Times of India

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.

From spending hours plotting against Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to dismantling India's star-studded batting line-up, Jai Moondra's dream debut for Ireland was years in the making. His childhood coach and mother recount the relentless work ethic that transformed an engineering student from Tonk, Rajasthan into Ireland's hero in their historic series win over India.

The Tekton is expected to share its engine options with the new Duster. A 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 100 PS power and 160 nm torque paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Another engine is a 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine with 163 PS and 280 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed DCT or a 6-speed manual.

A 28-year-old garment trader in Faridabad allegedly died by suicide, posting a video accusing his wife and her family of abuse. Rahul claimed continuous physical and mental harassment, including assault and a false case. His family discovered him after seeing the video. Police have registered a case against the wife and her relatives and are investigating the allegations.

A brazen thief made off with Rs 6,000 worth of fuel from a Gurgaon petrol station on Friday. CCTV captured the young man calmly filling his black Scorpio's tank before suddenly speeding away, dragging and snapping the hose. Police are now reviewing footage to identify the vehicle and apprehend the suspect, who fled the scene without paying.

A tragic incident unfolded in Bengaluru's JC Nagar where a 23-year-old woman, Anjali, was fatally stabbed by her former partner, Rajeev. Their two-year relationship reportedly ended after Anjali's parents warned her about Rajeev's criminal past. Furious over being avoided and blocked on her phone, Rajeev allegedly attacked Anjali in her residence late Sunday night.

A 29-year-old known rowdy sheeter, Rajubhai alias Raju, was brutally hacked to death in broad daylight in JP Nagar, Bengaluru, on Saturday evening. Eyewitnesses watched helplessly as assailants in a car intercepted Raju, who was walking home after tea. Despite his attempt to flee, he was cornered and attacked with machetes, succumbing to his injuries instantly. Police are investigating the incident, with no arrests made yet.

England captain Ben Stokes has revealed the profound emotional toll of the Ashes defeat as the primary reason for his international retirement. He confessed to his wife that he felt "no more fight" left to overcome the disappointment. Stokes cited overwhelming emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion, accumulated over years of demanding cricket, as the driving force behind his decision to step away from the game he loves.

The loss meant India failed to qualify for the semi-finals despite posting 170 for four after being asked to bat.

Tilak Varma's resilient half-century was a lone bright spot for India in their narrow one-run loss to Ireland, despite becoming one of the slowest Indian fifties in T20Is. Walking in during a top-order collapse, Varma battled tough conditions to reach his milestone. Ultimately, Ireland secured a historic series win, ending India's impressive streak.