Times of India

General Christopher Donahue, the last American soldier to exit Afghanistan in 2021, is stepping down as commander of US Army Europe and Africa after just 18 months. His departure aligns with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's initiative to reduce senior military leadership. The Army is reportedly considering downgrading the command, a move that follows criticism of European allies.

India's 2036 Olympic hosting aspirations gained momentum as the IOC approved a new selection process, aiming for a host announcement by mid-2029. This revamped system introduces a "Strategic Dialogue" phase for greater transparency and clarity. Candidates, including India with Ahmedabad as the proposed city, will undergo rigorous evaluation, including financial guarantees and site visits, before a final decision is made.

Muni Long, a Grammy-winning artist, bravely divulged her challenging health ordeal that culminated in a double lung transplant amidst a tour-related crisis. Faced with a grim prognosis of just one week to live, she confronted a profound dilemma: hospice care or surgery. Her wish to live for her son guided her choice, and the transplant surprisingly improved her singing voice, although she remains hesitant about performing.

Michael Dell has surged into the world's top 5 richest individuals, surpassing Larry Ellison. This ascent is fueled by Dell Technologies' booming AI infrastructure business, which saw a remarkable 757% surge in AI server revenue. While Dell's wealth has climbed significantly, Ellison's fortune has seen a dip, leading to this notable shift in global wealth rankings.

Josh Hokit has defended his controversial Michelle Obama remark, saying he believed it was a compliment and an example of free speech. His explanation has not reduced criticism, with figures such as Dana White and Daniel Cormier strongly condemning the comment. Hokit, however, continues to stand by his words and has refused to apologize.

Global opinion on Donald Trump is overwhelmingly negative, with a median of just 23% expressing confidence in his leadership. A new Pew survey reveals widespread disapproval of his handling of foreign policy, including Iran and trade tariffs. Confidence in the US as a reliable partner has plummeted, particularly in Canada and Europe, painting a stark contrast to Trump's claims of global admiration.

SoftBank's Masayoshi Son, 68, plans to lead the tech giant for another decade, focusing intensely on artificial intelligence and robotics. Dismissing 'AI bubble' fears as 'blasphemy,' Son believes AI's potential is just unfolding. He aims to achieve 'artificial superintelligence' and is backing this vision with significant investments in companies like Arm and OpenAI, alongside robotics acquisitions.

A security guard's account at Lohagad Fort has shed light on the chilling events leading to Ketan Agarwal's death. He observed Ketan arriving with Siya Goyal, followed by Chetan Chaudhary, who appeared to deliberately conceal his identity. Police allege Siya and Chetan, her lover and co-conspirator, then pushed Ketan into a gorge, with Siya later fabricating a story of an accidental fall. The couple is now in custody.

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has identified veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky as a realistic target for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are actively exploring the goaltending market after moving Joseph Woll. Bobrovsky, set to become an unrestricted free agent after his contract with the Florida Panthers expires, gives Toronto a financially efficient route to upgrade in net without surrendering trade assets. Two existing Maple Leafs, Anthony Stolarz and Steve Lorentz, both share strong personal bonds with Bobrovsky from his time in Florida, adding an unusual layer of familiarity to an already compelling fit.

Pakistan's Women's T20 World Cup campaign is marred by internal strife, with reports of player-management friction and selection disputes. Following a string of losses, captain Fatima Sana admitted the team played its 'worst cricket.' Allegations include disagreements over player selection and disciplinary issues, casting a shadow over their performance despite positive pre-tournament preparations.

India youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's reaction to younger brother Ashirvad's latest century has gone viral on social media. Vaibhav shared an Instagram story after the 10-year-old smashed 168 off 119 balls, including 19 fours and six sixes. Already making waves in Bihar cricket, Ashirvad recently scored 103 off 87 in a practice match, drawing praise from fans and family alike.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 to secure their first win of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 41-year-old became the first player to score in six different World Cups and Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 10 goals. Ronaldo also matched Lionel Messi and Michael Laudrup as both his country's youngest and oldest World Cup scorer.

A frantic rescue operation is underway in West Kolkata after an under-construction warehouse collapsed, trapping over 20 workers. Cranes, bulldozers, and specialized teams are working tirelessly to free those buried under the debris. Eleven injured have been rescued and hospitalized. Authorities are deploying advanced equipment, including sniffer dogs and drones, to locate survivors amidst the wreckage.

Excitement is building in Ireland for 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's potential India debut in the upcoming T20I series. His IPL exploits have generated significant buzz, with fans from across Europe eager to witness the event. Former cricketer MV Narasimha Rao believes Sooryavanshi's style resembles Gary Sobers and advises the young talent to stay grounded amidst the growing hype.

India and the US concluded ministerial talks on a proposed trade deal, aiming for an interim pact before a US tariff deadline next month. Discussions focused on market access, digital trade, and reducing barriers. This follows recent high-level meetings and aims to deepen economic ties, with both nations reviewing progress on key trade elements and potential tariff adjustments.