Times of India

Elon Musk targeted USAID, highlighting financial waste and corruption, particularly in NGO funding. His team pushed for transparency and reforms in USAID and the Treasury, with Marco Rubio confirming major implementations of their suggestions. Critics argue about the legality of the cuts and potential risks to essential aid programs.

US National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard will visit the Indo-Pacific region, including India, to build strong relationships and open communication lines. This marks the first visit by a top White House official to India under the Trump administration, following PM Modi's US visit, where he met Gabbard and discussed enhancing bilateral intelligence cooperation.

A gold-smuggling racket involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao, daughter of a senior IPS officer, has prompted the arrest of her friend Tarun K Raju. This has led to a political uproar and a demand for a state government probe into the misuse of police protocol services at the airport.

India's success in the Champions Trophy, played entirely in Dubai, stirred debate regarding an unfair advantage. However, Wasim Akram dismissed these concerns, asserting India's dominance in global tournaments. India claimed the Champions Trophy by defeating New Zealand, marking their second ICC title in nine months, remaining unbeaten throughout both tournaments, showcasing their depth and leadership.

US stocks experienced a significant decline on Monday, driven by ongoing tariff disputes and the potential for a federal government shutdown. Key factors include high stock valuations, economic uncertainty, and disappointing corporate earnings. Technology stocks, like Tesla, faced severe losses. Investors are keeping a close watch on inflation reports, interest rate policies, and government actions to stabilize the economy.

The Indian government has clarified that no commitments were made to the US on reducing tariffs, despite Donald Trump's claims. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal informed a parliamentary panel that India and the US are working towards a mutually beneficial trade agreement, addressing long-term cooperation over immediate tariff adjustments. He assured lawmakers that India's interests would be protected in the negotiations.

Rohit Sharma led India to a historic ICC Champions Trophy 2025 victory, securing their second ICC trophy in nine months with a thrilling win over New Zealand. He ended retirement speculations, affirming his intention to continue in the ODI format, leaving fans with an iconic celebration. Their previous triumph came in June 2024 when they defeated South Africa in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados.

Ukraine surpassed India as the world's top arms importer in 2020-24, with its imports rising significantly due to its war with Russia. India's arms imports, driven by tensions with China and Pakistan, accounted for 8.3% of global imports. India's imports from Russia decreased, while imports from France and Israel increased.

The state's first Budget after Mahayuti govt's win reveals a record-high debt of Rs 9.3 lakh crore and a revenue deficit of Rs 45,891 crore for 2025-26. No new major schemes are introduced, focusing instead on existing ones. Local body poll budget allocations have increased, and new taxes are proposed to generate Rs 1,125 crore revenue.

In the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, CM Omar Abdullah condemned the killing of three civilians in Kathua district, calling for a thorough probe. Questions arose over why only BJP politicians were allowed to meet the victims' families while others were not. A security review meeting was held, emphasizing the need for synergy among agencies to ensure peace.

Videos of models walking the runway in Gulmarg during Ramadan sparked outrage, led by J&K chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who deemed it 'obscene.' Designer duo Shivan & Narresh apologized, citing a desire to respect local traditions. The J&K assembly and political figures condemned the show, while Panun Kashmir opposed the backlash as religious supremacy.

In Pakistan's Baluchistan province, three Sindhi barbers were killed by unidentified gunmen in a targeted attack in Panjgur district. The gunmen, who fled on a motorbike, are suspected to be Baluch separatist militants. This incident is part of a series of targeted killings of non-Baluch residents, often accused of espionage for the Pakistani military.

Former Poonjar MLA PC George urged Christian parents to marry off their daughters before they turn 24, citing an increase in 'love jihad' incidents. He claimed around 400 girls were lost to this in Meenachil taluk, with only 41 returned. Recently granted bail for a hate speech case, George also mentioned a large seizure of explosives in Erattupetta.

In a high-profile gold smuggling case, prime accused Ranya claims she was verbally threatened during DRI interrogation but not physically harmed. DRI officials dispute her account, stating that questioning was recorded and focused on her travel history. The court will review the interrogation videos for any misconduct and Ranya’s non-cooperation is noted.

The deceased man has been identified as Varadaraj, a textile merchant in Perugopanapalli village near Mathur.

The entertainment world is buzzing with major updates! From Yuzvendra Chahal’s outing with RJ Mahvash amid his divorce from Dhanashree Verma to Govinda revealing he was thrown out of BR Chopra’s office, and Akshay Kumar selling his Mumbai apartment—here are the top five entertainment stories of the day that have everyone talking!