Gautam Gambhir Supports BCCI’s Family Policy: ‘You’re Not on a Holiday, You’re Here to Make the Country Proud’

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has come out in support of the BCCI’s revised family policy for cricketers, emphasizing that national duty must take precedence over personal comfort while on tour. The policy, introduced after India’s 1-3 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, limits the time players’ families can accompany them during overseas tours. According to the new rules, players can have family with them for: While some players, including Virat Kohli, have voiced dissatisfaction with the restrictions, Gambhir believes the focus must remain solely on cricket. “Families are important, but you’ve got to understand one thing — you are here for a purpose. It’s not a holiday,” Gambhir told Cheteshwar Pujara in a special interview. “You’ve got very few people in that dressing room or on this tour who get the opportunity to make the country proud.” He added that he’s not opposed to families traveling, but emphasized that the primary commitment should be to the nation and the team’s goal. “If your focus is on making the country proud, and you’re committed to that goal, then everything else falls into place. For me, that goal is more important than any other thing,” Gambhir stated. Gambhir on Switching Off: “I Never Switch Off” When asked by Pujara how he relaxes after matches, Gambhir admitted that switching off mentally remains a challenge. “I still haven’t figured out how to switch off. The moment we won the last Test at Edgbaston, my mind immediately jumped to thinking about the combination for the next match at Lord’s,” he said. “Even when I went back to my room, I kept thinking about what the best playing XI would be to win the next Test.” The Indian coach’s unwavering focus reflects the new culture of accountability and preparation he’s trying to instil in the team — one where results are important, but sustained success requires relentless planning and commitment. As the Indian team prepares for the rest of the season under Gambhir’s guidance, the balance between personal well-being and professional responsibility continues to be a topic of intense discussion — both on and off the field.

Measles Cases in U.S. Reach Highest Level Since 1992: CDC

The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of 2025, a total of 1,288 confirmed cases have been reported across 38 states, making this the worst year for measles since 1992, when 2,126 cases were recorded. Texas Worst-Hit; Outbreaks Linked to Unvaccinated Individuals Texas alone has reported 753 cases, accounting for more than half of the national total. The CDC noted that 27 separate outbreaks have been documented in 2025, with 88% of all confirmed cases linked to these outbreaks. Alarmingly, 92% of the infected individuals were either unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status, raising serious concerns about declining immunization rates. So far, 13% of patients have required hospitalization. Measles Had Been Eliminated in the U.S. The CDC reminded that measles had been officially eliminated from the United States in 2000, meaning the virus was no longer spreading continuously within the country. Historically, new cases were imported by unvaccinated travelers returning from countries where measles is still common. Measles: A Dangerous but Preventable Disease Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness, spread through airborne particles when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or breathes. It begins with symptoms like high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a rash that spreads across the body. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease can lead to severe complications, especially in young children, and in some cases, death. In 2023 alone, 107,500 people—mostly children under five—died from measles globally, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccine. CDC Urges Vaccination The CDC continues to stress that vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. Before widespread vaccination began in 1963, the U.S. experienced major measles epidemics every 2–3 years, resulting in 48,000 hospitalizations and 400–500 deaths annually. With cases once again on the rise, public health officials are urging Americans to ensure they are fully vaccinated, particularly ahead of international travel.

Hyderabad Cricket Association Fraud: CID Arrests Three Officials Including HCA President

