Times of India

Rajat Patidar has brushed aside talk of India's T20 captaincy and selection, insisting his sole focus is on helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru win a second successive IPL title. On the eve of the final against Gujarat Titans, the RCB skipper highlighted the team's culture shift towards shared responsibility and a winning mindset.

While Nihal and his S8UL teammate Aravindh Chithambaram have both successfully qualified for the upcoming Esports World Cup (EWC) 2026 Chess main event, Nihal stands alone as India's premier direct invitee for the country-based ENC tournament, where he will represent Team India Esports.

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill hailed 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as "one of the best batters in the world" in T20s. Sooryavanshi's phenomenal IPL 2026 season, amassing 776 runs with a strike rate of 237.30, has stunned cricket. Gill lauded the youngster's remarkable ability to dominate attacks and adapt under pressure, predicting a tough future for bowlers facing him.

The Green Bay Packers’ star player, Josh Jacobs, is staring at an uncertain future in the new season, just days after he was released from police custody after an alleged domestic violence situation involving his girlfriend, Ash Kaashh, has sparked chaos among fans. While Josh Jacobs has strongly denied all the charges through his legal team, Ash Kaashh’s recent post has raised eyebrows.

China's new AI algorithm, HG-STR, promises to revolutionize drone warfare. This system enables swarms of drones to autonomously identify and neutralize enemy targets, even in jammed and low-visibility conditions. Achieving a perfect 100% elimination rate in simulations, it makes critical decisions in milliseconds, offering a glimpse into future autonomous combat.

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee faced an alleged assault with stones and eggs in Sonarpur, West Bengal, while visiting post-poll violence victims' families. He claimed the incident was pre-planned and captured on camera, vowing to approach the high court and governor.

A US F-15E Strike Eagle was reportedly shot down over Iran by a Chinese-made shoulder-launched missile, marking a significant escalation. While US officials investigate, China denies providing recent military support, though past assistance and potential radar technology transfers are noted. The incident complicates ongoing US-China relations amid peace negotiations.

Tesla has significantly reduced Model Y prices in India, with the Premium RWD now costing Rs 9 lakh less. This strategic move aims to boost demand for its imported EVs, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

India's Army is undergoing a significant transformation post-Operation Sindoor, shifting towards preemptive, technology-driven deterrence. New formations like Rudra Brigades and Bhairav battalions, alongside integrated drone units, are enhancing combat readiness. This modernization focuses on unmanned systems, AI, and rapid response, reflecting a decisive move from manpower-heavy tactics to a high-tech, multi-domain force.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's fearless 96 once again showcased the teenager's extraordinary talent, but it was Shubman Gill's sublime century that carried Gujarat Titans into the IPL final. While Sooryavanshi provided the thrills, Gill's masterclass in timing and placement sealed a record playoff chase and a date with RCB.

Delhi Police's Special Cell arrested nine terrorists linked to Pakistan's ISI and the Mumbai underworld, who were planning attacks on vital installations and security personnel in the capital. This operation follows a significant overhaul of Delhi Police's counter-terrorism framework, including the establishment of dedicated Counter-Terror Units in every police station to enhance intelligence gathering and threat identification.

The US Marine Corps is retiring its AV-8B Sea Harrier Jump Jet, a decade after India's navy did. This unique aircraft's Vertical Take-Off and Landing capability allowed operations from dispersed locations and smaller carriers, proving vital for close air support and deployments. This technology lives on in the F-35B.

India's gold demand has plummeted by nearly 70% following a government increase in import duty from 6% to 15%. This, coupled with rising fuel and food prices, has significantly dampened consumer sentiment and spending on discretionary items like gold.

PSG carry the weight of champions, refusing to stop as they hope to retain the crown. Arsenal arrive with carpe diem in their hearts and history at their backs as they find themselves in the final of the Champions League for the first time since 2006. And if Arsenal get over the line, they would also become only the 25th club to ever win the European Cup or Champions League, having played 225 games in the competition - more than any other club to have never lifted the trophy.

The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu has launched SPARSH 2.0, a new housing initiative to boost affordable rental homes for workers and the economically weaker sections. Government agencies and PSUs are encouraged to build or convert complexes into low-cost rental units, aiming to enhance living conditions and support the 'Housing for All' mission.