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Argentina Awaits Update After Lionel Messi Suffers Scare Ahead of World Cup

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lionel messi
lionel messi

Lionel Messi has handed Argentina a major fitness concern just weeks before the start of their FIFA World Cup title defence after the Inter Miami captain was forced off during his club’s final match before the international break.

The Argentine superstar was substituted in the 73rd minute of Inter Miami CF’s dramatic 6 4 victory over Philadelphia Union on Sunday after appearing to experience discomfort in his left leg.

Messi leaves field after appearing uncomfortable

The incident unfolded during a rain affected MLS clash at Nu Stadium in Miami, where difficult pitch conditions added to the physical challenge of the contest.

Messi had been actively involved throughout the match but began showing signs of discomfort shortly after the 70 minute mark. Following a free kick sequence, the 38 year old gestured towards the bench before being taken off.

He immediately headed down the tunnel after leaving the field, sparking concern ahead of Argentina’s World Cup preparations.

While the sight alarmed fans, the initial indications were not viewed as severe. Messi walked off on his own and did not appear to be struggling significantly, though the timing of the issue has naturally heightened anxiety in Argentina.

Inter Miami coach calls it fatigue precaution

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said after the match that the club was still awaiting a detailed medical assessment.

However, he suggested the substitution was primarily precautionary and linked more to fatigue than a confirmed injury problem.

Hoyos explained that Messi appeared exhausted due to the heavy playing surface and stressed that the club preferred not to take unnecessary risks with the forward’s condition.

Argentina facing tense countdown before World Cup

The scare arrives at a crucial moment for Lionel Scaloni and the Argentine national team.

Scaloni included Messi in Argentina’s preliminary World Cup squad earlier this month and must finalise the 26 player list before FIFA’s June 1 deadline.

Argentina are set to play warm up friendlies against Honduras on June 6 and Iceland on June 9 before beginning their World Cup campaign against Algeria in Kansas City on June 16.

Messi expected to play final World Cup

Although Messi has not officially stated that this tournament will be his last World Cup, it is widely expected to mark his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

If selected and fit to play, he would equal the record for the most FIFA World Cup finals appearances by any player.

Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, the club has carefully managed his playing time because of recurring muscle and hamstring concerns.

That history may prevent immediate panic within the Argentina camp, but the latest episode has still added an early layer of tension to the country’s World Cup build up.

Nirmala Sitharaman Calls for Calm and Focus on 3Fs Amid Global Uncertainty

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nirmala sitharaman
nirmala sitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the Centre is keeping a close watch on the economic consequences of the ongoing West Asia conflict, particularly its impact on fuel supplies, fertiliser costs and India’s foreign exchange reserves.

Addressing an event commemorating the 37th anniversary of the Small Industries Development Bank of India, Sitharaman said the government has been carefully adjusting its policy measures to shield the economy from external shocks while maintaining growth momentum.

She stressed that despite global instability, India’s economic foundations remain stable and resilient.

Government tracking pressure on fuel, fertiliser and forex

The finance minister identified fuel, fertiliser and foreign exchange reserves as the three major areas requiring immediate attention amid the global crisis.

She noted that soaring crude oil prices and unprecedented increases in fertiliser costs were putting additional pressure on the economy, while rising gold prices were creating concerns for the country’s external sector.

According to Sitharaman, the recent reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel will cost the government close to ₹1 lakh crore in revenue.

Sitharaman dismisses “fearmongering” over economy

The minister also criticised attempts to portray India’s economic situation in an excessively negative light.

Without naming specific individuals or groups, she accused some voices of ignoring the positive developments taking place across the country and instead promoting a pessimistic narrative.

Sitharaman argued that many of the current economic challenges stem from global geopolitical disruptions rather than domestic weaknesses.

She maintained that India’s internal economic conditions continue to remain comparatively strong despite mounting international uncertainty.

The minister added that creating panic or spreading fear about the economy would only weaken public confidence at a sensitive time.

