Times of India

Despite a recent series loss to New Zealand, India's formidable pace attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, is poised to challenge Australia in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy. The bouncy Australian pitches are expected to favor India's fast bowlers, potentially exploiting weaknesses in the Australian batting lineup.

Former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson reminisced about his on-field rivalry with Virat Kohli during the 2014-15 Border Gavaskar Trophy. Johnson admitted to strategically trying to provoke Kohli, aiming to disrupt his focus. Despite their attempts, Kohli went on to score four centuries on the tour, including a magnificent 169 in Melbourne after a dropped catch fueled his determination.

Despite public progressive stances, Apple may find relief in Trump's victory, hoping for a more favorable business environment. CEO Tim Cook's prior success in navigating tariffs and securing exemptions, coupled with expanded production in India, positions Apple well for potential negotiations.

Shilpa Shirodkar was left deeply hurt during the Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss 18. A comment made by Shrutika Arjun criticizing Shilpa's behavior and mentioning her daughter brought the senior actress to tears. Shilpa expressed her hurt and frustration, contemplating leaving the show due to the personal attack.

Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir faces mounting pressure as head coach following a series of disappointing losses for the Indian cricket team. Former teammate Harbhajan Singh acknowledges the challenges of the role and emphasizes the significance of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia as a critical test for Gambhir's leadership and composure.

A group of individuals wearing masks and carrying Nazi flags marched through the Short North area of Columbus, Ohio, prompting strong condemnation from officials. Although some individuals were briefly detained, no arrests were made. Governor Mike DeWine and the City of Columbus issued statements denouncing the display of hate and affirming their commitment to protecting all residents.

Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev emphasised that the government should decide on matters like ICC Champions Trophy 2025 venues and India-Pakistan matches. This follows the ICC's decision to move the 2025 Champions Trophy tour from Pakistan-occupied Jammu-Kashmir (PoJK) to other locations after objections from the BCCI.

Government is preparing to permit complete foreign ownership of insurance businesses, potentially attracting major international players. The proposed legislation also empowers individual insurance agents to offer policies from multiple companies, removing the current restriction of representing only one life and one general insurer.

Delhi's air quality plunged to its worst this season, reaching the 'severe plus' category. The Commission for Air Quality Management implemented emergency measures, including halting physical classes for most students and urging work-from-home arrangements. Construction activities, even on crucial projects, are now banned, and vehicular restrictions intensified.

Kailash Gahlot, a senior AAP leader and Delhi government minister, resigned from his positions and the party, citing a drift from core values. Gahlot criticized the AAP's unfulfilled promises, including cleaning the Yamuna River, and alluded to controversies surrounding Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Hira Devi, an octogenarian from a Uttarakhand ghost village, is set to make her film debut in 'Pyre' at the Tallinn Black Nights International Film Festival. The film, inspired by Devi's own life, tells the story of an elderly couple's love.

The Chhattisgarh Waqf board has directed all mosques to seek approval for the topic of sermons delivered every Friday. This decision, aimed at preventing political agendas in mosques, requires Mutawallis (caretakers) to submit their sermon topics for approval, ensuring that mosques remain places of worship and not political platforms.

Daily numerology readings offer guidance based on birth dates. The readings highlight themes of creativity, emotional awareness, introspection, practicality, catching up on tasks, relationship dynamics, seeking balance, taking action, and careful decision-making.

Law ministry has drafted legislation to modernize the definition of 'offices of profit,' aiming to prevent the disqualification of Members of Parliament. The bill incorporates recommendations from a parliamentary committee, suggesting exemptions for MPs involved in key government programs like Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart City Mission.

The oil ministry and city gas operators are at odds over CNG price hikes. Operators, facing reduced legacy gas allocations and higher import costs, want to raise prices. However, the government, citing operators' healthy profit margins, finds the proposal politically sensitive ahead of assembly polls.

India successfully test-fired its first hypersonic missile, achieving a speed exceeding five times the speed of sound. The missile, capable of carrying various payloads over 1,500km, marks a significant advancement in India's defense capabilities, positioning the nation among a select group with hypersonic technology.

Meghalaya's ruling NPP withdrew support from the BJP-led Manipur government, citing chief minister Biren Singh's failure to curb the ongoing violence. NPP's withdrawal doesn't impact BJP's majority. Former CM Okram Ibobi Singh demanded Prime Minister Modi's intervention, threatening mass resignations by non-NDA MLAs if the situation doesn't improve.

Tensions escalate in the Middle East as Israel conducts airstrikes in Beirut and Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties. Hezbollah's chief spokesman was killed in a targeted strike, prompting retaliatory rocket fire into Israel. The strikes come as ceasefire negotiations are underway, with Lebanon accusing Israel of escalating violence.