Times of India

A Jharkhand mechanic has transformed a Maruti 800 into a Lamborghini replica for approximately Rs 4 lakh. Mohammad Arif hand-crafted the modifications, including fiberglass panels, a wide stance, and a neon green finish. The custom build, featuring a two-seater interior and sunroof, has gained significant attention online.

Elon Musk testified that legal pressure compelled him to finalize the $44 billion Twitter acquisition in 2022. His lawyers advised against a court battle, deeming the judge biased. Musk also admitted to making "stupid tweets" but denied intentionally manipulating stock prices during the takeover saga, which led to investor lawsuits.

A forest guard in Surajpur was allegedly manhandled and forced to dance by local youths after being seen with a woman friend. Video clips of the incident, which occurred a week ago, have surfaced online, highlighting concerns about rising vigilantism. The forest department is awaiting the guard's formal response to initiate legal action.

South Africa's T20 World Cup journey ended abruptly with a nine-wicket semifinal loss to New Zealand. Coach Shukri Conrad described the defeat as a 'bloody walloping' rather than a 'choke,' highlighting New Zealand's dominant performance. Finn Allen's record-breaking century sealed the emphatic win, leaving the Proteas stunned despite a proud tournament run.

Ship-tracking data indicates that two Russian crude shipments which were originally bound for East Asia have redirected their course to India. With its energy security priorities in mind, India has sought to buy Russian crude to avoid supply shortages as Middle East tensions show no sign of abating.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar filed his Rajya Sabha nomination today, accompanied by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This move follows his decision to step down and head to Parliament, fulfilling a long-held aspiration. The transition, occurring after a recent election victory, signals a potential shift in Bihar's leadership within the NDA.

India face England in the T20 World Cup semi-final on Thursday, with a reserve day in place by the ICC. A minimum of 10 overs per side is needed for a result. If the match is entirely washed out, England, having topped their Super 8 group, would advance over India, who finished second in their Super 8 group.

The stock market staged a strong recovery as investor sentiment improved following reports that Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister indicated the country was willing to give up its nuclear programme, among other developments that lifted market confidence.

A senior British diplomat of Indian origin has resigned, citing the Foreign Office's 'woke' culture and an overemphasis on international law at the expense of national security. Ameer Kotecha criticized the handling of issues like the Chagos Islands and Iran, arguing for a more Britain-first approach. He described the civil service as inefficient and out of touch with national priorities.

The New York Yankees are reportedly exploring a trade for Bryce Harper from the Philadelphia Phillies during the 2026 preseason. Such a move would pair Harper with Aaron Judge, significantly boosting the Yankees' offensive power. This potential deal could see the Yankees send outfield depth and prospects to Philadelphia, while the Phillies would gain financial flexibility and farm system depth.

Mohammad Kaif sharply rebuked Mohammad Amir for his persistent doubts about India's T20 World Cup campaign. Kaif accused Amir of seeking publicity and highlighted Pakistan's loss to the USA, questioning Amir's credibility to critique others. He urged India to ignore such noise, emphasizing that engaging only amplifies the desired attention.

US President Donald Trump extended warm greetings for Holi, recognizing the Hindu festival as a harbinger of spring and a symbol of good triumphing over evil. He conveyed wishes for hope, peace, and unity to all celebrating this vibrant festival of colours. The message underscores Holi's significance in fostering renewal and strengthening community bonds, particularly for the Indian diaspora.

Jailer 2 is taking the entertainment world by storm, with reports hinting that the iconic Shah Rukh Khan might be joining forces with the legendary Rajinikanth. A mysterious social media update from a costume designer, paired with Jatin Sarna's announcement about wrapping up his part—mentioning Vidya Balan and Mithun Chakraborty—has ignited a flurry of speculation.

Connor McDavid quickly endorsed the Oilers’ trade for Connor Murphy, stressing the need to add talent without subtracting key pieces. With Edmonton firmly in a win now phase and draft picks holding less value, the move reflects urgency around the Stanley Cup chase. Chicago gains a future asset, while the Oilers strengthen their blue line for an immediate playoff push.

Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel expressed concern over the team's fielding standards ahead of their T20 World Cup semifinal against England. Despite reaching the last four, India's catching efficiency is the lowest in the tournament. Patel praised Sanju Samson's match-winning knock and Jasprit Bumrah's crucial wickets, emphasizing the need for early breakthroughs against England's strong batting lineup.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated President Trump's plan to raise universal tariffs to 15% could happen this week. While a temporary 10% levy is in place, authorities aim to reinstate previous tariffs within five months. Bessent also downplayed oil market risks from Middle East tensions, citing ample global supply and US support measures.

Oil marketing companies are absorbing recent crude oil price spikes, creating a buffer against inflation and GDP impacts. Despite a 16.8% rise in Brent crude, a full pass-through to consumers is unlikely, with OMCs expected to manage the increase through their margins. This strategy helps cushion India's economy from geopolitical shocks affecting its heavy reliance on imported oil.

Nepal's upcoming election sees a generational clash as Gen Z voters challenge traditional leadership. Despite facing constitutional crises and internal party dissent, veteran politician KP Sharma Oli, a former dissident who spent years in prison, remains a formidable force. He is now seeking re-election from his long-held constituency, facing a direct challenge from a younger contender.