MSME payment delays flagged by Centre

During her address, Sitharaman also highlighted the issue of delayed payments to micro, small and medium enterprises.

She revealed that nearly ₹8.1 lakh crore remains tied up in pending dues owed to MSMEs and urged public sector undertakings to clear payments within the legally mandated 45 day period.

The finance minister warned against avoidable delays that could hurt smaller businesses already facing financial pressure.

West Asia conflict begins impacting India’s economy

The government’s comments come as the economic impact of the West Asia conflict increasingly begins affecting India’s import bill, energy supplies and inflation outlook.

Earlier this month, Narendra Modi urged citizens to spend cautiously and avoid non essential expenses such as gold purchases and foreign travel, signalling concern over the financial consequences of the geopolitical crisis.

Hormuz disruption raises supply concerns

The situation around the Strait of Hormuz has further intensified worries about possible disruptions in shipments of petroleum products and urea, both of which are critical imports for India.

Fuel prices have already witnessed multiple hikes in recent weeks.

State run oil marketing companies on Monday increased petrol prices by ₹2.61 per litre and diesel prices by ₹2.71 per litre.

Since May 15, petrol prices have cumulatively risen by around ₹7.35 per litre, while diesel prices have increased by nearly ₹7.53 per litre.

Supreme Court of India Rejects Urgent Listing of Petition Targeting Cockroach Janta Party

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party
party

The Supreme Court of India on Monday declined to immediately hear a petition demanding an investigation into allegations involving fake advocates and activities linked to the Cockroach Janta Party, the online satirical outfit that recently gained massive traction on social media.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi told advocate N K Goswami, who appeared for the petitioner, not to approach the matter emotionally.

During the hearing, Goswami argued that despite earlier clarifications issued by the Chief Justice, what he described as a distorted and malicious narrative continued to circulate online.

Responding to the submissions, the CJI remarked that the issue should not be taken “so sentimentally.”

Plea sought probe into fake law degrees

Another lawyer appearing in the matter sought a Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into allegations concerning fake law degrees and argued that oral exchanges inside courtrooms should not be commercially exploited.

The bench, however, indicated there was no immediate urgency requiring special intervention and said the matter would be examined in due course.

The petition has also sought action against individuals allegedly using courtroom observations for publicity and commercial purposes while demanding an investigation into claims of fake advocates practising law with fraudulent degrees.

Concerns over use of court proceedings online

The plea raised concerns about judicial proceedings allegedly being repackaged for publicity campaigns on digital platforms.

According to the petitioners, comments and oral observations made during court hearings were increasingly being taken out of context and circulated online to generate attention and engagement.

Controversy linked to remarks on “cockroaches” and “parasites”

The Cockroach Janta Party emerged online following controversy surrounding remarks attributed to CJI Surya Kant during a May 15 hearing connected to the senior designation of a lawyer.

Reports at the time claimed the Chief Justice had used terms such as “cockroaches” and “parasites,” triggering intense debate online and eventually inspiring the satirical outfit’s creation.

A day later, the Chief Justice issued a strongly worded clarification saying he was deeply hurt by reports suggesting his comments targeted unemployed youth.

He clarified that his observations were specifically directed at individuals allegedly entering the legal profession using fake and bogus degrees and accused sections of the media of misrepresenting his remarks.

West Asia Developments and Quad Plans Take Spotlight at Major Delhi Meeting

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Quad Summit 2026

Developments in West Asia, growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific and preparations for the long-pending Quad Leaders’ Summit are expected to dominate discussions during the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers from the four-nation grouping in New Delhi on May 26.

S. Jaishankar will host the meeting at Hyderabad House with his counterparts Penny Wong, Toshimitsu Motegi, and Marco Rubio.

Rubio is scheduled to arrive in India over the weekend for his first bilateral visit since taking over as US secretary of state last year. India aligned the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting with his trip to facilitate wider strategic discussions.

Focus on Indo Pacific and global security

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the ministers are expected to build upon conversations held during the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in Washington in July 2025.

