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“The Congress has always been opposing development works in Maharashtra. They were the ones who opposed Samruddhi Expressway, but people came forward and supported it,” Devendra Fadnavis said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared today that while he was ready to discuss the Shaktipeeth Highway project with people opposing it, he would not entertain political opponents. The political opponent in this case is the Congress, which has been highlighting the farmers’ views about inadequate compensation for the Rs 86,000 crore project that would connect multiple pilgrim centres. A few ministers have also indicated reservations on behalf of their constituencies.

“The Congress has always been opposing development works in Maharashtra. They were the ones who opposed Samruddhi Expressway, but people came forward and supported it,” Mr Fadnavis said.

Mr Fadnavis said recently, around 350 farmers had gheraoed him and gave him letters of support. “I can understand that there is opposition from some people, we will talk with them. Eknath Shinde (Deputy Chief Minister) said yesterday that it would be resolved through talks. But we will not be bound by political opposition,” he added.

The cabinet approval for the “Shaktipeeth Highway” project has riled up the farmers.

This 802-km expressway will not only connect 12 districts and 18 religious places but will also cut down the travel time from Nagpur to Goa from 18 hours to 8 hours.

Due to the strong opposition, the Mahayuti government had kept the project on hold ahead of the Assembly polls. But after the landslide victory, it was brought back on track with Cabinet approval.

The project is not only being opposed by farmers. Ministers from within the Mahayuti government had expressed displeasure over it in the cabinet meeting to approve the project.

State ministers Prakash Abitkar and Hasan Mushrif raised objections when the project was placed before the cabinet for approval.

Both ministers are from Kolhapur, the Ground Zero of the farmers’ protest against the project.

Minister Prakash Abitkar said, “The cabinet always takes decisions in the interest of the state. While taking this decision, it was our duty to bring forward the stand of farmers who are against it and we did that. It is not about getting angry, it is about expressing views of farmers and my view. The Chief Minister had instructed to have a positive approach and look for a way out.”

Acknowledging objection by ministers to Shaktipeeth Highway, Eknath Shinde said in the cabinet, both ministers had expressed the people’s views about the project, though some are in support also.

“Where people are opposing, we will talk with them and look for alternatives. The alternatives will be discussed and surely a solution will come out. Shaktipeeth Highway is important for development of Maharashtra,” Mr Shinde said.

Maharashtra Congress chief Harshvardhan Sapkal said the state does not want this highway.

“At a time when the government is already facing economic crisis and there is strong opposition to the project, there is no need to go ahead with it. It is purposely being done from the instruction of their masters. The highway is the red carpet being built to benefit their industrialist friends. Maharashtra doesn’t need it.”

Farmer leader Raju Shetty had warned the government about violent protest against the project. He said farmers know “how to swing a slingshot” if they try to conduct a survey through drones. “We will oppose this until the last drop of blood remains in our body,” he added.

The Bengaluru Bravehearts became the third team to progress to the semi-final of Season 1 of Rugby Premier League

The Bengaluru Bravehearts became the third team to progress to the semi-final of Season 1 of GMR Rugby Premier League. The Bravehearts achieved this after they defeated the Kalinga Black Tigers by a margin of 34-26. In the second game of the day, the Delhi Redz and the Mumbai Dreamers played out a thrilling draw, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex in Mumbai. With qualification on the line for the Bengaluru Bravehearts, the Kalinga Black Tigers were looking to create hurdles. And on cue, the Tigers took the lead when Ethan Turner bagged a try and Maurice Longbottom converted with ease. The Tigers further extended their lead with Lucas Lacamp’s try and Turner’s conversion. 

However, before the end of the first half, the Bravehearts started to mount a comeback with Philip Wokorach and Arpan Chhetri’s tries. At the break the Tigers led by 4 points. After that, the Bravehearts’ Liam Poulton turned up the ante with a couple of tries, to give his side the lead. 

The game was well contested, and the Tigers responded well and almost immediately with Ethan Turner’s try. And going into the last phase, the Bravehearts led by 1 point. 

The Bravehearts put the foot on the pedal in the final quarter with Philip Wokorach adding a try and converting, along with Iowane Teba’s try and conversion, which gave them some breathing space. The Tigers though were not giving up and Perry Baker added five more to the cause, whilst Maurice Longbottom also scored his conversion kick. But it was too little too late. 

In the second game of the day, the Mumbai Dreamers came from behind to salvage a draw against the Delhi Redz. Both teams were locked at 19-19 at the final whistle. 

James Turner put the Dreamers in the lead before Patrick Okongo and Alejandro Laforga combined to add 7 points for the Redz. From then on in, the Delhi Redz were dominant, with Laforga and Deepak Punia scoring tries, and the latter converting his kick too. 

