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Neeraj Chopra and Arshad Nadeem

Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem has declined Indian javelin star Neeraj Chopra‘s invitation to compete in the NC Classic event in Bengaluru on May 24, citing a scheduling conflict with his training for the Asian Athletics Championships in Korea, while expressing gratitude for the invitation.
“The (NC) Classic event is from 20th May (May 24) whereas I am scheduled to leave for Korea on 22nd May for the Asian Athletics Championship,” Nadeem was quoted as saying by PTI.
Nadeem mentioned he has been focusing his training efforts on the Asian Championship, scheduled to take place in Gumi, Korea from May 27 to 31.
Chopra had earlier reached out to Nadeem regarding participation in the inaugural event. “I have sent invitation to Arshad and he said he will get back to me after discussing with his coach. As of now he is yet to confirm participation,” Chopra told reporters in a virtual media interaction on Monday.
The two athletes recently faced off at the 2024 Paris Games, where Nadeem secured gold with an Olympic record throw of 92.97m, while Chopra earned silver with 89.45m.
The inaugural Neeraj Chopra Classic has attracted several international stars. Grenada’s Anderson Peters, a two-time world champion, and Germany’s Thomas Rohler, the 2016 Olympic gold medalist, have confirmed their participation.
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The event will also feature Kenyan Julius Yego, who won silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics and gold at the 2015 World Championships. American Curtis Thompson, currently leading the season with an 87.76m throw, will also compete.
World Athletics has granted the competition category A status.
The event is a collaborative effort between Chopra and JSW Sports, working alongside the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and World Athletics, bringing together elite javelin throwers from around the world and India.

An Army soldier has been killed in action after security forces and terrorists exchanged fire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday, officials said.

The firing took place in the Dudu-Basantgarh area during a cordon and search operation launched based on information about the presence of terrorists, they said.

“GOC (General Officer Commanding), White Knight Corps and all ranks salute braveheart Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, who made the supreme sacrifice during a counter terror operation. His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this moment of grief,” the Army’s Jammu-based White Knight Corps posted on X.

#GOC #WhiteKnightCorps and all ranks salute #Braveheart Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, who made the supreme #sacrifice during a counter #terror #operation.

His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten.

We stand in solidarity with the bereaved… pic.twitter.com/BzogemMct9

— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) April 24, 2025

The encounter broke out two days after twenty-six people were killed as terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

An officer from the Navy, an Air Force staff and another from the Intelligence Bureau were among the victims of the attack, the worst terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in recent times.

India on Wednesday then downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan and announced some strict measures, including expulsion of Pakistani military attaches, suspension of the over six-decade-old Indus Water Treaty and immediate shutting down of the Attari land-transit post, in view of the “cross-border links” to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The measures were announced after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held a meeting and directed the security forces to maintain “high vigil” and resolved to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice.

Bengaluru: RCB’s Virat Kohli before the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. (PTI Photo/Shailendra Bhojak) *** Local Caption ***

Rajat Patidar-led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be looking for their first win at home as they host Rajasthan Royals (RR) in match no 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
RCB have lost all their three home matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. It has come as a surprise for the team which has steam-rolled oppositions in their away matches but are left chasing shadows in their own backyard.
RCB currently have 10 points to be placed at third on the table but Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants also have 10 points. Mumbai Indians are quietly sneaking up the ladder with eight points.
Rajasthan Royals are struggling in a big way. Royals are currently tottering at eighth on the table with four points. Sanju Samson will miss this match with an abdominal injury that earlier forced him to skip the game against Delhi Capitals as well. Riyan Parag will continue to lead the Royals.
RCB vs RR: Predicted XIs
RCB predicted: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood
Impact sub: Suyash Sharma
RR predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Riyan Parag (c), Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Wandindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande
Impact sub: Shubham Dubey

