In The Headlines: ICC still ready to pay $390 m, BCCI wants $450 m

With India's Champions Trophy participation in doubt, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is still willing to pay the BCCI $100 million more than the original share from the revamped revenue model.

According to a senior BCCI official present in Dubai, the ICC has not yet withdrawn its offer of $390 million – nearly 100 million more than the original $293 million. The offer, which came from ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar, was originally rejected by the BCCI.

"We have told them (ICC) that we will place their offer before the BCCI's General Body and get back to them. ICC officials have in fact told us that if we agree to $390 million, they will get it ratified at a Board Meeting in May," a senior BCCI office-bearer told PTI on Thursday.

In a major loss of face on Wednesday, the BCCI was out-voted at the ICC Board Meet in its opposition to the new model, which has ended up nearly halving India's share from the $570 million it was getting till last year. The BCCI was outvoted 1-13 where Manohar's formula of abolishing the 'Big Three' model was accepted.

NGT’s contempt notice to Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

The National Green Tribunal on Thursday issued contempt notice to the Art of Living Foundation’s Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on a plea against him for blaming the Centre and the panel for damaging Yamuna floodplains by allowing his NGO to hold a cultural extravaganza. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar issued notice to Ravi Shankar while seeking his reply before May 9, the next date of hearing. However, Art of Living (AOL) spokesperson and legal advisor Kedar Desai said, "No such order has been passed. It is factually incorrect to report that any notice has been issued. The matter has been simply adjourned to May 9."

Pending Lokpal Act not justifiable: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Thursday said the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act of 2013 is a "workable piece of legislation" and it was not justifiable to keep its operation pending. As per the Act, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha will be part of the Lokpal selection panel. At present, there is no Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The plea by NGO, Common Cause, had sought a direction to the Centre to make the appointment of chairperson and members of Lokpal as per the amended rules framed under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.

SC extends Sahara chief’s parole with a warning

The Supreme Court on Thursday extended till June 19 the parole of Sahara chief Subrata Roy with a warning that failure to meet the deadline of June 15 for the payment of ₹1,500 crore would land him in prison once again. The apex court also asked Roy to remain personally present on June 19, the next date of hearing.

No privatisation of Railways, says Prabhu

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has ruled out privatisation of Indian Railways, saying it cannot ignore the common man who depends hugely on the public transporter. He also said that the railways will have to bear the public service obligation – which is currently between ₹30,000 and ₹35,000 crore – for the foreseeable future.

Israeli missile hits military site in Syria

According to Syrian state media, an Israeli missile strike has caused a large explosion and fire at a military site near Damascus international airport. Israel said the explosion was "consistent" with its policy to prevent Iran smuggling weapons to Hezbollah. But it did not take the responsibility for the attack.

With inputs from NH Web Desk