The Redz looked set for the win, however, the Dreamers fought back in the final quarter with James Turner scoring a try and converting his kick. Vuiviwa Naduvalo rounded off the evening with his game-changing try, which helped the Dreamers rescue a draw with the scores reading 19-19.

The All India Chess Federation on Wednesday announced the launch of the Top National Players Stipend Scheme, a financial support initiative to help in talent development.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) on Wednesday announced the launch of the Top National Players Stipend Scheme (TNPSS), a financial support initiative to help in talent development. The project, championed by AICF President Nitin Narang, will seek to nurture the chess players from the grassroots. The AICF is immediately dispatching its first quarterly stipends, ranging from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh directly into the accounts of top young chess talents. A total of Rs 42.30 lakh has been disbursed for the months of April to June. Players starting from age-group of U-7 till U-19s will be beneficiaries of this scheme.

“This is more than just a scheme. It shows how deeply we believe in the promise of every young chess player in Bharat,” said Narang.

“For the first time in our history, we are directly investing in the future of 39 girls and and 39 boys, providing them with the sustained financial bedrock they need to transform their talent into triumph. This is more than a token; it’s a demonstration of our support.

“One of the key objectives is to increase the importance of national tournaments, as theyare the foundation for building a strong chess ecosystem. It is at the nationals where we can identify and nurture talent,” Narang added.

After a 13-hour flight to Kuwait, Anindita Chatterjee boarded a connecting flight to Mumbai, but that’s when things took a terrifying turn due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The mother-daughter duo were stranded at the Kuwait airport for nearly 36 hours.

An Indian travel creator recently took to Instagram to recount the “scariest experience” she had on a flight, triggered by rising tensions in the Middle East. In her post, Anindita Chatterjee shared that she was returning to Mumbai from New York with her baby daughter after spending three months in the United States. After a 13-hour flight to Kuwait, she boarded a connecting flight to Mumbai, but that’s when things took a terrifying turn due to the ongoing conflict in the region.

“We flew 13 hours to Kuwait, had a short layover, and then boarded our connecting flight to Mumbai. But mid-air, things took a terrifying turn. Iran bombed Qatar, and we were flying through that very airspace. It was unreal and terrifying,” she wrote in the caption of the post.

Ms Chatterjee further shared that after an hour in the air, the flight turned around and returned to Kuwait. “The entire airspace was shut down, and no flights were taking off,” she wrote. She also said that due to this, she and her daughter were stranded at the Kuwait airport for nearly 36 hours. 

“While my family was relieved we were safe on the ground, the thought that we were in the sky when those missiles were being fired… I’m still shaken,” she said. “I have travelled to 99 countries and this was definitely the worst flight experience,” she added. 

In the comments section of the post, users prayed for the safety of the mother-daughter duo. “What a harrowing experience. Glad that you reached safely,” wrote one user. 

“I can’t imagine how that felt. So sorry to all the passengers. Glad you guys are safe,” commented another. “I’m truly glad that you and Kiara are safe. I can’t even imagine how terrifying that must have been. Whenever I hear about incidents like this, my heart aches for the children and families in places like Syria who face this kind of fear every single day,” expressed a third user. 

“Hope all is well now. Seriously what is happening around the world. We have a Europe trip planned in July but seriously not sure if we should continue with the plan or just cancel it. Too scared, too worried!!” said one user. 

So far, 22 individuals – including a few police personnel – have been arrested in connection with the case.

In a dramatic escalation of the high-profile cocaine case that has rocked Tamil Nadu’s film industry, the Chennai police has detained actor Krishna for questioning. This follows the recent arrest of actor Srikanth and film producer Prasad, who is also a former AIADMK functionary.

Krishna is currently being interrogated at the Nungambakkam Police Station. While officials have not disclosed his exact role in the alleged drug ring, a senior police officer told NDTV, “It’s an ongoing investigation. We have nothing to share now. We shall update after an interrogation.”

According to investigators, Prasad is accused of supplying cocaine to friends within the film industry, including Srikanth, and of hosting lavish drug-fueled parties.

Krishna hails from a well-known film family. His father is a film producer, and his elder brother, Vishnu Varadhan, is a prominent director. Krishna himself has appeared in several notable films such as Anjali, Iruvar, and Thalapathy. However, it was his lead role in Kazhugu that earned him critical acclaim and the moniker “Kazhugu Krishna.”

The case has unearthed a deeper web of criminal activity. Police allege that Prasad was also involved in a job racket and cases of blackmail, while his associate Ajay Vandiyar is being investigated for intimidation, forgery, and land grabbing.

So far, 22 individuals – including a few police personnel – have been arrested in connection with the case. Authorities now plan to seek police custody of both Srikanth and Prasad in a bid to unravel the full extent of the drug network.

