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.

Janata Dal (United) leader Abhishek Jha on Thursday expressed strong disapproval of the directive to cover mosques during the Holi festival, labeling the move as “unfortunate” and warning that it could spark unnecessary controversy, especially in an election year.

Speaking to the media, Jha highlighted that Holi has coincided with Friday, the Muslim day of congregational prayers, multiple times in the past decade without any incidents. “Holi fell on a Friday four times in the last ten years. On March 18, 2022, the festival was celebrated on a Friday, yet no disputes arose. This is an election year, and some people make such statements merely to gain media attention and TRP. India is a secular and democratic nation where people of all castes and religions have the right to practice their faith. It is the administration’s responsibility to ensure that such incidents do not occur,” he stated.

The directive, issued by local authorities in Uttar Pradesh, led to several mosques being covered with tarpaulin sheets ahead of Holi celebrations. Officials defended the move as a precautionary measure to prevent potential conflicts and maintain communal harmony during the festival.

However, Jha emphasized that such actions are unnecessary and counterproductive. “You cannot cover a temple or a mosque; it is everyone’s responsibility to take precautions. Communal harmony is about fostering social unity. While everyone is accountable, the primary responsibility lies with the local administration. This should be seen as a challenge, and we believe such statements should be avoided,” he added.

The JD(U) leader also addressed the broader context of communal harmony, asserting that Bihar has remained peaceful. “Everything is normal in Bihar. Social and communal harmony is the government’s responsibility, and we are maintaining it well. This should serve as an example for the entire country,” he said.

Jha further commented on the recent controversy involving the Darbhanga Mayor, whose remarks had sparked widespread criticism. “The Darbhanga Mayor, who made the statement, later apologized after facing backlash. Now, some party ministers supporting her remarks are neither the party president nor official spokespersons. Their comments do not reflect the party’s stance. Such statements are baseless and irresponsible. Anyone holding a constitutional post must exercise caution with their words,” he remarked.

The JD(U) leader’s statements come at a time when political and social tensions are heightened ahead of the upcoming elections. His remarks underscore the importance of maintaining communal harmony and avoiding actions or statements that could polarize communities.