National News

Glenn McGrath lauded teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, comparing his fearless style and backlift to legends Brian Lara and Garry Sobers. McGrath was amazed by Sooryavanshi's IPL power-hitting, noting his high six-to-four ratio. He expressed interest in seeing how the young batsman performs outside the subcontinent.

Global spending on nuclear weapons hit an all-time high of nearly $119 billion in 2025, a 19% increase, fueling concerns of a new arms race. China is identified as the fastest-growing nuclear power, while major nations are modernizing arsenals and increasing deployable warheads despite declining stockpiles.

Punjabi cuisine, a cornerstone of Indian comfort food, has endured global culinary shifts by embodying emotion, hospitality, and home. From ancient roots to post-Partition dhabas and modern restaurants, its rich flavors and hearty simplicity continue to resonate, offering a taste of tradition and belonging that nourishes the soul.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will have 48 nations, 104 matches and a thousand storylines, but nothing like the arrival of a new generation of players announcing themselves on the world's biggest stage. These are the players who watched the 2022 Qatar finals as schoolboys and are now walking into dressing rooms alongside Messi, Ronaldo and Mbappé. The expanded format means more room for young talent to showcase their game. Here are 10 under-21 players stepping onto the World Cup stage for the very first time.

“If Mr. Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti [of the Peoples Democratic Party] succeed in persuading the INDIA bloc to issue a joint statement supporting the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status, Statehood and other political rights, it would be a significant step,” said Awami Ittehad Party leader and legislator Sheikh Khursheed.

“The portability feature of PM-JAY would be particularly beneficial for migrant workers from West Bengal and their families. Beneficiaries working or residing in other States would be able to access cashless treatment at nearby empanelled hospitals across the countr,’’ said Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda

The BJP’s move pushed the Congress into alert mode with Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Umang Singhar hosting party MLAs and senior leaders over dinner at his residence and to discuss the election strategy.

The Agriculture and Disaster Management Department has forecast rainfall in parts of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts until June 9; in other regions of Maharashtra, the monsoon’s progress and rainfall intensity are expected to remain low over the next week.

Shabir Ahmad, a farmer from Pulwama’s Padgampora, said small patches of 3-4 kanals of land were being utilised by locals to procure rice and feed for cattle; “If the government takes the land, it will have a severe impact on locals,” said Mr. Ahmad.

According to the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB), 28,86,797 candidates have applied to compete for 32,679 vacancies over three days (June 8, 9 and 10) across the State.

Lt. Commander Dilna K. and Lt. Commander Roopa A. of the Navy are among the Shaurya Chakra recipients after completion of Navika Sagar Parikrama II; Sepoy Janjal Pravin Prabhakar of the Mahar Regiment of Rashtriya Rifles and Lt. Shashank Tiwari of the Sikkim Scouts have been conferred the Kirti Chakra posthumously