Times of India

Ahead of West Bengal polls, Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM has ended its alliance with Humayun Kabir's party, citing concerns over remarks questioning Muslim integrity. AIMIM will now contest independently, aiming to provide a voice for marginalized communities. The move could influence constituencies with significant minority populations, potentially creating multi-cornered contests.

Rajasthan Royals are enjoying a stellar season, with 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impressing everyone, including coach Shane Bond. Opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal also shines, holding the Orange Cap. However, they face a formidable challenge against the in-form defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Virat Kohli and featuring a strong batting and bowling attack.

Stock market today: Indian equity benchmarks, Sensex and Nifty50, opened in green in trade on Friday after a day of losses on Thursday. While Nifty50 went above 23,900, BSE Sensex was up over 400 points, crossing the 77,000 mark.

Gardening expert shares five resilient houseplants ideal for beginners. These plants, including snake plants, pothos, ZZ plants, spider plants, and peace lilies, thrive with minimal care. Martin emphasizes that starting with hardy varieties builds confidence for aspiring plant owners. These forgiving plants offer a successful entry into houseplant ownership, making it easier to keep them alive.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India next month following productive talks with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Washington. Discussions focused on strengthening the bilateral partnership, particularly in trade, defence, critical minerals, and the Quad. Both nations aim to deepen engagement across these vital sectors, enhancing their Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has initiated a 'Copilot code red' to enhance AI performance and user experience, aiming to boost investor confidence amidst intense competition. The company is allocating significant cloud capacity to Copilot development, with analysts suggesting Azure can still exceed expectations due to growing demand and pricing.

Google DeepMind's CEO revealed a strategic shift, adopting a startup-like approach to regain AI leadership. By consolidating fragmented teams and boosting compute access post-merger, the lab aims to accelerate innovation. This move is crucial in a fiercely competitive landscape, as Google aims to leverage its historical AI contributions to stay ahead.

Mukul Choudhary delivered a stunning match-winning performance for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026. His unbeaten 54 off 27 balls secured a dramatic three-wicket victory. This feat fulfilled a prophecy made by head coach Justin Langer. Choudhary's journey from humble beginnings to IPL hero is a testament to belief and sacrifice. His fearless approach at the crease captivated audiences.

In Coimbatore, K. Kamalathal, known as 'Idli Amma,' continues her decades-long mission of providing affordable ₹1 idlis. Her unwavering generosity, even during inflation and the lockdown, gained national attention, leading to a house-cum-workspace built by Anand Mahindra. Her story highlights the enduring power of simple kindness and a strong work ethic.

DRI apprehended 26 Kenyan nationals at Mumbai airport for smuggling 29.4kg of gold, valued at Rs 37.7 crore, from Nairobi. Officials intercepted the group after they attempted to evade them near the green channel. Gold bars were recovered from the suspects' shoes and discarded pouches.

Stock market recommendations: IndusInd Bank, and IIFL Finance - these are the two stocks that Bajaj Broking Research has recommended for buying today with a one month time horizon. The brokerage has also shared its views and outlook for Nifty, and Bank Nifty.

Mukul Choudhary and Avesh Khan's record-breaking 54-run partnership for the eighth wicket secured a thrilling three-wicket victory for Lucknow Super Giants against Kolkata Knight Riders. Chasing 182, LSG were in trouble at 128/7 before Choudhary's explosive hitting, including seven sixes, and Khan's support sealed the win on the final ball, marking KKR's struggles at the death.

Ranveer Singh lauded makeup artist Preetisheel Singh for her pivotal role in 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge'. He described her as a 'pillar' of the film and an 'icon' of the industry, expressing gratitude for their collaboration. Director Aditya Dhar also praised Preetisheel's dedication to creating authentic characters, highlighting her respect for each individual's story. Read on to know more in detail.

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to escalate control over the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a tougher stance amid a strained ceasefire with the US and Israel. He declared Iran would seek compensation for wartime losses and warned aggressors would not go unpunished. Khamenei also claimed victory in the conflict, urging continued public pressure during ongoing negotiations.

Photos of Dianna Russini and Mike Vrabel at a resort sparked widespread speculation despite no confirmed wrongdoing. Jeff Pearlman highlighted a clear double standard, arguing a male reporter would not face similar scrutiny. While defending Russini’s credibility, he also noted the professional risks tied to perception. The episode reflects deeper challenges women in sports media continue to face, where optics often carry more weight than facts.

Border Security Force personnel facilitated voting for 70 families in Assam's Sribhumi district, living beyond the India-Bangladesh barbed-wire fence. Vehicles and opened gates ensured residents of five villages could cast their ballots, a powerful assertion of their Indian identity. BSF also aided election campaigning in these remote settlements near the Zero Line.

India's Vaishali Rameshbabu leads the FIDE Candidates 2026 women's section after a draw in the 10th round, showcasing impressive form. However, compatriots Divya Deshmukh and R Praggnanandhaa faced setbacks. Divya's endgame collapse likely ended her championship hopes, while Praggnanandhaa's tactical misstep against Sindarov cost him dearly, impacting India's overall challenge.

Delhi High Court has affirmed a trial court's decision labeling UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari a "fugitive economic offender" in a money laundering case. The court dismissed Bhandari's appeal, stating that a failed extradition attempt does not absolve him of Indian law violations. This ruling allows authorities to confiscate his assets.

Lucknow Super Giants secured a dramatic last-ball victory against Kolkata Knight Riders, with young Mukul Choudhary scripting a sensational unbeaten 54 off 27 balls. The thrilling chase culminated in an emotional embrace between Choudhary and LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka, a moment that resonated widely and highlighted the team's burgeoning talent and spirit.

The Detroit Lions are exploring ways to strengthen their defensive line around Aidan Hutchinson, with Jeffery Simmons emerging as a potential trade target. Simmons’ elite interior presence could transform Detroit’s pass rush, but the cost of draft capital raises valid concerns. With a Super Bowl window open, the Lions must weigh immediate impact against long-term flexibility in deciding whether to pursue a blockbuster move.