‘Dhoni won’t risk disrupting CSK’s winning combination against LSG’: Kumble

Chennai, May 10, 2026
Former India captain Anil Kumble believes veteran wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni may not feature for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) despite working hard to regain full match fitness, as the five-time champions would not want to disturb a successful combination.

Speaking ahead of the IPL clash, Kumble said CSK is a side that strongly believes in continuity and rarely changes a winning XI.

“CSK are the kind of side that don’t like their winning streak to end. They don’t tinker much with their winning combination, and they believe in backing their players,” Kumble told Jio Hotstar.

The former India spinner revealed that Dhoni has been putting in extra effort behind the scenes, including spending significant time batting and wicketkeeping during practice sessions.

“Now, MS Dhoni has been batting a lot in the nets. He has even been practicing wicketkeeping in net sessions, which is very surprising because he is someone who never keeps wickets in the nets. He is doing that and trying his best to return to full match fitness,” he added.

However, Kumble feels the five-time IPL-winning captain may still choose not to return immediately if it risks affectin the balance and rhythm of the side.

“But even if he manages to regain the required fitness levels, I feel he will not want to come into the playing XI because CSK are doing well. He will not take the chance of disrupting the team’s momentum and the player combination that has helped them win,” Kumble said.

Dhoni injured his knee ahead of the IPL 2026 during a practice session, and he has not played a single match for the team in the ongoing season.

Meanwhile, CSK have made a strong comeback in IPL 2026 after a poor start as they have won three out of the last four matches and are placed at sixth position in the points table with 10 points in 10 matches. They can secure their place in the playoffs if they win a minimum of three out of the last four matches remaining.(Agency)

Deeply honoured to welcome PM at our residence: Chandrababu Naidu

Hyderabad, May 10, 2026
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday said that he would be deeply honoured to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his residence in Hyderabad.

“We are deeply honoured and delighted to welcome Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji to our residence today. This is a truly special and memorable moment for our family,” Chandrababu Naidu posted on X.

The Prime Minister, who is arriving here on Sunday afternoon, is scheduled to visit Naidu’s residence at Jubilee Hills. Naidu’s Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is a key partner in PM Modi-led NDA government at the Centre.

PM Modi is visiting Hyderabad to launch various development projects worth over Rs. 9,000 crore and address a public meeting.

This is his first visit to Telangana after assuming office as the Prime Minister for a third term. He is also likely to visit the residence of Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who is also a partner in the BJP-led NDA.

Meanwhile, Pawan Kalyan also posted a message on X welcoming the Prime Minister. “Telangana welcomes Hon’ble Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi Ji on his visit for the foundation laying of development projects worth ₹9,400 crore,” posted the Jana Sena leader.

“My heartfelt gratitude to the NDA Central Government for its commitment towards strengthening infrastructure, connectivity, and economic growth in the State, creating new opportunities for youth and accelerating Telangana’s progress,” he wrote.

“On behalf of Jana Sena Party, I thank PM Modi Ji, for his continued focus on the development of Telangana,” he added.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to lay the foundation stone, inaugurate and dedicate to the nation multiple development projects worth around Rs 9,377 crore.

He will also address a public meeting organised by the BJP at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad.(Agency)

Shreya Ghosal receives a special surprise this Mother’s Day

Mumbai, May 10, 2026
Singer Shreya Ghoshal received an adorable surprise from her team this Mother’s Day.

Shreya took to her official Instagram account and posted a video in which her team was seen bringing her a gift.

As she opened it, she found a string of various photos of her with her son Devyaan, beautifully capturing her journey of motherhood.

“I love it. Literally, he is growing up in this line of pictures. He is slowly growing up,” reacted the singer.

She added, “So, he was this little when he came into my life (Showing one of the photos). I was conscious when the baby was taken out and when he cried; that sound and that moment literally changed my life. Then, they brought him and put him here (pointing to her face). His little hands, he was crying”.

Trying to put the bond between a mother and her child into words, Shreya shared, “The connection, the bond, the love, the way the baby looks at you. I mean, after you become a mother. In my case, when I became a mother, I had a newfound respect for my mom.

I love her so much. But I feel how she feels for me. The bond between a mother and her child is very special. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers there. And all the kids who have beautiful mamas.”

