A fresh political confrontation has erupted ahead of the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, with the Bharatiya Janata Party challenging Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut to substantiate his allegations of horse-trading and financial inducements in the electoral process.

Maharashtra BJP Chief Spokesperson Navnath Ban on Friday demanded that Raut make public any evidence supporting his claims that large sums of money were used to influence candidates and manipulate electoral outcomes in the upcoming Legislative Council elections.

Rejecting the allegations outright, Ban described Raut’s accusations as baseless and accused the Rajya Sabha member of repeatedly targeting the ruling alliance with unverified claims. He stated that if Raut possesses credible evidence of financial transactions or political horse-trading, he should place it before the public instead of making allegations through social media posts and public statements.

Ban maintained that the ruling alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party, enjoys sufficient numerical strength among elected representatives of local self-government bodies and therefore has no need to resort to unethical practices to secure electoral victories.

The controversy began after Raut alleged that efforts to secure unopposed victories in several constituencies involved large-scale financial transactions. In a post on the social media platform X, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader claimed that political manoeuvring and nomination withdrawals ahead of the elections were linked to significant monetary exchanges. He further suggested that opposition candidates had effectively entered a political marketplace by assigning prices to their withdrawal from the contest.

Raut’s remarks followed the withdrawal of several candidates before the nomination deadline, a development that cleared the path for unopposed victories in multiple constituencies.

Responding sharply, Ban questioned the opposition’s own strategy regarding candidate selection and withdrawals. Referring specifically to the Nashik Local Authorities constituency, he claimed that the opposition had failed to field or sustain a candidate despite earlier announcements. Ban argued that Raut, who oversees party affairs in North Maharashtra, should first explain developments in the region before levelling allegations against political opponents.

The BJP spokesperson also sought clarification from opposition parties regarding the withdrawal of certain Congress candidates in other constituencies, suggesting that similar questions could be raised about the circumstances surrounding those decisions.

Expressing confidence in the ruling alliance’s electoral prospects, Ban asserted that the coalition possesses a strong network of elected representatives across municipal corporations, municipal councils and town councils throughout Maharashtra. According to him, candidates backed by the alliance already enjoy substantial support from local body members affiliated with the coalition, giving them a natural advantage in the elections.

He reiterated that allegations of corruption, vote-buying or horse-trading must be supported by concrete evidence rather than political rhetoric.

The elections are being conducted for 16 seats of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from Local Authorities constituencies, along with a by-election for one seat from the Nagpur Local Authorities constituency. Polling is scheduled for June 18, while counting of votes will take place on June 22. Members of municipal corporations, municipal councils and other local self-government bodies constitute the electoral college for these elections.

The escalating exchange between the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT) underscores the rising political tensions ahead of the polls. With several constituencies witnessing withdrawals and unopposed victories, both the ruling alliance and opposition parties are intensifying efforts to shape public perception of the electoral process. As polling day approaches, the dispute over candidate withdrawals and allegations of financial influence is expected to remain at the centre of Maharashtra’s political discourse

The first impression of celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s Mumbai residence does not stem from extravagance, but from the seamless integration of everyday life into its spatial design. In a recent YouTube video tour, the home is presented in a manner where the rooms appear actively used rather than staged, with polished finishes placed alongside unexpected decorative elements. The residence carries a quiet sense of movement, as though life continues within it even in stillness.

The entrance opens into a broad foyer that establishes the tone of the home immediately. The space is defined not by spectacle but by layered detailing that reflects gradual evolution over time rather than a single, fixed design approach. A crystal chandelier hangs prominently overhead, refracting light as one moves through the area. Below, the flooring transitions between textures where greenery and stone elements interrupt smoother surfaces. A gold-toned artwork is placed to one side in a deliberately unconventional manner, introducing a subtle break in symmetry.

An off-centre green armchair adds a relaxed, informal character to the foyer. From this central point, the home extends naturally into multiple directions, offering visible access to the dining area, living room, and staircase. The living space features seating in cream and purple tones, softened with cushions that reflect everyday use rather than staged presentation. A glass centre table rests over a rug chosen for comfort over precision styling. Tall French windows allow natural light to flow into the room and open toward a balcony that remains visible but understated.

