Times of India

Shiv Sena factions, split four years ago, are now considering reunification due to the BJP's increasing dominance in Maharashtra. Leaders from both Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde's camps believe the BJP poses an existential threat, weakening regional allies. Calls for unity are growing, with suggestions that a reunion could happen swiftly if Shinde agrees.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth lauded India as a vital partner in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing its role in maintaining regional power balance. He also revealed plans for co-producing Javelin anti-tank missiles in India, a move aimed at bolstering collective defense capabilities and addressing US supply shortages. This collaboration signifies deepening interoperability and industrial cooperation between the two nations.

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has revealed that her parents were far from impressed after watching her breakthrough film Gangster, admitting that their reaction left her deeply hurt. The actress, who is currently promoting her upcoming film Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata, shared that it was only after she received a National Award that her family began to appreciate her achievements.

Prime Minister Modi voiced concerns to Myanmar's President over armed group activities near the India border and the conflict's impact on Indian communities. He urged Myanmar to prevent harm to Indian civilians during military operations and discussed the repatriation of refugees. Connectivity projects and cyber scam victims were also addressed.

Serena Williams will return to competitive tennis for the first time since the 2022 US Open after accepting a wild card for the women's doubles event at Queen's Club. The 23-time Grand Slam champion, 44, is expected to partner Victoria Mboko. Williams fuelled excitement with a social media teaser, while her comeback follows her re-entry into tennis' anti-doping programme last year.

Short-term global economic shocks, like the ongoing Middle East conflict, have the potential to temporarily slow the growth story - a fact that cannot be ignored if India hopes to be among the top three world economies in the coming years.

Tech billionaire Vinod Khosla is reportedly preparing a blockbuster bid to acquire the Seattle Seahawks. This move could see him give up on his minority stake in the San Francisco 49ers. The Seahawks are valued at over $10 billion. It places Khosla among other prominent investors vying for the NFL franchise, others being Aditya Mittal and Wyc Grousbeck. The sale process is reportedly progressing rapidly according to an NFL insider, and a deal could happen in August.

DK Shivakumar takes the helm as Karnataka's new Chief Minister, facing a daunting array of challenges beyond his renowned firefighting skills. He must navigate complex factional tensions, manage caste expectations, address fiscal pressures, and prove his governance capabilities. The success of his tenure hinges on balancing these demands and establishing his authority.

Uttar Pradesh ATS apprehended a 22-year-old for allegedly working with a Pakistan-backed terror network. The group groomed Indian youth via social media, assigning missions including targeting BJP leaders. Recovered items include a pistol and cartridges. The accused was reportedly handled by Pakistan-based operatives, with a "trial mission" involving assassination plans.

Veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani breaks his silence on industry relationships, particularly his long-standing bond with David Dhawan and a strained equation with Ramesh Taurani. Bhagnani highlights past hurts and broken trust, especially concerning music rights for films like 'Coolie No. 1' and upcoming projects, emphasizing fair revenue sharing with creative contributors.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke anticipates arrest upon returning to India, despite his satirical movement gaining significant traction. He remains committed to a peaceful protest demanding the education minister's resignation over examination system failures, aiming to reshape political discourse for youth concerns.

Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles praised RCB's IPL 2026 title win as a symbol of the strong India-Australia partnership. Highlighting the contributions of Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, Marles said their combined success reflected growing cooperation between the two nations. He also noted Kohli's popularity in Australia and described meeting Kapil Dev as a special fan moment.

Sources indicate former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai is set to quit the party, with a meeting with top BJP leaders in Delhi expected to precede an announcement. This development follows mounting speculation about his political future, fueled by supporter posters and his own cryptic remarks.

Malaysia has banned children under 16 from social media, requiring platforms to verify ages and remove underage users. This move aims to protect minors from harmful content and cyberbullying. While some parents support the restrictions, others worry about unintended consequences and the potential for children to bypass the rules.

RCB completed a remarkable transformation by winning back-to-back IPL titles, defeating Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final after years of heartbreak. Rajat Patidar's side dominated the season with 11 wins, powered by a balanced squad rather than relying solely on Virat Kohli. Kohli led the batting with 675 runs, while Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David and Krunal Pandya provided strong support.

The Las Vegas Raiders have been linked to Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman in a proposed trade scenario from ESPN. The suggested deal would send a 2028 fifth-round pick to Buffalo in exchange for Coleman and a seventh-round selection. While Bills insiders believe Buffalo is likely to keep the former second-round pick, the Raiders could view him as an affordable option to strengthen their receiving corps around rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.