Times of India

Trinamool Congress is experiencing a significant political shift. Several party MPs have reportedly written to the Lok Sabha Speaker expressing their support for the BJP-led NDA. This follows recent internal party challenges and a poor performance in the West Bengal elections. The move aims to align with the NDA's political course.

India will play five T20Is and three ODIs in England between July 1 and July 19. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the ECB has advanced the start times of three evening T20Is by one hour following discussions with broadcasters. The matches were originally scheduled to begin at 6.30 pm local time (11 pm IST), as announced last year. However, they will now start at 5.30 pm local time (10 pm IST), making them more viewer-friendly for Indian audiences.

Renowned actor Morgan Freeman's philosophy emphasizes confronting reality for true growth. His quote, "If you live a life of make-believe, your life isn't worth anything until you do something that does challenge your reality," highlights the importance of pushing boundaries.

A tragic accident at Vizag Steel Plant claimed eight lives and injured six workers. A hot metal ladle fell, causing a massive fire in Steel Melting Shop One. Bodies are difficult to identify due to severe burns. Injured workers are receiving treatment for extensive burns. This incident is the plant's worst since a 2012 explosion.

Walmart assures its 2.1 million employees that AI will enhance their roles, not replace them. Company leaders emphasized that while technology will be integral to future operations, human employees will remain central. AI is already being implemented to improve efficiency, such as a tool helping truck drivers optimize loads and reduce empty miles.

India's nuclear warheads have increased to 190. This expansion is part of a modernization effort. Global nuclear powers are upgrading their arsenals. Asia faces rising tensions and strategic competition. India's nuclear strategy focuses on China and Pakistan. New delivery systems and sea-based deterrents are being developed. The global arms control framework is weakening.

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis warns humanity is on the cusp of Artificial General Intelligence, potentially within four years, urging immediate preparation. He views current AI agents as a societal stress test and highlights the risks of recursive self-improvement. Hassabis also criticized tech companies for laying off engineers, advocating for increased productivity instead.

Tensions flared as Iran and Israel exchanged missile and air strikes, shattering an April ceasefire and sparking fears of wider conflict. US President Trump urged an immediate halt to hostilities. The escalating attacks, involving Iranian missile barrages and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, have disrupted regional stability and rattled global energy markets, with Iraq and Syria closing airspace.

INDIA bloc leaders met, agreeing to petition the Chief Justice on electoral integrity and demanding the Education Minister's resignation over exam controversies. They also called for an all-party meeting on the economy and pledged to meet bi-monthly. Parliament coordination will continue daily during the monsoon session.

Twenty-four Indian seafarers are urgently seeking help after their vessel was reportedly attacked off Oman's coast, near the Strait of Hormuz. The Forward Seamen's Union of India has appealed to the Indian Navy and authorities for intervention amidst rising regional tensions. Details regarding the attack and the vessel remain unconfirmed by official sources.

India secured a historic innings and 300-run win against Afghanistan in the one-off Test. Debutant Manav Suthar impressed with a seven-wicket match haul. India's batsmen posted a massive total, forcing Afghanistan to follow on. This victory marks India's largest ever in Test cricket, showcasing a dominant performance.

The win surpassed India's previous biggest Test victory margin and was set up by a dominant bowling performance that saw them take 14 Afghanistan wickets on the third day.

A Delhi University professor was brutally murdered by a couple she had welcomed into her home, offering them water. The crime, stemming from a property dispute, saw the accused use forged identities and travel extensively to evade capture. Police apprehended the couple in West Bengal after a multi-state manhunt.

Following an April 8 ceasefire, Iran has rapidly rebuilt its military might, reopening vital missile and drone storage tunnels. Despite extensive US strikes, Tehran has repaired facilities, reorganized logistics, and accelerated production. With a significant portion of its arsenal intact and drone output high, Iran is leveraging this period to bolster its capabilities and influence regional dynamics.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor amused netizens with his witty responses to culinary debates on social media. He humorously critiqued an 'idli pizza' cutting style, attributing it to software engineering logic. Previously, Tharoor also defended the South Indian idli against a comparison to rasgulla, highlighting its unique preparation and culinary significance.

India's urban areas face a growing affordable housing crisis, with the deficit projected to reach 30 million units by 2030. Developers are shifting focus away from affordable homes due to land scarcity and financial viability challenges, leading to a significant drop in new affordable housing launches.