One wall stands out with its deep burgundy finish, featuring a large artwork crafted from repurposed kitchen utensils. The piece carries a strong visual presence, positioned between functional craft and sculptural expression, without softening its industrial character.

The dining area is directly connected to the foyer, forming part of the home’s continuous spatial flow. A long glass-topped table anchors the space, surrounded by seating designed for shared family meals rather than formal hosting. Wood and glass elements line portions of the wall, reflecting light in a restrained manner. A chandelier hangs above the table, present yet not dominant. A window seat along one side offers a quieter corner, slightly removed from the main dining arrangement, suggesting a space intended for pause between meals. The room maintains a balanced rhythm, structured yet open, functional yet unforced.

Beyond the shared spaces, the private rooms introduce a noticeably different design language. Bedrooms belonging to different family members, including Sanjeev Kapoor’s mother, daughter, mother-in-law, and other close relatives, are presented with simpler arrangements and minimal decorative layering. These spaces emphasize function and daily use over visual coordination.

Furniture placement in these rooms is straightforward, with uncluttered surfaces and subdued lighting that creates a softer, more enclosed atmosphere. Each room reflects a distinct identity shaped by usage rather than curated design intent, standing in contrast to the more expressive public areas of the residence.

The home, as revealed in the tour, ultimately reflects a cohesive yet varied architectural narrative, where lived experience and design coexist without excess formality, offering a portrait of domestic space defined by comfort, function, and restrained elegance.

The Consulate General of India in New York is set to host a major International Day of Yoga celebration on June 21 at the iconic Times Square, with thousands of participants expected from across the United States and other countries. The event will be headlined by renowned yoga guru HR Nagendra, President of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana (S-VYASA) University in Bengaluru, a Padma Shri awardee, who will be joined by the university’s Vice Chancellor NK Manjunath.

The large-scale public gathering is being organised by the Consulate General of India in New York and has become one of the most prominent global yoga observances, reflecting the growing international engagement with India’s ancient wellness tradition.

Prior to the Times Square event, HR Nagendra will inaugurate a three-day Yoga and Wellness Retreat at the YO1 Longevity and Health Resort in Monticello, New York, scheduled from June 12 to June 14. The retreat will feature structured yoga sessions, guided meditation practices, and expert lectures focused on stress management, healthy ageing, and holistic wellness.

Among the distinguished speakers confirmed for the retreat are cardiologist Dr. Samin K Sharma, Director of Interventional Cardiology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, and Raj Bansal, founder of a leading Accountable Care Organization.

The visit has been coordinated and hosted at the invitation of the Rajasthan Association of North America (RANA), along with BRUHUD NY seniors and Jaipur Foot USA, highlighting the extensive role of Indian diaspora organisations in promoting yoga and integrating it into public life in the United States.

Prem Bhandari, Chairman of Jaipur Foot USA and President of RANA in New York, has been a central figure in advancing these initiatives. He has spent over a decade organising yoga-related programs at major platforms including the United Nations and Capitol Hill.

Consul General of India in New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan has expressed optimism regarding favourable weather conditions and expects strong participation from yoga enthusiasts. He also noted that registrations remain open and encouraged interested participants to complete enrollment before the deadline.

The International Day of Yoga, observed annually on June 21, continues to serve as a global platform promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through yoga.

India has entered the advanced stages of planning for a sweeping, multi-billion-dollar drone acquisition programme that is set to significantly reshape its defence manufacturing ecosystem, according to Smit Shah, President of the Drone Federation of India, an industry body representing more than 550 aerospace companies.

The proposed procurement drive marks an extraordinary escalation compared to recent emergency tactical drone purchases, which were valued at approximately 30 billion rupees (about 313 million US dollars). Defence officials are now preparing to route these contracts through fast-track and emergency procurement channels in order to eliminate conventional bureaucratic delays and ensure full delivery within an accelerated timeframe of 18 to 24 months.

The initiative is being shaped by urgent geopolitical realities and recent battlefield developments. Indian military planners have studied large-scale border clashes with Pakistan in May last year, during which both sides deployed unmanned aerial systems at an unprecedented coordinated scale. The operational outcomes of that conflict, combined with the extensive use of low-cost first-person view kamikaze drones and loitering munitions in ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia, have significantly altered India’s military doctrine.

