Times of India

Among the signatories are former RAW chief A S Dulat, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, former Union minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri, former diplomat Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, along with retired diplomats and members of civil society from both countries.

England faces a significant challenge if teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi debuts against them, according to former spinner Graeme Swann. Swann described the young batter as "almost unplayable" and noted that few bowlers have found success against him. While England's bowlers will be tested, Jofra Archer might possess an edge due to his IPL experience with Sooryavanshi. The highly anticipated debut follows Sooryavanshi's stellar IPL 2026 season.

Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani lauded Ranbir Kapoor's dedication during the filming of 'Sanju,' revealing the actor arrived at 3 am daily for a grueling 4-5 hour makeup session to portray Sanjay Dutt. Despite 12-hour shoots, Kapoor never complained, showcasing a commitment that contrasts with current discussions about shorter work shifts in the industry. Hirani emphasized that committed actors understand the demands of finishing a project.

A transatlantic debate ignites as Paris blames America's heavy air conditioning use for contributing to Europe's heatwave deaths. While the US mocks France's lack of AC, experts highlight America's significant emissions. The article contrasts this with the US's own struggles with extreme heat and a dismissive attitude towards climate science, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable cooling solutions.

LeBron James' decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers has sparked fresh questions about Bronny James' future, but current signs point toward the young guard remaining with the franchise. Bronny's fully guaranteed contract, steady development over his first two NBA seasons and affordable salary make him a valuable depth option as the Lakers transition into a new era built around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. While speculation persists about a potential reunion with LeBron on his next team, Los Angeles is under no obligation to facilitate a move, leaving Bronny well positioned to continue carving out his own NBA career.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it was in discussions with several countries about importing fuel at acceptable prices. One industry source said India has already shipped at least 60,000 metric tonnes of gasoline to Russia. Another source said two cargoes, each carrying between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes, have been dispatched.

Indian stock markets surged on Wednesday, with the Sensex and Nifty reclaiming key levels after a two-day slump. Positive global cues, including falling crude oil prices, boosted investor confidence. Sectors like banking and consumer goods saw significant gains, while IT stocks faced pressure. Analysts anticipate a positive second half of the year, citing easing geopolitical tensions and potential trade agreements.

Ukraine has launched its most extensive long-range drone campaign, targeting Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, and military infrastructure deep within its territory. This escalation follows G7 commitments to bolster Ukraine's air defenses and economic resilience. The strikes aim to disrupt Russia's war financing and logistics, with President Putin acknowledging temporary fuel shortages.

Authorities have issued a stern warning to WhatsApp regarding its new username feature, emphasizing that the platform will be held legally accountable for any cyber fraud or impersonation facilitated by the update. The government is scrutinizing the feature, which could allow users to adopt names similar to official entities, raising significant concerns about potential misuse. WhatsApp, however, defends the update as a privacy enhancement, claiming built-in safeguards against abuse.

The Indian Army has launched a major structural overhaul, creating five Integrated Battle Groups and a Fire Support Group. This move aims to enhance rapid, decisive military responses by integrating infantry, armour, artillery, and logistics under single commanders. The reform, tested under the 17 Mountain Strike Corps, streamlines mobilisation and empowers field commanders for quicker action, building a more agile and lethal future-ready force.

Bata India has been held liable by the Kerala consumer commission for overcharging a student Rs 67 above the printed MRP on a pair of shoes. The commission ruled that retailers cannot legally charge more than the MRP unless specific procedures, like clearly marking revised prices on the product and publishing in newspapers, are followed.

General Seth, who took over as the 31st Chief of the Army Staff on Tuesday after General Upendra Dwivedi retired on June 30, addressed reporters after receiving a guard of honour at South Block. Speaking on his first day as Army chief, he described the Indian Army as a force that is fully prepared for combat. He said taking over the Army's top post was both an honour and a responsibility.

Shreyas Iyer embraces his new role as India's T20I captain, viewing it as a childhood dream realized. Despite a tough start in Ireland, Iyer is focused on instilling a fearless, aggressive brand of cricket. He aims to build a fresh team identity, learning from past experiences and the support staff to forge a relentless and determined unit ready for the challenges ahead.

Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, chairman of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, has been admitted to the ICU in Lucknow after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The 89-year-old was found unconscious and is under critical care. This development comes just days before a crucial trust meeting on July 6, which will address the resignation of two trustees amid controversy over missing donations.

Five women daycare staff at an IT company campus in Bengaluru face an FIR for allegedly abusing toddlers. Disturbing videos surfaced, showing caregivers threatening and physically mistreating children aged two to three. Allegations include locking children in bathrooms and using a washing machine. Police are questioning the accused and verifying the footage to determine the extent of the abuse.