India

Karnataka's Smaran Ravichandran eyes India call-up after two stellar domestic seasons

Smaran Ravichandran, 23, has emerged as one of Indian cricket's most promising young batters following two highly productive domestic seasons. The Karnataka batter played a key role in the team's Vijay Hazare Trophy victory and has shown consistency across formats. In a recent interview with TimesofIndia.com, Ravichandran spoke about his ambition to earn a place in the Indian national side. He also opened up about handling his exclusion from the India A squad and taking on leadership responsibilities. Despite his cricketing rise, his mother continues to remind him of the importance of education.

US Rushes to Expand Missile Production Amid Rising Iran Tensions

The US Department of Defense has launched a major initiative to boost domestic weapons production capacity and accelerate delivery of key missile systems. Under the plan, Lockheed Martin will triple output of PAC-3 interceptors and quadruple production of THAAD interceptors. The expansion is backed by significant government contracts aimed at strengthening supply chains for critical munitions. Production increases are also planned for a range of other vital weapons systems beyond missile interceptors. The move comes as the United States works to replenish and expand its military arsenal amid heightened tensions with Iran.

Star Health ordered to pay Rs 26,882 after wrongly rejecting woman's dengue claim

A consumer commission has directed Star Health Insurance to reimburse a woman whose dengue treatment claim was wrongfully denied. The insurer had rejected the claim citing discrepancies in hospital records. However, the commission ruled that these inconsistencies were beyond the policyholder's control and that Star Health had failed to verify the issues directly with the hospital. The commission ordered Star Health to pay the full medical claim amount of Rs 26,882 along with additional compensation.

CRPF Officer Shoots Dead Two Colleagues, Injures One, Then Kills Himself in Assam

A CRPF officer in Assam shot and killed two of his colleagues and injured a third before turning the weapon on himself. The incident resulted in the death of the officer as well, bringing the total fatalities to three. The shooting took place within what appears to be a CRPF deployment or camp setting in Assam. The exact circumstances and motive behind the attack remain unclear based on currently available information. Authorities are expected to investigate the incident further.

Pakistan Athletics Federation Withdrew Support from Arshad Nadeem Before CWG: Report

Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem delivered a disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games, finishing ninth and failing to cross the 80-metre mark. According to reports, the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation distanced itself from Nadeem prior to the event following a dispute over coaching arrangements. The withdrawal of institutional support is believed to have hampered his preparation and performance. Meanwhile, India's Neeraj Chopra and Yashvir Singh claimed silver and bronze medals respectively in the event. The incident has drawn attention to deeper structural issues within Pakistan's sports administration.

Ben Stokes in talks for record AUD 600K Big Bash League deal with Sydney Sixers

England cricket great Ben Stokes, who retired from international cricket earlier this year, is reportedly being pursued by the Sydney Sixers for a Big Bash League contract. The deal is said to be worth around AUD 600,000, which would make him the highest-paid player in BBL history. Stokes has expressed a desire to continue playing in franchise leagues following his international retirement. However, potential scheduling conflicts with other global T20 leagues could complicate finalising the agreement.

Udhayanidhi Stalin Detained in Chennai Over Remarks Made at DMK Rally

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin was detained from his Chennai residence after a case was registered against him. The case stems from remarks he allegedly made during a DMK rally held in Thanjavur on Monday regarding the Cauvery water dispute. The comments were deemed objectionable, prompting Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to file a formal complaint. The party also approached the National Commission for Women over the matter. The controversy has drawn political attention away from the original Cauvery dispute that prompted the rally.

‘Single route’: Iran, Oman negotiate temporary Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor

Probe Agency Gets Governor's Approval To Prosecute Maharashtra Ex-Minister

Kharge Defends Police Action on Exam Protesters, Sparks Row With BJP

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge backed police conduct during demonstrations against a state recruitment examination. He argued that maintaining law and order was necessary to protect all candidates appearing for the exam. His comments referencing lathi-charges drew sharp criticism from the opposition BJP, escalating into a political controversy. Candidates had raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the exam, though the Karnataka Examinations Authority denied any wrongdoing. Kharge later accused the media of misrepresenting his remarks and threatened legal action against those he held responsible.

