Times of India

The action comes a day after the Uttarakhand government directed the chief executive officer of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) to initiate action against officials and employees found responsible for alleged financial irregularities, following an inquiry into payments made for the accommodation, food and other expenses of VIP guests at the Kedarnath establishment.

Australian cricket vice-captain Ashleigh Gardner faces controversy after her estranged wife made infidelity claims. Monica Wright publicly accused Gardner of cheating and named teammate Georgia Voll. The marriage reportedly deteriorated quickly after their wedding in April 2025. Wright removed wedding photos from her social media. Neither Gardner nor Voll has publicly commented on the allegations.

The Indian rupee opened lower against the US dollar on Monday. Soaring crude oil prices and Middle East tensions dampened market sentiment. Brent crude prices surged after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed. Foreign investors continued to support Indian equities despite market volatility. India's foreign exchange reserves increased by over seven billion dollars.

In a horrific incident, a raging fire swept through a crowded pub in Bangkok, resulting in the deaths of 27 individuals. Panic ensued as smoke enveloped the venue, with numerous victims cornered at the rear due to obstructed emergency exits. Eyewitnesses shared their desperate attempts to escape the chaos as the inferno blazed shortly before midnight.

Mamata Banerjee's government had declared August 16 as Khela Hobey Divas in 2021 following the TMC's assembly election victory. The day was officially promoted as a sports initiative aimed at encouraging young people through football tournaments and the distribution of sports equipment. However, the slogan was an apparent dig as Didi had led her last term campaign with "Khela Hobey" slogan.

The Allahabad high court dismissed a woman's maintenance claim against Santosh Kumar. She had begun living with Santosh without divorcing her first husband, Sharda Prasad. The court noted her own admission that no Hindu marriage rites were performed. However, maintenance for their daughter was upheld based on a DNA report. Santosh Kumar's petition was partly allowed by the court's decision.

American Matthew VanDyke, facing terror charges, seeks permission to cook his own meals. He claims Tihar Jail's food is unsuitable and has been on a hunger strike. VanDyke, a former war correspondent, was arrested by the NIA for alleged drone training activities. Tihar Jail follows a fixed diet plan for its over 20,000 inmates. A Delhi court will hear VanDyke's plea for a special diet on July 21.

The J-16 fighter jet of China now features an impressive weapons loadout, enhancing its operational prowess. This new configuration allows it to function as a formidable missile platform in aerial engagements. Meanwhile, the People's Liberation Army Air Force is swiftly advancing its combat aircraft modernization efforts, alongside upgrades to its long-range support capabilities with improved transport and refueling assets, underscoring a strategic shift towards military dominance.

Accusing Japan of interfering in regional affairs and undermining peace and stability, China insisted that its sovereignty over the disputed waters has "never changed" despite the 2016 tribunal ruling. The diplomatic row erupted after Japan, along with the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Philippines and nine other countries, marked the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling by reiterating that China's expansive maritime claims have "no legal basis" under international law.

South Korea's Kospi index experienced a significant 7% decline on Monday. Rising Middle East tensions and oil price spikes rattled global investors worldwide. Technology stocks, including SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, led the sharp fall. The market correction intensified concerns over AI-linked semiconductor company valuations. Despite the recent drop, the Kospi remains a top global performer this year.

The Nifty Realty Index tracks India's listed real estate companies' performance. It comprises ten firms selected by free-float market capitalization and rebalanced semi-annually. DLF, Phoenix Mills, and Lodha Developers hold the largest weights within the index. Companies must meet specific criteria, including trading volume and market capitalization for inclusion. This index serves as a benchmark and basis for financial products, reflecting sector sentiment.

The Directorate of Educational Research and Training, Meghalaya, has released the MTET 2026 admit card for candidates appearing in the teacher eligibility examination on July 24. The hall ticket can be downloaded using the registration number and password through the official portal. The examination will be conducted in offline mode for Paper I and Paper II. Candidates facing download issues may contact DERT or visit their district DIET centre for assistance with obtaining the admit card.

China is prioritizing non-invasive brain-computer interfaces for future industries. Neuracle Medical Technology's device received regulatory approval for commercial use. Chinese startups are developing ultrasound and sensor-based neural technologies. These companies aim to make neural tech accessible and affordable for many. The nation's coordinated ecosystem supports adoption in rehabilitation and assistive technologies.

Teenage cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi attended the Wimbledon men's singles final. He watched Jannik Sinner win his second Wimbledon title on Sunday. Sooryavanshi was accompanied by former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. Abhishek Sharma also joined them, recalling his own admiration for Yuvraj. The young player expressed gratitude for Yuvraj's guidance and Sharma's assistance.

Rohit Sharma put in an extensive match-simulation batting session during India's training at Edgbaston ahead of the first ODI against England, while Virat Kohli sharpened his game against both pace and spin before sharing valuable insights with young pacer Gurnoor Brar as preparations gathered momentum.

The University of Delhi has published the DU UG 2026 simulated rank list for over 2.06 lakh candidates on its undergraduate admission portal. The tentative ranks have been prepared using CUET 2026 scores and submitted preferences. Candidates can revise their choices before the final ranks are determined. The university has also outlined tie-breaking rules, excluded performance-based courses from simulated rankings, and confirmed that the first CSAS 2026 seat allotment will be announced on July 16.

Tragedy struck at Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub, where a fierce fire resulted in the deaths of twenty-seven people. Victims found themselves ensnared in the pub's bathrooms as they tried to escape. Smoke filled the venue quickly, contributing to the catastrophe. Emergency responders faced significant hurdles when attempting to rescue those inside. Authorities have launched an investigation to uncover what led to this heartbreaking event.