DELHI police have said London-based Indian bookmaker Sanjeev Chawla, who has been accused of involvement in a 2000 match-fixing scandal involving former South Africa captain Hansie Cronje, is in custody following his extradition from Britain.
A local court has ordered Chawla, who arrived in India on Thursday (13), to remain in police custody for 12 days, a senior crime branch officer of the Delhi Police said in a statement.
The police have been seeking Chawla's extradition since naming him in their 2013 charge-sheet along with four others.
The 2000 scandal, dubbed 'Hansiegate', opened the cricket world's eyes to the dangers of match-fixing, former joint commissioner KK Paul, who led the probe in 2000, told the Hindustan Times newspaper.
"This case was important for many reasons," he said after Chawla's arrival in India.
"It exposed the extent of match-fixing. Many had refused to believe such a thing could happen."
Delhi Police had been probing an unrelated extortion case when they stumbled upon a tape that eventually led to the unearthing of a scandal that rocked the game.
After initially denying fixing charges, Cronje confessed his role to an inquiry commission in South Africa. He was subsequently banned for life but died in a plane crash in 2002.
Beyoncé wore a custom Manish Malhotra outfit for her Paris concert on 19 June as part of the Cowboy Carter tour.
The black ensemble was embellished with thousands of crystals and styled with matching heels.
Jay-Z joined her on stage for a rare live duet of Crazy in Love.
Malhotra shared clips on Instagram, calling the collaboration a proud moment for Indian fashion.
Beyoncé turned heads at her Paris concert this week by stepping out in a custom outfit designed by Indian couturier Manish Malhotra, putting South Asian fashion in the global spotlight. The concert, held at the Stade de France on 19 June, was part of her ongoing Cowboy Carter tour.
The look was both theatrical and refined, perfectly suited to the energy of the show and Beyoncé’s larger-than-life stage persona.
Manish Malhotra’s design lights up Beyoncé’s Paris performance
Beyoncé’s stage presence is always powerful, but this time, her outfit drew just as much attention. The all-black ensemble, a bodysuit layered with boots and encrusted with Swarovski crystals, was designed exclusively by Malhotra for the Paris concert on 19 June.
Jay-Z made a surprise appearance for Crazy in Love, keeping it low-key in streetwear while Beyoncé’s shimmering outfit took centre stage. Malhotra, known for dressing Bollywood’s biggest stars, called the collaboration a "historic milestone" in a brief post on Instagram. He shared a clip from the Paris concert showing Beyoncé performing alongside her husband, Jay-Z. This is one of his most high-profile international features to date, as he is best known for dressing Bollywood stars.
Cultural crossover in Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour wardrobe
This is not the first time Beyoncé has embraced global fashion, but her choice to wear an Indian designer at a major tour stop sends a powerful message about representation. It reflects a growing trend of cultural crossover and deeper appreciation for South Asian craftsmanship in mainstream Western entertainment.
Fans and fashion watchers were quick to praise the ensemble, calling it bold, glamorous, and refreshingly different. With tour dates continuing through July, it remains to be seen if Beyoncé will showcase more international designers. But for now, Malhotra’s moment in Paris stands out.
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Several early Death Stranding 2 reviews emphasise the game’s meditative pace and symbolic narrative
Death Stranding 2: On the Beach releases on 26 June 2025 for PlayStation 5
Critics highlight its stylised storytelling, visual design, and A-list cast
Gameplay centres on post-apocalyptic cargo delivery and exploration
Reviews call it hypnotic, emotional, and sometimes frustratingly slow
Players are divided over its pacing, symbolism, and niche appeal
A cinematic sequel that’s both familiar and strange
Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding 2: On the Beach launches worldwide on 26 June, and early impressions suggest it’s just as unconventional as the original. Described by critics as a “hypnotising, slow-paced art-house game,” the sequel continues the unique blend of traversal gameplay, cinematic storytelling and surreal world-building introduced in Death Stranding (2019).
