Times of India

The BJP has strongly criticized the Samajwadi Party, accusing them of disrespecting Hindus after workers depicted Akhilesh Yadav as Lord Krishna during a birthday ritual. This accusation comes amid controversy over alleged Ram Temple donation irregularities. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also attacked Yadav, urging him to visit the Ram Temple and recalling past SP actions against devotees.

A shocking discovery has emerged regarding the death of Indian seafarer Rakesh Chauhan in Venezuela. His body, returned to India without vital organs and with extensive prior stitching, has raised grave suspicions. The seafarers' union is demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged foul play and a cover-up, urging immediate intervention from the Indian Embassy for justice and compensation for the grieving family.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg believes AI-driven job losses are exaggerated, advocating for tools that boost individual productivity. This comes as the tech giant laid off 8,000 employees, reassigning another 7,000 to AI projects, to offset significant investments in its AI "reboot." While Meta pours billions into AI infrastructure, Zuckerberg suggests a focus on human empowerment could create more jobs, a view contrasting with some industry leaders.

Seven IPL franchises have expressed interest in signing Hardik Pandya after the all-rounder decided to leave Mumbai Indians. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals in the race, with talks gathering pace. Player consent, leadership opportunities and trade structures are expected to shape one of the biggest IPL moves in recent years.

Microsoft is gearing up for another round of job cuts, reportedly impacting sales, consulting, and Xbox divisions. While smaller than previous reductions, thousands of positions may be affected. This move comes as the tech giant prioritizes AI investments and cost control, even as its stock has seen a dip. A voluntary retirement program earlier this year also aimed to manage headcount.

US government has lifted export controls on Anthropic's advanced AI models, Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5, following national security concerns. The decision, made after weeks of tension and negotiations, allows trusted partners and federal agencies to access the models with new safeguards. Anthropic is restoring access globally, thanking users for their patience and highlighting collaborative efforts to refine AI safety.

Tenants aren't always responsible for repainting or minor repairs upon moving out. A Delhi High Court ruling clarified that landlords must distinguish between normal wear and tear, which they cover, and actual damage caused by tenants. While routine painting is the landlord's duty, significant damage like removed fittings can be charged to the tenant, provided the landlord proves it and apportions costs fairly.

USCIS has finalized a new online registration and biometrics rule for certain foreign nationals in the US. This policy, effective since April 2025, targets those lacking standard immigration records. Individuals entering without inspection, certain visa-exempt Canadians, and 14-year-olds in the US must register. The agency assures no new groups are affected, emphasizing procedural updates and traveler-friendly changes to an existing system.

Daron Payne's future with the Commanders hangs in the balance as he enters the final year of his substantial contract. With a new coaching staff and defensive scheme, his 2026 performance will be crucial. Several teams, including the Chargers, Jaguars, Panthers, and Lions, are reportedly monitoring his situation and could pursue him if he hits free agency next spring, seeking to bolster their defensive lines.

Afghanistan's Taliban forces conducted strikes in Pakistan's Balochistan province, targeting alleged Islamic State bases. This follows Pakistan's recent airstrikes in Afghanistan, which killed civilians and were condemned by India as a "blatant act of aggression." Tensions are escalating after a period of relative calm, with intermittent border clashes and air strikes claiming dozens of lives recently.

Tragedy struck the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in Dausa early Wednesday as a private bus veered off the road into a gorge after colliding with a trailer, claiming at least seven lives and injuring over 15. The accident, occurring between 2-3 am, saw the bus catch fire, intensifying the panic. Rescue efforts were swift, with the injured receiving immediate medical attention. An investigation into the cause is underway.

Tennis legend Serena Williams made a valiant return to Wimbledon after a four-year singles hiatus, captivating Centre Court with her enduring brilliance. Despite a hard-fought battle, the 44-year-old ultimately fell to rising star Maya Joint in a thrilling opening-round match. Williams' spirited performance earned her a standing ovation, celebrating a career that has etched her name in tennis history.

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Sweden 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, breaking multiple records in the process. He became the all-time leader in World Cup knockout goals and overtook Miroslav Klose to move second on the overall scoring list. France now advance to face Paraguay, while Mbappé closes in on Lionel Messi’s record.

Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli was celebrated in Paris with a special masterclass and screening of 'RRR' at the Grand Rex. He shared his passion for cinema, his inspiring meeting with James Cameron, and clarified 'Eega's' inspiration. Rajamouli expressed his gratitude to his global fans, promising to return with his upcoming film 'Varanasi', which is nearing completion.

France produced a commanding display to defeat Sweden 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Bradley Barcola adding another in a one-sided contest. Les Bleus dominated possession, created chances at will, and comfortably booked their place in the Round of 16, where they will face Paraguay after an impressive all-round performance.

The Detroit Lions could explore a trade with the Dallas Cowboys after releasing former first-round cornerback Terrion Arnold following his legal issues. Dallas has strong depth at cornerback, making Caelen Carson a potential trade candidate if the team stays healthy through training camp. While no deal is imminent, Carson's rookie contract and promising performances make him an affordable option for a Lions secondary that suddenly needs reinforcements before Week 1.

Captain Shreyas Iyer remained tight-lipped about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's potential debut against England, emphasizing support for the T20 World Cup-winning squad. Iyer stressed team stability and confidence, dismissing external debut pressure. He also reflected on India's Ireland series loss, attributing it to unfamiliar conditions and acknowledging valuable lessons learned, expressing readiness for the England challenge.