Defence analysts note that the demonstrated effectiveness of commercially produced drones, capable of destroying high-value military assets at a fraction of the cost of precision-guided missiles, has accelerated decision-making within the Ministry of Defence. In March, the Defence Acquisition Council granted Acceptance of Necessity for a capital acquisition package worth 2.38 trillion rupees (approximately 24.85 billion US dollars), covering transport aircraft, advanced missile systems, and a dedicated category of armed remotely piloted strike aircraft.

The expansion is expected to transform India’s rapidly growing drone sector, which now comprises more than 600 companies and component manufacturers, including over 100 private enterprises focused exclusively on defence-grade technologies. The ecosystem includes major industrial players such as Tata Advanced Systems, Adani Group, and Larsen and Toubro, alongside specialised defence technology firms and startups including ideaForge, Newspace Research, and Asteria Aerospace.

However, defence experts caution that industrial scale alone will not ensure strategic autonomy. They argue that genuine sovereignty requires deep localisation of critical technologies. The upcoming procurement wave, including an estimated 2 billion dollar order pipeline, is expected to enable domestic manufacturers to invest in core subsystems such as flight controllers, advanced electric propulsion systems, thermal imaging sensors, and encrypted satellite communication technologies.

To support this transition, the government has restructured procurement processes under the Defence Acquisition Procedure, enabling compressed acquisition cycles that reduce multi-year timelines to just a few months. Parallel to this, the Ministry of Defence has expanded funding under the Innovations for Defence Excellence initiative, supporting early-stage prototypes, relaxing rigid testing frameworks, and encouraging repeat and interim orders to accelerate field deployment and refinement.

This policy shift has created a stable demand pipeline, unlocking increased venture capital inflows and strengthening partnerships between established defence contractors and startups. As a result, India’s unmanned aerial systems sector is rapidly evolving into a resilient and strategically significant defence technology ecosystem, aligned with the country’s long-term goals of industrial self-reliance and modernised warfare capability.

K Annamalai, widely known as the “Lion-like” figure of Tamil Nadu politics, resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday, June 6, 2026, marking a dramatic shift in the state’s political landscape. His departure has triggered widespread speculation over his next move, particularly whether he would establish a new political outfit.

Following his resignation from primary membership of the BJP, Annamalai addressed his supporters through the social media platform X. He stated that the objectives ahead were larger and required the inclusion of more people. He further declared that he had respectfully left the BJP to initiate a new form of politics. He announced the beginning of a new path, a new movement, and a new political campaign from this moment forward.

Annamalai emphasized that the proposed movement required a fresh dimension and a new vision from the grassroots level. He confirmed that a new political party would be formed to contest the upcoming state elections in Tamil Nadu. He reiterated that the envisioned movement demanded structural renewal and a new ideological direction from the foundation upward.

Reacting to his resignation, Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran asserted that Annamalai’s exit would have “no impact” on the party. When questioned about the development, he stated that the BJP would not be affected, describing the party as a major global political force.

In contrast, Andhra Pradesh BJP President P V N Madhav adopted a more conciliatory stance. He described Annamalai as an important figure within the party and termed the development a minor setback. He expressed confidence that Annamalai would eventually return to the BJP and continue participating in party activities, highlighting his contributions in Tamil Nadu.

Annamalai joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in 2020, following his resignation from the Indian Police Service in 2019. A former Karnataka cadre IPS officer, he entered politics inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Within a year of joining the party, he was appointed as the Tamil Nadu BJP President, becoming one of the youngest state presidents and a central figure in the party’s expansion efforts in the region.

The resignation of Annamalai, followed by his announcement of a new political movement and a forthcoming party, marks a significant turning point in Tamil Nadu politics, setting the stage for a reshaped electoral contest in the state.

A political controversy has erupted in West Bengal under the administration of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, as allegations of illegal commission collection linked to government welfare schemes have triggered public outrage and multiple police actions across the state.

