The Times of India

Class topper Shapath Bharadwaj fell in love with shooting at nine after watching his elder brother train. His father, S Raju, supported the dream, even getting a carpenter to make a wooden dummy gun for dry training. Four times a week, Shapath travelled from Meerut to the Karni Shooting Range in a Nano, studying in the back seat. Years later, that passion has taken him to the Asian Games, where he will represent India in trap shooting.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, at only 15, has quickly become a rising star in Indian cricket. With exceptional skills and standout performances, he has captured the interest of cricket enthusiasts on a global scale. Dhruv Jurel, who competes alongside him, acknowledges the singular nature of Sooryavanshi's abilities. Although Jurel has found success in recent games, he believes comparisons to Sooryavanshi are unwarranted, as the young talent's impact resonates profoundly in the sport.

With 10 minutes left, India moved five points ahead after Arjun got past Iran captain Fazel Atrachali and helped India inflict an All-Out. Sumit then made an important tackle on Amirmohammad Zafar Danesh, while Rahul Sethpal also made a key defensive contribution late in the match. The win completed India's unbeaten campaign and gave them their ninth Asian Games gold medal in men's kabaddi.

India climbed back into the top 10 of the Asian Games medal tally after a successful Saturday. The country secured a total of seven medals, including two golds in kabaddi competitions. Sawan Barwal earned a historic silver in the marathon, while Prachi Choudhary took bronze in the women's 400m event. Additionally, Tilottama Sen and teammates won silver in shooting, contributing to India's overall count.

India's performance at the Asian Games improved as Prachi Choudhary won a bronze medal in womens 400m. This victory raised India's total medal count to 30, comprising four gold, 12 silver, and 14 bronze. Tajinderpal Singh Toor secured a silver in the mens shot put after a strong competition. Meanwhile, two athletes advanced to the womens 200m final, showing promise for further medal opportunities.

Tajinderpal Singh Toor fell short in his quest for a third consecutive gold at the Asian Games, securing a silver medal instead. His top mark of 20.64 meters couldn't eclipse Iran's Mohammadreza Tayebise, who made history with a new Games record. Yet, India's medal count swells as sprinters Harita Bhadra and Unnathi Bolland both excel in reaching the women's 200m final alongside Nandhini Kongan in the 100m hurdles.

Iran is now openly debating the possibility of building a nuclear bomb. Iranian lawmakers have introduced a fast-track measure to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while senior officials have questioned why Tehran should continue ruling out nuclear weapons after months of military strikes.

The lifeless body of 21-year-old Nimisha Thakuria, a Sociology student at Gauhati University, was discovered at a homestay in Garal-Dharapur. Just before her phone was switched off, she called her mother to express fears of an assault. This incident has sparked protests, with demonstrators raising concerns regarding 'love jihad'. Authorities have named Ashiq Ali as a suspect, who claims she took her own life.

India exercised its Right of Reply at the UN after Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharifs address, accusing Islamabad of supporting cross-border terrorism and calling out what it described as Pakistans deceit and duplicity.

A heartwarming moment unfolded during Hyderabads Ganesh Visarjan celebrations as Telangana Police personnel joined devotees in dance while managing crowds, traffic and security across the city.

India responded to Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharifs UN General Assembly address, calling his remarks on democracy and human rights hypocritical and questioning Islamabads record on the issues.

In the latest episode of Prasang, Prasad Sanyal and Prabhash Jha discuss the IIT Bombay incident involving a student reportedly caught using a phone during an examination, who later died by suicide. The discussion examines how teachers should respond to unfair means during exams.

A viral video of a man singing Maine Tere Hi Bharose from Hanuman Ansh has caught the internets attention. His soulful rendition and distinctive use of the ektar have drawn praise from viewers online.

Nepali Hindu devotees gathered in Kathmandu for the traditional Kumari Puja ceremony, where young girls are revered as manifestations of the divine. The centuries-old ritual remains an important part of Nepals cultural and religious traditions.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami shared a glimpse of his interaction with children at the Police Lines Helipad while returning from Haldwani to Dehradun. He said the children would play an important role in the journey towards a developed Uttarakhand and Viksit Bharat 2047.

Iraq is facing significant economic difficulties as its oil exports are disrupted by the ongoing Iran war, resulting in serious fuel shortages. With over 90 percent of its federal budget reliant on oil revenues, Prime Minister reports a staggering $60 billion loss in oil income. Even as a key crude oil producer, Iraq still finds itself importing gasoline.

The SkyStriker loitering munition executed a precision strike at Mahajan Field Firing Range during Yudh Abhyas 2026. This demonstration emphasized the importance of indigenous defence technology and unmanned systems in modern warfare. The military exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability between Indian and US forces was held recently. The SkyStriker can engage targets accurately using advanced target acquisition capabilities and operate quietly.