Celebrating her mother and all the mothers, Shreya penned the caption, “Happy Mother’s Day! It was a beautiful surprise by my team while I was getting ready for a shoot (sic).”

“Although everyday is Mother’s Day but today is a reminder that we must never take our Mumma’s for granted. She is the Tigress that brought us in the world and will protect us against all forces of the world, such is the divine bond between a mother and her baby. Ma, I love you till eternity,” added the singer.(Agency)

Fake NCERT textbooks racket busted in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh, FIRs against three shops

Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), May 10, 2026
The district administration in Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh has cracked down on the sale of fake NCERT textbooks and registered FIRs against three bookshops under the Copyright Act, officials said on Sunday.

The action follows the detection of the sale of counterfeit Class 9 NCERT books in the city.

The shops named in the FIRs are Sangam Book Depot, Gyan Bhandar-1, and Gyan Bhandar-2.

The action has caused a stir among book traders in the city. The district administration said it had been receiving repeated complaints about the sale of fake books being passed off as genuine NCERT publications.

Taking the complaints seriously, the administration launched an investigation. Acting on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Hemant Sati, a district administration team carried out simultaneous raids at all three shops on Friday.

During the inspection, officials closely examined the NCERT books stocked at the outlets.

Several books were found without the official hologram used to authenticate genuine NCERT publications. The quality of paper, printing, and binding was also found to be substandard.

Officials said the preliminary findings strongly suggest that the books were counterfeit.

During questioning, the shop owners claimed that they purchase old NCERT books from students and resell them to others. However, the administration believes the matter goes beyond the resale of used books and could be linked to an organised racket dealing in fake textbooks.

The suspected counterfeit books were seized in the presence of local residents and witnesses. Subsequently, FIRs were registered against the shopkeepers under the Copyright Act, 1957.

The district administration has made it clear that irregularities or fraud in the name of education will not be tolerated. Parents have been advised to purchase books only from authorised and reliable outlets and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.(Agency)

Renee Zellweger, Ben Affleck join forces for new movie

Los Angeles, May 10, 2026
Hollywood actress Renee Zellweger is set to share the screen with actresses Sissy Spacek and Mia Threapleton in the upcoming film ‘A Woman in the Sun’.

Los Angeles, May 10 (IANS) Hollywood actress Renee Zellweger is set to share the screen with actresses Sissy Spacek and Mia Threapleton in the upcoming film ‘A Woman in the Sun’.

Academy Award winners Renee Zellweger and Sissy Spacek will join forces with Kate Winslet’s daughter Mia Threapleton for the upcoming directorial debut of Nyad writer Julia Cox, reports ‘Female First UK’.

‘A Woman in the Sun’ is a multi-generational story, which follows a month in the life of Claire Keating, a bartender on Nantucket. When her mother gets sick and her daughter moves home, Claire’s world falls apart.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Renee Zellweger is producing the project alongside Carmella Casinelli (for Big Picture Co.) and Kim Roth, with Greg Gertmenian co-producing.

Zellweger said, “Championing promising filmmakers like Julia has been central to Big Picture Co’s mission since day one, and we’re thrilled to be part of this very special project and the team who will help share Julia’s vision. The script is a storytelling treasure, and Julia’s instincts set her apart as an emerging filmmaker. We can’t wait to get started”.

Black Bear and Ben Affleck’s Artists Equity are co-financing the project. Affleck, CEO of Artists Equity, said in a statement, “Julia has proven herself as a writer, and I’m certain A Woman in the Sun will show the film world she’s equally gifted in the director’s chair. This is a moving, gripping exploration of a complex family dynamic with something lurking beneath the surface. And behind the scenes, we’ve got a tremendous partner in Black Bear”.

“For us, this is about finding meaningful ways to invest in filmmakers at every stage of their journey, and projects like this are exactly the kind of work we want to be a part of. We’re looking forward to bringing this film to life”, he added.(Agency)

Nepal government, judiciary clash over Chief Justice nomination

Kathmandu, May 10, 2026
Nepal’s government and judiciary have come into open conflict following the Constitutional Council’s recommendation of a Supreme Court judge, who ranks fourth in seniority, for the post of Chief Justice.

