Times of India

Two District Reserve Guards (DRG) personnel were injured in an IED blast during a clash with Maoists in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district on Wednesday. One Maoist was killed in the exchange of fire, and a search operation is ongoing. This incident follows the recent killings of two women by Maoists, who accused them of being police informants.

Lok Sabha faced disruptions as Rahul Gandhi urged Speaker Om Birla to expunge Nishikant Dubey's remarks. Dubey had linked Congress and Gandhi with George Soros and OCCRP. BJP accused Congress of connections with Soros, while Congress alleged BJP shielded Adani Group. Congress expressed willingness to participate in Parliament after the Speaker's decision on the remarks.

IndiGo, India's largest airline, is launching business class seating on key domestic routes, challenging Air India's dominance. This move will increase premium seating options for travelers, potentially impacting pricing.

A newlywed fisherman in Visakhapatnam tragically died by suicide after loan app agents harassed him over a ₹2,000 debt. Despite repaying the loan, the agents shared morphed obscene photos of him and his wife with his contacts. Police are investigating the incident and pursuing charges related to abetment of suicide and IT Act violations.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the Congress party's no-confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, defending Dhankhar's integrity and accusing the opposition of disrespecting the Chair. Rijiju questioned Congress's alleged ties with George Soros and their motives. The opposition, led by Congress, submitted the motion and continues to demand discussion of the Adani issue, leading to parliamentary disruptions.

A Las Vegas man received a lengthy prison sentence for attacking a judge. Deobra Redden pleaded guilty to attempted murder. He jumped over the judge's bench and assaulted her. The courtroom video captured the entire incident. Redden will be eligible for parole after 2050. The judge, Mary Kay Holthus, thankfully survived the attack.

Bengaluru techie Atul Subhash took his own life. He left a note blaming his wife and her family for harassment. They allegedly demanded a large sum to settle legal disputes. Subhash accused them of false accusations and extortion. He recorded a video detailing his ordeal. A police investigation is underway.

Pakistan's cricket future hangs in the balance amid a standoff with India over the Champions Trophy. The PCB's potential withdrawal over hosting arrangements could lead to significant financial losses, lawsuits and international isolation. Broadcasters and the ICC may pursue legal action if Pakistan forfeits the tournament, jeopardizing crucial revenue streams tied to India-Pakistan matches.

US cricketer Saurabh Netravalkar, despite a stellar T20 World Cup performance including a Super Over win against Pakistan and key wickets against India, went unsold in the IPL auction. The 33-year-old expressed gratitude for the opportunity and vowed to return stronger. He also praised India's World Cup victory, acknowledging their well-rounded team and fighting spirit.

Reliance Industries topped the wealth creation charts for the sixth consecutive time, generating Rs 11,178 billion during 2019-24. Adani Green emerged as the fastest wealth creator. While the top 10 companies contributed 37% to total wealth, the lowest in two decades, mid and small-cap segments also saw significant growth.

Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has renewed its search for showroom space in New Delhi, potentially signaling a revival of its Indian market entry plans. The company is reportedly in early discussions with DLF for locations in Delhi and Gurugram.

Congress MPs distributed roses and flags to NDA MPs outside Parliament, protesting against the government and alleging Adani's undue influence. They demanded an end to the alleged "selling off" of the country. This follows previous protests with masks, bags, and T-shirts targeting the Adani-Modi link. Parliamentary disruptions continue amidst accusations between BJP and Congress regarding Soros and Adani.

An auto executive, embroiled in a bitter family dispute, tragically ended his life. He alleged relentless pressure from his wife and in-laws, who demanded a substantial sum to cease legal action and allow him to see his son. His final message, now viral, highlights the pressures faced by men and the need for mental health support.

Australian fan Lachie Burtt created a massive 'beer snake' using 250 cups at the Adelaide Oval during the pink-ball Test and walked right across the sight screen while carrying it. His antics, costing AUD 2750, stopped play briefly play as Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne pulled out seconds before facing a delivery from Mohammed Siraj, who became angry and threw the ball back at the stumps.

Allu Arjun's 'Pushpa 2' dominates the Indian box office, raking ₹647.31 crore in just seven days. The film, starring Rashmika Mandanna, is projected to surpass ₹1000 crore globally. Its success continues despite weekday screenings, proving its mass appeal. ETimes praises the film's blend of action, drama, and social commentary.

Elon Musk reignited his feud with Bill Gates on X, suggesting Gates' short position against Tesla could bankrupt him if Tesla becomes the world's most valuable company. Musk referenced Gates' alleged $1.5 billion loss on the short and criticized his hypocrisy regarding environmental causes.

OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar believes Donald Trump could shape the burgeoning AI era. She also addressed Elon Musk's criticisms, stating OpenAI trusts him to prioritize national interests. High demand has caused a temporary pause on new accounts for their video tool, Sora, prioritizing a cautious rollout.

Following the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, hidden dungeons and torture chambers within Damascus's security compound were revealed. Former detainees recounted horrific experiences, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and dire conditions. Families desperately searched for missing loved ones, while unearthed documents exposed the extensive surveillance of Syrian citizens, even cabinet ministers.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal has dismissed reports of an alliance with Congress for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Both parties have stated they will contest independently, echoing their separate campaigns in the Haryana elections and contrasting their Lok Sabha alliance.

Parliamentary proceedings remain stalled as Congress demands action against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for linking the Gandhis to George Soros. Congress Deputy Leader Gaurav Gogoi urged Speaker Om Birla to expunge Dubey's "defamatory remarks," promising Congress's participation in legislative business thereafter. BJP doubled down on the allegations, citing connections between Soros and Nehru's family.