Times of India

Lionel Messi's final India appearance was marked by protests against Delhi's severe air pollution. Fans chanted about the AQI as Chief Minister Rekha Gupta took the stage. The hazardous pollution levels were a stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere for the football icon. This event highlighted public frustration with the environmental crisis in Delhi-NCR.

A new IPL rule caps overseas player salaries at INR 18 crore, regardless of auction bids, to enforce financial discipline and prevent inflation. While franchises pay the full bid amount, the excess goes to the BCCI's player welfare fund, with Indian players remaining unaffected by this cap.

Mallika Sagar, a trailblazing auctioneer, will lead the IPL 2026 auction. With a unique career bridging fine art and elite sports, she became Christie's first Indian woman auctioneer in New York. Sagar has since broken barriers in Indian sports, notably as the first female auctioneer for the Pro Kabaddi League and the Women's Premier League.

.

Far-right commentator Nick Fuentes reignited his public spat with Candace Owens, making surprising claims about her being in love with him. He also strongly criticized Owens' theories regarding Charlie Kirk's death, dismissing her 'visions' and 'dreams' as evidence. Fuentes expressed sympathy for Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, while rejecting Owens' claims about the murder.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was met with chants of 'AQI, AQI' as she welcomed Lionel Messi, with the city's Air Quality Index reaching severe levels. The Aam Aadmi Party criticized the BJP governments for inaction as toxic air affected the region, with the prime minister remaining silent on the issue.

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, wanted in connection with a fatal nightclub fire in Goa, are being deported from Thailand to India. The brothers fled the country after the blaze, which claimed 25 lives, and were detained for illegal stay. They are expected to arrive in Delhi and then be taken to Goa for legal proceedings.

.

CBI busted a massive cybercrime network using over 20,000 illegally procured SIM cards, uncovering a 'phishing factory' in Delhi and Noida. The operation, 'Chakra-V', arrested three suspects and seized digital evidence, cash, and cryptocurrency. The firm, M/s Lord Mahavira Services India Pvt Ltd, allegedly facilitated bulk phishing messages by violating DoT rules.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes sustained a torn ACL in his left knee. An MRI scan revealed no other ligament damage. This offers positive news for his recovery. Mahomes expressed his determination to return stronger. Coach Andy Reid is optimistic about a swift rehabilitation if surgery is successful. Fans await his comeback.

.

President Trump announced plans to classify fentanyl as a "weapon of mass destruction" to combat drug smuggling. He stated that adversaries traffic fentanyl to harm Americans, drawing historical parallels to drug-related societal collapse. This move could lead to stricter penalties for traffickers, though the drug has legitimate medical uses.

Philip Rivers' NFL comeback sparks talk of Tom Brady's potential return. While Rivers boasts a $100 million net worth from his career and endorsements, Brady's extensive NFL tenure and elite brand deals have reportedly amassed him a staggering $300 million. Brady appears focused on his broadcasting career, contrasting with Rivers' recent return to the field.

In 2025, tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams boast significant wealth from their careers and business ventures. Serena, with a net worth of $340-350 million, excels in investments and various projects, while Venus, estimated at $90-95 million, thrives with her fashion and design brands. Both continue to influence the sport and remain active.