The Times of India Watch: Gautam Gambhir and Hardik Pandya laud Team India

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as Team India head coach began with a 3-0 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Key performances from Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and Washington Sundar highlighted the series. Pandya praised the team's resilience and emphasized maintaining fitness levels for the upcoming Bangladesh series. The ODI series starts Friday in Colombo.

The Times of India 'Sorry but...': Delhi HC hits out at 'freebie' culture after coaching centre deaths

The Delhi High Court criticized authorities for the deaths of three UPSC aspirants in a flooded coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar, linking it to inadequate tax collection due to the 'freebies culture.' The court noted the lack of proper drainage and infrastructure while hearing a plea for a high-level investigation committee into the incident.

The Times of India UPSC aspirants find themselves in new plight: Library charges

Following the MCD's crackdown on basement coaching centers, privately-owned libraries in Old Rajinder Nagar and Patel Nagar have increased their membership fees, doubling costs for UPSC aspirants. Many students believe this hike is a direct result of the MCD’s actions, leaving them with limited study options and higher expenses amidst their already costly coaching classes.

The Times of India Bihar nursery student brings handgun to school, shoots classmate

A five-year-old nursery student in Supaul, Bihar, brought a handgun to his school and shot a classmate, injuring the Class 3 student's arm. Authorities are investigating how the young child obtained the firearm and managed to carry it into the school. Schools are now advised to conduct regular bag checks to prevent similar incidents.

The Times of India For making 'fake' profile to defend her, Sindhu calls Manu 'sweetheart'

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker made history at the Paris Olympics by winning two bronze medals in the 10m air pistol events. She expressed admiration for PV Sindhu, revealing she once made a fake profile to defend Sindhu online. Sindhu responded warmly. Bhaker remains a contender in the 25m sports pistol event.

The Times of India 'Tax on uncertainties': Gadkari asks FM to withdraw GST on life, medical insurance premiums

Union minister Nitin Gadkari requested finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to remove the 18% GST on life and medical insurance premiums. He highlighted that taxing these premiums burdens those seeking financial protection and hinders the growth of the medical insurance sector. The request followed a memorandum from the Nagpur Divisional Life Insurance Corporation Employees Union.

The Times of India 'Jaati kaise pooch li?':Anurag Thakur hits back at Akhilesh Yadav

Anurag Thakur responded to Akhilesh Yadav by sharing an old video where Yadav inquired about a journalist's caste. This erupted after Thakur's remark seemingly referred to Rahul Gandhi's caste during a Union Budget discussion, causing a heated debate. Akhilesh Yadav criticized the questioning of caste in Parliament, expressing it was inappropriate. PM Modi praised Thakur’s speech amid the controversy.

The Times of India Chennai YouTuber 'Biryani man' lands in jail for insulting video on women

A woman who went for a walk at Semmozhi Poonga lodged a complaint stating that Rabi recorded a video insulting the park and women.

The Times of India Facebook-parent Meta agrees to pay $1.4 bn fine to Texas, here’s why

Meta Platforms agreed to pay $1.4 billion to Texas over allegations of illegal biometric data collection without consent through Facebook's Tag Suggestions feature. The lawsuit, filed under Texas' 2009 biometric privacy law, marks the largest settlement by a single state. Meta expressed its intent to explore future business opportunities in Texas.

The Times of India Suryakumar Yadav joins elite list in T20Is after series win vs SL

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has earned his fifth Player of the Series award, joining the ranks of Shakib Al Hasan and David Warner in the elite list. Behind only Virat Kohli, Yadav's performance underscores his prowess in T20Is, with a commanding series win over Sri Lanka marking the successful start of coach Gautam Gambhir's tenure.

The Times of India 'We hoped Modi govt would learn from decline in LS polls but ...': Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi criticized the government's handling of various issues including the Union Budget, Manipur violence, caste census, and recent terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir at a CPP meeting. She highlighted mismanagement in railway accidents, and alleged division and fear-mongering by the ruling party, urging Congress workers to sustain momentum for upcoming state elections. Sonia Gandhi also highlighted the recent terror attacks in the Jammu and Kashmir, questioning the government's claims of normalcy in the region

The Times of India Atishi announces plans for coaching institute regulation act

Delhi Minister Atishi announced that the government would introduce a law to regulate coaching centres following a tragedy that killed three UPSC aspirants due to waterlogging caused by illegal encroachments. Illegal operations in basements and blocked drainage systems were identified as contributors. The Junior Engineer responsible was terminated, and the Assistant Engineer was suspended. A magisterial report is awaited in six days to identify accountable officials. The government has started sealing basements and issuing notices to coaching centres, and a committee will be formed to develop regulations. Fee reductions will also be requested from the centres.

The Times of India IAS Preeti Sudan appointed new UPSC chairperson

The Times of India Sarabjot Singh: From hobby shooting to medal harvest

Sarabjot Singh, son of a farmer, discovered his passion for shooting during a summer camp in his teens. Despite an initially unpromising start, he clinched an Olympic bronze medal in mixed air pistol, partnering with Manu Bhaker. Encouraged by his father and friends, Singh pursued the sport, transforming his hobby into a successful career.

The Times of India Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran: What's next for Iran's 'axis of resistance'?

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the early hours of the morning in Iran, the Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Wednesday, describing the strike as a "severe escalation" that would not achieve its goals. Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed the death of Haniyeh, hours after he attended a swearing in ceremony for the country's new president, and said it was investigating.