manjur4d: May 2026

Friday, May 15, 2026

Did Keneeshaa Francis break up with Ravi Mohan? Internet thinks so after she leaves Chennai, says ‘he is now all yours’

Singer and spiritual healer Keneeshaa Francis recently released two videos talking about her painful past and explaining how her relationship with actor Ravi Mohan evolved from healing to friendship. Since then, she's received incessant flak from those who support Ravi’s estranged wife, Aarti Ravi, and Keneeshaa released a note claiming she’s quitting social media and leaving Chennai.

Ravi Mohan and Keneeshaa Francis seem to have broken up amid his contentious divorce.

The performance and comment that began it all

Ravi announced his separation from Aarti in 2024 after 15 years of marriage. By 2025, they were involved in a court battle. Keneeshaa, who found herself in the middle of it all, stayed firm and by Ravi’s side through it all. She recently performed at Meenkulathi Bagavathi Temple for their Utsav 2026, and Ravi joined her on stage. Later, a comment Keneeshaa made on Aarti circulated on social media.

After receiving flak for it as the actor was yet to be divorced, the singer-healer made two videos revealing that she was abused as a child and was later in an abusive relationship, due to which she miscarried. She also explained that she met Ravi as a healer, but their relationship soon turned into friendship. Keneeshaa firmly denied that she broke up Ravi and Aarti’s marriage or that she kept him from his family. Keneeshaa also claimed her Instagram was hacked and she never commented on Aarti.

Khushbu Sundar’s cryptic note

Keneeshaa mentioned the Bible in the caption of her videos, and Khushbu Sundar, who is close to Aarti, posted a cryptic note on Instagram. Her note read: “To those who say they believe in sayings of the Bible, “don’t take what is not yours”, should know this: your actions define you. Not surprised to see someone betray trust and steal, they prove it’s in their DNA to cheat. The world of deceit is where they feel at home.”

She added, “No point in blaming that one inhuman for showing its true colors and showing the world where they come from, I blame the person hiding behind in the shadows, for giving the platform to such to speak. Understand that your choices come with consequences, and the wounds you inflict can last a lifetime. Remember Bible says those with pure heart and clean mind, remain close to God.” Aarti liked the post.

Keneeshaa leaves Chennai, hints at breakup

Keneeshaa penned a long note on her Instagram, claiming that she ‘walked into this story with love’ and is walking out ‘with silence’. “I have given pieces of myself trying to protect a human being the world had already decided a story for. But I now understand something very clearly - in a world addicted to spectacle, kindness rarely stands a chance against chaos,” read a portion of her note.

Addressing the film industry and those who both like and dislike Ravi, she added, “To the public, the cinema industry, the commentators, the people who love him, dislike him, defend him, mock him, or claim ownership over his life - he is now all yours. There will be no more explanations. No more defending. No more fighting battles that were never mine to carry in the first place. I was stupid to think that good people needed a chance to live and support in that realm is the best one can do. But I understand, that this place is only for liars, cheaters, manipulators and life extorters.”

She also mentioned that she is releasing him with ‘peace, love and complete detachment,’ as well as the ‘responsibilities’ she signed up for. “I only wish the world had allowed me to show what genuine love, loyalty and softness could have done. But perhaps this generation no longer trusts softness. Perhaps destruction is easier to digest than devotion. Perhaps people will always choose narratives built from emotion over truths built from sacrifice. But, there you go. You guys got you wanted.” she wrote.

Keneeshaa mentioned that she has left Chennai, given up on music, therapy and everything else that concerns her. “Man can break what God creates I guess. Online bullying, manipulation and sorcery is what I leave because of. And with that, I am logging off Instagram and all social profiles as well until God wins. I ask all my friends, family and well wishers to give me the privacy I need. As of today: Feminism, you won. Happiness, you lost. Love and Light. Keneeshaa Francis,” she ended her note.

'Dhurandhar 2' OTT release: Netizens reveal biggest changes to Ranveer Singh's 'Raw and Undekha' version after theatrical release

After a successful eight weeks in theatres, 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' officially released online sparking social media discussion about the film, and some of its new footage on screens.'Dhurandhar 2' OTT releaseTaking to their handles post the film's OTT debut on Netflix for international viewing, netizens pointed out several notable differences between the streaming version and the theatrical cut released in India. Starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, the action drama made its international streaming debut on May 14 with a “raw and undekha” version. The film became available for streaming in the United States and Canada nearly eight weeks after its theatrical release.Ranveer Singh's scene changed in OTT versionWhile Indian audiences continue to await confirmation about the film’s domestic OTT premiere, social media users have already begun sharing screenshots and clips comparing the uncensored OTT version with the theatrical release screened in Indian cinemas. Several viewers claimed that violent scenes appeared more graphic and extended in the streaming cut. One user wrote, “They changed Hamza's reaction in the OTT uncensored version!!!" Another shared a glimpse of the famed 'hammer scene' that was edited out of the film saying, "Censor board saale theatre version mai ish scene ka pura peak 10 sec kaat diya.

