Times of India

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag's batting struggles persisted in IPL 2026, as he managed only 12 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders. Across six matches, Parag has scored a mere 61 runs, highlighting a worrying dip in form. His dismissal contributed to a middle-order collapse, leaving Royals with a below-par total.

A devastating blast at a firecracker factory in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar on Sunday claimed 18 lives and injured six. Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed deep sorrow, extended condolences to the bereaved families, and dispatched ministers to oversee rescue efforts and provide immediate assistance.

A government bill linking women's reservation to a landmark seat expansion in the parliament and state assemblies was defeated on the floor of the Lok Sabha. The opposition called it a victory against delimitation "by the backdoor." Here is what the bill sought to do, why it collapsed, and what the constitutional fight over representation will look like next.

The exchange follows Modi’s earlier remarks where he said The Hundred would not survive beyond three years. Pietersen disagreed with that view and said the competition would continue, possibly in a T20 format.

A top Lashkar-e-Taiba operative, Umer Harris alias “Khargosh,” has reportedly fled India to Saudi Arabia using a forged passport. The operative, originally from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, married under an assumed identity in Jaipur, which aided his passport application. This revelation highlights significant loopholes in India's verification systems.

As the campaign sharpens, the familiar charge of “bohiragoto” has returned to the centre of the political stage, with the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) reviving a narrative that helped it decisively blunt the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) five years ago. The immediate trigger this time, as seen in the reaction to Leander Paes joining the BJP, shows how quickly the labels are deployed as "outsider, parachuted, not one of us".

AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio criticizes Anthropic's restricted release of its powerful 'Claude Mythos' AI, capable of finding zero-day vulnerabilities. He argues that concentrating such critical cybersecurity decision-making in one private company, primarily US-based, risks leaving global infrastructure unprotected. Bengio calls for international oversight to ensure fair access and prevent misuse.

Palantir CEO Alex Karp declared that working at the company is a superior credential to degrees from elite universities. He emphasized that Palantir's environment makes prior educational backgrounds irrelevant, positioning the company itself as the ultimate career asset.

Elon Musk reignited debate on universal basic income, proposing it as a solution to AI-driven job losses. He envisions a future of extreme abundance where AI and robotics will generate vast goods and services, making even luxuries like penthouses widely accessible without inflation. Musk previously predicted no poverty, only universal high income.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the Trinamool Congress of opposing the women's reservation bill, claiming the party worked against greater political representation for Bengal's daughters. He asserted the BJP prioritizes women's empowerment and safety, promising improved welfare delivery if elected in the state.

Gurugram is transforming into a prime real estate hub, driven by infrastructure upgrades and strong residential demand, especially in New Gurugram. The region's growth is further bolstered by its emergence as a logistics and commercial center. New micro-markets are attracting end-users and investors with improved connectivity and lifestyle amenities, promising significant future value.

T-Series owner Darshan Kumar, brother of founder Gulshan Kumar, passed away in Delhi at 70. Known for his behind-the-scenes support of artists, his contributions earned him deep respect within the music industry. Singer Mika Singh shared an emotional tribute, highlighting Kumar's role in launching and supporting numerous talents.

A Sunrisers Hyderabad fan's alleged 'black magic' ritual involving a lemon coincided with Shivam Dube's dismissal, sparking debate online. SRH secured a 10-run victory over Chennai Super Kings, with captain Ishan Kishan praising his young bowlers' execution despite feeling his team was short on runs. SRH next faces Delhi Capitals.

Kamala Harris launched a strong critique of Donald Trump, alleging he was drawn into the Iran conflict by Benjamin Netanyahu to divert from domestic issues like the 'Epstein files'. She labelled the current US leadership as "most corrupt, callous and incompetent" and accused Trump of undermining alliances and international norms, making America unreliable.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are expecting their second child, with Deepika sharing a cute social media post hinting at her baby bump. The couple, married in 2018 in Italy, already welcomed daughter Dua in 2024, and fans are thrilled as their family grows once again.

Two India-flagged vessels, the Sanmar Herald and Jag Arnav, were targeted by Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing a convoy of 14 ships to abort transit. The incident caused confusion over passage instructions, with multiple vessels turning back. India has lodged a protest with Iran, urging safe passage for merchant shipping.

A TCS employee accused of religious harassment in Nashik has sought anticipatory bail, citing pregnancy and other grounds. The IT giant stated its internal review found no prior complaints on its official channels. The case has led to multiple arrests and a high-level probe ordered by the Maharashtra Chief Minister.

A United Airlines flight from Chicago to New York made an emergency landing in Pittsburgh due to a 'beeping noise' onboard, initially feared to be a bomb threat. Passengers were evacuated via emergency slides. Following a thorough sweep by the FBI and bomb squad, no explosives were found, and the aircraft was cleared. Passengers were later rebooked on new flights.

Today is Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendars, believed to bring lasting prosperity and good fortune. Buying gold on this day is considered auspicious. Experts believe that returns on gold over the last few years reinforce its role as a long-term wealth preserver.