RCB vs RR: Weather Update
Brace for a hot Thursday in Bengaluru. AccuWeather predicts the temperature will climb to 36 degrees Celsius with minimal chance of rain. Expect gusty winds to pick up later in the day.
RCB vs RR: Head-to-Head
Matches played: 33
RCB won: 16
RR won: 14
No Result: 3
RCB vs RR: Pitch Report
The Chinnaswamy pitch, typically a haven for batsmen, has taken a surprising turn, favoring bowlers this season. RCB’s bowling lineup, featuring in-form talents such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, and Suyash Sharma, along with the handy Yash Dayal for the final overs, looks strong on paper. However, their performances at home, both with the bat and ball on this strip, have been disappointing. To break their home drought, RCB desperately needs either their batting or bowling to click at the Chinnaswamy.
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RCB vs RR: Livestreaming details
The RCB vs RR match will be telecasted on Star Sports Network on TV, with livestreaming available on JioHotstar from 7:30 PM IST onwards.
RCB vs RR: Squads
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (capt), Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Yash Dayal, Devdutt Padikkal, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Swapnil Singh, Lungi Ngidi, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.
Rajasthan Royals: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag (capt), Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Shubham Dubey, Kumar Kartikeya, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Kunal Singh Rathore, Akash Madhwal, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Kwena Maphaka, Ashok Sharma, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Sanju Samson (injured).

Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy had another unpleasant exchange on Wednesday as negotiators weighed possibilities that could result in ending the years-long war in Ukraine.

This time the Trump-Zelensky clash was over Crimea, with the US President convinced that the region should be considered as Russian territory, while Zelensky refused to agree with him, reiterating that Ukraine will stand firm on its core principles.

As negotiators met for the latest round of talks in London, reports suggest that the US proposal that was laid out had two key points in agreement with Moscow’s stand – the first being Kyiv officially recognising Crimea as Russian territory, and the second – that Ukraine can never become a NATO member.

Both these points were rejected by Ukraine, which infuriated President Trump, who had already threatened to withdraw the US from negotiations over Kyiv’s obstinacy.

TRUMP SCOLDS ZELENSKY

Donald Trump chided the Ukrainian President for not agreeing with him about Crimea now being a part of Russia. “Crimea was lost years ago and is not even a point of discussion,” President Trump asserted.

President Zelensky, who firmly rejected such a proposal, said “Ukraine will not recognise Russia’s annexation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution.”

The exchange led to President Trump scolding President Zelensky, saying that the United States is trying to stop the killing in his country. “We are very close to a deal” for peace, Trump said, putting the blame on the Ukrainian President for being stubborn, as talks seem to be heading for a stalemate.

President Trump took to social media to post a scathing attack on Ukraine’s Zelensky. “Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is boasting on the front page of The Wall Street Journal that, ‘Ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There’s nothing to talk about here.’ This statement is very harmful to the Peace Negotiations with Russia in that Crimea was lost years ago under the auspices of President Barack Hussein Obama, and is not even a point of discussion,” he wrote on Truth Social.

“Nobody is asking Zelenskiy to recognise Crimea as Russian Territory but, if he wants Crimea, why didn’t they fight for it eleven years ago when it was handed over to Russia without a shot being fired?” he added.

Russia seized control of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 without any significant resistance from Ukraine at the time. The move was condemned by several nations, with only a handful of countries recognising Russia’s claim to Crimea.

JD VANCE’S ULTIMATUM

Meanwhile, echoing Donald Trump’s sentiment, US Vice President JD Vance said it was time for Russia and Ukraine to either agree to the US peace proposal “or for the United States to walk away from the process entirely.”

Mr Vance said that America’s proposal called for freezing territorial lines “at some level close to where they are today” and a “long-term diplomatic settlement that hopefully will lead to long-term peace.” He went on to say that “The only way to really stop the killing is for the armies to both put down their weapons, and to freeze this thing.”

In response to the US Vice President, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, wrote in a post on X that he made it clear to US negotiator Steve Witkoff in London that Ukraine “will stand firm on its core principles during the negotiations” that relate to sovereignty and territorial integrity.