The discussions will centre on strengthening cooperation under the Quad framework while advancing the group’s shared vision of a free, open and inclusive Indo Pacific region.

The ministry said the leaders would review ongoing Quad initiatives, explore new areas of collaboration and exchange views on recent developments across the Indo Pacific and other global issues of common concern.

Apart from the formal Quad session, the visiting foreign ministers from Australia, Japan and the United States are also expected to hold bilateral meetings with Jaishankar and separately meet Narendra Modi.

Delayed Quad Summit likely to feature prominently

The future of the much delayed Quad Leaders’ Summit is also expected to emerge as a key discussion point during the meeting.

India was originally expected to hand over the chairmanship of the Quad to Australia in 2026, but New Delhi continues to remain chair due to repeated delays in holding the summit.

There is still no official confirmation regarding when the leaders’ meeting will finally take place.

Quad’s role under renewed global tensions

The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue gained prominence during US President Donald Trump’s first term, when the grouping was elevated to the level of top leadership amid growing concerns over China’s influence in the Indo Pacific.

Although there has been comparatively less momentum around the Quad during Trump’s second term, Rubio convened a Quad foreign ministers’ meeting shortly after assuming office earlier in 2025.

People familiar with the matter said the upcoming New Delhi meeting is unlikely to produce major announcements or new initiatives. However, it is expected to serve as an important platform to discuss ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Ukraine, China’s expanding regional posture and broader strategic coordination among Quad members.

The US side is also expected to brief partners on Trump’s recent visit to China and the outcomes of those discussions.

At the previous Quad Summit held in the United States in 2024, the grouping announced steps aimed at expanding maritime security cooperation throughout the Indo Pacific region.

Long-Awaited King Conan Project Gets 2027 Timeline from Arnold Schwarzenegger

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schwarzenegger
schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger has confirmed that the long-awaited return of Conan the Barbarian is finally happening, with filming for the sequel expected to begin in 2027.

The Hollywood veteran revealed that the upcoming project, titled King Conan, is officially moving ahead after spending years in development discussions.

Schwarzenegger said the project has now become a reality and added that he is excited to revisit one of the most iconic characters of his career.

Schwarzenegger pushed for sequel for nearly a decade

The actor first portrayed Conan in the 1982 cult classic Conan the Barbarian before returning in Conan the Destroyer.

According to Schwarzenegger, he has spent almost ten years advocating for a proper continuation of the franchise.

He explained that he wanted the sequel to stay faithful to the world created by author Robert E. Howard while also drawing inspiration from the artwork of legendary fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta.

Schwarzenegger also expressed hope that original Conan director John Milius would return to the project in a producer role.

Christopher McQuarrie to direct King Conan

Filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie has been confirmed as the writer and director of the sequel.

McQuarrie is best known for helming several recent instalments of the Mission: Impossible series.

Discussing the story, Schwarzenegger revealed that the film will explore an older version of Conan who is no longer at the peak of his powers.

He described the character as a king who has become somewhat complacent while enemies begin attempting to take him down.

Film compared to Unforgiven

Schwarzenegger compared the tone of King Conan to Unforgiven, the acclaimed Clint Eastwood film about an ageing gunslinger confronting his past.

However, he added that the Conan sequel would feature large scale battles and epic action sequences alongside the darker, reflective themes.

More franchise returns teased

The actor also hinted that he could potentially revisit several of his other iconic franchises in the future.

Schwarzenegger revealed that studios have already approached him with scripts connected to franchises such as Predator and Commando.

‘The Hate Was Unreal’: Vijay Shankar Announces Retirement from Cricket

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Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar has announced his retirement from domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, bringing the curtain down on a career that saw him represent India across formats and play for multiple IPL franchises over the last decade.

The all-rounder, who was part of India’s squad for the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, said he now wants to pursue opportunities in franchise leagues outside India and continue playing cricket in new environments.