Set in an alternate future where the boundary between life and death has collapsed, the sequel follows protagonist Sam Porter Bridges (Norman Reedus) as he leaves his quiet life in Mexico to reconnect isolated communities across Mexico and Australia. The goal: restore access to a high-tech communication system called the chiral network in the wake of a fragmented, post-disaster world.
Critics praise storytelling, tone, and ambition
Several early Death Stranding 2 reviews emphasise the game’s meditative pace and symbolic narrative. The story is said to be layered with allegory and poetic metaphors, often requiring players to interpret its dreamlike events and characters.
Kojima’s vision is clearly rooted in cinematic inspiration. The opening includes a six-minute cutscene, and reviewers note that long, quiet stretches of walking allow players to reflect on the game’s meaning. One reviewer described it as “a game that invites scrutiny and rewards patience,” while another called it “equal parts game and existential art project.”
The cast features major talent including Léa Seydoux, Elle Fanning, George Miller, Guillermo del Toro, and Shioli Kutsuna, many of whom reprise roles or take on new surreal identities. Their characters serve as metaphors as much as people: one rains wherever she goes, another pilots a ship with a tar-infused hand. The emotional performances are surprisingly affecting, particularly in quieter scenes.
Gameplay: Delivery missions, upgraded combat
At its core, Death Stranding 2 remains a delivery game. Players guide Sam through rugged terrain, balancing cargo, managing supplies, and planning safe routes between settlements. While this sounds mundane, reviews say the game’s detailed systems — including tools, gear, and environmental challenges — add real depth.
- YouTubeYouTube/ KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS
Combat has been expanded. Players can now face off more often with Beached Things (BTs) and hostile humans, using grenades, firearms, or stealth tactics. The mechanics have been refined since the first game, with some calling the combat “slick” and “surprisingly satisfying.”
One review notes, “The pleasure is as much in the preparation as it is in the action,” referring to the logistical decisions players make before embarking on missions. New traversal tools and improved mission variety also help keep things engaging.
Post-pandemic influence and online connection
Kojima reportedly rewrote the sequel’s story during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the parallels are evident. Themes of isolation, fear of contact, and re-establishing human connection run throughout the game.
Like its predecessor, Death Stranding 2 includes asynchronous multiplayer features. Players can build structures and leave equipment or messages for others in their own single-player worlds. This feature has been interpreted by reviewers as a satirical nod to social media, with “like” icons and digital clutter slowly overtaking the environment, a subtle critique of online attention culture.
Not for everyone, but rewarding for some
While the game has received strong praise from critics for its ambition and style, it has also been described as a “niche experience.” Some players find the pacing too slow and the gameplay too repetitive. Others argue that the symbolism can become overbearing or confusing.
Still, for fans of Kojima’s previous work or anyone seeking something outside mainstream action game formulas, Death Stranding 2 offers a compelling and unusual journey.
“Everything that was good and frustrating about the first game is back,” one critic summarised. “But this time it’s more polished, more confident, and more meaningful.”
Final verdict from the review community
Most Death Stranding 2 reviews agree on a few core points:
It’s visually stunning, with atmospheric design and excellent voice acting
The delivery gameplay is detailed and deliberate, appealing to those who enjoy planning and slow exploration
The narrative is symbolic and open to interpretation, rewarding thoughtful players
It’s not action-packed, and won’t suit everyone, but it stands out in today’s gaming landscape
Game details
Title: Death Stranding 2: On the Beach
Release date: 26 June 2025
Platform: PlayStation 5
Price: £69.99 / US$69.99 / A$124.95
Developer: Kojima Productions
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Black women nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white women, while Asian mothers face double the risk. (Photo for representation: iStock)
HEALTH SECRETARY Wes Streeting has ordered an immediate nationwide probe into England's maternity services following a string of NHS scandals that have cost the lives of hundreds of mothers and babies.
The fast-track investigation will focus on the country's poorest-performing maternity and baby care units, with findings expected by December 2025, the BBC reported.
Streeting on Monday (23) issued an apology to families who have suffered preventable harm and said urgent action was needed.
