India’s veteran Left leader Sitaram Yechury dies at 72
The CPI(M) had earlier announced that Sitaram Yechury was receiving treatment for an acute respiratory infection in the ICU at AIIMS.
Yechury’s contributions to the Left’s political strategies and his alliance-building skills were recognised across the political spectrum. (Photo: X/@pinarayivijayan)
By EasternEyeSep 13, 2024
SITARAM Yechury, leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], passed away on Thursday at the age of 72.
He died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi following a prolonged illness. Yechury had been in critical condition for several days and was on respiratory support.
The CPI(M) had earlier announced that Yechury was receiving treatment for an acute respiratory infection in the ICU at AIIMS. He had been admitted to the hospital on August 19 for a pneumonia-like chest infection and had a fungal infection in his lungs. Despite ongoing treatment, his condition worsened in the last few days, leading to his death.
Yechury's political career began during his student days at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) where he was a prominent member of the Students' Federation of India (SFI). He joined the CPI(M) in 1975 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a member of the Central Committee in 1984. By 1992, he was elected to the Politburo, the highest decision-making body of the party. His leadership was formalised when he was elected as the party’s fifth general secretary at the 21st party congress in Visakhapatnam in 2015, taking over from Prakash Karat. He was re-elected to this position in 2018 and again in 2022.
Yechury also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha for 12 years, from 2005 to 2017, where he was known for his articulate speeches and opposition to the government's policies. He often addressed issues concerning farmers, the working class, and the economy. He was a vocal critic of the Narendra Modi government, particularly its liberal economic policies and handling of communalism.
Red Salute to Comrade #SitaramYechury pic.twitter.com/Uif4EfCUAD
— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) September 13, 2024
He played a significant role in coalition politics, drawing on his skills as a negotiator and consensus builder, much like his mentor, the late Harkishan Singh Surjeet. While Surjeet was a key figure during the coalition era of the 1990s, Yechury was instrumental during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) years from 2004 to 2014. He maintained close ties with Congress leaders during this period and was a trusted ally of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
In 2004, after Sonia Gandhi declined the position of prime minister, Yechury was the first non-Congress leader she called. He also worked closely with Congress leader P Chidambaram to draft the United Front government's common minimum programme in the 1990s. Yechury’s influence remained strong even after the Left withdrew support for the UPA government in 2008 over the Indo-US nuclear deal.
Expressing condolences on his death, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh described Yechury as "an unrepentant Marxist with a pragmatic streak, a pillar of the CPI(M), and a superb Parliamentarian." Many of Yechury’s colleagues and friends remembered him not only for his political acumen but also for his love of old Hindi film songs, books, and long discussions on politics.
Yechury's leadership of the CPI(M) came at a challenging time, as the party’s strength in parliament declined. When he took over in 2015, the CPI(M) had dropped from 43 MPs in 2004 to just nine in 2014. Under his leadership, the party managed to stay politically relevant, particularly in Kerala, but its presence continued to shrink nationally.
Red Salute to Comrade #SitaramYechury pic.twitter.com/Uif4EfCUAD
— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) September 13, 2024
In 2018, ahead of the 2019 general elections, the CPI(M)’s Central Committee rejected Yechury’s proposal for an electoral understanding with the Congress, leading him to offer his resignation. However, he remained in his role and became a key figure in the INDIA bloc, a united opposition alliance formed ahead of the 2024 elections.
Though the CPI(M) was part of the INDIA bloc in the recent Lok Sabha polls, the party and Congress contested separately in Kerala, where CPI(M) won only one seat. However, participation in the bloc helped CPI(M) secure a seat in Rajasthan and two seats in Tamil Nadu, bringing their total to four seats in the 18th Lok Sabha.
Yechury’s contributions to the Left’s political strategies and his alliance-building skills were recognised across the political spectrum. He remained one of the most visible faces of the CPI(M), especially during key discussions in the opposition.
Born on August 12, 1952, in Chennai to a Telugu-speaking family, Yechury grew up in Hyderabad before moving to Delhi in 1969. He excelled academically, securing the all-India first rank in the Central Board of Secondary Education examinations. He went on to graduate in economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, before pursuing his post-graduation at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). His PhD studies were interrupted by his arrest during the Emergency, during which he was actively organising underground resistance.