Shankar last played for India during the 2019 World Cup in Manchester against the West Indies cricket team before a toe injury prematurely ended his campaign. He was unable to regain a place in the national side after that setback.

IPL journey across four franchises

During his IPL career, Shankar represented four franchises across different phases of his journey.

He first featured for Chennai Super Kings in 2014 and later returned to the side in 2025. Between 2017 and 2021, he played a key role for Sunrisers Hyderabad, while also spending a season with Delhi Capitals in 2018.

From 2022 to 2024, he turned out for Gujarat Titans. However, he went unsold in the latest IPL auction and did not feature in the recent season.

Emotional farewell message

Announcing his decision on X, Shankar shared an emotional message reflecting on his long association with the sport.

He described cricket as his life and said representing India remained the proudest achievement of his career. Shankar added that after 25 years in the game, he felt grateful to have played at every level.

The cricketer also thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India for giving him the opportunity to represent the country.

Across his international career, he played 12 ODIs and nine T20Is for India.

Among the moments he highlighted were bowling the final over in India’s 500th ODI in Nagpur and claiming a wicket with his very first delivery in the 2019 World Cup.

Gratitude to Tamil Nadu cricket and support system

Shankar also paid tribute to the domestic cricket structure in Tamil Nadu, thanking teams, coaches and support staff who shaped his career.

He mentioned his involvement in the Tamil Nadu Premier League and acknowledged clubs including Indian Bank, ICF, India Cements and Take Solutions for supporting his growth as a cricketer.

The all rounder expressed gratitude towards physios, trainers, mentors, doctors, media professionals and his family for standing by him throughout his journey.

“I chose to ignore negativity”

Shankar also opened up about the criticism and negativity he faced during his playing career.

He said he chose to ignore the hate directed at him and instead focused on moving forward with resilience.

Encouraging others to stay positive and continue working hard, he credited cricket for teaching him life lessons and shaping his identity.

A strong domestic career

Shankar built an impressive domestic record after making his debut in 2012.

Across 77 First Class matches, he scored 4,253 runs at an average of 46.73, including 13 centuries and 23 half centuries, while also taking 43 wickets.

In List A cricket, he amassed 2,790 runs at an average of 34.87 with two hundreds and 15 fifties, alongside 73 wickets.

He also remained a regular presence in T20 cricket, featuring in 159 matches over the course of his career and establishing himself as a dependable all round option in Indian domestic cricket.

Interim Relief for Umar Khalid as Court Allows Bail for Mother’s Medical Procedure

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Khalid
Khalid

The Delhi High Court has granted interim bail to activist and former Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Umar Khalid from June 1 to June 3 in connection with the larger conspiracy case linked to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. The temporary relief was granted considering his mother’s upcoming surgery.

Khalid had approached the high court seeking 15 days of interim bail between May 22 and June 5 after a trial court rejected his plea on May 19.

He had requested temporary release to attend the Chehlum ceremony of his late maternal uncle and to care for his 62-year-old mother, who is scheduled to undergo lump excision surgery on June 2.

Umar Khalid challenges trial court observations

In his appeal, Khalid argued that the trial court incorrectly concluded that his late uncle was not an immediate family member and that other relatives could adequately care for his mother.

He told the court that he shared a close relationship with his uncle and wanted to spend time with his 87-year-old grandmother during the mourning period.

The plea also stated that his mother, Sabiha Khanam, has been suffering from lumps and cyst-related complications for nearly two years and was recently advised to undergo surgery.

Khalid further argued that his 71 year old father was not in a position to manage her care alone and said that, as the eldest child and only son, he wished to support his mother before and after the procedure.

Previous interim bail cited before court

Khalid also informed the court that he had previously received interim bail in 2022, 2024 and 2025 for family related reasons and had complied with all conditions imposed during those periods.

The trial court had earlier dismissed his plea, observing that the grounds presented were not sufficient for temporary release.

The prosecution opposed the request and argued that the surgery was a minor medical procedure and that other family members were available to assist.

