RCB stampede tragedy: Virat Kohli says he’s ‘absolutely gutted’
₹5 lakh compensation announced for victims’ families
Bengaluru: Cricketer Virat Kohli expressed deep sorrow over the stampede that occurred outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations, which claimed at least 11 lives. Sharing the official statement from RCB on Instagram, Kohli wrote, “At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted.”
The RCB statement said the team was “deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents.” It added, “The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us. RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families.”
RCB clarified that it amended its programme as soon as it was informed about the situation and followed instructions from the local authorities. “We urge all our supporters to please stay safe,” the statement read.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also expressed “deep concern and heartfelt condolences” over the tragedy. KSCA’s Chief Finance Officer, Shivaji Lokre, stated, “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life and the injuries sustained. We sincerely regret this tragedy and stand in solidarity with the bereaved families during this extremely difficult time.”
RCB and KSCA jointly announced a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives. Lokre clarified that this amount is not intended to replace the value of human life, but as “a gesture of support and solidarity.”
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US trade deficit slipped to USD 901 billion last year amid Trump tariffs
Washington (AP): The US trade deficit slipped modestly in 2025, a year in which President Donald Trump upended global commerce by slapping double digit tariffs on imports from most countries.
The gap the between the goods and services the US sells other countries and what it buys from them narrowed to just over USD 901 billion from USD 904 billion in 2024, the Commerce Department reported Thursday.
Exports rose 6 per cent last year, and imports rose nearly 5 per cent.
The trade gap surged from January-March as US companies tried to import foreign goods ahead of Trump's taxes, then narrowed most of the rest of the year.
Trump's tariffs are a tax paid by US importers and often passed along to their customers as higher prices.
But they haven't had as much impact on inflation as economists originally expected. Trump argues that the tariffs will protect US industries, bringing manufacturing back to America and raise money for the US Treasury.
