Times of India

Shreyas Iyer's captaincy debut for India ended in a disappointing 34-run loss to Ireland in Belfast, marking his entry into an unwanted record book. Ireland secured their historic first-ever win over India in men's international cricket, thanks to strong performances from their debutants. Despite Iyer's own impressive pre-match statistics, the team's chase faltered, falling short of Ireland's 182.

Ireland secured a stunning 34-run victory over India in the opening T20I, taking a 1-0 series lead. Despite a strong start with the ball, India's bowlers faltered in the middle and death overs, allowing Ireland to post 182. Captain Shreyas Iyer acknowledged the team's lapse in execution and vowed a strong comeback in the next match.

The New York Rangers traded Brett Berard to the Montreal Canadiens for William Trudeau on June 26, ending a stalled fit for the 23-year-old forward. The deal gives Berard a cleaner path in Montreal and gives New York a left-shot defenseman after moving a player who faced waiver pressure and limited NHL runway.

Speculation arose after Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) supremo Uddhav Thackeray were seen on the same flight. Despite political differences, BJP MLC Pratap Lad downplayed the encounter, emphasizing cordial relations and noting Thackeray's attendance at his daughter's wedding. Lad also expressed surprise at Thackeray using a commercial flight, while denying BJP involvement in recent Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MP defections.

Ireland secured a historic 34-run victory over reigning T20 World Champions India in the series opener. Despite India's strong start, Ireland's disciplined pace attack and a crucial counter-attacking partnership in the death overs proved decisive. Lorcan Tucker's fifty and a late surge from Gareth Delany and George Dockrell propelled Ireland to 182, a total India couldn't chase, falling for 148.

A former Silicon Valley tech executive, earning $450,000 annually, left his lucrative career at giants like Google and Microsoft to pursue impactful work. He transitioned to a religious non-profit, then launched Kafi BBQ in Texas. Despite immense personal investment and long hours, he finds profound satisfaction in serving his community and perfecting his craft, proving that passion can be more rewarding than profit.

US President Donald Trump condemned alleged Iranian drone attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them a "foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement." Iran's IRGC Navy asserted control over transit routes, warning vessels to follow Tehran's directives. This follows technical talks between the US and Iran aimed at de-escalating tensions and ensuring safe passage for commercial ships.

Volkswagen is reportedly considering a massive overhaul, including closing four German factories and significantly increasing job cuts, potentially impacting up to 100,000 roles. This drastic move comes as the automaker faces intense competition from Chinese rivals, US tariffs, and declining European demand. The proposals, set for discussion soon, are expected to face strong opposition from unions and a key state shareholder, highlighting the immense pressure on the German giant.

Tamil Nadu Minister D. Sarathkumar has vehemently denied drug use allegations following the resurfacing of a two-year-old video. He clarified that the footage, showing him arranging a powder, depicted him crushing a tablet for his daughter. Sarathkumar dismissed the claims as politically motivated and baseless, asserting his readiness to cooperate with any investigation into the matter.

US Vice President JD Vance's recent praise for Richard Nixon, a president known for his animosity towards India and denigration of Indian women, has sparked controversy. Vance lauded Nixon as a "political genius" whose reputation deserves a "renaissance," downplaying the Watergate scandal. This comes at a time when US-India relations are already strained, highlighting an awkward historical disconnect for Indian readers.

Actor-politician Khushbu Sundar's family has a new reason to celebrate. Her elder daughter, Avantika Sundar, married Shravan Sreenivasan in an intimate wedding ceremony held in Goa on Thursday evening. The private affair was attended by family members and a close-knit circle of friends from the Indian film industry.

Abhishek Sharma etched his name in T20I history, smashing a 19-ball fifty against Ireland, his fifth half-century off 20 or fewer deliveries. His explosive 50, featuring seven fours and two sixes, propelled India's chase after pacers restricted Ireland to 182. Though dismissed shortly after his milestone, Sharma's fearless innings cemented his status as a destructive opener.

Prasidh Krishna's return to India's T20I squad was marred by a costly spell against Ireland, where he conceded 27 runs in a single over, the most by an Indian against the hosts. Despite a strong start by India's bowlers, Ireland's middle order, led by Lorcan Tucker and Gareth Delany, fought back impressively. This resilience propelled Ireland to a competitive 182/9, leaving Prasidh with two unwanted records.

A car-sized aircraft reportedly struck Beijing's tallest skyscraper, the 108-storey CITIC Tower, on Friday evening, causing damage to two glass panels. Bystanders described a loud crash, and authorities quickly cordoned off the area, preventing filming. Social media posts about the incident were reportedly removed. The official cause and details remain unconfirmed by authorities.

Venezuela grapples with a devastating toll of 589 dead and nearly 3,000 injured following twin earthquakes. La Guaira state is severely impacted, with thousands missing and millions potentially affected. International rescue teams and aid, including India's 'Operation Amistad' and US assistance, are now arriving to support desperate search-and-rescue efforts amidst widespread destruction and fear of aftershocks.

Artificial intelligence, player health, fan engagement and startup innovation are quietly becoming part of the NBA's long-term strategy. At the Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore, the league unveiled a dedicated Asia track for NBA Launchpad, signalling a shift from viewing the region as merely a market to seeing it as a source of ideas that could redefine basketball on and off the court.

Brittany Mahomes shared that becoming a mother to Sterling, Bronze, and Golden has completely changed her outlook on life. She said motherhood made her more intentional, purposeful, and motivated to inspire her children to dream big and work hard. Brittany now prioritizes opportunities that align with her family values. Patrick Mahomes has also spoken about balancing his NFL career with being a devoted husband and father, emphasizing that family always comes first.