Umar Khalid remains in custody since 2020

Umar Khalid has remained in custody since September 2020 in the larger conspiracy case connected to the northeast Delhi riots.

Investigating agencies have alleged that the violence was part of a pre planned conspiracy linked to protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, allegations that Khalid has consistently denied.

India to Host Delcy Rodríguez for Oil Talks Next Week, According to Marco Rubio

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Delcy Rodriguez

Delcy Rodríguez has remained in charge of Venezuela since the United States captured and removed former president Nicolás Maduro from power earlier this year, further underlining Washington’s growing influence over political developments in Caracas.

Speaking about Venezuela while discussing global energy and diplomatic priorities, Marco Rubio revealed that Rodríguez is expected to travel to India next week as discussions continue around oil supplies and economic cooperation.

Rubio, who is also scheduled to begin his India visit on Saturday, said the United States wants to deepen its energy partnership with India at a time when global markets remain under pressure following the US Israeli conflict with Iran.

“We want to sell them as much energy as they’ll buy,” Rubio said while referring to India’s growing energy demands amid continuing instability in West Asia.

He added that Venezuelan oil could also become part of those discussions, noting that the interim Venezuelan leadership is looking to strengthen ties with India.

“There’s a lot to work on with India. They’re a great ally, a great partner,” Rubio said while emphasising Washington’s interest in expanding cooperation with New Delhi across multiple sectors.

Venezuela possesses the largest proven oil reserves in the world, making the country a major focus in global energy politics.

Interim president Delcy Rodríguez made her first overseas visit earlier this month to The Hague, where she defended Venezuela’s position in the territorial dispute with Guyana before the International Court of Justice.

Rodríguez also shares longstanding spiritual ties with India through her association with late spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba. Over the past few years, she is known to have visited his ashram in southern India multiple times while serving as Venezuela’s vice president.

Her upcoming India visit for discussions around oil cooperation comes at a sensitive moment for global energy markets. The ongoing conflict in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one fifth of the world’s fuel supplies pass, have intensified concerns over energy security worldwide.

The possibility of India importing more Venezuelan oil was first publicly raised by Donald Trump earlier this year following a major trade agreement announced between India and the United States.

The deal included reduced reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports and was finalised after a phone conversation between Narendra Modi and Trump.

Soon after the agreement, Trump posted on social media claiming Modi had agreed to significantly reduce purchases of Russian oil while increasing energy imports from the United States and potentially Venezuela as well.

Trump argued that such moves could help weaken Russia economically and contribute towards ending the war in Ukraine, while also describing Modi as one of his closest friends and a respected global leader.

Consultancy Sector Hit as Saudi Arabia Responds to US Iran War Fallout

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saudi arabia

Saudi Arabia has reportedly paused new agreements with several Western consulting firms and slowed certain payments as the kingdom grapples with mounting financial pressure linked to the wider West Asia crisis and the fallout from the United States’ conflict with Iran.

According to a report by the Financial Times, the decision emerged in the aftermath of the nearly three month long US Israeli military campaign against Iran, which disrupted maritime trade through the Strait of Hormuz and triggered fresh volatility in global energy markets.

The conflict pushed oil prices higher, strained supply chains and intensified economic uncertainty across the Gulf region.

Riyadh tightens spending amid regional tensions

Executives from multiple consulting firms told the publication that Saudi authorities informally halted fresh work orders and postponed some invoice clearances after the conflict escalated.

The move is widely being viewed as part of Riyadh’s broader attempt to tighten expenditure as concerns grow over oil revenues, rising defence costs and the economic impact of regional instability.

The kingdom is also reportedly reassessing spending priorities under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious Vision 2030 programme, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil and position Saudi Arabia as a global investment and business hub.

Major global consulting firms affected

The reported slowdown has created uncertainty for several multinational advisory firms operating heavily in the region, including McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group and the Big Four professional services firms.

Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has become one of the region’s largest markets for global consultants due to the massive scale of infrastructure, development and economic transformation projects launched under Vision 2030.

