Times of India

Bangladesh is reportedly set to acquire 24 Chinese J-10CE fighter jets, with a deal potentially finalized by August. This proposed defense purchase is part of broader discussions during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China, aimed at deepening cooperation across defense, infrastructure, trade, and investment. The visit also includes discussions on the Teesta project and China's global initiatives, with the Prime Minister attending the Summer Davos forum.

The Indian rupee weakened by 30 paise to 94.63 against the US dollar on Monday, pressured by a strong dollar and Middle East tensions. Despite supportive inflows and falling crude oil prices, importer demand and foreign institutional investors turning net sellers weighed on the currency. While equity markets saw gains, core sector growth slowed, and the RBI actively intervened in the forex market.

=

Tragedy struck Lucknow's Aliganj as a devastating fire ripped through a three-storey commercial complex, claiming 15 young lives, mostly students at an animation centre. Families received frantic calls as thick smoke and flames engulfed the building. Brave locals and first responders risked their lives in desperate rescue attempts, while firefighters battled the blaze. The incident has left many grieving and seeking answers.

England have named a 17-man squad for the five-match T20I series against India, handing all-rounder James Coles his maiden call-up. Harry Brook will captain the side, with Jordan Cox, Sonny Baker and Saqib Mahmood returning. Injuries rule out Brydon Carse and Jamie Overton. The series begins on July 1, with Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer among the key names.

Cameron Jordan and Quenton Nelson returned to the NFL Top 100 after multi-year absences. Jordan’s selection comes days after the Saints veteran hinted that 2026 could be his final NFL season, while Nelson earned recognition after another dominant year anchoring the Colts’ offensive line.

A deadly Aliganj fire investigation reveals the building was approved for residential use but later converted to a commercial complex. Officials are probing lapses by 16 individuals, including former employees, for alleged negligence in monitoring and approvals. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation had been collecting commercial property tax since 2022, indicating awareness of its use. The probe aims to uncover administrative negligence and regulatory violations contributing to the tragedy.

Pune Municipal Corporation proceedings were disrupted by opposition corporators protesting alleged BJP aggression with construction helmets and black armbands. This follows a chaotic previous meeting. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray indicated he would soon address his party's recent setback, with six Lok Sabha MPs defecting to Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. Shinde welcomed the MPs, calling it a continuation of his movement to preserve Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology.

Europe is battling a severe heatwave, with red alerts issued across multiple nations. France is particularly hard-hit, facing record temperatures and tragic heat-related deaths, including young children. Schools are closing, and transport is disrupted as the continent grapples with extreme conditions. Scientists link this intense heat to accelerating climate change, warning of more frequent and severe heatwaves globally.

Cricket legend Clive Lloyd has lauded teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, believing he has the makings of a future star. Lloyd, who faced formidable pace attacks, suggested Sooryavanshi's skills would have been a significant challenge. He also urged for the youngster's natural playing style to be preserved. This praise follows Sooryavanshi's record-breaking 11-ball fifty for India A, fueling anticipation for his potential international debut in Ireland.

A tragic industrial accident at Qatar's Ras Laffan gas facility has claimed at least 13 lives, including Indian nationals, and injured 66. The blast at the Barzan gas supply facility, ruled an accident, occurred Sunday night. Despite the incident, Qatar's energy minister assured that domestic needs and LNG exports remain unaffected, though repairs will take time.

Kieron Pollard has etched his name in T20 history, surpassing Chris Gayle to become the format's leading run-scorer during Major League Cricket 2026. The West Indian veteran achieved this milestone with an unbeaten century, accumulating 14,582 runs. Pollard highlighted the unique challenge of his middle-order role, expressing pride in his generation's embrace of franchise cricket, which has now become a global phenomenon.