Times of India

US President Trump has offered to help resolve the Ukraine conflict following separate calls with Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. While Russia claims battlefield advances, Ukraine disputes these assertions. Trump's envoys are set to continue mediation efforts ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, where the stalled peace talks and the ongoing war are expected to be key discussion points.

The grandfather of Ketan Agarwal, a Pune realtor whose death at Lohagad Fort is being investigated as murder, has passed away weeks after his grandson's demise. Devichand Agarwal reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest following the shock. Police are investigating the alleged murder of Ketan Agarwal, with his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover arrested. A Snapchat message from Goyal, expressing doubts about the wedding, has surfaced.

An emergency meeting is scheduled as the Ram temple trust grapples with a donation theft scandal. Investigations reveal early warnings were ignored, leading to the emergence of Avinash Shukla as a key accused. Significant financial improvements among suspects and potential daily theft of Rs 6-8 lakh are under scrutiny. CCTV footage and close ties between staff and trust members are also being examined.

Ukrainian drones targeted an oil terminal in St. Petersburg and military sites near the Baltic coast overnight, escalating attacks on Russia's energy sector. Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed the Kirovsky district oil terminal was hit, with no casualties. President Zelensky claimed responsibility, stating the strikes hit revenue-generating oil infrastructure and the naval base at Kronstadt. These actions come amid deepening fuel shortages across Russia, with long queues reported at petrol stations.

Portugal's dramatic World Cup win over Croatia has sparked debate about Cristiano Ronaldo's starting role. Zlatan Ibrahimovic controversially stated that Portugal cannot win the 2026 World Cup with a 41-year-old Ronaldo leading the attack, suggesting his legendary status is overshadowing current form. Despite Ronaldo scoring, Gonçalo Ramos' late winner highlighted the team's potential, leaving many questioning the veteran's continued prominence.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed readiness to work with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to foster long-term, stable bilateral ties. This comes amid escalating regional tensions and Pyongyang's deepening military collaboration with Russia. Xi's message, in response to Kim's congratulatory note, highlighted the historical bond and commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership, underscoring China's crucial economic role for North Korea.

Following alleged toddler abuse at a Bengaluru daycare, the Karnataka Commission for Protection of Child Rights will mandate CCTV cameras with live parental access at all centers. This move aims to enhance safety and transparency. The investigation into the incident, which involved a nanny allegedly locking a child in a bathroom and another nanny accused of suspicious video recording, is ongoing.

An investigation into Ram Temple donations in Ayodhya has revealed a stark financial uplift among accused individuals, with some building homes and acquiring SUVs despite modest known incomes. Evidence suggests significant daily siphoning of funds, estimated at Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakh, particularly during the Maha Kumbh period. Concerns were raised about the handling of precious metal donations and the lack of proper oversight.

Tech titans like Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, and Elon Musk joined the nation in celebrating America's 250th Independence Day. Leaders from Apple, Google, SpaceX, and others shared heartfelt messages on social media, reflecting on the country's journey and future. Michael Dell also announced a significant donation to support American children's financial futures, highlighting a blend of patriotic sentiment and forward-looking initiatives within the tech community.

Mohamed Salah has chosen Lionel Messi as his ideal “last dance” partner ahead of Egypt’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash with Argentina in Atlanta. The showdown marks their first World Cup meeting, with Messi leading Argentina’s title defence and Salah chasing an upset. Both icons face a potentially defining knockout battle for a quarter-final place.

Sanju Samson's omission from India's T20I against England, despite his World Cup heroics, has sparked debate. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who previously lauded Samson as 'world-class,' was seen in a quiet conversation with the player before the match. Samson's recent low scores on the UK tour led to his replacement by debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, highlighting the swift shifts in international cricket fortunes.

Alia Bhatt's exhilarating spy thriller 'Alpha' has made a sensational debut, amassing ₹24 crore in India and ₹37 crore globally by its second day. Co-starring Sharvari, the film showcases impressive box office growth and captivated audiences right from the start. Kareena Kapoor Khan has praised the film's celebration of 'girl power', as it successfully engages viewers with its electrifying storyline.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, making his India debut, confidently advised senior partner Abhishek Sharma on pitch conditions during the second T20I against England. Becoming India's youngest international debutant, Sooryavanshi impressed with a fearless 14 off 10 balls, including two sixes. His historic entry and bold batting display captivated fans, showcasing remarkable composure on the international stage.

France lead Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash played in extreme heat at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, with temperatures near 100°F (37.8°C) and heat index reaching 105–110°F (40.6–43.3°C). The extreme conditions, under an official heat warning, have turned the match into a severe physical test, with Kylian Mbappé’s penalty separating the sides.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed the report on corruption charges against Justice Yashwant Varma will be presented in the monsoon session, despite his resignation. The House will decide the next steps after the report's tabling, which could happen on the session's first day. Justice Varma faces allegations of financial irregularities following a fire incident at his Delhi residence last year.

Good news for monsoon-hit India! A low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is set to boost rainfall across central and western regions for the next five days, significantly reducing the deficit. While this brings relief for sowing, authorities are on alert for potential extreme weather events, with red alerts issued for several states. Monsoon is also advancing into northwest India, with full country coverage expected soon.

Authorities have issued a stern notice to Telegram, demanding proactive measures against the rampant circulation of pirated films and shows. The government insists the messaging app must go beyond individual channel takedowns and implement robust systems to detect and remove infringing content. This move follows previous concerns regarding Telegram's use for illegal activities, including fraud and the distribution of harmful material. An action report is expected within fifteen days.