As India immerses itself in the vibrant hues of Holi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt greetings, emphasizing the festival’s role in strengthening unity and bringing new energy to people’s lives.

“I wish you all a very Happy Holi. This festival filled with joy and happiness will infuse new enthusiasm and energy in everyone’s life and will also deepen the colours of unity among the countrymen,” PM Modi shared on X.

President Murmu and Rajnath Singh share warm wishes

President Droupadi Murmu also greeted citizens on the auspicious occasion, highlighting Holi’s significance as a festival of unity and cultural heritage.

“Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Holi, the festival of colours. This festival of joy gives the message of unity, love, and harmony. This festival is also a symbol of India’s precious cultural heritage,” President Murmu posted on X.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his wishes, praying for happiness and good health for all.

“Heartiest greetings to all of you on the auspicious festival of Holi. May this festival fill your life with the colours of happiness and good health,” he said.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath celebrates at Gorakhnath Temple

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath marked the festival by applying gulal to cows and calves at Gorakhnath Temple, adding a traditional touch to the celebrations.

Across Uttar Pradesh, Holi celebrations have begun with immense enthusiasm. In Aligarh, people embraced each other and played with colors, embodying the festival’s spirit of togetherness.

Holi festivities bring joy and unity across India

The festival, known for its vibrant colors and joyous atmosphere, saw people across the country applying gulaal, dancing to folk music, and celebrating with friends and family. In Sambhal, processions were carried out before 2:30 PM, in accordance with arrangements for Jumma Namaz. Superintendent of Police KK Bishnoi assured that police deployment was in place to ensure a peaceful celebration.

Moscow has expressed readiness to engage in discussions with the United States regarding a peace initiative on Ukraine. The announcement came from Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who confirmed that diplomatic contacts could happen as early as Thursday.

Following high-level discussions between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which the US subsequently relayed to Moscow.

Russia signals willingness for dialogue

Zakharova stated, “We are ready to discuss the initiatives set out there in future contacts with the United States. Such contacts are already possible as early as today.”

The Kremlin also confirmed that US negotiators were en route to Russia. Additionally, Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov and US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz spoke over the phone on Wednesday, signaling active diplomatic engagement.

A potential step towards de-escalation?

The development marks a potential shift in the prolonged conflict, with Russia indicating a willingness to discuss peace terms. However, the outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, with both sides maintaining firm positions on key issues.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community is closely monitoring whether this latest initiative will lead to meaningful de-escalation or if the conflict will persist without resolution.

In a surprising development, not a single Pakistani cricketer was selected in the 2025 draft for The Hundred, raising speculation about a possible ‘soft ban’ following the involvement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises in the tournament.

A total of 45 Pakistani players had registered for the men’s draft, while five female cricketers were also in contention. While Pakistani women have not been selected in the past, this marks the first instance of no men’s cricketers being picked since the league’s inception.

Possible IPL influence?

Four of the eight teams in The Hundred now have partial or complete ownership by IPL franchises: Oval Invincibles (Mumbai Indians), Manchester Originals (Lucknow Super Giants). Northern Superchargers (SunRisers Hyderabad) and Southern Brave (Delhi Capitals)

This scenario mirrors the SA20 league in South Africa, where no Pakistani cricketer has participated in three seasons, fuelling concerns over potential influence from IPL franchise owners.

Scheduling conflicts with Pakistan’s international commitments

However, reports suggest that the main reason for Pakistani players’ exclusion could be their uncertain availability. Pakistan is expected to play a three-match ODI and T20I series against the West Indies from late July to mid-August, coinciding with The Hundred’s schedule. There is also speculation about additional T20Is against Afghanistan and Bangladesh before the Asia Cup in September.

Furthermore, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has previously withheld No Objection Certificates (NoCs) for players, as seen last season when pacer Shaheen Afridi pulled out of The Hundred due to personal reasons, only to later be denied an NoC by the PCB.

ECB dismisses ownership concerns

Despite the speculation, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chair Richard Gould previously assured that Pakistani players’ participation in The Hundred would not be affected by ownership changes. “We’re aware of that in other regions, but that won’t be happening here,” Gould stated last month.

Meanwhile, no Indian male cricketers participated in the draft, consistent with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) policy. However, Indian all-rounder Deepti Sharma will represent London Spirit in the women’s competition.