Times of India

Dinesh Karthik backs Sanju Samson despite recent struggles, urging continued faith in the experienced batter over rising star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Karthik highlighted Samson's past T20 World Cup performance as a reason for backing. He also commented on India's decision to bat first against England, attributing it to an 'Ireland hangover'. Captain Shreyas Iyer's crucial half-century was praised for relieving pressure.

Shraddha Kapoor has reportedly hiked her acting fee to a whopping Rs. 15 crore for her upcoming 2026 film 'Eetha', a biographical drama directed by Laxman Utekar. Based on the life of legendary Marathi Tamasha artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, Eetha marks a massive salary jump for the actress following the historic success of Stree 2. Backed by producer Dinesh Vijan, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on August 28, 2026, amid an ongoing title controversy raised by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Vithabai’s surviving family members.

A solar installation firm has been ordered by a consumer commission to refund over Rs 25,000 to a homeowner. The company was found to have overcharged for net-metering and failed to deliver promised electricity generation from a rooftop solar system. The commission ruled the company vicariously liable for its agent's actions and awarded compensation for the shortfall in power and mental agony.

In the wake of a substantial Russian airstrike, President Zelenskyy of Ukraine is appealing to the US for permission to manufacture Patriot air defense missiles domestically. This move comes as Kyiv strives to enhance its defenses following attacks that have left 13 dead and over 90 injured. By producing Patriots locally, Ukraine aims to secure a steady supply and lessen its dependence on external aid for sustained security.

Former Australian cricketer Aaron Summers faces a possible jail sentence after pleading guilty to child sexual abuse and grooming offences committed in 2018 while he was with the Hobart Hurricanes. Summers, who previously served prison time for separate child exploitation offences, was remanded in custody after a Tasmanian court rejected the possibility of a suspended sentence. He will be sentenced in August.

Day 22 saw Harry Kane save England from Congolese chaos with a thunderbolt for the ages, Belgium summon one last Golden Generation miracle from the penalty spot, and the US survive both Bosnia and Herzegovina and VAR’s latest audition for villain of the tournament.

The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle from August 15 to 19. The second Test will take place at the Singhalese Sports Club in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

A man legally named Santa Claus, formerly George Quigley, was arrested in Louisiana for allegedly soliciting a minor online. The 75-year-old, who adopted the Christmas persona, was apprehended during a sting operation after engaging in explicit online exchanges and sending nude photos. Police warn parents about the dangers of such online interactions, especially given the suspect's history of posing with children.

Shreyas Iyer made history in Durham, becoming the first Indian captain to score a T20I half-century on English soil with a brilliant 68. His composed innings, crucial after an early collapse, helped India post 189/7. Though rain forced an abandonment, Iyer's return to form and record-breaking knock provides a significant boost for India ahead of the next match.

A dentist, Muskan Soni, has publicly apologized after facing severe backlash for mocking the death of Pune realtor Ketan Agrawal. Soni attributed her actions to a "funny personality" and claimed no intent to offend. The apology follows her five-year suspension from the All India Dental Students and Surgeons Association due to her "inappropriate and disrespectful remarks." Agrawal's death is being investigated as a murder, with two individuals arrested.

A 60-year-old man, Aslam Isak Shaikh, has vanished after plunging into an open stormwater drain on Khairani Road in Mumbai's Sakinaka area. The incident occurred while civic workers were undertaking repairs on a drainage grill, leaving a manhole unattended. Authorities are actively conducting search operations and investigating the precise circumstances surrounding Shaikh's disappearance into the drain.

India and Japan elevated their trade and strategic ties with a new Memorandum of Cooperation signed during the 16th Annual Summit in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi welcomed his Japanese counterpart, highlighting shared priorities for a free and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The leaders discussed initiatives to boost Japanese investment in India, aiming for significant growth in capital and company presence, underscoring a strengthened partnership built on trust and shared values.

Indian Navy warship INS Trikand successfully thwarted a piracy attempt on merchant vessel MV Golden Arsenal in the Gulf of Aden. Responding swiftly to a distress call, the warship's presence caused suspected pirates to flee before they could board. Indian Marine Commandos later secured the vessel, which was carrying vital cargo for India. No crew injuries were reported.

Bosnia's Edin Džeko made World Cup history as the oldest outfield player in a knockout match at 40. His landmark game ended prematurely due to injury, with the US leading 1-0 before a red card for their scorer Balogun. Despite the potential for his record to be broken soon, Džeko's achievement is cemented, as Bosnia now seeks an equalizer against a depleted US side.

Former President Donald Trump voiced strong disapproval of the US handover of the Panama Canal, citing increased fees and alleged Chinese influence. He vowed to prevent Beijing's takeover. Trump also reiterated his stance on birthright citizenship, believing the Supreme Court erred, while celebrating a ruling that bolstered presidential removal powers for executive officials.

Horrifying allegations have surfaced against five nannies at a Capgemini campus day care in Bengaluru. Children were reportedly subjected to cruel treatment, including being locked in bathrooms and placed inside a washing machine. A child helpline official filed a complaint after receiving disturbing video evidence, leading to police registering a case. Capgemini is cooperating with authorities and has temporarily closed the facility.

Belgium staged a sensational comeback in the FIFA World Cup 2026, overcoming a two-goal deficit against Senegal to win 3-2 after extra time. Substitute Romelu Lukaku sparked the revival, with Youri Tielemans netting twice, including a historic penalty in the dying moments of extra time. This remarkable victory propels the Red Devils into the Round of 16, marking an unforgettable fightback.