In a major development, the Telangana Crime Investigation Department (CID) has arrested three top officials of the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) in a case involving forgery, cheating, criminal breach of trust, and misappropriation of funds. The arrested individuals are: The arrests followed a criminal complaint filed by Dharam Guruva Reddy, General Secretary of the Telangana Cricket Association (TCA), at the CID Police Station on June 9, 2025. Several others, including HCA treasurer C. Srinivas Rao and CEO Sunil Kante, were also detained for questioning. Forged Club Documents to Seize Power According to the CID’s preliminary findings, Jagan Mohan Rao, with the assistance of Rajender Yadav and Kavitha, forged documents related to Sri Chakra Cricket Club. These were presented under the false identity of Gowlipura Cricket Club, with a forged signature of its president, C. Krishna Yadav. The motive, CID alleges, was to illegally gain HCA voting rights and help Jagan Mohan Rao fraudulently assume the role of HCA President. Misuse of Funds and IPL Extortion The probe further revealed large-scale financial misappropriation involving Jagan Mohan Rao, treasurer Srinivas Rao, CEO Sunil Kante, and others. The officials are accused of diverting public funds and committing criminal breach of trust. Even more shockingly, the group allegedly used threats and blackmail tactics against IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). CID reports claim they wrongfully restrained SRH officials and demanded complimentary IPL tickets and access to corporate boxes under coercion. Ongoing Investigation CID teams confirmed the formal arrest of the three key accused on July 10 and stated that further investigation is ongoing. Additional arrests and forensic audits of HCA finances are expected. The scandal has sent shockwaves through Telangana’s cricketing circles, casting a dark shadow over the administration of one of the country’s oldest cricket bodies. More developments are likely as the CID deepens its probe into the misuse of cricket institutions for personal gain.

Major Breakthrough: CBI Secures Deportation of Key Drug Accused Kubbawala Mustafa from UAE to India

In a significant win against international drug trafficking, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in close coordination with INTERPOL and NCB-Abu Dhabi, has successfully secured the deportation of wanted fugitive Kubbawala Mustafa from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India. Mustafa, a prime accused in a major synthetic drug case, was brought back to India today via Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai. A four-member team of Mumbai Police had flown to Dubai on July 7 after his location in the UAE was confirmed and deportation procedures were cleared. Accused in Mephedrone Drug Case Mustafa is allegedly a key figure in an international synthetic drug manufacturing network. The case, registered under FIR No. 67/2024 at Kurla Police Station, Mumbai, relates to the seizure of 126.141 kg of Mephedrone worth ₹2.522 crore from a factory in Sangli, Maharashtra—linked to Mustafa and his associates. He had already been chargesheeted, and a court had issued an open-dated arrest warrant against him. Red Corner Notice & International Coordination On request by Mumbai Police, INTERPOL issued a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Mustafa on November 25, 2024. The notice was instrumental in tracking and detaining him in the UAE. The CBI’s International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU) maintained sustained follow-up with UAE authorities. On June 19, the NCB-Abu Dhabi confirmed approval for a security mission to repatriate the accused. India’s Success in Extradition Efforts Red Corner Notices are powerful tools used globally to locate and provisionally arrest fugitives pending extradition or deportation. As the National Central Bureau (NCB) for INTERPOL in India, the CBI, through its BHARATPOL platform, plays a central role in facilitating international fugitive returns. In recent years, over 100 fugitives have been successfully brought back to India via such multi-agency coordination. The return of Kubbawala Mustafa marks another major milestone in India’s ongoing crackdown on transnational crime and drug trafficking syndicates. Further investigations are underway to dismantle the remaining networks linked to the case.

गुरुग्राम की टेनिस खिलाड़ी राधिका यादव की हत्या: पिता की संपत्ति, लाइसेंसी हथियार और पारिवारिक तनाव पर चौंकाने वाले खुलासे

