Times of India

Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran has dismissed rumors of K Annamalai's resignation or plans to launch a new political outfit, stating there are no differences between them. This clarification follows intense speculation after Annamalai's meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, fueled by reported disagreements over alliance strategies and Annamalai's desire to build the BJP as an independent force.

A recent USCIS announcement sparked panic by suggesting temporary US residents must return home for Green Card applications, except in extraordinary cases. While the administration later clarified it was a reminder of existing discretion, the episode has created significant uncertainty around the Adjustment of Status process, impacting many immigrants and businesses.

AJUP founder Humayun Kabir has offered Mamata Banerjee a path back to the West Bengal Assembly from his Rejinagar constituency. Kabir, who won both Nowda and Rejinagar, stated he would resign to support Banerjee's entry via a bypoll, citing her past role in his political career and acknowledging her current challenges.

India spinner Kuldeep Yadav says he is fully focused on Test cricket ahead of the one-off Afghanistan Test. After Delhi Capitals' early IPL exit, he used the extra time to prepare for red-ball cricket, admitting the transition from T20s is “tough.” With Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel rested, Kuldeep will lead the spin attack and has backed youngsters Harsh Dubey and Manav Suthar to perform well.

Murali Kartik lauded Ajinkya Rahane as IPL 2026's top captain, highlighting his leadership of a depleted Kolkata Knight Riders squad. Despite injuries and early criticism, Rahane guided the team to playoff contention until the final league day, a remarkable turnaround from a winless start. Kartik emphasized Rahane's ability to rally the side against adversity.

An African couple undergoing IVF treatment in Delhi were found dead in each other's arms after a devastating fire at a Malviya Nagar hotel. They were among 21 victims, discovered in a bathroom where they sought refuge. The couple's tragic end highlighted their devotion, facing death together.

Former selector Saba Karim suggests India's T20 team may see a major transition before the 2028 World Cup, with Suryakumar Yadav's place under scrutiny due to inconsistent form. Karim also backs Rajat Patidar for captaincy, citing his IPL success, while questioning Hardik Pandya's leadership. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is also highlighted as a potential national selection candidate.

A recent Ukrainian drone attack on St. Petersburg, bypassing Russian defenses, highlights the global need for advanced air defense. India is bolstering its capabilities with Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a multi-layered shield inspired by systems like Israel's Iron Dome and US platforms. This ambitious project aims for comprehensive protection by 2035, integrating space-based surveillance and AI.

Ukraine is stepping up its game by launching strikes deep into Russian territory, aiming at vital oil and military assets to neutralize Moscow's combat advantages. The recent operations against air bases and munitions depots are meticulously planned to disrupt the flow of resources to Russian troops.

Europe is forging ahead with ambitious plans to break free from reliance on US and Chinese technology, particularly in critical sectors like AI and microchips. New regulations aim to bolster "tech sovereignty" by ensuring sensitive data remains within the EU and boosting domestic semiconductor production, safeguarding against foreign digital threats and supply chain disruptions.

Russia has publicly acknowledged a dip in oil production due to unscheduled refinery repairs, marking the first such admission. This comes amid intensified Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian energy infrastructure, which have disrupted operations and pushed Moscow to increase crude exports. Despite these challenges, Russia aims to maximize exports and restore previous production levels.

Delhi-NCR experienced relief from warm and humid weather as light rain arrived, accompanied by a red alert from the IMD forecasting thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 70 kmph. Residents were advised to follow disaster management guidelines due to the possibility of hail at isolated spots.

India is bolstering its aerial capabilities with the indigenous Rudram series of anti-radiation missiles, designed to neutralize enemy radar systems. These 'radar busters' are crucial for ensuring safe flight operations for Indian aircraft. Recent successful flight tests of the Rudram-II variant highlight India's commitment to advanced defense technology, complementing existing Russian-origin missiles.

Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to L&T's Hazira plant highlights its growing significance in India's defence manufacturing. The facility, a hub for heavy engineering, has produced the K-9 Vajra artillery guns, with more on order, and the innovative Zorawar light tank. L&T is also developing a Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle, positioning Hazira as a key defence production centre.

Reporting income/assets etc. in the ITR should be matched with Annual Information Statement (AIS). As through system checks and reconciliation runs, using technology for ITR processing might trigger even small gaps, errors or incorrect claims and may lead to prompt questions.

The BJP has strongly refuted Rahul Gandhi's "economic tsunami" warning, calling it fear-mongering. Party leader Amit Malviya highlighted India's economic resilience with strong indicators like rising E-way bills and FDI, asserting the government has implemented measures to protect citizens and businesses from global shocks, contrasting it with the UPA era's economic vulnerabilities.

Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Krishna Chakraborty has resigned from her post, citing personal reasons. She submitted her resignation letter to the BMC commissioner on Thursday. Chakraborty stated she worked for the people during her tenure and will continue to do so as a councillor, expressing gratitude to the residents.

Global investors are showing strong confidence in India's future. Union Minister Piyush Goyal stated that India is set to be the world's fastest-growing economy for more than twenty years. Companies like Hyundai and JCB have seen significant returns by investing in India. The nation is becoming a manufacturing hub, serving both its large domestic market and global customers.

The Supreme Court has made a pivotal ruling, declaring that extended separation without reconciliation can be classified as mental cruelty, warranting divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act. This case, involving doctors who had been estranged for over 15 years, led the court to dissolve their marriage, citing mutual abandonment.