Phase 2 Population Census to Begin September 1 in J&K, Himachal, Uttarakhand

The second phase of population census enumeration is set to commence on September 1 across Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The enumeration drive will run through the entire month, concluding on September 30. This phase forms part of the broader national census exercise being conducted across select regions of India. The data collected will contribute to updated population records for these states and the union territory.

Gold Rate Today, August 4: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities

India's Rs 25 Trillion Mutual Fund Industry Hinges on Investor Behaviour

India's mutual fund industry has grown to a massive Rs 25 trillion, marking a significant boom in retail participation. However, experts suggest that market returns alone will not determine the sector's long-term success. The key challenge lies in how investors behave, particularly those contributing through Systematic Investment Plans, or SIPs. Impulsive decisions such as panic withdrawals during market downturns could undermine the wealth-creation potential of long-term investing. Sustaining disciplined investor behaviour is therefore seen as critical to translating the industry's growth into meaningful financial outcomes.

Ex-Ladakh MP Calls on PM Modi to Reopen Ancient Trans-Himalayan Trade Route

Former Ladakh MP and BJP National Council Member Jamyang Tsering Namgyal has urged Prime Minister Modi to revive the Demchok-Dumchele corridor. The route is a centuries-old trans-Himalayan passage that historically linked Ladakh with Western Tibet. Namgyal believes restoring the corridor could provide a significant boost to Ladakh's regional economy. The appeal highlights growing interest in reopening traditional cross-border trade routes in the strategically sensitive Himalayan region.

UP RERA Approves 10 New Projects Worth Over Rs 1,400 Crore Across Five Districts

Uttar Pradesh's Real Estate Regulatory Authority has granted approval to ten new real estate projects with a combined value exceeding Rs 1,400 crore. The approved developments will add 1,632 residential and commercial units spread across five districts in the state. Ghaziabad attracted the highest investment among the districts, while Gautam Buddh Nagar is set to receive the greatest number of new units. The approvals are intended to drive urban growth and stimulate construction activity in the region. UP RERA has been actively working to ensure transparency and timely delivery of projects for buyers and other stakeholders.

Security Deposit Deductions: What Landlords Can and Cannot Legally Claim

Disputes between tenants and landlords over security deposit deductions are common, particularly around minor wear and tear. Under applicable tenancy law, landlords are only permitted to deduct for damages that go beyond normal, expected deterioration. Issues like faded paint or routine cleaning generally do not qualify as valid grounds for deductions. Experts recommend that both parties sign a detailed rental agreement and maintain a documented inventory of the property's condition at move-in. Visual documentation of the premises before and after tenancy can help prevent future disputes over deposit refunds.

Telangana Board Extends Intermediate First-Year Admission Deadline to August 15

The Telangana Board of Intermediate Education (TGBIE) has pushed back the first-year admission deadline for the 2026–27 academic session to August 15, 2026. The extension applies to affiliated junior colleges across the state. Along with the revised timeline, TGBIE has released comprehensive admission guidelines covering reservation policies, Aadhaar submission, and seat transparency norms. Additional rules have been outlined for foreign and OCI students seeking admission. All affiliated colleges have been instructed to strictly follow the prescribed procedures throughout the admission process.

Telangana Government Teacher Resigns Months After Suspension Over Private School Promotion

A government school teacher in Khammam district, Telangana, has resigned from her post following a suspension earlier this year. She had been suspended on allegations of promoting a private school through reels posted on Instagram. The case drew attention due to the conflict of interest involved, as a government-employed educator was seen endorsing a private institution. Her resignation comes months after the suspension order was issued against her.

BRS Leader KTR Threatens Protest at Rahul Gandhi's Residence Over Telangana Jobs

BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) has threatened to stage a protest outside Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's residence over the jobs issue in Telangana. KTR accused the Congress-led Telangana government of failing to fulfill its election promise of providing employment to the state's youth. The BRS leader's remarks come as criticism mounts against the ruling Congress party over its governance record in Telangana. KTR's threat signals an escalating political confrontation between BRS and Congress in the state over unfulfilled job commitments.

Parliament Monsoon Session Day 12 Live: Congress seeks to discuss new anti-defection law on Lok Sabha