गुरुग्राम के सुशांत लोक इलाके में 25 वर्षीय टेनिस खिलाड़ी राधिका यादव की उनके पिता दीपक यादव द्वारा गोली मारकर हत्या किए जाने के मामले में चौंकाने वाले खुलासे सामने आए हैं। जांच में पता चला है कि आरोपी दीपक यादव की मासिक आमदनी 15 से 17 लाख रुपये के बीच है, गुरुग्राम में कई किराये की संपत्तियां हैं और वह एक आलीशान फार्महाउस का मालिक है। घटना गुरुवार सुबह करीब 10:30 बजे की है, जब राधिका नाश्ता बना रही थीं, तभी दीपक ने अपनी लाइसेंसी .32 बोर रिवॉल्वर से पांच गोलियां चलाईं, जिनमें से तीन उनकी पीठ में लगीं। राधिका को तुरंत अस्पताल ले जाया गया, जहां डॉक्टरों ने उन्हें मृत घोषित कर दिया। दीपक के वज़ीराबाद गांव के एक परिचित ने NDTV को बताया कि दीपक लंबे समय से काफी धनाढ्य व्यक्ति रहे हैं। “वो कई प्रॉपर्टीज़ से हर महीने लाखों रुपये का किराया कमाते हैं। फार्महाउस भी है। गांव में सभी जानते हैं कि वह अमीर हैं। उनके पास लाइसेंसी रिवॉल्वर है, जो आम आदमी के पास नहीं होता। यह पैसों और संबंधों से ही संभव होता है,” उन्होंने कहा। हत्या के पीछे के कारणों पर बात करते हुए, पुलिस को दीपक ने बताया कि वह अपनी बेटी की सोशल मीडिया पर एक्टिविटी, इंस्टाग्राम रील्स और एक म्यूज़िक वीडियो में उसकी मौजूदगी से नाराज़ थे। साथ ही गांव के कुछ लोगों द्वारा उसे बेटी की कमाई पर निर्भर रहने को लेकर ताने मारे जा रहे थे। हालांकि, परिचित ने इस दावे को खारिज करते हुए कहा, “इतनी संपत्ति होने के बाद कौन कहेगा कि वो बेटी की कमाई खा रहा है? दीपक पढ़ाई छोड़कर बेटी को टेनिस सिखाने में जुट गए थे। उन्होंने दो लाख रुपये के टेनिस रैकेट भी दिलवाए थे। उन्होंने बेटी को बहुत प्यार किया है। हत्या के पीछे कोई निजी वजह रही होगी, टेनिस या अकादमी नहीं।” राधिका ने गुरुग्राम के सेक्टर 57 में अपनी टेनिस अकादमी शुरू की थी। कहा जा रहा है कि पिता दीपक को बेटी की बढ़ती स्वतंत्रता और पहचान से चिढ़ होने लगी थी। वह चाहते थे कि राधिका अकादमी बंद कर दे। राधिका अपने माता-पिता के साथ सेक्टर 57 में दो-मंज़िला मकान में रहती थीं। नीचे के माले पर उनके चाचा कुलदीप यादव रहते थे। गोली चलने की आवाज सुनकर कुलदीप ऊपर भागे, जहां उन्होंने राधिका को रसोई में घायल पाया। रिवॉल्वर पास के ड्रॉइंग रूम में पड़ी मिली। कुलदीप और उनके बेटे पियूष ने तुरंत राधिका को सेक्टर 56 स्थित एशिया मरीनगो अस्पताल पहुंचाया, जहां डॉक्टरों ने उन्हें मृत घोषित कर दिया। फिलहाल दीपक यादव पुलिस हिरासत में हैं और मामले की जांच जारी है। यह दिल दहला देने वाली घटना एक परिवार में भीतर ही भीतर पल रहे तनाव और पितृसत्तात्मक सोच पर गंभीर सवाल खड़े करती है।

Allu Arjun and Rashmika Mandanna Reunite for Atlee’s High-Octane Action Thriller

ollowing their sizzling chemistry in Pushpa 2: The Rule, Icon Star Allu Arjun and National Crush Rashmika Mandanna are set to reunite on screen for director Atlee’s upcoming untitled action thriller, currently being filmed in Mumbai. Bollywood media reports suggest that Rashmika has signed on for a crucial role in the film and has already given her nod. A Star-Studded Lineup of Heroines This mega-budget film, produced by Sun Pictures, is expected to feature five leading actresses: Project Highlights: This film marks Allu Arjun’s first collaboration with Atlee, and his second project with Rashmika after the Pushpa series. Their reunion has already raised anticipation among fans, especially after their widely praised performances in Pushpa: The Rise and the upcoming sequel. With a power-packed cast and a celebrated director at the helm, this project is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2026.

