Times of India

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket, the leadership mantle is up for grabs. Shubman Gill is poised to take over as Test captain, but it comes with a rider - who will be his deputy, a designated vice-captain, captain-in-waiting, or, in Indian cricketing history, a powerless foot-soldier.

Bengaluru grappled with severe disruptions due to continuous heavy rainfall, leading to widespread waterlogging and traffic congestion. Tragically, rain-related incidents caused five fatalities, including electrocutions and a wall collapse. The IMD issued an orange alert for Bengaluru, anticipating further heavy rainfall and advising residents to take precautions, while authorities worked to evacuate and assist affected communities.

Bharatiya Janata Party criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The criticism is regarding Gandhi's remarks on Operation Sindoor. BJP accused Gandhi of echoing Pakistan's views. Amit Malviya shared an image linking Gandhi to Pakistan's military chief. Gandhi questioned the government about Indian aircraft losses. He alleged a forewarning to Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs rejected Gandhi's claims.

A Kolkata-based social media influencer, currently under scrutiny, has disclosed his interactions with YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra, arrested for alleged espionage for Pakistan's ISI. He met Malhotra during her Kolkata visit in February, following an initial encounter at the Ram Temple inauguration in Ayodhya.

The US Senate has moved forward with the Genius Act, a bill designed to regulate stablecoins. Despite Democratic concerns about President Trump's potential conflicts of interest due to his cryptocurrency ventures, the bill passed a key procedural vote. It introduces comprehensive regulations for stablecoins, including reserve requirements and consumer protections.

Abhishek Sharma's explosive half-century and Heinrich Klaasen's composed innings propelled Sunrisers Hyderabad to a six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, eliminating LSG from playoff contention. Despite Mitchell Marsh and Aiden Markram's fifties setting a strong foundation, Lucknow's late-over collapse proved costly. SRH successfully chased down the target, marking their first 200-plus chase at the Ekana Stadium.

Following discussions between parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress has nominated Abhishek Banerjee to represent the party in parliamentary delegations related to Operation Sindoor. This decision follows Banerjee's emphasis on the need for inclusive consultations in selecting delegation members. He also suggested including family members of martyrs and officers involved in Operation Sindoor.

The Indian Army's Chinar Corps executed Operation Sindoor, decimating military infrastructure in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir's Leepa Valley, including posts, ammunition depots, and fuel storage. Officials estimate it will take Pakistan 8-12 months to rebuild, following retaliation for ceasefire violations. India also destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

India has tightened import rules on gold and silver from the UAE, targeting unwrought, semi-manufactured, and powdered forms. The move, following the Budget 2025 announcement, aims to prevent misuse of the India-UAE CEPA by importers who mislabel gold as platinum alloy to exploit lower duties.

An IPL 2025 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants saw a fiery confrontation between Abhishek Sharma and Digvesh Rathi, sparked by Rathi's aggressive celebrations. Both players faced penalties, with Rathi receiving a heavier fine and suspension.

In Punjab's Jalandhar, a woman, along with the village sarpanch and a panchayat member, has been booked for allegedly attempting to obtain a false death certificate for her husband. Kuldeep Singh, who emigrated to the US via the 'dunki route' in 1998, never returned to India due to residency issues.

The comedy sequel 'Hera Pheri 3' faces a twist. Paresh Rawal, known as Baburao, left the film. Akshay Kumar's company, Cape of Good Films, sent Rawal a legal notice for Rs 25 crore. They claim Rawal quit unprofessionally after signing and starting the shoot. Rawal denies creative differences. Fans are upset about Rawal's exit. Filming began in April with Priyadarshan directing.

Rajasthan Royals' Jofra Archer delighted fans by mimicking Ravindra Jadeja's bowling action during a practice session, showcasing his playful side. The amusing video, shared by Rajasthan Royals, quickly went viral. In IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are set to clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. For CSK, the 2025 season has been largely disappointing, with all departments faltering.

Gold rate today: Gold futures on MCX opened lower, while silver also saw a decline. Prices have fluctuated, influenced by Moody's US credit rating downgrade and Russia-Ukraine peace talk hopes.

Ali Khan Mahmudabad, an Ashoka University professor, was arrested by Haryana Police following a social media post about Operation Sindoor, which was perceived as critical of the military. The arrest, based on a complaint from a BJP Yuva Morcha leader, has ignited controversy and sparked widespread support for Mahmudabad from students and colleagues.

H-1B visa applications for FY26 have significantly decreased, influenced by stricter regulations under Donald Trump's policies and increased application costs. Heightened scrutiny, including social media verification and rigorous documentation, contributes to the decline, alongside economic factors like tech industry layoffs.

Despite progress in university enrollment, a UNESCO report highlights a persistent gender gap in STEM fields globally. Women are underrepresented in engineering, technical training, and digital skills, particularly in low-income countries. Even with STEM education, they face barriers to leadership roles. Systemic changes, including mentorship and flexible policies, are crucial to ensure women can fully contribute to innovation and progress.

The UPSC has declared the final results of the Indian Forest Service Examination 2024, recommending 143 candidates for appointment across various categories. The top rank was secured by Kanika Anabh. The result follows a rigorous selection process, including written exams and interviews. Two PwBD vacancies remain unfilled and will carry over to the next recruitment cycle.

The Indian Army's bomb disposal squad safely detonated a live shell fired from Pakistan near a village in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, averting a potential disaster. Residents expressed relief and gratitude, highlighting the army's crucial role in safeguarding the community.