Another fan commented, "This doesn’t feel like a normal OTT version at all. Feels like they unlocked the darker side of the film now." A separate post criticised the theatrical censorship, stating, “Bro they have shown brutal scenes in uncensored version of Dhurandhar the Revenge.Still another added, "CBFC you ruined an A rated film peak experience."

Another hailed actor Danish Pandor's gory scene where his character plays football with a rival's severed head. The scene was trimmed by 25-30 seconds by the CBFC due to its intense nature. Reacting to the scene playing out on OTT, one wrote, “Damn, uncensored version truly showed Uzair's insanity.”Fans also noted technical and editing changes in the OTT release, including background music tweaks, revised text placement and altered end-credit sequences. “Music also improved in some scenes in OTT version,” one viewer claime.

One social media user noted the change in typography and font used in both versions, writing, “As you can see, the Roman text was slightly bigger in the theatrical version, and was shifted upwards to accommodate the smaller Devanagari text below it. I feel the OTT text size and placement looks much better.”Some also claimed that a post-credit scene featuring Omar had been removed from the streaming version.Viewers further alleged that several violent moments, including a hammer attack and a football scene, were longer and more graphic in the OTT cut.

Directed by Aditya Dhar, the sequel also stars Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi and Gaurav Gera in key roles.The franchise recently crossed the Rs 3000 crore mark worldwide, emerging as one of the year’s biggest commercial successes in the Hindi film industry.

Petrol, diesel price hike: App based gig workers call for nationwide strike

Gig workers have called for a temporary nationwide strike on Saturday, asking app-based drivers and delivery workers to cease services from 12 pm to 5 pm to protest against rising fuel prices and low payment rates.The Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) has appealed to workers to join the shutdown, arguing that increasing petrol and diesel prices are making it harder for them to earn enough despite long working hours.

Taking to social media platform X, the union wrote, “GIPSWU appeals to gig & platform workers across India to observe a temporary shutdown of app-based services tomorrow from 12 pm to 5 pm in protest against rising fuel prices and inadequate payment rates.”The protest comes in response to a fuel price hike of around Rs 3 per litre by oil marketing companies. Following the revision, petrol prices in the capital have climbed to nearly Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs 90.67 per litre. The rise came after energy supplies across the globe have continued to see disruptions due to the ongoing Strait of Hormuz chokehold. While global crude prices have climbed from $70 per barrel before the conflict to almost $105, prices in India remained largely unchanged until Friday.

In Hyderabad, petrol prices gone up by more than Rs 3.3 per litre and now cost Rs 110.8 per litre, compared with the earlier Rs 107.45–Rs 107.5 range. Diesel prices have also risen by over Rs 3.2 per litre, increasing from Rs 95.7 to Rs 98.9 per litre.For cab drivers and delivery workers who spend most of their day on the road, the latest increase is expected to directly affect daily income.“Every time fuel prices increase, our expenses go up immediately, but customer fares do not increase accordingly,” said Mohammed, a cab driver attached to an app-based service. “After paying commission and fuel charges, very little money remains with us at the end of the day. Some days it becomes difficult even to meet household expenses.”Also read | Petrol, diesel prices hiked by Rs 3 per litre effective immediately; check rates in your cityMany drivers argue that fuel costs will take away a bigger share of what they earn, while app companies have not increased fares enough to match the rising expense.

Fuel price hike

The fuel price hike was announced on Friday by public sector oil companies, which pushed petrol and diesel prices higher by around Rs 3 per litre across metro cities. At the same time, piped kitchen gas prices remain unchanged.Oil company executives said that more fuel price hikes may happen later, but that would depend on government approval and decisions on when and how much to increase.Also read | CNG prices hike by Rs 2, further hike likely; no change in piped gas yetEven after the latest rise, oil companies are still not fully recovering their costs. Crisil estimated that state-run fuel retailers are losing around Rs 10 per litre on petrol and Rs 13 per litre on diesel.Fuel prices in India are linked to global oil prices and taxes. The cost of crude oil for Indian refiners has increased by 53%, rising from an average of $69 a barrel in February to over $106 so far in May. During this period, petrol and diesel prices have each risen by around 75%.Fuel prices had mostly remained unchanged since April 2022, except in March 2024 when the Centre reduced excise duty by Rs 2 per litre.With fuel becoming more expensive again, gig workers say their earnings are under serious pressure. Through Saturday’s temporary shutdown, they aim to highlight how rising costs and low payouts are making it difficult for many workers to manage daily expenses.