On May 7, the council, headed by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, recommended Justice Manoj Sharma to President Ram Chandra Poudel for appointment to the post of Chief Justice, despite Sharma being fourth in seniority among Supreme Court justices, thereby breaking the decades-long tradition of appointing the senior-most justice to the position.

National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Dahal and Leader of the Opposition in the House of Representatives Bhisma Raj Angdembe wrote notes of dissent against the recommendation, stressing that the long-standing tradition should not be broken.

On Saturday, acting Chief Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla reacted strongly to the Constitutional Council’s decision, saying efforts were being made to bring the judiciary under the government’s control.

Following the conclusion of an event marking 74th National Law Day, Malla, the senior-most justice of the Supreme Court, said: “It is an attempt to turn the judiciary into an institution that surrenders and compromises with the executive body.”

She said the long-held tradition of seniority had been broken. “It is not important who has been affected, but it is an attempt to control the judiciary through the discretionary power of the government,” she told journalists.

With the government saying that Sharma, who was recommended for chief justice, had demonstrated greater capability than other senior judges, Malla remarked: “On what basis capability was tested, I do not know. Capability can be tested through competition and work. Whatever details about capability have been presented are not correct. The question of how you judge capability as a whole is important.”

The government had, however, presented the statistics that Sharma issued more verdicts than the other three senior judges during the period of evaluation.

Earlier, at a special ceremony organised to mark the 74th Law Day, Malla said the essence of justice must not be undermined by pressure from a two-thirds majority government or threats of impeachment.

Addressing judges attending the event, she encouraged them to work with high morale and integrity. “Justice cannot prevail under fear or influence,” Malla said. “Whether it is the fear of a powerful government or the threat of impeachment, judges must rise above such narrow constraints.”

She called on members of the judiciary to uphold the sanctity of justice with courage and impartiality, stressing that fearless decision-making is essential to preserving the independence and dignity of the judiciary.

The harshest criticism of the council’s decision has come from former Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who was also Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice.

Speaking to news portal Onlinekhabar following the recommendation, she noted that a capable woman justice had been denied the opportunity to become the Chief Justice of the country.

“Nobody is as capable as Sapana Pradhan Malla. Her qualifications are even stronger than mine. It is a slap in the face of 15 million women (half of the country’s population),” she said.

Karki also expressed bitterness over the Constitutional Council’s decision on Saturday. Speaking to journalists following the conclusion of the Law Day event, she reacted angrily after a journalist addressed her as ‘Mother’, a term Prime Minister Shah had earlier used for her.

“Don’t call me mother. Your mother has now changed. It is the wife (Sabina Kafle) of Balendra Shah who is now the mother, the national mother,” she said. In fact, Shah was instrumental in her appointment as interim Prime Minister following the Gen Z revolution in September last year.

Karki had earlier said the council’s decision would affect judicial independence.

“The way attempts have been made to control the court will not bring this government to a good standing. Interfering with the court is not a good thing,” she said.

Constitutional lawyer Bipin Adhikari told IANS that although the Constitution does not bar the council from recommending a junior justice for the post of Chief Justice, there are concerns that breaking the tradition of appointing the senior-most justice could give the government room to maneuver and select its preferred candidate for the top post in the Supreme Court.

“This could affect the independence of the judiciary, which is responsible for checking and balancing the executive branch of the state,” he said.

According to Adhikari, the government’s argument that Justice Sharma had a better track record based on the number of verdicts was misguided.

“The number alone cannot be a parameter for evaluating a judge’s performance. The quality of the verdicts and their impact on establishing judicial precedent are more important,” he said.

He believes that the perception that Malla and other senior judges were appointed in the past based on political power-sharing may have been a major reason why the Constitutional Council, dominated by the ruling party, chose not to recommend senior-ranked judges for the post of chief justice, rather than evaluating them solely based on performance.

The constitution does not bar the Constitutional Council from selecting any one of the six justices recommended by the Judicial Council; it has long been the tradition to recommend the senior-most Supreme Court justice. However, some justices in the past have been rejected by the parliamentary hearing committee following complaints against them.

