National News

Ravichandran Ashwin highlights the intense competition for India's T20I squad, praising Shubman Gill's IPL form but acknowledging emerging talents like Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya. He notes the difficulty selectors face with a deep talent pool, including established players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, making selection a significant challenge.

A heartwarming home video of Harnav Singh sharing his Google job offer with his parents has captivated social media. Their genuine, emotional reactions, from his mother's proud embrace to his father's affectionate gesture, resonated deeply with viewers, highlighting the universal joy of parental pride and a child's success. This simple family moment became a viral sensation.

A drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear plant, originating from Iraq, has heightened regional escalation fears. Analysts believe Iran-backed militias are a key front in Tehran's confrontation with the US and Israel. The strike, condemned as a terrorist act, forced backup systems at the plant to activate, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure amid rising tensions.

All-rounder Vijay Shankar has announced his retirement from all Indian domestic cricket and the IPL, concluding a career that saw him represent India in ODIs and T20Is, including the 2019 World Cup. Shankar, who played 12 ODIs and 9 T20Is, expressed gratitude for his journey and plans to explore new opportunities in cricket.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL 2026 playoff clash. Both teams have already secured their playoff berths. Cummins expressed a desire to test strategies and enjoy the game before the serious business of the finals begins. Rajat Patidar returns to captain RCB.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed an executive order to study how to protect workers from AI-driven job displacement. The initiative will explore increased job training, new worker protections, and alternative economic models, including universal basic capital, to address potential labor disruptions across industries.

A surgeon was found grossly negligent by the NCDRC for removing a patient's healthy kidney instead of the diseased one, leading to her death. The commission awarded ₹2 crore compensation to the family, calling the error a "medical disaster." The surgeon's defense was rejected, and institutional findings supported the negligence claim.

Sidney Crosby has responded to speculation he could retire ahead of another season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The veteran NHL captain said he still plans to play beyond 2027, though discussions about his future are ongoing. Crosby also said his year-to-year contract approach is in place to help the Pittsburgh Penguins maintain roster flexibility during the franchise’s ongoing transition period.

Only four years ago, two new teams — Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants — were added to the league.

The Supreme Court questioned extending reservation benefits to affluent individuals within backward classes, emphasizing social mobility through empowerment. Justices noted that children of well-placed government employees should ideally exit the reservation system.

Tier-2 cities are driving India's real estate boom, with Karnal emerging as a prime North Indian destination. Its strategic location, robust industrial base, and planned infrastructure, including upcoming RRTS connectivity, offer premium living without the congestion of metros. This makes Karnal an attractive hub for both residents and investors seeking luxury and convenience.

WHO's Africa director warns against underestimating the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda, stressing that even one case could spread widely due to the lack of a vaccine for this strain. He urged for greater international attention, highlighting the potential risk to all from a single infected individual. Efforts are underway to boost testing and community engagement amidst challenges.

In India's democracy, fractured election mandates often shift power to governors, who become arbiters of government formation. The recent Tamil Nadu election saw actor-turned-politician Vijay's party emerge as the single largest, but the governor's discretion in inviting him to form the government sparked debate over constitutional conventions and political arithmetic.

Carolina Hurricanes forward William Carrier says his wife and family are cheering for the Montreal Canadiens in the NHL playoffs. The surprise family feud has been one of the more fun stories coming out of the Eastern Conference Final. But Carrier remains 100 percent focused on helping Carolina keep its impressive postseason run going, despite the awkward playoff loyalties inside his house.

CBSE’s On-Screen Marking (OSM) system has come under scrutiny after Class 12 results triggered complaints of blurred scans, alleged evaluation errors and unexpected marks. While the Ministry of Education has defended the digital process as secure and efficient, students claim it has affected fairness and transparency, leading to distress and demands for clearer evaluation and rechecking mechanisms.