Delhi High Court Seeks Clarification on Supreme Court’s Remarks Over Release of Film ‘Udaipur Files’

The Delhi High Court on Thursday sought clarification from the concerned parties regarding the Supreme Court’s oral observation made during a related proceeding on the release of the film ‘Udaipur Files’, which is based on the 2022 murder of Udaipur-based tailor Kanhaiya Lal. A Supreme Court bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi had on Wednesday declined an urgent listing of a plea seeking to block the film’s release, stating orally: “Let the film be released.” The plea had been filed by a lawyer representing one of the accused in the murder case, who argued that the movie’s release could prejudice the ongoing trial. Referring to this oral observation, a division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal of the Delhi High Court questioned whether the top court had actually allowed the film’s release. “In newspapers we saw the matter was in SC, which was refused, saying ‘let the screening go on’,” the bench remarked. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the petitioners who are demanding a ban on the film, clarified that only an urgent mentioning of the case was made before the Supreme Court, and no formal stay request was heard. “Mentioning was rejected, not the request for stay. The SC did not even see the case file,” Sibal submitted, requesting time to seek clarification from the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the High Court on Wednesday had directed the producers of Udaipur Files to arrange a special screening for the petitioners opposing the release. The film is currently scheduled to release on July 11. The film is based on the gruesome killing of tailor Kanhaiya Lal in June 2022, allegedly by Mohammad Riyaz and Mohammad Ghous, who later released a video claiming the act was in retaliation to the victim’s social media post in support of former BJP leader Nupur Sharma. The case is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the accused are facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The trial is ongoing in a special NIA court in Jaipur, while the Delhi High Court has listed the matter for further hearing at 2:30 PM on Thursday.

Two IAF Pilots Killed in Jaguar Fighter Jet Crash in Rajasthan; Spotlight Back on Ageing Aircraft Fleet

The Indian Air Force (IAF) lost two young officers in a tragic crash involving a Jaguar fighter-bomber in Rajasthan’s Churu district on Wednesday, July 9. The pilots have been identified as Squadron Leader Lokendra Singh Sindhu (31) from Rohtak, Haryana, and Flight Lieutenant Rishi Raj Singh (23) from Pali, Rajasthan. The crash occurred near Bhanoda village during a routine training sortie in a twin-seater Jaguar trainer aircraft. The IAF has ordered a court of inquiry to investigate the cause of the accident. In an official statement, the IAF said: “An IAF Jaguar Trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed near Churu in Rajasthan. Both pilots sustained fatal injuries in the accident. No civil property was damaged. IAF deeply regrets the loss of lives and stands firmly with the bereaved families in this time of grief.” This marks the third Jaguar crash in 2025—the first occurred in Panchkula, Haryana on March 7, and the second near Jamnagar, Gujarat on April 2. The crash has once again raised concerns over the safety and reliability of the IAF’s Jaguar fleet. Originally inducted in 1979, the Jaguar aircraft has been heavily upgraded over the years, but many of its components—especially the engines—are now outdated. Despite being phased out by countries like Britain, France, Ecuador, Nigeria, and Oman, India continues to operate approximately 120 Jaguar aircraft across six squadrons. The IAF remains the last active operator of these ageing, low-flying strike aircraft, mainly due to delays in inducting modern replacements like the HAL Tejas Mk2, additional Rafale jets, and other multi-role fighters. As a result, the Jaguars continue to serve despite increasing signs of mechanical vulnerability, with earlier crash investigations often pointing to engine failure. The latest accident has reignited calls for the phased retirement of the Jaguar fleet and for accelerated induction of newer, safer aircraft to protect the lives of pilots and ensure combat readiness.