Days after state polls, OMCs raise petrol, diesel prices by ₹3 a litre

New Delhi: After over two years of putting prices on hold, state-run oil marketing companies (OMCs) on Friday raised prices of petrol and diesel around ₹3 a litre.

The price hike comes 16 days after state assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal ended. Polls in Assam and Kerala were held on 9 April, in Tamil Nadu and the first phase of voting in West Bengal on 23 April, and ended in 29 April with the second phase of polling in West Bengal.

With the latest price hike, petrol and diesel are sold at ₹97.77 and ₹ ₹90.67 per litre respectively in the national capital. In the other key metros of Kolkata and Chennai, petrol prices will be ₹108.74 and ₹103.67, higher by ₹3.29 and ₹2.87 respectively from ₹105.45 and ₹100.80.

Similarly, the price of diesel in these cities stands at ₹95.13 and ₹95.25, higher by ₹3.11, and ₹2.86 per litre respectively.

According to the government, the public sector OMCs -- Indian Oil Corp Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd -- have been losing around ₹20 per litre on the sale petrol and around ₹100 per litre on diesel sales due to high oil prices and unchanged retail prices in India. According to other estimates the under-recovery on diesel sales, is however, much less.

In a bid to avert an immediate price hike, the finance ministry on 27 March, reduced the excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre.

Private refiners and oil marketing companies such as Nayara and Shell that operate around 8,500 of the more than 100,000 petrol stations in India, had raised fuel prices earlier.

In March Nayara had raised petrol prices by ₹5 per litre and diesel by ₹3 a litre. In Haryana, petrol at Nayara outlets is now around ₹100.71 per litre and diesel about ₹91.21 per litre. In Uttar Pradesh, Nayara’s petrol is priced at ₹100.20 per litre and diesel at ₹91.10 per litre. Prices vary across states due to differences in value-added tax.

Shell on 1 April raised petrol prices by ₹7.41 per litre and the price of diesel by ₹25 a litre. In Bengaluru, Shell is selling petrol at ₹119.85, while diesel is sold for ₹123.52 a litre.

Prices unchanged since 2024

The government had so far maintained that despite a surge in global oil prices following the West Asia war and the consequent increase in pump prices in other countries, including neighbouring countries of Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, Indian customers have not witnessed a price hike in the case of regular petrol and diesel.

Prices of regular petrol and diesel were unchanged since March 2024. They were last reduced by ₹2 per litre ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in 2024. Although, technically fuel prices are deregulated and oil marketing companies can revise prices daily on the basis of the fortnightly average of crude oil prices, given the politically sensitive nature of the commodity, they remain largely unchanged.

According to a recent estimate by ratings agency ICRA, if crude prices remain in the range of $120-125 per barrel, marketing margins on sale of petrol would move into negative territory: they would lose ₹14 a litre of petrol and ₹18 on each litre of diesel. In petroleum marketing, marketing margin represents the difference between the purchase cost and the final sale price, directly affecting profitability for OMCs.

Although OMCs are currently facing losses or under-recovery, they also profited when global crude prices were largely subdued in the past couple of years, and retail fuel prices remained largely stagnant.

Sujata Sharma, joint secretary, ministry of petroleum and natural gas on 8 May had told reporters that OMCs are incurring losses of around ₹30,000 crore in a month on the sale of petrol, diesel and LPG amid high crude prices.

Increase in prices “inevitable”

The department of economic affairs under the finance ministry in its monthly economic review for April had noted that while some economies are yet to pass on the increase in prices to the consumers, such a move is "inevitable".

"Some countries have begun to allow prices to be passed on to end-users — households and businesses. Some are yet to do so. But it is inevitable. During a period of supply disruption, demand has to moderate; failing that, countries will have to pay a much higher price for energy supplies. India’s crude oil basket averaged $113 per barrel in March, and it is just under $115 per barrel for April until the 24th" it said.