Yechury was known for his linguistic abilities, speaking Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Bangla, and Malayalam fluently. He also had a deep knowledge of Hindu mythology, often using it in his speeches to attack the policies of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Throughout his career, Yechury remained a steadfast critic of communalism and advocated for economic policies that would benefit the working class. His last major contribution was his role in the formation of the INDIA bloc, bringing together opposition parties ahead of the 2024 elections.
Yechury is survived by his wife, Seema Chishti, and his two children, Akhila and Danish. His elder son, Ashish Yechury, tragically passed away from Covid-19 in 2021. Yechury was previously married to Indrani Mazumdar.
Madhya Pradesh High Court rejects Saif Ali Khan’s plea in the long-running Bhopal royal property dispute.
The estate, worth £1.4 billion (₹15,000 crore), has been declared “enemy property” due to links with Pakistan.
Trial court verdict naming Saif and family as heirs overturned; retrial ordered.
Government may soon initiate takeover of key Pataudi family properties in Bhopal.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dealt a severe legal setback to actor Saif Ali Khan and his family by striking down a previous court ruling that recognised them as legal heirs to a sprawling £1.4 billion (₹15,000 crore) royal estate in Bhopal. The court declared the property as “enemy property,” a classification that allows the government to take control of assets once owned by individuals who migrated to Pakistan.
Saif Ali Khan’s royal inheritance in Bhopal declared enemy property after court verdictGetty Images
High court overturns 2000 verdict favouring Saif’s family
In its latest order, the High Court dismissed a trial court ruling from 2000 that had recognised Saif Ali Khan, his mother Sharmila Tagore, and his sisters Soha and Saba as rightful inheritors of the estate of Sajida Sultan, daughter of Nawab Hamidullah Khan. The challenge came from other descendants of the Nawab, who argued that the property distribution should have followed Muslim Personal Law, not state-backed recognition. The court has now ordered a retrial, directing the lower court to conclude proceedings within one year.
Saif Ali Khan with family Getty Images
Declared ‘enemy property’ over Pakistan connection
The dispute took a sharp turn in 2014 when the Custodian of Enemy Property notified that several Pataudi properties in Bhopal, including the Noor-Us-Sabah Palace and Flag Staff House, would be classified under the Enemy Property Act. This decision stemmed from the fact that Saif’s great-grandmother, Abida Sultan, sister of Sajida Sultan, migrated to Pakistan post-Partition, renouncing her Indian citizenship. Under the Act, properties linked to such individuals can be acquired by the Indian government.
An exterior view of the Noor Us Sabah Palace now listed under enemy property Getty Images
Saif’s challenge fails as deadline passes
Saif Ali Khan had managed to secure a temporary stay on the government’s move in 2015. However, the court lifted the stay on 13 December 2024 and gave the family 30 days to appeal to the appellate tribunal. As no claim was filed within the stipulated time, the properties are now eligible for acquisition by the government. The Bhopal district administration may soon begin the takeover process.
Saif Ali Khan loses claim to Pataudi family properties as court cites Pakistan connectionGetty Images
Legacy of the Pataudi family under scrutiny
The estate at the heart of the dispute includes some of Bhopal’s most valuable landmarks, not just in monetary terms but also in heritage. This legal turn of events has reignited debate around the Enemy Property Act and how it continues to affect Indian families with cross-border ties. For Saif Ali Khan, whose royal lineage has long been part of his public identity, this verdict could be a deeply personal and legal setback.
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Lewis Hamilton is optimistic about Ferrari's chances at the 2025 British Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton topped FP1 and finished third in FP2 at Silverstone
Ferrari's pace encouraging despite rivals bringing major upgrades
Hamilton targeting strong weekend, focused on car improvements
Charles Leclerc also positive on Ferrari's race pace ahead of F1 qualifying time
Silverstone qualifying 2025 set to be highly competitive
Hamilton leads strong start for Ferrari at Silverstone
Lewis Hamilton is optimistic about Ferrari's chances at the 2025 British Grand Prix following an encouraging performance during Friday practice at Silverstone. The seven-time World Champion topped the timesheets in Free Practice 1 and secured P3 in the afternoon session, marking one of his best Fridays since joining Ferrari earlier this year.
