India

Ponting warns T20 boom may push ODI cricket to the sidelines

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has voiced concern that ODI cricket could be played less frequently as T20 leagues continue to grow in global popularity. He sees this shift as an inevitable part of how the sport is evolving, though it leaves him disheartened about the future of the 50-over format. Despite his worries about ODIs, Ponting remains hopeful about the long-term health of Test cricket. He believes the longest format will continue to thrive, given that major cricketing nations still hold it in high regard.

Month after Mallikarjun Kharge ‘purification’ row, Uttarakhand cops file FIR

Tension at cremation of Punjab man who raised drug issue before minister

Gulzar Singh, a resident of Toor Banjara village in Punjab, died by suicide after previously confronting Finance Minister Harpal Cheema about drug problems at a local gathering. Tension erupted at his cremation, drawing political attention to the incident. The village falls within Finance Minister Cheema's assembly constituency, adding political sensitivity to the case. Opposition parties have seized on the incident to attack the ruling AAP government over its handling of the drug menace in Punjab.

Tyler Perry steps in to pay lien and save 81-year-old Illinois woman's home

Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry has offered to pay a $17,827 property lien on behalf of an 81-year-old homeowner in Illinois. The elderly woman faced the threat of foreclosure after her insurer, Allstate, declined to cover damages caused by burst pipes at her property. Perry's intervention includes the lien payoff as well as additional financial assistance to help stabilize her situation. The philanthropic gesture has effectively prevented the woman from losing her home.

Twins Who Had Under 10% Survival Odds Now Ready for First Day of School

Ruby and Scarlett Brameld were diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome at 16 weeks of pregnancy, giving them less than a 10% chance of survival. The twins underwent high-risk surgery and were born prematurely, facing serious health complications along the way. They spent a total of 300 days in hospital before being well enough to go home. Their mother, Hanna Brameld, is now celebrating a major milestone as her daughters prepare to attend school for the first time.

India and Bangladesh Move Toward Resuming Cross-Border Rail Services

India and Bangladesh are taking steps to restart cross-border train operations between the two nations. The two countries hold an annual bilateral forum known as the Inter-Governmental Railway Meeting to address shared rail concerns. This platform brings together railway authorities and ministry officials from both sides. The meetings are used to deliberate on cross-border train services, rail infrastructure development, and freight transit arrangements.

Flipkart Widens Lead Over Amazon as Quick Commerce Arm Scales Up

Flipkart is expanding its user base at a faster pace than Amazon in India, significantly widening its lead in the country's online retail market. The gap between the two rivals has grown considerably over recent years, with Amazon seeing a contraction in its user numbers. Flipkart's quick-commerce service, Flipkart Minutes, is also gaining strong momentum, now processing millions of orders each day. The platform is closing in on more established players in the quick-commerce space as it continues to scale rapidly.

Israel Shuts British Consulate, Expels Diplomats Over West Bank Sanctions

Israel has announced the closure of the British consulate in response to UK sanctions over West Bank settlements. Israeli authorities also declared they would expel British diplomats stationed at a centre overseeing the US-brokered Gaza ceasefire arrangement. Additionally, Israel said it would block British personnel from training Palestinian Authority security forces. The Israeli government also imposed entry bans on 12 British officials, barring them from entering the country. The measures represent a significant diplomatic escalation between Israel and the United Kingdom over the settlements issue.

Putin, Modi to meet Friday ahead of BRICS summit: Kremlin

From Adversity to WWE Stardom: The Family Story Behind Bianca Belair

Bianca Belair's rise in WWE goes beyond championship titles, rooted in personal resilience and a strong family legacy. Before making it in professional wrestling, she faced significant athletic setbacks that tested her determination. Her husband, WWE star Montez Ford, has been a consistent pillar of support throughout her journey. Belair has also embraced motherhood in 2026, adding a new chapter to her story of strength and perseverance. Her career continues to inspire fans as a testament to overcoming adversity both inside and outside the ring.

Australia's Benmara Station resells at $26m after carbon farming project collapses

Benmara Station, a major cattle property in Australia, has been resold for A$26 million, well below its previous purchase price of A$40 million. The significant drop in value followed the collapse of a planned carbon farming project that had originally driven up the property's worth. Regulatory hurdles proved too great for the environmental initiative to move forward, forcing a change in direction. The station has since reverted to its traditional pastoral use, reflecting the priorities of its new buyers.

CM Vijay clarifies ‘jaw gesture’, says it was ‘completely unintentional’

UK-Israel spat gets ugly: Tel Aviv to close British consulate in Jerusalem

Trump and Putin Hold Hour-Long Phone Call Following US Envoy Visits to Moscow

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call described as 'extremely frank,' according to Kremlin spokesperson Yuri Ushakov. The conversation lasted approximately one hour. The call came after US envoys had recently visited Moscow for diplomatic discussions. The Kremlin spokesperson shared details of the call with reporters following its conclusion.

AfD's Strong German Election Result Raises Questions About Europe's Far-Right Shift

Germany's Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) recorded a significant electoral gain, prompting debate about the broader rise of far-right politics across Europe. The party's performance reflects growing voter frustration with mainstream political establishments that critics say dismiss public concerns on issues like immigration. Analysts are examining whether the AfD's result is part of a wider continental trend of electorates turning toward nationalist and anti-establishment parties. The outcome has reignited discussions about how European centrist parties respond to voter demands they have often labelled as xenophobic or nativist. The result raises fundamental questions about the gap between establishment politics and the concerns of ordinary voters across Europe.

Satya Niketan building collapse: MCD crackdown begins; 24 properties demolished

Putin, Trump hold 1-hour call after visit by US envoys to broker Russia-Ukraine peace

12 Nations Move to Restrict Trade With Israeli West Bank Settlements

A group of 12 countries has announced plans to impose trade sanctions on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The move was declared through a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of the participating nations. Among the countries involved are Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. The coordinated action reflects growing international pressure over Israeli settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.

60-Year-Old Kentfield Home Lists for $3.295M After Single Family Ownership

A four-bedroom midcentury home in Kentfield, California, has been listed for sale at $3.295 million after being owned by the same buyers for approximately 60 years. Originally built in 1966, the property spans 2,784 square feet on a generously sized lot. The residence has undergone thoughtful renovations that blend modern interiors with its classic midcentury character. The listing also includes exclusive access to a local club, adding to its appeal for prospective buyers.

PM Modi Urges Global Expansion of UPI at Fintech Fest

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Fintech Fest, advocating for the international expansion of India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI). He emphasized targeting countries with large Indian diaspora populations as priority markets for UPI adoption. Nations with significant trade ties with India were also highlighted as key candidates for integration. Modi further stressed the importance of partnering with countries willing to connect their payment systems with India's digital infrastructure.