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Thief steals phone, sees Premanand Maharaj Ji’s photo – Returns it without a word! – The Times of India

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Thief steals phone, sees Premanand Maharaj Ji's photo - Returns it without a word! - The Times of India

A smartphone thief experienced a sudden change of heart upon unlocking the stolen device and seeing a spiritual leader’s image on the wallpaper. Overcome by the image, the man returned the phone and apologized, a moment captured and shared widely online, sparking discussions about conscience and faith.

What was meant to be a quick snatch-and-run turned into something straight out of a spiritual storybook — and now the internet can’t stop replaying it.In a video that’s been bouncing around Instagram and X, a man who had just stolen a smartphone suddenly slows down. No sirens. No one chasing him. Just… a pause.Why?Because the moment he unlocked the phone, he was staring straight at the calm, serious face of spiritual guruPremanand Ji Maharaj on the wallpaper.And somehow, that was enough.You can actually see the shift happen. He looks at the screen. Then again. The swagger disappears. The confidence drains. And instead of powering off the phone and vanishing into the crowd, he does something no one saw coming — he tracks down the owner, hands the phone back, and says sorry.Yes. The thief returned the phone. On his own. With an apology.The clip was caught by someone nearby and uploaded online, where it took off within hours. Lakhs of views, thousands of comments, and a comment section filled with “Radhe Radhe” and folded-hands emojis.“Maharaj ji ki nazar hi kaafi hai,” one person wrote.Another said, “This is not luck. This is bhakti at work.”So who exactly is Premanand Ji Maharaj, and why did one photo hit so hard?Premanand Ji Maharaj is a well-known spiritual teacher and bhakti saint, deeply devoted to Radha and Krishna. Based in Vrindavan, he’s followed by millions who listen to his satsangs for their simple language, emotional honesty, and focus on living clean — no shortcuts, no wrongdoing, no ego.His talks often go viral because they’re gentle but sharp. About controlling the mind. About choosing the right path even when no one is watching. About how one wrong step can quietly change everything.Many devotees say just seeing his image brings a strange calm. And sometimes, a strange sense of guilt.Which is exactly what this moment looked like.No drama. No shouting. No police. Just a phone, a saint’s face, and a sudden realisation.For a lot of people watching online, this wasn’t just a feel-good clip about a returned phone. It felt like proof that conscience can wake up at the weirdest times. That faith — or fear, or respect — can still cut through impulse.And in a feed full of fights, scams and disasters, this one hit differently.As one user put it best:“Sometimes you don’t need CCTV or cops. You just need the right wallpaper.”And just like that, a thief didn’t walk away richer.He walked away… a little wiser.

Louis Tomlinson gets honest about journey behind ‘How Did I Get Here?’

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Louis Tomlinson gets honest about journey behind ‘How Did I Get Here?'

Louis Tomlinson gets honest about journey behind ‘How Did I Get Here?’

Louis Tomlinson is shedding light on why he titled his newly released album How Did I Get Here?

Breaking down the meaning behind his third solo album name, the former One Direction star reflected on fame, fear and the role his fans have played in his journey during a conversation on Zach Sang Show.

“I was playing around with a few different titles for the album, but nothing had like the scope that I wanted,” the 34-year-old English singer-songwriter shared. “I wanted a title that kind of carried enough kind of meaning and importance.”

His response came after host Zach Sang asked whether the album title was connected to a moment when he performed and sang Adele’s song and the fear of getting on stage. “Is that kind of what how did I get here means?” he asked.

Louis Tomlinson gets honest about journey behind ‘How Did I Get Here?’

“A little bit, a little bit,” the X Factor UK judge replied. “It’s more, I interpret the album as a statement, and like in Northern English, I would coin it as how the fuck did I get in?”

“And it’s more just statement of all, you’re just looking around and, you know, there’s so many times in my career where I’ve been surprised by that,” he explained.

How Did I Get Here?, a 12-track album, was released on January 23. 

It features the previously released lead single Lemonade, as well as Dark to Light, an emotional tribute to Louis’ late One Direction bandmate Liam Payne.