"We must act - and we must act now," he declared, after meeting parents who lost children in various NHS maternity disasters.
The health secretary promised the inquiry would "make sure these families get the truth and the accountability they deserve" and ensure "no parent or baby is ever let down again".
The investigation comes amid alarming statistics showing maternal death rates have worsened dramatically. Government data revealed that between 2009 and 2022, maternal mortality increased by 27 per cent, and even after accounting for Covid deaths, there was still a 10 per cent rise.
Official figures exposed stark racial inequalities, with black women nearly three times more likely to die during childbirth compared to white women, while Asian mothers face double the risk. Despite a 2017 government pledge to cut maternal deaths by half between 2010 and 2025, the opposite has happened.
The probe will be split into two sections. The first will examine up to 10 of the most troubling maternity and newborn units to provide answers to affected families as quickly as possible.
University Hospitals Sussex and Leeds Teaching Hospitals have already been confirmed for investigation, though it remains unclear whether these will be part of the 10 units or separate cases.
The second phase will take a broader view of the entire maternity system, combining lessons from previous investigations to create national improvements across all NHS maternity services.
At Morecambe Bay between 2004 and 2013, mothers and babies died unnecessarily due to what investigators called a "dysfunctional culture" with poor clinical skills and failure to learn from mistakes. The Shrewsbury and Telford scandal saw more than 200 mothers and babies who could have survived with better care, according to a 2022 investigation.
In another case, at least 45 babies might have lived if given proper treatment at East Kent, a review found in October 2022.
Meanwhile, an ongoing review at Nottingham examining around 2,500 cases is set to be the largest maternity scandal investigation yet.
Adding to concerns, inspectors found that not a single one of 131 maternity units checked in 2024 received the highest safety rating.
Dr Clea Harmer from baby loss charity Sands called the national investigation "much-needed and long-overdue", stressing the need for "lasting systemic change".
Rhiannon Davies, who lost her daughter Kate at Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust in 2009, welcomed the inquiry but argued it should cover the entire UK, not just England.
Anne Kavanagh from Irwin Mitchell solicitors, representing many affected families, said the scandals "all pointed to deep-rooted problems nationally" and stressed the need for decisive action.
She warned that "sadly many recommendations from previous reports and investigations had not been fully implemented, missing crucial opportunities to improve patient safety and learn from mistakes".
The government has also announced plans for an anti-discrimination programme aimed at addressing the unequal treatment of black, Asian and other underserved communities in maternity care.
Streeting acknowledged that while most births are safe and the majority of NHS staff want the best outcomes, "it's clear something is going wrong".
"What they have experienced is devastating – deeply painful stories of trauma, loss, and a lack of basic compassion – caused by failures in NHS maternity care that should never have happened," he said of the bereaved families.
The investigation will begin this summer, with affected families given a voice in how the inquiry is conducted.
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India's Hardeep Singh Puri, who is leading a 7-member delegation, meets Irish prime minister Micheal Martin. The delegation paid tribute to the victims of the Air India Kanishka bombing at the Ahakista Memorial, on the 40th anniversary of the incident, in County Cork, Ireland. (Photo: PTI Photo)
INDIAN minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday (23) called for ending funding channels to terrorists and separatists and urged collective action to counter global terrorism, as he paid tribute to the victims of the Air India Flight 182 Kanishka bombing on its 40th anniversary.
The Montreal–London–New Delhi Air India ‘Kanishka’ Flight 182 exploded mid-air on June 23, 1985, killing all 329 people on board. The flight was 45 minutes away from landing at London’s Heathrow Airport. Most of those killed were Canadians of Indian origin.
Commemoration held at Ahakista Memorial
Puri, who is the Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, attended the memorial event at the Ahakista Memorial in County Cork, Ireland. He was joined by Irish prime minister Micheál Martin and Canada’s Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree. County Cork is about 260 kilometres from Dublin.
“On behalf of the people and Government of India, a 7-member delegation led by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas @HardeepSPuri paid tributes to the victims at the Ahakista Memorial in County Cork, Ireland,” said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X.