4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Delhi-NCR, Epicentre in Haryana’s Jhajjar

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Delhi-NCR region at 9:04 AM on Thursday, July 10, 2025, triggering panic among residents. The tremors were felt across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and several parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. According to the National Center for Seismology, the epicentre was located 3 km northeast of Jhajjar in Haryana, at a shallow depth of 10 km. No damage or casualties have been reported so far. In Jhajjar and nearby districts like Rohtak, Gurugram, Panipat, and Hisar, residents felt the ground shake for several seconds. In Meerut and other parts of western Uttar Pradesh, similar reports of tremors came in. “It was a strong jolt. I think this is the first time I’ve felt such intensity in my life,” said an elderly man in Jhajjar. Many residents rushed out of their homes in fear, some barefoot and still in their nightwear. In Delhi, neighbourhoods were gripped with fear as people evacuated buildings and gathered in open areas. Sultan Khan, a resident of Vikaspuri, described the moment as unnerving. “We suddenly felt the ground shaking and ran out. First the heat, then the rain overnight, and now this—it’s been an uncomfortable 24 hours.” Another Vikaspuri resident said they had been standing outside for over 45 minutes, fearing aftershocks. “It rained heavily last night, and we were fast asleep. The tremors woke us, and we ran out immediately.” In Greater Noida, Neelam Sharma of Kendriya Vihar recalled being in the kitchen when the floor began to shake. “I looked out the window and saw neighbours already outside discussing the earthquake.” Indu Sharma, another resident, was practicing yoga when she noticed the ceiling fan moving unexpectedly. “At first, I thought it was due to the wind, but then my son told me an earthquake had hit.” Though brief, the earthquake caused widespread alarm. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation, and disaster response teams are on alert, although no major aftershocks have been reported yet.

Death Toll in Gujarat’s Gambhira Bridge Collapse Rises to 15; Three Still Missing, Rescue Ops Continue

The death toll in the tragic Gambhira bridge collapse in Gujarat’s Vadodara district has climbed to 15, with three individuals still missing. Rescue operations are underway, with disaster response teams on-site battling adverse conditions including deep mud and heavy rain. Officials suspect two more vehicles—a car and a truck—may still be submerged in the Mahisagar River. Providing updates on the ongoing efforts, Vadodara District Collector Anil Dhameliya said, “The death count is now 15, and three people remain untraced.” He urged citizens to report any missing persons to the control room to assist the rescue teams. The Collector added that deep silt, nearly three metres thick, is hampering operations, prompting the construction of a makeshift bridge to assist rescue personnel. The incident occurred early on Tuesday morning when the 40-year-old Gambhira bridge, linking Vadodara and Anand districts, collapsed suddenly, sending multiple vehicles, including trucks, plunging into the river. The bridge, built in 1985, had long been flagged as unsafe by local residents, who said it trembled when vehicles crossed it. Although a survey had been carried out and plans for a new bridge were underway following a recommendation by BJP MLA Chaitanyasinh Zala, the old bridge was merely repaired and remained open to traffic. The collapse has triggered widespread outrage and raised questions about administrative negligence. In response, the Bhupendra Patel-led Gujarat government has ordered an official probe to determine the cause of the collapse and identify lapses in maintenance or oversight. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the incident, calling the loss of lives “deeply saddening.” The PMO announced an ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of the deceased, and ₹50,000 for each injured person. Separately, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced ₹4 lakh compensation for the kin of each victim and ₹50,000 for the injured, with the state bearing the cost of their treatment. The Opposition Congress party has strongly criticised the Gujarat government, calling the incident a grim reflection of the “corruption and decay behind the Gujarat Model.” In a social media statement, the party extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the injured, while also alleging rampant corruption in the state’s infrastructure development projects.

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