NASA is flying historic aviation and space artifacts on the Artemis II mission | – The Times of India

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NASA is flying historic aviation and space artifacts on the Artemis II mission | - The Times of India

NASA’s next crewed mission to the Moon will carry more than astronauts and instruments. When Artemis II lifts off, the Orion spacecraft will also transport a small collection of historic objects that trace the long arc of human flight. These items come from aviation’s earliest experiments and from defining moments of the space age. Their inclusion reflects a long-standing NASA practice of carrying symbolic mementos alongside scientific cargo. The mission will mark the first time humans orbit the Moon in more than fifty years. It also comes as the United States approaches 250 years since independence. NASA says the flight kit links past innovation with future exploration, placing physical reminders of history on a path that now stretches beyond Earth.

NASA’s Artemis II will carry century-old items alongside its first crewed lunar flight

Artemis II is the first crewed mission of NASA’s Artemis programme. Four astronauts will travel aboard Orion, launched by the Space Launch System rocket, and orbit the Moon before returning to Earth. The flight will test spacecraft systems and crew operations in deep space.Unlike Artemis I, which flew without a crew, this mission brings humans back into lunar space for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. NASA describes Artemis II as a bridge between testing and future landings later in the decade.

Historic aviation links are flying aboard Orion

Among the most striking items in the flight kit is a small swatch of fabric from the Wright Flyer. The muslin comes from the aircraft used by the Wright brothers during the first powered flight in 1903. It is on loan from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.A smaller piece of the same fabric previously flew on space shuttle Discovery in 1985. After Artemis II returns, the fabric will be reunited with other Wright Flyer fragments, reinforcing the connection between early aviation and modern spaceflight.

American flags reflect decades of space missions

Flags are included in the Artemis II kit. One American flag has already flown on major missions, including the first and last space shuttle flights and SpaceX’s first crewed Dragon mission. Another flag was originally prepared for the cancelled Apollo 18 mission and will fly in space for the first time aboard Orion.NASA says these flags represent continuity rather than celebration. Each has followed a different path through the history of US spaceflight.

Lunar exploration history is represented in film and soil

The flight kit also includes a copy of a photographic negative from the Ranger 7 mission. Ranger 7 was the first US spacecraft to successfully impact the Moon and return close range images. The mission helped identify safe landing areas for Apollo astronauts.Soil samples are also flying. These were collected from the base of Artemis I Moon Trees, grown from seeds that travelled on the earlier uncrewed mission. The samples symbolise a cycle of launch, return and renewed flight.

International partners are part of the flight kit

NASA has included items from partner space agencies. The Canadian Space Agency will fly tree seeds for later educational use. The European Space Agency is contributing a flag, reflecting its role in Artemis through the Orion European Service Module.These items underline the international nature of modern human spaceflight, even on missions led by NASA.

A tradition that continues quietly

Carrying mementos has been part of NASA missions since the 1960s. Artemis II’s flight kit weighs around ten pounds and travels alongside scientific payloads and test equipment.The objects are not the focus of the mission. They do not guide the spacecraft or gather data. They sit quietly inside Orion, reminders that the path to deep space has been built slowly, piece by piece, across more than a century of flight.

Pakistan’s team for the T20 World Cup has been announced, Salman Ali Agha will be the captain – SUCH TV

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Pakistan's team for the T20 World Cup has been announced, Salman Ali Agha will be the captain - SUCH TV

The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Salman Ali Agha has been appointed the captain of the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup.

The announced squad includes Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Muhammad Nafi, Muhammad Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed. In addition, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah are also part of the squad.

Pakistan will start its World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7, the T20 World Cup matches will be held from February 7 to March 8.

Before the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will play a three-match T20 series against Australia, which will be a preparation for the World Cup.

It should be noted that the Australian team will arrive in Pakistan on January 28 and the matches will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 29, 31 and February 1.

What should Pakistan do now? | The Express Tribune

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young side the pakistan team was celebrating their victory against west indies in the t20i series photo afp file

YOUNG SIDE: The Pakistan team was celebrating their victory against West Indies in the T20I series. Photo: AFP/File


KARACHI:

Let me tell you a story today. There was once a bully who had made life miserable for everyone in his neighborhood. Since he was also wealthy, people feared him. Interestingly, some of the richest people were among his “friends.” He kept them under his influence by giving them gifts, and in return, they turned a blind eye to his injustices. His arrogance and sense of power kept growing, he considered everyone beneath him.