The Indian basket of crude oil which represents a derived basket comprising of Sweet grade (Brent Dated) and Sour grade (Oman & Dubai average) of crude oil imported by Indian refineries during each month, stood at $109.31/bbl on Wednesday.

Inflationary impact likely

This increase in prices would also have a macroeconomic impact due to an eventual rise in inflation and impact on GDP growth.

An estimate by Bank of Baroda shows that an increase of $1 per barrel in oil prices for a year translates into an increase of ₹16,000 crore in the annual import bill of the country. In fiscal 2026, India's oil import bill was $121.8 billion, compared to $137.2 billion in FY25 due to low oil prices for most part of the year.

IPL 2026 | 'Unfortunately ... ': Tilak Varma's candid Yuzvendra Chahal remark after Mumbai Indians beat Punjab Kings

NEW DELHI: The celebration, leap, exultation and gesture towards the Mumbai Indians dugout said it all for Tilak Varma as he powered Mumbai Indians to a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in their IPL 2026 clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday.Tilak, who was named Player of the Match, looked delighted during the post-match presentation. It was his second consecutive half-century of the season, having already scored a century against Gujarat Titans earlier in the tournament.After collecting his second Player of the Match award in IPL 2026, Tilak was asked whether he was enjoying evolving into a finisher’s role."I always say that I love finishing games, but playing in the World Cup and playing quite a few international games for the country helps me (understand) how to finish games, and you get that experience and confidence. So with that, I think I keep improving my game," Tilak said after the match."(Did you make adjustments based on the pitch?) To be honest, we weren’t expecting the wicket to be like this because the ball was (coming on) slightly slow and low, so it was not easy to hit strokes. We saw in the first half how Punjab struggled in the first 15 overs. After that, Azmatullah (Omarzai) and Vishnu (Vinod), the way they played, got them to a good total.

But we were thinking that we will take the game as deep as possible. And I was believing in myself that I could do it (finish the game). So I was just holding my shape and backing my basics. I was believing in myself that I’d finish the game," he said.

After Punjab Kings posted a competitive 200/8, Tilak came out firing with an unbeaten 75 to help Mumbai Indians - already eliminated from the tournament - chase down the target in style and spoil PBKS’ party. The loss was Punjab Kings’ fifth straight defeat, severely denting their playoff hopes.

With 72 needed from the last five overs, Tilak - who had already taken apart the Punjab pacers - showed no mercy to the spinners either.When veteran leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal returned to bowl the 16th over, Tilak launched him for a massive 106m six over long-on. He followed it up with a boundary and another six, taking 20 runs from the over.Tilak later revealed that he had been waiting for one big over, and Chahal unfortunately ended up on the receiving end."(Was it a plan to attack Yuzi?) To be honest, when we had the second strategy timeout, I was talking to the coach that just one big over and we will finish off the game. Just keep believing in me, I’ll do it for the team. So that’s what I said, and I was just waiting for that one big over. Unfortunately, it came off Yuzi bhai's (last) over (smiles). But yeah, I’m glad that I finished the game," Tilak said.

Needing 15 off the final over, Tilak wrapped up the chase emphatically with two towering sixes."(Conversation with Will Jacks?) To be honest, Will’s innings really helped finish the game. The way he played, I just said to him: hold your shape and wait for the slower ones because the ball is flying here. If they bowl quick ones and you blindly swing, if it just hits the bat, it’s going. So wait for that slower one - that’s the only ball we were actually slightly struggling to hit the sixes. So he held his shape well, got a few sixes, and they were under pressure," he added.Mumbai Indians, already out of the IPL 2026 playoff race, will next face Kolkata Knight Riders on May 20.

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Why Donald Trump cosying up to Xi may leave India out in cold?

NEW DELHI: As Donald Trump is in Beijing for his first China visit as US President in nine years, the optics were striking. The visit came after months of tariff tensions, strategic posturing and sharp rhetoric between Washington and Beijing. Yet, as Trump exchanged warm words with Xi Jinping, calling him a “great leader” and a “friend”, it became increasingly clear that the world’s two largest powers were exploring a more stable equation. For India, that possibility might be both reassuring and unsettling. New Delhi has spent the past few years carefully balancing improving ties with both Washington and Beijing. Relations with China are slowly thawing after years of border tensions, while India and the US continue to deepen trade and strategic cooperation. But if the US and China move from rivalry to accommodation, India risks losing the strategic leverage that comes from being the crucial balancing power in Asia.

