Times of India

A Supreme Court plea seeks a CBI probe into the "Cockroach Janta Party" and alleged fake advocates, amidst a political storm over the viral digital campaign. The group, which gained traction discussing unemployment and exam leaks, saw its website taken down. Founder Abhijeet Dipke accused the government of suppression and claimed to have received death threats.

Japan faces a growing crisis with nine million empty homes, or akiya, due to population decline, inheritance issues, and costly demolition. Tax incentives encourage owners to leave properties standing, leading to decay and potential risks for communities. Many of these vacant homes are unsellable or unrentable.

Emerging US-Iran deal details spark alarm among hawkish Republicans, who expected Iranian collapse. Instead, Iran appears strategically intact, having demonstrated leverage by disrupting the Strait of Hormuz and surviving US-Israel military pressure. This outcome has exposed fractures within Trump's coalition and emboldened Tehran's negotiating stance.

The buzz around Ramayana has only grown stronger ever since the teaser of Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious mythological drama was unveiled. Starring Ranbir Kapoor in the lead, the two-part cinematic spectacle is already being hailed as one of the costliest and most ambitious projects in Indian cinema, with reports suggesting that the film is being mounted on a staggering budget of nearly Rs 4000 crore. Amid the excitement, music maestro AR Rahman has now opened up about collaborating with celebrated German composer Hans Zimmer for the film’s soundtrack, calling it an “epic collaboration.”

A new understanding with Iran is emerging to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after weeks of military escalation. The United States seeks to prevent global economic disruption from energy shipment issues. An agreement is reportedly nearing finalization, though details remain unclear. Iran denies commitments to give up uranium or unconditionally reopen the straits.

NEET-UG 2026 exam cancellation due to paper leak has deeply affected lakhs of students. Families face financial strain and students endure immense mental pressure. This incident raises serious questions about the integrity of competitive examinations in India. The system's credibility is shaken, while also impacting the aspirations of countless young individuals.

Dalal Street braces for a week of global uncertainty, with Middle East tensions, crude oil prices, and foreign investor behavior dominating market sentiment. Hopes for US-Iran negotiation progress offer a glimmer of optimism, but caution prevails. Investors will also monitor the rupee's movement and the RBI's significant dividend payout.

Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Mumbai Indians' Rohit Sharma both failed to deliver in a crucial match. Despite early top-order struggles, Rajasthan Royals posted 205 for eight, propelled by late fireworks from Jofra Archer and Ravindra Jadeja.

Mason Rudolph is emerging as a potential trade candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers after reportedly falling to QB3 during offseason workouts behind Aaron Rodgers and rookie Will Howard. Teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Denver Broncos have been linked as possible destinations for the veteran backup quarterback.

A dramatic final over saw Ravindra Jadeja turn the tables on former CSK teammate Shardul Thakur. After Thakur thought he had Jadeja caught, a no-ball overturned the dismissal. Jadeja then unleashed two boundaries on the free-hit and subsequent ball, adding a playful taunt that delighted fans and spiced up the tense IPL clash.

Kyiv endured a massive overnight aerial assault, with Russia deploying over 700 drones and 50 missiles, including the hypersonic Oreshnik. The barrage, described as one of the war's most intense, struck government buildings and residential areas, causing casualties and widespread damage. Russia stated the strikes targeted military facilities in retaliation for Ukrainian attacks.

Thousands protested in Madrid against soaring housing costs, a major challenge for Prime Minister Sanchez. Spain's homeownership tradition clashes with limited public rentals and rising demand from tourism and population growth. Despite a 7 billion euro plan for public housing, a rent freeze extension failed, intensifying criticism over the ongoing housing crisis.

Leaked records reveal Iran's Revolutionary Guards secretly acquired advanced Chinese satellite communication equipment via a UAE-based procurement network. The technology, crucial for Tehran's drone and missile programs, was shipped through Dubai, highlighting sophisticated methods to bypass Western sanctions and reach Iran's military apparatus.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk acknowledged a positive step in talks between Ladakh representatives and the Centre, but warned trust-building remains incomplete. He cited unresolved protest cases and institutional issues, fearing Ladakh could become "another Manipur" due to growing unrest. Wangchuk stressed that government intent will be judged by actions on these outstanding matters.

Mumbai Indians tried a new tactic in their final league match. They used three overs of spin in the Powerplay against Rajasthan Royals. This unusual strategy was also seen against Lucknow Super Giants earlier in IPL 2026. It is a rare move for the team in their IPL history. Mumbai Indians have had a mixed season in IPL 2026.

Twisha Sharma's funeral was held in Bhopal as her family continues to demand justice in the alleged dowry death case. The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter, citing institutional bias, while a second post-mortem is being conducted. Her husband, the prime accused, has been arrested and remanded to police custody.