Times of India

​To understand Aldrich Ames, one must first strip away the mythology that usually attaches itself to traitors. He was not glamorous, not especially clever, not driven by grand visions of history. He was, above all else, familiar. A second-generation CIA man who grew up inside the culture of secrecy, hierarchy, and quiet entitlement that defined Cold War intelligence work.

Kapil Sharma's new show season is a hit, with Priyanka Chopra gracing the premiere and Sunil Grover's Aamir Khan mimicry going viral. Reports reveal the comedians' fees: Kapil reportedly earns Rs 5 crore per episode, while Sunil Grover is paid Rs 25 lakh. Krushna Abhishek and Archana Puran Singh also command significant per-episode earnings.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar criticised western nations for offering unsolicited advice urging them to "look at their own region for levels of violence". He emphasised India's independent approach to international relations, dealing with partners and adversaries differently. Jaishankar also highlighted India's concern for safety of the people of Venezuela amidst crisis.

Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's courtroom invocation of God reveals a deep devotion to Indian guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba, revered as a "man of miracles." Maduro and other Venezuelan politicians were followers, with Sai Baba's portrait displayed in the presidential palace. The guru's teachings of "love all, serve all" resonated widely, even amidst accusations of misconduct.

A 14-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped and gang-raped by a policeman and his friend in Kanpur. The perpetrators sexually abused her for two hours before abandoning her near her home. The family faced initial difficulties in filing a complaint due to one accused being a police officer.

America's rise to global dominance was a deliberate and aggressive process, not an overnight occurrence. Through a combination of inheritance, war, purchases, and ideological expansion, the United States systematically grew its territory and influence. This relentless pursuit of grandeur, evident from its colonial beginnings to its modern-day ambitions, forged the nation into the powerful entity it is today.

Virat Kohli's arrival in Vadodara for the ODI series against New Zealand sparked a frenzy, with fans overwhelming the airport. Despite the chaotic reception, Kohli, in stellar ODI form after recent centuries, heads into the series brimming with confidence. His consistent performances have made him a sought-after figure, drawing massive crowds wherever he appears.

The US Embassy in India has issued a stern warning to students, emphasizing that visa cancellations, deportation, and future travel bans can result from violating US laws. This advisory underscores that a US visa is a privilege contingent on continuous compliance with American regulations, especially with enhanced immigration enforcement and biometric screening now in place.

BCB president Aminul Islam Bulbul has denied reports that the ICC forced Bangladesh to play all T20 World Cup matches in India, calling them false. He said security concerns remain the board’s priority and government guidance is required. Bulbul confirmed talks with the ICC, which has shown willingness to cooperate, but Bangladesh will stay firm if safety issues persist.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Haydn Fleury was stretchered off and hospitalized after a frightening first-period collision with Golden Knights forward Keegan Kolesar. Fleury crashed hard into the end boards while attempting a zone clear. He suffered a broken nose and additional head, neck, and back injuries, with tests ongoing following Winnipeg’s overtime loss to Vegas.

Mackenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon's founder, has significantly reduced her stake in the e-commerce giant, selling shares worth $13 billion. She continues her massive philanthropic efforts, donating $7.1 billion to non-profits in 2025 alone, including over $1.2 billion to Historically Black Colleges and Universities. These substantial, unrestricted grants are seen as a counterpoint to tech companies scaling back DEI initiatives.

The Supreme Court has flagged civic authorities' lapses, noting that stray animals on roads, not just dog bites, are causing fatalities and accidents. Justices emphasized strict implementation of rules for stray animal management, highlighting the danger posed by roaming animals. The court warned of harsh action against non-compliant states, stressing the need for scientific solutions like the CSVR model.

Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya's mispronunciation of Kolkata football club Mohun Bagan drew sharp criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress. The TMC accused the BJP of showing contempt for Bengal by mangling the names of revered football institutions, calling them symbols of identity and pride. The party slammed the BJP's alleged "Bangla-Birodhi arrogance".

Cricket's next generation is stepping into the spotlight as legends near retirement. Australian great Mark Waugh has tipped Indian prodigy Yashasvi Jaiswal as the future Test superstar, citing his impressive early career stats. Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan champions England's Harry Brook for the same honour, highlighting his exciting potential. Both experts agree the game's future is bright.

Joe Root has begun 2026 with a century, his second of the ongoing Ashes in Australia. The 35-year-old needs another 1,978 runs to surpass Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record of 15,921 Test runs, achieved across 329 innings and 200 Tests. Root has so far amassed 13,943 runs from 298 innings in 163 Tests.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has requested Chinese President Xi Jinping to mediate the North Korean nuclear crisis and ease inter-Korean tensions. Lee emphasized the blocked communication channels with Pyongyang, urging China to act as a peace mediator. Xi stressed the need for patience, while both leaders agreed on the importance of freezing North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

Indian universities are enhancing finance education, but a gap persists between domestic degrees and global workplace expectations. Experts highlight a need to shift from theory to practical application, integrate international financial contexts, and embed digital technologies. While progress is evident, structural changes are crucial for Indian finance education to truly compete globally.