Times of India

The disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has challenged a long-standing belief among Indian policymakers that the country's proximity to the crude-rich Persian Gulf reduced the need for large strategic petroleum reserves.

The ODI series against Afghanistan serves as an early indicator for India's 2027 World Cup preparations, with KL Rahul emerging as a key middle-order option. His adaptability and ability to accelerate or consolidate innings provide crucial flexibility, making him an important asset regardless of his batting position or wicketkeeping duties.

Lionel Messi's emotional hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria marked a historic night, equaling Miroslav Klose's all-time scoring record. Despite personal difficulties, Messi delivered a masterful performance, celebrating his 200th international cap with a record-equalling feat.

Crissy Froyd has accused The Athletic's Mike Silver of liking old bikini photos on her Instagram immediately after she published a column about the Mike Vrabel-Dianna Russini scandal, alleging the behaviour was targeted. Froyd, who was previously fired from USA Today Sports over her criticism of Russini, has alleged that at least six female reporters admitted to her that they traded intimacy for NFL access. Meanwhile, Russini has resigned from The Athletic, which is now conducting an internal investigation.

Erling Haaland comes from one of Norway’s most accomplished sporting families. His father, former Premier League player Alf-Inge Haaland, and his mother, former Norwegian heptathlon champion Gry Marita Braut, both had elite athletic careers. The Manchester City striker is also close to his siblings Astor and Gabrielle Haaland, has two younger half-sisters, and has been in a long-term relationship with Isabel Haugseng Johansen, with whom he shares a son born in 2024.

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo share one of sport's most enduring love stories, rooted in their shared childhood in Rosario, Argentina. They married in July 2017 and have three sons together: Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Roccuzzo has built a massive global following in her own right, known less for glamour and more for consistent family presence through every chapter of Messi's extraordinary career. As Messi competes at the 2026 World Cup, their family remains one of the most recognised in football.

A 26-year-old migrant worker from Bihar, Rohit, is bedridden with multiple fractures after bravely rescuing colleagues from a Delhi building fire. He has received no compensation from the government, leaving his family struggling financially. With Rohit unable to work and his wife and sister caring for him, their children's education has been halted.

A disturbing sex racket in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh, has taken a grim turn with police discovering one of the two arrested women has been HIV-positive for three years. The operation, which involved blackmail and false rape threats, saw four individuals apprehended.

The Bombay High Court ruled that a divorced wife cannot seek increased maintenance after her husband's death, but can still claim decreed amounts and arrears from his estate. The court clarified that the right to maintenance is personal and lasts a lifetime, but seeking enhancement requires both parties to be alive.

Cough syrups will now require a doctor's prescription as the Centre has removed them from a decades-old exemption. This move, following concerns over contaminated syrups, brings all formulations under regular regulatory oversight. The change aims to enhance accountability and public health safety in the distribution of these commonly used medicines.

Ignou is investigating allegations of question papers being sold on Telegram for its June-July 2026 term-end exams, with touts reportedly charging Rs 199 per subject. Despite complaints and screenshots shared, the university claims no evidence of a leak and has not cancelled any papers.

'Lack Of Trust, Respect For Int'l Law In World'