Times of India

The IPL 2026 playoff race intensifies with Gujarat Titans securing a dominant win, virtually confirming their top-two spot. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad vie for the other top-two position. Rajasthan Royals are frontrunners for the final playoff berth, but Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals are still in contention, making the final league matches crucial deciders.

Cristiano Ronaldo finally clinched his maiden Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr, scoring twice in a decisive 4-1 victory. The Portuguese superstar's emotional triumph came after two seasons of near misses, adding another domestic league crown to his illustrious career. His arrival has significantly boosted Saudi football's global profile.

Oil prices surged Friday amid lingering uncertainty over US-Iran peace talks and ongoing concerns about supply disruptions via the Strait of Hormuz. Despite recent gains, benchmarks are set for a weekly dip. While gaps in negotiations have narrowed, any toll system in the Strait is deemed unacceptable.

Chennai Super Kings were eliminated from IPL 2026 after suffering their biggest-ever defeat, a crushing 89-run loss to Gujarat Titans. Gujarat Titan's dominant batting and Mohammed Siraj's fiery bowling consolidated their second spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs, while CSK's campaign ended in record disappointment.

President Trump declared the US has "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz via a naval blockade, vowing to secure Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile. He warned Tehran against pursuing nuclear weapons, stating the US will prevent them from acquiring the material. Despite the blockade, Trump affirmed the US desires the strait to remain open for international navigation.

A Pathankot resident, Baljit Singh, has been arrested for allegedly spying for Pakistan-based handlers. He reportedly installed an internet-based CCTV camera near a bridge on NH-44 to monitor Army and paramilitary movements, transmitting live feeds to his handlers. Singh confessed to receiving directions from Dubai and being paid Rs 40,000.

SpaceX postponed its Starship V3 megarocket launch on Thursday due to multiple countdown issues, now targeting Friday for the highly anticipated test flight. This mission is crucial for SpaceX as it prepares for NASA's Artemis IV lunar mission and eyes a potential IPO.

Suriya's 'Karuppu' continues its strong theatrical run, nearing the Rs 200 crore global milestone. The fantasy action entertainer garnered Rs 189.05 crore worldwide in its first week, with the Tamil version leading collections. Despite mixed reviews, the film's blend of mythology and courtroom drama has resonated with audiences, ensuring steady box office performance.

The Browns are not actively shopping Myles Garrett, but insiders believe the possibility of a blockbuster trade has not been fully ruled out. A recent contract modification reportedly created more post-June 1 flexibility, fueling speculation around teams like the Eagles, Lions, and Cowboys. Cleveland would likely demand multiple premium draft picks for the All-Pro pass rusher, whose value remains extremely high after another dominant season. While a move before Week 1 still appears unlikely, Garrett’s absence from offseason work and ongoing league chatter continue to keep the rumors alive heading toward training camp.

Playing for Rajasthan Royals in Indian Premier League 2026, the left-handed opener has scored 579 runs in 13 matches and is currently leading the run-scoring charts with a strike rate of 236.32.

Taylor Swift has been pulled into fresh online controversy after viral rumors linked her to Blake Lively’s ongoing legal dispute with Justin Baldoni. Unverified claims and alleged leaked texts fueled blackmail speculation across social media. The drama comes as fans continue discussing Swift’s future with Travis Kelce and possible wedding plans. While no court documents confirm the allegations, the internet frenzy has intensified attention around Swift’s friendships, public image, and highly watched relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs star.

In 2026, Jimmy Butler is acceding to the funds he has collected in the NBA, in endorsements and in good business sense. All through his basketball career, BigFace Coffee, luxury investment and worldwide endorsement, Golden State Warriors star has amassed a net worth of $80 million to $90 million. Since then, his expanding roster of businesses and star status have garnered significant attention from the NBA world.

A faith healer in Bhopal allegedly raped his sister-in-law, claiming to perform an exorcism to remove an occult curse. He manipulated the family into isolating the survivor, then drugged and assaulted her. The survivor reported the incident to the police after regaining consciousness.