Times of India

More than four decades after his death in a road accident in 1984, Surjit - a World Cup winner, an Olympian and an Arjuna Award recipient - remains woven into the sporting fabric of the region.

Keisha Lance Bottoms has been elected governor of Georgia after defeating Rick Jackson in the recent election. Her victory signifies a historic moment as she becomes the first Black woman to hold this position. Bottoms focused her campaign on economic issues, pledging to expand Medicaid and raise the minimum wage. Jackson's significant campaign spending did not prevent his defeat despite his attacks on Bottoms' record.

In a significant electoral event, Aruna Miller was re-elected as Maryland's lieutenant governor in the 2026 midterm elections, partnering with Governor Wes Moore. She successfully outmaneuvered Republican Rob Krop, enhancing Indian-American representation in government. Miller campaigned vigorously on vital issues such as federal immigration and economic policies, calling for voter engagement to challenge the Trump administration’s actions, while also pledging to advocate for immigrant community initiatives in Maryland.

Pia Dandiya has made history by winning Florida's 22nd Congressional District race, marking her as the first Indian-American from the state to achieve this milestone. With her roots tracing back to Indian immigrant parents and a strong background in education and public service, she is set to represent a newly refreshed district that spans parts of Palm Beach, Broward, Hendry, and Collier counties.

Spain’s transport minister Óscar Puente resigned after a high-speed train collision near Madrid caused 69 fatalities. This incident was the second major rail disaster on the Madrid-Seville route in just one year. Following the October 28 crash, Puente faced pressure from opposition politicians and railway unions demanding his resignation. He acknowledged responsibility for the accidents and announced measures to improve railway safety.

At 4pm on Tuesday, Delhi's air quality index fell to a concerning level of 350, with certain areas like Jahangirpuri reporting a hazardous AQI of 462. Monitoring agencies warn that the city's air quality may worsen, largely due to rising emissions from stubble burning in nearby states. Experts predict that the adverse weather conditions will result in six more days of poor air quality across the region.

Bombay High Court expressed disappointment over BMC's removal of an anti-cracker video featuring actor Dia Mirza. The court highlighted the importance of public participation in addressing pollution and suggested reinstating the video. Additionally, judges were disturbed by negative comments concerning celebrities engaged in public awareness efforts. They emphasized the need for support during such initiatives, especially when guided by court directions.

Michael Vaughan has spotlighted India's ongoing struggles with fielding as the BCCI seeks a new fielding coach. Recent matches, particularly during the Women's T20 World Cup, have revealed troubling catching mistakes, including in a series against Zimbabwe. With the BCCI insisting on high standards for applicants, India's tour of South Africa will be crucial for enhancing their performance and addressing these critical issues.

The National Medical Commission has officially approved a shift from a percentile to a rank-based system for NEET admissions, which aims to improve the current postgraduate medical course admission process. This change comes amid concerns over the possible decrease in qualifying scores for NEET-PG 2025. The commission is focused on preserving the integrity of medical examinations and has also suggested equitable salary structures for medical residents.

Ollie Watkins’ wife, Ellie, has returned to the UK with their two children months after his reported £50 million move from Aston Villa to Al-Hilal. Citing security concerns and regional conflict in Saudi Arabia, she said the family would stay in Britain until conditions improve. Watkins, meanwhile, continues his career in Riyadh, having recorded six goals and five assists in 10 appearances.

Travis Kelce’s $5.35 million Ohio mansion project faces fresh opposition as neighbours raise concerns about potential damage to a century-old sewer line from planned landscaping. Despite spending $7,500 on repairs and revising fence plans, Kelce’s team has encountered another setback. Local officials approved some landscaping but rejected shoreline tree plans, asking for further revisions before granting approval.

In a lighthearted moment during a Fox News interview, Donald Trump playfully proposed his candidacy for the position of Israel's prime minister, citing a staggering 99 percent approval rating among Israelis. He went on to declare that by 2026, the US would cease its annual aid of $4 billion to Israel, sparking considerable debate over the implications for military support and relations, coinciding with the midterm elections unfolding in America.

In a significant move, the Supreme Court intervened to address remarks made by the Rajasthan high court about a trial judge. This action stemmed from minor errors in a ruling, which the High Court harshly criticized, despite the fact that these did not alter the outcome of the case.