Times of India

A Maharashtra consumer commission has ordered Skoda and its dealer to pay Rs 3 lakh to a customer whose premium car was stuck at a service centre for 58 days due to a starting issue. The commission found both parties liable for deficiency in service, rejecting the dealer's excuse of imported spare parts.

A devastating fire swept through a coaching-cum-gaming zone in Lucknow's Aliganj area on Monday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 12 young students. Fourteen fire tenders battled the blaze that erupted around 3 pm. While authorities are investigating the exact origin, the incident has sent shockwaves through the city, with many others reportedly injured in the tragedy.

Missiles are no longer niche assets reserved for select targets. They are increasingly becoming consumable instruments of warfare, used repeatedly to suppress air defences, destroy logistics hubs, disrupt command networks and shape battlefield conditions. The challenge, therefore, is no longer limited to developing sophisticated missiles. A production system dependent on a single dominant manufacturer can struggle to meet those demands.

Indian stock markets surged on Monday, with the Sensex and Nifty reclaiming key levels. This rebound was fueled by a dip in crude oil prices, substantial foreign fund inflows, and positive developments in US-Iran diplomatic talks. Heavyweights like Reliance and HDFC Bank led the recovery, boosting overall market sentiment and encouraging cautious optimism among investors.

Cricket star Sanju Samson drew parallels between cricketing legends and tennis icons, comparing MS Dhoni to Roger Federer for his calm demeanor and Virat Kohli to Carlos Alcaraz for his explosive style. He also reflected on India's World Cup triumphs, highlighting their impact on setting high standards. Samson acknowledged Australia's past dominance but noted India's current champion status, while Rohan Bopanna shared his Wimbledon picks and cherished memories.

Amidst political upheaval and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation, Larry the cat, the "chief mouser" of Downing Street, has once again captured public attention. This seasoned feline, having served six previous prime ministers, now anticipates the seventh. Humorous posts from his official parody account have lightened the mood, with Larry humorously "accepting" Starmer's resignation and commenting on the frequent leadership changes.

Ahmed Khan's hilariously anticipated film 'Welcome to the Jungle' has received a UA 16+ rating from the CBFC after undergoing 18 significant edits to meet compliance standards. With a release date set for June 26, this adventurous sequel boasts a star-studded cast, revamped dialogue, and the removal of certain visuals to ensure it resonates with audiences while keeping the thematic essence of the beloved franchise.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has a pointed message for AI giants OpenAI, Anthropic and Google: you can't warn that AI will wipe out jobs, call your own models a weapon, and then demand unlimited money and data centers. In a Wall Street Journal interview, Nadella criticised how a few frontier labs are capturing AI's value, pushed cheaper models and DeepSeek as alternatives, and said the industry must still earn society's "social permission."

State-run oil companies are poised for improved profits as falling crude prices boost fuel marketing margins. While recent excise duty cuts have aided this recovery, rising debt and potential future tax hikes pose risks to long-term earnings. Analysts anticipate stronger performance from the second quarter, with BPCL and IOC seen as top beneficiaries if oil prices remain subdued.

A Parliamentary Standing Committee led by BJP leader and former IPS officer Brij Lal reviewed vacancies across central government departments and assessed the progress of recruitment drives. The panel also examined the functioning of recruitment agencies such as UPSC, SSC, and DoPT, while discussing the Civil Services Examination and CSAT. The committee said recruitment efforts were progressing satisfactorily and stressed continued monitoring of vacancies.

Former South Africa batter Daryll Cullinan expresses concern over the physical toll on 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive batting style. Cullinan fears for the youngster's wrists and joints, citing the increased demands of modern cricket and heavier bats. He draws parallels to Sachin Tendulkar's career-threatening elbow injury, urging attention to Sooryavanshi's long-term health as his workload grows.

India is also seeking guarantees that the US will not impose fresh tariffs after the agreement is signed. Both countries are looking to finalise a pact seen as important for improving bilateral relations that have recently come under strain.

A Haryana resort faces a consumer commission's order to refund Rs 75 and pay Rs 10,000 in compensation. The resort overcharged a customer for Mountain Dew during a party, charging Rs 50 per bottle against a printed price of Rs 35. When the customer raised the issue, resort staff allegedly misbehaved. The commission found this a clear deficiency in service, ordering the refund with interest and compensation for harassment.

India is in advanced discussions with the UAE for a significant defence deal, potentially including the sale of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Akashteer air defence systems. This move signifies deepening strategic ties and India's growing prowess as a defence exporter. The UAE's interest stems from a desire to bolster its military capabilities amidst regional security concerns, marking a potential major win for India's indigenous defence industry.

Rajasthan ATS apprehended a woman in Jaipur for alleged ties with Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed and other anti-national elements. Investigations revealed her social media accounts and phone contained objectionable content and links to foreign profiles, including those displaying extremist symbols. She reportedly converted to Islam after guidance from a Pakistan-based Mufti and was allegedly being prepared for travel to Pakistan. Booked under UAPA, she is in ATS custody.