Times of India

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has vehemently denied allegations of "sacrilegious conduct," calling them a "dirty politics" campaign by rivals. He stated that a viral video controversy, linked to an alleged Rs 10 lakh deal for a forensic report, is being exploited to tarnish his image. Mann insists the person in the video is an actor, not him, and accuses opposition parties of using religion for political gain.

Following a tragic fire that claimed 15 lives, the Lucknow Development Authority has posted a demolition notice on the Aliganj building. The structure, approved for residential use, was allegedly operating commercially. An inquiry is underway into officials' roles regarding past violations and the revocation of a previous demolition order. Authorities are also investigating broader lapses that allowed the establishment to function.

Joe Root has reclaimed the world's top Test batting ranking, dethroning teammate Harry Brook after a stellar performance in the recent England-New Zealand Test. This marks Root's 12th stint at No. 1. He now aims to solidify his position in the series decider at Trent Bridge, where England also seeks to improve their World Test Championship standing after a slow over-rate penalty.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have spent nearly two decades battling for football supremacy. This time, the contest is about money. Both legends have crossed the billionaire mark and stand among the richest athletes in the world. Their fortunes have surged through football contracts, sponsorships, business ventures, and social media influence. While Ronaldo is believed to hold a slight edge in total wealth, Messi is not far behind in this remarkable financial race.

A massive rescue operation is underway in Kolkata's Taratala area after an under-construction warehouse collapsed, trapping several people. Emergency services, including NDRF and army personnel, are on-site, using heavy machinery to clear debris and search for survivors. Four individuals have been rescued so far. The state government has established control rooms and released helpline numbers for the incident.

Global crude oil prices have plunged to four-month lows, driven by improved tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and anticipation of increased Iranian oil exports. This easing of supply disruption fears has led to significant drops in Brent and WTI futures. Despite this, underlying geopolitical uncertainties persist, with investors closely monitoring US-Iran negotiations and inventory data for future market direction.

India is actively seeking foreign currency inflows by encouraging its diaspora to deposit funds. Banks are now permitted to offer substantial leverage on these special foreign-currency deposits, with potential returns exceeding 6% and leveraged rates above 10%. This initiative aims to bolster foreign exchange reserves amidst global economic uncertainties and has the potential to attract over $80 billion.

On Truth Social, Donald Trump delivered a stern warning, claiming America will 'NEVER' shift towards communism. This statement follows significant victories for progressive candidates endorsed by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Trump's recent approach toward Mamdani has been surprisingly pragmatic, despite a history of vocal criticisms, highlighting the persistent ideological split between them.

A tragic incident unfolded on a Mumbai local train where a 22-year-old man was fatally stabbed after an argument over a coach door during heavy rain. The dispute turned violent between Andheri and Borivali, leading to the victim's death. The accused fled the scene at Borivali station. Authorities are actively searching for the suspect, reviewing CCTV footage, and questioning witnesses.

At the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore, Chennai's Velammal International School came face to face with the gap separating Indian basketball from Asia's best. Yet, amid defeats and difficult lessons, dreams remained intact. One player dreams of the NBA, another of an Olympic medal, while coach Shamsher Basha believes exposure and opportunity can help bridge the divide. For a team carrying expectations, the experience itself became reason enough to keep going.

Monsoon's arrival in India brings relief from heat but also a surge in stomach ailments. High humidity and standing water create a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to widespread food and waterborne illnesses. Experts warn about contaminated street food and water, with vulnerable groups like children and the elderly at higher risk. Practicing strict hygiene, boiling water, and avoiding risky foods are crucial to prevent these seasonal infections.

A planned murder disguised as a trekking accident has been uncovered near Pune. Siya Goyal and her friend Chetan Chaudhary allegedly conspired to kill Ketan Agarwal, Siya's fiancé. Police suspect Siya feared family shame more than eloping with Chetan. Suspicious CCTV footage of a hooded figure at Lohagad Fort led investigators to the couple, who are now in custody.

Mumbai and its surrounding districts are grappling with heavy rainfall, leading to a minor landslide at Malshej Ghat and widespread waterlogging. Authorities have issued weather alerts, with some areas under a red alert. Despite disruptions like the closure of the Andheri subway, essential services like suburban train operations remain largely unaffected. The region braces for continued downpours.

Tragedy struck a Pune family after their son, Ketan Agarwal, was allegedly murdered by his fiancée, Siya Goyal, and her alleged lover. Police claim the couple conspired to push Ketan from Lohagad Fort, staging it as an accident. Ketan's parents, who had known Goyal's family for decades and trusted her implicitly, expressed shock and devastation at the betrayal, questioning why their son had to die if the marriage was unwanted.

Cristiano Ronaldo ended a difficult week with two goals as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0, topping Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 41-year-old became the first player to score in six men's World Cups. After the match, Ronaldo called a potential showdown with Lionel Messi "awesome," a clash that could materialise in the quarterfinals if Portugal secure top spot in their group against Colombia on Saturday.

Canadian AI chief Aidan Gomez warns democracies against 'renting' AI, calling it a national security risk. He highlights the danger of relying on foreign tech giants, citing recent US restrictions as a wake-up call. Gomez advocates for "Sovereign AI," urging nations to control their AI supply chains. He suggests international alliances are key to achieving this, rather than individual countries attempting full independence due to immense costs.

Bengal and Delhi Capitals cricketer Abishek Porel faces serious allegations after a woman filed a police complaint accusing him of a broken promise of marriage, assault, and criminal intimidation. The woman claims a three-year relationship soured last year, with Porel allegedly backing out of marriage plans. Porel has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them baseless and suggesting they are timed with his recent cricketing success. An investigation is underway.