Times of India

Cricket Australia has publicly backed its veteran pace trio for the 2027 ODI World Cup, prioritising experience despite fitness concerns. In stark contrast, Team India faces uncertainty regarding Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja's futures, hinting at a significant transition phase for the national team as the next World Cup looms.

The World Health Organization's Kyiv office sustained damage from debris during recent Russian strikes, prompting the WHO Director-General to renew calls for a ceasefire. The building, housing multiple UN agencies, saw shattered windows but no injuries. These attacks, which killed at least four civilians and injured others, follow Moscow's vow of retaliation for Ukrainian strikes.

Russia unleashed a fierce assault on Kyiv, deploying the nuclear-capable Oreshnik hypersonic missile alongside numerous drones and other advanced weaponry. This escalation followed Moscow's accusations of Ukrainian strikes on a student dormitory, which Kyiv denied.

On Sunday, the Gujarat Titans trained with full intensity ahead of their Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala. Captain Shubman Gill and pacer Kagiso Rabada were notable absentees from the three-hour training session.

The Indian rupee opened stronger against the US dollar, gaining 40 paise to 95.20 in early trade, buoyed by optimism over a potential US-Iran peace deal. Positive sentiment was further fueled by progress in US-India trade agreement discussions, with the dollar index also declining.

Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings missed the IPL playoffs for the third consecutive season after a disappointing 2026 campaign. Injuries, an underperforming overseas contingent, and a lack of consistent rhythm plagued the team this year. Despite individual bright spots, CSK face a significant tactical reset to regain their championship form.

Aaradhya Bachchan's sweet reaction to seeing her mother, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, interact with fans at Cannes has gone viral. The mother-daughter duo also made a stylish red carpet appearance, with Aaradhya in a satin ensemble and Aishwarya stunning in a pink gown. Aishwarya's fashion choices throughout the festival have been a major talking point.

Hundreds of inmates took control of a prison in western Venezuela on Sunday, claiming they were tortured and demanding its director be fired. "They are suffering because they are beating them terribly, torturing them, pouring cold water on them, electrocuting them, setting them on fire, mistreating them terribly," she said outside the prison.

US officials express caution regarding a potential Iran deal, suggesting it could still collapse despite progress. Negotiations are ongoing, with key details like uranium disposal and frozen assets remaining points of contention. While Iran aims to reassure the world about its nuclear program, both sides emphasize safeguarding national interests, with a breakthrough potentially days away.

A 60-year-old security guard was brutally murdered in West Delhi after being run over twice by a car following an argument. CCTV footage shows the victim, Bijender, being assaulted with a stick before the vehicle deliberately targeted him. Police are investigating the incident as a murder, with multiple teams formed to identify the SUV and its occupants.

Hardik Pandya was seen leaving the city with rumoured girlfriend Mahieka Sharma post Mumbai Indians' defeat. The couple, hand-in-hand in matching tracksuits, drew attention at the airport. This appearance follows a disappointing IPL season for Pandya's team. Despite Pandya's silence on personal matters, their public outings fuel relationship speculation, with unconfirmed reports suggesting they are moving in together.

Veteran actor Jagapathi Babu lauded Prabhas for his immense generosity and compassion, calling him one of the kindest individuals in the film industry. He shared how Prabhas offered unwavering support during a personal struggle with depression. Babu also praised filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli and his family for their humility and professional integrity, highlighting their respectful approach to casting.

Australian cricketer Travis Head and wife Jessica faced online abuse from some Indian fans after Head’s on-field spat and alleged handshake snub involving Virat Kohli during an IPL 2026 match. Jessica said friends and family were also targeted. The incident followed SRH’s win over RCB and reignited concerns about toxic social media behaviour in cricket.

Fuel prices have seen another significant jump, with petrol and diesel costs rising by Rs 2.61 and Rs 2.71 per litre respectively. This marks the fourth increase in under two weeks, pushing cumulative hikes close to Rs 7.5 per litre. Consumers face mounting pressure as import costs climb due to global crude oil prices and a weaker rupee.

Taylor Swift and popular Hollywood actress Blake Lively, have remained distant from one another for more than a year now after the pop star was dragged into the lawsuit with Justin Baldoni. As guests are being invited just weeks ahead of Taylor Swift’s lavish wedding to the Kansas City Chiefs’ star player, Travis Kelce, it seems the billionaire pop star has made her feelings clear about Blake Lively.

A 19-year-old student alleges she was drugged and gang-raped over four days in Lucknow by three youths, two of whom she knew from her village. Persuaded to break her journey from Jaunpur to Delhi, she was taken to a rented room where the assaults allegedly occurred. Police have formed multiple teams to investigate the case.