In a widely circulated video shared by Bharatiya Janata Party IT Cell chief Amit Malviya, a Trinamool Congress leader from Mathabhanga in the Cooch Behar district, identified as Shahidul Mia, is seen hiding under a bed after being reportedly surrounded by angry residents. According to reports, Mia has been accused of collecting illegal commissions ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 rupees from beneficiaries in exchange for facilitating access to the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme.

Malviya claimed that individuals involved in extortion from the poor are now unable to find refuge even inside their homes, alleging that the situation reflects a broader pattern of coercive financial demands linked to welfare distribution in West Bengal. He further stated that fear of public retaliation has forced individuals accused of such practices to return money in several areas.

Reports indicate that following mounting pressure, individuals involved in similar allegations have been seen returning collected funds to residents in various locations. In one instance last week in the Cooch Behar region, announcements were reportedly made using loudspeakers mounted on rickshaws in the Ghughumari area, declaring that money taken illegally for housing scheme benefits would be refunded to villagers, with several residents subsequently receiving reimbursements.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that in West Bengal, refusal to pay bribes often results in denial of access to government welfare benefits. The Trinamool Congress has officially responded, stating that the party has no connection with any form of illegal extortion activities.

In a separate development, Swarup Biswas, the brother of former West Bengal minister Arup Biswas and former president of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India, was arrested on Thursday evening on charges of extortion and criminal intimidation. Police action followed a complaint filed by a woman who alleged that she had been denied work for nearly two years. She further claimed that when she approached Biswas seeking employment opportunities, he demanded money and issued threats.

Authorities confirmed that the arrest was carried out after examining the complaint, which also included allegations of intimidation and coercion linked to professional opportunities.

The incidents have intensified political tensions in West Bengal, highlighting growing accusations and counterclaims between major political forces over corruption allegations tied to welfare distribution systems.

The political landscape of Tamil Nadu and the broader opposition camp could witness a major realignment following the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s decision to exit the INDIA alliance and boycott the alliance meeting scheduled for June 8. In the wake of this development, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is emerging as a potential replacement within the opposition bloc, with growing indications that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay may use the opportunity to establish a significant presence in national politics.

The relationship between the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and the Congress party has reportedly strengthened considerably. Vijay has reinforced the alliance by allocating two ministerial positions and one Rajya Sabha seat to Congress, despite having the option to retain the parliamentary seat for his own party. Political observers believe this reflects his increasing interest in working closely with the Congress-led opposition alliance and playing a broader role at the national level.

The possibility of Vijay’s entry into the INDIA alliance gained further attention after Congress’s Tamil Nadu in-charge, Girish Chodankar, met him at the Secretariat on Thursday. According to political sources, discussions focused primarily on Vijay’s potential induction into the opposition bloc and his role in filling the vacuum that could be created by the departure of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Vijay’s inclusion is expected to provide fresh momentum to the alliance due to his extensive public support base. Both Congress and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam share a common objective of safeguarding secular values, a factor that could strengthen cooperation between the two parties. His presence could also enhance the alliance’s appeal among a wider section of voters.

The exit of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which currently has 22 members in the Lok Sabha and eight members in the Rajya Sabha, may represent a temporary setback for the opposition bloc. However, Congress leaders believe that Vijay’s entry would bring significant public appeal and renewed energy to the alliance. According to Congress sources, his participation could substantially strengthen the political position of Rahul Gandhi within the opposition camp.

Party insiders also point to the strong rapport between Rahul Gandhi and Vijay, describing it as a factor that could influence the political landscape ahead of the next Lok Sabha elections. Their association is viewed as a potential advantage for the opposition as it seeks to consolidate support across different regions.

Vijay has already altered the political dynamics of Tamil Nadu, and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is now seeking to occupy the secular political space that was traditionally associated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. With Congress standing alongside it, the party is believed to possess the secular credentials necessary to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party effectively. Until now, Congress had largely served as the political force that reinforced the secular image of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Beyond Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s influence extends through his immense popularity as a film personality. He commands a substantial fan following in Kerala and enjoys support to a certain extent in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka as well. This wider regional appeal could prove highly beneficial for Congress during future election campaigns.