‘Need to be united against terrorism’
In his speech, Puri thanked the “wonderful community of Ahakista and the people of Ireland,” saying they had responded with compassion when the tragedy occurred 40 years ago.
“This memorial stands testimony to the tragedy of that crash on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean not far from here,” Puri said.
He added, “Irrespective of the differences in ideologies and political differences, we need to be vigilant about terrorism and united in combating the menace.”
Calling for an end to terrorism financing, Puri said in another post on X, “We need to double our efforts to ensure that what happened on June 23, 1985 is not repeated anywhere in the world in future.”
329 lives lost in mid-air explosion
Irish prime minister Micheál Martin wrote on X, “It was a privilege to attend the commemoration to mark 40 years since the Air India disaster in West Cork. 329 innocent people lost their lives over the skies of Ireland that morning, and the passing of time does not dim the scale of loss and of this atrocity.”
According to The Air India Flight 182 Archive, maintained by McMaster University, the Ahakista Memorial was unveiled on June 23, 1986, during the first anniversary of the bombing. The site includes a garden, a sundial, and a curved stone wall bearing the names of all those who died.
Relatives of victims attend memorial
Every year, families of the passengers and crew gather at various memorials dedicated to the victims.
According to Irish public broadcaster RTÉ, about 60 relatives of the victims attended the annual ceremony in Ahakista, which is the closest point on land to the crash site.
“The ceremony at the memorial monument began with a minute’s silence at 8.13 am, the exact time the explosion occurred on Air India Flight 182. It was followed by tributes from the families and Hindu and Christian readings,” RTÉ reported.
(With inputs from PTI)
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Mohini Dey has played with legends across continents and\u00a0now she\u2019s stepping into the spotlight with her own voice
Mohini Dey laughs down the line, a deep, unfiltered chuckle that cuts through the noise. “Ronnie Scott’s? With my band, playing my music? That’s crazy,” she says, still letting it sink in. Speaking exclusively to Eastern Eye from Los Angeles, where she recently wrapped a show at the Hollywood Bowl with Willow Smith, the 28-year-old bassist is now preparing for her first headline performance in the UK this July.
For Dey, who grew up riding Mumbai’s local trains with a Walkman and no room for childhood distractions, this moment feels both improbable and hard-earned. It’s the kind of full-circle milestone that doesn’t come from luck, but from surviving, insisting, and showing up anyway.
A childhood full of sounds and music
Mohini was never a regular child. Born into a musically disciplined home in Mumbai, her father a bassist, her mother a singer, Mohini’s life was all structure and sound. But not the kind most children grow up with. “I didn’t have friends my age,” she says plainly. “My dad was strict. He believed childhood was for building something, not wasting time.”
While most kids her age were at birthday parties, Mohini was at Nirvana Studio, jamming with jazz legends like Ranjit Barot and Louis Banks. “It was like going to two schools: one for academics, one for music history and reality checks,” she recalls. “I was surrounded by giants, and I learned early that to make it, I had to be exceptional.”
Mohini Dey will make her UK headline debut at London’s iconic Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club this July Instagram/dey_bass
That early push turned her into a master of her craft but also left scars. “I was depressed as hell,” she admits. “I was constantly being moulded into someone else’s dream.”
At 17, she left it all and became the family’s breadwinner
At 17, she snapped. In a moment of quiet rebellion, she left home. Cut ties. Lived alone. And decided to prove, especially to her father, that she could make it on her own. “He told me I wouldn’t be successful without him,” she remembers. “I needed to show him he was wrong.”
Those three years were lonely, but transformative. Mohini toured, hustled, and became her family’s main earner. “I learned to navigate everything. The business side, the gigs and all of it,” she says.
Bassist Mohini Dey is redefining what it means to be an Indian woman on the global music stageInstagram/dey_bass/bassplayunited
When music became medicine
The silence with her father finally broke when he called her after three years. “He said he was proud. That was enough. He didn’t apologise, but he didn’t need to.” She began taking him to her shows. In the last two years before he passed away, Mohini made sure he saw what she’d become.
