Times of India

Brics began with five members and grew to eleven after the 2024 expansion, with Indonesia the newest, joining in 2025. Brazil opposed the enlargement, particularly because of the one nation. Iran. It feared that adding the avowedly anti-West Islamic Republic would cost the group its cohesion. Like India, Brazil wants Brics to be reformist and not revolutionary, thereby limiting it to a body that argues for change inside the existing order rather than one that tries to replace it.

In the heart of San Francisco, the former military hospital site has been ingeniously repurposed into the Letterman Digital Arts Center. This vibrant digital arts hub, established by George Lucas in 2005 post-demolition, now serves as a creative haven for Lucasfilm and other innovative firms. Careful attention to open spaces fosters community interaction and leisure, showcasing a successful model for urban redevelopment and creative collaborations.

California cement worker Elmer Long transformed discarded glass bottles and scrap metal into an unusual art forest along Route 66. His two-acre Bottle Tree Ranch, featuring around 200 trees and over 1,000 bottles, became a popular tourist attraction. As Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, Long's family continues to preserve his creations.

Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, a vibrant masterpiece by Isaiah Zagar, comprises stunning mosaics made from found objects that capture his personal journey and artistic influences. In 2004, when demolition loomed, local advocates banded together to form a nonprofit, securing the beloved site. Over the years, Zagar enriched the gardens with imaginative tunnels and diverse mosaics, right up to his death in 2026.

The athletes presented the PM with memorabilia, including signed jerseys and a bow from 17-year-old archery sensation Kumkum Mohod.

Sachin Pilot remarked on the potential for Captain Amarinder Singh's return to Congress, emphasizing that politics is unpredictable. While Singh expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP, he has not discussed his future political plans with Pilot. Singh previously led the Congress in Punjab and left over internal conflicts within the party. He later formed the Punjab Lok Congress which did not succeed in recent elections.

Travis Kelce faces scrutiny after an Arizona Republic investigation raised concerns about spending and governance at his Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation. Tax records indicated that only 41 cents of every dollar went towards charitable activities between 2021 and 2024. Kelce’s representatives blamed reporting errors, saying management fees fell to zero in 2025. The foundation also plans to expand its board and improve financial reporting to strengthen transparency and accountability.

After battling stage 4 oral cancer while enduring pain for years, Javitri Shakya found strength through the unwavering support of her son, Manish. He paused his singing career to focus on her recovery, even crafting homemade gym equipment to aid in her rehabilitation. Remarkably, Javitri has progressed to deadlifting 80 kg, proving that with resilience and relentless effort, a rebirth of life is achievable for cancer patients.

Even as restructuring and layoffs happen, some jobs in the IT sector are getting paid well - and across levels whether entry or senior. Which roles are in demand? What are the average salary levels for special capability sets and which roles are under pressure? The premium concentrates in four families, AI, Data, Cloud and Cybersecurity, and peaks where capability depth meets governance and scale.

Archaeologists in Glasgow have uncovered remains of a 12-foot wall built by a wealthy distiller to block public access to the River Clyde in the 1820s. Residents tore down the wall in 1823, leading to arrests and a six-year legal battle. The excavation also revealed a rare 1791 trade token bearing the city's motto, "Let Glasgow Flourish".

Stellantis plans to invest approximately Rs 4,000 crore in India as part of its FaSTLAne 2030 strategy. The investment aims to support the launch of 12 new products, enhancing its presence in the market. Jeep will focus on premium SUVs while Citroen targets mainstream segments. Localisation efforts will increase, aiming for 90% in vehicle production. India will also play a significant role in Stellantis's export strategy.

Mia Lara, a 21-year-old student at a nearby university, told The New York Times that she attended the party with the woman who reported the assault and another friend after seeing it advertised on the fraternity’s Instagram account. It was the first fraternity party any of the three had attended.

India's disappointing medal tally at the 2026 Asian Games prompted scrutiny from the Sports Ministry, with calls for National Sports Federations (NSFs) to take greater responsibility. In a meeting on Thursday, emphasis was placed on developing a pipeline of athletes rather than relying on a few stars. Preparations for future events, including the 2028 Olympics and 2030 Commonwealth Games, were also discussed, highlighting the need for better support systems.