As opposition politics enters a potentially transformative phase, Vijay’s possible induction into the INDIA alliance could reshape political equations both in Tamil Nadu and beyond, offering the coalition a new face, expanded public reach, and renewed momentum ahead of future electoral contests.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma inaugurated a World Environment Day programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp and delivering a strong message on environmental conservation, sustainable development and public participation in protecting natural resources.

During the event, four industrial units were honoured under the Green Co Rating Scheme for their environmental performance. The Chief Minister also dedicated several development initiatives to the districts of Jaisalmer, Banswara, Jhunjhunu and Sawai Madhopur. He inaugurated regional offices and laboratories of the Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board and announced the establishment of seven forest schools aimed at strengthening environmental education and awareness.

Addressing the gathering, Sharma said that nature provides everything necessary for human life and stressed that society must also learn to give back to nature. He called for greater commitment to water conservation and urged citizens to save every drop of water. Emphasising the need to translate knowledge into action, he appealed to people to take a pledge on World Environment Day to conserve water and electricity and promote environmental awareness across communities.

The Chief Minister stated that the human body itself is composed of the five natural elements and is therefore an integral part of nature. He said that just as the body requires essential nutrients, nature also depends on water resources and forests for its survival and balance. Sharma noted that previous generations never interfered excessively with nature and highlighted the need to preserve rivers, mountains and trees. He also said that the government is undertaking the development of Namo Chandan Van plantations as part of its environmental initiatives.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Sharma reinforced the message of environmental protection by planting a banyan sapling at the World Forestry Tree Garden in Jhalana. He said the government remains committed to clean environmental practices and green development. Describing nature conservation as a shared responsibility of both society and government, he called for transforming water conservation and tree plantation efforts into a mass movement.

The Chief Minister appealed for collective cooperation in maintaining ecological balance and urged citizens to fulfil their environmental responsibilities with dedication. He linked environmental conservation to the secure future of coming generations and encouraged every citizen to plant at least one tree and ensure its continued care. He highlighted that extensive environmental protection activities are being conducted across the state and said that rapid progress is being made toward the goal of building a greener Rajasthan. Sharma also stressed the importance of turning environmental awareness into a broad public campaign.

Highlighting the state's long-term environmental vision, Sharma said that the Green Rajasthan campaign has gained fresh momentum under his leadership. He announced that the Rajasthan Budget 2026-27 has set a target of planting and protecting 100 million saplings, describing it as a major initiative aimed at transforming Rajasthan into a greener state. He emphasised that equal importance would be given to the protection and maintenance of planted trees alongside plantation drives.

The Chief Minister appealed for public support to the One Tree in Mother’s Name campaign and reiterated the government's focus on afforestation, water conservation and ecological enhancement. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel, Minister of State Sanjay Sharma, Member of Parliament Manju Sharma, senior officials and environmental enthusiasts were present at the programme. In the presence of environmental advocates and public representatives, the Chief Minister delivered a strong message of green development and collective responsibility toward nature.

The event underscored Rajasthan's growing commitment to environmental sustainability, resource conservation and large-scale afforestation, reinforcing the state's vision of securing a greener and environmentally resilient future for generations to come.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that the United States is uncomfortable with the strengthening trade relationship between India and Russia, asserting that Washington has been exerting pressure on New Delhi to scale back its cooperation with Moscow.

Speaking at a public event, Putin strongly defended India’s strategic autonomy and expressed confidence that bilateral trade between India and Russia would reach the USD 100 billion mark in the coming years. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and said India remains committed to an independent foreign policy and will not yield to external pressure.

Putin stated that the United States has consistently attempted to persuade India to reduce its engagement with Russia, but maintained that such efforts would never succeed. He said the international community has come to understand that applying pressure on India, the world’s most populous nation, and on Prime Minister Narendra Modi is detrimental to global relations. According to Putin, it makes little difference where such pressure originates.

The Russian President emphasized that India’s expanding partnership with the United States has not weakened its traditional and long-standing relationship with Russia. He said the growing cooperation between New Delhi and Washington has had no adverse impact on the strong ties shared by India and Russia.

Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions across the world, Putin expressed optimism about the future of economic cooperation between the two countries. He said economic relations between Russia and India are expected to grow rapidly in the coming years and commended the pace of India’s economic development.