“It was a really good day,” said Hamilton. “Great to see the crowd. Amazing to be out on track in a Ferrari here at Silverstone.”
Competitive despite rivals’ upgrades
Hamilton noted that both McLaren and Red Bull introduced upgrades ahead of the Silverstone weekend, yet Ferrari remained competitive. “It’s pretty incredible and also with McLaren and Red Bull having upgrades, so for us to be in the mix still is really positive,” he said.
The British driver, who has nine career wins at Silverstone, believes that Ferrari’s pace offers promise ahead of Sunday’s race. “I definitely feel like we can dream of having a strong weekend,” he added. “Executing and putting it all together is another thing but I’ll prepare myself the best I can to make sure we get the best result.”
Lewis Hamilton topped FP1 and finished third in FP2Getty Images
Hamilton finished fourth at the Austrian Grand Prix last weekend, equalling his best result for Ferrari so far. He stated he is becoming more comfortable in the SF-25 and continues to improve.
“I’m progressing a lot now with the car and much more comfortable knowing where it needs to be,” he said. “We still weren’t quite where we needed to be in FP2, but we know the changes we need to make.”
Leclerc confident in race pace
Charles Leclerc also showed strong form on Friday, finishing fourth in FP1 and second in FP2. While he acknowledged McLaren’s Lando Norris holds the edge in one-lap pace, Leclerc was confident about Ferrari’s race performance.
“McLaren is probably the car to beat at the moment,” he said. “But in race pace I was happy. I think we are very strong for Sunday. We’ve just got to find more in Qualifying.”
The Silverstone qualifying 2025 session is expected to be closely contested as teams aim to convert their practice form into pole position.
TWO brothers accused of assaulting a man inside a Starbucks and later attacking police officers at Manchester Airport are standing trial, with the prosecution arguing they used "unlawful and extreme violence".
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, and his older brother Muhammad Amaad, 26, both from Rochdale, are said to have acted aggressively on July 23 last year while at the airport to pick up their mother, who had arrived on a flight from Qatar.
The pair deny the charges and claim they were defending themselves.
Liverpool Crown Court heard the trouble started when their mother, shortly after landing, pointed out a man she had an issue with - Abdulkareem Ismaeil - who was inside a Starbucks café with his family.
Prosecutor Paul Greaney KC said the younger brother, Amaaz, approached Ismaeil, shouted at him, then headbutted and punched him in front of his children.
Starbucks manager Cameron Cartledge said he heard loud voices and saw a man in a blue tracksuit—later identified as Amaaz—arguing closely with another man.
"Blue tracksuit man seemed quite aggressive. He got in the man’s face and shouted. Then he headbutted him, which made him stumble back," said Cartledge, adding that he called police immediately.
Another witness, barista Justine Pakalne, said the violence came from Amaaz, not Ismaeil. "Even if the other man stepped forward, he didn’t touch him. It was Amaaz who headbutted him," she said.
After the café incident, police officers found the brothers near the car park payment area of Terminal 2. According to Greaney, three officers - PCs Zachary Marsden, Ellie Cook, and Lydia Ward - approached to arrest Amaaz. When they did, he resisted and Amaad stepped in.
The court heard that both brothers attacked PC Marsden. Amaaz is also accused of assaulting PC Cook and breaking PC Ward’s nose during the struggle.
"The level of violence was very high," said Greaney. "Amaaz held PC Marsden by the neck, pulling him to the ground. PC Marsden managed to break free and later kicked Amaaz in the face to protect himself."
The prosecution acknowledged that the officer’s actions might appear “shocking” in isolation but argued they must be seen in the context of an armed officer facing a serious threat. "This happened in a busy airport where officers feared their weapons could be taken," Greaney said.
CCTV and police bodycam footage were shown to jurors, showing the incident unfold.
The defence claims both men acted in self-defence. However, Greaney dismissed that argument: "What the footage shows is not defensive behaviour, but offensive and violent conduct."
The court also heard that Ismaeil declined to give a police statement and is not part of the trial.
Both defendants deny all charges. The trial will continue on Monday (7).
