India

Ex-Pakistan selector blames Imran Khan for rejecting domestic cricket reforms

Former Pakistan Cricket Board chief selector Haroon Rasheed has attributed the decline of Pakistan cricket to decisions made by Imran Khan during his tenure. Rasheed stated that Khan rejected a proposed hybrid model for domestic cricket, which led to a significant reduction in first-class teams across the country. He drew comparisons with India's multi-tiered domestic structure, crediting it for producing greater depth of talent. Rasheed called for Pakistan to decentralise its cricket governance as a key step toward reviving the sport at the grassroots level.

Hellebuyck Trade Request Resurfaces Amid Backlash Over Wife's White House Visit

Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck has reportedly requested a trade, a decision that has drawn renewed attention in the context of recent public backlash. His wife Andrea faced criticism following Team USA's Olympic victory and a subsequent White House visit. The controversy has added personal pressure on the NHL star during an already challenging period. However, Hellebuyck has not publicly cited the treatment of his family as the primary reason behind his trade request.

AI Doomsday Fears Collide With Marvel Hype Ahead of Avengers Release

Growing public anxiety around artificial intelligence and its potential dangers has become a cultural talking point, even intersecting with mainstream entertainment discourse. The upcoming Marvel film Avengers: Doomsday has fueled widespread speculation about Robert Downey Jr.'s return to the MCU in the role of Doctor Doom. Fans and commentators are eager to see Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige address the film's narrative direction before other concerns take center stage. The juxtaposition of AI-related existential fears with blockbuster movie anticipation reflects how deeply both topics have embedded themselves in popular conversation.

PM Modi calls for ‘dialogue, diplomacy’; Putin says Russia ready to work with ‘whole world’ at BRICS forum

Bihar scheme offers Rs 60,000 to landless families to buy residential plots

The Bihar government's Mukhyamantri Vas Sthal Kray Sahayata Yojana provides Rs 60,000 in financial assistance to landless families in rural areas. The scheme targets beneficiaries who are already eligible under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin programme. It specifically applies to villages where government land is unavailable for housing allocation. Funds are transferred directly into beneficiaries' bank accounts following a thorough verification process.

US Envoy Sergio Gor Visits Manipur, Meets Governor and Chief Minister

US envoy Sergio Gor made an official visit to Manipur, where he met with the state's Governor and Chief Minister. During his visit, Gor also toured the historic Kangla Fort, a site of significant political and cultural importance in the region. The fort once served as the seat of power for the ancient Manipur kingdom. The visit underscores growing diplomatic engagement between the United States and India at the state level.

Putin Highlights BRICS Economic Clout Over G7 at Business Forum

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the BRICS Business Forum, asserting that the world has undergone significant change in recent years. Putin took a pointed dig at the G7, contrasting its share of global GDP with that of BRICS nations. He cited objective economic data from the past five years to support his argument that BRICS now holds greater collective economic weight. The remarks underscored Russia's push to position BRICS as a more representative and powerful alternative to Western-led economic groupings.

Apple's iPhone Duo May Stay a Luxury Item Due to High Price, Analysts Warn

Apple's newly unveiled iPhone Duo has been positioned by CEO John Ternus as a personal AI hub, featuring a large display designed to feel as natural as an iPad. However, analysts warn that the device's steep price tag could limit its appeal to wealthy consumers. The unclear target audience further compounds concerns about the product's broader market reach. Ternus emphasized the device's potential to serve as a central AI tool for users, but industry observers remain skeptical about mass adoption.

Modi and Putin Ride Together in Putin's Armoured Limousine Across Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin travelled together in Putin's heavily armoured Aurus Senat limousine in New Delhi. The joint ride took place following a bilateral meeting between the two leaders. Their destination was the INNOPROM industrial exhibition held at Bharat Mandapam. The Aurus Senat is a high-security Russian state vehicle, often described as a fortress on wheels. The shared journey underscored the close personal rapport between the two heads of state during Putin's visit to India.

Houthis Seize Red Sea Island, Tighten Grip on Bab al-Mandeb Strait

Iran-backed Houthi forces have captured a strategically significant island in the Red Sea, advancing their control over the Bab al-Mandeb area. The offensive, launched last week, targeted Yemeni government forces backed by Saudi Arabia. The fighting around the critical strait has resulted in hundreds of casualties since the offensive began. The Bab al-Mandeb strait is a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden, making its control highly significant for regional and global shipping.

