India

GCL 2026 Squads Set: Nihal Sarin, Carlsen, Anand Among Top Draft Picks

The Global Chess League Season 4 player draft has concluded, with all six franchises finalising their squads for the tournament. Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin was among the most sought-after players, joining American Gambits following a competitive bidding battle. Chess legend Magnus Carlsen and Indian icon Viswanathan Anand will feature together on the PBG Alaskan Knights after Anand switched teams. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru from September 3 to 13, 2026.

Mahomes brushes off 'dad bod' criticism, stays focused on knee rehab for 2026

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has become the target of online body-shaming after posting a recent photo on Instagram during the offseason. Critics labeled his current physique a 'dad bod,' sparking widespread commentary on social media. However, Mahomes has remained unfazed, keeping his attention on recovering from a knee injury. He has stressed his commitment to daily rehabilitation and gradual improvement. His primary goal is to be fully fit and available for the 2026 NFL season without missing games.

Chambal dacoit Jagan Gurjar strangled to death by cellmate in Ajmer jail

Notorious Chambal dacoit Jagan Gurjar was allegedly murdered inside the high-security Ajmer Central Jail. A fellow inmate named Vishnu reportedly strangled Gurjar with a towel following a dispute between the two. Gurjar, who carried a lengthy criminal record and was involved in several high-profile cases, had been transferred to the facility in March. Vishnu has since confessed to the killing, according to police.

CBI Arrests Fugitive Linked to 2021 Bengal Post-Poll Violence in Maharashtra

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Khalid-Uz-Zaman, a fugitive wanted in connection with the 2021 post-poll violence case in West Bengal. He was apprehended from Yetala village in Nanded, Maharashtra. Khalid-Uz-Zaman had previously evaded the investigation by failing to appear before the agency. The arrest was confirmed by a CBI spokesperson.

Dutch Intel Warns Russia May Attack NATO Member Within a Year of Ukraine War End

Dutch defense intelligence has issued a warning that Russia could launch a limited military strike against a NATO member state within a year of the Ukraine conflict ending. The assessment indicates that Russia is actively preparing for a prolonged confrontation with Europe. These concerns align with warnings previously raised by NATO's Secretary General. The report calls on European nations to urgently invest in military readiness and advanced technologies. It also highlights a dangerous 'grey zone' between peace and open conflict that Europe must prepare to navigate.

Ahmedabad Kicks Off Countdown to 149th Rath Yatra on Jeth Sud Purnima

Ahmedabad has begun the official countdown to its 149th Rath Yatra, one of the city's most historic religious processions. The celebrations were launched on the auspicious occasion of Jeth Sud Purnima, which fell on June 29, 2026. The event commenced with significant spiritual fervor at the Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad. The Rath Yatra is a major annual Hindu festival that draws large crowds of devotees each year.

Gujarat Man Climbs Mobile Tower Demanding Apology After Being Slapped by Friend

A man in Gujarat scaled a mobile tower after being slapped by a friend, refusing to descend until he received an apology. The incident prompted a swift emergency response, with both police and fire brigade personnel rushing to the scene. A large crowd gathered at the base of the tower, urging the man to climb down safely. Authorities worked to defuse the situation and bring the man down without harm.

ISKCON Kolkata Removes Vice President Radharaman Das Amid Midday Meal Controversy

ISKCON Kolkata has removed its Vice President Radharaman Das from his position amid an ongoing controversy over the midday meal scheme in West Bengal. The dispute centers on whether eggs should be included in or excluded from the state's midday meal program for schoolchildren. Radharaman Das had been a vocal figure in the debate, which has drawn significant public and political attention. The removal by ISKCON Kolkata signals the organization's attempt to distance itself from the heated controversy surrounding the meal scheme.

Raducanu and Alcaraz romance rumours resurface at Wimbledon

Tennis players Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz have once again found themselves at the centre of dating rumours at Wimbledon. The speculation follows their high-profile partnership in the mixed doubles event at last year's revamped US Open. Their on-court chemistry and visible camaraderie quickly fuelled public curiosity about the nature of their relationship. However, both players have repeatedly denied any romantic involvement, describing their bond as a longstanding friendship developed over years on the professional tour.

Goats and cattle form half of cheetah prey in Kuno, chital 42%: Report

The Daily Catch-Up: Ram Temple case in Supreme Court and other top stories

Sarla Bhat was killed to drive Kashmiri Pandits out of Valley, chargesheet notes

Andhra Pradesh Allots 120 Acres in Anantapur for SpaceFields Rocket Fuel Plant

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved the allocation of 120.76 acres of land to private firm SpaceFields Pvt. Ltd. The land is located within an Industrial Park in Thimmasamudram, Anantapur district. SpaceFields plans to use the site to establish a Solid Propellant Processing Facility for rocket fuel production. The move signals the state's intent to position itself as a hub for emerging space industry infrastructure.

Swiss Lab Research Shows AI Can Enhance Human Ability When Designed Inclusively

Professor Riener, in his book 'AI to Eye', argues that artificial intelligence holds significant potential to make the world more inclusive. The research emerges from work conducted at a Swiss laboratory focused on human-centered AI development. Riener emphasizes that AI must be designed with people at its core to realize its assistive benefits. The work highlights how AI can act as a powerful aid to humans rather than replacing them.

Ben Stokes Retires Mid-Match at Tea, Ending a Legendary Test Career

England Test captain Ben Stokes announced his retirement from Test cricket, departing during the tea interval of an ongoing match in an characteristically unconventional fashion. The all-rounder was renowned for match-defining performances rather than consistent statistics, making him one of the most impactful players of his generation. Among his standout feats was a 258 at Cape Town, recorded as the fastest Test double-century of 250 runs ever scored. Stokes consistently thrived in high-pressure moments, delivering performances that transcended traditional cricketing metrics. His exit, abrupt yet dramatic, reflected the larger-than-life style that defined his entire career.

Delhi Monsoon Arrival Delayed Beyond Five Days, Says IMD

Delhi residents will have to wait longer for the arrival of the southwest monsoon this season. The India Meteorological Department issued its latest forecast on Monday, ruling out any monsoon advance toward the national capital in the next five days. The IMD cited a slow progression of the monsoon system as the reason for the delay. This means Delhi will continue to experience pre-monsoon weather conditions for at least the near term.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Outlines Scientific Roadmap to Tackle Pollution and Boost EVs

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta addressed pollution and electric vehicle adoption at the NDTV Conclave. She stated that her government has spent the past year developing what she described as a scientific roadmap to combat air pollution. The plan reflects the administration's structured approach to one of Delhi's most persistent environmental challenges. Gupta also touched on the city's push toward expanding electric vehicle usage as part of its broader anti-pollution strategy.

Centre lifts petrol, diesel sale restrictions from July 1 as supply concerns ease

New Zealand Beat England 2-1 to Seal Historic Test Series Comeback

New Zealand won the final Test against England to clinch the three-match series 2-1, completing a remarkable comeback after losing the opening match. England, chasing a target of 373, resumed the final day at 103 for 4 but failed to build the necessary partnerships. They were bowled out for 212 shortly after lunch, falling well short of the target. The result marks New Zealand's first series comeback win in a three-Test format after going 1-0 down. It also ends Ben Stokes-led England's 'Bazball' campaign on a losing note.

Inside ‘Spectrum’: Tamil Nadu’s new system to predict and stop repeat sexual offenders