The Times of India

India's batting struggles came under the spotlight in Wellington as New Zealand exposed key weaknesses in the Indian batting line-up. A closer look at the concerns, missed opportunities and warning signs for Team India.

Americas religious freedom watchdog, USCIRF, wants the US government to link security assistance to India with its response to attacks on Sikh gurdwaras. But is religious freedom being used as a geopolitical weapon? India has repeatedly rejected USCIRFs assessments, calling them biased, politically motivated and based on questionable sources. The Ministry of External Affairs has accused the commission of misrepresenting Indias multicultural society. And why the selective outtrage, ignoring attac

American documentary filmmaker Matthew VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals were arrested in India over allegations that they travelled through Mizoram into Myanmar and trained armed groups in drone warfare.The NIA initially invoked Indias stringent anti-terror law, the UAPA. But months later, the chargesheet reportedly dropped all UAPA offences and focused on immigration violations. The accused were granted default bail and allowed to leave India.Why did the case change so dramatically? Was the

European countries are rapidly seeking to replenish their artillery stockpiles, creating significant demand for ammunition and shells. India's defence exports have reached an all-time high, boosted largely by the increasing appetite from Europe. Indian manufacturers now feature prominently in the European arms market, ranking as the third-largest exporter of arms. Notably, the procurement landscape showcases a shift away from earlier reliance on Russian supplies.

India secured a narrow victory against New Zealand by four runs in the second ODI match. The Indian pace attack restricted New Zealand to a mere 134 runs in their innings. After a shaky start, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul helped stabilize India's chase before the rain interruption. The match concluded early due to rain, but India had managed to stay ahead on the DLS par score.

A mural of Rabindranath Tagore was vandalized in Khulna, where opposing posters were also displayed nearby. Local officials and cultural activists have since condemned the act, arguing it reflects narrow-mindedness. Police have launched an investigation to identify those responsible for the defacement. This incident follows a similar event in Dhaka, where four individuals were detained. The controversy raises concerns about the treatment and recognition of cultural icons in Bangladesh.

Mohammed Shami announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a notable 13-year career. Bengal coach Laxmi Ratan Shukla expressed disappointment over Shami's inability to return to the Indian side. Shami last represented India in the 2023 World Test Championship final against Australia. Despite retiring from Tests, Shami will continue to play white-ball cricket for Bengal in upcoming tournaments.

An Indian Air Force IL-76MD has landed at the Mudh-Nyoma airbase, marking a significant achievement. Nyoma is located at 13,700 feet and is one of the highest fighter-capable airbases globally. The new base enhances India's capabilities near the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. Previous airlift operations showcased the importance of rapid troop and equipment movement in critical situations.

The appointment of Stephen Miller as White House chief of staff signifies Trump's commitment to his controversial domestic agenda. With Democrats now controlling Congress, Trump may increasingly rely on executive actions for his priorities. Miller's influence extends beyond immigration, impacting various domestic policy areas and potentially sharpening enforcement initiatives. His views could lead to heightened scrutiny for skilled workers, especially Indian professionals seeking H-1B visas.

A disturbing incident unfolded in Faridabad as Paramjeet Dhankar lost his life in a violent confrontation over parking with his neighbor Mohan, known as Monu Sharma. The deadly argument ignited on the night of Dhanteras, merely two days before Diwali. After returning from a workout, Paramjeet faced a tragic fate. Law enforcement is currently investigating and hunting down the fleeing suspect.

The Armoured Corps of the Indian Army is modernising by integrating drones into its regiments through the Shaurya Squadron. This new sub-unit aims to enhance situational awareness and combat effectiveness in operations. Various changes in structure reflect lessons learned from recent conflicts and standoffs. The new formations will facilitate network-centric operations across infantry, artillery, and armour.

Prem Watsa, beginning his journey in Canada with just $8, has crafted a formidable financial empire over five decades. His recent initiation to obtain a major stake in IDBI Bank underscores his unwavering commitment to the Indian economy. Founder of Fairfax Financial Holdings, Watsa emphasizes long-term investments across multiple sectors in India.

India's foreign exchange reserves decreased by $2.691 billion, primarily due to lower foreign currency assets and gold holdings. Foreign currency assets fell by $2.088 billion, while gold reserves decreased by $559 million during the reporting week. Despite this decline, overall reserves remain higher than the levels recorded in March 2026. Year-on-year comparisons indicate a net increase in foreign exchange reserves of $27.324 billion.