Times of India

A Texas city sold 87 acres donated in 1999 for a $10 public park to a data center developer for $10 million. Residents, led by Pamela Griffin, are suing to honour the original deed, while Taylor officials say existing zoning permits the data center without resident approval. The project promises $30 million in tax revenue but raises concerns over noise, water use and property values.

Despite India's advanced digital payments, millions of small businesses struggle for formal finance, with only 14% accessing institutional credit. A significant credit gap, potentially exceeding Rs 50 lakh crore, hinders economic growth. While financial account ownership is high, formal credit access and insurance penetration lag global averages, highlighting critical inclusion gaps requiring policy reforms for broader economic participation and resilience.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos sparked a debate on government efficiency and taxation, suggesting New York City's services would falter under his company's operational model. Billionaire Kevin O'Leary echoed these sentiments, calling the city a 'disaster' and warning against taxing the wealthy. Former Mayor Bill de Blasio criticized Bezos' remarks as out of touch. Meanwhile, Bezos also dismissed fears of AI causing job losses, predicting a labor shortage instead.

Senior Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders, including deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri, were reportedly seen at the funeral of former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar's brother in Islamabad. The presence of these banned terror group members, alongside the head of LeT's political wing, raises concerns about their continued influence and operational freedom in Pakistan. Kasuri has a history of anti-India rhetoric and threats.

The Indian Air Force has unveiled its Russian Nebo-UM Very High Frequency radar, a state-of-the-art long-range surveillance tool designed to spot stealth aircraft. This advancement is crucial, especially with the rising number of stealth fighters in neighboring nations. Although it's not a weapon, this radar’s early warning system is vital, significantly boosting India's air defense framework against sophisticated aerial threats.

NCERT has clarified that the Preamble remains in its Class 9 Social Science textbooks, refuting removal claims. Sources indicate a curriculum redesign under the National Curriculum Framework, with topics redistributed. Constitutional values are introduced earlier and will be detailed in Grade 10. The revised textbook, however, introduces a chapter on the 1975-77 Emergency, a significant addition for students.

A chilling family murder in Nalgonda, Telangana, has been solved with the arrest of four individuals, including the prime accused, a relative driven by debt and revenge. Police revealed the accused meticulously planned the killings after watching online videos, motivated by robbery and a desire to silence witnesses. Stolen gold and documents were later pawned.

The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has exited the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance after a nine-year partnership. The party cited ideological differences and a perceived weakening of its identity within the alliance as reasons for its departure. MDMK leaders expressed dissatisfaction with their treatment, including contesting elections under the DMK's symbol. The move follows a period of significant political shifts in Tamil Nadu after the recent Assembly elections.

The Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) 2026, slated for June 28, has been postponed due to a suspected question paper leak. Bhiwandi police apprehended individuals with examination-related materials, which MSCE officials confirmed matched the TET paper. This breach of integrity prompted the council to reschedule the exam, with a new date to be announced soon. Candidates are urged to await official communication.

Eight individuals are named in the Ram temple cash embezzlement controversy, each with specific roles. While personal driver Ram Shankar Yadav alias Tinnu oversaw operations, a retired banker, Subhash Srivastava, supervised cash counting. Six others from a private agency, including counting agents like Anukalp Mishra and Lavkush Mishra, were involved in counting and transporting donations, with some relatives of accused also implicated in alleged anomalies and fraudulent receipt generation.

Teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is making waves, even before his India debut. Rajasthan Royals coach Kumar Sangakkara shared anecdotes highlighting the 15-year-old's remarkable confidence and fearless approach. Sangakkara recounted how Sooryavanshi predicted a chase victory and fearlessly took on Jofra Archer in nets, leaving seasoned players stunned by his audacious talent.

An investigation into businessman Ketan Agarwal's death has uncovered new details about prime accused Siya Goyal's alleged relationship with Chetan Chaudhary. Police suspect Siya's brother, Sahil Goyal, knew about the affair, while Siya's father denies any prior knowledge of her relationship or reluctance towards her engagement to Ketan. Both Siya and Chetan are in police custody as the probe continues.

Dell Technologies is officially moving its legal base from Delaware to Texas, with 97% of shareholders approving the change. CEO Michael Dell expressed pride in returning the company's legal home to the state where it was founded. This move aligns with Texas's growing appeal for major corporations, including Tesla, Coinbase, and Exxon Mobil, due to its favorable business climate and talent pool.

Delhi's footpaths, meant for safe pedestrian movement, are largely unusable. Reporters found markets, hospital zones, office hubs, and educational areas where pavements are blocked by shops, parked vehicles, vendors, and construction. This forces pedestrians onto busy roads, making walking a dangerous and difficult ordeal, despite the Supreme Court recognizing it as a fundamental right.

To manage Lionel Messi's workload, Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to bench the captain for the last Group J match against Jordan. This tactical choice comes after their team has already clinched the top position, focusing instead on keeping Messi fit for the intense knockout stages, especially following his notable injury and outstanding performances.

Michael Vaughan questioned India's decision to bench Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after their surprising T20I loss to Ireland. Despite a strong bowling performance initially, Ireland posted 182, with late hitting proving crucial. India's chase faltered, with only Abhishek Sharma showing brief resistance, ultimately falling short by 34 runs. The defeat has sparked debate over team selection, particularly the omission of the young batting prodigy.