Under Article 129 of the Constitution of Nepal, a justice who has served at least three years as a Supreme Court judge is eligible to be appointed chief justice.(Agency)

VVPAT Row Erupts in Haryana Civic Polls: Advocate Alleges “Blatant Defiance” of SC Verdict as Elections Held Without VVPAT-Enabled EVMs

Chandigarh, May 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

A major controversy has erupted over the conduct of Haryana’s urban local body elections after serious objections were raised against the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) without Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) technology in polling held across the state on Sunday.

In a dramatic protest against what he described as a “direct assault on electoral transparency and voter confidence,” Punjab and Haryana High Court advocate Hemant Kumar publicly boycotted voting in the Ambala Municipal Corporation elections, alleging that the Haryana State Election Commission has continued to ignore the Supreme Court’s landmark 2013 ruling mandating greater transparency in electronic voting.

Polling is currently underway in three Municipal Corporations — Ambala, Panchkula and Sonipat — along with several other urban civic bodies across Haryana. However, none of the polling stations are reportedly using VVPAT-equipped EVMs.

Calling the situation “deeply disturbing,” Hemant Kumar stated that despite more than twelve-and-a-half years having passed since the Supreme Court’s historic judgment in Dr. Subramanian Swamy vs Election Commission of India in October 2013, the Haryana State Election Commission has still not implemented VVPAT technology in municipal elections.

In a strongly worded representation sent on Sunday to Haryana State Election Commissioner Devender Singh Kalyan, senior election officials, the Chief Electoral Officer of Haryana, and India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, the advocate accused the State Election Commission of remaining “consistently indifferent” toward ensuring transparent voting in local body polls.

“Voter Cannot Verify Vote”

Hemant Kumar argued that elections conducted without VVPAT defeat the very principle of transparent democracy because voters are denied the opportunity to verify whether their vote has actually been recorded in favour of the candidate for whom they pressed the button.

“When a voter cannot independently verify where the vote has gone, the credibility and integrity of the election process itself come under a cloud,” he asserted.

He further alleged that Haryana’s civic polls are still being conducted using outdated M-2 model EVMs, whereas Lok Sabha and Assembly elections across India now use modern M-3 EVMs integrated with VVPAT technology.

According to him, the absence of VVPAT creates avoidable suspicion and weakens public trust in democratic institutions.

Public Boycott of Voting

The advocate, who is a registered voter in Ward No. 12 of the Ambala Municipal Corporation area, announced that he was “compelled with a heavy heart” to boycott voting altogether due to the absence of VVPAT.

He said he has repeatedly and publicly demanded over the years that municipal elections in Haryana should be conducted with the same safeguards and technological transparency available in Parliamentary and Assembly elections.

The public boycott by a High Court lawyer during an ongoing election has now intensified debate over whether local body elections are being conducted under a lower standard of electoral accountability.

Constitutional Questions Raised

In his representation, Hemant Kumar invoked Article 243ZA of the Constitution, which grants wide powers to State Election Commissions for conducting municipal elections, and questioned why the Haryana State Election Commission has failed to mandate VVPAT despite possessing full constitutional authority to do so.

He directly asked the Commission why civic elections are still being held without the transparency mechanism that has become standard in national and state elections.

Legal Battle Likely

Significantly, the advocate hinted at possible legal proceedings if VVPAT continues to remain absent in future civic polls.

“If required, the matter may have to be raised before the courts to protect electoral transparency and restore voter confidence,” he said.

He maintained that democracy is strengthened not merely by conducting elections, but by ensuring that every voter has complete faith in the integrity and verifiability of the voting process.

The controversy is expected to trigger wider political and legal debate over whether municipal voters in Haryana are being denied the same level of electoral safeguards available to voters in Parliamentary and Assembly elections.

Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari Writes To Administrator Kataria; Demands Free Power & Water For Urban Poor & Lower Middle Class

Chandigarh, May 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Making a considered appeal to Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, former Union Minister and Member of Parliament from Chandigarh, Manish Tewari has urged targeted welfare measures for the city’s urban poor and lower middle-class households.

In a detailed four-page communication (Copy Attached), Tewari highlights the pressing economic challenges faced by these sections and calls for policy interventions that ensure affordability and dignity in basic living.

The foremost demand raised by Tewari is for the Administration to provide 300 units of free electricity and 20,000 liters of free water each month to families earning below Rs 20,000, enabling them to live with dignity and self-respect.

