India

Dutch GM Benjamin Bok beats Vidit Gujrathi to claim EWC 2026 berth in Mumbai

Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi has failed to qualify for the Esports World Cup 2026 after losing to Dutch Grandmaster Benjamin Bok in the final of the India Rising: Road to EWC event in Mumbai. Bok secured the qualification spot with a 2-1 victory over Vidit. The defeat is a painful blow for Vidit, who had been eager to make amends after narrowly missing out on EWC qualification the previous year. Ahead of the final, Vidit had expressed how much competing at the Mumbai LAN and earning an EWC berth meant to him.

Candace Owens and Andrew Kolvet trade public blows over Charlie Kirk's legacy

Conservative commentator Candace Owens and Andrew Kolvet have entered a public dispute over the legacy of the late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The conflict was sparked after Kolvet suggested that Kirk had merely been "placating" Owens rather than sharing a genuine friendship with her. Owens fired back with a lengthy post on X, calling Kolvet a liar and a "CLOWN." The feud has further exposed and deepened existing fault lines within conservative political circles.

Seawater Spraying Thickens Arctic Ice in Trials, but Scaling Remains a Challenge

Scientists have tested a technique that involves spraying seawater onto Arctic ice as a potential method to slow its decline. The treated ice grew thicker and more reflective, showing improved resistance to melting during summer months. Researchers view this approach as a less controversial alternative to other geoengineering methods aimed at preserving polar ice. However, experts caution that deploying the technique at the scale required to meaningfully impact the Arctic poses significant practical challenges. Further research and testing are needed before any broader application can be considered.

Max Azria's $88M Holmby Hills Estate Sells for Under Half Its Asking Price

A sprawling Holmby Hills mansion in Los Angeles, formerly owned by fashion designer Max Azria, has gone under contract after years on the market. The property had its asking price slashed to less than half of its original $88 million listing. Jennifer Lopez had shown interest in buying the estate on two separate occasions, though she never completed a purchase. The 2.8-acre compound includes expansive gardens and a glass-enclosed tennis court. The sale has not yet been finalized, and the exact transaction price has not been disclosed.

Jaipur Woman Arrested for Killing Mother Over Job and Property Dispute

A woman named Ayushi has been arrested in Jaipur for allegedly killing her mother over a dispute involving a job and property. She allegedly attempted to disguise the murder as a road accident to avoid suspicion. Police have arrested a total of seven people in connection with the case, including Ayushi's uncle and cousin. One accused remains at large and is currently being sought by authorities.

India and France Hold Inaugural Joint Meeting on Critical Minerals Cooperation

India and France convened their first Joint Working Group meeting focused on critical minerals, marking a new milestone in bilateral cooperation. The discussions centered on building resilient supply chains for key resources vital to clean energy transition and advanced manufacturing. Both nations recognize the strategic importance of securing stable access to these minerals for their respective industries. The meeting reflects a shared commitment to deepening ties in sectors critical to long-term economic and strategic interests.

BJP Fields Abhishek Kumar for Bankipur Bypoll in Bihar

The Bharatiya Janata Party has announced Abhishek Kumar as its candidate for the upcoming bypoll in Bihar's Bankipur constituency. The decision was formally communicated through an official statement by BJP National General Secretary and headquarters in-charge Arun Singh. Bankipur is a key assembly seat in Bihar's capital Patna. The bypoll is expected to be a significant electoral contest for the party in the state.

Bengaluru Startup GalaxEye Loses Contact With Drishti Satellite After Solar Storm

Bengaluru-based space technology startup GalaxEye has lost communication with its surveillance satellite, Mission Drishti. The contact was lost after the spacecraft experienced an anomaly triggered by a geomagnetic solar storm. The solar event disrupted the satellite's systems, rendering it unresponsive. Despite the setback, GalaxEye has expressed its commitment to recovering the mission and resuming operations.

UK High Court dismisses Prince Harry's privacy suit against Daily Mail publisher

A UK High Court has dismissed privacy lawsuits filed by Prince Harry and several other celebrities against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail. The court ruled that the claimants failed to prove unlawful acquisition of private information. Associated Newspapers described the outcome as a decisive victory for its journalists. The ruling is the latest development in Harry's prolonged legal battle against British tabloid publishers. The Duke of Sussex had previously secured a win against the publisher of the Daily Mirror in a separate case.

Fresh Trouble For AIADMK As 2 Rebel MLAs Skip E Palaniswami's Key Meet

The cross-voting by the members enabled the ruling party to obtain 144 "ayes" in the 234-member Assembly, far above the simple majority of 118.