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New standalone story with fresh characters and darker themes
Netflix announces Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 at Anime Expo 2025
New standalone story with fresh characters and darker themes
Directed by Kai Ikarashi, known for episode six of season one
Showrunner promises more violence, emotional depth, and realism
Trailer expected to be released during Studio Trigger panel
New season revealed at Anime Expo 2025
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 has officially been announced by Netflix and CD Projekt Red during the Anime Expo 2025 event. The follow-up to the hit anime spinoff of Cyberpunk 2077 will feature a completely new storyline and characters, while retaining the series’ distinctive raw and emotional tone.
The new 10-episode season will not continue the story of David from season one but will instead present a fresh narrative within the violent and chaotic world of Night City.
Creative team returns with new direction
The new season will be directed by Kai Ikarashi, who previously directed the popular episode six, titled “Girl on Fire”, in the first season. A trailer is expected to debut during animation studio Trigger’s panel at Anime Expo, scheduled for 8:30pm PT.
Showrunner and writer Bartosz Sztybor, who returns for season two, told attendees that the next season will be “sadder, darker, more bloody, and more raw.” Reflecting on season one, he remarked: “I just wanted to make the whole world sad… when people are sad, I’m a bit happy.”
The official description for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners season 2 promises a standalone tale of “redemption and revenge.” Set in the brutal and spectacle-driven Night City, the story will explore what it takes to be noticed in a world overwhelmed by violence and chaos.
The series remains a collaboration between CD Projekt Red and Studio Trigger, and continues to expand the Cyberpunk 2077 universe across different media. No release date has been confirmed for the second season.
The first season of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was praised for its animation style, emotional storytelling, and faithful representation of the game’s dystopian setting. Expectations for season two are high as fans await further updates.
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Abhishek Bachchan says Aishwarya Rai is fully responsible for Aaradhya’s upbringing
Abhishek Bachchan credits Aishwarya Rai for taking the lead in daughter Aaradhya’s upbringing.
Says Aaradhya, now 13, has no phone and stays away from social media.
Calls Aishwarya “selfless” for prioritising parenting over everything else.
Slams online gossip surrounding their marriage as baseless and insensitive.
Actor Abhishek Bachchan has dismissed recent speculation around his marriage with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, instead shining a light on her unwavering dedication as a mother. In a recent chat, he spoke warmly about their 13-year-old daughter Aaradhya, revealing that she neither owns a mobile phone nor uses social media, something he attributes to Aishwarya’s hands-on parenting.
Aaradhya Bachchan has no access to social media or a personal phoneGetty Images
Aishwarya Rai's parenting praised as ‘selfless and devoted’
Speaking in an interview, Abhishek was full of admiration for how Aishwarya has raised their daughter. "I have to give credit entirely to Aishwarya. I go out and work, but she does all the heavy lifting when it comes to Aaradhya. She’s incredibly selfless,” he said. According to him, Aishwarya’s decision to put her daughter's well-being above everything else has shaped Aaradhya into a grounded young person.
Abhishek Bachchan calls Aishwarya a devoted mother and partnerGetty Images
Aaradhya has no phone, no social media — by choice and design
In an era when most teenagers are glued to their screens, Aaradhya stands out. “She doesn’t have a phone. She’s not on any social media. She’s being raised to be thoughtful and aware,” Abhishek said. He also acknowledged that while Aishwarya plays the larger parenting role, Aaradhya herself deserves credit for the person she’s becoming, calling her a “wonderful little lady” who brings joy and pride to the family.
Aaradhya is now taller than Aishwarya says Abhishek in candid interviewGetty Images
Responds to rumours, says online chatter can be hurtful
For months, the internet has been buzzing with speculation about a rift between Abhishek and Aishwarya. Without naming any specific rumours, Abhishek expressed frustration with how quickly false stories gain traction. “People sit behind their screens and type things without realising they’re talking about real lives. It’s very easy to be nasty online,” he shared during a media interaction.
Aishwarya Rai often seen with daughter Aaradhya at public eventsGetty Images
‘She’s taller than Aishwarya now’: a proud dad reflects
Recalling the night Aaradhya was born, Abhishek fondly mentioned how she once fit in the crook of his arm. “She’s taller than Aishwarya now,” he said with a smile, adding that the happiness of coming home to a healthy family is what matters most to him today.