Emphasising the potential for resource reallocation, Tewari, in his communication to the Governor, pointed to reduced public expenditure in key sectors and underscored the importance of redirecting such savings toward citizen-centric benefits, including subsidised essential services.

Drawing parallels with policy approaches adopted in Delhi and Punjab, he stressed that similar measures can be both financially sustainable and socially impactful.

Underscoring the need for immediate action, Tewari has proposed essential measures to uphold dignity, equity and support for the urban poor and lower middle class that sustains the city’s daily functioning, urging timely and decisive intervention in the larger public interest.

Tewari has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic hardships faced by the city’s urban poor and lower-middle-class families.

In his communication, Tewari noted that during his extensive visits across the constituency over the past twenty three months, including urban villages and rehabilitation colonies, he has witnessed first-hand the struggles of residents to cope with rising food inflation and the escalating cost of living.

“Many families are unable to pay lease rentals or license fees for their small flats in relief and rehabilitation colonies, leading to cancellation notices and heavy interest demands from the administration”, he pointed out.

Stressing that the situation calls for urgent intervention, Tewari urged the Administration to step in with targeted relief measures that can provide succor and restore dignity to vulnerable households.

“I would therefore urge the Administration to provide 300 units of free electricity and 20,000 liters of free water each month to families earning below Rs 20,000. These measures are essential to uphold dignity and self-respect for the urban poor and lower middle class residents,” he asserted, calling upon the Administration to act decisively in the larger public interest.

Quoting detailed budgetary figures in his communiqué, Tewari stated, “If you carefully peruse the annual budget of Chandigarh – Demand No. 53 of the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Demands for Grants contained in the Union Budget 2026 27, there is enough fiscal space to implement the proposed measures.

In the financial year 2024 25, the actual spend of Chandigarh was Rs 6,598.19 crores and the net spend was Rs 5,858.93 crores. The total expenditure on Power and Renewable Energy stood at Rs 1,027.87 crores (line entry 3.02 under Other Central Expenditure).”

Tewari further highlighted that in the Union Budget estimates for FY 2025 26, Chandigarh’s Gross Budget stood at Rs 6,983.18 crores and the Net Budget at Rs 6,187.48 crores, with Rs 917.87 crores earmarked for Power and Renewable Energy.

He noted that on February 1, 2025, power distribution in Chandigarh was officially privatized, with Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL), a subsidiary of Eminent Electricity Distribution Limited (EEDL), taking over operations from the Electricity Wing of Engineering Department.

“In the revised estimates for 2025 26, the Gross spend was pegged at Rs 6,466.97 crores and the Net at Rs 5,556.42 crores, while expenditure on Power and Renewable Energy fell sharply to Rs 279.82 crores from the budgeted Rs 917.87 crores. For the current fiscal 2026 27, the Gross demand is Rs 6,545.52 crores and Net demand Rs 5,720.17 crores, with only Rs 171.86 crores estimated for Power and Renewable Energy,” he stated.

Tewari pointed out that between the actual budgetary spend in FY 2024 25 and the estimates for FY 2026 27, expenditure on Power and Renewables has come down by Rs 856.01 crores.

“That is the fiscal space the Chandigarh Administration must leverage to provide 300 units of free electricity to families with a monthly income below Rs 20,000. The Administration should seek Rs 856–1000 crores in the Supplementary Demands for Grants, to be formulated in September–October 2026, to reimburse CPDL for supplying free power beginning this year itself.

This can be implemented as early as July 1, 2026, if the Administration demonstrates the political will and empathy for the poor,” he asserted, adding, “This is the very model already being followed in Delhi and Punjab, where the governments reimburse Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) for the free or subsidised power supplied to consumers.”

Substantiating his assertions with detailed fiscal data, Tewari pointed out that Punjab, despite facing a debt liability projected at Rs 4.47 lakh crores by March 31, 2027, and carrying a Debt to GDP ratio of 46.65%, the second highest in the country after Arunachal Pradesh at 57%, continues to provide free power to its residents.