Trade ties

India occupies a unique geopolitical position. It is simultaneously a strategic partner of the US and an increasingly important economic player for China. Recent months have seen signs of a reset in India-China ties. New Delhi has relaxed restrictions on select Chinese investments, including in electronics and solar sectors, while both sides are cautiously moving toward stabilising border relations.

At the same time, India-US economic ties remain robust. India’s exports to the US rose to $87.3 billion in 2025-26, while imports climbed to $52.9 billion. Even as the trade surplus narrowed, Washington remains India’s most important Western economic partner. This dual engagement has allowed India to pursue strategic autonomy, maintaining partnerships with competing global powers without fully aligning with either side.

Why warming US-China ties worry India?

The problem for New Delhi is that its geopolitical value rises when Washington and Beijing are locked in competition. For years, the US viewed India as a strategic counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific. That logic powered the revival of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) involving India, the US, Japan and Australia. But if the US and China begin stabilising ties, India’s importance in American strategic calculations could diminish. A US-China understanding on trade, tariffs and supply chains may reduce Washington’s urgency to invest heavily in India as an alternative manufacturing and geopolitical hub. The concern becomes sharper because India and China are direct economic competitors. If tariffs on Chinese goods ease or supply chains normalise, global investors could prefer China’s mature infrastructure and manufacturing ecosystem over India’s emerging capabilities.The anxiety is particularly visible in the semiconductor sector. Experts have warned that India must rapidly scale up its domestic chip design capabilities as competition from China intensifies. The concern has deepened after the US lifted restrictions on exports of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software to Chinese firms, a move that could significantly strengthen China’s semiconductor ecosystem. For India, which is positioning itself as an alternative global electronics and chip manufacturing hub, improved US-China technology cooperation could widen the gap in advanced manufacturing capabilities and reduce India’s competitive advantage.

The Quad question

Trump’s unpredictability adds another layer of uncertainty. During his first term, he aggressively pushed the Quad framework as a counterweight to China. But in his second term, the grouping appears to have drifted into strategic ambiguity. There has been little movement on a leaders’ summit, and recent US strategic documents barely reference the Quad. Despite grand promises between 2021 and 2024 on maritime security, infrastructure and emerging technologies, the grouping has struggled to translate rhetoric into concrete outcomes. For India, this matters because the QUAD was never just a diplomatic platform — it was insurance against Chinese dominance in the Indo-Pacific. If Washington quietly deprioritises the grouping while simultaneously improving ties with Beijing, New Delhi could find itself strategically exposed.

China-Pak factor

Even as India-China relations improve, core tensions remain unresolved. Recently, India publicly criticised China for shielding Pakistan-based terrorist infrastructure after Beijing acknowledged providing support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. This highlights a hard reality that China may improve economic engagement with India while continuing to support Pakistan strategically. A warmer US-China relationship could also leave India more isolated on sensitive security issues, especially if Washington avoids confronting Beijing directly.

Why Taiwan is crucial

Taiwan may appear geographically distant from India, but its future has enormous implications for New Delhi. During the summit, Xi warned Trump that mishandling Taiwan could lead to “conflict” between the two powers."The Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-US relations," Xi said, according to remarks published by Chinese state media shortly after the start of the talks. "If mishandled, the two nations could collide or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly perilous situation," he added. For India, any crisis in the Taiwan Strait would be economically devastating. Taiwan sits at the centre of critical global semiconductor and technology supply chains. A conflict involving China and the US could disrupt Asian trade networks and severely impact India’s economy.According to Bloomberg Economics, war over Taiwan could cost nearly $10 trillion to the world, roughly 10% of global GDP, far exceeding the economic damage caused by the Ukraine war, the Covid-19 pandemic, or the Global Financial Crisis. Beyond economics lies the larger strategic concern. If China succeeds in asserting dominance over Taiwan, it could accelerate the emergence of a China-centric Asian order. India’s long-term ambition depends on a multipolar Asia where no single power dominates the region. Chinese hegemony in the Indo-Pacific would fundamentally weaken India’s strategic space.

Why 'balancing' act works better for India

India’s ideal scenario is not a complete breakdown in US-China ties, but neither is it a close partnership between them. New Delhi benefits most when Washington and Beijing compete, cooperate selectively, and continue balancing each other. That environment allows India to maximise its strategic autonomy, working with the US on defence and Indo-Pacific security while simultaneously engaging China through platforms like Brics and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. China backing India’s Brics chairmanship this year, and India supporting China for 2027, reflects this pragmatic balancing approach.