Putin Highlights BRICS Economic Rise at Forum, Claims 40% of Global GDP

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at the BRICS Business Forum, asserting that the bloc now accounts for over 40% of global GDP, surpassing the G7's 29% share. He used these figures to argue that the global economic order is undergoing a significant transformation. Putin appeared to dismiss the G7, referring to it as a 'so-called' grouping in contrast to BRICS' growing clout. On the sidelines of the forum, Putin also held bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at strengthening ties between the two nations.

ISRO's Oceansat-3 Records Strongest Evidence of Major El Niño Event

India's space agency ISRO has reported that its EOS-06/Oceansat-3 satellite has detected the clearest signs yet of a significant El Niño event forming. The satellite's ocean observations are providing critical data about the climate phenomenon, which can cause widespread disruption to global weather patterns. ISRO noted that the findings from Oceansat-3 align with and complement the outlook published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The data gathered by the satellite is expected to help scientists better understand and track the developing El Niño event.

Behind Secunderabad arms heist, ex-havildar who held grudge against commanding officer

France deploys Rafale jets on 40,000-km tri-continent mission via Arctic route

France has launched the Pegase 26 mission, sending Rafale fighter jets on a 40,000-kilometer journey spanning three continents. The mission demonstrates France's capacity to conduct rapid long-range operations across vast distances. A notable feature of the deployment is its use of an unconventional northern Arctic route, highlighting strategic geographic reach. Aerial refueling is a key component, strengthening interoperability with allied partner nations. The mission signals France's commitment to reinforcing global security partnerships from the Arctic to the Indo-Pacific region.

Warren Buffett's Son Howard Chose Farming Over Finance, Now Heads Berkshire Board

Howard Buffett, son of legendary investor Warren Buffett, built his career around farming and conservation rather than following his father into finance. He has managed agricultural operations across Nebraska and Illinois, with a particular focus on maintaining soil health. Warren Buffett supported his son's passion by purchasing a Nebraska farm for him. Howard is now set to take on the role of non-executive chairman at Berkshire Hathaway as his father steps back. In that capacity, he is expected to preserve the company's culture and uphold the values Warren established over decades.

Robinson becomes first bowler since 1914 to hold sub-19 Test average after 20 matches

England pacer Ollie Robinson has achieved a Test bowling average of under 19 after his 20th match, a feat not accomplished since Sydney Barnes did it in 1914. Robinson reached this milestone by claiming two key wickets in Pakistan's second innings at Edgbaston. The achievement places him in a group of just five bowlers in cricket history to hold such a record at this stage of their Test career. Robinson now stands among the most statistically impressive wicket-takers the sport has seen across its long history.

US Appeals Court Rules Constitution Does Not Guarantee Right to Clean Water

A federal appeals court has ruled that the US Constitution does not explicitly guarantee citizens the right to clean drinking water. The case was brought by residents of Jackson, Mississippi, who alleged that city authorities were aware of unsafe water conditions but deliberately misled the public. While the court acknowledged the seriousness of the residents' complaints, it declined to establish a constitutional right to safe drinking water. The ruling directs affected residents to seek remedies through other available legal channels.

3 Dead After Speeding Tanker Hits Motorcycle in Beed, Maharashtra

A fatal road accident claimed three lives in Maharashtra's Beed district late at night. The collision occurred around 11:30 PM near Ukanda village in Patoda tehsil. The location is approximately 20 kilometres from the district headquarters. A speeding tanker struck a motorcycle, resulting in the deaths. Local officials confirmed the incident.

Assam School Launches Probe After 12 Class 7 Students Sustain Injuries

Twelve Class 7 students were injured on the premises of a school in Assam on Thursday. The injuries sustained by the students were reported to be minor in nature. The incident prompted school or district authorities to order a formal investigation. The probe aims to determine the circumstances that led to the students getting hurt on school grounds.

Adani International School Hosts National Games Chess Championship in Ahmedabad

Adani International School in Ahmedabad is hosting the National Games Chess Competition 2026 over two days. The event has drawn a large gathering of over 800 participants, including students, parents, coaches, and school representatives. The championship serves as part of the broader National Games 2026 sporting calendar. The scale of attendance highlights growing interest in competitive chess among young students across the country.