ADVANTAGE MOSCOW?

Since taking office in January, Donald Trump has sharply altered the US approach to the Ukraine war. Instead of punishing moves against Russia like his predecessor Joe Biden, Washington is now pressing Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire, even if it is unacceptable to Kyiv. The US is seemingly in a hurry to broker a deal – any deal – irrespective of whether it may be a good one for Russia or a good one for Ukraine.

President Trump, who had pledged to “end the Russia-Ukraine war in days”, wants to be seen as a power broker for peace globally. Meanwhile, ever since Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s phone call and Washington’s foreign policy tilt towards Moscow, European nations have scrambled to find ways to support Kyiv, which finds itself staring at an increasingly uncertain future.
 

A “heartbroken” Indian sporting fraternity, led by Olympic medallists Neeraj Chopra and PV Sindhu, joined the nation in condemning the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

“Heartbroken by the tragic attack in Jammu & Kashmir. Prayers for the victims and their families,” Mr Chopra wrote on X.

Ms Sindhu too penned down an emotional post.

“My heart aches for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. So much pain. So much loss. No reason, no cause can ever justify such brutality.

“To the families left behind—your grief is beyond words, but you are not alone.We are with you. In these dark moments, may we find strength in each other, and never let go of the hope that peace will return!” she wrote.

Indian cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir wrote, “Praying for the families of the deceased. Those responsible for this will pay. India will strike.” 

“Heartbroken by the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir today. I strongly condemn this cowardly act by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists. India stands united with our brave Army, J&K Police, and Paramilitary forces in the fight against terrorism. Justice will prevail,” said former India all-rounder Suresh Raina.

The Indian batting duo of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul also offered condolence.

“Heartbreaking to hear about the attack in Pahalgam. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence like this has no place in our country,” Mr Gill posted on X..

“Heartbreaking to hear about the terrorist attack in Kashmir. My thoughts are with the families of the victims. Praying for peace and strength,” Mr Rahul wrote.

The Cabinet Committee on Security or CCS – the country’s highest-decision making body on national security has taken some strict and punishing measures against Pakistan over the “cross-border linkages” that have surfaced in the investigation over the dastardly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, in which 26 people, including one foreign national, were killed.

The boldest move has been to suspend the decades-old Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan indefinitely. With this, the water supply from the Indus river and its distributaries – the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj will be stopped. These rivers are the water supply for Pakistan and impacts tens of millions of people in that country.

The Indus Waters Treaty was signed on September 19, 1960. The pact was signed between India and Pakistan, with the World Bank brokering the agreement. That treaty withstood three wars between India and Pakistan – in 1965, 1971, and 1999, but is now suspended indefinitely.

Announcing the measure, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, “In the briefing to the CCS, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in the Union Territory and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.”

He went on to say that “Recognising the seriousness of this terrorist attack, the CCS decided upon the following measures:”

1. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 will be held in abeyance with immediate effect, until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrorism.
2. The Integrated Check Post Attari-Wagah border will be closed with immediate effect. Those who have crossed over with valid endorsements may return through that route before 01 May 2025.
3. Pakistani nationals will not be permitted to travel to India under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES) visas. Any SVES visas issued in the past to Pakistani nationals are deemed cancelled. Any Pakistani national currently in India under SVES visa has 48 hours to leave India.
4. The defence or military officials – Naval and air advisers in the Pakistani High Commission in New Delhi are declared Persona Non Grata. They have a week to leave India. India will be withdrawing its own defence – navy, air advisers from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. These posts in the respective High Commissions are deemed annulled with immediate effect. Five support staff of the service advisers will also be withdrawn from both High Commissions immediately.
5. The overall strength of the High Commissions will be brought down to 30 from the present 55 through further reductions, to be effected by 01 May 2025.

