Times of India

PAN 2.0: The government is launching PAN 2.0, a digitized and upgraded version of the PAN card, with enhanced QR code functionality. While details on the dynamic QR code and its KYC capabilities are still emerging, experts believe PAN 2.0 will streamline processes and potentially reduce reliance on physical cards.

Australian captain Pat Cummins, despite a recent Test defeat to India, is determined to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the one major title eluding him. Australia hasn't claimed the trophy since 2014-15, a drought Cummins aims to end on home soil.

A masked gunman shot and killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside a Hilton hotel in Manhattan. Shell casings inscribed with "deny," "defend," and "depose" were found at the scene. The assailant fled on an e-bike into Central Park, and police are searching for a potential witness seen fleeing the scene.

German aerospace engineer, Rudiger Koch, is currently living 36 feet underwater off Panama's coast in a submersible capsule. He aims to spend 120 days submerged, breaking the current record. Koch's experiment explores the ocean's potential for human habitation, advocating for ocean-based communities. His capsule provides basic amenities, and he's monitored for health and safety.

Star India's letter to the ICC reveals significant financial implications if India boycotts the Champions Trophy. With 90% of the tournament's $750 million media rights value tied to the Indian market, a pullout would severely impact ICC revenue. The ICC Champions Trophy is pencilled in for February 2025 with Pakistan the hosts.

Vitamin D, crucial for health, can become harmful in excess. Recent studies highlight rising vitamin D toxicity in India, linked to increased hypercalcemia cases. Excessive supplementation, exceeding 10,000 IU daily, coupled with high-calcium diets, poses significant risks. Symptoms range from nausea and weakness to severe kidney problems, heart risks, and bone weakening.

Baroda shattered the T20 cricket record with a monumental 349/5 against Sikkim. Bhanu Pania's unbeaten 134 off 51 balls, studded with 15 sixes, powered the onslaught. Baroda's innings featured a barrage of 37 sixes. This eclipsed Zimbabwe's previous record of 344/4. The team's explosive batting display also surpassed India's highest T20I score and the previous domestic T20 record.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut declared Eknath Shinde's time as CM over, alleging the BJP used and discarded him after choosing Devendra Fadnavis for the top job. Raut accused the BJP of systematically weakening allies and hinted at cracks within the ruling coalition.

Japanese sake has been added to Unesco's intangible cultural heritage list, recognizing its importance in Japanese culture and tradition. Despite declining domestic consumption, global interest, particularly in the US and China, has fueled a surge in exports. This recognition is hoped to revitalize interest in sake both domestically and internationally, preserving its brewing artistry for future generations.

Harbhajan Singh, a former Indian cricketer, revealed he no longer communicates with MS Dhoni. Singh's cryptic social media post hinted at their strained relationship. He stated that while they spoke during their time together at CSK, communication has ceased in the past decade, despite Singh's attempts to reach out.

Scott Boland returns to the Australian Test squad after an 18-month hiatus, replacing the injured Josh Hazlewood for the second Test against India in Adelaide. Captain Pat Cummins confirmed Boland's inclusion and allayed concerns about Mitch Marsh's fitness, stating he's ready to bowl. India await Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill's return, adding intrigue to the upcoming day-night match.

SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal will perform seva at Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib amid heightened security following a recent assassination attempt. Near the Golden Temple, an attacker tried to shoot Badal, but a sewadar intervened, deflecting the shot. The attacker was apprehended, and Badal escaped unharmed.

Stock market today: BSE Sensex and Nifty50, the Indian equity benchmark indices, rallied strongly in afternoon trade on Thursday. While Sensex reclaimed the 82,000 level briefly, Nifty50 moved above 24,800.

A 20-year-old Delhi University student, Arjun Tanwar, allegedly murdered his parents and sister in their Neb Sarai home on their wedding anniversary. Police suspect the motive stems from property disputes and resentment over his father's favoritism towards his sister and disapproval of Arjun's boxing ambitions.

Microsoft insists on TPM 2.0 for Windows 11's future security, pushing users to upgrade from soon-to-be-unsupported Windows 10. The hardware requirement limits upgrades to newer PCs, prompting Microsoft to encourage hardware purchases. While a TPM-optional LTSC version exists for businesses, most users face a choice: upgrade or risk security by staying on Windows 10.

Sukhbir Singh Badal, Shiromani Akali Dal chief, faced a near-assassination attempt outside the Golden Temple while performing religious penance. A pro-Khalistan hardliner, Narain Singh Chaura, fired a shot, narrowly missing Badal due to the swift action of an alert security officer and a sewadar.

A 20-year-old Delhi University student, Arjun Tanwar, murdered his parents and sister on their wedding anniversary. He allegedly resented his father's perceived favoritism towards his sister and disapproval of his boxing career. Tanwar attempted to mislead police by fabricating a story and following his normal routine after the murders, but later confessed to the crime.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has warned that climate risks are impacting the financial system, causing asset damage, business disruptions, and loan losses. Data challenges hinder comprehensive risk assessments, and accessing private climate funds remains difficult for India. The RBI emphasizes the need for adaptation measures alongside emission reduction strategies to address immediate climate change impacts.

Devendra Fadnavis met with Eknath Shinde to finalize power-sharing in Maharashtra. Shinde agreed to be Deputy CM, pending fair portfolio allocation. Shiv Sena seeks key portfolios like Home, currently aiming to retain existing ministries and secure others previously held by BJP. The cabinet expansion will follow after the initial swearing-in.