“I took him to my shows. Introduced him to the life I’d built. It was healing,” she says, voice softening. “His death hit hard... but also made me push even more,” she says. “The last two years before he passed… they were good. Really wholesome. I’m glad we had that.”
Her father’s death could have derailed her. Instead, she kept playing. “I got back on stage within days. Because music took care of me when I couldn’t take care of myself.”
Mohini Dey opens up about burnout, ambition, and finding balance in a demanding industryInstagram/dey_bass
Not just the bass girl
Mohini is now one of India’s most sought-after musicians, having worked with legends like A.R. Rahman, Clinton Cerejo, Zakir Hussain, Salim–Sulaiman, and even Willow Smith, with whom she just played the Hollywood Bowl.
She’s crossed genres with ease, from Carnatic to rock, from fusion to pop. Her only rule? Never stay comfortable. “I’ll do a metal tour one week, a classical show the next,” she grins. “If it feels too easy, I’m bored.”
But don’t mistake that hustle for perfectionism. “I’m burnt out,” she says without flinching. “I’ve been working nonstop, albums, tours, even managing a side business. Sometimes I just want to disappear into a cave with my bass.”
Still, when she plays, the burnout fades. “There are these rare moments when I’m on stage, not overthinking, just being. That’s what I chase.”
Mohini Dey’s journey from a musically strict childhood in Mumbai to international acclaim is a story of rebellion, resilience, and rhythmInstagram/dey_bass
“I’m not a diversity hire. I’m just good”
Despite being a young Indian woman in an industry that rarely makes space for either, Mohini refuses to paint herself as a victim. “If anything, I used it to my advantage,” she says with a shrug. “I’m talented, I’m beautiful, I’m Indian. It made people take notice. But then I had to prove I deserved it.”
That confidence comes from lived experience. “I’ve never been treated like a diversity hire. I get called because I deliver. And because I’m versatile.” Her mentor, drummer Ranjit Barot, taught her early on: “You’re a musician first. The rest is noise.” That philosophy stuck.
From Mumbai to the world stage, Mohini plays life her own wayInstagram/dey_bass
Redefining success on her own terms
Despite the accolades, Forbes 30 Under 30, global acclaim, and sold-out venues, Mohini says awards never meant much to her. “In India, there are no awards for instrumentalists. Everything is for playback singers.”
So how does she define success? “I don’t know what it means yet,” she admits. “But contentment? That’s what I chase. Those rare moments when I play and I’m not overthinking, just flowing. That’s a win.”
Mohini Dey says music saved her when nothing else couldInstagram/dey_bass
What’s next: less travel, more life
As she readies her set for Ronnie Scott’s, including unreleased tracks and new sounds, Mohini is also thinking about slowing down. “I hate travelling,” she laughs. “By the time I’m 38, I want to be working from home, running a studio, picking only what excites me.”
She’s already laying the foundation with a social media company, side hustles and plans to support young musicians. “Music can’t feel like a grind,” she says. “It has to stay personal.”
Mohini Dey has become one of India’s most in-demand musicians across genresInstagram/dey_bass/bahrainjazzfest
Advice to dreamers: trust your gut
Asked what she’d tell her 14-year-old self, Mohini smiles. “Nothing. That kid was solid. She did what her dad told her to do. Then she did what she wanted to do. I’m proud of her.”
Her advice to young artists is blunt but inspiring: “People will try to drag you down. You’ve got to stay consistent, stay grounded, and own your story. Don’t wait for validation. Let your work speak. And if it doesn’t? Keep going until it does.”
From lonely train rides in Mumbai to sold-out shows at Ronnie Scott’s, from rejection and burnout to quiet moments of clarity on stage, Mohini Dey’s journey isn’t just about music, it’s about survival, rebellion, and learning to finally breathe in a life she built for herself.
And through it all, one truth remains: the bass didn’t just give her rhythm. It gave her voice.