Times of India

In July, India faced a significant expansion in its trade deficit, as imports surged ahead of exports. Over the first four months of the fiscal year, cumulative trade gaps widened considerably. Nevertheless, merchandise exports reached impressive heights in July, with electronics manufacturing emerging as a crucial growth sector. Additionally, the rise in mobile phone production and exports contributed to significant employment opportunities.

Hasan Mahmud took a career-best 6-55 as Bangladesh's pace attack kept Australia's batting under pressure. Bangladesh then reached 96-1 by stumps, reducing the first-innings deficit to 102 runs.

Sukhbir Singh Badal faced an unsettling attack during his visit to Mata Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, where an assailant attempted to stab him. Fortunately, security personnel quickly intervened to subdue the attacker, who had been living at the gurdwara for two years. Badal suffered a hand injury and received necessary medical care, while a security inspector was also injured.

During a pause in the Test match, Steve Smith was met with a witty remark from a fan, adding some levity to the situation. Australia had a tough start, dismissed for just 198 runs, while Hasan Mahmud shone with a six-wicket haul, marking his career best. Bangladesh made a strong reply, finishing the day at 96 for one and reducing Australia's lead to 102 runs.

The tragic accident involving Medha Akarsh underscores the ongoing road infrastructure challenges in Bengaluru. Despite ongoing attempts to repair the extensive pothole issue, the roads are frequently excavated for utility repairs, leading to further damage. This troubling cycle poses daily risks to commuters, emphasizing the urgent need for better coordination and accountability in road maintenance and safety measures.

Trapit Bansal’s reported move to Meta for a compensation package nearing Rs 800 crore has drawn attention to the IIT Kanpur alumnus’s remarkable AI career. His journey includes advanced studies at IISc and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, research internships at Facebook, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, and work on reinforcement learning and reasoning models at OpenAI. Now a founding researcher at Meta’s AI division, Bansal’s story highlights how years of specialised education and research can build extraordinary expertise.

The proposed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 would empower the US President to levy tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase large volumes of crude oil and natural gas from Russia.

Kuldeep brings left-arm wrist spin and an attacking option, Jadeja relies on accuracy, while Suthar bowls a more traditional left-arm spin.

Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal was attacked with a kirpan at a Nanded gurdwara. A police inspector sustained injuries while protecting Badal during the religious visit. Badal suffered a hand injury and was taken for medical treatment. Security personnel intervened and overpowered the attacker at the scene. Police have launched an investigation into the motive and circumstances of the incident.

Harbhajan Singh has shown willingness to mend fences with Sreesanth, suggesting that shared time together might pave the way for reconciliation. This came after Sreesanth threw down a boxing gauntlet to Harbhajan, sparked by an image of their former rivalry. Their relationship traces back to a tumultuous 2008 IPL incident that has left lingering tensions.

Australian cricket vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner has openly shared her emotions regarding the recent end of her relationship with Monica Wright. In her statement, she offered sincere apologies for the distress caused and confirmed that Cricket Australia fully supports her ongoing role. Gardner reflected with gratitude on their time together and conveyed her best wishes for Wright, requesting space for both of them to navigate this situation privately.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin has been urging Google DeepMind staff to go all in on Gemini and catch up to the AI frontier, following a sweeping leadership overhaul that saw Demis Hassabis step aside as CEO. Koray Kavukcuoglu now runs day-to-day operations from Mountain View, with final say on major decisions. The reshuffle follows Gemini release delays, coding benchmark gaps against Anthropic and OpenAI, and high-profile exits including Jeff Dean.

Kangana Ranaut stood her ground on her 'fox' remark directed at Naseeruddin Shah, challenging the film industry's selective outrage over specific protests. She pointed out the troubling incidents involving assaults on parliamentarians at Jantar Mantar and questioned the industry's inaction regarding the oppression faced by students in Jharkhand. Ranaut also referenced Shah's previous comments on Pakistan as part of her argument.

In a remarkable achievement, Mitchell Starc has etched his name in cricket history as the most successful left-arm bowler. He claimed his 434th Test wicket, overtaking Rangana Herath, while equaling Kapil Dev’s tally in fewer matches. Bangladesh's Hasan Mahmud proved a formidable challenge, snatching an impressive six wickets and leading his team to bowl Australia out for 198 runs.

Lakers governor Jeanie Buss responded to Luka Doncic's statement on the team's pending sale with a two-word endorsement on X. The reaction comes as Josh Kushner and Bob Iger move to buy the franchise for $12.5 billion, roughly 14 months after Mark Walter acquired it from the Buss family. Doncic, now the Lakers' central figure following LeBron James' departure, said he remains committed to winning a title in Los Angeles under the incoming ownership group.