One day, however, he picked a fight with someone from the neighboring area. Thinking it would be an easy win, he tried to bully him but the neighbor fought back fiercely and beat him so badly that his face turned red. The bully realized it was better not to cross that person again and decided to keep his distance.

A few days later, a poor man from his own neighborhood quarreled with him over something trivial. The bully silenced him with threats and thought: “It was fine when the strong neighbor opposed me, but if every weak person starts standing up to me, my terror will end.” So, he drove that poor man out of the neighborhood.

Since you are reading a cricket column, you’ve probably guessed what this story points toward. India, relying on its wealth, has long held cricket hostage. For the first time, Pakistan gave it a tough time  and the credit goes to the bold PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi. It was because of him that the hybrid model was implemented; otherwise, our team always had to go to India, while they refused to come to Pakistan. Everyone saw what happened during the Asia Cup. Even after winning the tournament, India still hasn’t received the trophy  Pakistan gave them a fitting response.

India tolerated Pakistan’s defiance to some extent, but when Bangladesh dared to challenge them, India reverted to its traditional bullying. With ICC’s support, it got Bangladesh out of the World Cup. Not long ago, India had used the excuse of its government’s refusal to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy, and so, under the hybrid model, its matches were held in Dubai.

Now Bangladesh’s government has denied permission for the team to go to India  but instead of moving their matches to Sri Lanka, the ICC excluded them entirely. This is hypocrisy at its peak. The ICC is now effectively ruled by India; its chief, Jay Shah, has filled most key positions with Indians. That’s why people now call it the Indian Cricket Council.

Had they accepted Bangladesh’s request, India’s ego would have been bruised  because then “weak” nations would start demanding the same. So, Bangladesh was made an example. Since Pakistan remains a major force in world cricket, and since the entire World Cup’s revenue can’t compare to the profit from one Pakistan India match, the ICC never dares cancel that fixture. Each second of advertising during that game earns millions that’s why in every ICC event both teams are in same group.

Bangladesh doesn’t bring in that kind of money, but that doesn’t mean they should be treated differently. Their board deserves the same respect as others. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is right in arguing that if the BCCI, bowing to extremists’ pressure, could drop their only Bangladeshi player Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL citing security concerns, then how can it now guarantee security for an entire team during the World Cup?

The ICC deliberately delayed the matter to later claim that time had run out. But if they can now make last-minute arrangements for Scotland, why couldn’t they have done the same for Bangladesh in Sri Lanka? During COVID times, most teams traveled via chartered flights  was that impossible for the ICC? Could such a massive organization really not find hotels? The TV crews would have been in Sri Lanka anyway  there would have been no broadcast issues.

The real problem was India’s ego. Accommodating Bangladesh would have hurt it. And this decision will damage cricket deeply. The board meeting and subsequent voting exposed not only the hypocrisy of the “white” nations but also of our “own” regional allies. Sri Lanka and Afghanistan didn’t support Bangladesh either. The Western boards, who lecture others on principles, stayed silent  blinded by the lure of dollars and the profits from bilateral matches and the IPL.

However, I am proud that Pakistan took a principled stand and supported Bangladesh. We were the only board to vote in their favor and even wrote to the ICC about it. Statements from Mohsin Naqvi have suggested that Pakistan might even boycott the World Cup, which has left India uneasy. The Indian media has begun spreading fears about financial losses and possible sanctions to pressure Pakistan.

In my view, since we have already established the hybrid model and plan to play matches in Sri Lanka, withdrawing from the tournament entirely would not be an easy decision. But Pakistan should continue to support Bangladesh  demanding from the ICC that, since Bangladesh’s withdrawal was due to government orders, they should be compensated for their financial losses.

As for Pakistan, we want to play. The PCB has already announced the World Cup squad, but the decision ultimately depends on the government. If the government stops the team, participation will be impossible. The ball is now in the Prime Minister’s court  let’s see what he decides. Whatever happens, we will stand by our country.

