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Pink Villa
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
THROWBACK: When Lionel Messi sent a signed gift for MS Dhoni's daughter Ziva
In December 2022, Lionel Messi sent a souvenir with a personal message to Ziva Dhoni, immediately captivating fans everywhere. At seven years old, Ziva posed proudly with the memento, pointing at Messi's inscription and signature. The gesture truly brought into focus MS Dhoni's well-known love for football and introduced Ziva as a budding fan of the sport. Now, in June 2025, that moment feels even more significant after Messi and Dhoni recently appeared together in a popular advertisement. Here's what happened back then. What did Ziva Dhoni receive from Lionel Messi? Messi had celebrated Argentina's World Cup win by extending his joy beyond the field in late December 2022. He sent a signed Argentina jersey with a personal note saying 'Para Ziva,' meaning 'For Ziva.' The gift was shared on Ziva's official Instagram (managed by her parents) with the caption 'Like father, like daughter.' The jersey had arrived just days after Argentina's victory over France. For Ziva, it was more than a jersey. It was an introduction to football fandom inherited from her father. At the time, First Post had noted that the photo quickly gathered over two hundred thousand likes. Today, the post sits at over a million. Ziva's fandom and Dhoni's football roots Ziva's zest for the sport did not blossom overnight. It likely sprang from Dhoni's own passion for football, which runs quite deep. He once aspired to be a goalkeeper, and now co-owns Chennaiyin FC in the Indian Super League. According to the cited source, Dhoni has trained with the squad and supports clubs like Manchester United. Ziva has clearly inherited this interest. Seeing her point at Messi's signature made it clear she follows in Dhoni's footsteps. Jay Shah also received Messi's autograph Ziva wasn't the only Indian recipient of Messi's generosity. Around the same time, the six-time Golden Boot winner also sent a signed jersey to BCCI secretary Jay Shah. As reported by the mentioned publication, former Indian cricketer Pragyan Ojha posted a picture of Shah holding the autographed shirt, with 'GOAT sends his best wishes and signed match jersey for jay bhai!' written on it. Ojha even joked about hoping to get one for himself soon. From a viral 2022 post to an on-screen collaboration in 2025 Though the jersey made waves in late 2022, Dhoni and Messi's association didn't end there. In April 2025, Dhoni and Messi appeared together in an advertisement for a popular chips brand. This video had amassed nearly a million likes within 24 hours. Fans watched the two legends share playful football moments as they passed the ball through screens across the world.
Newsweek
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Far-Right Parties Bid for Power in Europe's Election 'Super Sunday'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Europe's "Super Sunday" of elections are expected to see far-right parties making strong advances in Romania and Poland, while Portugal is expected to remain relatively centrist. Newsweek contacted a European Union (EU) spokesperson for comment via email on Sunday. Why It Matters There has been growing support for right-wing parties across Europe, with many ideologies said to be in line with those in the United States. Romania's Runoff In Romania, voters returned to the polls for a presidential runoff between centrist Bucharest Mayor Nicușor Dan and far-right populist George Simion, leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR). Simion, running on a nationalist, anti-EU platform, has gained momentum, particularly among the Romanian diaspora, where Dan, a pro-European technocrat, is relying on high voter turnout abroad to secure victory. As reported by First Post, official electoral data indicates a high turnout, with over 4.6 million people, or 25 per cent of eligible voters, voting by noon local time in Romania's election. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. and are set to close at 9 p.m. Additionally, more than 750,000 Romanians abroad have cast their ballots since special overseas polling stations opened on Friday. As reported by U.K newspaper The Guardian, "Recent polls have shown the gap between the two candidates closing, with one putting them neck-and-neck and another placing Dan, who has described the vote as a battle between "a pro-Western and an anti-Western Romania," ahead." The outcome could reshape Romania's alignment with the EU and NATO. European flags in Brussels on May 13, 2025. European flags in Brussels on May 13, 2025. Nicolas TUCAT / AFP via Getty Images)/Getty Images EU and Abortion Key Issues in Poland In Poland, the presidential election saw a turnout rate of over 20 percent of eligible voters by midday, German TV network DW cited the country's electoral commission as saying, according to First Post. Although turnout is 4 percentage points lower than at the same point in the 2020 presidential election, it is 6 points higher than in 2015. Poland has approximately 28.3 million eligible voters. As reported by First Post, Poland is holding a presidential election against a backdrop of growing security concerns, fueled by the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine and anxiety over a potential U.S. retreat from European defense commitments under President Donald Trump. The leading candidates are Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, a liberal ally of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian with no previous political experience, supported by the right-wing Law and Justice party. Key issues include judicial reforms, abortion rights, and EU relations. Trzaskowski represents the pro-European Civic Coalition, while Nawrocki is aligned with nationalist and traditionalist views. What To Know On Friday, as reported by the Kyiv Independent, Tusk claimed that Russian hackers had targeted the websites of ruling coalition parties, just days ahead of the election. Tusk wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Two days before the elections, a group of Russian hackers operating on Telegram attacked the websites of Civic Platform." He said the cyberattacks also targeted the Left and Polish People's Party (PSL), both members of his coalition, and Poland's Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski earlier described Russia's interference as "unprecedented," reported the Kyiv Independent. Poland's presidential election on Sunday will determine whether the country continues along Tusk's pro-European path or shifts toward nationalist policies reminiscent of those championed by Trump. In Portugal, the election was called just a year into the center-right minority government's term after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro lost a confidence vote in March. However, the country continues to show resilience against the far-right trend occurring in much of Europe. Montenegro has pledged to avoid any cooperation with the far-right Chega party. What Happens Next The wider picture across the continent suggests continuing and increasing support for nationalist, anti-immigration, and Eurosceptic platforms. In France and Germany, far-right parties made record gains in European Parliamentary elections, signaling a continental shift. Austria's Freedom Party (FPO) also secured a historic national win last year.
