Times of India

Punjab finance minister and AAP leader Harpal Singh Cheema asserted that a video allegedly showing chief minister Bhagwant Mann in a sacrilegious act is fake. Forensic reports from two independent laboratories confirm the individual in the video is not Mann, suggesting a defamation attempt by the opposition. This comes after the Akal Takht issued an edict against Mann over the clip.

India is in discussions with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank for approximately $2.5 billion in loans to support urban infrastructure and job creation. This move aims to bolster capital for government spending, which has been impacted by rising oil prices and increased subsidy expenditures due to the Middle East conflict.

Noam Shazeer, Google's Gemini co-lead and self-described inventor of the LLM revolution, is leaving for OpenAI less than two years after Google paid a reported $2.7 billion to rehire him from Character. AI. The vice president of engineering called it a "difficult decision to move on." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who pursued Shazeer for a decade, hailed the hire as "worth the wait" as the AI talent war intensifies.

A 45-year-old domestic help was found brutally murdered on a building terrace in South Delhi's Mount Kailash area. Police arrested her employer, Dr. Manish Gupta, who allegedly bludgeoned and stabbed the victim. The motive remains unclear, with investigators exploring a potential personal dispute.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified the board's stance on the on-field altercation involving Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Vishen Halambage. Saikia emphasised that disciplinary actions are solely the purview of match officials, not the BCCI. Sri Lanka Cricket has reportedly sanctioned Halambage for provocative remarks and Dickwella for excessive appealing following the Super Over match.

A tragic accident in New York's Central Park claimed the life of 18-year-old Indian student Romanch Mahajan. While on a horse-drawn carriage ride, the vehicle bolted, and Romanch heroically jumped to save his mother, suffering a fatal head injury. The incident has reignited calls to ban horse-drawn carriages in the park.

The Centre is considering a 'durability certificate' for buildings due to rising concerns over unsafe construction, following court-ordered demolitions of unfit structures. This initiative aims to improve construction quality and safety, especially after recent incidents like a building collapse in Delhi and a dilapidated structure's partial collapse in Varanasi.

The teaser of ‘Batwara 1947’ has finally been unveiled, offering a glimpse into the emotional turmoil of India’s Partition. Led by Sunny Deol, the film explores courage and humanity amid chaos, while Preity Zinta appears briefly. Directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, the historical drama releases worldwide on August 14, 2026.

Shubman Gill's stellar 154 against Afghanistan in Lucknow secured a commanding 170-run victory for India, clinching the ODI series. This remarkable innings marked Gill as the seventh Indian captain to score over 150, joining legends like Tendulkar and Kohli. His performance underscores his growing stature in Indian cricket.

US President Donald Trump declared a new peace deal with Tehran safeguards Israel from a nuclear threat, a claim made at the G7 summit. He asserted the agreement addresses Israel's primary existential concern, despite reports of Israeli opposition and critical media commentary. Trump also voiced criticism of Netanyahu's regional conduct.

Constructing in the vicinity of India’s ancient landmarks comes with stringent regulations designed to protect these sites. Development is largely prohibited within 100 meters of designated monuments, preserving their integrity. Beyond this zone, any building plans necessitate official consent to protect heritage values.

Lionel Messi ignited the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a historic hat-trick against Algeria, becoming the oldest player to achieve the feat and equalling Miroslav Klose's record. A heartwarming viral video captured Messi learning a new goal celebration from a young fan, sparking anticipation for his potential record-breaking strike.

The BCCI is planning to kick off the IPL from March 10-May 15 starting in 2027, aiming to escape extreme weather. This shift seeks to mitigate disruptions from heatwaves and pre-monsoon rains affecting late-season matches. The tournament will maintain its 74-match format, with domestic schedules also being reviewed to align with the earlier start.

A consumer commission in Aligarh has fined a cigarette manufacturer and a retailer Rs 10 lakh for overcharging a customer Rs 20 above the printed price. The commission ruled the seller acted as the manufacturer's agent, making both liable for unfair trade practices. The duo must also compensate the complainant.

Global conflicts highlight defence self-reliance, with Iran and Ukraine showcasing resilience through domestic production. India, already prioritizing indigenous defence capabilities, leverages a diverse ecosystem of missiles, aircraft, and naval systems. This tailored approach, proven in Operation Sindoor, emphasizes asymmetric warfare and export potential, fostering strategic autonomy and economic growth through a unified national effort.

Father's Day, celebrated on the third Sunday of June, honors the vital roles fathers play. Originating in the early 20th century with Sonora Smart Dodd, the day officially became a U.S. observance in 1972. It's a time to express gratitude for their love, sacrifices, and guidance, acknowledging their evolving contributions to families and society.