Times of India

Uddhav Thackeray projected confidence amid a fresh party rebellion, assuring Shiv Sainiks are "fired up" despite six Lok Sabha MPs defecting. He apologized to voters for electing lawmakers who switched sides. Thackeray dismissed merger talks with Congress and defended his leadership, highlighting electoral wins. He warned of a threat to democracy with a move towards a "one party, no election" system. This latest crisis follows the 2022 split.

Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Lok Sabha unit appeared on the verge of a formal split on Thursday after six of its nine MPs stayed away from a parliamentary party meeting in Delhi despite the party issuing a whip. Only Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waze attended the meeting, reaffirming their loyalty to party chief Uddhav Thackeray.

Fathers often express love through actions, not words, and Father's Day on June 21, 2026, is a time to appreciate their guidance and support. Simple gestures like cooking a favorite meal or sharing memories can mean more than gifts. This day is about acknowledging their sacrifices and letting them know they are deeply appreciated.

John Chayka did not ease into the Toronto Maple Leafs job. His first major swing brought Darren Raddysh from Tampa Bay in a reported $68 million sign-and-trade, giving Toronto a new power-play weapon and a clear defensive reset after a rough season with pressure attached to the price and term. Chayka now owns the bet. So does Toronto’s blue line.

Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that externally aided projects in the Northeast should empower local products for global markets and strengthen livelihoods. She highlighted a seven-fold increase in assistance, with over 10,000 km of roads built since 2014. Sitharaman underscored the region's potential, stating that EAPs offer a development model combining central support, state execution, and global expertise for local communities.

Cristiano Ronaldo's blank outing against DR Congo reignited questions over his place in Portugal's World Cup side. But the numbers paint a more complicated picture. While the 41-year-old failed to register a shot on target, FIFA tracking data shows he made 47 off-ball runs and was found only 10 times. His finishing deserves scrutiny, but Portugal's lack of service and creativity may have been just as responsible for a frustrating opening night.

Two young development workers, on a fellowship field visit in Odisha's Rayagada district, were brutally attacked by a mob who mistook them for child kidnappers. Despite showing identity cards and explaining their purpose, the duo was chased, assaulted, and the woman was half-stripped. Police have arrested 16 individuals and are searching for more accused, registering four cases related to the terrifying ordeal.

Bihar's property registration rates have significantly increased, with rural land rates jumping 60% and urban rates doubling. An annual 5% MVR hike and a 1% stamp duty increase are now in effect. This move aims to boost farmer compensation for land acquisition, which will see substantial hikes for both state and central projects. Women buyers will also benefit from an increased stamp duty concession.

Experts warn against panic selling, emphasizing the need to maintain investment discipline. In fact, the simplest advice is this: do nothing. That is the whole answer, and it is harder to follow than it sounds, he says.

Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, firmly dismissed Donald Trump's allegations that she asked him for a photo at the G7 summit, calling his statements 'entirely fictitious.' Expressing her surprise and disappointment, Meloni stated that neither she nor her country would ever resort to begging. This confrontation signifies a potential rift in the previously friendly relationship between Meloni and Trump.

India's naval security faces a growing submarine threat from Pakistan and China. To counter this, the Indian Navy urgently needs to expand its anti-submarine warfare helicopter fleet. While new MH-60R helicopters have been acquired, more are essential for protecting vast maritime interests. Accelerating indigenous helicopter programs is crucial to ensure frontline warships have integral airborne ASW capabilities, closing a critical gap as underwater threats escalate across the Indo-Pacific.

Salman Khan's plea against the 'Kala Hiran' film makers, alleging violation of his personality rights, saw its Delhi High Court hearing postponed. The filmmakers sought more time to respond, while Khan's lawyer pushed for immediate interim relief, citing unauthorized use of the actor's life story and image for commercial gain. The court directed Khan's team to provide documents to the respondents, with the next hearing set for July 1.

A consumer commission in Rohtak has ordered footwear brand Red Tape to refund Rs 10 for a carry bag and pay Rs 8,000 in compensation and costs. The commission ruled that charging for the bag constituted a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice. The brand's own affidavit admitted the charge was unnecessary and unjustified, leading to the penalty.

India has secured the ODI series against Afghanistan, using the matches to test new player combinations. While Ishan Kishan and Shubman Gill impressed at number three, former captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth questioned KL Rahul's deployment in a lower batting order, advocating for him to bat higher. Srikkanth also raised concerns about player fatigue due to the demanding schedule.

US President Donald Trump has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "a very tough cookie" and one of his most admired global leaders, alongside China's Xi Jinping. Speaking to Axios, Trump highlighted their strong personal rapport, even amidst trade tensions. This praise follows their recent G7 meeting, where Trump emphasized the close India-US relationship and PM Modi's formidable negotiating skills, suggesting a trade deal is nearing completion.

René Mayrhofer, who led Google's Android platform security team as a director, has resigned over Google's deal letting the Pentagon use its Gemini AI for classified military work. In a blunt farewell note titled "Google Management Has Lost Its Moral Compass," the pacifist engineer cited fears of EU mass surveillance and Google quietly abandoning its carbon-neutral goal. The Business Insider-reported exit adds to a wider staff revolt over military AI.

A fascinating trend is emerging as Indian professionals increasingly desert sprawling metropolises in favor of tier-2 and tier-3 cities, searching for a richer quality of life. The rising costs of living, extensive travel for work, and the stress of city life are significant forces behind this migration.