Amandeep Kaur, who was dismissed from service in April for possessing drugs, is now facing a corruption case.

Mahindra Thar, Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle, plots worth over a crore, two iPhones and a Rolex watch – these high-end assets belong to a dismissed police constable in Punjab. Amandeep Kaur, who was dismissed from service in April for possessing drugs, is now facing a corruption case.

She was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau on Monday for allegedly amassing assets disproportionate to her known source of income. A corruption case has been filed against Amandeep Kaur in Bathinda following an inquiry.

In April, Ms Kaur was dismissed from service after she was caught by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) for carrying 17.71 grams of heroin. She was then charged and arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. She was, however, released on bail by a court in Bathinda on May 2.

The Punjab Police has now frozen her assets worth Rs 1.35 crore, which include two plots, a Mahindra Thar, a Rolex watch and three phones, under the NDPS Act.

The seized assets are as follows:

Land at Virat Green, Bathinda (217 square yards): Rs 99,00,000

Land at Dream City, Bathinda (120.83 square yards): Rs 18,12,000

Thar Car: Rs 14,00,000

Royal Enfield Bullet: Rs 1,70,000

iPhone 13 Pro Max: Rs 45,000

iPhone SE: Rs 9,000

Vivo Phone: Rs 2,000

Bank Balance (SBI): Rs 1,01,588.53

Rolex Watch : Price not known

During the investigation, the movable and immovable properties of Amandeep Kaur that she acquired between 2018 and 2025 were scrutinised along with her salary, bank accounts and loan records

The probe revealed that the expenditure of Ms Kaur – also known as ‘Insta queen’, as she regularly posts reels showcasing her flashy lifestyle on Instagram – during the said period is much more than her earnings.

Amandeep Kaur has several videos on her Instagram account where she can be seen flaunting her high-end watch, handbags and gold jewellery.

Amandeep Kaur had a total income of Rs 1.08,37,550 between 2018 and 2024 while her expenditure stood at Rs 1,39,64,802.97, which is Rs 31,27,252.97 more than her known sources of income, and that amounts to 28.85 per cent beyond her legitimate earnings.

A case was registered on May 26 based on these findings under relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act at the Vigilance Bureau Police Station Bathinda range, the spokesperson said.

The girl, who was being taken by her father to attend tuition classes in Fateh Singh Colony, was rushed to a hospital in a profusely bleeding condition.

A stray bullet struck the leg of a three-and-a-half year old girl here on Tuesday, police said.

The girl, who was being taken by her father to attend tuition classes in Fateh Singh Colony, was rushed to a hospital in a profusely bleeding condition.

The doctors said she is out of danger and is stable after the bullet was extracted out of her leg.

Punjab Police Assistant Commissioner of Police Gagandeep Singh said that on Tuesday a stray bullet hit the leg of a girl on her way to attend tuition classes, along with her father. She was immediately taken to a hospital by her father.

It is not yet known who fired the bullet, Mr Singh said.

He said various police teams are conducting a door-to-door search and several people in Fateh Singh Colony are being questioned, especially those with licensed weapons.

Punjab Police Assistant Commissioner of Police Gagandeep Singh said that on Tuesday a stray bullet hit the leg of a girl on her way to attend tuition classes, along with her father. She was immediately taken to a hospital by her father.

It is not yet known who fired the bullet, Mr Singh said.

He said various police teams are conducting a door-to-door search and several people in Fateh Singh Colony are being questioned, especially those with licensed weapons.

It was a dream that he had nurtured for years, but could never fulfil due to family responsibilities, his daughter had shared moments earlier on Saturday, as Ghormode was being facilitated along with five other retiring cops with bouquets and gifts.

On the day of his retirement, Akola policeman Arun Ghormode beamed with joy as he prepared to ride a Bullet motorcycle, with the district superintendent of police seated behind him as pillion.

It was a dream that he had nurtured for years, but could never fulfil due to family responsibilities, his daughter had shared moments earlier on Saturday, as Ghormode was being facilitated along with five other retiring cops with bouquets and gifts.

Moved by the words of his colleague’s daughter, SP Archit Chandak stepped in and asked his staff to arrange a Bullet.

A helmet was passed on to Ghormode, who climbed onto the motorcycle for his dream ride, even if a short one. As he shifted gears, Chandak took the pillion rider’s seat and the two zipped ahead.

Within no time, videos and photos of the IPS officer and the retiring constable riding the Bullet went viral on social media.

The viral video features a travel vlogger testing China’s bullet train stability by placing a coin upright on the window.

With its exceptional speed, smoothness, and engineering prowess, China’s bullet train system is a marvel that has left the world in awe. And now, a video showcasing the train’s remarkable stability is going viral on social media. Shared on Instagram by travel vlogger Lovepreet Jaggi, the clip features him testing the locomotive’s stability by placing a coin upright on the train’s window while it travels at an astonishing speed of 280 km per hour. To his amazement, the coin remains standing as the train speeds down the tracks.