The Daily Catch-Up: An unusual purge in Environment Ministry, and more

De Villiers warns T20 lure may steer Sooryavanshi away from Test cricket

Former South African batting great AB de Villiers has suggested that teenage Indian prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi may gravitate toward T20 cricket over Test matches. De Villiers made the remarks during an appearance on TOI Sports' Bombay Sports Exchange Podcast. He pointed to the increasing global appeal and financial rewards of T20 cricket as key factors that could shape the career choices of young players. According to de Villiers, the shorter format presents an 'easier' and more lucrative path, making the choice seem obvious for emerging talent.

Bangladesh Keen to Strengthen India Ties, Says PM Rahman's Senior Adviser

A top adviser to Bangladesh Prime Minister Rahman has expressed a clear desire to strengthen bilateral relations with India. Zahed Ur Rahman stated he would visit India if he received a proper invitation, emphasizing his intent to engage logically and rationally. His remarks came in response to questions about whether he would travel to India following an unspecified incident at an airport. The adviser's comments signal Bangladesh's willingness to maintain and deepen diplomatic engagement with its neighboring country.

Puri Dismisses E20 Fuel Engine Damage Claims, Cites No Issues in Compatible Vehicles

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has rejected circulating social media claims that E20 petrol causes engine damage, calling them a misinterpretation. He noted that compatible vehicles and manufacturers have reported no significant problems with the fuel. India has been using E15 petrol for over three years and transitioned to E20 since April last year. Testing for a higher blend, E25, is currently underway and will include consultations with relevant stakeholders. The government continues to back its ethanol blending programme, citing both economic and environmental advantages.

Woman Linked to Monaco Bombing Killed Near Kyiv; Two Officials Detained

Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old woman suspected of involvement in a bombing in Monaco, was shot and killed near Kyiv, according to Ukrainian police. Her body was discovered in Ukraine, prompting an investigation into the circumstances of her death. Authorities have arrested two officials in connection with the case. The incident has drawn attention to a cross-border criminal matter linking Ukraine and the principality of Monaco.

Allahabad High Court Seeks Centre's Reply on Taj Mahal Origins Petition

The Allahabad High Court has issued a notice to the central government over a petition questioning the origins of the Taj Mahal. The petition claims the iconic monument was originally a Hindu temple called Tejo Mahalaya, a theory disputed by mainstream historians. Lower courts had previously dismissed similar demands for a scientific evaluation and physical survey of the site. The High Court's notice signals that the matter will now receive a formal judicial hearing at a higher level.

ED files 3,500-page chargesheet in govt portal hack and crypto laundering case

India's Enforcement Directorate has filed a voluminous 3,500-page chargesheet against three accused in a major cybercrime and money laundering case. The suspects named are Srikrishna Ramesh, Robin Khandelwal, and Sunish Hegde. Ramesh allegedly masterminded hacks targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and government portals to steal large sums of digital assets. Hegde is accused of financing the operations and extorting online gaming platforms, while Khandelwal allegedly laundered the proceeds of the crimes. The chargesheet maps out an extensive darknet and cryptocurrency network used to carry out and conceal the illegal activities.

VHP's Champat Rai Resigns After Ram Temple Donation Theft, 8 Arrested

Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Champat Rai has resigned on moral grounds amid a controversy over theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His resignation was formally accepted on Monday. Rai issued an open letter but chose to remain silent on the specifics of the controversy. Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the alleged theft of temple donations.

Haaland responds to viral Dragon Ball Z Majin Buu comparison at World Cup 2026

Norway striker Erling Haaland has become a social media talking point at the FIFA World Cup 2026, drawing attention beyond his on-pitch performances. Football fans on platforms including X, Instagram, and TikTok have been widely circulating memes comparing the Manchester City forward to Majin Buu, a villain from the anime series Dragon Ball Z. The comparisons have specifically focused on the Super Buu version of the character. Haaland has since reacted publicly to the viral meme, which has resurfaced and gained renewed traction during the tournament.

Deutsche Bank's Jim Reid sees AI as long-term job creator despite near-term fears

Jim Reid, a senior executive at Deutsche Bank, believes artificial intelligence will significantly boost productivity over the long term. Drawing on historical patterns of technological innovation, he argues that new technology has consistently created more jobs than it has displaced. However, Reid cautions that businesses will require several years to fully integrate AI before its maximum economic benefits are realized. Financial markets are closely monitoring AI-related infrastructure spending and the performance of semiconductor stocks. While Reid acknowledges potential short-term market risks, he remains optimistic about human innovation driving long-term growth.