
At least 12 police personnel were killed and several others injured after a suicide bomber rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a police installation in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, official sources said on Sunday.

The attack targeted the installation in Bannu district of the province at 8:55 p.m. local time on Saturday, causing massive destruction to the facility, the sources told Xinhua news agency on condition of anonymity.

“The assault involved a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, followed by quadcopter drone activity and a subsequent ground attack by militants,” the sources added.

Rescue teams, assisted by heavy machinery, continued clearance operations at the site as authorities feared more bodies could still be trapped under the debris, officials said.

The Bomb Disposal Squad estimated that between 1,200 and 1,500 kg of explosives were used in the attack, the sources added.

A militant outfit identified as Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP) claimed responsibility for the bombing through social media channels.

Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks in its northwestern regions bordering Afghanistan in recent months, particularly targeting security personnel and law enforcement agencies.

Earlier, on Friday, Pakistani security forces claimed to have killed five militants in two separate intelligence-based operations in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, reports Xinhua news agency.

Four militants belonging to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan were killed during an operation in Tank district after an intense exchange of fire between security forces and militants, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, said in a statement.

In another operation conducted in Dera Ismail Khan district, security forces killed one militant during a gun battle, the statement added.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed militants, who were allegedly involved in multiple terrorist activities in the area, the ISPR said.(Agency)

Shekhar Suman recalls when ‘Bandit Queen’ Phoolan Devi admitted she was scared of him

Mumbai, May 10, 2026
Veteran actor Shekhar Suman took a trip down memory lane and recalled a fun interaction with dacoit turned politician Phoolan Devi.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, he shared that when he asked the ‘Bandit Queen’ who had taken so many lives, who she was scared of, she admitted that she was, in fact, scared of him and his ‘fiery’ questions.

When asked if he ever got nervous talking to anyone, Shekhar Suman denied.

Sharing his experience of a memorable interaction with Phoolan Devi, Shekhar Suman told IANS, “When she came and sat, even her feet were not touching the ground.”

Pointing this out, Shekhar Suman had asked her, “Even your feet are not touching the ground, so how did you use to sit on a horse, holding a rifle in one hand, you are the bandit queen”.

The ‘Dekh Bhai Dekh’ actor recalled that as Phoolan Devi stared at him, he went ahead and asked her, “You have shot so many people, are you afraid of anyone?”

To this, Phoolan Devi had hilariously replied, “You, you fire at me”.

The rebellious tale of Phoolan Devi, of turning from a child bride to a dacoit to a politician, was beautifully captured on screen by filmmaker Shekhar Kapur in his 1994 biographical drama “Bandit Queen”.

With Seema Biswas playing the title character, the much-acclaimed movie also stars Nirmal Pandey, Aditya Srivastava, Gajraj Rao, Saurabh Shukla, Manoj Bajpayee, Raghuvir Yadav, Rajesh Vivek, and Anirudh Agarwal in crucial roles, along with others.

During the conversation, Shekhar Suman also remembered his interview with the late politician Bal Thackeray.

Shekhar Suman shared that once Bal Thackeray called him to praise his show, and sensing an opportunity, he ended up inviting him for an interview.

“After doing the interview, he said, ‘It was a lot of fun, do one more’, so I said, ‘Sir, we don’t have another costume’. He replied, ‘Let’s do it in this’. So that is a very memorable moment for me,” recalled Shekhar Suman.(Agency)

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