In addition to these, Mr Misri also announced that “The CCS reviewed the overall security situation and directed all forces to maintain high vigil. It resolved that the perpetrators of the attack will be brought to justice and their sponsors held to account. As with the recent extradition of Tahawwur Rana, India will be unrelenting in the pursuit of those who have committed acts of terror, or conspired to make them possible.”

THE INDUS WATERS TREATY – AND WHAT IT MEANS TO SUSPEND IT

Under the 1960 Indus Water Treaty governing six common rivers, India has the complete right over the waters of three rivers – Ravi, Beas and Sutlej, while Pakistan has the right over waters of Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.

The Indus Waters Treaty has been one of the very rare long-standing treaties between India and Pakistan and has remained the single most successful example of cooperation between the two nuclear-armed rivals.

In 2019 too, after the Pulawama terror attack, against paramilitary personnel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly told the Cabinet Committee on Security that “blood and water can’t flow together.” But at the time, chose not to implement it.

But in the wake of this cowardly attack by Pakistan-based terrorist group The Resistance Front, who have claimed responsibility for killing 26 tourists in Kashmir, the top decision-making body in India has decided to suspend the water-sharing treaty.

The Resistance Front is an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba.

A water supply problem will be a matter of grave concern for Pakistan. In recent years, experts have warned that Pakistan is already on the brink of an era of acute water shortage caused by a combination of factors – among them population growth, climate change, and poor water management.
 

Mohammad Amir (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former fast bowler Mohammad Amir has revealed that he felt sidelined and ignored by the “Pakistan cricket setup” following the 2024 T20 World Cup, attributing the lack of communication from the board as the key reason behind his retirement late last year. Amir, along with Imad Wasim, had come out of retirement to participate in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Pakistan’s disappointing campaign saw them crash out before the Super Eight stage.
The duo announced their retirements on consecutive days in December.
Speaking on a TV channel, Amir said, “I felt sidelined and ignored by the Pakistan cricket setup after the T20 World Cup. After the T20 World Cup ended, no one even talked to me. No one told me if I was part of the future plans.”
He added, “A wise person understands the signs – if you’re not in the plans, then you have to think about yourself. That’s exactly what I did. I’ve made up my mind now – thank you very much, international cricket.”

Amir had previously retired from international cricket in December 2020, citing issues with then-coaches Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.
He also disclosed that he had turned down a County contract after being asked by the PCB to represent Pakistan at the World Cup in the Americas.

“Honestly speaking, I ended up spending more money than I made. I travelled with my trainer, and all those expenses came out of my own pocket. But that’s a different matter,” Amir said.
On the game itself, Amir advocated for an aggressive mindset in cricket.
“Cricket used to be fierce. Being mentally aggressive is part of the game’s beauty. It’s not about disrespect – it’s about shifting the batter’s focus. Off the field, we all hang out and joke around,” he shared.
The 33-year-old also threw his support behind Babar Azam, expressing confidence that Pakistan’s star batter will bounce back, while also pointing out technical flaws in his game.

As tourists scrambled to escape bullets being fired by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Tuesday, a pony ride operator displayed extraordinary courage as he tried to snatch the rifle from one of the terrorists.

Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who ferried tourists on his horse from the car parking to the Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam that is accessible only by foot, was shot dead during his attempt to fight one of the terrorists. He had tried to protect the tourist he had brought to the spot.

The terrorists, reportedly choosing their targets after asking them their religion and making them recite an Islamic verse, went on to kill 26 tourists. Shah was the only local killed in the attack.

Shah was the only breadwinner of the family, which includes his elderly parents, wife and children. His inconsolable mother wept at the loss of her son, while also worrying about the family’s future. The family has appealed for justice.

His father Syed Haider Shah told ANI, “My son went to Pahalgam yesterday to work, and around 3 pm, we heard about the attack. We called him, but his phone was switched off. Later, at 4.40 pm, his phone turned on, but no one answered. We rushed to the police station, and that’s when we learned that he had been shot in the attack. Whoever is responsible must face the consequences.”