Times of India

India's Defence Acquisition Council has greenlit defense deals worth approximately Rs 2.38 lakh crore to bolster military capabilities. Key acquisitions include advanced air defense systems for the Army, medium transport aircraft and the S-400 missile system for the Air Force, and heavy-duty air cushion vehicles for the Coast Guard, significantly enhancing national security.

The 2026 Candidates chess tournament in Cyprus faces pre-event anxieties due to Middle East tensions, leading to a player withdrawal and concerns over logistics. This echoes a past instance in 1978 Tehran, where Indian players competed amidst a crumbling monarchy and civil unrest, largely shielded by isolation from news and the tournament's remote location.

Former cricketer Yograj Singh has surprisingly backed MS Dhoni to continue playing in the IPL, urging him to play for another decade. Singh praised Dhoni's fitness, discipline, and dedication, dismissing age as a factor for retirement. He questioned critics and highlighted that performance should be the sole criterion for selection, even referencing younger stars.

As IPL 2026 begins, cricket giants Dhoni, Kohli, and Rohit Sharma are under the spotlight. Commentator Aakash Chopra believes Kohli's fitness and opening role give him an edge. He notes Dhoni faces a tougher challenge due to his age and limited recent play. Rohit is expected to maintain his aggressive batting approach for Mumbai Indians.

Royal Enfield has launched the Guerrilla 450 Apex, featuring a sportier riding posture with lower, forward-set handlebars and new Vredestein tyres. The Dash variant also receives updates, including a headlamp grille, knuckle guards, and improved tyre grip. Both variants retain the 450cc Sherpa engine, offering 40 hp and 40 Nm torque.

The government has imposed export duties on diesel and turbine fuel to boost domestic availability and energy security, estimating Rs 1,500 crore in revenue. Simultaneously, special excise duties on petrol and diesel were reduced to shield consumers, keeping retail prices stable amid global oil supply concerns.

Mohammad Kaif urges Mumbai Indians to fully utilize Rohit Sharma on the field, not just as an Impact Player. He believes Rohit's leadership and on-field presence are crucial, especially in high-pressure situations, and would benefit both the team and his own batting. Kaif emphasized that a fitter Rohit should be involved in all game phases.

Actor Rajpal Yadav, recently out on bail in a debt case, is set to star in 'Bhooth Bangla' with Akshay Kumar. Akshay Kumar recalled late actor Asrani's advice against producing films, a sentiment he shared with Rajpal. Akshay praised Rajpal's acting talent and expressed hope for his recovery from the current situation.

Aditya Dhar’s espionage epic, 'Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge', shows no signs of slowing down as it enters its high-stakes second weekend. Starring Ranveer Singh as the covert spy Hamza, the film has officially joined the elite Rs. 1,000 crore global club in just nine days, matching the record-shattering pace of Allu Arjun starrer 'Pushpa 2.' The sequel is now poised to surpass the Rs. 894.49 crore lifetime record set by the original 2025 released 'Dhurandhar.'

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex dropped in opening trade on Friday as US-Iran war tensions and crude oil prices continued to weight on sentiment. While Nifty50 went below 23,100, BSE Sensex was down over 800 points.

Indian seafarers face severe GPS disruptions and warnings of underwater mines while navigating the Strait of Hormuz. Repeated radio broadcasts from Iran's IRGC Navy forbid passage, forcing reliance on manual navigation in the volatile and dangerous waterway. The situation is unprecedented, with flammable cargo on many vessels amplifying the risks.

Riyan Parag steps into IPL 2026 as Rajasthan Royals captain amid intense scrutiny and past trolling. Backed by the franchise after a rigorous selection process, the 24-year-old faces a defining season. Inspired by Hardik Pandya’s journey and focused on team success, Parag aims to silence critics and revive his chances of returning to the Indian team.

India has reduced its fuel duty, lowering the special additional excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 per litre and removing it entirely on diesel. This move comes amid global oil supply disruptions and follows a price hike by Nayara Energy. Crude prices retreated as US-Iran negotiations showed progress.

Iran has reportedly mobilised over a million fighters, including military personnel and volunteers, amid escalating tensions with the US and Israel. This comes as the Pentagon develops plans for potential ground troop deployment, though President Trump has publicly denied such intentions while leaving the option open. US allies are also being urged to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Punjab Kings enter the new IPL season with renewed purpose after a narrow six-run loss in last year's final. Led by skipper Shreyas Iyer, the team boasts a balanced squad with a strong Indian core, including explosive openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. They aim to leverage their experience and a potent all-rounders' department to finally clinch their maiden title.

The UK government has reportedly blocked a $2 billion wind turbine factory proposal by Chinese firm Mingyang, citing national security and supply chain resilience concerns. This decision, influenced by US pressure, highlights growing global mistrust and the challenges for Chinese investment in Western infrastructure, despite green energy ambitions.

Netflix has again raised prices across all US subscription tiers, marking the second increase this year. The ad-supported plan now costs $8.99, standard $19.99, and premium $26.99 monthly. These hikes aim to fund significant investments in content, including live events and podcasts, as the company reported a record subscriber increase.

Lahore Qalandars kicked off the Pakistan Super League 2026 with a dominant win, but the match was overshadowed by a bizarre incident where the ball inexplicably turned pink. Despite the unusual occurrence and broadcast glitches, the focus remains on the cricket and the viral online buzz surrounding the unexpected colour change.

The Trump administration is proposing to feature the President's signature on US dollar bills for the nation's 250th anniversary. Officials cite economic achievements and national pride as reasons. This move, however, faces scrutiny due to historical laws restricting living individuals on currency and a separate plan for a Trump commemorative coin.