Al Bawaba
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Is Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan dead?
ALBAWABA - As tensions between India and Pakistan grow, a press release recently sparked debate on social media after claiming that Pakistan's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, died in custody. The rumors erupted when a resurfaced video flooded platforms such as X (formerly known as Twitter) and WhatsApp, which revealed Khan being carried out by security with visible injuries. Several fact-checking websites deemed the video fake and accused the press release of spreading unverified misinformation. Meanwhile, several social media users also spread false reports about Imran Khan escaping jail, adding to the confusion. First Post claims that the press release was issued by someone impersonating Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Is Pakistan's former PM Imran Khan dead? The letter stated, "It is with deep regret and solemnity that we confirm the passing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in judicial custody. The incident occurred under circumstances that are currently under thorough investigation." It added, "This development has sent shockwaves across the country and beyond, and the Government of Pakistan acknowledges the gravity of the situation. We are committed to ensuring complete transparency as we determine the causes and accountability behind this tragic event." Fact-checking website, Boom Live, verified the fake news by contacting Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, which confirmed that the press release is false, and pointed out flaws in the document issued. Additionally, the video that flooded social media is old and was first shared in May 2013, when Imran Khan was injured during an election rally in Lahore, after falling 15 feet from a forklift at a stage. What's factual is that Imran Khan has been serving a 14-year sentence in Adiala Jail since 2023 on charges of corruption and his involvement in an illegal case with Al-Qadir Trust. On May 9, Tehreek-e-Insaf filed a court petition for fear of the former Pakistani PM getting targeted by drones from India.
Daily Mirror
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Mike Tyson calls Floyd Mayweather 'delusional' over outrageous claim
Tyson has blasted Mayweather after the former pound-for-pound king claimed he was better than the legendary Muhammad Ali during an interview Mike Tyson has savagely criticised Floyd Mayweather Jr following the latter's bold assertion that he was better than boxing great Muhammad Ali. Ali - who is regarded as one of the biggest names in the history of boxing - transcended the sport of boxing. The icon is the only fighter to win the lineal heavyweight championship on three occasions and his legacy includes epic showdowns like the 'Rumble in the Jungle' with George Foreman. That said, during an interview with First Post, Mayweather Jr expressed his belief that he's the biggest star. "I feel like I've done just as much in the sport as Ali," he confidently declared. "It is hard for a guy like me, still sharp at 38. No disrespect to Ali, but I feel like I am the best. Ali lost in his career to Leon Spinks. He lost some other fights and is still known as the greatest. That is what it is". Mayweather Jr's remarks have ignited a storm on social media, with Tyson himself left stunned by 'Money's comments. In a YouTube interview, 'Iron Mike' was quick to label the American as 'delusional.' "He's very delusional, he can't listen. If he was anywhere near that realm of great Ali he'd be able to take his kids to school by himself," Tyson remarked. "He can't take his kids to school by himself and he's talking about he's great? Greatness is not guarding yourself from the people, greatness is being accepted by the people. He can't take his kids alone to school by himself. He's a little scared man... a very small scared man." Mayweather Jr hung up his gloves in 2017 with an undefeated professional record of 50-0 after besting former dual-weight UFC champion Conor McGregor in a highly-anticipated crossover clash. 'Money' has beaten some massive names over the years, including Manny Pacquiao, Canelo Alvarez, Shane Mosley, Ricky Hatton, and Oscar De La Hoya. Despite retiring in 2017, Mayweather couldn't stay away from the ring and has been involved in several exhibition fights over the last few years. Meanwhile, Tyson - another fighter who is regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights of all time - seized the heavyweight championship in a ferocious beatdown of Trevor Berbick back in 1986 at just 20 years old. His ended his career in 2005 after a loss to Kevin McBride. However, the now 58-year-old stunned the boxing world last year after announcing his return to the ring, taking on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. But alas, Tyson was unable to roll back the years on fight night. Despite failing to secure a knockout, the 'Problem Child' comfortably sailed to a points victory.
Mint
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Actor Rohit Basfore found dead near Garbhanga forest waterfall in Assam, family alleges murder: Report
Family Man 3 actor Rohit Basfore, has been found dead near the Garbhanga forest waterfall in Assam, according to local reports. His family has alleged that he was murdered by relatives after a dispute, a report by FirstPost said. Rohit Basfore was set to appear in Family Man 3 featuring Manoj Bajpayee and Jaideep Ahlawat in lead roles. His body was found on April 27 (Sunday), the report added. (This is a developing story, more updates coming…) First Published: 29 Apr 2025, 10:22 AM IST