US climber scales Taiwan’s tallest building Taipei 101 without ropes

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US climber scales Taiwan's tallest building Taipei 101 without ropes

US rock climber Alex Honnold raises his arms from the top of the Taipei 101 building after he successfully free soloed the landmark skyscraper without ropes or safety gear in Taipei on January 25, 2026. — AFP 

TAIPEI: US climber Alex Honnold scaled the Taipei 101 skyscraper without ropes or safety netting on Sunday, watched by thousands of cheering and waving fans as he clambered up one of the world’s tallest buildings.

“Sick,” Honnold said as he got to the top spire of Taiwan’s tallest building after his 91-minute “free solo” ascent, which was organised and broadcast live by Netflix.

“What a beautiful way to see Taipei,” he told reporters after his mission, which was postponed by a day due to wet weather.

The 508-metre (1,667-foot) Taipei 101, which dominates the city’s skyline and is a major tourist attraction, was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010, a crown currently held by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The climb, with no safety equipment, took place with the full support and permission of Taipei 101 and the city government.

Honnold said he had once thought of climbing the structure without permission.

“But then out of respect for the building and respect for all the people on the team who’d allowed me access to look at it, I was like, well obviously I’m not going to poach this, I’m going to respect the people and just see if it ever comes together.”

Executive Producer James Smith said it was rare for a building to trust a climber and allow such an event to take place, calling Taipei 101 “a real icon of this country”.

Taiwanese politicians took to social media to thank Honnold and Netflix for putting Taiwan – more accustomed to featuring in global headlines for its semiconductor prowess – in the international spotlight with such a different perspective.

“Congratulations to the brave, fearless Alex for completing the challenge,” President Lai Ching-te wrote on his Facebook page.

“Through Netflix’s live broadcast cameras, the world didn’t just see Taipei 101 – it also saw the warmth and passion of the Taiwanese people, and the beautiful hills and scenery of this land,” he added.

This is not the first time Taipei 101 has been scaled.

In 2004, French climber Alain Robert, dubbed “Spiderman” for his ropeless ascents of some of the world’s highest skyscrapers, climbed the building, though did so with a safety rope in a time of four hours.

Haris Rauf dropped as Pakistan unveil 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2026

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Haris Rauf dropped as Pakistan unveil 15-member squad for T20 World Cup 2026

Pakistan cricketers celebrate after a wicket during tri-nation series match against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, December 1, 2025. — PCB

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board on Sunday announced a 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, set to be kicked off from February 7.

Pacer Haris Rauf, who last represented Pakistan in the shortest format in September last year, could not make it to the squad.

The squad was unveiled during a press conference addressed by the PCB Director High Performance and member men’s national selection committee Aqib Javed, Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha and white-ball head coach Michael Hesson at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Skipper Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Khawaja Nafay, Salman Mirza and Usman Tariq have received their maiden mega-event call-ups.

Meanwhile, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan and Usman Khan have featured in one or more editions of the tournament since 2021.

Mohammad Rizwan, who was sidelined from the national T20 squad since December 2024, will be missing his first T20 World Cup after featuring in three editions in 2021, 2022, and 2024.

The 2009 champions will play all of their matches in Sri Lanka as per the ‘Fusion Formula’, which states that Pakistan or India will not visit each other for any ICC tournaments for three years and will instead play their respective matches at a neutral venue.

If Pakistan progresses to the semi-finals and final, both knockout matches will be hosted in Colombo. Otherwise, the semi-finals and final will take place in Kolkata and Ahmedabad, respectively.

When asked about Rauf and his performance in the Big Bash League (BBL), Javed said that the pacer had served Pakistan for a long time, but in recent matches, a different combination was chosen.

“We are playing our matches in Sri Lanka, and we finalised the squad based on the conditions there,” he added.

On Babar’s inclusion, the PCB director of high performance said, “definitely, he is the most consistent batsman,” and has a specific role in the team.

“During the last Asia Cup, we felt the team needed a player who could perform in challenging situations. It’s a specific role, especially considering the conditions in Sri Lanka,” he explained.

It is pertinent to mention that the green shirts will kick off their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo.

Pakistan have been placed in Group A alongside India, the USA, the Netherlands and Namibia and will play all its matches in Sri Lanka.

