Times of India

Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered a batting disaster against Punjab Kings in a rain-shortened IPL 2025 match, managing only 95 runs for 9 wickets. This dismal performance ranks among the tournament's lowest scores, reminiscent of their infamous 49 all out in 2017.

Amid trade tensions, China is seeking stronger ties with India, offering to boost Indian exports to address the trade deficit. Ambassador Xu Feihong hopes India will provide a fair environment for Chinese businesses. China welcomes PM Modi to the SCO summit, emphasizing dialogue for a stable relationship. Both nations aim to resolve border issues peacefully, focusing on mutual development.

Bengal BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, 60, married Rinku Majumdar, a leader in the party's women's wing, in a private ceremony at his Kolkata residence. The wedding photos quickly circulated on social media, surprising many within the party, especially given Ghosh's potential bid for state BJP chief. A reception is planned in Kharagpur. Party sources say Ghosh first met Majumdar during his tenure as state BJP president, when she was active in Kolkata South’s organisational work.

In a moving tribute, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has decided to name a stand at Wankhede Stadium after Rohit Sharma, celebrating his leadership and contributions, including recent World Cup and Champions Trophy wins. Additionally, stands will be named after the late Ajit Wadekar, honoring his historic Test series victories, and Sharad Pawar, recognizing his role in transforming Wankhede.

The Allahabad High Court granted bail to Arun Kumar Mishra, accused of rape, raising concerns about failed relationships leading to criminal charges. Justice Krishan Pahal noted the consensual nature of the relationship and the delayed FIR filing. The court highlighted a societal trend of transient relationships and cautioned against misusing penal laws amid emotional fallout.

India marks a new milestone in space exploration as IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to fly to the ISS in May 2025 as part of Axiom Mission 4. Selected for this NASA-approved private spaceflight, Shukla will be the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma.

Over 1,000 international students, including those at Harvard and Stanford, have had their US visas revoked, causing widespread confusion and legal challenges. Universities discovered the terminations through a Homeland Security database, often without prior notice or explanation. Lawsuits allege unlawful revocations and lack of due process.

Indian markets concluded the week with significant gains, fueled by returning foreign investment and easing inflation. The Sensex and Nifty surged over 6% in four sessions, boosting investor wealth substantially. A favorable monsoon forecast and the RBI's accommodative stance further contributed to the market's positive momentum.

Following the tragic death of Air India Express First Officer Armaan after a Srinagar-Delhi flight, the DGCA has launched a thorough investigation. The probe will examine his medical history, airport medical care, and adherence to rostering protocols. ALPA has highlighted the urgent need for improved pilot rest regulations and mental health support within the aviation industry, emphasizing concerns about pilot welfare and working conditions.

Zaheer Abbas believes Babar Azam's form slump may stem from reluctance to seek advice from senior players, contrasting it with Younis Khan and Mohammad Azharuddin's past consultations. Inzamam-ul-Haq, drawing from his own experience, advised Babar to remain patient, strategically target bowlers, and persevere through this challenging phase to regain his form and improve match outcomes.

BJP leader Amit Malviya has challenged Mamata Banerjee's claims regarding the Murshidabad communal violence, citing police reports that contradict her narrative of "outsiders" being responsible. Malviya alleges that the violence, which resulted in three deaths and numerous arrests, was instigated by local youths, as indicated by intelligence inputs and police findings.

In a bizarre turn of events in Bareilly's CB Ganj, Munni Devi, a 65-year-old woman, was wrongly jailed for electricity theft due to a warrant intended for another woman with a similar name. Her son, Rakesh, fought for her release, proving her innocence. Sub-Inspector Saurabh Yadav acknowledged the error, leading to Munni Devi's release after three days.

A gunman, identified as Phoenix Ikner, opened fire at Florida State University, killing two and injuring six. Ikner, the son of a sheriff's deputy, had a history of espousing white supremacist rhetoric, according to former classmates. The shooting prompted panic on campus, with students scrambling for safety as Ikner was eventually shot by responding officers and hospitalized.

Speculation is rife about Abhishek Nayar's potential return to Kolkata Knight Riders after Varun Chakravarthy's cryptic Instagram post. Following his departure from the BCCI, fans are linking Nayar, a former KKR coach, back to the franchise where he mentored key players and contributed to their success. A reunion could reignite KKR's title aspirations.

Delhi Capitals' Karun Nair apologized to co-owner Parth Jindal after their loss to Mumbai Indians, despite Nair's impressive 89 off 40 balls. Jindal had praised Nair's batting, especially against Jasprit Bumrah, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of sports after both Delhi Capitals and Bengaluru FC faced defeats. Delhi Capitals, currently leading the points table, will next face Gujarat Titans.

The Delhi High Court discharged a man in an adultery case, referencing the Mahabharat to highlight the patriarchal roots of the now-defunct adultery law. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna emphasized the Supreme Court's 2018 judgment decriminalizing adultery, stating that the law treated women as property. The court quashed the complaint, asserting that the outdated notion of marital ownership over women is unconstitutional.