He underscored that Chandigarh, as a Union Territory and the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana, does not face such constraints since its funds come directly from the Central Government. In this backdrop, he argued that Chandigarh would only be seeking from the Centre an amount equivalent to what was already being spent on power and renewable energy until FY 2024 25.

Tewari further emphasised that even from an ideological standpoint, the NDA/BJP government should have no difficulty in extending these additional funds to Chandigarh, given that the Centre currently runs over 4,510 central and state public welfare schemes, including 260 central sector schemes and 54 centrally sponsored schemes.

Drawing on national welfare precedents, Tewari highlighted that under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, free food grains are provided to 81.5 crore people with a budgetary outlay of Rs 2.27 lakh crores annually.

“Similarly, under PM KISAN, Rs 6,000 is given annually to 9.32 crore farmers at a cost of Rs 63,500 crores, while MNREGA carries an annual budget of Rs 86,000 crores and in 2024 25 provided employment to 7.88 crore people.”

He questioned why, when the rural poor are rightly supported through such schemes, the urban poor of Chandigarh shouldn’t receive similar assistance. Tewari argued that the provision of free electricity and water would be a much-needed financial boost to the incomes of vulnerable households.

Turning to the issue of 20,000 liters of free water, he recalled that on March 11, 2024, Congress and AAP councillors had by majority passed a resolution in the General House of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation to provide free water to city residents.

Elaborating further, Tewari said, “After the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections, which I won as the candidate of the INDIA Alliance, your predecessor Banwari Lal Purohit had rejected the resolution of the General House of the Municipal Corporation by mis-invoking discretionary powers under the Municipal Corporation Act. But on July 10, 2024, however, the General House quashed that rejection and reaffirmed its resolution to provide free water, noting that the House had neither been show-caused, heard, nor consulted before the rejection as required under the Municipal Corporation Act.”

Tewari pointed out that the resolution for providing free water remains valid even today. Unfortunately, he added, it has not been implemented by the Municipal Corporation, which has now been headed by BJP Mayors for the past two consecutive terms.

Further strengthening the case, Tewari cited figures that make it evidently clear that providing 20,000 liters of free water is both viable and affordable. He noted that the total cost of supplying free water to all residents of Chandigarh had been calculated at approximately Rs 39.65 crores as of March 30, 2024, according to figures jointly released in the public domain by the INC AAP.

“Extending this benefit only to households with a monthly income of Rs 20,000 or less would cost barely a quarter of that amount, an expenditure the Municipal Corporation can easily meet from its own funds”, asserted Chandigarh MP.

Tewari contrasted this modest requirement with the wasteful spending already incurred. He pointed out that Rs 166 crores had been virtually squandered on the failed 24×7 Mani Majra water supply project, now under a C&AG performance audit, while an additional liability of around Rs 510 crores was undertaken through a loan commitment to Agence Française de Développement (AFD) on December 17, 2022, for the pan-city 24×7 water project.

Against this backdrop, he argued, finding Rs 15–20 odd crores to provide free water to the poor and vulnerable sections of society is loose change and can be easily managed by the Municipal Corporation, provided the Chandigarh Administration refrains from exercising its misconceived veto.

“I do hope I will receive a direct response from you (Governor), as the matter concerns the invisible population of Chandigarh that keeps the wheels of the city turning by their sweat, toil and tears,” Tewari concluded.

Brooke Shields speaks about her monkey attack during Thailand trip

Los Angeles, May 10, 2026
Hollywood actress Brooke Shields has shared scary details of her encounter with a primate while she was on a holiday in Thailand.

The actress recently recalled the moment she was chased out of the sea by an aggressive monkey in Thailand, reports ‘Female First UK’.

The Pretty Baby and The Blue Lagoon star, 60, attended Animal Haven’s 2026 Benefit for the Animals at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge in New York alongside her daughter Rowan, 22, where the pair shared the bizarre story while discussing their lifelong love of animals.

As per ‘Female First UK’, Brooke, who has remained in the spotlight in recent years through her documentary ‘Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields’, conversations surrounding the sexualisation of child stars in Hollywood and her long-running advocacy around ageing and motherhood, was accompanied by Rowan as the young graduate received the Leonard Simon Award for her work with Animal Haven.