Describing India as one of the world’s leading economies, Putin said the country is currently demonstrating an impressive and remarkable growth rate. He added that India’s economic achievements are not the result of chance but stem from sustained efforts and policy decisions undertaken by the Indian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Highlighting the robust trade in crude oil, fertilizers, and coal between the two countries, Putin said these sectors would play a key role in driving bilateral trade toward the USD 100 billion target in the near future.

Even amid heightened diplomatic polarization following the Ukraine conflict and recent global developments, India has successfully maintained a careful balance in its relations with both Russia and the United States. While New Delhi has continued to deepen its strategic partnership with Washington, it has simultaneously expanded crude oil imports and energy cooperation with Russia to record levels in pursuit of its national interests.

Putin’s remarks underscore Moscow’s confidence in India’s ability to preserve an independent foreign policy while managing relationships with major global powers. The statement also reflects Russia’s belief that the long-standing partnership between the two nations remains resilient despite shifting geopolitical dynamics and increasing international pressure.

The upcoming tri-nation One-Day International series featuring India A, Sri Lanka A and Afghanistan A will be broadcast live from Sri Lanka, providing cricket fans an opportunity to follow the tournament in real time.

The decision to televise the series comes amid the growing popularity of teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who has emerged as one of the most talked-about young cricketers following his performances in the Under-19 World Cup and the Indian Premier League. Broadcasters are expected to capitalize on his rising fan base by bringing the tournament to a wider audience.

A total of seven matches, including the final, will be played during the competition. Tilak Varma has been appointed captain of the India A side for the tournament. All matches will be telecast on Sony Sports television channels and streamed live on the Sony Liv application.

Suryavanshi enjoyed a remarkable Indian Premier League season, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 776 runs and claiming the Orange Cap. In addition, he secured multiple individual honors, including Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player of the Year, Super Striker and the Six-Hitting Award.

Sony Network has remained largely absent from major cricket broadcasts in recent months, with events such as the World Cup and the Indian Premier League being carried on Jio Hotstar. Promoting the upcoming tournament, Sony posted on social media that the “Suryavanshi Express” is set to light up the stage in the high-octane tri-series. Sony also holds the broadcasting rights for the India-Sri Lanka bilateral series scheduled for the second half of August. Meanwhile, the Lanka Premier League will be streamed on Jio Hotstar.

The tri-series will begin on June 9 with a match between India A and Sri Lanka A. India A will then face Afghanistan A on June 11, Sri Lanka A on June 15 and Afghanistan A again on June 17. All matches will start at 10:00 AM Indian Standard Time.

Following the completion of the one-day tournament, India A will take on Sri Lanka A in a two-match Test series beginning on June 25. Discussions are also underway regarding the addition of a three-match Twenty20 International series. According to sources associated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Sri Lanka Cricket, there is a strong possibility that the proposed Twenty20 series will receive approval. The India A squad for the Test series has not yet been announced.

In other cricket action, England Women defeated India Women by six wickets in the third and final Twenty20 International to seal the three-match series 2-1. Chasing a target of 181 runs, England reached the total with four wickets down, powered by Alice Capsey’s 82-run innings and an unbeaten 70 from captain Heather Knight. The successful chase was England’s second-highest in Women’s Twenty20 International cricket.

The live broadcast of the India A tri-series marks a significant opportunity for emerging players to showcase their talent on a larger stage, while the presence of rising star Vaibhav Suryavanshi is expected to generate substantial interest among cricket fans across the country.

NEW DELHI: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has confirmed that left-handed batter Sai Sudharsan will bat at number three in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, which begins on Saturday in New Chandigarh, signalling the team's commitment to providing the young batter with an extended opportunity in the crucial position.

Addressing the media during the pre-match press conference on Friday, Gambhir said Sudharsan deserved a longer run in the side and should not be judged on a limited number of appearances.

"Sai Sudharsan hasn't got a fair chance. He played in England. We will give him a longer rope," Gambhir said.

Emphasising the importance of patience in developing players, the India coach pointed to Sudharsan's recent performances and strong form.

