Harbhajan Singh faces backlash for racist remark on Jofra Archer during IPL 2025 commentary
Hyderabad: Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has sparked controversy with a racist remark directed at England pacer Jofra Archer during the IPL 2025 match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The incident occurred during the 18th over of SRH’s innings when Heinrich Klaasen struck consecutive boundaries off Archer. While on air, Harbhajan commented, “London me kaali taxi ka meter tez bhaagta hai, aur yaha pe Archer sahab ka meter bhi tez bhaaga hai” (Like the meter of London’s black taxis, Archer’s meter has also been on the higher side).
The remark triggered widespread outrage on social media, with fans demanding Harbhajan’s immediate suspension from the IPL commentary panel. Many condemned his words as "vile and disgusting," urging authorities to take action against him.
Archer’s expensive spell in IPL 2025 opener
Archer endured a forgettable outing, conceding 76 runs without taking a wicket—making it the most expensive spell in IPL history. His record surpassed Mohit Sharma’s 0/73 for Gujarat Titans last season.
Meanwhile, SRH dominated the game, scoring 286/6—just two runs short of breaking their own record for the highest IPL total. Ishan Kishan’s explosive century (100 off 45 balls) powered SRH to a 44-run victory over RR.
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Karnataka govt to strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy, after HC directive
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad has said that the government will strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy across all sectors at the earliest, following the High Court directive.
The High Court of Karnataka had recently directed the state government to "strictly and faithfully" implement the menstrual leave policy, pending formal enactment of the proposed legislation.
"I welcome the directive issued by the Karnataka High Court in support of our state government's ambitious menstrual leave policy," Lad said.
The state government has taken firm steps to implement the menstrual leave policy comprehensively, and as a model to the country, he said in a post on 'X' on Thursday.
"In line with the court's opinion that menstrual leave is a matter of women's dignity, justice, and humane recognition of their lived realities, we will strictly implement the paid menstrual leave policy--equivalent to one day per month, or 12 days per year--across all sectors at the earliest," he added.
The court had said that in the interregnum, it shall be incumbent upon the state to ensure effective operationalisation of the policy through the issuance of suitable guidelines, circulars, and administrative instructions, as may be necessary to secure its uniform, consistent, and rigorous implementation across all sectors.
The court issued the directive while hearing on a petition filed by 41-year-old Chandravva Hanumant Gokavi, who works in a hotel in Mudalgi of Gokak taluk in Belagavi district, before the Dharwad bench, seeking implementation of the November 20, 2025, order of the government providing one-day menstrual leave for all working women.