They will then face the USA on February 10, arch-rivals India on February 15 and Namibia on February 18 in their final group-stage match.

For the unversed, the Super Eight round is scheduled to begin on February 21 in Colombo and conclude on March 1 in Kolkata.

The first semi-final will be held on March 3, the second on March 5, with the grand finale set for March 8 in Ahmedabad or Colombo.

Squad

Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wk) and Usman Tariq.

Besan Recipes That Define Indian Comfort Food

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Besan Recipes That Define Indian Comfort Food

Bangladesh says star cricketer Shakib can return

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Bangladesh says star cricketer Shakib can return

Shakib Al Hasan batting while biting a strap, India vs Bangladesh, 1st Test, 4th day, Chennai, September 22, 2024. — AFP

DHAKA: Bangladesh cricket chiefs have reopened the door for ex-captain Shakib Al Hasan’s return, a star player but who was also a lawmaker in the former ruling party overthrown in a 2024 uprising.

Shakib’s links to ousted leader Sheikh Hasina made him a target of public anger, and he was among dozens facing murder investigations for a deadly police crackdown on protesters.

The all-rounder announced his retirement from international cricket in 2024, but said he would like to reverse that decision last month.

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) senior official Amzad Hossain said he could play again.

“The board has taken a unanimous decision that if Shakib Al Hasan’s availability, fitness and accessibility allow it — and if he can be present at the venue where matches are played — then the board and the selection panel will consider him for the national team,” Hossain told reporters late Saturday.

He added that the BCB would issue Shakib no-objection certificates (NOC) to play in overseas leagues.

“If he wants to participate in other global tournaments, the board will provide him NOC as required,” Amzad added.

Shakib had earlier apologised for remaining silent during the student-led uprising but defended his decision to serve the regime it toppled.

Bangladesh cricket is reeling from being kicked out of next month’s T20 World Cup, after the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.

The BCB had refused to send its players to India and pleaded for games to be shifted to co-host Sri Lanka.

The dispute between New Delhi and Dhaka erupted this month when the Indian cricket board ordered the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman.

The ICC said it had found no credible security threat to Bangladesh in India, but the BCB said the matter was beyond their control.

“This is a government decision taken on security grounds,” Amzad said. “Because of that, there was nothing more we could do.”

Shakib was playing in a domestic Twenty20 cricket competition in Canada when Hasina’s government collapsed and has not returned to Bangladesh since.

The left-arm allrounder has played 71 Tests, 247 one-day internationals and 129 Twenty20s for Bangladesh, taking a combined 712 wickets.

Jennifer Aniston intensifies THIS ahead of her wedding to Jim Curtis

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Jennifer Aniston intensifies THIS ahead of her wedding to Jim Curtis

Jennifer Aniston intensifies THIS ahead of her wedding to Jim Curtis 

Jennifer Aniston is reportedly hitting the gym regularly to prepare for her upcoming wedding to boyfriend Jim Curtis.

Radar Online spilled that the 56-year-old American actress is pushing herself through extremely intense workouts to look perfect on her wedding day.

For those unaware, Aniston and Curtis have been dating each other since July 2025 and went Instagram official in November of the same year.

A confidante told the outlet that the FRIENDS alum’s relationship with the 50-year-old wellness coach, hypnotherapist, and writer has brought her immense peace.

The couple’s inner circle revealed that Aniston has shifted her complete focus to her big day, as she is putting extra efforts into her diet, routine, and exercise. Her main goal is to turn her relationship into a healthy one.

Per the source, “Among their friends, it’s widely understood that a wedding is very much on the horizon this year.”

“Jennifer and Jim don’t shy away from talking about it, and there’s a strong belief that they could skip a traditional ceremony altogether – possibly slipping away to elope around her birthday – before hosting a low-key celebration at home for those closest to them,” noted the source.

The insider went on to add that the thought of getting married to the love of her life has excited Aniston. “She has clearly intensified everything she’s doing.”

“There’s a real sense that she’s pushing herself harder than before because she wants to look and feel absolutely perfect standing beside Jim on their wedding day, and that goal is driving just how demanding her schedule has become,” the source stated.