Times of India

Regional air forces are rapidly modernizing, with China and Pakistan inducting advanced fighters. India is enhancing its capabilities with Rafales and developing its own fifth-generation AMCA. The article traces the evolution of fighter jets from early jets to the stealth and networked warfare of fifth-generation aircraft, highlighting the shift towards integrated combat systems and information dominance in modern aerial combat.

Ajay Devgn's 'Chauhaan' faces fresh controversy as the Kshatriya Parishad accuses filmmakers of misusing Rajput history and identity for political gain. The organization decries the 'weaponisation of Rajput history,' asserting that the Chauhan legacy belongs to history, not partisan campaigns. This follows earlier criticism of the teaser's portrayal of the Kashmir conflict and a dialogue about pellet guns.

A Karnataka High Court ruling states that a wife earning more than her husband cannot automatically claim maintenance. The court emphasized that financial capacity, not gender, dictates maintenance awards. It overturned a family court's order for Rs 20,000 monthly interim maintenance, citing the wife's Rs 1 lakh monthly income against the husband's Rs 60,646. This decision applies only to the interim order, not the final outcome.

Former Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard has shared her surprise at the hot weather in London ahead of the Wimbledon Championships 2026. The Canadian tennis star, who has joined the BBC’s team for this year’s tournament, admitted that she found the heat more difficult to handle than expected. Bouchard now spends much of her time in Miami.

Claiming a 'great victory,' Iran's President announced the expected release of $6 billion in frozen assets held in Qatar. This declaration arrives amidst increasing hostilities in the Persian Gulf, contributing to the volatility surrounding the U.S.-Iran negotiations. Iran is adamant regarding the fund release, though the U.S. asserts no assets have been unblocked. With Pakistan facilitating discussions, it remains uncertain whether Iran will engage in upcoming negotiations.

Ayodhya's Bar Association has taken a firm stance, refusing to represent eight suspects accused of misappropriating donations intended for the Ram temple. A penalty of Rs 5 lakh will be imposed for any breach of this decision. Furthermore, an ultimatum has been set for officials Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao to depart Ayodhya within three days, with threats of a city blockade should they fail to comply.

Delhi's Anti-Corruption Branch has arrested former DGHS director Vatsala Aggarwal and ex-deputy controller Neeraj Chopra in a massive Rs 640-crore procurement scam. They are accused of manipulating tenders for medicines and equipment, causing significant losses by favouring specific suppliers for inflated-price purchases. This breakthrough follows an FIR and earlier arrest, revealing a deep-rooted conspiracy within the Central Procurement Agency.

The trend comes at a time when India remains heavily dependent on imported gold. During FY26, the country imported gold worth nearly $72.4 billion, while recycled gold contributed an estimated 125-150 tonnes in 2025.

Ireland completed a 2-0 sweep after beating India by one run in the second T20I on Sunday. It was Ireland's first-ever series win over India in any format. They had won the opening match by 34 runs a few days earlier against the reigning T20 world champions.

​India’s strive to be “atmanirbhar” in engines is not a story of 2026. In 1986, the government had tasked DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) with building the indigenous Kaveri engine to power the then-nascent Tejas light combat aircraft. What followed was four decades of heartbreak. Despite nine prototype engines, over 3,200 hours of testing, and a budget overrun of 642 per cent, the Kaveri produced only 70.4 kilonewtons (kN) of wet thrust against a required 81 kilonewtons.

Former England pacer and Ashes winner Steve Harmison has called for England head coach Brendon McCullum to step down following Ben Stokes' retirement. Harmison criticised McCullum's "Bazball" approach, calling it "amateur" and arguing that Stokes and McCullum were a joint project. Meanwhile, Stokes said he retired due to burnout and to rediscover his love for cricket.

Madhya Pradesh sees a mixed trend in alcohol consumption, with a slight rise in women drinkers, surpassing the national average, while men's consumption remains just below. Chilled beer has become the state's top choice, overtaking traditional liquors. Concerns over illegal trade and social impacts are growing, fueling political debate as sales and government revenue surge.

Tamil Nadu faces a "deep mess" within a month of regime change, warns former CM M.K. Stalin, citing industrial reluctance, rising crime, and farmer distress. He urged DMK cadres to prepare for early elections, asserting the party's role in past growth. Udhayanidhi Stalin criticized the current government's "sofa-model" administration, highlighting issues of electricity and law and order.

India's Gen Z excels at investing via SIPs and mutual funds, yet many remain uninsured, relying on parents' policies. Despite digital access to financial info, a significant gap exists between research and purchasing insurance. A health emergency could destabilize nearly two-thirds of young investors. Experts point to a lack of urgency and a confidence crisis, not a knowledge gap, hindering personal insurance adoption.

Delhi is phasing out petrol and CNG two-wheelers by April 2028, with only electric auto-rickshaws to be registered from January 2027. The new Electric Vehicle Policy, effective July 1, offers significant subsidies for electric two and three-wheeler buyers in its first year. This initiative aims to combat air pollution, which vehicular emissions contribute to significantly, by accelerating the adoption of clean mobility solutions.

India's long-serving INSAS rifle, plagued by reliability issues and a less potent caliber, is being replaced by the AK-203. Soldiers reported frequent jams and a lack of stopping power, especially against adversaries armed with heavier rounds. The new Russian-designed, Indian-made AK-203 promises superior durability, ease of maintenance, and greater lethality with its 7. 62mm caliber, marking a significant upgrade for the armed forces.

Monsoon fury has gripped Arunachal Pradesh, with heavy rains triggering devastating floods and landslides across at least 12 districts. Roads, bridges, and homes have suffered extensive damage, severing vital connectivity. Tragically, lives have been lost, and a biker had a miraculous escape. Rescue operations are underway for stranded individuals, while authorities warn of further dangers from swollen rivers.

India has clarified its stance on recent reports of a Track 2 dialogue with Pakistan. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri stated that these meetings are private initiatives, devoid of any official Indian government participation or backing. He emphasized that such unofficial interactions are common globally and do not hold significant value or recognition from New Delhi's perspective, urging the public not to view them as official engagements.

A remarkable transformation is underway in Assam, where Purnima Devi Barman's Hargila Army, a 20,000-strong women's collective, is championing the conservation of the greater adjutant stork. Once reviled as a bad omen, this bird is now a symbol of pride, thanks to the army's grassroots efforts. Their work has not only saved the storks but also empowered women through income-generating initiatives, proving that dedicated individuals can indeed change the world.