The vlogger revealed that he was travelling from Chongqing to Guangzhou, a journey of approximately 1,300 km. He claimed the train would cover the distance in just 6 hours. He further shared that he paid Rs 6,000 for his second-class ticket, which included a recliner seat, a food tray and a large window to enjoy the passing scenery. During the ride, the vlogger also enjoyed a meal consisting of an Americano and what appeared to be porridge

The video received plenty of reactions. A user wrote, “China is living in 2050.”

Another added, “6k for 1300km in only 6 hours is worth every penny.”

A viewer shared his own train experience in China and wrote, “The train experience in China is exceptional. There’s no hassle with reservations, and even if we cancel the ticket ourselves, no charges are deducted…The best part is that trains in China are always punctual.”

A person commented, “I tried the same trick here in Saudi Arabia at 300km/h and it worked.”

The video is close to hitting 2 million views.

The state of California has sued the Trump administration to block deployment of the National Guard and the Marines on Monday, arguing that it violates federal law and state sovereignty.

US President Donald Trump has ordered the temporary deployment of about 700 Marines to Los Angeles, as he pledged those protesting his aggressive immigration policies would be “hit harder” than ever. Monday was the fourth straight day of protests in Los Angeles, where hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside a federal detention centre holding immigrants.

Police reportedly threw flash bangs and shot rubber bullets at protesters in downtown Los Angeles after telling people clogging the streets to “clear the area” on a loudspeaker. Demonstrators outside a federal detention centre shouted “Pigs go home!” at National Guardsmen in riot gear guarding the facility. 

Some protestors also banged on the sides of unmarked vehicles as they passed through police containment lines. A crowd converged on the center, where they chanted “Shame! Shame! Shame!” at federal troops.

After Trump’s order, the US military said a battalion of Marines would be sent to help protect federal property and personnel until more National Guard troops could reach the scene. US Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, said that due to increased threats to federal law enforcement officers and federal buildings, approximately 700 active-duty US Marines from Camp Pendleton are being deployed to Los Angeles to restore order.

“We have an obligation to defend federal law enforcement officers – even if (California Governor) Gavin Newsom will not,” he said in a post on X. 

Earlier, Trump said on Monday he felt he had no choice but to order the deployment to prevent violence from spiralling out of control.

But, for now, the Trump administration was not invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow troops to participate directly in civilian law enforcement, a US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told news agency Reuters. 

The Los Angeles police chief, Jim McDonnell, said his department had not received any formal notification that the Marines would arrive in the city. The deployment “presents a significant logistical and operational challenge,” he said.

The state of California has, meanwhile, sued the Trump administration to block deployment of the National Guard and the Marines on Monday, arguing that it violates federal law and state sovereignty. California Governor Gavin Newsom also informed that Trump is deploying another 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, after his initial deployment of 2,000 troops.

US Marines have been deployed domestically for major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the September 11, 2001, attacks, but it is extremely rare for US military troops to be used for domestic policing. Federal law allows the president to deploy the National Guard if the nation is invaded, if there is “rebellion or danger of rebellion,” or if the president is “unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.”

Therefore, Trump could deploy Marines under certain conditions of law or under his authority as commander in chief. Without invoking the Insurrection Act, the Marines, like the National Guard, would still be prevented from directly enforcing civilian laws and would likely be limited to protecting federal personnel and property.

The last time the military was used for direct police action under the Insurrection Act was in 1992, when the California governor at the time asked President George HW Bush to help respond to the Los Angeles riots over the acquittal of police officers who beat Black motorist Rodney King. More than 50 people were killed in the 1992 riots, which also caused some $1 billion in damage over six days.

Protests In LA

Tensions have been rising since Trump activated the National Guard on Saturday after street protests erupted in response to immigration raids in Southern California. It is the biggest flashpoint yet in the Trump administration’s aggressive efforts to deport migrants living in the country illegally.

The protests so far have resulted in some property damage, including some self-driving Waymo vehicles that were set ablaze on Sunday evening. The Los Angeles Police Department said five officers sustained minor injuries. Police on Sunday said some protesters had thrown concrete and bottles at officers.

The Trump administration has argued that Democratic President Joe Biden’s administration allowed far too many immigrants to enter the country and that Democratic-run cities such as Los Angeles are improperly interfering with efforts to deport them. Trump has pledged to deport record numbers of people who are in the country illegally and to lock down the U.S.-Mexico border, setting a goal of at least 3,000 daily arrests. 

Amid unrest in LA, protests also sprang up in at least nine other U.S. cities on Monday, including New York, Philadelphia and San Francisco, according to local news outlets.