National News

Australia opted for an all-pace attack for the Brisbane Test, leaving out Lyon. The team made two changes from the eight-wicket win in the opening Test in Perth. Michael Neser came in for Lyon, and Josh Inglis replaced injured opener Usman Khawaja. Lyon said he got to know about his omission only after reaching the ground.

Despite Nifty 50 and Sensex reaching record highs, broad market optimism is limited as nearly half of NSE's top 500 stocks lag key technical benchmarks. Only 40% of Nifty 500 stocks are above their 50-day SMA, indicating weak market breadth driven by large-cap gains. Retail investors remain cautious, with many mid and small-cap stocks still significantly below prior peaks.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed the nation's steady defence partnership with Russia, despite global geopolitical uncertainty. The remarks were made during the 22nd India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission meeting, just before President Putin's arrival for the Annual Summit. Both ministers emphasized the strong, long-standing ties and ongoing cooperation across military and economic domains.

Anish Giri found a crucial turning point in his chess career during the Global Chess League (GCL) last year, overcoming a dip in form and confidence. He shares humorous anecdotes about team bonding, food preferences, and even a playful "iPhone mutiny." Giri sees the upcoming GCL season as a vital warm-up for the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships.

Security agencies launched an extensive search operation in Ajmer, Rajasthan, following a bomb threat email claiming RDX-based explosives were planted at the Ajmer Sharif dargah, district collectorate, and Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant. The email warned of detonation coinciding with Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival. Premises were evacuated and thoroughly checked, with no suspicious objects found so far.

How Karachi’s ‘mini Brazil’ became a zone of crime, politics and counter-terror

Bill Gates warns President Trump that slashing US global health funding could cause the first rise in childhood deaths this century. New projections indicate millions more children may die if cuts persist. While the Gates Foundation is increasing its own spending, it cannot replace government support, leaving vulnerable nations struggling to achieve self-sufficiency.

Swaraj Kaushal, former Mizoram Governor and husband of the late Sushma Swaraj, passed away at 73 after a brief illness. He was a senior advocate with a distinguished public and legal career. His daughter, MP Bansuri Swaraj, expressed profound grief, finding solace in his reunion with her mother. Leaders mourned his contributions.

As President Putin prepares for a visit to India, old images of him with Prime Minister Modi from 2001 have resurfaced. Then Gujarat Chief Minister Modi accompanied PM Vajpayee to Moscow, marking his first international engagement and early diplomatic interaction with Putin. The visit fostered cooperation between Gujarat and Russia's Astrakhan region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in New Delhi for a crucial summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking to bolster energy and arms ties amidst Western sanctions. India navigates a diplomatic tightrope, balancing its historical partnership with Moscow against growing ties with Washington, aiming for strategic autonomy.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has strongly defended Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma against doubts about their ODI future. He emphasised that players of their stature should not be questioned, stating that if they perform, their critics will quickly fade away. Shastri's remarks come amid discussions about India's long-term team planning for the 2027 World Cup.

A Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy match between Baroda and Gujarat was moved to a larger stadium due to security concerns arising from large crowds gathering to watch Hardik Pandya. Pandya, returning from an injury, bowled well and contributed with the bat as Baroda secured an eight-wicket victory.

While the market value is anywhere between ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh per square yard, the State Government is trying to transfer these parcels to industrialists for around ₹4,000 rupees per square yard, says KTR

The Supreme Court on Thursday directed state governments to provide additional staff to reduce the workload of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) involved in EC's SIR exercise. This comes amid reports of excessive pressure and alleged suicides, with the court emphasising case-by-case consideration for exemption requests and ensuring adequate workforce. The direction was issued after TVK's plea flagging BLO plight.

Pulwama town in south Kashmir was the coldest recorded place in the valley with a minimum temperature of -5.6°C

More than thirty ultra-luxury homes sold for ₹5,500 crore in two years

Police said the couple were offered free travel, accommodation, and additional payment to smuggle the drugs from Bangkok. The contraband had been concealed in nine food packets, each weighing around two kilograms.

Three devices fixed near an old quarry at Pullamparathattu in Kannur were recently found missing