"We can only pick 11 players and Sai isn't in bad form. He scored 700 runs in the IPL. If we judge Sai on the basis of four or five games, we will never be able to build something," he added.

The number three position has remained a major concern for India in Test cricket since Cheteshwar Pujara moved out of the side. Although Pujara announced his retirement in 2025, his final Test appearance for India came in the World Test Championship final in 2023.

Since Pujara's departure, India have experimented with seven different batters at the one-drop position, but none have been able to establish themselves permanently. Several players were also not provided with a prolonged run in the role.

Shubman Gill enjoyed the longest stint at number three before shifting to number four after taking over as India's Test captain following the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the format.

Following Gill's move, Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar, Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal have all been tried at number three.

India's 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa further exposed the uncertainty surrounding the position. Sundar was promoted to number three during the first Test at Eden Gardens but was moved back down the order after India's batting struggled.

Sudharsan returned to the role in the second Test at Guwahati against South Africa but managed scores of 15 and 14. The left-handed batter has played six Test matches so far and maintains an average of just over 27.

Despite India's current position of sixth in the World Test Championship standings with 48.15 per cent of points, Gambhir expressed confidence in the team's ability to challenge for the title.

"We believe that we can win the WTC. There is talent and hunger in this team," Gambhir said.

Responding to concerns over the quick transition from the Indian Premier League to Test cricket, Gambhir dismissed any suggestion of disadvantage and stressed the importance of mental strength in the longer format.

"There are no excuses. Test matches are about mental toughness," he said.

The upcoming Test against Afghanistan will not only provide Sai Sudharsan with another opportunity to secure India's long-vacant number three position but will also serve as an important step in the team's efforts to revive its World Test Championship campaign and reaffirm its ambitions on the international stage.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed strong confidence in the future of India-Russia economic relations, stating that bilateral trade could reach USD 100 billion in the coming years as both countries deepen cooperation across energy, investment and strategic sectors.

Speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said trade between India and Russia has already grown to approximately USD 58-60 billion and continues to demonstrate substantial potential for further expansion.

“We believe bilateral trade can rise substantially and touch the USD 100 billion mark in the coming years. The foundations for achieving this target are already in place,” Putin said.

The Russian President highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two nations in the energy sector, particularly in civilian nuclear cooperation. He identified the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu as a key symbol of the strategic relationship that has strengthened over decades.

Putin emphasized that bilateral energy cooperation will extend beyond nuclear power. He said India and Russia are actively exploring new opportunities in the hydrocarbons sector and are expected to launch additional collaborative initiatives in oil and gas development.

“Beyond nuclear energy, we will continue to strengthen cooperation in hydrocarbons and other energy-related fields,” he stated.

Underscoring the significance of investment ties, Putin described current Russian projects in India as among the country’s largest foreign investment ventures. He said both governments remain committed to increasing two-way investments and broadening economic engagement across multiple sectors.

The remarks come as the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project continues to advance. Earlier this year, India’s Atomic Energy Regulatory Board approved the installation of major equipment for Units 5 and 6 of the facility, marking another important milestone in the expansion of the country’s nuclear power capacity.

The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited described the approval as a significant step in India’s pursuit of safe, clean and reliable energy generation.

Civil nuclear cooperation remains one of the strongest pillars of India-Russia relations. In March, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed Russia’s position as India’s leading partner in the nuclear sector and said the Kudankulam project reflects the depth and maturity of bilateral cooperation.

Jaishankar also noted that India’s target of expanding nuclear power generation capacity to 100 gigawatts by 2047 would create additional opportunities for collaboration with Russia in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

The Kudankulam project was a major focus during Putin’s visit to India in December last year. During the visit, he described the facility as a flagship joint venture and stressed its importance in supporting India’s growing energy requirements.

At present, two of the six planned reactor units at Kudankulam are operational, while the remaining four units are at various stages of construction. Once completed, the project is expected to make a substantial contribution to India’s energy security and clean power generation objectives.

With bilateral trade expanding, investment flows increasing and cooperation deepening across energy and infrastructure sectors, India and Russia appear determined to elevate their strategic partnership to new economic heights, positioning the relationship as a key pillar of long-term regional and global economic engagement.