Rowan said, “We were in Thailand, and mom got off and was swimming around when she was doing a movie there. I went to visit her, and we’re the type of people where it’s like, ‘We think we could get the lion be best friends with us… but she went up to a monkey’”.

As per Rowan, the encounter quickly turned chaotic. He added, “Then the monkey attacked her and we had to quickly get off the island. I watched from the boat. I was like, ‘There she goes. There she goes’”.

Brooke joked the situation escalated despite her attempts to calm the animal with food. Brooke said, “I’ve never seen anybody swim faster. I gave it bananas”.

Rowan replied, “It doesn’t want a banana. It wants to get you off its island”. Brooke added the monkey was “very happy” to take the bananas regardless. The appearance highlighted the close relationship Brooke maintains with daughters Rowan and Grier Henchy, 20, who she shares with husband Chris Henchy.

Brooke has frequently spoken publicly about motherhood and the challenges of adjusting to life after both daughters left home for university.(Agency)

Illegal imported cigarette racket busted in Delhi, contraband worth Rs 15 lakh seized

New Delhi, May 10, 2026
The Delhi Police Crime Branch has arrested two persons and seized a huge quantity of prohibited imported cigarettes worth around Rs 15 lakh from the Chawri Bazar area of the national capital, officials said on Sunday.

The seized consignment included premium international cigarette brands such as Esse Light White, Esse Light Gold and Mond, among others. Officials said the recovered cigarette packets did not carry the mandatory statutory health warnings required under Indian law, making them illegal for sale and distribution in the country.

According to the Delhi Police, specific and credible information was received on May 6 by the ISC unit of the Crime Branch regarding the illegal storage and wholesale trade of prohibited imported cigarettes in the Naya Bans Road area of Chawri Bazar in Delhi.

Acting on the information, a special raiding team was constituted under the leadership of Inspector Kamal Kumar Yadav and under the close supervision of ACP Ramesh Lamba of the ISC unit, Crime Branch.

The raiding team included Sub-Inspectors Ashish Sharma and Gulab Singh, Assistant Sub-Inspectors Shailendra Singh and Jafruddin, along with Head Constables Surendra, Mahendra, Karmbir, Varun and Shakti, besides Constable Naveen Yadav.

During the course of the investigation, police developed inputs indicating that one Mohd Tausif had allegedly stocked a large quantity of prohibited imported cigarettes at a shop located on Naya Bans Road in Delhi-6, as well as in a godown situated in the adjoining lane near Masjid Tabar Khan Wali in Fatehpuri.

Police said the accused was allegedly involved in the wholesale trading of such imported cigarette products. Based on the information gathered during surveillance, simultaneous raids were conducted at both locations.

During the raid at the godown, police found the accused, Junaid Ahmed, aged around 35 years and a resident of Darbhanga district in Bihar, present at the premises. A total of 73,840 prohibited imported cigarettes of different international brands were recovered from the godown.

At the same time, another team raided the shop on Naya Bans Road, where the accused, Mohd Tausif, aged around 44 years and a resident of Gagan Vihar in Shahdara, was apprehended. Police recovered an additional 80,000 prohibited imported cigarettes from the shop premises.

Officials said none of the recovered cigarette packets carried the mandatory health warnings prescribed under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), thereby rendering the products illegal under Indian regulations.

In total, the Crime Branch recovered and seized 1,53,840 prohibited imported cigarettes during the operation.

Following the recovery, an FIR under Sections 7 and 20 of the COTPA Act was registered at the Crime Branch police station in Delhi, and both accused — Mohd Tausif and Junaid Ahmed — were arrested in connection with the case.

During sustained interrogation, Mohd Tausif disclosed that he used to procure imported cigarettes in bulk quantities from suppliers who delivered consignments after receiving advance payment, officials said.

According to his disclosure statement, the cigarettes were being illegally imported from countries including Thailand, Cambodia and China.

Police said Tausif further revealed that he used to distribute the imported cigarettes to various traders and shopkeepers in both wholesale and retail quantities across Delhi and nearby areas.

Investigators also found that Junaid Ahmed, working as an employee of Mohd Tausif, was responsible for handling the storage and supply of the cigarettes from the godown.

Officials further stated that Mohd Tausif had previously been found involved in a similar case registered in the year 2023.(Agency)

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