Executives cited in the report said there had been no formal public announcement, but companies were operating with the understanding that payments and new approvals could remain delayed until at least the end of the second quarter.

One executive reportedly claimed firms were being informally told that invoice clearances may not happen before July.

Saudi Arabia rejects claims of delayed payments

Saudi Arabia’s finance ministry pushed back against suggestions of widespread payment delays.

The ministry stated that the government continues to ensure investments and consultancy services align with the strategic goals of Vision 2030 and provide measurable value.

It also disputed claims of stalled invoices, reportedly saying that 99.5 percent of payments in 2026 had been processed within agreed contractual timelines.

Hormuz crisis reshapes Gulf priorities

Although Saudi Arabia managed to partially cushion the impact of the conflict by rerouting much of its crude exports through Red Sea ports, the regional crisis has exposed vulnerabilities tied to Gulf shipping routes.

Iran’s actions around the Strait of Hormuz, combined with fears of renewed escalation, have forced Gulf nations to reconsider infrastructure, security and defence spending priorities.

Executives told the publication the war had strengthened Saudi Arabia’s resolve to curb unnecessary expenditure while investing more aggressively in defence systems and alternative export infrastructure.

Fragile ceasefire keeps region on edge

Despite a ceasefire, tensions between Iran and the United States continue to remain unresolved, fuelling fears of another round of direct conflict in West Asia.

Iran effectively restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz following US and Israeli strikes earlier this year, while the United States responded with increased naval pressure along Iran’s coastline.

Relations between Iran and Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have also sharply deteriorated since the conflict began.

Tehran accused Gulf countries of assisting US military operations, allegations that regional governments have repeatedly denied, insisting their territories and airspace were not used for attacks on Iran.

X Blocks CJP Account in India Citing ‘Legal Demand’

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cockroach janta party
cockroach janta party

The X account of satirical political collective Cockroach Janata Party has been blocked in India shortly after the outfit witnessed a meteoric rise across social media platforms and surpassed the follower count of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Instagram.

The restriction became visible after users attempting to access the handle @CJP_2029 were greeted with a notice stating that the account had been withheld in India following a legal demand.

Founder reacts after X restriction

Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the group, shared a screenshot of the message on social media and remarked that the move had been expected.

The notice displayed by X stated that the account had been restricted in India in response to what the platform described as a legal request.

The development comes at a time when the satirical outfit was rapidly gaining online traction for its political commentary and parody driven content.

Social media rise fuels attention

The Cockroach Janata Party has seen explosive growth online within days of its launch.

On Instagram, the outfit amassed more than 13 million followers, overtaking the BJP’s official account, which currently has around 8.8 million followers.

In one of its recent posts, the group mocked the BJP by claiming it took only four days to cross the ruling party’s follower count, accompanied by a sarcastic caption referring to claims of being the “world’s largest party.”

Why X withheld the account

According to X’s content withholding policy, accounts or posts can be restricted in specific countries if the platform receives what it considers a valid legal request from an authorised authority or if local laws are allegedly violated.

The company says such restrictions are generally limited to the jurisdiction from which the request originates.

How the satirical outfit emerged

The Cockroach Janata Party was formed after online outrage surrounding remarks reportedly made by Surya Kant, who allegedly compared some unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites.”

The group adopted those comments as the basis for its political satire and quickly built an identity around internet humour and anti establishment commentary.

Its tongue in cheek membership criteria reportedly include being unemployed, chronically online, lazy and capable of “ranting professionally.”

Who is Abhijeet Dipke?

Abhijeet Dipke, who calls himself the founding president of the outfit, is a 30 year old political communication strategist.

He previously worked with the Aam Aadmi Party and was associated with the party’s social media and election campaign operations.

Shortly after the X account was restricted, Dipke posted another screenshot allegedly showing an email from Instagram asking whether he was facing difficulties accessing the account.

He claimed attempts were being made to compromise or hack the group’s Instagram profile.

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